Super Noob:
art

Well, I am. So it should be no surprise that I have been sitting on these awards. I have recently been given a few new awards and I'm plumb tickled (I don't really say plumb tickled in case you were wondering, it just came out, and I am leaving it). Nicole of the Young Mama Blog gifted me with these two awards, and Heidi at From 3 to 5 also gave me the Sweet Award a while back:

With the Happy 101 and the Lemonade Stand, there are instructions to list things about yourself. I did that here. Please be sure to go show Nicole and Heidi some support and visit their blog. We all like a little lovin'. If you are a follower who is new to my blog as of January, then I am giving you both of these awards. I appreciate you!

Shell from Things I Can't Say blessed me with the Kreativ Blogger Award. Thank you, Shell. If you haven't checked her out yet, please do so...and tell her I said hi! This award stipulates that I share 7 new things and then pass it on to (7) other bloggers. As for 7 things about me: 1. My favorite veggie is the artichoke. 2. I used to pray for small boobs when I was young (what?) 3. I once pooped my pants when I was 7 and couldn't climb down from the tree I was in fast enough to make it to the bathroom (I'm digging deep here). 4. I love the smell of new car tires...like in the store, I generally don't make a habit of sniffing the tires on the actual vehicle. 5. I love a good oatmeal stout. 6. I am currently pondering whether we need a new an addition to our family (yikes). 7. I blush super easily. As in...a cute boy says hello and my face immediately flushes an obvious shade of red.
I am passing this award to Melis at The Zoo Keeper's Diary, not only is she creative, but she writes so stinkin' well. Her posts are always a pleasure to read. I know it says 7, but...please cut me a break, there are some crazy numbers going on with these things, and I really want to get the post done, and the awards passed to others.

This Beautiful Blogger Award was given to me by Becky of In the Trenches, Shandal at My Life in 3D Again, please go give them some love. And, ladies, thanks for thinking of me! You're the best. This one has the very same rules as the one above. So re-read it if you feel you are being jipped. I am going to pass this one on to Sonora at Twinfinity..I am a very big fan of hers, and Allison at Life of a Tater Tot Mom...she's so down to earth, you feel like you are reading an old friend's thoughts.

The circle of friends award was given to me by Shandal at My Life in 3D since I am a fellow P90Xer...and yes, Shandal...you are a great support where that is concerned, so thank you so much. I think the BEST thing about this award is that there are no rules. NONE. But I want to pass it on anyway. So I am giving this one to Drea at Peanut Butter Jelly Days, Heidi at From 3 to 5, Shell at Things I Can't Say, Melis at The Zoo Keeper's Diary, Becky at In the Trenches, Kate at Kate's Life, Liz at Harmony Song, Keely at MannLand5, Amanda at Outnumbered by Testosterone, Nicole at A New Normal, Sonora at Twinfinity and Just a Mom at Mommy Molecules. I think you are all wonderful, and you most always make me laugh, smile or cry!

Finally, this Best Blog Award was bestowed upon me by Shelly at Picture Perfect Embossing. Once again, if I can kindly ask you to go visit her blog and show her some support, I would be so grateful. Thank you Shelly, for giving me this fun award. Now, with it I am supposed to pass it on to 15 (gulp) other bloggers! Holy cow. Um, yeah, I just can't make time for all those links, so here's the deal...

I am going to do my own version of what others have done. Instead of saying, if you are a follower, or if you are reading this, etc...I am going to say, if your blog is less than 6 months old, then scoop this one up! There you have it.

Today it’s Drew and me in the picture together for Julie’s Mom N’ Me Monday. It’s funny, because I was thinking the other day about the fact that I am in far too few pictures with him. Today, we went up to a nearby mountain, and I thrust my camera into the hands of my eager fairly willing husband and asked him to snap some shots of me with Drew.

Little did I know that he would take me very literally, and just snap away. I think out of 10 or so pictures, he managed to get me sitting down onto the only spike on this log and stabbing myself in the rear…

One of me noticing some dirt on my jeans…

Next, he captured the ever important moment of me wiping off said dirt…

All the while, Drew is smiling away. What a good boy. Here I am next asking Andy if he’s ever going to take our picture. Notice my hand on Drew even raised in question…

What?!?!? You’ve been taking them this whole time? That’s hilarious!
Clearly…

I mean, I didn’t even have time to recompose and smile nicely. Nope. The best we got outta the bunch is the one right above with my extra chin. Thanks, Andy for bringing out my very best. Look at Drew through it all, what a trooper.

As I look at him next to me in these pictures, I am in awe of the fact that he is nearly as big as I. It truly seems like yesterday when he could just fit snugly into my lap. Wow. He was only three (Addyson's age today) when I met him. He's eleven now. I've been so blessed to be a part of his life. I have loved every second of watching him change and grow to become the person he is today, and I look forward with a happy heart to seeing the man he will become. Drew is a good soul, with a caring and compassionate nature. He will be a wonderful man someday. But today, I think I better just soak up all of his 11 year old ways while I can.

Julie at The Peanut Gallery...exit here, who has wiggled her way securely into my heart, has awarded me with the Honest Scrap award. Thank you, friend. Since I began blogging, this was probably the one and only award I hoped to receive but never did...until now, of course. Now that I've got it (and I am really excited to finally have this one), I am hanging up the old "award" hat. I think they are fun, and I love it when others think of me...but at the risk of sounding like a major ingrate, I can't find the time to do the posts for them anymore. All the crazy linking, standing on your head, picking your nose, winking your left eye, and singing the Star Spangled Banner all at the same time is just a bit much for me.

So with this one I have to list 10 honest things about me. Honest? Darn it...there has to be a catch, right? I kid. I'm nothing if not honest. Anyway, here goes:

1. When I was younger I wanted to be a doctor. As I got older, I didn't want to do the school. As I got even older, I regreted not doing the school. Unfortunately, in college I didn't have the foresight which would have enabled me to see beyond my days of bars and boys. Seriously, I wasn't all that bad...pretty mild in comparison to many. In any case, I am quite happy to be where I am today. Can't imagine what my life would be otherwise.

2. I have eaten some really strange things in my life. As a child in particular. Among those things are dog food and fish food. Don't even ask.

3. I once peed in a flower bed in a public place. Again, don't ask.

4. My favorite number is 13, and my favorite colors are blue and yellow. In fact, our wedding colors were blue and yellow! Love, love, love it.

5. The one place in the world to which I want to travel over any other, is Russia. I am hugely fascinated with their culture. I would even like to learn the language. I actually know a few words and phrases. When I was fresh out of college and living in Dever, Co. I met some people from Russia. They became good friends, and thus my desire to learn more about their culture was spawned. Kak Dela?

6. I am currently struggling over whether or not we should change my blog tag line to "eight" little feet. Leaning toward keeping it six.

7. I cry at commercials. I never used to do that. I used to pick on my mom because she does it. Then I had kids, and my hormones went haywire, and never worked themselves back to their original state. Sigh. Now I am as sentimental as they come.

8. The blogs I love reading the most are those that write about "real" things. Things like their struggles in day to day life. The joy over their family, kids, etc. Humor over things to which we can all relate, and those that have great photography.

9. Like Julie said...I love music. I agree with her so much. A song can bring you back to a place in time quicker than anything else. I can instantly feel how I felt then, smell things I smelled then. It's amazing. Led Zepplin is one group in particular that brings back a lot of memories that are near and dear to my heart.

10. With me, what you see is what you get. Sometimes that's great, and sometimes it's not. My husband often accuses me of lacking the "filter" that others have which enables them to say things nicely. He says I can be abrasive. To his credit, he is not the only person who has said this about me. I'm perfectly okay with it. Better, I think, that you know where you stand with me. There is no wondering over what's going on in my head. Well, that last part may not be true. I mean, come on...how can you not wonder what goes on inside the head of someone who eats dog food and pees in public flower beds?

Now, I am going to pass along my last award.

The Empress at Good Day Regular People is, without question, an amazing writer. She has her heart in her blog, and I never feel bad about having spent some time "with her." If you haven't, you should go check her out and be sure to tell her I sent you!

Heide at From 3 to 5 is such a fun person. She's funny. I feel like I "get her." What I like most about her is the feeling that she doesn't put on aires. She is who she is, and is a joy because of it.

Three more...hang with me.

Kate, at Kate's Life. I love her heart. She is just an honest to goodness "real" person. I think she radiates warmth, and I like the way she shows genuine care for others.

Melis at The Zookeeper's Diary. She was one of my first favorites. Still is. When she sits down to "put it out there," she really does. Again, she is full of heart and honest, and has moved me to tears several times.

Finally, last but not least.

Sonora at Twinfinity. Sonora was on the verge of giving up blogging when I found her. I think she actually found me first, but I am so happy she did. And I am even happier she decided to stick with the crazy thing. I enjoy reading her posts which are riddled with funny and endearing stories.

Please, if I passed this to you, don't feel obligated to do anything with it. Chuck it if it pleases you, but I chose you because I honestly think you deserve it.

Th th th th th th, that's all folks!

For all you breastfeeding moms, or soon to be breastfeeding moms, or friends of breastfeeding moms...this one is for you! Cami from Covers by Camilla has offered a free nursing cover to one of my lucky readers. Cami is a sponsor a local swap that's this Saturday the 27th. Be sure to check out http://www.fraserfields.blogspot.com/ for more details.
I have to say, I have a nursing cover that was given to me by my mother in law and I love it. It is not your ordinary little cover that you just drape over baby. It is just like Cami's, and I couldn't have done without it.

Each nursing cover is sewn by Cami personally and includes the following features:

• lightweight cotton fabric keeps you and your baby cool
• rounded boning in neckline allows eye contact between you and your baby
• adjustable neck strap held securely in place with D-rings so your baby can't pull the cover down
• pocket in right corner to store nursing pads or other small items
• wash cloth in left corner for wiping up small messes
• generous size accomodates big babies and provides full coverage for you

Optional Entries:
Follow my blog through the google follower widgit...comment

Head to my Blog Frog community and start/participate in a discussion for two entries...comment twice

Tweet with a link to this post for one entry...comment

Blog about it with a link for one entry...comment

Oh yes...and I feel compelled to mention that if you have been here for previous giveaways, there is often a little twist. I'll keep you in suspense over what that may be!

That's it. The contest will start now, and end Thursday of next week (March 4th). Good luck!

I was not compensated in any way shape or form for this giveaway. I am hosting this item because I believe in its usefulness and want to support a fellow mother in her efforts to earn extra income for her family.

Last week...Monday to be precise...we took a little jaunt to Sedona. Not just any day trip...a most auspicious occasion. We were going to meet some very special people. One person, in particular for me. Several months ago, she and I began commenting on each other's blogs...she had no clue about the email response thing, so I gave her a little schooling. Then, we began to email each other almost daily, and sometimes multiple times a day. Through our interactions a friendship emerged. We'd joke about stalking each other all the time, and finally I bit the bullet and said we should try to meet in person some time. Well, could you imagine my surprise when she said she and her family were actually coming here?!? Do you know who I am talking about? Hint: nuts. Peanuts to be precise.

Does she look familiar to you? Well, to those that read her blog, she will. To others, you will think I am off my rocker (pft, that's nothing new). Yes, this is Julie of The Peanut Gallery...exit here.
Again, if you read her blog, you will know that her family just took a trip to our neck of the woods. Of course, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to finally meet her in person. The funny thing is, I have felt for some time now like I already know her. By that I mean, I feel like we have been friends for years. There is a realness and an honesty to her that, unfortunately, you don't find all that often. Or at least not as often as I wish. On some level, Julie and I have connected and formed a real friendship. I have blogging to thank for that. Without it, I never would have met her. That ...I simply couldn't imagine.

With our men behind the lenses, we set out to document our encounter. This is one of the first photos we took. The next one had Julie making bunny ears over my head. Maybe she has a copy and will be gracious enough to share it. I, however, will not.

Our girls realized that this was a day like no other, and that it was cause for a real celebration. So...there was dancing in the streets. Come on every guy grab a girl...

All the children (at least those not passed out on the sidewalk ) got along famously. The Desert Dwellers, and The Peanut Gallery were all fast friends. We spent the afternoon frolicking, eating ice cream, causing near attacks in the hearts of shop owners and generally soaking up all we could of each other in a very short amount of time.

S-Girl is the sweetest little girl ever. Truly. All of Julie's children are warm, open, and intelligent. Given Julie's recent toilet incident, you may have misgivings about her parenting...but rest assured, these kids are loved beyond measure, and it shows.

The littlest ones were just worn out.

Yet, they were troopers nonetheless.

Before we barely had a chance to say hello, we were already saying goodbye. Julie may be none too pleased with me for posting this photo. But I happen to love it. She is every bit as fun in person as she seems to be on her blog. Her nature is friendly, open, honest and just plain old hilarious! She is infectious, and I am afraid I have caught the "Julie bug." She's a vibrant, beautiful woman, and I am blessed to call her friend.

When I make a promise I deliver! So here it is, in all it's hideousness splendor, the fish cake. Honestly, Addyson originally asked for a dinosaur cake. I didn't know how I would get that done. Fortunately for me, in her ever fickle way, she changed her mind and settled on this beauty.

This, my friends, is why my cake decorating skills have gone undiscovered for so long. They simply don't exist. Addyson, when first she was able to gaze upon her mother's creation, exclaimed "Mama, I asked for a fish cake!" Pft...that's as good as you're gonna get outta this mama. "What does it look like?" I ask her. "A star" is her reply. Upon further examination, I can certainly see how she came up with that. In the end I was able to convince her of its fishiness, and all was well. I will say this for myself...I can bake. The cake tasted great, and even had homemade cream cheese frosting.
For those of you waiting on my husband's answers...you will more than likely receive them tomorrow. Possibly, they will be in installments...we'll see.
Lastly, my current giveaway will end tomorrow and I will announce the winners (that's right, remember there will be two winners?) shortly thereafter.
Oh, maybe not lastly. I wanted to pass along what another blogger is doing. Julie at The Peanut Gallery isn't calling this a meme, but she is starting Mommy and Me Mondays. She is encouraging all of us moms (or dads) to get in the picture with our kiddos. Too often we are the ones behind the lens. So on Mondays, get a picture on your blog of you with your child(ren). Fun challenge for me! Feel free to link back to her or not (it's the only right thing to do really). Can't wait to see you all!!

Warning: Blog operator's brain on fritz...so don't expect much. This post is a bunch of odds and ends, hence the title.

First and foremost, I am excited to share the fact that I do have a few after pictures to share. Remember this post where I bared my deepest and dirtiest? If you didn't read it, you may want to now. Guaranteed to make you feel better about yourself in five seconds flat however long it takes you to read the post (but read this one first, because it has some cool stuff). So here are the pictures.

My bedroom floor after and before. Big exhale.

Nightstand after and before. Better light in the after!

Here's one that wasn't in the last post because I had already shown so much, that I thought enough was enough. Anyway, this was/is one of my dressers. My room now is one place that no longer causes me extra tension.

Moving on...in doing my cleaning, I came across some books that I have either, never used or used gently. I no longer have a need for them, and would like to know if any of you are interested in any or all of them. If so, please leave me a comment of which book you'd like. I will let them go on a first come, first served basis. ***This is not a giveaway*** Just wanted to see if anyone here wants them before I take them to the used book store. All I ask of those that are interested is that you kindly pay for shipping, you may have the book(s) for free. They are:

The Everything Pregnancy Book, and Dr. Sears Fussy Baby Book.

Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. Baby Wise, and Jenny McCarthy's Belly Laughs.

This one is Kids Create. Its arts and crafts for 3-9 year olds. We have never used it, and sadly I am just not that crafty. But there looks to be some fun things for kiddos to make with moms and dads.

Last thing I have is a wedding scrapbook. Never used at all. I had already started a different one when I received this as a gift.

Okay, there is one more thing I want to show you all. I mentioned a while back that one of my favorite gifts for Christmas was a fantastic necklace from Lisa Leonard. It is really awesome. It has all three of my kiddos names on it, it's silver (and I'm a silver kinda gal), and it goes with cute dresses or jeans! So awesome.

I may or may not be hosting a giveaway really soon. It may or may not have to do with Lisa Leonard! So stay tuned.

That about wraps it all up.

As parents, we constantly find ourselves saying things that we just can't quite believe came out of our mouths, or misting up over a few scribbles on a page, or finding ourselves in situations that could only be the result of having offspring. So today I present "You know you're a mom (or dad) When-sDAZE." The possibilities of this are really endless...the creativity is all yours. That is part of what I think will be so fun with this...the posts will all still be unique. In order to play along, all you have to do is either post a picture of something crazy, wonderful, endearing, or just plain cute, that your kids have done...explaining how it made you feel or the story behind it. Or, write a little post fashioned after "You might be a redneck if...," but of course it is "You know you're a mom when..." Grab my current button (if you fancy), and next time I hope to have one specifically for this little blog hop. Then come back over and link up. Can't wait to see your posts!!

This week, I'm talkin' poop. Here goes...

You know you're a mom when someone shouting from the other end of the house "I went poop!!!!!!!!!" is not only a common occurrence, but requires some action on your part.

You know you're a mom when it's perfectly normal to hear "look, the green poop matches my undies."

You know you're a mom when you can say with a straight face...every day "yes honey, that is a big poop."

You know you're a mom when the idea of "pooping in peace" is one that you feel will never apply to you again.

Lastly, you know you're a mom when your efforts to stay on schedule can be immediately thwarted by the sound of a mini explosion coming from the wee one's shorts.

Now, how about you? Whatever you've got I'd love to read/see it. You can comment here, or post your own and come back and link up!!

Contest Update:
It's not too late to win a blog makeover... read about it here. Heidi from 3 to 5 has five points! Mindi of Part of Me has two points, and Elizabeth of Our Journey Through Life has two points. The contest ends January 1st. I can't wait for one of you lucky ones to be able to work with Jenna at Bloggy Blog Designz. Start getting your new blog look ideas together ;)

I wish I could say I am done with my Christmas shopping, alas it is not to be. I still have a couple last things to get, but I am super close. Fortunately I have wrapped as I have gone, so that part is not looming.

We did take our gifts to the family we adopted (through the Salvation Army) on Sunday. I hope they wait until Christmas to open them, and I hope they like what they received. Seeing the look on the eight year old's face made everything worth it. She looked so happy to be toting the gifts into to her house from my car. Before leaving, she gave me the biggest hug and it struck me that she is a complete stranger... that I will, more than likely, never see her again. But I touched her life. What a blessing for me.

This week marked the beginning of Colton's potty training, and the end of diapers during the day.

When he woke Monday morning with a dry diaper, I put him on the potty to pee, like I have done before. Afterward, I decided this time to put him in underwear and just remind him (constantly) to NOT go in his pants. We escaped the day without any accidents. But we did go through three pair of underwear. Good old Skid left his marks in two of them.

Tuesday there were two accidents, and since then we've been accident free. I just knew that when he was ready, he would really be ready. He even wakes from naps with a dry diaper (I put one on him for sleep).

I'm sure my brother, who will be watching them for 6 days in the near future, will thank me profusely for not having to change the poopy diapers of a 3 year old. Because, seriously...it's nasty. It is NOT baby poop anymore. Let's face it...it stopped being baby poop when he started consuming something other than breast milk, and just got worse from there.

So. My little man is out of diapers during the day, and I am now making thirty trips to the toilet with one of the children each day. I have promoted myself from professional butt-wiper to master butt-wiper. Sorta like a master chef.

My father and my son. For so long I looked to my dad for guidance, reassurance, support, a firm hand and a loving heart. I still do actually. Now, along with my husband, I aim to provide all of these things to my own children. To this little man in my dad’s arms.

I pray that together my husband and I are able to help him become the kind of man anyone would be proud to know. A man like my dad. A man like my husband’s dad. Strong, patient, intelligent, wise, loving, and a bit salty. Hard worker, a dedicated family man, and supportive husband. Then one day, a father. A father willing to sacrifice for the good of his own children. Willing to put his dreams on hold in order to put his little ones’ first.

Yes…that is exactly the sort of man I hope he becomes one day. Fortunately he has some amazing examples before him.

My father in law, my husband and Colton. What a threesome. Looking at Andy’s dad’s silly face in this photo brings a huge smile to my face. This picture says so much. It reminds me of one more very important aspect of a person’s character…and that is humor. This man has amazing humor! I adore him, and feel so very lucky that my children have been blessed with two very fine grandfathers.

I thought it would be fun to do a photo post on Saturdays. I don’t plan on these particular photos to be award winning art, so therefore, I deem them snapshots. This isn’t a meme, though you can feel free to do the same if you like!

My husband has a major pet peeve about the shutters and our kids playing with them. I understand why it bothers him…but it just doesn’t bother me. So, shamefully, I don’t do the best job at reinforcing this rule while he is away at work. Enter exhibit A…

Perhaps this is the reason my dear, sweet husband has such a difficult time getting them to cease and desist with this behavior. Eh. Ah well…he needs a challenge.

In my former life, I was a sales manager for Cintas Corporation. Part of my duties was to perform field rides with my sales reps. One fine day, I was out with “A",” one of my better reps, and we were meeting a potential client at the Hard Rock Cafe in Phoenix.

“A” and I sat at our table and informed the waiter we were waiting on someone who was running late. He took our drink order and left the table. Meanwhile, in all my newly engaged infinite wisdom, I removed my ring and began to apply lotion to my hands. Our drinks were brought over, and “A’s” phone rang. It was the prospect telling us he was later than expected, and would prefer to meet us closer to his office.

So, feeling guilty about having only ordered a diet coke, I tipped the waiter $7.00 on a $4.00 tab. We left.

Half way to the new rendezvous I realized my ring was not on my finger. Instant and breath taking panic. “Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God," was all that I could get out of my mouth. “A” asked what was wrong, and I told him. Immediately he turned his car around, and told me we would tear that place apart looking for it.

I called the Hard Rock, and spoke with some nit wit who went to check our table. Nope…not there. However, she kindly asked for my phone number and let me know she would call me if she found it. WHAT!!!???!?!??!?!??! Yeah, freaking RIGHT!!!!!!!!!! I told her I would be there in 5 minutes, and I wanted to speak with the manager.

The manager came on the line, I explained, he put me on hold to go ask the waiter if he noticed it. Came back on the line, and said “no…he didn’t see it.”

Upon arrival, I was a frantic mess, ready to storm the place and beat every last person to a bloody pulp if that’s what it would take to get the ring back. The manager greeted me and said “I think you better sit down.” Again…yeah right! He then informed me that the waiter did find the ring. I cried. He realized his attempt at humor (you better sit down for this news sort of humor), was a grave mistake.

Anyway, I think the waiter had it all along, but then found his conscience and decided to give it back. I also believe that had I not tipped him so much on a measly little check, that I wouldn’t have my ring today. That was one of the scariest experiences…EVER!

Thanks, Melis for inspiring me to tell my tale. :)

"You Know You’re a Mom When-sDAZE" is a great way for us, as parents, to make light of our trials and tribulations. Our day to day run-ins with the crazy little people in our lives we call children. The very people we simply couldn’t live without. Just share what has you knowing you're a mom (or dad) today, and then come link up. It can be anything...a picture, story, or a bunch of "you know you're a mom whens..."

You know you’re a mom when…

…you can take five stacks of folded laundry to their respective rooms without dropping a single article of clothing.

…you call yourself a genius because in an attempt to get a little more protein into the little people, you mix plain Greek yogurt into their mac n’ cheese and they are none the wiser.

…you consider yourself an accomplished cook, yet consistently manage to burn the food you make for yourself.

Come on over and share what has you knowing you're a mom today!

Since lately it seems I don't have an original thought in my cluttered head, I figured I would jump in with Mama M. and Five Question Friday. It's really fun, and honestly, I don't know why I haven't done it in a while. Just in a lazy blogger mode I think. So, now to answer her questions for the week.

1. Do you collect anything?
I wouldn't consider myself a collecter in the true sense...but I do have a p.j. fetish. Seriously, I can't even go by the p.j. area in Target without feeling a magnetic pull toward them. The absurd thing is that I rarely wear the cute ones I get. Like I'm saving them. For what? What the heck on earth am I saving them for?

2. Name 3 celebrities that you find good looking.
Matthew Mcconaughey, Jake Gyllenhaal (weird one, but whatever), and I don't know on number three.

3. Do you have any scars? If so, what's the story behind it (them)?
I probably have more than I can count. One in particular is like an arrowhead right under my right breast. When I was 5 I was wearing a tank top and went running past our car. The door handle was broken and I got too close. The handle tore a gash into my flesh (maybe I'm being a bit dramatic), and hence the pretty scar that never went away.

4. What is a food that you like to eat, but others might think it's gross or weird?
There are SO many of these for me. One is peanut butter and crackers with mustard. Don't even knock it. If you like all those things separately, you too may like them together. Or not.

Another is escargo. Oh so GOOD!

5. Have you ever seen a tornado in real life?
Everyday. It's name is My Children.

You know you're a mom when your husband is out of town, you have an active imagination, and the boogey man starts making his presence known in your head. So when the three year old comes in at midnight, you gladly welcome her into your bed even though you have vowed to never allow that.

You know you're a mom when you look at a picture of someone else's kids and immediately (though the picture is cute), you can only think of the dangerous situation depicted there. *** I have to say that Amy is a wonderful mother, and didn't allow the lamp near the tub to continue.****
You know you're a mom when any word can end in "y." "Yes, honey, that is a buggy." "You're right, that is a stinky poopy." "Oh come on! Go get a tissue for that boogey!!"

What is reminding you of why you're a mom today? Please share. Come on over and link it up!

By the way...the first 18 comments don't go with this post, because I was lazy. I opened an old post, and just deleted and wrote a new one so I wouldn't have to paste more buttons! So they are from an old post. Please excuse my slovenly ways.

Everyone says that Addyson looks just like me. She does look like me, but there is a lot of Andy in her face too.

Colton on the other hand...looks just like his mama.

These are some photos of me, Colton and my dad. The first is Colton, then me…about the same age. The last two, are my Dad then me, several months apart. (Oh, and that is my own mama holding me in the last one...so young...just 20 years old). I think there is a very strong resemblance down this line. I suppose this explains why everyone on my dad’s side tells me that Colton looks just like my dad.

I promise Andy had something to do with it!

"You Know You’re a Mom When-sDAZE" is a great way for us, as parents, to make light of our trials and tribulations. Our day to day run-ins with the crazy little people in our lives we call children. The very people we simply couldn’t live without. Just share what has you knowing you're a mom (or dad) today, and then come link up. It can be anything...a picture, story, or a bunch of "you know you're a mom whens..."

You know you’re a mom when, even though you are well hydrated, you gulp down two thirds of a huge glass of water because you are about to hand it over to the toddler who wants a sip.

You know you’re a mom when you can discern a “mad cry” from a “tired cry” and a “fake cry” from a “hurt cry.”

You know you’re a mom when you recognize that the hurt cry has different levels…and which level requires immediate action on your part, and which level you blow off a little. You know, just so they don’t come running to mamma with every little knick, scrape and bump.

You know you’re a mom if you have ever been embarrassed in public by a person not yet three feet tall. For instance “Mom, does that lady have a baby in her tummy?” As she points to a rather large (and totally un-pregnant) woman. Or “I FARTED!!!” Said at the loudest decibel possible, and with gusto I might add.

Can’t wait to see what has you all knowing you’re a mom today. Come link ‘em up!

The kitchen is the heart of the home, right? It’s where meals are lovingly prepared, families gather to eat and talk about their day, children innocently (and not so) make messes on the floor, and countless other things. When a party happens, have you ever noticed that everyone seems to congregate in the kitchen?

So, in my opinion, it goes without saying, that the kitchen should be loved. It’s the one room in the home that I have to have just right. When we chose this home, I thought I could live with the tile that was in place on the counters. After all, it even looks pretty decent. Right?

Wrong song, ding dong! I am here to tell you that tile on the counters in the kitchen es un idea muy malo! It gets dirty…deep down in the grout…and is next to impossible to clean. After time, I grew to loathe these counters. Until my husband rode home one day on his beautiful while stallion, strode in the door and proclaimed that he was here to save the princess from her tile prison. Granite to the rescue!

Beauty. Even with the towell that I couldn't be bothered to move before snapping the picture.

Ahhh. Now that’s better.

I sometimes wonder about what makes one person more successful than another. In anything. Given the same talent and the same work ethic...why does one seem to soar while the other seems to never really take off? It would be easy to say something trite like "eh, it was just meant to be for that person," but I honestly think that's a cop-out. There IS a real reason. It's like all the pieces of a puzzle come together to make the whole...and magic happens.

Constantly I tell myself that I will get where I want to be. Even when I am feeling discouraged (which happens more frequently than I care to admit), I somehow redirect my thoughts. I have a passion for photography that rivals my passion for being a mom. It honestly and truly fills my soul in a way that nothing else does. I don't mean it fills me more than my children do...it's just different. It's something that comes from me...my heart...the way I see the world. And I get to share it with the world. Or at least a very small part of it.

There are days I feel consumed with the uncertainty that surrounds it. Will I really reach the potential within me? When? How can I help it along? What more can I be doing? On these days, my confidence wanes, recedes, allowing my fear and insecurity to come forth. On these days it takes all that I am to dig deep enough to believe. Believe in myself and my own ability to make this dream real.

I'm in the trenches. I'm battling it out. Fighting my way. Putting in the effort and the work. So that the answer to my "when?" Is...soon.