Recent happenings

It's been a while since my last blog, which is sort of a trend.
((insert sad face here))

I'm writing this on the iPad because we have yet to replace the MacBook charger that broke two weeks ago (because it's a whopping $80 buckaroos) and ran into a few challenges that I need to figure out, so my last two pictures are really small. What do ya do?

Anyway, here we go--

A lot has gone on since I last blogged:

-I started classes.
That is that - nothing I particularly enjoy, but it really is sort of nice getting out and doing something that is just ME. I hardly get a free moment each of these days (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and it's constant chaos, but it do it ALONE!

I am taking A&P (which is a redo because I had a complete duh! semester last fall - not even going to get into excuses) and two classes that are for my major. I'm doing well in all of them, so YAY!!!

I found out that my graduation date will be August 2013 - less than a year away! I was hoping for May 2013, but that's just going to be a complete no go. It's not worth the stress to take 20 hours plus an internship in one semester! I want to continue enjoying my family!!!

-Macie went back to preschool and Macklyn started her daycare.
I wasn't worried about Macie. She loves school and her friends! She is doing great and learning so much this year - we are very pleased.

Macklyn, on the other hand, was my giant worry bubble from the time she was born (thinking of putting her in daycare). She goes to the same place that Macie went as a baby (when I first went back to school). I ended up choosing a daycare center because she was SO HIGH MAINTENANCE. This place has two girls working to eight babies and Macklyn is with a bunch of babies around her age. They keep up with EVERYTHING she does throughout the day and that's nice to know so I can keep up with her on the days I'm not with her.

Well, little miss completely surprised me. She's just as big a bigger social butterfly than her sister. She loves daycare and does excellent! It was still hard, but she made it so much easier by being such an awesome little trooper.

What's sad - she has had an ear infection for the past few weeks. We go back tomorrow for a two week checkup, but I'm afraid it's still there. She's still tugging and has a horrible runny nose. We'll see, though - surely, two different antibiotics should do the job. She's still as sweet as can be - up side. :)

-We finally found a church family.
This is what I am most excited about. I literally feel refreshed.

I was in such a bad place (for me! I know it can always be worse.) in my life. Nothing was enough, needed something else. Chris and I weren't happy, our marriage was suffering, our relationship with our children was suffering, and I had no motivation to do anything. School, I was dreading!

Our first visit was a little ehh. I was excited, though, because of the build up for the next week. The second week is when I knew this was the place for me. I could feel God's hand on my heart and soul - he wanted me to be there at that moment. I still tear up every week because I am so satisfied with my life now ... because of my renewed relationship with God.

I am not one to try and throw religion on anyone - I don't want to make them uncomfortable - but right now, I could just go on and on about the things that have happened since I started reading the Bible and praying during my tough moments. The power of prayer is definitely strong in my life!


Okay, I'll stop. :) I could keep going "'til the cows come home."

-and finally, (Chris and) I celebrated the big 2-8.
Not really a highlight of my year.

I can't believe I'm actually that old. I can remember meeting girls in college and finding out their age was 26 and thinking "wow, they're old!" Uhhh....excuse me 19 year old me, 26 is not old. You will be 28 one day and have to think about how old you actually are.

Now I talk to those girls that are "19 year old me" and they're all like, "oh wow, I thought you were like 22." Thank you girls, y'all are now my best friends, but I know I'm starting to look old.

It's inevitable. Wrinkle cream, here I come.

Nonetheless, we had a fun time with Chris' family this past weekend celebrating. Nothing big, just low key with the ones we love - the way we like it. My mom came up on Sunday and went to church with us, took us to lunch, then we went and did a little shopping. This weekend - we have a "Fall birthdays" celebration with my family.

That's about all for now besides boring school stuff ... and a few fun playgroup events coming up (pumpkin patch and Halloween party). We're just enjoying our days in this wonderful Fall weather!

The weather...and other things

In the middle of the day yesterday, when the heat is usually at its worst, I looked up (while driving) and the temperature read 66 degrees.  66 DEGREES!!!  This is monumental in the middle of a Texas August.  Unfortunately, we didn't get our morning walk {due to rain}, but that was A-OK because I snuggled with my little puddin' face, Macklyn, all.morning.long.  {Macie stayed with my Aunt last night}

When we finally got out from under the covers, I walked to my closet and snatched my most comfy sweatshirt.  I jump at any chance I have to wear lounging clothes, and there is nothing better than cool weather lounging attire.

Our AC actually got a break!  Which is great...because we are overdue for a tune-up.  Less work = better. 

But, I'm afraid this is just a mere tease, my friends.  I checked and the weather forecast {which really means nothing, honestly} says the heat is coming back.  No 100 degree weather, but upper 90s, which is still hot.  Better, but hot.

Along with this "Fall Teaser", came a hankering for a yummy hot coffee drink!  I've always wanted to try those cinnamon lattes from Starbucks, but am afraid of spending $5 on coffee just to end up with something I don't like.  So....I decided to experiment myself.  I came up with a very easy recipe that actually ended up pretty good.

This drink is really going to come in handy when I start classes next week.  Coffee is going to be my best friend with my early mornings and late evenings!

************

So, today we pretty great.  Nothing big, but Chris is off work and we love having him at home!  This is his vacation week, however he worked Monday and Tuesday because he's a workaholic like that and wants extra dinero.

This morning, Macklyn and I met the neighbor girls and had a nice stroll around the neighborhood.  It was divine outside - so good I could have walked around at least two more times.  Macie stayed back at the house with her Daddy.  

When we got back, the whole fam headed out to have breakfast at a little diner down the road. 

  After a quick breakfast, we made the short trip back to the house - Macklyn got her breakfast....

 and I started housework.

Housework that hasn't been done in FOREVER because I NEVER have a free moment from "Little Miss Never Put Me Down."  She played with Daddy for a little bit, then needed to be fed again, then nap time, then eat again, then another nap.  In between all of that, I accomplished A LOT!  It's amazing what I can do when there is someone else to keep that little pea occupied.  It's official - I need a part-time nanny!!!

We never left the house again, just lounged around and I cleaned here and there.  Tomorrow is organizing day and I am ecstatic to get everything in order before classes start next week.  Then, the chaos officially begins!!!

I'm a little nervous.

Tomorrow, Chris and I are finally attending to our first church service here in Granbury.  We have lived here for 4 years and are just now "getting around to it." 

We have only been to church a handful of times since we were married (5 years ago!) - I'm talking probably less than 10 times.

I'm not going to lie, I'm extremely nervous. 

I grew up going to church every single Sunday as a small child.  My mom was the Sunday school teacher and we would attend the sermon after.  I have never been to another church in my life (aside from going with my friends the Sunday after the occasional sleepover and on Wednesdays - because our church didn't have Wednesday night services).

Every since moving here, we have always said we are going to find a church.  "Oh, not this week, maybe next."  Excuses over and over.

The thing is, I think I have been avoiding this moment for a long time.  I never found looked for a church family while in college, or after having babies and getting married.  I guess I just wait for things to come to me, and this was no different.

We started play group a year ago this month, and let me tell ya, there are some wonderful ladies in the group.  The majority go to the same church and I have said for a year now that I'm going to meet them one morning.  

Here, I have had the opportunity....why haven't I taken the leap?

Well, this is why:  I have been very uncomfortable with my spiritual knowledge for, well, forever.  I remember learning bible verses when I was little, but by the time I had reached the age that everything would stick, my family quit going on a regular basis - only holidays.

I believe in God, and Jesus, and I pray daily.  I just don't understand, or know....a lot.

I have a thing about feeling stupid (like how I thought I was great at English until I took a certain instructor in college that just completely beat me down - a story for another day and completely unrelated, just came to mind).  I don't like feeling stupid, and I get extremely discouraged.  I guess I feel what I will call "Bible illiterate."

I don't even know where I placed my Bible...it's MIA!

We have so much to be thankful for in our home and within our family.  It seems like when everything seems to go wrong, something miraculous always happens and it all ends up working out.  I know this is completely God's work and I feel that I owe it to Him to study and learn His word.

So, tomorrow we are meeting one of my play group friends, and this marks the beginning of our new spiritual path in our lives.  I hope we hear what we need to hear and we end up loving this church.  If not, who knows when we will work up the courage to attend services not knowing ANYONE.

If you're at all spiritual, pray for us and our new journey!

I'm at a loss.

Macie and I are the same person.  We butt heads constantly.  We both love each other so much, but we just can't get along for long periods of time.  I know she needs a LOT more attention than I am able to give her {lately}, and I feel terrible that I am not able to give it to her. 

She gets frustrated with me, and I get frustrated with her.  I am so so so sad to admit this.  I mean, I'm her mom, I should be able to figure this out.  I just can't.

I try everything.  I'm nice, I'm mean, she'll get a spanking. 

I expect a lot out of her {and I know I shouldn't, I'm working on that} because she has been so independent her whole life.  She wants to do everything herself, but ever since Macklyn was born, that has changed a little lot.  

I find her getting so angry and frustrated with little things, like putting the straw into the juice box.  She won't even let me help her anymore and gets mad at me for asking to help. 

Then comes the breakdowns -- when she has to leave somewhere and isn't ready.  Tears flow and along with that comes screaming and flailing.  I don't even want to go anywhere fun anymore because of this. 

We have our good days and bad days.  When it's good, it's really good and when it's bad, it's REALLY bad.  I try my VERY hardest to stay calm, and for the most part I do, I just get so tired and exhausted from fighting her to do things {like clean her room ... or pick up her toys}.  

I know Macie loves her sister, but now I wonder if I ruined her by giving her a sibling {that I just knew she needed}.  Don't get me wrong, we wanted another baby, and love Macklyn to pieces and are so happy to have her.  I'm just saying I feel like Macie thinks I just abandoned her or something.  

Maybe we should have waited longer?

Macklyn has been very high maintenance.  She doesn't really want anyone but me, and she has been sick a good portion of her short little life.  No one really wants to keep her, so I'm with her 24/7 -- never any one-on-one time with Macie.

I think I am having a hard time with this just as much as Macie, she just makes her frustration well known.  I understand what all is going wrong, I just have no idea what to do with it.

Sometimes I just wonder what in the heck I'm even doing.

I love that little girl so much, it hurts sometimes.  I just want to be able to make my little girl happy again.

The terrible twos were cake compared to this. 

Life - 1    Erin - 0

10 on {aug.} 10

Well, well - here we are August 10.  When did time start passing in double-time?  Seriously.  

I think the last 10 on 10 I did was back in June.  I'm excited to be back to share our 10th day with you.  We didn't do a whole lot of exciting activities, but we stayed busy and got a few shots in here and there.

I had one goal today :: to get the oil changed in the Tahoe.  I almost forgot, but by golly, the oil is changed and we had fun in between.

10 on 10 :: once a month on the tenth taking a photo an hour for ten consecutive hours. 

Finding much life and beauty among the ordinary things of our day! 

I'm linking up with *a bit of sunshine*

 

1. Headed out for our morning walk with the neighbor girlies.

2. Sweet baby sleeps.  Mommy cleans...bleh.

3. Listening to a little Pandora and up pops Deana Carter "...like strawberry wine...SEEEVENTEEEEN..." 

{{you know what I'm talkin' about}}.

4. Rainbow soap at the car wash.

5. Getting a little messy at Chickfila for lunch {Sissy was too busy for a picture - a trend lately}.

6. Just a neat place that I've been meaning to take a picture of for the past, oh, year or so.

7. Macie scored a new doll today and insisted on taking a pic {hey!} with her.  

{{tiaras were an absolute necessity, according to Macie - for the both of them!}}

8. Bebe feetsies.  Oh, I could just eat 'em!!!
{{and Toe Blooms = OHHHH x 1000}}

9. The girls' new matching outfits.  One of the best parts of having two girlies!

10. The best part of the day.......sleeping bebe.

I did it!

There you have it!
{{pats herself on the back}}

I'm not so good at this blogging thing, but...

I'll give y'all {if there are even many of you} an update with a photo montage:

Let's see, my last post was almost two months ago, so this is going to be all over the place.  You've been WARNED.

I'm taking the advise of my friend Holly, "if you've got 'em, flaunt 'em."

So, we have done a lot and nothing at the same time.  We went to the Dallas Aquarium, visited Aunt Ash, Macie got her first big haircut, and we took a trip to San Antonio (a girls trip, plus Noah - poor guy, he's going to be the only boy).

There you have it, I flaunted away.  There are a TON more, but I'll save those for another post!

Ten on Ten

Two months in a row!  At least I'm consistent with something on this blog.  :)

I'm linking up with  

a bit of sunshine.

10 pictures on the 10th day of the month!

{Document a snapshot of your life & find beauty among the ordinary things in your day!}

Little Miss making faces in the bath.

A trip to the "beach" {aka - lake} with Nana!

Sweet baby - fell asleep at the beach {and is completely covered, don't worry!}

 My girls and their matching swimsuits. :)

 New dress from Nana!

My momsuit - attractive {actually it is a lot more attractive than what would have been showing in a bikini!}

My favorite part of the day - watching her sleep so sweetly...

...and this one too. :)

A late night snack of yummy strawberries.

 Getting to read "the book."

 Hope everyone has a great week!

Our Life In iPhone Pics

(a couple weeks worth)

I'm behind, so I decided to just catch up all at once.

Let's rewind back to Mother's Day weekend.  We stayed at my parents' house Saturday night.  Chris had a golf tournament and I went shopping with my mom and sister - including all four of our kids.  

What a whirlwind of a trip!  Won't go into the long details, but my sister and I made out with some very pretty dresses courtesy of our sweet momma (our Mother's Day gifts).  

After shopping, we went to Hannah's softball game.  It was a LONG game - they went over the time limit, but ended up winning.

The littlest priss had a blowout diaper and just smiled at me the whole time I was cleaning her up. The little stink.  Macie and Noah were occupied by dirt and ring pops.

Mother's Day morning, we woke up, had breakfast, got ready real quick, and went to church.  The sweet Methodist women honored Macklyn with a donation to an organization.  I thought that was pretty neat.

After church, we stopped to eat Chinese in town then headed back to my dad's shop for ice cream and a little social time.  The kiddos played to their hearts content....

and Macie and Noah butted heads as usual.

They just can't find a happy medium - they either get along or fight.  Ahhh!!!

As usual, it was so much fun to see the family and I was sad to see the weekend come to an end.

We left for home and Chris did dinner - he ordered Chili's takeout for my Mother's Day dinner.  Better that than what he might attempt to throw together.

We didn't have a very exciting week - which is why I'm not doing a week in iPhone pics. 

We did the usual school, had a playdate with Macie's friend, Grant, then just laid low the rest of the week until Friday.

About the most exciting thing that happened with me was having a chance to flat iron my hair - woohoo!!!  It's been about a month since the last time I got to do that.

We're supposed to have playgroup on Friday, but we opted out this week because Macie woke up with a bloody nose.  It was supposed to be a trip to the "beach" and I just didn't think a bloody nose + water was going to be such a good idea.

So instead, we hung around the house that morning then headed out to watch my cousin play in her senior powder puff football game.  

I can't believe she's a senior - makes me REALLY feel OLD! 

After powder puff, we went to my SIL's new apartment for a yummy dinner!

We had a good time and the girls got some quality time with their Lolli, Aunt Ash, and Aunt Sherri.  It's always a great time with that bunch of ladies! 

Macie spent the night with Ash.

Saturday, I met Ashley at Central Market after a grocery trip - grabbed Macie, ran home to quickly unload, ran to Stephenville for a Birthday party for my BFF's {that now lives in OK} 2 y/o, went to see my cousin's new baby girl, then headed back to the house for dinner with our neighbors.  

What a busy day!

We finally got to relax at the neighbors' house. 

I'm so glad we're finally hanging out with them more.  Kara is so sweet and it's just nice to have someone next door.  It'll be great having babies the same age so they'll have playmates.  Love it!

Chris planned a golf trip today and I had intended to stay home and clean, but a trip to see my momma sounded like a better idea.  My niece and nephew were there, so Macie had some playmates.  

We had Chinese again {because the Mexican food restaurant's grill and fryer were broken}, I ran into my BFF with her dad and brothers {got to see her two days in a row, YAY!}, and just hung out for a while. 

The week went by fast and the weekend flew.  

This is Macie's last week of school and we're going to have a busy weekend again - a birthday party for a friend of Macie's, a wedding reception for one of Chris' best friends, and Chris is going to a Rangers game on Sunday.  

Whew!  I'm already out of breath.

Guess what I finally did!

10 ON 10!  

Okay, maybe I didn't get around to actually posting until after midnight, but I actually put forth the effort all. day. long!

I've been wanting to do this FOREVER, but always forget.  Thankfully, this month Holly @ The Erwin Journey reminded me....AND I didn't forget!!!  YAY and thanks Holly!

So, here goes my 10 on 10 for the Month of May.

10:00 a.m. - Morning walk with Kara and Preslee.

11:00ish - Cool down with a bottle of water after the walk.

12:00 p.m. - Yummy sandwich for lunch.

1:00 p.m. - Miss priss sitting on my lap while I get ready.

2:00 p.m. - A trip to World Market.

3:00 p.m. - then moving on to Central Market.

4:00 p.m. - Picked up Sissy from school.

5:00 p.m. - Eating gummy butterflies.

6:00 p.m. - Heating dinner in the oven courtesy of Central Market.

7:00 p.m. - This sweet face looking up at me after she finished eating.