Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Monday, November 29, 2010

How I Ended Up On Santa's Lap

With Thanksgiving over with and the Christmas season in full swing, I did what any crazy good mother would do and packed Drake up and headed straight to the closest Santa. Little did I know that I would soon be reliving my childhood by taking a seat on Santa's lap.

Let's just say Drake and Santa never really hit it off.

Leaving me to come rescue my terrified little boy from the arms of the jolly man in the red suit.

When Santa got a grand idea.

"Why doesn't mom sit on my lap and hold the baby so we can get a great picture!"

As you can see this made no difference to Drake. He was still scared out of his mind.

Please notice the following about our "official" Santa picture:

A.Santa is acting as though he is being crushed by me. Nice Santa, real nice.

B.I'm laughing hysterically because quite frankly I have no idea what else to do.

C. Drake is still scared out of his mind and reaching for my parents to come save him because obviously his mom is not going to be getting him out of the situation.

All of those things combined left us with this priceless photo and the story of how I ended up on Santa's lap.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

Last night was one of those nights that was truly magical.

A night that took me back to my childhood.

A night that makes you believe in flying Nannies and the magic of believing.

A night that was perfect in every way.


Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Broadway performance of Mary Poppins and it was extraordinary in every way. I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical how Broadway could recreate one of the most classic childhood movies of all time (and one of my favorites growing up) but it did not disappoint!

From the moment the curtain went up and the notes of "Chim Cher-ee" filled the air the performance was filled with favorite moments and songs from the original  movie with some new twists and musical numbers.

The show was full of unexpected magic and special effects that added so many "WOW" moments to the production. The highlight of the show came with a jaw-dropping performance of "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" where the cast impressed us all with the mind-numbing ability to spell the crazy long word over and over and faster and faster, all while preforming impressive dance moves!

The best part about Mary Poppins is that it is truly a show that the whole family can attend and enjoy! I went with my sister, mother in-law, and sister in-law. We all left the performance in awe of the talent and showmanship. 

As we were leaving the Civic Center last night, I could not help but notice the children talking excitedly to their parents about their favorite parts of the show, the groups of people talking about how they would love to see it again, and the couples chatting about the talent of the performers in the show.

I also could not help but notice the hundreds and hundreds of smiles of the people leaving. And in my opinion,  a smile as you leave a performance is the best review any show could get.

Thank you to the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines for inviting me to be their guest. If you would like to see Mary Poppins and experience the magic for yourself, it is playing now through December 12th at the Civic Center. If you live outside the Des Monies area check your local Preforming Arts Center to see if Mary Poppins is coming to you

Please Note: I was provided with tickets to Mary Poppins. I was not compensated in any other way. These are my own, honest opinions.

Monday, November 22, 2010

I am Thankful For These Moments

This is the week where blogs will be buzzing with Thankful post listing all the things they are thankful for. Many lists will surely include family, friends, health, a home, and food on the table.

While I'm so thankful for all the things mentioned above, I'm even more thankful for these moments I am living right now.

You know the moments I'm talking about; the small everyday moments spent chasing a toddler up the stairs for the millionth time that day or the rare quiet snuggles that last just seconds or when Drake reaches up to me with those big blue eyes and says "Momma" or watching my husband be Daddy  or the patience Skinner shows as Drake climbs over him or the look of pure joy on my son's face as he dances in the light of the Christmas tree.

These are the moments that make me rich in a way that no amount of money, no car, no house, no material thing ever could.

These moments are what I will hold in my heart forever.

And for that I'm Thankful


Thursday, November 18, 2010

Friday Favorites

I am currently obsessed with the song "Never Grow Up" by Taylor Swift. If you are a Momma and have never heard this song, be prepared to have lots of tissues handy. This song captures so much of what is in my heart just perfectly, making this a Friday Favorite.
Here are the lyrics to "Never Grow Up"
Go to Taylor Swift's website to hear the song

"Never Grow Up"

You're little hands wrapped around my finger
And, it's so quiet in the world tonight
You're little eyelids flutter cause you're dreaming
So, I took you in

Turn on your favorite night light
To you, everything's funny
You got nothing to regret
I'd give all I had, honey
If you could stay like that

Oh, darling don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up
Just stay this little

Oh, darling don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up
It can stay this simple

I won't let nobody hurt you, won't let no one break your heart
And no one will desert you
Just try to never grow up, and never grow up

You're in the car on the way to the movies
And, you're mortified
You're mom's dropping you off
At, fourteen there's just so much you can't do
And you can't wait to move out someday and call your own shots
But, don't make her drop you off around the block
Remember that she's getting older too
And don't lose the way that you dance around in your PJ's getting ready for school

Oh, darling don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up
Just stay this little
Oh, darling don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up
It can stay this simple

And no one's ever burned you
Nothing's ever left you scarred
And even though you want to
Just try to never grow up

Take pictures in your mind of your childhood room
Memorize what it sounded like when your dad get's home
Remember the footsteps, remember the words said
And all you're little brothers favorite songs
I just realized everything I had is someday gonna be gone

So, here I am in my new apartment
In a big city, they just dropped me off
It's so much colder than I thought it would be
So, I tucked myself in and turned my night light on
Wish I'd never grown up
I wish I'd never grown up

Oh, I don't wanna grow up
Wish I'd never grown up
Could still be little
Oh, I don't wanna grow up
Wish I'd never grown up
It could still be simple

Oh, darling don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up
Just stay this little
Oh, darling don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up
It can stay this simple

I won't let nobody hurt you
Won't let no one break your heart
And even you want to
Please, try to never grow up

Oh, whoa
Don't you ever grow up
Oh, whoa
Never grow up
Just never grow up



Love you my sweet boy-Momma

What is your Favorite thing this Friday? Grab the button and link up!










 


Monday, November 15, 2010

The Day My Finger Burned Off

 OK, so my finger might not have burned off, but it might as well have.

The day started out innocently enough, some pumpkin bread for breakfast, a trip to Bass Pro Shop to see the Christmas Village,  an impromptu Santa visit (where Drake wore an expression of true surprise the whole visit) and what promised to be a fun afternoon of Christmas crafting with my sister.

This is where the day takes a turn for the worse. As I was hot gluing ornaments onto a Styrofoam wreath, I misplaced an ornament, and without giving it a second thought, grabbed it to reposition it. Since I obviously forgot that I  had  just used 380 degree hot glue to adhere the ornament, I grabbed it right in the middle of a huge pile of scalding hot glue. I said lots of $%#^ and #%#$@ and took the 3 steps to the kitchen sink where I ran my finger under hot water to find a blister had already started to form.

But don't worry I did not let that throbbing, burning, mass of pain little thing get me down. I did what any good crafter would do and kept on going.

My perseverance was rewarded with this:






And a thumb that is out of commission from texting for the foreseeable future.

No pain, no gain

Right?!?

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Awesome

Awesome Thing #1
Thank you all so much for making my SITS Day(s) so special. I was so touched by all the kind and thoughtful comments that were left. If you left a comment please know that I am on a mission to stop by every single person's blog and say 'hi'. I've already found some great new blogs to add to my reading list!

Awesome Thing #2
                                                


I am LOVING my new blog design. I love the clean feel of it with all the fresh colors and new layout.The best part about the blog redesign was working with my very talented friend, Shannon, who just opened up a blog design and stationery business called Persnickety Pages {& More}. She has an eye for detail and a knack for good design. Shannon was super easy to work with and took all my suggestions into account while adding her own special touches. If you need a new blog design or are looking for some holiday cards please check out Persnickety Pages {& More}.

P.S. - If you are looking for an awesome blog to read check out Shannon's personal blog Webbisodes where she shares stories and pictures of her sweet little Gillian Grace!

 
 Awesome Thing #3
Boys who's best friends just happen to be covered in fur.


Sunday, November 7, 2010

Welcoming SITS to My House

After months of waiting, my SITS Day is finally here!

When I got the email on Saturday telling me it was my turn to be the featured blogger, I'm pretty sure my face looked something like this:
Only not nearly as cute.

Anyways, WELCOME! Let me give you the quick story on me:

I met my husband at the Zoo. Now, before you go thinking this might be the cutest "how we met" story you have ever heard, just know that this zoo served beer and had a bouncer at the door. Not quite as cute as the zoo with  lions and elephants, right?

I have been stung by jellyfish 3 separate times. This is very strange since I live in the Midwest and have only been to the ocean a handful of times. I'm taking this as a sign that jellyfish hate my guts.

Drake, my 15 month old son, is always better dressed than me. Don't believe me? See for yourself.

 
If you want to get to know me even better grab a pop (any other Midwesterners out there who call soda that?) or a glass of wine if you need something a bit stronger and stay awhile. You can read all about the time I walked around a college town with poop all over myself. Or about how I reacted when I found out we were having a boy. You can even educate yourself on Counting Kicks when you are expecting.

Drake and I want to thank you for stopping by our "house" for a visit. We hope to see you again soon!
If you are not already a member, head over to The Secret is in the Sauce to sign up. Once you are a member, get ready to be amazed by the support you will receive from the over 7,000 members who believe the secret to success in blogging is supporting through commenting and sharing ideas. I'm sure glad I found them!

Friday, November 5, 2010

Friday Favorites

To kick off some new and exciting things here at SSS Momma, I'm starting a new weekly feature called Friday Favorites, where I plan on sharing some of my favorite things. I'm thinking about making it a link-up so other people who want to participate can. If any of you interested in participating in Friday Favorites let me know.

My very first Friday Favorite is Trader Joe's

For those of you who are unfamiliar, Trader Joe's is a small grocery store that carries high quality and organic food for a very reasonable price. So basically, coolest place ever!!


Iowa's very first Trader Joe's just opened up today and being the crazy woman that I am, I braved the crowds with my husband and Drake to check it out. Did I mention that we stood in line for over a half hour to check out? Yep, told you I was crazy!

Today was not my first visit to a Trader Joe's. I've been to TJ's in Minnesota, Illinois, and Arizona and have always been super impressed with their selection of yummy foods for such a reasonable price. They seriously have the most amazing buttermilk pancake mix that I have ever had. I'm also obsessed with their pre-made pizza dough (freezes very well) and store brand pizza sauce.

Of course, the best thing about Trader Joe's is the Charles Shaw wine (aka 2 Buck Chuck) for $2.99...and better yet, it is GOOD wine. I mean seriously, you can buy a case of 2 Buck Chuck for $36.00!! I realize my enthusiastic love for cheap wine makes me sound like a lush, but don't knock it till you try it!

Today we decided to try a few new items and picked up chocolate cat cookies for humans, (think chocolate animal crackers) olive hummus, and Trader Joe's Mexican beer (like Corona). I'm excited to test our new items out and add some new favorites to our list.

Do you have a Trader Joe's around you?

What are you favorite items? Please share!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Because Every Woman Needs to Feel Pretty

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!
Winner is Comment #56- Vittoria
Vittoria said...
I feel pretty in my tightest pair of jeans, my highest heels and a really great tee!
Thanks!


What piece of clothing makes you feel pretty?

Is it your favorite pair of jeans that fit just right?
Or the little black dress that hugs you in all the right places?
Or maybe the comfortable worn yoga pants you wear on the weekends?

Before I had Drake,  I used to feel prettiest in my form fitting skinny jeans with an embellished tank-top and some little flip-flop sandals. After Drake, that same outfit somehow just did not do it for me anymore. The jeans were too tight, the tank to short and the sandals not comfortable.

For months, I felt like I had nothing that I truly felt pretty in. I had clothes that fit, I even had clothes that I liked, but they lacked that extra something to really make me feel pretty in them. This all changed when I received a package from ellelauri with 2 beautiful dresses.

Liz from ellelauri sent over  The Rylee and The Taylor dresses for me to review.  Are they not beautiful?!? I fell in love with both dresses from the moment I tried them on.
The Rylee dress was gorgeous in the beautiful peach color an is so comfortable to wear. I have been transiting this dress for fall by adding brown leggings, brown boots and a cardigan.
The Taylor dress is comfortable and a new favorite staple of my closet. I always wear this dress with either leggings or jeans because it is just a tad too short for me to wear alone since I'm so tall. Isn't that deep green the PERFECT fall color? I love that I can transition the dress from a casual day at the park with my son to an evening out with my husband in a flash.
The best thing about both of these dresses is that I feel pretty in them, truly pretty. Thanks ellelauri for helping a Momma feel pretty again!

The GIVEAWAY Details:

Enter to win a Taylor or Rylee dress of your choice!

You can earn three entries to the giveaway by doing one, two or all three things listed below:
1. Follow ellelauri on Twitter
2. Like ellelauri on Facebook
3. Tell me what outfit makes you feel pretty

(Make sure and leave a separate comment for each item you complete to earn your eligible entries)

The giveaway begins today Thursday, November 4th and ends at 7:00 am CST Monday, November 15th. One winner will be picked at random, using Random.org. The winner must respond within 48 hours, or a new winner will be picked.

Please Note: I was provided with 2 dresses free of charge so I could review the product and promote the giveaway. I was not compensated in any other way. These are my own, honest opinions.



P.S. Remember the Blog2Print Giveaway I did a few weeks ago? Well, they felt sorry for all of you who did not win and wanted to offer you a little gift of 10% off all Blog2Print blog books- just use this code b2pgy910

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

When Real Life Takes Over

Hi everybody, remember me?!?

I know I have been a BAD blogger lately.

I have not been updating my blog as often as I would like to, and you don't need to tell me that the content has been lacking lately.

I HAVE been reading your blogs when I have a spare moment on my phone with my google reader, but have not been commenting. Just know I am still a loyal reader and will be back!

Real life has sort of gotten in the way of blogging. At work, I am in the process of putting together and holding our big annual meeting  next week, so these last few weeks have been nothing but crazy!

Just so you know... after next Friday I will be back to regular scheduled programing here at Sassy Silly Spunky Momma and returning to comment on all of you wonderful blogs.

In the meantime, real life and blog life are about to collide in a big way! I have had some amazing opportunities come up that just can't wait, so in the next week, be expecting some big changes around here.

How do you balance blogging and real life? Please, fill a Momma in.