Sweet Tooth Much?

I haven't always been obsessed with sweets...actually I'm usually the one person opting out of a piece of birthday cake and ice cream. I love sour things! Pickles, sour patch kids, cucumbers soaked in vinegar (yes, I know that's how pickles are made, but I'm talking about fresh cucumbers), sour green apples, sweet tarts, really anything that will make your face pucker up a little. But here lately...I'm unfortunately on a sweet kick...and a baking kick. I'm that wanna be excellent baker girl...pssh...and I think I can blame it on www.bakerella.com ;) Anyway...this post is just to say that I want this cake for my birthday...and my husband told me that he would NOT bake me a 14 layer cake...that's our family tradition...we bake the birthday cakes around here. So...I'm going to bake my OWN cake...and he can eat it...or not...but I bet he will because he's got a sweet tooth like no other!



And no, I didn't forget about the Giant Cupcake Cake ! We might just have TWO birthday cakes around here...afterall...we will have tons of family in town because the Stride4Stroke 5K is on my actual birthday!

My What A Big Ice Cream Cone You Have

Are you kidding me?! Someone please stop me...stop me from clicking that one click shopping button on Amazon!

This is what happens when the hubs is working a 24 hour shift on a Friday night...I surf the internet *cough* I MEAN...I do homework! ;) I was searching for a "cheaper" giant cupcake pan and stumbled upon the giant ice cream cone pan. I will be checking Michael's craft store tomorrow for the cupcake pan while the hubs is getting his haircut...I heard it's available there and you can use the 40% off coupon that comes in the newspaper on it! I can so totally pull the birthday card on him too...because after all...next week is my birthday WEEK! ;)

I've already asked for a few things for my birthday...I'll slowly list those next week...hee hee.

I Need It...I Want It...

I HAVE to have it!!!






I have been wanting one of these for the longest time...then I *kind of* forgot about it until I read The Steece's blog this morning. You know...my birthday IS in 8 days!!! I do not like to cook...but I love to bake...so...I need this!! Too bad my hubs doesn't read my blog. I don't even think he knows what a blog is!!

Wordless Wednesday

(Today is my Grandma's birthday...Rest in Peace Mawmaw...I miss you!)

Pay It Forward

I was one of the first three people to leave a comment on Kelly's post, so now it's time for me to play pay it forward on my blog. I TRY to be crafty so hopefully my craftiness will come through for me!

Here are the rules:

Be one of the first THREE bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me - something crafty or yummy, who knows?!

Winners must post this challenge on their own blog, meaning that you will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift - anything! - for the first THREE bloggers who leave a comment on YOUR post about this giveaway!

The gift that you send to your 3 friends can be from any price range and you have 365days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: it's the spirit and thought that counts!

When you receive your gift, please feel free to blog about it, sharing appropriate linky love! If you are not one of the top three commenters on this post, you can still play along. Go ahead and start your own Pay It Forward chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same!

So remember, Pay It Forward!

Mardi Gras

**Update** I'm giving up French Fries for Lent....wish me luck. HaHa

The colors of Mardi Gras—purple, green and gold—in order signify justice, faith and power.

— St. Anthony Messenger

Mardi Gras...the mere mention of these two words convey thoughts of: raucous celebrations, beads flying through the air, ear-to-ear grins plastered on the faces of millions of revelers, and of course floats parading through the streets of New Orleans!

While these associations are accurate, this is only taking into account only a small portion of what Mardi Gras stands for and means to millions of people not just in the Bayous and Parishes of Louisiana, but across the world.

However, the first Mardi Gras in North America did not even occur under American rule but more appropriately the French. In 1704, France’s King Louis XIV ordered the brothers Iberville and Bienville LeMoyne to sail from France to defend their territories, which include the areas that now represent: Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Upon arriving, the LeMoyne brothers found the mouth of a body of water, now known as the Mississippi River, and sailed upstream for a few miles until they located the perfect place to build a colony and designated the area as: Point du Mardi Gras.

From these humble beginnings a proud culture of French ancestors known as the Creole population of the Bayous began and prospered, and each year thousands of people become honorary Creoles during Mardi Gras celebrations held throughout the United States.

Mardi Gras, which in French translates to Fat Tuesday, is officially the day before Ash Wednesday. The day is also commonly referred to as Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day and can occur anytime between February 3rd and March 9th, depending on when Easter is held that particular year. But as the celebrations in America and across the world have grown larger with each passing year, Mardi Gras, has evolved from one day into week long celebrations.

There are other places in the world who take their Mardi Gras celebrations just as seriously, even if they are not as well known or publicized.

One of those celebrations is the Rio de Janeiro Carnival that is held in Brazil, each year for two weeks prior to the fasting period in the Christian calendar known as Lent. While Brazil’s Carnival resembles and incorporates many of the similar aspects that define America’s Mardi Gras: great music, tons of delicious and fattening foods, and parades, it is distinctively Brazilian due to the amount of Samba dancing that occurs over the two weeks.

http://www.mardigrasday.com/

Is anyone giving up something for Lent? I will be...I still have until midnight to decide so I'll let you guys know when I decide. ;) Most of my family lives in Louisiana and my mom and brother are actually off work today because of Fat Tuesday. How sweet is that? Speaking of sweet...my sister and her husband took my nephew to Louisiana this past weekend for the Children's Mardi Gras Parade in Lafayette, LA and she brought us a King Cake home...yumm-o!!!

The Black Hole

I refer to several things as "the black hole." The first one being my purse...always. I love HUGE purses...remember folks...I'm 4'11" and 100 lbs...I really have no business carrying HUGE purses but I can't help it. I get rather irritated when I can't find my car keys, cell phone, pen, and sometimes my wallet! So I just refer to my beautiful chocolate brown Coach purse as "the black hole."

I also call my backpack "the black home." I have so much junk in that thing...no wonder it weighs more than me!


And the worst black hole ever is WAS our bedroom closet. I really wish I would have taken a before picture but I was on a roll! On Saturday the hubs was working his normal 24hr shift at the fire department and after doing homework all morning and the kiddos being cooped up in the house because it was raining...we decided to take a trip to Target. I really wanted a bookcase to put in our bedroom to put all of my school books in...I have tons of them...you know, since I'm a career college student...and our closet was about to burst at the seams. I found a nice "Espresso" colored bookcase..and the box said "No Tools Assembly." Hello?! This is the bookcase for me! Um except weighed about 50lbs and was on the top shelf....see the purse comment...I REALLY had no business trying to get this box...it also said "Team Lift." The only team I had with me were 6 & 7 year old girls! I really didn't want to call for help because that just how I am...so I didn't...and let me just say...the bookcase made it home with me...it really doesn't matter if my back is aching today. =) I waited until Sunday to put it together, all by MYSELF. I wanted to show off for the hubs and let him know I can do some things on my own. ;) I put that bad boy together in about 30 minutes...remember, no tools needed!! It is still standing...even with the books on it! I'll take a picture when I get home this evening for proof!



So after I get the bookcase together I move on to the closet...oh my word...there were shoes, purses, books, backpacks, shopping bags full of stuff I forgot I bought, gift bags, wedding gifts, and so on...I decided to take it one step at a time. Purses were first...10 Coach purses isn't excessive, right? Ok, good! Because it was more like 15 before I put 5 of them in a pile to give away. I put all of the purses I chose to keep in a big Rubbermaid box and up onto the shelf in the closet. I then started with the shoes....why do women insist on so many shoes?? I'm proud to say I got rid of 7 pairs...just ignore the other 20 pairs that are still in there! I *might* need them one day...even though half of them hurt so bad. I then moved all the books to their new home...threw out stuff I deemed as trash...put all of the gift bags, tissue paper, and ribbons in a plastic box...unwrapped some wedding gifts and set them out where they belonged...and cleaned out my clothes, a little bit. I can now actually walk in my side of the closet. I didn't touch hubby's side. His is already nice and neat...he's Mr. Neat Freak...and I'm Mrs. I-Wish-I-Was-A-Neat-Freak.

I did notice though...as soon as I removed my wedding gown from our closet I immediately had a lot more room! This is my dilemma peeps...What do you do with your wedding dress after it's all over with?! I mentioned selling it on this website I had found but then I started getting weird reactions from friends and family members. Like, "You would actually sell it!?" Well, what am I going to do with it?! Not like our daughters will wear it...because they're NEVER getting married. ;) I scratched that idea because I don't want people to think I don't love my husband..haha. I can't keep it hanging in our closet forever...there just isn't enough room. Our coat closet it small...and stuffed. The girls closets are stuffed..ridiculous, I know...but I can't help it. So, please....tell me what you did with YOUR wedding gown!! I looked into having it preserved...it starts at $200...but then it's just in a HUGE box...where would I put that? Please help me ladies...before I sell it. ;) Just kiddin.

(Copyright Homeshade Photography)

BOGO

I didn't get around to posting my Favorite Things Thursday post yesterday...as I was a little busy with my sister. My poor sister...if I could take away all of her emotional and physical pain I would, in a heartbeat. But, I can't...there's only one person who can help her heal and I know He will! Please keep her in your prayers...she's on an emotional rollercoaster that I hope comes to a stop soon.

But, onto something a little more cheerful...BOGO...you know...Buy One Get One Free. I love BOGO at Payless. But, that's not what this BOGO is about. (Payless is actually doing BOGO right now though!!) I'm a member of MyPoints thanks to my bestest Marissa and I got an email from TGI Fridays restuarant that included a link to a BOGO coupon and I just wanted to share it with my two blog readers!! Now, go print it and run off to your nearest TGI Friday's and enjoy a dinner with your loved one!

URGENT Prayer Request

Please pray for my sister and her husband and son. Their unborn baby went to Heaven. She went to the doctor this morning for some issues and an ultrasound revealed that the baby had stopped growing around 7-8 weeks. She should have been 10 weeks this past Saturday. This baby was already so loved by our entire family and many friends. Please pray my sister will find comfort. She is extremely upset which is completely understandable. Thank you so much!


We love you Baby Crites!

Wordless Wednesday

(Hubs and I are going in July!!)

Backpack Slasher & Valium

**UPDATE at the bottom**


Yesterday evening while I was cooking dinner and my husband was standing in the kitchen talking to me our youngest daughter comes in there and says "Can I please get a new backpack?" Keep in mind when we went back to school shopping the girls begged and begged for the messenger style backpacks for this school year. I had a hard time finding one their size...they were all huge...until I got a super deal at Toys R Us, buy a backpack and get a free lunch box...oldest daughter got a Littlest Petshop messenger style backpack and the youngest got a Tinkerbell messenger style backpack. All was good in the backpack world. So, we both ask her why? And it goes something like this:

Youngest Daughter: "Because mine is old and ruined."

Me: "Well I told you not to put stickers on it because when you pulled them off it would leave sticky stuff."

YD: "Well....I didn't."

Me: "Yes baby, you did. I can see where they were."

YD: "Well, it has holes in it!"

Me: "Because you drag it across the concrete all the time even when we tell you not to."

YD: "Uhhhh...::thinking::...well there are kids at my school who are cutting holes in it!"

Me & Hubs: ::laughing:: "Right baby..."

Hubs: "Well, you better make it last because you aren't getting another one this year!"

YD: "Ok!" ::skips off::

BTW, her backpack does not have holes in it! I wouldn't be that mean...now it does have the sticky stuff where she put stickers all over Tink's face!

On another note - she's going to the dentist today to get a small cavity filled and they gave us a prescription for Valium to give to her prior to the procedure. I'm not sure how I feel about this...I mean she's 6! I asked why they give this and the dentist said because they won't numb her because it's close to the surface but they give her the Valium to take away the anxiety...umm, I think I would rather her be numb and no Valium. It scares the heck out of me. I remember what I felt like after I took Valium for my wisdom teeth removal...and I know it's a very tiny dose she's getting but I'm just not sure it's necessary. I'm not a dentist though...and I would NEVER want my children to be in pain...but Valium?? Any of my other moms ever had this prescribed for their kiddos before? And she goes to a very good dentist, he's been around for ages and has an awesome reputation. Am I just over reacting? As I've mentioned before, our youngest is our eater! That girl loves to eat! Problem today is...she has to take this medicine 1 hour prior to the procedure on an empty belly...and her appt is at 1pm so that means no lunch for her. She's going to be STARVING! Poor baby. Daddy is taking her to the dentist, I don't think I could handle it.

**Update - Our baby went to the dentist and my hubs said she cried at first because she didn't quite understand what that "feeling" was...poor thing...and he said she was too loopy to walk. =( I told him NEVER again. I would much rather them give her a numbing shot that hurts for only a second then make her "high" on Valium again. I KNOW that wasn't the intention of the dentist but I just don't agree with it.

Not Me Monday!

I'm back for another round of Not Me Monday hosted by the awesome MckMama!

I was certainly NOT the proudest Mama last week after our Parent/Teacher conferences! Our baby girls are NOT doing so awesome in school. Our oldest is NOT the reader leader of her class and our youngest is NOT being evaluated for the gift and talented program! I'm NOT still glowing!

Our family is NOT the proud new sponsor of a sweet 7 year old boy from India through Compassion!

I did NOT get a dozen red roses from my husband for Valentine's Day and he certainly did NOT buy our ladies their own bouquet of mixed flowers!




I most certainly did NOT have to fight the urge to go into Bath and Body Works yesterday while out shopping to buy the $6 Wallflowers...nope...I have 50 (I had to refill two of this over the weekend) of them already! The sale ends today...so go...go buy some!

And it surely was NOT me whole ate a whole Steampot (crab legs, boiled shrimp, boiled potatoes, and corn on the cob) from Joe's Crab Shack last night.

I was NOT excited to help our youngest daughter out with her school project yesterday. We made a house out of popsicle sticks!

<3

Favorite Things Thursday

Look at me go! Two weeks in a row for FTT...nevermind that 3-4 page memoir I need to write...or that looming Math test...or the other 47 (seriously) books I need to read for Children's Lit...or sleep...I have things I need to share!

I guess I could have waited to share my love of these until today...but I couldn't! I HAD to get the urge to buy more out of my system ASAP. My husband probably would have fainted if one more cardboard box from them showed up on our doorstep!

I made these guys for Super Bowl Sunday and oh man...yumm-o! They are pretty rich though so just a small piece did it for me!

We're teaching our children responsibilities...and of course along with responsibilities comes rewards and consequences. We had a handy dandy dry erase chore chart for them UNTIL they got a hold of the Sharpie and wrote on it. ;) So, I was looking online for a new one and found something even better. It allows the girls to log in and check off their chores and as they do this they earn "points" which in turn allows them to "buy" different things from their parents or they can set up a savings goal. It's really cool and I think the girls are going to love it. You can customize it to fit your family!

And as our little ladie's are getting older and wanting to get on the internet to play games I've found this to help protect them. Of course we are never far when they are online but we all know how easy it is to stumble across things online. Our computer is in our family room so we can always see the screen but it's nice to know that this program will block even unwanted ads! And best of all...It's totally free!!!

That's all for today! Please...tell me your favorite things!

Deer Alert?!

This is a real e-mail from my university...It made me laugh. I'm NOT a deer killer, but the fact that they had to e-mail every student with a "Deer Alert" makes me laugh. I do love seeing the deer on campus...and I am sad to hear people are being careless enough to hit them and kill them...considering the speed limit it already 30mph...but still....anyone else find this slightly amusing?





DATE: February 11, 2009 13:00:05 CST Deer Alert

Be Careful of Deer in Our Roadways
Please be on alert as you drive through and around campus. Over the past week, three (3) deer have been struck by vehicles on campus and killed, not to mention causing significant damage to the vehicles involved. It is mating season and the deer, particularly the bucks, are not as careful around people and traffic as they normally would be.

The abundance of our deer population is a unique feature on campus. Please safeguard yourselves and our deer population by driving at least five miles below the posted speed limit, even slower if you see deer along the roadways. And stay alert.

If you discover an injured deer on the roadway or strike a deer on or near campus, please call the UHCL Police Department at 281-283-2222.



Paul Willingham
Chief of Police

Wallflowers

**Updated with some pictures from my own collection!**


This is no joke...in our linen closet we have 52 Wallflower refills...fifty-two! My husband has threatened me...if I buy ONE more there will be serious consequences. So, I was very upset when I got an email today from Bath and Body Works saying Wallflowers are on sale for $6!! Someone...please stop me! I hope you guys take advantage of this sale because apparently I'm going to have to sit this one out. I'm heart broken...BUT I just happened to stumble upon another exciting website that I will share on a Favorite Things Thursday with you guys! But for the time being...someone please go buy some $6 Wallflowers to make me feel better!!




This is obviously only a portion of our Wallflowers...but I just wanted to share how far my addiction has gone.

I Am...

I Am A Fireman's Wife

The table is set, the meal is prepared,
and our guests will soon arrive.

My husband once more disappears,
with the hope of keeping a child alive.

While waiting at home alone,
our plans have gone awry.

My first response is to
sit right down and cry.

But soon again I realize
the importance of my life,
When I agreed to take on the duties
of being a fireman's wife.

While there may be drawbacks,
I'll take them in my stride,
knowing "My daddy saved a life,"
our children can say with pride.

The gusting winds and raging flames
may be his final fate,
But with God's help I can remain
my fireman's faithful mate.
-Anonymous

Please take a few minutes to watch this video. It's beautiful.




I've just been thinking a lot lately...about all kinds of things...and one of the things that has been crossing my mind the most is my husband. I'm so proud to be his wife. When we first started dating and things were becoming more serious I had to consider his profession...a firefighter...it means many hours away at one time, many missed birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, children's school plays, and it also means that he can be taken away from me without even a moment's notice. I know this can happen to anyone but his job increases the chances of this greatly! I had to think about if I could handle it...emotionally and physically. I won't lie, when I am on the phone with him in the evenings that he is at work and I hear the alarms sound my heart literally stops...knowing THIS could be the last time I hear his soft voice say "I love you babe, gotta go." I've spent plenty of nights waiting for him to call just to know he's safe. I've felt the real fear of turning on the evening news just to see a blazing three alarm fire in his district...knowing MY husband and our children's father is IN that building engulfed with huge orange flames. I've seen "the look" on his face when he has come home from a long night...and some body's life was lost. I see the pain in his eyes and the guilt that he shouldn't feel. I've heard him say "but they were JUST babies...they shouldn't of had to die." And I've seen the burns on his face....and the charred bunker gear because the fire was just THAT hot...and I've heard the stories he will never tell me..."the ceiling caved in on him." My husband is a very quiet man...a man of so few words. He tries his best to never bring home his work. He doesn't brag that he's a firefighter...he doesn't wear his fire t-shirts just so people will know what he does. You won't hear him sit around with the guys and tell "war stories" on the weekends...I believe he does this to protect his family. He doesn't want US to know what happens inside of those dark, smokey, hot buildings...because he knows this wife of his would never sleep a wink again! I worry about my husband and his fire brothers from the time he walks out the door until the time he returns. I'm so thankful for him and all of the other firefighter's that aren't given enough credit. These guys save life's everyday!! Only to be treated poorly...you never hear about the burned bunker gear, the skin burns, the missed meals, the no sleep in over 24 hours part of their job...all you hear on the news is "it took the fire dept too long to get here! That's unacceptable!" You try driving a fire truck through heavy traffic...and through traffic where nobody yields for your screaming sirens and flashing lights. You try getting through iron burglar bars on doors and windows. I encourage you all to stop for just a second and say a prayer for these everyday hero's. Our firemen, policemen, and EMT's are so under appreciated....and far under paid. I think many people would be SHOCKED to hear a firefighter's salary. I love you honey...and you are MY everyday hero!

Favorite Things Thursday

I know I'm coming at you guys a little late on this Thursday evening but I wanted to share a few more of my favorite things!

Since I've already proclaimed my love for Lush bath products...I wanted to share this sweet website. Seriously, how cute are those cupcakes?! I haven't tried them YET, but I assure you I will soon!

My sister (matron of honor in my wedding) bought these super cute invites for my bridal shower. There are so many cute invitations, announcments, stamps, stationary, and much more on this website!

My little ladies love to play online games here every once in awhile. Of course I'd rather see them play outside but this mama doesn't always get her way! Evidently they play on this website at school because my oldest lady showed ME how to log in using her username! Not sure how I feel about the school setting up any type of account online for my children....::sigh::


I really want my sister to have a baby boy just so I can buy him this bedding! C'mon, you can't tell me that's not adorable?! I'll be ok if she has a girl too...because I can always buy this.

Now, I'm not a scrapbooker...but I wish I was! I do love stamping though! My sister and I go to stamp camps together quite often. We already know what we're going to make as a favor for her baby shower that her best friend and I are throwing! They are super cute and I will share pictures at a later date.

Hope you enjoy a few more of my favorite things! Tell me, what are some of YOUR favorite things??

Wordless Wednesday

In honor of our 4 month wedding anniversary!

Not Me Monday!

I skipped out last week...but I'm here now to play along with MckMama!

I most certainly did not post THIS link...shamelessly asking for donations for a WONDERFUL cause!! And I'm still not asking for you to find it in the kindness of your heart to donate to our team!

I did not cut a huge chunk out of the steak hubs made me yesterday and throw it in the trash while he wasn't looking because I was already full. I'd Never waste food like that!

I did not lay in bed Saturday morning and wish that my children and pets would sleep until at least 8:30am...because I love waking up early every morning.

I am most certainly not reconsidering my college degree...well not the actual degree but the classroom setting. I mean I've been working towards this degree forever!!