Uh.....

Procrastination use to be my thing growing up.  Now that I'm an adult, I don't like to do that.  And this is why, because I freak!  I said it and right now I'm freaking out inside.  C's 1st "friend" birthday party is t minus 9 days from today.  No big deal, right?  Wrong. I have managed to mail out invitations but other than that all I have accomplished is purchasing 1 craft, paper plates, and napkins.  I'm going to have 9 little ones at our house for 2 and half hours...I need more!  I have managed to get all kinds of ideas pinned on pinterest (you can see HERE), but a lot of good pinning is going to do without a follow through. 

So these are my ideas, more for me than you but feel free to let my stress entertain you...

Activities for the kiddos:
Make foam scarecrow magnets (check!  The one craft I bought)
Decorate candied apples (need apples, caramel, sticks, sprinkles, & candies)
Photo booth (need balloons on string, hay bales, pumpkins)
Wooden leaf painting (need paint, leaves)
Story time (need a fall book)

Decorations:
Homemade birthday banner (need cardstock, scrapbook paper, ribbon)
Balloons strung on a string (need balloons)
Tables for the crafts (need tablecloths)
Pumpkins, leaves, twigs (need all)

Food:
Veggie tray
Leaf shaped sandwiches (need leaf cookie cutter)
Autumn candy mix (need cupcake liners, candy)
Chips, pretzels, crackers (need bowls)
Apple cider (need cups)
Cake! (need to order one)

Parting gifts: (need all)
Mini scarecrow
Leaf cookie cutter
Silly glasses
Candies
Bags, thank you label

Oh boy.  As if I wasn't overwhelmed before.  As I get the items, I will cross them off. 

When I psycho analyze my procrastination, my only reasoning I can think of is that J leaves 4 days before the party.  I don't want him to go; so by putting this off, subconsciously I think I'll be putting off his inevitable departure.  I'm really just making myself freak out more.  Oh and maybe I can't believe my baby is turning 5!

Fleurs of Fall

Our home in it's first September...

Family Time

We always spend a lot of time together as a family, especially on the weekends.  Lately, J and I have been savoring these moments more and focusing on the kids having fun.  The first week of October, J is leaving for a 6 week Army school in TX.  The same spot he was at 5 years ago, when C was born (he won't be home for his bday this year). Let me just say, compared to others in the military, we have been extremely blessed these past 5 years.  We are very aware of this and treasure each moment, not taking it for granted.  The 6 weeks will be a challenge for all of us, but in the forefront of our minds we will always know how it could be and will never complain. 

Unfortunately, Saturday wasn't geared much for the kids.  We dragged them to every shoe store in the mall, thankfully they weren't too bad, to help J find a good pair of running shoes.  Sunday we tried to make it up to them by having fun at the playground.

Corndog

The other day while driving home from preschool, C told me he didn't want lunch when we got home.  So I asked him what they had for a snack that day. His reply was:
"We had cake.  With no icing.  And it tasted like corndogs."
My only guess was that it wasn't a cake-cake, but rather corn bread. 


Today in the car (because we do a lot of talking in the car) our conversation...
C: "Why does XX (we'll leave her anonymous) just have one baby? Because she doesn't want two?"
Me: "No she wants another one she just can't."
C: "Oh because her husband doesn't want one?"
Me: "No, no, no.  Her body can't make another one right now."
C:  "You should tell her to talk to God and she could make her one."   (He refers to God as a female)
I thought that was so sweet and profound. 

Preschool Days

Inspired by a photo on Pinterest.  See HERE  I am going to try to do this every school year.

Today was B's first day at the same preschool C goes too.  They're in separate classes but will go the same days and times (Tues & Thurs 8:30 - 11:30 am).  It's great, but crazy at the same time, to have some me time! 

Zoo Visit to See J's Fam

I always like to say that we're going to the zoo to see Jeremy's family.  Not as an insult to his family but more that he belongs in a zoo, ha.  We couldn't have asked for a better day weather-wise, it was not too hot and not cold.  And here lately it's either been one or the other.  Last time we went B was still too small to enjoy some of the stuff there, so this visit was a new adventure.  We all got to play on their awesome playground.

They had previews of the DinoTrek that will be showcased March 2012.  C was over the moon about it

We slowly (due to B's insistance of walking instead of riding in the stroller) got around to most of the animals.

I do the same thing to my husband!

See how at home he feels at the zoo? lol

Happy boys = a happy Mama!

B's 2nd Bday

We don't really do birthday parties in our house.  They are usually spent together as a family eating cake and opening gifts.  That's what our tradition has consisted of since we're a military family and live far from extended family.  Plus since we won't always know when we're moving, it's easier that way then having to explain to a child we can't have a friend party because we don't know many people due to a recent move.  However, since C will be turning 5 and that's quite a milestone, we'll be doing an exception this year.  And poor B will have to wait til he's 5 to have his first big party too.  He didn't seem to mind anyways this year, being so young.  He had a blast on his special day! 

It started by being waken up with singing by Mommy and big brother C.

Breakfast consisted of a muffin and a candle.

Spent the morning at the doctor's office for B's 2 year well baby check up.  Yeah, I'm a cruel Mom.

We had to wait all day for Daddy to come from work to enjoy this:



Once he came home we rushed him to shower so B could open his gifts!

Then it was off to Chik Fil A for dinner and to play on their playground.



To end the day's celebration we had cake!

Happy Birthday Baby B!

Happy 2nd Birthday Brayden!  You are a child of wonder.  You are definitely a boy's boy; rough and tough, ready to get dirty.  You have a fascination with athletic balls and can kick a soccer ball better than your older brother.  You are stubborn and have been since you entered the world.  You know what you want and will be sure to let everyone know!   You are the spitting image of your father but have the temper of your mother.  You are shy and reserved, however you observe with closeness and take everything in.  You do silly dances and have a unique sense of humor.  You are very handy, have been since you could grab objects.  Although you can be mean at times, you have an extremely sweet side which makes up for it.  I am very blessed to be your mother. I couldn't imagine my life without you.  I love you more every day.   Happy Birthday baby. 

 

It's Official...

Fall is here!  It sure feels like it with this 68 degree weather.  Starbucks has released their Pumpkin Spice Latte (I have yet to get one).  Target and Walmart need to get on the bandwagon!  Surprisingly they are just now dragging out the autumn decor.  Hello! Get with it people. 

Fall decor is officially up in the home.  Went this year with subtle and simple.  It's scattered in random places, but here's some major spots:

The outside is slowly being decorated, I guess I'm with Target and Walmart on that one.


AND somebody has a birthday in 2 days!!!  B will be officially 2 and will finally act his age (the terrible twos). 
A fellow Army wife whom I met while stationed in Hawaii has started crocheting hats.  I asked her if she could make an owl one for him and she did wonderful! 



Back to Blog World

For over a week, I have been a working SAHM.  But now it is over and I'm so glad!  I miss my family.  I recently assisted a friend of mine who has a photography business with a "boudoir bash."  We had a total of 8 girls and 1 couple, making 9 sessions in a day and a half.  Once modesty was shoved out the window, taking the photos became second nature.  There were some hot mamas and they sure knew how to work it.  Editing has been the grueling, daunting task; it is very time consuming.  My hats off to those who own a photography business!  I truly admire what you do.  As for myself, I now know what I don't want to do when I "grow up."  I'm going to stick to doing it as a hobby, there's a lot less pressure. ;)

Here's a preview...
R wanted a pinup feel and I think it was accomplished.  She did awesome.