Adventures of a wife and mom

Im back bitches!

2011-03-11T14:24:00.002-05:00

Ok so its been a year, almost, since Ive written on here and in the meantime, Ive had a baby and started a masters degree. Thats right! I freiken rule!I dont even know if anyone will read after that long! I needed a break from blogging. I couldnt take anymore posts about please pray for so and so and please enter this contest. Im back and with a vengence! I dont give a shit if offend anyone anymore. This space is for me. I dont know how often I will write because I want to make sure I have something to say and not just fluff! Anyways, no more butterflys and rainbows. Im gonna talk about punching people in the neck and whatever the hell else I want.
Im back beyotches!

Read more: http://www.mylivesignature.com/mls_wizard2_1.php?sid=54488-102-DFB1A1C38FD651A482B97BCBC7EEC945#ixzz0hnV5xAoR

where did my baby go?

2010-06-09T08:52:00.008-04:00

My baby is no longer....I now offically have a school age kid....what do I do, my baby is now a first grader!!!!!

Today is the last day daughter #1 will be a Kindergartner. I think I may be taking this a little worse than the day she acutally started!

She has learned SO much since she started! She writes her name better, she reads, she sounds out words, she calls things"lame," (not sure where she got that)she has an endless collection of those damned silly bands, and I couldnt be more proud!

I am just so in love with her and am already starting to have anxiety about her entering the 1st grade. With Kindergarten, she was only gone a few hours, with 1st grade she will be gone ALL day! What will I do?

What if she needs me sometime during the day? What if she gets tired? What if she has noone to sit with at lunch?

This graduation came SO fast, im hoping that the next one, high school, takes its sweet ass time!

brette

2010-06-08T20:39:00.003-04:00

I know I totally said I was going to boycott the bachlorette but ive fallen under its spell again! I keep protesting against it and find myself watching it again. SO I decided to tell you all my thoughts as I watch....

~ I am loving the guys with no shirts on by the pool! YYEsssss. This why I continue to watch!

~ The weatherman looks like hes about to bust out in some hangin tough moves. He totally looks like a NKOTB!

~ What happened to the other bare naked lady? Is he still in jail for that crack bust?

~ I love the dude who has a tatoo of his moms signature...awwwww

~ Weatherman is gay. Why doesnt he just admit it. He HAS to be!

~ Doesnt Alli realize that her family is going to see this show! Whore!

~ Yay! No shirts again!

~ Is it me or was that music video a joke?

~ Hunter reminds me of curious george.

~ Aww now I feel bad that I said that because he just got the boot.

~ There is more drama in that house than in a sorority house! Bitches.

~ Oh . my. goodness..I cant wait to see Casey freak out next week! What have I become.....Im ashamed....

I fly like paper get high like planes

2010-06-03T12:41:00.002-04:00

... a song by MIA....like me...MIA get it?? Hahaha

Ive been so sucky at keeping up with blogging lately but I do have some news...Im getting a new blog design! The lovely ladies over at Zaney Dezines are whipping me up something awesome!

So stay tuned because I have an announcement for you all!!!!! Its exciting!!!

What does memorial day mean to you?

2010-05-27T19:39:00.002-04:00

Does it mean a day off of work? Does it mean that you are going to get that grill out for the first time begining grilling season? Does it mean summer is here?

Whatever meaning it has for you, please remember the meaning it has to millions of us Americans, our freedom and those precious hereos who fought to preserve it! No matter what your political views or what you think about war, today is a day to celebrate and give thanks to those who fight and have fought for your freedom!

To often we forget what the "Memorial" in Memorial Day stands for. It goes unreconized or ignored by too many of us who are the recipients of our fallen hereos sacrifice. The day comes and goes and we forget to observe the day as it should be, remembering our family members, loved ones, neighbors, friends and those who came before us!

My husband is a former Army soldier and I am so proud that he fought for me, and for YOU! I cannot image life with out my soldier and this weekend, I will remember his fellow soldiers and those soldiers who came before him. Not only was a my husband a solider, but so were both my grandfathers and my step-father. I can image this day is bittersweet for them as they all know too many soldiers who who gave up their lives to protect ours!

Please remember them today!

Now go have to some fun!!! Happy Memorial Day!

SYTYCD

2010-05-27T19:38:00.004-04:00

My favorite show(other than its always sunny in philidelphia), so you think you can dance, was on last night! Yeeessss!

I love this show! Dont ask me why because my moves are only sweet when Im drinking and delusionsal. Ive been know to do a little running man and the carlton every once in awhile. I also have some moves made up of my own awesome talent! Those tend to come out when I hear 80's music and kenny rogers, the gambler! YyYeessss!

Anyways, a few of a favs were the 123 party guy, obviously only there to get on tv. I like the big girl dancer, she was inspiring! There was this one dude from russia or something and he got me to thinking, where in the hell do dudes find shirts like that! I mean the ones with tons of sequins and no closures? I was craking up at him! What dude walks into a store and is like "oooh man I HAVE to get this shirt! It will look awesome on me!"

Im gonna get me one of those shirts and just wear it to bed! Awesome!

SWAGGER WAGON

2010-05-25T11:56:00.002-04:00

I told you I like to rock!

Its my anniversary!

2010-05-23T19:28:00.002-04:00

Soooo I didnt get my coach purse...booooo! BUT I did get a romantic evening with my husband and thats all that I could have asked for! Plus my birthday is next month so he has another chance.

We were trying to find the perfect romantic resturaunt and ended up at this little italian place that was perfect!

We ate toooooo much, stopped for coffee and called it a night. PERFECT! Plus, we got to sleep in!!!

Thanks for all the Happy Anniversarys!! Hope you all had a great weekend! What did you do?

Random Random Randomness

2010-05-19T16:18:00.006-04:00

So I cant get my head together for two seconds to write a whole post so I thought Id just do a random randomness post:

-I was really getting sick of the shitty ass blogs that were clogging up my reader so I had to go through them and delete delete delete. I was wondering why I even followed some of them in the first place and was wondering if anyone has ever deleted me? Bitches...

-So daughter #1 had portfolio day at school. She had a cute little stick figure with writing under it that said..."My name is ..... ....... I am 5 years old, and I like to party! Thats awesome! or is it scary?

- Im giving up on doing my designing my blog myself. These wonderful girls are going to whip me up something special! and FINALLY ill have a button! I know all of you are dying to add it to your page!

- My anniversary is tomorrow. I cant think of anything to get my husband. Im hoping he gets me a new coach purse, in honor of my bloggy bff Nikki!

- My Macaroni Kid newsletter is coming along. Id love for you all to become subscribers and help me get my numbers up? Pretty please! You dont have to live by me and I try to have some awesome articles in it!

You can "like" my facebook page here!
Or subscribe through my home page here!

-Please be patient with me, I know I have been neglecting blogs, including my own. So hopefully Ill get some new post ideas soon and Ill be back! Thanks!

Were you wondering?

2010-05-17T13:24:00.006-04:00

Im so sorry blogging friends. Ive neglected you. Ive had the same post up for like 5 days. Do you want to know why? Probably not but Im going to tell you ANYWAYS!

Ive decided to become a Macaroni Kid! Thats right! I jumped it and Im loving it!

Guess what else....you can be one too!

What is a macaroni kid you ask? Good question! Macaroni Kid and our big family of publisher moms, (that's me) give you the scoop on all that is cool and awesome, family-friendly, goings on in our communities each week by way of an e-newsletter! Its free to subscribe! I do it so you know its awesome!

First, check out my newsletter......Canonsburg Macaroni Kid Make sure you subscribe while you are there, you dont have to live in pittsburgh, just get it for my amazing articles!

Then, email me if you are interested in starting one in your area...............JessicaBranagan@macaronikid.com

Now I will leave you with a picture of my real life macaroni kid!

Lets get it on!

2010-05-11T08:42:00.013-04:00

Awhile back my good bloggy friend Maria bestowed upon me this gem of an award. Hows that for an image first thing this morning!

Anyways, for this award, I must tell you 5 CHARACTERS with whom I would chose to knock boots with, or bump plastics with in this case I guess.

So first, here is my list of men and second my list of whos lists' I would like to see! Got all that?

Here goes:

I have to start with my husband...Hes been the star of a few movies...home movies....

Then there is Vince Vaughn in Old School. Or any movie hes in for that matter. Im choosing this one because hes a family man in it but hilarious!

Next Michael Corleone. Nothing like a cute, shy, little ganster.

And cant forget Noah from the Notebook...ok ok dont gag I know its a total sap movie that I dont normally go for, but Im a sucker for southern gentlemen.

Jason Segal in I love you man. I love this movie! Dont ask me why. I just think hes cute!

Cant forget MrT. from the A-Team. I pity the foo who doenst like gold chains.

And Ron Burgandy. Im a sucker for a male flute player.

Ryan Renolds in...ummm...anything....I guess ill pick Van Wilder...your welcome....

Ben Stone...Seth Rogan in knocked up. Aww he was sweet in this movie.

Peter Klaven..also in I love you man.....

So thats my list!

I would love to see what these ladies come up with so Im passing it on to:

Nikki @ myfantabulouswonderfullife

Mandy@ suburbanstereosype

Rachel @ littlegirlshinyworld

Jamie@ daydreambeliever

Pamela @ 2muchtestosterone

LauraJane @ callmelaurajane

Jane @ mylifeasjane

MommaKisss @mommykiss

Messy Mommy @aliasblogger

Purse Blogger @ purseblogger

Tabatha @ expressingitall

Jen @ thisiswhatmommyhastosay

Daisygirl @ adailyscoupofchaos

Alyssa @ bloggintonoggin

ok i better stop there, you are all too funny and I want to hear who you would pick from ALL of you!

Wah Wah Waaahhhh...

2010-05-10T08:44:00.004-04:00

Debbie Downer will be guest posting today....I cant help it. She just took over! Sorry folks, I keep telling her to leave but she refuses and continues to use words like folks. Ha

I LOVE Mother's Day! It is a much needed, guilt free, day off. I call it Mother's Day weekend. I get to sleep in, dont have to cook, could maybe take a little nap if I wanted. PERFECT!

but...on this day, I am reminded that I dont like my mother. Its true! I didnt couldnt even bring myself to call her yesterday. Instead, I sent her a text. Im horrible. I struggle with it alot and it would take me an entire 500 page book to tell you all of the reasons why.

Im trying to be a better Chirstian woman and this includes respecting your mother and I just.cant.do. it! I try to rasie my girls in the exact opposite way she raised me and my sister. From things like she worked, I stay home, she had 2 girls, now I have to work on three, all the way to the words that come out of my mouth!

My husband really gets upset about this thing between me and my mom and he says "What if one day your girls didnt want to talk to you on Mother's day?" or " What if you girls dont answer the phone when you call?"All I can respond with is, " That will never happen because I will hunt them down and stalk them until they talk to me. And its true. I would definitly do that!

My mom, she wouldnt/doesnt. I really dont think she cares. She onlys cares because she wants others to think she is worlds best mom/grandma. Now I know I sound like a whiney bitch but I can tell you that I am ok with this! I have a great relationship with my grandmother and really feel like its my mom who is missing out on all this coolness!

Its just when mothers day rolls around and I am faced with the fact that I AM ok with this, that when the feelings of guilt come. The sound of her voice can put me in a bad mood for days so I just prefer to keep my distance and live my life happy! People tell me that one day I will be sad about it but I just dont think I will be. Ive lived the majority of my life dealing with this issue and have had enough therapy to come to terms with our relationship.

I have issues...but so do you right? Tell me Im right?

Thank heaven for little girls.

2010-05-05T12:45:00.005-04:00

Last night at my Apples of Gold meeting, we discussed purity. This was hard for me because I am the mother of two girls. It is a topic that I have struggled with since the day they were born.

You take a look around at some of these young "ladies" out there and think, "Gee, I hope my girls never look/dress like that when they get older." Some sights actually make me throw up a little in my mouth.

Sexualizing young women in this society is a big problem! I want to find some of these parents out there to punch them in the neck and ask them what the hell they are thinking for letting their kid walk out of the house looking the way some of them do!

It makes me ask myself, how do I teach my girls to be respectable young women? How do I get them to realize they need to respect their bodies? To be modest? How do I teach them that boys really arent looking at their hearts but something a little different in that vacinity of the body?

Ive always said that I love having little girls its the teenage ones I dont want! I know how I was and it really is scary to think that they will be like me one day. I mean, dont get me wrong, I did turn out awesome. That is no thanks to my parents. They let me do whatever I wanted!

Am I overreacting? Im just trying hard now to put some good thoughts in their heads and let them know that they are beautiful every chance I get. My grandmother tells me I do it too much and that they will be big-headed but I disagree. In this world, I dont think that there is a such thing as too much love or too many compliments!

Blogging is making me fat

2010-05-04T08:59:00.003-04:00

Ive been missing....in case you noticed.....

My computer decided it wanted to take a visit to gangsters paradise and never return. Unfortunately, my husband decided to bring my beloved computer back! Yay!!

Upon the demise of windows, we now have installed vista so we will see how this works! The good news is, I also have sound back! Its the little things folks, the little things.

In my forced day away from the computer I got a lot accomplished.

I did yoga for an hour with my little one. It IS a little hard to be "zen" when you have a 2 years old tell you 6,000 times,"Mommy I have to go poopy." I did a sculpting workout and I went for an hour walk! Oh yeah, and I got a lot of housework done!

Anyways, I realized that I did so much when the computer is down, that blogging is making me fat! I dont do much physical activity when Im sitting here reading blogs and writing! My husband was happy when he came home to a clean house too!

Sooooo Im thinking, maybe I should just throw in the cards and quit the blog? Hmmmm, nah! BUT I do need to better manage my time. Maybe all you bloggers need to start writing crappier stuff so I dont want to read it anymore? Sound good?

Just kidding! I love your blogs!! They do say laughing burns calories right?

Cloudy with a chance of hands in the pants

2010-05-01T09:55:00.002-04:00

Last night we went to daughter #1's school for family fun night and they showed the movie, Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs.

My girls did great! They sat and snuggled and watched the movie. Yay! Then....there were some of the other kids....

I swear I wanted to hide in ebarrassment FOR the parents. The kids were running around kicking people, yelling and one little dude stood in front of everyone with his hands down his pants playing with his junk for like ten minutes! and I mean RIGHT in front of everyone. I had to distract my girls!

This begs the question, is it the parents fault when kids act like that? Or is it just the nature of the kid? I think I would have a heart attack if my kids acting like that!

Hannahs part four

2010-04-30T15:22:00.004-04:00

Today while I was visiting Carissas blog as I do often, I saw that she was participating in a blog party hosted by Hanna at Aspire. I went to her page, checked her out, saw that her blog was awesome and decided to join!

So in order to be eligible, I need to tell you 4 things about myself in this post....oh boy, im totally running out of things!

1. I stink at planting things, every time I do, they die and my girls are upset.

2. Im obsessed with cleaning my girls ears. I do it daily and I know its bad but I cant help it. Developing the same habit with their belly buttons. Im totally weird and gross!

3. I like to do irish jigs on st. patricks day.

4. I really dislike watching kid movies. Im so tired of them already! Ahhhhhh.....

Well thats it! You should check her out and link up too!!

2010-04-30T10:31:00.003-04:00

Yay its my first review! Ive never done one of these before so here goes:

I was asked to review the site for McKenzie books. They are an online book buyer and seller. They have this tool called BRAIN, Books Recently Added Inventory Notice. I think its the best idea ever!

What BRAIN does is it allows you to create a "want list" of books and they automatically notify you the minute they get in the book in matching your title, author, ISBN, or keyword search. You can set preferences such as the minimum book condition, how often & when to get alerted, maximum number of books to include in each alert & more.

As a mom, this can save you TONS of time and money from having to search all over the place for that one book. They usually sell books for about 80% off the list price so you are saving a ton of money! My husband, who is a grad student will really like this so he can get his textbooks for cheap. I get pissed when he has to spend like $400 dollars on one book!

I do, on occasion, get a chance to read and its great that I can get them for so cheap instead of paying 20 bucks a book! Thats crazy!

Ch-Ch-Check it out!

Fabulous Friday!

2010-04-30T08:45:00.004-04:00

Hello everyone from Friday Follow!!!

I feel so bad writing this post today because I really dont have too much to say! Things have been crazy for me and Im trying to make some changes to my blogey blog and Ive been overwhelmed with that!!

So anyways, heres what happened this week to make my week fabulous!

nothing~! Thats right, I a big old ball of nothing!

I do have one exciting piece of info to announce!!

Im going to be a macaroni kid publisher!!! Yay! Ill keep you posted as I get my shit together!

My first wordless wednesday

2010-04-28T10:11:00.005-04:00

Ive never done wordless wednesday so I thought id share my girls spring pics today!

Enjoy and dont be jealous because they are so cute!

business in the front, party in the back

2010-04-26T13:16:00.013-04:00

The mullet: a true haircut phenomonon. People who sport mullets are a rare breed. An awesome breed. Not to be messed with. Some drive cameros, some rock acdc shirts, and some just rock some sweet sunglasses at night.

I mentioned in my last post that my weekend entertainment consisted of a band called Bon Journey, a cover band that does Bon Jovi and Journey. I am so sorry to announce that I saw NO mullets in the crowd! NOT ONE! I did see some lepoard spandex pants but they hold no interest for me.

Instead I am doing a post dedicated to those rare folks who are few and far between....

Here are a few of my favorite mullets that I found on mulletjunky.com:

The "Biz" Mullet

A Classic example of "Business on top, Party out back." The short part says, "Look at me, I can conform to the man.", while the back says, "Suckers!" Biz mullet works in the shadiest of corporations and often likes to add a pretend zero to the end of his salary. * Look for him on the commute home, blaring Bob Seger, with the top down in his early 90's canary yellow Mazda Miata.

The Permullet

TIME and MONEY is what's needed for the upkeep and maintenance of the Permullet:
TIME in front of the mirror, and MONEY on hair care products, that is. But if the end result is this...then it's definitely worth it.
* There is only 1 drawback to the permullet: A moist surface drowned in chemicals tends to irritate the skin... which leads to neck acne. Girls are NOT into neck acne.

The Famullly Man

It's not common, but every so often a mullet will take the "other" road. The straight and narrow path, focusing on becoming an honest, responsible and productive member of society. They are as dedicated to building a good, solid family unit as they are to preserving their well-kept mullet.
Keeping the mullet reminds them of their youth and delusions of their individuality. It's crucial that these two traits are constantly reassurred in order for the Famully Man to sustain his new, responsible role in society.
In some more poverty stricken families, the mullet actually functions as a toy. (Comparable to a rattle, blocks, etc.) The child grabs/tugs at it, and it is fun...fun for the whole family. As we know, mullets are easily amused.

The Family Mulltrait

"Hell no mom, we're not dressin' up for the family mulltrait. We're wearin' our matching powder-blue and yellow tank tops!" These were the same tank tops they wore when they "necked" the Barbossa twins in the dugout on the baseball field. "High-five bro! Huh huh huh!"

Rapping Frolet

Let's get this party started! Bringin' in 2000-fo like its 1980-fo, yo!
Check-it, I'm Devastatin' Dave, The Turntable Slave and I'm here to make you wave. Come on, come on, put your hands in the aiiiiiir, wave 'em like you just don't caaaare. You like my hair? Break it down: Jerry curl juice runnin down my mullet, oops i gots curls, they call dat a Frollet.

General Contractor Mullet

Construction worker, plumber, electrician & painter are the occupations and classic rock is the inspiration. Non-work days are always spent at ANY sporting event. Mullets that haven't quite reached the high level of the "GCM" (General Contractor Mullet) tend to be "handymen". Taking out overpriced ads in the Pennysaver, the justification is, "It's an honest living." This GCM in particular is ranked high within the mullet community due to many reasons: The length of his mull, the contrast of his mull, and the bleached tips. His occupation has secured him a strong position in the mulligarchy which is reflected by his sure, confident demeanor.
* He just gave his son "Tobey" a tool belt for his 6th birthday.
* Possible delusions of Mel Gibson from Braveheart.

"I am the Mull"

Every once in while a truly great mull comes along like this. It IS a 'Diamond in the ruff', every detail is completely intentional and accounted for. Look at the aero-dynamacy, the colors, the length of this mull. A true craftsman. Now check out the accessories; The 44oz. Big Gulp, the wife beater, the beaded necklace, the aviator sunglasses and finally the baseball hat attached to the belt loop of faded denim shorts. The attitude, the confidence in his stride are also key, undeniable elements that make this mull stand above the rest. 'I - AM - THE - MAN' emanates from within and is projected to all. Good luck dude.

Karoke Mull

As she gazes affectionately at his passionate romantic mull, she actually surpasses her original "bait" role and becomes captivated by this species. The Mull stays focused on the song while keeping his cool. When he finishes, he will smoke his cig, finish his drink, and "nail" the girl...

Femullet

"Get away from me with that camera, punk. Ya, i've got a mullet, so what! What, because i'm a women I can't have a mullet?! Whatever, you're just a MAN you would'nt understand."

As a disclaimer...I truely think mullets are awful, but they are hilarious!

What is your favorite?

Saturday Stuff

2010-04-24T08:21:00.004-04:00

So I wanted to write a quick little post today since I didnt get a chance to write yesterday but I have too much going on to write a whole post so I decided to write a few little segments!

~ I bought new patio furniture yesterday and am now thinking I should go get a job so that I can go buy more things that I like. I always get like this when my kids turn 2. I need a work from home job...

~ I hate the word patio

~ Love my new furniture and can now listen to my bob marley and enjoy my wine in comfort!

~ We rented the blind side last night. Why the f does Kathy Bates randomly pop up in everything lately!

~ Daughter #1 has a soccer game this morning. Im wondering why it always rains here on saturdays! Now I have to sit in this freezing ass cold rain! Boooo but YAY! I get to watch her run around and be happy!

~ Tonight we are going to see a band call Bon Journey. Yes you read that right. A band that plays covers of Bon Jovi AND Journey! Im totally wearing my mullet wig and plan to take awesome pics of real mullets. I will do a mullet post just to honor those business in the front, party in the back exclusive club members! I will be in heaven!

Hope you are all having a great weekend! I will thinking of you all when I rocking my air guitar tonight!!!

Dont stop believin! Dont you stop!

Thankful Thursday

2010-04-21T18:14:00.004-04:00

Today I am thankful for my kids...I know I know...cliche right?

Well this week at my Apples of Gold meeting, it was about loving your kids. I truly needed it this week. Some days I feel like the worst mother. I either feel bad about :

-yelling to much, I really really need to work on this. I really have a big, loud mouth!

- not playing with them enough. I really try to make their day fun and interesting but I can only play tag so much or read a story so many times, or play a game so many times.

-sometimes I feel guily because I stay at home. I mean, maybe they want to play with other kids rather than me and I already told you about her horrible "friend" next door, so maybe they would have fun at a day care? Also, then we would have a lot more money to spend on nonsense stuff.

- the time we do spend playing, I end up feeling guily because its not educational enough.

- as I mentioned, Im ALWAYS tired, I feel guilty about this too.

All these things add up and I feel emotionally and physically exhausted at the end of the day. I realized that my kids have NEVER had a babysitter! Other than grandparents, theyve only ever been with me! Thats crazy! I think my parents would have left us with a homeless bum back when my sister and I were their age.

Ive also never been away from them for more than 2 days. I feel aways that sometimes I just want to not see them for at least a week. 2 days sometimes hardly feels like enough.

This is why I wanted to be thankful for my girls today. Because I realize that motherhood is one big ball of guilt, I am so thankful that I have this to feel guilty about!

Im thankful for their little voices, their little smiles, their little hands, their little eyelashes, the way the say "I love you mommy," the way they cry for me when I leave, the way they laugh, the way they dance, they way the care about others....I could go on and on!

What are you thankful for today?

Its a link fest...

2010-04-19T13:12:00.015-04:00

So I about peed in my pants when I realized that I was awarded 3 awards yesterday! THREE!!!

I just still cant believe it! I jumped on my table and did a dance cyote ugly style! Not really but I totally wanted to!

Anyways, Im about to list them all so this post will include A TON of links and I really strongly encourage you to check each and every one of them out because they are ALL worth it. Would I lie to you? I think not....

The first one comes from my blogging mentor. If it wasnt for her, I probably wouldnt be blogging. I love her...

and you should too! Stop by and check her out!

Stop by and show her some love too!

Suburban Stereotype

For this award I must tell you 10 things that make me happy and ill pick 10 sites that make me happy!

Things that make me happy are as follows:

1. My girls! The single most important thing in my life!

2. My husband...I love him sooooo much!

3. Massages...my husband gives good ones which is part of the reason he's #2.

4. Laughing...I love a good laugh :)

5. My family and friends....

-My sister....I love her....I wish she didnt live in Nashville and lived closer to me!

-My in-laws...Im am so blessed with great ones...I have 2 brothers in-law and 1 sister in- law, all of which I adore!

- My friends....Im making some great friends here in Pittsburgh but my closest ones live far

away, boooo...Im starting a campaign to get them all to move here!

6. My dog, Mr T. I guess just dogs in general. I think they are hilarious and they all make me

happy.

7.Days to myself.

8. vacuming...is that weird?

9. my church...I dont think ive ever actually looked forward to going to church before I started going to my current one.

10.working out...I havent been doing it lately and I think ive gained like 10 lbs. It does make me a happier person though.

and one last thing: COFFEE!

Blogs that make me happy are as follows:

1. Nikki....shes my bloggy bff/sister/same person....its weird but we are the same.

2. Rachel....shes got great taste, shes funny, shes beautiful, and I think shes just the bees knees.

3. Laura Jane....just looking at her blog makes me happy.

4. Carrie....shes new but I already love her blog.

5. Messy Mommy....I just love her blog! Its so cute and she dances like its going out of style!

6. Maria....I found her when I first started blogging and she is an AMAZING writer!

7. H.....Also found her when I started blogging and loved her ever since.

8. Stacia...Her blog is pretty

9. Katie....shes new so Im showing my support!

10. Jennifer.....shes new too! And she sells sentsy..I love sentsy

Then I got the Honest Scrap award from

Nikki @ http://westbrockblog.blogspot.com/

and

Laura Jane @ http://www.callmelaurajane.com/

These two blogs are my favs...I actually get excited when they have new posts and I cant wait to read what they have to say! I dont think I could say enough about them as far as how great I think the two of them are!

For this award I have to tell you ten honest things about myself that nobody knows, hence the honest award, and then pick 10 honest blogs.

Honest things are:

1. Im tired ALL the F'in time...I dont know why and I have gone to the dr for it to no avail.

2. Im a really happy person but I have times where I just randomly fall into deep depressions, it started after the birth of daughter #1.

3. I laugh at a lot of stuff that no one else thinks is funny.

4. I NEVER thought I would be a stay-at-home mom, I was always very career focused until #1

5. I do not get along with my mom, my grandma is my mother figure and best friend.

6. I gained 70 lbs with both my girls and lost it both times! Now my fat ass is gaining weight again....time to get off the computer I guess.

7. Ive never smoked in my life but after my second daughter I was craving cigs...EWWWW

8. My husband and I want to go to ireland someday.

9. I have to dye my hair now because my sister, who does hair, found grey hairs. Nnnooooooo!

10. My favorite thing to do it sit on my deck with a glass of wine and listen to bob marley.

Honest blogs, not to mention GREAT blogs! These blogs also make me happy!

1. Mandy @ Suburban Stereotype

2. Daisygirl @ adailyscoopofchaos

3. Pamela @ 2 much testerone

4. Mama Lungo @ The Lungos

5. Mom of Three @ needmorecoffeeplease

6. Shannon @ googiemomma

7. Momma Kiss @ mommakiss

8. Mandi @ talesofarecoveringperfectionist

9. Alyssa @ BloggintoNoggin

10.Lambaround @ Lambaround

I was also mentioned on a few blogs this weekend so I thought I would mention a few blogs here!

These are some of my favorites but I dont think they get into the whole award thing...

Jane @ mylifeasjane and Jamie @ Daydream Believer

Ok so this post took me three days to get out so I hope you take the time to check em all out!

Thanks everyone and I hope you are all having a great day!

Whhheeewww now I can get back to regular blogging!

Help a sista out?

2010-04-17T16:43:00.004-04:00

So now that I have 100 followers(I hate the term followeres by the way), Ive decided its time for a blog change, but first, I have a few questions I was hoping someone out there might have the answers to?

1. where is a good spot to find some new layouts?

2. I need some ideas for a button.

3. I really really am trying to find a way to reply to comments. Ive tried discus but its not working (maybe it would if I got a new layout) and everything else im finding is for wordpress so I need something for blogspot.

4. How are you guys all finding these great giveaways to do on your blog? I want to do one?

Hope everyone had a great weekend...Im off to catch up!

I'd be...

2010-04-17T16:35:00.008-04:00

So my girl Rachel @ littlegirlshinyworld, had the cutest little post that I thought Id steal for a quick little post of my own.. Its just a little list to tell you a bit more about myself...

If I was a month, I’d be October. I just love the leaves changing and the weather starting to get cooler after a hot, hot summer!

If I was a day of the week, I’d be Friday.

If I was a time of day, I’d be the night time. MMuhhhahahaha

If I was a planet, I’d be Uranus. Im immature like that!

If I was a sea animal, I’d be an octopus.

If I was a direction, I’d be south. Warm weather and vacation!

If I was a piece of furniture, I'd be patio furniture.

If I was a liquid, I’d be wine. Oh how I love thee!

If I was a gemstone, I’d be a diamond. Girls best friend right!

If I was a tree, I'd be a Christmas tree!

If I was a tool, I’d be a knife. Ill cut you...

If I was a flower, I’d be rose. Traditional and I love them!

If I was a kind of weather, I’d be a storm. Dont mess with me bitches!

If I was a musical instrument, I’d be a drum.

If I was a color, I’d be black. Like the night....

If I was an emotion, I’d be happiness because I strive for it everyday!

If I was a fruit, I’d be star fruit because it sounds cooler than grapes!

If I was a sound, I'd be laughter!

If I was an element, I'd be air.

If I was a car, I'd be an el camino...they make me laugh

If I was a food, I'd be a taco...mmmmm

If I was a place, I'd be the beach. I cant think of a better place to be!

If I was a material, I’d be polyester.

If I was a taste, I’d be sweet of course.

If I was a scent, I’d be B.O. after a good workout!

Bully Schmully

2010-04-16T07:50:00.003-04:00

What do you do if the little girl next door is a wench? My daughter is the sweetest, most sensitive little girl ive ever known and this little girl is total bbeeyyootcch to her! It makes me sad!

K literally sits and waits for her to get off her bus at 4 so that she can play with her. The other day, neighbor girl got of and K really excitedly said "Hey friend, do you want to come over and play?" and girl yelled for all other neighbors to hear, "No, I hate you and im never playing with you again," to which her brother replied, " Dont worry, Ill make her play with you."

My little girl responded, " Ok thanks!" just like it was no big thing! What do you do when this happens? Do you jump in and throw some elbows? Talk to her parents? Smack a bitch down? I dont know but it just breaks my heart to see her get treated this way....

Bloggy Block

2010-04-14T09:08:00.004-04:00

Im really have bloggers block lately! I keep writing all these different posts but cant seem to get my thoughts together enough to compose something worth reading or something that sounds remotely coherent for that matter! I feel like Ive been having all these different thoughts and ideas about what I was to say but when I go to write, it all sounds like a bunch of crap so I delete them.

Sometimes when I go to write these posts, I think about what my readers will think about me? For example, Ill say to myself, I cant say that because

- it will offend someone
- I will sound like a total idiot
- who cares about reading that
- oh no, what if someone thinks Im a bad mom, wife, sister, daughter, etc...
- I will have to edit the shit out of that one

just to name a few!

I feel like ive been myself when I write this blog so far but I dont think Ive been myself enough.
So now I think its time to write this blog FOR ME! No more if this nonsense self-editing!

Maybe......

100 beautiful followers on the wall, 100 beautiful followers, take one down, pass it around 108 beautiful followers on the wall!!

2010-04-11T18:35:00.009-04:00

I did it! I did it! I did it!!! Yeah not only do I have 100 followers now, but I have 108!! I just cant even believe it. The pressure to write good posts is starting to really scare me! I am in the process of looking for a fabulous giveaway in honor of all of you beautiful followers! Rachel I am still considering your idea. I loved it!

I also think its time to make some changes and add some things to this site. I would love any input or ideas you all might have.

Thanks to all of you for following and hopefully liking my blog! Ill be back tomorrow with a new and better post!

Mecca Lecca High Mecca Hiney Ho

2010-04-09T08:35:00.004-04:00

Happy Friday Everyone!!!

So today is friday. What are your weekend plans? I am going to a party tonight at a friends house. Should be fun get some time away from the girls and just with Mr. Man. Not to mention the blog party that im attending this afternoon too! Im so excited to do this and cant wait to see what new blogs I come across!!

Anyways, I am also doing the friday follow and am so excited because I am hope this will bring me the 4 more followers, I totally counted that on my fingers by the way, I need to get 100!!!!!!!!!!

I want to do a fancy schmancy giveaway in honor of that but cant think of anything fun. Do you have any ideas?

Cross your fingers!!!! 100 followers and I will totally be doing a happy dance, drinking a bottle of wine, and chowing down on Easter candy! Then I will be mad at myself for eating the candy so I will drink more wine and then my whole weekend will pass me by because I will be hungover! Its a vicious cycle.....

are you kind?

2010-04-08T07:59:00.005-04:00

I always thought I was a kind person. I genuinely care about other people and really really try to watch what I say to try and not offend anyone. I volunteer at the local womens mission and the humane society and my church. Then I realized I can also be very unkind. Getting mad at the little old lady driving slow, yelling at my daughters when they get on my nerves, flipping myself off in the mirror when I try on clothes.

Well this past tuesday at my apples of gold meeting, kindness was our discusison. We were asked to give examples of acts of kindness that we had done RECENTLY and it was actually hard for me to think of anything! I was absolutely appalled! I guess there were little things that I had done but not anything that I felt worth mentioning. I could hardly even give what my definition of kindness would be!

Anyways it got me thinking. Wow! I really need to step it up! These women that are part of this group are SO amazing! They really reminded me how GREAT it feels to be kind and give without even thinking about it. I want that! I want to be a kinder more compassionate person.

And I want you to be too!

Tell me your definition of kindness and what acts of kindness have you comitted lately?

What the hAck!

2010-04-07T08:04:00.005-04:00

Havent done what the heck wednesday in awhile so here goes:

Why am I eating all my girls easter candy. WHAT THE HECK! Its not like I already dont feel my ass jiggle when I get up from the couch!

Why do my girls keep growing so fast? WHAT THE HECK! I am going to have to stop feeding them in order get them to stop growing therfore saving me money on buying whole new wardrobes every 2 days and saving me money on food!

Why does my dog always have to roll around in some dead animal right after I give him a bath. WHAT THE HECK! Does he really like to smell like dead bird all the time!

Why does my cat have to bring home the above mentioned dead bird as a "prize."WHAT THE HECK! Gross!

Why do I keep writing what the hAck. WHAT THE HECK! Im the worst speller ever!

Im totally letting my daughter wear her pjs to the bus stop to take my oldest to school. WHAT THE HECK! Am I really that lazy?

What the heck Wednesdays was started by Mary over at her wonderful, wonderful blog! http://www.mommyologist.com/

Easter girls and monday mentions!

2010-04-05T07:50:00.016-04:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful easter and is enjoying the weather that we were so fourtunate to have! We had a great Easter! My girls are still coming down off their sugar high!

It is so renewing and refreshing to get to spend time with my grandparents! They do own a campgrounds so it is really fun to get to have golf cart races and just run crazy all over the place while it is still closed.

Arent they the cutest things you have ever seen in your life!!!

Today I wanted to have a monday mention, since I havent done that in awhile, this is my favorite website that Ive found in awhile. Nikki you are awesome! Go check her out!!!

Now im off to get caught up on ALL of your posts! Bare with me!

How was your Easter? What did you do?

Happy Easter!!!

2010-04-01T13:11:00.003-04:00

So yesterday I told you I was thankful for Jesus dying for me and so today I wanted to take it a little lighter and talk about the Easter Bunny!!! Every year we go my visit my grandma and I make these little bunny shaped notes for the girls to find in the morning. The notes have clues as to wear there basket was placed by the Easter bunny.

They typically goes something like this:

"Happy Easter K! I put your basket in here but was afraid the dog would get it so I moved it into the bathroom. "

Then they go look for the next note and that would say " Im so sorry! I thought it might get wet in here so I moved it into the closet."

Then when they get there it would say " PE YEW! Your daddys shoes were too smelly to keep in here so I moved it to the car."

You get the point! Anways, that is one of our little traditions! They absolutely LOVE hunting them down and then redoing the hunt later. Also, my grandparents own a campgrounds so we get to hide easter eggs all over and it is just really fun for the girls!

I would love to hear some of your traditions!!!

Revival of Thankful Thursday!

2010-04-01T12:55:00.002-04:00

Happy Easter everyone!

Today I wanted to say that I am so thankful that Jesus died on the cross for me and was raised from the dead! Because of this, I can be forgiven of all my sins and let me tell you, I have a lot of sins! Because of this, I can unburden myself of ALL the things I do wrong.

I know ive said before that I sometimes dont feel like the typical Christian woman but because of this day (weekend) I can remind myself that all of that doesnt matter! He loves me the way I am! My cursing, my drinking, my yelling, my judging, my overindulging, my sometimes short temper, ALL of that! He just loves me the way I am!

And he loves you too! Weather you believe or not!

Anyways, I hope you all have a wonderful, wonderful Easter weekend~

Catching up

2010-03-31T08:02:00.008-04:00

Ok so SO many things happened while I was away from blogging this weekend. First of all I won my very first giveaway!!! I cant even take how excited I am!

The giveaway was hosted by Amanda@mailto:Amanda@http://serenitynow4amanda.blogspot.com/ I love her blog so go check her out!

and made by Paula Kathlyn! Visit her etsy shop@http://www.etsy.com/shop/retrogalusa or her blog @http://iaminthearmytoo.blogspot.com/

Also, I received another award, again so excited!!! I received this one from the lovely Messy Mommy @ http://aliasblogger.blogspot.com/. I absolutely LOVE her blog and am so honored to have been chosen. I am passing it along to some of my newest and favoritest blogs!

1. Nikki @http://westbrockblog.blogspot.com/

2. Mama Lungo @ http://thelungos.blogspot.com/

3. Ashleigh @ http://ladyrink.blogspot.com/

4. Danni @ http://lambaround.blogspot.com/

5. Rachael @ http://followinginmyshoes.com/

And last but definily not least, I am SO far behind in all of your blogs! I cannot wait to catch up with all of them and see how everyone is doing!

I feel really overwhelmed lately and Im hoping that next week, after easter, things will start to get back to normal and I can get back to my regular posts! Thanks to all of you for reading and sticking by me as I try to get it all together, if there is a such thing!

Weekend update!

2010-03-29T08:36:00.004-04:00

Hello Everyone! I hope ALL of you had great weekends! Im franticly trying to catch up with everyones posts.

My sister is still here but shes getting ready right now so I thought Id have like 16 hours before shes done! Ha, yeah she takes a long time to get ready!

We have been having a great time so far! We took the girls to see "how to tame your dragon," and it was great! So cute! The only problem was that it was like 50 bucks for 4 of us to see it! Can you believe that!

Other than that, we have just been spending a lot of time chasing the girls and drinking wine! Its really been great! The girls are getting super spoiled and im sure it will be tough to get things back to normal .

Today we are going to get spring pictures taken and that should be an adventure all in itself!

What did you all do this weekend?

I love the word random!

2010-03-26T10:20:00.004-04:00

Hellllloooo to everyone stopping by from Friday Follow!

Today my blog is going to be about random things.

First of all my sister is coming to visit from Nashville!!! Im so excited I cant even contain it! Shes only staying for a few days so my time in blogville will be limited. I wanted to wish all of you a happy weekend before I disappear.

Also, you can call me milli vanilli for the day because I am blaming it on the rain, ba dum ch! I got nothing done yesterday! It was rainy and cold and gloomy and just all around BLAH! I did get caught up on my DVR'd shows. Which leads me to my next random thing, is anyone watching any good shows out there?

Here are some of my favs, by the way, I LOVE DVR! I couldnt live with out it!

Desperate Housewives, Apprentice, House, Modern Family and Cougartown, The Office, 30 Rock, Private Practice, Greys, Ive been loving that new show..Who do you think you are?, Project Runway...thats probably about it. Anyways, Im getting bored of these shows.

What are you all watching?

Heres whats in my bag...

2010-03-25T15:34:00.005-04:00

Ok so Maria at http://www.momofthreeseekssanity.blogspot.com/ tagged me in the game, Whats in my bag. I cant believe Im actually putting this on here but Im trying to be a good sport! A womans purse is such a personal thing! You can really learn a lot about your self once you see all of it laid out in front of your eyes.

So here it is in all its glory....

So what we have here is basically a hot mess! Starting from the left we have

1. photo booth pics of me and some girlfriends at a wedding last month
2. next to that is a spoon?
3. a bounce sheet to get the static out of mine and my daughters hair
4. a sucker
5. my 800 lipglosses
6. excedrin
7. cheek stuff so I dont look pale
8. anti bacterial hand stuff
9. wallet
10. puss in boots from shrek
11.one shoe?
12. back to the other side a visa gift card
13. one crayon
14. my daughters mp3 player
15.one hairclip and one earring?
16. a baby shower invite and a thank you card
17. back to the left again a build a bear gift card
18. wet ones, my lifesavers with my girls
19. tons of gum
20. one glove?

So basically I have a lot of random things that are missing the other half?

Wow!

Now I get to tag some of you women whose purses I think COULD have some juicy stuff in it!

Get dumpin girls!!!

1. Mandy http://www.suburbanstereotype.com/

2. Rachel http://www.littlegirlshinyworld.com/

3. Jamie http://jamiejenson.blogspot.com/

4. Laura Jane http://www.callmelaurajane.com/

5. Alyssa http://bloggin2noggin.blogspot.com/

6. Jane http://www.mylifeasjane.com

Apples to Gold

2010-03-24T08:33:00.006-04:00

In this post, I will probably touching on like 8 different posts that I wanted to make but oh well.

Ive metioned before that im from Ohio. We have lived here in Pittsburgh for about 2 years now. We moved here knowing noone. Since that time, Ive made a handful of friends. Mostly some lovely ladies that I work with at church and like 1 or 2 outside of that. Its been difficult for me. Ive always been a real social person and never had a problem making friends. I love people! It has just been really lonely here for me since weve moved.

But I digress.....I was invited to join a womens group at our church called Apples to Gold and our first meeting was last night. Basically it is a group of older ladies coming together with the younger ladies of the church every tuesday for 7 weeks. We get together and cook, talk, study the bible, eat and just be women! Here is the link to the program http://www.applesofgold.org

I have to say that I was totally nervous about going to this meeting. Im always afraid I will offend someone by something I say or hurt their feelings. I also am not the typical church going woman. I can swear like a sailor, not to mention drink like one and I love ALL kinds of music. I struggle with myself because these things make me feel less of a christian. I kept wondering to myself, "will I fit in with these women?"

Anyways, it was exactly what I needed in my life right now. The women are ALL amazing and funny and I just cant wait to get to know them all more! Ill keep filling you all in on my journey through this!

Long Lost Friend

2010-03-22T13:38:00.003-04:00

So this past weekend my best friend from college came to stay with me and it was amazing! I havent seen her in 8 years! Way too long if you ask me.

We lost touch after I changed majors and schools and then life just took over. Before I knew it, it had been a few, days, weeks, months, etc and we lost touch.

Thank God for facebook and we found each other again!

I just cant explain the feeling I had of remembering what I used to be like before husband and kids! We had such a blast catching up and I didnt want her to go! Because Im not as young as I used to be, Im still EXHAUSTED from the night and need a nap so Ill have to make this post a very very short one!

Tell me about your long lost friends and wake me up!

Glamorous! Fabulous! Posh! Wonderful! Classy!

2010-03-20T09:13:00.000-04:00

Glamorous! Fabulous! Wonderful! Posh! Classy! Sexy!

These are all words that describe me because Im a new reciepint of the

Stiletto Award!!

Thank you sososo much Laura Jane @ http://www.callmelaurajane.com/! She is one of my favorite bloggers so make sure you stop by her site! Its great!

Yay! When I put on my stilettos they really do make me feel different! They make me walk into a room with my 'americas next top model' walk and I love them! For all they do for women!

First, to understand, let us understand the Stiletto… some words that describe it…

Classy – Strong -Exotic – Demure – Extreme – Ultra – Sexy - Bold – Funky

“Walking in extremely high heels is not something that the average woman (or man)
will need to do in their everyday life.However, there are times when this skill may be required.”

I want to salute the women who balance life, family & relationships with style & class! Those women who share their experiences with us…who encourage us, inspire us, teach us, make us laugh and basically keep us going! You know who they are! While you read this blog, your family is looking at you wondering what the heck you are laughing about so hard…or why the tissue is necessary for internet browsing. It’s the one that the kids are excited about because a new post means a new craft project or family outing. The one that inspires you to be a better mom, friend, person in general. The one that reminds you that we are all “in this life together” and you’re not the only one going through the hard stuff. The one that you secretly wish your blog was like…

“Heels this high are not meant for clubbing or walking long distances in. They are mainly used for getting from the living room to the bedroom, from the car to the restaurant, or for a short stroll along the catwalk.”

If you’ve received this award, someone out there thinks you deserve it! Be proud! Display the badge with honor! You earned it…after all it means that you brought something special to at least one other person, and really, isn’t that what life’s all about?

THE RULES!

This blog is meant to be shared, to be given out, to be bestowed upon any and ALL women who exemplify what the stiletto represents. If you’ve received this award, here’s what you do:

1. Display your Stiletto Badge of Honor on your sidebar! Wear it with pride…

2. BRAG ABOUT IT! -write a post about your award. Include the link to this page so everyone will understand what it’s all about! http://bit.ly/thestilettoaward

3. SAY THANKS! - include a link to the friend who nominated you for the award.

4. SHARE THE LOVE! -nominate 5-10 blogs that you feel deserve the award. Include links to hem in your post -and- leave them a comment to let them know they are nominated.

5. DO WHAT YOU DO! -keep at it. Keep inspiring and encouraging and sharing your life! We love it and we thank you!

So here are the blogs that I think can rock some stilettos!

1. Mandy @ http://www.suburbanstereotype.com/

2. Rachel @ http://www.littlegirlshinyworld.com/

sorry girl, I know we are awarding back and forth but how could I NOT give you the STILETTO award. You are too fabulous!

3. H @ http://www.dreamsandcaffeine.com/

4. Lizgizzy @ http://lizgizzy.wordpress.com/

5. The Apartment manager @ http://managingapartments.blogspot.com/

Have a GREAT and SUNNY weekend!

Thankful Thursday!

2010-03-18T11:23:00.002-04:00

For this edition of Thankful Thursday, I want to tell you all that I am thankful for YOU!

Thank you for all of your wonderful blogs that so brighten my day, make me laugh, cry, and smile! Im still a newbie when it comes to blogging and I wouldnt still be doing it if it wasnt for all of you!

What are you thankful for today?

Branagan Shenigans

2010-03-17T10:09:00.002-04:00

I interrupt this what the heck wednesday for a St. Paddys day post!

HAPPY ST PATRICKS DAY EVERYONE!!!

Technically Im not irish but as you can tell, my last name is Branagan! I married irish! In Gods eyes we are one right? That makes me irish too!

Anywho, I love St Patricks day! I love it for totally different reasons now than I did when I was in college but still love it none the less ( is none the less one word?) When I was in college today was a holiday to me. My roomate and I would get up at the ass crack of dawn and head down to OSU campus for kegs and eggs, green kegs and eggs. Then maybe head to a class or two. After that go home and take a nap, get up and get all greened up and head out for the evening festivites!

Those were the days....

Fast forward to 2010!

Today I forgot, for a minute, that today was St. Paddys day and had to scurry around trying to find something green for my kindergartener to wear.

I dont want her getting pinched at school :(

Today I love St. Patricks day for what it means! Thanks St. Patricks for spreading the Word and saving the irish! It is greatly appreciated by my Mr. Man and his family!

So put on your green underware and top hat! Its time to celebrate!

Cheers~!

Tell me tuesday!

2010-03-16T15:34:00.003-04:00

Lets see.....what do I want to tell today for this tell me tuesday?....hmmmm.....

Sometimes, I dont get a chance to shower every day....thats awful right!?

I guess I should get my stinky butt off this computer and get in the shower!

What about you?

honey, dont bother mommy while I punch this lady in her neck!

2010-03-15T11:46:00.005-04:00

Ok so for those of you who havent heard, or been to the SITS page yet today, let me fill you in!
An article was published in the sunday issue of the NY times about women/mom bloggers.

Here is the link in case you are interested; http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/14/fashion/14moms.html

I just want to say, WHAT THE H E double hockey sticks!

Why does this women feel the need to bash moms for having an outlet? Perhaps she has no kids of her own and doesnt really know how it feels? Does that really give her the right to judge?

Ive only been blogging for a couple months but in that time, have felt a huge amount of support from my friends that I have met through blogging! It nice to have an outlet or someplace to go just to laugh and have something for yourself.

This article really rubbed me the wrong way! Maybe its just me and my crazy self?

What do you all think?

Monday Mention, I didnt forget about you....here are 2 blogs that I think you would all love to check out!

Laura Jane @ http://callmelaurajane.blogspot.com/
H @ http://www.dreamsandcaffeine.com/

The happy dance!

2010-03-13T12:48:00.020-05:00

Yay! So Im doing a happy dance right now im so excited! I have recieved a new award!! You like me...you really like me...maybe not....Anyways, so excited to accept this award from my girl!!! http://www.suburbansterotype.com/

Shes so awesome as usual! Thanks!

So in order to accept the award I have to tell you ten things about myself and then pick 10 favorite blogs so here goes:

Things you might not know:

1. I am awesome. Ok so Im really not but I do like to think I am!

2. I have a dog named Mr. T. I need to get some pics of him up here!

3. I have a degree in public relations that I have never used.

4. I used to be an intern for billboard magazine in NY before I met my husband.

5. I am originally from Ohio.

6. I love the history channel.

7. I can play a lot of insturments. Guitar, flute, drums, piano. None of them real well.

8. I am the worst dancer but if you get a couple drinks in me, my moves come out!

9. When my kids arent with me, I listen to ganster rap in my mini van. Not because I like it, but because I can.

10. Ive met a lot of famous people. Justin Timberlake, Adam Durwitz, Usher, Ani Difranco, Rob Zombie, Gavin Rosdale, 3 doors down, Jars of Clay, Natalie McMaster, Brian Mcknight, Ben Folds....thats all I feel like typing, in my old life before kids when I had a career.

Here are SOME of my favorites!

1. Mandy P of course! http://www.surburbansterotype.com/

2. Jamie @ http://jamiejenson.blogspot.com/

3. Rachel @ http://www.littlegirlshinyworld.com/

4. Carissa @ http://www.carissagraham.com/

5. Amy @ http://kazamy.blogspot.com/

6. Debbie @ http://athreestrandcord.blogspot.com/

7. Natalie @ http://thebusybudgetingmama.blogspot.com/

8. Maria @ http://momofthreeseekssanity.blogspot.com/

9. Candace @ http://ourloveremainsthesame.blogspot.com/

10. Kalee @ http://organizeme2010.blogspot.com/

and I wanted to add one more.

11. Sabrina @ http://justanothersmithfamily.blogspot.com/

Love 'em

Friday Follow!

2010-03-12T08:53:00.002-05:00

C''mon! Jump on the bandwagon! Do the friday follow!! You know you want to!

Hosted by Rita @ One 2 Try Tami @ Hearts Make Families and Lynn @ Midday Escapades

Happy Hoping and come back later for another post!

Thankful Thursday!

2010-03-11T12:59:00.002-05:00

Today is thankful thursday and I am so very thankful for this wonderful AMAZING weather! It seems toooooo gooodd to be true but Ill take anything I can get.

Ive opened all my windows and am going to turn up the music and dance with my kids! :)

What are you thankful for today? I cant wait to hear!

What the heck Wednesday!

2010-03-10T09:10:00.007-05:00

Time for another edition of What The Heck Wednesday!
started by http://www.mommyologist.com/!

I am the worst speller! Ive noticed that a few of my bloggy friends are teachers and you ladies probably cringe when reading my posts because I am the worst speller. WHAT THE HECK! Why cant I get it together!

My kids are STILL sick! WHAT THE HECK! My dr told me that kids are typically sick for 7-10 days 7-10 times a year!Uhhhhhhh....

Why are all my thoughts continuing to go to "I wonder if this could be a post?" in EVERY thing I do! WHAT THE HECK! This blog is taking over! and I love it!

I cant seem to think of anything else interesting worth mentioning. WHAT THE HECK! Am I really THAT boring.....

Have a happy hump day everyone!!

47 degrees = 80 degrees

2010-03-09T19:26:00.002-05:00

So Im not sure if anyone noticed, but I am from Pittsburgh. Where we got 3 feet of snow dumped on us in one day! And then some! Anyways, that last few days have been wonderful with the sun shining and everyone out walking their dogs and kids getting fresh air, but I have to wonder why people around here think its 80 degrees!

Here are a few things I saw while I was out walking my dog this evening:
a guy shoveling snow in shorts
a teenager wearing shorts and a tshirt
a man grilling
and a jeep with the top off!

Now come on people! 47 degrees does NOT equal 80!

This has been one of the longest winters that I can remember and I am SO ready to open my windows, turn on some jams, and dance in my living room!

Hope everyone is having a great week so far, just dont break out the flip-flops just yet :)

Tell Me Tuesday!

2010-03-09T10:11:00.002-05:00

Its tell me tuesday again!

Tell me something about yourself that IS NOT on your blog!

Heres mine:

Ive had the same best friend since 3rd grade! I miss her a ton because we live in 2 different cities but love her more than ever!

Your turn!!!!!

My official boycott

2010-03-08T22:02:00.003-05:00

Im not sure how many of you watch the bachelor but after these last two stints of the show, I have decided to officially announce my boycott!!

How can I waste my precious blogging time on a show that will, in the end, break my heart! I felt so awful for Melissa when Jason asked her to marry him and then two seconds later, said peace out! Then comes Jake...awwww...on the wings of love....southern gentleman.....etc etc...BAM! Suckers!

I just cant take it anymore!

I hope noone watched the Bachelor wedding tonight....im still a little bitter and no I wont get over it! So now, im stomping my foot like my two year old and watching reruns of house.

Goodnight all! See you tomorrow for Tell Me Tuesday!

Monday Mention

2010-03-08T08:08:00.006-05:00

Ok so my monday mention is.......wait for it....wait for it....

Maria at http://momofthreeseekssanity.blogspot.com

I hope you check her out! Shes a great writer and new to blogging to go show her some comment love!

Also, I hope you guys arent hating this everyday day of the week theme thing! Im going to try to post some other things along the way but I dont want to be crazy annoying with all my posting!

Happy Monday!

Just a quick note!

2010-03-07T17:06:00.006-05:00

Ok so I left to visit the in-laws for the weekend and let me say....I almost died without my blog!! It was awful! I was having withdraws like an addict! Panic attacks, night sweats, hallucinations!

Ok so maybe im exaggerating a bit but it was definitly hard! Anyways, I was SOSOSOSO excited to find that I got a bunch of new followers from Follow Friday! I actually started jumping up and down with excitement to get to check out all of my new friends pages! It will take me all night but im gonna do it!

To my previous new friends, sorry for negleting you this weekend and Im so excited to hear about how all of your weekends went!

Im off to read and I cant wait!

Heres to a great start of a new week!!!!:)

Friday Follow!

2010-03-05T13:47:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday Everyone!

This is my first one and Im not sure im doing this right!

Thankful Thursday!

2010-03-04T15:32:00.001-05:00

Today is thankful thursday!

and I am soooo thankful for my wonderful husband! Without him, I would not have my two beautiful girls and a life that I am so grateful to lead!

What are you thankful for?

What the Heck Wednesday!

2010-03-03T09:44:00.000-05:00

I got todays theme from a wonderful blogger mommyologist http://www.mommyologist.com/

So here goes:

So my youngest daughter is sick. Shes got an awful cough and the green virus snot coming out of her nose (sorry about the image there!) and just not feeling the best. So my oldest daughter decides she not getting enough attention and pretend to be sick too! WHAT THE HECK! She has the funniest fake cough Ive ever heard and when I ask her about it, she tells me shes pretending to be sick because daughter #2 is getting more attention.

Ive been driving daughter #1 to the bus in the mornings because I feel so bad making her (and #2) out in the cold and EVERY morning this guy drives by and shakes his head at me for parking on the side of the road. WHAT THE HECK! Doesnt he have anything else better to do!I cant help it that the bus wont drive to my house and have personalized service just for my little girl! By the way, I totally think thats what she deserves!

Why do my kids have NO matching gloves? It seems like everytime we get ready to leave the house, it seems like they always are missing just that one glove. WHAT THE HECK! Is there like a glove snatcher sneaking in my house and stealing gloves in te middle of the night?

And lastly, why is Wednesday so hard to spell? Every time I write it, I always spell it wrong and have to go back and retype! WHAT THE HECK!

Tell Me Tuesday

2010-03-02T08:40:00.000-05:00

Todays theme is Tell Me Tuesday!

Tell me something about yourself that is NOT on your blog!

Here's mine:

I hate to admit it, but I am a faithful reader of gossip websites Perez Hilton and TMZ....

What's yours?

once in a blue moon....

2010-03-01T16:06:00.000-05:00

Once in a blue moon I get to go out with my husband on a date! It always has to be planned in at least a month in advance. As the day starts to get close, you find yourself coming up with all these wonderful ideas of the things you are going to get to do, all of the couple time you will have, all of the kid-free things that are possible!

The girls are packed and ready to go.Everyone has gone potty and the husband and kids are packed in the car ready to go to Gigi and PapPaps. SILENCE! I LOVE IT!!! I get time to myself, at least I think thats what that was? For awhile I just sit. Then I pop on my blog and the next thing I know, its three hours later. I wasted my enitre "me" time on my blog doing absolutely nothing. and it felt great! No guilt, no interuptions, no spills to clean up!

THAT day finally came for me this past saturday. We got up with smiles on our faces and cooked a grandious breakfast for the girls. Little winks and pats on the butt were exchanged. Yay!! What a day this will be! He even let me pick out the movie! I picked Valentine's Day, totally a girly movie.....the next thing I know....we are at the Olive Garden fighting in front of the waitress....

It really stinks when you build up something SO much that when it doesn't turn out the way you want, it can ruin your entire week! My sunday was spent in bed avoiding my husband so we dont rehash things that were said the night before after a few glasses of wine and bottles of beer.

So here I find myself again. Wasting time on my blog...this time I have no date at the end of the evening, total guilt for not getting dinner started, and I think my daughter just threw her glass of apple juice at her sister. Here's to hoping my next "once in a blue moon" will have a better turn out!

Monday Mention

2010-03-01T08:47:00.001-05:00

I decided to do a theme post each day of the week.

Today is the monday mention and that means I will pick my favorite blog that I want to mention today and hopefully you will add your monday mention to your blog or to my comments!

My Monday Mention today is

http://www.the-bird-nest.com/

She is a new blogger like myself so check her out!!

Wow!!

2010-02-27T09:00:00.001-05:00

I was SOOO excited this morning when I saw that I had recieved two awards from my good friend, and blog mentor, MandyP!! Yay! What a great way to start a snowy saturday!
The frist award is:

So cute right! I definitly needed some sunshine today too!!

The second one is:
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I am so honored!

To recieve this award I have to pick 12 people to pass the honor on to so here goes:

1. MandyP ~ http://mandypmommyof4.blogspot.com/~ She is the reason that I am still blogging! I just love her and am so lucky to know her in person! Thanks!

2. Maria ~ http://momofthreeseekssanity.blogspot.com/~ She is new to blogging like myself! She was also my second follower! The sunshine award is specially dedicated to you!

3. Kalee ~http://organizeme2010.blogspot.com/~ She took the time to come and comment on my site so I wanted to show her some love! Great blogs!

4. CDB~http://fingersandpaws.blogspot.com/~ She happened to post above me on the SITS Sharefest Saturday and I loved her posts!

5. Leah ~ http://omommawrites.com/~ I stumbled across her site today and just wanted to send some positive vibes her way.

6. Jennifer ~ http://justjennifer.me/~ I feel her pain....Jessica is a popular name to!

7. Sweet Pea Chef ~ http://http//sweetpeasandpumpkins.blogspot.com/~ Great recipes that everyone should check out!

8. Alaska woman ~http://alaskawomom.blogspot.com/ So funny!

9. Alex ~http://whoa-mumma.blogspot.com/~ Oh my gosh! The cutest site ever! Shes probably already recieved a million awards but I couldnt pass up mentioning this blog!

and finally...Im only choosing 10...sorry mandy...dont take my award away :(

10. IzzyMom~ http://http//izzymom.com/

There you have it! Now go check 'em out!

How many hats?

2010-02-25T10:48:00.000-05:00

I recently read a story about a wife whose husband left her so she took him to court for back pay on all of the jobs that she felt she should be compensated for. She was a stay at home mom and had sacrificed a career to stay home with her kids. Therefore, had a hard time getting back into the workforce and thought that her husband should pay her for the things she didnt make money doing over the years. As a stay at home mom myself, im always hearing that if moms actually got paid for what they do everyday, it would be OVER 100,000 year and that can add up!This begs the question, how many hats do you wear as a mom?

First there is maid. This is the one I struggle with the most. I hate it that my husband thinks the living room floor(of all places) is the perfect spot for his dirty, smelly socks that my dog then runs around the house with in his mouth! Gross!
Then there is the toothpaste issue. Im always cleaning, scratch that, scrubbing pink toothpaste out of the sink after the morning rush of everyone brushing their teeth at the same time. My daughters just dont quite reach the drain to spit yet and so it runs all along the side of the sink bowl!Oh and then the issue with dishes. I always get the evening dishes done and somehow when I get up in the morning, more dishes have miraciously appeared.

Next is cook. I always feel like a short order cook with everyone yelling orders about what they will and wont eat at each meal. And it is NEVER the same thing! Not only that but it is all throughout the day, not just mealtimes. I swear I have dreams about my kids saying "Mommy, I want a snack" every 2 seconds.

Then the job of scheduling. I have to schedule doctors, dentists and eye appointments around work for my husband, work at the church for myself and school for my daughter. Not to mention, soccer and dance practice thrown in the mix.

Lets add the job title of taxi cab driver to the above mentioned tasks.

One of the more important job titles, teacher. Doing homework and preparing my youngest for preschool are things that I need to be better at making a priority. Then there is teaching all the time with how you live your life. You need to teach them to be good people, sisters,daughters, americans,Christians!

I could probably name a few more like dry cleaner, ref, interior decorator, etc. but I have to add the best hat(s) to wear:

Mother and Wife!

I consider my payment of the formentioned jobs my kids smiles, or the way thier hair looks so cute in the morning or the way they snuggle you. There is no payment in the world equal to holding your little baby in your arms and the chance to experience that new baby smell. Or the way you can kiss a little scratch and make the boo boo go away. Even these things would not be as possible if it wasnt for my husband giving me the wife hat to wear. While I do ask for much more "payment" from him, it is always accepted with kisses, footrubs, and date nights. When I do struggle with the daily life of being a mom, hes always there to make sure I know I am loved and what more could a woman really ask for?

My 4th post!

2010-02-23T18:26:00.000-05:00

This is my fourth post, obviously! I say this with such emphasis because i'm still being a big baby about writing these posts. I keep thinking of things I want to talk about, things I want to comment about and/or things I want to bitch about. The thing is, im still writing this blog with such edit or rather THINK about writing in this blog with such edit that I feel like its becoming an obsession of what everyone will think about me rather than an obsession of writing the blogs themselves.

The friend who inspired me to finally get going on writing this blog, I say finally because I have started 3 blogs before this and never had the courage to continue, has been such a help! Ive been reading other womens blogs and just learning about the "blogespere" all from suggestions of hers! Not to mention she is my one and only follower! I know for sure that I would not be doing this if it wasnt for her inspiring me!

Since I have had kids, I feel like my mind just literally left me. My conversations now consist of daily routines and logistics when they used to consist of what was actually going on in the world and maybe about a book or something that was outside of the world of child-rearing. I am having a hard time finding the confidence in my writing and my thoughts again after these last 5 years!

Im being told that this all goes away and I really hope it does. Until then, I will try to muster up the courage to continue writing and hopefully someday, somewhere, someone will read this! If you do, please continue to write your stories because you never know who you could be inspiring and helping get through this crazy life God has blessed us with!

teen pregnancy

2010-02-18T16:08:00.000-05:00

I love myself some reality tv! Yes, I will admit that it is my number one guily pleasure. BUT! I have decided to boycot american idol and last night television had only that or the olympics to watch so I decided to watch a lifetime movie called "the pregnancy pact."

If you haven't heard of this movie, it is loosely based on that news story a few years back about a group of teenage girls who all decided to get pregnant together. They all live in a small MA fishing town and none was older than 16 years old!

Being a mother of two daughters, this movie was extrememly disturbing to me. These girls were smoking and drinking to the point of passing out! I am so scared to being raising children in times like these. But I digress, this movie made me think about what it was like to A, be a teenager, and B, what it was like to be in high school agian. Maybe its just me but I dont remember everyone walking around the school making out all the time and having their hands down each others pants.

Not only is this movie disturbing but add to it the fact that one of MTV's most watched shows is "im 16 and pregnant." What is this world coming to? Its makes me think, am I really that old to be so upalled by this? I remember hearing that when my parents were younger, this is what their parents were saying about the Beatles when they first came on the scene. At least that was just music and couldn't really actually harm or totally uproot someones life.

Im sure noone will really care what I thought about this movie but it really made me think and I just wanted to vent about it!

was that the last one?

2010-02-16T15:11:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was the wedding of my best friend and as we all got dresses in our 200 dollar dresses that we will never wear again, and got our 50 dollar hair styles that fell out in an hour, it forced me to remember what it was like when I got married 6 years ago. At this point, I have started and deleted 2 posts dedicated to this topic because I cannot help but sound so negitative about all that being a bridesmaid entails! This is only my second post and if someone ever DOES read this, I dont want to come across as a heartless friend and negitive person.

I should start by saying that this woman who got married has been my best friend for well over 20 years so I feel like I am entitled to say all of this without the thought of if I am really a good friend or not.

It started out with the engagement. She told all of us, friends and family, that she was engaged through a text! Granted it was a picture of her beautiful ring that she wanted us all to see, but still it was a text!! I cant imagine that being done when I got engaged so long ago. Next was the wedding shower. I should add here that I never even thought to have a wedding shower so I was unfamilar. I guess I always thought that you were supposed to get gifts for the actual wedding so I was confused as to what a shower was really for anyways? After that, the bachelorette party! Yay! My favorite part! Ok so not so much. You see, we live in different cities so her friends planned what turned into a 3 days ski trip. That sounds like a blast but we are a young family with young kids and really dont have the extra money to spend on things like that. If it was only those things, it really would have been ok but the friends also stipulated what we had to wear, even including shoes that I had to buy. And since when are you supposed to get MORE gifts for the bachelorette party??Sooooooo by the time the wonderful day came, I was broke and tired from trying to make a few extra bucks wherever I could.

The day has been had and it was truly beautiful and I was honored to be a part of thier new life together. I just wonder...was that the last one? Because I am getting toooo ooolllllddd ,or broke, for all this!

Why am I here?

2010-02-11T15:38:00.000-05:00

So I have recently been inspired by a friend to start this blog. I really doubt that anyone will read this but I do enjoy reading hers and maybe someone out there will read what I have to say. Who knows, maybe this will even be cathardic!

I should start by telling you a little bit about myself. I am a 28 year old stay-at-home mom. I have two daughters. Kaylee, 5, and Ella, 2. My husband is an engineer and a grad student. We are rasing our little family here in the great state of PA, and the city of Pittsburgh (well 20 minutes outside of Pittsburgh.) As I sit here thinking of what to say next, all I find myself thinking about is coffee and my dog who is currently chasing the cat in circles around the house.

We are originly from Ohio, GO BUCKS, and are obviously OSU fans. My husband graduated from THE Ohio State university while I graduated from a small lutheran college called Capital University. Most people here in Pa have never heard of it but if your from Ohio, you probably have. Currently I work at my church and walk dogs just to keep my sanity, and to not feel guilty when I want to go by myself a new outfit (who am I kidding, I never buy a new outfit)

I have a degree in public relations, which comes in handy for a mom( just kidding I have never used my degree.) My past life, and by that I mean before kids, I was very career oriented and have worked in the entertainment industry but all of my prior knowledge has since left me and I have traded it all in for potty training and memory loss.

I hope to find more of you out there like me!
Thanks for reading!!