18 Month Stats

Well...no surprise here...you still strongly dislike going to the doctor!!  Those tears are real...like from deep down real and I am pretty sure the upstairs offices heard you.  The doctor was nice and gave you a pass on your shots this time,  she said you could get them all at your two year appointment... thinking you would be a little LESS freaked out!  You won't, but you just bought yourself six months.

Anyhoo...let's give everyone your stats...

You are PERFECT!! 

Oh sorry...you want actual numbers?!

You are 33 inches long!
You weigh 24 lbs 15oz!
Your head is 19 inches in circumference!

I still can't believe you are 18 months old already, but also have a hard time believing your brother and sister are 7 and 5!  Where does the time go?  I would like you to stay little for a while longer!

iPhone Photo Dump

Another fun, productive, busy week!!  Now only three days until Aunt KiKi comes!!!  Next weeks photo dump is sure to be much more exciting, so stay tuned!!  In the meantime...here is a bit of last week!

From top left:
1.  Taylor always makes good use out of my scrap paper to create her own masterpieces!
2.  Things were gettin' a little messy (which usually means I am being productive), but I needed to stop and organize.
3.  Love my mornings with the girls!
4.  A 2 minute walk to the bus stop takes Tatum and I a good 15 min...she likes to stop A LOT!
5.  A friend in the neighborhood and I took our 6 kids to Chuck E Cheese...3 kids under 20 months! Tatum loved it!
6.  I spent my Saturday cleaning the house and tackling this VERY messy mail/junk area!!
7.  Tom surprised me with a new beverage dispenser...for those that don't know...you can see here what happened to my old one!  I can't wait to try this one out...it's a doubler!!
8.  Love a good rainbow after a quick rainstorm!
9.  All ready for a week of lunches for Thomas!  I am NO supermom, but it makes me feel a little closer when I am ahead of the game like this!

Our Morning!

My whole life I would say I have never been a morning person.  I REALLY do not like people waking me up, I like to wake up on my own.  I also have been known to push the snooze button multiple times when the alarm is set.  It's a little crazy that when I worked I would set my alarm for earlier JUST to account for the snooze button.  Those extra 9 minutes really complete my sleep...probably not!!  I am almost positive my hubby would describe me in some expletive words when it comes to the morning.  But I like to think it's one of the things he loves about me.  Haha...probably not either!

Although I am still not a HUGE fan of the mornings, ever since Taylor started her second year of preschool I have become quite OCD with our morning routine.  I could probably give you a minute by minute that's how crazy I have become.  Last year I had all three kids and myself ready before we walked out the door.  To each his own, but I am NOT one of those moms that takes her kids out in their PJ's.  Nope...not me!  I have pretty strong opinions on that, but I'll save those for another post.

Anyhoo...

Our morning routine has changed slightly this school year.  Taylor and Tatum are my late sleepers (if you call sleeping until 7 late, which I do) and rather than rush them and in turn create drama where it can be avoided, I get them ready AFTER Thomas goes to school.  He catches the bus, so there is NO leaving the house.  If there was...we would be business as usual.  Him and I get ready...he leaves and then I get the girls ready.

Some days they take a bath and some days they take a shower.  If you haven't witnessed it first hand...Taylor can be a little high maintenance, so she gets ready FIRST!  Always!!  I am allowed enough time to put a diaper on Tatum and then my attention has to be on her.  She gets dressed, changes her earrings and then...I do her hair!!  Everyday I do her hair!!  I do her hair because she has as much hair as I do and if it isn't up and out of the way...life can get pretty bad around here.

I have a love/hate relationship with her hair, but every morning when we finally walk down the stairs it is done.  Some days there are tears involved...some from me...some from her, but it's done!!  And if I am lucky I get something fun each day!!

Monday...Double Messy Buns!

Tuesday...Side French Braid w/ Side Ponytail

Wednesday...Triple Ponytail 

Thursday...Cris Cross Ponytails

Friday...Bun Rolled Under

Most of the time I have fun doing her hair and if I can distract her long enough...I can usually avoid complaining.  When she's in a good mood she actually likes me to try new do's!!

This Kid

Seriously?  When did he start looking so old?  I love my girls, but this kid...he will always be my little man!!  I am so glad that I get to be his mom...even when he is a pain in the neck!!

Dollar Tree Tuesday- Kid Edition

I thought I would revive my Dollar Tree Tuesday.  Although it's been a while I still LOVE the dollar store.  It's one of THE only stores that the kids don't complain about going too.  Probably because they usually get something, not always but more times than not.

I got no complaints from Taylor this morning when I told her I needed to go there.  I had a little project in mind that I knew would come to life with a little trip to Dollar Tree.  Unfortunately I was wrong and struck out on a major component, so that will have to wait.  I did, however find a few other must haves.

A few of my purchases were repeats, but definitely repeats worth mentioning. 

My purchase:
Lala Loopsy coloring book
Two packages of snag free rubber bands for the girls (500 in each)
Bath Coloring Crayons
Scratch and sniff stickers
Two packages of school worksheets.

The coloring books at Dollar Tree are great.  Taylor really loves Lala Loopsy right now, so she was so excited when she saw the coloring book.  The rubber bands...seriously CANNOT beat 1000 for $2.00.  I do both of the girls' hair everyday and probably use 10-12.  They are the best...I just cut them out when it's time to shower, no pulling out hair and no whining!!  Both of these are repeats, but worth mentioning if you don't know about them.

Today I also found a couple new things. 

The girls take a bath together almost everyday, so when I saw these bath crayons I had to have them.  I have bought the crayola version and they were a huge hit.  I hope these work as well because these were much cheaper. 

Scratch and sniff stickers...did you have those as a kid?  I remember I did and I loved them.  Taylor loves stickers these days as well, so I told her she could pick out a package.  I hope they are as good as the ones I remember!! 

And last but not least...two packages of school worksheets.  I want to make sure that the kids have lots to practice with at home and these seemed perfect.  38 different pages in each!!  I am pretty sure the kids won't be over the moon for these, but I AM!!

16 and 17

I seem to have completely skipped the 16 and 17 month status updates on our little Tatum.  She may be our baby, but only in the technical sense.  She is independent, mischievous and so funny.  Although she is not even 18 months yet, in the last few months she has learned quite a bit.  I can't really compare her to Thomas and Taylor at that age because frankly I have completely forgotten what they were like.  Sad huh?  A side effect of two kids in diapers at the same time.

Anyhoo...

She wants to be with all of the big kids.  She loves to play outside and I would imagine completely despises me when I make her come in.  She doesn't talk a whole lot, but I know she will so I am not worried.  She makes up for her lack of spoken words with her expressions and animation.  She is smart...she knows how to climb onto almost all of the beds in the house, but thankfully hasn't climbed OUT of her own.  I can ask her to put away her clothes, bring me a diaper or get in the shower/bath and she knows EXACTLY what I am asking and does it.  We have had to rubber band the pantry shut because she likes to help herself to snacks.  

She finally likes to wear shoes and brings them to me every morning before we leave, however she takes them off the second we get in the car...go figure.  You can't leave anything on the kitchen table because if she spots it she will climb up the chair and ONTO the table to retrieve it.  She gets Riley her treats whenever we are leaving and puts her in the kennel (I have to lock it).  She is by far my toughest kid.  She has bumped and bruised almost every body part, but usually only cries for a second or two...even less if I offer her food. 

I am not sure how much she weighs or even how tall she is...I do know that she has long left 12-18 month clothing and is heading for the 24m.  Next week she will officially be 18m and I will have some official numbers.

If you question at her desire to play with the big girls...

Look at her playing "Picnic" with Taylor and her friend.  I just love how the girls let her play with them...she isn't the best at sharing quite yet!

iPhone Photo Dump

It was a fun week!  The kids started school and they LOVE it!  I am pretty sure it helps that everyday they are out playing with friends immediately after they get home.

From top left:
1.  I couldn't be happier about the kids' new school.  A garden...a computer lab...an art room...a library!!  You probably think I am nuts, but there old school didn't have that.
2.  Look at these two...so excited for the first day!
3.  Waiting at the bus stop for her brother and sister!
4.  What we thought was just a first day walk turned into an everyday walk to the bus stop!
5.  Tried a new dish for dinner...Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole...everyone liked it!!  Yay for me!
6.  I shouldn't even admit this, but I did a little Halloween costume shopping.  Oh and I am so excited!!
7.  This organized mommy printed all of Thomas' homework through Christmas.  
8.  Taylor had to cut a bear out of construction paper and decorate it any way she wanted for school tomorrow...If you can't put your finger on what makes this bear hilarious I will tell you it's the lips!!
9.  Baking cookies with friends is much better than just mom!

Big Day Around Here

Well...

Yesterday was the big day!!  The day that I have been waiting for since May 22!  Judge all you want...I make no secret of the fact I look forward to the kids going BACK to school.  My kids have always been up early and up late, I get tons of time with them since I am a stay at home mom.  I wouldn't want it any other way, but them being in school is great for all of us.  They get just as sick of me...I know because they tell me.

If you had asked me two months ago though, I would have told you I was VERY nervous for them.  New state...new school...new friends!  A lot for two kids right?!

Nope, not my kids!

We live on a street FILLED with kids and in the last month they have all become fast friends.  They were so excited the first day of school was finally here.  Three kids from Taylor's class alone live on our street...no not a street near us...OUR STREET!!  Although they are not in Thomas' class there are three other 2nd graders on our street as well.  The kids really hit the jackpot when we moved here.  No need for this mom to schedule play dates...I just send them outside.

Anyhoo...

To make a long story short the kids were up and ready early and had an AWESOME first day (their words not mine)!

Here are the pics I know you have been on the edge of your seats waiting for...

My Taylor headed off to Elementary School!!  I can't believe she is in Kindergarten!!

Please take note of her earrings...She has learned how to change them all by herself and does so EVERY day (sometimes multiple times).

Can you believe she didn't protest pics AT ALL??  That's how excited she was.

I had to get my annual "Just the shoes" picture and couldn't leave out my baby!!  She was uncooperative as usual, but thankfully I am fast and not above bribery!

She doesn't speak actual words, but I am pretty sure I translated what this was and let's just say it was not nice!

Seriously could not be more in love with these kids!

There he is...about to board the bus for the first time ever!!  He came home and when my mom asked him what his favorite part of the day was...without hesitation he replied "THE BUS!!"  What a nerd!

 

As I type this they are both enjoying their second day!  I enjoy the peace and quiet, but just like yesterday find myself anxiously awaiting the bus to hear all about it!  LOL...the newness will wear off for all of us I am sure...they won't want to go and I won't be waiting by the door for them to get home.

iPhone Photo Dump

I meant to post this on Saturday and totally forgot...

From top left...
1.  The mess she makes while I am trying to craft...emptying my garbage all over the floor.
2.  A little "Dress-up" fashion show!
3.  I thought she was awake...since she wasn't I grabbed my camera.  She is so sweet when she is sleeping!
4.  Tatum is NOT a fan of the Chic-fil-A cow!
5.  My mom spoiled me and the girls with a box full of TOMS.
6.  Ripe bananas = yummy muffins!!
7.  Taylor insisted I take a pic of her and her doll...such a cheese ball.
8.  Found a new store...Gordman's...I want ALL of these decorations. 
9.  Major rain storm on Friday...Tom and Thomas were on the golf course.

Stay tuned for the big FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL post!!

Bunny Chasing and Bike Riding

I have to admit having an iPhone has made me completely lazy when it comes to taking pictures with my "Good" camera.  I used to lug that thing EVERYWHERE!  You know because I have shown you all of the wonderful places I have whipped it out for a shot or two.  Now...I think..."Should I grab it?"...Nah...I have my phone.  But then I end up wishing I had it.

This morning was the perfect overcast morning for some pics and I happened to be in the mood to chase Tatum around the yard.  When she gets out that front door she gets as far away from it as possible.  She knows when I go in...so does she!!

Lucky for her our bunnies stuck around a little later than usual this morning.  She loves to get as close to them as possible.

She finally managed to chase it off.  I'm not sure the bunny likes her screaming at it.  It was a perfect morning...one of the last as school starts on Monday! 

Do you see those adorable shoes on her feet?  We got more than just junk mail yesterday!!  6 pairs of Toms thanks to my wonderful mom who braved the 100+ degree warehouse sale I found in AZ for her and my sister to check out!!  3 pair for Tatum, 2 pair for Taylor and one for me!!  Nothin' cuter!!  Here's a little close up!

Adorable right?!

On another note...I have been forgetting to mention this, but I have been posting to my crafty blog lately, so don't forget to hop over there and see what else I have been up to.

My Thoughts

I rarely use this blog for anything more than sharing the daily comings and goings of my little family of five.  I rarely use this blog to voice my opinion on anything outside of these walls. 

However,

Earlier today my sister happened to send my mom and I a text regarding this...

We shared a few humorous texts back and forth and that was that, but then I started thinking about it.

I ALWAYS knew I wanted kids.  There are very few things I can say for sure, but this is most definitely one of them.  Being a mom is the best...FOR ME!!

Having kids IS NOT for every woman and that is OK by me.  Frankly I think there are too many woman who have kids that shouldn't, but I will save my diatribe on that subject for another time.  

Being a mom is definitely the most rewarding thing I have ever done, but it is also the hardest...the most exhausting...and the most thankless.  Some days I laugh nonstop and some days I wish I could start the day over again.

I do not think that NOT having kids is selfish...quite the opposite actually.  I think that it is selfish to have kids if you do not recognize what that actually means.  When my hubby and I found out we were having a baby...he was elated and I was FREAKING OUT!  I spent nine months getting used to how much my life was going to change.  One day you can do whatever...whenever you want and the next...you are doing all of that with a baby in tow. 

I love being a mom, but do not want to be defined as one.  I want people to know my name.  I don't want to be known only as Thomas' or Taylor's or Tatum's mom.   I embrace that as part of my definition as a woman, but not solely.  I am lucky that I get to be a stay at home mom, but know that too isn't for everyone.  I am never ashamed to say I need time away from my kids and I make no secret of how I count down the days until school starts.  I look forward to bedtime at night and I look forward to seeing their faces in the morning.  I take vacations with my hubby (although not lately) without our kids and do not feel bad about it.  I tell my kids I love them everyday multiple times a day, but try very hard to teach them to be independent. 

I am a mom, but being a mom doesn't make my life any more fulfilled than a woman who chooses NOT to be a mom.  It only fulfills my life in a different way.

The point to all of my ramblings is this...It is a personal decision to have or not have kids.  If the truth be known those that choose not to have kids have not come by the decision as lightly as those who have.  

iPhone Photo Dump

A little late from last week, but better late than never!!

From top left:

1.  So we've been using "Time-outs" on Tatum for a few weeks now.  You can see how happy she is about it!

2.  Crazies in the grocery store!!

3.  A little selfie of my thrift store purchase (the shirt)!

4.  Since my parents were here this jar has sat on my counter empty...I went crazy and bought gummy bears this time instead of Swedish Fish.

5.  Bathtubs can be dangerous!!

6.  My hubby insisted I purchase 10 pints of blueberries...THAT'S A LOT!!

7.  Another time-out!  Still just as happy about it!

8.  She finally lost that loose tooth on the top!!  She was so excited for the tooth fairy to come!

9.  Finished school clothes shopping this weekend.  Taylor got new Nike's!!

Right Now

There are things that will forever be constant in my life...

My love for General Hospital!

My love for sweets!!

My love for shopping!!

Just to name a few!

But besides those wonderful things...this summer I have found a few OTHER things I love!!

Please let it be a lie that this is "LIMITED EDITION"...or maybe not.  This ice cream is AMAZING!!  I mean I could eat the entire pint if I had the right excuse.  Oh who am I kidding??  I DO NOT need a "good" excuse to eat the whole pint.  

Thanks to my mom...a bag of these lasts maybe a day in my pantry.  At least this snack is a little better for me than the above.  Have you tried these??  You should...they come in way more flavors, but these are my favorite.  $1.00 at Safeway this week!!

 If I am not drinking water...THIS is what's in my cup!!  The only person I have to share with is Taylor, but if you know her...you know she isn't the best when it comes to sharing.

I have found a few new shows on TV that have done an excellent job of filling space until all of my fall shows return.

There is a new show on ABC called Motive and I love it!!  I like it because there are no ongoing story lines...just a simple crime show with a start and a finish!!

Thanks to my oh so favorite morning television The TODAY Show...I found out about this show.  It's on CNBC on Tuesday nights.  It's about a guy (lol...can't remember his name) who invests millions to save failing companies.  

And of course...my guilty pleasure of every summer... Big Brother might be the worst reality show out there, but I can't stop watching!!  Thankfully my mom and sister watch as well so we can chat about all of the idiots on the show!!  If you watch then you know exactly what I am talking about...if you don't...DON'T START!!

 

AND...

Although there are tons of great songs on the radio right now.  Tons better than this one I know...but when this song comes on...my Taylor sings her heart out!!  She thinks she knows every word, but I am 99.9% positive some of the words she is saying are not even words at all.  Oh well...her mom has been known to botch a song here and there!!