Holiday project

Operation Clean. Bonus. Room. Closet. aka Baby Death Trap.


Before: No judging please.

After:

Total Cost: 25 dollars in bins from Lowes Home Improvement. I already owned the shelves and the drawers. I had purchased some additional wire shelves for hanging but decided against it once I had actually cleaned and organized. In my defense some of the "memory" stuff was attic bound at the end of the venture.


Whew. Now to sit around the rest of the week.


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Merry Christmas!

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Best Photo of 2010

Everyone needs to head over to facebook and vote for Lily's picture for Best Photo of 2010!

The picture just happens to be our header image. The signature balloon pic. Which if you ask me IS the best picture of 2010!

Just like Nicole Faby Photography and leave a comment on our picture! If we get the most comments then we get a free photosession. Help me be sneak out from BEHIND the lens and get in front of it.

Thanks! Smoochies!

Your way under photographed, over worked, and owner of the completely adorable child on facebook.


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"GingerMan" Houses

No not a gingerbread house but a "gingerman" house. That is what we did this past weekend. I was really reluctant to make a kit house this year because I always end up cursing and carrying on like a crazy person. Not exactly the best role model moment for my child.  So I decided to graham it up a bit and make graham cracker houses instead. 

Super easy. Heat sugar over medium heat until brown. Dip Graham Cracker into sugar and join together for form a right angle. 

Buy lots of candy and eat more than you decorate with.

Eat a little big more to ensure second step is complete.

You will need three assemblies to make a house. Two to make the house and one to make the roof. Pipe all the corners with icing to ensure structure stability. This is essential. Just ask Michael.

Decorate (and continue to eat) with all the candy and icing you can find.

Give up when you don't listen to Stephaine and just eat your house. Exhibit one.

Tada! I am quite impressed with Lily's (and mine) house.

Not so much with Michael's. Yeah that kind of sucks. Sorry babe. It tasted yummy though. Big advantage over the kits and the stale cookies.

Fun family event. My recommendation is to invite a few friends though. This was way to much candy for any one family to enjoy. We hurt for a few hours after the activity was completed. 

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One of life's many lessons as a woman...

It seems like our world has kind of revolved around the potty lately! And a lot of our humor. Lily has been doing so good lately after a few months of hiatus and a week in pull ups at Disney we were so surprised at her awesomeness this months.

This evening as we were doing our evening hustle and bustle Michael bribed Lily to go to the potty. She is at the "Privacy Please" stage mixed with a little "I DO IT!" so Michael was in the Kitchen while she went potty.

I heard a little grunt and a whine from upstairs and went down the stairs just in time to see Lily waddling out of the bathroom with Michael giggling behind her.

Apparently Michael forgot to put down the seat to the potty.

When Lily went to sit down her butt just kept going. Straight into the commode until her butt hit bottom. He walked in to see her very confused sitting in toilet water.

I wish I could tell you this would be last time that would happen to you Lily but in all reality this should be a life lesson. I am almost thirty and still have been known to stumble into the bathroom blurry eyed in the morning to get a little morning surprise.

The lesson here? Always look before you sit. Trust me Lily you will thank me later.

Even funnier? A stripped down baby waddling up the stairs with a wet behind headed towards the bathtub.

Where is your camera when you need it?



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Potty Mouth

We like to play the "who is your favorite ____ or ___?" game with Lily all the time. Like who is your favorite princess Belle or Snow White? FYI Belle always wins. Even if the question is "Who is your favorite Mommy or Belle?" BELLE!

Well last week we were playing our game and Daddy kept losing as the favorite. He lost to

Chicken and Broccoli Chinese food. Her favorite.
Belle
Snow White
Cleo (our Dog)
Chuck (our other dog)
Mimi
Mommy
Wayne
Morgan
Tanya
Poopydoo

And my favorite...wait for it...




Diarrhea.

Her exact words were "Daddy I like diarrhea more than you."

Ya'll I don't even know where she gets this stuff from. Damn you daycare for teaching my kid that word. Although my giggles could only be contained by the pillow as I hysterically shook with laughter from the proclamation.

Poor Michael.

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30 months and still going strong

On the way home a sleepy (napless) Lily asked me so sweetly to sing her "Twinkle Twinkle" because "That's my favorite" It melted my heart and I belted out the words to the audience of one in my back seat. Not carrying a single tune with the elementary words that came so easily. When I finished I got the "GOOD JOB MOMMY!!" and an enthusiastic clap. The same good job I get for going pee in a public restroom when Lily is with me. Except this time it wasn't followed by a giggle from the lady in the next stall. My day could have ended there on that single memory and it would have been a perfect ending.

Last week I cried no less than four times at Disney World. To see magic through a child eyes is the greatest gift to a parent. We walked around the park all week with excited "Look Mommy! Look at that!" and squeals of happiness at character sitings. My heart literally could have burst. Michael laughed at my misty eyes but I knew he felt the same.

But all week I couldn't help but notice special people all over the park. Children with no hair and children with obvious handicaps. But you know what? They had that same look of awe that I saw on Lily's face. And although the children seemed a lot older than Lily the amazement and happiness had not faded. I met Michael's eyes during one of our Princess dinners as I watched a cancer stricken child embrace Snow White with all the excitement one child could contain. I felt so grateful. So lucky to have a healthy child. And I couldn't help but look at the mother who had the same misty eyes I tried to hide.

Lily is two and half today and the feeling that is in the front of my mind is gratefulness. Grateful I have a loving family, a healthy little girl, and the happiness that comes with being a parent. She is so bright and so stubborn all at the same time. She is so much like me I feel for my husband's sanity. She is so beautiful and so sweet. And best of all? She feels the same way about me and my amazing ability to sing Twinkle Twinkle. And pee in a public restroom. Without sitting down. She is a little lady now with complete sentences and manners. She has opinions (not always good ones) and preferences. But she still has those chubby baby thighs and that baby belly that sticks over every pair of pants I buy her.  She is mine and I am hers. Oh and Michael's....



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How you transform two angels into fairies...

Step 1. Get to Tinkerbell/Fairy line at park opening only to realize that section of the park opens an hour later.

Step 2. Arrive at line for second time only 15 minutes early and be second family in line to see elusive fairies.

Step 3. Somehow end up waiting behind a ton of people although you were originally the second family in line. One week later I still do not have this part figured out.

Step 4. Wait 1.5 hours with two toddlers in costumes and try to maintain the cute hairstyle you gave them this morning. Try not to take yourself straight off of here.

Step 5. Get to front of line. Become fairy size via magic disney tunnel only to reach front of line and realize tinkerbell just went on a fairy break.

Step 6. Rage. Silent Rage.

Step 7. Have the prettiest girls in the whole wide world and let them flirt with the disney cast member (aka grandma type) until she gives you a pass to bypass the continuous 1.5 hour line to see tinkerbell in one hour.

Step 8. Get your make up on.

 Step 9. Get back in line. Much. Shorter. Line

Step 10. Pure BLISS!

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12 Days of Christmas Day 11

Day 11: New Years Resolutions

1. Embrace my family mission statement. I really wish we could live by this always. We have this posted on our fridge and I get glimpses of it and think oops didn't do that well today. Sometimes we all need a little reminder.

Eads Family Mission Statement

The Eads' Family will create a positive and loving enviroment where all feelings and opinions can be expressed and heard by:

Always placing family first
Speaking and acting with kindness and respect
Being patient
Focusing on the positive in situations and always being thankful
Accepting things we cannot chnage
Incorporating religion into our everyday life
Giving to the less forunate
Living a healthy lifestyle
Embracing differences as stregnths
Providing a stable future for each family member

As a family we will encourage:
Laughter
Positive changes
Learning, music, and reading
Acceptance and tolerance of all people
Family time and individual quality time
A love of all animals


2. Continue Zumba and running. I cut my Zumba down to once a week over the holidays because we are stretched with commitments and holiday drama. But hopefully I will pick back up another class or continue to supplement with running. Although the cold weather is very discouraging. Am I the only one that feels this way?

3. Budget, Budget, Budget.

We started our 2010 so good by creating and sticking with a firm budget. By July we totally got off course. Hopefully next year will be better. We saved this year (a little) and that is a good step for us. Every year we get older and wiser at least. Maybe that should be my New Years Resolution:

To get older.

Done and done.



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12 Days of Christmas Day 10

Day 10: Favorite Christmas Carol

1. Santa Claus is coming to Town: Currently in the process of teaching Lily all the words. She LOVES it.
2. Carol of the Bells: Great to decorate to.
3. Jingle Bell Rock: Makes me want to dance everytime

I was a little surprised this year that Christmas music was no on the radio at all until after Thanksgiving. Don't get me wrong I see the point but I was really in the mood for some the week of Thanksgiving and it was no where to be found. Not even on the satelite radio through Direct TV. You will be glad to know Disney played it all through the parks the whole vacation though! And I got a healthy dose on the way back to work this morning.

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12 Days of Christmas Day 9

I am a little behind. Give me a break I was on vacation! In the happiest place on earth...

Day 9: Favorite Holiday Recipes

Okay this isn't just my favorite holiday recipe, it is my go to recipe for any gathering.

Sausage Dip
2 packages cream cheese
1 package Jimmy Dean Spicy Sausage
1 can Rotel tomatoes

Heat over low until melted and gooey. Place in crockpot to keep warm and serve with tortilla chips. Sure to be a hit.

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12 Days of Christmas Day 8

Day 8: Least Favorite Thing about the Holidays


When they come to an end. I always seem to have a bad case of the blues after the holidays. Whether it is fueled by the insane spending I do or the let down after the build up of presents, or maybe the disappointment of not getting something I really wanted. I never could put a finger on it. But I remember having this as a kid too. I think it takes me a good month to get back to normal! Just in time for my birthday. Or maybe it is my birthday that gets me out of the funk!

I have noticed it has gotten better since Lily came around. But not completely better. She seems to make the holidays even that much happier. The high lasts a little longer with her.

Does anyone else get this? I read it is pretty common. I thought I had it narrowed down to the early dark nights. The christmas lights seem to make dealing with the short days a little more bearable. But then after Christmas I am still stuck with the horribly long nights but no cheery lights.

I think I am on to something!

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12 Days of Christmas Day 7

Day 7: DIY holiday crafts


The best holiday craft I can do is placing Christmas balls in a vase. No really that looks great. Get a big clear vase. I prefer tall and skinny. Then place a variety of christmas balls and place inside vase. If you want to add some extra flare place some branches in the vase. You can find them in festive gold and reds at your local craft store.

Sorry I would place an awesome picture in post...but I am in Orlando.

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Truly the happiest place on earth....

Happiness is hearing your little girl squeal in pure delight at the very sight of Cinderella. It brought a tear to my eye. A real tear. I literally saw her jump our of her chair and starting bouncing up and down. She was so adorable.

And she was even a sport for the evil stepsister. Who was by far my favorite. Silly and sweet at the same time.

It has been a good day in sunny Orlando today. Thanks to all those that work so hard to make so many children so happy!

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12 Days of Christmas: Day 6

Day 6:  My Wish List

Okay let's be honest. When you have kids the "it's all about me" at Christmas time stops. I thought this would make me sad because who doesn't like recieving gifts?  I was a little sad the first year because Lily wasn't really into Christmas but after last year I am ruined. I could not recieve anything and be happy as a clam seeing Lily's face as she runs towards Santa's treasures.

My poor husband is not the shopper in the family. I do all the gift buying, all the labor and torture about the perfect gift for everyone. He claims it was in the marriage license. Fine print. The only person he has to buy for is me and he dreads that. We have resorted to lists. Yes lists. Very specific lists. So this year I will submit my list like the years that have already passed.

You'll notice a trend here

1. Photoshop. I have been drooling over this long enough. It is time.  I can take off dress sizes at the click of a button.

2. A fabulous camera strap. I LOVE THESE! I need some flair. Where do you go for that? Shey B.

3. I would love to update my iLife..Only 49 dollars baby! This is mainly for my video editing.  It is time for DA EADS Family video 2010.

4.  I don't know if you know about Momtog.com But I LOVE THIS SITE. She sells a pricey yet very useful UNmanual and UNposing guide. And I am all about supporting small businesses owned by wonderful women.  I really really want these but I haven't been able to justify the money yet. I would want the UNposing guide first. If I had to choose and this wasn't a perfect world where I would get both.

 Yeah I need a cheaper hobby. It sucks to be my husband this time of year.

You can always go with the ol' standby of diamonds baby.

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12 Days of Christmas: Day 5

Day 5: Favorite Christmas Special/Movie

NATIONAL LAMPOONS CHRISTMAS VACATION!!!!

Let's relive the best quotes of this movie:

Eddie: Once he starts it is best to let him finish. :dog humping leg:


Clark: Where do you think you're going? Nobody's leaving. Nobody's walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. No, no. We're all in this together. This is a full-blown, four-alarm holiday emergency here. We're gonna press on, and we're gonna have the hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny fucking Kaye. And when Santa squeezes his fat white ass down that chimney tonight, he's gonna find the jolliest bunch of assholes this side of the nuthouse.


Clark: Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?


Clark (to office workers as they pass by): Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, kiss my ass. Kiss his ass. Kiss your ass. Happy Hanukkah.

Ellen: I don't know what to say, except it's Christmas and we're all in misery.


Ellen: Oh Aunt Bethany, you shouldn't have done that.

Aunt Bethany: Oh dear, did I break wind?
Uncle Lewis: Jesus, did the room clear out, Bethany? Hell no, she means presents. You shouldn't have brought presents.

Ellen: Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. And forgive my husband. He knows not what he does.

THE BEST MOVIE EVER!

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12 Days of Christmas: Day 4

Day 4: Budgeting for Christmas

Ha! I am sorry I couldn't even type that with a straight face. Okay let me try again...

Budgehahahaahahat.

Yeah that didn't work. I try people I really do. My first line of defense. Excel. I make a list. I check it twice. And again. I will say I am usually pretty good about keeping it in line with family. But I struggle to rein in with Lily and Michael. I keep seeing such cute stuff and I buy and buy. But there is hope people.

1. Excel. Make a list of everyone you buy for. At the top put your budget in bold red letters. Now go down the list and place a limit for each person. Don't forget Christmas cards should be part of the budget!
2. Amazon wish lists are your friend. Now you can even add items from other websites. I send one out to family for Lily every year. That way no one double buys. I even made one for myself this year. Hint Hint Michael!

But if you are like me you have that after Christmas spending remorse. I always seem to feel better once that tax return comes in though. Makes it all jusifiable. Right? :crickets chirping in the background:


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I am grateful

I think Thanksgiving is starting to take over as my favorite holiday. Don't tell Christmas. He will get jealous. Not only is it a completely anti diet day, it is a day of family. A day to be grateful for all that we have. A day to look around the dinner table and baske in the love of those around you.

I am grateful that my daughter has been all about Mommy for weeks. Everyone told me the "favorites" go in stages. We are in mine now. It makes me happy!

I am grateful for the snuggles and hugs that go along with the being the flavor of the week.

I am grateful for my loving husband.  Who knows me better than anyone and still loves me.

I am grateful for family. Even if they are far away.

I am grateful for a home. Not just the structure but the home we have built for our family.

I am grateful for my job because so many are without one.

I am grateful for my friends who much like my husband still love me even though I have no filter. Especially after a bottle of wine.

I am grateful for all unnecessary things my husband provides for our family. Like the Disney vacation we are about to embark on. Because of him we do not hurt for much.

So thank you to all the people in my life. My family and friends. Because above all you are what I am most  thankful for. May I never forget that.

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My First Disney Trip

My first Disney Trip was when I was about five. We knew we wanted to take Lily because Disney is special to us. We honeymooned there and since this was our five year anniversary we decided to make a special trip with Lily this Christmas.

We leave for Orlando on Friday. Needless to say I am looking forward to the memories that are going to be made. This will be Michael and I's first time going during Christmas so I am sure it will be magical.

I just don't understand why Michael is so hesitant to recreate my first picture at Disney. The pure excitement on my face. The 80's hair from the Mousekeeter in the background.

And my Dad's smoking hot outfit.



I mean who wouldn't want to wear this......

Sorry Dad! I had to post this just for your birthday week! 

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12 Days of Christmas: Day 3

Day Three: Most meaningful gift

Hands down the Christmas after Lily was born I got the most special present. Michael had taken the day off of work because Lily's Daycare was closed. He searched everywhere for one of those Paint Your Pot places to make me a Christmas ornament. It says it was proving to be difficult as this was when the economy was at its worst and the places were going out of business left and right.

Lily slept through the whole ordeal. It took Michael a dozen times to get her to actually open her hand and place a smooth print on the ornament. When a baby is that young they tend to ball their fists up. He said the poor kid working there had to keeping coming over to clean it off so Michael could get it just right. And boy did he get it perfect.

I actually opened it on Christmas Eve and teared up immediatly. It is still my favorite ornament to place on the tree and is dead center for all to see.

This year I had her put her palm up the ornament just to see how much she had grown and I got a little misty eyed when her hand was bigger than the ornament. Oh how the years have flown by and big she has grown.


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12 Days of Christmas: Day Two

Day 2: Black Friday Shopping Tips

People are generally crazy when it comes to a great deal. I am not throwing stones by any means because I am one of those people that stand in line all night to get that great deal. So instead of tips I thought I would share some of the crazy things I have seen or done.

1. I literally saw two people get into an elbow throwing fit over an 89 dollar GPS as Walmart. There was blood people. Somebody got BIT!

2. I stood in line in the freezing cold, pregnant, all night to get my husband a Wii for Christmas. They ran out one person before me. You have not seen rage without a seeing a frozen pregnant woman not get what she wanted. PS I ended up getting it elsewhere.

3. I stood in line for hours to get into to Toys R Us at midnight last year. Grabbed a few things and threw them in the cart only to take one look at the line and peace out. Cart in the middle of the aisle. Then went to Walmart and bought a TV instead. Sorry no ZhuZhu for you Lily.....

4. It was mob one year and I saw a lady tear into a pallet of toys like something from the Discovery Channel.

5. At Walmart a person got speared at the knees by securtiy gard over cutting in line. No joke ya'll.

One tip for colder climates: Walmart lets you stand inside now!!!

I am sad to say that I will miss Black Friday shopping this year. My wallet was quite happy until it found out we would be in Orlando instead of at Walmart!


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