Book Review: The Help

I finally got around to reading 'The Help'.  When I first started seeing people blog about it, I thought it was a 'self-help' book, so I definitely was clueless!  Some friends and I have started a book club, and this is our first selection.  So if you're interested, we're meeting August 14 at my house and maybe going to the movie too!

Synopsis: A look at what happens when a southern town's unspoken code of rules and behavior is shattered by three courageous women who strike up an unlikely friendship. {imdb.com}

Review: This might be my favorite book of the year!  I absolutely loved this book and had a hard time putting it down.  I loved that the book was told from 3 different points of view and enjoyed the multiple perspectives.  If you want to know more of what I think, come to book club!!

Mr. Clean

Or, you know, the exact opposite.

Yes, my son has pulled everything out of 'his' cabinet...all while being diaper-less.  That's how our evenings go!

My Seven Links

I was tagged by Kelly in a really unique/fun survey about my blog.  If you know me, you know I love this kind of stuff!

Most Beautiful Post
The story of how Brent and I became parents just moves me every time I read it.  An amazing journey and an amazing day when our little Baby Boy joined our family!

Most Popular Post
If you look at my stats, it is pretty hysterical the searches for 'Amoxicillin Reaction' link to this post.  All time views of this post = 2,607.  My 2nd most popular page views?  99.  Try it - search 'allergic reaction to amoxicillin' in Google and you'll find a picture of Trent's back.  I can't decide if that's creepy?

Most Controversial Post
One topic I was really scared about blogging about was spanking Trent.  All the comments I received were extremely helpful and supportive, but that topic just gets some people going!  Luckily, we don't spank very often (time-outs seem to be much more effective with our hard-headed son)!

Most Helpful Post
Blogging about my struggles with post-partum anxiety was really hard, because it was such a scary and raw time.  But blogging about it offered me so much support.  The mommy network is an amazing resource you don't realize you have until you need it.  Truly amazing.  I hope no one I love goes through post-partum of any kind, but should they ever need me, you can bet the farm that I will be right there, passing along the true spirit of being a mommy.

Surprise Success
I was really happy that people played along with 'Tuesdays Top 10' while it lasted.  I just wasn't creative enough to keep the topics coming. {grin}

Not Enough Attention
I was super excited to share my self-taught (and internet learned) knowledge around cloth diapering.  I spent a lot of time accumulating pictures and facts and preparing a (I thought) really good post.  And I got ONE measly comment.  FAIL.

Most Proud
I feel like I'm most proud of my relationship with Brent, but I don't blog about him or us as much as I should.  But when I see my two boys together?  Mush.  I am total mush.  I am so proud to be a parent and even more proud to be a parent with my partner.

And to keep this going, I tag:
Dena @ Jansen Journeys
Katie @ Modern-Day Family
Val @ My Tiny~Bo
Emily @ Strong Projects
Ashlee @ The Krause Family
Stacey @ There's No Place Like Home
Allison @ the blogivers

Movie Review: Thor (Plus: A Parenting Rant)

Allison and I finally made it to see 'Thor'.  She wasn't really excited about this film, but we saw it at the dollar theatre (and I bought her ticket - ha), so I think it worked out okay for her.

Plot: The powerful but arrogant warrior Thor is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard and sent to live amongst humans on Earth, where he soon becomes one of their finest defenders. {imdb.com}

Review: I loved it!  This movie had it all - action, comedy, romance - it really played to all audiences.

Well, ALMOST all audiences.  Allison and I were both appalled to see more than 1 baby and toddler in the 7:20 PM showing.  There were several parents who had to take a crying child out of the theatre.  I just want to say that if you can't afford a babysitter, wait for the movie to come out on video.  That movie was LOUD and violent.  Plus, I don't know any baby or toddler who willingly is awake at 9:30 when the movie ended.  Seriously people, let's put the needs of our children over our desire to see a movie.  [Steps down from soapbox.]

The all-too-short shirtless Thor scene was worth the price of a ticket too - ha!  And I can't wait for The Avengers next summer and Thor 2 in 2013!!

Diaper Gone Wrong

Disclaimer: A 2 year-old doesn't stay still for pictures. 

And iPhone pictures aren't great. 

Just saying.

I think I've said a time or two that my mother-in-law is fabulous.  BUT. 

This diaper got the better of her.

And just to remember what our turkey is up to these days...

Some funnies. {grin}

Mustache

Milk{shake}: Does a body good!

Stream of Consciousness: Bullet Point Style

I feel like I have a lot to say but none of it is enough to devote to its own post.  So here goes...

• We have been gone the past 3 weekends and are out of town this weekend too.  It's been fun but exhausting!  We went to College Station, Salado and Granbury - all in Texas - but hey, it's the best state, so why go anywhere else?  This weekend we're going to Lake Buchanan!
• While in Granbury (adult Gurley vacation) we saw 'Red, White and Tuna', the 3rd of the 'Tuna, TX' plays.  It wasn't with the original cast; it was good but now I really want to see the original!
• I finally got my nightguard.  I sound terrible trying to talk with it in, but I don't have jaw pain now!  All that's left is pulling the wisdom teeth, saved the best for last. {grin}
• Brent and I watched 'The Lincoln Lawyer' Sunday night - we really liked it! 
• Trent has decided it's really fun to fight going to sleep for an hour at night and that he misses us so badly at night that he is waking up 3 and 4 times at night.  Hmmm....this is NOT fun!
• Do you watch Tosh.0?  Most hysterical show ever.  Like laugh so hard until I cry hysterical.
• I found out today I'm getting promoted at work!!

Must Be An Awesome Chair

7 weeks old

106 weeks old

And still looking adorable!

My Closet

It's a little embarrassing to share my 'Before' pictures of my closet, but it's so worth it to be able to show my 'After'! {To see the other closets I've attacked so far, click HERE. For some ramblings about decluttering, click HERE.}

Before - Yes, I am messy.

A close-up of all the cr@p on the floor!

Ahhh...clean AND organized!

Now the hard part...keeping it that way!

Yum Yum!

Because we had Trent's birthday party a few days before his actual birthday, we had to do a little something on his actual birthday.  Nothing big, just a little cupcake and a mommy who loosened up her Nazi ways about his eating.

Yum!  {From a local bakery}

Getting excited {Happy birthday, Trent!!!}

Taking a little taste...

This is awesome, Mom!

A happy 2 year old!!

I've been a little birthday crazy this year, but I love birthdays!  We never spent a lot of money on birthdays growing up (and we don't now), but it's all about making that person feel special.  I always want my children to know how special they are - and to have a blast on their birthdays!!  So hopefully you aren't ready to scream at all my birthday posts, but this is the last one, I promise...at least until my birthday in 3 weeks. {grin}

Insanity

Albert Einstein: Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Am I the only person who looks at the weather forecast almost daily BEGGING for a day (okay let's be real days) in the low 90s? 

Is that too much to ask?

Beginnings and Endings

* For my cousin, Hagan, the weekend's beginning wasn't so good because she left her suitcase in Dallas for our weekend away...oops.

* The ending of me trying to rock Trent before his nap resulted in him head-butting me so hard I saw stars.  That was the beginning of him being unceremoniously dumped in his bed.

* The beginning of Blair's love affair with her Aunt Allena has officially begun, I got so many coos and giggles from her this weekend!

* The ending of our weekend resulted in me having to call Poison Control since I caught Trent guzzling children's ibuprofen in the corner of our hotel room. Anyone want to nominate me for Mother of the Year?


How was your weekend?

I Put On My Big Girl Panties

Alternatively Titled: Double Movie Review

I've never actually gone to the movies by myself.  [Pause for reaction]  I know, I know, I'm 30.  But I finally went one day last week.  Allison wasn't keen on seeing 'Something Borrowed', and it was only playing at the local discount theatre, so I knew my time was limited.  So I went by myself.  It was fine going, but I missed my friend.  We are dorks and always rate the previews and get to the theatre really early so we can talk beforehand.  But we made up for it by going to see the 4th Pirates movie this week.

{Pictures and plots from wikipedia.org}

I previously talked a little about these movies HERE.

Something Borrowed:

Synopsis: The novel centers around the protagonist and narrator, Rachel White, a thirty-year-old single woman who is a consummate good-girl. She and Darcy Rhone have been best friends since childhood, and hard-working Rachel is often in the shadow of flashy, sometimes selfish Darcy. Then, after a night of drinking on Rachel's thirtieth birthday, she sleeps with Darcy's fiance, Dex. After this turns into an affair, Rachel explores the meaning of friendship, true love, and ethics.

Review: Super cute, but also a pretty typical chick flick.  I really enjoyed the book and definitely more than the movie.  The actor who played Dex is worth the price of renting. {grin}

Pirates: On Stranger Tides:

Synopsis: Jack Sparrow and Barbossa embark on a quest to find the elusive fountain of youth, only to discover that Blackbeard and his daughter are after it too.  {The wikipedia plot was way too long, so this is from imdb.com}

Review: Loved it!  I honestly wasn't excited about going to see this, but Allison and I are committed to seeing all 'Pirates' movies together.  About 30 minutes in, my opinion quickly changed.  The 2nd and 3rd films got so bogged down in characters, too many storylines, and I couldn't keep up.  This one kept the plot simple, and it made for a much more fun film.  There was also a surprising plot line about a mermaid that Allison and I both really loved.  The ending left the movie open for another film, so we'll see what the future brings.

I have decided that I absolutely love going to the movies.  I don't like to stay up late (I told you I was 30 afterall), I'm not a big drinker or partier (even if I double fist sangria), going to the movies really fits me!

Grow Baby Grow...2 YEARS!

Trent had his 2 year well check today, and everything is great!  No shots made for an extra special doctor's visit!!

Stats:

Height: 34 1/2"

Weight: 26 lbs, 11 ozs

Head circumference: 48 1/2 cm

**All 25-50%**

Y'all are probably sick to death of pictures of Trent, but I just cannot believe my baby is TWO!

{Newborn, One, Two}

What our little turkey is up to these days:
-TALKING - this kid can say complete sentences and big words too (excavator, computer, bulldozer), it is a trip to have him be so verbal.  We love it!
-Into all things boy - tractors, garbage trucks, construction equipment, lawn equipment, trains
-Still loves to read but now sometimes 'reads' to us.  So adorable.
-Still a pretty picky eater but we're working on cutting out so much processed food (much to dad's annoyance)
-Loves to be outside, we have to bribe (or trick - ha) him to come inside, but it's just TOO DANG HOT to be outside for too long.
-Fits every day over going to school.  He told me today 'I don't like school.'  Broke my heart.
-Music, music, music!  Loves to play his guitar and drums, listen to music, and sing.
-Very bossy and opinionated.  'No' is just about the worst thing ever to him.  Tantrum city!  We are getting better at redirecting or ignoring the fits.  Trent still hits a lot and spends a fair amount of time in time out because of that.
-Diaper changes are the worst!  As he gets stronger it's harder for me to pin him down.  We do have a kid potty and sometimes he wants to go and sometimes he doesn't.  We're taking it slowly.
-Is so funny!  He will say 'Mommy go away' when he wants to be independent.  Yesterday he told us 'bye' and then went into his room for 'story time' alone and shut his door!
-Loves to watch 'movies' (Baby Einstein, Thomas the Train, Baby Signing Time) or 'videos' (YouTube videos of trash trucks, mowers, blowers, etc), big fits when we tell him no but we try to limit his TV time.  It is hard when it's TOO DANG HOT outside.
-Has 18 teeth with his top 2-year molars poking through (so maybe I'll say 20 teeth?), these 2-year molars have been the pits!  Waking up early, grumpy...can't wait for them to be in!
-Busy, busy, busy!

What We've Been Up To...

Catching a ride w/ family.

Choosing a first car.

Not watching children spill nail polish on the carpet.

Getting adorable 2 year pics taken!

{Crummy quality - iPhone picture of the pictures - ha} 

Double-fisting Sangria at The Dixie Chicken (Whoop!).

We had such a lovely holiday weekend and hope everyone did too!  Did YOU do anything fun?

Project 52 - June Update

For the full list, click HERE.

6. Get back to pre-baby body (or as close to it as possible). & 29. Get moving again. - I started a boot camp this month!  {However eating root beer floats aren't pretty much the opposite of what I should be doing!}

11. Purge our house of excess clutter. - Yup!  Started.

18. Continue learning guitar (or more like re-start). - Restarted, we'll see where it goes...
 
40. Add some decorations in the house (some of our house doesn’t feel finished to me). - Did a lot this month (why do I always wait until Trent's birthday?) but will post pictures when I finish - one more big project to go.
 
41. Spend lots of time with my new niece or nephew and take some of the burden away from my sister. - I felt like I wasn't doing much, but Patty said I was a big help, so I'm considering this one a success.  Or as much of a success as it can be when I still have my own toddler to care for!

46. Finish ordering professional pictures (maternity, newborn and Trent’s 1-year). - Finally! 

My one failure:
 48. Get a bounce house for Trent’s birthday. - There were only going to be 3 kids (not counting Blair) at the party so we decided it wasn't worth the $$. 

Pretty proud of this month!!

The One Where I Bore You With Cake Decorating Details

Back before I was a mom (although I was technically prego and didn't know it - ha), we went to our friends' (Ryan and Rhonda) daughter's (Macey) first birthday party.  Rhonda made Macey's cake, and it was SO good.  (The little present was Macey's smash cake.  Cute idea, right?)  A little part of me thought Rhonda was crazy to put the pressure on herself to make the cake herself.

Happy birthday, Macey!

But then I made a giant cupcake for Trent's first birthday.  And it felt special that I made it (easy and failproof as it was).  And I could understand why Rhonda made Macey's cake.  (And has continued to do so.)

When party planning began for Trent's party, and we knew we were doing a rockstar theme (homie loves himself the guitar), I started to wonder if maybe I could make his cake again.  Enter Wilton.  The apparent 'go to' for cake decorating.  I had never heard of them before.  Given my lack of cake decorating (ha) that's no surprise.

Whoa.  Inspiration!

I went to Michael's, Hobby Lobby and a local cake bake shop.  And I learned there are a jillion supplies you can buy.  And I wanted them all. {grin}

Fresh out of the oven.

I wasn't worried about baking the cake, but I was stressed about decorating.  I bought decorator icing, bags, special tips, food coloring, I was technically ready to go.  Then Dena suggested I not make the cake look exactly like a guitar (color-wise) but make it the colors of the invitation.  Genius.  BUT I had already mixed the brown icing for a trial run.  Enter sugar sprinkles.

The trial run

So obviously there were some issues with this cake. {grin}  Auntie K Dub and Uncle Sky came over to help.  And we learned that icing won't stick to the top of sugar (we were mainly using the sprinkles to decide if we liked the colors), but not only that, it is WAY hard to make those lines straight and not break.  Then another trip to Hobby Lobby yielded 'sugar sheets'.  Literally sheets of paper that are edible!  Genius!

The final product

Patty came over early before the party to help with the real cake, and we took everything we learned from the trial run and made a beautiful cake (if I do say so myself).  The bummer was that the red icing tasted wonky and Trent destroyed the blue part, so everyone got to eat wonky tasting cake.

BUT it was beautiful!  And a new obsession was born.  I plan to make birthday cakes for my babies for years to come!  And Rhonda and I are going to a decorator class in August.  Nerdy?  Check!  So excited?  Check, check!!