Mama Needed a Break

Girlfriends are precious. Seriously. And when they move all over the state of Texas and we don't see each other anymore and we all have babies and we go crazy... sometimes we need a break. And so we take one together and it rocks your whole world.

This past weekend, I met up with some girls in Fredericksburg, Texas for what we called a "Whine Free Wine Weekend." Between the 6 of us we have 4 boys, 4 girls... all ages 4 and under. We are a tired group. Blessed, but tired. We NEEDED THIS.

We stayed in a sweet little house and had a 2 day slumber party. Friday night we got there and went out to dinner at Hondo.

We took a little selfie on our way out the door!

Finally reunited with my Elizabeth! Dallas is too far away!

This place was so cute. There was a live band, a whole bunch of adorable senior citizens two-stepping, and a dog bowl of queso.

YES. A DOG BOWL OF QUESO. GOD BLESS AMERICA.

We got back to the house and promptly got into comfy clothes and got down to business: TALKING. Laughing. Sharing what's going on in our lives, what's on our hearts, what we're struggling with, and encouraging one another. 

Saturday we slept in and when we got up we leisurely made breakfast and drank coffee and chatted some more as we got ready while no small children bothered us. Grin.

Our sweet friend Liz joined us Saturday. Liz has a brand new baby girl so she couldn't be gone the whole weekend but it worked out for her to come  up for most of Saturday and we were so glad she did! We packed a picnic basket and headed to Grape Creek Winery for lunch and a tour!

On the tram headed down to the tour.

Liz, me and Sarah

Elizabeth, Trish & Hayley

There were no babies on this trip, with the exception of sweet baby Pierce, due in March. I got to feel him kick a few times. Nothing like it. Isn't she beautiful?

It was so fun, educational, and the wine was amazing. After the tour, we sat outside and talked some more. Tears flowed a time or two, both from intense laughing and intense crying. Girls are emotional creatures!

Meanwhile, my sweet husband was at home with my pumpkin girl all weekend. They had a great time. He sent me this picture. The wardrobe choice is.... interesting. Sweet mercy. 

Back in Fredericksburg, we headed back to the house to freshen up before dinner and Liz had to leave us. She headed back to her sweet baby Olivia and the rest of us headed out to shop in town and then walked to Pasta Bella for Italian food. If it's a girls' weekend, you gotta carb up.

After dinner we walked around town a bit more and then headed back to the house. Oh, Saturday night might have been my favorite. We sat in bed, the fire was on in the fireplace, and we talked about ridiculous things, very serious things, there was a small dance party, we even had a time of prayer. Seriously, these girls rock my socks off. We all cried and the tissues had to be passed around. Then we busted out the munchies and watched Steel Magnolias. My kind of girls night! 

The next morning, we took our time and enjoyed breakfast and coffee.

Sarah and Elizabeth in the kitchen.

We really had such a wonderful time. 

The house.

Me and my driving buddy, Trish.

It was such a sweet time of sisterhood and relaxation.

I came home refreshed, rejuvenated, and encouraged. I am so, so thankful for these precious friends and how they love me so well. I'm thankful to Grant (and all of our husbands) for watching all our kids this weekend.And I'm thankful to God for bringing us together, blessing our time with one another and filling our cups. He is so faithful.

Till next year, ladies!!

A $75 Shopping Spree

Sometimes you just need to purchase some items of clothing.

And sometimes you don't want to go into a store. You just want to sit on your couch be in your pajamas and have no makeup on and look at the clothes on people that are much skinnier than you are.

And sometimes Gap and Old Navy have sales on their clearance items. Yes. Clearance items. ON SALE. And you go bonkers and click on all the things and then you finish and you realize that you've purchased EIGHT items for less than 75 American Dollars.

This was about a week ago. My package still hasn't arrived, but here's what I got:

Gap Bowery Supersoft Crew Tee - Navy - I just wanted a Navy top cause it's a good neutral. And I purchased this for $7.99 so it made it even better!

Gap Printed Short-Sleeve Dress - Turquoise - I cleaned out my closets recently and learned how few dresses I have anymore. I don't buy them frequently cause of all the paleness and the cankles. But sometimes you need them, and this dress is a pretty color that I thought would be good for Spring and Summer. And I don't have to dry clean it, which is a big bonus in my book. Another bonus? It was $12.49.

Gap Stripe Raglan Dolman Sleeve - Quince - I honestly don't have anything in this color and it looks lightweight and cute and I got it for $7.99.

Gap 1969 Floral Ankle Zip Legging Skimmer Jeans - Blue Floral - Okay.. here's the deal. These are a bit of a leap for me. This is not something I would usually purchase. But 2014 is all about being brave and taking chances and I might hate these but for $10.49 I thought I'd give them a shot! (Help me out here... I would likely only wear these pants with white, black, grey, etc.... cause I'm not a big risk taker. Could I wear them with other colors?)

Gap Supersoft Tunic - White - I know this is as boring and basic as it gets - but I needed a white tunic. And I love tunics. And I think I need it for those crazy pants I bought. This was $10.99.

Old Navy Printed PJ Sets for Baby - Blue Mosaic - And now we enter into the Ellie portion of our shopping spree. These are just the cutest and were $7.47 thank you very much!

Old Navy Printed Jersey Tunic for Baby - Apple of My Eye- I just thought this was so cute and I kinda have a thing for Butterflies and I thought she could wear this around Valentines Day. And also, EIGHT DOLLARS AND NINETY-SEVEN CENTS.

Old Navy Empire Waist Dresses for Baby - Purple Bird - I just thought this was so sweet. And she could wear it with leggings and in church and to wherever. And this was $6.97.

So, in summary, thanks to the promotional codes and FREE SHIPPING - when you included tax, my total for all of the above items was $73.66.

And I feel pretty good about that.

A Week is Too Long

Grant was gone for a week and we are soooooo glad he is home. He was on a business trip and while we all know that work is important and income is pretty important too.... we are BEYOND glad to have him home. Ellie was asking about him a lot and looking around for him in every room ("'ere Daddy?") and so she was giddy to see him when he finally walked back through the door.

We had a very lovely weekend full of family time and getting household projects accomplished. We also got to enjoy a family dinner to celebrate my sister Jaclyn's birthday and I just love my people. We had a great morning at church and Ellie was so tired she skipped lunch. Seriously. I tried to feed her lunch but she just sat in her high chair saying "Night night, Mommy? Mommy? Night night?"

Thankfully, she ate a giant dinner. I couldn't get food in her fast enough.

Also, I just watched Downton Abbey and I'm gonna need the writers to fix the Anna situation. They need to FIX IT and FIX IT IMMEDIATELY. As if it never happened. It just gets me all riled up.

And then I see this face and I feel better.

Have a great week!

An Update on All the Goals

My first blog post of 2014 was about my goals. If you scroll down a bit, you can read it. It is January 16th and I'd like to pat myself on the back. We are SIXTEEN DAYS into the year and guns are blazing, y'all!

Let's take a brief inventory:

1. I have read 2 books! Divergent and Insurgent, the first 2 books in a trilogy. I am well into book 3, Allegiant. I HIGHLY recommend. After this trilogy I'm open to suggestions... please leave them in the comments.

2. I have been staying on top of the laundry. The laundry will not be the boss of me in 2014. YOU WILL NOT WIN, LAUNDRY.

3. Organization, y'all. I think I've finally made the decision that I just can't live like this anymore. It is a stressful way of life. And, let's face it, life is stressful enough as it is, right? My mom came over on Monday (she is the queen of getting things accomplished) and she helped me get a grip on Ellie's toys and on her closet. You guys. It's like a whole new world over here. Every toy has a home and her closet is beautiful and clean. And, today is Thursday, and I've kept everything clean the whole week. Multiple days in a row of keeping things going means I am starting a new habit. Since Monday, I have been taking on my own organization projects and I am kicking down doors and taking names. I've filed all our paperwork in a new filing system, created a workspace for myself, cleaned up the utility room, and cleared the kitchen countertops. Watch out!!

Also, I would like to also add that as of today I have an eighteen month old and she is ever so busy. And sometimes she makes getting work done a little bit difficult. And I'd like to add that during my cleaning of the countertops she watched 3 episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse in a row so that I could work. You do what you got to do, people.

I still have a lot to do, and I'm pretty sure this blog qualifies as tooting my own horn.... but THIS LEVEL OF PRODUCTIVITY IS RARE IN THIS HOME, Y'ALL.

Grant has been gone for a week. It has been hard and THIS MAMA IS DING DONG DANG TIRED and his flight was delayed tonight and this is torture. I miss my man. I'm very eager to see his reaction when he sees all the work that's been done around here. I am also eager to see his reaction to all the things that are now in the garage that he has to take up to the attic.

But, for now, I will watch American Idol.... because, y'all.... HARRY CONNICK JR.

Things I Said Today on Repeat

"No, no. No. Ellie... Good girl, thank you for listening! Good job- ELLIE, NO."

"Are you pooping? I was really hoping you wouldn't do that."

"You're totally overreacting."

"I HEARD YOU. I AM WORKING ON IT."

"You're my favorite girl in the whole world and I love you with my whole heart!"

"Ellie?! Where are you?! Get out of the bathtub, it's not bath time yet."

"Thank you for the kisses!"

"Mommy can't read that book again. I think 24 times is enough."

"Not in your mouth."

"Oh, no, Ellie, that's yucky."

"You're so silly!"

"Thank you for listening."

"Let's wipe your mouth."

"Let Mommy wipe your nose."

"Do you want to go night-night?"

"Hi! Did you have a good nap? I missed you!"

"Let's put your shoes on."

"I am trying, Ellie, but I don't understand what you're saying."

"We're alllllllmost there baby. Just a few more minutes."

"Eat your sandwich. Just one bite. Just one bite? For Mommy?"

"Yay Ellie! You did it! Good girl ... oh don't spit it out. Ellie, come on."

"Can you say please?"

"OOoooohhhh-wee! You got stinky feets!"

"The horn on the bus goes Beep, Beep, Beep, Beep, Beep, Beep, Beep, Beep, Beep that horn on the bus goes Beep, Beep, Beep....ALLLLL THROUGH THE TOWN!"

"What does the duck say? What does the lion say? What does the puppy say?"

"Time for PJ's, Ellie Paige!"

"Come snuggle with mama"

"Love you, baby girl. Love you, love you, love you."

Red Carpet Recap: Golden Globes 2014

It's AWARD SEASON, Y'ALL!

Welcome. Welcome to the Golden Globes of the year 2014. 

Hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, the opening monologue did not disappoint. And neither did the fashion choices.

This is Allison Williams. I am just as skinny as she is, so there is nothing remarkable about this picture. My neck is very thin and long like that, and my arms are all long and lean. Just like her. It's like we're twins. Bony little twins. 

I love me some Amy Adams. And I loved her acceptance speech. And I loved this color on her. And I loved her hair. And I loved her enormous diamond necklace. (Yes, there is a necklace there. No, look lower. THERE it is.)

Look at the Bacon family! Aren't they darling? Their daughter, Sosie, was Miss Golden Globe and her dress is just beautiful. Excellent choice!

I feel like it's been awhile since we've seen Kate Beckinsale? And I feel like she looked different than usual? Did anyone else notice that her face looks different? Anyways, she is still mega-gorgeous and this dress is mega-impressive. 

I'm not into this. 

I always feel like Cate Blanchett stepped right out of a different era. Timeless beauty.

The camera started at her head and I thought "oh she looks so pretty" and then it panned down and I thought "oh, she chose pink, interesting" and then it panned down and I thought "oooh, black" and then it panned down to the blue and I said out loud "Wait, what?" 

 The dress is very romantic but the hair and makeup is very rock star. Those two things contradict one another. Maybe that was intentional. Anyways, congrats to the newlywed!

This was the first image I saw of Zooey and I thought she looked like she could be on a menu for a Mexican restaurant. 

And then I started wanting chips and queso.

And tamales.

And maybe a flauta.

I really don't know how I feel about this, to be honest with you.What do you think? I just don't know.

Drew Barrymore looks so pregnant and happy and this dress looks like Valentines Day.

She is so talented. And she was so funny on stage with her martini and her high heels. This dress is a little too mother-of-the-bride but she has worn worse. The gold is pretty on her!

It's like she said "I want to wear my robe and my yoga pants. I'll just turn my robe around. Yay!'

I love Giuliana, oh yes oh yes I doooooooo

Hayden surprised me tonight. She always hits it out of the park but tonight I was underwhelmed. And I wasn't feeling the hair.

Okay. This woman. She won a Golden Globe tonight. And she took her dear sweet time coming up to the stage. As my friend Tiffany put it, "She could have gone through the lobby and around the back, into a broom closet, then back out." Then, when she got up there, she just awkwardly flip-flopped between silence and rambling. I felt like I was watching a Kristin Wiig SNL skit. She wouldn't get off the stage. It was just bizarre. 

She's pretty and she makes me laugh.

And I thoroughly enjoyed her earrings.

I feel like he didn't know what to do with his hands.

I really, really, REALLY liked this.

Hair and makeup: flawless. Dress: lovely. White dress shirt under the dress: Not necessary. 

She's cute.

I hardly recognized Karen Walker!

Mila is very mad at someone. 

Look at Lady Edith, all dressed up! Isn't she beautiful!? Do you think she'll move to Germany? DON'T GO, LADY EDITH!!

It's good to see Lady Mary up and about, finally leaving the house. She finally took Carson's advice. 

This dress is a very happy color.

I admit that I do not know who this is but SHE IS BEAUTIFUL. Her skin. I die. 

I also don't know who this is but her dress is amazing. The hair. The makeup. All of it. She is stunning.

Leslie Mann - this is not a super jaw-dropping dress but it is gorgeous and she looks gorgeous in it. 

I am really enjoying this prom pose. 

I think she is so pretty. And what a fun color!

Isn't she darling?! She looks so happy. COME BACK TO ME, OLIVIA POPE, I MISS YOU.

This dress looked a little like the side of a fish to me, but still, she's gorgeous and I totally looked this beautiful when I was pregnant. 

If I was wearing this I would be SO irritated. "Oh, hi, whoever is calling my name. I can't see you because you are standing on my left side and when I look to the left I just see this hot mess of fabric."

I just needed this dress to be a little longer. And different shoes, please.

Amy Poehler is on my dream celebrity dinner list.

This dress reminded me of a dress in Sixteen Candles. Think of Samantha's sister's wedding dress. And then imagine it in this color. And there you go. 

Like Hayden, Sarah Hyland always gets an A+ on the Red Carpet. But tonight, I felt like something was missing. Like some mascara.

My husband looks more and more like Seth Meyers all the time. 

I'm very proud of Sofia for venturing out and choosing a different cut. I thought this was lovely on her!

Loved this dress. Love the length of her hair. 

I loved the dress Tina wore on stage, not this one so much. But, she looks so beautiful and she is also on my celebrity dinner guest list!

BEAUTIFUL. I know this is plain and simple, but when you're only a presenter you don't need to wear anything overwhelming (I'm talking to you, Paula Patton) and this color is perfection on her. 

Tell me your thoughts! Thanks for reading :)