Farewell Cheer

Ending my blog has been on my mind for a while now.  I have decided that the two main reasons are privacy and time -- time that I want to spend doing other things for my family.  Another reason is there are people in this world who just cannot be happy for others.  I understand that when you are not at a good place in life, it's difficult to see others around you celebrating their blessings.  I've been there.  It sucks.

But at the same time, one day, those very same people who are so miserable will *hopefully* have things worth celebrating, or at the very least, recognize their own blessings in life.  And I will be there to cheer them on.  We all choose different paths.  It breaks my heart when I try, in good faith, to help others and they do nothing but complain or badmouth me.  We only get one shot at life.  Why be miserable when you have the choice to be happy? 

I worry that in sharing my life on this little space of mine on the interwebs that I may come off as bragging or showing off; and believe me, that is not my intention.  Ever.  I like to celebrate the good in my life.  I like to find fun in every day life in the midst of the craziness that is raising two small children.  I probably complain about my kids too much.  I truly, honestly believe that I am UNDESERVING of all the blessings God has given me, and without Him, I would have nothing.  Every night before I go to sleep, I thank God for all of my blessings.  Every. Single. Night.  I am beyond grateful.  And I worry myself to sleep pretty much every night that something bad will happen to my greatest gifts:  My children and my husband and my family.  They are all that matter to me.

So all this to say: I think the time has come for me to end my blog.  It was a tough choice because I enjoy blogging and connecting with others.  But I need to keep some things in my life private and I want to devote more time to other creative projects.  I will still keep following (and commenting!) on all my sweet friends' blogs that I've come to love.  I will also still keep my Instagram account, but my FB is also going to be less active.  Facebook has turned into a something completely different than what it started out as -- and not for the better.  I hope to transition my time spent blogging after the kids are asleep into keeping better private digital books for my children only.  This is something I started and then blogging kind of took over what little free time I have.  There I will be able to document it all with complete freedom:  The good.  The bad.  And everything in between.  Thank you all for reading.

Wishing each and every one of you a Blessed and Merry Christmas and Healthy & Happy New Year. 

The Best Kind of Crazy

This has been one of the craziest, most fun weeks of my life.  My head is still reeling from all that has happened.  Last I left off, I was about to leave on a short little trip with my beloved husband.  But let's back up a sec:

The night before we left, we had a holiday party to attend for one of the local hospitals.  I loved my dress (that I fretted about unnecessarily) and we ended up having a GREAT time.  Maybe too good of a time, considering we had to get up at 4am to catch a cab to the airport.  We didn't know anyone there for the first hour or two (??) so naturally we started drinking and eating maple-glazed bacon.  Of course.

 Anywhoo, I made lots of new friends and lots of promises to get together that I excitedly remembered the next day.  (What?  We're going to the zoo with all our kids?  Wait, whose number is this?)

We made our flight a few hours later - surprisingly.  A big winter storm hit JUST after we left.  It was close though, and we left on time despite freezing rain.  My mood perked up considerably when we landed here:

 My husband did a great job of keeping this trip top secret from me - only to have it spoiled by some strangers in the airport!  I witnessed a really bizarre interaction between a guy and a girl...he was staring at her t-shirt and finally after setting off my internal Creeper Alert! asked her "Are you going on the Matchbox 20 Cruise?"  OMG.  I about died when it hit me -- THAT IS WHAT we were doing!!

My husband knows my undying love for MB20 and all things Rob Thomas.  So, we boarded the U.S.S. Cougar (did you know 90% of Matchbox 20 fans are Cougars?  True Story.  Myself not included...I'm at the very least a young Puma.  Maybe a Lynx.  But not a Cougar.)  Some of these women were certifiable.  For real.

Anyway, the trip?  It. Was. AMAZING.  We got to see several concerts, attend a few "Storytellers" sessions and a few Q&A sessions.  And we were able to get pretty close, there really wasn't a bad seat or place to stand on board.

Rob greeted me (OK, OK, and the other 2,000 passsengers on this boat, but whatever) as soon as we got there.  He is the funniest celebrity I know.  Seriously, the man is hilarious.

Here he is telling me us he loves me us, but if the ship goes down, he WILL run us OVER to escape.

The Goo Goo Dolls were also on this cruise.  All I will say about them is they need to lay off the drugs.  It's time, fellas.  Drugs are bad.

Oh, yes!  I have a husband!  That's right!   The very best.

 We sailed to the Bahamas and hung out on the beach, swam with the Sting Rays, and drank fruity beverages.  I also ate a lot of chicken strips on this trip.  I stick to what I like and the cruise food was ...eh...not the most impressive.  But we weren't there for the food...

And yes, my husband wore a t-shirt that says "I'm on a Boat!"  Hilarious that one.

 We actually were kept pretty busy with all the band events going on.  It was so much fun!

Mommy and Daddy get all hussied up to go out.  This is the only picture I got that night.

The entire trip was catapulted to a whole other level when we got to do a photo session/meet & greet.  Yes, they greeted ALL 2,000 passengers.  I GOT TO HUG ROB (and all the other guys).  I hugged him twice for good measure.  And not a wimpy, "we're strangers" kind of hug either!  I hugged like I meant it!  I tried to think of something original to say to him, but my inner 13-year old could barely screech out "You're AWWWWWSUUUUMMMMM!" (Nice, Tammy)  I then babbled something about being so excited to hug him and he said something like "Me too.  I've waited my whole life, Baby."  At least that's how I remember it.  And I'm pretty sure he said it to everyone.  Anyway, if you stop reading my blog I'll totally understand.  I'm fully aware of how ridiculous I sound.

Anyway, where was I?  We also got our picture taken with them and I somehow finagled my way to stand next to him.  Of course they didn't allow cell phones or private pics, you have to buy them when the tour company emails them to you.  Which better be soon!  Clearly this is the most exciting thing to happen to this SAHM since the birth of my last child.  Trump that, Rob Thomas!

Q&A session out on the deck

 We returned home to full on WINTER and my two precious monkeys.  Morgan got sick while we were away and I felt SO terrible that it happened AGAIN.  She must be allergic to me leaving.  My sister was a saint to stay with my kids, plus bring her 4-month old baby along for the crazy.

Jimmy the Elf was up to his usual shenanigans:

Oh, and in the airport while waiting for our connecting flight home from Atlanta?  We found out we bought a house.  So, we're moving!  That's a WHOLE OTHER blog post all of its own!

Mom Cuts & Leathers

Hookee...so, I last boasted about my foray into the world of leather pants and confessed that I'm not edgy enough to pull them off.  I got sucked into the Black Friday sales going on at The Limited and first bought these moto coated jeans.  I got them home and couldn't decide if they were doing my hips any favors.  Plus I didn't dig how stiff & baggy they were.  So they are on their way back to the store.

Just for fun, I tried on these leggings that are leather in the front and stretchy knit in the back.  (Party in the front, business in the back) and fell in love.  Plus they were pretty reasonable.  So I kind of cheated?  I just am not ready to go full on leather yet I guess.  See?  Told ya I wasn't edgy enough.

And as for the Mumchop...I'm now coming to terms with it.   Actually it's fine.  At first I was in shock because it was WAY shorter than I wanted.  I still have some awkward bulk that I need to get thinned out in the back (and I DO NOT want the Posh Spice stack job circa 2008, been there, done that.)  So here it is for now, I like wearing it with some loose waves and it's pretty darn easy to style, I have to admit:

Shameful selfie

We started watching Orange is the New Black (a Netflix original series) and are hooked.  Going to go avoid my homework and catch up on a few episodes while I pray away the crazies - or what I fear is another sinus infection.

Blessed

How is it December?  A few random updates for future me...and anyone else who might care.

We had a great Thanksgiving spent with family at my Mother-In-Law's.  I was charged with bringing sweet potatoes and being the details-lacking scatterbrain I am, I messed up the "gourmet" recipe.  The good news is, they're pretty hard to screw up and they still tasted pretty bangin.

I'm trying to not be a Grinch....but lots of little things have been popping up/going wrong lately.  And then I get all screamy with the kids and feel terrible.  Like the photos we had scheduled for the kids for Christmas.  It was an epic failure.  They didn't cooperate even a little bit, so I'll be surprised if we get anything to work with.  Oh well.  They still looked super cute.  The photographer was right, the lighting in the late afternoon was gorg.  But we knew the kids would be supergrumps.  Here's the sneak peeks she sent me....they might be the best she got.

And our reclaimed barnwood table from Arhaus is splitting APART.  Luckily, they agree with me that the damage is unacceptable and after a year of owning it, they're replacing the entire table.

My red one-shoulder number that I was so excited about for this week's holiday party arrived today.  Only they shipped me the WRONG dress.  Fortunately, a quick phone call got it straightened out and the correct one should be on my doorstep tomorrow (AND it had gone on sale? Score!)  Yet another reason I heart Nordy's.

Our tree went up - with the help of my little elves.  For every ornament I hung, Joey removed 3 and Morgan relocated 3.  It was interesting.

 And these two FOUGHT and FOUGHT and FOUGHT.  All. Weekend. Long.  Lordy.  So Joey got his first timeout.  He kept running away so we're gonna have to figure something out.  Duct tape?

Our Elf on the Shelf - who has been named Jimmy (?) arrived.  I'm glad my children are too young to expect too much from that whole deal.  He might not move every night, he's a lazy little elf.

I've been hitting the Pilates hard this past week and have been 4 times already.  I already feel leaner, but I'm afraid I'm not going to be bikini ready.  Good thing for cover-ups and spray tans.

Did you all get wind of this article about drinking water?  I've been guzzling since yesterday like it's my fulltime job.  Go get yourself a big ginormous watter bottle and get to it.

Overall, life is good.  God is good.  And I'm so blessed.  I just whine about the little things too much and need to get over it.

I'm trying very hard to resist the urges of Cyber Monday.  I do NOT NEED anything!!  I will update the hair cute/bob saga (I did it!) and leather pants adventure hopefully tomorrow.  I know you're all on the edge of your seats...

Cheers to the Holiday Season!

Mama Style

So, we have this little Holiday Party next week for the Department of Surgery.  The invitation states "Festive Attire".  I'm not sure what that means, but I'm having fun looking for a dress.  These hospital parties are the adult version of prom, so it's fun to get all gussied up once a year.  The party we normally love to attend (at the hotel where we were married) is being held while we're out of town - I was so bummed.  But considering I'm going to be on a beach with a beverage in hand, I'm sure I'll get over it real quick ;-)

Here are few of my favorites (they're all from Nordstroms...sorry for no links, kids are napping and I have about 30 seconds to pound this out).

When I saw this dress thanks to one of my favorite bad influences in blogland, I knew I needed to try it on.  I ordered it from Nordy's and took advantage of their free shipping.  It fits great - very flattering - and I can maintain my dignity up top if you KWIM.  The only problem is, I worry it may look a little Atlantic City Tartlet in person?  Maybe it's the satin?  With jewelry, I feel like it could get too over the top, fast.

 So then I saw this online...and I love me a one-shoulder dress.  I think it looks a little more conservative and classy, but haven't tried it on yet:

Wouldn't need a necklace!  But maybe a bracelet & some earrings...

 I'm not 100% set on red, and came across these pretties too:

I thought this one was festive.  However, the husband hates lace.  Like, HATES it.  So this one may be out, because let's be honest, I want to look good for him.

Right now I'm leaning toward #2 if it fits decent.  And then there's the whole shoes/jewelry part.  And hair.  And makeup.  OMG I'm 17 again.  The last two actually remind me of my Senior Prom dress, ha!

So heeellllp - what do you like?

MoJo Holiday 2013

MoJo Holiday 2013 by nursetmj featuring a crown hat

So I came up with *what I thought* were the most adorable outfits ever for Morgan & Joey to wear for their Christmas pics that were scheduled for tomorrow.  I even paid for expedited shipping.  You know what that got me?  No delivery until FRIDAY.  Womp womp.  (PS: I'm still trying to decide on Morgan's outfit, hence the two options)

In case anyone was wondering, I'm raising a VERY strong-willed toddler these days.  Yeah, I need to buy and read that book.  Anyway, I'm crossing my fingers and pleading/bargaining/bribing her to wear one of these ensembles for the pictures.  She always picks out her own outfits these days, from head to toe.  And mostly, I'm OK with it.  Wanna wear the birdie shirt for the 3rd day in a row (if it's clean!)  I figure, let her be who she wants to be.  I don't need to force her into wearing what I WANT just yet ;-)  Or maybe I'm finally realizing that my days of getting to dress up my little girl are over.  It's so unfair!

I shall save my strength for more important battles.  Like the back-to-back time outs for hitting her brother.  Of which there were 3 before 8:30am today.  I always make her say "I'm sorry I hit you Joey" and hug him when she's released from time out.

Some Beauty Talk & Help Wanted

Hi, my name is Tammy and I have an addiction to beauty products.

But I have to share my latest finds because they are truly amazing.

First up:  I found THE ONE.  My perfect foundation.  It happened like this:  I wandered into Ulta to look and redeem all my points I'd racked up.  I told the girl what I was looking for (Gina, we're BFF now) and she basically told me not to waste another minute in their store, get my butt down to Saks, find the Estee Lauder counter and ask for Tracy.  So I did.  And I was introduced to my skin's soulmate:  Double Wear Foundation.

It's the perfect full-coverage I'm looking for, but doesn't look makeup-ey.  It lasts all day and all night.  I'm in love.  So now that Tracy is basically my new BFF, she taught me how to apply it with a foundation brush and then she turned me on to a bunch of other goodies, including the Aerin Lauder line (I've always loved her!) for Lauder.  If you're a gloss fanatic, definitely check out their lip lacquer.  I needed another nude lip gloss like I need another hole in my head, but hey....what are you gonna do?

Next - I'm obsessed with skincare and my skin gets super dry in the winter.  I'd been reading a lot of buzz about Tarte's Marajuca oil for your face.  At first I was skeptical - I get a little oily as the day goes on as it is, why would I put oil on my face?  But it has made SUCH a difference in the hydration of my skin!  Ulta has a mini-version in a kit that you could try before you commit to the big bottle.

I found a new mascara that I'm loving too.  For like $6.  After letting some other bloggers do all the legwork (I'm lazy like that), I finally tracked down this (3 stores later):

I got my hair foiled on Wednesday and chickened out on the cut.  Actually, the kids were with me and they needed naps BAD, so we ran out of time.  So I scheduled it for next week.  I'm ready for the Mom Bob.  I just have to gather some pictures to take with me.  I'm thinking along the lines of something like these:

Oddly enough, the first 2 pics are ones I pinned last year - so they must still be in style and my fickle self is happy I still like them.  I want it long enough that I can still curl it, like the bottom photo.  If the mood strikes, and the kids allow it, and the stars align.  You know how that goes.

Everyone and their girlfriend are wearing leather pants these days.  I'm not convinced I'm edgy or cool enough to pull them off.  But I'm digging the look.

I'm getting pictures of the kids taken next week - one of the moms of Morgan's classmates does photography and she does an amazing job. I basically begged her to squeeze us in since I'm such a slacker and I told her I'd sooner poke my own eyes out than subject myself to the torture that is Portrait Innovations.  NEVER. AGAIN.  (Dramatic much?)

So this is where I need HELP.  Kids outfits.  We are going to be outside & it will only last a few minutes, so the photographer suggested sweaters/layers.  I'm NOT good at coordinating outfits.  Help! Help!  I'm thinking creams/reds/blacks.  Any suggestions are welcome.  And if you want to just go ahead put a Polyvore board together for me, I'd love you forever. Haha.

This is our Christmas photo from last year.  I expect nothing more than zero cooperation that will need photoshop intervention again.  It's all about expectations people.

Taken in my house with my 1/4 decorated tree.  Just keepin' it real.

The week before last week

Clearly a catch-up post.

We took the kids to a birthday party at Jump & Jacks and they were CRAZY.  Not in a good way either.  I think they were hungry?

Once they were fed, they mellowed out and had a great time.  Of course it was time to leave then.

Sunday morning, the Hubs and I met up with some of his partners and their wives for brunch at Orchids.  They have an amazing brunch buffet and I enjoyed Mimosas to forget about the birthday party from the day before.

 This kid is so funny lately and I just love dressing him like a little old man.  He is saying everything lately.  My favorites are "I NUUU!" for "I love you" and his kisses.  Oh lordy, his kisses.  He'll just come up to me, lean in, and purse his lips and go "MmmmmmmmmmmMUAH!"  He plays hard and loves hard ;-)  Given his history, I might have to start wearing a helmet.  But he makes my Mama heart melt.  Oh, and for "Clarabelle" (the cow from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse) he calls her "Carabooo".  So stinkin cute.

 I spent lots of time both at the library and at home doing this:

 I whipped up this meal that my husband said (and I'm quoting his words verbatim here) was "The best chicken to ever cross my lips".  It. Was. Stellar.

Baked Chicken Scampi from my Wildtree freezer meals workshop.

We spent some time outdoors, soaking up the last few warm-ish fall days.

And that about sums it up!