Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Favorite Things

Good Morning Ladies! Today I am linking up with my friend Ashley over at Dancing with Ashley to tell you what my Favorite Things of July!


1. Fourth of July Party. It was hot but everyone had a great time!

2. Our Day-cation! The Aquarium, Go-Karts, and pizza with my little family was so much fun!
3. Girl's Night. Apple Martinis, old school rap and hip hop...enough said.


4.Swim Lessons. I have a love hate relationship with swim. The first week was great but now I am a bit over it. LOL! Oh well, watch out 2028 Olympics...Jordan's coming for ya!

5. Our Double Family Vacation with The Charles'. We had a fantastic time. Unfortunately, we never got a pic with all of us in it but between Jennifer and I, we got a lot of pics of the boys.

My extra special favorite thing is that today is my daddy's birthday! Happy Birthday to him! He is one of my biggest supporters and cheerleaders! Shh...don't tell him but I'm throwing him a HUGE 60th birthday party next year! 

Link up with Ashley and tell us about your favorite things!

Monday, July 30, 2012

Weekend Recap

We had a great time in Pigeon Forge, TN! I will be blogging about our whole trip sometime this week but until then I will leave you with a pic!

This was the beginning of all the toddler shenanigans that took place this weekend!

Friday, July 27, 2012

Friday's Letters

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Dear God...I can not begin to thank you enough for the incredible blessings that you continuously give to us. I am trying my best to not take this life for granted! I know you've heard my unspoken prayers this week. Dear Mini Vacation...yay, you're finally here! In T-Minus 3 hours we will be headed to TN! Dear TN...please be as great as I've imagined you in my head. Dear Self...you rocked those workouts this week, way to go. Dear People That Shorten Words...please don't try to have a conversation with me. "Cray" and "Ridic" are not in my vocabulary. Sorry to sound like such a complete word snob. Dear Neighbors From Last Week...Apparently,you don't read my blog. Again, it's not breaking news, people steal, and usually they steal stupid stuff. I should knock on your door and tell you. Close your garage door!!! Dear Jordan...only one visit with the spanking spoon this week, things are starting to look up!

Have a great weekend ladies! Don't forget to link up with Ashley!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Yay, it's Wednesday, half the week is over and I'm two days away from our mini vacation. Here's...


I'm LOVING that we are headed to Gatlinburg on Friday for a mini double family vacation! Jen and I, along with the cupcakes(boys) and muffins(hubbys) are hitting the road on Friday. This vacation is well deserved, long overdue, and much needed. Jen and I have already planned our junk food meals...buffalo chicken dip, Moscato, warm chocolate chip cookies, and ice cream.
Hi, my name is Danielle and I am a vacation junk food-aholic!


I'm LOVING that Jordan is loving swim lessons!

 
I'm LOVING that technology can allow me to talk to and see Kai and for Jordan to talk to and see Kaila (Kai's daughter).

I'm LOVING that I finally got a new passport with my married name on it...only nearly 4 years later. Better late than never, right? Right! We are headed to Jamaica in September for our anniversary<insert happy dance>.

And of course, I am LOVING these two!


Don't forget to link up with Jaime and tell us what you're LOVING today!

 

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Letters To Myself

I found this on Holly's blog who found it on someone else's blog...we all know how this game goes. I know a lot of you have already done it but better late than never, right?

I was 16 in 1999 and thought I knew it all. Boy was I wrong! So, this what I'd say to my sixteen year old self...

Dear 16 Year Old Self,

Don't spend most of your high  school years wishing that you were in college. College would come and go quickly and you'll be wish that you could rewind time.

Be a leader not a follower. Not going with the majority will keep you out of a lot of trouble that you friends will get into.

Take the negative comments that people will make about your big butt and wide hips in stride. Thanks to Jennifer Lopez (who will later be referred to as J-Lo) and Beyonce, ladies will be squating and lunging with all their might to get a butt and hips like yours! Embrace it!

Relax. Everything isn't always black and white. There is a grey area and being in that grey area doesn't mean that you don't have a stance, it just means your exploring all options.

Value the friendships that you have, those friends will resurface and become some of your best friends.

The guy that you will meet and ultimately date for the majority of your early 20s is not the guy you will marry. You will learn a lot from this guy. He will teach you a totally different lifestyle from what you're used to. Take it all in, the lessons you learn from that relationship will help you in the following relationships.

Be open to different "ideals." Be open to different cultures. Date the guy that isn't tall. Date the guy that is quiet and a little bit shy.Take the phone number of the guy that barely spoke two words to you at the bar but wanted to exchange numbers at the end of the night. That guy will be the best thing that will ever happen to you.

Love,
Your 29 Year Old Self

Monday, July 23, 2012

Weekend Recap

Good Morning Ladies! I hope everyone had a great weekend! Notice anything new?!?

We had a great weekend! I usually get bummed on Ashish's working weekend. The days seem to drag and 6:00 can't come soon enough but because of the on and off thunderstorms we had the perfect amount of busy and down time! Here's what we were up to this weekend!

Friday night Jordan and I went on a double date with my good friend Ali and her son Cooper! First we took the boys to Catch Air where they jumped and bounced their little hearts out. After Ali and I the boys were tired we took them out for pizza at Mellow Mushroom. Anyone that has kids knows that going to a restaurant that doesn't have a playground attached can be a challenge. Our boys took that challenge and came out like rock stars! They sat quietly and played with bag of cars and trains that Ali brought. When our food came, they split a pizza and ate the majority of it. Ali and I were able to have a real conversation, the only interruptions being potty breaks. The boys were so good that we decided to trudge through the rain to the frozen yogurt shop to treat those little angels.

Saturday morning was so yucky and dreary. It was the perfect stay in your bed kinda morning. I've caught up on most of my DVR'd shows so I browsed through my OnDemand and started watching...
I had heard good things about it and thought I'd give it a shot. It was a cute chick flick. I L.O.V.E. Colin Egglesfield. After the movie, J and I decided to go to the library. We had some books to return and I wanted to check to see if some of the books that I'd been waiting to read were available yet. After checking out 14(yes, you read that right) books, it was time to go. We had some time to kill before going home so we decided to meet up with Jen and Jonathan and browse the aisles of Target. Surprisingly, I didn't spend my husbands whole paycheck, but I did find a bathing suit top!!!

Saturday night my aunt and uncle were in town from Michigan so we went to visit and have dinner over at my cousin's house. Jordan got to play with their HUGE adorable German Sheppard, Lucas.


Sunday was church as usual.  After lunch we had a playdate/mommy gossip date with Jen and Jonathan at McDonald's. They ran circles around the McDonald's playground. Jordan made a girl-friend...I drooled over all the people that were eating chocolate dipped cones. Oh the joys of dieting healthy eating!

I watched ANOTHER movie...

I saw this one at the movie theatre. It was also really cute. I like Justin Timberlake.

 By the time Ashish got home, I had dinner ready and it was time to start gearing up for the "work" week.


Swim lessons start today....wish us luck!




Friday, July 20, 2012

Friday Letters

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Dear God...thank you for allowing me to see another Friday! Please cover the doctors that will be operating on my best friend/cousin this morning. She is really nervous and I am just flat out scared for her. Dear Husband...I'm thanking God for you this morning. Dear Weather...you took the heat but can you please take the humidity too? Dear Jay-Z, Kanye, and Beyonce...because of you, I didn't scream obscenities during my run, it was rather pleasant. Dear Run...I pushed through you, my waistline will be happy. Dear Neighbors...I understand that we live in a fairly safe neighborhood in the suburbs but that doesn't mean that there isn't crime out here. Please close your garage at night. I would hate to have to look at you like your crazy apologetically when someone breaks into your house. Dear George Zimmerman...I'm SMH @ You. Dear New Followers...you guys are the best. I have received the sweetest comments this week. You guys know how to make a girl feel good! Dear Jennifer...this time next week we will be gearing up to head out for our mini vacation with our little muffins (boys) and our big cupcakes (hubbys). The count down starts NOW!


Don't forget to Link Up with Ashley and visit 5 other blogs! Have a great weekend!

Thursday, July 19, 2012

If You Really Knew...My Child

Last Thursday I told you a little bit about me, you can read it here, well today I thought it would be fun to tell you girls a little bit about my little guy, Jordan.


If You Really Knew Jordan...You'd know that he made us wait two extra weeks to meet him!

You'd know that he is the perfect only child. He plays very well by himself but can defintiely enjoy a good time with friends.


You'd know that he enjoys his sleep!


You'd know that he is a hard worker!


You'd know that  he loves to dance (he gets it from his momma)!

You'd know the he is a loyal friend



You'd know that he is a family guy...he enjoys spending time with his mommy and daddy!


But more importantly, you'd know that he is the best thing that has happened to Ashish and I. Our lives would not be the same without him!

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Yay, it's Wednesday, time for another edition of...




I'm LOVING that I got another week off of "work." M and L are away at their annual Campmeeting so I get to spend some extra special time with Jordan!

I'm LOVING that I got to hang out with some of my mommy friends yesterday! I hosted a "Pinterest Potluck and Playdate" at my house. Everyone was supposed to make a recipe from one of their food boards and bring it. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures because I was too busy stuffing my face. LOL!

I'm LOVING that I gave J a haircut, all by myself!!! I have been paying to get his hair cut, twice a month, since the week before his first birthday. It's costing us close to $40/mo just to maintain his hair. It's CRAZY! So, I got gutsy and gave it go. It isn't the best haircut he's ever had but I was pretty happy with myself. Note: if I had a girl, I would NEVER attempt this!



I'm LOVING my new blog friends and my old blog friends that have been so sweet and supportive!


And as always, I'm LOVING these two!
This is what Jordan bought with his "allowance" that we give him. My parents match whatever we give. SPOILED KID!



Link up with Jaime and tell us what you're LOVING today!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

411: Some Things You Need to Know About Me!

 Good Morning Ladies! I'm linking up with Becky over at From Mrs.To Mama to give you guys the 411 on ME!

Here are the original questions, answer as many or as few as you'd like!
1. How long have you been blogging? And what got you started on blogging? Has your blog changed?
2. Did you go to college? If so where, and what did you study?
3. Where have you traveled?
4. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?
5. What are your 3 biggest pet peeves?
6. What is your favorite movie?
7. What is your drink of choice; wine, beer, or liquor. Or Water, Soda, Tea?
8. What is something you enjoy to do when you have me time?
9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be?
10. Share with us an embarrassing moment of your past? Or present.
11. What day would you love to relive again?
12. If your life was turned into a movie... what actor would play you?
13. What are the jobs you had in high school/college/the early years?
14. Show us a picture from high school or college.
15. If you could travel anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?
16. Show us the most current picture of you or you and your family.
17. Where do you see your life 5 years from now?

Here We Go!
1. How long have you been blogging? And what got you started on blogging? Has your blog changed? I've been blogging for close to 3 yrs. I am a writer, I kept a journal or diary until I graduated college so "blogging" was just a new and improved way of writing.
2. Did you go to college? If so where, and what did you study? Yes,  I attended The University of Georgia! I double majored in Criminal Justice and Psychology.


via Google.com


3. Where have you traveled? I've been on a cruise to the Bahamas and have visited several state across the US.


4. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?
My husband's education (we are still paying for pharmacy school). THEN I would build my dream house from the ground up! 5. What are your 3 biggest pet peeves? Only 3?!? LOL! Rude people. People that talk loudly on the phone in a quiet place (i.e. the nail salon). People that complain about EVERYTHING. There are too many Eeyore's in this world. Find something to be happy about! 6. What is your favorite movie? Again, just 1? Pretty Woman and Steel Magnolias are tied. I love me some Julia Roberts.


7. What is your drink of choice; wine, beer, or liquor. Or Water, Soda, Tea?
Wine: Moscato
Beer: Corona-2 limes
Liquor: Apple Martini
I don't really drink soda, love water, and nothing can top a good glass of sweet tea!
8. What is something you enjoy to do when you have me time? I am lucky to be able to have "me" time as often as I choose. My parents and my in-laws are eager to take J off my hands! So, when I do have "me" time, I like to read, get my nails done, shop, get a massage...
9.
If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be? Nordstrom, they really have the cutest stuff AND they have a personal stylist that you can work with to get the best outfits for your body type, budget, and style. Macy's runs a close second because they are more than half the cost of Nordstrom. Nordstrom wins out because of the stylist.


10. What day would you love to relive again? My wedding day, as cliche as it sounds, it flew by. It was over before it began.

12. If your life was turned into a movie... what actor would play you? Taraji P. Henson-she's got just the right amount of class and sass! Isn't she beautiful?!? OR, Gabrielle Union-I've been told that we have similar features.





16. Show us the most current picture of you or you and your family.



17. Where do you see your life 5 years from now?
Happy! I live a overly blessed life surrounded by incredible people. I can see it only getting better!
Have a great day! Don't forget to Link Up with Becky!

Monday, July 16, 2012

Weekend Recap

Happy Monday (although by the time most read this it will probably be Tuesday)! I hope everyone had a great weekend. Here is what I was up to this weekend.

Friday night I went out with my SIL, Jennifer, and my cousin and her friend. Mix old school hip hop with new school hip hop and add a some Beyonce and a splash (or 3) of Apple Martinis and you great a heck of a good time!


My face was starting to feel the effects of the Apple Martini-hot, shiny, and a little bit numb

I had a hair appointment on Saturday morning at 6am. Why I scheduled a hair appt that early knowing that I was going out the night before is truly beyond me. Nevertheless, I went and got my "hair did." I was tired and a little bit grumpy but MAN, there is nothing like newly done hair. Saturday night I went out with my mommy friends for dinner and a movie. We saw Magic Mike (me for the second time). Everyone enjoyed it. My prudish friend, Gianna (shh, don't tell her that) "OMGed" through the whole movie.

Sunday was church as usual. Hubby worked on the parking team, he loves that job. Deep down inside he should work in law enforcement. We started a a new grocery budgeting program. I'll blog about that soon. So far, it's working!


I hope everyone has a great week!

Friday, July 13, 2012

Friday Letters

Dear Friday...as always, it's a pleasure to see you. Dear Scale...please tell me that all my hard work this week is paying off. Dear Body...you're less than 6 months away from the big 3-0.  Dear God...I'm still here...being quiet...waiting to move! Dear Storm...I really don't appreciate you. You single handedly took out my modem which in turn took out my home phone, internet, and U-Verse. Mean...just mean. Dear Quiet Mornings...I really do appreciate you. The only thing that could make you better is a cup of coffee, which I don't drink. Sigh. Dear Girl's Night/Friday Plans...I know that I am no longer 21, please be kind to me on Saturday morning. Dear Self...learn to say "no." Dear Ashley...I'm screaming "Happy Birthday" to you.

Have a great weekend ladies!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

If You Really Knew Me

Just as Ashley noted that she was copying this from someone else, I am copying from that someone too!

If you really knew me...

~You'd know that I never sleep past daybreak. My body is hardwired to wake up with the sun despite what time I went to bed.

~You'd know that 3 months into our engagement, we found out we were pregnant with Jordan.

~You'd know I talk to my mom at least 3 times a day. You'd also know that my mom and I didn't have a close relationship growing up. She was/is a great mother and I adore her but she made it perfectly clear that she was my mother and not my friend. It wasn't until I was out of high school that her and I became friendly.

~You'd know that I can't go to bed with a dirty kitchen. I can't even sit down after dinner until my kitchen is completely.

~You'd know that I'm an analyzer. I could put 5 different spins on the same story.

~You'd know that I've never been in a physical fight (except with my brother but siblings don't count). I guess no one has ever disliked me enough to want to beat me up. LOL!

~You'd know that I wanted to be a lawyer when I started college, then I wanted to work for the FBI, but by the time I finished college, I wanted to teach.

~You'd know that every time I get a new pair of shoes, I dance around my house in them for at least 30 minutes!

~You'd know that I think a good pair of shoes can change a girl's life!

~You'd know that I really appreciate all of you that take the time out to read about my life everyday!

Have a great day!

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Hey Ladies, Happy Wednesday. I'm linking up with Jaime to tell you what I'm Loving this Wednesday!


I'm Loving that I got to spend some quality time with one of my very best friends. Marriage, work, kids, and everything in between have gotten in the way and we haven't seen each other in nearly two months. Ba wanted to see J, Ashish was working, Jason (Tasha's husband) was being boring, and I didn't have plans. I called her up and we went shopping. Great times!

I'm Loving...my mommy friends. They truly are the best support system! We are headed out to see Magic Mike on Saturday (shhh....don't tell them, but I've already seen it.)

I'm Loving...this girl! This is one of my dearest friends, Jennifer. She really is the icing to my cake. We started a weight loss journey together and I couldn't have asked for a better encourager, cheerleader, confidant than Jennifer.

And as always, I'm loving these two!


Have a great day! Don't forget to link up with Jaime!

Monday, July 09, 2012

Staying Home

Good Morning, I hope everyone had a great weekend!

First, I want to give Faith a huge THANK YOU for giving me a shout out on her blog. If you haven't checked her out, you should! She is one of the most down to earth bloggers that I follow! What I like best about her (it's hard to think of just one, but I must) is that she is genuinely a fun person. She doesn't just blog about her super weekends or great finds, she blogs about Life, Love, & Marriage, in it's truest form! Thanks again Faith, you're the best!


OK, back to the subject at hand! The subject of staying home has come up a lot in my daily conversations lately. I get the "do you really like staying home" question at least once a week, mostly by family or friends that don't have kids.

To answer that question, I will start from the very beginning. When I was pregnant with Jordan I was sure that I would go back after my maternity leave. In my opinion, I needed to work. I got my first job at 16, worked my way through college, and had been at the same job for 4 years at the time. I didn't love the people that I worked for, but I truly loved my job. Ashish and I went back and forth for nearly 7 months. He used to joke and say "that woman is going back to work. If I can't stay home, she can't stay home." You'd have to truly know my husband to understand but he would never make that decision for me. He knew me, he knew that I needed the social outlet that was work. I'm a people person, I enjoy conversation, get togethers, and all parties.

Two weeks before Christmas, I made the decision to quit my job. Just like that. Of course I gave a two week notice, which my boss declined, but I quit. I packed up my belongings from my classroom, handed over my keys, and said "I wish you all the best in life and have a Merry Christmas." There wasn't any one incident that led me to this decision. I was working a job were I was unappreciated and over worked (isn't everyone?). I was blessed to have the choice to continue working or stay home. I sat down and weighed the disadvantages against the advantages. The advantages far outweighed the disadvantages.
Advantages:
  • I got to see Jordan every morning.
  • It made the attempt to breastfeed so much easier
  • On the days that Ashish was off, we got to spend time as a family
  • I made new friends
  • I got to have lunch with my dad every Friday
Disadvantages:
  • Always being "on call." I could never use the excuse "I gotta get up in the morning, can you get the baby?"
  • The social aspect, until I made other SAH mommy friends
  • Not getting a paycheck. We live comfortably on one paycheck but I was used to making my own money.
So, the question..."Do you really like staying at home?" My answer is "YES." Being at home is a much harder task than most people know. Ashish works crazy hours, he has days off during the week some weeks, and he works every third weekend. If I worked, I wouldn't see him much during the week and on that third weekend I wouldn't see him at all. I wasn't comfortable putting Jordan in daycare as a baby. I am was a paranoid parent.

If you have the option to stay home, I would say "give it a try" or "try it part time." Staying home isn't the best thing for everyone. There may come a day when it gets to be too much or the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages. Enjoy it if you can and if you can't, know that your kids will still be well rounded as the next kid!

Have a Happy Monday Ladies!

Friday, July 06, 2012

Friday Letters & Fourth of July Recap

Dear Friday...nice to see you again! Dear Faith...your blog is now private?!? Dear Bloggers...I don't know why I get so attached, it's like I know all of you in my real life. Dear Real Life Friends...thank you so much for reading my blog. Dear Jordan...I'm so glad to have you back! That weird mood that you were in last week that caused me to introduce a "spanking spoon" into our house was NOT cool. Dear God...thank you for giving me patience during Jordan's crazy phase.

I hope you all have a great weekend!
To read other Friday letters, link up with Ashley here!

Fourth of July Recap

Good Morning, I hope all of you had a great 4th of July! Was it just me or did it feel like a Saturday to anyone else? Maybe because it was in the middle of the week? Maybe because we didn't do a whole lot?

Every year we host a huge 4th of July party! I secretly start planning for this party in March. I scour the Internet for recipes and cute decor ideas-pinterest doesn't help, who am I kidding, I spent hours on that site one night. LOL!

Because the 4th was in the middle of the week I decided to host my party on Saturday and call it "A Pre-Fourth of July" party. It worked out perfectly. I didn't feel stressed to get everything done quickly because I was able to have the party later in the day. One little problem: it was still 103 degrees at 5:00 when the party was supposed to start. Luckily, most of the guests were late, for some reason or another, so by the time the majority of the guests came, the sun had started to go down. We had a great time. Sorry there aren't a lot of pic, I put my camera down and just enjoyed the party!









Our bellies were full of food and our hearts were filled with love. I hope that everyone had a great 4th of July!