My Stay At Home Life

Exciting news explaning my abscence...

2011-07-20T08:52:00.000-07:00

Most of my family and close friends know this already, but I just realized that I had not shared this with my blogging community! I am expecting baby #4!!! I am just over 3 months FINALLY over the first trimester, and still on meds for nausea (which is par for the course with every pregnancy I have had) . Our due date is January 16th. The whole family is excited! Just thought I would share our happy news!

ALMOST done room makeover and desk done!

2011-03-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

THE BOLD TOO BRIGHT BEFORE:

THE CALM AFTER :

AFTER

AFTER:

So...I have finally (sort-of) finished redoing my daughter's room . Mia is the sweetest, most sensitive, girly-girl I know (who also likes to kick butt in soccer). So, I decided that she needed her room to be as sweet and calm as she is. I have to say that I literally spent $16.00 on the whole do-over. I was given a couple of pieces of old furniture, and already had some of the paint that I used. The only things I purchased were the two faux plants , a pink sheet (both from Goodwill), and a mis-tint gallon a paint from Lowes. I ended up painting her room Bridal Blue by Olympic. You can't tell from the pictures but her ceiling fan(which is a MUST where we live) was Disney Princess OVERLOAD. Which was fine when she was younger (but she was OVER it). I painted over that baby and now it is a pink and white cutie! I opted for white black out curtains for the closet, and a pink twin sheet turned curtain for the window curtain. The bedding is Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic that was gifted to us. The nightstand, dresser and desk were all given to us by relatives. The awesome pink mirror was a find from Ty's Grandmother's house. I still have some tweaking to do , and some things to add (like the new floors we are getting ready to put down in there), but for now I like it and it is officially the sweetest room in the house. Thanks for looking...thoughts? opinions?

SMALL GALLERY WALL

2011-03-11T15:28:00.001-08:00

My friend K inspired me (She does that alot, because basically she's cool like that). She just posted an awesome gallery wall in her Master bedroom. I have been wanting to try one but was a little intimidated about the whole thing....colors, photos, symmetry...my head was spinning . FINALLY, I took the plunge. I decided to go small first . I grabbed a couple of my favorite pictures and, postcards along with my BIG S and stuck to a silver theme, and just went with it. I like the end result and think I'm going to do something similar in my daughters bedroom when we re-do it soon! Hope you enjoy! Thoughts???

big plans for the little piece!

2011-03-11T15:18:00.000-08:00

I SOOOO cannot wait to tackle this next project! My parents (a while back) bought my daughter Mia an antique rolltop desk (30's or 40's I'm guessing) for her room. I FINALLY dug it out of their storage shed, and plan on sanding, painting and distressing this little beauty this weekend! The little chair will get a makeover also...The desk will FOR SURE be white, but II'm debating on if I should paint the chair another color...thoughts anyone??? OPINIONS GREATLY APPRECIATED!! ..............Isn't she a doll??

Spicing up the kitchen

2011-02-15T10:57:00.000-08:00

before
after (excuse the messy counter tops)

I decided to do a small project to put a little jazz in my kitchen. I knew I wanted glass tiles and I knew that I didn't want too may because of my kitchen already being really small, I didn't want it to feel smaller so I decided to put all the tiles right behind my stove as a small back splash. I like how it turned out and I did it all by myself! I bought everything at Lowes. It's a small change, but I like it. It was my first time trying something like this so I am happy with how it turned out! You may notice I also changed the paint color. I do miss my Ikea bar above the stove but I had the hubby cut it down for me and installed it on another wall in the kitchen. Thanks for looking!

Board and Batten

2011-02-05T16:52:00.000-08:00

AFTER

BEFORE:

BEFORE:

I have been wanting to install some board and batten in my living room for some time now, and I finally decided to try it out in my small foyer to see if I could handle doing a larger project. I must say it was fairly easy. I went to Lowes and bought general purpose lattice for my vertical strips, and door casing for my horizontal. I then painted them White Mount in Semigloss (Olympic). I love how it turned out and I'm hoping to recreate this look in my living room.

Well...Shutter my fly!

2010-12-02T07:05:00.000-08:00

I swear every time I log onto Shutterfly , it just keeps getting better! The card designs they offer range from whimsical to classic and there are so many options for how many pictures you can add (which is helpful for someone like me with three kids! ). Shutterfly is always my go-to stop for Christmas cards, birth announcements, and Birthday invites. They are FABULOUS without breaking the bank!

I was thinking this year about getting the Grandparents Calenders of photos of the Grandchildren , so they can see their cute faces every day! Check them out here: http://www.shutterfly.com/calenders

The Photo mugs would be great too: http://www.shutterfly.com/photos-gifts/photo-mugs

Imagine seeing those cute mugs on your mug! Would you not love it?

I'm thinking of throwing a Christmas party this year just so I can buy these cute invites! Totally worth it, right? right! http://www.hutterfly.com/cards-stationary/christmas-invitations

I literally have sat FOR HOURS trying to figure out which card I want to use, but still can't figure it out.... The pictures I posted on here are the ones that I would like to use, but I can't decide on the group shot or the individual shots of each one of them. HELP! What do you think? I would turn all the individual shots black and white! I've narrowed down my favorites to the ones up top! I love them all it is So hard to choose! It doesn't hurt when your kids are so cute they look great on every card! haha! No seriously! Go to http://www.shutterfly.com and check out all their GREAT products! You won't be sorry!!!! And tell 'em Ellen sent ya'!

Christmas decorations on the cheap...

2010-11-29T08:34:00.000-08:00

I set some sort of record this year! We NEVER put up a tree or decorations for Christmas this early! We usually wait about three weeks before Christmas, but I was bored one day so Lola and I pulled out all the stuff and got to work. Everything you see was either purchased at the dollar tree,Target, or family dollar (with the exception of the beautiful wreath that I received from my husband's wonderful Aunt about 9 years ago!) I like how it turned out, except for the lights on the tree...I'm going to buy more! Happy Holidays!

Grand Love!

2010-11-11T13:58:00.000-08:00

First let me start this post by apologizing for the poor picture quality ...I, for the life of me, can't figure out how to change the settings on this expensive, confusing camera! OK, now that I got that out of the way.... My latest project is something that I have been wanting to do since I was a homeowner, but never got around to doing (in between getting married and having three kids ha ha!) So 10 years, and 2 houses later, I did it!

I LOVE old photographs! I mean L.O.V.E. (all caps, see I meant it! ) The only thing I love more than old photos are old photos of my relatives. I love seeing the people of my family that I never had the chance to meet , but still love more than words. I finally compiled 4 of my most favorite old photos to proudly hang in my home. The four photos are of both of my sets of Grandparents when they were dating, and both sets of Ty's Grandparents when they were dating. I get to see EVERY DAY 8 people who brought our parents into the world, and then Ty and I and now our three children. The photo of my Dad's parents is extra special to me because I never got to meet my Grandfather. He was killed by a drunk driver when my Father was 2 years old. There really are not many pictures of him and I cherish this particular one. So...Here you are...My GRAND-photo wall! I L.O.V.E. it!

Kitchen cabinet mini-makeover

2010-08-25T11:22:00.000-07:00

They got a fresh coat of paint, and two of them were opened up for a little eye candy. I also installed a bar from IKEA above the stove. IKEA=HEAVEN. I bought some cafe curtains from World Market. LOVE the Tree of life print! New knobs, and drawer pulls to come! Also toying wit the idea of new shade of blue...stay tuned! (And as usual I like to "keep it real" I don't clear off counters or empty the sink for pictures. This is how my house looks ALL the time) ;)

Bathroom mini-makeover

2010-08-25T11:18:00.001-07:00

Just a little paint , new shower curtain, repurposed frame, and light fixture ($20 at Lowes!! woo-hoo) got the job done! Now.....Curtains...hmmmmmmm?

The evolution of a living room/dining room

2010-08-25T10:05:00.000-07:00

These pictures show the evolution of my living room /dining room. We bought our home 3 years ago from my inlaws so the first picture you will see is of when they lived here. My taste and style has changed over the years, and nothing ever stays the same long here in Casa Sudano....

Candle holder to mini-chalkboard

2010-08-25T08:23:00.000-07:00

What do you do with an old candle holder that your kids have drawn all over and made their own personal art project?....well! You turn it over and paint it with chalkboard paint and hang it over your computer to write your favorite quotes and/or song lyrics! Happy DIYing everyone!

Lola's table Done!

2010-08-23T13:10:00.000-07:00

So I decided to paint the top of the table with chalkboard paint. It turned out cute and all the kids enjoy drawing pictures and playing a good game of tic tac toe on it. I used a star candy dish that I got on Clearance at Target for $1.50 as a chalk holder, and painted a red basket white and tied a little ladybug on the side to store Lola's recent favorite books.

I puffy pink heart love Craigslist!

2010-08-11T18:37:00.000-07:00

I found and scored this beauty from Craigslist for $15 bucks!!! I was so excited since I needed a chair for my front window. (A space that is sort of awkward)...It wasn't the most shall we say exciting chair, but that was nothing that could not be fixed! I ran an old table runner around the back cushion and topped it off with a chair pad cushion (from world Market) with the strings cut off! I chose this "pillow" of sorts because I have the same table runner on my dining room table, which is essentially in the same room. I do have some more plans for this chair, but for now...She's a great addition! Yes...all my furniture is female!

p.s. I just noticed the MASSIVE piece of lent on the cushion! Darn it! Sorry, NOT getting up to take more pictures

DEstress...distress what's the difference?

2010-08-11T18:28:00.000-07:00

So I decided to just sand the corners of the table and chairs and not do anything TOO drastic as of now. I like the way it turned out...but my wheels , they are a'spinnin! I'll think of something soon!

Not finished...taking suggestions

2010-08-11T14:24:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be putting this in my living room/dining room for Lola. Suggestions on what to do with it further would be GREATLY appreciated...

These frames have me blushing

2010-08-11T12:11:00.000-07:00

I needed a way to perk up these white frames from Michael's. What better way then to Whip out the 'ole spray paint on the matting! LOVE it!

p.s. excuse the finger prints on the mirror!

Update: computer now in office.

2010-08-11T09:57:00.001-07:00

Little late with this post. I FINALLY got the computer in my "ClOffice". I like it more and more every day!

Mirror,mirror on the wall

2010-08-11T09:48:00.000-07:00

In the post below, you can see a shiny pink mirror hanging above Mia's bed. I recently acquired this thanks to my husband's Grandmother (who could totally be on hoarders, but not in a bad way) She has TONS of great stuff just hanging around, and I get to pick through every once in a while and take whatever I want! SCORE! I saw the mirror and knew right away what I wanted to do with it! We have since changed her bedding for something different! I love how this project turned out!

FREE Project to add a little spunk to any room

2010-08-11T09:36:00.001-07:00

I saw a tutorial here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rT_SLFFt3Z4

and decided that I would try these with my daughter Mia. As soon as we got the hang of it, we decided exactly where we wanted to hang them! In HER room! She loves them and they were free! We used tissue paper we had at home with some garbage bag ties and old fishing line we had in the shed! I think they are SUPER cute and we even put a few above Lola's bed (crib) too!

The stuff my neighbors throw out Volume 2

2010-08-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

I just don't get it...a little fabric and paint and a glue gun and you have a whole new piece!

2010-07-27T17:59:00.000-07:00

My buffet is FINALLY done. I sanded and stained the top ( dark walnut by Minwax) and painted the bottom Snow Mount by Olympic (Semi-gloss). I love how this turned out!!

2010-07-26T17:05:00.000-07:00

My first attempt at recovering a chair..I don't think I did too shabby! I won't bore you with the details mostly because It was touch and do the ENTIRE time...BUT ...I'm proud of myself and thought I would share!!

My 100% FREE new office

2010-07-08T14:12:00.000-07:00

*IN ADVANCE SORRY THE PICTURES ARE OUT OF SYNC (the above pic is before)* and the top pic is the chair before......
So this story begins with the fact that my family of 5 lives in a 3 bedroom house. The hubby and I in one room , Mia and Lola in one room, and Max in one room. We set up our computer in Max's bedroom because he had a little more room than his sisters (emphasis on little). Wellllll Fast forward to our dog Mille' wandering around the neighborhood and catching a MAD case of fleas. Since she tended to sleep in Max's room at night, she INFESTED his room. When I say INFESTED , I mean it! We had to bomb his room THREE times to get rid of them! I HATE FLEAS. So during the bombing process, we moved our computer into the living room (which I hate). So being the Google queen that I am I started looking for solutions to our computer dilemma....I decided NOT to put the computer back in Max's bedroom. With all the other bedrooms filled, we were out of luck as far as an office went. Finally, I ran across a Google Image of someone who turned their closet into an office.....DING DING DING! I was ALL over this idea! It took me literally 4 hours to complete and was 100% FREE! I just used the existing shelf in the closet as a desk, dug a chair out of my moving neighbor's trash and painted it white, and covered the cushion and painted the inside of the closet with some left over paint I had......Scoured my house for cute baskets and accessories and VIOLA! I also had a Broken shade that I cut and stapled to the inside of the closet to hide all my holiday decorations. I'm done! I still have to get my computer in there which is why there is a big blank space in the middle, but so far I LOVE IT. Also...our fuse box is located in this closet so how cute is it covered with my fave. pictures with magnets?I'm also on the search for a cute lamp...TJMaxx and Marshalls here I come...Hope y'all enjoy!

WOW...I'm slacking

2010-02-17T09:19:00.000-08:00

So... I haven't posted in so long! I guess I have just been busy with life, period! Everyone is great here! Mia and Max continue to do well in school and make excellent grades. Lola is bigger and smarter by the minute! She is "lovingly" referred to as "Boss Lady" around the house because she, pretty much, runs the house! ha! Her Sister and Brother have gotten used to it! See above picture! What she says goes! I am still on my diet, and as of today , I have lost 17lbs! I am happy with my progress although I would like to lose another 30. Only time will tell! It is nice to hear the compliments, and that people notice I have lost the weight.
We are preparing to go back to Disney in the beginning of March! The kids are SUPER excited and Ty and I are too! He will have 2 straight weeks off, and he is looking forward to every second of it! The hotel is booked and we are ready! On a side note, WE GOT SNOW!!!! We havent had this amount of snow in Charleston since 1989! It was GREAT fun, and we enjoyed every minute of it!
Max's Football season is winding down, and they are UNDEFEATED!!! He and Mia start soccer in the Spring, and Ty will be Max's coach! Does that officially make me a soccer Mom? haha! NO mini-vans here! My sister's wedding is a little over a month away! She is beyond happy, and I need to start working on my toast! (and tan)I AM SO PALE! Well...I hope everyone is well in the blogger-sphere! I will attach some recent pics for family far away! LOVE YOU ALL!

No time for a title...

2009-09-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

Since my life is crazy hectic, right now, and I'm neglecting my blog..I thought I would post some pics...Sorry..Being lazy..Just some of our comings and goings ...relatives, friends, visits from family from Italy, Lazy days at home, birthday parties...you get the point...Hopefully I will be able to come on here soon and write a proper post, but until then....

Living/dining room redo...

2009-09-16T06:33:00.001-07:00

AFTER

BEFORE

What do y'all think so far?.....

2009-09-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

~~Making a to do list~~.....playing in facebook

Touring the Liberty Belle

2009-09-07T05:36:00.001-07:00

It's My Birthday!!!

2009-07-31T08:52:00.000-07:00

And I asked for a new couch! I'm such a girl/Mom/bore! I LOVE it, though! I will post some before & after pictures on here. LOTS of new stuff planned. I'm going from Cottage chic to Breezy chic....

Helllloooo Is anybody out there?

2009-07-29T15:44:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all! It has been Waaayyy too long since I have posted last! I know y'all are so sad! haha! It isn't for lack of trying but Lola started crawling recently...see previous post, and now she's really REALLY fast so i have to chase her around ALOT which does not give me much free time to be on here. Also Max and Mia are still home for the Summer (August 18th can't come soon enough!), and between the three of them...let's just say my plate is full.
So...What's been going on...hmmmm....well besides the afore mentioned Lola updates, Ty has been on vacation twice. We really did some staycations because the $Dough$ is low. With his $1500 ticket to Italy recently, we couldn't afford to do much, but thank goodness we live 5 minutes from the beach (on a non-traffic day) and we have access to a pool when ever we want , so the kids do not lack things to keep them occupied. This Summer has been LOOOONNNGGG and fast at the same time...hard to explain.
My Mother-in-law, Rosanna, is tentatively scheduled to be home from Italy on August 10th!! YAYYYYYYY! She has almost tied up all her business in Italy, and is more than excited to come home to her children and grandchildren! Lola has changed SO much since she's been gone, and it will be wonderful to see them get reacquainted. I know she will hate saying goodbye to her childhood home, but we will be back LOTS to visit with her!
My sister , Amy and her fiance' are still planning their wedding , which is scheduled for March of 2010. She bought her dress which is BEAUTIFUL, and most of the other wedding things, and they have secured a beach house for their reception! Now..I just need to find a "dressy" chocolate brown dress before then that is appropriate for a March beach wedding...since I will be the Matron of Honor and all! Matron = a word that makes me feel old! ha! I'm excited for her though! She really has met a wonderful Man and they seem so happy together! They compliment each other perfectly! I'm sure I will cry!
So...In a few days I will turn 29, and I really don't know what to think of that!?! I will only have 1 year left to say I'm a twenty something...Everyone I have talked to though say the best times of their lives where after they turned 30, and you know what?...I'm going to choose to believe them! what have I got to lose right?!
All in all, I can say I'm pretty darn happy about my life right now. Everything is as it should be, and I wouldn't want it any other way....I LOVE MY LIFE and the people in it! Happy Summer y'all!

9 years ago today....

2009-07-22T06:50:00.000-07:00

I married my Best Friend! Happy Anniversary Ty! I love you!

Congrats Three B's and Me!!!

2009-07-16T19:10:00.000-07:00

How cute is her little family?

You know I love a good give-a-way. My fellow blogger Alicia over at www.twobsandme.blogspot.com has the cutest give-a-way in honor of her 400th post!!! That's right I said 400th!

I like to win things, but honestly I just really and truly enjoy reading her blog. We have gaggles of things in common, and when I watched her first Video blog , I nearly peed my pants in laughter. She has two ADORABLE children, and seems like the most devoted Mother and Wife.

She can make you laugh out loud in one post...then the next day you read and want to go cry and hug your kids, because of how expressive she is about how much she loves her kids.

So everyone visit Alicia and enter her give-a-way.
Better yet, become a follower
Oh yeah...she's on Twitter too!
Thanks Alicia, for the many hours of entertainment

Here comes trouble....

2009-07-15T08:20:00.000-07:00

So Lola started crawling! I mean REALLY crawling! She was doing this "army crawl" for a while but now she is up on her knees, and moving fast! I need to baby proof the house now, and M & M now know to keep all small toys in the toy box! Not that she doesn't pull herself up on it! Yeah... She discovered how to do that one fast! I took the video with my cell phone, so sorry about the quality, AND extra annoying Mommy voice! I see an early walker in my future!

My July 4th in pictures

2009-07-06T09:30:00.000-07:00

This is one of the reasons I love where I live....

2009-06-25T13:59:00.000-07:00

Ty got off work early yesterday, and I cooked dinner early, so we decided to hop in the car to take an impromptu 5 minute drive Downtown. We got to watch the most beautiful Sunset over the water. I love Charleston!

So that is what a panic attack feels like.....

2009-06-24T11:28:00.000-07:00

So let me fill you in before I really start telling this story. ALL three of my children sleep in Ty and I's room at night. YES...I said ALL 3 and no I don't want to hear how much you disagree with this (if you do). It has always worked for us and if they feel safe , they can continue to do so until they are old and gray. Lola naps twice a day in her crib every day, but at night she is nestled between Mommy and Daddy, and that's just how she (and us) likes it!! Max and Mia sleep on a mattress that is tucked underneath our bed (during the day). Lord knows why I have a 3bedroom house! ...anyways... on to my story...
So, Courtesy of Miss Lola Beans, I awoke pretty early this a.m. I peeked over the side of my bed to check on Max and Mia to see if they were up yet...welll...There's Mia...ok...still sleeping...ok...where's Max?...Max?...MAX!!!!...MAX???????!!!!!! I ran from room to room...outside, front yard...back yard...NO MAX...I was panicking BIG TIME...Lola was screaming....I woke up Mia with my screaming...and I checked one last place......THERE he was. Under my bed...PASSED OUT COLD SLEEPING LIKE A ROCK THROUGH MY BREAKDOWN!!

So I did the next natural thing..I whipped out my cellphone and took a picture...

♥ Little Lola Beans ♥

2009-06-24T05:39:00.000-07:00

So that is officially her nickname from Daddy! She is doing great and enjoying joining us at the dinner table. I swear if I could put her on a sandwich, I would just eat her up!!!

I ♥ Faces~ Week 24~ Kid's entry

2009-06-22T11:06:00.000-07:00

Here's the "Little" Man in my life doing his best Spiderman impersonation!

Head over to www.iheartfaces.blogspot.com to see all the other adorable kid's entries!

I ♥ Faces~ Week 24~ Let's hear it for the boys!~ Adults Entry

2009-06-22T10:50:00.000-07:00

I know I just posted a similar photo into last weeks contest, but when I saw the theme this week, I could not resist this picture. This is my husband Ty and his Brother Lance. They rented some mopeds and took a trip through Tuscany (jealous?...me too!)These two are extremely close and this picture is just a pure example of Boys having FUN!

Head over to www.iheartfaces.blogspot.com to check out the other FABULOUS entries!

I ♥ faces-Week 23-Sephia

2009-06-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

This is my adult entry. This picture is of my husband Ty on his moped journey through the Tuscan countryside.

This is my kids entry for www.iheartfaces.blogspot.com
Lola posed for this lovely picture at the park.

For Daddy who is in Italy...

2009-06-10T11:26:00.000-07:00

MUST WIN...I REPEAT ...MUST WIN...

2009-06-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

HEAD OVER TO http://www.preppypapergirl.blogspot.com/ AND SHE WHAT I JUST ENTERED TO WIN! ALL OF HER STUFF IS UH-MAZING!!!!!!!

I ♥ faces entry...birthday

2009-06-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

i heart faces is a photography blog site that hosts weekly photo contests of faces for both kids & adults. This weeks contest theme is "Happy Birthday"!

i Instantly thought of this picture when I saw the theme over on I heart faces this week! This is Mia at her Birthday party at school. I kind of snapped this without her knowing. I can only imagine what she's thinking of at that moment!

Have I ever mentioned my First "born"?....

2009-05-14T14:28:00.000-07:00

I don't think I have ever mentioned my first child on my blog. Her name is Mille'(pronounced ME-LAY). She is our four-legged daughter that we got before Mia was born. Ty's brother was on a road trip and traveling through Georgia. He found Mille' abandoned at a gas station drinking water on the ground from some one's AC on their car. It was LOVE at first sight when we met her. Ty's brother couldn't keep her at the time because he wasn't allowed dogs in his apartment. We became new parents about 2 months before Mia was born.

Lately Mille' and I haven't been getting along. She's ruining every piece of furniture I own...She's not listening to a word I say. She has had Animal Control called on her twice...She showed up at the house with a hole in her side (assuming aforementioned Animal Control Caller shot her with BB gun).You know typical teenage drama.

She truly is a very sweet dog. LOVES attention. Barks when she feels like she should protect us, Loves to go running with Ty....I hate to dislike her, or should I say I hate to dislike her actions. Hey... at least she's preparing me for the future with Mia, Max and Lola. Besides who could resist that face???

This my friends....

2009-05-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

Is what happens when you wait way too late to do your homework...

Sorry for the grainy pics..I took them with my cell phone.

I ♥ faces entry #1...

2009-05-11T08:40:00.001-07:00

Thsi week's theme is laughter! Head over to http://www.iheartfaces.com/ to check out the other entries!

Just wondering...

2009-05-11T07:04:00.000-07:00

Who exactly are you trying to fool? hahahaha!

Our eventful last couple of days....

2009-05-08T15:18:00.000-07:00

Watching some movies

Ready to go home...

Close-up of cast and drippings from his orange Popsicle ;)

In his room after surgery...feeling alot better

Doped up on some good pain meds...

Sorry these are out of sync. This is in the ER when we arrived. He was in pain. They put him in a temporary splint. Me...trying to distract him

After Surgery...sorry I couldn't flip this one around. This is before he came out of anesthesia. The first thing he asked me was "Mom, do you have those cookies from Nonna's house?"

When we arrived at Hospital...Left arm not looking so swell or normal...

These are for Nonna who is in Italy and misses her boy! We love you! Hurry home!

Nursery Rhyme Review

2009-05-06T06:41:00.000-07:00

Mia had her final performance last night for the school year. They were instructed to dress in their Spring finest. They sang and performed skits about every nursery rhyme they had learned this year. It was PRECIOUS to say the least. My parents and Sister came to watch the show. A great time was had by all!

Lola

2009-04-27T13:09:00.001-07:00

Y'all....

2009-04-20T10:06:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk

I UGLY cry every time I watch this!

Diet and exercise

2009-04-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

I haven't walked in a while with my Mom. SLACK, I know. Also...How am I supposed to maintain when Sonic sells a fritos chili cheese wrap for 99 cents?

Easter

2009-04-13T09:08:00.000-07:00

Have I ever mentioned I HATE Easter grass?

Curly Q

2009-04-02T15:21:00.001-07:00

Right after her bath today...think she will have curly hair?...God, I love her.

2009-04-01T14:23:00.000-07:00

No...this is not a Remember when Wednesday...

2009-03-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

Please dont pay attention to the bad blonde hair in this pic..or the ouitfit (it was like 9 years ago)...anyways...This picture is on my fridge in an attempt to stop me from grabbing something bad out of it...or running to Micky D's for a burger. I'm walking 2 miles "almost" every night with my Mom and doing some portion control. I want my old body back. I'm being realistic though. I have had 3 children...and some things will never be the same. I just want to try to be more active, healthy, and feel better about myself. Think I can do it?...Let's hope, and wish and PRAY.

LOLA LOVES SPRING

2009-03-22T07:21:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung...

2009-03-22T07:17:00.000-07:00

Say Hello to my little (ok maybe very very big ) friend. This is the new addition to our family. We had to sell my Acura when Lola came around because we didn't all fit. So we upgraded BIG TIME. With all of us in this Fine automobile...there are still 2 empty seats...that are heated. The kids got the DVD player...I got my leather, and ty...well...Ty got one bad ass family vehicle to drive.

Jai Ho

2009-03-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjN_q8feoa4
I even like the Pussy Cat Dolls version...sad but true

Lola...3 months later

2009-03-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

So 3 months have almost come and gone. I cannot believe it! Lola is such a great addition to our family. It has taken me a while to get back into newborn mode. Wow!!! Max is 4 for crying out loud!! It's been a while, people.

She's sleeping through the night, and only cries when she's wet, or hungry! She's such a good baby! She loves music (on a side note...I'm OBSESSED with that song Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire and have been playing it non-stop...don't ask). The swing and Mylicon are now my Best Friends Forever! At least until she starts teething ...then Orajel swabs and I will become reacquainted.

She's so beautiful (yes...I know everyone says that, but come on look at her!!). I'm starting my diet and workout routine today so wish me luck! I will chronicle any future weight loss on here. I will probably be a raging bitch without my diet Dr. Pepper, so may the force be with me and everyone around me.

Fun Day

2009-03-07T15:03:00.000-08:00

The weather here today was GORGEOUS!!!! We took the kids to the children's museum downtown and had a great time!

So.....

2009-02-26T07:32:00.000-08:00

This what I do all day....sit around with no make-up on and air dried hair....

Taking self-portraits with Lola....

I REALLy shoud be folding alllllllllllllllll of these....

"Just like daddy"

2009-02-26T07:21:00.000-08:00

So Max asked me the other day..."Mommy, when can I shave my face like Daddy?".....Me: "Uhhhh...when you are a big boy and you have hair on your face TO shave off"....Max: "I do have hair...See?"..(pointing to the peach fuzz)...He could have continued this conversation battling me for the next hour, so I just gave in......

And so he "shaved"

Happy Anniversary

2009-02-25T08:01:00.000-08:00

Today is my parents 37th Wedding anniversary! These days that is very rare.

My parents met in high school in Aiken , SC. He was a Senior and she was a Junior. She would sneak, and look in his books to see if he had written her name anywhere...(love that story). He moved back to Charleston to go to college, and when she graduated the following year, she moved to be with him. He proposed on New Years Eve. They were married on a Friday and back to work on a Monday. They had my sister Amy in 1976, me in 1980, and my brother Joey in 1985. Now they are the best Mama and Papa ever to Mia, Max, and Lola.

I LOVE that they can say that they married their high school sweetheart. I LOVE that they can say they made it to 37 years. I LOVE that they found each other and made a family. I LOVE that they are my parents. Happy anniversary! I love you both...

I WON!!! I WON!!! I WON!!!!

2009-02-19T12:20:00.001-08:00

I won the header !!! Yayyyyyyy!!!!!!!!! SOOOOO Excited...Can you tell?

Life is better in color

2009-02-18T16:07:00.001-08:00

I PROMISE a proper pot here soon! I have plenty to talk about with the whole sleep deprivation, 3 kids, thing going on. Right now though...Photos will just have to suffice! Love you all! ♥ E

Ty's Valentines Day gift....

2009-02-16T10:06:00.001-08:00

I took all these pictures and framed them for Ty for Valentines Day....Oh MY Goodness the preciousness!

My Valentines Day...

2009-02-16T08:20:00.001-08:00

GREAT Italian food...cards..candy...A couple of glasses of wine..and snuggling in our bed watching Pinapple Express...a perfect Day!

How was yours?

I wanna' win! PUUUUULLLLEEEAASSE

2009-02-12T06:40:00.000-08:00

http://southernstuf.blogspot.com/.... Please visit this adorable, witty blog. I want to win a header!...That sounds weird...Just go look! :)

My Day....

2009-02-11T09:01:00.000-08:00

YEP!!!...this sums it up!

New hair decsion...

2009-02-06T14:17:00.000-08:00

Here's me giving my best "blue steel" (for all you Zoolander fans out there) with my new haircut. I decided to leave it long and put a bunch of messy layers in it. I didn't color it, so all those beautiful highlights you see are my own. Thanks. One of my BFF's from highschool ,Kelly did it. She works at Salon Couture in Downtown Charleston . They are awesome. Check them out online. The picture really does it NO justice. I was a HOT mess before this...

Smile ....the week is almost over!!!

2009-02-04T10:59:00.000-08:00

correction

2009-02-03T12:47:00.000-08:00

On the last post...it will be 9 years this year that we were married...10 years together total...sorry..ocd

"Remember when" Wednesday

2009-01-28T13:33:00.000-08:00

Ty and I on our wedding day! 10 years ago this year! WOW!...time flies!

25 random things about me

2009-01-22T13:02:00.000-08:00

.1. I met my husband at 19, married him at 20, had our first child at 22, our second child at 24, and our third child at 28.

2. I am done having children.

3 is enough.3. I hate to drive. If I could hire a driver to take me everywhere I would.

4. I LOVE being a stay -at-home Mom and being able to be with my kids all the time...truth be told I always HATED working...(Banks, loans, blah blah, blah)

5. With that being said (#4)...I hate Everything else about staying at home (cleaning, cooking, laundry, etc...)

6. My husband and I drove all the way to Las Vegas together from SC before we had kids. It was a blast.

7. I visited Italy, Germany and Austria last year and if my husband wanted to move to any of these places I would do it...no questions asked.

8. I flew in a plane for the first time in my life when I was 27 years old.

9. I laughed at Val for this, but I'm the same....I LOVE my kids, but I probably wont like yours...I'm not a big kid person, so please don't ask me to babysit, I'll say no.

10. I DETEST Children's birthday parties.

11. I love going to the dentist and having my teeth cleaned.

12. I wait wayyyyy too long to do laundry so I usually end up doing st least 6 loads at a time.

13. I once put a piece of guaze and a band-aid on the inside of my arm to get out of being late to school. I told them I had to have blood work done, and they didn't give excuses for missing school...It worked.

14. I Have at least one HORRIBLE migraine a month

15. I have to have at least 7 hours of sleep a night , or Im a complete BITCH

16. At one point in my life, it was safe to say I was addicted to Myspace.

17.I didn't fully appreciate nor become involved in politics until this past election when my #1 man Ron Paul ran....I pray for a revolution.

18. I was raised and baptised Catholic, but I consider myself Buddist.

19. I always wanted to be a reporter for the local news.

20. If I go to a fast food place to get something to eat, but I don't like their ice...I will go to a completely different place just to get a drink.

21. I went to Sonics SO much in my pregnancy, that I made a friend there who ended up giving me a baby gift, and I get made fun of relentlessly by my friends and family for it....WOW, sad but true

22. I am going to be 30 soon and I STILL watch MTV "reality" shows.

23. This list is depressing me.

24. I truly believe that I was meant to meet my husband and fall in love with him....cheesy right?

giveaway...I must win!

2009-01-22T08:14:00.000-08:00

Yummie Tummie Giveaway from "Just Talk"
Dana's blog , Just Talk" really caught my attention on these cute Yummie Tummie Tanks/T-Shirts! PLEASE go check her blog out "Just Talk" and enter in for a contest to try winning these very cut Yummie Tummies! Good Luck Ladies!
Yummie Tummie is a modern body contouring shaper created byHeather Thomson. She has been a fashion designer and celebrity stylist for over 15 years. When you wear the Yummie Tummie it visibly slims, shapes and smooths you. The top and bottom are made out of a very comfortable cotton...then the middle panel (which is the true secret ladies) is made microfiber. They go from underneath your bust down to your hips and really, REALLY smooth and camoflauge any lumps and bumps that you might have. And listen up all of you Mommies - they even make a great Nursing Tank that offers a simple snap down bust panel and adjustable straps allow for easy and convenient nursing while still supporting your feminine curves.
How To Wear Your Yummie Tummie~Your Yummie Tummie is meant to be seen.~Or, use as a layering piece under tops, dresses or jackets.~Either step into it and pull it up, or pull it over your head.~Our secret firm control panel shapes your entire waistline from the bust to the hips visibly taking off inches.~Our exclusive dual fabric strategy will secretly slim your midsection while only exposing what looks to be a normal tank top.

survey says?.......

2009-01-21T13:01:00.000-08:00

I'm having a hair crisis..... I'm going back and forth on whether or not I should cut it again or let it grow more....see pics below and leave opinions...or if you think I should do something completely different.... Thanks, E

What a life....

2009-01-21T12:53:00.001-08:00

...Randomness...

2009-01-20T07:24:00.001-08:00

Mia posing with the cupcakes we made from all my husband's BEAUTIFUL cousins!! (they were yummy)

Lola in her new outfit Nonna brought back from Italy! Too cute, right?

"Remember When" Wednesday

2009-01-14T13:47:00.000-08:00

This pic was taken on my 16th Birthday! I am seen here with my BFF Jennifer aka. www.fougie07.blogspot.com .....We were young, young, young, Carefree, and CLUELESS! These posts are seriously starting to make me feel OLD! VERY VERY OLD!

As the days go by...

2009-01-13T08:24:00.001-08:00

Lola's first Sunday morning pancake breakfast with the family...how cute is this pic?

Lola....lalalala...Lola

Think they LOVE her?

2009-01-07T08:14:00.000-08:00

It's a girl!!!!!!!

2008-12-31T07:01:00.000-08:00

Lola Anne

Born December 24, 2008 9:16 pm

7lbs 15.1 oz

21 inches

Oh yeah and 13 hours of labor later...

At home loving on my little Lola, Mia and Max

More details to come...

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2008-12-23T14:02:00.000-08:00

I'm just going to post this now because I do not forsee me getting on this computer for the next week or so...I am going to be induced tomorrow morning at 7:30 am....I am SOOOOOOOO excited, nervous, scared....the list could go on....I finally get to meet this new wonderful person who has taken over my body for the last 9 months! I get to see if it turns out to be a he or she ...and guess what people...we STILL havent settled on a name...I will update all my readers as soon as I get a chance, but be patient! haha...I want to savor every moment with Ty and Mia and Max and #3!!!!!!! Love you all...E

Induction

2008-12-22T08:17:00.000-08:00

I'm getting nervous

Update on Baby

2008-12-18T07:25:00.000-08:00

So....I went to the doctor this morning . I am 1-2 cm dilated. He scheduled me for induction 7:30 am Christmas Eve. He's on call that day and Jewish so I'm sure he does not mind the inconvenience this creates for me and my other 2 children...OH well...He said I could VERY WELL go before the induction (which is what I am hoping) . I have another appt. on the 23rd. So we'll see!...At least I got some solid news this time around...and OH MY! What a Christmas gift this will be!

Surprise Sunday Afternoon

2008-12-15T07:40:00.000-08:00

So I woke up Sunday morning ready to make pancakes and veg out ALL day. Ty seemed to have other plans...He asks me at 10a.m. if I want to leave the house at 12 to drive to Charlotte, NC to go to the Panthers/Broncos game. I was a little hesitant, but they are both Ty's favorite teams and the fact that he asked ME to go with him, I agreed. Yes, I was a little out of it...being that I'm 9 months pregnant and traveling, but we didn't think that we would get to go to this game at all...but with the due date change, we decided to give ourselves one last hoo-rah before the baby came...We had a BLAST!!!! except for the 10 minute walk to the stadium (BECAUSE Y'ALL KNOW TY ISN'T GOING TO PAY FOR PARKING) all while an 8lb baby sat on my full bladder. Other than that, it was a great chance to spend some time with Ty, and get away ..if only for a couple of hours...I needed it!! And LOOK...NO BABY...NOT a surprise ! haha...The pics are from the cell phone so sorry for the quality! Have a great day everyone!!

Just because...

2008-12-13T18:08:00.000-08:00

This picture makes me smile!

Get me in a better mood Christmas activites...

2008-12-13T17:58:00.000-08:00

I took this shot for my Dad...this little cottage and palm define Folly beach to a T.

Papa and Max making their way home.

Again on Center Street...

The float...complete with Mia and Max's playhouse on the back...PRECIOUS

Mama and her babies!

Waving to Mommy

The kids were in the Folly Beach Christmas parade today with my Mom's work...They had a blast, and were as cute as anything!! It got me a little more into Christmas and it got my mind off this whole due date debacle...My kids are sure to cheer me up...My parents too! They are the BEST!

!@#$%^&

2008-12-12T07:39:00.000-08:00

Well......The doctor changed my due date YET again . BACK to December 27th...so people needless to say I do not think I Will be blogging for a while out of shear depression. so add 2 weeks to my misery and I will blog soon...maybe

"Remember When" Wednesday...

2008-12-10T12:46:00.000-08:00

I'm starting a new posting every Wednesday..."Remember When". I was inspired by a fellow blogger http://twobsandme.blogspot.com/...She does an ADORABLE "Wordless Wednesday " post where she just puts up the most PRECIOUS pics!.....So I am going to try to post old pics every Wednesday that make me reminisce!

OK....yes that is ME on the right...In all my blonde, pre-baby, when I had had time to get a manicure glory. The girl on the left is one of my Best, most dearest friends, Crystal. We were headed out Downtown (note...Crystal's i.d. in pocket that was probably fake). I would also, in an attempt to make me feel better about myself, like to note that the shirt I was wearing was Crystal's (aka. XS from the Gap)...OK...Maybe that just made me feel Fat....So, "Remember When" Wednesday is off to a good start I think! Check back for more next Wednesday!...

Calgon Take me away....

2008-12-09T12:37:00.001-08:00

In an attempt to get my mind off all things baby for a couple of minutes, I decided that I really need to blog about something other than my uterus (whom I don't really like right now). The problem is, everything in my life right now revolves around this baby and whenever he/she decides to say hello! I'm still eating like a cow (WOW...Moes Sunday night was a BIG mistake), I crave Dunkin Donuts and Hot chocolate all the time now ( and I usually give in to my cravings), I need to start nesting or something some more because my house is an utter mess and everything that I need to do to welcome this baby home has NOT been done. I need to catch up on my laundry, I need to declutter both kid's toy boxes, and closets to make room for baby stuff, I need to plan meals and outfits for the kids, I need to sweep, mop, dust, the list goes on....Problem is...I'm to darn tired!!!! If I muster enough energy to make breakfast, lunch , and dinner in a 24 hour period, I'm doing good. I shower, take the kids to school, eat, do dishes, and then VEG until Max gets home at 11:00....I'm in NO WAY motivated to get anything done on the list above. I swear I'm not just being lazy (which I am WAY guilty of sometimes)...NOT to mention, Ty and I haven't even begun Christmas shopping for the kids...AT ALL! I mean HELLO!!! This baby could pop out at any minute and we haven't bought the first thing to go under the tree. and I'll be darned if I'm 3 days out of the hospital in the middle of Target grabbing stuff last minute. I'm STRESSED, and physically huge and tired. My back hurts, my feet hurt, my legs are achy at night...etc................I just want a hot bath and warm jammies and a blanket and pillow at the end of my day....I'm just venting...sorry...And now, I cannot call anyone without them answering the phone "Are you in labor?"...."NO, just called to talk, but thanks for reminding me"....Maybe if I got up and did all this stuff on my list, I would start contracting and go into labor....Maybe...but I'm too tired to find out!!!!

Whatev...

2008-12-05T12:11:00.000-08:00

Went to the doctor

NO changes

I'm depressed.

That is all.

E

38 + WEEKS

2008-12-03T11:42:00.001-08:00

ok...sERIOUSLY...THIS BABY CANNOT , i REPEAT, CANNOT GET ANY LOWER! i CHANGED THE PIC TO NEGATIVE AND CROPPED MY FACE OUT JUST FOR Y'ALL...BELIEVE ME ...YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THE REAL THING...JUST LOOKING AT THIS PIC MAKES ME WANT TO POP OUT OF MY SKIN! i HAVE A DOCTORS APPT. ON Friday TO CHECK TO SEE IF I HAVE DILATED ANYMORE....between ME AND YOU, i SWEAR I HAVE!!! AND IF THEY TELL ME OTHERWISE i MIGHT LOSE IT! wELL.......pRAY FOR ME! tHANKS! e

Amy will be proud...

2008-12-01T08:28:00.000-08:00

O' Christmas Tree...O' Christmas Tree...how sappy are your branches!!!!!!

The mantle....sorry it's so dark

Our very own videographer...can't wait to watch

Ty, busy hanging lights while I sat!...haha...

Every year my WONDERFUL sister gives me a hard time because Ty and I wait until like 2 weeks before Christmas to put up our tree...Well, this year I decided to make her happy and mark one more thing off on my to-do list before this baby comes...Also this year, I relinquished control of the ornament hanging to Mia and Max and made Ty put the lights on which I do every year...(Ok, so maybe I changed the placement of a few after they all went to bed...guilty as charged)...I think it turned out cute, although it could look like crap and I could care less....All i can think about is this baby coming already! Friday is my next appt. Pray for an early arrival...PLEASE!!!

Turkey Day...

2008-11-28T09:01:00.001-08:00

A Compilation of Pictures....

Uncle Lance and Max...

The aftermath....

The BEAUTIFUL day

My Mom (aka. Mama)

The only decent shot I could get of my brother Joey

My Sister Amy

Mia and my Dad (aka. Papa)

So I ate way too much and ended up looking like this....

FAT and miserable! Thanks for the beautiful photo Mia!

Thanksgiving was wonderful and it was great getting to spend some quality family time with the ones I love. We went to my Brother-in-law Lance's house for the first feast...then Mia and I headed out to the beach to eat with my parents...we returned to a house full of passed out peeps! haha! Had I been able to get up after laying down, I would have joined them! Over all, it was a very mellow day..Just the way i like it. Ty had to work this morning so he was up at 5am with all the Psycho shoppers while I was warm and snug in my bed until 8:30 !!! Can you believe the kids let me sleep in that long?....Well, I hope eveyone had a great day and I hope it reminded all of you what to be truly thankful for!

Guess what folks?

2008-11-26T11:56:00.000-08:00

I went to the doc today and I'm officially 1 cm dilated!! YESSSS!!!! I'll take it! So what if I could be like this for weeks?...The doc did tell me that my regular doc would ask me a week before my due date if I wanted to be induced! .....I, of course, would jump at the chance. Ty, on the other hand, wants the baby to come out when he/she is ready! ...Whatever!...Is he the one that has been growing a human inside of him for the past 9 months?...I didn't think so! More updates to come!...Oh ...and my kids are out of school for Thanksgiving, so if anyone knows of anyone that would be interested in adopting these 2 ...they are available!

Love this....

2008-11-19T12:36:00.000-08:00

"Love him or hate him, he sure hits the nail on the head with this! Bill Gates recently gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world."

Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!

Rule 2 : The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3 : You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4 : If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Rule 5 : Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time..

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

Now that I have shared this..I should probably go do something constructive with my time like clean...or pack my bag for the hospital!