I survived...

I survived the tie dying extravaganza of the 3rd grade; )   I volunteered to help out with Spen's class this week to tie dye their t-shirts.  It's a tradition at the school for the 3rd grade to make their own shirts and wear on field trips and outings.   Well, there was a hiccup in my plan.  Since school had been delayed due to the power outages the date was moved to Friday and I had no babysitter.  So Cedric the monkey had to join us.  Thank GOD this child was cool and calm today.  He was awesome!!!  The shirts turned out cute!  So all in all a great day ; )

I saw an adorable little quote on piniterest and made my own version of it.  I printed it out and hung it up in Spen's room.  I think it turned out cute.

Ok...so anyone who knows me knows I LOVE throwing parties...I swear it's crack to me.  I think I changed my mind with Cedric's 2nd birthday theme.  I have been wanting to do a carnival theme since last year, but I want him to be able to enjoy it.  At 2 he will just enjoy running around acting silly.  So I think I'm going to put the carnival theme on the back burner for another year.  This years theme I'm leaning towards is superhero.  OMG they have so many cute ideas out there for parties.  Here are a few that I fell in love with...

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How cute and fun!!!  I could totally see Cedric enjoying running around with the kids and capes.  So fingers crossed I stick to this theme.  I think I'm going to start soon on the decorations and favors for the kids.  October is just around the corner. 

Wishing everyone a great weekend!!!

Too funny...

Yup...that's my little monkey at nap time today...out cold...

First Day of School...

The summer is now over and school is back in session.  Today Eric and I walked Spencer into his class.  He was ready and a little bit nervous.  I gave him a hug goodbye (no kiss...he's too cool for that) and then I was off. His teacher seems super sweet and his class is filled with all his close friends so I have a feeling this will be a good year : )  I can remember having butterflies the first day and seeing my mom whisk away out of site from my classroom door.  I remember how my heart sank and the real butterflies would settle in. I'm sure his butterflies will be gone in no time, especially since he is sitting next to his friend and partner is talking.  

It's not a school morning if Spencer hasn't spilled something on himself ; )  He was happy with his backpack    : )

New shoe love...he has been begging to wear these bad boys since we bought them.  He thinks he is super cool since his dad had these when he was a "skater"...heheheheahhahaa....kids are funny.

Ok...next subject.  My bedroom.  I bought some sheer panels for my bedroom windows to go under my current curtains.  Ummmmm...yeah...I feel awful.  I had my husband fabricate my old rods so everything would fit together perfectly.  After I hung one pair and stepped back I hated it.  It looked like an old woman's bedroom.  Eric agreed and happily removed them.  I am cleaning my bedroom out.  Minimalist is the new catch phrase in there.  Not sure what bedding I will use.  It's coming together awesome though. I have been searching for lamps and flowers for my room.  No luck yet.  I started working on my chairs.  I have the blisters to prove said work.  I have all the fabric off, now I just have to pull the extra staples out.  Yuck!!!   It's very time consuming.  I want to hurry and get it prepped for painting.  Eric will do that with his paint gun.  I have a heavy hand and almost always leave drips. 

Ok...off to clean...Eric decided to have a cub scout meeting at my house...and it's tomorrow.  So off to finish cleaning I go.  Have  a great week guys!!! 

Sheeeshhhhh...

Well, for starters the first day of school has been called off for two days now thanks to the lovely storm that passed through here a few days ago.  A lot of schools are still without power.  I think Spencer is slightly happy with the delay.  I am happy Eric will be able to join us the first day of school : )  I always walk Spencer into his class, snap a picture and hug him goodbye.  Usually, Eric has a conference call on Monday mornings.

I broke down and took Spencer to get his hair cut by a pro.  I usually cut it, but I wanted it to be shaped better. I printed out a picture of David Beckham and gave it to the hair stylist.  Spencer thought it looked cool, so we were both happy.  His hair turned out super cute.

My bedroom is done being painted...wheeeewwwww...something that has taken a small eternity to happen.  I need to buy new curtain rods.  I decided I'm going to save money and use the curtains I already have.  I'll buy some new ones down the road.  I have been searching EVERYWHERE for two nightstands that would  go with my bed.  My bed is a huge massive canopy monster.  Every nightstand I found looked like a footstool next to it. So while looking around target today I saw a nice short bookshelf.  PERFECT!!!  It fit the dimensions perfectly, and the color worked as well.  I love the idea I will have a place to house my books and my search is now over.  We bought two of the bookshelves for CHEAP : )  The nightstands that matched my bed were like $400 (plus) each...no.  I have two clumsy boys who have managed to chip, scuff or nick every piece of furniture I have.  So I'm stoked with my bookcases. I need to figure out what I will put on them and if I will go with two side lamps.  I want my room to be very relaxing and spa-esq.  It's so funny my friend came over and I showed her the room so far and she thought it was really calming without me telling her my theme...yay...just the vibe I'm going for    : )  This week, once my room is put back together, we start on my chairs : )))))


Ok...off to piece together my room...not enough hours in the day...

Big Boy Rooms...

Ok...I know I updated about Cedric's new toddler bedroom but here are the pics : )

My oldest son is OBSESSED with Star Wars...so here is a peek at his room.  His room was a mess (in the process of moving things around) so I only took a few pics.  Below is a picture of a fun project my husband and I did.  We printed out my sons name in the Star Wars font, traced it on foamcore and traced over some Star Wars posters, cut everything out and then with a little mod podge help we had this...

He loved this!

Hope you enjoyed the pics...and

have a great weekend guys!!!  Off to a kids b-day party.

I got my feathers!!!

I'm super excited!!!  Sorry for the crappy cell phone pic...but yay! I received my beads and feathers in the mail today, so as soon as Eric got home I had him put them in for me (SUPER EASY) and presto awesome ass hair!!!  I love them : )))))  I HIGHLY recommend doing these yourself.  Just look around on ebay or etsy for the best deal.

This is the DIY I followed doing mine: http://elisajoy.com/mclaughlindesigns/2011/06/diy-feather-extensions/

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New Chapters

Today I went to my son's back to school bash.  My little guy is in the 3rd grade.  I swear I blinked and he grew. He is becoming a preteen.  I can't believe how tall, smart and funny he is becoming.  I can remember when he would tell me his silly little jokes that made no sense...now he gets sarcasm.  He is actually pretty funny.  We sit around sometimes just trying to make each other laugh.  I miss my little shadow.  My son was attached to my hip as a baby.  I'm lucky though, he still gives hugs and kisses.  He asks me every night to tuck him in and I do.  I told him I'll have to come over to his house when he's an adult and tuck him and his kids in bed.  He laughed.  

We met with his teacher (she seems sweet) and he saw his friends.  I love his school.  I told him I have a good feeling about this year for him.  He is not so excited for another school year, but what kid is?  he was kinda like a deer in headlights today. 

Then on to my next chapter.  It hit me today as we took down the changing table in my toddlers room.  He is no longer a baby.  We took the crib down the other night and replaced it with a toddler bed.  He LOVED the bed. He thought he was just like his older brother.  I don't want to jinx myself, but for two nights in a row he has climbed right up into his bed and crashed.  Thanks GOODNESS!!!  Took me forever to get my oldest in his own bed.  {Back to a new chapter} My baby is no longer a baby.  His room is a pint sized version of his older brothers.  It about broke my heart handing the changing table up to my husband to be put away in the attic tonight.  On to a new chapter I guess.  I told my husband how I felt and he feels the complete opposite. Ha...such a  man!!! He said he's excited and loves that he is becoming a little boy.  We are in the process of rearranging the boys rooms.  Spencer's is becoming more grown up and Cedric's room is being updated for his independence.  Toddler proofing is so much more complex than baby proofing.  I went with a Montessori theme for his room.   Everything is at his level.  It kinda feels weird because everything is pretty small and I feel like a giant in there...but it's better for self and environmental discovery.  He is able to get what ever he wants at what ever time he wants.  He is in control in his room...it's his space.  Toddler proofing though...sheeshhhhh...especially for a BUSY toddler...totally different classification.  

Ok, I'm tired...off to sleep.

Double Yay!!!

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I've been wanting feather hair extensions for a small eternity but could not bring myself to pay a lot of $$$ for them....so I saw online how to do them yourself and I'm over the moon because I just purchased a kit online.  Woo hoo!!!  I can't wait to get them and I will have enough left over to do a few of my friends hair as well.

Also, new major purchase...a toddler bed.  I can't believe Cedric is going into a big boy bed.  We took the crib down last night.  Time sure flies...ok...off to paint.  Fingers crossed I will be done today with my room. 

Happy Happy Joy Joy...

Ok, this may sound silly but I'm happy I'm not nuts.  I went in for my doctor appointment today and my thyroid levels are off!!!  Yay!!!  I'm know...kinda weird to be happy they are off...but I've been so sleepy lately, my mind has been a maze of confusion at times and I've gained weight.  So she upped my meds and we shall see how my levels do in three months.  Sheeeshhhh...it's a balancing act.  Hopefully, I'll have energy soon.

Today is turning out to be a great day.  I took the kids to the highlands McDonalds.  They have an outdoor play area. I called the hubs and he joined us on his lunch break.   It was a nice impromptu family outing.  

I plan on reading the book The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less.  This looks like an amazing book.  Eric is interested in reading it as well.  I heard the author speak about his book and it was spot on with how the world is ran and just everyday problems. I will have to agree with his key to happiness and why so many people cannot obtain it.  The jest of the book is that it is basically a psychoanalytical book about why having more options in life is a key for self destruction, depression and the need for more.  It talks about a paralyzing state of choice making and why it happens.  Here is video I saw...

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I love a good self discovery book and discussion....so this looks like a great read.

Ok...off to clean I go.

Baby fever...

I'm currently having that oh so familiar pang in my heart.  The one that says I want another baby.

I'm on the fence about having another baby.  I know I want another baby...but should I and if so, when is the question...and should we adopt?  I had a lot of health issues and preterm labor with my last baby.  Also, I'm open to and love the idea of adoption.  The husband and I were looking into adoption and had already received our paperwork to begin the process when I found out I was pregnant with Cedric.  I suffered from infertility and all that jazz.  My mind is so confused on everything...so the hubby and I settled on the idea of waiting and letting life happen.   I'm a firm believer in everything happens for a reason...so let it be.  When the time feels right and the choice feels right...we will leap. 

I read a book lately that tears me up to think about.  I rarely talk about my miscarriage that happened a few years ago.  But the book dealt with the subject and it just makes my mind wonder.  I have this tendency to block out painful things...and ummmm...not doing so well lately.  Last night it just hit me...I lost a little life.  I tried to deal with my miscarriage as scientifically as possible...but every once in awhile...it stings and the reality hits me. But life has this amazing way of working out though...  

I have two beautiful, healthy little boys that are my world and I thank God daily for them.  Who knows what the future holds and I find that an exciting thought to ponder.

Ok...speaking of the boys...I have to go shoe shopping for my oldest today.  School starts next week and it's the last item for his back to school adventure to begin. Sheeeshhhh...I can't believe how fast the kids grow when you simply blink.  Cedric has become a little parrot.  He LOVES to yell pizza and pretend to be a little ghost.  Spencer is such a kind little boy and smart too.  He has started reading his second Percy Jackson book.  Two amazing little gentlemen in the making I must say.  I'm blessed.

Ok...off to start this day...Have a great week!!!

Wow...

I'm high on coffee right now.  I know I'll crash at some point around 3pm ish so til then I'll be floating  high enjoying my energy buzz : )

Yesterday I had a lovely lab work appointment.  I have to go every 6 months to have my thyroid levels checked...fun stuff {eyes rolling}.  I took the boys with me since it was a simple poke and I was out the door...or so I thought.  Cedric was in a HORRIFIC mood and was crying trying to escape his stroller.  Spen was adorable...he asked if I was going to be given juice and cookies afterward...he wanted some.  I had to explain to him the difference of donating and labs...but it was cute nonetheless.  Cedric and his escape act was not cool...I felt REALLY bad because the guy next to me had never given blood and had a whole slew of labs to be run.  He was super nervous and my kid was only raising the anxiety level in the room.  Shhheeessshhhhh...thankfully, the lady who handled my labs was quick and we were out the door.  It was rather funny that she walked me out the "BACK" way to avoid the waiting room.  Yup, I'm officially one of those moms of a screaming toddler...funnnnnnnnnnn...

I crashed yesterday.  Cedric and I laid down for a nap...a late one...and then I downed two cups of coffee with dinner...NOT a good idea.  So needless to say as everyone in my house slept last night I was up cleaning and rearranging furniture.  I moved an area rug to the office.  I vacuumed, mopped and did dishes.  I painted and even indulged in my new obsession of pinterest a little.  I even moved some furniture from downstairs to the upstairs.  I'm excited because I can't wait for the weekend.  I want to make some picture ledges and floating shelves for the office.  I need to finish painting my chair.  So much to do...so little time. 

We have our official cub scout back to school bash this weekend.  I'm the event chick who has to plan that type of stuff.  I'm wondering what little gift I should give the kids.  Hummm...

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I received my fabric yesterday for my chairs.  I can't believe how fast it came!!!  I will definitely be shopping from buyfabrics.com again.  LOVED them.

Ok off to start this day...have a great day guys!!!

Fall Looks...

I've been looking around on Pinterest and my heart is seriously swooning Fall right now!!!  I miss my boots, sweaters, and scarves!!!  Bring on cooler temps and warm fuzzy sweaters!!!

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{ Dreaming of cooler temps and warm drinks }

Evil me...

Ok...my bedroom is a maze of paint cans, and discarded  brushes or tools everywhere. Projects seem to take a small eternity in my house...sheeshhh...one day I will be done painting!!! I had my husband take my bathroom mirror down tonight so I could paint in there...well he placed it alongside the bed...(bad location).while I was painting the bathroom the hubs accidentally rolled over on the bed while watching tv and pushed my bathroom mirror over...the frame is now broken.  I tried to compose myself as I ran to his aid.  I wasn't sure how I should play this move...Should I yell YES!!! or pretend to be heartbroken.  He was trying to lift the huge mirror and it kinda caved in on it's frame.  So I went with heartbroken...I gave Eric this look (totally fake of course) you know the look of wow...I really loved that mirror....(but totally hated it the minute it was hung up and seriously contemplated taking that huge ass thing back but was too lazy.)  And this is why I love my hubby...he laughs and tells me to not even give him that look because he knows I want a new more modern mirror and now he cannot complain about me buying yet another one.  Hahhahaahaaaaa...he knows me too well.   So looks like I will be mirror shopping soon.

Ok..off to eat some ice cream.

The Winner is...

Thanks for everyone who participated and I will be hosting more giveaways in the future!!!  Have a great week guys!!!