Ask a Stupid Question...

Ben was throwing up last night and while he isn't throwing up anymore, we are taking it easy today. I was changing him this morning and we had quite the talk,

Me: "How do you feel? Does anything hurt you? (meaning your stomach...)"
Ben: "Scissors and the vaccuum hurt me."

I guess I need to be a bit more specific in my wording.

One More Heart

I would like to add one more thing to my "I Heart... Thursday" post

I heart that Ben has gained 13oz. since November. This means that he will not have to be put on growth hormones right now. The doctor said he is almost following the same curve as other kids. Yay! He is on his way!

My Hearts

I am participating in this weeks I "heart"... at You and Me Plus Three. Go there now to add yours and read others!!

This week has been a really stressful one. Ben is toying with potty training, Will and I both have had a lot of school work and Matt has started back up with the lawn business. Needless to say, things at our house haven't been the most pleasant. We are all thinking about all the negative instead of focusing on all the good we have going on. So when I saw the "I Heart... Thursday's" post at You and Me Plus 3, I knew I needed to participate. I need to take a minute and think about all the wonderful things I love. I need to remind myself that while we may be busy and stressed we are still so very blessed.

I heart that all the laundry was caught up last night.

I heart the good grade I got on my test.

I heart that Will is so excited about helping those in need through "Kids Kan" this week.

I heart that we haven't come down with the stomach bug that is plaguing the area.

I heart that my husband is such an amazing provider.

I heart the salt and vinegar chips I had for lunch.

I heart the fact I was able to eat my lunch in peace even more.

I heart the sun is out and spring is almost here.

I could go on but I will stop. It seems the more I write about all the things I am thankful for, the more things keep coming to mind. Isn't funny how that works? I hope that at some point today you will get a minute to think about all the good things in your life.

Top Two Tuesday

The topic of today's Top Two Tuesday is 2 favorite TV shows. I don't get to watch a whole lot of TV. Well, I take that back. What I mean is I don't get to watch a whole lot of TV that I want to watch. When the TV is on at our house, it is usually on PBS Kids during the day and Disney at night. So, this means I get to see a lot of Hannah Montana and The Suite Life on Deck along with Clifford, Curious George and Sid the Science Kid. But, I do occasionally get to watch something I enjoy and when I do, I love The Office and Teenage Mom.

The Office I love because it is hilarious. There are so many quoteable lines. I just laugh out loud pretty much the entire episode. It is a show that requires no thinking to watch. Just watch and enjoy.

Strangely enough, I also love the show Teenage Mom. This is weird becasue you would think being a teenage mother at one point, I would not want to watch it. I lived it, so why watch it on TV? Who knows but, I love this show.

Why, Why, Why

What a lovely morning we had (sarcasm). Sometimes, I wonder what the heck my kids are thinking when they do things or maybe they just aren't thinking. They can't be. That has to be it. Otherwise, why on earth would they do what they do?

For example, this morning Ben woke up and ran in to see his brother. Aww, I was thinking, how sweet. He loves his brother. It wasn't two seconds later, they are fighting. Ben had gone to see his brother just to irritate him. Then, in retaliation Will goes and gets one of Ben's toys, just to hear Ben scream. I play referee for a minute get them settled and go back to finish getting ready.

Then, Will yells, "MOM!!! Look what your son did". I go in the living room and Ben has gotten a bag of popcorn, from the trash none the less, has dumped it out and is stepping on the popcorn. Why he felt like this was a good thing to be do, I have no idea. So , at 8:25 this morning when we should have been walking out the door, I was vaccuming popcorn pieces out of the carpet.

And in between the fighting and the popcorn there was a struggle over what Will was going to wear. This child has a very unique fashion sense. This morning, he wanted to wear his basketball jersey to school. I tell him O.K., thinking he will put a shirt on under it. Nope. We spent a good 10 minutes going back and forth on why this was not appropriate for school. He finally decided on an Under Armour shirt. Great...

I am hoping that this morning is not an indication of how our evening will go.

Not Me

Today I am participating in MckMama'a Not Me Monday. I think this is such a great idea. I can write about all the things that I so did not do :)

1. It was not me who let Will have bite size Snickers for breakfast this morning. I always make sure my children have a healthy and well balanced breakfast.

2. It was definitely not me who let the laundry pile up ALL weekend.

3. It was not me who had to make two trips to Target yesterday. I am an efficient shopper. I never forget anything.

4. It was not me who waited until after the boys went to bed to eat my ice cream from Sonic so I would not have to share. I never mind sharing my dessert with my children.

5. It was not me that watched "Drumline" on Nick last night. I would never watch such a mindless movie that in no way enriches my life.

6. And it was so not me that would not let Matt change the fore mentioned movie!

I hope that you all have a great Monday and that you will be able to look at some of your so called short comings and be glad it wasn't you!

Finally Some Progress

BEN PEED IN THE POTTY!!

I have been wondering forever when he would finally do it. He has been acting interested in potty training forever but, would never go. Then tonight, I was cooking dinner and he came in the kitchen and told me he needed a diaper. He took his off and threw it away and the as I followed him to his room to get a dry diaper he said, "Oh- I need to sit on the potty." That was it. He went and has gone three times since then. Maybe we are on our way!

Updates

What a week. I feel like we have been going non stop. I guess this would explain for the lack of posts these past few days.

So, last week I asked (begged) for dinner ideas. There were two really good ones that were sent to me. We tried them both. They were both super good and super easy! The Ravioli-Spinach bake was sent by Go East Memphis Mama. I used cheese ravioli and left out the spinach (non of the boys will eat it). It ended up being a lasagna type dish. I served salad and bread with it and we were happy. The other was sent to me by Tim and Linz Rowland, she got it from Kelly's Korner. It is King Ranch Chicken. It was also super easy and so very good. It is almost like Rotel chicken but better, in my opinion. I should have drained the Rotel first because mine was a little runny but, it was still good. Matt had three helpings! I am still looking for other ideas but, these will definitely be added to the regular rotation. Thanks girls! They were a hit.

Valentine's Day ended up being nothing special. We just ate at my parents because we were there dropping the boys off anyway. In fact, Matt's exact words were ,"It is pointless for you to cook for just us." I know, I know, we are so romantic.

The rest of the week has just flown by. Neither one of the boys have been sleeping very well so we are all a little edgy. I am hoping that soon we will all get some rest.

I am looking forward to the weekend. I have bunko tomorrow night and Saturday my sweet niece turns two! I had so much fun shopping for her present! Little girls have the cutest toys. Sunday, I am going to a baby shower and some where in all that Will has a basketball game and my brother comes home. It will be busy but I am excited.

I hope that you all have had a great week. Just one more day!

Happy Heart Day!

Today at Kelly's Korner the "Show Us Your Life" topic is Valentine's Day-Dates and Ideas. I know many people don't like Valentine's Day for one reason or another but, I have always liked it for some reason. It isn't that I ever got a really special gift or had anything just wonderful happen to me. I just like it. I like all the hearts and flowers at the stores. I like all the candy. I like the idea of a day completely devoted to love. I don't feel like it has to be a holiday only celebrated between people in a romantic relationship. I like to use the day to let all the people I love know how much they mean to me.

This Valentine's Day, Matt and I are going to stay home. The boys are going to be with my momand dad . I plan on making a special dinner and for once being able to sit down and enjoy it. We are going to take our time eating. We will not have to tell anyone to sit down, to turn around or eat three more bites before you get up. I know it isn't much of a celebration but I am really excited. I know I won't get anything from him and I will not give him anything but, we will spend time together, which in the end is all I really want.

I hope that you and your special someone have a very happy Valentine's Day however you decide to spend it.

Help! What's for Dinner?

Girls, I have a dilemma. I feel like I make the same couple of meals for dinner over and over and over. To be honest, I am sick of them and I know Matt and the boys are too. I have searched online and in recipe books and found some things but, I am asking myself the whole time I am reading them if real people actually have time and energy to make this at the end of the day. So, I am asking for your help. I would love for ya'll to send me some ideas for dinner. I am in desperate need of some help. My boys and my husband would really appreciate it too!

I hope ya'll are having a great week. It is Wednesday! We are half way to the weekend!

Once a Mommy, Just a Mommy

It was so cute tonight. We were at my in-laws and my sweet niece, Presley was there. She and Ben were playing and anytime she would come near me Ben would say, "That's my mommy!". He did that a few times and then Presley started calling me Mommy any time she would see me. At first, I would just laugh and say, "I'm not your mommy.". It took us all night before Candice (P's actual mommy) finally figured out that she thought my name was Mommy. I guess once you become a mommy you are just a mommy for a while.

The Weekend in Review

This weekend in review...

Friday night Matt and I and the boys went to eat. I said that I did not care where we went (I was just happy I didn't have to cook). Matt decided on Dixie Cafe of all places. We ended up having a really good time. Usually, when we go out to eat it is a miserable experience. Ben is constantly trying to get up, Will complains and something is always spilled. This night was different. We ate our meal and then even sat and talked after we ate!!! There is hope.

Saturday morning, Will had a basketball game (they won). My mom took us to breakfast after it which was not nearly as pleasant as the night before. We did have a good time though. I think my kids entertained the senior citizen community that was there.

Saturday night, I had a girls night. My sister and I took my mom to see Dear John for her birthday. Let me just tell you that I was really disappointed. It may just be me. I typically do not like Nicholas Sparks and this time was no exception. I would love to hear what those of you who have seen it thought about it. I will admit however that it was worth it to look at Channing Tatum for 2 hours. He is beautiful.

Today, Matt worked. He has quite a bit to catch up on since the weather has been so bad. The boys and I just hung out at home. Then tonight, we went to the in-laws for Matt's dad's birthday. We had a great time. Ben and Presley were too funny playing together. It is so much fun to see them growing up together.

I hope ya'll had a great weekend. Have a wonderful week!

P.S. WHO DAT!!!

Show Us Your Life

Today's "Show Us Your Life" topic - Beauty Tips and Favorite Products. I am by far no expert but I have found what I like and that is pretty much what I stick with. I love to try new products but I always go back to the ones I have listed here. They just work for me.

I have always had really bad acne, even now as an adult, I still struggle with it. The only soap I use on my face is Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash. I love it! I have been using it since I was 15. It helps clear up my face but does not dry it out.

After I wash my face at night I use a prescription product, Epi Duo. I am not just ridiculously pleased with it but, I guess it helps. In the morning, I exfoliate. For this I use, St. Ives Apricot Scrub for Acne Prone Skin. My skin feels so smooth and soft after I use this and I feel like it helps eliminate blackheads.

Once I have cleansed and exfoliated, I moisturize. For this, I like Cetaphil moisturizer. It also has SPF 15, which is nice. It is also very light weight and has no fragrance. Matt also uses it but don't tell him I mentioned this. He has very sensitive skin and this product really helps it.

Oddly enough, as picky as I am about what I use to wash, exfoliate, moisturize and treat my face, I am not nearly as picky about my make up. For foundation and powder, my favorites are Clinique Superfit Foundation and the Blended Face powder. The combination is not heavy but, provides the coverage I need.

For my eyes, I am using MAC -Solar Bits. It looks like crushed up eye shadow. It is a bit messy but, looks really pretty once it is on. I feel like mascara is super important. Right now, I love Covergirl Lash Blast in the orange tube. It makes my lashes look long and full but does not clump up. As far as blush and eye liner go, I just use whatever I feel like will look good which changes daily.

Another product I love is OPI nail polish. It has become the only brand I use. The colors are so pretty and they go on and stay on really well. Right now, I love the super dark colors. I just feel put together when my nails are painted.

As far as my hair goes, as long as I have a straightener and a round brush, I am good to go, nothing too specific here.

7 going on 17

This is a little late but, I am just now getting a chance to tell ya'll about it.

Wednesday we went to Target. Will always asks to get something and of course that day was no exception. What was surprising was what he wanted to get. Normally, he wants a toy. Today he wanted deodorant and body wash!! I am a bit confused by this being that he is 7 but, I am going to listen.

Me: "We have soap at home."
Will: "It is for babies. I need manly soap."
Me: "o.k. but, I don't think you need deodorant.
Will: "Yes I Do!!"
Me: "Why"
Will: "To kill the bacteria under my arms and because my pits stink."

At this point I am stifling laughter.

Me: "O.K. We will go get some"
Will: "I need the Axe kind. I also need a 'leaf' (loofah).
Me: "Why"
Will: "So I will be extra clean."

After about 15 minutes spent smelling every Axe scent and me getting over the shock at what it says on the bottle, we are ready to go. As he is proudly holding his new grooming products on the way to check out, I hear him say, "ALL the ladies will want me now."

I am worried about this. Like I said earlier, he is 7. What will 17 be like?

Simple Pleasures

A few weeks ago, I stumbled across Kelly's Korner. I have never met this woman but, I really like her. She has a cute blog with over 6,ooo followers! How does that happen? Anyway, I occasionally look at her blog to see what she hast posted. Today her topic was "simple pleasures". As I was reading, I began thinking of all the little things that make me so happy.

When my child comes and hugs me just because.

Sweet baby kisses.

Clean, warm sheets.

Naps on rainy days.

A clean car.

Family game night.

New socks.

A good coke in a Styrofoam cup.

When my husband does bath time.

The whole family in bed on Sunday morning.

The way it smells when you come home and dinner has been in the crock pot all day.

Seeing my children laugh together.

I hope you are able to find a few simple pleasures in your life today. I feel like these are the things that make us truly happy. The big things are nice but, they can be few and far between. It is the simple things that keep us going.

Ben

As Ben begins to talk (and talk and talk), I really want to remember all the little things he says before he loses that baby talk. I did not write down any of the cute little things Will said and I am really wishing I had. I have now forgotten all of the little toddler words and phrases he had. So, in order to avoid the same mistake with Ben, I am going to record them on my blog. I know that very few of you care what my child calls various things but, I want to remember them and I am convinced this is the only way. Please excuse this totally mommy moment...

pupckaes = cupcakes
nanooks = fingers
ice pickles = icicles
nassy's juice = grape juice
bobo = his "lovey"
lipes = wet wipes

While I am at it, I am also going to list a few of his favorite things. Again, please bear with me on this.

Right now ,at 28 months, his favorite things are
toy cars
candy
any type of lawn equipment (mowers, blowers, etc.)

He loves to
read and be read to
help mommy cook and clean
look at pictures of himself
have his picture taken
play with brother
"work" with his tools and "fix" things

His favorite people are
Daddy
Bubba (my dad)
Pops (Matt's dad)
Brother

Nana (Aunt Ana)