Cuddlebug

Over the summer schedules and routine tend to go out the window. We had 3 travel tournaments where we stayed in hotels in addition to several nights staying on the boat. Therefore, bedtime routine didn't necessarily exist every night. I also gained a cuddlebug Stinker!

I will be the first to admit I loved (still do kinda) when he started "sneaking" into our bed. He was NEVER a cuddler and during the day he still really isn't. So the first chance I had to hold, care, and snuggle him I took it.

HOWEVER, this Mommabear is getting worn out! Between him and Daddy AND don't forget our dog Rosie all battling the snore competition I can't catch a wink. Or the "massage" of tiny little feet kicking in my back as he rotates in his sleep isn't so enjoyable either.

We have talked and talked with him lately about staying in his super cool room. I have purchased different nightlights and lamps. We have set a routine of teeth, potty, and book. Going 6 days strong he has still joined us every night (sigh). We are debating about a reward plan but I still haven't decided if that's our next step. If you have any other ideas/suggestions please share!!!

Until then you will catch this Momma sleeping with her eyes open throughout the day and hiding for cat naps any chance I can get.

Look he even prefers the dogs bed over his own! Ahhhhhh We're lucky he is cute! :-)

FOUR!!!

OK I know my past two posts have been about his birthday which included the party planning and the party.

Today was much different. No planning at all and no one around. Just me and stinker.

Stop 1. Every morning is better with donuts

Stop 2. You can't have a birthday with a balloon.

Stop 3.  No time clock, nothing else to do we spent 5hrs at the zoo and he was in heaven. The weather was partially cloudy (even rained for about 30min) but that didn't stop him. No stroller (he is a big boy). We walked, and talked, and talked, and laughed.  The place was pretty empty which made it even more of a special experience.The animales were putting on a show for him and my little silly boy photographer captured all of it.



 

 

 

The party was great fun but my one on one time with the birthday boy was the BEST thing I could've asked for. His true colors come out when he is around animals... he is one himself.

Happy birthday little man.... I love you forever and always!

All For The Smiles

In less than 36hrs we will be hosting Stinkers 4th birthday party at the house. This is our 1st party at this house (we moved last September) this is also his first party at a house (we have done a park and the zoo but never house party for him). My "Things To Do" lists have been going for MONTHS. Yes don’t worry you aren’t seeing things. I said months....

An edited version of the front and back of the invites/ tickets I created for the party!

You know me the planner-worker-be how did this party come about:

1. I saw a Groupon in January for an outdoor movie screen (snagged it and set the theme "Drive-In Movie Party)
2. In March and April I started to research ideas for decorations, projects, invites, food...
3. I made all invites in July/August
4. Started printing pictures for centerpieces and cupcake tower about 4 weeks ago
5. Bought all candy and made the concession stand 3 weeks ago
6. Made all of the thank you gifts last week
7. Premade some BIG ice cubs and blocks of frozen lemonade for the beverage station couple nights ago (this way we aren't running through bags of ice or watering down drinks)
8. Prescooped the ice cream last night!

Posters I made. The top sign for the front of the house to direct people to the backyard and the 2nd sign was ideas I found of "cars". That sign will go on the car supplies table with the cardboard boxes, paper, glue, and other supplies.

I can go on, but you get the point.... we are ready (ok no not yet I have about 1 page of things to do tonight and tomorrow morning).

So I move on.... WHY? Why do I do this? That's easy... I do it for the smiles!!!

By no means do I feel like we spoil our kids. Almost everything at this party is handmade (took hours to make, but didn't cost much at all). I am not making it a competition to outdo anyone elses party. I am not trying to earn "Best Mom Award" and throw a party everyone will talk about for years to come. I do it for the smiles. I know my kids best and at each party the little elements I include are for them it's that simple.

Hidden Elements for this party:

• Hot dogs (Stink is a picky eater but Hot Dogs are something he doesn't hesitate to eat)
• Chips (well everyone likes chips)
• Popcorn (I hate it but he loves it)
• Candy and more candy (Enough said)
• Concession Stand (He loves to play pretend. Let's pretend we are really at the movies...why not!)
• Making the cars (He loves pretending, I can visualize him now with all his friends in cars sitting together)
• Pictures and more pictures (most of the decorations have pictures. Once again that is for him. He loves to see himself as a baby and hear stories)
• Cupcakes (I chose cupcakes to serve and prescooped the ice cream so I too can enjoy the party. It's that simple)

With that said, my checklists are calling my name and I must continue on. Stay tuned for the pictures and party recap!

*** Check out how the party turned out here ***

My Four Corners

Life is like a puzzle. The most important parts to my Life Puzzle are the corners. Take a look at my corners that keep me together.


My Hubby! Meet Jason... he is a few (years older than me) but his childish behavior still has me question if Im really not older than him. He works full time as a laser something something. Seeing as how his job is in the medical field you cant often plan on the procedures he performs. Therefore, his schedule is impossible to plan around and always keeps us guessing and on our toes. He is a sports fanatic, extremely smart, and big hearted guy.

Sport - Is 12years old and in 6th grade Middle School. He is our Baseball All Star! He plays for a travel competitive baseball team that plays 10 out of the 12 months in a year. Jason is one of the coaches. Sport is the BEST big brother anyone could ask for!!! He has a HUGE heart and will help anyone. He tends to be shy and saying he is easily distracted from daily chores and housework is putting it mildly. He is very smart and often times I compare him to rainman when he brings up certain facts. I look forward to my daily discussions and everything he teaches me.

Stinker - He is our little angel and will be 5 in September. After struggles getting pregnant (due to my PCOS) we feel blessed to have him with us. He is smaller than most in his grade, but his BIG personality makes him a leader. Unfortunately he got my clutsy gene and so bumps, bruises and cuts are a daily occurrence for him. His immune system stinks so we are often facing some sort of cold, sinus, or other little bug that tries to take him down but never succeeds. He is such a strong little fighter! Our little Man loves to help out in the kitchen and is very creative, energetic, and always good for a laugh.

Rosie Grace - My Little Girl! She is such a cuddle bug and sweetheart. She is very protective of all of her family but truly can't hurt a fly. I mean that literally... she hates going outside (LOL).  I would love to dress her up everyday but the boys done allow it. Have no fear I sneak in the cute pink and "diamonds" where I can.

So there you have it those are my main corners to my life puzzle. Throughout my blogging journey you will notice many other important pieces to my life puzzle. Enjoy the ride with me as I continue to build it each day.