My little helper

I enjoyed preparing dinner tonight because I had the best helper. 

Night #2 of many....

I stayed up way too late last night. Hubs went to work and I had a hard time relaxing.

Tonight, I am determined to at least get in the bed and watch a show or read.

We will see how this goes......

when spiders attack

We occasionally drive Ben's parents' van. When they visit from out of town it helps them have something to drive. We will drive it to the store or to get food. However, Ben has started night shift and we really don't need two cars. He sleeps when we need to run errands and we sleep when he is at work. Pretty cool deal.

Well, a lovely spider (like "red of the belly, hospital bound if it bites you"spider) decided to make a home inside. I guess Ben had driven it once because when I mentioned driving it, he said, "you don't want to do that, there are spiders in there." I was confused as to what he meant. So, I bought some spider spray and sprayed all the doors and cracks and left all the doors open. I saw some webs, but no sign of spiders. I did find some ants, but no biggie.

I went to close the front door and looked down and saw IT!! Then, allllll along the door were tons of babies ready to attack. AHHHH! I took that spray and killed them. I probably didn't get all of them because they are probably under the car. (getting chills as I type this)

I can't have Jack ride in the carseat in fear that a baby spider as hatched and could possibly bite him.

So, for now, I will be turning on the van and letting it run, but will not be driving it. I will do this once a week and buy another can of spray to work on it some more. (yes, I used the whole can on the car today)

Since we both have a fear of spiders, we will stick to this plan.

Deals

I am all about deals. Deals at the Kroger gas pump, "30 cents off?! I'll take it!" I am a coupon queen.
I just found out about a new app that I am trying out. It pays you for things you already buy....like money into a Paypal account. Yes, please!

So, when I found out about Target's toy sale this week, I decided that I would check it out. I am all about buying things early, so when December comes around, I am not fighting crowds and dealing with parking spots. I LOVE finding things throughout the year and stashing them away like a squirrel. Then, I spread all my loot on the bed and get to see all the perfect gifts I find for people for those special occasions.

I just used our $2 sprinkler yesterday that I bought back in the spring. It was a lot of fun and didn't cost me a lot. I am going back this week to get a new hose for our yard. I mean, 99 cents, y'all! I can handle that! (originally $9.99)

What good deals do you know about?

First night alone

My hubs started his first night shifts at the hospital last week, but it didn't matter because Jack and I were out of town.

Tonight, I am home with my son and I have to go to sleep without my hubs by my side. It will be difficult adjusting to this schedule, but he is LOVING night shift and that is the most important thing. We just have a different schedule than our friends and family. And, that is okay for us right now. He doesn't work every day. He has lots of days off with us.

It just seems like we went from me working at Starbucks at night to him working at night. Which means, early dinners and lots of fun in the afternoon before he leaves.

Well, I must get up and finish up some laundry before bed.

Goodnight all.

What a morning

Senior photo session complete

Yard mowed

Bathrooms cleaned

Whew, I am sitting down to rest before my boy wakes up from his nap. 

I've got a lot to do after being gone for 2 weeks. 

No sleep

I don't plan to be away from my family often, but the National Conference for Thirty-One is in Atlanta and I decided to go. Two days. 14 hour + days are fun, but stressful.

Jack was not feeling well and I was still up with him at midnight. I think I went to sleep at 2am. My awesome mom took over taking care if him. I would have been fine staying up all night if I didn't have anywhere to be...

It is going to be a long day. 

Free movie

Glad it was a free movie. Jack lasted 50 minutes, but it was a fun attempt. 

Night shift

I say "Goodnight" to my hubby as my son says "Good morning!" This is going to be different.

Pretty Pretty Princess

Played that Jewel of a game tonight with my niece. We had fun.

Nap no more

I was finally nodding off to sleep when a woodpecker started knocking on the side of the house. Joy.

I guess I will work on some calendar planning while resting in bed.

The Varsity

We went to the Varsity and everyone ate. I enjoyed my Sprite and the fact that I would feel good not eating the greasy food.  Thanks, Celiac Disease. :-)

paint fumes

So, the paint fumes got to us a little bit today. We helped as long as we could, but didn't finish the project for the church set. We were still thrilled to help and work together on this project. Nothing brings a couple closer together than volunteering and helping others.

We enjoyed some cheap ice cream (Bruster's coupons and free coupons) and then went to a movie (Turbo was cute) and then had dinner. We ended up checking out some stores and even explored an olive oil store. We are obsessed now and use it in every meal. We are happy they are closer to us than in Blue Ridge.  Try some blood orange olive oil/dark chocolate vinegar on chocolate ice cream. It is an experience.

Ben starts his FIRST night shift tomorrow. I will be heading up to my parents until Sunday. I get to hang out with my niece and spend sometime with my family while he gets adjusted to his first three days on night shift.

Even though we had one day together, it was a splendid day that was much needed.

 If you get a chance, check out Hollywood Game Show. It is on NBC. We enjoyed a good laugh.

I hope you are having a wonderful week. Goodnight, world.

Day with my love

Jack went back up to his grandparents' house to play with them and his cousin. They get along so well even though they are 3 years apart. However, I will not be going up there until tomorrow.

Today, I am having fun with my hubby (I haven't seen him in a week). We are going out to eat, to a movie, and we are volunteering at our church today. We are going to paint some sets for the new series coming up. I am so happy we have a chance to work together on a project like this.

Today is going to be a great day!!

Home

Home, sweet, home. :-) 

Georgia bound

Yay!!!!!

Fishing

I thoroughly enjoyed our mommy son date this morning. However, my friend got to teach Jack how to fish. 

2 more days

I get to see my man in two days!!!!

Come on "Gwacee"

Oh, the love!!! She sang songs and said prayers with him tonight. "Yes, Jesus loves Jackson" instead of "loves me."

Gosh, break my heart.

Natbug and Loo

I am at my best friend's (of almost 20 years) home. We will be making homemade ice cream and chatting it up during an afternoon rain shower in Mississippi. I just need a glass of sweet tea in a mason jar and I am set. I love the South.

Sour stomach

Jack ate late (time change) last night and his meal sat bad on his stomach. He ended up having a wonderful throw up session on my brother's living room chair even though I had been far away from it in case. He is much better now. Sad news is that we missed out on all our morning fun with friends and family. We played it safe though by not going. :-)

Boys using the potty

Jack will not sit down to pee anymore. It cracks me up. He is so excited to lift both seats up like a big boy.

I am glad I taught him before this road trip because public restroom potty time is very easy. He actually stands on the toilet seat to use it. I think that was the easiest potty training ever for a boy. I thought that it would be difficult for me and Ben would have to educate him on the matter.  I didn't have to use Cheerios either!! I just balled up TP and threw it in and told him to aim for it.  

Now, consistently going #2 on the potty is another story. :-)

Nieces

I love these girls and wish they lived closer to us.

Packed and ready

I got up at 6am to make sure everything was packed and ready. I have been ready for 2 hours waiting on the other two people going with us on our trip. They are almost always late.  Today is one of those days. I could have slept until 8am. Darn. :(

Packing

It is hit or miss when I am packing to go on a trip. Either I pack 3 days before the trip. Or, I pack either the night before the trip or the morning of the trip.

Tonight, I am going to bed so I can pack in the morning. Too much to do today.

I hate packing.

Baseball Camp

My hubby wanted to teach Jack how to play baseball. Look how cute they are!!

Whoa!! Watch out for home base!

Nap

Jack and I both need naps. I will only sleep an hour.......

Amazing day

2 year old birthday party with amazing friends, dinner with my love at an authentic Italian restaurant with imported GF pasta, GF cupcakes from an Atlantan GF cupcake shop, family time to end the day. Did the day have to end!?!

Happy Birthday, Autumn

I have heard this phrase for 3 days. We are finally going to eat "Happy Birthday, Autumn cake," as my son says. That boy loves cake!

First Playdate

I finally had the courage to go to a mommies playdate with our church ladies. I didn't know anyone going, but I wanted to meet new ladies and their families. We had a blast! And, the rain did not damper our fun!

Puzzles

My son can locate Colorado, Mississippi, Georgia, and South Carolina on a map! My goal is to teach him the entire US by the end of the summer. 

No limitations of our boy! Anything is is possible! 

playground

Should have gone to the playground this morning. Darn thunderstorms.
Looks like I will be creating a playground in our living room.
I promised we would go to the playground when he got up from his nap. (why don't we live closer to Catch Air) :)

Much needed haircut

Life Proof, but not injury proof

I was helping Jackson out of the car with an arm load of things from our weekend trip. I accidentally dropped my lifeproof case/iPhone on my big toe. I had deja vu when it was dropping in slow motion magnetically towards my toe.  I realized it was going to hit my toe with the point of the phone. NOOOOO....yep. I think I might be loosing my toenail....again.

Summer 2004, I started dating the love of my life. I hoped that he wouldn't notice that my big toenail was gone because I accidentally dropped my THICK Art book on my toe.  Why would anyone do that on purpose?!? I thought I learned my lesson because after that incident, I now move my feet like a tribal dance away from falling objects. Are you envisioning this movement?! Tribal Dancing (26 seconds in)

As my foot is propped up with an ice pack on it, I hope that I will have pretty toes for my two beach trips already planned for August. If not, I will just do what I did almost 10 years ago....paint my skin and keep going.

I am happy that I have my good health and can be grateful for it. :)

Pull up inventory

Back from our Atlanta trip and had one pull-up left. Uh oh! Guess who is going to the store tonight! Haha

Gotta go home

After a wonderful weekend with family, we have to go home. Ready to tackle projects, but not happy to leave my family. :)

Cousins :)

Almost home

My boy is growing up. We turn on J street and Jack said "almost home" in his sweet little boy voice.  

Happy 4th! 

Daily New Activity

So we both won't get in a rut, we will be doing a new daily activity. Here is today's activity on this rainy day.

Flashlight Hunt

Target Age:

Middle Two-Year Old

Materials You Will Need:

flashlight, favorite toy

What To Do:

A flashlight sparks wonder and excitement in children. Begin the activity by hiding one of your child's favorite items: a doll, teddy bear, book, etc. Limit the hiding place to one room to start. Turn out the house lights and hand your child a lightweight flashlight, turning it on before you both go exploring for the treasured item. You can give clues, "You're getting warmer," or "You're getting cooler" as you explore together.

Variations:

Take a flashlight with you as well to point your child in the right direction.

Expand the hiding places to more rooms.

Skills Learned:

• Problem Solving
• Visual Discrimination
• Visual Tracking

Activity Category:

• Sensory Experiences

Laundry to suitcase

Instead of putting all of my laundry away, I just packed them up for our weekend getaway to my parents' house. score.

Across the street neighbor

My neighbor thinks it is okay (on a daily basis) to sit outside in their car and HONK for the person to come out. It happens at least twice a day. 7am. noon. or sometime in the afternoon. I am not sure why they don't understand that they can say, "Hey, I am going to be here at this time. Come outside when you see me pull up." Seriously. I have a video to prove the monstrosity that went on this morning.

Man, I am in a mood today. I guess I will go eat some chocolate ice cream and read a book. :)

Storm

Yes, please, let's schedule Jackson's appointment the morning that it is flooding, lightning, and thundering. I am bringing out my rain boots.

Good news is is that I do not have to water my plants.

Fort

Tebby and Nobby came to the fort party!

Boat RIde, Anyone?

7:50am- Singing of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" coming through the monitor. I love that Jackson sings when he wakes up in the morning.