Little Guppy Big Pond

Seriously, this is too much!! I had to register my first born for Kindergarten today AND then pay for her cap and gown for her preschool graduation. Are you kidding me??? She was just a tiny baby (5 lbs and 14 oz to be exact!). Now she is a red haired ball of fire that is going to sport a cap and gown in May and start school in the fall. I thought I would be really excited about her going to school from 8-3 Monday-Friday, but I walked in and the school looked HUGE...Way bigger then her little church school she goes to. She is like a little guppy in a big pond.

I am excited to join PTA and take her back to school shopping!! I am not excited that she has to be in her seat by 8 am or she is tardy. YIKES!!! Well, life is changing and babies are growing...Welcome to our new chapter!!

Calling all Savvy Shoppers!!!

Ok, so being a stay at home mom (the whole one income family thing), you would think I would be an expert coupon user. I JUST don't understand the whole system. Seriously...I have a sister in law that stays home with her kids. She is ALWAYS finding deals. Not just at the grocery store, but on-line. I swear at Christmas she spends NOTHING but gives really cool gifts. She has all kinds of codes, points, whatever.  You would be AMAZED at the steals she gets. She can also go to the store and spend over 300 dollars on groceries and then after coupons, her bill is like 60 bucks. I know she is not the only one that can save a mean dollar.

Why can't I??? Am I lazy...I tried the whole coupon thing a few years ago. Every Saturday, the husband would bring a newspaper home. I would cut through the coupons. I even had a cute file thingy to put them in. But you know what...I kept buying things I didn't need simply because I had a coupon. I mean seriously, sometimes I don't need 3 boxes of something in order to get the 50 cents off. Also, many times I can get the generic brand for cheaper then what the brand that I have a coupon. Take diapers. I have started buying the Target Up and Up brand (which I LOVE). I can get a box of 84 for 13.49 versus pampers or huggies 19 something and then a 2 or 3 dollar coupon (still the Target ones are cheaper).

I buy the same things most weeks. Literally, we have our staple meals (quick and easy). I wish I could be more savvy about my shopping. I would LOVE to come home and say, "Honey, I just saved us 60 dollars on our weekly bill." But for some reason, I DESPISE coupons. Even when I have a coupon, I never HAVE it when I need it. It is usually left at home on the counter or in my other purse...

 I have even spent LOTS of time looking at other people's blogs, message boards, and websites all devoted to saving a buck....I want to be thrifty, honest. But then I just get all stressed out trying to figure out how people get things FREE using a coupon on double or triple coupon day. I wish there was a REALLY easy class to take or something. Any tips would be great!!!

Late Night Guilty Pleasures!!

I don't know why I always get sucked into late night TV shows. Last night, I was soooo tired and needed to go to bed early.  Instead, I stayed up watching the show, Hoarders. WOW....it was interesting to say the least. The woman on the show hadn't thrown away a single piece of trash in over a year. Her house was LITERALLY floor to ceiling of stuff and a TON of trash. Seriously, pizza boxes, food to go boxes, old to go cups...It was really sad. I don't understand how that happens. I can see holding on to sentimental things, but a pizza box? In any case, I couldn't stop watching. I kept staring at the clock and thinking how I needed to go to sleep, but NOPE. I watched the entire show.

I have the opposite problem. I am a freak about clutter. I don't save anything. I wish I was a little more sentimental. I mean, I save special baby clothes and artwork from the kids, but that's about it. I keep thinking I need to start saving cards I receive for special occasions, but what do I keep them in? A hat box or something...

ANYWAY, not only did I stay up way too late, I ended up having dreams of my house being infested with rodents and (scuse my grossness) BIG rodent poop....GROSS and DISGUSTING!!!!!

On a not so gross note, take a look at the latest photo I took of the blond one.

Seriously, is she adorable or what???

I am having a lot of fun editing my photos. This is another excuse I have been using to stay up late. Needles to say, I am tired and DRAGGING on this Monday. OH, and I have been assigned next Tuesday at 9:30 to officially register the Red Head in Kindergarten. I can't believe it. I have been told that once they start school the time even goes faster....How is that possible??? The time goes too fast as it is. I want to push the pause button or something. 

Well, if you have any great suggestions on how to keep cards and small sentimental things NEATLY tucked away, I would appreciate your suggestions!!!

Spring is Here!!

This week the Red Head and the Brunette have been on spring break. We have been having a lot of fun outside because the weather has been GORGEOUS. I'll say it again, we live in Texas and pretty soon it is going to be 100 degrees so we are going outside as much as possible. 

The Blond One has also started taking steps. I am not ready for her to walk yet...(though she is almost 14 months). She is still my baby. She is so cute and looks so proud when she takes her steps. I suspect she will be walking in the next couple weeks. 

I have been staying up WAY too late playing with the photo shop program. I only have it for 27 more days.....I am still learning, but here are some pics of some outdoor adventures!!

She LOVES being outside!

The wonders of weeds!! 

He is one handsome fella!!

Hmmm....I was trying to be artistic....I still need to work on that!!!

This is not from our outdoor adventures, but I just love the photo!!! By the way, I made that hat!

Tomorrow is Friday and spring break will just about be over. We have had a great time this week going on a few play dates and just relaxing. OH, and next week....I actually have to register my first BABY for Kindergarten. REALLY....where does the time go??? 

So, my last baby is about to be walking and my first baby going to school....I am not sure I am ready for all this growing up!!! 

Lightroom is AWESOME!!!

I am doing a free trial of this photoshop program for 30 days. I want it!!! This is why the hubs should buy it for me....

I love this pic...

I mean really, I could never take this myself.

Pleeeaaasseee.....I want this program.

Think of all the money we can save of prof pics!

I was just playing around with this program. I am sure it does way cooler stuff. I need to work with it more. But sadly, after 30 days it miraculously goes off my computer. Not sure how that works, but whatev... I am enjoying it now!!!!

Not Me Monday!!!

Brought to you by McKmama


I was not super excited to meet my friend and her daughter and my mom to take the two girls to American Girl. Only to have the Brunette PUKE in the car all over himself not once but twice on the way to drop him off at his other grandma's house. Then, I was definitely NOT annoyed at him that I would have to cancel my trip with the girls to American Girl. NOT ME. I would never be annoyed at one of my kids for getting sick!


Oh, and I did not ask him 9 million times if he was sure he didn't feel good. And if he was SURE he didn't want to go for his special day with his grandma. NOT ME!!!


It also NEVER crossed my mind that I could drop him off anyway and pretend like the throwing up never happened (except he had no shirt on and was as white as a ghost). NOT ME. 


I did not stay in bed on Sunday until 10. NOT ME. Never happened.


I did not curse the time change. 

What's Your Theme Song?

It seems like I have always somehow associated my life with some type of theme song. You know, the kind you listen to over and over again and sing at the top of your lungs! I think I do this because I am (and I admit this freely) a bit of a drama queen! Being a drama queen, I always think I am the leading lady in my own movie. So of course I need a theme song, right?

When I was in junior high, I would say my theme song was Girl's Just Want to have Fun.

High School, definitely Elevate My Mind. Just read the lyrics!! My friend (now sister in law, story for another time!) and I would drive around in her Buick singing it at the top of our lungs... Give me a break people. I was a teen in the 90's.

College was such a roller coaster that I can't pinpoint one song...I had MANY!

Of course, during the big break up with my husband (boyfriend at the time), I Will Survive. Although, I am pretty sure that is every girl's "break up" theme song. I would listen to it every morning on the way to work. Well, not so much listening as YELLING the lyrics. Gloria Gaynor knew what she was doing when she wrote that song!!! Of course, he came to his senses and we got back together to live happily ever after!!

So, I was thinking tonight...what is my theme song for this point in my life....I'm not really sure. I don't think I really have one. I mean, there are a lot of songs that I sing (loudly) in the blue minivan. My Daughter's Eyes (The Red Head calls this our song),  Anyway, and This One's for the Girls (we love Martina McBride). Honestly, we sing lots of songs in the car, but none have really been dubbed (by me) my theme song. 

Maybe I don't have a theme song anymore... Is it possible that I am no longer a leading lady? Am I NOW the MOTHER of the leading lady??

What's your theme song? 

Thank You Thursday!!!!

I love this day!! Another edition of Thank You Thursday! Brought to you by Our Imperfect Life.


I am thankful for the great weather we have been having. Texas doesn't get spring for too long. Pretty soon I will be cursing the HEAT!!


I am thankful for my wonderful mom that has done so much for me and is taking the girls and I on our first trip to American Girl!!!


I am thankful for my also wonderful mother-in-law who is taking my son for the day on his own "special" day so he does not feel left out!


I am thankful for sticking to my laundry a day routine....Really does make laundry easier.


I am thankful for a little girl that I never met teaching me that life is short so ENJOY every minute (even when the minutes don't seem so enjoyable!)


As always, I am thankful for my three babies. I love them more then I ever thought possible!!!

What a Day...

Today is bitter sweet. I have mentioned Layla Grace in several of my blog posts. This little girl has touched so many lives it is truly amazing. Almost every blog I read has at some point talked about Layla's battle with neuroblastoma. She has been suffering in pain for quite awhile. I have read her parent's blog (every post) and it has broken my heart. I have looked at her pictures and cried. A little girl, I have never met, that thousands have never met, has forever left an imprint on my heart. She lost her battle this morning and is now at peace in Heaven. I can't imagine what her parents are going through. I can't imagine watching one of my children fighting for their life and not being able to do anything about it. I admire their strength and courage and her parent's absolute faith in God. So today, I am sad for Layla's family. I am sad that they will never get to watch their beautiful girl experience life. But what Layla accomplished in two short years, is more then most will accomplish in 50. She brought strangers together in prayer, closer to families and closer to God. Layla Grace is truly an angel...


So today, instead of picking up toys all day and constantly doing the dreaded chores (while the older two were at school). I played. I got on the floor with the Blond One and tickled her so much her laughing made me laugh. I kissed her a thousand times and told her how much I love her. We went to pick up the Red Head and Brunette from school and I couldn't have been more happy to see them. When we got home, we thew our things inside. I grabbed the camera and we went outside to enjoy the beautiful spring day (Texas doesn't have many of those!) So enjoy the MANY pictures I took today...

What is more fun then big wheels??

Still trying to figure out the "perfect" camera settings!

My dreamy baby!!

Love those hands!

Sisters...need I say more?

My world...My three kids (if they would only look at the camera)

My Red Head...what a helper.

My Boy. I love his smile.

 She is her mommy's daughter!!

How I love those cheeks!

The Brunette loves his sisters dearly!

That is me going for an "artistic" angle!!

Sidewalk chalk. It is messy, but today...I didn't care!

There she is...The Blue Minivan!! True inspiration, don't you think???

I am truly blessed. Today, I am thankful my three babies are sleeping soundly in their beds. Safe. Happy. They don't know how much they have changed my life. 

Once a Year!

Am I the only one who spends more time getting ready for the dreaded yearly gyno appointment, then I did my wedding night? I mean seriously, I took a long hot bath and groomed myself with more time and technique then I have in a LONG time!!! I even pulled out my special lotion so I could smell pretty. I had to laugh at myself (which I do a lot). Honestly, is my doctor really going to notice the extra care I took in getting ready!! The poor hubby thought he was going to get lucky...I had to quickly burst his bubble.So even though I dread the uncomfortableness of lying, stirrups and all, at least I know that I took the extra time to make myself presentable!!

I am the first to admit that, at times, I can be a slacker mom. Sometimes, my kids eat cereal for dinner because I don't feel like cooking. Every once in awhile, we skip bath night just because I don't feel like wrestling the three in the tub. WEll, tonight was one of those slacker nights. The Red Head and I usually go to dance on Monday nights. It's one of those things where I don't feel like driving the 30 minutes in traffic, but once I get there I am glad I did. Tonight...it was pouring rain and my house was very cozy. I wanted pizza instead...SO, I told the Red Head that dance class was cancelled because of the storm...We stayed home, ate pizza and played. Life is short. There are no guarantees so Slacker or Mom or not, it was worth it!!!

Cute as a Button!!

I have been really busy over the weekend so I haven't had much time to sit down and write. I have been working on something and I will be sharing it with you very soon! In the mean time, here are some too cute pics of the Blond One. She is at the best age. She even took two steps yesterday...I am not ready for her to walk yet...She is still my little baby. 

She loves playing with her toys!!

I love watching her. She loves to push the buttons and watch the toys light up and make noise.

I LOVE this picture!!! The look on her face is priceless. Like I caught her doing something she shouldn't!!

And look at her feet. Can't they stay little and cute forever? Baby feet are my favorite!!!

She is getting big way too fast, but don't they all? I mean, just yesterday I gave birth to my first born, the Red Head. Now she is FIVE.  Then in a blink of an eye, I had baby number two, the Brunette, and now he is almost THREE. Why does the time go so fast? I mean honestly, every day goes by faster then the next. Life is short...I want to keep them young and innocent forever. I want freeze these moments in time. When feet are little and cute and you just want to  eat them up!!

Brought to you by Kelly's Korner What is Your typical day like?

Being the mom of three (5,2, and 1) can vary up the daily ritual somewhat. Tuesdays and Thursdays are school days for the Red Head and the Brunette. BUT a typical day (no school) goes something like this...

5 am (gross) Captain's alarm goes off (I don't hear it) he is out the door by 5:45... I am still asleep.

7ish the Brunette comes in bed with me. Hands me the remote, I turn on Nickelodeon. The blond is usual stirring on the baby monitor, so I (don't judge) turn it down...and try to catch a few more z's.

7:30ish Red Head comes in gets in bed with me and the Brunette and watches more Nickelodeon.

8ish Go get the Blond One and feed the kids a gourmet breakfast!!! (usually cereal bars or waffles) I am no Martha Stewart....During this time, I make my coffee and sit in front of the computer. Check some emails, blogs and of course the ever so popular facebook.

Kids play and I do morning chores.

10ish The Blond One goes for nap. I go for some elliptical machine. Other two kids...play.

11ish lunch

Somewhere during this time I get ready and do MORE chores.

1ish The Brunette goes for nap. The Red Head has quiet time, the Blond One plays.

3ish Run errand if need be.

4ish Captain gets home from work

I start dinner (Yes we EAT dinner at FIVE!!!)

5 on the dot...DINNER (I guess we are on the Senior Citizens schedule!!)

5:30 Bathtime

7ish (sometimes sooner) Bedtime for kiddos!!!! Hey, I am with them ALL DAY. They go to bed EARLY!!

7-11:30 or 12 ME TIME!!!!!!!

For the record...my friend in real life make fun of me for eating at 5 and kids to bed at 7!!!

It's a Big Wide Bloggingful World...

I have spent a lot of time in the last few days blog hopping. It is funny, I find myself totally engrossed in reading about complete strangers' lives. Some blogs are hilarious, some are inspiring, some are so heartbreaking I have actually cried. How lucky are we that in this era we can be drawn into lives of people all over? We can offer support to mom's, wives, sisters, and friends (new and old). WE can even win cool stuff on blogs. Who knew?? I was clueless about the big wide blogging world. I am glad that I have jumped on the bandwagon. 



I am not sure that I will ever have anything to write that inspires you...I HOPE that I never have to write a blog that breaks your heart, but let's face it, sad things happen...I hope that I can share some stories that will make you laugh...But mostly, I hope to take you on a journey, up's and down's, twists and turns and  we will be stylen' in the Blue Minivan!!!

Thank You Thursday!!!! (one day early!!)

I found this on another blog, Our Imperfect Life,  and decided to participate. After all, I have a lot to be thankful for!
I am thankful for 3 healthy beautiful children

I am thankful for nights out with friends and some adult beverages!!
I am thankful for a supportive husband.
I am  thankful for my new blog friends!
I am  thankful for the ability to laugh at myself.
I could go on and on and on for things I am thankful for, but I won't bore you!!
Please continue to keep Layla Grace in your prayers. She is still holding on.

Don't Ask...

I don't know how I managed to become a follower of my own blog....Can you tell I am still getting the hang of this. Well, oh well. At least I am in the double digits now!!!

Just Another Manic Monday

Really Regis and Kelly....you don't think this little girl should have made the top 10 Beautiful Baby Search???

I mean seriously, look at those BIG blue eyes...Oh well, we didn't need that 125,000 dollar college scholarship anyway, after all, The Blond one is really advanced for her age so I am sure she is going to get a full scholarship to the college of her choice!!


 I have been experimenting lately with the most efficient way to get the laundry done. The amount of laundry that the five of us go through is insane, I mean literally, I spend a lot of my time drowning in a sea of dirty clothes. Soooo, I have tried out different ways to get it all done. Well, as much done as can get done; laundry is one of those chores that is NEVER done. My new system, you ask....Doing one family member's laundry a day. That is five days of laundry and two off (that means no laundry on the weekend!) I have been experimenting with this for a couple of weeks and thus far, I think I like it. 


The Red Head and I had our usual Monday date to Starbucks, she gets a chocolate milk and I get a Grande Skinny Vanilla Latte. Then we go to dance. That is social time for me! I love catching up with all the mom's and lets face it, I LOVE the adult interaction. Tonight was open curtain night. It is really funny watching the four and five year olds...I think I may have a future Prima Ballerina on my hands!!! 


Well, I promised to post some easy recipes so tonight is my first. I have to give credit to my sister in law. This recipe is soooo GOOD and VERY easy. Especially if you love crock pot meals. May I present to you Pulled Chicken. I must say, my kids (very picky eaters) even like it. 

Mix all toppings together in crock pot before adding chicken.  3 cloves garlic 1 cup bbq sauce...(I put a little bit more) 1/2 cut ketchup 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar 1 Tbsp. soy sauce 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce 1/2 Tsp. hot pepper flakes 1 and 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar 1/2 Tbsp. ground mustard Once all ingredients are well mixed, add chicken.  Cover chicken completely in sauce. Cook on slow for 7 hours.  Pull chicken apart at 6 hours and let cook for an additional hour or more.

Not Me Monday!!!

Not me Monday is a fun way to confess your little imperfections of the week! This comes from a really cute mom blog McKmama. Check her blog out it is really funny! This should be fun! 

I did NOT turn the baby monitor down and let the Blond One scream in her crib (for who knows how long) and go back to sleep, only to finally go check on her and find a huge diaper full of diarrhea and a VERY RED bottom and vajayjay. NOT ME, I would NEVER do that.

There is NO way I would EVER let the Red Head and the Brunette eat Happy Meals TWO days in a row....NEVER EVER, not me!

Because I am trying to lose the last 10 lbs of my baby weight, I most certainly did not eat chips and queso THREE days in a row. I am much to dedicated to my weight loss plan. NOT ME.

Finally, I would never NOT WASH my hair and run a blow dryer through dirty hair to try and spruce it up a little and not look quite so greasy. How gross would that be...NOT ME!!!!