5 Question Friday.....

Does it seem like this week was just as long even though it was a short school week?  I am exhausted.  I'm guessing it is the non stop running around, carpooling, cheering on, and cooking for the family.  I was also at one of the best hospitals in the world on Wednesday while my dad had his thyroid removed. My sister, step mom and I were too afraid to leave the waiting room during the surgery and recovery due to his other health issues so we sat all day.  I got home about 10 that night and B took over small group hosting.  I'm assuming he did a good job seeing as there were no broken windows or ambulances called to our house during the time that 15 7th graders were here.  I would like to say that now that the weekend is here we will enjoy sleeping in and relaxing but we are one of those families that is into soccer.....that means early Saturday mornings that will probably last all day.  Now that T is playing Division 2, his games are on Sunday.  I haven't figured out another solution to the church/soccer issue except for heading to the earliest church time and then heading out to his games.....which are mostly in Houston....an hour away. 
Now, for some mind numbing 5 question Friday.....

1. What ringtone do you have on your cell phone?







Florence and the Machine......Dog Days Are Over
Love it, love her.

2. What is your favorite memory from this summer?




Definitely our "big" vacation that we take as a family.  To see the family in Alabama then on to Florida where we soak up the sun, walk on sugary sand, watch dolphins on Shell Island and eat AMAZING food at Uncle Ernie's....ahhhh.....I want to go back....like now.  Out of all that, I'm going with our day on Shell Island as the best memory.  10 hours sitting in the bay...snorkeling, swimming, searching for amazing sea life, spending family time where the kids weren't fighting and just loving being alive.





3. Paper books or ebooks?


I heart paper books, I like the feel of them in my hand, the look of them all over my house, the smell of old books....everything.  Yet, I own a Nook....so call me a trader (okay, really don't, because that would hurt my feelings) but I do read my Nook everyday and I have a library of about 70 books on the Nook.  It is super handy and I'm trying not to feel guilty everytime I see a bookstore closing....but I still do. 
I love "real" books though and will continue to buy them as well....and definitely take advantage of the public library (I mean, really.....those books smell the best).  And of course, Half Price Books....because there is no better book store.

So, now that you know I have a weird "smelling" issue....we'll move on.





4. If you could have one home upgrade what would it be and why?


Only 1??  I have a small, older house.  So, there is much to be done.  How about a top 5 list?
1. 2nd bathroom.  Yes, there are 5 of us in this house....and 1 bathroom.  Pick your chin up off of the floor.
2.  Turning this weird space that was a bar in the 70's I'm sure but is now a "closet" for my husband's work clothes and baseball card collection into a walk in pantry! Oh, how I would love that.
3.  Closing our carport in and turning into a sunroom. 
4.  Making a "real" backporch that has a roof that doesn't leak.
5.  A beautiful flowerbed in the front of the house.





5. When was your first serious boyfriend/girlfriend?

Oh, lawd......I was nutty about boys from a very young age.  I remember my boyfriend in kindergarten.....sad, I know.  I had one boy who was also one of my best friends but we would be boyfriend and girlfriend throughout elementary school....I think we counted at one time we had "gone out" about 25 different times.  He was really just a BFF....but we did hold hands...and probably stole a kiss or 2. But serious boyfriends.....hmmm....as a girl I thought each one was serious but I'm going to go with junior high. 
 
 
Now....go...enjoy your weekend.....and if you want to link up head over to My Little Life. 

It's Friday....and not the annoying song....just the day of the week. Plus, 5 Question Friday

What a week it has been. 

I now know what moms talk about when they list chauffeur in their job description.  With three kids, in three different schools....I feel like I am always in my car.  It wasn't as bad when the big kids were in the same school...with the same arrival and dismissal times....now I am running the roads from 6:30 am until 5:30 pm when I pick T up from football practice.  And that's just days when there isn't soccer practice....those days we aren't home until close to 8...sometimes later with T's team. 
I keep telling myself, this is normal, all moms are doing this same exact thing.  And I am totally understanding why it always seemed like my mom and every other mom I knew seemed to be in a constant  state of PMS during our teen years.  You get to a point where you stop and look around and realize that you have not sat down before 10pm, or you haven't had time to run a simple errand for yourself, or you probably haven't had enough time to go to the bathroom.....and you want to cry. 
Does anyone notice the tears in your eyes?  Probably not.  But chin up, Buttercup!  You have this to look forward to for the next (insert years until age 18) years....and then you get to help with grandkids when your children are hopefully college educated, gainfully employed and happily married to a spouse who loves you. 
Yay us.


So, I've got to run and grab my sanity before I pack for a weekend long soccer tournament in Houston for T.  Wish us luck!  And enjoy your weekend.  It's Labor Day weekend for goodness sake!  I am hereby giving you permission to throw the "I brought you into this world" card and go to a movie, go have a cup of coffee or three or throw back a delicioso margarita!  You were in labor for how long??? Totally counts for the holiday. 
And now onto 5QF....if you'd like to link up....head over to My Little Life and link up to your heart's content. 

 1. Shoes in the house - yay or nay?


I am not going to have kittens if I see someone wearing shoes in my house....unless of course you are tracking in mud....I mean, come on.  But, I never wear shoes in my house.....and I am known for not wearing them in my driveway either.  Someone stops by, I walk outside to chat and....I notice I didn't put any shoes on.  No biggie.  I heart being barefoot.  So, whatever floats your boat...wear them or not.  The huge pile of shoes constantly by my door tells me...we do not wear them inside. 







2. What do you call them- flip flops, slippers, thongs, etc?


Uh....flip flops.  Duh.  They are my shoe of choice at all times.  Living in Texas we only really need "real" shoes for a few months.  I have a year round flip flop tan line. 







3. What song are you almost embarrassed to admit you know all the lyrics to?


this is tough....because I should probably be embarrassed by many lyrics I know to many tacky but wonderful songs.
Anything by New Kids on the Block
Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, anyone??
How about a little Ice Cube?
TLC, Salt and Pepa?  Push it real good......
and one of my faves, and one that my children all know (judge if you must).....
Sir Mix a Lot-I like big butts and I can not lie....no other brotha can deny...when a girl walks in with a itty bitty waist and a round thing in yo face you get sprung....
yep.  I know. 





4. What is the best quality to have in a friend?




How about a few combined qualities? 
Sense of humor is a must
Loyalty
Ability to have wonderful conversations and be tolerant of my conversational ADD
there's like 10 more but there goes the ADD....



5. Do you know what you want for Christmas?


a new cell phone contract.
I have been a Blackberry loyalist....but it has become a piece of crap and I would love an iPhone.  There is only so much Instagram envy a girl can deal with. Fo shizzle.
an iPad wouldn't be bad either.
or a trip somewhere wonderfully tropical and far, far away.

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!....finally linking back up to 5 Question Friday

Friday! Friday! Friday! 
This week has been a humdinger, for sure!  T has to get up at 5:45 now to get ready for school so we can leave by around 6:30....yep, a.m.  I am used to waking up right before I have to wake the kids up, which last year was 6:45.  A whole hour earlier?  Ugh.  Wish I could say I'm a modern day Donna Reed who just looooves waking up before the sun, making coffee and breakfast for her man and getting decked out in heels and chic outfits before taking the kids to school.  But let's get real......not happening.  I drag my tired butt out of bed when the alarm goes off, disturbing my serene waves, shuffle into the kitchen with one eye open and turn the Life Saver on (that would be my coffee pot).  Then wake The Boy up and get his breakfast started while sipping my Saving Grace and mumbling about how darn early it is.  Once we get in the car....I'm still in my PJ pants and t shirt.  Yep, sure am.  Judge away, my friends, judge.away.
Our small group started this week along with school.  On Wednesday I had 14 wild and crazy pre teens and teens crowded in my living room.  It was amazing.

Now, on to 5QF.  If you want to link up just head over to My Little Life, copy and paste the questions and link yourself up!

1. Did you make any fun purchases this week?



I bought 6 pizzas for small group.  Don't know if that counts as a "fun" purchase but it counts as a purchase anyway.  And there only 2 pieces of pizza left out of 6 pizzas.  No waste!







2. If you could go to any musical concert, what would it be?


Adele.  Definitely Adele.  Love her. 







3. What is your least fav/ most fav house chore?


Least Favorite: bathroom.
Most favorite: people have a most favorite house chore???!!! What the crap.  I don't like any.  But I do them.  I guess the one I do without to much complaining would be laundry, I find it strangely therapeutic.





4. Would you prefer new appliances or clothes?


I just bought a new fridge and that's something we really needed.  So, I'll go for clothes now....I really need to revamp this wardrobe.


5. Miracle Whip or Mayo?


Mayo. Enough said.

Five Question Friday and the kids are home.....

The big kids made it home from camp yesterday....we picked them around lunchtime and their mouths haven't stopped yet!  I have heard every single detail of camp from the paddle boats to the dance (swoon!).  This was Rhys' first year and I was nervous but for no reason because she did great.  She said she slept well the whole time and only woke up once wondering where she was.  She has a bit of anxiety and being a introverted kiddo I kind of figured that she would need these next few days to recoup before heading back again Sunday afternoon for another week.  She needs to be alone or just really chill to re energize (read Raising Your Spirited Child!  It has been a lifesaver for me, especially because Rhys is an introvert and I am an extrovert.  Has really helped me understand her needs much better).  Last night we had a couple of "incidences" of her getting quite irritated....but I am going to incorporate some positive thinking along with my "discussions" with her and she will get better before heading back Sunday.  Tyler had an absolute blast, of course.  He is an extrovert and when we got to the camp yesterday to pick him up he was surrounded by a gaggle of girls.  He had phone numbers out the wazoo and I heard his phone going off until 10:30 last night, when I told him enough was enough. 
We are heading to visit my family in Alabama with some stops in Florida to play the week after next, 2 days after the kids get back from camp for the second time.  I am excited and so ready.  I have also been trying to clean like crazy because I refuse to come home to a dirty house.  The bad thing is when I start to clean I also start little projects....last night I filled a collage I had sitting here with about 15 pictures.  I am determined not to clean out my closet though...that's just opening up a whole new can of worms. 
Now, for the 5QF with My Little Life!  Head over and link up!  Just copy, paste and repeat. Well...you get the picture.
1. What is your current favorite tv show?


TV?  I don't really watch a whole lot of TV.  HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHA!!!
I totally watch TV and usually my DVR is my date.  I watch way too much Disney channel with the chirren.  Let's just say I'm up to date on Wizards of Waverly Place and Phineas and Ferb (by the way, there's a Phineas and Ferb TV movie coming very soon!)....see? Know too much.
But those are not my fave TV shows, even though P&F is one of the smartest cartoons ever invented.  My favorite shows are pretty much all on hiatus right now.  Bothers and Sisters (according to Facebook...which is totally reliable...this show might be cancelled and that makes me sad), Project Runway, Top Chef, Army Wives, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice...there's a few more but I don't want to seem like a total loser.



2. What's the worst haircut you ever got?


Worst haircut is hands down when I was in 3rd grade and I begged my mom to let me get my hair cut.  I guess my hair was about to my shoulders, maybe longer and we went to a local salon and she hacked my hair to bits where I looked like a boy.  Nice.  To make things better....we thought a perm might help.....I guess give that boy 'do a little volume?!  Horrible.  Just bad.


3. What was something that you did as a child that you thought you were so cool for doing?


The other day my dear best friend posted this jewel of a picture on Facebook:

Where should I begin?  The high waisted shorts that may or may not be showing my arse?  How about the clear belt?? That's right, clear belt.  How about the sunglasses that were blue tinted, by the way...hanging off my waistband?  And there's the huge pimp chain hanging around my neck which was my thug life boyfriend's (who is now my husband...guess he wasn't a thug for life).  I had fake nails and hair (check out those highlights!).  This was at our Graduation practice...circa 1998.  I thought I was the shiznit.....now that picture is just a good laugh for my kids and my sister in law, who just graduated high school and thought it was HI-larious that my tank top was (GASP!) tucked in. 

4. Do you have any GREAT frugal family fun tips?

Local, local, local.  I say this as we prepare to drive to Alabama soon.  So not local.  But we do plenty of local things for fun.  Our local aquarium was a blast and we go to the movies a lot.  Matinees of course.  I don't coupon.  Most of the things I buy don't have coupons.  But I really shop clearance sales for clothes.  I rarely buy a full price item. 



5. Would you drive across country if you had the money to fly?


We moved to Texas when I was 6 and all of my family was in Alabama so we had road trips a LOT as a family.  12 hour drives with the family cause a lot of different emotions...you go from feeling all warm and fuzzy that you're all in this together, truckin' across the states until someone farts or inches closer to the other person's side of the seat.  Then it.is.on.  I honestly love road trips though.  Even though I have 3 testosterone riddled males that feel the need to pass gas any way possible....it's still fun to load up your car and head out.  Plus, you can bring home as many goodies that will fit in your overstuffed car.
If I had the choice to fly though, I can't say I wouldn't take it.  After all, I've experienced many road trips in my life....a cross country flight isn't going to kill me.  But, if the question was traveling in one of those fancy schmancy Winnebago's where we could hang out and drive leisurely...then heck yes!  I'd drive.

5 Question Friday and Father's Day Love

It is Friday!!!  That means that B can take over with the kids for while, right?!  Oh, wait...it's Father's Day weekend.  Okay, so no quick escapes for me Mom this weekend. 
Father's Day is always so hard to buy for.  I didn't want to get him an Academy gift or Bass Pro Shop gift card, underwear or t shirts.  He really needs those last 2 things but I wanted to think outside of the box.  Although, making a bouquet of undies and t's did pop into my mind I decided to think a little deeper.  We are all huge Dynamo fans, Tyler and Bryan seem to be more than fans...they're a tad obsessed.  He's always wanting to buy Season tickets for the Dynamo but because I am such a cheapo, we haven't yet.  Well...I didn't do season tickets but I did buy 2 tickets for this Saturday's game.  A father and son Father's Day Eve event. I found some great seats and think he will be pleasantly surprised. 
I sat and visited with my dad last night for a few hours, can't believe he's already heading back to work soon.  He'll be leaving Sunday to head back to Atlanta and I will miss him once again. 

The Baby Daddy

My Daddy circa 1985

My favorite Dads!


Now for 5QF!  Link up with My Little Life and join in.  Just copy and paste the questions into your own post. 

1. What is your favorite summer time activity?



Beach, beach, beach!  I also have a love/hate relationship with road trips....I love them, until we get on the road.  But back to the beach....soon, as in July 2nd, we will be headed off to the land of Roll Tide and War Eagle (WAR EAGLE!) and after visiting with the fam for a week we are headed to Panama City Beach for about 3 days of squeaky clean white sand and the prettiest water I have ever seen.  


Jealous, yet? 




Don't be....there's always this part to endure on the way there and back :)

  





2. Do you have one laundry soap you stick to, or do you buy whatever's on sale?


Yes!  I am a laundry detergent loyalist....for Method.  You can't go wrong here, it's a pump so no scooping or pouring and all the scents are fab.  Buy it. Now.






3. What is your favorite dinner to make in the summer?




Summer dinners can be sporadic for some reason, I guess because we are out and about so much.  It would have to be Bryan's FAMOUS hamburgers.  They're only famous to us, but that's okay.  They are so stinkin' good they make you want to slap your mama! 





4. Do you have any talents?




I have always joked (sort of) that my main talent was breastfeeding.  I mean, hey...I was pretty good at it!  My kids would never take a bottle so it was me, myself and I taking on the feeding battle and I won. Everytime.  Even though I was a young mom I made absolutely sure to breastfeed and read everything I could about it to do it right where I would stick to it.  And I did.  Okay but other than bodily function talents......does doodling count?  I'm pretty good at it, the kids always loved the little notes I sent in their lunches with pictures of themselves illustrated inside.  Nothing else is popping up in my head....unless you count having a kick butt, super loud laugh.  I say it's a talent because a lot of people have a "public" laugh and then a "home" laugh.  I laugh loud with my head thrown back and my mouth wide open.  You either love it or you hate it....but I don't really care.  ;)





5. If you could instantly be an expert in something, what would it be? Why?


Theology! 

5 Question Friday and a whole lotta hullabaloo....

So, it's already Friday.  As a stay at home mom during the summer honestly the days all run together.  I realize it's a weekend when B is in bed when I wake up one morning.  It is H-O-T in Tejas....as to be expected.  I'm used to it which is why when at T's soccer scrimmage yesterday evening I was extremely comfortable under a shade tree and didn't have one drop of sweat.  You become accustomed to the heat....and to the humidity.  I've lived here since I was 6 so when you think summertime....you think HOT, so hot you might feel like your face is melting off and your thighs could be permanently stuck together (mine pretty much are already). 
Had a fabulous dinner out with the girls last night at a quaint little Italian restaurant.  Had 1 Bellini and that was plenty, could already feel my ears turning an unflattering shade of red.  Enjoyed stuffing my face and having girl talk immensely.  We are an extremely close group, we meet weekly for a "book club/Bible study" and share probably way more than we need to.  Love my ladies!!  One of my friends is leaving in 7 short days to Cambodia.  This trip is not the first and will not be the last.  I have to tell you that I am so wishing I could go!!  Maybe when G gets a bit older.  Until then, I totally live vicariously through her.  You should really check out her Facebook page, Compassion is Cool.  They started it last summer, when she and her whole family (including her 3 kiddos) headed to Phnom Phen for 5 weeks.  While there, she started a clothing line by the same name, Compassion is Cool.  100% of the profits go back to Cambodia and to help people in need.  There's been some wonderful things happening with this line and you will know about it, believe me.  If you want to follow their journey while in Cambodia, you do I promise, head to Compassion 4 Facebook page, this is the official charity that is the father of the clothing line.


My friend, Jenn and her youngest, last summer.  My Youth Group did a book drive and all the kiddos at the orphanage loved it!


Now on to 5QF!  If you're not familiar with 5 Question Friday, you link up with My Little Life and copy and paste the questions into your post. 

1. How close to your childhood dreams is your life now?





I always knew I wanted to be a mom.  I played dolls all the time and didn't stop until Junior High when I realized no one else was. :)  I did think I would have a career.  Of course, that career was a marine biologist or a fashion designer.  Big goals, big dreams.  My career was a little off base but I am a mom and I am happy to be one!





2. What is one must have item for the summer?


Sunscreen!!!  My parents have had many things removed already and I do not want to be in their place later on.  Plus, I'm a big weenie when it comes to pain or needles....so sunscreen it is!  Aveeno Mineral Block for the face and Water Babies for the body.  SPF 50







3. Do you have your kids stay up on school stuff during summer vacation? (Or, if you don't have kiddos, did your parents make you keep up on school stuff during summer?)


Summer is summer.  We might have learning experiences along the way but we're not doing tutoring or anything.  I guess if they were behind in school we would but they're not so...whew.







4. Do you can or freeze fresh produce?




I am not that good at being a Susie Homemaker.  I do not can, scrapbook, meal plan, have a garden, or sew. 





5. Do you get ready for the day first thing in the morning?

I am in my PJ's now and it's 10:28am.  So, no.  I do not.  Unless I'm going somewhere, I try not to get dressed until around 11:30.  Slacker?  Probably.  Am I okay with it? Definitely.  I even take the kids to school in my pajamas, going through the car rider line with no shame.

School's Out for SUMMA'.....and 5 Question Friday

This week has been a whirlwind of "end of the school year festivities"! 


G using my Nook to keep him occupied before one of the award programs for the kiddos




T with one of his awards





Pizza Time! at G's Swim Day





Caught in the act!





R receiving her award for 0 conduct marks ALL year long ....she was 1 of 2 kids in her grade




Sack races at Field Day




This pic makes me sad....this is as we were leaving today.  T's last day in elementary school..moving on to Junior High.

 Bittersweet for sure! 

Now on to 5 Question Friday!

Every week (I try) to link up with My Little Life for 5QF.  She gives a sneak peek on Thursday so you can prepare your post and then she posts the linky Friday morning.  Go link up and join in. 

1. Do you apologize to your kids?



I have definitely apologized to my kids.  I think they need to know that I am totally human and make mistakes.  If i was too hard on them for something because of something I was peeved at for the moment, it wasn't their fault and I needed to cool my jets.  I am also a screamer, as much as I hate to admit that.  It takes a bit to get me there, but I do tend to raise my voice more than I would care to admit and I am constantly trying to improve on this flaw. 


2. What color are your nails right now?


My name is Liz, and I am a nail biter.  My nails are bare and au natural....and extremely short.


3. When you were growing up, how difficult was it for you to stay home from school sick? (As in, did you have to vomit or just say "I don't feel good".)


My mom stayed home with us until I was in junior high...so it was a bit easier to talk her into why I needed to stay home that day. I would pick an ailment and stick to it like white on rice.  She would try to tell me, when she really knew deep down that I was faking, that I wouldn't be able to watch TV all day, I would just have to sleep.  She never stuck to it though.  And I say the same thing to my kids and don't stick to it either.  I think if she would have been working it would not have been as easy to talk her into it...she would have someone else holding her accountable.  But since she didn't...she was a total pushover in this way. Yay for us!


4. When is the last time you bought a new comforter for your bed?


I bought a duvet cover about a year ago but I still use the comforter I got about 5 years ago, maybe more from my dad and step mom for my Birthday, I like the weight of it and it's easy.  I am not especially fond of it anymore but I am such a cheapo that I don't go out shopping for big items until it becomes completely necessary, like when it becomes threadbare.  Although, I am a sucker for linens on clearance.   But I never find King's on sale, it's always stuff for the kids' beds...go figure.


5. Favorite website(s)?

I have tons of faves but I will narrow it down.
 
Every week I visit a few chosen sites, some I've mentioned before.
 
Southern MOMentum (hilarious ladies)
The Working Momaholic (my BFF and she's super witty)
Facebook
Twitter ( I now see why everyone likes it BUT I don't like how impersonal it is.  I have one "real" friend on there, the rest are bloggers and the like.  Fun...yet not very personal)
The Pioneer Woman ('nuff said)
Photobucket or Picnik  (I've enjoyed playing around with editing lately...especially cross process)
Etsy
 
Now go and link up and have fun following some super cute blogs.

Five Question Friday!

Already Friday??  The last day of school for the big kiddos is next Thursday which means there is something happening everyday.  Next week, R has a field trip to the cemetery with her 3rd grade class to place American flags on the veteran's graves with the American Legion post.  A great way for them to understand what Memorial Day means.  Next Tuesday is the last day of school for G man and his "water day" which is always a favorite.  That same day we have T's 6th grade awards. Wednesday is Field Day for R at 8:30 am and T's Fun Day at the local park with sno cones.  Thursday is the last day and also the day for R's awards and her end of the year party....and I have to make a couple dozen cookies.  Whew!  Are you exhausted reading that?  All in the life of a mom.

R woke up at 2:30 am with a fever and upset stomach.  At 8:30 she told me she didn't feel good...bad headache and just a yucky feeling.  I gave her some ibuprofen and also mentioned that she WOULD be going to school (we've had many days where she has prepped the night before to try to stay home from school).  So, needless to say...I felt like the crappiest mom in the world when she woke me up and I could immediately tell she was sick.  Flushed cheeks, clammy hands, wide eyes and willingness to take any medicine to make her feel better.  She was up and down all night, her head was pounding and her stomach sick.  I'm letting her sleep as long as possible this morning...and hoping that it doesn't turn into a traveling a stomach bug. 

Now on to more fun things...that don't involve throw up....5 Question Friday!  Link up over at My Little Life to join the fun.  Just copy, paste, answer and post!

1. Do you and your spouse go to bed at the same time?



sometimes.  He works nights sometimes and that's when I find I go to sleep way too late.  I guess I am relishing in all the alone-ness of it all.  Usually we both head to bed around 11.  Does it count when I am still watching TV and he's asleep beside me on the couch?  Because that happens a LOT.


2. A question for the ladies...What kind of facial hair do you like on your man?


I love a goatee!  When B got the job he has now...at a refinery....he had to shave his hunka-hunka-burnin'-love goatee and I literally cried.  Yes, cried.  I loved that goatee, it was part of the wild and crazy kid I fell in love with.  I still miss that thing.  During our 2 weeks of summer vacation he lets it all grow and I love it.  When he had to shave though he did keep his mustache.  So...I guess I can live with that.  Seeing as though he'll have this job forever, I'll have to.


3. What's the worst vacation you've ever taken?



I had a bad part of a vacation.....
Colorado, I was 15 I think....and had some kind of stomach bug.  (I thought I wasn't going to include throw up in the 5QF)....my dad had just married my step mom that year and we were in this amazing condo.  I was sick for a full 24 hours, laying on the bathroom floor dyyyying.  My dad took care of me and I remember catching Pee-Wee Herman's Playhouse on at like 4:30 am.  After that the trip was amazing!  Snow, skiing, my BFF, cute boys, heated pool and hot tub.  Ahhh, the good ol days.




4. What's the first-ever blog you followed?



hmmmm........I checked my blog buttons and it would have to be Blog Giveaways.  I won quite a few things.  I still try to every once in a while when I'm on a kick. 

5. Do you enjoy amusement parks?


I LOVE amusement parks!!!  I'm not talking Disney....I haven't been saving enough money lucky enough to go there.  I'm an hour south of Houston, Texas....we had Astroworld growing up.  Loved Astroworld.  It is no longer there.  Such a bummer too because it was the best.  We went all the time, I even had a Birthday party there once.  I love roller coasters!  As a family the only amusement park we go to is Sea World.  Maybe, just maybe, one day we'll make it to Disney.  (Even though I think I would like to try out Universal Studios for the rides)
Oh, AstroWorld...you are missed.

Have fun linking up!  And if you're new to Staying Home and Staying Sane and you feel like following me on Twitter or "liking" me on FB, please let me know.  I will always follow back!! 

Pre school Graduation is possibly the cutest thing ever....and 5 Question Friday!

So.....THAT took long enough!  Blogger going down totally lost my post on G's graduation, didn't even save it as a draft (grrrr!).  So here's a short and sweet version along with a little 5QF. 

The graduation had a Candyland theme and thanks to some crafty mamas (not me) it looked awesome!  We all had a blast, there was plenty of family there to see G celebrate his accomplishments this year.  Although this is Graduation, he still has a whole year to go before Kindergarten...and I am so glad.  I just adore his teacher and she has done a great job with him.  His pre school graduation is basically all the kiddos singing cute songs, letting us know what they are proudest of this school year and they even sing the fight song from our local high school...that the hubby and I both graduated from.  She posts all sorts of cute stuff all over the place and we get to admire how genius our children truly are. 

When I grow up I want to be.....Bam Bam. Yep, that's my kid.

Self portrait



Funny answers from 4 and 5 year olds




The programs are always so cute



Complete with a Dum Dum topiary



My sweet "graduate". 



The accomplishment he was most proud of: reading his "baggie" books that his teacher sends home in baggies along with his sight words...he has done awesome with this!



Receiving his certificate for Funniest Guy in Class....not surprised




love.




The mini fam...the big kiddos were at school

 And now for 5 Question Friday!

Head over to My Little Life and link up....quick! 



1. Tube socks, calf socks, crew, ankle, none?


I usually wear flip flops so it's always NO socks but if I'm wearing "real" shoes......definitely a no show or ankle sock

2. Was your child's (children's) name a mutual decision or was it a debate? If you don't have children, do you plan on giving your spouse a say, or do you have a name you MUST have, regardless if your other half likes it or not?!

My oldest was all me.....and he eventually agreed.  His middle name is his father's middle name though.
My middle.....I found her name in an Anne Geddes book, who I was obsessed with at the time...it's usually a boy's name in England (because of the way we spell it) but I fell instantly in love.  Her middle name is my middle name.
Our youngest was probably the hardest....we had already used both of our middle names and we were trying to still give him a family name so I went with my mom's maiden name in honor of my grandparents and his middle name was in honor of my husband's grandfather.
Anyway....I usually had the veto power....but I definitely took all of his suggestions into consideration. 

3. What is your favorite type of weather?


I love, love, love the Spring weather in Texas.  70's and 80's, breezy and sunny.  I love summer too....but let's face it there is part of Texas summers where you feel like your face will melt off if you go outside.  And I'm not talking makeup.


4. If left to your own devices, what time would you wake up every day? (From Sandy at "Pardon My Dust")


Probably 9am.  It's not too late and not too early.


5. Have you bought your cemetery plots yet?


No way, Jose`.  I haven't even fully decided if I want to be buried or cremated yet.

An Early Mother's Day Surprise and 5 Question Friday

Who needs a gift certificate to a salon or for a massage?
What mom would rather have a spa day or a night out with the girls free pass....
when you could have this given to you by the most precious 4 1/2 year old on the planet??!!

My mom is cool.

I love my mom's chicken and noodles.

My mom loves me!

The best thing about my mom is SHE IS THE BEST!

This sweet little poem with the cutest drawing ever was wrapped in tissue paper and handed to me when I picked G up from pre school today.  His teacher is the best...really.  She asked the kids to finish the sentence and this is what he came up with. 

And the picture he drew is of me....can't you tell?? 

When I asked him to describe it for me this afternoon he told me that it was picture of me wearing a purple skirt and that in the picture we were playing soccer and I fell into thorns, that would be what is sticking out of my leg. 

I might have green hair reminiscent of Kid n' Play and have some wild purple lipstick but I love it.....so stinkin much.

Mother's Day gift at it's best....from the purest of hearts.

Now for 5 Question Friday:

For those of you that are new....go link up over at My Little Life.  She lists the Sneak Peek on Thursday night and then you look for the linky list on Friday morning.  Copy and paste the 5 questions listed and answer them...simple.

I'm so glad that it just happens to fit in well with my sweet little Mother's Day picture above.

1. Have you ever had roommates?

The only roomates I've ever had would be the same ones I have now.  I didn't head to college (gasp!) instead I was married (very) young and started a family.  I love my roomates.  Yeah, they hog the 1 bathroom they have, they are sometimes smelly and often whiny and the oldest roomate in the house has a hard core snoring problem....but they give the best hugs and kisses and are pretty much the funniest kids on the planet.  And for that oldest roomate...I couldn't live without him.




2. How many names do you/your children have? (i.e. Prince Charming William Phillip Arthur Louis John Jacob Jingleheimer-Schmidt)




All three of the kiddos have 3 names each.  First, middle and last.  Nothing fancy schmancy. 




3. Did you watch the Royal Wedding?


uh....yes!!!!  I DVR'd the Royal Wedding and watched it at 7 along with the whole family.  Even the hubs got in on the action after his (many) comments about how he didn't see the big deal here.  When I was a little girl I dreamed of marrying a prince just like many girls....this was a big deal.  I love the romance and the pomp and circumstance all combined. 






4. What is the messiest room in your house?


just one?  okay, I will have to say the boy's room.  They share a bedroom and have some awesome bunk beds.  My oldest has claimed the desk that is attached to the bunk bed and the area all around it.  Books, toys, collectibles, old papers that have the songs he has written, books, containers to odd objects, books.  It's messy.  I've actually warned the big kids that this weekend might be the weekend when I go crazy and clean their rooms for them...which is never good.






5. What is your ideal mothers day?






B...are you reading this?
Ideal Mother's Day would be a day where I am not expected to do anything.  I would love to lounge.  To drink as much coffee as I pleased.  To receive hugs and kisses galore and just revel in the reason why I am able to celebrate Mother's Day.  I am contemplating now how to celebrate Mother's Day with all of the other Mothers in our lives while still maintaining a low key day that Sunday. 

5 Question Friday!

Friday! Friday! Friday! 
The end of the week once again and THIS Friday is super special because there is a Royal Wedding happening!!!  This is so exciting!  The 9 year old girl inside of me is giddy with excitement.  If I had a huge hat with a garish floral arrangement on top I would totally wear it.  I am setting my DVR because let's face it.....I can not get up at 4:30 and enjoy watching it.  It will be just as good at 7am when I turn it on for my 9 year old daughter...who isn't jaded like the rest of us and still thinks it is completely possible to marry a prince. 



How chic is she??



See?  This is last year...she was born to drink tea daaaling.

Now on to the 5 Question Friday....link up over at My Little Life and join in the fun.  You can dress as fancy as you like, lass. 


1. If you could buy any car, money not an option, what would it be?


definitely something hybrid....not sure what but it would have to be hybrid.







2. What was your worst first date ever?


hmmm, it's been a long time since a first date.  This is sad...I can't even think of a first date.  I wasn't on  a "date" but we got dressed up, which was in clothes I wouldn't catch my kid in....and we headed to Houston to a club, that I was never allowed to come within 2 feet of.  I was with 2 girlfriends and 2 boys...who were older (go figure).  We stopped at a gas station where I grabbed a Cherry Coke (swear!).  The boys happened to have some beer in the car.  We got about 5 minutes outside of town and were pulled over.....by my high school teacher who had become a State Trooper and my D.A.R.E. teacher.  Nice, huh?  We were all told to get out of the car....I was the only "minor" at 16 years of age and was told to call my parents to come and get me, off the side of the road....with the lights flashing...and my clothes that resembled what some might call a corner creeper.  So...there were boys there, we were going out dancing and we were in a car...first date? Nah, but I think it counts as the worst night ever.






3. How old were you when you fell in love for the first time?




First time I thought I was in love I was probably 13.  First time it might have been something real, 17.  The time it counted, 17....married at 18.  For 13 years.




4. When was the last time you reconciled your checkbook?


I'm sorry....a check what???  I'm not sure I know what you're talking about.
I try not to look at the checkbook...I tend to check online when I need to know something...I know, I am not a good budgeter...at.all.





5. If you were going to fashion a "Wanted" Ad for a best friend, how would you word it?


Grown up Friend for Life Needed:

Married and with kids would be fab so we can have double date nights and BBQ's.
Sense of humor is a must.....loud laugh?  Even better.
I could care less about your measurements, your natural hair color or if you have past to make Ke$ha envious.
As long as you are a grown up now.
No drama, no petty arguments, no gossip behind my back.
Open heart and mind
Ability to look outside of yourself
A tad bit Eco friendly would be awesome....or I'll just be annoying and that's not fun.