Merry Christmas and Bahumbug

I can't believe Christmas is only a few days away. The excitement is building inside of me and I can hardly wait. Hardly wait to race down the stairs first thing Christmas morning with the kiddo's. With all this cheer that I have and always have, there is something new this year. Holiday Blues,....What is that????

I've never had it before. What is this wierd feeling? For the last 30 plus years I have been the team captain of everything Cheery. Need to get your fill of Christmas,...come to my house and by the first week on November you would swear you had entered the North Pole. Want to watch a Christmas movie? I have them all alphabetically arranged just waiting to be enjoyed or I could act them out for you scene by scene.

But this year something is a little off. I'm not sure if it's because I'm getting a little older and things are starting to bother me. Things that usually I would sluff off my shoulders so that someone else would be happy. The truth is,...I'm tired of being the bigger person!!! That's right, I said it outloud and posted it here in Blogland for the world to see. No I don't want to come to your house for Christmas Eve for the 7th year in a row so I can watch all my relatives get drunk on Teguilla and speak in a language that I can't understand. Don't get me wrong, this is wildly entertaining on any other night other than Christmas Eve. Then drive over an hour back with past out children and 2 tired parents.

A friend of mine put it poetically the other night as we were having our yearly Christmas Cookie baking session, i.e. kids are in bed and we drink a bottle of wine with the excuse of baking. She said I needed my "Donna Reed" moments. I don't have them very often. I'm the Mom who forgot to send a recipe to babygirl's preschool for the cookbook they were making. That left my child's picture in the back of the book with NO recipe. That's right,..I'm the Mom who forgot. This happens a lot.





So when the holidays come I want to dive into being a Mother and a wife. Live like The Beavers. I want to plan our special meals and holiday gatherings. I want to stay up late baking cookies for Santa and watch the boys play football outside. That's what I want! This isn't too much to ask but all these years I've been playing a role in someone else's Donna Reed moment.





Hubby has been very supportive since my "breakdown." You know the one that all husband's dread. He came home to find his wife in a bath while the children ran wreckless around me. I figured if I closed the bedroom door and I could see them from my bath,...it was just like parenting. I completely unloaded on him and he actually took it pretty good. So for the first year in 7 years we are staying at home on Christmas Eve. We'll get to watch Christmas movies with the kiddo's and put them to bed early. Then have a "wrap" party to prepare all the kid's Christmas goodies! The point is, sometimes you have to say what it is that you want. If saying it doesn't work, then DECLARE it!





Here's my sweet bunch of Holiday munchkins at our recent family portrait.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

It's a Wonderful Life,...because I have a big brother

I'm going to take this opportunity to completely humiliate my big brother. He hates uncomfortable scenes. If I really wanted to make him miserable I would invite him and all his "too much testosterone" friends over to listen to me sing a lame karaoke song, probably something by the B 52's. Why is it all karaoke singers always know Love Shack? I'm just saying. At his wedding rehearsal dinner my Mom had arranged for a high school girl to sing some ridiculous Christina Aguilar song and I could see the misery in his body language. Shifting from side to side, trying to force a content smile on his face.

Throughout my entire life one thing has always been constant. I could always count on my big brother. Without Fail. When everyone forgot my birthday, including my own parents, I went to the mailbox to find a Texas Tech Key Chain arrive on my actual 16th birthday. Even away at college big brother managed to remember his little sister on her big day.

For whatever reason I was always the kid whose parents forgot to pick them up. Whether that be from school, a party or a friend's house. I hated that feeling of being forgotten. But when big brother was suppose to pick me up, he was always there right on time. Never complained about having to drive his little sister around.

Even in high school when I was a nerdy freshman and he was a high school senior football star, big brother showed me around. Not for one second was he embarrassed to have his little sister join him and all his faithful followers. Drove me to school every day. The only rule he ever imposed was that I was not allowed to date any of his football friends. Fair Enough. I just waited until I was in college and then made out with all his friends,...sorry brother. He has lifted upon thousands and thousands of heavy boxes for me, cracked a joke when I needed one, taught me how to be cool and how to cheat at Monopoly.

So what has big brother done now to completely cement his spot as

WORLD'S BEST BIG BROTHER.....

The other night I was sitting with hubby complaining about family today. Why is it no one really cares anymore? Why don't they ever come over and visit with their niece and nephew? Why are every one's parents always divorced these days. Why can't they make it 10 minutes down the street to share Thanksgiving with us. What are we,...accessories for our families when they need someone to play the role of sister, daughter, in-law? While hubby and I were getting all worked up I noticed that yet again all these years later I have received a package in the mail from big brother. Opened it up to find a letter and a ornament. As I read the letter tears fell down my face. How is it that big brother always knows just the right words to say, even when he lives over 9 hours away. A letter written to me by my BIG BROTHER and a Christmas ornament from my favorite move "It's a Wonderful Life. Someone actually really knows me. Someone actually knows my heart and cares.

The ornament was A-W-E-S-O-M-E for a self declared Christmas maniac like myself. It's my "go to" holiday movie and every year I cry like any thirty something woman should. I'm amazed every time when Clarence gets his wings and George discovers he really does have a wonderful life. On the ornament is a scene from the movie and on the back was a message to me from Karolyn Grimes. She was the woman who played ZuZu in the movie. I couldn't believe it.

Can your big brother do that???

So as far as I'm concerned big brother invented the rain, the wind, the sky and the moon. And as a bonus, he'll kick your butt if you mess with his sister,...

My present to you big brother, you're forgiven for cutting my hair when we were kids.

Quick Update

Hello All! Just wanted to give everyone a quick update on the store!

50% off sale starts tomorrow on over 250 items. Click HERE to do some pre-shopping.

I also just finished another store design!

Introducing South Shore Fashions!!!

The owner, Jolanda, was wonderful to work with! Is it odd that once I'm done designing these stores that I miss my clients??? Check it out and let me know what you think! Thank you Jolanda for trusting me with your baby!

For all who have emailed me through my website or at info@waddlersandtoddlers.com, I am answering all emails today! There are over 700 emails so I will go as quickly as I can!! But I promise that I care that you've taken the time to shoot me an email and will be posting your messages over at the webstore soon! Also, for those of you who qualified for the free bow, I will be contacting you soon to get your shipping information!

That's it for now,..on my way out the door to visit a couple of my very best girlfriends. My brother has so wonderfully offered to watch both kiddo's for me today so I'm going out on the town. I am wearing some ADORABLE boots! I think they deserve a spot on the blog too!

Christmas Wish List

Let's talk presents!!! What is Santa leaving under your tree this year? How about a Red Ryder BB gun?

Little Man is going to be so excited this year. It's his first Christmas where he'll actually get to open presents. I heard through the grapevine that Santa is bringing a drum set. Santa has it in for me but I have to admit, I'm actually excited about it. Little Man LOVES music. Well, I've kind of forced him into it. I always imagined having babies that loved music like their Momma so since birth I've surrounded the kiddo's with it! Forming a musical band is a daily occurrence at our house. I think I have a prodigy on my hands with little man. He's good! You should see him with a harmonica. Santa's on a tight budget this year so I kindly did some research for him and found a toddler drum set for $20 at Wal-Mart. It's the complete set, even with a little stool to sit on. Can you imagine little man walking, make that tumbling, down the stairs Christmas morning to a drum set wrapped in a big bow.

Santa's also considering a train table for little man. Again, I assisted and took to doing my bargain hunting that I'm notorious for. Santa's lost without me I tell you. Found a ton on eBay. Found the most magnificent one of all as a matter of fact. It comes with over a 100 pieces of thrills and chills but the best part,..it's all made on an espresso coffee table with pull out storage drawer. I'm getting goose bumps. Problem,..it's way too expensive even on eBay. I noticed "this" seller had quite a few and I figured,...no way could this seller get so many and put up an investment like that. I started researching drop shippers that supply this table which led me to find it was actually a Kidkraft table. My mouth started to drool,...say kidkraft and I'm all in. Did more research and found where "this" seller was getting the goods. COSTCO!!! So I found it for way less and I managed to find a Costco coupon. Go ahead Santa, eat a big Christmas Eve dinner. You can afford it! My only hiccup is that I don't have a Costco membership and it cost $50 to get one. They want me to "join their club." I don't want to have to pay to be in a club. I only did that in high school when the braces, headgear, bionaters and retainers were holding me back. These days you should want me in your club because I am so witty and irresistible to be around. But my good girlfriend has one so,...MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Baby girl wants a computer. What happened to a box of Crayola's??? A computer? Really? It's an obvious observation that Mommy spends way too much time on the computer. Maybe I should play outside with the kids more??? But where am I now,...on the computer. Baby girl is amazing at the computer. She's 4 and can get from one Internet page to the next and play every free online Disney game there is. I left Photoshop open the other day on my computer and I came into the office to find baby girl working it like a pro! She had chosen different brushes to paint with, brushes I didn't even know existed. She figured out how to open a new file and everything. It was quite impressive. So it looks like Santa is going to have to figure out how to get a desktop for baby girl. I told him to try Craig's List so we shall see. That's right, Santa's elves now shop on eBay and Craig's List.

Now where I need your help is a gift for hubby. What in the world do you ladies give your husbands????? Every year I try and every year I fail. Last year was my worst. I actually got him a diaper bag. Go ahead,...laugh away. It is pretty funny now looking back. I thought I could get him a manly diaper bag with all the necessities in it. He got me back by giving me a vacuum. No joke,..I got a vacuum. I already had a vacuum. That was a tough smile to fake!

So give me some ideas!!!!! I need them. I'd like to actually get him something that he would genuinely be excited about!!

What do I want? I want a leg lamp. Call me trashy. I still have a little bit of hillbilly left in me from my Arkansas days and I really want a leg lamp. I want the leg lamp to arrive to my house in a large pine box labeled fragile. I want to put it in my window for all to see in it's glory. Christmas isn't Christmas without a leg lamp.

What's on your wish list?

Design,...ACCOMPLISHED!

The day is coming. I can feel it. The day when I can finally take off my arm floaties in the waters of the graphic world!

I completed my first eBay store design!!! As my friend Amo would say,..."YIP SKIP!"

So without further ado, I happily introduce

DRESS MY BOYS!

I couldn't have asked for a better client. Ever so patient and understanding. Thank you Shannon for choosing me to design your store!

Shannon is a Mom of 2 and owns the eBay store Dress My Boys. If you have boys, this is the place to shop. I am very excited because soon she will be offering custom made applique tops that will incorporate the theme of her store. Owls are big this season and I am on the top of the waiting list to get some appliqued Owl shirts for little man!

If you want to support fellow Mommas go check out her store and tell her I sent you!

I had such a fun time designing this store and learned a great deal along the way. Isn't life wonderful when it allows you to do the things you love!

Thanks Shannon and happy eBaying!

Beware, Obligatory Mommy Blog Ahead!

What's the point of a blog if you can't brag about your babies! That's right, sit down on the sofa and watch enthusiastically as I show you the slide show of my precious babies on Halloween!

Say "Cheese" little man!

Every year we visit the same pumpkin patch. My entire self lights up all in a glow during the holiday season and this is the tradition that's starts it all in motion. The Holidays are the closest we come to perfect!

Hayride time. Get a kick out of those red plastic sunglasses I'm wearing. Why is it the only pair you can ever find are the most hideous ones you own and have no idea how you acquired. I think I'm messing with baby girl's hair in this photo,...it's a never ending saga.


Trying to avoid a tantrum or even worse Little Man throwing himself out of a moving barrel I opt to fit my adult body into the child size ride. May I also point out I'm the only Mommy on the ride while the others sit comfortably and watch.

Halloween night has finally arrived! Have you ever seen a prettier Tinker Belle? Of course you haven't! That's MY baby!

Have you ever met Donna Reed? We did and even went to her house!


Peter Pan too! Will someone please tell Mommy she has my hat on backwards!


Got to get candy, must have candy, need candy now. I can almost taste it.



Little Man's first time trick or treating. Wouldn't have missed it for the world!

The Perfect Halloween,...you betcha!

I should have stayed home

After dinner tonight I decided to load the kids up and take them out. We were all catching cabin fever with the crazy weather we've had lately so I thought it best to get us out for a bit. Now, I can be terribly lazy at times and just the mere thought of getting everyone loaded in the car defeats me before I have even begun. Reminds me of my cross country days where I would see the finish line in front of me but it was so far away. So far away that mentally I had lost the race before it even begun.

The load up. I can't stand it. Put on your shoes please. No, not those shoes it's cold outside. A tantrum begins and I cave in and decide fine, let the child wear flip flops even though it's 30% outside. Just not a battle I care to fight right now. Little man needs his diaper changed,..ok fine. I can handle that. He starts screaming at me. I'm sure calling me curse words in his baby language. "No, Mom I like walking around in my own poop. It's very comforting." Find the diaper bag, fill the diaper bag. Lug the huge diaper bag to the car. Now where's my car keys. Nice, little man decided to hide them under the couch just far enough out of reach where I had to move the entire sofa to get to them. Cut to 30 minutes later and beads of sweat along my forehead and we haven't even left yet. Finally load both kiddo's in the car and buckle them down.

I had planned to take them to McDonald's for ice scream and play time. Unfortunately the McDonald's closest to us is one of the dirty ones. You all know what I'm talking about. The McDonald's that looks like it hasn't been cleaned in years. The McDonald's that is in the slightly older area of town. It's a tough call because it's so much closer to your house but your gambling. Is the close drive worth the chance of catching swine flu? Suddenly I remember there's a Chick-Fil-A just as close so we head in that direction.

Coffee,...must have coffee... shutting down...powering down...need coffee. I stop in at the Starbucks. Curse you Starbucks for not having a drive through. Can I do it? Can I manage the kids inside Starbucks without leaving a trail of destruction behind us? Little man is strong and little man is stubborn. I walked in and everyone looked so put together. Everyone except me and my crew. I took notice of what we looked like in the reflection of the windows. I saw myself in a maternity hoodie, the shirt that I wore yesterday then slept in and turned around and wore again today. A woman who had been popping Midol pills all day like they were candy. Jeans that were 2 sizes too big for me where I couldn't find my own butt lost somewhere deep inside the abyss of my jeans. Baby girl had marker streaked across her face and hands from craft time earlier. Wearing blue owl leggings and a multi-colored striped shirt with croc flip flops in 30% weather. Little man was dressed appropriately but had left over dinner smeared across his face and some unknown "stuff" stuck in his curly hair.

Wow,...even I judged myself. That is one tired Mom in that reflection. Those poor kids,..I wonder if they even have food to eat.

Managed to keep little man in my arms although he was fighting the best wrestling match of all time trying to squirm away. I think everyone in the Starbucks loved the screams and squeals coming out of his mouth. It mixed perfectly with the smooth jazz and the book reading that was going on there.

When did I become so uncool?

Back in the car, back in the car seats we went on our way to Chick-Fil-A. Very unfortunately as I tried to boost Little Man higher up on my hip, coffee poured all over the front of my shirt. Now this only drew attention to my boobs. My boobs that were being carried in an old bra that doesn't fit at all. You know the one you wear on a day when you plan on staying inside. The good old stand by. The one that lets them droop down as low as they want to go. The one that gives your boobs a day off. Now with the coffee high-lighting them it was ever so painfully obvious that boob A was a size 12 bowling ball and boob B was a size 8 bowling ball. Symmetry, don't take it for granted.

I HATE the play structures at fast food places. My children ALWAYS get lost inside them. When baby girl was still a toddler I remember climbing up to get her while I was 9 months pregnant. That was no easy task and I'm sure I looked ridiculous. As we entered the restaurant, a dagger hit me right in my Achilles heel. Balloons. Balloons everywhere. Balloons that are meant for decoration and not for 2 year old boys. Why do you have to decorate with balloons Chick-Fil-A? Do you know what a cruel joke that is on a parent? Little man went absolutely crazy. Crazy like a drug addict looking for his next fix. Little man and I played tug a war with his arm until I was successful at getting him in the play area. Once inside there was a little boy about 20 months old who began screaming. I looked around for a parent but I was the only one in there. I got up to help the little guy and thought to myself,...I hope little man doesn't get away from me while I'm distracted helping this parent less child.


By this time big kids had decided to come and claim the play structure. What is it with the big kids in the play structure. YOU'RE TOO OLD TO PLAY IN THERE. The rule is, if you are old enough to have a 5 o'clock shadow then you are too old to play in a play structure! They kept opening the door and leaving it open as they stood in the doorway. It was driving me crazy. I knew little man would make his escape at the ever lovin balloons that were taunting him inside the eating area.

Then it happened, I lost little man.

I called up for my daughter to ask if she saw little man up there. She said she did so I relaxed for a moment. This is why I can't stand these play structures. Kids get lost so easily up there and it's hard to find them. Have you ever tried to holler up at a kid explaining to them how to get out when the only knowledge of where they are is how far the echo of their voice sounds. I notice after I had sat there for quite a while drinking my coffee that I hadn't heard little man's voice. Quite strange and out of the ordinary. I call to baby girl again and ask her one more time if little man is with her. This time she replies, "No." Silent panic sets in. I go outside to the restaurant area just to make sure I don't see little man. I come back in and like a crazy person I make all the kids who are playing stop what they are doing and go inside the tubes to find a baby. I give them all explicit directions and order them to call down for me once they have found him. Growing anxious I decided it was time for me to crawl up inside the tubes.

Fear. Panic. Nausea

What happens next? Someone walks into the play area with my son in their hands. That's right. Little man had gotten out for who knows how long to retrieve the balloon. He was getting that balloon no matter what. I was mortified and relieved all at the same time. I looked disheveled and uncared for and so did my children. And now this uncared and disheveled Mom had lost her own child. I did what any Mom would do next,..packed my kids and headed home.

Should have stayed home? Now that's an understatement.

Never Take a Man to the Mall

The larger than life sized doors magically opened and we were greeted by a magical land. A land that had everything you didn't know you needed to offer.

The aroma. The smells that lingered in the air and gently kissed our cheeks. Aww,..the food court. The man who came up with the concept of a food court, genius. Pure genius. Where else can you get a sausage on a stick and a life sized chocolate chip cookie all under one roof.

There's a huge carousel in our mall. Hubby took our 2 kiddo's and our 5 year old niece for a ride. There was my magnificent hubby getting all 3 kids strapped to the horses. Maybe he's not too bad after all. I love that man. The carousel begins to turn and the painted horses begin galloping up and down. I soaked up all the sights and sounds.

There they come,...rounding the corner. Wave to Mommy.

There they come again. Some thing's different this time. Why is the carousel attendant on the ride with my hubby and kiddo's?

There they come again. Why is hubby getting up on a horse leaving little man in the arms of a stranger?

This woman was absolutely crazy. I'm talking certifiably crazy. She had taken some kind of liking to little man while they were in line and apparently she couldn't keep herself away from him. Apparently she had 17 grand children and a 12 year old son still at home. How is that even possible?


By the end of the day, hubby and I had gotten into several arguments. Who was suppose to get the high chair at the food court. Why did you let crazy lady hold little man while you rode a horse? The kids want balloon animals, they're only $2.00. Stop looking so miserable! Can't we just stop into Banana Republic real quick since they're having a sale. It's your turn to take the kids for a potty break. Who has the car keys,...it's time to go!

The mall is no place for a man.

I Must Blog

I must blog, must sit down at the computer. Surely I have something clever to say. Hello brain, are you there? No answer. Wait, the machine is picking up. "Hello, you've reached Michelle's brain. We're not in right now because we are too crowded with the millions of graphics that have recently been stored in our head. Not to mention the hundred's of checklists and to do's that have been compiled and stored for later reference. Michelle has so nicely decided to try and learn dreamweaver. Doesn't she know that's way too complicated for this simple mind to comprehend. She must be full of herself. Leave a message at the beep."

My name is Michelle and I am a graphics aholic. I just can't help myself. I'm involved in a heavy relationship with Photoshop and am having an affair with Dreamweaver. It's a complicated relationship to say the least. Our evenings are usually spent something like this:

ME: Why can't I insert a table here
Dreamweaver: Because you are a complete moron who is in over your head
ME: Stop messing with my borders
Dreamweaver: Stop messing with equipment you can't handle
ME: Why can't I just drag and drop
Dreamweaver: Because YOU are a drag
ME: Fine, I'm going over to Photoshop

Photoshop: No you can't create a text path like that
ME: Have you been talking to Dreamweaver?

Before long I start speaking in tongue. Things like, CSS, HTML, insert tag, remove tag, pixels,

CUT, COPY, PASTE OH MY

It's enough to drive a girl crazy. I've hit myself over the head with a frying pan so much that I think the frying pan is starting to get it's feelings hurt.

Eventually I think I'm going to start a blog about html, graphics and such. Maybe call it Cracking the Code...cute name right? For whatever reason, people don't want to share information. It's like in order to be adopted into the club you have to drudge through the mud first. Not me, once I get this stuff figured out I'm starting a blog and sharing allll the secrets. Take that you graphic Nazi's!

Waddlers and Toddlers eBay has been given some great attention lately. Next post I'll go into more detail but I did want to recognize those who are visiting from the store. First, thanks so much for coming! I can see you all in my traffic reports so I know you're there. You can't hide! And 2nd, I promise to get to more of the goods, not just my rambling! As suggested by a fabulous customer who somehow thinks this blog is worth reading, I'll be placing a calender over there on the right of this blog that will list the schedule of sales. That way, if you miss a day at the blog you wont have to wonder if you missed a sale. I just listed tons of my fav's that I've been waiting to get up. Tons of Matilda Jane,..trust me they are adorable. My all time fav Baby Gap lines, Miss Mod, Northern Lights, Woodsy Treehouse, Crazy Stripes and Boho. Want to know what the fastest selling items have been.......LEG WARMERS. How adorable right. Little girls in their sweater dresses and leg warmers.

Now, I'm off to catch up in Blogworld. I've missed my blog friends and I must go see what their creative minds have been up to. Love you girls!

Nothing Says Love Like A Saw to the Neck

Ummm, can we say CPS? My babygirl is the leader in that picture. Taking charge with the saw????

The little girl next to Ava is really one of her sweetest friends. Even with a screwdriver in her hands she still manages to make it a "girly" activity. Her parents are good friends of mine. They have 2 little girls at home so their house is pretty full of estrogen. Here's a recent conversation they had.


Dad: You know, I love having 2 daughters. Really it's the best. But you know, I would love to have a son.

Mom: What do you mean?

Dad: Well, it would just be nice to go outside and play catch or something manly.

Mom: I bet Aubrey would love to go outside and play catch with you.

Dad: I don't know. She's pretty girly. Not sure if she'd be all that into it.

Mom: Are you kidding, she'd love to play with her Dad. Go ask her

Dad: "Aubrey, do you want to go outside and play football with me?"

Aubrey: "Sure Dadddy. Just hold on one minute while I run and get my princess ball"

You Forget the Pain of Childbirth...who are we kidding?

How many times have you heard, "Don't worry, you'll forget the pain of childbirth." Ummm, hello. Not so much. I remember exactly the kind of pain I had while giving life to a new creature with my first child.

I was not naive to the pain of childbirth while pregnant with my 2nd offspring. I knew that when the time came, and it would, that I would much prefer a fork in the eye to pushing out an 8lb baby. I was scared.

Labor started the night before. I was being induced just like I had with my first child. I'm a rip the band-aid off kinda girl. Let's just get this done. So we arrived at the hospital. This time my bag was packed with realistic items. With my first child I actually packed size small pajama's to wear after I gave birth. Was I really that naive. You know, I couldn't even fit my leg into those pj's after giving birth. Did I really think I was immediately going to return to my normal size once the baby was born? Apparently I did. This time I went all in and packed XL maternity pj's.

The nurses did their thing as did my husband, going right to sleep on the fold out bed. About 2 hrs in I was already feeling some pretty heavy contractions. I tried to brave through it. I'm a suffer in silence type. I would have been able to do it too if my husband hadn't been snoring sooooo LOUDLY beside me. I remember laying there in bed not being able to move with all the gadgets hooked up to me. Not being able to put an elbow in my husband's back as I usually did when he snored. It was like Chinese Torture sitting there listening to the snores. I kid you not, I compared it to being trapped in a cage with a dripping faucet. Mind Torture. I did what any woman would do. Threw whatever I could reach and aimed it at his head. Unfortunately, I was unsuccessful as he just grabbed the pillow I had launched and used it to cushion his head. And then I just missed my pillow.

By the time morning arrived I was looking like a soldier in battle. Tears hadn't come yet. I was still determined to keep my wits about me. Stay the course. After dilating to a 6 I finally spoke out and said, "It's time for the epidural please." Ever polite. I am a little crazy when it comes to "public" behavior. Always reminding myself that people will respond better if I'm nice to them. Maybe I'll try and tell a couple of jokes to get these people on my side. Yeah, that's it. I'll win them over with my charm and become their favorite patient. Yeah, that's it, that's what I'll do. That lasted for all of 5 minutes.

The epidural didn't work yet again. It happened with my first child. Why didn't I prepare for this? Did I really think it was a fluke the first time? I have scoliosis where my spine makes a wicked S. Thus making it very difficult to get the needle in straight. What does that give you, only half of your body half numb. 4 more hours passed. 2 more epidural attempts were made. I had to lay in a certain position on my side for hours. I can't remember why exactly,..something about the baby. I'm sure it was important. That in itself is torture. When everything in your body is telling you to get up and move but you can't. You can't because you have electronic gadgets coming out of your yoowho. I clicked and clicked the epidural button hoping for any kind of relief. All it did was numb my left leg. Numb it so much that now the leg was miserably stiff and I had to be moved like people trying to lift an elephant.

I had the most fantastic nurse. The one and only reason I made it through the battle. I remember laying there saying crazy things. Things like, "Jesus take me. For the love of God please someone help me. For everything holy in this world, end it. End it now." My husband heard my gibberish and went to grab the nurse. They came to find that I had used all the medicine in the epidural and needed to change the pump.

That damn pump. The pump that I worked for via 3 epidural attempts. The pump was stuck and the nurse couldn't get it open. I heard her grunting as she tried to pry it open. Next thing I knew she handed my husband a wrench. Yes, I said WRENCH. I couldn't believe my eyes. This was what I was suppose to rely on? My husband and his tool belt? At this point I knew it was all me. I was doing this alone. I started yelling, "Forget the bleeping pump. This baby is coming. The baby is coming now. I'm going to push whether or not you guys are ready so someone better catch the baby,...and I did. Started pushing.

Finally the doctor came in. Of course what did I say to her,..."Hi Dr, how are you?" Her reply, "Well, not as good as you." WTH,..did I just hear you say that? Surely you didn't. Not as good as me? I'm strapped like a prisoner to a bed with a baby crashing down my vagina and a husband next to me with a wrench and you think I'm the one having a better day? Now of course I said all of this only in my head. My response to her was a smile. Yes, I'm crazy.

Baby boy came out shoulder to shoulder. He didn't come out the conventional way of one shoulder at a time. Apparently he was ready to get the hell out of there too. I didn't care about the pain. I just wanted to do what I had to do to end this 15 hour torture trip.

The good news is baby boy was of course well worth it. But forget the pain, never.

Bloggers, can you do me a favor?

These are the questions I am asked on a weekly basis, sometimes more.

What is blogging. What's the point? It seems like it would take a lot of time. Do you make money from a blog? How do you get followers, who do you follow?

People are so intrigued by it even if they really don't know what "blogging" is. So I'm going to try and explain it. I'm going to explain it through my eyes and how I see it.

Blogging in my opinion is new age letter writing. Remember back to a time when people actually wrote letters. We put our precious thoughts down on paper and sealed them with a stamp. Some might say that email is the new form of letter writing. I disagree. How often do you spill all your thoughts into an email. How often do you pour out emotion in a written form on a regular basis?

Blogging is a snapshot into a life. It's a glimpse at some one's struggles or success. When you read some one's story long enough you find compassion and empathy for another. I love to visit other Mommy bloggers. You are immediately met with an impression as soon as you enter their town in blogworld. With their headers, graphics and sometimes music they have selected to play.

Everyone wants to be heard. No, everyone needs to be heard. I think this is one of the reasons why I enjoy other blogs so much. I am inspired by others putting their words on "paper." They have something to say, even if it's small. That's why I admire bloggers. We all feel at times that we have nothing important to offer. It's just little ol me. But the blogger who may feel that sometimes still believes in themselves enough to have the courage to put there words out there. I am honored to surround myself with some fantastic people. Their stories inspire and change me. Even if they don't know it.

So why do I blog? Quite simply, to see my thoughts in front of me. To have them written down. Life is a bunch of moments all rolled into one. These are my moments. To connect to thoughts and opinions of others that I may have never considered before. The more I read, the more I write, the more I realize that this world we live in really is filled with caring, honest and good people. That we are way more alike than we ever thought possible. To share the good, the bad and have fun along the way. I'm not concerned if money will be produced because of this blog. I'm not concerned with getting the most followers, although I adore you all! I am a FIRM believer that if you focus on your passion, focus on your strengths instead of weakness, the money will follow. It almost always does.

So if you are inclined to blog, than just go for it! See where it takes you. Come get me and I'll read your journey along with you.

Now I know I didn't answer all the questions specifically. I promise I'll be more technical later but tonight I wanted to share what it is I get from blogging.

Oh, I do have a favor, thus my title. For all my blog followers. If you currently have a blog can you please add your link to your profile. What I mean is, if I go click on your icon your link to your blog should come up. It's usually the first place I go when I'm catching up my blog reading. Many, many of you don't have your link there. I want to be sure to visit yours first. It's easy, just go do it!!!

Talk Soon,

Mamas Let Out of Their Cage

It was a Wednesday night. Getting late in the evening and heading over to a girlfriend's house in the rain. A friend had come to my rescue. You see, I HAD to get my hair done. It's all I have. My closet is sad. It bears no resemblance to the closet I had in my 20's. I can't even tell you without humiliating myself what kind of money I use to drop on my wardrobe. I was one trendy chick. In it's place is a mixture of clothing in sizes 2-12, depending on when I was pregnant last and how successful I had been at losing the "baby" weight. Confession, I gained 80 lbs with baby #1. Who does that? It took me over a year to lose it. Anyway, the hair is all I have left. I have a pretty fantastic hair do and it somehow makes even the jumpsuits I wear look good.

So in a desperate plea, I called my girlfriend and begged her to watch the kiddo's. I have a friend who once said, "Trying to get your husband or anyone else to watch the kids is like having to call the National Guard." So true.

This is how our out of control night began. Mommas on the lose.

After my fantastic and oh so magical hair appt, I went to pick up the kiddo's. The girlfriend's offered me a glass of wine which I politely accepted. Cut to 15 minutes later and we decided, no, were determined to go out. Husband's began getting home and wife's began telling them,

WIVES: "Here's the kids. We're going out. Every one's been fed so all you have to do is put them to bed."
HUSBANDS: "Tonight? It's a Wednesday night? What do you mean put the kids to bed?"
WIVES: "Yes, you remember. Put on their pj's and place them in the covers."
HUSBANDS: "What time will you be back"
WIVES: "I have no idea. Don't wait up"
HUSBANDS: looking panicked
WIVES: looking relieved

So we went to a bar only about a 5 minute drive from our house. This was one fancy bar. It was in the same parking lot as a "Loves" gas station. That's how we ride. Nothing but the best for us. We didn't care. It was close and cheap. It had been over 3 years since the 3 of us even went out together. The bonus of this luxurious bar,..it was KARAOKE night.

Give 3 tired Mommas a bunch of booze and a free microphone and what do you get?

T-R-O-U-B-L-E

Next thing I knew we were singing like no one could hear. Singing every kind of song that we had ever heard in our 30 plus years. The Karaoke host coined one of the Mom's as The PTA singer. It was us singing like we were 20 again. Demanding the stage. Me in my flip flops, denim capri and t-shirt singing Madonna's "Material Girl." We were all stars in our own right. For one night only, we weren't Mommas but beautiful songstresses blessing the crowd with our talent. I guess I should mention the "crowd" was only about 3 other tables. It's a small bar in a small town for pete's sake. That was probably their "busy" night.

We found ourselves onstage singing the ever popular "I Touch Myself." All 3 of us in all our glory doing something that only alcohol would have allowed. We followed that up with "I'm a B**ch" and of course every song from the movie "Grease."

The night was over but apparently I wasn't quite ready to rejoin the land of the sober as I decided to take the stage one more time. That's right. Karaoke king was putting away his equipment and the bar was closing. But not before I had to take it a step further. I took that stage, grabbed the mic and rocked it accapella. Out of all songs, I chose to sing "Smile." A favorite of mine. Not sure it was all that appropriate for a bar but there I was belting it out in all it's glory.

Needless to say the night ended with a good cry because that's how all girl night's end and off to bed to be ready for Mommy hood the next morning. The next 2 days were slow and foggy but I think I pulled it off ok. Kids are happy and fed and Mommy had a fantastic time. I think we made up for all the nights we hadn't gone out and it should last us for a long time.....


....We're going back this Wednesday but bringing more girls with us!

....to be cont'd.

Over The Top!

Who doesn't like an award!? I do I do!! I think the last award I received was back in jr high when I managed to make my way through a gymnastics routine after a very unfortunate embarrassing moment on the uneven bars. Let's just say I was very nervous and my stomach was upset. Upset stomach met uneven bar when my bottom smacked right dab into the lower bar and the unthinkable happened. Right in front of all the judges and competitors. That's a another post.....breaking out into a cold sweat just thinking about it.

Amo from Where a Woman Shakes her Tablecloth has given me the "Over The Top" Award!!

Can't say enough about this fellow blogger. You have got to check out her blog. She writes as if she is having a conversation with you. Like if you were sitting down at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee. Very candid, honest, funny and real. Most of all, so relateable.

Here are the rules for the Over the Top Award:USE ONLY ONE WORD! It’s not as easy as you might think. Copy and change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It’s really hard to use only one-word answers.



1. Where is your cell phone? charging

2. Your hair? dirty

3. Your mother? struggles

4. Your father? ill

5. Your favorite food? brisket

6. Your dream last night? weird

7. Your favorite drink? Mocha


8. Your dream/goal? Normalcy

9. What room are you in? Office

10. Your hobby? Music

11. Your fear? illness

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Content

13. Where were you last night? Home

14. Something that you aren’t? Fearful

15. Muffins? Cinnamon

16. Wish list item? Chi

17. Where did you grow up? Texas

18. Last thing you did? diaper

19. What are you wearing? shorts

20. Your TV? On

21. Your pets? hyper

22. Friends? loyal

23. Your life? beautiful

24. Your mood? cheerful

25. Missing someone? brother

26. Vehicle? old

27. Something you’re not wearing? Shoes

28. Your favorite store? Mine

29. Your favorite color? Blue

30. When was the last time you laughed? Today

31. Last time you cried? August

32. Your best friend? Erin

33. One place that I go to over and over? upstairs

34. One person who emails me regularly? Ivonne

35. Favorite place to eat? Sonic

Time to pass this baby on to some of my other favorite blogs!

The Hossman Chronicles

Other Everyday Stuff

In the Tiger Den

Mama Notes

Seriously, Why Can't I?

Have fun and thanks again to Amo at Where a Woman Shakes her Tablecloth!

What a Difference a Day Makes!

"Hello self, it's nice to see you again. You ROCK!" Ok, so I'm sitting at my computer all alone. Little man is upstairs taking a nap and baby girl is back at pre-school. I'm rock-in out to CCR singing along to "Suzy-Q" and "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" all be it quietly of course as not to wake little man and have my session with myself ended early. But the whisper of the lyrics is enthusiastic.

Baby girl L-O-V-E-D pre-school. All of her entire 4 year old self L-O-V-E-D it! Get this, she's disappointed that she only goes 2 days a week. Who knew?! Let me tell you, during her day off yesterday she was bored, so bored. This staying home thing is for the birds. What was painfully obvious,.....she has totally outgrown staying home with Momma, no matter how cool I am. I just can't compete with the kids at school who are so much groovier than me. C'mon, they can have intelligent discussions about what Spongebob said to Patrick and why Barney never blinks his eyes.

Here's some photo's of baby girl this morning so excited to go to school!

This morning was completely different than the one on Tuesday. We were all so excited. When we got to our car to load in, I turned on the CD player and we all danced out to Kelly Clarkson in our driveway. The neighbor saw us and decided to come join the party. Nothing like dancing outside in your driveway. Pure and innocent joy. Babies with big dimples and hearty chuckles while their little legs spin them around. I know it was a moment that will be frozen like still frames in my mind. Still frames that I will recall when my babies are all grown. And I will be proud of the job I did and the time I spent with them.

Your comments on Tuesday really touched me. Hold that thought,..Ring of Fire by Cash just came on and I can't help myself but to get up and dance,...that's right. I can do anything. No one's here,..no diapers to change, channels to change, sippy cups to fill. Back in a minute,......

Burn Burn Burn,...in the ring of fire....I fell into a burning ring of fire...yadda yadda...

Ok, back now. Man that felt good. Anyway, you savvy Mommy's out there hit the nail on the head when you said spend some time with little man before he too walks the halls. I have to tell you I was starting to think it was time for baby #3. Now for those that know me personally, you know how out of character that is for me. Baby #3,...I don't think so! 3 kids in a shopping cart, 3 car seats, 3 bedtimes,...ummmm not on your life. BUT with the pre-school blues the impulse was beginning to take over. So what was first on my list today after Pre-School drop off,...the pharmacy. That's right. I'm weak,..very impulsive so let's just take some precaution's for my overacting hormones before we make this family of 4 a family of 5. I already have a adorable baby still home with me. It's time to start spending some 1 on 1 time with him! He's always had to share me with baby girl but not now! It's you and me kiddo.

My mind is racing with things I could do today. I could:

• Get the dusty sewing machine out and sew some of those adorable knot dresses that I oh so love. I have over 5 bins of vintage fabric from dear Grandma waiting for me to make some beautiful creations
• Do some digital scrap booking. Have you tried that? No,..you need to. Absolutely so much fun! Get creative!!
• Clean the house,...who are we kidding?
• Pull out the old guitar. Back in my hay day I was pretty good with a guitar singing my songs of peace and inspiration. There was once a time I thought I was going to grow up to be a singer/songwriter. For the last few years the only new songs I've created have been about learning to go potty. But the guitar still sits out in my office as I can't bring myself to actually put it away. It's calling to me,..."Hello you inspirational Goddess...let's change the world through music."
• Exercise...yeah, after I clean the house. Everyone hold their breath and tell my when pigs start to fly.

So here's to us and the new chapter in all our lives. Whatever chapter you're in we all share the same journey, just at different parts of the story. I hope all your stories have a happy ending and thank you for reading my story along with me.

Now I better hurry if I want to create an entire digital scrapbook and new wardrobe,...only 2 hours left before school lets out. A tad ambitious??? A girl can dream.

I'll leave you with the kiddo's seeing butterflies out the window before we left for school.

Pre-School Blues

Well, it's here. The day that I have to accept my little girl is growing up.

Today my daughter started Pre-School.

We have been working up to it for weeks. It started off with a bang. Ava woke up this morning and was sick. How ironic is that,...first day of school and the the poor girl was actually sick. She threw up all over the bed but was determined not to miss "playschool" as we call it.

Showed up to the school 20 minutes early. Not sure why I thought we needed to be there that early. You could definitely pick me out as the "new Mom on the block" at the school. With no conviction in my eyes, looking lost and holding tight to my daughter's hand and carrying my 18mth old son who weighs more than a 3 year old. It was the oddest thing. Dropping my child off with strangers who don't know the way she likes her sandwiches cut.

The saddest part was watching her walk away. We had been lingering in the hall while the teachers figured out which classroom she belonged in. I was waiting to say good-bye and give her a pep talk until it was time for me to leave. But the teacher came and took her hand and walked her into her classroom. I stayed back and watched her walk down the hall. All I could manage to say was, "Go with your teacher baby girl and have fun." She turned and looked into my eyes as she left. My heart folded into a bunch of pieces and landed in my throat. I stood there watching my baby turn into a big girl.

I turned to leave and all I could think was how I didn't get to hug her good-bye.

Have I done enough? Have I taught her well? Have I prepared her?

What I hope for her as she starts this new page in the chapter of her childhood:

To be kind

For others to be kind to her

That the other little girls and boys find her as adorable as I do

That her heart doesn't get broken

That she never feels alone or scared

That she doesn't miss Mommy nearly as much as I miss her

Go get 'em baby girl!

"Hello Maternal Instinct, Where are you?"

I recently spent the week with 2 extra kiddo's in the house. Wonderful neighbor of mine watched mine while I was working a couple weeks back so I returned the favor and watched hers while she was working. Here's what I learned while having 4 kids under the age of 4!

• 
  Never feed 4 kids who aren't the best with utensils, rice. I was trying to be all Martha Stewart like and actually cook lunch. Now I'm wondering what was I thinking as I try to sweep soft, gooey rice off the floor. Have you ever tried that,...it doesn't work. Should have gone with the lunchables.
  
• Never ask a 4 year old tomboy, "What's in your box?" It's always a "pet" cricket that decides to jump right at you while you're holding a 9 month old. Of course I sacrificed the 9 month old,..that's who I am.
  
• 1 monster energy drink a day just isn't enough.
  
• The next door neighbors are putting in a pool today. I swear they're laughing at me saying, "Look at our pool. We are so much cooler than you. By the way, you have vomit on your boob."
  
• Maybe I'm not as maternal as I once thought I was. These kids are really getting on my nerves. "No, you can't put that dog collar around your neck while being pulled by a leash." Tomboy replies, "Roof Roof, my name is Rusty and I wont answer to Megan. Now take me for a walk you moron!"
  
• I'm too lazy to load 4 kids in the car to head to the park so I insisit we can't go b/c it might rain. I don't really think they're falling for it. Maybe I'll blame it on the swine flu.

Sale starts today!

It's here, the day has arrived! Comment here or send us an email or call! Just get the info to me! If you leave a comment, make sure I have your email address so I can send you an invoice!

To get further details, please see the post below.



Now, some of my favorites.....






Baby Gap Madras Top
Reg. Price: $15.95

Sale Price: $7.97

Click HERE to view





Janie and Jack Winter Dress and Top Set
Reg Price: $31.95
Sale Price: $15.97
Click HERE to view





House of Hatten boys Smocked Outfit
Reg Price: $29.95
Sale Price: $14.97

Click HERE to view

Tips for shopping on eBay:

Incase your new to eBay here are some guidelines to help you shop.

-NWT: New With Tags
-NWOT: New Without Tags
-EUC: Excellent Used Condition. No stains, tears or rips and minimal wash wear
-VGUC: Very Good Used Condition. No stains, tears or rips but medium wash wear and slight pillage

Have fun!

Details are in! 50% off our eBay store!

For 2 days only everything in our eBay store will be 50% off. This is a private sale that is only available to blog followers. All items will be marked at regular price. Only you will know it is available for 50% off. Remember eBay is a competitive place. As soon as you have made your selections let me know quickly as many items at our eBay store are not available in duplicate quantities.





WHEN: August 24th-25th

WHERE: Waddlers and Toddlers eBay Store

RULES:

• You must follow our blog to participate. To do this, just click the "follow" icon to the left.


• Copy either the item title or item number of the listing you would like


• Starting Monday the 24th, I will create a post for the sale. You may either comment there with the information of the item you would like or email me at info@waddlersandtoddlers.com


• For those that prefer to call, you may do so at 469-261-0555


• For combined purchases you will pay the highest shipping cost plus an additional .70 cents per purchase.


• All orders over $50 are shipped for free.


• Sale is for apparel only; that includes adult clothing as well.


• Sale ends exactly at midnight on the 25th.

Where have I been?

Why no answer to your emails and phone calls??? I've been at 21st Century Dental working! It's only the best dental office ever! I promise I will be done this week and my usual schedule will return. I have received your phone calls/emails and will catch up on them tonight. All your purchases have been shipped and you will receive your tracking numbers soon.

Maybe later I will share some stories of "behind the doors of a dental office." Now there's some funny stories.

Stay tuned for our Christmas in August Sale. It will be held the last week in August for 2 days only. Stop in on Thursday for the details.

Paper Planes and Wishes

I'm in a sentimental mood today so forgive the sappiness that is about to begin!

We are currently getting ready to put our house on the market and the search for a new home has begun. In my heart of all hearts, I have a vision of the home with the white picket fence, big front porch and hardwood floors. A craftsman style home that was built in the 1920's where the street is lined with trees. We live in a beautiful home now but we actually want to downsize. I know that sounds odd but I believe in living life simple. We have over 2800 square feet and only use the family room and kitchen. To be honest, we would all just rather be together in the same room. I often daydream of having Christmas around the fireplace in a cozy living room. A living room that has been around for over 80 years where families before mine have created their own memories. I daydream about a time where you could knock on your neighbors door and borrow some sugar or where the women in the neighborhood share coffee at brunch. Where I could walk my children down the block to the local stores to meet the shop owners and soak up the flavor. My problem, this house seems impossible to find. Here's a photo of a house that is about an hour from where we currently live that I would absolutely love to live in.

The problem is, most of the houses in our area that are historic with all the charm I so desire are not in the best neighborhoods or have the best school district. Where is a girl to find this home!

I am sure my visions of what I wanted when I grew up started very early on. From the movies I romanticised and the books that I read. I often wonder what my own daughter wishes for. Today we made over 15 paper planes and I have to tell you there was something so special about it. She was amazed how Mommy could fold each one differently and magically make them fly. We placed all her magical paper planes in a bowl and I told her for each one that flew, she could make a wish. We called it our Paper Planes and Wishes.




I am absolutely crazy for Christmas and around August every year I start to get very ancy for the holidays. I kid you not, I have a binder full of holiday ideas, projects, and decorations that I pull out every August to start planning the holiday season. I am the crazy neighbor that puts up her decorations in November. Even when I was 8 months pregnant you could find me outside with a hammer and life size candy canes decorating our front sidewalk. This year in honor of the holiday season and the joy it brings, we will be having a Christmas in August sale for our blog readers only. Details soon to follow! Here are my 2 favorite Christmas Songs below to help get you in the spirit!

Let me count the ways...a letter to my Husband

Dear Husband,

Thank you for putting your dirty dishes on the counter above the dishwasher you romantic fool! I stayed up late last night emptying the dishwasher and you didn't want to spoil it by putting dirty dishes back in.

You know me so well. You know how special I feel when I get to scrape dried refried beans off a plate. I feel so needed. So important. My life's goal is to get those dishes clean and having you by my side, I know that goal will come true.

It's just me and the beans as I so lovingly daydream out our kitchen window. I daydream of what will be on the counter for me tomorrow. I feel sadness for the wives out there that don't get to flirt with old milk left in a glass or the 10 oreo's you half ate and so adoringly left for me. Did you only eat the inside of the oreo's just for me? Were you saving me the cookie parts? We all know that's the best part.

These beans fought a brilliant battle. A battle I thought I was going to loose because the kiddo's kept distracting me. I had to dodge paper airplanes being hurled at my head and I believe our daughter painted all my toenails but I stayed the course. As I watch the beans take their final journey, swirling in the sink and finally down the drain, a small tear streams poetically down my face. Sad that the moment is gone. My moment of glory has now ended. But because of you, my dear sweet husband, I know tomorrow will bring more moments for me to shine. You will leave me more beans tomorrow and the next day, and the next day, and the next day, and the day after that. Just like our love, so are the beans everlasting.

I have laid your favorite pillow and blanket on the couch so you can be wrapped in my love too as you fall asleep tonight.

Love,

Your adoring wife

Deal Alert at Old Navy

Seriously ladies this is one huge sale. Old Navy has marked all their clearance items at an additional 50% off. I bought kids shirts at $1.50 and women's jeans at $6.00!! I bought 2 bags full for under a $100!!

Hurry and get shopping!

eBay Up In Smokes!

For the first time ever, I actually have flowers in the garden that I can pull on a weekly basis to grace my house! They sit on the kitchen island between last nights dinner, a few sippy cups, an old bottle and some other random things. Somehow the flowers make even the stuck on goo of the pans look good. I have always wanted to have fresh flowers. Somehow I imagined that if I could only get the fresh flowers like Martha says, all would be right with the world. We all have that one thing. Maybe yours is waking up to actual clean clothes to choose from, maybe it's a crisp pillow case or something else. The fresh flowers have always been my go to "blame the inanimate object" choice. The kids aren't behaving, it's because I don't have any fresh flowers and they have finally realized they drew the short stick when Moms were being handed out. But I digress. I am a huge eBay shopper. It's usually the first place I go when I need anything. I needed a bud vase to put my freshly picked flowers in. The bud vase would really complete the picture here. If I only had a bud vase my dream of being a mother who is actually put together would come true. My entire existence rests upon finding a bud vase. I somehow feel fancier needing a bud vase! Honestly, I just like saying bud vase. Who else besides Martha would ever wake up in the morning and say, "Gee, I really think those flowers would look lovely in a bud vase." So as I was shopping on eBay I came across this listing:

I immediately realized how ridiculous I was for needing a bud vase and put the flowers in a glass.

I am half tempted to ask the seller if the Marlboro's come with the vase? Do they cost extra? How old are they? Have they been opened? This seller is serious. He's not trying to pass off the lights, we're talking straight up mediums here. These are the "reds" for goodness sakes. What had to be going through their mind when they made that decision. Let's see, I could use a dollar bill, maybe a glass,...no I think I'll use my Marlboro's. Yeah, that's it. Perfect. Bud Vase...Malboro's....not an oxymoron at all.

Here's to you and whatever your "bud vase" is!

Jon and Kate Plus 8

I'm about to get to Jon and Kate but need to do some updates first!



Thank you to all who ordered the squeaky shoes! The sale was a huge success and it was wonderful meeting all the new customers and great talking to my returning customers! Let me know how your waddlers and toddlers enjoy the shoes! I'll be posting a video soon of my own waddler in his squeaky shoes soon! Today is the last day of the sale so get shopping if you haven't already!

Also, our blogger friend Mod Mami is throwing a 50% off sale over at her store! What are Monday's for other than shopping!

Now on to Jon and Kate plus 8 minus Jon. Who's watching the season premier tonight??? Whatever your opinions are,...do you still find yourself watching it? They've been controversial lately and there is so much written about them but I still can't help myself but to watch! Do I care about the kids,..of course! But it's like a train wreck that I just can't turn away from. I use to feel very sorry for Jon. Although I always thought he only had himself to blame for his roll in the relationship with Kate. I always gave Kate credit and leniency for the way she treated Jon. I thought perhaps Jon "needed" the "nagging" in order to get his bum in gear but it always made me want to run and hide when she would belittle and berate him. But with Jon's recent behavior the sympathy is definitely dwindling. At the very least, could this man wait to date until the dust settles?? I mean,..really! What about dating Hailey Glassman? Does anyone else find that a little creepy? The daughter of the doctor who did your wife's surgery? How old was she when they first met? She must have still been in high school!

If you plan on watching, come back after the show airs and let me know what you thought! I'm in the mood to have some good old fashion Hollywood Gossip!