Is it Bedtime Yet?

*Disclaimer: The portions of this blog post depicting my husband's obvious lapse in judgement were shared with permission...and a laugh.*

It started last night.

I reminded my husband that it was his turn to get up and feed the baby in the middle of the night. His response was that I should do it since he has to get up and go to work in the morning (he gets up at an ungodly (sarcasm) 7:50 am) and I can stay home and take a nap if I'm tired.

Sleep did not balm the wound on that one, so I woke up in a fowl mood.

Then I got to deal with the insurance some more, who refuse to cover any of the medical expenses (in upwards of $200,000, ya know, pocket change) stemming from my son's NICU stay and life flight. They tell me to deal with the hospital about it. The hospital tells me to deal with them. I think that after they both tell me this, they meet up for Dr. Pepper in a Sonic parking lot and laugh at me.

I went to my son's parent/teacher conference this morning, making special care not to wear yoga pants. After that, I took my three little darlings to the park to play until they were tired enough to take a nap spend some quality time together, and after an hour (which I personally find to be a very reasonable allotment of time since I didn't get to bring a friend to gossip with while the kids played) I said we had to go home. If only it had been that easy. My three year old responded with taking off her left shoe and throwing it at me, and then standing by the playground screaming bloody murder while I tried to play the "fine, I'm leaving" game with her and load the other two into the car. The game didn't work, as she has a head as thick as a ball of solid steel. Someone walked up to her and probably thought she was seriously distraught, because my daughter is an incredible actress, and bent over with the body language of "Where is your mommy, little girl?" I could see it all very clearly from where I was putting the stroller back into my trunk (maybe 20 feet away) and thought, "Oh, crap." That's when Ellie punched her and ran away screaming. Ellie has a solid right hook...excellent follow through. She was still screaming when I got to her (no tears, just wails of horror) and I picked her up, tossed her over my shoulder and mouthed an "I'm sorry" as we walked to the car. I tried to act normal and in control while quietly whispering threats into her ear. Then I wondered how many people were watching me and wondering if I was kidnapping the small human currently screaming like a banshee and only wearing one shoe.

So, we came home. Where I instructed my kids to clean up their room and was subsequently called "the hugest meanest butt hole" by my six year old. Then, when I found that my daughter had escaped and was not in fact in her room cleaning, she came out of my room wearing a heavy application of my lipstick but acting nonchalant as if she was just going for an afternoon stroll. Refer to the previous about her acting abilities. When I went into my room to assess the damages I was lucky not to find any remnants of the makeover. I did, however, find gum in the carpet and a broken curtain rod. Occupational hazard.

While fixing the curtain rod, I heard someone yell, "IS THAT POOP?" I walked in to find Ellie waving her hand in front of her nose and denying any involvement in the aforementioned matter. Landon says he saw Ellie do it. Ellie scoffs at that. Let's just say that my daughter blamed her dad. The accused has not confirmed nor denied the allegations.

The rest of the afternoon has gone by in a blur. I vaguely remember getting baby throw up in my hair and answering the door for a neighbor who will probably go home and say bad things about me in concerned tone to her husband. I said bad things about her to myself when she left. In all fairness it was mostly because she's skinny and tan and I'm 6 weeks post baby, so it angered me greatly. I may or may not have seen red fire. It wasn't her fault. But I blame her and I'm not ashamed.

I would go ahead and call the day a parenting failure. However, I diligently remembered to refill my birth control and not for nothing, but pretty sure the pharmacist knew exactly why I was getting it filled due to the two older kids hitting each other behind me. I also typed the last few sentences of this with one hand so I could hold in a binkie for my youngest with the other hand. On that note, I'm going to go now. Pray for me.

So, hubby, when do I get my nap?

Lessons I Learned While Walking to the Park

I was recently having a bit of a rough day. You know the kind. You can't find your keys. You pour a bowl of cereal and you're out of milk. The bills are piling up. The dishes need cleaning, the laundry needs folding, and everyone needs your attention. You know those days. But then, my son asked me to take him on a walk to the park. And my daughter jumped up and down and clapped and said, "Yes, the park!" And let me tell you what, that little walk to the park sure taught me a lot about life. I thought I would share...

First, I learned that when life gets too bright, put on your princess sunglasses and ruby slippers. There's no place like home, right?

I also learned a few lessons via someone's sidewalk chalk art. Like, when you feel like giving up, you should just keep going forward.

I also learned to just stop and enjoy the view from wherever I'm at. You never know when it might be the last time you get a view so wonderful.

I learned that there is love in unexpected places, like the sidewalk chalk art.

And I learned that sometimes, the hill we have to climb may seem steep and impossible.

But if we keep going, we WILL eventually get to the top.

And our reward will be more than worth it.

I also re-learned that this is a beautiful country that we live in, and that other people still fly our flag proudly. I was also touched at my son recognizing it and it's beauty. God bless America.

And I also learned that when in doubt, always wear your riding gloves...

<3

Wardrobe Wednesday: Winter Tag Week 2

Hey all. Alright, it's still freezing. I don't think that's going to change. Here ya go, week 2. I'm too tired and irritable today to write about anything else. So, bye.

 Grey skinnies: Kohls, Bow sweater: Kohls, Red earrings: My Sisters Closet, Watch and bracelets: JCPenny, Pumps: Steve Madden

 

 Polka dot henley top: Old Navy, Skirt: Down East Outfitters, Scarf: Kohls, Chevron black tights: Target, Boots: Steve Madden. Not doing my hair and makeup: thanks to the weekend, my friends.

Top: Alloy, Pants: Kohls, Blazer: Charlotte Russe, Boots: Steve Madden, Belt: Buckle (ironically...), Bracelets: Kohls and Forever21 

 Chambray button up: Old Navy, Cardigan: Target, Booties: Sam and Libby, Bracelets: Old Navy, Belt: Kohls, Hair pin: Birchbox

Let me just tell you about these booties. I absolutely adore them. They're so comfortable and look so cute with like everything. And more importantly, they look great on everyone! As you can see, Ellie pulls them off fabulously. 

-L

My Weekend in Snapshots

I went to school on a snowy Saturday morning, and obviously with an empty tank of gas.

I did laundry and other domestic things...#wefinallyhavecleantowels

It snowed.

A lot.

So I drank warm things.

And wore warm things.

And then we wrapped a birthday gift for Uncle Josh and made him a birthday card that we subsequently forgot to attach to the gift.

Then the kitchen actually got cleaned.

And Landon's room went from this, to this:

Which is something of a miracle.

Ellie's room stayed like this.

We had our weekly Sunday morning breakfast.

And went to church.

We picked our candy out of the Santa calendar.

And tore a paper off our our Christmas countdown chain.

We drove to Grandma and Grandpa's house for Sunday dinner.

Then we came home to make apple cinnamon cupcakes.

 They wrestled around on floor.

 And I sat down and read a book.

And now the house is quiet. And finals are approaching. And instead of sleeping, I'll be studying. 

And I think I need a weekend from my weekend.

-L

***CLOSED***Anniston's Accessories: Review and a Giveaway

Today's post and giveaway is sponsored by Anniston's Accessories. Product was gratis, but review and all opinions are strictly my own.

***This giveaway has been closed. Winners were chosen using Random.org. The winners are Jessica Carter and Malae Talley. Contact me via email or facebook in the next 48 hours with your contact information! Congrats!***

Hey everybody! I'm excited about today because the only things that I love more than cute clothes for myself are cute clothes for my kids! I can't thank Ellie and Maylie enough for being such gorgeous models. It's hard work to be that pretty, but someone's gotta do it!

That being said, I'm thrilled to work with Jen, the owner and designer of Anniston's Accessories. I could talk all day long about how adorable these little diddies are, but as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words!

(Above): Bows: Anniston's Accessories

One of the things I love most about these bows and clips are the backing! I don't know about you all, but I hate when there is fabric covering the backs of the clips. It makes it so hard to slide the clip into their hair, especially when they're smaller and their hair is so fine and soft anyway. Jen makes these clips with very thin, flat metal so that the clip won't hurt their heads, but it goes through their hair easily without pulling on or messing anything up!! 

(Above): Top: Old Navy; Leggings: Children's Place; Shoes: Anniston's Accessories; Headband: Anniston's Accessories

4th of July might be over, but we're down with being patriotic year round, especially with accessories this cute!

(Above): Top: Old Navy; Shorts: Old Navy; Headband: Anniston's Accessories; Leg Warmers: Anniston's Accessories

(Above): Top: Wal-Mart; Shorts: Children's Place; Shoes: Anniston's Accessories; Headband: Annison's Accessories

Are you ready to hear my VERY favorite thing about Anniston's Accessories? It's that you have the option to go to Jen and have her completely style your daughter from head to toe, but you also have the option to get a few pieces here and there to slowly build your collection and mix and match with what you already have in your little one's closet. 

(Above): Top: Children's Place; Skirt: Anniston's Accessories; Bows: Anniston's Accessories; Boat shoes: Old Navy

(Above-Maylie): Skirt: Anniston's Accessories; Bows: Anniston's Accessories

(Above): Romper: Anniston's Accessories; Shoes: Anniston's Accessories; Headband: Anniston's Accessories

Nothing is making me happier than cute prints and bright colors, and the little ones are no exception. 

And lastly, I adore that a lot of the product is actually hand made by Jen herself. Not only that, but her company's namesake and inspiration is her daughter, Anniston. So obviously, Jen will stand for nothing but the best. But don't take my word for it. Run over to Anniston's Accessories facebook page or etsy shop and decide for yourself. Or you could just enter our giveaway!

Good luck! And please, let me know what you think!

-L
-------------------------------------------------------------

ANNISTON'S ACCESSORIES' GIVEAWAY INFORMATION AND RULES:

Jen is graciously going to GIVE AWAY not one but TWO (yes, you read that right) pieces to two of you. She is giving away a chevron skirt AND a romper.

Remember that you don't have to have little ones to enter, win or enjoy these goodies. Nieces, little sisters, cousins, friends, etc. would fawn over these gorgeous pieces.

All you have to do to enter the giveaway is to follow these steps:

1. Like the Anniston's Accessories Facebook page
2. Share the Anniston's Accessories Facebook page
3. Leave a comment stating you've done both of those things

A second entry can be made (ONLY IF THE FIRST THREE CRITERIA ARE ALREADY MET) by:

1. Sharing this post on Facebook and
    Becomming a follower or referring an additional follower to this blog
2. Favor Anniston's Accessories Etsy Shop
3. Leave a comment stating you've done so

The giveaway will be open for one week and close on Saturday, July 27th. The two winners will have 48 hours to get back to me and claim their prizes, or another winner will be chosen. Winners will be chosen at random using a random number generator.