Thursday, June 26, 2014

Thought Bubbles...

Today I DVR'd an entire mini marathon of Caribbean Life so that I can go on a mental vacation anytime I want…

I found the perfect vow renewal dress today on Pinterest. Of course it's a pin of a pic someone uploaded with no details as to who the designer is or where the dress can be found…

BabyM is a little dancing machine…

Oh. And from now on I will be calling him Little Mike…

I have been enjoying running. My goal is 6 miles a week…

When I receive my BOB Flex stroller soon you won't be able to tell me nothing…



My husband's summer work and school schedule is crazy. I don't know how he does it…

I am considering getting a fitness watch…

I've been running a lot lately. I'm doing a marathon run challenge next month. You can join the fun by visiting the OperationSnapback Facebook page. There's no time like Summer to whip that body into shape…

I have no idea what to make for dinner tonight…

I'm suffering from a strong case of cooker's block…

Today my husband came all the way home from work just to pick up a bug for me…

His job is not even close enough for all that…

Gathering ideas for Sav's 4th birthday party. Why do pools in Texas close in August?…

Little Mike is showing himself to be a picky eater. Ain't nobody got time for that…

That phrase will never get old to me. Sweet Brown earned her place in the urban dictionary with that one liner…

We're throwing around ideas for a family trip this Fall. I have no idea where I want to go within these United States…

Maybe it's time we all got Passports…

I should probably head to Pinterest to find something to make for dinner. Procrastination never helped anyone. (Except for maybe the Mom that secretly doesn't want to cook tonight. Chipotle anyone?)…




Monday, June 23, 2014

BabyM Turns One (Photo Heavy)

On Father's Day weekend we celebrated BabyM's first birthday. We decided to make it a family affair by having a small low key party with just the four of us. I can not believe he is one already. Time truly does fly. I feel like I just had him yesterday.

I kept all of the decorations simple and easy. When Savannah turned one we were living near family and she had a huge party that hit our pockets deep. Call it second baby syndrome but I was more than happy to have this low cost family only party.


To add a special touch to his birthday I took his photos myself. This was my first time ever trying my hand at a real photo shoot. I think his pics turned out great. I was really happy with them. I now understand why you only get about 6-10 shots from a photographer, LOL! I edited the pics using picMonkey. Oh. And taking his pics made me want a DSLR even more. Maybe for Christmas?




During his one year well baby appointment the doctor was pretty pleased with how he's grown. Remember BabyM was born five weeks early?! Look at him now. So big and strong! He talks a lot and is standing up but hasn't decided to walk yet. If he's anything like his sister he'll wait until he's good and ready to walk which could be a couple months from now. (Savannah was 14 months when she decided to walk.)




Speaking of Savannah, here she is serving (and enjoying a lollipop). She has been such a great big sister this past year. She plays so well with her baby brother. Every now and then I do have to remind her to share but other than that I am so happy that she didn't put me through any of the nightmares I hear about toddlers reverting when a new baby comes home. Shout out to Sav for being such a big girl!



How do you think my pics turned out? Any photographers have tips for me?

Thursday, June 19, 2014

A Rant About the Kindergarten Checklist Pin

Okay Mommy friends. You might remember this post  where I shared some of the learning goals for Savannah between now and next year when she starts school. Well. In that post I had a pretty little checklist that I thought other Moms would find helpful so I pinned it.

The response has been overwhelming. Thank you to anyone that pinned, liked or shared this pin with a friend. I really appreciate it. The amount of people that "liked" this pin outweigh the naysayers and negative nancies. However, I would be lying if I told you I wasn't confused about some of these comments.


For starters, I would consider myself a good "Mommy friend". Meaning that I'm not critical of what my friends or other Moms choose to do with their kids. I have friends with kids in private school, public school and I have friends who homeschool. All of them made the decision that they felt was best for their child. Now. While I may joke with my friends about things (like how many of them think I should continue to homeschool and I already know I'm not 'bout that homeschool life long term - at least I feel that way now - things could change…) I don't ever make them feel like their decision is wrong. 

That's just not how I get down. If you like it, I love it. If you want to teach your child everything from the basics to multiplication and how DNA works all before Kindergarten - good for you. If you only want to cover the basics with your kid - good for you. And lastly, if you don't want to teach your child anything before they start school then do you boo but that's not how I operate.

As a stay at home Mom I feel that I would be doing my children a disservice if I didn't at least try to give them a stronger foundation for learning. I am home with them everyday. Everyday we have an opportunity to learn something. Sure we still play and have lots of fun but in my house education comes first. It always will. So, there's no point in waiting until they start school for them to learn that. They need to know that now. Those are the expectations we have for our children. 

I strongly believe that a child is capable of learning anything as long as their is someone willing to teach them. That willing person also has to believe that the child is capable of learning. He or she will also need tons of patience and a little time. 



I didn't create that pin to make anyone feel inadequate about their own decisions. I made it for parents like me that want to expose their child to as much as possible. Learning can be fun and is a great way to bond with your child. We are our children's first teachers. I will always push my kids to go above and beyond what the standard is. That is what you can expect to find here. 

Be a good Mommy friend and support what your fellow Moms are doing. This is the last time I will address the Kindergarten pin (here, on twitter and my email). Be comfortable enough in your decisions to not be swayed, upset or critical of what someone else is doing. 

Before I go I also just want to encourage everyone to not ever come for Savannah's (or BabyM's) mind again unless it sends for you. I would hate for you to meet "Ratchet Mommy". She isn't about being politically correct for the internet and I don't think she knows Jesus. 

Thanks again for all the positive support. It means more than you know!

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Out and About: H&M Grand Opening

Last week the kids and I had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of H&M at The Shops at La Cantera. I knew it was going to be crazy out there but I had no idea it would be as crazy as it was. The line started at H&M and was wrapped all the way around the mall to the Cheesecake Factory. Bananas.


The city has been waiting on H&M for quite some time. I normally shop the trendy retailer online so it was nice seeing all of the merchandise in person. I saw lots of cute stuff for the summer. Bathing suits, accessories, shorts and shoes all at affordable prices. Love.


Their kids stuff is pretty cute too. I buy lots of Savannah and BabyM's clothes from H&M. They wash and wear very well. No shrinking or fading of colors. Here is Savannah in a head to toe H&M look. (peep the line of people)


Before leaving the store I snagged a couple summer essentials. I didn't have much time to look around but I found these cute speckled shorts, black blouse and statement necklace. I wore the necklace yesterday and got tons of compliments.


What do you think of my outfit? What do you consider to be a summer essential?

Friday, June 13, 2014

Stylish Baby Wipes from Huggies

I would like to thank Huggies for sponsoring today's post. All opinions about these super stylish baby wipes are my own.

When I first learned of the new stylish wipes from Huggies I was super excited.
One -Because with a three year old and a one year old I am constantly using baby wipes. 
And two - Because I am a sucker for anything with a print. 
I use baby wipes for everything. They clean faces, bottoms, sneakers, carpet and so much more. Trust me. I have cleaned literally any and everything with baby wipes. These Clutch n' Clean wipes come in three different designs and can be refilled with your Huggies wipe of choice.

They also come with a very convenient carrying strap. Savannah even carried them purse style at one point the other day. Here they are hanging from my stroller at the H&M grand opening. It was so hot out there. Baby wipes are also good for cooling off small faces.


Huggies Clutch n' Clean stylish baby wipes can be found at retailers nationwide. They are even trendy enough to be carried in a designer handbag. Ya know. When you happen to be leaving the house without a diaper bag.

Will you be trying out these new stylish baby wipes? So many of you fell in love with them when I shared them on instagram. Clean your messes in style. I do.


Tuesday, June 10, 2014

H&M Arrives in San Antonio…FINALLY!

While scrolling through my Facebook timeline I stumbled upon an event announcement about the opening of an H&M store here in San Antonio. After getting over my initial excitement I read through the details of the event to see if I could possibly attend. 

Mmm, yeah, we'll be there. I don't care if I have to pack snacks, games and a whole 'nother life in my diaper bag me and these kids are going to brave the crowd and go. There are so many prizes up for grabs. Every season a big portion of my babies' wardrobe comes from H&M so I have to be there to try to win a little something. Mama likes a discount…


If you're in San Antonio and you're up for some retail therapy fun and frenzy come out to The Shops at La Cantera. Check out Savannah below rocking an entire look from H&M for Easter. 



There's currently a giveaway going on for a $100 H&M gift card on The sTORIbook blog. You can also RSVP for the event by clicking here. Be sure to bring in garments to be recycled for a chance to win a prize and receive a 15% off discount for EACH bag of clothing that you bring in. 

Be sure to say hello if you see me Thursday!