Halloween Memory Lane

I realize I’m about a week late on the Halloween post, better late than never right?

The older H’s gets the more excited I get for holidays. I mean I can get a little crazy with the Halloween plates, place mats, and if I can put orange food coloring in it, you better believe I’m making it orange. For the love of God I went to three stores just so I could make these. Who knew Halloween peeps would be so hard to find.

We pulled out our spooky Halloween décor October 1st and began scouring the party city ads for H’s Halloween costume.

Why are costumes so expensive? Not to be a cheepo but really? 70 bucks for a Halloween costume? That’s like 5 bottles of wine…I kid I kid, it’s more like 4 big bottles and one small bottle. (And who said I wasn’t good at math?)

Normally, M is the reasonable one when it comes to money; he was all “Babe, She’s only three once” Can we say “WRAPPED AROUND FINGER” So with that being said we threw all things Tangled into our shopping cart.

I figured she’d get lots of wear out of it. READ. We are going to every Trunk or Treat in town and any and every Halloween party we see. Needless to say, we got our 70 bucks worth and that glorious blond hair wig is now ratted up with the crown stuck in it.

Can we just take a quick trip down Halloween memory lane?

Her first Halloween. The cuttest little Ducky I've ever seen.

Lady bug

My favorite, the Dinosuar

This year, Tangled. She is all girl!!

Hope everyone had a great Halloween!

Who are you Part 2

I'm linking up with "That's the thing about Destiny" today.

Describe 10 Pet Peeves that I have:

1. Smacking, Can't stand it! Close your mouth when you are eating people.

2. When someone walks through a door and doesn't hold it open. RUDE.

3. When people wear their socks inside out. Weird I know. Dives me nuts.

4. When people drive with their blinker on. Can't they hear that thing dinging?

5. When a race clearly states no pets and strollers in the back. It's beyond my why I ALWAYS see a stroller or a dog in the 2:00 pace group.

6. When people take two parking spots! Really if your car can't play well with others, leave it at home. Just saying.

7. When people ask me if I'm mixed? Not that anything is wrong with being mixed but how and why do complete strangers feel that comfortable to ask me if I'm mixed? I mean black people come in all shades people! And this is why I lay out folks...trying to help those in question. ha!

8. When people attempt to touch my hair. I go all kung foo on them. I don't know why but it drives me nuts. Don't touch my hair.

9. When a kid has snot running down their nose. GROSS. Wipe your kids nose.

10.When (M mostly) puts stuff on the bed: shoes, bags, etc. I don't know it just grosses me out. Your bed is your sanctuary. Don't be contaminiating with germs. (I know I'm strange)


Describe a typical day in your life.

Alarm goes off at 3:45am. I hit the treadmill for an hour. Leave for work by 5:15am. work from 6am-4:30pm. Pick H up from school (BEST part of the day is seeing her little face light up when she see's me) dinner-playtime, usually run or take a walk. Bath time. Bed Time with H. And if there is any energy left M and I may watch tv. 10pm
I'm usually out.

What was the hardest part of growing up?

Hmm? Not to sound like a brat, but I LOVED my child hood. It was absolutly the best. hmm, maybe the worst part was getting in trouble. In school when I was a little older. My dad had to bust out "billy the belt" I blame hormones.

Describe 5 weakness and stregths that I have:

Weakness

1. I tend to be a little mouthy at times.
2. I can't keep a secret to save my life.
3. Buying things for H
4. Mike's blue eyes. Gets me everytime.
5. Being nice to the "socially challenged people" then I can't get ride of them.

Stregths

1.Loyalty. I'll do anything for anyone.
2.If you tell me to do something, It will be done.
3.Very strong willed. maybe that's a weakness.
4.I'm always a good listener
5.Kindness

Described when you knew your spouse was the one or how I fell in love.

How I knew M was the one: I was with a group of friends. He was a group of friends. It was a cardinals vs Cubs game and there was a sea of red shirts. M was wearing a green shirt. (unheard of, he stuck out like a sore thumb)Anyway I picked him right out, eventually he came up to me and we hit it off. We hung out for the rest of the night. When I left him that night he sent me a text, almost immediatly. I really wish I kept it or wrote it down but it said something along these lines: you are absolutly beautiful. I had the best time with you and I can't wait to see you again. We hung out the next few days. The first time he really hung out with my friends he told them he was "all in" "ready to marry and all" maybe it was the booze? ha, we had only been dating less than a month. Yes, it freaked me out, but I knew he was the one when I saw how loving he was to his Mother.

There is no friend closer than a sister

My sis (AJ) came to visit me this past weekend. I love me some her. She is the most gentle spirited person you’ll ever meet. Until you mess with her dog or DVR. Then she’ll dough pop you in the face and not think twice about it.

 

Saturday we woke up with the birds and hit up a few yard sales. That has been my thing lately. I get up super early and instead of going for a long run  I go spend money. Ha! I usually only go for about an hour. BUT little miss H has hit a major growth spurt. All those 2T-3T outfits I bought last summer on clearance hoping she could wear them this summer...yeah those are all in a box because she says they are too tight. (if I hear the words they are too tight one more time, I promise you I will lose my sanity.)

 

So, thankfully we live in a subdivision where apparently the “in thing” is to have babies…so I reap the benefits of their lightly used baby gap clothes.

 

Anyway, AJ and I saw signs for “neighborhood yard sale” of course we went. Little did we know “neighborhood” meant retirement neighborhood. We should have known, by the amount of plastic bags. What is it with old people/seasoned people and plastic groceries bag? They were everywhere. This one lady, had everything in plastic bag with a sign that said “ $1.00” AJ being so sweet and innocent asked what was in the bags, the lady said “oh I don’t know…junk?” ha! Really?

 

The next house sat a very large man with no shirt on, not sure if he had pants on but he did have a very large cane that he kept waving at people.

 

The very last house, had plastic bags, a man with a cane, 300 top hats, a plastic dog, a bird cage and a very old wedding dress. The geriatric lady was very sweet and started talking to AJ, (I did the sisterly thing and left her ass) Remember how I told you how sweet AJ was, well she was so sweet and patient talking to…PEARL until PEARL’s dentures fell out. HA! She said they were slippery because she just brushed them. HA AJ face was classic.

That my friends concluded our yard sale adventures. We spend the afternoon shopping and had lunch.  It’s always fun to have my sister around

 

We spent the remainder of the afternoon basking in the sun- drinking cosmo.

 

I was super sad telling her good bye Sunday. BUT thankfully (not really) her little bucket car wouldn’t start. So she’s still here. I told her it was God’s way of telling her to stay. She didn’t find that funny. We are praying she can get her car fixed without having to sell a kidney. Until then we are enjoying our extra days with AJ

 

 

 

 

2013 Summer Bucket List

I know I'm a day late and a dollar short. I got a real job and can't blog at work. Girlfriend has been busy lately but I'm linking up with these gals for

2013 Summer Bucket List

• Fully take advantage of the pool.
• Get a slip in slide for the backyard and go to town. H will love it.
• Have my toes in the water and ass in the sand! Destin here we come!
• STL annual BBQ/H's STL party. Every year it's a blast and includes making homemade ice-cream.
• Hosting H's first LR Bday party. Now that we finally have friends in LR...lol..I kid
• Take H to see the fireworks
• Take H to SIX FLAGS in STL
• AUGUST Chicago Girls trip/ZOOMA RACE (jaimie...pencil me in for drinks)
• Start training for my first MARATHON!
• Go to a Cardinals game
• Let H enjoy the ice cream truck
• Going to the Backstreet Boys Concert/Girls weekend!

Summer HERE WE COME!

Mother's Day Letters

Dear M,
Thank you for surprising me with a weekend away. It was just what we needed. It was so fun being just us. Thank you for my greatest gift, Hannah. She has truly changed our life. She is our pride and joy. I know today was hard for you babe. We miss your mom. We know she is above looking down on us. Probably shaking her head because I can't seem to get the humming bird nectar right.

Dear Mom,
What can I say? You are an amazing mom. We can't thank you enough for your dedication to your family. We love you so much. I am so glad you are here in AR for this short time. Thank you for being a great MIMI to H.

Dear Grandma,
I know I am very fortunate to have a grandma at this age. I don't want to take one day for granted. I can't wait to spend some time with you next time we are in STL. Thank you for your hard dedication to our family. Thank you for installing good Christian values in us. We love you.

Dear Jesus,
We've prayed and prayed for something that has been so heavy on our hearts. Today you answered our prayers. It truly brought tears of joy to my heart. My heart is so full of joy and love!


Happy Mother's Day everyone!

Disney on Ice

Last night the we loaded up and headed to Verizon Arena for

 

And can I just say it was everything I  Hannah dreamed for!

 

I'll just let the pictures do the talking:

 

You can't watch princess without your princess crown. And we were victimized by the $12.00 snow cone. Actually, the snow cone became more of a mess and was 2.5 seconds from sending my OCD in overdrive. I went to the bathroom to "take some off the top" and the entire thing fell in. Whoopsie, but I was able to save the cup. Whew...

 

We were a smiles and jacked up on sugar! Gesh, Snow cone, pretzel, funnel cake, soda! We walked out $100 bucks less and with diabetes!

This little love clapped and sang through most of the songs!

 

Those suckers knew exactly what they were doing when they put Tangled at the end. I wasn't sure we were going to make it after intermission. H wanted a sword and we couldn't find one. We were close to a breakdown but were saved by the show. Tangled was by far amazing. The lights, the lanterns, the skating. I was in awe!

 

Please excuse the quality of the cell phone photo's. I no longer have access to my super awesome work camera. womp... womp... But have no fear, Mother's day is approaching.

 

Easter 2013

Happy Easter!

 

Ready for the PHOTO DUMP

 

 

 

The Easter bunny has been leaving little treats for H all week.

 

 She was super excited to visit the Easter Bunny

I swear I don't let my kid roll around with fro!

 

 

 

We planted our jelly beans

 

 

Her face was classic.

 

 

She was not amused when she realized her suckers were dirty

 

 

I went a little overboard on the candy.

 

Daddy even got a Easter Basket

She loved her Baby Alive.

ok can I just apologize for the socks. I could not find her non itchy tights. the one pair I found threw her into a hissy fit. My nerves weren't prepared for a tantrum and we going to be late to church, so I caved and let her wear socks.

 

Easter Eggs

 

It rained all morning, so we moved our egg hunt indoors. Which was fine, she was over it after the 2nd egg.

 

 

Hope Everyone had a great Easter!

 



Happy Resurrection Day

I have very fond memories of Easter as a child. Easter would always start on Saturday night. We'd have dinner at my grandpa and grandma W's house.

I was very fortunate to grow up with both sets of grandparents but I was extremely close to grandma and grandpa W. I swear they were angels on earth. I miss them dearly

I digress

 Saturday, after spending all morning in the beauty shop. and by beauty shop I mean my Aunt Irene's back hot back porch We'd head to the grandparent's house for dinner.

We'd sit around the table and eat while Wheel of Fortune played in the back ground. After dinner we'd always have a fresh dessert whether it be homemade pie or ice cream. It was always cooked with lard and it was always delicious. One thing about Grandma's house, you'd never leave hungry. or without breaking a sweat, they kept the house at 98 degrees all year long

After we grazed, mom and dad would leave and we'd start dying Easter eggs. Once that got boring, Grandma would take us to Wal-Mart. She would give us each $10.00 and said we could buy whatever we wanted. Oh the pressure to make the right decision. Barbie? Baby? Game? or keep the money?

We'd end our evening with popcorn and coke. Which looking back, isn't it weird that she'd give us coke before bed? I will never forget falling asleep to the theme song of Law & Order.

We'd wake up in the morning to find our Easter baskets overflowing with sugary treats. We put our Easter dress on which included  layers of white lace, white stockings, white hat, white gloves you name it. We were in a uncomfortably mess but we didn't care. We were jacked up on sugar. We'd drive around the corner and start our day in church.

I'll never forget grandma's church. It was your typical old black church-minus the tambourine and the people falling out because they "got the spirit"

It was full of small town people who really loved the Lord.

I remember listening and really enjoying the sermon about Easter. There was something about someone dying for me that really got to me. I grew up in the church and heard it year after year. Of course as a child I would always think:

"wow, can you imagine Mary Magdalene when she saw Jesus appear?"
I wonder if I would freak out and run like a banshees or fall in awe?
 
Easter is so much more than the cute dresses, Easter bunny and candy. Don't get me wrong that is all fun and we do partake in our share of the Easter bunny festivities. BUT I want H to really know and understand the love that Christ shed for her on that cross.

Lord, please help me raise a good Christian daughter ;)

So What Wednesdays

It's so what Wednesday folks!

You ready?

So what If I haven't ran since Saturday. I have 25 days until Lincoln Presidential Half and it's time to get serious. We don't need a repeat of LR Half Mile 11. Do we? I want to finish this race strong and more importantly beat Josh. Yes, I'm motivated by beating him.

So what if I have 3 loads of laundry piled up in the laundry room. I loath folding clothes. I wonder if I can pay someone to come and put my clothes away?

So what if I ate an entire box of girl scout cookies. (over 2 days) Somoas are my weakness.

So what if I told the little boy who had boogers in his nose, dirty feet, and a smart mouth  in the playhouse at McDonald's to go find his mom. He wouldn't leave us alone. He kept telling me to put a band aid on his horsey. The first time was cute but by the 10th time I was annoyed. Not to mention he was coughing like a chain smoker and bossing H around. I don't think I was ready for the playhouse. I  wanted to bust out the Lysol wipes and go to town!

So what if  H doesn't "let" me brush her hair everyday. She still looks adorable.

 

So what if I've watched this video 302,425 times. It's hilarious!

 



Weekend Wrap Up

This past weekend my dad  drove down for a surprise visit. He said it was to see us but let's just be honest. It was to see my mom. Those two are lost without each other. 33 years of marriage and they still like each other. It's amazing. Mom is seriously counting the days down until October when she  she can transfer back to STL.

 

Hannah is in awe of her Pawpa. And Pawpa is in awe of his Hannah girl.

 

We spent Friday night chatting and watching Wreck- It- Ralph. I wish I could say this was H's pick but it wasn't. M totally wanted to watch it.

 

Saturday, it was absolutely beautiful outside. We spend most of the day outside working in the yard. I felt like I belonged on the HGTV channel.

 

Sunday, we skipped church (I know shame shame) to spend time with dad before he headed back to STL. It poured it's butt off so he hit the road pretty early. It was so sad seeing him leave. Mom and I were doing our best to hide the tears. Gawh...we're such babies. We hate good-bye's.

 

 

2012 you're out 2013 you're in!

Out with the old and in with the NEW!! See you later 2012.

2012 had it's ups:

Dallas Trips, STL Trips, The BEACH, New Orleans, Seeing M's friends FINALLY get married

and it definitely had it's downs:

We'll just go on and skip this part.

We are more than excited to bring in the new year.

I was totally geared up to go out and party the night away. I even bought a cute little black dress (size 4 HOLLA) and when I brought up the idea of going out tonight. You thought I just told him we were moving to China. I think he used the words "I'd rather stab pencils into my eyeballs" or something to that affect.

In the last 7 years(...is that right? idk) I don't think we've done more than go to a friends house on NYE. 

We usually cook some fancy meal (and by "cook" I mean pick up curbside) and splurge on the good vodka. 

 

 

 I would normally push the going out issue with M but he's been working like  a Hebrew Slave. There is something about 1,000+  people FINALLY getting their electricity back on and then being a little perturbed because their internet/phone doesn't work(people are so needy..gesh). Poor M, he's being working around the clock.

I love the start of a new year. It's like the official blow of the whistle of new things to come.

Like a Genie just granted me 5 wishes for the new year.

5 wishes?

Sure I'll take world peace, yummy cheese dip that have no calories, money...lots of money

1. Run a Marathon: I'm hoping to run Chicago Marathon but I think my friend is getting hitched that weekend, so Chicago is debatable. I'm already committed  to run (1/2)LR, Springfield, and St.Jude

 

2. Beach: I need to see the beach at least once a year. I would LOVE to go on another group vacation but we shall see. We have a FLORIDA trip planned but that's just to see friends get hitched. I want to go for an extended period of time.

 

 

 

3. Be (continue to be) Happy: Sometimes I just have to stop and realize how blessed I really am. I have to remind myself to shut it and just be happy. Happiness is a good thing. Life can change at any moment. I shall not waste any more time being unhappy.

 

 

4. Save more money: ugh it's so hard when you have a shopping addiction with a spending allowance of "Freddy" the homeless guy that hangs outside of McDonald's

 

5. Make someones day: I have some pretty awesome friends. I want to make it a point to send them a kind note, care package, post card,etc. Just a little something to brighten their day. I never want to take them for advantage and I want them to know just how much I appreciate them.

 

 

 

 

 HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!!!

 



Snow Day

I'm learning to be more and more careful of  what I wish for. Like the time I wished for snow, because it just didn't feel like Christmas. Yeah, that snow storm showed up on Christmas night. I'm all for a little snow here and there but I want that white slushy stuff gone when I'm ready to hit up the after Christmas sales.

I've always been a fan of the "snow-less" winters here in Arkansas. Last year we had a "teenie tiny just barely a frost" of a snow. I was tickled pink. So when the word hit the street that we were getting snow, I brushed it off. Then I looked outside and I could have sworn we were in Alaska. The snow was falling like crazy.

Thankfully, all state employees received  a ....SNOW day.

 

 Woot Woot! My sister is still in town so we took the opportunity to play in the snow.

It's ok, you can laugh at out snow-"mound" He only has one ear. H insisted.

Snow-Angels!

 

My crack head, semi special, thinks he's a cat, I'm about to take him to the pound boxer LOVES the snow.

 

 

It took a lot of bribing to get both of these guys in the house.

 

So we sit here for our 2nd snow day. I'm in no way complaining. I mean I love being at home with H, my sister and M who is pretending to "W.F.H". I'm just saying I'm running low on wine. I PRAYING we have another snow day tomorrow, but seeing as the road look A-OK, I bet I have to work. ugh, but at least it's Friday. Looking back, I haven't left the house much since last Friday. Yes, a much needed break. BUT I have had these guys yelling "eat me"

 

 

I have not ran one time and I've drank my weight in VODKA, and Eggnog.

I'm recharging myself and staying the heck away from my scale.

I'm semi looking forward to the first of the year when I can start my detox and my training for the LR Marathon. You know get back on track. OH and come the first of the year, hotel Lassen will be closed and only open to people with the last name of Lassen. Not that I don't love wearing a bra 24/7 the company, I am looking forward to having the house to just us...*insert baby making music*

I leave you with a picture that absolutely melts my heart.

 

 

She's getting better and better and remembering to say her prayers at meal time.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope everyone had a great holiday. All that hard word and we are done. I'm partially excited that the holidays are over and we can get back to the norm. but the other part of me LOVES the holiday decorations, the hussel and bussel of shopping aka just shopping. Let's be honest.

 

 

D came for a short visit. We love when he comes. Mainly because we get cute pictures like this.

I melt.

Christmas Eve, we did our dysfunctional traditions. Mexican and Margarita's.

YUM! I drank so many margarita's I mean,We ate so much Mexican we decided to change our names to Juan, Lucinda, Maria and Diego. We ended the night driving around and looking at Christmas lights. H was excited for about 2.5 seconds and then repeatedly said "I go home mama" I go home" ugh...doesn't she know we're trying to make memories girl?

Once we got home she tore through her stocking.

 

And opened our Christmas Jammies

 

And then proceeded to put stickers on her head.

 

 

I couldn't wait for H to wake up Christmas morning. She ran out of her room and got right on her jumper and jumped long enough for me to enjoy coffee and a devotional.

 

 

She loved the jumper. I mean  love, jumped all day long.

And here comes the photo dump:

 

 

 

How sweet is she with her baby?

 

 

Uncle Neil got her a Barbie play house. I had no idea she'd be this excited. She could care less about the other gifts.

 

 

 

Merry Christmas