Countdown to the Wedding...

My best friend is getting married in September.  I have known her since I was 14.  I was the maid of honor for her first wedding.  and I get to be maid of honor for the second (and hopefully last!) one.  We got together with her mom and my mom over the weekend and started banging out some plans.  She is completely and totally overwhelmed. She said we asked too many questions.  LOL

Anyway, the wedding is this fall.  The colors are red and black (she's wearing black, we are wearing red).  It's going to be basically outside. The ceremony will actually take place inside but the other stuff will be outside.  I will post pix of stuff as it comes about.  We are going on the 17th to pick out our dresses.  we are looking at picking patterns and having the dresses made.  each girl will be able to pick a pattern they like and we will get the same material for all.

Both of my girls are participating as well.  Jazz is going to be a junior bridesmaid, Lyric is going to sing and play the keyboard.  (We are calling her the wedding pop star).

I'm excited for my friends, even with all the mess that is my life right now.  They have been together for 15 yeras and been through a whole lot of crap. I'm happy to be able to help support her and celebrate with her.  Maybe someday she will be able to return the favor.

101 things that will make you smile

Found this article on Yahoo today.  101 small pleasure you can enjoy everyday.  Thought I'd share will you all because who doesn't need a reason to smile throughout the day.  I'm highlighting some of my faves.

coloring (yes, grown-ups can do it, too)



crisp cotton sheets


soft skin


old family recipes


the first daffodils of spring


sleeping in


an exercise endorphin high


window boxes


a perfect cup of coffee


a genuine compliment (giving or receiving)


the way babies smell


a handwritten letter


waking up in a good mood...for no real reason


singing in the shower


finding a couple forgotten dollars in your pocket


doing something nice for your neighbor


a home cooked meal


laughing


movie theater popcorn


playing hookey


a bubble bath


swimming


an afternoon nap


street musicians


your favorite song


saying thank you


helping someone in need


old fashioned photo booths


fresh whipped cream


inspiring blogs


a glass of wine


rainy afternoons


the funny things kids say


a novel you can get lost in


finding the perfect piece of clothing...on sale


clean laundry


the wind in your hair


treating the person behind you at the drive-thru


sharing an umbrella


the smell of lavender


a long walk that clears your head


a bear hug


The Beatles


smiling at a stranger


eating with chopsticks (Chinese food optional)


butterflies


staying in your pj's all day


singing along to the radio and knowing all the words


fresh herbs


ordering in pizza


happy endings...even if they're fictional


flying a kite


puppies


root beer floats


holding open the door...


...or having someone hold the door for you


fountain soda


white, fluffy towels


sunshine


spending an afternoon at a museum


really great advice


green lights all the way home


the sound of rain hitting the windows


sitting in a booth


holding hands


a great hair day with no effort


building a fort with your kids


when someone falls asleep with their head on your shoulder


fireflies


the perfect taco


geraniums on a windowsill


slow dancing


the smell of fresh-baked bread


cheesy, uplifting musicals


great stories


the smell of gasoline


the cold side of the pillow


love letters


old friends...


...new friends


a pull-through parking space


a baguette -- crisp on the outside, airy on the inside


when a dog licks your hand


sitting at the counter at an old-fashioned diner


using your favorite dishes


reading your child a bedtime story


Girl Scout Cookies


flossing


kissing someone you love


the smell of onions and garlic cooking


hot chocolate


jumping in puddles


old photographs


birds hopping on the sidewalk


Ella Fitzgerald


a spoonful of peanut butter straight from the jar


your softest t-shirt


a new magazine in the mail


fireplaces


having exact change


bacon and pancakes cooking on Saturday morning
 
so what are some of your small pleasures??  Is there anything that should be added to this list??

hats, hats and more hats

In the course of a day we, as moms, wear many different hats.  Today I have already been:  an alarm clock, a pharmacy, a taxi, a mom, a daughter, a secretary, and a scheduler.  By the end of the day I will also be:  a girl scout leader, a friend,and a taxi (for the other child).

In general I am also: a music fan, a laundress, a cook, a nagger (I mean come on, can somebody please clean up their room???), an advocate, a writer, a reader, a bill payer, a sister, an aunt, a niece, a granddaughter, a great granddaughter, a motivational speaker (for the kids!), and Avon representative.

I'm sure there are more that I am missing, but that's what's coming to mind right now.  So I ask.  As a mom-
What hats do you wear?? 

Hot Locks Giveaway

Last week, we were lucky enough to get to trial Hot Locks.  Jazz got to play with Morgan, and Lyric actually messed around with her too.

She's very colorful, very funky, and you can do lots of fun stuff with her really, really long hair.  She's a little bit of a doll, which is nice for keeping busy in the car.  But even just sitting on the bed messing with her hair was a time waster* as well.

Not only did we get one of these super cute dolls to try, we got one to give away!  if you would like Nahla to relocate to your house, just leave a note in the comments.  You must include your name and an email address.  (how else will I get in touch with you when you win!?!?)

I will take comments from today until 3/21, with the winner announced 3/22.

To check out more about these super cute dolls, go here

*Time waster=keep them busy and out of mom's hair.

Rock Sugar

So last night, the girls and I are on our way home.  Listening to our local rock station.  This song comes on.  Sounds like "don't stop believing" but wait...that's not how it goes.  Now it sounds like "enter sandman".  It's a band caleld Rock Sugar.  OMG, they are awesome!  The song was great and all three of us were singing at the top of our lungs!

get home, can't find it on iTunes.  Just did a search on yahoo.  It. Is. Awesome.  They mixed up a bunch of good songs to make GREAT songs.  I love "don't stop the sandman" but as the music player is clicking away, I suddenly hear a familiar riff.  Yup, "Crazy Girl".  it's a mix of "Crazy Train" and "Jessie's Girl". 

here is a link to their music player.  Check it out and let me know what you think.  If you like them, sign up for the street team.  I did. 

3/9/94 - sixteen years ago

Yesterday was my due date.  sixteen years ago.  I didn't realized until late last night that was the reason I was out of sorts all day.  in August of 1993 I had a miscarriage.  I was between 8 - 10 weeks along.  No good reason.  Just one of those things that happens.  I didn't understand it.  I was depressed for months. (however, I didn't realized that at the time)   I went for an ultrasound and they couldn't find the heartbeat.  A few tests and a week later and the doctor told me that there would be no baby.

Three months later we were pregnant again.  Due date: August 6.  No baby then either.

But it's okay.  I've come to terms with it.  and now I have Lyric and Jazz.  With as much as they make me crazy, I know that had either of their brothers (mom's intuition says they were both boys) lived, I wouldn't have my two beautiful girls.  And I love my girls.

My Baby is Growing Up

Jazz is going to be 11 in less than two months.  We were looking at photos the other day because she is "star of the week" and I just can't even believe that she has come so far.  And it makes me sad, as a mom, that I have such a hard time remembering her as a baby.  The photos help and we tell stories, but I can't really just sit back and remember my baby.  It might have something to do with the post partum depression I lived with.

But anyway, now that she is such a "big" girl, she has discovered her own clothing style.  She's also playing with makeup.  She likes this red lipstick that I got (but haven't worn myself) and she likes eye make up and she just wants to be pretty.  She's always had her own clothing style.  The other day she mixed and matched something and Lyric looked at her, then looked at me and said "Why do you let her dress like that?" 

There is a fine line between letting her have her own style and making sure she doesn't make a fool of herself.  It's a very very fine line.  I've always said that as long as it is "weather" appropriate, the girls can wear whatever they want. 

So, should I let her continue to have her own style and deal, or should I guide a little more towards what I think is appropriate!??  I need some help here, moms.

My Job Chart

I'm so excited about being able to review My Job Chart.  My girls are a little bit older, but there are still things that I need them to do:  like get up in the morning on time and get to sleep at a decent hours.  Plus putting away clothes, helping clean up after dinner and more.

With My Job Chart, I get to create a custom  chore schedule for the girls.  Points are assigned and rewards are earned.  it's a very cool little tool.  And the best part is:  It's FREE!

So, I know that you want to go check it out.  Here's a link that will get you there and you can sign up for your own job chart.

http://www.myjobchart.com/sign_up/?id=6723

after you get to use it, please stop back and leave a comment about how it's working out for you.

The Princess's 40th Birthday Party

here's a few pix from the party.  if you are friends with me on Facebook, there are more there.  Enjoy.  I know I did!

Me and Chris..just playing around

Me and Kell (this is Mrs. Chris!)

Me and my mommy

Colleen, Tina, Jody, Me, and Tammy

the gang from middle school, we are just missing Barb

Shelly, Me and Mike.  He wanted to be a princess too!

Moment/Memory Jars

Reading through my emails this morning, I found this: 
http://www.getbuttonedup.com/2010/02/the-moment-jar/?utm_source=Buttoned+Up+Newsletter&utm_campaign=810d024ea9-March_Is_Here_Get_Organized_With_Ease&utm_medium=email

and it got me thinking.  With all the crazy stuff that has happened to me lately, this would be a fabulous idea.  For my kids too!  To be able to quickly "remember" a special/happy/positive memory.  So tonight we are starting memory jars.  My idea is a jar/box/container that can be decorated to your own liking.  Then pretty paper cut into strips or squares.  On the paper we will note the date and then memory.  If the kids think it's stupid (which is a very good possibility) then I will do my own.  I will post photos here of the project. 

What do you think??  good idea?? lame?? too time consuming??  let me know.