And Then She Was Eight

Before having children, I had no idea that I was so sentimental/emotional about birthdays.  The following is a letter that I wrote for Moo on her eighth birthday.

Dear Moo,

This special day comes around every year.  You'd think that I'd be prepared by now, but I'm not.  At least not emotionally.  I know that for you birthdays are about spending time with your favorite people, getting out of school early, presents and special lunches with sweet treats.  Also, I know that you feel like it takes forever for your birthday to get here. (You spent all summer reminding us how far away December was).

But for me it seems like the time in between each birthday isn't long enough.  Time is one of the things almost everyone wishes they had an unlimited supply of.  There have been so many different moments your life that I wish I could have hit a freeze frame button on so that we could have dwelled in those moments forever.  Unfortunately time is ever constant.  Always moving forward and these years. with you (and your brother) seem to be passing by in the blink of an eye.

On this special day, I want you to know that I am prouder than ever to have been chosen to be your mommy.  I speak for the family when I say that you fill our lives with joy, happiness and lots of sparkles!  I love that over the years you've taught me a lot of things.  You've taught me the importance of being carefree.  You've taught me so much about learning to love myself as I am in any current moment instead of focusing on how others (or even myself) wish I were.

Your compassionate spirit and willingness to lend a helping hand to others have always been admirable traits.  I love that you don't allow people (or yourself) to put your in a box.  You can be a quiet introvert one minute, then an adventurous extrovert the next.  You absolutely love dolls, but you keep a collection of Thomas & Friends mini trains.  Dressing up and dabbling in makeup are your all-time favorite activities, but don't let being fancy stop you from getting down and dirty in the dirt either.

The list of qualities that I love about you is endless.  And I'm not just saying this because I'm your mom.  You light up and bring sunshine to any and every room place you go.  You're amazing like that!  Seriously, people stop to compliment me all the time on "what a happy, bright and beautiful child" I have whenever we're out and about.

My prayer for you on your eighth birthday isn't for time to slow down, though I wish it would.  Instead I pray that you continue to be compassionate, kind, gentle, loving, adventurous, fearless and uniquely you!

I love you, Moo!!

You're well on your way to changing the world.  I'm just happy that I get to come along for the ride and help navigate along the way.

Happy Birthday,

Mommy

And Then He Was Four

It happened again!  One of my kiddies dared to get another year older on me.  JJ turned four last month and I have to admit that I am proud of myself.  I held it together beautifully because y'all know that when it comes to my kids, birthdays and holidays, I tend to turn into an emotional sap. 

 Anyways, my little guy had a great birthday and enjoyed celebrating as a family of four.  Honestly, big parties just aren't going to be our thing.  Neither of my kids are fans of big crowds or loud noises.  Plus there's something about having that flexibility of allowing the kids to wake up and decide what they want to do for their birthdays as we go throughout the day.

The first request on JJ's list of birthday adventures after he had his tummy filled with bacon was to get a new train for his Thomas & Friends collection.  Seriously, he has quite the collection going with three different track sets, two Thomas & Friends flashlights (Thomas & Percy) and more than a handful of the motorized engines.  So we headed off to Walmart because some of their trains are cheaper than Target's.  And tada... Caitlin and her passenger express  are the newest additions to the family!

Our next stop was one that everyone enjoyed.  (Moo was not happy that she didn't get a new toy while we were at Walmart.)  We hit up our favorite library, the ImaginOn, or as the kids refer to it, The Special Place!  Libraries are indeed special places and filled with magical adventures in every book.  So, I've kind of adopted their name for the ImaginOn.  I hope they always see the library as their "Special Place."

Moo insisted on dressing herself.  Not bad for a six year old!

While JJ and the Mr checked out the vending machines, Moo and I checked out this cool sculpture of Cruella de Vil.  Pretty cool interpretation right of the iconic Disney villain, right?!  Let's hope that no dalmatians were harmed in the making of her coat.  Her earrings and sequined gown were gorgeous!  And that deep plum lipstick is fab as well.

When we finished our snacks, JJ and Moo put on a puppet show.  Then, JJ proceeded to fall in love with Kermit and refused to put him down the rest of our time at the ImaginOn.  I'm not even sure how we got him to leave Kermit when we left.  There may or may not have been some food bribing involved because my kids have obviously inherited my love language: food!

The kids enjoyed playing with the big storybook before we left.  Of course, JJ got sidetracked when another group of kids moved on the puppet booth.  He was not happy and kept wanting me to make them leave.  We have to work on his sharing skills a bit.  We ended up staying at the library until it closed and then enjoyed a nice walk in Uptown Charlotte.

We ended the day with dinner and popsicles (JJ is allergic to cake).  Overall, my little guy had a blast for his birthday.  He's already gave me a list of the next trains he wants to add to collection for Christmas!

How you celebrate your kids' birthdays?

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And Then She Was Six

Dear Moo,

I've been trying to weed through the jungle that is my emotions.  I knew this day was coming because it comes every year, but still I feel unprepared.  My little girl is growing up.  Fast!  It drives and drives me crazy that I can't slow time down to better savor these years before you hit the teenage ones followed by adulthood.

What I can say is that I'm oh so proud to your mommy!!  Never doubt that for a minute.   I wouldn't trade you for anything or anyone in the world.  Six years ago today, you turned my world from upside down to right side up.  You gave my life meaning and purpose.

Watching you grow and come into your own thus far has been one of the greatest blessings I've gotten from God.  I love your compassionate spirit and your humble, but confident nature.  I love that you always strive to see the good in everyone even if when there's not much good to see.  I love that you don't let things keep you down for long periods of time.

I live for your smile because it warms heart.  You're the bestest big sister JJ could ever ask for.  Your patience and fierce love for him is beyond amazing.  It grows daily.  My hope that you'll always look out for him and any other future siblings you may have, especially in years after I'm gone.

I promised I wouldn't cry as I wrote this, but I can't help it.  You're so awesome and wonderfully YOU!  You started in the womb and now you're six!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Love,
Mommy

28: A Year of Faith And Thanksgiving

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Me!!  Year twenty-eight has definitely been one of learning to keep the faith and giving thanks.  I feel beyond blessed to be marking my 28th year on this earth.  Truly in today's society making it 25 is a milestone once you think about all the violence and foolishness that goes on.  So, to be able to sit here at 3:30 in the morning of my 28th birthday surrounded  by the kiddies and the Mr makes me feel even more humbled, grateful, special and slightly speechless.

I've had my share of ups and downs this year, but I count it all as joy.  This past year has taught me so much about strength, strengthening my faith, surrounding myself with people who love me  and pushing forward.  There were numerous times that I wanted to give up.  Things got hard or situations didn't turn out as I had planned them and it seemed like throwing in the towel was the best answer.

However, I am not a quitter folks!  My battles and struggles from this year have prepared me for year 29.  I'm looking forward taking bigger leaps, reaching higher heights and just growing period.  I'm looking forward to enjoying more time being in the moment with my family and truly experiencing life instead of just sailing through it.  I'm going to stop and observe the scenery more.  I'm going to try my hardest to live each day as if were my last and trust the path that God and I have worked together to create.

I'm beyond thankful for everyone who has been hanging in here with me from day 1 and even for those who just started hanging with me a few seconds ago.  Your support, words of encouragement and prayers mean a lot.   I appreciate your interest in reading about my journey and listening to what I have to say.  Can't wait to share what unfolds in this new chapter!

Then She Was 5

Dear Moo,

I don`t know where to begin.  I guess I will start by saying Thank You!  Five years ago looking at three positive pregnancy tests, I felt the most afraid I had ever been in my life.  There was never a question of whether or not I wanted you, but more a question of if I was ready.  You see being a mom is a BIG deal.  At that moment I was no longer responsible for just myself but your wellbeing inside the womb and outside once you finally arrived.

My biggest fear was messing up.  I questioned my ability to raise a person who would be kind, warm, loving, honest and strong in her faith.  I wondered if I would be able to teach you how to follow your dreams, stay true to yourself and maintain self respect.  This journey in motherhood hasn't been easy at all but the love that you have given me unconditionally has made it more than worth it!

I thank you for hanging in here with me.  I thank you for knowing me better than anyone else.  I thank you for being so loving to your brother even when he's not so nice.  I thank you for wanting to be big helper around the house.  I thank you for all the hugs and kisses.

Thank you for believing in me.  Thank you for the times you were brave and I wasn't.  Most importantly thank you for just being you.  You, little girl, are one of the truest loves of my life.  You make me a better person.  A more driven person.

You are smart, crazy beautiful and compassionate to a fault.  I am so blessed to be your mommy.  Thank you for 5 years of motherhood blissfulness.  We're going to rock year 6 out like no other mother-daughter duo on this planet.





Happy birthday!

Love,
MOMMY

2 Already

Dear JJ,

Happy Belated Birthday!!  I meant to write this on your birthday, but we were roadtripping to the Big Easy (NOLA).  Anyways, I can't believe that you are TWO now!  I'm still trying to figure out where the first year went and now I have to think about the second too.  I can't even begin to tell you how much joy you have given me, Daddy and Moo (and Auntie Cat).

Everyday, I feel blessed that you (and your sister) chose me to not only be your mommy, but your guide, nurturer  protector and provider.  I'm thankful for the hugs and kisses you enjoy passing out now.  My heart melts to pieces when you lean over or pull my face in for a kiss on the cheek.  I love how you always want me in your line of sight and need to be with me almost 24/7.

I've learned with your sister that these days are fleeting.  Soon you'll be wanting to go off and do your own little toddler thing without me hovering over you.  You'll make friends and will probably become too cool for kisses.  I hope not though, but if so I'll settle for a hug.  You're still giving me near heart attacks with your Dare Devil antics.  

I have to admit that you've slowed down on the dangerous stunts a little bit.  However, every so often a chair calls your name and you just have to climb into, stand on it and then try to jump off it or climb higher onto something else.  You are definitely getting more rowdy.  You're always trying to wrestle with your sister and other kids.  Maybe, a few days of hitting the park will help to get some of that energy out of you.

And you've traded Diego and Baby Jaguar in for Mickey Mouse and the gang!  This is a shocker because I never saw this coming.  You used to go so hard for Diego, but not anymore.  It's all about Mickey.  We can't go anywhere and spot a Mickey because you'll go bananas trying to get to it.  Guess, we better take that trip to Disney Land before you outgrow your Disney phase.

Your hair has gotten longer but is still super curly.  Daddy still wants to cut it off, but I'm keeping my foot down on this.  I said we would take you to get a little trim but not a fade or anything that involves clippers.  I'm hoping that you outgrow your asthma and allergies.  They've been acting up pretty bad since Spring got here.  You're a trooper though and never let either keep you down for long.

This feels surreal.  A part of me is still in denial about the fact that your birthday has come and gone.  But alas, Year 3 has started and as much as I want to, I can't rewind the hands of time.  Instead, I can continue snapping pics and writing journals in an effort to freeze and preserve moments from your childhood no matter how big or small or simple.

At the end of the day, just know that you are loved little man!  We wouldn't trade you for anything in this whole wide world.  Here's to Year 3.  May it go by a little slower than Year 1 and Year 2!

Thankful Thursday

A lot has happened since my last Thankful Thursday post.  There was the shooting at Sandy Hooks Elementary School last Friday.  I can't tell you all how much my heart still aches for that community.  However, I am thankful to see so many Americans and strangers reaching out to comfort and financially assist Newtown as they try to recover and rebuild from this tragedy.  

I'm thankful that there were survivors.  It could have been worst.  I keep thinking to the year I quit teaching.  One of the students at an elementary school in our district had planned to blow up his school.  He had a plan laid out, a few bombs already made and more supplies had been shipped to his house to make more.  When I think about how close that young boy came to killing everyone in that school, it makes me shutter.  So, that's why I say that I'm thankful for there were survivors in the Sandy Hooks tragedy.

I'm thankful that I lived to see my 27th birthday!  Again life is so precious.  I pray to see 27 more.  I'm thankful that I got to celebrate it with the people that I love the most.  Moo really made my day when she asked if we could just celebrate my birthday all week.  Then she told me I was the "bestest mommy in the whole wide world."

Talk about making my heart melt and tears come to my eyes.  I'm so thankful that I'm raising a very loving child.  Her compassion knows no boundaries.  I hope that she will keep this trait and spread joy and love wherever she goes.  I'm thankful that JJ is continuing to make grow and develop.  

He is turning into quite the fearless little man.  He doesn't mind climbing up on anything or sticking his hands in dark places.  He's learning new words.  His favorite right now is cup.  He enjoys giving out kisses and hugs.

I'm thankful that Christmas is almost here!!  All gifts have been purchased.  Nothing left to do except tackle the dinner shopping and add a few things to everyone's stockings.  There's some stuff on sale already in my area.  So, I'm thankful that I'll be able to catch some good deals.

I'm thankful for my continued relationship with some of the brands that I've been working with throughout the year.  It means a lot when a brand repeated comes back and offers me the opportunity to work or partner with them.  I'm thankful for my loyal blog supporters and readers.  I've made so many wonderful friends.

I'm just thankful to have so much to be thankful for.  I am blessed.  Through the good times and the not so good times, I am still blessed and still have much to be thankful for.  Again thank you to everyone who sent me birthday wishes!

27: A Year Of Change

Oh year 27, how nice to see you!  Another birthday is here and almost gone.  I'm very thankful and blessed. I hope to be just as blessed to see another 27 years.  I kept things low key and to a minimum.  I've never been one to need all the hoopla.  Plus, I stayed up late putting Moo to sleep only to have JJ wake up to nurse at 5:30 and then he woke again at 6:00 with a stuffy nose and stayed up.

Source: © Davinci | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos

So, by the time the Mr got home, I just wanted to crash and go back to sleep.  And I got to do just that.  Moo slept in until after 10.  The Mr played with JJ for a few minutes before he went to get a quick nap.  That tired my little guy out and he fell asleep until after 11.  I'm telling you that was the best nap I ever got!

We then headed out to enjoy a little shopping.  We went grocery shopping first and then I went to hunt down some Jolly Ranchers candy canes and scope out some stocking stuffers for the kiddies.  I found neither.  So, next up on the list was dinner.  Again, I didn't want anything fancy.  So, we settled on wings.  And they were delicious!

I had no idea it had been so long since I had eaten wings, but it has been months.  I also treated myself to nice caffeinated Root Beer.  I hope I won't end up regretting it.  And if you've found me on Instagram, you know I got my Twizzlers fix too.

I did a little reflecting and have decided that I want to make year 27 about change.  I want to change the people I hang around and welcome into my life.  I want to change some of things about my parenting style.  I want to become a better spouse.  I want to become more involved in the church and community.

They'll be changes here on the blog.  I've already changed my hair by cutting it again.  There just comes a time when you realize what you've been doing has gotten old and isn't working. So, you change or tweet a few things and start again.  You start to realize what you deserve and it's not at all what you've settled for.

I'm going continuing to go after the things I deserve.  This time I have a fresh perspective and a more determined spirit.  I'm happy to report this year that I've marked a few things off my List of Adventures to Accomplish by 12/19/15.  For example, I've written and published a book and expanded YUMMommy  (YouTube & Instagram).  I've also exercised more.  I started off 2012 in size 16/14 and I'm proud to say that I'm now size 8/6!

So here's an updated version of what's still left to accomplish.  Like last year, I've made revisions because I've changed, situations have changed and so forth.  Yes, things have come off but I've also added a few to kind of take their place.  

List of Adventures to Accomplish by 12/19/15
~Attend Fashion Week in New York
~Buy/Build my Dream House
~Get a New Car
~Finish & Publish Novel
~Go to Paris
~Vacation in Spain
~Take a Trip to Disney Land/World
~Go on a Cruise
~Attend BlogHer
~Visit my BFF in Philly
~Register for Classes
~Vlog
~Work on YUMMommy Magazine Idea 
~Raise $5000 for Charties
~Exercise More
~Meet more of my Blogger BFFs in Person
~Buy Some Power Tools (I love DIY projects)

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes!!

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thankful Thursday everyone!  I'm this post from my front porch as I watch the kiddies play.  The weather is a bit cool and windy but still a good day to be outside.  The cabin fever was starting to set in.  And we don't do the playground in the winter since Moo is allergic to the flu shot.

I'm thankful to just have this opportunity to be out here surrounded by such beauty.  I'm thankful that we live in such a lovely neighborhood.  I'm thankful for these wonderful moment in my motherhood journey where I get to just it back and observe my kids in there elements.  I can snap candids for the scrapbook and just enjoy their laughter as they dig in the dirt.

I'm thankful that birthday will be here next week.  I know people get freaked out about becoming older but not me.  Each year brings new lessons, great memories and better accomplishments.  I'm looking forward to celebrating with the kids and the Mr.  And to make it even sweeter, I just got invited to a private movie screening.  So looks like we can save a few bucks ($21 to be exact) on the movie we were going to go see. And the movie we will be seeing is one that I wanted to see anyway. God is good yall!

I'm thankful that I've been making progress on my novel.  Being a published author is something I've dreamed about since I was child.  I'm beyond nervous because this book is like my third baby.  And while I feel great about what I'm writing, when it comes to creative things like books, fashion, movies, etc not everyone always loves it.  But I'm determined to persevere. 

Now this is going to sound crazy, but I'm thankful for the Angus CBO from McDonald's.  Yes, I am totally addicted to those things.  Why?  Well, it combines four of my favorite foods.  I live for a good juicy burger.  I enjoy cheese to the highest.  Bands don't make me dance, but bacon will! LOL.  And I can't live without onions.

Source: McDonald's

Source: McDonald's

I can't even tell you how many CBOs I've had since they've been introduced.  I really wish that tMcDonald's would make them a staple on the their menu.  I've even gotten the Mr hooked on the Premium Chicken CBO.  I think he thought I was nuts when I told him how good they were.  I know people say you shouldn't love food and that you should eat to live, but I love food.  I live for a good eats.

What are you thankful for this week?

The Ultimate Birthday Gift

My birthday is almost here.  I've been counting down the days.  Now, I don't ask for much.  I think that I'm pretty simple person to please.  However, if I had to name my ultimate birthday gift it would be this beauty below.

I've been obsessed with the Bentley Continental GT for forever.  This car just screams luxury for me.  I'd love to deck it out by creating a custom paint color.  Something with a hint a purple and a little glitter.  One the inside I would mind having purple leather seats with pink monogramming and stitching!

If money were no object, what would your ultimate birthday gift be?

4 Already

Dear Moo,

I don't know where to begin.  You'd think that having three of these under my belt with you and one with your brother that I'd be used to this by now.  However, each year as your birthday rolls around, I find myself feeling even more unprepared and more emotional than the previous birthday.  Maybe, one of these days I'll get it together.  Don't hold me to that of course.

Your fourth birthday got here a lot quicker than I or your daddy expected.  Over the last year you've gotten much taller.  You're really starting to outgrow clothes quickly.  You're already in sizes 5T and 6T.  Let's not even get started talking about how fast your feet are growing.  We went to bed one night and they were size and then woke the next morning and we had to get you new shoes.

You and your brother are as thick as thieves!  I love how you've accepted him and taken him under your wing.  For example, you've taught how to use the cabinets as his imaginary spaceships.  He's taken up your love for scribbling all over paper as well as ripping it up and then tossing it in the air like snow.

Watching you two together is my favorite thing to do everyday by far.  The love you have for him is beyond amazing.  I hope that as you continue to get older you'll always make time for him.  He adores you to pieces.

You've really come out of your shell a lot. I think that might have something to do with your brother as well.  You're much more used to being surrounded by other kids and interacting with them.  You're smarter than most kids your age.  I know all parents probably say that, but it's true.

You're counting almost past twenty by yourself, singing nursery rhymes (and Mary Mary), getting better at coloring in the lines, learning to write your name and you know all your colors.  You've even picked up a little Spanish.  So, excited about that because I love the Spanish culture and language.  That'll give us something else to bond over during those moody teenage years.

Love, affection and compassion are definitely traits of your personality.  If someone is sad, you try your best to cheer them up.  And you're the best hugger ever!  Seriously, I can never get enough your special Mommy Hugs.  

There's so much more I want to put in this letter but I'll save it for another.  I'm just in such of awe of you my darling Moo.  I can't thank you enough for making me feel like such an incredible mom.  You're first born.  Thank you for hanging in here as I continue to wing and experiment my way through motherhood!

I loved you before I met you; I loved after I birthed you; I love you now that I'm raising you and I'll love you forever.  

Love, 

            Mommy

Birthday Prep

Ok folks. My little Moo turns 4 tomorrow! It's a bit surreal. I know I've said it a million times but time flew by. And I'm scared that if I go bed tonight, I'll wake up and she'll be getting ready to leave for college!

I'm trying to prep myself tomorrow so that I don't cry. Yes, I am that emotional mom. The Mr has been teasing about since last week. We started talking about her going to school and well I got a little teary-eyed.

She's my first born y'all. JJ better thank her one day for being my test subject with this whole parenting thing. It's one thing to babysit and help out with siblings but it's a totally different experience when you have your first child.

So, if you don't hear from me tomorrow you'll know I'm balling like a baby with a box of Kleenex somewhere. We've already got her cake and candles. I wrapped her gifts and mixed them in with the gifts underneath the tree. As soon as she passes out I'm off to blow up balloons and hang her birthday banner.

On another note, I made it! Today is the end of the November NaBloPoMo Challenge and I couldn't be prouder of myself!

Thankful Thursday

We're down to our last handful of Thankful Thursdays for 2012.  Can you guys believe it?  I can't.   I'm so happy I made this a weekly feature on YUMMommy.  It's so easy to get caught up on what you DON'T have instead of focusing on and being grateful for what you DO have.

This week I'm thankful that I finally worked up the nerve to cut my hair again.  I had been going natural for a little over three years when I got the genius idea to try out this chemical curl softner.  And I thought since it was designed for kids that it would be perfect to use on my easily irritated scalp.  Wrong!

Long story short, after the second use I started noticing my hair was shedding like crazy.  It had tons of split ends, stayed drier than normal and the ends were a bit crunchy.  In the end, I would have done better just keeping my money in my pocket.  But since I was trying to avoid using heat to straighten my hair some, I thought it would be healthier in the long run to try the product.  Lesson learned.

I'm actually enjoying my shorter do.  It's shorter than the last time I went short.  I've been trying out the Curly Girl Method for about a week and a half now.  And while my hair feels softer, I'm not sure how long I'll stick with it because I enjoy my current shampoos and conditioning products but they aren't Curly Girl friendly.

I'm thankful that Moo will be turning four this weekend!!  Super excited to celebrate her birthday.  I can't believe I'm the mom of a four year now.  It's so surreal.  Looking forward to decking out her birthday cake with tons of princess decorations!!  She's going to go bananas when she sees it.

I'm also thankful that I've survived this NaBloPoMo challenge for the month of November.  It's a lot of work posting everyday.  However, it has definitely made me a better writer.  I've enjoyed sharing more about my personal life and my motherhood experience with you all.  I've gotten so much feedback and advice this month from some of my posts.

I'm also thankful for the new blog followers I got this month..  It's comforting to know that I'm reaching people and not just on here rambling to empty web space.  I'm thankful that the kids are going to bed a little earlier this week. We had a few late nights but for the most part they've been down and sleep before 11 PM!!

Most importantly, I'm thankful to have an amazing husband who knows me better than almost anyone.  He recognized that we've been a little disconnected lately and is committed to rebuilding that connection and becoming more present in the day to day activities around the house.  Marriage and any lasting relationship takes work. I'm always thankful to have a spouse who's willing to do the work with me.

What are you sending up thanks for this week?

Let The Countdowns Begin

Can you believe that December is just days away?!  That means that 2013 is not far behind.  Wow, I feel like I blinked and this year was gone.  Anyways, we've started our countdowns.  December is a huge month for us.

Moo's birthday comes first.  Can't believe that in a few days I'll be saying that I'm the mother of a four year old.  It's just hard to believe.  This whole motherhood thing is still so surreal some times.  I don't take one moment of it for granted. 

I turn the big 2-7 next month too!  I'm not really freaking out with only 3 years left before I hit 30.  Getting older just doesn't bother me like it does others.  I welcome it.  I look it as a blessing to have survived another year on this earth when so many I know have passed on already.

No big plans for the birthday.  Just being my little family will be celebration enough.  I will be doing it up for the 30th birthday though.  Please believe a plan is the works for that.  They involve passports and most likely a nanny!

And of course, today is the one month till Christmas mark!!  Super excited.  Not just because of the presents, but I genuinely enjoy celebrating the birth of Jesus!  He is the ultimate gift of love.  Plus, the shows are more positive around Christmas time.  I've been avoiding cable and rewatching old seasons of Vampire Diaries and reading library books. 

This garbage these networks have on tv now days just isn't fitting to be watched.  There are a few good shows though.  However, once they go off back to Vampire Diaries or my books I go.  I'm also looking forward to cooking Christmas dinner with the Mr and baking cookies with Moo.

Speaking of Moo, she's informed me that I can't be a Santa anymore.  Why?  Because I'm not a man.  Only Daddy can be Santa.  Glad we got that straight.  So, when she's missing a gift off her Christmas list, it'll be because she gave the list to me and not Daddy.

Also happy to report that our tree is still standing.  JJ has been tugging and pushing on it something fierce.  Thank goodness for his chair and distracting toys.  Our tree is already on its last leg, but I want it to last until I can hit up an after Christmas sale and a get a fuller prelit tree for at least 75% off.

Last but not least New Year's Eve will be here in a little over a month.  Not sure what are plans will be.  Might try to go out and watch some fireworks Uptown.  Hopefully, we don't waste our gas like last year.  There were absolutely no fireworks Uptown.  Think I might need to send out a special request letter to the city or something to make sure.

Are you counting down?

Almost 4

My little lady is almost 4!  I can't even believe it because it doesn't seem like that much time has gone by.  But is has and so we're in the thick of birthday party planning.  4 is one of those big birthdays and this year I wanted to give her a nice party that included more than just family.  I also wanted to get some decor elements that would make it even more special for my Moo.

So, when Signazon.com contacted me about an opportunity to work with them again, I knew it was a gift from the man upstairs!  I had already been looking at some banners and getting Moo's input on the designs.  It's her birthday after all.  Anyways, we started browsing through some of the pre-made templates.  They have a blank template feature available for too if you want something 100% unique.

They have a great variety to choose from!

Then Moo finally saw a template she liked.  She loved it actually and refused to consider any others.  So, we selected it to get started on customizing it for her party.

You can customize the font, wording and background color

Once we had all the colors to her liking and the wording to my liking, we added it to our cart and checked out.  Yep, it was just that simple.  The banner editor widget is pretty straight forward and you don't have to be a technology genius or anything to use it.  Anyways, here's a sneak peak at the finished product. 

I got her real name printed on the banner. So, of course I had to blur that out.

We're very pleased with how the banner turned out and can't wait to debut it at her upcoming birthday party!  I highly recommend that if you're thinking about adding elements to take a birthday, anniversary or any event up a notch that you check Signazon.com and consider ordering one of their custom banners.  The quality and selection are great.  Plus, delivery doesn't take a million years either!

Have you ever used a customized birthday or event banner?

Thankful Thursday

I just want to say that all of my Thankful Thursday posts are blogged and posted on same day.  No scheduled Thankful Thursday because I never know what else is going to happen that I will be thankful for.  So, with that said as I'm typing this I'm enjoying a nice brunch of grits and bacon with Moo curled up next me on the couch and JJ is munching on some Kix in high chair.  And I just feel utterly blessed.  I'm thankful for this quiet moments where the kids aren't running around but we're just all kind of hanging out together in a calm state.

It's in these moments that I can sit back and sneak peeks at them without them knowing.  For example, I've been watching JJ's facial features change as he watches Bubble Guppies.  He'll smile at certain things or his brows will knit together during other scenes like he's deep in thought.  I wish I could freeze these moments and replay them a thousand times because the kids are growing so fast on me.

I'm thankful that Moo is being more patient with her brother.  Now that he's mobile he's able to get into her stuff or swipe her toys when she's playing quietly by herself.  She's good at not hitting back when he pulls her hair or tries to bite her because she stands her ground not letting go of her Barbie.

I'm thankful that we were able to celebrate the Mr's birthday this week.  The day started off rocky and threatened to go further but at the end it all worked out.  Sometimes you have to pick your battles.  You have to keep a fresh perspective on what's really important in life.

I'm thankful for all the opportunities coming my way.  I feel like I'm finally arriving as a blogger, writer and yes journalist.  It feels good too.  I love that despite the fact I don't have x amount of readers or Twitter followers other brands are reaching out to work with me because they've been reading my blog and can hear my passion.  And I think that passion is more important than numbers any day!

With this being National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am especially thankful to report that I heard that my best friend's mom is officially breast cancer free!!  Talk about a blessing.  This was her third battle with the disease and doctors are positive that they got it all and she's now on the road to recovery and getting weaned off her treatments and medications.  I was so happy to hear that news because I've been praying for her for almost a year and my friend is already going through so much other stuff.  

This is a weight lifted off her shoulders for sure.  It's hard seeing your loved ones suffer and now they can rejoice.  So, when you think you have it bad just remember there are people who have it worst.

What do you have to be thankful for this week?

Thankful Thursday

This past weekend we celebrated my niece's 7th birthday down at my mom's.  Can't believe she's grown up in such a short amount of time.  She reads chapter books, uses big words correctly, is good at math and is pretty good at domestic stuff around the house.  I know some kids her age who can barely dress themselves. So, I am thankful that God has blessed me to be a part of her life and for making her such an intelligent young girl.

I am also thankful for the time I got to spend with my family.  We got to sort out some major issues and move on from some stuff.  And although there was a sour note towards the end with one of my siblings, I am thankful that I am learning not to let my family walk over me.  I have struggled with this for years because I love my family.  However, I am in a place where I love myself more and demand respect at all times!

I am thankful that God has been sending me signs.

  Lately, we have been stressing out about a few things.  But God reminded me that He is in charge and no mountain is too tall or heavy for Him to move.  I'm trusting and believing Him to help us resolve the situations.

I am thankful for the fact that Moo loves books and has such a great imagination.  That's rare in kids her age now days.  It warms my heart to see that I am doing something right.  I am thankful that JJ took a few steps unassisted yesterday.  I would have loved to have caught it on camera. I do hope it's not much longer until he is fully walking.

And while on the subject of JJ, I'm thankful that we are going 13 months strong with breastfeeding!  More on that later.

What are you thankful for?

Prince Of My Heart

To the Prince of my Heart,

It's so hard to believe that on this day a year ago, I gave birth to you!  365 days went by faster than I imagined they would.  In fact, I had to check the calendar on my phone to make sure I wasn't mistaken about the date.  Part of my disbelief is that you've just grown so fast and changed so much from the day we first brought you home.

I remember thinking about small you were in comparison to your sister when she was a newborn.  However, you grew quickly those first few weeks and we were back in the store buying you new oneies.  I remember your first bath after your belly button healed up completely.  You did not like being in the water one bit!  Thankfully, that is not the case today.

The bathtub is one of your favorite places to be.  You enjoy splashing around and sending water flying everywhere including on me!  It's okay though.  I understand that for you being in the water is still new, mysterious and fun.  Let's hope this love of good hygiene continues because I've heard that boys get a little bit more difficult about taking baths once they hit that 2 year mark.

You and Moo are still the best of friends.  She's completely smitten with you and is quick to let strangers (and family) know that you are HER brother!  It's cute and I'm really glad that she's so protective of you because she'll be babysitting you in about 12 more years.  I love that she doesn't mind sharing her toys with you even though you've ripped the heads off some of her dolls.  And she's patient with you even though you're always trying to snatch on her hair. 

You and Grandma have finally bonded.  THANK GOODNESS!  There was a time when you cried every time she got too close to you.  And holding you was out of the question.  I think you all started to make progress after Christmas.  Now, you're totally stuck on her when we go to visit.  Sometimes, you don't even want me to hold you when we're down there.

Daddy has taught you all kinds of stuff like making monster noises and how to fall backwards on the bed.  I'm not sure how I feel about that falling backwards.  I guess it's okay on the bed but I worry about when you start walking and can sit on the floor by yourself.  I will certainly have to break that habit and keep a close eye on you.

He's still counting down the days until you all can go outside and toss around the football or a baseball.  However, we've agreed that we're not going to push you to play football until you're in high school.  We agree that it's just too dangerous.  Trust me your daddy should know because he played his share.

You don't say mama a lot. I guess that's because you're usually always with me.  You've started trying to say stop, no, hey, Moo and have a special sound for when you want us to look at something.  You're completely in love with Chica the chicken from Sprout.  I think it's the squeaking of her voice that enchants you.  You don't like the end of Dora when they do hide and seek sometimes and Swiper pops out from behind bushes and trees.

I've wasted a fortune on baby food and baby cereal because you refused to eat it.  I still have over 25 jars and 4 boxes of cereal in the kitchen now.  I guess I'll check the expiration dates and donate what hasn't expired to a food bank.  You have great upper body strength and your hands are fast as lighting.  I caught you climbing out of your high chair a few weeks ago and almost had a heart attack.

Seriously, the playpen is the only safe place for you because the sides are too high for you flip yourself over. You're under the impression that the telephone belongs solely to you.  Whenever, I'm talking on it you're always trying to press buttons or snatch it from my ear.  Glad we have speaker phone so I can put the phone out of your reach and still talk.

Guess what?  Your top front teeth finally broke through yesterday! So by the end of the month you'll have four teeth total!

I'm telling you, I hope this second year goes by a little slower.  But just in case it doesn't I've stocked up on a boatload of batteries and new memory card so that I can record almost every moment in a photo or video!

I love you!!

~Mommy

26: The Adventure Continues

Hello 26!!

Source

Wow, it's been another year already?  Time is flying.  And I'm feeling truly blessed for all that I was able to accomplish and experience at 25.   So, I've been very much looking forward to 26.  I'm finding that getting older is not something dread but something that we should welcome.

Life has so much to offer, but if we're constantly trying to cling to the past how can we move forward and embrace the success, joy, happiness, love and other wonderful things that await us in our futures?  I set some goals last year.  And this year I'm revising that list.  I've grown and my list needs to reflect that growth.

Somethings are getting marked off like my becoming a published author. Excited!!!  More details to come after the New Year.  So without further delay here is my newly reformed list of goals to achieve before my 30th birthday:

List of Adventures to Accomplish by 12/19/15
~Attend Fashion Week in New York
~Buy a House
~Get a New Car
~Write My First Book
~Publish my Book
~Go to Paris
~Vacation in Spain
~Take a Trip to Disney Land/World
~Go on a Cruise
~Attend BlogHer
~Visit my BFF in Philly
~Go Back to College
~Make a VLog
~Expand YUMMommy
~Learn More HMTL 
~Raise $5000 for Charties
~Exercise More
~Meet Some of my Blogger BFFs in Person
~Buy Some Power Tools (I love diy projects)
~Remodel my Mom's House

Under The Weather

It feels like it's been ages since my last post,  Unfortunately, my lack of posting was partly due to the fact that Moo, JJ and I have all been under the weather.  What started off as a trip to my mom's house the weekend before last turned in to us all getting some kind of bug.  For the life of me, I haven't any clue how we ended up sick.

It started off as runny noses, turned coughs and is now a mass confusion of sore throats, swollen tonsils and ear infections.  Not to mention,  JJ's eczema has flared up and he hived Thursday when my mom got a new puppy for my niece.  Yes, my kids are allergic to cats and dogs.  Needless, to say our trips to visit Grandma will be short and sweet from here on out.

Moo is back on her breathing machine.  That sucks because she's not a big fan of that thing.  But it's a good for her and will keep her healthy.  I had to cancel part 2 of JJ's flu shot since he's sick now.  And of course, Moo is allergic to it.  So, we'll be keeping mini Lysol, germ gel and wipes handy when we're out and about.

I'm just starting to feel somewhat better.  My voice isn't back to normal just yet.  So, I'm not doing very much talking because if I do by the end of the day I'm so hoarse I can barely speak.  I'm hoping that I'll be back in great shape for my birthday which is Sunday!!  The big 2-6 is just a few days away and I am hella excited!!

On top of all this, I have projects I need to complete.  Oh and did I mention that I'm still shopping for the Mr for Christmas.  I want to make sure that I get him things that he will love and appreciate.  We've had some hits and misses over the years and I'm ready to get on track with more hits this year.  

And one last note before I jet off to finish some work, if you purchased the awesome Tablet deal that was on Plum District Charlotte for Black Friday weekend, I'm sorry to report that due to issues with the supplier you will be getting a refund.  Check out all the details and information here.  These things happen but Plum District is still a great place to shop and I have picked up a few of my Christmas gifts from there and still recommend that you do the same.