Giving thanks for things big and small

I am definitely thankful for the many amazing blessings in my life - my amazing husband, healthy & happy girls, awesome family, a great job I love, friends who are beyond wonderful, and the list goes on. Tonight I started thinking of some of the other, sillier things, I am also thankful for.

1. Valet parking. What a wonderful thing it is! I was reminded of this when visiting a family member at the hospital a few times last week. It saved me at least 15 minutes from going all the way through the parking garage. We also used valet at Busch Gardens a couple of weeks ago. We paid double the parking fee for it but worth. every. penny. Two littles, a double stroller, and a tram are not a good combo.

2. Seat heaters. Simply awesome.

3. Mini Ugg boots. The cuteness kills me. Again, worth every penny.

4. Hunter wellington boots. And the AWESOME friend who knows me so well that she knew it would be a perfect birthday present. Somebody has been paying attention to Pinterest ;)

5. Photography. I took engagement photos for my sis this week, a family photo for my mom's card, and family/9 month photos for my bro's family - it makes me happy to be able to give the gift of photos to those I love the most. Life goes by in a blink, but hopefully I'm able to capture some moments that will be treasured in years to come.

6. Little girl's clothes that look like grown up girl's clothes. I loved smocked dresses and Lilly frocks as much as anyone, but I also love the little outfits with sassy skirts, converse, and of course, a good sweater dress.

What silly/serious things are you thankful for?

God, Guns & Guts

As Dorothy would say ... "we're not in Kansas anymore!" No, we're not in Kansas, or SW Florida for that matter. We're spending the week at my parent's house in North Florida, also referred to as "The Panhandle" by a couple of my friends who love to tease me about being from up here (you know who you are). While this part of the state is home to some of the people I love the most in this world, it's also home to some very interesting people. The kind of "interesting" that politely means "crazy redneck."

Don't get me wrong, there are pockets of Southern charm and grace that many only associate with parts of Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. However, there are pockets of crazy redneck too. Those pockets sometimes overpower the southern charm ;) Just so you get the idea, here's a billboard we saw along the way ...

Truths

I saw this on Facebook yesterday and had to laugh. (Can't find the original source to credit)

1. Sometimes I'll look at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.


2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind-of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day..

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Light than Kay.

16. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

17. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

18. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

19. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front.

20.Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

21. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.

22. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

All I Want For Christmas

Uncommon husband and I had dinner out on Saturday night and afterwards, we took advantage of the fact we had a babysitter and did what all cool couples do on a Saturday night - we went to Target. We wanted to check out the toy section and get some Christmas ideas for Addison (we're not leaving Ava out, but she really doesn't need much at this age). The store was really empty and we ended up finding lots of entertaining items including these awesome pajamas ... Can you believe people actually buy these?!?

Then, we decided to do something crazy. We went to Wal-Mart for our semi-annual visit to the worst store on earth. Except that night, it was actually quite fun. Most of the trips I make to Wal-Mart occur in North Florida and no offense to my loved ones and friends in North Florida, but up there, Wal-Mart is a whole different place. And not in a good way. It's filled with people in camo. Who buy things like this ...

No, your eyes don't deceive you, that's a santa- in camo- holding a rifle. We are not in Sarasota anymore (except this one was!!). I'm not being snobby, my brother in law would think this santa is one of the best gifts you could give him. I know this because he posted a picture of himself on Facebook wearing a camo santa hat a few nights ago. It's not my taste but if it makes you happy, then have at it. But Wal-Mart is usually a place that irritates me to no end so I avoid it like the plague. Saturday night was different though - it was pretty empty and filled with bargains! Who knew you could buy so many quality items for $2-$5!? $85 dollars later, Uncommon Husband made me stop. He dared me to "check in" at Wal-Mart on Facebook but I refused. I may have had fun but I wasn't going to let anyone know it. (which is why I am posting this on my blog for all to read, lol)

Ten on Tuesday

It is Tuesday, right? My day started a little odd so I'm feeling like I am in a time warp.

1. I have a great post scheduled for tomorrow on Christmas shopping. I could post it today but then what would I blog about tomorrow?

2. I haven't blogged in awhile. I was back, and then I wasn't, and now I am again.

3. Since I've been away, Addison became fully potty trained! It only took a few days. Yes, I am bragging a little bit but I had no idea how stressful those couple of days would be and now I kind of understand why people talk about it so much. That said, I won't be discussing it on here again. Or anywhere else in much detail - not my style.

4. My birthday was last Saturday and can I just say, what did we do before Facebook?! I was feeling the love! Thanks ;)

5. I am leaving for our annual Thanksgiving trek to my parents on Friday night. Please pray that the girls both sleep on that drive. Otherwise, I might not make it. Our 4th of July trip was a doozy, and I haven't forgotten!

6. Did I spell doozy correctly? Or is it doozie? According to my spellcheck, both are wrong.

7. I dropped my camera on the concrete on Sunday. After 2 photo shoots with toddlers. The photos are still on the memory card, the camera appears to be uninjured but I still feel nauseous every time I think about it. First of all, that sucker is like my baby. A very expensive baby. Plus, I worked my butt off for those pics of the toddlers. I was not about to re-shoot those sessions!

8. We took our family Christmas pictures on Sunday afternoon and I LOVE them! So excited to get our cards mailed, then I'll share the finished product on here with all of you.

9. After getting ready for our shoot on Sunday, I have a renewed appreciation for family photo prep. I am always on the other side of the camera and while that is stressful, hot, and insane - getting everyone fed, dressed, happy and out the door on time takes some coordination. I was frantically trying to find bows, shoes, and my own clothes.

10. I love my blog, I don't know why I keep letting it lapse! Busch Gardens pics, Christmas shopping, and Crazy Betty stories coming your way later this week!

Freebies Make Me Happy

Last month, I wasn't reading or writing much as far as blogs go but I was lucky to catch a a deal that The Mom Creative posted during her 31 days of memory keeping series. She has been a fan of a site called Paper Coterie for awhile and posted many deals. I have always wanted to order one of their Memory Keepers and last month, she posted a code for a free one! Had I been blogging regularly, I would have shared this gem with all of you (sorry), but as it was, I was lucky to get mine created and ordered in time. I had Uncommon Husband create an account and order one as well (because I'm a deal seeker like that and I work the system) - I couldn't leave one of my girls out! They arrived last week and are even better than I had hoped for! They are large, book-like boxes that can be used to store keepsakes, artwork, etc. and they are not only a great size, they are so special and personalized. They will also be easy to store - now if I can just take the time to organize the little hospital bracelets, and other momentos I have been keeping. I have even ordered one for my sister in law for a Christmas present (I hope she doesn't read my blog). Check out how great these are ...

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And a few pics from our happy weekend for good measure!

She's baaack! (crazy Bettye that is)

Ok so not only is my blog back, Crazy Betty is too! (If you're new here, read here first)

So a lot has happened while I was on my blog hiatus, including the fact that my little sister is engaged now. Very exciting stuff and we are all in wedding planning mode. However, wedding planning brings out the crazy in Betty. She was a little over the top with my wedding, very opinionated about the "right way" (read- her way) of doing things, etc. With this wedding, it's even more magnified  because she's older and has less of a filter.

So far, she's less concerned about the details being "proper" since those details are months away. She's in full-on worry mode about everything big picture. She called me within days of the engagement and said the following (with no interruption or pause):

"I just don't think I can host the bridesmaids luncheon. I know I did yours but I was younger and it was easier for me to do things like put together those little baskets and the invitations. I just can't do it. But there's no one else to do it! What will we do?! I can pay for it but I can't plan the details. You'll have to take care of the location and any details and I'll just pay the bill. We have to have favors! I just can't do it. Maybe I can. I don't know"

Never mind the fact that at that point, there wasn't even a wedding date or location set. Then, on Sunday, she says to my husband:

"You are just going to have to tell them (my sister and her fiance) that you guys can't be in the wedding. It's just too expensive and you can't afford it. Plus, you'd have to have a baby sitter. You just can't spend that kind of money right now. Where are we all going to stay?! You'll have to pay for your room too. Tell them you can't afford it."

First of all, no one has asked us to be in the wedding, or anyone to be in the wedding yet for that matter. Secondly, we absolutely can afford to go to the wedding and be a part of whatever festivities we need to be. Sure, it will be an expensive weekend but 100% worth every penny we will spend. When I told my sister in-law this story she asked me if I was offended by Betty's comments. The answer - absolutely not. Betty is a worrier to the extreme. When she doesn't have anything to worry about, she makes up something to worry about. If she has something to worry about (the wedding), but not enough details to worry about specifics yet, she just makes up specifics to worry about. And, since Betty is not privy to my bank statements (and you better believe if one were sitting on a table, she would absolutely read it! I caught her checking out an invoice from the pest control company last time she was at my house) she just assumes that we're unable to afford it. And to think, we have a whole year of wedding planning to look forward to with her :) Oh Betty!

An Alternate Version of Me

I swear that having two children has turned me into an alternate version of myself. This version (which is hopefully temporary) does crazy things that I would never ordinarily do ... a few examples:

• "Losing" Addison's Halloween costume - tearing the house apart, only to find it hanging in her closet. I guess I am more organized than I give myself credit for :)
• Or feel like I need to apologize to the valet guy for how messy my car is. Why should I care what the valet thinks of my car?!?
• Drive around in a car that has the following items in the front seat/floorboard: a feather boa, a scarf, a teething toy, an empty coke bottle, a clipboard, bank receipts and an empty (spare) purse.
• Notice that my car is not starting the way it should be but not bother to deal with it until I am about 50 minutes from the start of my friend's wedding. And in that 50 minutes, I need to drive back to my house, feed Ava, get dressed, and drive to the ceremony. Apparently my battery was dying and you're not supposed to ignore those kinds of things. (I made it home and we switched cars)
• Start heading to a photo shoot without my camera.

Luckily, these are just fragments of my life. In other fragments, I am able to pull off big projects at work, remember to bring cookies and snacks for Addison's class party, remember birthdays, and a variety of other tasks. But in those other moments, I can't help but wonder  -who is this person and would the "real" me please stand up?