Sick kids

House full of people

Inches of rain

More thunderstorms rolling in

No sleep from sick children

These sure are the ingredients to a rockin' holiday weekend party in the Molly Lou house!

Happy Memorial Day!

Thank you to the those brave men and women that have given their lives and for those who are currently fighting and serving this country. I am honored to be an American!

Hope you all have a great day!

Snapshot Saturday~What a Difference A Year Makes

First day of school-August 2009



Last dy of school-May 2010


What a difference a year makes!

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! Happy Saturday!

Before I was Born...Pink & Green Thursday

Lately, Mini #1 has been obsessed with older pictures of Mr. and I (there are no new pictures of us...we only take pictures of the children.) There is one in particular from our rehearsal dinner that he likes to move around the house...it drives me nuts. Yesterday, I was explaining when that was taken and talking about our wedding.

He was asking why he wasn't there and I was explaining the timeline and that we were married "a long time ago before you were born."

I pulled out the BIG photo album from our wedding and he studied it. He was pointing out various family members and friends.

We got to a picture of Mr. and I on that glorious day almost 6 years ago and he looked at me and said "Mom, you were more pretty before I was born."

I just laughed. (You know the saying, if you don't laugh, you'll cry.)

Yes, yes my sweet boy, I was more pretty all those years ago when I was young, thinner, and only had myself to worry about.

****

Wish I could be sipping one of these with my best girlfriends tonight while LOVING the new Sex and the City movie! Enjoy girls!

Also, head over to the sweet and lovely Trish who I just adore from Pink Preppy Lilly Lover who started Pink and Green Thursdays and is one that I totally wish I was seeing Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha, and Miranda with tonight. She is hosting a Lilly giveaway that you must check it out! Go on over now!
Happy Thursday! Have a great day!

Wordless Wednesday~

...I hope you smile

If i ever cross your mind

It was a pleasure of my life

And i cherished every time

And my whole world

It begins and ends with you...

~Zac Brown Band

Summer really is here...Happy Wednesday!

Turn that Frown Upside Down...

I hahve been in the BIGGEST funk lately. I have been so overwhelmed lately that I just can't seem to keep my head above water. Ugh.




There are lots of reasons for this and one very big one is the N key on my laptop. It is stuck something fierce and I have to BANG on the "n" key to get it to go. I have a blister and callus on my finger from the trauma of it all. It really screws up emails, posts, etc. as the letter N is in a lot of words. Seriously, a lot of words. I have this rage towards the N and I will win this war. Take that nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.


I digress.


I love coming over to Blogland to help me through this funk...I am have been able "to turn that frown upside down" many times when I stop by the blogs I love.

Blogging has been such a wonderful and amazing experience for me.

One of the most amazing bloggers out there is Brittany Ann over at Living in the Moment. She is a funny, smart, passionate, inspiring and thoughtful woman who is a beautiful friend, wife, teacher, and writer. She bestowd upon me the Versatile Blogger award and I definitely had a huge upside down frown on my face! Thank you, thank you sweet Brittany.

In acceptance of this award, I must list seven things about myself:

1. I love to mow the grass. I love the way it looks and smells. I am an "instant gratification" kind of girl. I love to clean because the results are immediate and cutting the lawn is my kind of instant gratification.

2.My first job at 15 was a receptionist at a children's hair salon. I made appointments, checked out customers, painted little girls' finger nails, gave out balloons and stickers, and worked the birthday parties...all very interesting.

3. I have a tattoo on my back. If you know me in real life, this is sooooooooooo unlike me. I sometimes forget that I have it. I was in a horrific car accident the summer after I graduated high school. It is truly a miracle that I survived, so on the one year anniversary I got a butterfly tattoo to represent the new life I was given.

4. I have this unhealthy fear of dying. I can work myself in to a complete hysterical fit if I think about it too much. This is not a good thing to do last week when I was already a hormonal mess. It isn't the actual dying part, it is that my children are still so little that they would have no real memories of me.

5. I am starting to think my love for the Real Housewives gals is a tad unhealthy. Perhaps I should find a different hobby. Did you hear that there is speculation that the couple, aka the White House dinner crashers from last fall are rumored to be on the new Real Housewives of D.C.?

6. I am reading the Bible. I have never read it before. I grew up going to church, was always and still am very active in the church, but have always felt that I was "Bible not so smart" and that is putting it lightly. I get really uncomfortable when deep Biblical conversations come up, so I decided that I needed to do something about it and read the Word.

7. I hate the dentist. Really HATE it. It is an unhealthy fear. I hate the smells, the noises, and the gagging. I have a terrible gag reflex and I gag about 14 times just during a cleaning...lucky hygenist. I really need to go. Interesting, Mini #1 loves it. He asks to go back...perhaps because there are movies, treat boxes, sugar free lollipops, a clubhouse, and toys galore. Maybe I just need to start going to his dentist.

And now, for the bloggers I'd like to pass this award to:

Katie at The Perks

Katherine at The Katherine Wheel

Kim at Experiments in a Galley Kitchen

Michelle at Stuttering Shell

Whitney at Just Whitney

Erin at Ink Obsession Designs

Bevy at It's a Golden Day

Trish at Pink Preppy Lilly Lover

Emily at Emily's Going Nuts

Leigh at Leigh vs. Laundry

Jill at Jill, Inc.

Belle at Belle on Heels

Thanks again Name Twin. Have a great day!

Pool our money

Lately, Mini #1 has been discussing wanting a new brother or sister for our family ("I really want to be a family of 5.")

We have just been having vague "one day" discussions and reminding him all that it would include to add another sibling to our family.

When getting out of the bath and putting the pjs on, Mini #1 says "Mom, let's just go to the hosptial and buy a baby brother or sister like we did with Mini #2."

Me: "What do you mean? We didn't buy Mini #2, she grew in Mommy's tummy until she was big enough and strong enough to come out."

Mini #1: "You have money and I have a lof of money so we can buy a new baby together. And you said we finished paying for Mini #2. Ok Mom?"

{Last week I got a random bill in the mail for $3.78 for something for Mini #2's birth. I made a comment to Mr. on how ridiculous it was, she is 19 months old and we finished paying for her over a year ago. Mini #1 must have been listening.}

Me: "Buddy, we didn't buy your sister. We had to pay the doctors and the hospital to make sure that she was healthy. She grew in my tummy, remember?"

Mini #1: "I think we should just go buy a new brother or sister."

And that is life according to a 4 year old.

Happy Monday!

Snapshot Saturday~Heaven with a Hole

Anyone that thinks that heaven doesn't come in a circle, covered in chocolate, and a hole in the center obviously hasn't had Mini #2's favorite thing...

Mini chocolate doughnuts!

Happy Saturday. Hope you all are having a great weekend.

Let's Discuss...

the number of times I have cried this week: about 49

the number of times I have craved chocolate and ice cream: 5783

the number of times I have caved in and had that chocolate and ice cream: 5721

the number of times I have yawned and wanted to crawl in to bed: 1821

the number of times I have changed my clothes throughout the day: 15

the number of times I have internally screamed about various things: 832

It's official.

I am having the world's worst week of PMS symptoms.

Happy Friday.

Pink & Green Thursday~Take a Walk with Me

Take a walk with me...

Relaxing music will play while we walk together talking and laughing through the flowers and fields.

We will pick these to put in a gorgeous vintage vase when we get back.

Then, we can watch the sunset while eating cupcakes and icecream. :)

Aren't Thursdays fun for playing pretend?! It gives me just a few minuts to escape my day and enjoy a little "away time." I have been so busy, distracted, and exhausted lately that I just want the days to be over and keep trying to "check" one more thing off the todo list. I hate being this way... I want to be able to enjoy my children, my days, and not constantly be thinking about the next stressor or thing I must do.

Hop over to Trish's blog for more goodness...she is always such a ray of sunshine. You can't help but smile when you're there!

Happy Thursday!

{All images via here}

Wordless Wednesday~Undercover Detectives

Meet "Sam" and "Ralph"~World Renowned Undercover Detectives!

This is their surprised look after I solved the mystery of their REAL identities!

No one has ever figured out who these smart crime solving detectives were...until I came along.

Happy Wednesday!

Meet Sam...

Now introducing the newest Sam member of the Molly Lou family. I believe we are up to 1,234 now.

Sam, the millipede.

Mr. rescued him from a parking lot and put him in a Subway cup for the ride home. Sam has taken to his new habitat well and we are going 4 days strong.

Sas, the millipede likes to dine on cucumbers and he has taken well to the constant swaying of "Hurricane Mini #2."

Mini #1 is loving the new pet and wants to sleep with him, but has agreed that it is best for Sam to stay in his home ALL. OF. THE. TIME.

I am thinking this new member is gross, but am putting on the happy and welcoming face.

I don't know how many more "Sams" I can take.

Have a great day.

Tummy Cries

Mini #1: "Mom, you don't want me to cry, right?"

Me: "Of course not. What's wrong Buddy?"

Mini #1: "You don't want me to be sad, right?"

Me: "Of course not, I never want you to be sad. Mommy always wants you to be happy. What's wrong?"

Mini #1: "My tummy is crying. It's crying hard."

Me: "Oh no. Why?"

Mini #1: "It's crying because it wants ice cream a lot and you won't let me have any. Please can I have some for my tummy."

Me: "Nice try. See if your tummy will cry for some fruit."

He always gets an "A for effort" and creativity too. My tummy cries for ice cream too. He is always trying something new. :)

Hope you all had a lovely weekend. The carnival at Mini #1's school was this weekend and that means the Silent Auction and Raffle. It is finally over!!! Hooray!

PS-I was so busy at the end of the week with the silent auction and helping get things ready that I am soooo behind on blogs. Hope to catch up soon! Have a great day!

Frandom

It's Friday. It's Random. It's Frandom.

(Thanks to my good friend Whitney who coined this perfect phrase. Thank goodness she is back in blogland after taking a hiatus.)

*The silent auction at Mini #1's school is tomorrow. THANK THE GOOD LORD! I am so exhausted and my house looked like a silent auction threw up in it. There is stuff EVERYWHERE and you know by now that I am starting to twitch and have been walking around with my little brown bag to aid in the breathing. I am going to spend most of the day setting up at the school and attempting to entertain my children at the same time...Awesome, I know. Say a little prayer for me and do a "No Rain" dance too.

*Andrew Belle was the music on Grey's Anatomy last night and it was fantastic. I have downloaded a few of his tunes. Speaking of Grey's Anatomy, who saw the previews for next week...a nail biter for sure. Don't even get me started on the mental breakdown I had while watching Private Practice. Perhaps a bit of it was due to the fatigue I described from the first frandom point.

*Mini #1's best friend, you know his future wife and pretty much joined at the hip other half, Abby was over yesterday. They were upstairs playing nicely and then came down "dressed up."

Interesting isn't it. Yes, that's my boy and we are SO proud! When I went upstairs, I was greeted by Mini #2's clothes that were previously hanging in her armoire. ALL. OVER. THE. FLOOR. Seriously, all of them. Cute picture though. :)

*My sweet mom is coming up this weekend and the Mini's are thrilled. Mini #1 made up a "Grammy" song. Stay tuned...sure to be on the Billboard charts asap!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Pink and Green Thursdays~Little Pink Houses For You and Me

Oh but ain't that America for you and me.Ain't that America something to see babyAin't that America home of the freeLittle pinks houses for you and me. I'm thinking of changing up the color scheme of Molly Lou Manor. Thoughts on some of these options? Think I could get Mr. on board? These photos are from all over...Guatemala, Savannah, New York, Isle of Palms, Australia, Nevada! Pink really does bring the world together!

Be sure to visit Trish who started the Pink and Green Thursday fun. Even if you don't love pink (I'm talking about you Gina), you'll enjoy the amazing photographs she posts!

Happy Thursday!

Wordless Wednesday~Children's Lit

Can you guess which children's book the Minis are reading?
We sure do love, love, love The Very Hungry Caterpillar in our home!
Happy Wednesday!

Most Bored in the Whole World

Yesterday, Mini #1 had a dentist appointment and we ran some errands afterwards. On the way home, I had to stop by the bank to take care of a little "issue."

I should have known that this "issue" would not be simple or quick. 2 HOURS LATER we left (that is another story for another day, but I will spare you.)

Mini #2 slept on my shoulder for part of it. Mini #1 read a book, drew on the back of a receipt, and played with other random things in my purse. He was so good, but 2 hours is asking a lot for anyone.

Soon, the end of the world was drawing near and we were going to be stuck in the bank for eternity. The book was really boring, his sister wasn't amusing. at all., and the depths of the purse had been exhausted and in fact, there was no treasure at the bottom of the bag.

Mini #1 sighs and says "I am the most bored in the whole world."

I laughed and told him what a great job he was doing and we would be going shortly. I tickled him, he laughed. We sat there.

The woman behind the desk wasn't working any quicker and I felt the gray hairs just popping out of my head at rapid speed.

Mini #1 "I said already. I am the most bored in the whole world."

Woman behind desk "I bet you are sick of sitting there. Is this really the most boring thing in the whole world for you."

Mini #1 "Well, my mom was talking in the car after the dentist today and that was the most boring."

THANKS SON! I love our chats too and certainly know what to hold over your head from now on.

"Mini #1 if you don't clean this up, I'll have that talk from the car or I'll leave you in the office with the lady from the bank."

Crazy Eights

I love the card game, Crazy Eights. I used to be able to play that for hours as a child and always begged someone to play with me. I should teach Mini #1 to play this game, I bet he could do it. We are trying to work on Tic Tac Toe, Old Maid (only we have some Disney version), and Go Fish at the moment.

Such a simple game...match the number/face or the suit and then get CRAZY when an eight is played. It really is about the simple things in life.

I digress.

The lovely Belle on Heels tagged me in this the game of Eights! Thanks Belle...I loved your answers and am ready to play along.



8 TV Shows I Like to Watch

1. Desperate Housewives
2. Brothers & Sisters
3. Grey's Anatomy
4. Dancing With the Stars
5. Modern Family
6. Friends
7. House Hunters/House Hunters International
8. Parenthood


8 Favorite Places to Eat and Drink
1. Moe's
2. Bistro 81
3. Panera
4. Brick's
5. McAlister's
6. Soby's
7. Chipotle
8. California Dreaming



8 Things I Look Forward To
1. Getting fancy with my new camera
2. Getting in to better shape and losing weight
3. A trip with Mr. sans children (hopefully this fall)
4. Family vacation
5. Adding another mini to our family (No, I am not pregnant)
6. Summer afternoons swimming with the minis
7. Meeting some blog friends
8. Seeing my grandmother again



8 Things I am Passionate About
1. My children and husband
2. My family
3. My friends
4. Working to be a better child of God
5. Coffee
6. Molly Lou Gifts
7. Reading
8. Manners



8 Words or Phrases I Use Often
1. Make good choices (always reminding the minis)
2. Seriously
3. Y'all
4. Get down from there.
5. I love you
6. Are you kidding me?
7. Please
8. Thank you


8 Things I Have Learned From the Past
1. The money might run out, but there is always more love.
2. Children really are the greatest gift and you will never know that level of love until you have them.
3. Be a good friend and surround yourself with those friends.
4. Cherish the relationship with your family.
5. Spend wisely.
6. Use your words wisely.
7. Don't be in such a rush to move on, take some time to enjoy things.
8. Everything happens for a reason.



8 Places I Would Like to Visit/See
1. South Africa
2. Spain
3. Brazil
4. Greece
5. Vancouver
6. Peru
7. Ireland
8. Norway



8 Things I Currently Want/Need
1. new clothes
2. clear my reading list
3. a gardener and pool boy
4. a vacation
5. a pedicure
6. a tan
7. more time in the day
8. more money (especially to get numbers 1, 3, 4)



8 Bloggers I Tag
1. Whitney at Just Whitney (so glad she returned to Blogland)
2. Bevy at It's a Golden Day
3. Name Twin at Living in the Moment
4. Trish at Pink Preppy Lilly Lover
5. Katherine at The Katherine Wheel
6. Katie at The Perks
7. E at Ink Obsession
8. Emily at Emily's Going Nuts

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day! What a special day this is!

I received a card from my best friend, who is also my minis "Aunt Kristy", Mini #2's godmother, and is expecting her first child this fall which I am THRILLED about.

The message in the card was just beautiful, so I thought I would share:

Motherhood is watching a sleeping child

and not remembering

how you were before this tiny miracle came in to your life.

It's kissing away sleepy teardrops and singing precious lullabies.

It's being able to fix a broken toy and gently bandage a knee.

It's having a childlike imagination that plans backyard treasure hunts and

telling the most wonderful bedtime stories.

Motherhood is the perfect blend of being strong-willed and gentle hearted,

of wisdom, innocence, and love.

I am so thankful to have such a wonderful mother, but also a woman that is an even better grandmother! My children adore her and it is so exciting to watch the mother that loved me, took care of me, supported me, and guided me now love and adore these two children!

My children are also so incredibly blessed to have such amazing women in their lives!

Happy Mother's Day to aunts, godmothers, friends, sisters, grandmothers, and more! Mother's day is also for celebrating those that aren't yet mothers. What a special blessing these future children will have to be born to you.

Enjoy today!

{image via here}

These are the Faces...

that make me smile.

These are the faces that make me happy.

These are the messy faces that I get to see the future in.

These are the faces that sometimes make me feel like I am going crazy (or crazier depending on who you ask.)
These are the faces that light up when I first lay eyes on them in the morning.

These are the faces that I am so thankful for. These are the faces that are an answer to prayers and stole my heart even before I got to meet them.

These are the faces that I love so much it hurts.

These are the faces that call me MOM!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you.

Even if you aren't a mom, you are a daughter, sister, aunt, godmother, and friend!

Have a great weekend!

Pink and Green Thursday~Tiptoe in the Grass

Happy Thursday! "Being Happy does't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections and take a walk in the grass." ~Unknown
The littlest mini sure does like to take a walk in the grass. She sheds the shoes as soon as she gets the opportunity. Perhaps she really does have happiness figured out!

Have a great day!

Wordless Wednesday~Laundress for Hire

Need help with your laundry?

Master Laundress for hire. She is perfect for the job!

She is a great folding partner and always has a smile on her face. Her favorite part is when the laundry piles are being put away to grab another pile and bury herself in it and then giggle profusely.

At least she is a cute laundry monster. Happy Wednesday.