Happy New Year!

Hope everyone had a wonderful 2009 and a Happy New Year's Eve.  We were blessed to safely make it home from OKC today (I mean yesterday...holy cow...last year) in time to celebrate the New Year with some of our closest friends, the Baldridge Family.  Brian actually grew up with Michael, so it is super fun to see our kids love each other so much!  Little Miss P couldn't wait to see her friend, "FOPHIE."   LM packed up his gifts to share with Little Miss E.  They all played together so well!  The Libster cooked up a delicious storm.  As always, we laughed and enjoyed performances by the kids.  Toward the end of the night, Michael asked the Libster about her New Year's resolutions.  She said to exercise more and to be stronger next year...both mentally and physically.  I thought that was interesting and I know that she will achieve those goals because when she commits-it sticks!  I wish that it were that easy for me!  I have to be honest.  I have never been one to make New Year Resolutions because I am a firm believer that you shouldn't make promises that you can't keep!  For some reason, when I do make them I can't follow through.  This year, I have decided to get flat out crazy!  I am making an official list of resolutions for 2010. 

1. Read my Bible less
   
2. Be unthankful for family and friends 
   
3. Eat more, in hopes that I will gain 20 pounds
   
4. Let the kids push Brian and me out of  our own bed
   
5. Spend money on everything that I think, at the moment, is important
   
6. Exercise less than I did this past year 
   
7. Let this blog die
8. Avoid doing anything creative with my time

I think that pretty much covers it!  If all goes as usual, I will be able to do exactly the opposite! Let's pray that I don't accomplish these goals.  Bring it...2010!  Happy New Year!

MAINTENANCE

Let's take a moment to discuss this topic, shall we? As of late, maintenance has not been my strong suit. As you can see, it has been a few weeks since I last updated this blog. Shame on me! It is not because I don't have a ton of things to say...cause we all know that I do! With the combination of basketball season and Christmas, I am way deep in living my life with no time to write about it! It is almost impossible to "maintain" because there is always a "surprise" Thanksgiving is at your house :), basketball games, solo time with kids while while Brian scouts or has practice, parties to plan, decorations to be hung, Christmas ShOpPiNg, and creative brain waves to control! MAINTENANCE for me includes but is not limited to blogs, facebook, DVR, iPOD shuffle, e-mail, crazy traditions I think of and such. Take a PEAK into the maintenance that is not taking place in my life...please note some are a bit exaggerated for your viewing pleasure! :)

TAKING MISS P TO THE RESTROOM BEFORE SHE FALLS ASLEEP...

Yes...that is pee...a bit embarrassing...now Wal-Mart and Flower Factory hate us!


REMINDING LM TO WEAR PANTS WITH THE SHIRT HE HAD TO DESIGN BECAUSE HIS WARM UP WASN'T CLEAN...

REMEMBERING TO BRING A COOLER FOR THE BREAKFAST YOU ARE PROVIDING FOR THE PLAYERS ON AN OUT OF TOWN TRIP...

CRAFTING AN ADORABLE TREE TO COUNT DOWN THE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS...ALL THE WHILE FORGETTING YOU HAVE TO FILL IT (more on this later)...

FORGETTING TO WIPE MISS P'S FACE OFF...

DECORATING THE TREEE...OH WAIT THAT IS LM...

Why are there so many things to maintain? I cannot give you an answer! I am also aware that I may never really get a handle on the idea of simple maintenance, but I recognize how blessed we are and know that we are having fun trying to maintain!

THANKFUL: IN SICKNESS AND HEALTH

We have all heard the phrase "in sickness and health." When a couple vows to be with each other in sickness and health, I am almost positive that neither one of them thinks that there will be sickness. Who wants to think of that on your wedding day? The reality is that it happens and it happened to my parents.
A few years back, my mother was diagnosed with a liver disease that caused cirrhosis of the liver. As you can imagine, this was devastating to our entire family and circle of friends. Today, on their anniversary, I can't help but be thankful that my parents have faced sickness and health. Through it they have stayed committed to the vows they made 37 years ago. What a commitment. My heart overflows with pride. I am sure that my father never knew that he would have to stake out (literally) in a doctor's office to finally get some answers about my mother's disease. I am sure my father didn't know that he would be the one responsible for taking her to her appointments at the liver institute. I am sure my father didn't know that he would have to hold my mother and remind her of the Lord's faithfulness as she not only dealt with the physical aspect of the disease, but also the mental torment of the unknown. I am sure that my father didn't know that he would have to be the strong one when he felt like his own world was crumbling, BUT HE DID IT. Why did he do it? Because he loves his wife, the mother of his children, and NONNY to his grandchildren. He is a MAN of GOD and understands the value of a marriage.
My mother also has stayed committed to her vow of sickness and health. My father has had four major surgeries. Both of his knees have been replaced and he has had surgery on both of his shoulders. WHEW! That is a lot surgeries that I am sure my mother didn't anticipate on her wedding day. I am sure my mother didn't know that she would be the sole care giver for 4-6 weeks after each surgery. I am sure that she didn't know that she would have to drive him everywhere because he couldn't drive. I am sure she didn't know that she would have to help take over some of his duties at the church. I am sure she didn't know that she would have to listen to his frustration because he couldn't pastor his congregation like he has always done, BUT SHE DID IT! Why did she do it? Because she loves her husband, the father of her children, and POPPY to her grandchildren. She is a WOMAN of GOD and understands the value of a marriage.
I am SO thankful that my parents have remained faithful to the vows made so long ago...IN SICKNESS AND HEALTH. What an awesome example for their children and grandchildren to see!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! WE LOVE YOU!

THANKFUL: LAUGHTER

Inspired by my little mini sermon earlier today, I want to highlight some of the recent moments in life that make me thankful. First off....LAUGHTER! Okay, this girl can laugh! What can I say...I LOVE A LITTLE GIGGLE TO TICKLE THE TUMMY! I have a trademark laugh that is a bit like a hyena and I can't control it when the snorts start rolling in. If I had a dime for every snort, my kids' college fund would be overflowing. Don't think for one second that a well, inserted snort can't bring a smile to any one's face. You should totally try it! Now, back on track...
What do you laugh about? I find myself laughing at random points in my life, but I laugh sometimes at other's experience. Awful, I know! One of my personal favorites is when someone falls. Even more awful! I don't want anyone to get hurt, but am simply trying to help others see the humor in an old fashioned fall! What is it my dad says? "We are laughing with you, not at you." This is totally my line of thinking. Now, don't act like you haven't giggled when seeing someone sprawled out! Just recently, I took the kids to a roller skating b-day party. This would mark the first time that either one of them have been on the officially ugly skates. There was a lot of falling and a whole bunch of laughing! Check my cuties out then go get your laugh on!

Thankful 101

This year I felt impressed more than ever to talk to the kids about being thankful. We discuss this all year long, but want them to know the meaning of Thanksgiving. Over the last couple of weeks, I have had the kids writing thank you notes to our friends and families. I felt it was important for me to step back and evaluate my own heart, so I began reading verses about being thankful. It was a good attitude check for me. A feeling of being blessed has always been very real in my life, but at times have found myself always wanting more. You know, those moments...I love that, I want it...clothes, better hair, car, staying home, being near my parents, better body, housekeeper, etc. Suddenly dissatisfaction sets in because there is a switch from what I have to what I don't have. I want to be careful to notice every little thing that the Lord is doing for me. This just serves as a reminder...What occupies my attention? Am I grateful for what I have or always thinking about what I'd like to have? Take a moment to be thankful for the little things in life! Happy Thanksgiving!

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;

give thanks to him and praise his name."

Psalm 100:4

Soccer

As I was putting away some pictures, I realized that I never shared photos of LM playing soccer! You wouldn't believe the difference in his ability this year and last. He did a great job! Super fun to watch when I am not monitoring Miss P.

Did I mention that I was supposed to be one of the coaches? Brian had me out there helping during a few of the practices...my soccer skills are NONE. I didn't have them in college when I played intramurals with my friends and I still don't! What I lacked in ability, I made up with praising and having fun with kids. Luckily, our friend, Doug stepped in and took over for me!

Top Mommy Blogs

So, upon chance, as most things happen for me when playing on the computer...I came across this website about Top Mommy Blogs. You must check it out! I love being a mommy and finding new ideas to make my life just a bit easier and add some flare. You must check it out! I have already added several of the sites to my blog list. Yes, that means there is more for me to try and accomplish while my house looks like a war zone! Happy searching!

Play Doh...OH, NO!

I have a love/hate relationship with play doh. The teacher mom in me squeals...LOVE. The house keeper mom in me yelps...HATE. Playing with dough in any form is a great outlet for children to express themselves artistically, develop fine motor skills, relieve stress, and stretch their imagination to the limit. It also can be a huge mess. I have learned to cope by laying a plastic table cloth on the floor around the table to catch dough strays! Easy clean-up for sure!

We use the original, PLAY-DOH, but we like to get super crazy in this house and make our own. There are lots of recipes out there, but not all turn out as the perfect dough! We just recently made peanut butter play dough and Kool-Aid play dough! The kids loved it and I loved it too! In fact, the Kool-Aid dough worked out so great that I have been smelling and playing with it when I get stressed. Try some of the recipes below or check out the links given...either way it will be fun.

KOOL-AID Play Dough

2 1/2 cups flour...add more if needed

1/2 cup salt

2 packages of Kool-Aid

1 teaspoon of Cream of Tartar

2 cups boiling water...start with a cup and build up to two if you need it!

3 tablespoons of water

Mix Dry Ingredients and then add the wet! Careful with the hot water!

I like recipes with cream of tartar the best! It helps make the dough smooth and not crumble.

Peanut Butter Dough

1/2 cup of Peanut Butter

1 cup of powdered milk

1/2 cup of honey

Mix together, play, and then maybe eat some. :)

My friend, Colleen, gave this to me! Love having "mommy" friends that send stuff your way!

10 Edible Play Dough Recipes

More Dough Recipes

Dough Doh HEADS...super cute dough you can order!

Things to Love-WHAT NOTS AND DOTS

My mom bought Miss Peanut this great pair of "Cowgirl Tuff" jeans with bling bling on them! Oh, how I love these jeans. Think I need a pair for me! Originally, I wanted to make her a cowgirl for Halloween...not the cheesy kind...I wanted the real deal like my family is in Colorado! I was able to find a cute shirt to go with it, but the boots are on back order. Such a bummer. Thought I would share with you the hat that I made for her to wear. I will wait until I get the boots to show you the whole ensemble...precious! You will find the hat is filled with things to love-bling, huge flower, and DOTS!

FALL FUN

I am not sure why in the world I love fall so much, but I do! It was wonderful to be on break, the week before Halloween, because the kids and I made some interesting treats. We drank soup out of test tubes, made mummies, monster cupcakes, and monster teeth! Lots of fun. Catch a glimpse at some of the other good times that rolled in!

PUMPKIN PATCH

DECORATING PUMPKINS

I had an idea of how we could do them and the kids kind of ran with it! You can see their marks. Cute, huh?!

OUR ANNUAL BOO

Usually this is our way of delivering invites to our party.

Since we didn't have one, we delivered little Halloween treat bags.

LM couldn't understand that we weren't haven't a party...a bit devastating for us both! :)

TRICK OR TREAT

THRILLER PARTY

A friend of the family had a Thriller party...love this girl!

She encouraged us to dress up.

Brian, of course, went with a sports theme. I tried to match him and the party theme; going as his "WILDCAT" girlfriend in the eighties.

As you can see, a lot of the outfit was a bit homemade on the day of the party! :)

Things to Love

A lot of people can't figure out the meaning behind my blog title. I really came up with the name when I was toying around with starting some form of a baby/children's boutique. As most of you know, I have an absolute obsession with stripes and polka dots...it just seemed like a natural fit. As I grew up the courage to start my blog for the family, I could not think of anything creative to title it. Yesterday, I decided to start featuring some of the striped, polka dotted, and what not things that I love. Hopefully, you will love the items and decide you can't live without them! If you come across a "thing to love", pass it on. I can feature you and that item! Happy Loving!

ZEBRA STRIPED

My friend, Maggie, created these masterpieces with her kiddles! I just love them especially the zebra striped one! You, too, can create one of these! Mag was able to free hand both...wish I had that talent. To achieve the zebra print, spray paint the whole pumpkin in white. Then create the black stripes with black acrylic paint.

DOTS AND STRIPES

I recently ordered this whimsical banner from Etsy. I adore it! You can find your own creation at Whimzy Creations. The designer was super easy to work with and promptly had my purchase in the mail. I have got my eye on a "Give Thanks" banner for Thanksgiving.

Traveling with Kids

Not too long ago, a friend ask for some traveling tips for flying with small children. I am no expert, but have been traveling with the kids since they were super small. Let's see, LM was 8 weeks old on his first plane trip. Miss Peanut was 4 weeks old when we made a 15 hour road trip. Since I just got back from a trip to see my family in Oklahoma, I thought I could relay some of those tips.

1. Create little goodie bag or presents for kids to open up. This last trip, I had little Halloween bags filled with little trinkets (necklace, flip bracelet, tattoos, gummy Lifesavers, etc.).
2. Bring lots of snacks/drinks and when you think you have enough...add some more. You can NEVER have enough! Security lets you bring small drinks through if they are for kids.
3. Have Clorox wipes and antibacterial wipes handy. I'd wipe everything down!
4. Bring activities and books that revolve around a theme.
5. Blankets are a necessity, so the kids don't get cold!
6. Extra clothing/socks for YOU and kids! Trust me...you may need them for yourself. Miss P threw up one time all over herself, Brian, me, and the man sitting near us! We didn't have extra clothes for Brian. YUCK!
7. Make sure the shoes you and kids are wearing are comfortable and easy to get on and off quickly. Security check requires everyone take shoes off and it is awful when people are rushing you to hurry up. You may also want to make sure you all are wearing socks...just seems gross for everyone's bare feet germs to be everywhere.
8. Take a stroller...even if your kids are bigger. Most airports I have flown out of have a special line for this! IT IS SHORTER and helps you avoid standing in a long line with small children. The stroller also makes it easier to keep track of kids because getting distracted will happen in an airport filled with chaos!
9. Take pics of the people you are going to see...builds excitement for kids.
10. DO NOT take any liquids that are more than 2 ounces. You must have liquids in a plastic bag too!
11. Have gum, pacifier, bottle, or chewy candy ready for landing and take off. This helps release tension in their little ears when the air pressure changes.
12. This was my first time on a plane with a DVD player and it would have worked out great if I had charged it! :)
13. Minimize your bags into 1. That means no purse...put important stuff in the big bag and pack purse in suitcase. You can switch it over when you get there!
14. Be prepared to deal with flight personnel and passengers that don't love kids. I hate this, but it is so true! Smile, but remember to protect your kids!

***Couple of funny things that happened on this trip...

• While working with Little Man, Miss Thing spilled a tiny bit of water. She was taking her clothes off when I turned around to check on her! Nothing like a streaker on a plane!
• LM accidentally spilled his drink all over the man sitting next to him. Keep in mind that he was asleep! Ha! What a way to wake up. The guy was totally awesome about it, but I was super mortified!
• The above weren't so bad! I have been on a 12 passenger plane's restroom with two kids. LM was using the restroom while I had Miss Peanut on my hip. She began vomiting all over the lavatory door. That was a mess! Never a dull moment!

HAPPY TRAVELING!

Like Her Momma

So, Miss Peanut is a girly girl! Check out her make-up and the pedicure she gave herself! :)

Wildcat Homecoming

Right around the wedding, LM was selected to be MR. FUTURE WILDCAT for our town. He got to be in a parade and walked across the field on Homecoming night. I think it was fun for him and always...I loved playing dress up with him! Check out my little stud and the cutie, MISS FUTURE WILDCAT...

PARADE

HOMECOMING

***Had to throw this one in of my brother, Cam! I have to tell you that I think Uncle Cam (Nax)beat us in the PRIDE department that night. The two of them have always been buds!

"Get your Game on"

Basketball season is right around the corner. This is HUGE for our household with Brian being a coach and Little Man loving the sport! Since basketball is so big for us, a lot of people really think we force LM through drills to improve his game. SO NOT TRUE! He is at the gym a lot with Brian and is able to pick up on things that probably most kids aren't exposed to as often. This kid is flat out obssessed on his own...he watches highlight videos without Brian even being here, sets up cones outside to improve his quickness, and...


That is right...he is carrying a hoop up a hill! SERIOUS TRAINING, I say!


***Just kidding! Brian and I turned around to see him doing this. He was trying to move the hoop up to the concrete area! Funny pic, huh?

Missy's Wedding

Thought I would share some of the pics from the wedding I was in a couple weeks back. Pictures keep surfacing and I am waiting for one with Missy and me! Shame on me for forgetting to grab one! I think I was a little bit nervous before the wedding because I hate being in front of people and was worried about falling! Yes, I know...hard to believe that crazy me gets nervous about things like that! On to the BRIDE'S DAY with some family and funnies...

(Couldn't resist this one! You know me...gotta love the shock factor!)

***Kelley...stay tuned more pics of kids soon!

Teeny Tiny Tea

For Missy's Personal Shower, we decided to have a Teeny Tiny Tea at my house. I probably drove the girls nuts with all of my craziness. My goal for every little party is to have great food and one or two items that will leave an impression. I loved working on this shower because it was for my friend, my favorite color is plum, my home is filled with decor that matched the shower colors, AND I used the flowers from my wedding that was almost 10 years ago. Shannon came over the night before to help make all of the food that you see! The photos were taken by Miss Carolyn, our Children's Minister (thanks, friend).

Flowers, vase, and marbles from my wedding with a new twist!

Found these over sized tea cups at ROSS back in July for $5! We used them for a game, to hold plasticware, and tea selections.

THE BRIDE

TEENY TINY SOMETHINGS THAT WON'T BE SHOWN ON BLOG ;)

I had a "Teeny Tiny Tee" made for any future babies that may come along!

Missy and her Bridesmaids...Amber (thanks, friend) brought over all of her tea party hats for everyone to wear.