I just don't get it.

   I'm having a very difficult time today not second guessing what God is doing.  Typically, I do the very best I can to remember than He will not give us more than we can handle and that He puts us through situations for reasons.  However, when it touches a dear sweet child, I just lose every ounce of understanding I have. 

  Thankfully, Madelyn is absolutely healthy and happy as ever.  BUT, a friend of mine (one of the mom's in my group) has a daughter who is three months younger than Madelyn who is not.  THREE MONTHS DIFFERENCE.  Her daughter, Shelby, has been running a fever and had a rash for over a week now and they finally admitted her into the hospital for more observations.  I have tried my best to give her the space I feel I'd like if it were me and have gotten my information from a mutual friend.  As of last night, they have begun to call in other specialists including a rheumatologist and an oncologist.  If either turns out to be the correct diagnosis, my heart just breaks for Shelby.  Since I don't know much about Rheumatoid Arthritis, I am more concerned about the chances of cancer.  I just don't understand WHY this would happen to such a small and innocent child.  I really do struggle with this more than anything everytime I hear of a child going through something like this.   

   I can completely hold on the the idea that we will not be given more than we can handle when it is something job or typical life related.  It is typically the only thing I have left to hang on to from keeping me from going absolutely nuts.  I get that part.  I pray and pray and pray about Shelby all day long--every time I get the thought in my head.  I put her above and way beyond any of my usual conversation pieces with God.  I also ask God to help me not question him--but it's a difficult thing to do.  Again, I am definately the person who worries about the worst.  I just can't help but worrying about what that is in this situation. 

  Anyway,  I mostly came on this morning to ask for prayers and thoughts.  Once again, I just simply couldn't and wouldn't want to put myself in their situation.  All the pain and misunderstanding and even a little anger I have now... I honestly don't know how I would handle it if it were me.  Please keep Shelby in mind as you go through your day. ( I won't post a pic of her as I'm unsure if her mother would want that.  However, she is a precious little girl with the cutest little face ever.)  I know a couple of you who read my blog regularly have (or will have) children of your own.  I swear it hits home a lot more when you know it could very well be your family. It also makes you so very grateful for your own healthy family and feel so very ridiculous for worrying about material things. 

   We'll be celebrating Madelyn's birthday on Saturday and the idea that Shelby will have one in three months and who knows what she'll be going through makes me sick.  I will be watching Madelyn run around at the beach laughing and smiling on Saturday while poor Shelby is sitting in a hospital room.    It just doesn't seem right.  I promise to keep you all posted as soon as I hear the outcome.   Again, please Please PLEASE keep Shelby and her family in your thoughts and prayers until we know what is going on. 

It has been decided...

We finally have a plan for Madelyn's birthday.  We're laying low this year and doing just a simple family celebration at the beach.  I did invite a friend and her family along, but aside from that, just our close family.  We'll pick up subs or pizza and I will be making a Dora (Madelyn's choice) cake!  Of course, we'll have her pinata--although she very well may be the only one hitting at it--and a few decorations and presents.  I actually feel guilty about not doing a "real" birthday party for her, especially since she does have friends this year.  I know she won't know any better and that she will appreciate whatever it is we do for her, but I just feel an obligation to her to have that big birthday party complete with kids and chaos....Anyway, it is decided and set in stone and there's absolutely NO going back now.  Especially since we'll be doing this on Saturday and there would be absolutely no way to get something else together.

I cannot believe that my baby girl is growing up so fast. 

First day

Today was the first day of my couch to 5k program!  The first week (3 days) is a brisk 5 minute walk and then alternate one minute of running and a minute and a half walking for a total of 20 minutes.  It went well.  We finished the program BUT I will say that it did begin to get difficult toward the last half of the time.  I'm very excited and think this is actually something we can conquer!  So, help keep me motivated and hopefully I can make it to my 5K I have planned to attend  near the end of October!  I do have a friend running with me so that should help keep me motivated as well :) I am so proud of myself and hope to stick to it and really make it a lifestyle change.  I will check in every once in a while and keep you all updated!

Madelyn's Play House

Yep!  I made that!  ALL BY MYSELF :)

My parents purchased a larger playset for Madelyn earlier this week.  What did I do with one of the boxes the playset came in?  Made her this awesome playhouse.  How cool is it that she has something brand new to play with (and a really awesome playset) that was absolutely FREE!  Paint was left over from our kitchen and Madelyn's bedroom, the door knob was a plastic golf ball, and although I should have been paid for all my physical work....that was free too!  You guys really don't understand how incredibly proud of myself I am.  I think I am going to continue when I have the time and maybe add some curtains for the windows (there's another on the side closest to the door), and I'd love for her to have maybe a small table and chair in there.  How cute will she and her friend be in this?? TOO CUTE!  I absolutely promise there will be more and better pictures to come within the next few days.  I took this picture tonight.  It looks WAY better in person too.   Madelyn LOVES her new playhouse and her playset.  She's a very lucky little girl-- grandparents buy one gift--and she gets two!  Honest....more pics to come!!!

Ugh, well.... I accidentally erased my background.  Then, I couldn't find a good header.  I'm tired... long day.  I drove an hour away to get Madelyn's new jogging stroller AND put together her new playset that my parents got her for her birthday. I'll try again tomorrow.  Goodnight!

It's been a while

Well, as I stated in the last post, I've kinda been slacking on the posts.  I've just been SO busy lately.  This weekend was no different.  We drove into New Orleans for some friends' bachelor/bachelorette party on Friday and got in LATE last night.  It was a great trip and we all had a great time too!  So, just to update a little on what's going on in life, I'll make a few bullet points. 

*  Madelyn's birthday is quickly approaching and I've decided to do just a small family party at the beach.  I am making her cake and will have a ocean/tiffany's blue fondant with seashells bordering the cake and a large starfish on top!  I see it in my mind, hopefully I can create it :)   Of course, on her actual birthday, we will definately continue with her Cinco De Mayo birthday and eat Mexican!  We MAY go to Nickelodeon Studios with some friends of ours the following weekend but that's still up in the air.  Simple, laid back, and cozy.  That's what I'm going for this year!
*  I'm sure you've all figured out that I haven't been running.. naughty naughty.  BUT, a friend of mine is in the market for a jogging stroller and we are supposed to get with the program (couch to 5k Lindsey!)  So, we'll see if we actually do it!  It's always better to have someone there to push you and motivate you to get off your ass though haha!
*  I just finished reading a series of books--another reason I've been MIA lately.  I am a bit ashamed to admit that, YES, I did really enjoy the Twilight saga, but I enjoy the mindless reading it provides.  Therefore, I continued to think like a teenager and read the Mortal Instruments books. I read all three in probably a week---does that tell you anything?  And I have yet another hottie to add to my list of imaginary guys with some serious sex appeal.
*  Woohoo!  I made it to my $100 goal for March of Dimes.  Thanks to those who donated!  The walk is this weekend and I look forward to doing it.  I feel like I doing something that's bigger than myself. 
*  Lastly, I was informed yesterday that I will NOT be getting my camera I so desperately wanted.  You know, the Canon that takes way better pictures than the one from my crappy little everyday camera.  Very upset about this and I seriously hope Jeremy's just messing with me.  However, I saw no trace of laughter in his face when he was telling me all of this... boo

A few pics.....

My two besties!! Plus Russell :)

<3 <3 <3

A few of the girls!

It's back! Finally!!!

   Don't you just LOVE spring time?  Well, if not, I personally think something may very well be wrong with you. The whole reason we moved to Florida is because the warmer months last longer... until this year, of course.  I think the weather is here to stay and I am already exhausted from constantly going going going.  We're never home now.  During the day, we're either at the park, or outside doing something.  When Jeremy gets home, we eat dinner, and out we go again.  It is non stop until maybe a very rare rainy day.
   I absolutely love the warmth on my skin and the brightness of the sun.  Everyone's out exercising (except me--which is a shame because I'm supposed to be running--oops) and living in the moment.  Families seem happier as they trample along the sidewalks with dogs on leashes.  Little kids are running around with their baseball uniforms on, which brings back so many childhood (all the way to high school) memories.  Ahhh.... I'm such a happier person this time of year!
  Sundresses.  Another favorite.  I'm not really loving shorts this year.  I feel like I'm in between lengths.  The shorter ones make me feel like a kid, and the longer ones make me feel frumpy.  Therefore, I will probably be sporting the sundresses and skirts a little more this year.  Anyway, back to the love of sundresses.  They can be so simple and still make me feel so pretty and girly. 
 Oh and flowers.  Who can overlook those beautiful little blooms??  They add just the right splash of color to my day!  You know the daisies that are so vibrant with color (that they use dye to get that way) at the grocery stores?  Jeremy has brought my first bouquet home for the season!  Well, it was maybe a week or so ago, but I just forgot to state that important event.  I used to always tell him not to waste money on flowers, they just die.  BUT, I think he has begun to notice that I really like that little bit of life in the house! I still think maybe it's a waste of money,  but I have to admit that I do love it when he brings them home as a treat for me :)
 And remember those cute little sandals I photographed a while back? (these) Yep!  Just another reminder that the weather I love so much is here :) My little angel girl hasn't looked back for tennis shoes and socks since.  Flip flops, beach shoes, and precious little sandals.  That's my baby's footwear for the next few months! 
  I LOVE this time of year.  I've also sworn that I will not complain about it being too hot when the time comes.  Not after the unsettling cold we experienced this year.  We'll see how that goes.  Anyway, go outside and enjoy this beautiful day!  (This may also be the reason for the lack of new posts on my end.)  I'll "see" you soon!!xoxo

My fur babies

While Madelyn was napping (a very short nap at that), I looked down from the couch at my sweet baby boys.  They were practically begging me to love on them.  After I got on the floor and hung out with them, I realized that I haven't said much about my boys on here.  I know I always post pictures of Madelyn with them or of the things she does to them, but I never just talk about them.  That being said, here goes...
Bruce, our Great Dane, is such a wonderful big baby.  He weighs way more than me, but is honestly the "baby" of the house.  He has such a kind heart.   We got Bruce in college when he was 2 from a Great Dane rescue.  His entire family was starved to death and he was the only one left.  My poor baby :( The lady who took him in got him back into shape and worked with him on "manners".  For the first six months or so, he wouldn't let anyone near me and slept on my side of bed.  He would only cooperate with me.  (He and Harley never had any problems.) When we finally felt that he'd be okay around others, we began our quest to get him "comfortable".  It took many trips to the football games, ball fields and fraternity house but he eventually came around.  Many years have passed and he is perfectly fine. All he ever asks for is love... and some table scraps.  Every once in a while something will trigger his nerves and we'll have to soothe him. He HATES bad weather and will literally curl himself around the toilet.   As you've seen, Madelyn jumps all over him. She's just like that taunting little sister. She bugs him all the time, but he never lets it get to him. He just lets her do whatever it is she wants.  He's such a big (no pun intended) part of our family...
Harley, my pug, is my sweet baby boy.  He joined me when I was a junior in high school and has been with me ever since.  We took a brief vacation from each other about a month in college, but I quickly came back for him.  He's been through a lot with me and has always been there.  Before we banned them from the bed and couch, he would always curl up with me and cuddle.  He knew when I needed him.  He's extremely hard headed and stubborn and typically only listens to me (definately takes after his owner).  He will mark his spot on every blade of grass in sight and makes it impossible to enjoy a walk around the block.  He's pretty easy going and almost no trouble.  He is, however, the one who, every once in a while, I have to clean up after...His favorite thing in the entire world is to curl up underneath some blankets.  Although he rarely gets to do this anymore, he still savors it occasionally. Jeremy used to say I loved Harley more than him.  I'd joke with him all the time about who I'd save first if they were both drowning.  I did have a pretty good answer though..."Harley can't swim very well and he'd have a hard time holding on the the lifesaver. So, I'd throw Jeremy the lifesaver and jump in after Harley."   Harley definately just tolerates Madelyn.  She plays dress up with him, hugs him, kisses him, feeds him, chases him and sings with him.  I'm sure he misses the days when he was the baby, but he handles Madelyn pretty well. 
Jeremy and I really lucked out to have such mild tempered boys around Madelyn.  I would have been SO devistated if they hadn't gotten along with her. They've been so great with her and adjusting to all the changes we've had to make.  Bruce is her best buddy and I truly think if given the opportunity, he'd protect her.  They are my boys and I am so glad they are a part of our family.  (Watching Madelyn and Harley snuggle under a blanket at this very moment.) Just wanted to share a little about the other part of our family :)

PS- I'll do an Easter post later....

Cookies

Madelyn and I began our very first easter tradition today!  Since she was too little last year to really care, I didn't bother doing any holiday activities with her.  This year, however, has been a blast.  On top of decorating the house, art projects, picking out outfits, and the anticipation of egg hunts, we made our very own cookies!!  Her Grammie bought some Easter cookie cutters for her and so we put them to use by making a cookie for each of our family members (minus Daddy because we plan to do a few with him as well).   Obivously, I can't multi task that much because this time I videoed everything but got very little pictures. 
Anyway, she is getting to be such a smart little girl.  We were able to do a "lesson" in with the cookies on shapes and colors - via cookie cutters,sprinkles,and jelly beans.  She knew all the shapes and most of the colors!  And, although this has nothing to do with this post, she is up to four in counting!  Yay!  I really love getting to do all these "moments" with Madelyn.  I feel like I have been such a visible part of the memories she's making.

Getting ready to roll the dough!

Mmmm....

Our "tools"

Decorating Pops' cookie

Finished products 2010!

 

To keep my train of thought.

So, this post won't really be one that interests any of you.  BUT, I need somewhere to write down the ideas I have for Madelyn's birthday.  I know, that's what they make notebook paper for, but that tends to get lost around here.  So, please, disregard this post and forgive me for introducing my love for lists so abruptly by actually doing a list. 
Now, I was thinking about doing just a small beach birthday for family on the weekend before and that being it.  I mean, she's turning two, which IS a big deal, but isn't one of those milestone birthdays.  Then, I thought about doing a get together at my house with a few of the ladies and kids from the playgroup on Madelyn's actual birthday but still keeping it simple.  NOW, I'm wondering if I should do a small party on the weekend for family at the beach and then do a fiesta themed party at the house on her birthday (Madelyn is a cinco de mayo baby).  However, I don't want to hurt my in law's feelings by doing more of a party on a day they can't be there.  So, should I just do a "big" party on the weekend --fiesta themed--and suck it up?? 
I also know that Madelyn is in love with Dora now--which I guess I could actually incorporate that since it kinda goes with the theme....But would she really care if I just left Dora out and kept it all fiesta because I'm worrying that I'd get too complex with both things in one....

Okay, so anyway, this is what I'm thinking for a fiesta:

FOOD: mini tacos,seven layer dip/chips, non alcoholic margaritas (and if on the weekend, maybe the real thing for adults),quesidillas w/ sour creme and quacamole, fruit/veggies, cheese, cake, cookies, chili pepper shaped gummies.... ***I need some more kid friendly foods-Any suggestions??

DECORATIONS:  mini maraca key chains,chili paper confetti,sombrero straws,fiesta bubbles,donkey pinata table decorations, donkey pinata,chili pepper picks for fruit & cheese, children's sombreros....Anything else I should ABSOLUTELY have?

ENTERTAINMENT: pinata, hula hoops, I would LOVE an inflatable water slide if I could find one for a decent price, What else??

Okay, so obviously I need some help on a lot of decisions.  What party idea should I go with?  And what are some suggestions if I go with one of these?

And honestly, I may possibly change my mind AGAIN.  So, next week, this may not even apply anymore.  Thanks for letting me waste a little internet space!

How can I get on to her?

Seriously, sometimes it's just too hard to correct a wrong.  Especially when it's so cute and you really can't help but laugh.  So, what did I do?  I took pictures!  THEN told her not to do it again.  We'll see how that goes. 

Madelyn was being really quiet in her playroom yesterday.  Quiet usually means trouble around here.  So, I peeked in to see what she was doing.  At that very moment, Madelyn poured a play kitchen cup full of dog bowl water onto Bruce's head (our great dane).  I have no idea what she thought she was doing.  Either she thought he was thirsty, or that he needed a bath.  Whatever the case was, I was pretty stunned and told her to stop playing in the water and had her help me clean the mess.  (I was too in the moment to think to snap a pic of this.) So, fast forward to when Jeremy gets home.  He and I are standing in the kitchen talking when I hear "here you go barley."  (Barley is how Madelyn says Harley-our pug's name.)  I don't know what made me think to look in on her, but I did.  This is the first pic I saw.

Yep, she's back at the dog bowls.

(Nevermind the terrible temporary dog beds--theirs had had it.)

So, I sit and watch her for just a few minutes to see exactly what it was she was doing.  She had gotten the play spoon from her kitchen, and was "feeding" Harley a spoonful at a time.  She'd get a scoop, take it to him, dump it, and say "here you go Barley."  She also very well knew she was doing something wrong, because when she saw me walk by, she stopped what she was doing, smiled, and blew me two kisses.  It really was cute and I even called Jeremy in there to watch when she started back up--she thought I had walked away.  However, when I actually went into the room, I was not so pleased.  Here's a visual for you...

Oh yeah, look closely.  There is water in their food.  That little stinker used the cup I previously wrote about to add a little water.  Maybe she felt Harley could eat it better if it was softened a little.  Or, maybe she was just experimenting?

See that cup?  That's the one that she used for all that water in the dog food.  She MUST have been there a while.  The spoon in the dog bowl is obviously the one she used to feed Harley with too.

All this said, I did tell her not to play in the water anymore and that her bubbas could get their own food/water.  I told her that if she did it again, I'd be very upset. Well, she obviously got it because she is sitting beside me looking at the pictures saying "I not." I am assuming she's telling me that she either isn't supposed to do this, or that she didn't do this again.  Oh well, some things are just easier to laugh off.  Here's a final pic of a very happy and probably full Harley.

Happy Easter time!!

We've set out decorations, bought the outfits, and now we're beginning to do the projects!  Here's Madelyn's very first Easter project.  She knew exactly what it was when I drew it out.  "Egg," she said.  I let her use the markers and color away.  When she was done, a little glitter and crinkle cut paper, and voila! 

Happy Easter!!

All done up

Madelyn totally gets the concept of makeup.  However, she does not know when enough is enough.  I gave her my old eye shadow while I was putting makeup on this morning, and this is the outcome.  A very B-E-A utiful little girl.  She's absolutely checking herself out in the second picture and thinks that she is a masterpiece.  (And check out those puckered lips in the first pic--haha.)

My baby is growing up

Madelyn left me last night :( She up and decided she wanted to go to her Nana's. Not a cry, not a hug--without being forced, NO hesitation. 
We had a weekend away at Jessica's, Jeremy's sister.  On our way home, she decided she wanted to see her Brian, my brother.  So, we gave him and my parents a call and met them for dinner.  After dinner, she wanted to ride with Brian, so I let him ride with her and I rode with my parents. We all went back to our house and while there, my mom asked if she wanted to go home with her.  She had no problem saying yes.  After a little while, my parents got ready to go.  So what does Madelyn do?  Asks for her shoes and her baby.  We were all surprised.  No one thought she'd actually willingly go.  So, I packed her up, loaded her in the car, and she waved bye to me.
I called my mom later that night to ask a question, and she said Madelyn was completely fine and was playing with the dogs.  This morning, she woke up, cried for me about a minute, and went BACK to sleep.  When she woke up for good, she was perfectly content eating her cereal and watching tv with her Nana.  She didn't even ask where I was.
This is a bittersweet day.  It was actually nice getting some time for Jeremy and myself and I'm so proud of her for being a "big" girl.  It was also nice sleeping in a little late, although my internal alarm clock had me up not too long after Madelyn's normal time to wake up. It is SO quite around here.  BUT,  I don't know if I'm ready for her to WANT to leave me. It got sorta hard to breath and I may have had a small anxeity attack.  (Not from worrying about her.  I know she's fine when she's with family. ) 
Oddly, I feel that having this time to myself makes me a bad mom. I know this isn't true, and in fact, I'll be the first to say I'm a GREAT mom.  It's probably the one thing I KNOW I'm good at. I guess the problem is, after almost two years of being with someone day in and day out (with the occasional night away), I'm beginning to gradually reconstruct my social life.  Just this week, I will be out of the house both Thursday and Friday night.  Jeremy will have Madelyn, so again, I know she's safe.  Then a few weeks from now, we have a charity event for Jeremy's job we've been asked to attend.  Here again, she will be away for the night. Then, we'll be in New Orleans celebrating some friends of ours last few days of "freedom." (They'll be getting married in May.)  Madelyn will spend the weekend with her Grammie and Papaw.  I feel so selfish taking some time to myself though, even if some of the events are obligations. There's no way to rationalize it. Jeremy has told me over and over and over that I'm pretty much crazy.  I know it's okay to do stuff and I definately know I need it, but it just feels so... wierd and selfish. 
 

Update

Just an update to all the fundraising opportunities.  My friend Krissy who is doing the NILMDTS "cutest family" contest is in the lead for her region with 85 votes!!!  Yay to everyone who has helped her out and in turn, donated to a very good cause :) Also, I only have $30 left to go with my March of Dimes goal.  How great would it be to be able to go above and beyond for all these children and families?  Thanks again for everyone who has donated or even given their blessing to us in our efforts!

Helping out more families :)

I have a very wonderful friend who has graciously offerred to be a part of the International Charity Model Search benefiting Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.  She has submitted a WONDERFUL family photo and now all we have to do is go online and vote! It is a dollar per vote and you can vote as many times as you'd like.   All the proceeds go to NILMDTS.  I personally think they ARE the cutest family on there, but then again,  I guess I am a little partial :) Just click on this link , and find Boyette (the adorable couple kissing with sweet baby looking up at them with balloons in hand).  For those of you who aren't familiar with this organization, I have asked Krissy to be a guest on my blog to explain the significance of this very extraordinary foundation.  So now I am going to happily hand my blog over to Krissy....

First I would like to say what a Wonderful Blessing it is to be a Mother of a healthy little girl. I cherish every day I have with her and could not imagine her not being in my life. You will have to bear with me, I am not so good with words. I am going to borrow some things from the NILMDTS website to explain some more about the charity itself.

"Pregnancy and birth are miraculous journeys. This amazing time of life is full of mystery, anticipation, joy, hope and wonder. Feeling the powerful energy of birth and new life, watching as a new family is born unto each other. These things humble and amaze. These are the things we celebrate when a baby is born. But there is another aspect of pregnancy and birth. There is an unexpected place in this journey where some families may find themselves. When a baby dies, a world is turned upside down. There is confusion , sadness, fear, and uncertainty that cannot be explained. There is sorrow where there should have been joy. During this time, it might be impossible for families to know what they might need in order to heal in the future.
This is the place where the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation gently provides a helping hand and a healing heart. For families overcome by grief and pain, the idea of photographing their baby may not immediately occur to them. Offering gentle and beautiful photography services in a compassionate and sensitive manner is the heart of this organization. The soft, gentle heirloom photographs of theses beautiful babies are an important part of the healing process. They allow families to honor and cherish their babies, and share the spirits of their lives. The NILMDTS mission statement is to introduce remembrance photography to parents suffering in the loss of a baby with the gift of professional portraiture. We believe these images serve as an important step in the family's healing process by honoring their child's legacy."

This is a wonderful foundation and I want to greatfully thank everyone that votes! ~ Krissy

Irresistable

So now let me explain these.  Madelyn is quite the shopper as you can see in the first pic.  She also LOVES her bubba and spends most of her time laying on him like this.  And last but certainly not least, Madelyn dressed herself last night.  This is Snow White's skirt that she very cleverly used as a dress.  She accessorized with her teal blue and yellow sunglasses and her rockstar microphone. I MUST have a little star on my hands.

Happy St. Patty's!

Well it's that day again!  The one that I ALWAYS remember to wear a very obvious amount of green because of that horrible girl who pinched me in middle school even though my birthstone on my ring was green.  Ugh, that girl not only left a HUGE bruise, but scarred me for life I think.  Anyway, happy St. Patty's day!
Madelyn and I were all set for a fun and very green get together with all our new friends.  While Jeremy attended the hockey game, we made a few green clover shaped krispie treats.  We also made some plain ones after I realized that Madelyn WOULD NOT touch the green ones. ha!  So, I assorted them on the new tray I had Jeremy pick up for me and very lovingly covered them in preparation for today. (I won't post a picture of them.  I'm sure most of you know what a krispie treat looks like/how to make one/and what a clover looks like as well.)  I also made sure to buy a very green shirt for myself~ to keep those tiny little pinchers AWAY from me, and that Madelyn's green polka dot dress was clean.  We spent so much time getting ready for today. 
All of that, and we wake up to decide we're not going.  I guess Madelyn wanted to make sure that Daddy came home last night because she woke up SO early.  All of you who know me know that I am not, I repeat NOT, a morning person at all.  Well guess what!  Madelyn is exactly like me when she wakes up earlier than she's used to.  We had a very cranky little girl on our hands and she had a very cranky mom trying to handle things.  Well, actually, since Jeremy was still home, I had him deal with it since I feel her waking up early was to see him.  But still, I was not happy about this hour less of sleep.  After much consideration, and a lot of whining from Madelyn, I cancelled our plans.  I just was not dealing with a moody child this morning.  So now we're left with two batches of krispies...hmm, I'm sure I know what will happen with these.  They're kinda addicting you know :) 
Oh well, my point is, that sometimes, you just need a break.  We've been going so much lately that today was my breaking point and obviously Madelyn's too.  We needed a day of rest and we certainly won't be getting that on the weekends since *hopefully* our beautiful weather is back.  So, Madelyn and I have watched lots of Dora today, enjoyed a small morning nap, ate a noodle filled lunch, and are now on our second half of Dora day.  We may even do one last St. Patty's art project later... if we feel like it. AND we may even get out of our pajamas, but I doubt it.  I don't think Jeremy was very pleased about me backing out after making all those krispies, but I promised him I'd return the shirt and the other items I didn't use.  Oh well, he'll get over it.  Anyway, I wish you the very best day!

Princess Party

Madelyn attended her very first all girl princess party today!  She and some of her new friends got all prettied up in their princess stuff and had a great time.  Here's a couple pics I snapped before we left the house.

All decked out!

Excuse the runny nose, this is the best pic I could get.

Waiting for her chariot to arrive.

**I also have one of her on the royal throne.  But, I'll keep it to myself :)

 

Today's realization

Finding new mommy friends is VERY similar to dating again.  (Online dating if you factor in that I found these ladies through meetup.com.)

Explanation:  I initially joined two groups of moms.  Then, one I really wanted to join opened up, so I couldn't pass that up.  So, I am a member of three different groups.  After going to the first "blind date" of each, and hanging out on the message boards, I think I've found some potential friends :) Today, I had a message from one of the girls wanting to get our girls together again this week.  I swear I felt like a little girl who just got asked out on her first date.  haha It's so sad to be out of the "game."

D Dora has moved in.

Madelyn is in LOVE.  All she wants to do is watch "D Dora," or have her stickers, or band aids or whatever it is that has Dora on it.  Point in case:

Yesterday after church, we went out to lunch and then took Madelyn to play at the park.  ** Please keep in mind she hasn't had a nap all day**  Madelyn had a princess band aid on a "boo boo" that she had gotten from the park on Saturday.  She wanted the band aid off, so Jeremy took it off.  She didn't realize that it wasn't a sticker and wanted it to stick back to her skin.  BIG PROBLEM. We had the worst break down I've experienced.  In the car, going to the mall, Madelyn was freaking out over her "sticker" not sticking to her anymore.  After trying EVERYTHING imaginable to cheer her up (and get her to stop whailing  in order to protect Mommy's sanity),  I look over to my left and see my saving grace in the disguise of CVS Pharmacy.  I asked Madelyn if she wanted me to get her some Dora band aids instead, and can you believe that stopped her from crying.  I had Jeremy whip into the nearest parking spot, and very sheepishly told him I'd go in myself to keep him from having to.... I think I took a good five to ten minutes in there "looking" for Dora band aids. I found the band aids in the first two minutes of entering, but I took my time looking for stickers instead .  Just in case you didn't know, pharmacy band aids were almost $4.00 No way was I spending that much money on Hello Kitty- nope no Dora- when I knew I could go to Wal Mart later that night and spend around $2.00 and get what I wanted.  Anyway, found the Dora stickers/activity pad which was still outrageous but headed to the checkout.  A few minutes later, we had a very happy, sticker filled little girl.  We even managed to make it through our weekly Wal Mart trip with little to no chaos.  I did, however, have to peel about 12 Dora stickers off the cart handle.  Those outrageously priced Dora stickers were well worth it in my mind. 

Anyway, Dora is on, again, and it made me think of this obsession of Madelyn's.  You know, I really don't care much for Dora myself.  But if all it takes is to grab something with that little girl's face on it for Madelyn to return to the angel I know she is, I'll probably do it any day.  Does that mean she's spoiled? Maybe. Does it mean I'm a terrible mom for giving in to a fit- HUGE FIT mind you? Probably.  Does it save my sanity and keep me from completely snapping on my almost two year old daughter? Absolutely.   

Here she is sporting her new Dora band aid while watching, you guessed it, Dora! 

Riverwalk

This past week we discovered an area downtown right on the river.  It's pretty new to Tampa and it's called Riverwalk.  Well, we knew about it, but we just haven't visited until now.  We LOVE it. 

My mom and I took Madelyn and Asher the other day.  There is a sand play area, a jungle gym, and a splash park that will be opening up soon!  It's a great place to take Madelyn if I don't want to drive to the beach.  It's also pretty cool to be in the middle of the downtown scene and have some green space for the kids and dogs to run around.  Also, at the end of the day, there is a cafe that overlooks the river to sit and have the BEST white sangrias ever.  Anyway, we went back today and I snapped a couple of pics while we were there.  Enjoy!

This is from when my mom and I visited.  Probably one of the greatest pictures of the kids in a while.  We'll be missing Asher for a couple months while he's back with his mom. 

I kinda favor this one :)

Daddy love

My life, my love

This is the pic of someone who is extremely blessed... Hope your day was as good as ours.

Susan G Komen

  When I told my dad about doing the March of Dimes and that I thought I may do the Susan G. Komen three day, he thought I meant the run. Nope, I definately meant walk (three days of running NO WAY). There is a 5k run affiliated with the Susan G. Komen as well though. It is on Oct. 2nd.
    I am facing a terribly difficult decision.  I've been toying with the idea of running for a while now.  However, I have NO drive and NO discipline.  I want to run, I truly want that sense of accomplishment and feeling of being free when you run. 
   I would really enjoy sharing this with my dad.  I think it would be nice to have something that we do together and something that I could hold on to for years to come.  I also think this would be a good thing to share with Madelyn someday.  I mean, all in all, if I could get it together, there are really only positives in this equation.   My question, to myself I guess, is am I able to stay focused and get up to three miles by October?  My dad seems to think that I'd have it in a month, I think he's crazy. I'm SO out of shape and the years of cheerleading and softball are way long gone.   So now I'm curious and need your help.  Should I do it and if so, what are some tips to get started?   

Welcome

   When I first began this blog, I wasn't sure that I wanted friends and family to know. I just wanted a place to be able to sit and write.  Whether it was funny, sad, irrelivant, or just to brag on Madelyn.  I wasn't prepared at the time to share my thoughts, ones that I may even have trouble talking to Jeremy about, with other friends and family.  I just wanted to be able to write without being judged by the ones closest to me.
  Well, the time has come.  I've decided that I'm okay with those people knowing just what I think, or the things that are going on in my life.  I think most of my friends who know me the best will know by the "tone" of my post if it's one that I am willing to talk about or maybe just one that a simple comment would work best for.  I hope that my blog will become a good place for everyone (who is even interested) to keep up with me and my family.  I tend to write more than talk (I'm not much of a phone person).
   Now, going right along with this.... I think I may have managed to offend my very best friend by keeping my blog to myself.  So to this person I say:  Please know that I had NO intention of hurting your feelings and I certainly didn't want to keep the things I write about from you.   You of all people know that I tell you everything--it just may take a while.  I am so very excited that you are a part of this now, along with other friends and family.  This just makes it easier for me to let you know what is going on since we tend to get so busy that we sometimes can't find five minutes to talk.  I also am now confident that I won't be boring EVERYONE who reads my posts because you get excited over the same little things as I do. Please, if I hurt your feelings in any way, accept this as my deepest apology--and I will quiz you daily to see if you've been keeping up! hehe.
   Welcome to my friends who are just now discovering my blog.  Since most of my friends and family are many many miles away, it is so difficult to stay in touch.  I hope you will check back often and that I can share my life with you a little more now.     

March Of Dimes

As I've mentioned in a previous post, Madelyn and I have taken the opportunity to become more active in our community with other moms and children.  We are having a great time and have stayed so busy.  We've also had the privilage to join in  on walking for the March of Dimes.  I've decided this is a win win all around.  We get to support a foundation that works so hard to raise money for premature children, we get a little exercise ( 3 mile walk), Madelyn gets to visit her new friends, and Jeremy has no choice um, gets to join in as well :)   So, if you'd like to help me reach my goal--I'd really love to go beyond it--please click on this link or click on the badge at the top of my page.  I'd really appreciate any support you may be able to give!  Thanks and wish me luck! I'll be sure to update you on how sore I am after the fact :)

Rest in Peace

Earlier today, I learned that sweet Layla Grace has passed.  She went to her forever home early this morning.  Please keep her family in your thoughts as they lay her to rest.  It's difficult enough to lose a loved one who is an elder, I couldn't and would never want to imagine having to say goodbye to my child.  They will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

AHH best day E-V-E-R (as of now)

  Okay, last post today, I promise.  Today marks a very special day in Madelyn's milestones :)  She was sitting in the bath and said "momma." So I said "huh?"  She then said the very best words ever created.  "I uv you!" aaahhhh!! I am SO excited and overjoyed to be the very first person she's said this to. 
  Let me clarify.  She will say I love you or I love _____ if you ask her to repeat after you.  But today, I didn't say anything about it.  I never even brought the word love up while she was in the bath tub.  It was never prompted. So, this makes me extra special :) hehe.  Have a good day, mine just became great!

So thankful.

  Madelyn was SUCH a handful this weekend.  She wasn't sleeping well, had us up unusually early, didn't really nap, and was super whiney.  Honestly, there were moments I wanted to lose it and SCREAM to the top of my lungs.  She didn't have any fever, didn't seem like her tummy hurt, I didn't feel any new teeth, nothing.  It was just one of "those" weekends.  There was nothing I could do.  Just about the time I'd want to be a little more stern and lose my temper, little Layla Grace came into mind.  Every Time.
  I am seriously not overexagerating on this at all.  It doesn't matter how big of a headache I had, or that I had to just walk away for a few minutes--to get my bearings straight--or that I looked like "that parent" who couldn't control her child.  The second Layla Grace entered my mind, I just got down on Madelyn's level, spoke softly, and went on our way.  I was taking a step back and remembering that I'd much rather have this child than one who is fighting for her life.  I'd take a million days of Madelyn on her very worst day than to have to put myself in Layla Grace's parents' position. For those of you who are unaware of who I am talking about, Layla Grace is a little girl who was diagnosed with cancer at 18 months old, I believe.
  They are currently sitting.  Waiting.  Praying that God takes her with as little pain as possible.  I think she's been lying there for going on two weeks now.  Seriously, if your heart can take it, having insight into this family's fight is reason enough  to take a look at how you view your own life.    Having a young daughter myself, I can only imagine the pain the entire family is going through.   I couldn't and wouldn't want to imagine fighting for over a year to save my daughter and then, in the end, having to watch her die.  This family's faith in God is the strongest I've ever seen.  Instead of kicking and screaming and blaming (which is quite possibly what I might do), they have held on tight to the knowledge that God has a plan for their beautiful little girl.
  After going through what they already have, and now waiting for Layla's last breath, they still have bills upon bills to cover as well.  Now lets be honest here.  Yes, we have bills.  AND we have a house in South Carolina that we're trying to rent out which is forcing us to pay two house bills again.  Jeremy is still busting his hiney to work his way back up in his new job.  I am missing my friends in Mississippi like crazy, and have no way of seeing them until next month.  My nephew is going back to his mom's this week and we won't see him again until May.  And, as some of you may already know via previous post, my mom isn't doing so hot right now and who knows where that will end up.   
 But, none of this, NONE OF THIS, is as bad as what this family is going through.  There are so many people out there who have it way worse than us.  We are so incredibly blessed and rarely take the time to notice and be thankful. We have our family, we have clothes, we have food, we sleep comfortably, I could go on and on but I'll spare you.  Therefore I leave you with this:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

Strawberry Festival

We visited the Strawberry Festival this weekend with some friends and family.  I got some really cute pictures of Madelyn that I wanted to share with you.  Enjoy!

She recently learned that gators say "chomp,chomp,chomp"

One of the very few good pictures I have of the two of us.

Madelyn and her partner in crime :)

 I just couldn't resist... A couple more pictures of that cute little ponytail!

Spring Flowers

Well, my Valentine's day flowers Jeremy got me finally withered away and died.  So, in celebration of spring, Madelyn and I made our very own flowers to replace them!  I thought I'd share.  I have to say, they look pretty awesome for having a twenty two month (It's her 'birthday' today!) little girl doing most of the assembling.  If you're interested in doing this here's how it's done....

Materials you'll need:  construction paper (several colors plus green and yellow), glue, & scissors. 

Cut long strips of construction paper.  Fold the green in half and glue down.   Then roll the green strips up to make the stems.  For the bloom, cut slits a little more than halfway down the other strips. 

Next, take the bloom piece and run glue all the way down the part that has not been slit.  Begin at one end and roll the bloom onto the green stem.

Then, fray all the slit edges creating the petals.

Afterwards, roll a small yellow ball with construction paper and glue it into the middle.

Have your little one take a look at what he or she did and then...

Display! 

Shopping the day away

Jeremy wasn't feeling well today, so he worked at home.  In order for him to get ANYTHING done, Madelyn and I decided it'd be best for us to leave.  We had such a good day together.  She's getting to the age where we can actually go and do girl things and enjoy it. So, we went shopping for her Easter outfit.  Not much luck in that department, but we did get a few cute little things. At the first store, we came out with a couple of barettes (one turtle, and one bunny) a CUTE bracelet "just like" Grammie's, and a sucker....because she was SO good.  Then, we went into a green boutique.  I was the lucky duck there :) I got a really cute sun dress for $25!  STEAL!!! Well, we thought we'd end the day by visiting the cupcake boutique.  Madelyn got one cupcake, a chocolate chip cookie, and a chocolate bunny sucker.  NO we didn't eat all of that at once, but YES... Madelyn was on a MAJOR sugar high.  Oh well, every once in a while it doesn't hurt to spoil your child as long as he/she deserves it :)  Last but not least, we visited our neighborhood Once Upon a Child.  I must say,  as I've never been in there, I was very surprised at the selection and came out with two dresses for $13 dollars!  Anyway, here's a couple of pics....

Cupcakes = YUM!

Oh what a day! So cute with her mini bags :)

To the beginning of friendship!

Since moving here from South Carolina, it's been very difficult to find friends our age who also have children.  It's been a long almost year and a half without having some "girl time."  Answer to my problem... meetup.com and MOMS club.  Yep, I've resulted in internet friendship.  I've yet to begin the MOMS club but papers are filled out and sent in, just waiting approval.  Today, however, Madelyn and I enjoyed our first outing with our meetup group. 
We met up at a local outside mall for storytime and face painting.  The weather was ridiculous and all of us almost left before we even found each other.  But, we didn't let that stop us.  The kids got to play some really cool african drums and Madelyn had fun doing that for just about five minutes.  Then she said forget this and decided she wanted to dance to the music the other kids were making!  Madelyn didn't get her face painted although she wanted it.  We'll try next time.  She did, however, score a pretty cool elmo doll from the Busch Gardens table.  (On a side note, Busch Gardens is giving a free annual pass to children under five to promote their new Sesame Street children's area.  Check their website for details. )  Anyway, a few of the places around were offering "kids eat free" so we took advantage of that as well.  You wouldn't believe how good it felt to talk to other women -- who are not my family-- and just talk, about anything.
And now we're home, Madelyn is passed out from playing so hard, and I'm able to relax with a little peace and quite :)  "This could be the start of a beautiful friendship!" haha just had to do it :) Oh and check this out....

See that!  That's her first ponytail!  We finally have enough hair to look like a girl! YAY.

Layla Grace

While on a popular mommy site today, I kept coming across the name Layla Grace.  Come to think of it, I've seen it several times but never thought anything of it.  Today, my curiousity got the best of me and I went searching.  What I found totally breaks my heart and I want nothing more than to give the world to this little girl and her family and then hug Madelyn tighter than ever before.  If you're interested, laylagrace.org is the link to their page.  I am warning you ahead of time.  BE PREPARED TO CRY.  I ask that if you read this, and do pray, that you will.  So now, I'm off for the rest of the day to hug my baby a little tighter, kiss her a little more, and thank God for her health. 

~Craft Day~

Asher asked if he could spend the night last night.  As a result, we had a craft day this morning to keep them busy.  The first project I quickly thought up lasted as long as it took me to think it up... NOT LONG ENOUGH!  Here's a pic of the finished product inspired by March and the hope for warm weather.

Next, I decided to get a little braver.  I used to do this all the time with my daycare children but then it wasn't my own house to clean up afterward.  I let the kids make playdough.  Yes, we have the store bought kind, but I was really looking for something the two of them haven't experienced before.  It was definately a hit!  They had a great time pouring the ingredients and then, with a little help from me, mixing them all together.  After they were finished, I let them each choose a color and then I mixed that in for fear of stained hands (kitchen gloves are great!).  I have a feeling Asher has determined that Brit Brit's house = arts and crafts.  Every time he comes over I ALWAYS find something for them to do. It makes them happy and quiet (for a few minutes) and, in turn, me happy as well!

You gotta go get married?!?

Dierks Bently = great concert!  We saw him last night at Universal and he really does put on a good show.  Anyway, on the way home, my nephew, Asher, had asked if we could go back to Universal today.  I told him no, that Jeremy, Madelyn, and I had to go to church.  I guess someone has gotten married recently because he said "you gotta go get married tomorrow?"  It was cute.  I explained to him that although yes, some people get married in churches, that we also go to church to learn about Jesus. 
Asher said that when when he got bigger, like 25 10 (his words, not mine), then he could get married.  I told him yes, when he was much older.  Jeremy then asked him who he was going to marry and his answer was too cute! 
Usually you hear about a little boy saying that when he gets older he's going to marry his mommy.  Not this little boy.  He said "Maybe when I'm older and Madelyn's older I will marry Madelyn."  Really?!?  That just shows how much he loves her. 
Now, lets not get all nasty thinking here.  We all know little kids don't understand that it's not okay to marry their cousins, but that when they talk about marrying someone it is usually just because that is someone they care about.  My heart just melted. 
Madelyn truly LOVES Asher and thinks he hung the moon.  She looks up to him for everything.  When he isn't here, she asks to see him via video camera.  She cries when it's over.  He is the closest thing to a big brother she has and he is the greatest to her.  Hearing Asher say that made me feel so good knowing that he really does love her and doesn't just play with her because he has to. So sweet!

BFF's forever :)

~Yummy~

Madelyn's papaw found some popsicle molds while we were visiting Jessica.  He got so excited and said he used to make popsicles when he was a child and wanted to know if  Madelyn would want some.  Well who am I to deny a gift?! (I also made these when I was younger and LOVED them.)  Unfortunately, we didn't get to make any while they were here, so Madelyn and I made them yesterday.  She had such a great time helping me and eating the finished product too!  Here she is being such a great little helper (excuse the messy hair)..........

We made fruit and yogurt pops!

Mmmm. Too good to wait!

Finished product!

These are super easy to make.  I actually got the recipe out of Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicous book.  It calls for 2 cups frozen berries, 2 cups plain lowfat yogurt, and 1/4 or a little more confectioner's sugar.  We halved the recipe because we wanted to do strawberry and then mixed berry.

Try them!  Your little one, or big one, will really like them!