Show & Tell Monday

1. Tell us, if you could only take 5 people with you to a deserted island, who would it be, and why?

    1. My husband, of course. I couldnt imagine living my life with out him. Not to mention he is a Jack of All Traits and Master of many. He could build a house out of sand if given the chance ;) He would also be a great hunter/fisher.

    2-5. My children. I couldnt imagine living my life without my little brats. My heart would break slowly                  everyday living without them and knowing they were living without me.

2. Show us which island you'd like to be deserted at.

3. Tell us, if you could only bring 3 items with you, what would those items be. And why?
Digital Camera, because I would want to take pictures to document every moment.
Endless supply of conditioner! I cant imagine what my hair would be like if I couldnt use condition!
Not sure on #3

4. Show us 3 pictures that you would take with you.
I honestly couldnt pick just 3 pictures to take. Ill forever remember what my kids look like as babies and if they are with me on the island, then I dont need baby pics. Probably pictures of my parents, my siblings and nieces/nephews. 

5. Tell us what you envision life would be like on that island. Do you think you would go into survival mode? Would you be like those Survivor people and eat bugs? What qualities do you possess that would help you survive. Do share.
I really do not know how I would do it. If I have a strong person with me to keep me focused, I may be able to survive. I do not like fish, so I think it would take a while for me to go out on the limb and eat it. I dont really know if I have qualities that would help my self or others survive. LOL!

---Robin

Playroom ideas

 Who is ready to move? This Mommy! We are still waiting on the appraisal to go through and then hopefully the sellers will want to close sooner then Oct. 26th. A lot has happened in the past week. Hell, it hasnt even been a week yet. Because of all people involved and the amount of impact it has on my life, my marriage, I am choosing to not post about it. Let me just say, my marriage, our marriage is 100% better then it has been in a very long time. We are both so much happier. What happened still eats away at my heart and my mind but in time (maybe a long time) it will just be a whisper in the wind.

Anyways, back to the moving subject. I am so ready to start over fresh. A new house, a new me, a new husband (not like literally a new husband. We are both working to change the people we have become), new routines.

I cannot wait to decorate! The kids will have a playroom again and I have been all over Pinterest for idea!
Here are just a couple playroom ideas:

(sorry no source to link)

I love the idea of a reading nook. A place for the kids to sit down and read books. I want to add a bookshelf to one end so they are just right there in arms reach. Plus the storage underneath is a plus! 

(source)

I also love this idea for a bookshelf in a playroom or a kids room

(source)

I want to display the kids art! Specially now that Ellie is REALLY into drawing and coloring. 

(source)

I want to buy some big canvases and have the kids do this technique to paint them and then hang them up on the walls. This looks neat and it would be fun to see what each kid comes up with. Heck, I may even let Blaine play in the pain too. 

(source)

I must get a shelf like this. May not as big, but I do like that each cubby is perfect for the storage bins. Which are also perfect for toys of many sizes! 

So, to say Im excited to decorate is an understatement :)

----Robin

 

Our Week in Pictures

This last week Logan has a class in Texas, so the kids and I went to my parents house for the week. Its always nice to get away for a while and spend time with them. 

 Ellie & Garrett were having fun spinning around in the computer chair. Blaine loves bath time. Garrett giving me a big cheeser! Garrett was being a good big bother and sharing his fish with Blaine in the car. The boys were sleeping the same way! Hahaha!

 We took the kids to feed the ducks. They love doing this! Suck a fun thing to do as each kid gets older, they enjoy it more and more. Blaine really wasnt impressed. The top pic of Mr. B is him playing with all the hair bands. Darn boy! :)

More bath time! And lastly, on our way home we stopped at the kid's other Nana & Papa's house for a b-day party. It was cousin Cameron's 3rd bday. The kids had so much fun playing today. Ellie is out numbered tons of boys to the one of her, but she still has fun with them.

---Robin

Monday Show & Tell Link Up- H.S. memories

Linking up again with From Mrs to Mama for another Show & Tell Monday.
This Monday's subject is High School memories. 

1. Tell us what kind of student you were in high school {popular, nerd, sport obsessed, choir, etc}
The outsider. I wasn't popular but wasnt completely uncool either. I moved my Freshman year to a new school, a small school where everyone already knew each other. I was shy and had a hard time fitting in. I went though a goth phase. I loved shopping at Hot Topics. I had wild colored hair. I disliked the popular girls because I envied how laid back they were. I did play Volleyball both my Jr & Sr year. Most of my friends were a grade younger then me.

2. Share with us some high school pictures. We know you have them somewhere.
Dug up from myspace. Thats like the only time I go there anymore, to get pictures for this or that.

Baw-hahaha! Logan & I after we first started dating. What a baby face!

Logan & I from my Senior prom

My older sister & I at my graduation in 2004.

Logan and I in Rocky Point, Mexico 2004. I cannot believe the shirt I am wearing there! LOL Its a crochet little number that covered NOTHING!! Hahaha!

Logan and I for his Senior Prom. 

I swear I did have other friends besides Logan, but dont have any pictures actually on line of us! lol 

3. Tell us about your school. Private? Public? How many in graduating class? Mascots? School colors?
Public and small! There were like 24 in my graduating class and that was considered a large class. Mascot was the Sultans (yes, we were a little fat guy riding on a magic carpet) and our colors were blue and silver. 

4. Tell us about some of your favorite memories of high school. Or what stands out the most? Any teachers? Specific classes?

5. Tell us a piece of advice you would pass on to your children or any child entering high school.
Try not to be so judgmental. I know its hard, everyone judges people even if they dont mean too. Be open to trying new things (I dont mean drugs and that kind of stuff). Speak up! Pay attention! Be your self! Everything will be ok!!

Her Hair Thursday

Here we are again, another Hairy Thursday. :) This week I havent been as busy fixing Ellie's hair because we have been out of town and I havent been focused on trying new things.

1) This is bedtime hair. I like to braid Ellie's hair after her baths to keep her hair from getting tangled through the night. This is a fish tail braid. 2) & 3) Rope braids for school. Easier then I thought they would be.

This one is 2 topsy tails at the top and brought together in the middle to make 1 single topsy, then separated to make 2 topsies again. Then those two were brought back together to make a rope braid. The 2nd set of double topsy tails are not in the same spot, so they look funny. 

I also broke my topsy tail tool before we left last Saturday. When I asked Logan to try and fix it he said maybe I shouldnt pull so hard. I had to laugh at him and ask him if he knew how old that thing was. Of course he had no idea. My mom bought it when I was still in school. Heck, maybe even in elementary school but only used it a handful of times on me. I am for sure going to have to find another one! 

Speaking of my mom, she cannot believe that I can fishtail braid but cannot french braid. Ha! She used to french braid my hair all my childhood. She did it even though my Senior year. I blame her for me not being able to fix my own hair *wink* (I kid, mostly) I do need to learn to french braid. Someday!

----Robin

Show & Tell Link Up- Lets Talk Babies

WEIRD! Not sure why this didnt post last Monday. But here it is now!!

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1. Tell us your favorite baby names? Aside from your own babies, if you have some :)

I cannot really think of favorites, other then my own childrens names. At the moment I do love the name Elliana, but Im sure that is partly due to Ellie's name.  

2. Show me your "dream" nursery {can be your baby's nursery or one that you love}

I havent really ever seen something I would call my favorite. However, I do love ones that are done head to toe, ceiling to floor, wall to wall. Every inch of the room is decorated and perfect. Not something Ive got to do with any of my children. The best I have done was Ellie's baby room. We got to paint the room pink and brown because we owned the house. 

I do like how this one is down, like I said, ceiling to floor, wall to wall

3. How many children would you like to have? How far apart?

We currently have 3, Ellie is 4, Garrett turns 3 in January and Blaine will be 1 in October. You do the math on how far apart they are. Do we want to have more? We are at a stand still right now. Neither of us have completely said YES WE ARE DONE. WE DO NOT WANT MORE. Some days Ill comment on how the 3 we have now drive me crazy bonkers! That I dont think I could handle more. But there is still part of me inside that wants to have another baby or Im not ready to not have the option anymore. I keep saying maybe once Garrett starts school, we can think about it and see where we are. That is still a couple of years away. 

4. Tell us what you think the importance of parenting is?

Well parenting is very important! I believe the kids who are running a muck and causing so many problems in society is because of poor parenting. I know I am not number 1 mom or top parent, but I am trying and that is more then so many parents are doing these days. Kids need their parents to give them structure, raise them right from wrong and give them DISCIPLINE! You might not be a spanker but your child still needs discipline when he or she has done something wrong. It is VERY important to be parents not friends. Or least parents first and friends second. 

5. Show us your favorite newborn photo {can be your children or random}

I love so many of the professional ones you see on Pintrest but Ill have to stick with 2 of Ellie. 

 This one has always been a favorite because the blanket almost looks like wings around her.

This one she is maybe 4 days old and just so perfect.

6. Tell us some things you promise to never do as a parent {and if you are a parent, did you stick to it}

I know I had said that my kids would never sleep with me. HA! Well each and everyone one of them have! Ellie was the worst and was in our bed more often then not (even though she started sleeping in her crib at 3 months old) The boys both have been really good at transitioning to their own beds/cribs. Garrett however will try to sneak into our bed through the night or early in the morning. If its around 6 or later, I usually let him stay but any time between 12am-6am, I take him back to his bed. That's the only thing  can think of that I wouldnt do that I had let happen. I actually dont mind some random snuggle time here and there.

Check back next Monday for another Show & Share. Be sure to check out Becky's Blog (From Mrs. to Mama) for other Show & Share blogs and to link up!

---Robin

11 Month Pics

Here's Blaine at 11 months old. Awwwww! 

A possible new chapter....

 So, a little back story. When we first moved back to AZ we knew we would want to buy a new house, eventually. The housing we live in where Logan works just suck. The houses are old and our is small. Its like cluttered. We are only in a 3 bed room and there is no place for my craft stuff.. Well about 6+ months ago we spotted a house for sell out where the in-laws live. We have been watching it not wanting to rush into anything. Well about a week ago, Logan got a wild hair to just see what he could get approved for on a home loan. But first he stopped by the house to look at it. The Realtor was there showing the house to another couple so sounded interested. Ut-oh! So that is where we are now.

Logan was approved for the home loan. We all went and looked at the house yesterday and met with our agent. The house is so nice! So much bigger then the one we are in now. Its in great condition and comes with great perks.

Outside front

Closer look at front patio area

The kitchen. It has very nice cabinets!! A good size pantry! The sink is one of the ones with the small rinse section with a disposal in it. Thats nice. It comes with appliances but we will probably sell them because we have almost brand new appliances.

Master Bedroom. Pictures of bedrooms never do justice, but this room is pretty big.

The master bathroom! A big garden tub. I could bathe all 3 kids at once! Mawhahaha. A pretty chandelier above the tub. Has a walk in shower and the toilet is in its own little room. 

A nice vanity, again the dark wood cabinets. I do not like the fixtures on anything in there though. I hate the gold, its so out dated IMO and doesnt match the dark metal chandelier. It would be something Ill change.

*trumpets playing* This is the master closet!! Big, walk in awesomeness! Im excited about that. I laugh and ask Logan where is he going to put his stuff. 

i

Laundry room! Again, the beautiful dark wood cabinets and a rinse sink. Not sure what Ill do with that but hey, its there :) Also there is a door over on the left side of the picture and it goes to the garage. 

The top picture is the formal dinning room with a small wood stove and the back door. Where my son is at is a little room off of the dinning room. I think they call it an Arizona sun room (though it isnt really). I dont have a pic of it but off the Kitchen and actually on the other side of that window up there is a breakfast nook. 

The above picture is one of the bedrooms and the closet. Both the other 2 bedrooms have the double door closets. The have been built with shelves and different leave rods. Very nice! One closet actually has a whole book shelf inside. 

So the house has 3 actually bedroom, but has 3 other rooms that could be bedrooms, or a CRAFT ROOM!, playroom, something. Im ecstatic about that. Ill be happy to get a craft room set up and be able to do stuff!

And a BIG plus, in my books, a great view of the Arizona sunsets!  There is a lot of weeds and brush that needs to be removed but hey, Ill have to have something to do. ;)

So, we put in our offer but wont know till Wednesday if the seller's accept or not. Fingers crossed. 

Now, it sounds like I am completely excited about this, however, there is a part of me who is sad. I am sad to pull Ellie out of school already and have her leave her new friends and best friend. I am also sad to be leaving my couple of friends and my mom's group. But it is only bout an hour away from where we live now, it wouldnt be hard to go to the mom's group still and see my friends and Ellie's too. Plus it would be better to make a move now then when all the kids are in school. The discussion of school will have to wait until after we find out if we get the house or not. Fingers crossed! 

----Robin

1 More Month Until.....

  My little man is 1 year old. Yes, Blaine is 11 months old today. I cannot believe it but love watching him meet his milestones and pass them! 

Weight & Height- Im guessing he is probably 23-24 lbs. He was 21 lbs at his 9/10 month check up. He sure feels like a big ol boy! Solid!! 

Diapers- He is in size 4 Huggies Little Movers. However, I have though of switching to the slip on kind because Blaine is a PAIN IN THE ASS to change! He wants to roll away, arches his back and wraps his legs around your arm. But I am to much of a perfectionist  when it comes to putting on a diaper. It has to be on just right. Lol!!

Clothes- He still is in 6-9 month but most onesies are to short, starting to give him a baby camel toe. LOL Im afraid all the 6-9 month Winter clothes will not fit him. I really need to go through all Garrett's old 12 month clothes to see what we have for Winter. He has even worn some shoes the passed for days. Those cute little Ministar leather ones from Target. He actually keeps them on. 

New skills- He is has been crusing around furniture like CRAZY! The passed few days he has been taking steps unassisted. He will walk between the high chair and the coffee table or if I stand him up in front of me, he will take a few steps. What a big boy!! Also, as of last night, he climbs into one of Ellie's chairs and stands up. Eye-eye-eye!! I sure hope he isnt my climber! He also LOVE taking a bath. You cannot take one with the door open without him trying to get in.

Doctor Visits- Last month I went to change Blaine's diaper and noticed bumps on his butt and legs. I was worried it was chicken pox because that was going around. I asked the Day care lady when I dropped Ellie off at Pre-k. She assured me it wasnt pox because it would be way worse because he hasnt been vaccinated for chicken pox. We decided it was probably an allergic reaction to the grass he sat in a lot the day before. I gave him a small dose of benedryl but after nap time the bumps were all over his legs and had moved to his hands. I knew what it was as soon as I saw it but took him to the clinic to be sure. Yup, Hand, foot, mouth disease. YUCK! Poor little guy had bumps and blisters all over the palms of his hands and bottoms of his feet and a couple by his mouth. Thats what happens when he goes to day care one day!! ONE DAY! That first night was miserable, we slept on the couch together but other then that first night it didnt really seem to bother him much. It started going away after 5 days or so and now his toes and fingers are peeling. So weird! He also has new bumps on his legs but these are more like a contact rash. Poor kid! 

Other- He is still sleeping pretty good in his crib. Most nights he sleeps all night. Nap time is usually shortly after 12 pm, though lately he has been sleeping in, nap is pushed back and then he is up later. I need to fix this! He loves food!! I mean seriously, he will eat anything you put in front of him. He hasnt started saying any words beside Mama & Dada and he doesnt say those much anymore. Im not worried though. 

Ill post pictures of him soon. I just wanted to get this post done before I got to busy or forgot. I love you, Blainer!!

----Mommy aka Robin

Her Hair Thursday

I have to start by saying, I love doing Ellie's hair and am partially jealous that I cannot fix my own. Hahaha! No but really, I have so much fun doing her and coming up with ways to style it. I am so lucky that for the most part, she lets me fix it and doesnt complain. So this is my new Thursday. 

The top two are just 4 little braids on top and then two messy buns.

The first one in the 2nd row is just 2 braids and one messy bun

The other 4 styles are done with a topsy tail tool. I love that thing and use it all the time! It gives the illusion of  a braid. 

Here are 3 sites that I find many very inspirational ideas from. 

Girly Do Hairstyles

Cute Girl Hairstyles

The Story of a Princess and her hair

Check back next Thursday for more hairstyle fun!

----Robin

Wednesday Weigh In

  Well this morning I weigh in at 214. That is up 1 pound (or .something) from last week. I havent been to the gym since last Wednesday. I thought with Logan being off work 6 days a week that it would be easier to go, but this past week just wasnt so. Between him having to go clean up our Rental property on Thursday, me grocery shopping on  Friday (yes, an all day event!), dont remember what happened Saturday, Gym's closed on Sunday & Monday cause of holiday, dont remember what happened on Tuesday and he went back to work today. Normally the boy's would go to day care for an hour and I'd work out. But this week Blaine has a rash on his legs, it hasnt changed or anything. It's just bumpy, but I dont want to risk exposing anyone else's kids to something. Also, Garrett has a bad diaper rash right now, in fact, I believe he is having an allergic reaction to the diapers because neither diaper cream or powder effect the area. I need to buy different diapers today and hope for the best.  Anyways, I dont want to take them for just two day. Buuut, I just got a new double stroller at a yard sell. It is a side by side style and is a jogger. So I plan to go to the H.S. and do laps around the track tonight, it may be walking or jogging. Just have to see. Hopefully Ill do it Thursday and Friday too.

I really need to recommit myself to this challenge!

Show & Tell Link Up- Fall is in the air

1. Tell us what you are looking forward to this fall? For it to cool off!! Being able to spend time outdoors with out sweat pouring down my face!

2. Show us your fall style. This mama has no style!! Someday :)

3. Tell us your favorite things to do in the fall. If you have children, activities to do with the kids?  Camping, Ranger rides, walks. Just being outside more. 

4. Show us your favorite fall beverage.  I do not really have a favorite FALL bev. I dont like pumpkin flavored stuff really. Maybe Ill go out of my bubble this year and try something new. 

5. Tell us, how you will be participating in Halloween this year. Plans? Costume ideas? Ellie wants to be a pirate, so Ill probably dress all 3 kids up as little pirates. Think that will be fun. On the 27th our town is having a little carnival, we will take the kids to do that. They enjoy it. I probably wont dress up this year and of course Logan wont either. And we will take the kids out on Halloween for some trick or treating. 

Our week in pictures

 Little Mr Blaine and I were playing on the floor. He likes to climb all over me.

 Garrett & Ellie put them selves to bed for naps. Ellie fell asleep in my bed on Daddy's side. Daddy & Blaine playing together. Ellie wanted to take a picture of me, not to bad, I guess. Ellie being sweet one day. Blaine made because I wouldnt let him chew on my phone. We went to pi-wee football to watch my niece cheer.

 My niece running to see Ellie. The Panty Princess excited to see her new bedding that she picked out. Mr B being a flower child and Miss E being a Diva. Sporting the cute skirt her Nana made for her. Love this girl! Also love how this guy sleeps! lol 

More cuteness of my little man and one of the beginning of his Hand,, Foot, Mouth disease. Soooo glad that is over!! 

Stay tuned for next weeks Our Week in Photos. Im going to try and do it Friday nights but we will have to see how that goes.