Friday, December 30, 2011

New Years

New Years/ New Years Eve has a whole new meaning as of 2 years ago. Because at 7:35am on Decemeber 31, 2009 this little miracle decided to bless us with her presence...



Tomorrow my beautiful little baby turns 2. I cant even express into words how this little person has changed my life. Its more than I could ever express into words. She is an amazing, special, magical little human being. A perfect daughter, sister, and friend. I owe her so much, which is why everyday I try to be the best mother I can possibly be for her. Because she deserves the world and more. And I will do my best as her mother to give her that.

You are loved to the moon and back, and then some. I hope your second birthday is all your little hearts desired! Tomorrow, NYE morning, we will be having a special celebration for you with your closest loved ones. We will celebrate your joyous 2 years of life over your favorite meal- Breakfast! At IHop : )


HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY MISS M!




 

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Still Grieving

I'm having on of those days...filled with all the nasty ugly painful feelings about my infertility. It started at the hospital this morning. (remeber I have the flu? Well after 5 days of a fever over 100, this morning it was 103.1) my Dr ordered me to go to the hospital for labs, etc.

So this morning I went and checked in. Ironically enough, it was exactly 2 years ago today I walked into that very same hospital to give birth to my baby M. It was very surreal. This particular hospital plays a lullaby throughout the whole hospital everytime a baby born. It's very touching, but I couldn't help but think that I want another baby. I want that lullaby played for me :( it hit me like a ton of bricks every time it played..

I'll never have that again. Ever. ;( it's so hard.

Then there have been the normal numerous pregnancy announcements lately. Those are always so hard on me, but more so now :(

Bottom line is I'm still grieving. And who knows how long this process will take. L has been a great distraction, but I'm not so sure hiding from the issues is going to help. Maybe I need counseling... Or just more time. I don't know.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

It's Funny How Things Work Out Sometimes

Kay's 2 front teeth have been loose for a couple months now. I was praying and praying that she would lose them before Christmas just so she could sing this...


And as you can see, it happened! It made me SO happy! And she looks so darn cute without them. A few days before Christmas Eve, the girls were rough housing and L knocked out one of them. Then on Christmas Eve morning, at 4 am no less (never a dull moment around here!) Kay lost the other one!

We had a fabulous Christmas, very blessed! But Christmas morning I very suddenly got ill and have the flu :( Christmas updates to come...

Friday, December 23, 2011

Merry Christmas

From our family to yours <3! I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas with those you love.


{Our 2011 Christmas card}

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Favorite Things: Kiss Nail Sticks!


I'm sure you've seen or heard about these things by now. They are basically stickers for your nails! They are actually called Nail Dress, but I call them Nail Sticks! : ) I wasn't that interested in them until I was sitting in a Dr's office one day last week and I complimented the nurse on her beautiful jewled nails. She said "Thanks, but you know they are just those stick on sticker nail things you can get at the drug strore and they last about a week".

After that I HAD to try them! I've been trying to be more budget on the wallet friendly, so these last few months I have been doing my own nails and toes. And well you know my nails be lookin raggity!

I ran down to Walgreen's later that day and stocked up! They had so many to chose from. Solids, jeweled, animal prints, and all different designs. I couldn't decide which ones were cuter, and which ones I wanted so I bought 4 boxes (wait, is that counter productive to me being frugal?)

Anyways, the next day I was feeling up to the challenge. Everyone (and the box) said EASY, ONLY TAKES MINUTES FOR PERFECT NAILS, but you know how that is. Suuuuuurre. So when M was down for her nap, and the big girls were at school I was ready to roll. I chose the pretty Lacey design because we were going to to see The Nutcracker Ballet that night.

And I am being 100% honest when I say ANYONE CAN DO THIS! And it was really SO EASY!! It took about 10 minutes to put all of them on, the directions are short and simple, done! Really, anyone can do this! It is fool proof! And you can have beautiful LACE nails in 10 min. for only 8 dollars!!


I was sold! The next challenge was to see how long they actually lasted. The box says up to 10 days, but I know better. So here they are after 4 days.....keep in mind I am really rough on my hands. Lots of dishes, washing hands constantly, wiping asses, you get the idea...


Then I was wondering how do you get them off? Well that was super easy too! You just start peeling them up from the bottom and they pretty much come off in one piece.

Bottom line, even though they only lasted 4 days (for me), it is still one of my new favorite things. A beautiful 8 dollar manicure for the weekend?? Hellz yeah!

So I peeled off the old, and put on a new pair this week! Just in time for Christmas...


 I also painted my toenails yesterday and added some to my toes. Not perfect, but pretty awesome huh?!


So if you've been wondering about these like I had, GO FOR IT! You wont regret it! (Pretty designed) Pinky promise ;)

Monday, December 19, 2011

A Season For Caring and a Time For Sharing

Kay is such an amazing little girl. Back in the summer she thought of this grand idea to have a charity lemonade stand. She wanted to donate the proceeds to the Phoenix Children's Hospital. She tought of this all on her own. Keep in mind this was in the middle of the blistering summer way before Christmas too, so I told her that sometime in the fall we could do that. I have no idea what prompted her to do this. Maybe its because we drive right past the Children's hospital all the time on the way to grandmas house? Almost every time we drive by, I tell her about it. How sad it is to think that the big huge hospital is filled with sick children who are away from their families, etc. I think she may have just realized how lucky she is....

Fast forward to fall. We planned to do a multi family garage sale with some friends who live down the street. They also have girls, ages 8 and 3. Kay is good friend with the older girl and thought she might want to do the charity lemonade sale with her. We decided it would be best to have the girls set up AT the garage sale because we would already have the crowds coming in. Her mom and I planned a play date a few weeks in advance so the girls could make and decorate a sign for their lemonade table. And this is what they came up with:



The garage sale was not as successful as we planned (the weather), but they did managed to raise $12.50 that dreary day!! But the girls did an amazing (and crazy!) job of trying to get people to donate, while also having a blast together.




A few weeks had gone by, and I asked my friend (the little girls mom) if she could contact them and find out how and when we could bring the kids down to donate the money that they raised. Well turns out the best way to do that is to go on their website where they have wish lists that the kids posts, and take the girls and the money shopping for the kids! Perfect!

But this Sunday morning, Kay thought that wasn't enough. All the girls even took money out of their allowance, but it still left them with under 20 dollars.

So Kay had another bright idea to help raise more money. Again, all on her own she thought of all this.

The grand idea? Go door to door to our neighbors with signs that her and L had made, along with a money box to see if any of them would contribute to the Phoenix Children's Hospital Present Fund and if you did donate, you got to receive one of the signs/pictures that Kay and L had made. Pretty clever I must say!



At first, although cute, I thought this was kinda crazy. On a sunday morning 3 wild kids and a crazy lady knocking on my door?! But then I realized these are our neighbor's, so they know us ad know that we aren't some crazy weird pan handlers.



And well it was a huge success! Turns out people ARE good. Better than good, amazing. A few people dropped 20's in there, and everyone gave at least $5.00!

So the girls came home with $68.00 just from the people on our street. Combine that with the $12.50 they already have, and they now have $80.50 for the kids!!!!!!!!!!!!



This makes me such a proud momma!!! All of this makes me realize, that even though my kids are spoiled rotten, that they still have good hearts, and are becoming caring, giving, thoughtful little human beings. What more could a mother ask for? And how good my little Kay Kay really is. And L ....well she is learning. Yes she did say "now give us some money" when people would answer the door, but we're working on her...and she is learning. She's on my watch now ; )

Stay tuned for the ending of this story...when we all go to The Phoenix Children's Hospital to help brighten some little peoples Holidays.


Sunday, December 18, 2011

Friday, December 16, 2011

The ABC's of Me

I know I've done this before, but its been a few years, and I am sure some of my new followers would like to know more about me. So here goes, the ABC's of me!



A. Age: 29, err I mean 26 1/2!

B. Bed size: King. And that's not big enough.

C. Chore that you hate: Bathrooms. That's why I leave that to the cleaning ladies ;) One that I actually do? Dishes, and thank god for the dishwasher! It helps when you hate dishes.

D. Dogs: None. 2 cats, Lucy and Sweetie Pie.

E. Essential start to your day: The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf  whole bean Brazilian roast coffee (I grind fresh everyday) with french vanilla creamer. I'm kinda of a coffee snob.

F. Favorite color: Pink of course : )

G. Gold or Silver: Both!

H. Height: 5'1

I. Instruments you play: None. I am the least musical person. I cant hold a tune to save my life, nor can I (or have any desire for that matter) to play instruments.

J. Job title: HR, Bookkeeper, AR/AP, Marketing, Boss Lady, a little of everything...

K. Kids: K and M, and now my foster daughter (who is also my cousin) L!

L. Live: Phoenix

M. Mother’s name: Kristin

N. Nicknames: Growing up it was mouth. Now its Mom!

O. Overnight hospital stays: Only when I had my kids.

P. Pet peeves: People who talk on the phone at restaurants, people with bad etiquette, people with bad manners, miserable & inconsiderate people, and people who refuse to help themselves.

Q. Quote from a movie: “Say hello to my little friend”  Scarface..haha!

R. Right or left handed: Right

S. Siblings: I have 1 brother (1/2 brother, same mom. 8 years younger than me) and 2 much older sisters (1/2 sisters, same dad. One is 11 years older and the other 13 years older. My dad's kids from his previous marriage before my mom). No full blooded sibs. And since me and my brother (who was raised with me) are 8 years apart and it two TOTALLY different places in our lives, we are not that close. I mean, he's 21, err I mean 18, for gods sake. I'm hoping once he grows up and has some kids of his own, our relationship will blossom. Looking forward to that day actually. I always felt like an only child.

T. Teenage crush: NKONB! I had a Jordan pillow case, and used to kiss him every night  ;)

U. Underwear: Yes, please. VS Pink Thongs are my fav.

V. Vegetable you hate: None. I LOVE all veggies!

W. What makes you run late: My children, so cliche but its true. That and myself...or lack of time management on certain days.

X. X-Rays you’ve had: Back, teeth, and knee.

Y. Yummy food that you make: I love to cook, but I'd say my homemade bolognese!

Z. Zoo animal: Zebras and Monkeys.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Gifts Galore

I'm sure I've blogged about my love for Christmas (I have been blogging since 2008!), but I'm not sure if I've talked about my love of gift wrapping- specifically Christmas gift wrapping. I'm kinda obsessed.

Every year, I theme out my gift wrapping papers. I like ALL my presents under my tree (even the ones I send out) to coordinate. Even my kiddie paper has to match my color themes. I usually buy 3 rolls of "adult" paper and 2 rolls of "kiddie" paper and go from there. Last year my paper theme was all red, gold, glitter, and very heavy unconventional ribbon, like gold rope.

This year it is pink, purple, teal blues, white, and silver!  I've gone full blown with a "snowflake" and a "diamonds are a girls best friend" theme attaching glittered snow flake ornaments and big diamonds to my color coordinated gifts!

It really is the only way I am crafty, so I go all out! Here's a peak of what poppin' under my tree this year!

It all started here, in Tar-jay, picking papers. The Snowman paper is my kiddie paper.


Then the madness wrapping began!







And there you have it! Oh and I am for hire and I work on tips :)

Monday, December 12, 2011

Easy No Heat Curls

I discovered a way to have beautiful voluminous curls!! Best part? It involves NO HEAT! Because I process my hair so much, once a week when I wash my hair I try and style in some sort of heat free way, so I'm always trying new things. Usually, I put it in a low bun while its still damp, sleep in it over night, and let it down in the morning to have perfect Effortless Waves is what I call it! See?


Well last night I thought I'd try something different. I thought I would see what happens if I put in 2 buns instead of just one. And discovered a whole new result! Perfect VOLUMINOUS curls!! See? Excuse the silly look on my face. It really is hard to take a picture of yourself....


Okay, so it starts out like this: Wash hair, wait until its damp, then put in 2 low buns. Doesn't have to be perfect, but its important to not make them too tight or too loose.


Sleep on it over night. When you first take it out it looks like this:


Next up up fluff! Flip your head upside down a couple times and shake your head to loosen the buns naturally (don't separate them with your fingers)! Then you have THIS:



Pretty awesome right???!! And SO EASY!

 Disclaimer: I'm not sure this would work on anything but long hair, but its worth a shot!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Life Changes

During our last treatment cycle (aka the Hail Mary Cycle) I decided that if I didn't get pregnant that I would continue on with my life, embracing it as a mother of 2, and to try and pursue some things for me. Something that didn't involve children, babies, our my husbands business, or the kids schools, etc. Something solely and entirely for ME and MY future that didn't involve shopping ;)

I was pushing M one brisk morning on one of our morning walks, and decided that that something was to go back to school. Because finally, at the age of 29, I just figured out what I really want to do when I grow up. And that's HR/HR management. Its what I'm good at, its what I love.

I have completed about 2 classes shy of an associate degree already years ago when I thought I wanted to major in business marketing. Well now that I've had 6 years of real world work experience under my belt running a business on the back and front, doing, marketing, PR, managing employees, bookkeeping, tax liabilities, insurance, and everything else in between with operating a business,  I've discovered that although I am interested in marketing, it really isn't something I would want as a long term career.

So I decided, (although I have no idea how in the hell I am going to do it) to go back to school to pursue an HR degree!!

Again, I really don't how how I am going to make it work yet, and I know its ambitious to try and juggle working, 3 kids (and a possible 4th, more on that later!!!), being a PTO board member, and my volunteer work, but baby steps is what I keep telling myself. I'm just going to start with 1-2 classes to find a groove, and yes it may take me 5 more years to complete, but its something I've wanted for so long, that I've always put on the back burner. But now its time. Its time to do something for ME.

I start January 14th!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

More About L

I thought you might like to know more about the little lady that joined our family. So here is a post dedicated to All About L!


- She's 6 years old, in Kindergarten, and has a Sept. birthday.

- She has a southern accent AND a lisp. Bless her heart.

- She is always getting hurt. Homegirl is covered in scraps and scabs. (very unlike my girls).

- She loves to be outside and is very adventurous.

- She asked for a back scratcher for Christmas, no lie. Her back always itches, and every night I scratch it for her in bed.

- She is very resourceful and independent.

- She has seen and knows way too much for being 6, which is probably why she is the above. It saddens me :(

- Her favorite music is gangsta rap.

- She is very close with her 13 yo brother. And he is amazing with her, I've never seen anything like it. I think they've had to "fend for themselves" so much and he has had to raise and look out for her. Its not your typical brother/sister relationship.

- She loves art and bologna.

- She's the first kid I've ever met who doesn't like watching TV. It didn't occur to me that that's probably because she hasn't had it much in her life, which is probably why she prefers to be outside.

- She doddle's, and you HAVE to stay on top of her for her to get anything done.

- She's a good girl, does whats asked of her, but I can tell she wasn't used to having any sort of routine or schedule.

- Her favorite color is pink.

- She started calling us "Momma" and "Dad" the third day she was here. She knows we are not her parents, but we think that's a good sign.

- Although unexpected, she's been a wonderful addition to our family. There have been some challenges, and big time adjustments for us all, but things are finally settling in, and we are so happy to have her.



-

Monday, December 5, 2011

Single Mom

I am about to open up about something I have never really talked about on my blog before. That is the fact that I am a single mother. Yes, I know what your thinking. How can you be a single mom and be married and have a husband that lives in the home? I am about to tell you.

Its complicated and a little unconventional and I know A LOT of women are probably going to wanna shake me and say "Lisa what is wrong with you"? Or better "what is wrong with your husband"? so I guess that's why I've never really brought it up, or maybe its because I chose (or agreed) for it to be this way....read on.....

Parenting is supposed to be 50/50, but not in all cases. Most fathers work, and in a lot of cases so does the mom. And while yes I agree that a father SHOULD help do his part and do at least 20/80 or whatever % that works in your home, but in my house I do 99.999% of the parenting and my H does the other 0.0001%.

Baths, beds, homework, carpool, laundry, reading, discipline, diaper changes, game time, all the cleaning, all the feedings, the shopping, butt wiping, pick up and drop offs at extra curricular activities and play dates, getting up and dressed and ready for school or for the day, and everything in between. Everyday, every night, even on the weekends, it's all me.

I do it all on my own. So technically I am a single mom. And I must admit I am a tad bit jealous of those FB posts that go a little something like this: Ahh I cant wait for my husband to get home, because I need a break!

What about that 0.0001%? Well that would be the 30 min. window after we've all eaten dinner and I'm cleaning the kitchen, H will take M and have some quality time with her. And then after I put her to bed, H and K (and now L too) have what they call "movie time". They sit on the couch, have a bedtime snack, cuddle, talk, and watch TV for 30-45 min. every night. He will also get up with one in the middle of the night if one has a bad dream, or needs some water, or something like that. So he does spent time with them, and has a great relationship with both of them, but when it comes to all the "work" its all on me. And here's why..

When I first met my husband, K was 15 months old. Her bio dad was *somewhat* still in the picture (although that changed very quickly) so naturally I did all the parenting when it came to her. He never once changed her diaper, gave her a bath, got her dressed, put her to bed, etc. because it was not his place at the time. Over the years, this has obviously evolved somewhat, but I always remained the "caregiver" and that was fine.

You have to remember my husband is also 20 years older than me, so we have somewhat of an unconventional relationship. On our first couple dates I made it very clear to him that I wanted more children, and that I wanted to get married so if these were things he wasn't interested, then please move along because those we're things I wasn't willing to wavier on. Period. He told me yes, although divorced with 2 grown children of his own, that he would be willing to start all over. Have another child, and open to marriage. Great, our relationship could now flourish.

Once we starting taking more in depth about having children, we came to the agreement that *I* would be the sole provider, just as I was for Kay. I was and still am totally on board with that. That's fine, it works for us. He works 16 hours a day (no joke), and although he was "open" to more children, he didn't necessarily "want" more children. Get it? Of course, that doesn't in any way shape or form mean he doesn't love and wouldn't die for M because he loves her and K to pieces!

Everything was great in our world, I had my routine with the 2 kids down pat, and them came L. She's been a lovely addition to our family, but its been a big adjustment for all of us. Including myself. 3 kids is 3x more work than 2. No lie! So there went my already crazy hectic work load. I don't mind it one bit, and wouldn't change it for the world! My only problem with our "arrangement" is that now that I have even more on my plate (have to remember I also work 2 full days in the office and more for our business, I am on the PTO board at K's school, I volunteer for her school and RESOLVE, and now I have 3 kids ages 7, 6, and 2 with the 2 year old on the nebulizer daily (that's a whole other post)!!!!  So when you see your wife going from sun up to sun down, and beyond and don't bother to OFFER her anymore help....well that's where I get  little frustrated.

I can only do so much, I am only 1 person. Now I am a single mom to 3 kids. And yes, your probably going to say "have you tried asking him to help you?" the short answer is no, not really because I know how he feels about it. He will say things like "see I knew this was going to happen if we had more" and rather than cause conflict, I just carry on, on my own. What I truly don't understand is, how you an see your spouse running ragged and not OFFER to help. Because like I said before, its not that I mind caring for them all on my own, its his lack of gratitude for all I do do. Sigh.

I don't want him to sound like a complete useless father or husband. He is GREAT with the kids, its just on his own terms. But I must say, he has it VERY easy! He provides a great life for us, and we have the financial freedom to enjoy a lot of things that other don't because he works so hard building his business. But I am a single mom of 3 and it would be nice to have a little help once in a while.

I know I'm not alone, and that a lot of other mothers have it the same way. Their husbands are deployed, or are also workaholics, or they truly are single moms without any help.

But I just want to end with this: YOU ARE MY HERO and WE ALL DESERVE A METAL for what we do. All us mothers. Being a mom is the toughest job in the world...


...but as you know, the most rewarding <3

Friday, December 2, 2011

I Have Big News!

A boy proposed to Kay yesterday...


 And she said yes...


-insert me falling over-

She told me that the boy gave this to her because she was the prettiest girl in the world, and that this ring was just for now until he saves up $9,000.00 to buy her a diamond ring. Smart boy! I DIED!

She is over the moon.

Then  today, not to be out done by K, L came running up to me at the pick up line telling me that SHE GOT MARRIED TOO! That a *cute* boy gave her a ring today, asked her to marry her! And she said yes!


 and get this...they got MARRIED and DIVORCED today! Yep, by the time we got home, she was calling him her "ex"! Haha! Puppy love <3