miscellany monday

Monday.  Bleh.  But at least God has allowed me another day here with my delicious family.  I couldn't ask for anything more.  And have at least one terribly exciting random to share today.  Well.... it's exciting for me at least but I hope you'll share in the excitement with me.  So off we go with another edition of miscellany monday...

{ONE}  One Mom's Perfect Imperfections as well as my family blog, The World of Noffs, are moving to Wordpress!  And I couldn't be more thrilled!  Blogger and I have been growing apart for quite a while now.  The hiccups and lack of creative freedom have put me in a blogging funk, so to speak, and I just believe it's time to say goodbye.  Two Moms Designs made me an offer I couldn't refuse to move my blogs  and Ashley has already gotten started with the transition.  As far as I know, followers/subscribers shouldn't have to do a thing.  Everything will be redirected and it will be business as usual - just on a different platform.  Ashley has been a joy to work with and I highly recommend Two Moms Designs if you are contemplating a move yourself.  EXCITING!!!!

{TWO}  My daughter has decided that when we go to a store, she no longer wants to sit peacefully in the cart.  She also does not want to walk.  She wants to be carried.  I have had no previous experience with this behavior.  Keegan, her older brother, preferred to walk if he decided he didn't want in the cart.  He wasn't much on being held.  And because Presley is vastly approaching the age of two, temper tantrums ensue if I do not oblige her.  So I can A)  pick her up letting her win and continue to carry a 27 pound child while trying to herd her older brother AND pull the cart while I "shop".  Or B)  let her scream, causing all those nosey people that think I'm beating my child to run straight for us with cell phone in hand ready to call social services.  Hmmm.... Decisions....

{THREE}  This heat is killing me.  I'm so ready for cooler weather.  With triple digit temps and humidity I feel like I'm melting.  God, send cooler weather - or at least a strong breeze.  Or maybe just drop a swimming pool in my backyard filled with ice.  

{FOUR}  A group of ladies in BlogFrog got a discussion going about the 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels - the brutal personal trainer from The Biggest Loser.  We've all decided to start the 30 day shred today (doing it only 3 days a week).  By the time some of you read this post, I will have weighed myself, taken a few measurements (then gotten sick a few times), eaten some rabbit food and possibly have been completely beaten up by Jillian.  Prayers welcome.

{FIVE}  To prepare for the previous random, I spent Sunday eating and sitting on my tail quilting while the kids played and watched movies.  

To read more random thoughts or to link up some of your own, head over to Carrisa's blog, lowercase letters now by clicking the logo above.  

Have a great week!

miscellany monday

I'm running out of clever ways to start this post.  So I think this morning we'll just get down to business with posting some random thoughts.

{ONE}  We woke up to a wet, dreary day.  And quite frankly, I'm okay with that.  We've needed the rain and I also like rain on a Monday.  It matches my mood.  I hate for the weekend to come to an end.

{TWO}  I am getting the official boater's tan.  The front is getting nice and tan (in today's case, a little red) and the back is pale.  Gonna have to find time to flip over and expose the backside to some sun.

{THREE}  I have lots of sewing projects I want to do but can't find the time to sit down at the sewing machine.  Seems like there's always something else that has to be done first.  Like laundry {cringe}.

{FOUR}  We took the kids to see "Despicable Me" this weekend and it was pretty funny.  Steve Carrel cracks me up no matter what he does.

{FIVE}  I am almost out of laundry detergent and a few other things I like to purchase from Costco.  Need to make a trip but because of my love/hate relationship with that store I keep putting it off.  I love Costco for obvious reasons and hate it because I can never get out of there for under $200.  {sigh}

To read more random Monday thoughts or to link up some of your own, head over to Carissa's blog, lowercase letters now by clicking the logo above.  Hope you all have a great week!

miscellany monday

Monday.  We meet again.  All too soon.  Grab some coffee and get settled in for some very random thoughts.  My mind is not quite right yet this morning so there is really no telling where this will go.  Just bear with me.  

{ONE}  It's raining and I love it.  It has been so hot and dry here in the Memphis area and I have been watering my plants 2 or 3 times a day, desperately willing them to survive.  This rain was much needed and much welcomed.  

{TWO}  We spent our weekend in our boat on the lake.  I say lake, but we've actually been going to the TN River.  It was a glorious weekend and we all love being on the water.  The kids sleep like the dead at the end of a long day on the boat.  

{THREE}  My baby boy starts preschool in one short month and I'm freaking out a little.  Every time I think about it I get a little teary.  He's going to love it and it's going to be so good for him.  I will cry getting him ready that morning.  I'll cry taking his first day of school pictures.  I'll cry all the way to the school and cry as I drive away.  How did we get here?  Do we really have a child starting school already?  

{FOUR}  Here it is.  You knew it was coming.  Monday = laundry day.  I have yet to get my tush in gear and start my laundry.  But it's there.  Waiting for me.  Like a lion waiting for a zebra.  

{FIVE}  I have tons of posts to write - crafty, product review, recipe... I'm just A LOT behind and not really sure how that happened.  I have, however, begun getting caught up on my family blog.  I posted my kids' pictures from the photo shoot I did to document Presley's 18 month milestone.  Keeping up with two blogs, two kids, a house, a husband and a dog is a little tiring.  But I am blessed.  At least I have all these "things" to keep up with. 

{SIX}  I recently hit 200 followers and I am humbled.  Thanks to all of you for tuning in every day to see what this small town girl from Kentucky has to say.  Blessings to you all!

miscellany monday

I am a little behind this morning. It's like another holiday for us because the husband is home today and I'm not in the normal Monday morning routine. But better late than never, right? So off we go with some Monday randomness...

{ONE}  4th of July was a GREAT day for our family.  Though we got started a little later than planned, we packed up, hooked up the boat and headed to the TN River for a day on the water.  We all enjoyed ourselves so much we didn't want to come back home.  We had a great dinner and then settled in a huge field with other families to watch fireworks on the river.  Good times.  But we got home super late and I'm a bit on the tired side this morning.  

{TWO}  The husband surprised me this weekend with a new camera lens - EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III and I was SO excited!  I haven't gotten to play around with it too much and am itching to do so.  Maybe today... I have the best husband ever!

{THREE}  I had been having the hardest time installing actions in PSE8.  I had tried tutorial after tutorial and just couldn't get them installed.  I have been so disappointed about this.  But I finally figured it out and they work!  I.  AM.  ELATED.  Beautiful, luscious, delicious actions....

{FOUR}  I am very curious to see what today holds.  Maybe a movie day at home.  Maybe take the kids to see a movie at the theater.  Notice I have not complained about laundry one bit.  Since the hubs is home today, laundry may have to wait until tomorrow.  

{FIVE}  I signed up for a photography class hosted by Faith at Simplicity.  I am excited and nervous all at the same time.  People will be looking at my shots and critiquing them.  The class starts today and I already have my first assignment waiting for my in my inbox.   EEK!

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend.  If you'd like to read more monday randoms or link up some of your very own, head over to Carissa's blog, lowercase letters by clicking the logo above.  

Have a FABULOUS day!

miscellany monday

Hello Monday. We meet again.  All too soon.  But ain't nothing gonna break my stride.  Nobody's gonna slow me down.  Oh no, I've got to keep on moving.

Did I just break out in song?  On a Monday?  Must be my delish coffee starting to kick in.  Off we go with another edition of miscellany monday...

{ONE}  Monday = laundry day.  Most of you know how I feel about laundry by now.  I'll just let this issue rest.  For now.  

{TWO}  My husband is on this crazy diet that his doctor recommended and he lost over 10 pounds last week.  I'm insanely jealous but not sure I have the will power to start it.  And because I know I'll be asked "WHAT DIET?" - google "HCG Diet".  And be warned, you can't do the food part without the hormone or you'll die of malnutrition.  And you can't get the hormone without a prescription.  However, I have lost 1.5 pounds thanks to cooking all these healthy meals and not eating out.  Go figure.  Healthy eating posts to come.  Stay tuned....

{THREE}  I've started dabbling in the potty training with Presley.  She (at 18 months old) started ripping off wet diapers and putting them in the trash.  She will also let me know when she's dirty.  I ran out and got pull-ups, panties and flushable wipes.  I only wanted to start with the pull-ups because she is so young.  But as I learned with Keegan, you can't really dabble in potty training.  It's an all or nothing kind of deal.  I think the pull-ups just confuse them.  I'm just not sure I'm ready to clean pee off of everything I own.  Again.  But just this morning, she grabbed the pull-up, looked straight at me and said, "pee pee".  She ran straight to the potty and sat for a bit but nothing.  Still, major progress for an 18 month old.  So I guess since she's obviously ready I have to get myself ready.  The panties will be going into the laundry today and I guess we'll meet potty training head on this week. Consider this a warning:  blog posts may become progressively agitated and hostile.  

{FOUR}  I took my kiddos out yesterday morning for a little photo shoot to commemorate Presley's 18 month milestone.  I think I got some good ones but it was just so stinkin' hot.  We were all sweaty, red faced and melting.  I'm anxious to edit some of the shots, though.

{FIVE}  The family went to see Toy Story 3 yesterday and it was so cute.  Everyone told me I'd cry.  I was so proud that I had not shed one single tear & the movie was almost over (big success for me - I'm a big ole softy).  But the last two scenes brought me to sobs.  I could cry now just thinking about it.  If you haven't seen this yet, take tissues.  

Alright mountain of laundry, HERE I COME.

To read more random thoughts or link up some of your own, head over to Carissa's blog, lowercase letters by clicking the logo above.  

Have a SUPERB week!

miscellany monday

Monday.  Seems to always come too soon.  But I have some great randoms to share with all of you to kick off the week.  So let's get on down to business!

{ONE}  The whole family packed up (okay, I did all of the packing) and headed to Kentucky for the weekend.  My husband's 20th reunion was Saturday and he was thrilled to get back & see a few of his best friends that were also going to be in town.

{TWO}  I loved seeing my parents and my precious 96 year old great-grandmother.  My kids were also very happy to see them.  I enjoyed Friday night with them while Mike enjoyed a night out with his best buddies.  

{THREE}  Saturday before the reunion, we hung out by our friends' pool most of the day and it was heaven!  The kids stayed behind at my parents' house and that part was bittersweet for me.  Mike and I enjoyed our time together and with our friends, but it was my first night away from my baby girl.  Of course, she did just fine.  

{FOUR}  Saturday night, Mike and I had a great time and I literally laughed til I cried and my insides hurt.  I have been sore for two days from laughing.  It was the best feeling in the world.  Mike and I truly forgot how badly we missed our friends back home.  We had the BEST TIME and have some of the BEST FRIENDS in the world!  I was also reminded that I'm not 18 anymore and staying up until 3AM is not the best idea I've had in a while - especially since we had to pick up our kids early the next morning to bring them back to swim as promised.  

{FIVE}  Sunday, we all picked up our kids and spent the day by the pool swimming and just enjoying all our families.  We got home late last night because none of us wanted it to end.  But back to reality.  Laundry, here I come.  

To read more randoms or link up some of your own, head over to Carissa's blog, lowercase letters by clicking the logo above.  

miscellany monday

It's Monday. Blah.  I'm already behind.  I should already have laundry going and coffee brewing but I can't seem to kick it in gear.  However, I am going to crank out this post to link up with the lovely Carissa at lowercase letters.  Off we go with some randomness...

{ONE}  My baby girl turned 18 months old over the weekend.  I can't figure out where the time is going.  June already?  I need to take her somewhere and do a little photo shoot to mark the milestone.

{TWO}  My husband and I bought a boat Saturday.  It's practically brand new - really nice and we're terribly excited to be able to be on the water this summer.  

{THREE}  I have discovered that my daughter will eat anything with mustard.  If she seems to not like something, put a little mustard on her plate and she'll eat every last crumb.  

{FOUR}  I was finally able to sit down at the sewing machine last night for a bit and crank out a little craftiness.  I'm really excited to show it to y'all.  I think it turned out good for being a novice sewer.  

{FIVE}  We are heading to the big town of Hopkinsville, KY this weekend for my husband's 20th high school reunion.  My parents will be keeping the kiddos and this will be my first overnight stay away from my baby girl.  This means my 20 year reunion is right around the corner.  20 years!  REALLY?!?! How did I get here?

To read more randoms or link up some of your own, head over to lowercase letters by clicking the logo above.  

Now, I can't NOT have coffee any longer.  Off to hook up my IV drip.

miscellany monday

It's Monday. But the good news is God has allowed me to enjoy another beautiful day with my kiddos, my husband, and blogging some randoms for all of you.  But before we get going on that, Carissa (the FAB woman behind miscellany monday) just welcomed her second miracle into the world, SAGE CHRISTIANA!  And she's just as gorgeous as her mommy.  You can see for yourself by clicking here.  How Carissa found time to blog after having a cesarean, I will never know.  Guess she's a tougher woman than me - or at least a better planner.  Carissa, so glad you and Miss Sage are doing well and thank you for allowing us a glimpse at your beautiful daughter.  Many blessings to you both!

Now, for my Monday rants randoms...

{ONE}  Our yard sale went very well!  We have very little left to cart off to Goodwill and made over $300!  But it was SO tiring and I'm glad it's over.

{TWO}  I have done a lot of quilting this weekend.  I'm very anxious to finish this one and start a new one.  I've been itching to sew something different as well.  I just can't seem to find the time to sit down at my sewing machine through the week.

{THREE}  We went to dinner Saturday night and Presley vomited all over Mike and the restaurant.  Luckily, we were sitting on the patio.  We had to get our dinner to go.  I left half my martini sitting on the table and half my salad.  We get home and she's fine - eating her brother's chicken and fries.  Never vomits again.

{FOUR}  Sunday morning Presley starts running a fever.  Around noon, Mike starts running a fever.  Shortly after noon, I start running a fever.  Keegan is the only one not running a fever.  ACK!

{FIVE}  Keegan starts swimming lessons today and I am praying no one vomits, no one is running a fever and everyone is happy when it's time to go.  Oh please, oh please, OH PLEASE!  

Now, given that Carissa just had a baby I'm not sure if she has MckLinky up and going today.  Knowing her, she does.  You can head over to her blog and link up your own randoms by clicking the logo above.  

Hope everyone has a great week!  

miscellany monday

It's Monday again and depending on how well you like reading random stuff, it could be a good or bad thing. I have lots of random things floating in my head this morning.  So off I go....

ONE  My husband has been bitten by the bug.  The boating bug.  Growing up very close to water in KY we both practically grew up on a boat, a lake and we haven't had a boat since we moved to Nashville almost 7 years ago.  We're both itching pretty bad.  We're about to load up and go look at a couple of boats.  It will be interesting to see if we come home with one.  It's quite possible. 

TWO  My closet as well as a couple of other closets in the house desperately need to be cleaned out and I keep putting it off.  I can't say I enjoy cleaning out closets, though I'm always glad when it's done and closets are organized.  This brings me to my next random thought....

THREE  We need to have a yard sale - soon.  But I don't want to go through the process of dragging stuff out and actually go through with it.  Can we say laziness has set in?

FOUR  Seems there are a lot of people lately that seem to think their opinion is the only opinion that matters.  Everyone has an opinion about something.  Everyone.  The difference is not everyone feels the need to share it with people they don't really know.  I'm finding the older I get, the less time I have for rude, opinionated people.  Nor do I have any tolerance for drama.  Let's get back to basics:  If you can't say anything nice, KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT.

FIVE  Please remember what Memorial Day is really about.  Remember that too many men and women have died serving our country so that we may enjoy the freedoms we do today.  Please keep them all in our thoughts and prayers and be thankful.

Thanks for letting me rant a bit and purge some random thoughts.  I will apologize in advance.  We'll be out (looking for boats) and I will be away from the computer most of the day.  I will try to get by everyone's blogs tonight or tomorrow.  I hope everyone is having a great holiday!

If you'd like to link up your own random thoughts, head over to Carissa's blog, lowercase letters by clicking the logo above.  

miscellany monday

I had planned on working on some posts over the weekend but that didn't happen. So thank goodness for Carissa at lowercase letters and her miscellany monday.  Otherwise, I'd be struggling for a post this Monday morning.  And I'm already struggling to keep my eyes open.  No more struggles.  Please.  By the way, loving the new button, Carrisa!  ;)

The idea is to post 5 completely random things in no particular order and then head over and link up at lowercase letters.  Off we go...

     1.  I didn't get any posts prepared this weekend because after Keegan's soccer game on Saturday      morning, we got all frisky and spontaneous and packed up the family and headed to Hot Springs, AR for an overnight trip.  We took the kids to Magic Springs a theme/water park all day yesterday and it was exhausting but SO fun!  THEY.  LOVED.  IT.  I love that we can still fly by the seat of our pants upon occasion.

     2.  I know that too much sun is not good for your skin but I secretly love it when I have tan hands and feet.  Jewelry and sandals of any kind always look better on tan hands and feet.  And fat.  I need to hop back on the workout train.

     3.  I gained new Twitter followers over the weekend which is always exciting.  New followers of any kind excite me.  I usually check out their profile, their site if it's listed and decide whether or not to follow back.  When trying to check out one profile, I got a message from Twitter telling me this account had been suspended.  You have to wonder what this person did to get his/her account suspended by Twitter and if I should be concerned that he/she is now following me.

     4.  Monday = laundry day.  I still hate laundry.  That hasn't changed and probably never will.  I will probably be 80 years old and still complaining about laundry on miscellany monday.

     5.  I really want to find time to be crafty this week.  I am itching to create something, though I'm not sure what.  Don't worry, though.  If it happens, there'll be a post.

To add your own randoms, head over to Carissa's blog by clicking the logo at the top and link up!  Have a great day, y'all!

miscellany monday

I guess I'm an overachiever today. I had already prepared a post for today but really wanted to link up with Carissa again over at lower case letters this week for miscellany monday. I truly enjoyed reading all the randoms last week and seeing some new blogs.  So two posts from me today.  I know, right?!  I do well to crank out one.  On to the randomness...

1. I think I'm finally getting over the funk I caught last week.  But I still have an awful cough.  I'll be glad when it goes away and my body gets back to playing nice.
2. I failed to get the hubby's work shirts to the dry cleaners last week and now I have to wash and iron at least a couple of shirts today as well as load the kids up just to drop off dry cleaning.  I hate laundry.  I hate ironing even more.  
3. I haven't had my morning coffee yet and I can't think straight.  Not having coffee first thing in the morning is a sin, in my opinion.  I shall repent later.
4. I have to get my butt in gear and get this house back in order this week - do some serious cleaning.  Being gone on vacation and then being sick, my house looks like a construction zone or disaster zone.  Take your pick.  But make sure you wear your hardhat.  
5. I miss my mom terribly.  I hope to talk her into a trip to Memphis soon or plan a trip home to Kentucky myself.  Gotta get my fix somehow.  And since I'm such an over achiever...
6. Around the Town Tuesday is tomorrow!  For more information, click the link in the menubar.  I hope to see lots of linking up!

To read more randomness or to link up some of your own, head over to Carissa's blog by clicking the logo above.  Happy Monday, y'all!

miscellany monday

We're back! Home at last. And I admit, planned posts while we were on vacation but did not plan one for today - our first full day back. And I should have because my brain is empty and I'm exhausted and behind on everything. So when I stopped by Carissa's blog this morning and saw her 'miscellany monday' I thought PERFECT.  The idea is to be as random as possible.  I don't think I'm going to have any trouble jumping in.  

1.  I had an absolute blast on our family vacation and can't wait to tell you all about it - once my thoughts are a bit more organized and pictures are uploaded.

2.  I am dreading the mound of laundry that awaits me and the rest of the unpacking.  I HATE laundry and I HATE unpacking.

3.  Both kids have been battling sinus infections all week (fun while on vacation) and now I've joined the ranks.  We're all coughing our heads off and going through tissues like someone is paying us to.  

4.  It was pure ecstasy to sleep in my own bed last night after being away from it for ten days.

5.  My iPad has been sitting at a FedEx location since the day after we left and I am DYING to get my hands on that thing.  Can't wait for the hubs to bring it home.  

6.  We have absolutely zero food in this house and I have to get to the store ASAP.  However, I feel terrible and it's raining.  Not a great combination when attacking a grocery trip with 2 small children.

You can visit Carissa's blog or link up miscellany monday post by clicking her logo above.  Hope everyone has a great Monday and I can't wait to tell you all about our family vacation!