You Can't Take These Kids Anywhere...

My oldest got all gussied up (can you say that about guys?) last night for his girlfriend's Dancin' Doll banquet.
What's that you say? I forgot a 'g' on Dancin'? Nope. This here is Tejas...and the 'g' is not a well liked consonant when it comes to ending words.
Dancin'
Talkin'
Runnin'
Jumpin'

This is official business here, folks.....it is the real name of the dance team at our high school. And I'm okay with that.

So....back to my handsome son who has finally decided that it's nice to be clean. Praise the Lord for growing up.
On the other hand, as soon as he got dressed...I got teary. Blame it on the hormones because of that always looming time of the month or just blame it on being a mom. Seeing your son looking like a real-deal-loose-wheel TEENAGER. Bittersweet.

After B ironed his shirt and had him looking presentable-I'm not allowed to iron, B says I make it look worse than it started-I dragged T outside to take pictures. Which he loved.

In our house, not just one person can have pictures taken...that's just sacrilegious. Photo bombers are everywhere!

Only one serious picture is taken because my kiddos can not keep a straight face or deny their super silly face the right to show itself. The parents can't either...it's genetic.


Here is our totally serious front yard photo shoot.....

I know what you're thinking.....is that a machete in his hand?!

Why, yes it is.

Don't worry, he just grabbed it out of the back of Hubby's truck and he wouldn't truly hurt her with it. We hope.

Once again, I remind you...this is Texas.

And how cute is my bathing beauty? She was heading off to Swim Team pictures and practice. Her first swim meet is this weekend....at 7:30 a.m. Yep. And it's about 40 minutes away. Fun, fun.

In case you haven't noticed...I really dig these kids.



And P.S.-I really didn't feel like messing around on PicMonkey and putting my blog's name on every picture or even on one picture and messing with the font and yadda, yadda, yadda. SO...if you steal these pictures I will hunt you down and force you to eat massive amounts of butter by the stick. Comprende, amigo?

The Perfect Getaway {Travaasa Resort Austin}

This past weekend I did something I have never done before.


I went out of town. Sans kids. With my mom and sister. For a girl's only getaway.

That's right, folks. Mother's Day weekend I picked up and headed out! 

Not to say I wasn't completely guilty....because I was. 


I've gone out of town before without the kiddos but it was for a funeral....so that totally doesn't count. 

This time it was all about spending girl time with my mom and sister.


My sister lives in Austin, which is about 3 hours away from my house.  Believe it or not, my life stays a teensy bit busy and I can't ever seem to make it to Austin to visit.  Confession: this was my first time seeing her house since she moved to Austin...oh, I'm guessing 5 years ago? Bad Sister Award...right here.  Don't worry, she's barely ever home anyway. Her work has her crisscrossing the country all the time. Excuses, excuses.

....and back to my story......


Friday I picked my mom up and we hit the road and made it to Austin in great time. Friday night we went out to eat downtown and enjoyed a fabulous Italian meal. Ending with Crème Brule....I was a Crème Brule virgin so this was delicious. We stayed up late into the night laughing and giggling like teenagers.
You know how it is when you're so involved with your little family and all of their gazillion activities that you feel a disconnect between the people who are most important to you in life? Yep. That's where I've been. We are running all the time and sometimes I take for granted that I still have my mom.....when a lot of people aren't that lucky. This was a really great way to reconnect with my mom and my sister as nothing else but mom/daughter/sister. Sometimes having to be The Mom takes away from the fact that you were a daughter first.

Saturday morning we lazed around until lunchtime where hit up Red's Porch. If you are ever in Austin....go to Red's Porch. If it's pretty outside make sure to get a seat on the patio or roof deck. A great view! The weather was perfect for a sunny lunch outside. I had the chicken sandwich and I am kicking myself for not remembering the name of the sandwich because it was amazeballs. My mom had the Shrimp and Grits and I had a taste....that sauce? Impeccable. Fun fact about Red's Porch...there is a retro Airstream trailer parked on the patio that you can rent for the hour, day or week. Now, I don't know about you but renting that bad boy out for an hour is not in my future plans (bow-chicka-wow-wow), I mean, it's a little.....how do you say....PUBLIC. But fun, nonetheless.

Rolling ourselves back to the car we finally made it to our luxurious spa getaway.....Travaasa Resort Austin.


Y'all. This place is crazy amazing.

You can find Travaasa hidden in the winding hill roads outside of Austin, tucked away from the city and surrounded by nature. Gorgeous succulents greet you as you enter the gates of this spa retreat.

You follow the long and winding road up to the Welcome Center....and if you're like me you "oooo" and "ahhhh" at all of the beautiful landscape on the way up. There is so much room to spread out on this property that it is completely possible for you to be all alone or with others. It's up to you.

With an unending amount of activities to take on you are sure to stay busy. You can head to the stables to interact with the horses, take a trail ride, maybe join a wine tasting or even learn how to play the harmonica. Or....you might just see the amazing pool and decide to plunk your lazy self down on a poolside chair, stretch out, soak up some sun and read your trashy romance novel.  Not that I did that......

I don't know what it was about that canyon view or that infinity pool but we all had to open our arms and welcome the sun.  And yes, my sister totally looks like a knock off of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil. The pool area also offered a sauna and hot tub area with plenty of soft, fluffy towels for you to enjoy. And thank you to my handy dandy J. Crew cover up....you can look at these pictures and not see my cellulite or muffin top.  You're welcome.

And by the way....how amazing does my mom look??  I won't tell you her age...because I would like to remain alive and kicking....but I will tell you that she may be over 50....and looking fabulous, right?!

This view really is spectacular and the cool thing about Travaasa is that you find hidden little nooks and crannies throughout the property as well as the surprising views around every turn. We found a few places where there were hammocks strung on trees in the quietest places.  While I was there I just couldn't stop thinking about what a great getaway it would be for my husband and I. Imagine....relaxing in a hammock without a child trying to swing you as high as possible?! Craziness.

 

 

Our Casita was beautiful.....located directly across from the spa (and pool....yes!). With a front porch and a back balcony we were in love. The room was open and airy with beautiful décor, plush bedding and plenty of places to store your crap luggage. The reading lamps on the headboard worked out perfect for us...a family of readers. The balcony gave way to spectacular views of nature and what would have been a gorgeous sunrise (if I had woken up in time). The bathroom was huge....a modern feel with plenty of rustic touches. The shower might have been my favorite part of the whole room.

 

 

By the way...that picture of my mom peeking out of the door? I love it. It's become a new favorite of mine.

The spa was directly across from us....

 

 

 

 

 

But we'll get back to the spa later.....

 

 

Saturday night after toasting ourselves by the pool for hours being served by a super sweet Travaasa staff member....we decided we might need to get dressed and head to dinner.  The sunset was beautiful and luckily we got a table outside and we were able to enjoy the view until the sun went down. The food is upscale spa fare....not particularly my favorite but it was a great experience and the staff was perfectly welcoming. The pound cake for dessert....now that's my cup of tea. It was delicious. Walking to dinner at sunset, enjoying the beauty of nature and the great choices in landscaping was a huge plus. You don't feel rushed here like you might in other resorts. It's a very laid back atmosphere where you direct yourself where you want to be or what you want to experience. Even though you are presented an itinerary and schedules, you can pick and choose to whatever you please. Or you can choose to do nothing.

I have to say.....we were only here one night and it would have been the perfect weekend if we would have had two nights and two full days to soak it all in. We didn't arrive until 3pm on Saturday and then had to get going back home around 12.....it was Mother's Day, after all.  I would love a full weekend to lay back and relax, enjoy the spa and more of the treatments there or maybe even take a few classes in something I love.

Like I mentioned before, the property is massive and everything is spread out in a way that it is easy to walk to yet not so close you feel crowded. Everything has a very Zen like atmosphere with rustic touches, appealing to all tastes.

The restaurant, Jean's Kitchen, was beautiful and much bigger than I though it would be. We were told ahead of time that we would probably want to make reservations for dinner but when we arrived 15 minutes before our scheduled time the restaurant only had a few diners indoors yet all of the tables outside were spoken for except for a few. We snagged a beautiful spot looking right out at the hills and enjoyed the rest of the sunset. The food was very good but I would have liked more choices. The menu is new everyday and the chef uses only the freshest ingredients. The chef actually made his way out around 9pm to chat with the diners and make sure everyone was enjoying their meal, a nice touch. My tip: if you enjoy a laid back way of life like I do...I would eat an early lunch and then grab a sandwich from the pool's menu and eat al fresco!

 

 

 

 

 

After dinner we went back to our room to pack up, rest and get ready for our spa treatments the next day. We got to laughing so hard....at who knows what......and could NOT stop. You know the kind of giggle fit you get into where you don't even remember what started it all but you literally can't stop laughing? Yep, we were there.

I snagged two pics of us....trying not to laugh. The rest are hilarious and really my favorites but I was sworn to only use them for good not evil. Take note of our fabulously fancy schmancy robes....

 

 

 

 

The next morning we were pumped about our spa treatments! We all three were scheduled for a Swedish massage.

Is a massage not the greatest thing ever? I know there are  people who don't enjoy massages and unless it's medically impossible to enjoy a massage...I don't understand you not liking it. But I am all about it. Oil me up and rub  me down, baby. Too much?

 

The spa was brightly lit and welcoming at the entrance and had a beautiful boutique attached. The boutique offered everything from dog and cat toys to upscale resort wear. Gorgeous choices throughout the store....I really had to behave and look, not buy. The staff was amazing, so sweet and offering any help they could. They did not have my sister's size in the shoe she wanted and they were able to order it right there and ship it to her. So convenient.

 

I chose not to bring my cameras to the treatments section of the spa out of respect for others and their peace and quiet.  But I did snap a few of the locker room and adjoining areas. The colors of the walls, water features and the sunlight streaming through the floor to ceiling windows created a calm and tranquil environment, preparing your mind to relax and let go of the stresses weighing on your mind. That massage was probably the best massage I have ever had.  Speaking of....I think I need to go back. Like, N-O-W....because the kids are totally punishing me for being away for a few days.

 

 

 

It was hard to leave. Travaasa had everything we could possibly need or want. But....I have children who need me and a husband who loves me so it was home I had to go. I enjoyed Travaasa immensely. The staff, the location, the spa, the resort way of life and luxurious offerings Travaasa has is the reason why I would like to go back. I loved my girl's escape but I wouldn't mind taking my husband there for a little romantic weekend for two. Oh...the possibilities. This would make the perfect spot for so many things; a bachelorette weekend, Honeymoon (that Canyon View room would be just right), Reunion (no kiddos though!), the possibilities are endless.

 

When I got home I first noticed the surprise under the carport.  My dad and step mom had picked the kids up (sneaky, sneaky) on Sunday morning along with my empty flower pots (that may or may not have been empty for years) and filled them with beautiful flowers and succulents! Is that not the best idea?!  I loved it. The painted pots have been around for a while....we painted them together one beautiful spring day and planted flowers....that died due to my black thumb disease. RIP pretty flowers.  The urn I bought with the intent to have a beautiful display of succulents right at my door. The thought was nice but it only lasted a few weeks. Black Thumb strikes again. I'm hoping I can keep these alive. Other than my flowers I was greeted with a Scrabble board spelling out Happy Mother's Day and more. They know me so well. Nerdy and proud. B was cooking up his mouth watering steak fingers and even attempted to make squash...he succeeded and it was delish. My family is so good to me. Except for when they're not and I feel like screaming to the rooftops.....

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer:

We were provided a room and one spa treatment to review. As always, my reviews are my honest opinion. The good, the bad and the amazing.

Somewhere Along the Way....

Last year around this time I wrote letters to my three beautiful, healthy, wild children. Those letters have since been printed out so that I can put them in their baby books. Lord knows I won't remember all of the things I hope to tell them someday.
In a year a lot can happen. The kids are growing up so fast that it's hard to remember to slow down sometimes and appreciate the stages they're in.
Since last year T has shot up about 6 inches, G has lost his first tooth and R has gone through growing pains that only moms of tween girls can understand. We've had ups and downs and all arounds...enjoyed moments and begged for bedtime. We've traveled a bit and laughed a lot. Numerous doctor visits, x rays, and sick days home snuggled on the couch.
Motherhood is one of those things that you're never quite sure if you're actually accomplishing anything. But then you look back at just one year. One. Year. And you can see that although the kiddos have had their own struggles through the year and I've had my own too that we still survived. We're still a complete set.
Sometimes I just have to take that moment and breathe it in. There are days where I feel like I'll lose it. Completely lose it. Some weeks...there are more bad days than good. And then there are days like yesterday where school was a breeze with G and the sun was shining and the trees have these vibrant green leaves and the breeze is just right  so that you can wear a t shirt and your favorite pair of boyfriend jeans without being too hot or too cold and you aren't worried about much...when you realize that life is good.
Promise I'm not on anything. But reading that totally sounds like I'm flying high.
The days that take me for a turn are the ones where I'm so stinkin' tired from trying to claim those hours after the kids head to bed for my own....where I literally could collapse on the couch and sleep for hours....where I have no freaking clue what I'm cooking for dinner so why don't I just make cookies.....where I'm offended by every look my husband has and I'm crying because the puppy chose my couch as her pee pee place while looking at the perfectly acceptable backyard out of the window....those days are the days we're all used to right?
Hey why not throw a 14 year old boy in the mix who I worry about on a daily basis whether he will make good choices now that is brain is on puberty vacation. Yes. We are there. I understand the worry that moms of teen girls must go through and eventually I will be there myself but right now this whole teenage boy thing is throwing me for a loop. My sweet, funny, smart aleck kid who still tries to jump in my arms and makes me laugh so hard that I choke on whatever we're having for dinner is slowly turning into the teenage boy who wants to hang out with only girls and is constantly on his phone. Not talking on the phone. Why on God's green earth would they talk on the phone when they could just text, Snap Chat or Instagram everything they want to say?
Trust. That's my word of the day every day lately.

We have to trust that with our guidance he will make good choices. And along with the nightly prayer I pray over them....Lord, please surround my children with good people, good friends......I'm clinging to hope that he will turn out just like God intended. Albeit with a few cuts and scrapes along the way.

Not that he's gone off the deep end or anything but this true teenage boy stuff is all new to us. And don't worry I've already given the speech numerous times...once it's out there, it's out there. Don't send anything over your phone you wouldn't want the whole world to see. Ick.

Rambling? Maybe. Does a heart good every once in awhile, don't you think?

If you would like to check out the letters to my kiddos you can find them right here for my daughter....and here for my sons. Enjoy!


Here are my hearts....laid out in human form....a year later....

 

 

 

Whoops!  How did that one get in there??? You're welcome.

Folks, I'm drowning here....

Parenting is tough.


Raising girls, raising boys, raising monkeys....it's all hard.


These past few weeks have been rough on the raising girls front.


We all remember the "mean girls", right?

Well, guess what....they're even meaner and snarkier now.

And they all have social media accounts and parents who are obviously clueless.

I bought R a brand new Bible and two devotionals for young girls while I was at Half Price Books the yesterday.....and then when I got home I heard she had "mean girl-ized" someone. After she had been being treated the same way!

Do I get why?  Well, yes. Kids are treated one way at school numerous times and they just want the attention off of them so she deflected.

Not acceptable.

Did I fly off the handle?

Maybe.  Okay, I lied. I flew the heck off the handle.

Last night, after all the brouhaha had calmed down and all the tears had been shed by the both of us....I sat down and talked to my husband about the whole situation.

I questioned myself what I was more upset about and sadly it is about the way others perceive me. 

So stupid, right? 

But, I am guilty.

I care about what people think about me.

Dang it.

I honestly though people might think I'm a bad parent. But you know what? I'm not! I'm a dang good parent. So THERE inner self!

Then I went over my whole day.

I had a plan for our whole situation with R. I bought the brand new Bible in all of it's cuteness with turquoise and sparkles along with the two devotionals that I thought would help her out.

Let me reiterate. I had a plan.

We all know what happens when you have everything supposedly figured out, right?  God smiles His half smile and nods his head and if God has Southern bone in His body He says, "Bless her heart." But not in the mean Southern girl way that really means something entirely different. He looks at us and smiles because the plan was in place alright but it wasn't MY plan. It was His.

She needed that Bible.

She needed those two devotionals.

She needed the time we spent last night at the dining table reading one of those devotionals and chatting about Martha and Mary and how Martha flipped out a bit and felt completely out of control.

I mean, HELLO. Point taken, right?

Nope.

Because I'm human.

And I don't make the right choice everyday either. Just like R didn't make the right choice at school.

She apologized. She was punished. She was talked to. But now we move on. We make good choices. He made this an urgent need instead of something we could have easily found excuses to ignore or overlook.

Why? Because it's a new day everyday.

This morning R woke up to a declaration she scribbled in dry erase marker on the mirror by her bed.

"Thank you Lord for this day, I come to you anew."

You know, if you think about the "mean girls" you knew in life they were probably the way they were for a reason. There is never an excuse for being unkind but there is usually a reason why. Luckily, for my daughter she has two parents who love each other and love her as well. She has supportive grandparents. She has a stable home life. She has enough food to eat, a roof over head and enough clothing to clothe an army. But not all mean girls come from dilapidated sheds with nothing to eat....although yes, it's possible in some cases. But sometimes those mean girls would thrive in a supervised environment where their parents care to take the 5 minutes to look at their friends on Facebook or scroll through those texts (yes, most middle school kids in my town have phones except for mine). So, maybe they're not mean girls but just girls who need some guidance.  Is my daughter a mean girl? Absolutely not. She made a bad choice and was wavering in strength. She was tired of being the focus of negative and sick of feeling less than. Was it right? No. Has it been handled? Yes.

My job was given to me long ago. To raise these children to the best of my ability. Got it, Lord. I'm on it. And I'm trying.

So basically my plan can kiss it. It can bite the dust. Because His plan is much better.

You know, as a Christian woman, a busy mom, and  a wife.....it's hard sometimes to do what He asks of us. And the hardest thing of all for me......to just be still.


I thank God for steering my mind away from the negative and showing me the Light where I may rest and know that it is handled. So, when I sent my daughter to school today I sent her with these words....God's behind you and that's all you need.

Is it just me or is life on fast forward? {Warning: Adorable pictures ahead...}

This whole early Easter thing is throwing me for a loop.

It is early, right? I'm not just crazy?

Add in the fact that Texas is experiencing (what I imagine to be) true spring weather and I'm dumbfounded.

First of all....I had to take down St. Patrick's Day decorations to make room for Easter decorations because we all know what's more important. Is it a Southern thing or a mom thing to decorate for every, single holiday? Either way...I feel the need to have some sort of decoration to commemorate the special day. Plus, it takes away from the house that needs a massive power washing and the yard that isn't up to par.
We didn't even make it to church on Easter! I was making homemade rolls and Honey Beer bread all morning....which I know is not a very good excuse but it's mine. I'm sorry. *hangs head in shame*

We did enjoy the sunshine and visited a few sets of grandparents. Good times.

Now, Easter has come and gone and all we can think about is SUMMER!

The kids all have selective ADD and refuse to focus on tasks at hand whether at school or home. I've got to admit....I'm there with them. I haven't mopped the kitchen floor in over 2 weeks and I'm starting to refuse company because of it.

-------BREAKING NEWS------

G lost his first tooth yesterday!

My little gap toothed boy will now have an even bigger gap tooth smile.

My youngest.

Lost his first tooth.

He will no longer have the same smile he's had since those little babies came in.

The fact that this makes me sad is ridiculous. I understand this.

But it still does.

Here's that adorable picture I promised.....

Now, it's Friday!  Get out there and do something wonderful.