Boo to you

Happy Halloween People!

I'm a slacker, ya know. Still haven't taken that adorable, perfect picture of my two little butterflies to add to this post. Maybe if you are lucky I will remember to get my camera out on the run to all of our families houses. Hope your evening is full of scary fun!

Exciting Morning

Guess who I went to see today! Sarah Palin! We waited forever to get in the building to finally be rushed in at the last minute so the place would look full when she spoke. I will just say that she is much smaller than she appears on TV.

Now, I have tried not to get political on this blog. But this was an exciting event and something that I felt I should share. I will also say that I have read many of your political posts, and although I have disagreed, I have kept my mouth shut. I am a born and raised republican, I am proud to be one. Nothing you could say could change my mind, so lets be nice here. I will listen to your comments and will allow any that are arguing issues. The minute this turns ugly, and we all know with politics it can, the discussion will be closed.

Things They are a Changing....

My Thursday happenings that I mentioned earlier actually happened this afternoon.

I put in my resignation at work today. I am going to be a real SAHM! I am excited about this, but also a little nervous. The nervousness comes from change, but I feel a lot less stressed since I talked with my boss today and had that weight lifted off my shoulders.

Next I must tell my sitter. Not looking forward to that one.


I still have one more exciting thing happening tomorrow, so check in for that.

Wordless Wednesday - A Little Cat Nap

Sorry about the blurry pic. Too funny not to share though.

Free Initial Clips

I am once again offering a FREE initial clip with any purchase from Once Upon A Dream! Not sure how long this will be good for, so place your orders now.

• Black Letter Initial Clip
• White Letter Initial Clip
• Silver Letter Initial Clip

I am entering a craft show in a few weeks. So I have been busy getting a lot of extras ready for the show. Let me know if you do not see the perfect bow, I would be happy to custom create a bow to match.

Keeping Walking, Nothing to Look at Here

Pretty boring around here. But, Thursday will be a busy day. Be back then with the details.

Homecoming Parade 2008

Mr. B and I still live in the same town as the university that we went to. Today was Homecoming, so we took the girls to the parade and also met up with some old friends. One thing I regret not getting a picture of was Neal E. Boyd, winner of America's Got Talent. He is an alumni and recognized in the parade.

Seriously, this is a club. They compete and everything.

The theme had something to do with kids movies, I think. But it really was a hodge podge. What can you expect from a bunch of drunk frat guys and soriety girls?

New Specs for Miss L

Could this be the face of a three year old who really needed glasses? What kind of crazy mom would get their child bright red, too big, silly glasses, especially with the price of real glass?


Not my sweet girl and not this mom.


I ran out of contacts a few weeks ago. I have not made it around to getting new ones yet, so I have been wearing my glasses. Some one else thinks they need to wear glasses to see all the time now too. This precious girl was wearing her sunglasses all the time. No matter where we were. Inside, outside, everywhere. I knew it really had to be hard for her to see in these sunglasses, but she insisted that she could not see without them. Today, we finally broke down and bought her some "real" glasses. There was not much of a selection of "real" glasses to fit a three year old. The whole thing is pretty funny, so I figured that we would just get the red ones. At least the $10 "real" glasses are getting their moneys worth in entertainment value for the adults in her life.

October Blog Picks

I wish I had something good for you. Really I do, but I am sitting here at work watching the minutes slowly tick down until I can leave. I am really bored. I thought I would share some links with you. I really should think about setting up a blog roll or something, but that is just some work that I am too lazy to do . These are just a few blogs that I check into everyday. Usually because of their humor, but some have me on pins and needles wanting to know what life is going to hand them next. These are blogs that my heart rate speeds up when I open reader to find new posts. Hope you enjoy.

Ashley's Closet - Not for the cover your ears, she just said a bad word type people. Don't say I didn't warn you.
MckMamma and her Many Small Children
Ravings of a Mad Housewife
Scary Mommy
AFRo - I think I have mentioned my love for her before. This might be teetering on a girl crush.
Four Silly Sisters - I really have no idea how she does it.
Happy Meals & Happy Hour - I have had to wipe my computer screen off a few times. Warning, do not consume beverages when reading.
Motherhood Uncensored - She tells it like it is.
The Pink Teapot - Because we all can use a little etiquette fresher upper once in awhile.

So what do you have for me? I have shared some of my favorites. Help me out, give me some new, cool people to check out when I am bored at work. Then maybe I can show them some love in November.

Friday's Complaints

• I need the sun to come out. It always puts me in a better mood. It was rainy and cold all day yesterday and overcast today.
• I have to go into work today which also is crappy because it was supposed to be my last Friday off for awhile. We start new classes next week, and there is a class on Friday nights which means I have to work.
• Little s has cried off and on since 4:30 am. I can not figure out anything that is wrong with her. Maybe she is just in the funk that I am in.
• My "w" key isn't working so well on my laptop. I have to hit it repeatedly to get it to work. It is frustrating.
• The dishes are piled to the top of the sink and little s threw her cereal all over the floor this morning. I have no desire to clean either of them, and I think the dog took care of most of the cereal mess.
• I bought a shirt at Macy's last week, and I want to take it back. But of course I can not find the receipt. I have torn my purse, diaper bag, car and enormous stack of papers on my counter apart looking for it. No such luck. So I guess I have to keep the shirt.
• I really need to go to the post office today. Have I ever mentioned how I hate that place?

On a happy note, Little s keeps telling me, "I go potty, poop - potty, help potty." I put her on the potty when she tells me these things, but nothing has happened yet. I don't think that she really has made a connection between what she is saying and actually going potty. More than likely she is repeating what she has heard over the last year with Miss L. But a mom can hope that this one is going to be easy right?

New Classic Bows Starter Pack

I am now offering a classic bow package. 4 Bows for $10, which equals a $2 discount. You can view more details including color choices at Once Upon a Dream.

Score Some Points for Me!

1. Mr. B and my mom have both commented that I looked like I have lost some weight. I do feel a little skinnier, but not noticeable weight loss. Today I tried on some tweed pants that I paid way to much for and could not bear to part with, and they fit perfectly. I have not been able to squeeze in these since I was first pregnant with Miss L.

2. I have a bi-annual argument with Mr. B as to when we can turn the AC/heat on when the seasons begin to change. It finally cooled down this weekend, and we have been freezing everyday since. Mr. B always sets some ridiculous goal as to when we can turn the AC/heat on. Today was the first day Mr. B has been home. He was cold, poor baby. He told me, "I am taking it like an adult and wearing a sweatshirt." My reply was, " The only problem with that is we don't have 4 adults living here." Later he seriously told me, "We can turn the heat on if we can have relations." Can you tell I am not taking part in the 100 Day Challenge like AFRo.

I usually just have had enough when it gets warm and turn the AC on myself when he is at work. But the heat scares me. I am always afraid he has something sitting next to the furnace that will catch on fire, and the basement is his domain. But later this afternoon, I was freezing in my fleece jacket, pj pants and thick socks. I told him, I didn't care. I was turning the heat on then. His reply, "I already did." He did not notice me then go and turn the heat up a few degrees.

New Bows

Bold Stripes $5.00 Hot Pink and Brown $5.00
Stripes $5.00
Crazy Hearts $5.00

Wild Hearts $5.00 Butterflies and Hearts $5.00
Retro Dots $5.00
Red and Black $5.00
Pastel Stripes $5.00
I have added several new bows over the last few days at Once Upon A Dream.



Blog Reader Special: I am offering free shipping of the bows shown above through Friday to blog readers only. If you are interested in any of these bows, email me at LaurenLPopp(at)gmail(dot)com

Wordless Wednesday - New Winter Coat

Bed Time Giggles

We have been working on going to bed like big girls. Going to sleep at our house has never been a scheduled, regular routine. Last night we gave a go at converting little s's bed into a toddler bed. It didn't work. So it was back to the crib. The girls share a room and somehow this going to sleep like big girls has lead to both girls in the crib together. It's actually pretty sweet and working. But as I sit here and surf blogs, I can hear giggles coming from their room. I wasn't expecting that for a few more years.

Got Gas?

On the way home from the pumpkin patch yesterday, we had to stop and get gas. It was $2.59 a gallon. Mr. B said as I was thinking the exact same thing, "I never thought I would be happy to pay $2.59 a gallon." It has been a long time since I have filled my car all the way up. I know it is not really that good for your car, but I haven't been able to stomach the prices. So I pick an amount (say $20) and fill up that much. I never even look at the price. I drive a little car, everywhere I go is within a few miles, so hopefully this full tank that I got yesterday at $30 will last me until next pay day. A girl can hope right?

So what are gas prices like in your area?

18 Months and Flu Shots

We are worn out. Little s had her 18 month check up today which also included flu shots for both girls. Miss L cried once she figured out that she was getting a shot. Then when the nurse came in the room she screamed at her "Leave me alone, don't touch me." I feel pitiful when they are getting shots and maybe the nervousness in me makes me giggle.

We left the doctors office and had pizza at target for lunch. Of course we hit the dollar spot up for prizes. Little s was asleep before we got home, and I really wish I could get Miss L to lay down. I am off to work in a bit, not sure where I will find the energy to make it through this evening at work.

Little s's Stats:
Weight: 21 lbs
Height: 32 inches

Pumpkin Patch '08

Looking Back ... 2005

I found the disk that I saved most of Miss L's first year of pictures to the other day when cleaning. Looking back at these baby pics, she doesn't even seem like the same person. She is only 3, but the days of my tiny little first born baby seems like a decade ago. And I could not resist kissing those chubby cheeks. Still can't today.

Flower Clippies

I have also added several new bows at Once Upon A Dream.

I love feedback, so if you are in that kind of mood, feel free to let me know what you think!

Go Home Rosebella, You're Not Welcome At My House!

It has been determined that Rosebella is an alter-ego, and she is BAD! Rosebella went with me to that baby shower last weekend, and we had to leave early. If Rosebella comes around I tell her to leave. Sure I maybe permanently scarring my child and her creative abilities. But I am not taking the crap Rosebella can throw out there. This momma don't play those games. But I guess me telling her to go home is working. She hasn't been coming around as often the last few days.

Winner #2

Guess what no response from Julie in AR. So, we have a new winner!

Congrats Jimmy, Diane and Bentley from The Killer Kollers. I will be emailing you shortly to get your info.

And the winner is.....

Good Morning!
And the winner is Julie in AR. Except she did not leave an email address. So Julie, please email me at LaurenLPopp(at)gmail(dot)com. I will give you until midnight tonight (Oct. 15). If I don't hear from you by then, I will select the next winner.


Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:31 40 13 36 39
Timestamp: 2008-10-15 13:38:49 UTC

Crazy Week and A Little More About My Girls

This week is wearing me out, and it is only Tuesday. I knew that it would be this way, with the crazy work stuff I have going on. But Mr. B's new job role is draining not only him, but me too. We did get to spend a few hours together Sat. night, and we talked for about 10 minutes in person last night. It is ridiculous, and I have a feeling I will just be handing my entire paycheck to the babysitter on Friday.



Onto some other babysitter news. Her sister had a baby in the middle of August. The mom went back to work last week, so our sitter is keeping her nephew until he is a little older before he starts full time daycare. So guess what, he has been coming to our house a few days a week. I got out our bassinet and washed it. I am working on the play mat, but I am also trying to stay away from him, since we all know that I already have baby fever.



It is the sweetest seeing my girls with him though. They adore him. Miss L is all about holding and feeding him (supervised of course) and little s wants his binky in his mouth constantly. She wants to be right beside him and is always trying to tickle him. I think that she really wants to hold him because when our sitter is holding him she puts out her arms like she wants to be picked up, but doesn't really want to. That girl confirms my belief that wild ones (you know the ones that you swear can climb flat walls) are the sweetest most lovable kiddos. Let her run and be free, wild and crazy, but stick around because she will take a break just to run over and give you the best hug. Then she is off again. I never remember Miss L being like this, but she is lovable in a much gentler, easy going way. I think it is amazing that two little girls who look a lot alike and often like the same thing can have two of the most different personalities. Hope that all their love keeps me going through the end of the week. Maybe some of their energy will rub off on me.





And sorry about the rambling post.

Good Morning Take 2

Good Morning! We are on round 2 this morning. Little s got up at 3:30 am and decided not to go back to sleep. Miss L got up at 6:30 which is not out of the realm of normal. Around 7:30 I could no longer take anymore. They were both cranky and tired. Little s has gotten out of a decent sleeping pattern and into a bad one. So my intentions were to keep her awake until 11 and let her take a 3 hour nap so she would go to bed before 11 pm. But at 7:30 she wasn't taking it any more. I went to lay her in her bed and she was asleep when her head hit the pillow. I went into the living room and turned a movie on for Miss L. I told her it was too early so go back to sleep. Which she actually did. I went back to bed and just woke up and about to go wake the girls back up.

Let's hope everyone is in a good mood this time around. No big plans today, just a bunch of stressful work stuff.

Not Me Monday #4

1. I have so have not put this off all day because I did not want to sit down and have to think about my previous week.

2. I did not move all of my girls toys into the spare bedroom upstairs and declare it there new playroom. I have not been demanding about keeping all the toys in there, because I love seeing toys all over my house.

3. I have not resent Mr. B this past week with his new promotion. I have not been angry at the fact that he willing is at work every day all day. I do not understand that some kinks need to be worked out and this too shall pass.

4. I did not tell the sitter the wrong days that I need her this week because I can not read Mr. B's schedule. (Who am I kidding I am sure that I'll need her everyday!)

Busy Weekend Ahead

It is 12:10 am. I just tore my house apart to find my black gouchos to wear to a baby shower tomorrow since it will be 85 freakin' degrees in the middle of October. The girls and I will be hitting up dollar tree tomorrow since I did not read the invite for the shower to clearly before. You are to bring a book instead of a card and sign it. Which is a neat idea, unless you are slow like me and don't get one when you buy the rest of the gift and have to rush around at the last minute. Little s is staying with MIL during the shower (hope she remembers) because frankly I don't have the desire to chase her around an entire church.

I think Mr. B is taking me to dinner tomorrow night. Not sure where yet, and we don't have a sitter so the girls will be coming too. Not very relaxing, but means I don't have to cook.

Sunday my youngest nephew is turning 2. I can't believe he is getting so old. I was barely pregnant with little s when he was born, and it seems like yesterday I sat in that wooden rocking chair at the hospital holding Miss L while she held little O.

Off to bed now. Night Night~Sweet Dreams Bloggies~

I will leave you with little s in her favorite seat.

Rosebella

Every where we have been the last two weeks, Miss L has gone up to complete strangers and said, "My name is Rosebella." It is driving me nuts. She even insists that I call her "Rosebella." I can not figure out where she came up with this name. Just in case you didn't catch that, her name is not Rosebella. I will give you a hint, her real name starts with a "L".

I just think that one of the perks of getting kicked in the ribs, losing ten pounds from morning sickness that was really around the clock sickness, having my lady parts exposed to half a hospital in their ugliest condition, and taking care of her for 18+ years is getting to call her the name that I selected. Just the way I thought this whole having a child thing should work.

No offense if your name is Rosebella.

Things that make you go hmmmm?

As I watch the minutes tick down until I can leave work tonight, Mr. B and I have had some interesting text message conversations going on. Do you remember this post? You know the one I gave him until October to give me an answer. Do you think this promotion is my answer?

Answered Prayer

Go Mr. B! He got a promotion at work today. I am so excited for him and our family, although I am not sure what all it means for us exactly yet. I will just say that I have been working my tummy into knots worrying about money issues lately. When I finally give up because there is nothing that I can do, things usually fall into place. Prayer really does work:)

Fun Times Tomorrow...

I came home to find my house a stinkin' and a note reading "Mom's coming for lunch at noon." Super now I get to wake up and clean all of their mess they created while I was at work this evening so that my MIL can come eat some stinky turkey that I must smell cooking in my crock pot all night. I guess I should look at this in a positive light and remind myself at least I don't have to cook.

Why did I marry some one who can come up with such super ideas that equal more work for me? This is why I try not to let him think for himself very often.

Blogger Special

To blog readers only. I am offering a special through midnight tomorrow 10/7/2008. You will receive 20% off your entire order at Once Upon a Dream.

Place your order 1 of 2 ways:
1. Simply email me your order - receive an invoice through paypal with discount
or
2. Place your order through the store - I will refund you the 20%

The discount does not apply to shipping.

So get shopping.

Not Me Monday #3

The late edition because I am slacking today, or should I say "not slacking."

1. I certainly did not leave the baskets full of clean clothes (from last week) untouched all week and allow my husband to rummage through them to find what he needed.

2. I did not fix mac and cheese and slice apples at 10:30 am this morning, feed my kiddos lunch and proceed to put little s down for her nap at 11 am this morning. What kind of mother would I be if I was so selfish to need the quiet time and take advantage of my kids time telling abilities.

3. I did not make my kids eat in their booster seats with the trays attached just so that they would not mess up my clean table cloth. I really do not mind washing it everyday. I also do not have my three year old convinced that you can not eat without a bib. I would be just as bad as Kate Gosselin if I did not allow my child to eat smearing everything across her stain free clothes.

4. I have not bribed Miss L with candy/desserts all week to eat a lot if not all her meals. She has not proceeded to almost clean her plate every time. Seriously what kind of mom bribes her kid to eat.

Introducing...

Binky Strings

Binky Strings are a stylish way for you to keep up with your little ones pacifier. Accented with buttons and bows for little girls as well as simpler styles for boys. A snap closure is used to attach the pacifier. These measure approx. 10 1/2" when snapped. This measurement also includes the clip. New patterns and designs added often so check in at Once Upon a Dream.

Introducing....

Mini Bows

These adorable bows have the same detail as larger bows but in smaller proportions. These are great for everyday wear measuring approx. 3" across. Mini bows are secured to partially lined alligator clips. New bows being added so check Once Upon a Dream often.

Trying to Get Out of the House

Today was the first day this week I have ventured out of the house with the girls by myself. Pathetic I know. But we really haven't had to many places to go. It seems the less we go out, the crazier it is to get out of the house.

We had a slow start this morning. I don't function well before 8 am. Once I got moving, I gave the girls a bath and got them dressed. Of course this involved consoling Miss L the entire time over a little scratch which her over dramatic, princess-like self made sound like her leg was broken. I stuck little s in the highchair with some dry cereal while Miss L sat at the table eating a pop tart while I jumped in the shower. I got out to find red sticky stuff on little s's shirt. So that involved a shirt and hair bow change. We were only going to Target for 3 things, but I was already worn out. I had promised the girls if they were good we would grab some food and eat at the park. As I am making juice cups, I hear Miss L dumping every basket of toys out in the living room. Sometimes I wonder why I even try to pick those up. I was frustrated and little s was running crazy around the house. I finally caught her as she sat on top of the recycling tub. We headed to the car. And I will not even lie. I buckled them in their car seats and put my makeup on in the car just so they couldn't get into anything else. Target wasn't too bad. We got Taco Bell and went to the park. The girls hardly ate, because who wants to eat when the slides and swings are calling your name. I will leave you with a few pics from the park the other night. Like I really remembered the camera today and besides you wouldn't want to see pictures of my kids with another little girl since she clung to them as her parents and grandma sat on a bench and cursed like sailors.