Happy Birthday to Annie

This is my first blog on my new macbook that santa brought me.  So I'm trying to get used to this new technology...

I decided to take the week off. I've been enjoying pajamas all day and having my mom here with me.  And Annie home from daycare.  We have been keeping ourselves busy hence why my blog is being neglected.  Next week I'll be back in the swing of things.

Yesterday was Annie's second birthday!!!  I'm just overjoyed with her in my life.  We kicked off the celebration with a new tradition.  Tuesday we ate dinner at Chuy's just like we did the night I went into labor with Annie.  Happy hour margaritas!  So fun! Then yesterday we had lunch with Daddy, then shopped and then went to the park and then had cupcakes with Sloane.  It was a perfect day.  And a perfect celebration of Annie.

Now we are ready for 2012!  I mean really ready.  Like sooo done with 2011.  Moving on! It is going to be a new year with big changes!  I'm ready to get started.  And I can't think of a better way to kick it off than with some great friends at the beach!!!  We can't wait.

Pause

I have the intimidating feeling of not blogging and then jumping back in.

On my blog to-do list.... Annie's birthday party pics.   

Christmas... it doesn't feel real.  My house is decorated. There are presents under my tree.  I listen to Christmas music.  But it still doesn't feel real.  I even had an amazing weekend in Shreveport for Shala's birthday and drank eggnog daqs and listened to Amy Grant Christmas.  No... nothing.

We took the girls to go see Santa on Saturday.  Total bust.  Sloane had a death grip on Shala and wouldn't sit on Santa's lap.  Annie sat on Santa's lap crying hysterically with real tears and a look of terror.  Why do we torture our children like this.  I'm over it until age 4 when Annie begs me to go see Santa.  

And I bought all three dresses from The Little Crane today.  Go buy yourself some right this minute. GO! 

And don't be surprised if you don't hear from me until next week.  Just saying.  But we'll see.

Merry Christmas, Y'all!

Annie Lately

I want to make note of these past few months with Annie.  She has been extra happy and sweet.  Here are some of my favorite things about her... She likes to be praised and she likes her gold stars. She is a little teacher's pet, just like I was. She knows what she wants. She dresses herself including socks and shoes. All by herself. She always is saying "I did it!". And "Look Mommy, I made that". She loves to color (her latest masterpiece on the white bricks by the fireplace...) She loves her routine. She fake laughs all the time (which cracks me up). All she wants to do is sing. She reminds me of a court jester.  And she loves christmas trees. I want to remember how she screams "look at the pretty lights" every house we pass with christmas lights on it. Last night before bed she read her books to me instead of me reading them to her. And she asked me "where's the cow?" and wanted me to point and say "there it is". (Just like I do to her when I read).
She just blows my mind... She is unique and funny and smart.

Having been through what I thought were the "terrible two's" I know she is going to change. I hear it actually is the terrible threes instead of twos.  I know she will go through another phase where she drives us crazy. I remember the first blissful night of her sleeping 9 hours straight and I remember the crazy bipolar tantrums she threw before she got tubes in her ears. It is always changing... But I want to remember this. I want to lock it away and take nothing for granted.

Right now, it is so good.

December Updates n Junk

For some reason I'm finding it hard to blog. I guess I’m just busy at work and at life. Getting Christmas decorations up and Annie’s party all done and buying Christmas presents for everyone... Wheeewwww. December is a busy month. But, it is my favorite month. My head is buzzing with so many fantastic Christmas crafts people are blogging about, but i just can't commit this year. Next year I think I’m going to have Annie’s birthday party 2 weeks after her actual birthday rather than 3 weeks before like I’m doing this year. It is slightly too much. But I’m enjoying it. I love making everything pretty and perfect for Annie (and for me).

I’m so so so happy for our Tigers this year! Life is good on a winning team. Right?
We finally have our Christmas tree done. I don't know if yall know but we are using ((well, borrowing for just this year from Anthony’s parents)) a hand-me-down tree from his aunt. It is an ENORMOUS tree! 12' tall; which didn't sound that tall to me until Anthony put it up. Huge, huge tree. We had to get the big roof ladder to put the star on top of it. So needless to say we did not have enough ornaments to fill half this tree. We bought more ornaments and some cheesy glitter garland and now the tree finally looks decent. Next year I'm doing the wide mesh ribbon everywhere. I tried to buy some this year but they were out of red and gold. That stuff makes all trees, banisters, etc. look straight out of southern living! I want it!

Annie's party is going to be fun. And pink. And special. And I can't believe I'm celebrating TWO YEARS already! Huh huh huh? I went to Walmart for a few more party supplies and found a full Minnie Mouse birthday party set-up. I couldn’t resist it. So I'm going "themey" this year. And I like it. It will be in good taste. I promise.

That's what I'm working with for now. I can't wait for my house guest coming Friday. Hooray for the month of December! Hip hip hooray!

Annie's First Birthday
Can't wait to take red couch pictures again and see the changes.  "Same seats"!

Tailgating!!

Last Friday we went to Baton Rouge to tailgate for the LSU game. The weather was gorgeous and we had a blast. Annie was definitely born to tailgate!

One of the best things we did that day was pay to park super close to campus. We parked a block away and it made all the difference! Also, we stayed on the parade grounds (the big open field in front of the union). So I wasn't worried about the girls running into the street or trying to keep them close by. It was just an open field for them to play in.

Though I was a little nervous on how this was going to go down, I was pleasantly surprised!  We will definitely be tailgating again, but next time I'm bringing a big blanket and a picnic lunch. Done and done.

Geauuuuxxxx Tigers!

thought for the day...

I read a great parenting tip the other day...

I realized that I get the most frustrated when I am really attached to the outcome of the situation or the task at hand. It helps me to step back and be in the momnet with my son. (present oriented instead of product oriented) Parenting is still hard, but this helps me be more cool and fun.

I felt like this was written specifically for me.  I can really get caught up in how I think something should go and when my expectations aren't met, or plans get changed, it rocks me hard!  Let it go.  

Tonight is preciation night.  It is an old SS tradition.  No one really does it anymore because we are old... but basically the night before Thanksgiving we would go to TJ's,  get drunk and drunk dial every. single. number. in our cell phones at 2 a.m. and leave crazy messages about how much we are thankful for them.  I mean, this used to be the funniest thing ever.  Like the things we would come up with...  Ridiculousness.  We were such crazy B's.  I'm thankful for those memories.  

I'm so thankful for my life.  Thankful for Anthony and Annie, and my amazing parents and friends and family and in-laws and co-workers.  I'm thankful that I am healthy and truly happy.  I'm thankful for all of God's graces. I'm thankful for my Volvo and for my pups.  I'm thankful for blogs and babycenter crazy mom posts that make me feel better about my parenting skills.  Annndddd I'mmm Thankfulllll!

Happy Thanksgiving, Yall!

just this and that

We had a meeting this morning to look at our upcoming deadlines for some projects and I just can't believe it is the end of November. Thanksgiving is this week...
I started ordering things for Annie’s birthday last night because I just realized it is less than 3 weeks away! When did this happen? But it is going to be darling! Pink and white polka dots everywhere. And word on the street is Wyatt might be making his first visit to Houston for the party!!! That better not be a tease, CiCi! For reals!

Congrats to the Caraher family on their newest edition!  Jacob Patrick Caraher.  These pictures are so precious.

We had a fantastic weekend with Bobby and Jenn and the cook-off. I don't think it was any secret that I was not looking forward to the cook-off.... but it totally was easy and great. I think it was the most low maintenance cook-off to date. Burgers are easy. So it was no fuss. But i babysat the girls in the early afternoon through nap time and then we headed over. Nice size crowd, not too big, and just really enjoyable. Jenn is a great co-pilot to have with babies. She just takes over and it is soooo nice!

So I’m thinking of doing a little bedroom revamp. I’ve decided on the duvet and coverlet.

Here we go... quilt coverlet to use as the main comforter. Chevron duvet will be folded at the foot of the bed and then pulled up for the colder nights. Thoughts? I mean, it is pretty much a done deal at this point, but I do get a little nervous that chevron will be out before I even order the duvet. Add a ton of funky pillows. Right? YES!

thought for the day...

If God had wanted me otherwise, He would have created me otherwise.

Cousins!

Taylor & Annie
November 13th, 2011

Bruno Love Fest 2011

I'm still on a weekend high... It was an amazing weekend. Joseph and Amie got married Saturday night at Michabelle's Bed & Breakfast in Ponchatoula. It was real good feel good all weekend long. The B&B was quaint and perfect. The wedding was so sweet. Everything just felt good and right! I wish Joe and Amie all the happiness in the world.

I'm so blessed to have my family. I SERIOUSLY lucked out with Anthony's family. My sister in-laws...Love.  But really brothers, sisters, parents, cousins, friends...  It's good to be a Bruno. That's all I'm saying. And thank you to my mommy for watching Annie this weekend (I told Annie she was going with Grannie-boo and Pawpaw this weekend and she looked at me and said "Bye bye, Mommy"..LOL Like See Ya!).  And  I want to mention  how much I loved lunch with GG, Cat, mom and Annie on Friday...these women are the essence of me. And Mitchell who brings out the best in me.  And Anthony who makes my life better every day.  OK ok ok ok ok ok ok!
SEEEEE???  Can't stop won't stop weekend high!

"Oh Two-dles" Minnie Mouse Party

I ordered Annie's birthday invitations today!  The party will be Minnie Mouse themed, of course.  Maybe Anthony will dress up as Mickey??  Or maybe make all the dads dress up as their favorite Disney character.  LOL.

I guess I don't want to give too much away.  You know the planning and details are the best part.  But here is a sneak peek.  Of course I will never ever be this over the top... but I do love this.

I'm heading to Louisiana tonight for Joe & Amie's wedding! I'm pumped!

Need a Pep Talk?...

Here you go...
I found a blog that I love; Daily Pep Talk From A Best Friend.  It is funny and sweet and makes me want to write a love letter to all of my friends.  Add it to your reader, you'll like it.

Like this little sweetness...

You’re the bee’s knees (via palelyloitering)

Little Tiger

What a great weekend.  Loved the LSU game.  Loved our Saturday morning playdate with the Samets.  Loved seeing everyone for the memorial.  Lots of babies and friends.  And really great women who are inspiring to be around.  Real good feel good yall!

 

My crazy little sweet girl was so delightful this weekend. Her smarts and wittiness and silliness just blow my mind. She is just adorable. I wish I could video all of the moments that she does something cute. Last night in the bathtub I taught her where her armpits are... then I would tickle them and she would laugh showing all of her teeth. And she just comes out with sentences now all the time. New words every day. Anyway, I don't want to be ‘that mom’... but she is just wonderful.

So I'm stressing. I'm stressing about clothes for Annie (as usual). What do I want her style to be? I can hardly decide on clothes for myself... so I'm mega struggling with clothes for her. First of all, we have the issue of if she will wear them. Secondly I want her to be in smocked dresses. Thirdly, I just want a personal shopper. The end. I'm accepting applications. We need school clothes, weekend clothes, and smocked dresses. She needs a pair of decent tennis shoes and a pair of Mary Jane Keds and sparkly ballet flats. And she needs coat. Ok. Someone get on that and send me the bill.

Back to funny things Annie is doing right now. She wears her socks on her hands. She likes multiple bows in her hair and also multiple pony tails. She can no longer be trusted with markers. She wrote on the wall and the sofa last night. She still loves wearing my shoes. She loves brushing her teeth and spitting in the sink. She does not sit in her booster seat anymore. She sits on a regular chair where she can barely see over the table. She gets herself dressed now. Saturday she had both legs in one side of her pants... walking around like a mermaid. She likes to pretend to potty on the real potty. (Note: not go potty, pretend to potty.) She loves when I pretend Woof-Woof (her puppy) is real. Woof-Woof gets to take a bath with her and I wash him like I wash Annie. And Woof-Woof gets his own towel and we blow dry his hair and I even let her put a diaper on him. She really gets a kick out of that.

Happy Monday, yall!  And countdown to Joe and Amie's wedding!  So fun!

Cooking

Annie cooked last night.  Cheerios and Marshmallows.  She looks sooo old in these pictures.  Like say cheese smile and punky brewster hair... (BTW The teachers at school do her hair like that.  We never know what her hair is going to look like when we pick her up.  I like it.)

Trick or Treat

Halloween at the Willis house was super fun. We let the girls play while we waited for the dads to get home, drank wine, then did a little trick or treating, ate pizza and cookies. Annie decided she was not interested in a costume... So we settled for a tutu on top of school clothes. Sloane, Annie and Addie were such big girls walking to each house to get candy. I think mainly they just loved the freedom of being outside and walking with each other. Such big girls.  Halloween = success!

back to me

It's good to be home. Vacations are funny like that... you can't wait to get away, and then you can't wait to get home. The beach has a profound effect on me. Everything comes into focus. My whole life makes sense. If I lived at the beach I could probably solve the economic crisis and cure cancer... Just saying.
Our girl’s trip had lots of highs and a sprinkle lows. But it ultimately left me a better person.

We still know how to make each other laugh.  We still remember every word to Bling Bling.  Though lots of things have changed... some things never do.

We ate Waffle House every morning (except the last morning because our stomach just couldn't take it anymore. we're old).  Smothered and Covered!

We got Bushwacked at the Flora-Bama Friday night... and we liked it.   Dancing and mostly people watching.

And we saw a sunflower field on the road home so we stopped to enjoy.  It was a perfect grand finale! 

And here I am again, back to Annie and Anthony and my pups and my neighborhood. Halloween at the Willis' was the perfect welcome back to my life party. I'll post trick or treating pictures tomorrow. But don't get too excited, Annie didn't wear a costume.

beach checklist - reading material

After the initial nonstop talking/laughing/gossiping I do plan on having a little quiet time at the beach.   And I can't wait to lay back in my chair and just read.  It is going to be such a treat.

So I did get a long dress today at Old Navy.  Me in a maxi....  I still sort of feel like I'm wearing a nightgown.  Is that how it is supposed feel? 

I tried on a pair of jeggings for the first time in my life last night at Target. Let's just say I won't be wearing jeggings, umm, EVER!  Why the hell do they make jeggings in sizes larger than 6?  I looked like boudin stuffed in sausage casing.  Seriously.  What in my head possibly thought I could pull off jeggings?? And the mirrors in the target fitting room... Horrid. Is it the lighting?  I don't know but wrong wrong wrong.  Don't try on clothes at target if you are having a low self esteem day.  Not a good idea.

Anywho...2 days! Yay!

beach checklist - a maxi

I'm going to the beach this weekend! SS beach trip is happening in 3 days! No boys, no babies, no diet, no worries. Please excuse me if every day up to Thursday is only talking about the beach.

Let’s talk beach style. I want a maxi dress for the beach. Like lounge around, but throw on pearls and heels and head to Florabama. This is what I picture...

I want to look carefree but stylish... and of course I want the comfort of no waistband (ha). But I'm picturing a dress that can go from a long car ride, to drinks on the patio, to the beach. Does this even exist or make sense? I don't know. I don't even know if I could pull off this type of dress with these hips I'm working with. I'm going to stop by target and old navy one night to see if I can.

a bushel and a peck

I don't want to jinx this but Annie has been amazing the last three nights. It might be that I'm figuring her out (what she likes and wants) or that she is figuring out that bedtime and wearing clothes are inevitable...whichever, it has been a dream. Like I have my sweet little girl back and not the terrible twos. Mom says you need the bad days to appreciate the good ones, and so I'm preciating!

Also, Annie is a little parrot repeating everything a say or sing. Last night as I'm putting her in her crib we sang "I love you a bushel and a peck, you bet your pretty neck I do." And she repeated "I dove u, bushel and peck and neck I doooooo." (lots of emphasis on the "do"). I cracked up. It is in those moments that I have total clarity as to what my life is all about. And it is her. It is our little family. It is the laughing and singing and smiles and kisses that define me. Not the tantrums and falls.

We had her dr. appointment this morning and everything was fine. The inward toes should turn back out with time and correct by themselves. We go back in 3 months to make sure it is not getting worse. The end for now.
We are headed to Nola tomorrow! Howya luv dat!

what a girl wants... SHOES!

Annie loves shoes! She loves to wear a variety of shoes throughout the day, and especially mommy's shoes. Flip flops then sandals, and then barefoot. Well, apparently this is becoming an issue at school. Yesterday she got a note sent home saying she won't keep her shoes on. And when they go to put them back on her she throws a fit. The school is concerned that her shoes are uncomfortable and/or too small... Hmmmm. Or maybe she is a strong-willed toddler who does what she wants...

So, now I have an excuse to shop for new shoes for Annie. Annie and I obviously don't see eye to eye on shoes.

________________________________________________________________________

She wants flip flops and mommy's shoes, I want her in Keds. I like her to be in Nikes for school and cutesy shoes for the weekend. I'm searching piperlime, AJ is searching ebay. Any ideas on what will make us both happy? Maybe the pink converse velcro will do the trick.

Little Pumpkin

Fall weekend shout out! Lovely weather, lovely sweet toddlers, lovely friends and fun fall activities for all! We went to the zoo Saturday morning. It was perfect strolling outdoor weather. We met L&O there along with Maggie. We visited the same little pumpkin patch that we took Annie last year. Look at the difference from last year.... She is so grown up now!

Parker's 1st birthday party was that afternoon. Parker took down his football cake like a champ! The party was fun and super enjoyable. I love good weather and easy friends. Just saying. And I especially enjoyed when everyone left and I got baby Maggie and Mommy Sari all to myself! Maggie was cooing at me and smiling. She doesn't just do that for anyone, right Sarah?

We had a football party / fish fry yesterday for the Saints game. Anthony made gumbo too. I headed up the Halloween crafts, of course! I went the easy route this year. I bought the premade cookie decorating kit and just added my own toppings. So easy-peasy... why haven't I done that before? I put out chocolate chips, sprinkles, marshmallows, gummy worms, m&ms and jelly beans for the toppings. Total hit with the kiddos. Also, I wanted to do a pumpkin craft. I originally was going to let the kids paint pumpkins... but it was too much. So instead I bought some Halloween stickers and let them decorate their pumpkins with stickers. They didn't even know the difference. I let Evyn draw on some faces with a black sharpie too. Perfect, easy, no mess. Thank you Semi-homemade with Sandra Lee!

Friday's Five

1.) An amazing lunch with friends at Cafe Pita.  Talking about our crazy babies with their tantrums, starting a book club, and pep talks for all.  I can't tell you how much better life is after a long lunch with girls you love.

2.) Pinterest, my friends.  Just go get on it.  Yes, this is old news.  Yes, after all these months I have finally gotten an account.  Yes, you have to go through facebook.  I'm not quite sure what to do with it, but I like it.

3.) LONG & LEANS.  Of course that is jean that fits me because it describes me to a tee.  Hahahaa.  No, but why do long and leans always look the best?  And I'm kind of fading away from skinny jeans 24/7.  Just saying.  I like a little boot cut in my life too.

4.) Fun print I found on Etsy. Love it!

5.) Glorious weekend countdown in 2 hours! Zoo, birthday party, football, halloween cookies! What more could a girl want?

rough and tumble

I got to see baby Camille at the hospital last night.  She is so tiny and sweet. And can we discuss how cute the name Camille is?  Seriously, Beth and Charles....all of these cute names under their hat.  I didn't feel any baby fever last night holding her.  Just saying that out loud.  No baby fever.

My dogs need a reality check. Or some perspective. Or something.  I want to bring them down to the pound and let them walk down the aisle to see just how good they have it!  Food, filtered water, comfy couch to lay around on all day.  And what do they do? They bark and whine and mope and chew shoes and pretend not to be house trained.  Yes, I know all the psychological reasons why this is happening.  I know the three rules... discipline, exercise, and affection in that order.  Anyway, my dogs are driving me crazy.  And I'm going to make an effort to really get them back on track.

My child fell down a flight of stairs Sunday night.  So I can mark that one off the list. She was sitting at the top of the stairs in the Sommers' gameroom and she leaned back on the gate.  The gate door apparently wasn't closed all the way, so she back flipped down the stairs!  Landed at the bottom and was unharmed!  She cried a little because it scared her and that was it.  We made her walk and move her hands and say her ABCs and count to ten.  All was good.  Scared the sh** out of me and Shala!  We cried for 10 mins after it happened.  It definitely did more damage to us then Annie.  And luckily we had a dr appt Monday morning so she could get checked out.  It is quite uncomfortable to explain to your dr how you child fell down a flight of stairs.... Anyway, she is fine.  She does have an appointment on the 20th with a orthopedic dr to check out her toes turning in.  Hopefully it will be nothing, but I'm happy to be getting it looked at and under control.

And she picked out her own outfit today. I'm trying to take it easy with this wardrobe issue.  But I'm throwing my own fit on the inside.

how to have a sunday funday...

step one:

jump on your bean bag chairs

step two:

assemble your posse for story-time

step three:

fall on your tent 1,000 times because it is the most hilarious thing ever!

step four:

put on your sunday's best

step five:

show grannie-boo how to put on make-up

step six:

practice flying for when you grow up to be a fairy princess

Some Realities...

Did you know my sister-in-law tricked me into signing up for half marathon?!?!?! Tricky tricky telling me it was a 10k! It's the Baton Rouge marathon which is in January. She sent me the training schedule about 2 months ago... and I've yet to start.... Eeeek! How do we feel about that?

I have this overwhelming sense of mortality. Life feels short all of the sudden. Each moment feels precious. When I was a kid, I didn't think about these things. People lived forever and a year was a long long time. Now time passes fast. People around me pass away. It is like this wake up call to adulthood. I feel old. I know this is just a fact but it sometimes stops me in my tracks.

This morning I had a pink shirt waiting for Annie on the changing table just like she likes it. She looked at it and said "No Way! Purple shirt!"... So Super Mom badge revoked! That oughta teach me, huh? LOL.

And finally go check out Milkweed where I will guest posting on Thursdays from now on.

chevron print = COOL

This is probably sooo 3 months ago...but I'm digging the chevron prints. I didn't even know it was called that until Jessica posted it.  Zig-zag anyone?  Ha. Well it's everywhere I look.  Clean sharp lines, bold contrast in color.  I adore this print.  Classic yet modern.  Sophisticated yet playful.  I'm ready for this print to consume my house! How about you?

Pink October

I did some research yesterday on picky dressers. It's always nice to know that whatever (literally whatever) you are going through with a toddler, there are 10,000 other mothers out there going through the same thing. Well, Annie is going through a phase where she only wants to wear pink shirts. Every morning when I get her out of bed she says "pink shirt". Usually I am super mom; ready with a pink shirt in hand. She happily puts it on and we go about our morning. Well heaven forbid I don't do laundry and we have no pink shirts clean... aka last Friday morning! You would have thought I killed Mickey Mouse in front of her when I laid out a purple shirt instead. "No way! No way!" she said, followed by a full meltdown.

So from what I read, lots of kids go through these phases at different ages...wanting to wear the same outfit every day, wanting to pick out their own clothes, wanting to where pajamas only... the list goes on. The main point that I took from it was, let your kids dress themselves. Let them have that independence. So yesterday on my ride home I stopped at Once Upon A Child (a resale shop for children) and picked up about 6 pink shirts. She can wear pink shirts for 2 weeks now without me turning on the washing machine. Brilliant! Point for super mom!

We had such a great weekend. Everything was a total success. Saturday we drove to Ponchatoula for Joe and Amie's Halloween engagement party. It was my first time meeting Amie's family and they were absolutely wonderful! Just easy and fun. Costume parties are a blast! Next year I'm having a Halloween party.  Costumes mandatory.

Cleopatra and her Warrior

Annie and Grannie Cheering for the Tigers

Sunday we drove to Lafayette for a surprise birthday party for Mrs. Patrice. She was so surprised... she forgot it was her birthday. so typ. All of her brothers and sisters were there. In fact, I think everyone I sent an invitation to was there. When does that happen? We were joking that the only way we can get everyone together is for a funeral or someone turning 60. It was so special and a major success for the Bruno kids. Another gold star for the Brunos!! And that is why I love my life.

Side notes to note:

1. I'm on February of The Happiness Project.
2. I made Halloween flag banners for the party last weekend and decided to reuse them in my house. They are now on my mantle, china cabinet and stair banisters. It totally took my decor to the next level. 
3. I'm "playing" golf Friday with my company. I orders some neon multi-colored balls just for fun. Why aren't there any cute golf outfits for girls? Like I'm only allowed to look like an overweight lesbian on the golf course.  Come on.
4. Mom is coming to Houston this weekend since AJ will be out of town. I'm giddy with anticipation. Hurry up weekend. I'm ready for you.

Friday's Five

This is going to be a tough one... It has been a rough day at work and I don't know if I can come up with five things that are great about my Friday.

Ok, let me get it together...
1.)  The photo Sarah posted.  If that doesn't put things into perspective, I don't know what would.  wow...
2.)  "TGIF!" My mom says this to me every Friday. It reminds me of watching Full House and eating Pizza.
3.)  Anne Bruno... temper tantrums and all.
4.)  Blonde Hair.
5.)  Pandora - Zac Brown Band.  Thank you for getting me through.

Hmmm... so weak.  But its the best I got right now.

Happy Wednesday

I had a fun midday treat!

I decided to go visit Jess and the girls during my lunch break and also borrow her book, The Happiness Project to read during the drive down to 'toula this weekend. Number one: it is great to have a best friend. And more importantly great to have a best friend that tells you all the great things about yourself and your child and that it's all good in the world again. (yes, i need affirmation often... especially the week before my period.. you know.). Number two: speaking of 'toula, we have a cra-zy weekend ahead of us. I'm so excited and overwhelmed (in a good way, though). A group of us are hosting a Halloween engagement party for Anthony's brother Joseph and future wifey, Amie.  We are going as Cleopatra and a Roman Gladiator. Ha.  Then we have another big thing happening in Lafayette on Sunday. It is going to be a fantastic, real good feel good weekend. I am promising myself to take lots of pictures, live in the moment, and relax. Just relax. Enjoy. Take it all in. One life and this is it.

So who wants to start a book club with The Happiness Project? I read the author's blog daily and trust me you will be into her. I see myself in everything she writes. Same feelings, same thoughts, same sames.

These are my Brain Snippets today...

Daddy & Annie Day

Annie stayed home from school yesterday because she had a little stomach bug over the weekend and we wanted to be sure she was clear. Anthony had the day off anyway, so he got to stay home with her. He sent me pictures all day of the fun things they were doing with the message "jealous?"....

It doesn't get much cuter than me....

Loving some Menchie's!!

I was pretty jealous. Grocery store, happy meals, fro-yo, wagon ride, and dispicable me... Sounds like the best day ever!

Bedtime Books

Every night I read books to Annie before she goes to bed.  I put about 4 or 5 books out on the side table and she gets to pick the 3 she wants to read. She picks the same books pretty much every night. It gets so old reading the same books. And pointing to the same things. And making the same sounds. 

I'm not gonna lie, I have found myself wanting to read fast, or not say all of the lines and move to the next page quickly (who else does this?  raise your hand). I also consider it a treat to have a night off and let AJ put her to bed...

But last night as I started with the same Elmo ABC's book for the 100th night in a row, I remembered this short slideshow called The Years Are Short I saw on the Happiness Project. And I thought, you know, I won't have this time forever. One day I won't be reading books to Annie before she goes to bed. She will grow up. I better appreciate this now.  

Friday's Five

I think I'm going to start a new theme for Fridays.  5 great things about my Friday...

So here we go...

1.) I treated myself to a Starbucks Skinny Vanilla Latte on the way to work.  Great kick-off to the day.

2.) Adele ~ Someone Like You  (Sung at the top of my lungs. And yes car beside me, I'm singing like I'm on Glee. I know I look like a fool.  Get over it.)

3.) I'm planning a surprise date night for Anthony tonight.  Thank you to DJ and Shala for offering to babysit Annie.  And Anthony, get excited because I've got a really fun treat for you!  

4.) Sarah's Halloween costume!  I can't say what it is because it's a surprise.  But trust, it will be outrageous.   AJ and I are getting our costumes tonight. I think we are going to be the Roaring Twenties!  

5.) I'm working on the SS beach trip playlist.  I think it might be the best playlist I've ever made.  (little preview -  girl you look good why don't you back that ass up... re-re-re-remix...Josie's on a vacation far away...zzziz ziz zizz <<that's a record scratching in case you didn't pick up on that sound>>...I'm a genie in a bottle baby... wha wha... yall gonna make me lose my mind up in her up in her!)  I might need to sell this playlist... right?  Like shake it for your hood if its all good....my hot girl and your hot girl.  Ok, enough.  I can't give anymore away.

You do you. 

Fall Shows

I'm so happy about all the new fall shows! I'm actually staying on top of what is premiering. Anthony is DVRing everything for me. And I'm not stressing. Fresh start. Anyone watch New Girl last night? I'm crushing all over Zooey Deschanel. Can I please be her? Her cotton commercials! I die every time. But I didn't necessarily like the 3 guys on the show. Douche bags, bad acting... I don't know. That sort of bothered me. BUT I didn't even care because I love Zooey and she can do no wrong. And then Glee!  And still in the queue is the new Tosh, X-Factor tonight, Modern Family tonight... and one more new one Up All Night.  

So what else... I got the new Serena and Lilly catalog. I had to wipe the drool off the floor after I looked through it. Their famous un-diaper bag is on sale right now. I have been in the market for a new diaper bag for a while. I have the same issues that Jess has. So let me read you the description of this bag...

“The one-bag-holds-all solution for the one-mom-does-all lifestyle” 

So basically me and every friend I know. This bag is trendy and a luxury item. I do love the style. But is it too big? Too unstructured? Too uppity? I can't decide. Here is the full review from theshoppingmama.com

  I saw the cutest idea from houzz.com. The Thankful Tree. 

In the spirit of Fall (and Thanksgiving) create a thankful tree as a daily reminder of all of your many blessing. Plus it just looks cute. I'm always looking for seasonal things to hang from the branches in my dining room. And this DIY is perfect.

Beach Pics of Annie