It's Okay Thursday!

It's Okay........boy is it ever!  It's been one of those weeks!

As many of you know, I love this link up!  Please check out A Complete Waste of Makeup, & link up!  Leave me a friendly comment, b/c I love finding new blogs to read/follow!

It's Okay!

It's okay to be so F'ing exhausted!

To be so over this "looking for a house thing"

To be behind with work........and tomorrow is Friday!

To take a break and go thrift store shopping!

To drive around and find a drive thru so I don't have to get out of the car for coffee!

To be super excited that it rained so that I could wear my  $36 boots I bought for $10.

To have Daddy take Ladybug to a party.......it's his turn!

Balancing It All!

Messy Motherhood Link Up:
Balancing It All:

I absolutely love this topic.  Sometimes giving your all to God, family & career does feel like a balancing act.  Sometimes the balancing beam I'm on is no problem, but....sometimes I wobble & have actually fallen off.  I do several things to help stay focused on my goals, but the best advice I can give is to make sometime for myself and my husband.  If you haven't figured it out yet, my family likes to "Ball on a Budget".  Which means...we like to have fun....but not spend a lot of money.  :)  I hope this is encouraging to you ladies.  Please leave a message because I love find new blogs to read.

1.  QUIET TIME
This can be time alone with your Bible, devotionals, homemade mani-pedi, DVR catch-up or sleep.  It is definitely hard to come by, but you have to take care of you.....even if it comes at 11pm!  Hey....I've been there and visit it often!

2.  MARRIAGE
I love my husband and I want my home in order.  To have a happy marriage, be successful in my career and to be the mother I want to be.  I have to have the marriage God wants me to have.  If you're not religious....have a marriage that rocks!  I often buy things from Union 28.  They have great inspirational websites, clothing and advice for building a stronger marriage.  Things that you can do with your spouse on the weekends, once the little ones are down or a small gesture you can do during the day.  A sweet text, little letter left on the windshield.  Just something to let your spouse know you are so glad that you said YES! to him.

Funny story:  I was in Target and a woman came up to me & said she liked my shirt.  I told her about the website & then we talked for a bit.  Then....I overheard a husband tell his wife, "I wish you would wear a shirt like that for me"!  I love that !!!

3.  MOMMY

I really try my best to create & capture tons of opportunities to create memories with my Ladybug.  Now that she is older, she really enjoys helping me clean.  I like to clean with her, shop with her, read with her, silly play w/her & educational play with her.  Who cares if the kitchen is a mess or the laundry needs to be done.  I need to spend time w/my daughter and she needs to spend time with me.  

4.  CLEANLINESS

It's supposed to be next to Godliness, but I'm pretty sure at this point I am rubbing elbows w/the Devil!  I try to keep a clean house, but I work...inside & outside of the home.  That is really big part of the stress I have.  I try to clean dishes as I use them & do at least 1 load of laundry a day.  Its really difficult, but I try to clean a little during the week, so that I can use my weekends for my hubby and my Ladybug.  I mean....I want to clean my house, but if anything...I mean anything can distract me....I like to let it!  My husband is also a great help in cleaning.  He folds & hangs up the clothes....& that is a great help!

Don't let the organization of this post fool you!  I am not organized and sometimes I don't have enough time for everything, but my mommy cape is still going strong.   I try not to get down on myself b/c I try my best & I do my best for my marriage and my family.  Like many women...I have two jobs & I try to give them 100%!  But....that is actually impossible, so something has to give.  Something has to be neglected at times & something doesn't get the 100% that I would love to give it.  But.....that's okay.  The world keeps turning, my family keeps getting stronger, God keeps blessing us & we keep waking up to see another wonderful day.  In a perfect world I could wave a wand and get it all done!  But....I'm a mom and that is basically the same as being a super hero!

Saving Money Monday!

Well, since we are trying to buy a house & are working on expanding our family, we have been really sticking to our budget.  Something that helps us stay grounded and our finances in order is tithing, the fact that we follow Dave Ramsey's rules & the fact that we both respect the financial goals we are working towards.  Long story short, I wanted to be able to share with you ladies the deals that I find and money saving tips that can help you "Ball on a Budget"!  LOL!  I love that phrase.  Oh, please share your money saving tips with me!  I love hearing new money saving tips and reading new blogs!

1. I love to go grocery shopping, and I have found that shopping at more than one store is not wrong!  Some places are not for grocery shopping, but sometimes they do have good deals.  My staples to go shopping are Aldi and Crest, which is a local chain of grocery stores in my area.  I go to two different places, b/c I target the stores where I can save the most money.  Also, if I go during the week on my lunch break to the grocery store, I can save money on meats b/c they are marked down and ready to sell.  
2. Also, make a grocery list.  I can walk around the store for hours picking up random things and still not get everything that I need!   Making a menu of what you want to eat for the week, sticking to that menu & not going back to the grocery store until the week is over.
3. Blah blah blah coupons!  Yes, they work, but no I don't buy the paper....that defeats my purpose of saving money.  Very rarely do I find coupons for items that I actually buy.
4. FUN STUFF!!  I am an end of the season shopper!  I recently went to Carter's and got my daughter some super cute rain boots that were on clearance, plus 20% off.  I got them big b/c she can wear them this year and next year. 

They are for boys, but I am thinking that I can bedazzle some bows by the eyes, to make it more feminine.  I will post the end results soon.

I also went to Target and got two pairs of boots for myself, a dress and a fabulous faux fur shrug for Ladybug.  My total was $30 for all four of these!!

Sunday Social

It's that time again!  I have neglected my blog this week.  I was a little freaked out by one of the blogs that I follow.  Someone created a Facebook account using her images and her family.  Very odd...very weird and pretty scary, since her children were the ones mainly targeted in the blog!  I was disturbing.  To read more, please go to Growing Up Geeky and read her story.  Now for the fun stuff!  Don't forget to leave a friendly comment, b/c I love visiting new blogs.

 

TOP 3!!



Top 3 Favorite Kinds of Food:
Fried Pork chops
Sushi
Pizza

First 3 Things you do in the morning:
I turn on the news before I even have my eyes focused!
Make sure the baby monitor is on and go to the restroom.

Last 3 Things you do at night:
Get on the internet while talking to the hubs.
Take a shower.
Watch a DVR'd show.

3 TV shows you NEVER miss:
Well, I DVR the shows, so I think that counts also.
A new show I watch is Scandal!  LOVE!!!
Real Housewives of Atlanta!  Gone w/the wind fabulous, Honey!
Dance Moms!  You would think these women didn't know how silly they really look.

3 Places you want to visit:
Africa
Bahamas....or anyplace Bahama-ee
Washington DC & New York.......again

3 People you can always count on:
Hubs
Sisters
Parents
-----Babysitter!  She is awesome!



Sunday Social

Sunday Social

1. What is the name of your blog? How long have you been blogging?

These are the days....

I started this blog in 2011, but I didn't really make time for it until 1/2012.

2. Why do you blog?

I blog for me time, to connect with other mothers and with people who have the same interest as I do.  I also like to get all my thoughts out....and get some positive feedback on them.

3. What is the first blog you ever followed?

Wow, the first blog I ever followed was Little Miss Momma.  I still follower her, but she doesn't post nearly as much as she used to, because of her growing family.  She was really honest in her blogging and shared some really private parts of her life.  I respected that about her.

4. What is your favorite post you wrote in 2012?

Well, every time I get to write about my daughter it is a highlight!  I actually like doing the Saturday Top Five Laughs from Mommyhood Chronicles.  I like to read the funny posts of other mother's and post funnies that my daughter does.

5. What are your blogging goals for 2013?

I really just want to continue to make time for my blog.  I hope to document my daughter well, so that it will be a good source to print and keep for her to read when she gets older.  I would also like to grow my followers/readers.

6. Top 3 favorite blogs to follow?

Wow!  I have a lot of blogs that I like and I am always finding new ones to follow.  Well, I think it is a given that I like  my own blog and A Complete Waste of Makeup, but I also like:

1.  The Mommyhood Chronicles

2.  A PSR Gathering (this is a new blog that I am following and it is really helpful w/the children that I work with)

3.  Johnny in a Dress

 This was really hard to do!  Some others that I like are Running away?  I'll help you pack..., Growing up Geeky, The Momdiggity and We are that FAMILY.

I hope you enjoyed reading!  Please leave a friendly comment!  I love them.  I also love visiting new blogs and finding new blogs to follow!

Saturday Top Five Laughs!

Saturday Top Five Laughs!

I had a wonderful and super quick week that resulted in me having to do work over the weekend.  But, that's okay b/c I am making some me time to spend with my family and by myself.  That is wonderful!!  Well, here are some random funny/sweet sayings of my little 2 1/2 year old.  She is a trip!  Please leave a friendly comment, I love finding new blogs to read!

5.  Ladybug recently had an ear infection.  Last week she told me her ear hurt.  So, I immediately went to a new kid's clinic that has opened up and is open on Sundays.  So we get checked in, the doctor looks at her eyes and says that they look fine.  She said that I could give her the meds for two more days if I wanted to, but it didn't seem necessary.  So, true to form....my daughter makes me look like an OCD parent when she shouts.  "My ears feel much, much better".  Ugh.....this little girl!!

4.  Last night I was getting something out of the refrigerator & Ladybug told me she wanted to take her medicine.  I told her that it was all gone, she wasn't sick and she didn't need to take it anymore.  Well, she gives 2 fake coughs and says, "yes, Mommy...I am still sick....I still need it".  :-/

3.  Thursday she had to go to bed early b/c she was talking back.  I told her she needed to listen to me & she put her hands on her hips, push her head forward & shouted, "NO!  You listen to me!"  Um.....what......  She went to bed very early that night.

2.  While washing Ladybug's hair, she tells me that she doesn't want to take a bath.  I told her that Princesses had to take baths so they could be clean.  Her response, "I don't want a Princess bath, I want to be stinky".  Ugh!  This is what I deal with......:-)

1.  Since I work with kids and it is flu season, I disinfect often.  She was tip toeing out of my room last night like a little ninja.  I asked her what she was doing, and she had a container of disinfectant wipes.  Not sure where she was going with those. :)

I love my nails!

I love my nails!

Alright guys, you know what time it is!!!  The Nail Files!!!  I actually stopped by Ulta and took advantage of their $3 sale on their finger nail polish.  Well, I loved it so much I rocked it for about 4 days until it started rocking off my fingernails!  Please leave me a comment!  I love finding new blogs to read!  Sometimes this mommy gets bored during nap time!  Enjoy!!!

Material Girl!  Love this little inexpensive polish from Ulta!  Excuse the cuticles....I need a professional Mani!

This is currently what I'm rocking, since the Material Girl rocked so hard she rocked off!

It's Okay Thursday!

It's totally okay!  I have been having a super busy week and have not had a chance to blog yet.  But, since I love IOT.....I just had to take some time out to finish this blog post!  Enjoy ladies.  Please leave me a comment in the comment section.  I love checking out new blogs and seeing who is visiting me.  Have a wonderful rainy Thursday!!!

It's Okay......

to put a coworker in their place....without snapping at them.

to feel like doing absolutely nothing....b/c rainy weather dictates that I do so.

to get annoyed when people cancel or reschedule, after you broke your neck to be there on time.

to tell your daughter her outfit is special b/c it can only be worn by princesses.  She wasn't into the vest I picked out for her, until she heard this little known fact about it.

to be a little ticked that someone decided it was a good idea to close the Starbucks in my area that had a drive thru.  Who does that?  (Or as the kids I work with say, "where they do that at".  Gotta love kid sayings.  It keeps me hip!)

to not be looking forward to the extra money taken out of my check for taxes this year.

to have a complete IOT full of complaints!

to desperately need my hair done on Saturday.....but still haven't made the appointment.

to use you wonderful people that read my blog to vent to!  (Thank you, ladies)

Sunday Social

My weekend is going super, but I have a nagging feeling it will be too short as usual and I will be dragging on Monday morning.  I had a wonderful time last night catching up w/some old friends.  It's always nice to see old friends that you haven't seen in a while, but often talk to & facebook with.  Any who, where's to a great Sunday Social.  Follow if you like.....I always follow back.  Have a great Sunday!

1. Do you plan to change any of your eating habits in the new year?

Yes, I do plan on changing my eating habits.  I love fried comfort food, but this year I need to get healthy if I plan to expand the family.  I'm not getting any younger, so this go round I definitely have to be in better shape this year. 

2. Any workout tips to get us back in shape after the Holidays?

I found this online & thought it was a neat idea.

The best advice I can give anyone that is going to workout this year, is to take it slow.  I find that w/myself, if I work my way up to a larger more intense workout, I am more likely to stick w/the schedule.  I am awful w/working out @ home, so paying for a membership @ a gym really helps me get out of the house and workout.  I also read that taking a shower before you workout is supposed to help you have a better workout.  Not sure if that is true, but it couldn't hurt!  I also check out a blogger that it definitely in shape.  Briana @ Bikini Body Mommy, for some tips on exercises to do.  She may make you a little pissed off b/c she is a mother of 3 & could definitely wear a bathing suit w/o a coverup.  But....once you get past that, :)  she has some helpful things on the site.  You should really check it out.

3. Favorite thing you did over the Holidays?

The best thing I did over the Holidays was sit in the house with my family.  We were sick over the Holidays and didn't really do much.  Even though we were sitting in the house looking at each other, we still had a lot of fun.  Before everyone got sick, we had fun going to Journey to Bethlehem.  It was a great interactive play that a local church does for free each year.  It is wonderful and the actors are really good.

Waiting in the 1.5 hour line!  This woman behind us was a little excited and kept pushing :-/

After an hour in line, we made it inside for 30 minutes of stories and caroling.

Not sure how many of my readers are in the Oklahoma area, but this interactive journey play was wonderful!!!

4. What is something you hope that you accomplish in 2013 that you did not in 2012?


Well, I am sure some of you know that we are looking to buy our dream home.  I would love to buy our home in 2013 and welcome a new baby home in 2013!

Who knew that looking for a home could be so much work.  This is not one that we are looking at, but sometimes I think.....if I see another house!  I will scream!!

5. Name 3 things happening this year you are excited about and why.

I am definitely excited about some changes happening at work that I think will help me build my resume and become stronger in my field.  I also think that the changes will be more beneficial to the clients that I work with.  I am excited to see what new things Ladybug will be learning because she amazes me everyday.  I am excited about the personal goals that our family has made in 2012 and eager to start working on the personal goals for 2013!  I'm glad to have left other people's drama and my credit card debt in 2012.  2013 is all about building up my family, becoming closer to them, making strong bonds w/friends and getting closer to Christ.  I'm pretty sure that was more than 3, but.....

I welcome you with open arms!!!

What about you?  If you are new, take these questions, answer them & link up w/Neely!  Come join the fun!!!

Saturday Top Five Laughs!

I keep saying how crazy this week has been.  Not only did we have a short week, we are having several changes at work!  Oh, what is a blogger to do.......?  :-)  I'm glad to be here supplying you guys with endless laughs from my little 2 yo Ladybug!  Please leave a friendly comment and follow....I always follow back!  Have a wonderful weekend.

5.  While updating my iphone (finally figured out how) I made sure Ladybug was taken care of with her special shows, something to drink & donuts.  I checked on her and she had eaten one entire donut and sampled 3 other items in the box.

Definitely looks like a little ladybug was in here........Well, at least she didn't make a mess.

4.  While talking about possibly expanding our family, I asked Ladybug what she thought about the idea.  I asked her if she wanted a baby brother or a baby sister.  She informed me that she wanted "a baby brother AND a baby sister".  I sarcastically told her we would have to ask Jesus about that one.  She then starts praying, "Dear Jesus, can we have a baby brother and a baby sister".  Um....what?

3.  Last week Ladybug randomly said.  "Come on lady, be a team player!"  I honestly have no idea where she has gotten this from!!!

2.  Ladybug was excited to go back to school (daycare) after having 2 weeks off.  She was so excited to see all of her friends.  As we pulled up the her school she says, "Yay, Mommy I'm happy.  I missed my friends.  Yes, I love my friends".  That was just so sweet to me.  I love that she has formed bonds w/her friends and the babysitter.

1.  Ladybug is the cleaning police around the house & is quick to tell us when something is "a mess".  I took her to the office yesterday & she proceeded to go in a coworkers office and tell her how messy it was.  She also went into her cousin's room & told him it was a mess.  She also added that his mother had told him to clean it up.  Which wasn't true.  But, when you are 2......you are your own boss!

TGIF

I am so happy that it is Friday!!! This week has been so long and confusing! Friday....I am glad that you are here. I am ready to clean up around the house, kiss on my baby, kiss on my boo, give myself a mani & schedule an appointment to get this hair of mine done! It needs some TLC pronto! I wish you guys the best Friday! I'm off to get some Starbucks! Don't forget to link up w/Tara & don't forget to follow me!

Best top coat ever!!!  Lets the nails dry fast & keeps them from chipping!

I'm so glad it's Friday I'm wearing a borderline inappropriate outfit to work today. 

My little princess wanted her nails done, too.  I'm not sure why she picked this color?  Up Front & Personal OPI

I also used Up Front & Personal OPI & added some red flare with China Glaze Ruby Pumps!

It's Okay Thursday!

It's Okay Thursday!!!

This week is really sneaking by!  I guess it must have been the day off that has me feeling like my days are off!  I kept going around the office yesterday thinking it was Monday!  Those holidays in the middle of the week really throw me off.  I hope you ladies had a wonderful New Years!  Enjoy the read!  I love new followers and friendly comments!  :-)

It's Okay.....

 to be totally pissed off that we may owe in taxes again this year!  Ugh!

to be confused as to where I need to live where $250-$400 thousand is considered middle class.

to want the perfect house to automatically fall into our laps.

to continue to leave my expensive makeup out in reach of my toddler! (but, it does make for great pictures to send to family)

to get a pedicure just for them to scrub me feet, b/c I really think I can paint my toes better than they can.  But my heels really did need some TLC! (and the church said, Amen!)

to not like everyone.  Sometimes less is more.  People don't have time for your drama.....I have my own life...and it is not fb....but reality.

to go into a store 15 minutes before they close.  Don't worry.....I know what I want & where I am going.  You just straighten up your area......

 

    

WFMW: New Year's Resolutions?

WFMW:

Things that we accomplished in 2012.  Well, we paid off all of our credit cards and our automobiles.  That was definitely a blessing!!!!  We are debt free...except for those student loans!  LOL!, but they too shall be gone in time!  We have done well living w/in our means the Dave Ramsey way, but I must admit that at times we could have done better sticking to the budget!  But, we are only human!

For 2013, my husband's goals is to find our dream home.  We have been to plenty of open houses and met a lot of different people that have helped us know what was out there for us, what deals to look for and what to beware of when purchasing a home.  For that...we are both very grateful. 

I did an earlier post regarding what I was looking to do in 2013 as a whole.  But, today I would like to talk about all those unfinished projects I have around the house.  THIS is what I will be doing in 2013.  I think I may finish all those crochet projects I have and donate whatever I make to a charity.  I figure, if I have been w/o it for this long....I don't need it....and I can let someone else enjoy what I am making. 

I found this online & it looks amazingly like a scarf that I started on this Fall.

Okay, I found this online & it is the cutest thing ever!!!  I am so making this....and hopefully finishing it!

The exact legwarmers that I made last year!  I still need to finish them!!!!!



I found this online, but it looks exactly like a quilt/scarf I was trying to make.....I haven't made up my mind what I want it to be.