Marshmallow Gun Wars

I'm trying to catch up on some blogging. Well, not really catch up b/c I haven't had much to blog. More like get some pictures up before Mimi goes crazy :) Really, we haven't had too much going on lately. And honestly, the boys and I have had a rough couple of weeks. I didn't have a full moon to blame, so I think they were possessed. Really. Briley had the attitude of a 16 year old girl. Lawson entered the terrible two's 9 months late. Getting ready for school has been a battle, Lawson has started crying when I drop him off again, we've had crying fits in the car... So to say the least, I've been ready to pull my hair out and just haven't been in a blogging sort of mood. In the midst of it all, I scheduled a much needed girls' beach trip. I am counting down!

However, I'm seeing light at the end of the tunnel. We've had four 50/60 degree days and another week of them ahead. We've played outside, and the boys are returning to their normal, rambunctious but mostly controllable selves.

The other day, they found the marshmallow gun from Aunt Nat (yes, B remembered who gave it to him from a year ago) and had a blast. They made a firing range down the hallway. I love hearing their giggles and squeals when they play.

Spud Muffin

Lawson is completely in love with Toy Story. He can't tell you all of his shapes and colors, but he sure can tell you every character's name in each of the movies. With our trip to Disney getting closer, I've been buying him Disney shirts with his favorite characters. He doesn't really have any character shirts, so he is soooo excited when he gets to wear one. Then he spends the whole day asking when we are going to Disney. Anyway, this one fit him perfectly so I couldn't resist. I always call him my Little Studmuffin. :) He was proud to wear it and wanted his picture taken alone. :)

31

So the 31st birthday happened this weekend, and I have to admit it wasn't too bad. I decided that my 30th year went so well, that maybe the 30's will be even better than the 20's. I have two beautiful boys, a husband that I'm madly in love with, a great family, and more. I can't ask for much else.

We started the day of getting cupcakes. The original plan was to go to Gigi's, but we had to run by Sam's that morning, and I LOVE Sam's cakes and cupcakes. I negotiated with the boys, and we settled with a football cake. Everyone was happy :) We had a mini party, just the 3 of us while Nick was at work. The boys were singing happy birthday all day to me. After a rough week parenting-wise, it was so sweet and very appreciated.

We went to dinner at Casa Vieja that night.

I was attacked with whipped cream and a sombrero. The boys thought it was hysterical.

It was a fun night. Saturday was date night, and we had friends over on Sunday. It was a good weekend!

Date Night

Parent's Night Out was last weekend, and Nick didn't get a migraine this time! We went down to the Gulch area in Nashville for Mexican with some new friends. I love that we can now have Briley take a picture of us, even if it is up our noses :)

Wrestlemania

I can't even begin to tell you how many times a day the boys wrestle on our bed. I think it's going to be one of those childhood memories that they never forget.

One of My Favorite Sights

I don't know if there's much I love more than walking in to find this precious sight.

Lawson loves his books. He brings one down every morning, so excited to read it. He'll sit and read it out loud to himself. You can't put him to bed without reading a book, and he's been caught the last few days bringing books into his bed at nap time.

Spring 2012 - Guess Where We're Going???

DISNEY!!! Oh my gracious, I can't wait! I think I'm by far the most excited person in the house!

Random Things Goin' On

We've gotten back into our cold winter day, pallet and hot chocolate on the floor tradition. I don't think this will ever grow old.

B has been busy at work putting together the Lego sets he got for Christmas. I only let him ask for 7+ sets, and he can easily put them together alone. I guess it's time to advance to the 8+ ones.

Final product

After 3 weeks of diagnosing the problem with our 14 month old washing machine, and 3 weeks without washing clothes, we finally said good-bye to the piece and caved into a new one. This one has an extended warranty, lesson learned. Clothes were literally piled to the ceilings. It's about the only time that Nick can be thankful for my clothes shopping addiction.

A random person said "wow that's some tall hair" to me one day. I came home and took a pic to see if it really that tall. I didn't think so.

2012

I have a list of things in 2012 that I plan to stick to in order for a better me. They're not really resolutions, just things. They're kind of selfish, focus on me goals, because I find myself worrying so much about being a Mommy that sometimes I forget about me. I'm posting them on the blog for a little accountability.

1. Start off my mornings with a devotional. Jesus Calling was highly recommended it, and it is my #1 goal for the year. I normally wake up in the morning and spend about 5-10 minutes checking my email, responding, catching up on blogs, and yes fb. Sometimes I'll get some work related email that stresses me out, and I get stuck on the computer working on it or I'll just think of it all morning. So instead, I'm going to spend 5 minutes each morning with a devotional, to start my day off right before I even get out of bed. Grab my coffee, snuggle with my boys, and work AFTER they get to school.2. Take some time for ME. Normally, when the boys go to sleep, Nick and I will hang out. Then, he'll go to bed, and I'll get on the computer and work. I never really watch TV anymore. I know it sounds crazy wanting to watch more TV, but every now and then, I'm going to take some alone time to snuggle up on the couch and watch a good chick flick. I recently watched Water for Elephants, and it is one of my new favs. It's right up there with The Notebook and Sweet Home Alabama for me, which is big :) Mom, I recommend this one for you!
3. Get involved in a couple's small group at church. Our new church is starting up their small groups next week, and we're planning on going. Nick and I both want to be more involved this year.

4. Get in more pictures with the boys. I'm always behind the camera, so I'm going to make Nick use my camera more :)

5. Do better with my meal planning calendar so that we eat out less.

That's all I can think of for now, I may have to add more later.