Proud Mommy Moments

I love being a mommy, or mama as my little girl calls me. Don't get me wrong, it's definitely not the easiest job in the world. Like when my 4 year old decides that he suddenly doesn't like a certain food anymore (even though he's eaten it since he was 6 months old) or when my 18 month old is cutting teeth and when she farts you wonder if it's really a fart or a really nasty teething related poop. Sorry, TMI I know but it happens, and it's not pretty.

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But then there are moments I refer to as "proud mommy moments". Where one or both of your kids does something that just makes your heart swell and you want to yell from the roof tops about how awesome your kids are!

+ When the kids use good manners
Moms, y'all know what a struggle this is... begging your child to ask nicely or to just say "yes, ma'am". The moment they say "please" and/or "thank you" without you having to prompt them is just bliss, pure bliss! It's then you know something is finally sinking into their tiny little skulls!

+ When they play nice
Zander doesn't always like to share his toys with Ainsley, and so when I catch them playing nicely and sharing or just not fighting my heart gets all warm and fuzzy.

+ First moments
Any sort of "first accomplishments" I tend to brag to everyone about. Recently Zander learned to ride his bike. This is a big deal because he's had this bike for nearly 2 years now (Santa brought it for Christmas in 2012) and he's had a hard time since then grasping the concept of peddling. Well on July 27, 2014 he offically started riding his bike. The joy on his face was beautiful.

+ When Daddy gets cuddles

Both of my kids prefer me. It's no secret. Don't get me wrong, they love Daddy to the moon and back, but Mommy is the boo-boo kisser, the best chocolate milk maker, and the diaper changer. So when both kids flock to Daddy and give me a break, it's welcomed and pictures are always taken. Moments like this usually mean I can pee alone or get the dishwasher loaded without Ainsley unloading it right behind me.

here, they were watching "Wreck It Ralph"

I have many more, but maybe I'll save them for another post. What are some of your proud moments? (Even if you're not a mommy!) 

Don't Try so Hard

Last week, during Meagan's Friday Favorites link up, I was introduced to the "florkens". One post (Don't Try so Hard) in particular was featured on the Friday Favorites, and it really made me stop and read and think. The post featured this amazing song: Colbie Caillat's "Try".

Jackie and Nicole are co-hosting this link up with the "florkens". I love the idea behind it to promote true natural beauty! I'm definitely one of those women that at least does the eye makeup. Admittedly, I do too much eye makeup most likely, but I tend to feel more confident covering the dark circles under my eyes. (Thanks, kids for not letting me sleep ever!) So, without stalling anymore let's let the picture speak for itself! Please excuse the poor lighting and quality, I don't have a fancy camera and I didn't do any editing! I also took my glasses off so you could actually see my eyes.

In following the rules of the link up, one thing I love about myself: my eyes. They're green on the outside with a brown ring on the inside. I guess that's the reason why I usually only do make up on my eyes, haha.

So don't be shy! Join the link up! I want to see just how beautiful you really are! 

 

 

Spreading the Blogger Love

Happy Friday! Being back in the work force I can truly appreciate Friday's again, and real weekends with the whole family. I love it! We're linking up with Meagan again for Friday Favorites!

Without further delay, I give you

This week was fun! 

+ Meagan's 

DIY artwork photo book made the top of my list this week. Seriously, y'all if you have kids you know the struggle that is kid artwork! If they're in school or have a really amazing babysitter like I do, they come home daily with so many CRAFTS! Meagan shared her genius idea on how to de-clutter and save all of the precious memories! Isn't she awesome? 

+ Southern Belle's 

Wednesday confessions. I admit it, I'm a sucker for any sort of confession post. I love feeling like other bloggers live normal lives like I do, and that not all posts are sponsored. (Is that weird to say?) Oh well, I already break the blogging rules.... anyway I digress, go check this chick out- she's pretty fun!

+Allie's 

Day in Gifs. Holy cow, y'all all of these were so much fun but Allie's was seriously my favorite because they were ALL "Friends" gifs! And, to celebrate... here: 

+ Christina's 
Baby Got Back. If you're a parent with kids still in diapers, you know the frustration that is diapers at the pool. Disposable diapers literally rip at the seams, and swimmie diapers are just so expensive (and if you're like me you never use the whole pack before they outgrow the size!) Christina has the perfect solution for you!

I wish I had more to share this week, but I'm super behind in reading (and commenting) on posts! I can't wait to see everyone else's favorites though! Check out these lovely ladies and share the blogger love! 

Come Visit Me!

Previously I told y'all about places you need to visit that are outside of where I live. AKA Places I've been to that I absolutely love. It got me thinking though, I really do love where I live. I'm not sure how many of my readers have been to Georgia. I know a few like Amanda and Becca are from here, but to the others that have never been to this wonderful southern state, I give you:

+ ME!
This one should be obvious, because there's a lot of y'all I would love to meet! It still needed to be said though.

+ Centennial Olympic Park / Skyview Atlanta
Both of these are right next to each other in Atlanta. Skyview is new (I still have not ridden it, but it looks incredible!) Who doesn't love a ginormous Ferris wheel? Centennial Park was made after the 1996 Summer Olympics left. The Olympic rings are now a *free* splash pad that has a view of Skyview. There's lots of really tasty restaurants in the area too. Both of these are not just for kids. Trust me, I've seen plenty of adults down here. Granted, the adults don't usually take part in the splash pad, but the park has much more to offer. Walking trails, etc.

+ Stone Mountain
Located east of Atlanta is Stone Mountain. Here there is tons of stuff to do with the family. Every night during the summer time they do a laser show and fireworks on the side of the mountain. There's a hiking trail to climb the mountain, or if you're lazy like me there's a lift to let you ride to the top! For the kids, there's rides, games, etc! You could easily spend an entire day here and not get bored. You might spend a fortune on gifts and rides, but you won't be bored.

The Grist Mill at Stone Mtn

+ Georgia Aquarium
Clearly I'm a sucker for aquariums. But seriously y'all, the Georgia Aquarium is by far the nicest I've ever seen! I haven't seen the dolphin show yet, but even if you go and don't watch it you won't be disappointed. If I remember correctly Georgia is one of the few aquariums to hold whale sharks! Not all aquariums are created equal. I honestly could've done a post just on aquariums I've been too! Is that sad?

+ Yellow River Game Ranch
Not too far from Stone Mountain is this lovely little gem! No kidding y'all, this place is so cool. Their slogan: "Like a zoo, but better!" All of the animals here are local to Georgia, and most you can PET! That's right, it's a huge petting zoo. Ever wanted to snuggle up to a cute little Bambi deer? This is the place! It's also WAY cheaper than say, Zoo Atlanta, for example. Fun on a budget, y'all. You can bring your own food for the animals, or you can buy food for them where you get the tickets. Most of the animals there can be fed "non special diet food".

Now doesn't that look like fun?
Where should I visit in your city? We're always looking for new vacation destinations!

Where Has the Time Gone?

I'd like to take a moment to have a mini heart attack, so please excuse me while I panic about how quickly time is passing.



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In approximately three weeks my oldest will be starting school. Well, he'll be starting Pre-K but it counts because he'll be going for a full day. August 11 is the first day of school. August 8 we have open house to meet his new teacher and find out what all he'll need to bring to school. Before I go on... I know what y'all are thinking: "Aug 11? Whoa! That's early to start school!" Yes it is... Georgia starts school very early, but we also get out of school early as well. I think summer started May 28 or somewhere close to there. So yeah, early in/ early out. That's how it has been for as long as I can remember. I'm pretty sure I've never started school in September, but I digress.

Zander is unbelieveably excited about starting school. For the longest time he would ask every single day, "is today when I go to school?" For awhile my answer would be "when the leaves fall off the trees" because at 4 years old, you don't exactly know what the seasons are yet and saying "in the fall" wasn't a good enough answer.
I eventually got smart and found a way to let him know exactly how long he had... PAPER CHAINS! Seriously, y'all if you have kids- best idea ever! He's starting to grasp a sense of time and days of the week and that sort of thing, but in order to count down to something, I seriously suggest paper chains. This is what we did for our last vacation as well.




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So now we're down to just one chain (we started with two giant ones). He keeps reminding me everyday that at the end of the chain he gets to go to school. That's right, kid keep reminding me how fast you're growing up. *tear*
I have a feeling the first day won't be so bad because he's so ready. I think if he were to cry and cling to me the day we drop him off it might be harder, but of course we won't know for sure until that day actually comes.
Until then, Time, please slow down! My baby is only little for so long...

Places Y'all Need to Visit

I'm not much of a traveler. Hell, I am one of the few folks actually born and raised in Georgia and I'm still here, y'all.
The few places I have been to are absolutely amazing and everyone should go at least once.

+ St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
I've been here three times (my aunt used to live there), and seriously y'all this place is gorgeous! It's super affordable for tourists, you can see the bottom of the ocean, and the local food is amazing! What more of a reason do you need to visit? Oh wait, it's in the Caribbean!

real live sea turtle! 

Snorkeling Melissa 

Pirate ship!

+ Chicago, Illinois Shedd Aquarium 
The last time I was here was in 2002, so sorry: I don't have any pictures with me in them, but the pictures from the website are exactly like I remember the aquarium. Plus, I really love aquariums so when I get a chance to see one outside of my city I get really excited.

Source: Google

Source: Google

+ Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Zoo
Also known as America's First Zoo. Y'all, you can feed the giraffes at this zoo! Plus, these speak for themselves!

I think any zoo or aquarium in a new city is a definite must-see. Philly and Chicago were fun cities to visit. I was only in each of them for a day, so I'd definitely love to go back to see what else the cities have to offer. Where have you been that other people need to visit? I'd love to see your pictures!

Friday Favorites & Blogmopolitan

We're going to try something new this week since I haven't posted all that much... I've been busy with work. I'm linking up with Meagan at All the Joys for Friday Favorites

+ Lora's Honest Post. We've all had those days where we hate the way we look or feel, and we can't fit into what we want to wear. Lora reminds us to essentially "just keep swimming" and love yourself!

+ Amanda's Getting to know her post. I've known Amanda for YEARS, and even though I knew most of what she posted this is still a favorite because she cracks me up with her answers. She's a silly goose. Yep. I said it.

+ Kay's Vegas List! I've never been to Vegas (read: the west coast), so it was fun to see the sights from a real person's POV and not just the T.V. / Movie side of things.

+ Katherine's Day in the Life post. I am a sucker for the photo an hour and live blog my day type of stuff. I'm nosey. We all know I'm a creeper now, so it makes sense that I enjoyed this post. Plus, Frozen! #ILoveDisney (way too much)

+ Becca's Movie Night! It was here I learned Pop Secret has an app to tell you exactly when your popcorn is perfect. WHAT?! That my friends is amazing. I still have yet to use it, mostly because I don't have any popcorn in the house, but the fact it exists is fantastic.

.::Edit::.

Because I want to sit with the cool kids at lunch, I'm including the Blogmopolitan Quiz today too. Linking up with Erin! enjoy!

I'm Not an Event Planner

But my H.R. manager seems to think I'm qualified for the job!

Let me explain... I'm an "administrative assistant" at my new job. Translation: I'm the office "go-fer"... whatever my boss(es) need help with, I do it. It could be filing, data entry, or making spreadsheets. Yesterday HR decided *Melissa is an event planner*

Here's how it went down

Me: "Hey, (we'll call her H)! I've finished with the stop audits, do you need help with anything?"
H: "Actually yes, I have to book the Christmas party by the end of the week. Can you find a location and book it?"
Me: "Um... OK... Sure"
The rest of the day was spent with me searching for places to have Christmas parties near the office since the majority of employees live near the office. Unfortunately the majority of places that people seem to want to have the party at are outside of the area that people are willing to drive.

Time to compromise folks, you either get location or fun. Where our job is, you can't have both. Priorities people... priorities.

WHYYY did I say yes?? Maybe because it's a new job and I wanted to be the good little assistant and help. Ugh. I don't know. Thankfully, I made a phone call to a really good friend and got a some good ideas for where to start tomorrow, and now that I know he reads my blog: Thanks Andy!

The lesson learned here: don't agree to be an event planner when you know nothing about planning events. Or make sure you have a really awesome friend to bail you out and give you really great ideas. Especially when your experience of Christmas parties is a free Outback Steakhouse dinner lunch.

Bloomin' Onions are freaking delicious though. 

Mondays Suck

I realize I'm stating the obvious today, but please don't run away just yet. I promise I have a point.
Yes, Monday's do suck, we all hate Monday; some of us for different reasons than others.

My list is very simple:

... WWE Monday Night Raw

Yep, that sums it up right there.
For the past 8 years I've been with Josh (married for 6 years this September). So for the past 8 years I've had WWE in my living room every. single. Monday. I try to be a good wife, I pretend like I care what's going on with the story lines; yes, I said story lines, but if I'm really being honest with myself I cannot stand this show at all, y'all. It just really, really sucks! If you break it down, the show really is soap operas for men.

My top five reasons why I can't stand Raw

// Vickie Guerrero
She's Her character is a middle age loud mouth bitch that thinks she looks better than everyone else. Her voice is super annoying, and she calls herself a cougar. The way she yells things at other characters on the show is like nails on a chalkboard. She's not cute, y'all.

Yeah, that's real cute...

// There is no acting ability, at all. 

To see it on T.V. is worse. gifs do my point no justice. 

// The costumes. 

I don't get why some of the characters have to come out wearing things like this

just ridiculous. 

// Story Lines. 

I don't get how some people follow these story lines the writers come up with. One week someone is getting married, the next they've divorced and the husband is fighting with someone because he cheated with the ex wife. The girls are always having cat fights over something stupid. The "bad guys" never stay bad... after a few weeks they're the good guys and then the good guys are suddenly bad. WHAT?? I just don't get it! 

// Josh's blank stare. 

this annoying blank stare means he's totally zoned out completely, and he doesn't hear anything I say. 

This needed to be said. I've been bottling this pent up anger about the show for 8 years. What annoys you about Monday's? 

Baby Fever... or Not...

A really good friend of mine came to visit a few days ago. We've known each other for many years, but this is the first time we've seen each other since about this time last year. We both have kids and a busy schedule, and we live 45 minutes apart so the timing to see each other is always a little difficult.

She is a stay at home mommy to 4 gorgeous kids: Lorelai (7), Piper (4), Derek (2) and Nala (3 months). I always love spending time with her because we parent similarly. Yes, I said it... I like the way she parents, and yes there are certain people I don't hang out with because I don't like the way they parent.

The problem with seeing her recently is baby Nala. Not that she's a bad baby or anything like that... No, she made me way too broody! It really didn't help that Ainsley didn't want the baby to leave. No joke, my 17 month old baby girl took claim to Nala and was only happy when she was sitting on the couch holding her.

Cuteness overload, right?

I have to remind myself that a third baby is NOT in the budget right now. And we definitely don't have the room in the house. I'm definitely not moving anytime soon to a bigger house.
Thank goodness for Mirena IUD. Even if I wanted a third baby right now, I'm not getting my IUD taken out anytime soon to start trying. *wipes brow in relief*


As cute as Ainsley was with Nala, I have a feeling she'd be a mean big sister. She's a bit of a bully at times. She takes toys from Zander, and he's three years older than she is.
No, two kids is definitely enough for now.
Thanks, blogger for allowing me to talk myself out of this. And thanks to my readers for sticking around.

Let's Be Friends!

I'm about to admit something a little creepy.

I'm a stalker. Kind of.

I'm relatively new to the blogging community, so I'm trying to branch out and make new friends. I tend to have a habit of clicking on other bloggers names in the comments of blogs I read. 

I told  you it would be creepy. 

Well, yesterday I clicked on Laney's blog. She posted an excellent link up for a blog hop. A way to meet new bloggers and make new friends. 

Of course it gave me a great opportunity to find blogs I had never read before, and now I have more reading material! Thanks, Laney! 

I'm trying to be less creeper-ish and make new friends. I promise to comment if I read your blog and not just lurk in the shadows. Let's be friends!! LOL