Lazy Sunday's

Today has been one of those days where my attitude in general has been terrible.  I'm going to say what my mom would have already said to me today if I hadn't of said it myself: "you should've gone to church!"  Not that this is an excuse, although I legitimately could not have driven both of my kids to church today as I accidentally left  Harper's car seat in my mom's car.  #momfail

 I've lost my patience with both of my kids numerous times today, and actually said out loud in my frustrations, "Why did I have kids??!"  I'm ashamed of myself.  Yes, I'm only human and no one is perfect except for our Holy Father.  Luckily, Harper's still too young to understand words and meanings; Aaron, on the other hand, looked at me with such disappointment and hurt that it broke my heart.  I felt awful.  As soon as I said those words I wanted to take them back.  I hugged and kissed him and told him I was sorry.  Kids are so awesome in that they forget in a matter of seconds or minutes, where we hold onto grudges for years sometimes. 

So today, in all of my frustrations, I'm going to refer to this verse:

"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." ~James 1:4

I'm not going to clean up this messy house, not mop this sticky kitchen floor, and not fold all of this laundry (well, maybe I'll fold a little.....I'm going on 5 days behind- uh-oh!) and I'm going to enjoy my children because before I know it they'll be gone and I'll do anything to have these moments back.


Enjoy your lazy Sunday.

~LL

Happy Birthday, Harper Elizabeth!

Gosh, I cannot believe that you are 1!  Where did the time go??  I was thinking back today on where I was a year ago.  I was huge and so nervous.  I was up at 4 AM; we had to be at the Medical Center in Macon at six that day.  I didn't sleep a wink all night long; I was so excited and nervous.  On the way down to Macon, your dad and I listened to the Hall & Oates Pandora station.  I remember just wanting low-key and calm.  We arrived at the hospital, signed in, went to the recovery room, and from that point on it went pretty fast.  My c-section began at 7:30 and you were out by 7:40.  Actually, I think you were out before 7:40 (I was good and drugged up, honey).  I'll never forget how long it took to actually see you.  I remember Dr. Harper (that's my doctor: no you're not named after him and no, he's not your real dad) saying "Wow!  A lot of hair!  Whoa!  She looks big!  I think she must be 8 pounds!"  They took you away immediately because, bless your sweet heart......you swallowed your poop (shhh, I won't tell anyone).  Plus, you had a lot of fluid they had to suck out since you didn't come through the birth canal.  I was a little worried I won't lie.  It seemed like it took forever to finally see you.  Your dad even left me to go check on you, and when he came back he had a picture of you on our nurse anesthetist phone (long story for another day).  You were hurge.  I thought "did I just birth this huge baby???"  It was all the fluid you retained making your grand entrance.  They finally brought you to me when I was in recovery after surgery.  Ahhh....that moment.  That moment where my heart grew was one of the best moments of my life.  I knew that I'd love you, but I didn't know how much because my whole heart belonged to your brother.  It's so true that just when you think your heart can't handle any more love, it does.  It expands. 

Pure love

Hello, sweet girl.  I've been waiting on you!

The first few months were a little tough, of course.  You had your days and nights mixed up, you had bad reflux, and I'm sure there were plenty of other things that I thought were a huge deal at the time.  It's funny that as I type this I can't remember them.  God has a way of making your forget things like that, I suppose.

Around 2 months, your little personality started coming out:

And then the real cuteness began....

Not real happy about a Christmas tree sweater....

But loving your fancy NYE outfit (thanks, Aunt Meme!)

Doing super cute gymnastic moves in your crib....

Loving any kind of attention your big bubba gives you!

Being REAL excited about going out to dinner with mom & dad!

"Uh, I know I look good.  And I know this foot propped up is cute, too!"

To wrap up this wordy blog, I want to tell you 12 things I love about you since you're officially 12 months. :)  Of course, I love every hair on your head (and trust me, there are many) but I've got to end this post today.  Here goes!

1. I love your beautiful blue eyes and the way they light up when you smile.  You smile with your eyes, and there is nothing better than seeing those baby blues twinkle up at me when you wake up in the morning.
2. I love the way your pretty hair curls in the back after your bath when it's still wet.  Heartmelt. <3 li="">
3. I love the way you sit on your knees when watching your big brother play with his toys.  It breaks my heart in the best way possible every time.
4. I love that you already love friends and LOVE a good party.  You get it from your mama! ;)
5. I love the bond you already share with your dad.  It's always been said that girls are "daddy's girls" (although I think you're more of a mama's girl) and lemme' just say: your daddy is wrapped. 
6. I love all of your cute 10 (yes, 10!) teeth.  I especially love looking at them while you're laughing when your daddy and I hold you upside down.
7. I love that when you want me or you're tired you say "mamamamamama" over and over again.  
8. I love when you lay your head on my chest, or your daddy's chest, or even Sophie May when we say the world "loves" to you.  You already know at such a young age how to show love.  You amaze me.
9. I love that you love the song "All About that Bass" and dance when it comes on.  You really do.  (You are so your mama's child!)
10. I love that when you kiss they're big, open-mouth wet kisses.  They make me happy.
11. I love, love, LOVE the relationship you already have with your big brother.  Watching the two of you together sometimes brings me to tears, and I'm reminded of God's love when I look into both of your eyes.
12. Last but not least, I love you, my Harper Beth. 

"You are the twinkle in my eye, star in my sky, beat of my heart, mate to my soul, skip in my step, smile on my face, bee to my honey, song in my heart, love of my life."  ~Unknown.

Happy, Happy 1st Birthday, Sunshine!!!!

The last??

This post popped up on my Timehop app today.  For all of you that don't feel like clicking (don't blame ya!) it's a letter that I wrote Harper a few days before her birthday.  I seriously cannot believe she's almost a year old!  Where did the time go??  I'll save all the mushiness for her one year birthday blog in a few days (you're welcome), but it hit me today that this is most likely the last year I'll ever have a child turning one.  She finished the last bit of her formula this morning and I panicked: Do I run up to the store for another tub or do we officially jump off the deep end to cow's milk??  I mean, we've been adding milk steadily to her diet for the past month or so.....is she  really ready for a bottle full of straight-up milk?? Oh, and the bottle??  We have to go through the drama of moving to the sippy cup now??  Go ahead and pour me a drink, because Lord are we in for the drama...from both Harper and myself I'm sure.  Aaron didn't move onto the sippy cup until he was 13 months old; if I offered the sippy cup to him he'd cry and then I'd cry.  Adam finally put his foot down and said, "he's 13 months old, he doesn't need to be drinking from a bottle anymore" before I agreed that it was definitely past time.  After a day of not drinking anything, Aaron finally drank from the sippy cup that night.  Hallelujah!!!  I know these things seem so trivial (and in the grand scheme of things, they are) but what can I say?  These are the days.....of moving to cow's milk, fretting over sippy cups, and taking pacifiers away (don't even get me started). 

How do you know if this is "the last?"  I've been asking myself that question a lot lately.  My sister gave birth to the most beautiful, delicious (next to Harper, of course ;)) little girl last week and I'm crazy in love.  As I held her, I felt those old, familiar feelings pop up: "We're not done!" "I miss the sweet baby head smell!" "We do make really cute babies....." "I've always wanted a third!" "If we have another one, I'll surely have enough boob milk this time for the whole neighborhood!" Yeahhhhh, right.  I forget the hard times: the lack of sleep, the feeling of failure when my milk is not satisfying enough, the pure exhaustion, and oh yeah, the fact that on top of these things I'm recovering from major surgery!  But still I wonder....is it my last?  I know that question only God has the answer to.  If you ask my husband he'll say "hell yes!"  Hahahah.

Anyway, this laundry isn't going to fold itself. Enjoy this beautiful day!

~LL

These are the days

It's been forever since I last blogged, but I felt that today was the perfect time to write down how I feel.

My Aaron Mo starts Pre-K tomorrow.  I am experiencing so many emotions about this major milestone, happiness and excitement being two of those.  The rest?  I'm scared, anxious, worried, sad, but most of all, a little heartbroken.  This day....I used to anticipate this day.  This day was a day I longed for when I was a younger mom; I only had one child and I *thought* I was exhausted (I totally laugh at this girl now, btw).  This day was what I would boast to my friends about "Oh, I won't be "one of those moms" weeping on the front steps of elementary school, I'll go home and celebrate with a mimosa!"  Yeah, right. 

I am doing my best to mentally prepare for tomorrow.  I already have clothes laid out, lunch planned out, and our new routine mapped out.  I have thoroughly gone over our new schedule with Aaron; he just says "okay, mom."  I have to admit I'm doing this more for my sake than his; tomorrow is going to be hard enough- I'm making plans today.  I know I sound crazy, but I'm not ready for this.  I mean, is he really ready for this?  I ask myself this question numerous times a day.  He'll leave me at 7:45 and be gone until 3:00??  How is he going to make it without me there?  Who's going to open his fruit snacks at lunch?  Is that little cheap mat from Walmart going to really provide adequate "rest time?"  Probably not. 

I worry about hurt feelings and rejection.  I know he's going to come across this, and I just want to shield him from all of it.  "He's a strong little guy" I tell myself, but he does come from me: an emotional basket-case.  To tell you the truth, I'm terrified of it all.  Tomorrow scares the shit out of me.

All I can do is pray and know that God has this under control.  I have to let him go, because he's not really mine.  He's a precious gift, and His plans for my son are perfect plans. 

So today I'm going to soak up every little minute with my Mo.  All of his quirks that drive me crazy on a regular day, I'm going to love today.  I'm going to hug and kiss him as much as he'll let me, and let him know that I'm his biggest fan.  Tomorrow, my big boy starts a new chapter.  I'm going to rejoice because he is beautiful, healthy, smart, funny, and his heart is so big and kind.

Tomorrow, when I drop that big boy off at his new big boy school, I'm going to come home and snuggle my baby girl.  It wasn't that long ago that her big brother was her size; before I know it she'll be walking into that big school with a huge bow on her head ready to tackle this crazy world.  I'm going to enjoy every moment because they all pass so quickly.

Tomorrow, I might have that mimosa, too. ;)

xo,
LL

I got that summertime, summertime sadness....

RYAN GOSLING IS A BABY DADDY!
RYAN GOSLING AND EVA MENDES EXPECTING FIRST CHILD!
EVA MENDES PREGNANT WITH HER AND RYAN GOSLING'S FIRST CHILD! (Love how they added that "First" in as if it's going to happen a second time.  Hmmph!)

Well holy shit.  Excuse my language please, but damn.....really?!?!!!!  I cannot believe this.  For real???  I know they haven't "confirmed" it, but it's true.  She was totally pregs on the Ellen show back in February.  That lame "I'd rather have a personal pat down instead of going through the scanners at the airport" excuse seems pretty obvi now.  I mean, who would rather have a personal pat down by a complete stranger??  According to every gossip website on the planet she's 7 months prego.  The only thing that gives me comfort is knowing that I, too, was 7 months pregnant this time last year and HURGE.  My luck, she's probably the sexiest pregnant lady on earth, and he's all "Hey girl, let me rub your feet, give you back rub, and run you a bubble bath" and "You're so sexy carrying my baby."  Gah!!!  I can't take it!  It was supposed to be MEEEEEEEE!!!!  Or Rachel McAdams.  What is this world coming to???!!!???

I'm not going to bash Eva Mendes (although I really, really want to) but I'm impressed. Job well done, sister.  I'll admit, this child is going to be gorge: a part Canadian/Latina Gos baby.  Grrrr......that's all I can muster!  For now, let's just have a moment of silence and remember the good ole' days.....

NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!  

Peace out, y'all.  I'm putting the dirty dancing scene of "Crazy.Stupid.Love" on repeat.  Can't stop won't stop.

Ryan G 4 EVA.

~LL

Wish List

My 32nd birthday is exactly 13 days away and I'm in total countdown mode.  Normally, I'm not one of those that really anticipates my birthday too much.  Of course I love "my special day" and getting tons of love from family and friends, and I think we can all agree that the annoyance of Facebook is completely worth it on your birthday when your wall gets bombarded with birthday wishes, but other than those awesome things it's just that- a special day.  This year, I don't know if it's having two kids and looking forward to anything that might get me out of the house with a cocktail involved, I'm counting the days.  Along with that, I'm making a wish list.  I know, I know, am I five?  Whatevs.  When most of your days involve: changing diapers, nap-times, feedings, going on "bug hunts," discussing (at length) why "zombies are cooler than monsters," and wearing workout clothes (and not working out, might I add), you gotta have something.

via Overstock.com

 I really want a pair of diamonds (besides my wedding rings) to wear every day.  How spoiled does that sound??  Ever since I've had Harper, I've been all about simplifying.  Simplifying my wardrobe, accessories, my house....everything!  These princess-cut studs would be perfect for everyday- even when I'm wearing those oh-so-comfy workout pants.

http://www.thedrybar.com/

Ashley and I have been discussing a day trip to Atlanta complete with great hair and good champagne.  I rarely blow-dry my hair anymore, and when I do it looks like I stuck my finger in an electrical socket- serious frizz.  I could totally dig a sleek but bouncy blowout, and trip to Lenox afterwards, all while enjoying a good Champizzle buzz. 

via DSW

I'm kinda in love with this gladiator wedge and I think they're the perfect heel height too; not too high or low.  I've been pinning summer outfits nonstop, and I keep on seeing sandals with the ankle strap and I'm obsessed- they're so dainty yet sexy.  To me this wedge is the perfect combo: the ankle strap that I heart so much, with the wedge that's more conducive for a mom that's hauling an 8 month old, a diaper bag, and chasing after a 4 year old.

Um...yes please!

A friend of mine sent this pin to me a few days ago, and per usual, OBSESSED.  Gotta have it!  Although I don't think my hubs will understand the significance of this pillow....oh well!

Do you have a summer birthday?  What's on your wish list?

~LL

Ryan G's in Cannes

That's all.

~LL

Heyyyyy!!!

Oh my gosh, it's been foreva-eva since I last blogged.  With good reason...my notebook computer crashed.  I turned that old girl on weeks ago and after trying to start for what seemed like an hour, it just completely gave out.  Bummer.  I have my iPad, but I loathe blogging on that thing, so LL's been out of commission for quite awhile now.  Sorry, friends.  My last post was over a month ago which is terrible.  Luckily, my sweet hubby got our new desktop set up for me and I can blog away to my heart's content now.  Whew!

The past month has been a whirlwind!  First things first: I got a job.  I'm so super pumped about it!  To back up, I posted awhile back about a teacher's aide position at Aaron's school that I accepted.  It wasn't much, just a Tuesday/Thursday, eight hours a week position that would get me out of the house, and Harper could come with.  After much thought I decided against it, since I didn't feel that Harper would be ready to start a class in August (Heck, she might not even be walking by then!).  A few weeks ago I received an email from a friend, who informed me of this position and encouraged me to apply.  Well, I got the job!  Whoop!  I am now the Volunteer Coordinator for a local hospice in town, and I just am so excited about it!  It's a part-time position, and it just sounds amazing and exactly what I've been looking for.  I haven't started the job yet, but will be very soon, and I honestly feel that it's a God send. 

I'm still selling Nerium for anyone that's interested, and I still believe it's the fountain of youth.  Hit me up if you want to stay young forever!  Also, here's my website if you want to go look around at this anti-aging miracle:
www.lhmosely.nerium.com

Of course, there's been major celebrity dramz that hasn't been discussed in weeks (omg!).  Let's do this!

• Bey.Jay.Solange.Elevator.Beatdown.WHA?!?  Y'all know what happened, right?  Jay disrespected Bey and in turn disrespected Solange.  Then, BAM, elevator b.e.a.t.d.o.w.n.   He had it coming!
• I did not see the Billboard Music Awards last night (went to see a 50 Shades parody which was hilar); however, I heard it was nothing short of crazy: i.e. Michael Jackson showed up in hologram form.  That's weird and creepy.  Sorry, not sorry.
• And speaking of MJ, why are we still talking about his man?  Why are we still listening to his music?? (I'm looking at you, JT.)  First of all, the man passed away 5 years ago.  Second of all, I know he was the "King of Pop" and there will never be an entertainer quite like him, but let's not forget the fact that he had issues.  Major issues.  I won't go into that topic on here because this is supposed to be a fun blog, but Michael Jackson was no angel.  Let the man go and remember how he used to be....back in the eighties....when he actually seemed normal. 
• Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are officially the most beautiful couple at Cannes.  Actually scratch that, the most beautiful couple ever.
• True Tori.  Who's watching??  It's like a train crash....I can't stop!  For awhile there I was totally thinking the show was staged, and they were making everything up.  Now I'm thinking it's only like 50% staged.  I just feel so bad for their kids..

Here's some pics of what we've been up to since we chatted last:

Easter snoozin' with Nanny

Sweet cousins Aaron & Mary Leigh

Aunt Kim came for a visit!

The best of friends since we were in middle school!  Love you, KB!

Harper got her piggies painted.....eeeekkk!!!

I can now wear him.  I can officially die a happy woman.

Hope everyone's having a great Monday!

~LL

Rainy days=pj's till noon

What a dreary Monday.  I don't mind it so much when I'm in pajamas drinking a cup of coffee, but it's such a pain when you're trying to run errands.  Aaron's glasses have officially bit the bullet- as in the nose-guard is gone.  Bless it.  After I pick him up from school we'll be headed out to get our fourth pair of glasses since he started wearing them in April 2012.  I know that sounds like a lot, but from what I hear that's great for his age.  Bless him.  I'm really hoping starting glasses this young we'll improve his vision so he doesn't have to wear them forever.  I don't care if he's only seven- when he tells me he wants contacts I will make sure it happens.

Tomorrow is his 4 year check-up.  He'll get a few vaccinations, too.  I made the mistake of telling him that he's going to go to the Doc to get his "big four year old shots" last night- bad decision.  I guess the words "big four year old" doesn't sound that great when "shots" are at the end of that sentence.  I promised him ice cream afterwards.  Who cares if we have ice cream for lunch?

 I haven't posted in days, but we were legitimately busy last week!  Between kid stuff, house stuff, and everything in between I didn't have time to sit down and blog at all.  Most of all, we were just enjoying the gorgeous and warm weather. 

I hosted my Nerium launch party this past Friday.  It went great!  I'm so pumped for this product and I really believe in it.  Y'all: it's a miracle worker.  No kidding.  I keep on saying this, but I swear it's botox in a bottle.  Here are some pics of Nerium's incredible transformations:

Just a couple of images of what Nerium can do. Visit my website at: www.lhmosely.nerium.com for more info!

 I decided to attempt a wine and cheese party.  I had never done one before, and wanted to do something different than my usual buffalo dip and meatball apps.  After scouring Pinterest for ideas and proper "cheese etiquette" this is what I came up with:

Not too bad, huh?

 All in all, a successful evening with friends, and I landed a preferred customer!  What, what!

Also, this happened:

A friend of mine (thank, Micki!) posted a pic of Ryan Gosling leggings on my Facebook timeline and I, of course, was obsessed.  (Y'all know I'm a total Ryan G freak.  Ride or die.)  Soooo, I hit up Etsy this weekend where said leggings are sold, and decided to buy the tank instead.  (Leggings were $70/pop!)  HOLLA!!

Now, onto the goods:

• ACM's: Didn't watch all of it because I'm not a huge country fan but these are my thoughts:

a) I'm sorry (actually I'm not) but Florida/Georgia Line is terrible.  They're perfect for Mama's Country Showcase on Griffin's North Expressway.  They could pull in a huge crowd there, no doubt.
b) Luke Bryan's not cute.  And he's cheesy.  And he twerks.  'Nuff said.
c) I thought T Swift and Miranda Lambert looked amazing.

And.....that is all.  I could only handle 2 hours before I turned the channel. 

Enjoy this rainy Monday!

~LL

Mid-week catch-up

Happy Hump day!  I can't believe it's already Wednesday, but I'm not complaining.  The past few days have been for the birds!

We had Aaron's birthday party at the house this past Saturday and it turned out to be the perfect day for a party.  The sun was shining and it was actually really warm outside.  We rented a bouncy house for the occasion, and it did not disappoint.  Aaron and all his little friends had a blast; moving from the bouncy house to the trampoline and back and forth.  These kids like to jump!  The theme was "Monster Truck" and a couple of friends of mine made the most amazing cake.  Check it out:

It was actually a "cupcake cake."  Isn't it adorable?

I forgot to take pictures of the party (mom of the year) so I have nothing to show for all the fun the kids had.  I got Adam to snap a picture of Aaron and I after the party.  Next year I've got to do better.

My big birthday boy!

After the birthday party fun Saturday, my little buddy woke up Sunday with that vicious stomach flu that's been going around.  He couldn't even enjoy playing with his new toys he felt so bad.  Broke my heart.  Luckily, it was just a twelve-hour bug, and he was good as new Monday.  I kept him home with me Monday just so he could chill out, and after half a day of that I realized that I'm real glad he goes to preschool.  Adam woke up with the bug early Tuesday morning, but like Aaron it was just a 12 hour thing.  So far, I've been out of the line of fire and I hope to stay that way.  I have lysol'd the s$*t out of everything in this house, washed my hands until they've almost bled, popped Airborne like it's my job, and have opened every window in this house to get some fresh air flowing through.  Virus be gone!

Monday afternoon my mom and I drove to McDonough for a little shopping therapy.  We went to Ulta, and of course, I had to buy something.  Gah, that store is like crack to me.  The endless aisles of makeup -way too much for me to handle.  I was super excited that after my purchase, the saleslady popped a free sample of the It's A 10 Miracle leave-in conditioner in my bag.  I can't wait to try this out.  My hair has been super dry lately, not silky at all, so I'm hoping this will be my hair miracle.  Afterwards we headed over to Babies R' Us where I picked up the Baby Brezza Baby Food Maker.  I made Aaron's food when he was a baby, and I really wanted to do the same thing for Harper.  This machine is a beast.  I love it!  It's basically a one-stop shop for easy baby-food making.  The machine steams and blends all in one.  Very convenient.  All you do is cut up your fruit and veggies, add some water, pop the top on, punch in the amount of time the food needs to steam, and voila!  You have sweet potatoes!

Not a great quality photo- stole from my IG

So fun!  It even came with a recipe book that tells you how long to steam the food and everything.  I didn't have one of these with Aaron and I wish I had.  Making his baby food was a process: I used a steaming basket, a food processor, a blender, etc.  This was so easy! 

Now for randoms:

• Kimye on the cover of Vogue.  Love it or hate it?  I'm on the fence.  I'm not going to lie, I like Kim K, y'all.  Not in a J Simp way because I adore her, but more in a "I like her from watching KUWTK for years" way.  Did I think she looked beautiful?  Absolutely.  Do I think her and Kanye should have been on the cover of Vogue?  Not really.  
• Gwynnie and Chris Martin have separated.  I'm not shocked.  Rumors have been flying for years that he and Kate Bosworth were hooking it up.  Why both of these women would be attracted to him, I'm at a loss: 

Gwyneth->Brad->Ben->Chris Martin?Kate->ASkars->Chris Martin?
Um, no.  I'm confused.  Maybe he's a really good dancer (wink). ;)

• I think Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher make a really cute couple and I'm really excited they're going to get married and have a really cute baby.  My hubby, who has a massive crush on Mila, thinks it's disgusting and that she's way too good for him.  (Poor guy- I made him watch E! News while rubbing my feet the other night.  I've got a winner.) A house divided!

Enjoy your day!

~LL

A follow-up

Happy Friday, guys!

I want to say thank you for all of the encouraging comments and feedback from my last blog post.  I took everything each of you said to heart and I appreciate all of the support.  All of you are amazing, strong women!

I would like to clarify something from my last post that I'm thinking might have come across the wrong way.  I was in no way complaining of my job or my "season" as a stay-at-home-mama.  There is nothing that I love more than being able to stay home with my children in this moment and time.  Of course, there are some days that are tougher than others. Working moms, single moms, stay-at-home-moms can all agree that parenting is hard work.  As one of my lovely commenters stated, there is "a sisterhood in motherhood" and we're all just doing the best that we can.  We all have our different challenges; I'm not saying my cross to bear is greater than anyone else. My point of the last blog entry was frustration with the fact that my husband is not home every day to help me out.  In fact, he's not home a lot of the time.  I am basically a single mother most of the time.  That's why the blog was titled "Burnt Out."  I was having a moment, and expressed my frustration with our current situation; this is what my blog is for: to express frustration every now and again. I'm just going to lay it out: it's easy for people to say "this is only momentary," "enjoy it because they'll grow up fast," "this is your season."  Most of the people that say these things and write these articles have significant others that come home every night.  I, in fact, do not.  And I know there are a number of women, like myself, that are in very similar situations.  There is no break at 5:00.  There is no light at the end of the tunnel some days.  But, that's okay.  I was raised by an independent, army wife. I am a strong woman and I am proud of the fact that I can be both mom and dad all.day.every.day.  Yes, this is a season of my life.  No, my husband won't be in a job that requires days and days away from us forever.  Yes, I will survive.  And yes, I am very thankful for all of my blessings; especially the two beautiful ones asleep in their beds at this moment.

Amen.

Have a wonderful Friday & enjoy your weekend!

~LL

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

And most importantly, Happy 4th Birthday to my boy, my love, my Aaron Mo!!!

I cannot get over the fact that he's 4.  It blows my mind.  Literally.  I can remember the day he was born like it happened yesterday.  I went into labor at 7:15 on a Tuesday night.  I was watching E! News (given), and felt a contraction.  Fast-forward five hours and Adam and I, with my mom and sister in tow, were headed to the hospital.  After 18 long hours of labor, and 2 hours of actual pushing, he came out at 2:45 on St. Patrick's day.  That day immediately became the best day of my life.  I remember looking at him for the first time; he was so beautiful.  Round and rosy, with a head full of hair.  I remember thinking to myself, "I knew you were going to be cute, but I had no idea you'd be this beautiful."  He came out screaming and I thanked God for his healthy lungs.  As soon as he came out, he started peeing...everywhere.  Haha.  It still cracks me up to this day when I think about it.  As soon as they wiped him off, and handed him to me he immediately stopped crying.  Like "There you are, mom.  I was looking for you."  The first night in the hospital he kept whimpering; I had fed him, changed him, everything I could think of.  My mom said, "Honey, I think he just wants you."  Sure enough, I put him in the bed cuddled up next to me, and he dozed right off.  Just wanted to be next to mom.

To this day, he's still my love that wants to be cuddled and kissed.  Not a day goes by that he doesn't climb in my lap, or next to me on the couch for a cuddle and a kiss.  At night when I tuck him in, right before I close his door he'll say "Wait!  I love you, mama."  My heart melts.  He is hilarious and so smart.  He makes Adam and I so very proud.  Although he has his days (boy does he have his days), Adam and I are so grateful God trusted us enough with His child.  He is the love of our lives.

A few of our Aaron Mo's favorite things:

• The color blue.
• Monster trucks
• Chocolate.....lots of it and chicken nuggets.
• Sophie May
• Paw Patrol, Team Umi Zoomi, and WallyKazam
• Monsters Inc
• "Dark Horse"-Katy Perry
• Dancing (just like his mama)
• Riding his bike and hitting his tee ball.
•  His sister, "Harpa"....although he'd never admit it!
• Brushing his teeth
• Riding the "show-wheeler" and the "Gata."

And the list goes on.  Here's a video I made of our love.  Enjoy!

Happy 4th Birthday, buddy!!  We love you so much!!

~LL

Catching up...again

Oh my gosh.  Let me just say that I know I am not living up to my new years resolution of blogging more often.  My last blog was two weeks ago!  Not good.  I promise to get better, people.  Especially since I have a new blogging adventure to share with y'all....BUT- first things first:

The past two weeks a lot of things have happened.  Well, I say a lot, and it's really only been like two things, but in boring mom world, it's a lot. 

I got a new car.  Whoop!  I use the word "new" loosely, because it is pre-owned.  Here's a pic:

I named her Lola.  And I love her. 

Adam and I hit the jackpot with our new ride; a 2005 BMW X3.  We went out on a search for a Chevy Equinox last Friday.  There was a beautiful white one on the Cronic Chevy/GMC lot in town that I had my eye one.  Lo and behold, by the time we got up there it was gone.  After leaving there, and driving up to Carmax in Morrow and still not finding anything, I suggested we hit up the Hennessy Southlake location since I'd spotted a few Equinox's at their lot on Autotrader.  The dealer (who I liked a lot and would highly recommend) pulled up the Equinox's and other mid-size SUV's on the computer that he thought we might have interest in.  That's when he said these magic words: "A BMW X3 in your price range just pulled onto the lot an hour ago.  Would you be interested in looking at it?"  Um, yes.  Hell yes.  That's like asking me if I would possibly be interested in going on a date with Ryan Gosling.  Or ASkars.  WHAT DO YOU THINK?!?!  Given.  In order not to show my excitement, and put on my best "poker face" (everyone who knows me knows that I don't do poker face) I said "sure, we can look at it."  The whole time I was trying to avoid eye contact with Adam, because I knew that just as soon as I looked at him I would die laughing.  Once the dealer got up to grab the keys, the following is my conversation with Adam:

Me: (smiling so big my face might split) "Holy hell.  This is not happening.  We don't have this kind of luck."
Adam: "I know!  There's got to be something wrong with it.  We don't have this kind of luck."

Around this time our dealer pulled the car up.  Uhh....SOLD!

So yeah, basically we were both sold on this car before I even drove it.  After our test drive, Adam and I said at the same time "WE WANT IT!"  After three more hours of of waiting and signing the proper paperwork, she was ours!  We walked out to our new car, and in the words of our man Jesse Pinkman, yelled out "yeah, bitch!"  Then we drove our girl off the lot. 

Thank you, Jesus!

I heart you, Lola.  <3 p="">

Another huge thing happened: my babies got baptized.  Hands down, the best part of our eventful weekend.  I was so positive that I was going to bawl my eyes out watching my beautiful baby girl, in her beautiful christening gown (thank you for this gown, Shannon!), but Aaron killed me with his bravery.  He stood so tall as our pastor sprinkled water over his head...makes me cry when I think of it now.  He's growing up so fast, and getting so big.  My heart swells with the biggest love for these two angels.

Thank you, God.

Of course, I was the mom who didn't take any pictures of my babies and our family all dressed up for their big day.  Wth??  I think my dress was so tight that it prevented my brain from working.  Yep, that's what I'm going with.


I have some exciting news to finally share!  I will be blogging for the online shopping boutique Ella Bleu! For those of you not familiar with Ella Bleu, they are a very successful online shopping boutique co-owned by three of my dearest girlfriends out of Macon, GA.  Click the link and go check them out!  Their clothes are so fabulous, and the prices can't be beat.  With their amazing success and huge popularity, they are now branching out into web-based selling, and will be starting their own webpage very soon.  They asked me if I would be interested in writing their weekly blog, and I of course said yes!  I am so completely flattered in their confidence in me, and I hope I can live up to their expectations.  I will certainly try!  Cheers to new ventures!

Now for a round-up:

• I made the mistake (again) of watching the last few episodes of Breaking Bad this week.  Netflix added them Monday, and I, or course, fell right into that trap (again)!  Am I glutton for punishment??  I want a spin-off!  Of Jesse.  And Saul.  Who wants to help me make that happen??
• Speaking of the above, my friend Carrie, FB'd me a couple of weekends ago to inform me that she was, indeed, sitting next to Aaron Paul and his lovely wife at a restaurant in Atl.  DYING!!!!!!  And.....he smiled at her.  AGH!!!!  Cannot.handle.it.
• Grey's Anatomy comes back tonight!  #teamjackson
• Oscar's are this Sunday!  Getting prepped for a red carpet recap!

That's all this tired mommy brain can think of today.  I think it's time for another cup of coffee!

Muah!

~LL

Ice Jam 2014

The sun is shining, there's a soft breeze blowing, and my windows are open.  Is it spring yet?  Nope. Just the day after Snowpocalypse 2014 Part 2.  How bipolar is the weather here in GA?  Yesterday we were locked inside, watching ice accumulate on everything, and today the sun is shining and it's a cool 36 degrees outside.  Until yesterday I thought that was really cold.  Today I'm just thankful to walk outside. 

We've been camping out over at my parents house the past two nights.  Thank God, they never lost power.  We did, indeed, lose power over here; thank goodness we weren't home.  With Adam traveling, and me home with a toddler and a baby.....Lord help.  The past two days have consisted of my fave stretchy pants, lots of coffee, lots of wine, lots of carbs, lots of TV, and lots of pinning low-carb recipes when I do get back on the wagon.  My low-carb diet has been significantly botched in the past 24 hours: pigs-in-a-blanket for lunch yesterday, frozen pizza and fries for dinner, peanut butter brownies (yes, I did just say peanut butter brownies) as a mid-morning snack....and an after lunch snack.  Eeekk.  I'm bad.  I'm not stepping on a scale for another week. Luckily, we are back at home now and both kids are napping.  We have power (thank goodness), but there are still plenty of people who don't.  Say a prayer for those people, and that everyone gets their power restored very soon.  Hurry up, Spring!

Moving on....I have some exciting news.  No, I'm not prego and no, Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have not called it quits.  I don't want to share too much on here yet as details haven't been finalized, but I will say that there is a new blog "venture" on the horizon and I'm super pumped about it.  No worries (for you five devoted, amazing readers of mine)- LL's not going anywhere.  This is something new and exciting.  I can't wait to share once everything's ironed out!

While both kids are napping, I'm going to take advantage.  In the past two days, Harper has decided that naps of only 30 minutes are perfectly acceptable.....um, no.

Ciao!

~LL

Quick catch-up

I cannot seem to get warm today.  I'm wrapped up in a chair, drinking a cup of cappuccino, and dreaming of spring at this moment.  I'm ready for maxi dresses, flip flops, and fuchsia lips.  And yes, all of those listed start happening in spring around here- it's Georgia, y'all. 

Since my last update, I (sadly) finished Breaking Bad.  Ugh.....why did it have to end that way???  I won't post spoilers as I have some readers that are watching the show and are not finished with it yet, but damn- why'd it have to end that way???  I'm still recovering from this show.  It's similar to the end of a relationship- one in which you've been dumped.  It's over, they've moved on, yet here we are- still holding out for one last time- refusing to look at anything else- swearing to never do it to ourselves again.  Misery, I tell ya.  I might need to blast some K Clarkson "Since U Been Gone" in the ole' Toyota today- best.breakup.anthem.ever.

The month of January was pretty low-key for the most part.  We celebrated both my sister and my grandmother's birthdays, Harper hit the 4 month mark, and it snowed (which really wasn't low-key at all).  Adam and I have been scouring AutoTrader for cars; I'm hoping to get a new(er) car in the form of an SUV later this month- SO excited!!

We have so much going on over the next couple of months already!  Both Aaron and Harper are getting baptized Sunday, February 23rd.  I'm happy, excited, and nervous.  I just know, my luck, Harper will go into full-on meltdown mode, and Aaron will decide that he's not going to smile or cooperate for ANYTHING.  Oh well, at least they'll look cute. 
Next month are both Adam and Aaron's birthdays.  I've decided that I'm throwing Aaron's birthday at our house- I must be crazy after the convenience of Mickey D's last year.

Fixing to have to end this post to feed a baby, but had to post some randoms:

• Is it just me, or is New Girl so not funny anymore?
• Is Beyonce the next Miley?
• I'm dieting.....and it sucks.

Xo!

~LL

Breaking It Down

Disclaimer: this blog is random and all over the place.

I'm coming right out and saying it: two weeks ago I joined the millions of people worldwide that share the same addiction.  That addiction would be Breaking Bad.  It's been a major Netflix-a-thon "up in her."  Where have I been??  Why was I not watching this show years ago??  And get this, Adam's been watching the show all along.  For real, babe?!? 
This show has made me psychotic.  Well, even more psychotic than before.  Just the mention of the world "crystal" makes me want to clamp my hand over my mouth. The other day Aaron asked what I was drinking and when I replied "Crystal Light" I almost looked out the window to see if Gus and Mike were parked in my driveway.  I am officially on the lookout for suspicious looking homes, and since I am practically DEA certified- I.will.find.you. 
I just finished the last episode of season 4 today, and my mind=blown.  For those of you that know what I'm talking about, (I won't spoil anything) I rewound a certain scene 3x today.  All of this BB watching is wearing me down.  I'm like Walt- exhausted but just can't quit.  I'm behind on laundry, running on little sleep from staying up too late trying to catch up when the babes are in bed, and we're eating lots of frozen pizza for dinner. Is it all worth it??  Absolutely.  I'm going to be seriously depressed when I finish the series.  Maybe I'll start watching Downton Abbey......

P.S. I heart Saul.

Holla!

~LL

Resolutions Revisited

If the past two days are any indication of how my year is going to go, let's just say that 2014 will be a challenging one.  Not that challenging is bad; if it were easy it'd be boring. 

I've decided that this has to be the year of getting healthy- both physically and mentally.  Like I said in my last post, I need to let go of all the baggage of the past few years and move forward.  We all know "if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy," amiright??  I've got to start putting me first- as selfish as that sounds.  First off, losing some lb's.....it's gotta happen.  I'm going low-carb, y'all.  I won't lie if I say that the infamous Kim K selfie might be playing a part in this decision (although, I have no desire to carry that hurge caboose around), but really it's for my personal health as well.  My body's been through a heck of a lot in the past 4 years, it's time to get back in shape.  I, of course, know that fitness plays a huge part in getting into tip-top form, but I'm easing back into it; a few walks  around the block pushing baby girl in a stroller will have to do for now.  And I'm completely fine with that.


A quick recap over the past few weeks:

• I never blogged about JT!  Here's a quick summary: it was an amazing show.  He sang all of his biggest hits, rocked a suit and tie, and never once brought up Brit-Brit.  At one point he was on a moving stage that literally took him out to the last row on the ground and that was the closest I could see his pretty face.  The girls and I were up in the nosebleeds, and as great of a night as it was, I've decided that I will no longer pay big dollars (I consider 100 bucks big dollars, yo) unless I'm on the floor.  I've gotten spoiled by seeing both Brit-Brit and Queen Bey, heck, even NKOTB up close.  I refuse to go back to the dark side.  "TKO" was of course hot (baaaby), "SexyBack" was ah-ma-zing, and he also crooned my fave "Until the End of Time" while tickling those ivories (so hot) which I recorded on my phone....and maybe cried.....  He closed the show with "Mirrors" which I'm not really a fan of, and he played for close to 3 hours.  All in all- great night!
• Queen Bey's new album- OMG.  I'm obsessed.  "I've been drankin.....I've been drankin" (Drunk In Love) is probably one of my fave songs on the album.  Actually, the whole album is awesome, and if you're planning a dance party in the near future go to iTunes and download it right this minute. Bey is looking fierce (shocker, I know) in all her videos (oh yeah, the album has videos to every song), and dare I say, being very sexual?!  She talks about her sex life a lot.  Probably a bit too much. But hey, if you're Beyonce you pretty much do whatever the hell you want, obviously!  
• My MIL surprised me with the Naked 3 palette for Christmas, and I seriously get giddy pulling it out of my makeup drawer.  What are your fave eyeshadow combos my Naked-obsessed, friends??  I've been playing around with all of the colors and I love them all.  
• I think that my 3 month old baby love is already teething.  Bless her sweet heart, she's been trying to  cram her tiny fist into her little mouth, and today when I ran my fingers along her gums she sat completely still which never happens.  Aaron didn't get one tooth in his head until he was a year old!  Here we go......

By the way, this has been the weirdest day.  I swear it's Wednesday, but it's really Friday.  I need a normal week!

Good night!

~LL

The need to let it go

Happy 2014! Hope y'all are eatin' your peas and collards for some luck and money in the new year! Our New Years dinner is being reserved for this evening when my mom whips up some southern goodness; in the meantime, we've made do with leftover pizza and crockpot meatballs for lunch. We're healthy around here.

I hope your hangover (whether alcohol or sleep induced or both) isn't too bad. We spent the better half of NYE with good friends and our kids. Hellraisers lemme tell ya! All of our guests were gone by 10:30, and I sat on the couch, drinking a Strawberrita, waiting on the ball drop. At midnight Adam and I kissed, hugged, got in the bed, and passed out. Isn't it funny how the picture of NYE in our heads never turns out to be reality? In my mind I'm wearing a short, sparkly dress, a pair of gorgeous Jimmy Choo's, false lashes, and drinking lots of bubbly, while having the time of my life, and taking a ton of Instagramable pictures. Reality: I'm in my leopard-print Fab'rik leggings (thanks Meg) because not only are they so cute, BUT they also have an elastic waistband which is a must these days, and my JSimp black wedges.....that came off within 15 minutes of putting them on. Sigh. NYE 2015 is my bitch- mark.my.words.

I woke up this morning feeling a little underwhelmed, and just not as excited for a new year and clean slate as most people are. If you look on FB most people's attitudes are "out with the old, in with the new" and I totally get it, and that's probably the mantra I should be repeating right now, but I'm just not feeling it today. Maybe I will tomorrow. It might be a month....or more. The thing is, 2013 was a wonderful year for our family. We had a beautiful baby girl, bought a home....Hunger Games: Catching Fire finally came out! (I'm not joking.) I'm just not ready to kick 13 in it's ass on the way out. Look, I'm crazy. The day after Christmas I'm usually spiraling away in a deep, dark place crying into my stocking while stuffing my face with Reese's Pieces. In 2008 I had the double whammy of Christmas being over AND finishing the fourth and final book in the Twilight series. Wow- talk about meltdown. Adam found me in our tiny bathroom, crying the buck-tooth ugly cry, cursing Stephenie Meyer. My mom says that was my weird year- bahahah.
I'll get with the 2014 program eventually. I just need time. I'm not one that embraces change, but once I'm there I'm good. While I slowly rip off the bandage, I'll be thinking about resolutions for the new year because what's better than a clean slate, right?? Here's a few:

• To blog more. I know I say this every year, but I need to set it in stone. I love my blog, and I love having a place to unload my crazy thoughts. 
• To not be so overly sensitive and/or read too much into anything. I'm dramatic; sometimes it's great, sometimes it sucks.
• To lose 15 pounds. I still have 5 pounds of baby weight + 10 extra pounds of pre-baby weight that needs to come off. I would, at some point in the near future, like to wear something that actually buttons and zips- woohoo!
• To have more patience with Aaron. He's at that age where (Lord, help me) some days he drives me crazy....and I let it show. Not good.
• To cherish my husband more. He's a good man and I'm a lucky girl.
• To pay off debt, save some moolah, and buy a new car! 

That's a pretty good start, right?  What are your resolutions?

~LL

Harper's Nursery

We're a week out, y'all! My c-section is scheduled for next Friday and we are so excited! I can't wait to kiss those sweet lips and chubby cheeks, and tell her how long we've been waiting for her. As much as I'm ready to meet her, I want her to stay in this big belly until next Friday. Keep on growing and getting fatter, my little love! 

I'm posting pictures of Harper's nursery, although I still have some last minute touches I want to add before next Friday. I love it! It's so pink and precious, and I think it's perfect for her. 

Pottery Barn bedding in Penelope with Mia bed skirt. So girly!!

I fell in love with the framed "Hello's" from the amazing blog: 6th Street Design School. I saw this over a year ago and knew if I ever had a girl I was going to copy. Imitation is the highest form of flattery, right? 

A peek inside her already full closet.

Her bag's packed, the diaper wreath is ready, the nursing pillow's on standby, and her photo book is just waiting for her sweet footprints. We love you, Harper Elizabeth!!

Like I said, I still need another piece of furniture for the bare wall beside her door, a rug in front of her crib, and some other pieces of wall decor, but other than that we're ready!

7 more days to go.......agh!!!

~LL

Hey girl, hey!

It's been a few days since I last blogged and although I wish I could say we've been doing lots of exciting things, the truth is we've been very low- key.  I'm completely fine with that, though.  Being this big and this far along in pregnancy your energy is pretty much zapped all the time.  Not to say there weren't some exciting things that happened over the weekend.......

My brother and sister-in-law had their twin baby boys Friday.  Adam and I are in love.  They are the cutest little snuggle-muffins!  My sister-in-law and I had the same due date, but of course she had to deliver a couple of weeks earlier since she had two instead of one in her belly.  Here's a pic of the munchkins:

Kain & Gunner

Saturday evening we spent time with my in-laws who were in town for the twins birth.  They live in North Carolina and bless their hearts, they'll be back in just a couple of weeks for Harper's birth.  Adam and I are so lucky to have such a great support system!

Yesterday, my sister came down for the day to hang out with me, Aaron, and my mom.  Our last "girls" day (sorry Aaron Mo) before our fourth girl joins us!  We went to lunch, ate way too much food, then came back to my house and watched The Place Beyond the Pines (the Ryan G/Bradley C movie).  As you all know, my obsession with Ryan Gosling knows no end.  I.love.him.always. Ride.or.die.  With that being said, he did freak me out, just a tad, in this movie.  This movie is really good, btw.  It's definitely worth the Red Box rental if you're in the mood for a dark drama.  It is long and hard to watch at times.  Basically, it's a movie about fathers and sons, the choices they make, and how they affect these relationships.  As we all know, Bradly C is a hottie with a body himself, and looks pretty much adorable in this movie.  RyGy, on the other hand, looks like this:

via

 Do I still heart him?  Absolutely.  If he approached me looking like this in real life and said "Hey girl.  I know I have a blood tattoo on my face and all, but will you still love me forever and save me from this thug life?"  I would say without a doubt, yes, yes, YES!  Then, I would whip out my worn-down, scratched-up DVD of Crazy, Stupid, Love that I have psychotically watched nonstop, and show him how amazing he looks in Alexander McQueen and Yves Saint Laurent.  Then, I would make him do his "big Dirty Dancing move" on me, where he would probably fall over and break his back.  Ahhh.....the romance!!!

via

And one more because I just can't help myself:

Oh.My.Gawd. via

Ohhhh, Harper.  Your mama has so much to share with you!!

~LL