mommypalooza™ ~ a daily dose of mommy mayhem.

{video}: Our first day of Spring finds at Build-a-Bear Workshop!

 

2.21.13: Snow Day fun

Today the kids had their first snow day in over two years.  Now, for living in Kansas, that is HUGE!  I was actually sorta looking forward to it only because it was a day of not having to pack lunches or wake up early.  But, you know me -- I detest snow.  And, I especially detest it at 8 months pregnant!

The kids were quite surprised I even came outside at all.  And, so was I.  I mean, my puffer jacket doesn't even close and my snow pants didn't quite fit the same.  But, I did it for the sake of family memories.  And, I'm glad I did.

I shared a few pics from the day via my Instagram feed, but since I was testing out my new Panasonic Lumix waterproof camera, which I received for Christmas, I decided to stay out and document our snow day fun for just a little longer.

 

Onward to February!

Over the past weekend I finally mustered up enough energy and patience to de-Christmas-ize our house.  I should mention that the hubs did take care of all the lights and decor outside per my request since my growing pregnant belly is seeming to get in the way of me doing more and more these days.  And as much as I hate jumping from one holiday to another so quickly, you should all know by now that Valentine's Day is one of my most FAVORITE holidays ever!  So, I'm looking forward to putting up all of my pink and red Valetine's Day decor out just as quickly as I took Christmas down in one afternoon.

Welcome, Spring!

So the day is finally here!  It's so nice to see the trees and tulips finally blooming outside! And even though we got away with an insanely mild winter, I am so glad to be done with it!  In fact, I'd be fine just springing through to the warm summer temps!

In the meantime, though, there are few housekeeping details that need to be dealt with.  Case in point:  this was the current state of my guest bedroom just a few days ago:

Yep, you got that right.  It's time to break out the bins.  Boys' clothes a'plenty in this house.  Thankfully I took the time a few seasons ago to purchase enough bins to hold each individual size of clothing so that I know exactly what bin to go to each season.  I must say, I can't even IMAGINE having to sort and store clothing by sex and size, so I am abundantly grateful for having ALL boys!!  It makes this transition so much easier!

Most of each size can fit into one bin but I have a few sizes grouped together, like sizes 5-7 are in two bins because well, quite frankly, the clothes are BIGGER so they take up more room!  I don't separate my kids' clothing by season, just by size.  It really does make it so much easier because I can go directly to one bin (or set of bins) and just pull out what I need and then replace it with the opposite season.

So my kids' closets are all set and ready to go for Spring & Summer.  And in doing inventory of what they have, I now know that my oldest is pretty much the only one who needs anything new.  Although, I do have the tendency to purchase tees and various flip-flops for my kids in the warm weather months.

Because of the mild weather we've had over the winter and now in the past couple of weeks, this is the earliest I ever remember having closets all changed over and completely organized!  It does feel good!  I am looking forward to some other spring projects in and around the house, too.  How is your spring shaping up thus far?

Spring break in full swing

A few days ago, I went out and treated myself to some shopping and my first pedi of the season. 

 

 

Too bad allergies or whatever has been kicking my ass for the past few days, too.  Instead of my flip-flops becoming my best friend, I can't seem go anywhere without these:

 

 

I am normally not one who suffers from allergies but for some reason I am becoming an allergy sufferer. Or, so I think.  I guess it could also be a cold or some sort of sinus thing, but aren't those all the same anyway?  I just keep saying it's allergies because that's usually what you hear people saying around this time of the year.

I am just so thankful my mom and stepdad are here to keep the kids busy.  It's only Wednesday and already they've enjoyed playing outside, going to several parks, dining out at fun restaurants, going bowling, and made a trip to the movie theater.  Meanwhile, all I've done is get a pedi, do some shopping, and oh yeah, blown my nose about a thousand times.

This congested business better be on its way out, that's all I know.  Today we're heading out to the zoo to meet up with friends and then the hubs and I are off for CNO (Couples Night Out) with some of our best friends!  I'm too excited!

Now, if I could only find something stunning to wear!  Wish me luck!

Fair-weather February

We've been amazingly lucky here in the midwest as far as weather goes this winter.  Being a native Texan, it had always been very hard for me to deal with cold, snowy winters here. Thankfully, this year I haven't had to. 

I'm even more excited that since Spring is just around the corner (next week!) that we might just escape without a huge dump of snow!  My kids are bummed they can't use some of their new snow toys and gear that are still in boxes in the garage.  But, they'll be glad to bust out the slip 'n slide just as well!  How's winter treated you lately?

 

 

 

Autumn Splendor

This photo was entered into the I Heart Faces photo challenge – http://www.iheartfaces.com/

Tastes of Spring

Last week the weather here was insanely gorgeous!  So unseasonably nice and I have never, ever, ever, ever been more ready for warmer weather!

William, Jacob, and I took a few moments to enjoy the niceness from Mother Nature, and it was such a treat!

 Does blowing bubbles ever get old for kids?  Please tell me it doesn't! 

Jake was content just throwing around a soccer ball out back and chasing it around!  He did stop to enjoy the bubbles at the end, and then take a few turns on the wiggly slide.

 

 

By the looks of things, I'd say it was a fruitful day, wouldn't you?
 

What's snowin' on . . .

Suffice it to say that I am SO over winter!  I was so over it before it even began.  I try to rarely use the word "hate".  Really, I do.  But I HATE cold.  I HATE snow.  I HATE winter.  My kids know this.  My husband knows this.

With the huge dumping we got last week and with three snow days in a row, it's been a busy {but festive!} household here lately.  A houseful of boys.  How do you think it all went down?  I can tell you there were lots of fights, lots of running, lots of video games, lots of eating, lots of shouting matches, but certainly, lots of FUN!  See for yourself.

Jacob watching as David begins the three hour shoveling marathon!  I don't know how people even buy non-4-wheel drive vehicles living in a climate like this! I can't imagine life without a 4x4!

 
William practicing handwriting.  We're still working on lowercase "a" because he seems to only want to write that letter in capitals!

 
Nathan taking time out to get in 5 chapters of a book read.  He's recently started to re-read books, starting them over just as soon as he's done reading them!

 
On Thursday, I was able to take both Nathan & William to see a local production of one of our most-loved movies (passed down from my Mom, of course!), The Wizard of Oz.  I originally was going to just take William since it was going on during the school day when Nathan would have normally been in school.  But, since it ended up being a snow day, he was able to join us too!  The show was great and I found it hard not to mouth each line word-for-word.  I also loved that the theater group put their own twist and personality on the performance that made it stand out.  Days later, the kids are STILL talking about it!

And my baby has found  a way to follow in his big brothers' footsteps on his way to becoming a big boy, himself.  Climbing tables has become the norm around here.   And yes, he's applauding himself.

I am now just so ready to start looking forward to Spring and flip-flops.  How about ya'll!

 

Fall Loft Likes

So, I'm not that much of a fan of fall or winter or spring for that matter.  Nope, give me good 'ol sunshine, heat, and humidity 365/24/7 and I'm a happy girl.  But since I haven't yet figured out how to make time stand still, the fall season is inevitable. 

The bright side?

Shopping, duh!! I've scoped out some of my favorite websites to start getting ideas on what my fall fashion fate is.  Today I'm sharing with you my top 5 picks from LOFT.  I actually used to work as a manager for this store back when hubby and I lived in California.  It was then that I FELL. IN. LOVE. with the store and the style.  I was so stoked when we got one a few years back in our local mall and I have been enjoying it ever since.  I do have to admit, however, I certainly miss my associated discount of 40%! But the fact that they usually have some great coupons and savings card offers available do help ease my pain.

So what do you think of my 5 fall LOFT faves? Where are some of your favorite places to find fall fashion?

 
 {Clockwise from top left}

•  Short Sleeved Popcorn Cardigan
• Serita Ruched Suede Bootie
• Knife Pleat Cowl Neck Sweater
• Pima Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Sweater
• Braided Gray Pearl Bib Necklace