Nature's Candy {Happy & Healthy Valentines}

In an effort to be completely honest here, I'll admit I'm no picture of health.  But, being a mom, I try me darndest to make healthy-er choices for my son.  Besides, I think he's wild enough without the added assistance of sugar.  Can I get an Amen, fellow moms?!  With this in mind, my inspriration for this year's valentines was born.

 

I found this idea on Pinterest, but never pinned it, and can't find it again.  Sorry, if I could, I give the proper props, I would.  Anywho, I made these cuties (pun intended) for my students and for my son's classmates.  I designed the tags using Picnik online photo editing site and printed them out on cardstock.  I dropped the little fruits into the treat bags (found at Wal-Mart) and tied on the tag with twine.  Voila!  Couldn't have been easier.  I liked that not only, they weren't a sugary nightmare, but that they were more fun than a store-bought valentine. 
And, now, it's time for me to eat all that chocolate I won't let my kiddo eat.  Can't let it go to waste, can I?!

My Triumphant Return to the Blog (Take 2)

Happy New Year!

To quote LL Cool J, "Don't call it a comeback.  I've been here for years."

No, really, I know I have been absent for a while.  I tried to make a return in the fall, but as we can see that was an epic fail.  However, now I'm back in my element and I've made some New Year's Resolutions.  One is to be blog-present.  Even if it's just for a quick hello.  Because, really, who doesn't love when someone says hello!?

To kick off my blogging of 2012, I'm going to introduce a New Year's Resolution within a resolution.  {Whoa, mind blown}.  One of my other resolves is to do a Project 365 (or 366, since it's a Leap Year).  I will take and post one photo everyday for the entire year.  You can go to my other blog and read about Project 365 here and check out my Day 1 photo.

In regard to this bloggity-blog, there will be some awesome posts to come in the new year.  I've got a few tutorials up my sleeve, maybe some fashion, and just more about my general awesomeness. 

Here's to a fabulous 2012!

Happy Fourth of July! {and I'm on Vacation}

Source: flickr.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Hooray for Independence Day!  Hooray for America!

 I love summer.  I love red, white, and blue.  I love America.  I love stars.  I love fireworks.  So, of course, I LOVE the Fourth of July!  It's pretty much my favorite holiday.

Source: marthastewart.com via Lauren on Pinterest

  

Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Source: weheartit.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Happy birthday, USofA!

Source: google.com via Lauren on Pinterest

    

And, thanks for noticing that I have been MIA for a little bit (you noticed, right?!).  Well, I have been on vacation.  Literally on vacation, out of town.  The Little Stinker and I went to Disneyland for a few days and now me and the Hubs plus the Little Stinker are fixin' to go to some cooler parts for a while.  Deets and photos to follow. 

Peace out!

 

 



My Two Dads

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Do you remember that show My Two Dads from the late 80's?  I'll admit I watched it a few times.

Anywho, I don't have two dads, but there are two important dads in my life.  One is my own father and the other is my hubs, dad to my sweet boy.  And since Father's Day is Sunday I thought I would give these two dads some much deserved props.

A few months back I wrote a post all about my great dad.  I love that guy.  He gives good advice.  He's funny.  He's smart (smarter than he gives himself credit for).  Also we have some differing opinions on some things (like tattoos), but he still loves me very, very much. And even though we don't get to see him as often as we'd like, when we do get to visit, he is an awesome Grampa.  That makes my heart happy! 

Recently I also wrote a post about the hubs.  He is a mostly super fantastic husband, but he is also a super terrific dad.  David is certainly a daddy's boy because my husband is so good with him.  They play and have these silly games that they make up.  Andrew gives David jobs to do so David can help wash the truck or do yard work.  They go fishing A LOT.  They cuddle in the bed and watch Barney.  Daddy even sleeps in his bed sometimes when David cries in his sleep.  Their relationship is very special and that makes this Momma happy!

So, Happy Father's Day to my two dads.  I am so blessed by both of you!



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2011: A Mother's Day Odyssey

It's that one day of the year in which the usual daily guilt of motherhood I typically carry has vanished and I just bask in the glory of being a momma and enjoy the gifts, the hugs, and kisses.

If it weren't for one wild and tenacious, blond-haired, blue-eyed little guy I wouldn't be able to celebrate this wonderful day.  Thank you, David, for making me a momma.

In honor of Mother's Day, here is a short list of some of the ways in which my life would be very different if I weren't elbow deep in motherhood....

I would never have to trip over toys, dodge nerf bullets, or change poppy diapers.

I would never have to wake-up in the middle of the night to let someone into my bed, or get up to comfort someone's tears after a bad dream.

I would never have to endure a temper tantrum when it's time to clean up/eat dinner/take a bath/go home.

I would never have to spend a small fortune every month on pull-ups and baby wipes because my boy won't use the potty.

I would never get the sweet hugs and kisses each morning from a sleepy little boy.

I would never hear, "I love you, mommy," or "Watch this, mom," or "Mommy, I need you,", or "Will you cuddle me?"

I would never have the not-so-great days of raising a toddler or the wonderful days of mommahood.

I would never endure Mother's guilt.

I would never get to kiss boo-boos or cradle a hurt or sick kiddo.

I would never get to experience the zoo/Sea World/Disneyland through the eyes of a child.

I would never get to push a swing or meet a smiling face at the end of a slide.

I would never have to plan a super awesome birthday party.

I would never love until it hurts.

My life would not be the same.

Thank you, David.  Thank you, God.

Easter Happenings

I hope each of you had a blessed weekend celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord.  It was a low-key weekend for us, which is always nice.

There was no school on Good Friday, and that was my only chance to procure some Easter goodies for my boys.  David spent the morning playing at his cousins' house and momma went-a-shoppin'.  Nana and Papa babysat that same night while mom and dad enjoyed a dinner with some fellow adults.  A dinner without a toddler is a rare, but delightful thing.

On Saturday, the boys took Papa fishing while momma snuck away for a pedi and enjoyed some quiet time.  It wasn't a terrible terrific day for David in terms of his behavior and attitude, so we had to leave promptly after the church service on Saturday evening rather than stay and enjoy burgers and baptisms with our fellow church go-ers in the courtyard.  But, all was redeemed when we got to dye Easter eggs.  It was David's first time!  I know he is almost 4, don't judge me.

The Easter Bunny dropped by overnight, and David enjoyed a nice little egg hunt in the front yard at about 6:30am.  Ugh!  Then daddy and David headed back out to the river for an Easter Catch of Fish.  After that it was Nana and Papa's house for brunch, back home for a nap, and egg salad sandwiches in the late afternoon.  A great Easter if I do say so myself. 

Back to Reality: Spring Break in Review

Well, my days of sleeping in waking up at 5:30am and tending to the every need of my 2nd graders toddler are over.  My break wasn't exactly a dream vacation.  I was still up early each day and seemed to be working jut as hard as I do during school, but it was nice to get away from the classroom, grading papers, and preparing lessons for just a bit.  Only 9 weeks until summer vacation!

Here is my spring break in pictures.  Sorry, no carcass display, though.

Jumping on the couch. 

Cartoons and his morning cup o' soy milk.

A little soccer ball action in the front yard.

Helping Daddy use power tools. 



Attempting to climb into the pig's pen.



Getting sniffed in the rear by a steer.

A whole lotta kids!

Hula-hooping

More games at the fair.

Bathtime.  Wearing a hat.  Makes sense.

What didn't get captured in photographs was Gramma and Grampa's visit from Las Vegas, the Quartermaster Depot, lots of eating out, the dog's haircut, a visit from the plumber, a handful of miscellaneous errands and shopping, and an all around tired momma.  Did I mention there is only 9 more weeks until summer vacation?!


Back to reality today.

My Funny Valentines{s}

I thank God that I have many Valentines!

Here's my pint-sized Valentine (but he gives jumbo-sized love!)....

Here's my big Valentine....

And here is the evidence of 21 medium-sized Valentines....

It's nice to be loved by so many!  Happy Valentine's Day!