A Leap of FAITH!

OK. Imagine putting a blindfold on. Do you see it completely dark? Now, follow my voice and continue taking large steps closer and closer. As you take each step, you desperately reach your hands out to feel in front of you to try to make your steps safer. You slowly point out your foot and consciously feel for strong footing before you put your weight down. You don't know where you are going. You don't know how far you have gone. You just continue to follow that voice.

Sometimes, that is exactly what we have to do in our lives. God just completely takes control. For a moment, we may not know where is taking us or why. It's really difficult to relinquish that control...and let Him guide us. We still may be cautious and put our hands out because we are hesitant, but we go step by step following Him where He is leading.

Well, that is what has been happening in my life. As most of you that know me or read the blog, you know that I have control issues. I know it. I can admit it. I like to do things my way. I like to plan. However, over the last few weeks, it has felt like I have been blindfolded and God is leading me step by step.

I have gone back and forth this summer about going back to work part time. Next year would probably work better because both of my girls would be in school, but God had other plans. As you know, we decided not to re-enroll LaLa in the private preschool she was at after K3. Our plan was for me to homeschool her. I had our "learning spot" set up in my office/craft room. I had ordered all of the K4 curriculum. I had the year mapped out with the themes and units. We actually started some of the curriculum over the summer because she loves doing "school work". We were ready and all set with our plan!

A few weeks ago (3 or 4...actually), I actually noticed that a wonderful, local private, Christian school was hiring a part time teacher. Here is the catch...it was a music position. I considered applying for it...because it was part time. I printed out the application, talked to a couple people, and never went any further because of several reasons. Well, I love kids and I love singing and such...but I am definitely not a music teacher. Also, several days later, the position changed to full time. See, I knew that wasn't for me is exactly what I told my husband. I forgot all about my thoughts on going back part time and engrossed myself in my summer projects and Little Bit's birthday party.

Well, several days later, a friend called me and said she had found the PERFECT job for me. I laughed and asked what in the world it was!?! She replied that it was a part time job for a Learning Lab Instructor. I was thinking, "what in the world is a learning lab?!" and "No schools have part time right now. Who in the world is posting a part time job?!" You'll never believe it. It was the SAME school that I had looked at the week before. Remember, the application I had printed off, and never finished? Consequently, I emailed a friend that worked at the school to see what the Learning Lab was exactly. It was described as a place that struggling students could go for extra academic support. Eventually, they hope that it will encompass enrichment for students that need enrichment as well.

I couldn't believe it. I have had the opportunity to work with students with special needs and gifted students. These two groups of students are each special and need unique support to meet their needs. Both of these groups are also often the children that fall through the cracks in a regular education classroom. This is where my passion is. This is where my dissertation focused. Once I heard more information about the program, I realized that not only was this job perfect. It was a dream job and a great opportunity.

Within a week from hearing about the job, I completed my application, interviewed, and began working. The environment is incredible! Everyone is so friendly, sincere, and Christ focused. We decided that since I would be at the school, we would go ahead and register LaLa for pre-k. She was very excited as she toured the school, and I feel like they will definitely give her a challenge and keep her focused, which were my goals in homeschooling her. I attended a couple days last week for new teacher orientation, and I have preplanning this week. Every day has been exciting. I L.O.V.E. what the school is trying to do for these struggling kids. I love the opportunities that this program can provide for kids! Plus, this dream opportunity still allows me to be mama. It is part time. Perfect, huh?

We went from no plan of me going back to work and homeschooling LaLa to me going back to work and enrolling LaLa into school within less than a week. We had to figure out childcare, pray about what to do, evaluate all the pros and cons, and so on...but amazingly, everything fell into place within 24 hours of the job being offered to me. Child care was offered to us (more on that later)! I even worried about a back up plan if our child care can't help one day! Within 24 hours, two different wonderful friends offered to be back ups. Let me point out that I didn't even ask...they offered. It gives me chills just thinking about how it has all worked out! Concern after concern was handled until we couldn't even make up a doubt. God had put this opportunity in front of us. Then, he takes any concerns we have and gives solutions. It has been a lot of changes...a lot of adjusting, but it has been amazing. Let me emphasize that again...it has been absolutely AMAZING what has happened over the last three weeks.

It has literally felt like I was blindfolded and took step by step without knowing if my next step was going to make me fall right off a cliff! God has really shown me that if you take that leap of faith and give up that control...that HE has great things ahead for you! I feel such peace about the way thing have worked out. Do you remember my "summer calendar and projects" that I have been working on all summer? I can even see how God knew that I'd be going back to work this fall...even though I didn't. Without even realizing it, I was getting our house and world in order so it wouldn't be hanging over my head or overwhelming me with projects undone! As we get settled, you'll have to forgive me for not blogging regularly, but I'll be back regularly when I get settled in a routine! I'll be sharing Little Bit's birthday pictures too!

Thanks for reading about our big changes and my leap of faith! I'll keep you posted!
Tammy

My Little Bit is TWO!

Happy Birthday, Little Bit!

You know, my goal as a mother from early on was to make sure that I treasured every single little moment. I did not want to look back one day with regrets. I didn't want to hear a little old lady tell me, "it's over in a blink of an eye" and worry that I was missing something. Although that was my goal, I still feel like these last two years FLEW by without me noticing. I was intentional with my moments where my children are concerned, yet despite my deepest efforts, here I am two years since Little Bit was born...shaking my head and wondering where the time went.

I think with your first born you are so excited to reach each and every milestone that you are looking ahead...not behind at phases that passed by you. I know that is the way I was with LaLa. Plus, as soon as LaLa passed this baby stage, I was so excited about what was just ahead...preschool, being able to be more independent, soccer, more talking, more active, etc.. I was pregnant when LaLa turned two. I think that helped too! I knew the "baby" world was still just around the corner. It is so odd to be excited over such a milestone, yet so sad when those milestones go by as well. Wow, what contradictory feelings!

Little Bit is so excited about her big party on Saturday. She is pointing at pictures of all her friends and family (hanging up on a board beside changing table) and asking, "they coming to my bertday?" She can also hold up two fingers when you ask her how old she is. However, she has to hold up one finger on each hand because she just hasn't grasped the concept of two fingers side by side on one hand! Regardless, it's cute!

LaLa has been a great big sister to Little Bit today. She woke her up by singing happy birthday! We spent the day as a family at Chuck-e-cheese, and the girls had a great deal of fun. I think they should hand prozac out to the parents when you leave. Needless to say, the grown ups are quite exhausted!

Can you guess what kind of party Little Bit is having!?:)

Sex In the City...A Night with the Girls

A friend is a person with whom you dare to be yourself. -Pam Brown

Last night was so so so so so (I could go on and on and on!) much fun! A bunch of girlfriends (and some of their moms and friends) and I all got together to go see Sex in the City...the sequel. Now, this is not a normal movie that I would even like. I never saw any of the shows when they were out on tv. However, the Christmas that I was pregnant with LaLa, Robert bought me the entire set of seasons of Sex in the City. Consequently, he went skiing with some friends for his birthday, and I was left to amuse myself at home and very pregnant. I literally snacked and watched every single episode from the very first season to the last. I was hooked, and I felt like I had met each character personally after our weekend of bonding. By the way, my daughter was named prior to knowing there was a character with her name on the series, but it was kind of fitting after my weekend marathon.

The first Sex in the City movie came out a couple years ago. My girlfriends and some of their moms (they all live a couple hours north of me) went to see the movie together. They were all dressed up, ate dinner, enjoyed some wonderful laughs and memories, and hired a limousine to make the night even more special. I, however, was very, very pregnant with Little Bit. I couldn't go. I know...sad, right? Fortunately, I did have a fellow pregnant friend of mine that went to see the movie with me at a nearby theatre. What is it with me being pregnant and my Sex in the City memories?! Funny, right?

Well, this time...I was not pregnant. I hired a sitter (my marvelous cousin that my girls LOVE), drove a couple hours, and made it to enjoy the experience. We had an expedition limousine. We dressed up as glamorous girls. We transformed into normal women and left our "mom" brains behind for a night. I stayed the night with one of my best friends, Jennifer. She and I were college roommates. It was a great opportunity to actually play with her kids. I'm usually so busy with my own that I have never gotten that one on one time with them. Her husband's big breakfast was perfect too!

I laughed all night. My face genuinely hurt from smiling and laughing. I realized that even after years...we are still the same girls we were five or ten years ago. The group was a combination of friends that have been friends for years, friends of friends, moms of friends, and new friends. Ultimately, I realized that we have gotten married, had kids, and started our lives and careers. Regardless if the girls were my age, younger, or older, if they had been in my life for a day or for years, or whatever...we were all friends. We were all women taking a break from life and enjoying "being women" (you have to see the movie to get that:)!)

It was great to be reminded of that....

It is one of the blessings of friends is that you can afford to be stupid with them. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Did I mention that I laughed...all night?! I'm going to so be in trouble for this pic being posted...so enjoy it until she sees it and I'm forced to take remove it. Hee Hee:)

Hold a true friend with BOTH your hands.-Nigerian proverb

A Quick Cure for an achy kind of Day...

Tammy: I have a headache. We don't have anything here to take (especially after all the crazy recalls lately!).  I'm tired and achy. I'm just done.

Robert: Ok, I'll pick you up something on the way home from work.

Robert enters with a couple magazines he swiped from the lobby at work, peanut M&Ms, Advil, and a Coke (which I haven't been keeping in the house to try to cut down on my caffeine addiction!). He even admits that he did try to look for a scrapbook magazine at the store without luck. Then, he eats with the girls and sends me upstairs to eat and watch TV Land (Bewitched). Ah, now I remember why I married him! I wish all guys knew that this kind of stuff means more than expensive items and flowers!

"Happy Mudders Day" & Thoughts About Being a Mommy

Mommy. Mama. Mother. Mamamamamama. Mom. These are the names that altered my life forever. That title of Mommy is the first time that I felt complete purpose for my life. It changed my perspectives. It changed my fears. It changed my goals. It changed my life.



Motherhood...a place that I never thought I would want to be. I assumed if I did ever become a mommy it would be a mom with a career, a nanny, a cleaning crew, and a nice, stylish wardrobe. I did not even plan on making a lot of money. I had dreams and plans of working or creating a non-profit organization to protect/support/advocate for children.



I know so many that dream and fight to have a baby of their own or through the gift of adoption. They have fought paperwork, time, money, infertility, tests, tears, miscarriages, and disappointment working toward experiencing the wonderful gift of motherhood. A gift that is easy to take for granted when you're tired and overwhelmed. My heart goes out to those that go through those trials and tribulations in their journey. There are so many sweet, innocent babies out there that need mothers. I pray and pray that they will find their way into their arms. I know a time after my miscarriage that I felt pain like no other. I felt like I lost a gift before I ever had the opportunity to treasure it.



When I became pregnant, I remember looking for a nanny to help when the baby came. I remember thinking (despite how wonderful and qualified the person was) that there was no way I wanted this individual raising my baby. You know what? I finally came to the conclusion that I was the only one that I wanted raising my baby. Then, I had to break it to my husband. I am finished with working. I will now be a stay at home mom...over night...decision made. One baby changed my mind...my life.



Time after time I feel frustration, confusion, overwhelmed, exhaustion, and just plain dumb as a mother. I heard a statement recently that explained it all. It's not that I have lost brain cells as a mommy. Rather, I just have so much more to do, think about, and worry about as a mommy. I do not have enough brain cells to go around!



However, more often than not, I feel admiration from my kids. My girls are two little people that tell me and think day after day that I am pretty as a princess....even with my glasses, ponytail, and sweatpants. I feel unconditional love when their sweet voices say "I love you, Mommy". I feel happy when my silly faces and "tickle tackles" make them giggle contagiously. I feel secure when they fall asleep beside me and reach out to snuggle in their sleepy state. I feel an overwhelmed need to protect when they cry or hurt, they run to me for comfort, a kiss, or a band-aide. I know for now...a short, very short time....I can make their hurts better.

I want to give my children so much. Most of all, I want them to be happy, healthy and strong. I want them to see God's love through my love. Yes, it is challenging at times. If I cannot show them Christ-like love, then who can I expect to show them the love of Christ.



I know that I would give anything, anything at all, for my children....my body, my time, my thoughts, my nights, my days, my life.



Yes, I would die for them...in a heartbeat...without a moment of hesitation. Could I let them die for me? Honestly, NO, I could not.



When I became a mother, I realized the sacrifice and love that God showed us when He gave us His Son to save us.



Wow...there are no further words to express that kind of sacrifice.



I love you my sweet girls. Thank you for making mother's day my favorite day of the year...the day that reminds me what a blessing being a mother truly is. LaLa and Little Bit, my mom used to tell me that you will never know a mother's love until you become one. It is so true....I will love you both....forever and always.

Love, Mommy



May all of you, Mommies or soon to be Mommies, have a very happy and special Mother’s Day.

The Strawberry Patch

My granddad would plant a huge garden each year that he shared with family and friends. I always enjoyed "helping" him. I remember helping him pick strawberries year after year. He would often call me his "strawberry queen" because I ate much more than I picked. I could never get enough strawberries. There is something that makes strawberries taste so much better when you picked them yourself.

After preschool yesterday, we went on our own strawberry picking adventure. It was lots of fun. I think Little Bit might have inherited my tendency to eat more than pick. LaLa meticulously admired each berry prior to picking. The tractors, animals, and homemade ice cream were an unexpected addition to our visit to the strawberry patch. The people that worked there were so nice. Nice people can make a day even more special. We so often forget that!



Here are some pictures from our strawberry pickin'...

Southern Belle Farms

McDonough, Georgia

2010

A Pirate Party...A special moment

This is my last post about LaLa's fourth birthday, a pirate party. I wanted to share two quick lessons that I will never forget as a mama.

The pirate party was a lot of fun. I would have to admit to my little girl that she had a great idea for a party. Something I never realized before I had kids, but you, as a parent, will spend most of your weekends shuttling from birthday party to party. It makes you really appreciate the guests that come to yours because it is a lot of work and time to make it to all these kid celebrations every weekend! Pirate was a theme that was fun and different from the norm. That statement describes not only the perfect pirate party but also my sweet, special, and unique little girl.

She is one of a kind! I can already see at the young age of three four that peers have influence over each other. My hope and prayer for her that she will stay true to her unique self and special spirit without being influenced by the "way" others assume she should be. Sometimes that uniqueness can drive me crazy as a mama, but I try to remind myself to value it rather than squelch it. LaLa put it best when I was trying to persuade her to a princess party, "Mama, my friends will love to be princesses, but I want to be the pirate and lead the crew. I'd like an eye patch and a peg leg." I pleaded to LaLa, "BUT don't you want to be a princess like everyone else?" LaLa replied, "No, mama. I'm a princess every day. Everyone is a princess at their party. I want to be something different, but if my friends want to be a princess, that's okay with me. I'm just going to be a pirate when I'm four. Maybe next year, we can do a princess party. We'll just have to see." EVEN the best mama couldn't argue with that statement... So, LaLa, you lead your crew and be whatever you want to be...for your birthday parties and in life!

Picture of Little Bit & her Daddy Gene. She wasn't feeling quite like her peppy self at the party. Ear infections, sore throat, and new teeth have a tough battle for Little Bit lately! She looked super cute as a little pirate though! She would not. absolutely. would not let me fix her hair! Oh, well, choose your battles!

Okay, now to my favorite, most precious birthday and mama moment ever!

We asked LaLa what her birthday wish was for her party. Did she want a character or a jumpy (thank goodness she said no)? She wanted her daddy to dress up like a pirate. Hee Hee. IF you know my husband, Robert is somewhat reserved. He can be crazy and rowdy, but he must be perfectly comfortable in the situation first. It was sort of the family joke that Robert was going to dress up for her party because no one (and I mean no one) thought he would ever dress up. Bless his heart. He found a pirate costume (from my brother....hmmm...odd, huh?) and spent the night before the party planning his costume. Just as people were starting to arrive, he came down the stairs all dressed up as a pirate.

Robert coming down the stairs in his pirate costume for the birthday party!

LaLa's facial expressions were priceless. It melted my heart. She looked up at her daddy and said (as she smiled and hugged her daddy), "Daddy, you tricked me. You did dress up like a pirate to make my birthday special."

Took this picture as she looked up and saw daddy as her pirate.

Later, that night as I put her bed, I asked her what her favorite part of her birthday was....after toys, toys, toys, cake, ice cream, food, friends, games and all...do you know what she said?

"Daddy dressing up for my party was my favorite part of being four. Daddy is my prince, mommy." I don't think I have ever loved my husband more than at that moment! It reminds me of this plaque I saw once at a craft festival,

"I found my prince, and his name is Daddy."

Better later than never...going to share Easter pictures on the next posts! Then, (hopefully!) I can share the reason(s) why our life has been so extra crazy lately!

No Kids...No Husbands...No Worries...

I might just post that "title" on the door of my office/craft/storage/sewing/hide everything else/Tammy room!

I am being a blog slacker this week! March is really crazy in my world. Just the birthdays alone keep us pretty busy. We have my mom's, mine, LaLa's, my nephews, not to mention a few family friends as well. I have been hard at work this week getting ready to host some of my favorite people for a sleepover. Yes, a sleepover for grown women! We are leaving our kiddos, our husbands, and our worries behind to focus on having a great time. Isn't that fun? I am so excited. It has been a LONG time since I have had the opportunity to just relax and enjoy my friends...without interruptions. We have had a lot of work and family craziness going on, but I am ready to take a break from all of it and focus on friends and fun this weekend!


I will have lots of pictures and fun to share after Friday...

and a March giveaway is coming up soon...

I love it, I love it not...

I have been talking to friends lately about being a mom, especially a stay at home mom...
It reminds me of pulling a petal off at a time...

I love it...
              I love it not...
                                 
More on that on a different day...there is only so much time when you have a houseful of people running fever and tired of being tired!

I have truly realized one thing that I absolutely LOVE about being a MOM.

I love seeing myself through their eyes. Well, I do most of the time.

Little Bit was crying yesterday in her bed. While I am getting ready to head upstairs to get her, I hear in the intercom, "It's okay sweet baby. Don't cry. LaLa is right here."

Hubby brought girls a balloon (big hit in our world) to cheer them up from feeling bad yesterday. Little Bit runs saying "Oh, gaw." I laughed saying where in the world did she get that from? My husband laughed saying she sounds just like me....oops!:)

At the super bowl party, LaLa was in the craft/office room playing with some other kids. I heard her tell one of the toddlers as they were "creating" art work, "Don't be vusterated. You just have to do your very best. See you can do it. This is great work." (hmmm...I believe she has heard those same words in our craft attempts!)

Again, at the party, I see LaLa give a little boy a toy and say, "I'm so glad you're here. Make yourself at home. You can play with any of my toys." (hee hee...she probably shares better than I do though.)

Little Bit dropped her bowl of puffs. She promptly drops the entire bowl, puts both palms on her forehead and said, "Oh, no!" (surely, I am not that dramatic!)

LaLa waiting at the top of the stairs for her daddy to come tuck her in (for the fifth time...at least) yells, "Roooobeeert, I've already asked you nicely twice!" (oops! sounded just like me. I may have to work on that one!)

At the doctor yesterday, LaLa whined and asked how much longer do we have to wait. (yeah, I am one of those crazy moms that won't let her touch anything in the sick room.) I told her not much longer and encouraged her to play I spy with me. She said, "Mommy, do you have any paper or a pen in your purse?" I told her yes and gave it to her asking her if she was going to draw a picture. She said, "No, mommy, I'm trying to write my list of what I'm going to do later." (the OCD is genetic...isn't it?)

LaLa walking by the chair accidentally stubbed her toe on it. She promptly replies, "Shoot!" and kept walking. (hmm...need to work on that one too)

Last but not least...Last night, she and I both felt completely horrible. Thinking she was enthralled in her movie and cuddled on the couch, I collapsed on the floor (which actually felt wonderful to just be able to stop moving). I suddenly felt a blanket being pulled haphazardly over me. I looked up to see LaLa covering me up and running to get me a pillow. Then, she sat beside me moving my hair out of my face saying, "just close your eyes and rest. I'll make you better." (What a sweet baby!)

It's that wonderful moment that I feel like she is growing up right...like maybe by the grace of God, I am doing this mama thing right. It may only last for a second, but that second makes me love being a mom.

OCD, anyone?

If your kitchen is just driving you crazy and seems a mess, I have a quick fix. It sounds crazy, but I am always amazed at what a pick me up it is when I clear off my fridge! I should've taken a before picture! Our fridge gets so cluttery (no, I don't think that's a word). My fridge is the infamous part of our house where all of our reminders and notes end up. My garage door is magnetic and is nearby so that is where some of these notes and kid's artwork landed. You may have a pantry door where you could put some stuff on the inside of it. I even have a friend that uses the inside of her cabinet doors to hang such stuff.

Now, I still had these pesky (BUT still wonderful and loved by my kids) magnets that end up all over the floor and all over the fridge.  The letters REALLY hurt when you step on them barefoot!  I took painter's tape (all I could find) and made a rectangle to corral all of our magnets. We have a couple other noisy magnet things, but I thought I would trade them out when my girls were tired of these. For the last couple days, it is actually working! They are putting them back in the magnet "home"! No more fishing magnets out from under the fridge, in the fridge, or all over the floor!

Am I pushing the OCD card? Probably. However, I have decided that OCD is no longer obsessive compulsive disorder. Once you have kids, you can claim OCD as Organizing my Children's Disasters! (That's pretty clever, huh!? It's bad when I am impressed with my own randomness!) Regardless, I've learned through working in the field of education...there is an acronym for everything (think in school: EBD, IEP, OI, OT, EIP, and so on). Everything sounds important and official if you give it an acronym! So, I am going to show my OCD fridge off with pride!8)

Maybe my fridge is my version of the flylady's shiny sink...maybe I'm a little crazy...but my cleared off fridge has made me really, really happy. Who knows, it may work for you! AND, who would've thought a taped rectangle would control the magnet chaos in our world? Hmm...where else can I put taped boundaries for my kids' messes?! Wouldn't hurt to try clearing off your fridge. It even inspired me to clean the rest of my kitchen! That is amazing in and of itself!


If you haven't participated in the giveaway yet, click here! It ends SOON! There aren't many signed up...which means that is even better odds in winning!!!!!

See Ya Later...Alligator...

How can an upcoming vacation make you so excited, anxious, and sad all at the same time? Well, that's what happens when you have children! I am so very excited about the opportunity to get away, sleep, relax, read, write...(oh,yeah) and spend some one on one time with my hubby (I've already warned him the other items are very high on my list though! I might just see him at the end of the week & sleep the entire time!).

Regardless, the sad and anxious part kicks in because you wonder how your kids are just ever going to make it with you over the next few days! My mom will be watching the girls. I'm sure she will do a wonderful job and will be very tired by the time we return, yet I am still plagued with this feeling of...hmmm....could it be a brief bout of mommy guilt? I think that's it with a little bit of "supermommy" thrown in there. You know what supermommy is-that feeling where we just have to have our super cape in our back pocket trying to do it all, all the time. Essentially, it is the concept that our kids just will not make it if we aren't there. More importantly, it is the part of our brain that just won't relax even when we have the opportunity. Is there medication for such things?

So, what have I done to get ready for the cruise?

1. 
   
   Written list after list of what to pack, emergency numbers, our itinerary, what the girls need to do each day, where they go, what to feed them...
   
   
   
2. 
   
   Shopped, shopped, and shopped.
   
   
   
3. 
   
   Put a lot of clothes out to pack, but I haven't packed ANYTHING. I know...way to wait to the last minute.
   
   
   
4. 
   
   Bought 6 books to read on trip...stayed up LATE last night reading one. I continually told myself to stop reading and save it for the trip, but I was a little excited.
   
   
   
5. 
   
   Talked about everything that I NEED to do before we leave for the trip! (I'm good at this one! Notice I did not say DO anything I NEED to do before the trip!)
   
   
   
6. 
   
   Laundry...until I get distracted. Have you heard that it's a sign of genius if you aren't good at getting laundry and housework completed? Probably not because I made it up, but it sounds good! I would definitely be a genius.
   
   
   
7. 
   
   Procrastinate...you know, like I am now by blogging!
   
   
   

Well, I am not one of those fancy, smancy bloggers that planned way ahead and have posts scheduled to go out on the days that I won't be around! That is one of those things that I thought about doing though!:) I will relax for all of you mommies out there that need a break too! I have lots of fun crafts coming up when I get back. We are super excited about hosting a superbowl party too. I need great ideas that incorporate kids and adults, if you have any! I am sure that there will be great adventures from my Tammy Trip & with my sweet little monsters angels under my mom's care...good luck, mom thanks again, mom!

In a while...crocodile...be back next Tuesday...

Silent Night...a Mama Can Only Wish!

I need to learn how to fix the date on my camera?! Anyway, I don't know how well you can see this picture. Isn't her little belly poking out so cute? I had to sneak in and take it in the dark. I thought it was so sweet! Max, our yorkie, is (also known as 'Houdini' in our house) managed to get out of his baby gate blocked room. Once he managed to escape, he found his way to his best buddy, LaLa. Of course, LaLa made it quite easy for Max to climb into bed with her because she was sleeping on the floor! She has been sleeping on a little pull out kid sofa for a couple weeks now because she wants to sleep in her little sister's room.

She told her daddy that she loves her room, but her sister just needs her so much. LaLa said she guesses that she will just have to keep sleeping in there with her sister. I'm not so sure that Little Bit really expressed that she needs big sister there! LaLa has a beautiful room, with a four poster queen size bed, yet she still chooses to get her little flannel blanket and sleep night after night on the floor in her sister's room. Now, with her little watch dog nearby and her little sister in her crib...she's sure to have pleasant dreams. Now, maybe mama will even get a full night's sleep...one can only hope!

Mama Drama Rule #89: Sleep becomes one of your highest and most neglected priorities when you become a mama! If I had to bet, sleep would be one of the highest rated priorities for most mamas! I would choose uninterrupted, blissful sleep over food, shower, or even a shopping spree! Sweet DREAMS!

Sweet Thanksgiving Moments...

Sweet Thanksgiving Moments...

LaLa and Little Bit being sweet!

Thanksgiving Table...I really want a bigger table...one day...hint hint!

Dessert table...yummy!

Robert and his family.

Me and my family. Did you notice the sweet GIVE THANKS banner that LaLa and her daddy made last week. It turned out really cute!

My little brother and his sweet girlfriend, Katie (especially for putting up with my brother!).

One of my children actually posed for a picture...or stood still for a picture...amazing for kids this age! How fast my sweet girls are growing up. One of my favorite moments from this year is Little Bit saying gobble gobble when you point to her shirt!

What a wonderful day...to Give thanks (as Little Bit's shirt reminded us) and to be Full of Thanks (as LaLa's shirt reminded us too). It was a great day with lots of food and family!...Hmmm...now to plan out my tactics for BLACK FRIDAY! Best of luck to you all as you hunt down some wonderful deals!

I'm so FULL of THANKS!

My kids drive me crazy at times. I am often so sleepy because one of my kids will wake up in the middle of the night or really, really early. I have this annoying habit of not being able to turn my brain off at night when I get started on a project...which also leads to a really tired mama. I lose my patience at times. My house gets messy. I often start ten projects all at once. I choose an extra fifteen minutes of sleep over a shower at times. I fall asleep before I finish my prayers sometimes. I forget to tell my kids, husband, family, and friends how wonderful they are to me at times. I am not a good phone person. I get completely distracted after talking for five minutes. I only check phone messages every week...or so (which tends to drive my family and friends crazy). I'm not very good in emergencies. I often wonder if I am making the right decisions from the small things as feeding my kids organic or not organic to big things like should I go back to work or continue to stay home. A lot of the times...there is no right or wrong answer. I completely stress over any confrontation or decision making.

Regardless of all of the different things where I know I fall short...

I look at these two precious girls...I mean really stop in the moment and look at my kids...and know that there is something that is absolutely wonderful in my world—my own piece of heaven from God, Himself. I may not be everything I want to be or do everything I should do, but I know that I am so blessed to be given the opportunity to be their mama.

My heart is so full of thanks...to God...for these two girls.

This Thanksgiving, when I am trying to cook and maneuver all the food and preparations for our families, I will try my hardest to step back from the chaos and the expectations...and be in the moment with a heart full of thanks to God. I know I fall short. I know I do not deserve this position, but I am blessed to be given the opportunity....to be called MAMA by LaLa and Little Bit.

Mama Drama Rule #77: Take a moment to realize just what an incredible honor it is to be called...mama.

Yummy Treats & Easy Recipe to do with Kids!

Little Bit and LaLa at BOO at the ZOO enjoying our picnic & our yummy dessert! Little Bit gave her big sister a gooey chocolate, marshmallow kiss!

Yummy, easy, kid-friendly treats!

I had to share the easiest snack/dessert that I think I have ever made! I saw this in a magazine, and I thought...oooh, that looks yummy. Now, if I would've known how easy it is to make, I would have made this long ago and really impressed myself! I actually wish that my husband hadn't seen me create these yummy masterpieces because it totally lost some awesome points when he witnessed just how simple it was!

The ingredients you need are as follows: large marshmallows, large pretzel rods, chocolate semi-sweet bark, sprinkles. Now, I know there are several alternatives to this recipe. This is just the EASY one that I discovered and loved out of a magazine (I can't remember where!)

You melt a few pieces of chocolate bark. I added a little bit of crisco upon my brother's suggestion, but the recipe didn't call for it. I simply took three pieces and melted it for 30 seconds on high (the same directions as on the box). I stirred it and microwaved another 10 seconds, stirred again, and continued this cycle until it was thoroughly melted and smooth. Then, I (with LaLa's help) put the marshmallows on the pretzel rods. (I've heard you can zap the marshmallows for a few seconds and the go on the sticks easier, but I honestly did not have any problems.) LaLa did push the marshmallow a little too hard onto the rod, and we had a couple break. I suggest being careful or having extra rods if you have little hands helping. Little Bit took care of the broken pretzel rods anyway! Then, you swirl the marshmallow into the chocolate until it's evenly coated. Next, you roll it in sprinkles or pour them over the chocolate covered marshmallow. TADA, you're finished! You can put them pretzel side in a cup or on a piece of wax paper to harden. I also put them in the fridge for about ten minutes so they would be ready for our dessert!

We enjoyed them that night for dinner. Then, we saved some for our picnic at the zoo the next day. For the most part, my girls, finally, had the opportunity to wear their cute outfits...without jackets...at the zoo! I was determined! My favorite part of this recipe was how proud LaLa was that she accomplished yummy treats! She told her daddy a dozen times that she and mommy made the dessert. We make a lot of things in the kitchen together, but this was one item that she could make almost all by herself. I just had to get the chocolate ready and set it all out. Usually, when I am in the kitchen, I constantly find myself clearing everyone out. It's usually because I'm in that critical crunch time in the afternoon/evening trying to get it all done and make dinner on top of it! I'm learning though that if I have to be in the kitchen anyway that I really need to take the opportunity to share it and make it a valuable time for my children. I try to find at least one task that they can do...even Little Bit. It makes them feel a part of the family and appreciated once the finished product is complete!

I love easy, fun, child friendly, yummy, and impressive recipes!:)

Mama Drama Rule #64: Get your children involved in the kitchen! They feel so proud to see the final product. In addition, the experience builds memories and life skills they can use as adults! Most importantly, we all have to spend time in the kitchen as mamas...why not use some of that time in the kitchen to spend with our children too. If it's comfortable and enjoyable now, it may open doors of conversation and bonds of friendship as they grow older! Although my mom started me very young helping bake cakes and special recipes, cooking with mom is still one of my favorite things to do...especially during holidays.

Just admit it...you hear voices in your head too!

Do you have five thousand million zillion (not sure that' even a number!) things running through your head that you would like to do, should do, or need to do? I think it's in a woman's nature to have these things running constantly through our minds. It's even worse for a mama. We walk through our house and trigger after trigger goes off. For me, I walk in a room, and I think I have to clean that, I need to put up the laundry on the chair, I need to change the sheets, I need to update those pictures, did I remember to schedule pictures, what will wear for the pictures....that's just walking to my closet through my bedroom.

Then, I finally get to bedroom, and I begin thinking...what am I going to wear today, is it cold, is it hot, I want to take the kids to the pumpkin patch, they would look cute in little orange monogrammed dresses, I should make those, what would they wear under it, what does LaLa need for her fall party, I need to keep working with her on writing her letters, what letter are they on this week, this pair of pants don't fit, (I'm still in my closet trying to find something to wear), I need to go through my clothes and purge, should I give away my variety of sizes (I have everything from 2 to 12 as I go back and forth between pregnant Tammy and regular Tammy), should I just keep them, should we have more kids, I'm too tired to have more kids, I need to go shopping and get some fall clothes, oh, yeah, the girls still need some dresses for cooler weather...oh, I hear someone up...what should they wear? Yeah, by this point, all this has gone through my head and I'm still not dressed.

That is what's wrong with all of us. That is why we can multi-task better than men. If a man had these same thoughts running through their heads, they would curl up in a fetal position and cry. In fact, in some ways...they do this already. It's the times that they call us or insinuate that we are nagging...we're just giving them a small impression of what we hear constantly. They can't handle it so we must go through this world on our own with our thoughts running in circles!

How do we manage this chaos in our heads? Well, for me, I don't think I have an off switch. I just eventually collapse and sleep so hard that I can't hear the thoughts! A better alternative is to make a list and prioritize. What is it you HAVE to do? What is it you WANT to do? What is it you SHOULD be doing? Then, make goals and deadlines for each ones...go ahead and make them cushy deadlines. Publish and Post them so everyone knows what you are working toward! It makes you accountable if you publish and post them in your house! Plus, when you divide all these thoughts into these three columns, it makes you realize what really has to be done. If we let the thoughts continuously circle in our heads, we rarely get anything done and still find ourselves completely exhausted and frustrated at the end of the day!

My list changes constantly because what was a priority last week may change. Do I have to clean out my closet? No, I can live with it...despite my husband's complaints. Should I clean it out? Yes, it would probably save me time and sanity in the long run. So, I'll set a goal and a deadline to get it done! Even if you don't plan on using your prioritized list, it's a great form of release. It's like taking charge of all those thoughts in your head that you just can't ever master! Keep working at it...and accept that it's part of being a woman...and becomes even worse as a mama...then, you have your own thoughts, as well as the thoughts of your kids' well being and needs running through your brain!

Mama Drama Rule #53: All those thoughts that run through our head constantly telling us everything we should be doing, need to be doing, and really want to do in our lives is often like clutter in our homes. It can take over and take control of us. It can squelch our spirits and our joy. So, take charge...or as a last resort...just admit you hear voices in your head and maybe somebody can help out! I haven't tried that one yet, but I haven't ruled it out...

A Mama's Dilemma: Is a shower a priority?

Well, I was considering this morning...just what is a shower worth to a mama?

It's quite a juggling act to figure out just how to get a shower. Now, I'm not talking about a shower where you jump in and out and probably have suds still on you...you have to leave the shower curtain or door open to view children and freeze in the meantime.
I'm talking about a complete and effective shower. One where you actually get to wash your hair, shave, and actually feel the water. Well, I believe those opportunities are few and far between if you have young children.

Options to try to get a wonderful shower...with kids...

1. Get up really early before anyone else...with the knowledge that you will be tired the rest of the day...and miss out on sleep.

2. Take a shower after everyone is in bed...again the sleep issue. A mama has to consider...hmmm..what is more important to me? Sleep or Shower? Me, personally, I'd rather be the stinkiest, dirtiest mama on the block and get a little more sleep!

3. Baby proof your room and let them play in your room while you shower...they will find something that is not baby proof and every two minutes you will hear various concerning noises.

4. Leave them in their bed or crib while you take a shower. I can't concentrate on the shower because they are usually miserable on this route...plus, LaLa learned to climb out of her crib at 18 months. I try not to give Little Bit any extra opportunity to practice that one!

5. Put in a movie. This is my normal route, but it is only effective for about 10 minutes so wait until you are actually about to get in the shower to start the movie. I can usually get at least one happy and involved in the movie...but the other one will still be fussing.

6. Put them in their rooms. I have friends that do this, but my kids aren't normal. They are too mischievous and creative for their own goods, and I guarantee this option would result in a emergency room visit or some sort of property damage.

7. Use a exersaucer or playpen to trap them nearby. This is another option that I often employ, but it only works for the younger ones, and even then, it doesn't last long at all. Then, your older ones may still escape...or better yet, teach the younger one on how to get out!

8. Put them in your empty tub (if you have a big tub and if your shower is separate) with toys. I have a friend that mentioned this one. I haven't tried it, but if it works, go for it.

9. When daddy is home, take a wonderful, long shower to make up for all the ones that were cut short and that you have missed. Lock the door, turn up music (to drown out the noise from your family), and shower....again, I think I'd nix the shower and take a quick nap!

10. Just give up on the shower until your kids are older.

Yeah, you may be dirty and stinky, but in the grand scheme of things, in this season of your life...you have to prioritize what is most important to you! For me, sleep wins every time. Right now, I'm trying to convince myself that I should go clean my house, but again, a quick nap while my preschooler is at school and my Little Bit is sound asleep...just sounds so good! I'll just pull my hair back and put on some work out clothes on those days that I just can't indulge in a glorious shower. At least, then, people will think I have been healthy conscious and hard at work slaving away at the gym!

Mama Drama Rule #48: Each and every day, we have to prioritize what's most important to accomplish that best benefits our family. It so funny how your priorities change after children!

The Most Important Way to Spend Your Time

We all want to be organized. We all want to have a clean house. It would even be nice if we had clean clothes...better yet if they would be put away in their proper places. We need gas in our cars and groceries in our fridge. We have appointments and work. We have responsibilities and obligations. The list goes on...

Although that all has to be done day in and day out, more importantly, we have moments with our children. We have an opportunity to sit and play. We can listen to that silly joke or crazy story. We can create a neat project. We can build a fort. We can take a chance to teach something new or to share a memory. We can give a great big grizzly hug. We can give silly kisses. We can laugh and giggle.

Mamas have a to do list that would make most people's heads spin, but sometimes, we just have to stop...and tear up the list...and focus on what's important! AND only a mama knows just how important it is! Your list will still be there tomorrow. So, it's okay, if you have to eat out tonight or your house is a mess today, if you gave the time to your child. In the long run, they will remember what you did together...if you stopped to give them attention or a hug or say "I love you"...not if your house was immaculate and you served healthy dinners every night!

Mama Drama Rule #39: Play...genuinely and completely and wholeheartedly...with your children.

Half Birthdays: An excuse to celebrate!

I'm taking a break from my obsession with decluttering and organizing to brag about my wonderful hubby! He has to hear...more often than not...when he does something wrong so I figured when he does something right, I should definitely point it out! All women know, it's kind of like when your children do something right, you praise them to encourage positive behavior...husbands are the same way. It's easy to forget to notice the small stuff with all the focus on the little ones!

Somehow in my childhood, half birthdays were created and adopted. It's a wonderful concept; however, at almost thirty, I am definitely the only one out of my family that still celebrate them (Well, my mom will sneak us a gift and use our half birthdays as an excuse!) and probably one of the only adults still celebrating them! I love them though...honestly, probably more than my regular birthday! My real birthday is in the midst of our anniversary, valentines day and several other family members birthdays. I'm usually too tired to enjoy it and celebrate it! My half birthday though is in the beginning of fall...right when all the holidays are just about to start, but still before the stress and chaos. The air and excitement of fall and a new season is just within reach. Plus, it is such a great pick me up to get a cake, a small present, and to feel special on a random, unexpected day!

I encourage you to find any excuse to celebrate life. We usually don't even realize all of our missed opportunities to celebrate life until we are faced with a tragic end of it....don't wait until then! Half birthdays are especially great if you have a summer birthday and miss out on having a special day during the school year. What about those December birthdays? How wonderful would it be to have a special day that you don't have to share with the chaos and stress of the holiday season. Even if only you celebrate your special day, it's still worth it. Reward yourself with a special treat and do something special.

Despite his skepticism in the beginning of our dating relationship, my husband has embraced the half birthdays...at least for his three girls. He made mine very special (without reminders I might add). He brought me beautiful sunflowers, a chocolate and strawberry cake, and I treated myself to a couple new books! Regardless if you embrace the idea of a half birthday...an opportunity to eat cake and get surprises, can't be all that bad! So, check the calendar and find an excuse to celebrate and make a memory!

Mama Drama Rule #38: Never stop celebrating birthdays...getting older is much better than the alternative!

Imagination Makes the World HAPPY!

Oh, what fun it is to be three! When your imagination is completely wide open for anything and everything! If I had the ability to use my imagination like that, I would imagine a perfect, clean home with a wrap around porch...and of course, the nanny and the butler would be setting up

lemonade and homemade snicker doodles for me and the girls! I just can't conjure it up like they can! Right now, my three year old and one of her "bestest friends" are relaxing in a box, a huge box, with my husband piled with pillows and blankets and watching Ariel. They made crowns to be mermaid princesses, which took a long time with foam stickers! Great way to occupy the girls! Then, my husband brought home this huge box from work, and we all decorated it...even the little girls...to be our "boat"! They have taken the entire night so seriously that I am even convinced that they are little mermaid princesses chilling in their boats watching Little Mermaid. What cracks me up even more is that as I was in the kitchen making popcorn...my husband is in the box with the girls just belting out every song on little mermaid! He's such a good girl daddy!

I always make popcorn for my girls...and Robert...with things hidden inside like goldfish or little pretzels and m&ms or skittles...sweet, salty, and popcorn! I didn't think about LaLa's "bestest" friend not knowing this & so a few minutes went by...she was digging in her popcorn and exclaims "a SKEEEETLE" and just started going crazy showing everybody. It was hilarious.

The world of a three year old's imagination has just made my night so happy! How blessed I am to be able to spend time with my family...and their "bestest" friends...in a box!

Mama Drama Rule #36: Sometimes the happiest moments in a child's life are the ones enhanced by their imagination! I know the best inspiration for my imagination are my kids!