Favorite Finds Friday...

So it's no big secret that this spring/summer is all about ruffles...

Here are some of my favorite finds this week...

Everything is from Old Navy!!!

Who just so happens to have their entire store 30% off...

Run don't walk...

Is Any Marriage "Affair Proof"...

Oprah and Dr. Phil...

Have explored this topic...
Sandra and Jesse...
Tiger and Elin are in the midst of it...
Many others ponder the question...
My personal opinion is...

NO marriage is or will be completely affair proof...

My husband disagrees...
Stating our marriage will never be at risk for infidelity...
It is difficult to explain that I would never dream of cheating on him...
Nor do I believe he would cheat on me...
{He is the only one for me...
Me for him...
We have proven that over and over for the last 18 years...}
But I will not be susceptible to over-security...
He is human...
I am human...
And marriage is never something that should be taken for granted...
An assumption...
I have seen great people allow the devil to slither his way into their marriage through a hole of insecurity...
I have watched perfect couples dissolve...
We must tend to our marriages...
Treat them as we would anything else we cherish...
Guard ourselves...
Sounds easy enough...
But it isn't...
I have noticed over the last two weeks...
My husband and I are like ships passing in the night...
We get off work...
Fix dinner, feed the boys, bathe the boys and put the boys to bed...
We watch a movie or TV show...
I fall asleep on the couch...
He falls asleep on the couch...
The end...
I am not cherishing him...
I am on the computer...
My nose in a book...
And though I know he isn't leaving...
I know I have been taking him for granted...
A man for which I fought...
Spent years heart broken over...
The absolute love of my life...
Have you been there...
If you are honest, you will answer yes...
Here are five little ways I have found to keep that spark in my marriage {for the most part}...
1. Personal upkeep...
If I feel better about me...
I am a better wife...
Whether it be exercising, showering, or shaving my legs...
I take the time to look nice for my husband...
2. Carve time out to talk...
My husband will roll his eyes at this one...
But truthfully we talk all the time...
We share even the smallest occurrence...
The most important part being...
I LISTEN TO HIM...
3. Remember the beginning...
As I have mentioned a time or two...
My husband and I were high school sweethearts...
And when times get hectic...
Money is tight...
I feel like he has an attitude...
I remember the days when I would spend my entire Latin class writing him love notes...
Saving bubblegum I had in my mouth when we kissed {honest to goodness}...
Doodling my first name and his last...
Daydreaming about the details of how we would become husband and wife... 
4. Don't Look Over the Fence...
Or at least I try...
My husband is incredible...
He is as much a parent as I...
He is the only man I have ever known who isn't afraid to clean the entire house...
Or make a gourmet dinner...
I have it good...
But I am certain there are others who believe they have it better...
My husband is in nursing school and will continue into a CRNA program...
So at times we can't have everything we want monetarily...
There are friends with bigger houses, newer vehicles and no debt...
But here is the secret...
They have other issues...
Issues I don't have and I don't want...
So I stay in my own backyard...
Knowing the grass is green enough for me...
5. Try to Meet His Needs...
Affection...
Attention...
Appreciation...
Friendship...
And what I have found...
Is that when I meet his needs...
He does a wonderful job meeting mine...

Do I think we are "affair proof"...

Nope...

But I will do everything I can reduce the risk...

Does Pregnancy Ruin Your Body...

‘Biggest Loser’ trainer Jillian Michaels has a very fit body and she plans to keep it that way. Jillian, 36, shared with Women’s Health she is unwilling to become pregnant because of the way it would change her body.

“I’m going to adopt. I can’t handle doing that to my body,” she told the magazine. “Also, when you rescue something, it’s like rescuing a part of yourself.”

She later adds how she was overweight as a child...

And her own insecurity is the driving force behind this decision...

I thought about these very controversial statements today...

Finding some truth...

The inner part of me that misses my completely flat stomach...

The size xs clothes and I just sold at my garage sale...

But in truth...

I wouldn't change it...

I wouldn't adopt...

I am not saying adoption is inferior...

It isn't...

But NOT having your own biological child because of your own body issues...

Seems a little selfish...

Until I think about what she will miss...

She will never know the butterflies of first movement...

Or experience the sudden jolt of her baby's first hiccups...

She will never feel empowered by creating and bringing life into this world...

No child will ever look at her with the man she loves almond shaped eyes...

Nor will she put socks on little feet the exact replica of her own...

She will not bring a baby to her breast and feel the comfort that comes knowing you are providing...

She will probably always look gorgeous in a two piece swimsuit...

But I will wear my one piece...

Knowing there is a little part of me running around in this world...

Random Mommy-ness...

Trip to the local movie rental store for a Bob The Builder Movie and Ice Age...

Searching up and down streets for the Ice Cream truck...

Purchasing Spiderman on a stick Ice Cream...

Licking the ice cream to keep your son from getting sticky...

 Eventually dumping the said ice cream into your lap...
Parking in the airport parking lot so your son can see a plane close-up...
Spending the afternoon at Chuck E Cheese...
To accumulate tickets...
And come home with pretend spiders...
Snakes...
Bugs...
Brushing my hair and finding yet more ice cream...
Listening to your little boy say "I wub you" over and over...
Losing the baby in a crowd of people...
Crying when you find him sitting on a skee-ball machine...
Knowing you're a terrible mom...
Knowing you're a great mom...

Close-Ups...

They couldn't look more different...

They couldn't be more mine...

"Happy" Passed On...

Nikki at Kreative Knack {one of my favorite blogs}...

Was kind enough to give me this award...

So here are 10 things that make me happy...

~One~

My husband...

I am giddy when we get to spend time together...

Regardless of what we are doing...

It has been 18 1/2 years since I fell in love with this man...

And when I look at him...

I still get chills...

~Two~

My boys...

Aidan Kale...

And...

Kamden Kane...

These little guys have made me happier than I ever imagined...

They have changed my life...

Given me an amazing purpose...

And never cease to make me smile...

~Three~

Our Big Family...

Between my husband and I...

We have parents...

Grandparents...

A brother...

A sister...

A niece...

Nephews...

Aunts...

And...

Cousins...

 We love spending time with these wonderful people...

Our family is kind...

Helpful...

Funny...

And real...

We might not love living in our hometown...

BUT we wouldn't want it any other way for our children...

~Four~

A good book...

Before I had my boys...

I could read a book a day...

Now I am lucky to complete an audio book in the two weeks I have it checked out from the Library...

But I always anticipate my commute if I am in the middle of a good one...

~Five~

Holidays...

I LOVE the Holidays...

Any Holiday really...

Good food...

Good people...

Time off from work...

Memories made...

~Six~

Accessories...

I sell jewelry part time...

So I am a huge believer that accessories can make or break your outfit...

I also love scarves, hats, handbags and shoes...

~Seven~

Outlet malls and clearance...

Seriously why pay full price for anything...

~Eight~

Trips and Vacations...

An overnight getaway with my husband...

Bed and breakfasts...

Broadway shows...

Sleeping in...

Uninterrupted affection...

And...

Family vacations...

I love seeing the kids expressions when they experience something new...

~Nine~

Playgroup...

The boys and I play with a group of kiddos and moms...

Once a month...

These women are awesome...

And the kids are adorable...

~Ten~

Pampering...

Okay I will admit...

I love massages, pedicures, facials, manicures, waxing and spray tanning...

I own the fact that I am high maintenance...

Well after jotting down parts of my wonderful life...

I would like to pass this award on to five bloggers I happen to admire...

This Blessed Nest...

You have to check out this blog...

Fun parties...

Cute kids...

And more...

Siggy Spice...

Yummy recipes I have yet to try...

But will...

Cowboy Boots and Baby Booties...

This mom of 4 has such a fun blog...

One of my favorite posts was a letter to her younger self that at some point I will copy...

Far From Super Mom...

Even though the title totally fibs...

Because she is super mom...

This is a great read with some fun ideas...

A Few of My Favorite Things...

This is an enchanting blog...

With pictures of a beautiful woman...

Who should not have looked that good after giving birth...

But who also writes about fun things AND takes great photographs...

Thanks again Nikki...

50 Followers Giveaway WINNER...

Siggy Spice...

Congratulations!!!!

In order to claim your prize I need some UNBELIEVABLE CHOCOLATE CHIP cookies...

And your information...

The Second...

I baby you because...

I only stayed home with you for seven weeks...

I baby you because...

I had to stop breastfeeding earlier than I wanted due to recurring mastitis...

I baby you because...

Your brother sometimes...

Gets frustrated with you...

Pushes you...

Blocks the TV when Mickey Mouse is on...

Closes the toy room door to keep you out...

I baby you because...

You are the best little cuddler...

With the most pitiful little cry...

I baby you because...

You are only in the 50th percentile...

Whereas your brother topped the charts...

I baby you because...

I did not make a video of your first year of life...

Nor were favors for your first party custom made photo gifts...

I baby you because...

There aren't very many you and Mommy minutes...

Let alone days...

I baby you because...

You wear brother's hand me downs...

And sometimes they are too big...

I baby you because...

You aren't my first...

But you will probably be my last...

What No One Tells You...

As I prepared for motherhood...

I heard about baby carriers...

Car seats...

Birth...

Breastfeeding...

Stretch marks...

Pediatricians...

Maternity leave...

We registered...

Had several baby showers...

Purchased everything on THE list...

Packed a diaper bag {one like Angelina had with Zahara}...

Read the books...

Studied safety reviews...

And finally the day arrived...

But no one tells you...

How you can feel strong and weak at the same time...

How in moments of happiness...

Frustration...

Exhaustion...

You are completely vulnerable...

How a fever can bring you to your knees...

Forcing to surface a fear that always lingers...

That there will be days...

Where you did everything right...

But you still won't feel good enough...

When even your best...

Falls short...

That some nights you will hold that perfect child...

And worry and anxiety will overtake reality...

Until tears fall from your eyes...

Because you have never loved like THIS...

You have never felt THIS...

Overwhelmed, Amazed, Blessed...

Don't even come close...

And you realize...

The reason no one tells you...

Is because there are no words... 

Don't forget the 50 Followers giveaway...

Some of My Favorite Things...

My husband whistling at me as I leave for work...

The curve of Kam's back as he snuggles against my stomach...
The cleft in Aidan Kale's chin...

The familiar scent of spearmint gum...
A Michael Jackson song on the radio...
The sunroof open...
A good deal on eBay...
A coupon for free shipping...
Ordering the right size...
A friend who really cares...
And is honest...
An apology...
Clearance racks...
Cocktail rings...
Free samples...
Pulp free OJ...
Aidan's ever-growing vocabulary...
My Mom's potato salad...
My husband in sunglasses...
Paying bills...
Bold jewelry...
Monograms...
Birthstones...
My children's artwork...
A stranger holding the door...
The silent moments before the house stirs...
Every moment after...

Enter my giveaway here...

50 Followers Giveaway {Closed}...

As a thank you for following...

Leave a comment...

For your chance to win...
This...

Premier Designs...

Floral Affair bracelet...

Retail Value $32..

One entry for a comment...
Second entry for following...

Good luck!!!!!

Dishing It...

Amanda at Serenity Now...

Is hosting a blog party...

Called Dishing It...

It is a way to mingle with other bloggers...

And tell them a little about yourself...

~How long have you been blogging...

I have been blogging almost one year...

I started in June of 2009...

~Why did you start blogging...

A friend of mine had a blog...

And it was awesome...

She encouraged me to start my own...

~Tell me about your blog's title. Why did you choose it...

It isn't that creative, but it is catchy...

Mom of Two Boys...

Which is what I am...

Kind of speaks for itself...

~What do you blog about...

Whatever appeals to me on that day...

My boys...

My hot husband...

Fashion...

Family...

DIY projects...

Sometimes I vent about not so much joys of parenting...

~What is your favorite thing about blogging...

I love to write...

I have been writing about this and that since I was a teenager...

My blog also chronicles my life...

Allowing me to reflect on that which is important...

And let other people tell me they like what I have to say...

~If you had to choose one famous person to become your blog's next devoted reader, who would you pick...

I literally have no idea...

I am just happy my Mom is a loyal reader...

~What is the funniest comment you have received on a blog post...

Just wait until you start potty training and your child cheers for you for going potty in a public restroom. Connor did that to me at the City Museum. Thank heavens the only other person in the restroom at the time was my sister-in-law...Unfortunately for me, that was just the first time that I was congratulated by one of my children for successfully peeing in public.

If you want to dish...

Head on over and link up!

Dapa Day...

April 12th...

Came and went...

And not a mention on my blog...

Much like what it must have been like as my father...

Working the hours he needed to work...

Overnights, evenings...

Working the job he needed to work...

Manual labor...

Paying the bills he needed to pay...

The prom dress, the car, the Guess jeans...

Always in the audience, the stands, the shadows...

Pushing me to be the best I could...

Without many "Thank Yous"...

Yet...

There have been moments I needed him...

To protect me...

Even as an adult...
To stand between me and hurt...

The Middle Place...
I am now a Mommy...
But I will always be his Daughter...
And for that...
I am grateful...
Happy Birthday Dad {Dapa}...
We LOVE you...

Mommy Monday...

The reasons I became a Mommy...

Are vastly different from the reasons I love being one...

Before I pushed an 8.4 lb baby from my body...

With a head in the 97th percentile...

Without pain medication...

I thought babies were the next step...

I was THIRTY...

I was married to the absolute love of my life...

Master's Degree...

A well paying job with benefits...

And family that could be there at a moment's notice...

Our child would have a mix of Keegan's dark skin...

And my full lips...

Big brown almond shaped eyes...

With the arm of a future professional shortstop...

Our breathing, cooing symbol of love...

So when Aidan Kale arrived...

And the birthing process was anything BUT pretty...

Reality changed my expectations...

My plans...

My priorities...

I was no longer dreaming...

I was living...

With, for and because of...

Two little boys...

One with eyes of brown...

The other with eyes of blue...

Straight hair...

Curly hair...

Demanding...

And funny...

Not at all what I expected...

More than I deserved...

Why did {do} you want to be a Mommy...

Cheap Spring Monogram...

Dollar store frame...

Minus the glass...

Dollar store "S"...

Blue craft paint...

Scrapbook paper...

Like?...

I am linking to...

DIY Showoff Project Parade...

Favorite Finds Friday...

My friend K thinks I have internet shopping problems...

Though I know she will be reading my blog...

I still must show you my favorite finds for the week...

Forever 21...

I always say yes to inexpensive cardigans...

$13.80...

I love this dress...

Comfortable...

Fits well...

Can be dressed up with the right accessories...

And...

$14.80...

This is a great dress...

But order a size smaller...

The dress is lined and looks bulky if too big...

There were two other items I ordered...

But they have sold out!

Happy shopping...

A Sweet Surprise...

When I came home from work...

A surprise awaited me on my dining room table...

And though they were gorgeous...

The perfect mix of canary yellow...

And flamingo pink...

The very best part...

Was that my subtly romantic husband...

Parked his truck on the side of the road...

Searched...

Found...

Picked...

And...

Arranged...

The most beautiful flowers...

I have ever seen...

 

I am linking to Frugalicious Friday at Finding Fabulous...

50...{Give-a-Way}

I logged on my computer today...

And saw I have...

50...

Followers...

The big 5-0...

50 people...

Care what I say...

Like what I say...

And for that...

We need to have another give-a-way...

Stay tuned...

I Feel Famous...

I am guest blogging today...

Yes, my words are showing up on someone else's blog...

I am flattered that someone would like me enough to feature me...

I told my husband the paparazzi were getting a little annoying...

But other than that I am enjoying my moment in the spotlight...

Go over to Make Me a Blessing and check it out...

Easter Began at 6 AM...

And we ran to see what the bunny brought...

{Gotta check out Bubby's basket too...}

{Playing with a mouth full of candy...}

{I love baby bed head...}