Crazy Weekend + Crazy Week

Last weekend was a doozie.

Friday morn, we headed up to Atlanta. All was fine and it had been the usual discombobulated Lauren - shoving extra things into bags as we threw them in the car to take off.

for my friends who read my blog...this is the back of my car with Robert the Stroller loaded. Not sure how we will fit 2 pack n plays + luggage here in a few weeks! HA! 

I had packed Robert {Double Bob's name - who I have yet to properly introduce you to}, had all of my jewelry for a few Trunk Shows and both of the kids were ready to go. We were a bit delayed but I had put in a time cushion, so we were golden.

We hit the road and are moving. AM always says, "Brother Bear are you buckled? Mommy are you buckled? Anne Mah-gwet's buckled" as we pull out of the driveway. If there is a passenger riding, she will also ask them if they are buckled. Then we always pray for our travel and are off!!

We hit a bunch of traffic and that stressed me out because it was 1 PM in the afternoon and because I had planned Brother Bear's schedule around a seamless drvie to Atlanta. I rerouted, found and AMAZING few side streets that will be good to remember for future traffic jams and then the sweetest voice from the backseat piped up and she said it.....

"Mommy, I have to go potty."

After hefty promises of sugary rewards if she just could hold it a second later, we made it to Chick-Fil-A. AM was dry but Brother was in meltdown mode. I had to carry both of them in - one on each hip and some how manage for all three of us to potty. It wasn't graceful, but we managed.

Everyone in the restaurant either commented with, "Wow! You sure do have your hands full," "You look like you could use a hand," or "Your children are so beautiful!" I agree with the third statement, but the ones who mentioned that I could use a hand or that my hands were too full, I wanted to ask them if they have ever seen a Mom of two kids before. How about three?? How about FOUR!?! My hands were full and if CT3 was there, he would have been helping me, but some how all of there comments made me feel a bit inadequate.

Anyway, we made it back to the car, I nursed CT4, AM ate and we were on our merry way.

They did fine the rest of the way in until AM mentioned she had to potty again - badly. It then dawned on me that she had drank and entire sippie cup of apple juice right before we left. Then I refilled it with lemonade and then she drank a milk with her lunch. Oops.

Baby girl did her best to make it to Atlanta, but I wasn't willing to stop in the hood and we were too close by then for me to want to pull out both and run in. This resulted in me having to clean out the carseat - which then gave me the bright idea to wash my whole car. Then Friday night happened.

In short, Friday night was a bit hectic. I had a Trunk Show and CT3 called me to ask if his wallet was in my purse. He had an endoscopy the day before and threw everything in there when he went back for the procedure. Both of us had forgotten and now CT3 was 2+ hours from me without money, his wallet and his gas tank was on empty.

CT3 scratched his back, pulled the node thing off and flat lined! We got the biggest kick out of it - but only because it wasn't for real and was an accident! 

I love my job!!

He just wanted to ignore it for the weekend but I insisted that he at least have enough cash to put gas in his car. Heaven forbid there was an accident or something, he at least needed to be able to drive. I texted Lauren {who now thinks I am the most unorganized and crazy person on the planet} and begged her to take CT3 a weekend allowance.

Because she loves me in all of my shortcomings, she had sweet Eddie deliver CT3 some cash. They even took him to dinner so he wouldn't be broke, stranded, poor and lonely.

Now that CT3 was cared for, I went on about the Trunk Show and then headed home. It was raining and the roads were a bit messy. I went around a curve near the exit and a car had spun out, hit the guard rail and was in the middle of the road. You couldn't see it around the bend and it was black with its lights out and I slammed on my brakes. Anti-lock brakes kicked in I guess and my car shuddered to a stop. I released my foot from the pedal, loosened my death grip on the wheel, checked my rear view mirrors for cars behind me coming to a skidding halt and I slowly proceeded around. It didn't look like anyone was injured and there were a few people milling about and I didn't want to stop being alone, so I called 911.

No one had called it in yet so I gave them the details and they had units in route....Speaking of details, I told them 285 West when I was really going 285 East. I described where I was though and I realized my error as I hung up. I prayed that the dispatcher would know the area better than me apparently and have at least blue flashing lights on scene soon to slow people down.

I was a bit shaken up when I got home but happy to be safe and out of the rain. AM was up like a wild child and it was almost midnight. She hadn't napped that day as she was too excited to see GiGi and G-Diddy.

I wont go into details, but when AM doesn't nap, she then doesn't sleep at night. Think overly tired, emotional 2.5 year old. She wailed for half the night and the other half of the night CT4 screamed. He is either teething or has a cold and whichever it is, I wish it would go. Between the two of them, I was up til 6 AM.

I had packed Robert so that we could go on a walk at Stone Mountain and I had full intentions of cleaning my car Saturday.

Instead, I sent an early morning text to Mom who was downstairs asking her to come get the kids so I could sleep. I slept in while they took care of both kids and then Mom took to washing my car. She is the best. Washed, waxed, detailed and vacuumed and ole Hattie is good as new!!!

Hattie the Highlander getting a bath

Dad collects treasures on his walks. He claims that the days after hard rains are the best. HAHAH! 

I was exhausted from the night before, but managed to make it through the day. That night I had another Trunk Show and lets just say it was a bit interesting. My host was super sweet and lots of fun, but it just wasn't my traditional in home or in an office show. I was a bit anxious about how it would all play out but in the end it wasn't huge, but was fine.

Saturday night we all slept a bit better and then were up early Sunday to head back for a friends baptism. Long story short, the flood gates of heaven opened and it was like we were driving through a lake. I had to go so slow that it took us longer to get there and we were thisclose to not making it. The service started at 10:30 and we pulled in at 10:32.

I threw both kids over my shoulder, ran in and plopped down in the service just as my little friends face popped up on the screen to share her testimony and about her decision. I took a few deep breaths just trying to calm myself and regain the frazzled-ness I felt.

After Callie was baptized, I slipped out and took my kids to the nursery and then found CT3 in the church for service. I was a bit damp from the rain and just overwhelmed at the crazy weekend.

All of the sudden I got a text that said, "Congrats!! You did it and are now a Senior Stylist!"

WHAAAAT?!

I have been working SO hard to try to promote and it finally paid off! I wanted to check everything in my system, but obviously in church I couldn't do that! I took a few deep breaths and smiled inside.

Church ended and I went to get the kids. I realized I never changed them. Thinking all would be fine, I handed CT4 to CT3 and I grabbed AM. Her dress was SOAKED. Apparently, she was having too much fun to tell them she needed to go to the potty and or be changed. We handled that but again, it threw me for a loop and my stress level was a bit back up.

We prayed for Callie, took a few pictures and headed off to lunch with them. Finally I relaxed.

How cute is my little Brother Bear!? Love that face and his snuggles! 

It had been a CRAZY weekend and I sure was looking forward to getting home, but finally I could let my hair down and breathe.

All of that to say, the weekend was crazy and this has been one of my busiest weeks in a LONG, LONG time. Think soccer training, church events, helping friends, babysitting, cleaning, hosting book club, ants in AM's room, running, baking, AM's last day of gymnastics and starting swimming, and just everyday life - to name a few! No doubt I will sleep well this weekend but til then, I will just enjoy the ride!!!

GRANDMA:: This was my BEST batch yet! Furthermore, I did it with out looking at the recipe!!! You know you have made it big time when you can do it with out instructions! The consistency was perfect and I have eaten a gazillion! 

Been doing this KILLER hill on my runs. Still trying to get the ole bod in beach shape, but it may or may not happen. At least I am out there though! 

P.S. Did I mention our AC is not working?? HAHAHAHA!

So handsome!

She dresses herself and I roll with it! I love her crazy style and one day will look back on these mismatched days with the fondest of memories. 

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AM's Room

As I sit here on hold for Delta {for OVER 2 hours and 20 minutes and its almost 2 AM} I figured I would get a few blog posts up!! Forgive me if they make no sense...I am a bit delirious! 

Anyhoo, I realized I never showed you the pictures of AM's big girl room. I am quite happy with it and she loves it too! 

The pictures below reflect how it was the at first - before I got all crazy and hung pictures and moved furniture. I tried the beds and shelves on all four walls before deciding how I wanted it. I was an eager beaver and took these pictures in the beginning, but haven't taken any since its been finished. I will get on that maybe sometime this week!?

Anyway, I knew I wanted white furniture, a trundle bed with drawers and bedding with lots of colors. The lots of colors allowed me to draw and pull in a variety and I didn't feel like I had to stick with any certain colors or schemes. 

The other goal was to use the curtains that I had made in her baby room - since the pink was not needed for CT4!

Its late and I think you are smart enough to understand shelves, books and toys, so I will just show you the pictures - some with AM posing for you in it - and let you see for yourself. 

Again, since these were taken, the shelves and bed have been rearranged and pictures have been hung! I will get you finished room pics soon. I love it and hope that she enjoys it for years to come! 

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Picnic's, Painting, P.J.'s and Purple Hippo's

First of all, Annie M has been WAY into her fleece footie pajama's.

Never mind the fact that its a gazillion degrees where we live, she comes out every morning wearing them and we have even left the house on a few errands sporting them. She loves them, she loves dressing herself and its not a battle I choose to fight. Besides she's cute. If my tush was that cute in a fleece jumpsuit, I'd wear one too.

Instead, just imagine a mushy pear with muffin top and that's what I would look like in them...or a deformed energizer bunny - I may or may not have a pair of pink ones that over my dead, saggy, fluffy body will you ever see me in.

I am working on that though - the fluffy body part, I mean. My friend Lauren and my friend Kathleen and I have been run/walking a few times a week.

Fat, be gone.

{I wish}

Where was I now?? Oh yeah, pajama's on a cute 2.5 year old with pigtails while she paints. In her world, this makes the best.day.ever. Like for real. How cute is my little Picasso??! 

So yes, we have spent many a days lately with paint out and she is loving it! 

AM is also quite into picnics. While fun, this Mommy gets TIRED of toting blankets in and out and washing all of the pollen off and taking dishes, food and drinks back and forth sixty times a week. We also dodge ant piles, Champ presents and of course try not to share with our furry four legged friend. Needless to say, its summer time {almost} and if my girl wants a picnic, that's what she gets!! 

Lastly - and back to painting again, a few weeks ago we were in Atlanta and went to the Purple Hippo. Kelly blogged about this place a while back and I noted it as a fun place to take AM when the time was right!! 

We had a few spare hours on a Tuesday morn and we begged G-Diddy to accompany us! AM had a great time and Mimi even came and "did art" with her. 

At the Purple Hippo, they have all sorts of things from classes to birthday parties to open studio. We just paid for the open studio and basically, AM could do whatever she wanted for two hours. She was given a bucket to gather supplies {stickers, feathers, beads, Popsicle sticks, stamps, glitter, etc} in and then she could head over to a craft table to get to work. She actually did really well with the glue and everything and her poof ball pictures now hang proudly in her room on display! 

After we were done at the craft table, we headed over to the easels. The colors each had their own special color and brush. 

My little arteeeest threw on her smock and started painting! Mimi held Brother Bear, G-Diddy helped AM paint and use the rollers and I took lots of pictures. With everyone happy and cared for and me working the camera and sipping on my Starbucks, I was a happy girl! 

The two hours flew by and I was REALLY impressed with AM's creative works! Aside from a bit of help in doing the glue or making sure paint was on the roller, she did it all herself. We guided her in not mixing brushes and attempted to keep her relatively clean and she did great. 

I love watching her little creative mind work and I am thinking that a crafty party may be on the agenda for this September!!!

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The Best Weekend

This weekend has been the best weekend I have had in a long, long time.

CT3 and I spent lots of time together and while the first night we bickered about who knows what {did you get this? no! why not? i thought you were? no, I was chasing the kids. what kids? did you load them in the car? no. did you? yes! Ugh! phew!} after we finally got the kids dropped off and us some food, we relaxed a bit and enjoyed ourselves.

Friday night, we just went to Chick-Fil-A for dinner and a high school soccer game. Hubby wanted to splurge on something fancier for dinner but I didn't want to be late to the game, so we went drive thru style. That night, CT3 and I cleaned lots and lots. While it was stressful, I felt like we were on the same page and getting it done. We still have a long way to go, but it seems as if the piles of clutter are at bay for the moment....or at least nicely tucked away!

Saturday my in-laws came in. They graciously watched the babies while CT3 and I headed to the soccer fields! I have started training a guy and CT3 and I both go. Having the extra man really seems to help and CT3 can keep up with the teenager better than this out of shape mommy!

We got home and hung around the house for a bit with our family. It was my birthday and CT3 had a hot date planned for us! I am a BIG birthday person and I was really excited. Birthday's are a BIG deal to me and I tend to be super dramatic if I don't have a happy one....lucky CT3, I know. Here are a few posts from birthday's past...

Year 27 was on a Monday, so hubby had fire training.
Year 28 was hard to top. I was pregnant and still a bit sick, but CT3 took me to a favorite restaurant and then to a Diamond Rio concert. Diamond Rio is one of my all time favorites.
Year 29 was fine I guess...I don't remember, so it must not have been horrible!? I posted about how cool my sister is and about how much we love sharing birthdays. I love all of the pictures in the post!
Year 30 was like the worst birthday ever and CT3 and I got in a fight cause I wanted a vacuum and he got me a wireless router. Don't ask. Makes for a good story, I suppose??

Here we were crusin into my 31st...I have a real post about this maybe later, but, it was a great mail day with lots of cards, CT3 took me on a mini shopping spree and busted out the old credit card when it was time to pay. No questions asked and while he just sat on the stool while I shopped, it truly was the most fun, footloose and fancy free feeling ever!

...I didn't spend that much. I got 2 outfits and a pair of shoes for around $200. Don't get me wrong, that's a lot of money, but I rarely buy clothes, so an occasional splurge at a fun store is much needed!

We went out for a fancy dinner, even had an adult beverage or two and headed home! More details later but Mimi and GrandDad were champs and deserved medals for keeping the kids and they even did the dishes!!

Sunday morning was Mother's Day. I am not all about this day, but it was relaxing and I felt special and loved and that's all that mattered! We woke up early {babies were crying} and decided we would try to make it to early church...Mother's Day Miracle to see us at the early service!! Ha ha!

After church, we came home, ate, got the babies down and I went for a 4.1 mile run. I am SORE but was glad to get out and run sans stroller! We went with friends to Mexican for dinner and came home, put babies to bed and just relaxed. Nothin' to it but good to be with the ones I love the most!

CT3 helped AM give me this card and I loved it...he taped her head on. Too funny!

Its been a good weekend and I am happy, full and thankful! 

In other random news...shop TODAY only and get $20 off of $100 purchase! www.stelladot.com/laurentrain

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