Life Lately

Life lately has been full of getting everyone back into the swing of things and back to some kind of normalcy.  As I type that I feel bad because our new normal doesn't involve putting everything we own out by the curb because our house flooded.  Hurricane Harvey really did a number on a lot of folks around here.  I can't imagine having to gut your home and start from scratch. Its just awful.  I am super thankful that we were on the lucky end of things.  This whole experience has also made me rethink my desire to live in the country, or outside the city limits--around here anyway.  The kids and I were off of school and work for a week and then it was back to reality.  Bella threw a holy fit the day school was back in session because she just needed one more day at home.  It was not pretty!  Things are moving along a little easier now.  We had a similar meltdown again later in the week when Bella wanted to wear jeans to school and couldn't find any that fit.  I kept two pair that I thought she could still wear but apparently I was wrong so we did some shopping this past weekend.

I had a hair appointment Saturday morning so we planned to hit the stores after that. I waited entirely too long to get my hair done this time, but a cut and color later, my hair and I both felt so much better.

Bella wanted to go to Justice (big surprise) to look for jeans.  We found her three pair that were good enough for her.  Thank goodness because much to my disappointment, they weren't on sale.  After Justice, we popped into Bath and Body Works to pick up some of my pumpkin scented lotion I love and then went by Buckle to pick up a pair of jeans for yours truly.  We decided to go look at fall decor at Hobby Lobby before heading home.  As much as I love this time of year and can't wait to decorate with all things pumpkin, I haven't been in the mood to do it.  Strange I know.  In hopes of finding some fall inspiration we went to HL hoping to find my spirit.  I found some pumpkin sticks to add to the arrangement I have in my watering can.  I also gave in and picked up a small galvanized pumpkin that I have been eyeing since they put them out.  Actually, I have been eyeing the larger one but I couldn't bring myself to purchase that one and truth be told, I have no idea where I would have put it.  I also picked up a couple other metal pumpkins.  Still haven't decorated the inside but I got the outside of the house done....for now.  I'm not happy with it so I expect changes to be coming.  Never satisfied.  

Sunday morning was another nice day so Bella wanted me to grab my coffee and sit outside with her.  She was playing on my phone and said "smile mommy" and took my picture.  I took my phone and told her it was my turn to take hers....here's the result...

 Sitting outside in the mornings and evenings is one of our favorite things to do.  She is my child.

Later we went to the grocery store to pick up a few things for the week.  I'm looking at fall decor when I hear, "hey mommy, look over here".  I turn to find this staring at me....

I died laughing.  "Don't mess with the Easter Bunny" she says.  She tried on several other ones but this one cracked me up the most.

Also must show you my new favorite nail polish for this fall...  

I know it looks black but its navy and I love it.  I have been trying to find one for a while but everything I found was too blue.  I saw this color suggested on another blog and happen to find it at Target the other day.  Score for me! I still have my other favorite you see on my nails above, Mink Muffs, but I'm having trouble finding it in the stores. May have to find another color similar to it.

Christopher has been busy working at Chili's every chance he gets.  He worked the entire week we were out for the hurricane and I'm allowing him to work weekends while in school.  If his grades suffer, he will have to quit his job.  School comes first.  He is also gearing up and hunting pallets down for the bonfire that will be coming up soon. Still hasn't sunk in this is his senior year.  It'll probably hit me when he's walking across the field to accept his diploma in May.  Crazy!

Weekend Happenings

We are now in April people!  Geez Louise...before we know it summer will be here and ending and I'll begin my Christmas shopping.   I'm totally not ready for that.

This weekend began with my children going to their dad's house however; Christopher decided he didn't want to go so he stayed home.  18 now and wanting to hang out with his friends.  No surprise there.  His father agreed so he stayed while Bella went.  The break was actually going to be good for me because I have been in a funk so a quiet house is what I needed.  No big plans although I thought long and hard about making a road trip to Round Top.  I decided against it because I really didn't want to go alone.  With encouragement from my girlfriend Jenn, I went shopping Saturday hoping to find some Spring dresses.  No luck there but I did treat myself to this cookbook I have been wanting for a while...

I began reading it yesterday and have only made it through the appetizers and breakfast, but oh my gosh, I LOVE it.  This is my new favorite.  Sorry Pioneer Woman.  Its pretty and full of yummy recipes.  Easy recipes.  Some fancy, some not.  Great stories and I love the way she has the recipes laid out in each section.  Plus, proceeds go to the American Cancer Society and Cystic Fibrosis. Annnnd, I discovered we have a couple things in common.  Not only has cancer affected her family but this cookbook of hers was 20 years in the making!  I've almost caught her with my family cookbook.  LOL!!  I know mine won't be on the best seller list but it will get done and printed one day.  

I also ventured into Hobby Lobby Saturday.  This weekend we will celebrate Easter with my mom's side of the family.  I'm sure I have mentioned before that we do these family baskets at our gatherings.  You put together a basket of goodies (of your choice), spending about $25-$30.  Everyone who brings a basket gets to draw a number for a basket.  Its really fun and I love a Spring basket. I'm pretty sure I was in Hobby Lobby for a good two hours or more looking at things, picking them, putting them back, etc.  Here are some contenders...

  

Ultimately went with the round staked birdhouse in the middle picture because it was different.  I really loved the birdhouse on the bottom, wanted it for myself but I put it back.  You should be proud of me for doing that. I haven't completed my basket but I have two pieces to start it.  

I also decided to add some Easter touches to my magnolias at the house so I picked up the eggs and carrots below.  The welcome stakes are Godparent gifts.

 And here are my magnolias dressed up for Easter...

Sunday, Bella came home early so we decided to make homemade chocolate chip cookies. 

this kid is a mess...

These were a nice treat and turned out really good.  Soft and chewy, just like my babies like them.  I do too.  After we finished that, I got supper ready and in the oven.  After it came out, Bella and I let it cool and went for our evening walk.  That girl encourages me to get out and walk every night, and there are nights I just don't feel like getting out but she wants to, so mommy goes.  I always feel better when I do.

Today, my brother is at MD Anderson having his follow-up testing to make sure his treatments did their job.  Praying for positive results.

Y'all have a great week!

Be Gentle February

Oh man this month is full of emotions.  A roller coaster if you will.  I'm going in trying to be positive but there are times when I wish we could just skip this month.

Thinking positive....

My friend Steffani posted this picture/Valentine's Day idea on FB yesterday...

I kicked this off last night after the kids were asleep.  I wrote a note to each of them and taped them on the wall in the hallway.  I have no idea if Christopher noticed it before leaving this morning but Bella sure did.  She thought it was the coolest thing.  I think its pretty cool too. I'll take a pic and show y'all as it progresses or we're done.  ;)

This next picture just made me laugh out loud because if I'm being honest....this is reality.

Let's talk about the very first item under daily because I close the door to Bella's room all the damn time.  Y'all, I will get in there and clean, organize and throw so many pieces of paper away, its crazy.  Christopher has done the same but she will inevitably get in there and trash her room.  I shouldn't say "trash" because its not like that but it certainly looks like Tornado Bella went through there.  I have threatened the last item under Daily more times than I can remember, and some things have "disappeared" on cleaning days when she is not home.  When I read this list, I seriously thought that somebody had been watching me to create this list.  Sad, but very true.  Thankfully, I do have a lady who comes to clean my house every two weeks so that helps but during the holidays and other times of the year when we skip a cleaning, its a clorox wipe to the countertops.  I have walked into Bella's tornado thinking I'll clean, stood there and laughed trying to keep from crying and then just walked away shaking my head.  I definitely did not get the "I love to clean" gene.  

Thinking positive...have to be positive.

Y'all have a good one!

Monday Blues

I've talked here about my disdain for Mondays.  They are just so dang hard on us.  My babies and I were all dragging this morning.  Part of my issues today is that in addition to fighting a monster headache all day Saturday, I also had heartburn.  That was no fun.  I pushed through the day, helped brother out at his house a little and baked a bundt cake to go with the grilling he did for his helpers.

Isn't that purdy?  Kinda wish I had some now!

Last week was a tough week.  Bella stayed home sick Tuesday so sprayed and wiped down everything I could and then washed what I could.  I was supposed to go with Tony to his treatment that morning but had to cancel.  I was so upset.  I don't need anyone getting sick, most of all Tony.  I kept Bella medicated all day, by lunch she wanted to go next door to help the neighbors in the yard.  I had to explain what staying home sick from school meant.  Needless to say, we watched a lot of movies Tuesday and took a few naps.  Wednesday she was back at school and I was back to helping brother and we made it through the week.  I realize I have nothing to be complaining about how hard Mondays are given the shit my brother, and others are going through right now, so I will stop talking about my headache and heartburn.

Sunday my girl and I played several rounds of Sequence.  If you have not played this game, you really need to get it.  Daddy and Lena have gotten us all hooked on it.  Bella and I played 3 rounds with her whipping my butt in the end.  Whether you have 2 or 6 people playing, it really is a lot of fun.

Wanted to show you the earrings I bought, or rather my children bought me from Nickel and Suede.  Remember I was trying to decide what color to get first?  Well, in the midst of trying to make a decision, they had a new arrival called Blue Lagoon and I was in love.  What made it an even easier decision was that they are only available for a limited time so I had to get these.  I chose the small size.  They are so pretty in person and you definitely can't tell you have earrings on, they are so lightweight.  Definitely will be adding more to my collection of earrings.   

One last thing I want to share is a post I made on Facebook and Instagram dedicated to my brother.  Let me just leave here saying that I continue to be so very proud of him.  He is just so positive through his battle.  Its very inspiring.  Love him so much. :) 

Fall Paint Party

I went to my second wood painting party Saturday night and just like the first, it was so much fun! The party was at a sweet little coffee shop in Sweeny called The Java Lounge.  I had a pumpkin white chocolate latte and it was so, so good!  I even like it better than an PSL from Starbucks.  Sure wish Angleton still had a coffee shop in town.  I know someone who would love to open a shop but can't make it happen.  Perhaps in the future, it will work out.

For the seasonal signs, we are allowed to use different colors.  I had originally chose a different saying because I couldn't picture this one in all one color.  I soon found out we would be allowed to use several different colors so I quickly switched to this one.  I love how it turned out.  

Getting there was a little more tedious than the last sign I made.  That pumpkin alone made me super nervous.  So much so that I ended up getting a little help with the stencil on that part.  I'm seriously considering a party in February or March.  I'm invited to another the day after Thanksgiving but I'm not sure I can make it.  Its another holiday party but this time, they'll be painting Christmas sayings.  I need to decide pretty quick if I'm going to make it or not.  

I also wanted to show y'all a leaf my sweet girl found Saturday morning.  

We were sitting on the porch enjoying the cool morning when she squeals....

"A heart-shaped leaf mommy, just because I love you"

Smokin' Hot

Y'all....I wish this was a post about how smokin' hot the guy was at the gas station I just came back from or how smokin' hot it is outside on this 7th day of November (seriously) but its not.  Its about how smokin' hot mac n cheese can get in a microwave without any water and set to cook longer than its supposed to.  I wish I were kidding, but I am not.  I decided I needed to document this event from last week.  Not that I'll ever forget, the lingering smell alone won't let me but the sheer panic on Bella's face will live with me forever.

Last week when I picked up my daughter from daycare, she announced that she was super hungry and could not wait for me to get supper ready so she was going to fix her a cup of mac n cheese when we got home.  No worries because she has done this many times before. We got home, I went to my room to change into my I'm home from work comfy clothes and then needed to make a quick phone call to Scott, aka honey or maybe its best friend now?  Anyway, I finished up and was coming down the hallway when Bella comes flying out of the kitchen screaming "its smoking mommy, its smoking".  I turn the corner to the kitchen and boy was she right, it was smoking!  I have never seen that much smoke POUR out of a microwave before but there it was.  I opened the microwave to find a black, charred, still smoking pile of what used to be a mac n cheese cup.  I closed the doors to the back rooms and opened up the windows and doors in the kitchen and living room because the smoke was thick and awful.  I texted my friend who just happens to be the Fire Chief to see if there was anything else I could do to get the smoke out of the house.  He immediately called me to see how bad it was and after a 5 minute discussion about my options, one that included sirens, lights and EMS, I opted for the less attention getting scenario which involved him and couple guys bringing a fan over to help suck the smoke out.  Mr. Smarty Pants thought it would be funny to pull into my driveway and flip his lights on for about 20-30 seconds just to mess with me.  No attention there however, when the firetruck arrived, that got my neighbor's attention.  We got the fan set up and was able to let it run for about 10-15 minutes before they got a real call and had to leave.  Those minutes really helped and I appreciated them helping me out.  We lit candles and I sprayed the house down with Febreze.  I left the windows open for as long as I could stand it-again its November and we are smokin' hot here.  This past Saturday was the first day we walked into the house and didn't smell the smoke.  However, if you open the microwave, that is a different story.  Eewww!  I want to take it out back, plug it in and let it run for a while to help get the smell out.  Its quite disgusting.  I have even looked at a new microwave, one that Bella can work a little easier.

Upon talking with my daughter later, I found out that she had already made one cup of mac n cheese and was on her second because she was just so hungry.  Not only did she forget to put water in the second cup but she set the timer for 5 minutes.  The current microwave has a dial, no buttons for setting the time.  Sometimes it can be difficult to get the exact time.  You can't even set it for 30 seconds because it won't turn on.  I've looked at microwaves off and on over the last few years but always talked myself out of it.  This one sister gave to us when we moved into the house because we didn't have one and she didn't need this one.  It has served its purpose.

My sweet girl laid down next to me later that evening....
Bella: Mommy, I'm so sorry for smoking up the house
Me:  Its okay honey.  The most important thing is that you are okay.
Bella:  But the house smells yucky now.
Me:  The house will be okay too.  We will all be okay.  The smell will go away in time with a lot of Febreze and scented candle.
Bella:  Okay (as she snuggles up into me)

For your viewing pleasure, my firemen in shining armor leaving for their real call.  I'm totally not making light of them having to leave to go on a call.  I appreciated them taking the time out of their evening to come help us out, and at their insistence. Kudos to them for all they do!

    

Life Lately

So life lately has been hot, really hot.  But I don't have to tell you that because I'm sure you already know it, especially if you're here in Texas.  Have I mentioned to you before how much I dislike summer?  I am very much my mother's child.  I like the a/c and I don't like getting all hot, sweaty and stinky (I'm making an "eww" face as I type that).  I do like sitting in a pool with a beverage or floating down the river.  If water is an option to help stay cool, I'm okay.  Otherwise, just let me stay indoors.  That's just me.  Now my sister is another story.  She LOVES this time of year.  We are quite opposites when it comes to weather.  Ha!

Before I get to life lately, I need to back up and share a couple of pics with y'all.  These were taken Father's Day weekend at our cousin's house in Blessing.  They hosted the second annual Vyvial Father's Day Pool Party.  Christopher went fishing with his buddies, so Bella and I went to spend the day with family.  First thing I got to do when we arrived was meet this sweet little thing...

This is Addie.  Isn't she just precious  She belongs to my cousin Sumer and her husband Clint.  She made her debut a little early but is doing great.  After snuggling for a while with the baby, I changed clothes and sat in the pool where it was much cooler and watched this little nugget play in the water all day long.

Sadly, those were the only two pictures we took but it was an awesome day with family.

Last weekend, the kids went to their dads for a few days.  Honey was working all weekend so I made the trip north to see him after he got off work.  We were able to spend some much needed time together, especially since it had been two months since our last visit.  Life and kids have kept us both busy so we've had to stay connected through many phone calls.  But we've done it and I am happy to report that we are doing really good.  :)

Before I hit the road, I got in some sister time at the nail salon.  Cindy and I both got pedicures.  I also got a manicure.  I couldn't decide what color I wanted on my nails so the girl suggested a french tip.  I agreed but I'm still on the fence about it.  Its all polish but I'm just not sure.  I guess because I have short nails.  Its also the shellac so it will last a good while.  We shall see.  

After getting our toes purdy, we headed to Pearland to check out the Costco there.  We were like kids in a candy store y'all.  Big eyes, walking up and down every aisle and comparing prices.  There were some things that just made sense so we would snatch it up but some things we weren't sure about so we made notes for now to compare with Wal-Mart prices. After all the shopping, we headed home so I could get ready and head out to see my honey.  I took one picture of us at dinner but it was on Snapchat so its not saved.  It probably is somewhere but I don't know how to find it.  Ha!

Sunday I headed back home when honey went to work.  My kids were coming home too so I wanted to be there when they arrived.  Monday we started early by having breakfast at my sister's in-laws house to celebrate Brandon's birthday.  He turns 13 tomorrow (7th).  Kids are growing up too fast!  After that Makenna, Bella and I went to a few stores to pick up some tops and summer dresses and then it was home for naps until supper and fireworks.  

My crew...

Waiting on fireworks....

One last thing.  I find this hard to believe but I don't think I shared this wreath with y'all last year when I completed it. I looked back and didn't find anything which is so unlike me, especially since this one is extra special. 

The material I used for this came from my Grandma Berger's collection of fabric. She has been gone for 16 plus years now so that's how long I have been hanging on to this fabric waiting for a special project.  Thanks to Pinterest, I found something last year.  With the exception of the burlap strips in it, the rest of the fabric is from Grandma.  

More pics and views of it....

I made a smaller one for Daddy that doesn't include the burlap and had just enough fabric left to make and even smaller version for the Popp Family Reunion silent auction last summer.  At one time, I had more fabric from Grandma but those pieces were used to make blankets for the babies.  I love how this wreath turned out.  Nothing but love in it.  

We are 8 days away from vacation......I am so ready!

Hello June

Well guys, we made it through another school year and I am proud to say that both my children passed all their classes for the year!  Bella was never really a worry but Christopher Michael and geometry were.  We now have a Junior and a 2nd Grader in our house.  Bella ended the year with Perfect Attendance and A-B Honor Roll. She was super proud of her awards, as was Momma.

Thursday evening, Bella and I hit road bound for Austin and the State Tournament.  The girls came up short for a win in the semi-final game against Gregory Portland but these girls have absolutely nothing to hang their heads about.  They had an outstanding season and should stand tall and proud of their accomplishments.  

All my pictures were taken prior to the game because once it started, I was a nervous wreck the entire game.  As you can imagine, I was pretty stoked to be at McCombs Field being the UT fan that I am.  This was in line to purchase our tickets to get in...

It was a gold shoe kind of day...

I had to get a picture with Texas Longhorns in the back ground (insert big cheesy smile)

This next picture turned out great I thought.  Cindy and Makenna walked over to say hello and I snapped this picture of them on the field.  They were just as giddy, if not more, about being on the field.

And that was everything I took at the game.  I told you I was a wreck.  I do want to share the vision picture my sister took prior to the game.  During the play-offs, she had started sharing these moments on FB before the second game.  She couldn't wait to get from centerfield at McCombs... 

Pretty bad ass if you ask me!!

After our heartbreaking loss, Daddy & Lena made the decision to head back home.  I decided that Bella and I would head to El Campo to catch my Godson's graduation that evening. I was lucky enough to get a two-fer at graduation as my third cousin, Bailey Popp was also graduation from El Campo that night.

William Wade Wallace 

I didn't get a picture with Bailey but I did get to hug her neck :)

We drove back home late Friday night and I'm sure glad we did because the next morning I read that parts of Highway 35 were closed due to flooding from the Brazos River.  That was my route back into town. Had I waited, we would of had to detour around to get home. We were exhausted when we got home and I was more exhausted than I thought because I didn't roll out of bed until noon!  I can't remember the last time I have done that!  Needless to say, Saturday was a very lazy day around the house.

Sunday we went to one of my dearest friends house for her son's graduation party.  Sometimes I still can't believe we have children old enough to be graduating high school already.  Just crazy. 

Jana and her son Jordan...

We got a little silly, crazy, nostalgic or whatever you want to call it when we took this next picture.

  We were originally just going to take a normal everyday picture of us, but somebody got the idea to re-create the picture that was taken in the hospital 18 years ago.  Lordy, we are crazy...

We were only missing Tanya on the far right.  Yep, we're crazy bunch of girls.  

Jordan was good sport though. 

And when you get this group of ladies together, we always have to get a picture of us.

Jennifer, Jana, Stacy, me....

It was a fun, sad, crazy and fantastic 3-day whirlwind weekend.  Two things that would have made it better.  Winning the State Tournament and having honey with us to share all the exciting moments through the weekend.  

Cheers to a great week!