Wallpaper?!

Is wallpaper making a comeback?! Really... is it? I DO NOT like wallpaper.. seriously, can't stand it... but is this not the most fabulous thing you've seen?? I. AM. IN. LOVE. It is taking everything I have not to totally redecorate a room just to put this fabulous wallpaper in it! The wheels are turning in this brain of mine.. and that is a bad thing when it comes to decorating and my bank account! ha! :) But really... wallpaper?? I'm still a little shocked that it's making it's way back into the world! Leave it Ballard Designs to sells this ridiculously cute stuff! :) What is a girl to do?!

one worn out little guy!

Well, after all the excitment of the weekend, Ethan was absolutely worn out! He spent most of Sunday morning just lying around (not typical of him!) and then we went to Target he slept the entire time we were in the store with Chris holding him! He slept on the way to Costco and finally woke up while we were in the store. Probably only b/c he smelled all the food samples they were serving! :) He was awake for most of the afternoon while we played in the sprinkler, but it didn't take him long to fall back asleep once he sat down and got quiet! By 6:30.. he looked like this...

He woke up for about 15 minutes around 8:30 and then looked like this again...

Needless to say, we put him in his bed around 10 and he slept ALL NIGHT! I was convinced that he'd be up at the crack of dawn, but he wasn't. He was just completely exhausted! Don't worry though.. he was back to his old self this morning!

Tony & Julianne: Married

This past weekend Chris' cousin, Tony, got married. Friday night we headed to First Evangelical Church for the rehearsal and then to the Botanic Gardens for the rehearsal dinner. Everything was beautiful! Chris was a groomsman and Lilly Kate was the flower girl. I'm sure ya'll can imagine how excited she was about this!! We were back at the church early Saturday and spent all afternoon taking pictures. I was so proud of LK though.. she held up so well! The wedding was incredible and everything came together so beautifully! Here are a few pictures from the weekend. I'll try to get the rest up on Shutterfly later this week! :)

All about ME!

So, a friend of mine, Caroline, posted this little "Get to know Me" thing and I just had to follow along! How fun?! Once you become a Mom, you dont really get to talk about yourself anymore. It's always about the kiddos! So.. here's a little bit about me!

I love polka dots.. like, really, really love polka dots. It’s an obsession. If I could have everything polka dotted, trust me.. I would!

I absolutely love my husband. I think how life works out is sometimes a mystery, but I’m glad mine has worked out exactly the way it has! I think God had a plan for us.. we just had to stop being so stubborn to finally see it! He’s my best friend and probably the only person in the world who can put up with me and my ways. :) I am extremely lucky to have him.

I love to travel. I have been almost everywhere in the US, so I’m thinking Europe and Australia are next on my list! (hint, hint Christopher! Ha!) So far, San Francisco is my favorite! I love everything about it.. the food, the shopping, the weather.. everything!

I can’t cook. Seriously.. can’t do it! Believe me, I try and I can do simple things, but cooking an entire meal is enough to make me break out in hives! I can bake though and I love it! Funny thing is, that I don’t eat what I bake b/c I don’t like sweets. I’m strange, I know! :) I just enjoy the exactness of it. The measurments and the fact that if as long as you follow the recipe, you can't mess it up!! I dont like to fail! :)

I love buying new things for my home. I am constantly coming home with something that was “just a great deal”!! (I think everything is a great deal when I want it.. ha!) I am always painting and redecorating rooms and thinking of news ways I can re-do furniture. I think the ladies in PB and PBO know me by first name now. (not the mention the UPS guy!)

I’ve pretty much lived in Memphis my entire life. I don’t necessarily love Memphis, but I love living in the South. I would really like to move to South Carolina or the Georgia coast. I love everything about the South and being Southern. I wouldn’t want my children to grow up anywhere else! I want to be just like my great-grandma Mae one day… still growing vegetables and gardening at 92! When I was little I would watch Gone With The Wind over and over and pray to be just like Scarlett! Haha.. oh, what imaginations little girls have! :) (and I think I kept that “scarlett attitude” with me!)

I happen to think that my children are the most beautiful, photogenic kids in the world. I may be a bit bias, but have you seen them?! I absolutely love my kids and I love that I get to be home with them as much as I am. Growing up, I never really wanted kids and I wasn’t exactly “motherly”. Once I became a Mom though, my entire outlook on life changed and my world revolves around them. I love that my Lilly Kate may look just like her Daddy, but she is truly me on the inside! I love that Ethan has Hercules upper-body strength and is destined to be a linebacker, but still bashfull and sweet! They’re polite, fun-loving and have the best smiles in the world. They’re growing so fast and I strive to make each day a happy one for them and give them all the things they want. Yes, I spoil them, but spoiling is a way of life for me. I’ve been spoiled for 26 years! They keep me laughing and can make any bad day better!

I miss my grandfather more than anyone will ever know. He was my most favorite person in the world. To this day, I still walk in my grandmother’s house and expect him to be there.

I have recently come to terms with learning to forgive. (and I say that loosely) I have struggled with this for such a long time. There are not many people in this world whom I dislike or judge. I don’t like to be judged, so I don’t do it.. bottom line. In saying this, I wasn’t always so good at doing so. If you know me, then you know what I’m talking about. I wont go into specific detail about it, but I will just say that I held a grudge and I judged certain people. I thought not-so-nice things about this person and couldn’t seem to forgive the childish, selfish acts that were put against me. However, I have come to realize that not everyone is perfect (no matter how perfect they think they are) and that karma always comes back to you... times 10! I am happy with my life and that’s all that matters. I think faith in God and having a kind, Christian heart are the most important attributes to posses.. truly forgiving is the first step!

I couldn’t think of a #10, so I’m just going to list some of my favorite things… kate spade. shopping. big sunglasses. oversized purses. the lake. margaritas & hurricanes. high heels. sushi. "me" time. road trips. going to dinner. southern etiquette. black & white pics. Pat O's! San Francisco. pearls. polka dots. baking. designer jeans. my cashmere gloves. pottery barn & PBKids. my maclaren buggy. crab cakes. traveling. taking pictures. attempting to cook. snowflakes. the derby & mint juleps. pedicures. tennis. Christmas shopping. Audrey Hepburn. dressing up. fishing. anything monogrammed. weddings. baseball. whiskey on game days & tailgating! retail therapy. online shopping. huey’s cheese fries & ranch dressing. closet and office organization. bubble baths and a glass of wine. Macy’s cosmetic counters.

Things that are not my favorite! - Mr.Edd & bangs! storms. chocolate & sweets. liars/hypocrites. 5 o'clock traffic. dust. a messy kitchen. feet. yellow teeth. bills. drama. cigarette smoke. bad manners. beer - esp from a can (trashy). fake nails. public restrooms.

OK! Now it's your turn... tell me all about you! :)

Relaxing Weekend!

Well, there's not really a whole lot to talk about today. We just didn't do all that much this weekend. (and it was FABULOUS!!) No plane rides... no parties.. nothing. Just me, Chris, the kids and the pool! :) We spent Father's Day at my in-laws. Chris grilled while the kids swam.. and Mommy was off duty! (the best part of being at the grandparents!!) :)

I just had to post today to share this picture. As you can see, the potty training is still underway! And yes... he's in the middle of the living room, naked, watching TV. (pretty sure it was Bob.. always!) Typical Ethan! Gotta love him!

Ok.. so after my post of Ethan's Birthday, I wanted to find a cute way to post some more pictures from his party. Well, I have Picasa installed and I love it for editing photos. And who knew that you could make the cutest collages?! How adorable is this?? And who doesn't love to see 25 pictures of Ethan all together?! HA! :)

*Click on the picture to get a "zoomed" view!*

Ethan's Birthday Party!

Well, I am FINALLY getting around to posting some pictures from Ethan's birthday party! (i still can't believe that he is TWO! just doesn't seem right!) Well, his party was supposed to be outdoors by the pool. Needless to say after some very severe weather that Memphis saw last Friday night... that didn't happen! We scrambled to get everything ready to have the party indoors and despite it all, everything turned out great! When it all comes down to it, as long as Ethan got some cake, a few gifts and some love from the grandma's.. he didn't care at all where his party was! :) I posted a few pics.. but you can see them all on our Picture Site . So go take a peek!

The BIRTHDAY BOY!!

E and Granpa G

Thank goodness we pulled the bounce house down from the attic!! The kids loved it!!

So.. since the party was supposed to be outdoors, the blue icing wouldn't have been a big deal! But as i was passing out the cupcakes and begging everyone not to spill them on my carpet, I was regretting the blue icing decision!! :)

Ethan sure did love it though!!

His new helmet from Memaw that he wore for hours after his party!! :)

My little pirate! :)

Post Party... he was OUT!

And yes, in case you Mama's are wondering... I made all of the decorations through Sweet Lemons!!

and the fun begins!

So, as I mentioned earlier this week, we are in the early stages of potty training Ethan. There's not many things in life that make me uncomfortable or nervous, but this is certainly something that does! I am sooo nervous about potty training a little boy! I have no idea where to begin or what to do! Potty training Lilly Kate was a breeze compared to this task that is in front of me. AH! :)

In all honesty, it's gone pretty smoothly so far. I really can't complain too much. Ethan is so desperate to be a Big Boy that I think he'll do anything at this point to be one! And that includes getting rid of the baby diapers. After our first night of really introducing the potty, we put him to bed and he actually went down with very little fuss. Ethan is at a stage where he doesn't like clothing. He gets really hot (esp with the weather!) and doesn't want anything on him! So.. just a diaper to bed! Well, i went upstairs to check on him about an hour later and this is what i found.... I tell you, this child never ceases to make me laugh! :)

And where was the missing diaper???..... hidden behind his red anywhere chair! Gotta love this kid!!

Looks like for a while you'll be getting lots of potty shots as we take off on this adventure! Oh well, who doesn't love a cute naked baby?! :)

Look what we're starting...

Oh yes! It's true... slowly but surely we are introducing Ethan to the big boy potty! I believe this will be my biggest challange of motherhood to date! I am one nervous Mommy! :)

Papa's Tractors!

Early Saturday morning Chris and Ethan headed over to Papa's house. They were going to visit Papa's work! Chris' dad (and every other male family member!) has worked for Thompson Caterpillar in Memphis for years. So what more fun can a 2 yr old boy have for his birthday than drive the big "tractors" around?! Our little guy is obsessed with all things "Papa"!! Every time we drive down the road and he sees a construction site with vehicles, he yells out "Papa's tactor!" It's absolutely adorable. He has so many dump trucks and cement mixers at home it's ridiculous! And have i mentioned the newest craze with Bob the Buidler?! Ethan was beyond excited.. although from the pictures I think Papa was more excited than Ethan! :) They had a great morning full of "boy" fun!

late-night-ology

So, I was doing Ethan's thank you's and got bored (not unusual!). I came accross Jessica's page and found the fun little "ology" below. I haven't done one of these since the old MySpace days, so I thought I'd participate too! Thanks, Jess! :) Just the little break I needed!


FOOD-OLOGY

What is your salad dressing of choice? huey's ranch
What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? bonefish! crab cakes, bang bang shrimp and incredible mango salsa salmon... mmmm.. i'm suddenly hungry!
What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of it? cereal
What are your pizza toppings of choice? i'm not really a pizza eater, but if i had to choose then just plain ole cheese
What do you like to put on your toast? butter and strawberry jelly

TECHNOLOGY

How many televisions are in your house? 3.. living room, bedroom and playroom. usually at least two are playing Bob the Builder simultaneously.. BOYS!
What color cell phone do you have? red blackberry.. hopefully a black iphone soon :)
What does the first text message in your inbox say and who sent it? i dont have it near me but probably something about ethan yelling at lilly
Who was the last person to call you? my mom

BIOLOGY

Are you right-handed or left-handed? right
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? wisdom teeth and a baby
What is the last heavy item you lifted? ethan

RANDOM-OLOGY

If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? absolutely not!
If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I wouldn't.
Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? i don't think i'd be able to...

DUMB-OLOGY

How many pairs of flip flops do you own? about 4 or 5
Last time you had a run-in with the cops? when i got my first speeding ticket since high school a few weeks ago!! i was going 45 in a 40!! ridiculous! it was a $24 ticket.. really, was that even worth giving me a ticket in the first place???
Last person you talked to in person? chris
Favorite Month? these days.. one where every weekend doesn't have something planned!

CURRENT-OLOGY

Missing someone? my pop
Mood? worn out.. tired.. bored.
What are you listening to? commercials on tv
Watching? jon and kate plus 8
Worrying about? ha! there is definitely not enough room on this page for all that!

RANDOM-OLOGY

What’s the last movie you watched? Gran Torino
Do you smile often? i do! my kids make me smile and laugh alot!
Do you always answer your phone? i try too.
It’s four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it? my phone automatically turns off from midnight till 7am, so i wouldn't get it!
If you could change your eye color what would it be? i like my green eyes!
Do you own a digital camera? i'm obsessed!
Have you ever had a pet fish? we've had a few! elvis, pricilla, lisa marie and the memphis mafia!
Favorite Christmas song? Judy Garland's "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"
What’s on your wish list for your birthday? Nikon D-60 and my Kate Spade eyeglasses
Can you do push-ups? most definitely not!
Can you do a chin up? ha! this makes me laugh.
Does the future make you more nervous or excited? excited
Do you have any saved texts? can't say that i do
Ever been in a car wreck? only one.. college. nothing serious.
Do you have an accent? i'd imagine i sound southern to someone from another part of the country.
What is the last song to make you cry? i have no idea
Plans tonight? kids and mommy are going to bed early!
Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? oh yes!
Name 2 things you bought yesterday. actually i didn't even leave my house yesterday. today i bought a $1 mcdonalds coke and some chicken for dinner
Current hate right now? that i can't find my green PB lamp online anymore... ethan broke mine! :(
Met someone who changed your life? yes. Lilly Kate
What song represents you? i really like the Darius Rucker song "Alright" right now!
What were you doing 12 AM last night? going to bed
What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? my back hurts from ethan kicking me!

Blowing out the candles... or at least trying too!

and the celebration begins...

The birthday celebrations have officially begun for the BIG TWO YEAR OLD!! E's day started off with lots of fun at school. We took Donut Holes to share with his friends during morning snack time. (Mrs. Katherine's request!) :) And when i went back to pick him up that afternoon, he had a big birthday card from his teachers complete with several pictures from his special day at school. He has the most wonderful teachers who just love him to pieces. He just loved all the attention he got yesterday and was handing out the hugs and kisses as he was leaving. Thank you so much to Mrs. Katherine, Mrs. Carrie and Miss Elizabeth for making my little (BIG!) boy so happy!! And thank you to Mrs. Marianne too!! (she moved to a new room for the summer, but still participated in the b-day festivities.. E LOVES her!) Here's E's birthday card.. sooo sweet!

After school we headed over to Goo-Goo's house for the first round of gifts and cake. Goo made the cutest little race car cake for E and he immediately was racing the cars all over the cake! He loved it! He had so much fun opening his gifts and playing with his new toys.

YAY! Little Tunes from Goo-Goo.. maybe now he wont try to steal Sister's IPod?! :)

And a CAT dump truck from Aunt Bev and Uncle Charlie!!

He is truly a Stickles Man! He absolutely loves working on "Papa's Trucks"!

He took a short time-out for some cake!

What a happy birthday boy!!

I tired to get some "smiling" photos.. but you can see how that turned out! Ethan DOES NOT like to sit still long enough to get a sweet photo! Oh well.. at least he enjoyed himself! :)

Always the clown! I have my work cut out for me with this child! JUST LIKE his Popie Kessler! :)

See what i mean!?!