Day two of my vacation...

There's a reason why I can't share my bed with my daughter. Only 1 1/2 years old and she makes a queen size feel as small as a day bed! To get her to calm down and sleep, I laid her next to me and told her good night. Before I could finish my nightly check routine on my phone, she'd pushed me to the edge and was snoring like her dad usually does. Such a boss...

After getting her into her own bed though, I got to curl up in the middle of this big bed and sleep like a rock! Haven't woken up this late (7:30) or refreshed in quite some time. Vacations are amazing, especially the stay-cation kind. I'm not out spending money I don't have, I'm not going insane chasing my kids in parks... Though I am going crazy trying to juggle the activities of the day. We managed to get some schooling in this time. Then I attempted to organize everything for the yard sale I'm supposed to have tomorrow. I let the kids run around in the front until I got tired of trying to sort and yell at them for running too close to the street. Back inside we went when my daughter spilled her bubble wand and went to playing in the soapy mess. 

Since it was getting to be her nap time, I thought I'd lay on the couch and try to hold her until she fell asleep.

Mistake... I dozed off for a few minutes and all three kids ran to play upstairs. So glad they didn't get into trouble. 

Back to work I went. I posted an ad for the yard sale, posted a deal or two on the blog, sorted Legos for my husband upstairs, and what do you know? My daughter decided to crash on the couch after all. Score! Then the AC repair man showed up and told me how the previous tenants never used a filter and there was a build up causing issues. No wonder I feel like I'm in a sauna! After he leaves, I start making dinner for my rascals.

Each one wants something else. Then I made muffins for tomorrow's breakfast. I want to be prepared as I'm already planning to get the yard sale started around 7:30ish. 

And it's not even 8pm so I have to find more ways to entertain the little monsters. Until bedtime at least... 

Update since I typed the above... It's now 10pm and the boys are sleeping soundly. My daughter has my iPad and is still very awake. I made signs for my yard sale. 

I even managed to start typing up my latest review. We went to Target where I bought things using coupons and sales and came home feeling like a boss. But that's on another post... Why can't they all sleep when you, the parent, are ready for bed? Where is the Off switch?! Baths don't always work. Not fast enough at least. Here's to another successful day. And hopes for a better one tomorrow. 

What a day...

Today I got a taste of what a single mom must go through. I drove my husband about halfway to Houston (1 1/2 hours) to meet his best friend for a guys sleepover. The whole drive home I heard whining, complaining and crying coming from 3 backseats. 

"Mom, I'm hungry!"

"Mom, can we go to the playground?"

"Wahhhhh!"

"Mom, how much longer?"

I'm surprised I didn't end up with a migraine. I did catch myself gripping the steering wheel a couple times though. 

Upon arriving home, it was leftover pizza for lunch. Then my daughter wanted to be held for a while. She's going through a bout of allergies. We all watched tv for a bit and the sleepiness started to drift in on me. I decided to send the kids to play as I hate lazy little ones. I started researching deals and cutting coupons to stay awake. Next thing I know... Dinner time?! How did that happen??? 

Time to make pigs in blankets! It wasn't as much of a hit as I hoped but they at least asked for seconds. Then of course it's time to clean up which means baths for the boys. This also means cleaning the bathroom as they love splashing. 

Then my little girl wakes up. Dinner time starts all over again. The boys cry for movie time. 

I wish this was the end of my day. But this is my second wind. Teeth will need brushing, daughter needs bathing, one son needs sheets on his bed... 

My daughter, however, did bring a smile to my face. She's in love with shoes! So every chance she gets, she takes them from the closet and puts them on (even if they don't match). She loves to play dress up now too. 

Tomorrow should be a fascinating day. Not sure what we will do yet, but I'll do what I can to make it fun! 

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Growing pains

Today, while I was at work, I received urgent messages followed by frantic calls from my husband. 

My oldest son had hit his head on the table or chair and gashed the back open. The cut was about an inch long and fairly deep. Bleeding stopped rather quickly according to my husband but after finally getting me to answer, I knew it was bad. I consulted with my dad about if it looked stitch-worthy and he said yes. 

After alerting my supervisor, I left work early. I had to keep checking my speed as I was consistently hitting the 80+ mark on the speedometer and didn't want to add a ticket to my going-downhill day. In my mind I was arguing with myself. I was angry that I wasn't able to protect my son from harm. I was understanding that I'm not a god who can't save him from all pains in life. I was upset that my husband was panicking in the face of an emergency. I don't panic. I keep calm and approach things with a level head. And while I know not everyone else does, I will get frustrated with others for their panic. 

So many thoughts and emotions flowing through me at once. It was enough to take my light headache up a notch and make me wish I could've taken the Excedrin sooner. 

As I see the wound in person, I was completely convinced that stitches would be needed. There's no getting around it for something that opened that wide. My fear and anxiety were coming alive. A mother doesn't want to see her children in pain. Especially when there's nothing you can do to take it away. And what would the doctor say? Would he accuse me of child abuse? We loaded the kids into the van and drove to the local clinic.

It took about 2 doses of pain killer to numb the spot.

About 2 hours later, he had 3 stitches and had behaved so well I wanted to cry in pride. 

My little boy is growing up. I cannot stop him from getting hurt. I cannot wrap him up in full body protective gear and expect him to enjoy life. While my heart aches at his pain, I'm going to hug him and kiss his head while I tell him that he is my little man and everything will be okay because I'm going to be there for him no matter what. 

It's a Mom thing. 

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Happy Mother's Day!

Tomorrow is Mother's Day! I hope everyone remembered to get their mother something, at least a card. And/or will at least remember to call them and tell them how much you love them. I sent two cards to the most important women in my family: my mother and my great grandmother. I could not be the woman I am today without them. I plan to also plan to tell my Godmother (even though I forgot her card) that she has and always be an amazing influence on my life. 

Mother's Day isn't just a day to get gifts and cards for the women who were there for us all our lives. Nor should it be the only day of the year that we treat them special. It's just the one time designated to honor them for their hard work and dedication. 

This Mother's Day, I want to give a shout out of love to some of the women I'm blessed to have in my life and have known for so long: 

Robin Carter - my mother

Bonnie Mouhart - my great grandmother

Ava McDaniel - my Godmother

Sandie W. - my "Grandmother" who adopted me in like family and always listens

Sue Lounsberry - my mentor

Jean Wombough and Dawn Walton - encouraging Christian voices reminding me to walk in God's ways

These women aren't all related by blood, but if I picked my family, they would be among them. 

Be thankful and voice the love you feel for the women in your life. Not just tomorrow, but everyday. 

Coobie bra review and discount information

Being a part of the US Family Guide reviewers group, I was given the chance to review 2 bras from Coobie. I got the Coobie Bra Scoopneck and the Coobie Bra V-Neck Lace Trim.

These are seamless bras that are incredible. First, they are so comfortable! If you have ever had the pleasure of wearing seamless panties, you know what I'm talking about. They breathe and move with you. There are no under wires to poke you. This is a down side to it if you are like me - flat chested. I do normally buy push ups with padding. So if you are like me, you might want to order extra padding at least. Or find the one with the most push-up potential.

Seamless means it's high in comfort. It slides right on and off. Doesn't feel constricting at all. I personally love how well it breathes. I work a lot and absolutely hate sweating. This alleviates that. The straps come open in the front for easy adjustment.

Forgive the lack of make up and attire. At 2:40 AM, I'm not fully chugging along. But I wanted to show you what it looks like under regular clothing.

And since I was going to work, I thought that testing the bra in a high activity setting would make it a more thorough review. As women, we tend to be on-the-go and comfort during those moments is key. This bra moves with you. I didn't feel the need to adjust "the girls" as the bra stayed in place. It was all day comfort I could appreciate and not think twice about. I also like that they can be worn visible with another shirt and not look like you are showing off your bra. I don't know about you, but sometimes I buy a bra that looks beautiful and feel like its a waste that no one but me sees it. Which is why I don't buy Victoria Secret bras.... But then there are times, when your clothing shifts and your bra shows. You won't want an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction moment. With a Coobie, you won't have that. It looks natural.

There are many styles and colors to choose from. They also have other products available. These bras are made to fit almost every body without needing to read sizes. Sorta like a one-size-fits-all. Although they do have a special size for the full size ladies.
Information provided by Coobie as well as a discount:

"Coobie Seamless Bras are ultra comfortable and versatile without sacrificing style. These affordable, stylish bras are seamless, one-size (comfortably fits 32A through 36D), available in 7+ styles and 50+ fashion colors and patterns. There is also a full size version fitting up to a size 42D. They are perfect for every day wear, yoga, Pilates, new and nursing moms, sleep wear, and more! Coobie Seamless Bras also has a large following of mastectomy patients that love the soft comfort and pad pocket to insert a form. This line is truly a fit for all women!"

Promotion: Save 25% on any order of $40 or more at www.shopcoobie.com
Promotion code: USFG25