What I'm Loving {weekend edition}

 I'm loving keeping my Thurday afternoon's wide open to spend time with friends!

Desiree and I went to the mall this week and Luke and I got daddy a cookie!

I'm loving getting all my summer clothes out! Brent and I went on a date on Friday night and I really liked my outfit so I had to share :)

Shorts from wal-mart

tank from target

shirt from old navy

I'm also loving learning how to dress for less! ha!

I'm loving this little guy and he's loving his new baseball shoes that daddy got him!

I'm loving my new bedside lamp from the good ol TJ Maxx, I seem to forget how much I LOVE that place, which may be a good thing!

I'm loving that Lucas can crawl up in a chair and fall asleep watching cartoons, so sweet!

I'm loving this sweet brown ball of fur, O my gosh! He has turned out to be the sweetest thing. His chewing has calmed way down and he's almost completly potty trained! He loves to cuddle with anyone human, dog or kitty and hasn't shown to be the least bit grumpy (Corben had a grumpy streak so we kinda thought it was a cocker thing but now I think maybe not?) He has his last puppy appointment today and I am kinda sad.

I'm loving that we finally got around to re-mulching (is that what it's called?) the flower bed! My hydrangea's are getting out of control and I am also loving that!

So tell me what are you loving these days?



Onion Rings

Onion rings, as odd as this may sound, hold a special little place in my childhood. They bring so much comfort to me.

You see when I was growing up my dad was hardly in the picture, ok I take that back he was in the picture when it was convenient for him. He didn't want to be a father, he wasn't ready and in all honesty he would have never been ready. He is just that type. A forever kid, I know you know some.

But on summer afternoons he would call my brother and I sometimes to see if we wanted a snack from Sonic. We always did, it was the only way we could guarantee a visit. I would almost always ask for onion rings, my mema's favorite.

We would wait on him outside or in the den and he would bring us our snack stay for a bit and be on his way. I would take my onion rings in the house and up to the living room and share them with my mema.

I just realized recently how significant this whole scenario was. My mema did not care for my dad, he did nothing for my brother and I, my mom did it all with a lot of her help so I can understand her place with him.

I didn't ask and share the onion rings to to be rude to my dad. I just did what I knew to do. Share with those who share with you.

Now whenever I eat Sonic onion rings I think about to very different but very meaningful people from my childhood and it makes me smile.  

Tidbits for Thursday!

• Another Thursday is here! I seriously cannot believe that in a few days it will be MAY! Where is this year going!?
• Another note: I turn 25 in a little over a month, I am completely weirded out about it. I'm not sad to be older but I am realizing that life is flying bye and I need to concentrate on what matters and what makes me happy, ya know?
• Yesterday I ordered some books one being the controversial "Fifty Shades of Grey" I will most certainly let you know what I think about it ;)
• Tuesday I had Luke's parent/teacher conference at school, I am amazed at what all my little guy has learned. I've said it before, I don't "work" with Luke at all at home sure we do puzzles and books sometimes but I can't take credit for "teaching" him anything. So I was completely floored that he knows his whole alphabet and numbers to 20 and call spell his name! I am so very proud of him! She also told me he is quite girl crazy! Good grief.

• I am trying to drink more water! Not drinking water and nail biting are what I consider my absolute worst habits! But for the past few days I have been going to Sonic before work and getting a large ice water which is 32 ounces = 4 eight ounce glasses. I will drink that before lunch and then after lunch refill it so 64 ounces of water = 8 eight ounce glasses and all that before I am even home from work then at home I usually always drink crystal light so that's a lot of water intake for me! And for some reason having a straw with good "sonic" ice makes it almost easy to drink!
• I am hoping and praying that Brent and I can sneak away on a date on Friday night, his work schedule has been so busy I feel like we haven't got to talk in weeks. We need some time to get away and "chat".ha!
• A few friends and I are planning a weenie roast at my house next Friday night! I am so very excited to be getting together with them and their families it has been way to long!
• I really kinda like the new layout for Blogger I didn't think I would because I usually hate change but I think it looks a whole lot better!
• We don't really have any plans this weekend, weird. We need to work on the yard for sure and Brent might go to the track on Saturday night but I think I'll stay home. I should probably clean house and wash dogs one day. blah!
• Yesterday we went to the park with friends, it was HOT! I am not ready for the summer heat and humidity!

• This morning Lucas told me I looked like a princess, best. compliment. ever! My sweet little boy, I can already feel the ache in my heart when I think about these days being gone. 

Wordless Wednesday!

I'm missing.......

This face today, his not mine.

Brent has been working long hours lately and it gets hard some days as much as we feel blessed that he is working at a good place the hours can be hard sometimes.

Hoping this week and weekend we will see him more.

Zoo Weekend!

Saturday Miranda, Ashley, and I loaded up the kiddo's for a 2 hour drive to the Tulsa zoo!

It was my first time having that many folks in the Tahoe and it went very well! I really am enjoying having a big car that tote lots of friends around.

We left Ft. Smith around 9 am so that put us at the zoo at 11. We stayed for 3 hours and had so much fun!

(notice the handholding)

We rode a camel! So neat the boys really liked it! I kinda liked it too! I'd never rode a camel before!

Lucas and Olivia on the train

Little love bugs on the train.

O my word, I am now convinced that Luke's teenage years will be, shall I say interesting! ha!  

After the zoo we went to eat lunch at Cracker Barrel then we went to the mall to the Disney Store! Lucas' favorite place on earth! ha! We left with way too many toys but mostly happy kids and headed home!

We got home around 7, it was a very fun day and I think Lucas had fun too ;)

A Song for Saturday......

If you watched American Idol last week you heard this one! I didn't but thank goodness Brent does so I can be all up on this stuff! ha! I asked Brent what genre this would fall in he said "alternative" I wouldn't suggest this for the kiddos but this is a good one! It has a funky slightly techno vibe. Anyway enjoy!

"Somebody that I used to know"
by Gotye


Now and then I think of when we were together
Like when you said you felt so happy you could die
Told myself that you were right for me
But felt so lonely in your company
But that was love and it's an ache I still remember

You can get addicted to a certain kind of sadness
Like resignation to the end, always the end
So when we found that we could not make sense
Well you said that we would still be friends
But I'll admit that I was glad it was over

But you didn't have to cut me off
Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing
And I don't even need your love
But you treat me like a stranger and I feel so rough
No you didn't have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records and then change your number
I guess that I don't need that though
Now you're just somebody that I used to know

Now you're just somebody that I used to know
Now you're just somebody that I used to know

Now and then I think of all the times you screwed me over
Part of me believing it was always something that I'd done
But I don't wanna live that way
Reading into every word you say
You said that you could let it go
And I wouldn't catch you hung up on somebody that you used to know

But you didn't have to cut me off
Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing
And I don't even need your love
But you treat me like a stranger and I feel so rough
And you didn't have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records and then change your number
I guess that I don't need that though
Now you're just somebody that I used to know

Tidbits for Thursday!

• This week has been so weird for me, I keep thinking it's the day ahead of what day it is, I'm never like that.....


• I'm very excited for Saturday! Road trip and zoo time with friends! I can't wait!!


• Brent has been out of town some this week which makes for lonely evenings but it does make for some very easy dinners, whacky packs all around!

• O these two, they are complete trouble when they are together! They wrestle and roll around and hurt each other and do it all over again! This is the best picture I got of them when I asked them to sit still ha! I do think they will be best buddies for many many years, it's been a challenge throwing a puppy in the mix but I now know for sure it was a great thing for our family.

• Brent and I are hoping for some very exciting news soon, I know that's very vague but I seriously want to shout it from the rooftops but can't, ya know how that is. But if it becomes final I will most defiantly share and no it's nothing to do with another little one!


• Mine and Luke's allergies have been insane this week, ugh I just hate it. We can't sleep because of the coughing and snotting all night and during the day just feel miserable. I started giving him Zyrtec today so hopefully that will give him some relief.


• We had Luke's spring program at school this Tuesday and it was very cute! I am so glad his school does those it's so much fun for the family to come and watch him.


• I cleaned out my car last night for our up coming road trip and came across some old Cd's love when that happens!
  


• I taught Lucas how to use the camera on our phones, he was very excited and took a ton of pictures I had to laugh at this one.

• Luke and I are going to play at the little monkey house again today! I maybe a little more excited than him! ha!


• That's all I got for today! Say a little prayer for us on Saturday for safe travels and happy toddlers :)
  
  
  

Weekend Recap!

We started our weekend fun a little early! Always a good thing in my book :)



On Thursday we met Ashley and Ethan at the "little monkey house" is what Luke and I call it. It's in GW and it just a small bounce around place, they have 2 blowups and they are never busy so it's perfect for our boys.



We all four had a blast!! Ashely and I may have played harder than the boys! ha!



Lucas and I went down that slide every which way! He loved it and we've made plans to go back this week :)

Friday evening we went to Chick fil a and then to get food and supplies for our trip to the racetrack on Saturday.

Quick picture of my big boy! He has lost almost all his front puppy teeth! Yay! That means the chewing is slowly but surly coming to an end!




Saturday afternoon we packed up and head for the racetrack!







We had a lot of fun! Brent won his first round but didn't do too good after that, O well maybe next time!



We roasted marshmallows and made S'mores.
Brent hung around the campfire pretty late with some friends and Lucas stayed up really late too but not me I was in bed promptly at 10:30! ha!



We didn't get to race on Sunday because of rain so we packed up early and headed home, we spent the rest of the day recuperating.

Last night Lucas came into the bedroom and wanted to look at his Bible and talk about Jesus.
My heart melts when he talks about Jesus and I have faith that maybe I am doing ok in this mommy role.

How was your weekend?

A Song for Saturday......

I love music and with the discovery of itunes I have really been listening to a ton lately. I love all kinds of music from old country to rap to christian to folk music and all things in between, I am such a 90's kid and love everything from that time too. I love it all.

I find a lot of the time I get really stuck on a song for a week or so and play it over and over again (is anyone else like this above the age of 5? ha!)
If I am liking a particular song in the week I will post it! O boy!

Here is this weeks song:
It's kinda long put it's kinda a christian rap I would guess

Enjoy!

Background by Lecrae

I could play the background.
I could play the background.
Cause I know sometimes I get in the way.
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead, lead, lead.
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead, lead, lead.
And I can play the background, the background.
And You can take the lead.



It's evident You run the show, so let me back down.
You take the leading role, and I'll play the background.
I know I miss my cues, know I forget my lines
I'm sticking to Your script, and I'm reading all Your signs.
I don't need my name in lights.
I don't need a starring role.
And why gain the whole wide world, if I'm just gon' loose my soul.
And my ways ain't purified, I'll live according to Your Word.
I can't endure this life without Your wisdom being heard.
So word to every dancer for a pop star,
Cause we all play the background, but mine's a Rock Star.
Yeah. So if you need me I'll be stage right.
Prayin' the whole world will start embracing stage fright.
So let me fall back and stop giving my suggestions
Cause when I follow my obsessions I end up confessing.
That I'm not that impressive, matter of fact I'm who I are.
A trail of star dust leading to the Superstar.







I had a dream that I was captain of my soul.
I was master of my fate, lost control, and then I sank.
So I don't want to take the lead
Cause I'm prone to make mistakes.
All these folks that follow me gon' end up in the wrong place.
So, just let me shadow You, and just let me trace Your lines.
Matter of fact just take my pen.
Here, You create my rhymes.
Cause if I do this by myself I'm scared that I'll succeed.
And no longer trust in You, cause I only trust in me.
And see, that's how you end up headed to destruction.
Paving a road to nowhere. Pour your life out for nothing.
You pulled my card, I'm bluffing
You know what's in my hand.
Me, I just roll to trust You, You cause the dice to land.
I'm in control of nothing. Follow You at any cost.
Some call it sovereign will, all I know is You the boss.
And man I'm so at ease. I'm so content.
I play the background like it's an instrument.






I know I'm safest when I'm in Your will and trust Your word.
And I know I'm dangerous when I trust myself, my vision blurred.
And I ain't got no time to play life's foolish games.
Got plenty aims, but do they really glorify Your name?
And it's a shame the way I want to do these things for You, yet,
Don't even cling to You. Take time to sit and glean from You.
It seems that You were patient in my ignorance.
If ignorance is bliss, its cause she never heard of this

Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me.....

• Why didn't anyone tell me that age 3 would be way easier than age 2!
  





• Why didn't anyone tell me that running to powerful upbeat music is fun and even easy most days and makes me feel like I can take on the world!






• Yes I just said I have been running! Can you believe it!? Cause I sure can't!






• Why didn't anyone tell me that I would get so attached to Luke's little classmates and hate it when one leaves.






• Why didn't anyone tell me that having friends and keeping them would be hard work! It's not easy like it was in high school.







• Why didn't anyone tell me that when becoming a mom you start to have really strong feelings about certain things and when others do the opposite it is hard sometimes to keep quite and smile.
  





• Why didn't anyone tell me that once married, seeing other married couples struggle is sad and really scary.







• Why didn't anyone tell me that as a woman when another woman is hurting due to something involving her family you will hurt too.







• Why didn't anyone tell me that having a house full of critters that need care is stressful!






• Why didn't anyone tell me that the best part of getting off work at 3:30 is Sonic Happy Hour!






• Why didn't anyone tell me that a little boys room is forever a mess! And if you clean it you will be sorry.....






• Why didn't anyone tell me that even if you have been with someone for a while your love forever grows if you let it.

Tidbits for Thursday!

• We have been staying close to home lately which doesn't mean things are any less exciting! ha! With a 3 year old and a puppy things are never calm :)






• I've been three weeks with exercising regularly, I do pilate's one day and then the couch to 5k the next or my walking video, I feel better than I have in years! Very sore most days though!






• Lucas is such a little stinker! Almost every single night I find him in the kitchen looking for snacks after he is put to bed! He gets in the freezer and on the counters to get what he wants! It truly cracks me up though!

• Did you know that WalMart.com has a $5 movie bin, a never ending movie bin I got to page 60 and had to stop! O my word I got Luke and I a bunch of movies to watch together, I got movies from my childhood that I think he will like. A few of the them are Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Franklin, Rocko's Modern Life, The Busy World of Richard Scary. I also got me a new pilate's video!






• I think we have decided to go to Branson this summer, we had tossed around a big vacation this year but I think we will wait and just do something small. We are going back to the same hotel we stayed in at Christmas time which looks like a resort! Lots of pools and tons of stuff to do right there in the hotel, I am very excited!!






• Speaking of going out of town, we are hoping to make it to the racetrack this weekend! Brent is so bummed thinking we wont make it because of rain. We are planning on taking the motor home, building a campfire and making s'mores, Lucas will have the time of his life!!






• And then the next weekend we will be going to the zoo with Ethan and Olivia (and their mommies of course :) I am very excited about that! Love those kids and love having all of them together!






• Welp that's about all I've got, sorry no pictures I have been so bad about that lately!
  

What's in my car.....

I thought this was a fun little game I saw on Instagram.

All you do is take a picture of you middle console thingy in your car, ya know where you keep all the important stuff ;)



What's in my car:
IPhone cords, sunnies case, Petco receipt, wipes, and a CD that Brent made me almost 5 years ago!

What's in your car??

Wordless Wednesday! {or not so much}

I know I am completely biased but my word could he be any more beautiful!?
This picture is exactly the reason I am terrified of the teenage years!
Lord be with me......

Happy Birthday Chloe!

Today is my sweet Chloe girls' 7th birthday! I cannot believe it has been 7 years since that dark ball of fur stole my heart.
She is the best dog and honestly probably my best friend, she has seen me though some hard times and all of my best times.

The story of Chloe:

7 years ago I was a senior in high school (whoa) I had been begging my mom for a "puppy of my own" we had our family dog Belle but I wanted a cute little white/blonde girly puppy that I could dress up and spoil. My mom on the other did not want one and she certainly did not want to buy me the breed that I had in mind, Yorkie or shitzu. So while all my other friends planned to spend their graduation money on trips or laptop computers I was getting a puppy!

Desiree of course knew of my desires and just so happened to see some puppies cross the road one night. She called me that night and told me she had found a puppy and wanted me to see it, she thought it was a boy, already a strike against it. I was thinking yea right I do not want some big ol mutt dog that eats everything and poops mounds but I went to see him anyway. She had left him in her car (with the windows down of course) at the daycare she was working at. I got there pretty early and went in to get her keys. I unlocked the door and looked and looked for this puppy. I didn't see it, again I was picturing a big lab or pit bull type puppy to run up and slobber on my face.
I checked under her front seat and there he was, a tiny terrified, brown puppy with floppy ears and curly pig like tail. It was love at first sight! I held him and talked to him and just knew he was mine. I put him in my car and ran in and told Desiree I was taking him.

We went straight to Petco and blew threw way to much of my graduation money, I got him collars, leashes, toys, a bed, a shirt and a bandanna, food, treats, and who knows what else! I immediately showed him off to all my friends and starting thinking of a name.
Auggie, Auggie the doggie is what I choose. I loved him and he was mine.

Within the next week Auggie had to visit the vet we went and I will never forget the vet telling me my Auggie was a girl! I wasn't sure what to think I'm sure I asked him if he was sure (as if he wouldn't know) because I had already bought everything he would ever need in blue! But sure enough he was a she, I remember asking the vet what kind of dog she was and he said "I don't know and it doesn't matter she is full of love and is a great dog" I often wonder if he might of known something about her bloodline but wanted me to hear those words instead.

So after a day or two of deliberation Auggie became Chloe.
Chloe went everywhere with me she was with me at my friends houses, she went to work with me, she went to the store with me and when I couldn't be with her I made sure my mom was spoiling her in my absence. Mom grew to love Chloe as her own and Chloe loves my mom second to me I am sure. And most people who know me, know Chloe.

Chloe has been through a lot with me, I won't go into details but she means so very much to me.
Of course I don't know an exact birthday for her but I counted back and chose April 10th to be her day.

These days Chloe does not get a whole lot of time with me, it breaks my heart when I think about it but I do try to make her feel like she is still the "special" one. She was my first baby and that is hard to change.

Happy Birthday Chloe and many many more!!