The Bell's

Get your order in!!!

2012-02-12T08:02:00.000-08:00

Yep I still haven't blogged about a lot of stuff but I wanted to share with you all that I am having a Matilda Jane Clothing ONLINE party starting tomorrow! Check it out here!!

www.matildajaneclothing.com

They have some awesome clothes for children and adults! Check it out!! Email my trunk keeper, Leslie, if you have any wishful orders:)

The Winner Is...

2012-01-13T21:00:00.000-08:00

Today has just been BUSY BUSY! Lola really shined in her "terrible twos" and I had several BIG projects I needed to complete! I am now off to bed and can't be more excited!!!

The WINNER is....

My hubby got involved and this was his way of announcing the winner!!! Amy, please facebook me your address please:)

I had to sneak this picture... What a good little mommy!!!

OH Tummy Tum Tum!

2012-01-12T10:09:00.000-08:00

I am exhausted and its not because my little girl kept me up all night! My tummy has been having issues... I do hope it gets better soon! I think I was counting sheep most of the night last night while tossing and turning!

On a brighter note I have finally made a grande list of Lola's Disney outfits! This does bring happiness to my heart! haha

I also have been so exited to share my new devotion! I always see this at my moms house when I clean it but I have never opened it!!! I borrowed it this time... I have to get my own copy and I found it on Amazon for $5!!! SOLD!!! It is very short and sweet and you can journal at the end of each day!

Yesterday it was talking about being content. I lack contentment! I am always wanting to change something or buy something because I think I need it!! Children show us contentment in so many ways! I just need a content spirit like little children!! You know the kind that when the open a gift they want to play with the box or bag more than the actual gift you have worked so hard on getting perfect!! I could go on but you should read it for yourself!! Great book!

Well I have lots of projects to do before Saturday morning so I am headed to get started!!! Busy Busy weekend!!!

Start the year off RIGHT!

2012-01-10T21:42:00.000-08:00

We are starting the year off right around here and you can too... A fun giveaway is at the end!!!

Lola is all about ice cream these days!!! She gets it ONLY if she eats well!!! I just love her!

We have been working on our name here lately... And here is Lola's attempt to writing it!!! She did so good!

Last night Nana and Poppa came over for some soup and play time! Lola always enjoys her grandparents!!!

After they left we sat down and wrote thank you notes so we could get them in the mail before it was Christmas again!! Lola enjoyed it and she was excited to take them to the mailbox!!!

A sneak peak of one Disney outfit!! They are all finally coming together!!!

GIVEAWAY!!!!

Leave a comment and you can win this! OH.... And if you don't blog leave a comment on my Facebook page.. The Sassy Polkadot... I will pick a winner on Friday! Good Luck!

Goal 2012

2012-01-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

This post may send some of you (few) readers into a mild stage of boredom however I read your goals and got a few good ideas so maybe, just maybe, you may pick up a few from me!! I have paired my list up with the ABC's and here is how it goes:

A. APPLE A DAY: I need to eat healthier!
B. BUDGET: I am totally not a budget person.. I want to focus on sticking to a monthly budget so we can start saving for our future!
C. COOK: I need to cook more...hands down!!! I have started making a monthly calendar of our meals!!! And this way I don't have a ton of food piled up in our freezer and it goes to waste because I forget about it and find it a year later!
D. DEVOTION: Getting into a good devotion is a must do this year!!! I really have slacked and I can tell!! I have a few in mind and I am going to try to start this week!
E. EXERCISE: I need to get in better shape! Yep you heard me!! This 100lb soaking wet girl needs some form! I am just down about the way I look!!!
F. FOCUSED: I laugh at this one because I can't stay focused long enough to wash dishes... I need a sign "I think I can...I think I can" ha
G. GODLY: I know I am just not the godly person I need to be. I seem to get so tied up in the world that people don't see God through me anymore.. MAJOR CHANGE!!!
H: HOUSEKEEPER: If Ryan is reading this he is probably falling out of his chair right now in laughter! I am NOT a housekeeper! I saw this website on another blog and it has amazing tips and such Check it this out here! Again where is my sign "I think I can.. I think I can"
I: IGNORE: This is my biggest fault. I let TO MUCH get to me... Well I am going to focus on not letting little things people say or do get me down.. I am going to pray for strength to ignore them and keep a smile on my face.. (I will probably come home and cry but who is watching then!)
J: JESUS: Lola loves Jesus and I am out to teach her more about that sweet sweet name!
K: KIND: I just want to be more kind to people! I hope I can suck some my feeling up and just be nice to even the people that drive me CRAZY!
L: LOVE: I used to just love everyone no matter their faults. I have become so bitter about situations going on in and around me that I have developed a hard heart towards some people.. No joke it has taken over my heart... I am strongly praying that God will start breaking down walls towards some people and I can begin to love them again...
M: MOTIVATION: This is another one I know Ryan is laughing about... It takes me FOREVER to get motivated in the mornings...
N: NO: I have a hard time telling people "No" and I over book myself. I try to make everyone happy but it is wearing me down... My schedule is so busy and I just want to slow down!!!
O: ORGANIZED: Yep this is a MAJOR goal in 2012!!! Get more organized... My house could be on hoarders because I keep everything.. I am about to start cleaning out!!! Do I smell garage sale..YES I DO!!!
P: PUNCTUAL: Oh Me Oh My!!!! I am no where near punctual! In fact I am still handing out Christmas presents! I am usually about a month late on birthdays and 5 to 10 mins late to events... I just need to start being on time...NO MORE EXCUSES!!!
Q: QUALITY TIME: This is truly my love language! I love quality time. I have put it on the back burner because I am always so busy however I have limited some things in my "side business" and I am going to focus more on quality time with my family and friends!
R: READ: I hate to read.. I have no desire to waste my day away in a book! But I do love to read blogs so I am going to focus on reading more blogs!!! They truly inspire me!
S: SAVE: I just need to save money!
T: TEACH: I have started working with Lola on a few home school things. She is doing so well and I can't wait to teach her more!!!
U: UNITY: There is just so much that has gone on in my life that makes unity a struggle. I have always dreamed of having a family that sticks together. My parents were divorced and still to this day it just breaks me. I love my step parents and siblings but I just don't want Ryan and I to ever go down the road of divorce. Divorce is so hard on a family! AND I want our family to have a strong bond. I try to hard to be nice when people try to control us or keep their foot in the door to our home and since I am going to focus on being KIND I am going "BUTT" people out politely! ... So please don't get your feeling hurt when we don't tell you we are making a "get a way" trip one weekend or maybe choose to keep our family issues private! I am just wanting to develop a strong unity with Ryan and Lola!
V: VACUUM: I am on a mission to wear my old vacuum out so I can get a new one that does all my floors in the house!!! Cleaning my floors is such a process... it wears me out!
W: Water: I need to drink more water!!!
X: eXtra! eXtra!: Read all about it!!! Yep I am going to blog more!
Y: YES TO ME TIME: Take more time out for me! Get a sitter and get my hair done or even shop for groceries without telling Lola "No, we don't need that big bag of candy." haha seriously I need more "me" time! I hate to be away from Lola and that is why I never find time for me!! ha
Z: ZZZZZ...: Get on a better sleep pattern.. Right now I sleep WAY to much! haha A reason why I don't get just a whole lot of motivation!!

If you made it all the way to read this!!! CONGRATS and check back tomorrow for a little give away to start the new year!

First week of 2012!

2012-01-08T13:01:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share a few things that have been going on since Christmas. I have so many "goals" for the new year it just excites me inside!!! I will share soon!!! I am not a writer as though I wish I was... So I have to "plan" all my blog post ha and this one has been in the making since Friday haha!!!

A few of my family members made the truck to Des Arc a few weeks ago and I made Taco Soup!! I LOVE Taco Soup with my whole heart!!

Then we all went over to Uncle J's house to play a little Rock Band! We had a blast!

NYE we went out with some of our friends! Lola had a blast looking at all the fish at Cajun's Wharf!

Yes we took Lola with us to ring in the new year.

Our sweet dates!

I thought this photo was cute! Lola got a horse towel from Santa and she loves to bundle up and stay warm in it after bath time!

I officially took down my Christmas decor on Friday! It is always a sad day when you box up all the glitter... But we did make some small changes to our house...I will show later!

This was my awesome Christmas card holder! We are so blessed with many friends!

My front door rocked this year!!! The blue door is horrible but that is on my never ending "to do" list! I am thinking black!

And Friday Lola wore her pig shirt in honor of the bowl game! She was so excited to wear this shirt again!

We just aren't razorback fans like the rest of the state but we are trying to get into the spirit. I don't like competitive sports so I try to stay away from rooting one way or the other. I feel so bad for loosers:( yeah yeah I know I have a very soft heart!

However Lola learned how to call the hogs! Haha

I'm off to start a new week!!! Lots of things going on and I am super excited to have another week with my girl and preparing for Disney! We leave in 2 weeks!!

Christmas 2011

2012-01-05T08:06:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas was a bit on the crazy side! I felt like I was running a chicken race!!

Lola was really into the Baby Jesus! That makes a Momma HAPPY!!! So sweet to watch her get so excited about the babe in a manger... I can't wait to teach her more!!!

We started our Christmas on Friday when we visited Ryan's grandma. Lola had a blast playing blocks and trucks!

She was the official present passer-outer!

She got a horse, play make-up and a book about Jesus!

Saturday we got up and headed to my dads house. There she got Minnie Mouse dress-up clothes, a portable DVD player and much more!!!

Every year the guys get a "fun" present!!! This year they got nerf guns and Lola got into the action!

That evening we headed to my moms for our traditional candle light service and dinner. I was so BUMMED because I forgot just about everything here at the house. My clothes, a few presents and Lola's dress... I made the best of it. I had a dress at my moms house that we have been working on and it wasn't totally finished but I wore it anyway! It was that or jeans... BOOO!!!

So our annual family photo wasn't so cute... But we still smiled and looked happy!!!

Aunt Suz and Lola are buddies!!!

Aunt Suz with Hannah and Lola!!!

All the yummy food!!!

After dinner we iced cupcakes! Just something fun!!

Lola's finished product!!!
She was so excited about eating the icing she took a bite before she put the sprinkles on it...She devoured it right after this photo!!!

All the presents and the beautiful tree!!! Yep I am up for hire if anyone wants their tree decorated next year!!! I love love to decorate!!!

The whole crew, minus some special people.. We missed them for sure!!!

We had an amazing time with my family!! I just love them!!!

On Christmas morning Santa brought Lola a few things! Since we are going to Disney, Santa was on a budget! haha

She got a new baby and her name is Sadie! She loves babies as I did too growing up! I hope she continues to love them!!!

Sunday was just an odd day for me.. Don't ask me why, it just was... I tried my best to put my big girl panties on and have fun!

We went to Ryan's parents house where we ate a nice lunch opened gifts and played a little XBOX... There Lola got a riding John Deere tractor like Daddy, a few pj's and some other fun toys!

Now we are on the count down till Disney!! I can't believe it is finally here!!! We are all so excited!

Fun Tuesday!

2011-12-14T08:21:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went to LR for some fun with our play group! We also did a little shopping and then I had dinner with the girls! I had a really good day! It was so nice to see my play group moms!!! They are just so sweet and accepting!!

I am winding down on my Christmas shopping and I hope to start wrapping soon!!!

Strong Willed..To say the Least!!!

2011-12-13T05:52:00.000-08:00

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

This verse is sweet to me and during the past month, God has been working in my heart and life!

God has blessed me with a strong willed child! YEP that's right! The precious little girl you see in a million pictures is about as hard headed as they come!!! I am not a mom who spanks my child for EVERYTHING, and I probably should be a little more consistent in my discipline with Lola, but here lately God has shown me that there is more to raising your children and guiding them than with the palm of your hand or a wooden spoon. I have struggled with Lola's STRONG personality and it has even sent me to the doctor because I thought I was going to have a nervous breakdown! REALLY!!! She is so hard headed and determined!!! (My mom says I am paying for my raising!) In all my tears and depression, it hit me about a month ago... If you are raising yourself, what is it that you wanted your parents to do with you that could have made life a little better!!! HELLO!!!

I begged for quality time!!! I wanted someone to be around me ALL the time! No, you didn't have to play with me, but just let your presence be known! I came from a split, busy, all girls, working parent home so it was hard for my parents to divide their attention. Both of my sisters were very involved in activities! God didn't give me much talent in the coordination department so I didn't cheer or tumble. The one thing I LOVED, piano, I just gave up on trying to play after 7 years of lessons.

After going to school and working with kids I realized God gave me creativity and a calling for children. He surprised me with my child, Lola, and I couldn't be happier! And he also has blessed me with the ability to care for her on a 24/7 basis! But for about 6 months I was getting very discouraged. She was taking control!!! I was trying to please her in all the wrong ways! She wanted attention so badly! I set out on a path for answers! Thanks to GOD I have found wonderful opportunities to spend time with her.

She will always be strong willed. I pray that through quality time I can TEACH her of the ways that are straight and the ways that are pure!

I pray that I can always be the shoulder for her to cry on and the hand to help her up! I pray that she will accept Jesus as her Lord and Savior one day and raise her children in the way of the Lord. I pray that the lives she touches will be blessed, and although she has a mind of her own, I pray I can teach her to be blessed by others!

During the holiday time I also pray that we don't focus of the gift receiving but the gift giving! That it's not about us, but about others and about the best gift, eternal life!

"In the same way, Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Upon seeking the Lord in prayer, He is giving me peace about raising Lola!

I have been a much better momma, wife, and friend!

I even went on a family vacation and I actually enjoyed myself!!!

We went to Branson and we had a blast! Lola got to see Santa (whom she is terribly afraid of) and even made a "HO HO" at Build a Bear! She saw lots of water (she loves water) and played very hard with her cousin! It was just a much needed get a way!

I must not leave out the best part of the vacation, we went to see the Dixie Stampede, and Lola was overwhelmed with JOY! She had a night filled with horses (new found LOVE) and even woke up the next morning ready to go back and see them again! ha

I just get so excited about Christmas! All the music and best of all, the opportunity to share Baby Jesus's birthday! We are ready to celebrate!

"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" Luke 1:46b-47a

(Had to throw in the picture of her screaming because she saw Santa move...She is terrified of that jolly ole man!)

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! (I'm so behind!!!)

Last week we woke up to snow! It was beautiful!!!

Lola then decided that she needed to put on her pink shoes!!! Doesn't it go well with her outfit!!!! And the cat trying to get in the house!!! I think we have adopted our neighbors cat haha!!!

Happy Tuesday!!!

So I don't forget...

2011-11-17T06:45:00.000-08:00

The Christmas season is approaching quickly!! I am not really ready... Are you? I just have no desire to drag all that Christmas decor down but I am sure after I decorate my first house next week it will "click" and I will have my house decorated in no time! But I don't want to skip a few things...

Lola was a ladybug for Halloween! She wasn't sure of the whole costume idea but when she stopped screaming long enough to enjoy some fun she really enjoyed it! She is a very observant child and things scare her so easily... You can only image what she was like around a crowd of costumes and that explains why our night was very short and sweet!

Last week Lola and I decorated "apple turkeys" and Lola loved it!

And right now Lola is in LOVE with pizza! So our Friday night stop is Larry's Pizza! We always have a blast and it gets us some family time!!!

See how excited she is about "zizza"

Before I go be sure to check out all my new Christmas items on my craft blog! There are so cute stuff and I am adding things daily!

www.thesassypolkadot.blogspot.com

Hope you all have a great Thursday!

Pumpkin patch trip #2

2011-10-31T12:43:00.000-07:00

Last Friday started a grand weekend! Lola is really starting to talk, learn more and well she is just growing up! I never thought she would talk or start wanting to "learn" so to speak, but I am starting to see a different path FINALLY!!! Her new thing right now is "roar" which means Beauty and the Beast! When I say someone is crazy about "roar" she really is.. We watch it about 5 times a day. She doesn't sit right in front of the TV but she wants it on all day!

She is also in this phase right now where everything is "mine" and it is about to drive this momma CRAZY!!! I have talked with other mommas and they say it is just a phase... Lord help me! This is her pushing around the candy bowl. She was protecting it with her life! haha I just have to laugh at these moments!

And she is obsessed with MONEY!!!! She just can't seem to get enough money!! She expects everyone who whips out a wallet to give her money! It's funny but I have to break her from this soon or I am going to be broke!!! ha She found her Disney money bag and broke into it and crammed as much money as she could in her pockets before I found her, then tried to give me a penny in lieu of punishment!

On Saturday Ryan was off! We originally had pictures scheduled but they got cancelled so we took advantage of that time and headed to Scott! We ate at Cotham's and headed to the pumpkin patch to play! We took Lola's Poppa and Nana along with us and we all had a blast! It was a great day!!!

Lola with all Nana's belongings!!! Yep she taught her how to "roll"... But little does she know that I CAN NOT support her style!

Here's to a great Monday and off to our Fall Festival at our church tonight! Hope you all have a safe evening!! Happy Monday!!!

Fall, Finally

2011-10-27T08:30:00.000-07:00

We have had a pretty awesome fall so far. I think fall is a little confused with summer! I am ready for cooler weather so we can break out our fun fall attire! Today it is drizzling and damp outside so we are staying in... Great time to catch up, RIGHT?!

I took Lola to the pumpkin patch a few weeks ago. She had a great time! I think I am gearing towards building a house in the country rather than fixing up our "city" home. Lola is in LOVE with animals and I have always dreamed of having a horse and cows (maybe add a few chickens and hens in there too!) She wanted to stay with these horses the entire time we were visiting the pumpkin patch. She didn't want much to do with the idea of picking out a pumpkin (see a few picture down and you will get my point.) We are hoping to go back tomorrow and pick a few pumpkins to place on our front porch!

Last week was the state fair! I LOVE fairs! The food, people watching (that is worth the whole trip) and animals makes of a great time! Lola wouldn't have ANYTHING to do with the rides so we headed on over to visit the petting farm. Lola was in HEAVEN!!! It melts my heart to see her care so much for all the little animals. She wanted to feed them, pet them and boss them! Yep bossing is her talent these days!

Before I close, I want to leave you with this precious picture! Lola wanted her boots on... Diaper, bed head and boots...PRICELESS!!!

Yep!!! I am still alive and kicking!!!

2011-09-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

Yep we are still alive and kicking!!! I have been so busy!!! Between being a mom, babysitter, semi-entrepreneur, wife, housekeeper, cook, nursery director, and MUCH more I find NO extra time at the end of my day! So much has gone on between my last post and now!

Lola turned TWO and we had a Minnie Mouse birthday bash! For her birthday I took her to the Peabody to see the ducks. She loved it!

Around our house it is HARVEST time! Yep that means long hours for the hubby!

And it is officially fair time!!! I love the fair (the animals, rodeo, and food... not rides, ha) and Lola loved the parade!

She loved the candy the most!!!

Lola was excited to meet the animals!

I think she makes a pretty cute cowgirl with those pants!!!

Well I am off to finish cleaning this house... Hope you all have a great Monday!!!

Did we have to leave?

2011-07-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure I was ready to leave but our week in the sunshine state has come to an end and this time I can't say I am going back in a few weeks. We had a great time despite all the thunderstorms that took 3, yes, 3 days from the beach and soaking up some rays, but don't worry I spent them doing a little retail therapy!

To recap our week (I took WAY to many pictures!!!) I will start with the house we stayed in, it was nice! It was in a little community right on the beach and our walk to the water was just a block! When we got there on Saturday, we took Lola to see the water and she loved it WAY more this time than the last!! Excuse her hair, she had been sitting in the car all day and it was WILD!

That night we hit the pool! Lola loved the water!

Sunday we hit the beach early in the morning and had a great day! The water was pretty and the weather was great! Lola had a great time playing in the water and making sand castles!

That evening we went to The Back Porch for dinner! I thought it would be neat to take a picture in this chair every time we come and see how much she changes and grows!

Lola and cousin Logan with Poppa and Nana

Then Aunt Katelyn took Lola out to play on the playground! By the picture you can see how much she loved the slide!!!

And she didn't want to leave! I can't blame her either!

Monday we hit the beach again (I guess I left my camera at the house) and then that evening we had family pictures made. I don't want to hurt my in-laws feelings but there were no good pictures of us. My hair was NASTY and they were just terrible. I had told Ryan I thought we would go back out another day and take some and we did!!! Those turned out much better but here is Lola in her pretty white dress! Believe it or not this was better than the ones the photographer took.

Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday it rained so we went shopping!

On Wednesday I wanted to go back to the outlet mall but Lola wasn't having it. We took her to Chick Fli A and we enjoyed some chicken and play time!

That evening it cleared up a little so we hit dinner out on the beach! Lola was being silly!

Thursday it was raining a little but we hit the beach for a little bit!

Who could resist this cute little booty with a ruffle??

She was ready to PLAY!

I caught this moment and just thought it was so cute! She loves her daddy!

She wanted to sleep in the big girl bed and she did really well! I guess this is a good sign to start looking for a new bed!

Thursday night we went out and re took family pictures!

Outfit change for Lola so she could match her cousin!

Then we were back at taking photos!

My mom smocked this beautiful dress and I am in LOVE with how it turned out!

One silly girl on our hands!

Lola was in the best of moods all week! I was so pleased and she had a great time! Thank you in-laws for the great vacation!

Our last day we spent on the beach! It was beautiful! The sun was awesome!

Our last night we ate at AJ's and it was yummy!! Lola was again in a great mood so everyone was eating her up! After dinner we went and walked down the Harborwalk and Lola wasn't ready to leave! I had to bribe her!

We topped off the end of the week with the best night of fun! I think I need to go to Florida every 3 months! ha I am sure Ryan will fall for that one don't you think?! Now back to the small town living and planning for a birthday party! (ps if you made it this far...Sorry for all the pictures!)

One Silly Family

2011-07-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share a picture of one silly family!

My weekly post!

2011-07-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

I guess I am just a weekly blogger ha! I just get so tied up in the day and I completely forget to post what all goes on through out the day!

I will start with last week, Thursday that is, and the sillyness I have! I watched a friend of mine, Kourtney, kiddos while she was away in meetings. I hadn't been to playgroup in a long time and I really wanted to go and PLUS it was free adult day at the Wonder Place, so I loaded up my little Acura CAR with 3 carseats and headed to Little Rock! Yep I am either crazy or was desperate to get out of the house ( I will admit I was probably both) but we had a good time and I wore those little babies out!

Here we are all loaded up ready to hit The Wonder Place!!!

When we got there it didn't occur to me that I had 3 babies ha! If you can imagine this I had a baby on each hip and I put the other in the stroller... How did you push you might ask? ... Well I pushed it with my leg till we got to the side walk... Yep I am sure every one of those people watching me "truck" across the parking lot with two hand and 3 babies were getting their weekly laugh as I was too!!!

The water was a hit! That is Lola's new thing "water"

My busy girl was in heaven sliding and climbing! I guess toddlers like to climb because I will find her on top of the table, bar or anything dangerous in that matter!

After taking them to eat pizza they were crashed!!

That evening we went to see Lola's birthday gift! Yep! She is getting a used swing set that I got a steal of a deal on!!! I can't wait to get it all set up in our backyard! I am going to make outdoor curtains for the top where the slide is and let that be a "Playhouse" and I am so excited to see her face when she realizes that it is in her back yard!

In preparation of our Disney trip (yep we are officially going to Disney World) I thought we would try on Mickey ears! She loved them!!! I can't wait till she sees Mickey himself!!! I already have a few outfits that I will show later!!!

Then on Friday night we went to Larry's Pizza with our Sunday School class! We had a blast! Lola loves pizza and games!

She is all into putting money in the slot! She is so funny!

We had to have a picture!!!

Saturday, I did a little photo shoot for a friend who is now in labor and about to have her little boy! Pray for them as she is only 36 weeks.

Sunday our Sunday School class hosted a baby shower in which I used the photos that I took on Saturday as decor!

The honor guest couldn't be with us because she was in the hospital trying to get her labor to stop... but we had the shower anyway!

Our sweet neighbors went out of town for a few days(what felt like a month) and when they returned Lola was dying to see them! She loves "Sayhee" (Sadie) and Ty! I got a few pictures of her playing in Sadie's room! Lola can not pass babies up, she has to hold them! (This was Monday)

Then Tuesday (of this week) we went with a friend to meet our playgroup at Jump Zone! We had fun, however, Lola could care less about jumping. The picture below was the closest she got to "jumping" ha...

Since Lola didn't like the jumping toys she spent most of her time admiring the horse (which I finally gave in and let her ride.) She is into horses and calls them "Bo." My in-laws have a horse named Bo and she is in love with that huge animal!

Here's to our future "show girl"

Then Tuesday night we went to Lola's cousin's birthday party! He got a fire truck and Lola was more fascinated with it than the birthday boy!

We got him a book that was so cute. It came with a wind up tractor and the book folded out into a track that the tractor could go around! So cute, I may go get Lola one!!!

After the party we came home and Ryan had picked us some sweet corn! Every year they grow a patch of corn to share with friends and family! I got my first lesson on shucking corn as Lola did too:)

So here's to my weekly blog post! See you back here next week... A post from the beach!

Water loving kind of day!

2011-07-13T12:29:00.000-07:00

I mean need I say more about this picture!!! She loves these shoes, thanks to our friends Beth and Presley!

Yep I have a DIVA! ha and yes I know I have the oldest Nintendo! (if you noticed that antique in the background!) My neighbor came over and I drug that out of the attack for him and we had the best morning playing... He couldn't figure out the buttons and it just made me laugh because when I try to play theirs I am so confused! WOW times have changed!!! He just thought I was so OLD!!!

Yesterday we went to Wild River Country for some fun in the hot hot hot sun! Thank goodness there was lots of water surrounding us because it was blazing hot! Lola is becoming more comfortable with the idea of water! She will even put her head under with out flipping out! I must say we will be getting her swim lessons next year for sure!

She loves the duck slide and I personally like that cute teeny weeny polka dot bikini!

Check this little swimmer out!!!

As some know Lola takes a while to warm up to things. In the kids area they have these things that fill up with water and then when full up it spills on you... Yep Lola got soaked and much to my surprise she didn't go completely crazy... I guess it warmed he up to these things that shoot up water. She was getting to where she would touch them! Ha check out the pictures, they make me laugh!

Giving her foot a test try! ha

Today we went out and played in the sprinkler for a while. I know my water bill is going to be high:( Lola just loves water and I am thankful because I HATE water! I am getting better at the thought of "water" but having a uncle drown, I almost drown and seeing a dad who had 2 kids and a wife drown in Florida (this was before I had Lola) just puts a fear of water in my blood... I freak out when she barley falls. This momma is going to go crazy when she takes swimming lessons, I may need to freshen up on my CPR! ha

Happy Wednesday!

Sweetness

2011-07-11T14:36:00.000-07:00

Pure Sweetness!

And once again I have been so busy that blogging has been put on the back burner! I get so sad when I get behind on writing post because blogging means more than just updating my life, I usually get caught up with everyone else! I love to read about other people (yeah I am crazy) but I get much satisfaction to know that other children thrown temper tantrums and other mommies have rough days...I don't feel so alone in the world! We have been SUPER busy! I live a crazy, busy life. I mean I am on the go all the time. I am getting so frustrated with the fact that I can't make it ANYWHERE on time! I am not kidding when I say that I put Lola in the car and get ready to back out to find that I forgot my cell phone on the bar or my wallet on the table. UGGGGGGG I just can't get things together sometime to make it out of the door and then I feel defeated which leads me to getting short and angry when deep down I am happy! So I am going to TRY and focus on being on time(however this morning we were 10 minutes late to church, there is next Sunday!!!!)

To catch up we came back from Florida last Saturday which turned into a nightmare... There was some mess-ups with the airlines and we had to sit at the SMALL Destin airport for 5 hours, yep you heard me 5 HOURS!!! With a toddler that was the longest 5 hours! I considered flying to Florida when we go back in 2 weeks but I just don't want to take the risk of that happening to us again. My parents made it back to LR before we did... I wish I would have taken pictures of the "play area" I made for Lola. It was just crazy.

We did have a good time in Florida. It was good to visit with my sister and niece. Lola wasn't so sure about someone else loving on her Gigi. She sort of had a rough week. (And I have noticed her molars are cutting through so that could explain her accelerated level of whining!) Sad to say but I guess she isn't a beach type of girl. If you know Lola she wants to be busy ALL THE TIME! I guess we will be checking out all what Destin has to offer BUSY toddlers when we return, because the beach just isn't this little girls thing!

(need I say more)

She did LOVE the pool!

I guess we went to Florida for some pool time!

One night we went to The Crab Trap for dinner. I tasted, for the first time, crab legs and they were yummy! Lola and Hannah enjoyed the jungle gym before and after dinner!

We took a few picture before we left... here are a few!

When we got home (finally) we still had a bit of a weekend planned! We headed to my bestie's house for a cookout and some much needed friend time!

The girls all dressed a like! I know they will HATE us one day for doing this to them but we are eating it up while we can!

These pictures just make me laugh! I mean we literally tired for a good 5 minutes to get them to smile! ha

Happy 4th of July!

The girls!

I am a sucker for a good hot dog!

The girls wanted to go swimming so BAD! ha

She just couldn't resist anymore!

We all went swimming after dinner and had a great time!

Beach day 2, 3 and 4!

2011-06-30T07:02:00.000-07:00

I crammed a lot of photo's in one post! We are still having fun! We have played by the pool and had a shrimp boil! Lola is finally playing in the sand!!! Tonight we are taking pictures! I can't wait!!!

We also went to a birthday party! Grandpa turned 80! Happy Birthday Grandpa Bill!!!

Last night we went out for dinner at The Crab Trap! It was so delicious! We had a blast!!!

Greetings from Florida! Day 1

2011-06-27T15:12:00.000-07:00

Hello from Florida! We are having a blast and enjoying the sun! We have not done much but sit by the pool (it is literally right off our deck) and eat! I think I could be as big as a cow by the time I return home! Lola hasn't been all that well. We left Arkansas with an ear infection and I am not thinking it is healing well. Thankfully I brought the medicine so we are hoping it will help!!!!

We flew to Florida and it was the best thing EVER! We will be flying when we go again in July!!!Here is Lola loving the plane!

Sitting by the pool side! Fun Fun!!

Later that evening, I took Lola to the beach. She wasn't so sure about the sand or the water. She actually screamed and hung on to us for dear life! ha

I sat her down and she didn't know what to think about the sand on her feet!

We are here with my family! My sister and niece came too! Hannah and Lola giving kisses!

Here are a few from the nightly photo shoot! Lola just isn't sure about the sand. She is a very cautious child. I love that she is particular and examines her surroundings but man just for the first 5 minutes and then I would like for her to get down and try things!!! I am working on her!

I then put her bathing suit on her and took her back to the beach hoping she would try the water but she wasn't having it... BUT she did get a little more comfortable with the sand on her feet!

We had a great Sunday and a great day today!

A the winner is...

2011-06-10T13:28:00.000-07:00

To start off this post I want to say, I am a little behind, but Ryan and I had our 3 year anniversary last Sunday! Yep I know I am slacking!!! Here we are 3 years ago and I am in love with him more than I ever have been!! Thank you to my sweet man for being such a wonderful friend, father and husband any girl could ask for!!

A lot has happened in 3 years. I moved to a new town, gave up all my comforts, moved twice, bought a car, bought a house, joined in the family farming business, had a baby, and much much more! I am so thankful for everything! God has blessed me even when I feel all alone He sticks by my side through it all!!!

Totally changing the subject: (ha, really, TOTALLY changing the subject!)

I am getting very and I mean very frustrated with swimsuit shopping... I have found that AFTER Lola buying a swimsuit isn't easy. I have the body of a 12 year old just starting to go through puberty (now days they are more developed than I am) the butt of a 16 year old and the legs of an adult! In combination to all this, I also have a few "mommy marks" to throw everything off the charts... Don't get me wrong I wouldn't even mind showing them off (I am proud of my girl to be honest) but I would like to spare the public in every way I can! So after this sobbing story was shared to my mother-in-law, she felt sorry for me and brought me over a few catalogs with cute "mom" style beach wear... With much excitement (sorry MIL I might not have expressed it yesterday, but I was truly overwhelmed with joy!!!) I headed home and started searching!!! I visit the first sight to find that there are the bottoms but not the top in my size nor do they make my size, continue to the next catalog site to find they don't even come near my size and the lovely story continues... I am still swimsuit-less and and back a square one!! I am trying not to get to down because I am thankful to be small but if you have a average size body, be so thankful and if you have boobs thank you good Lord above!!! I am looking at wearing a T-shirt to the beach... I just want a cute little skirt with a tankini top but I am having NO such luck:(

Moving on, I hope you all have had a great week!!! VBS is over and we had a great crowd!

The winner of the shirt is Becky! Email me at Sarakat85@yahoo.com with the size you would like!!! Thank you all for entering! If you need any cute summer clothes let me know!! Check out my blog often to see what all is new!

VBS

2011-06-08T13:20:00.000-07:00

This week is VBS at our church! I am the craft teacher for the younger grades! We have had fun! It makes me so happy to be around preschoolers again! I miss Montessori so much!!! I'm not sure Lola is enjoying it all that much because I can hear her cry down the hall.(sorry teachers she is rotten)

She was so happy to see "Minute" (Bennett) and he was happy to see her!!!

After VBS today Alana and her mommy came over to a little water play! We had fun!

Lola was enjoying the sprinkler for a second and then she was totally over the water splashing in her face! That's my girl, she only last 3 seconds in anything she does...I hope we aren't looking at ADD in the future!

Sweet stylish Alana!

I am going to announce the winner of the shirt Friday! I hope you all have a great day today! I am doing "chores" ugggggggg, but I am thankful I have a reason to do chores (the bright way to look at it, Right?!)

Memorial Day (part 2)

2011-06-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend! I am so thankful for all the men and women who fight everyday for our freedom! I know Memorial Day isn't about the fabulous sales(although they are nice) and cook outs but I am so thankful for that day to sit and relax and enjoy others company!

Thursday we all had dinner with my family at Jason's Deli and then Ryan and I went grocery shopping! We had fun!

Friday we had a baby shower for my sweet step-sister and her new baby Chloe! I can't wait to meet her soon!!!

Aunt Rachel opening gifts

Then Saturday we went to my moms after a fun trip shopping! Then Sunday Lola enjoyed some time in the water sprinkler!

Sweet little Lola

Lola and her Bestie's Alana and Kendal

We took them over for a swim, Lola was in LOVE with the water. I have a phobia of people drowning. I have lost a family member to drowning and I almost drown (I was little and I was in swim lessons and my mom totally had to save me because the instructor was with another child) and on top of that, the last time I went to the beach I saw a daddy drown while his children were watching. I just have a fear of water... call me crazy but I just do!

Lola had a FULL belly!

My sweet besties!!!

Daddy's dipping their girls (except Lola and Kendal swapped their daddy's ha)

My little pool angel

Now they got it right! haha

Now off to get ready for the weekend!

If you made it this far, you are lucky because I have a cute giveaway! Post a comment and become a follower and to get your name in there more than once, invite a fellow blogger who is not already following me and your chances to win will increase!!! Have a great weekend!

Past (part 1)

2011-06-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

It has been what feels like a year since I have blogged! A lot has gone on and somewhere in between I have lost the majority of my sanity!!! There are a few pictures that date back a while ago, so hang in there!! We have been super busy... I keep 5 kids 3 days a week(my house stays a wreck and I am lucky to get 30 minutes alone) our town flooded (we were safe but others weren't so fortunate and my heart goes out to you all) Lola is starting to potty train, I am gearing up for a craft show that is going on in Des Arc this weekend, we have been to my moms for a long weekend, we have been to my dads several times, I have been preparing for VBS (which is next week) and last but not least we are getting ready for a BUSY summer and so much more(I think we leave for the beach in less then 3 weeks!!!)

The flood the day after it was at its highest point. It reached almost 40ft, CRAZY!!!!

Lola and her BFF, Sadie. I'm pretty sure she wakes up every morning expecting to see her!!! We are so blessed to have great neighbors that love our little girl so much!!! Thank you York Family!!!

We went to meet Gigi for Mother's Day! The road finally opened and we could get out with out going through gravel roads!

Lola has found her new love, the dryer! I think this is something every kid loves at some point in their life!!! I now hate it as it means folding:(

Lola is also in love with Larry's Pizza! Oh yes chocolate chip pizza is the BOMB!!!!

The little boy(who isn't little anymore) Tyler, graduated from Abundant Life School and I couldn't have been more proud!!! It just blows my mind that he is about to go to college! They were my first family to babysit; over night, long weekends etc! Love them!!! They were the inspiration to motherhood!!!

Lola has figured out the games at Larry's Pizza and she is hooked!

And a quick family shot! To be continued...

Day 2 (yes I failed and I am a day late)

2011-05-18T10:53:00.000-07:00

Ok so I guess I didn't keep my challenge. Oh well I am here a day late and I will share with you my silly obsessions!

I am obsessed with clothes. Mostly Lola's clothes but if I find a deal on something for me or Ryan, I can't pass it up! I am seriously(maybe a problem) obsessed with Matilda Jane Clothing. There are crazy people out there that are way more crazy than I am but if I can get my hands on Lola's size I can't resist.

(This is my newest find! I didn't get the pants just the dress)

I also get pretty nuts about Kelly's Kids, bows and monogramming! I sell Kelly's Kids clothing, I make bows and on top of that my mom has a fancy monogrammer that I put to work on a regular basis!

On a different note, aside of clothes, I also am a little obsessed with clean floors. It gets the best of me sometimes but floors annoy me. I am also wanting to mop and vacuum my floors. So I have told you what I am obsessed with, now tell me your obsessions!!!

Day 1

2011-05-16T11:52:00.000-07:00

I am going to challenge myself to a week with a post everyday! You can link up with me if you would like! This is just something fun I have been wanting to do and there is a surprise at the end!!!! ha so check back!
Monday: Messy Monday (Share how you keep your house from being messy! How do you stay organized?)
Tuesday: Talk about it Tuesday (What is are your crazy obsessions)
Wednesday: Where do I start Wednesday (A blessing story starting with "Where do I start...")
Thursday: Thrify Thursday (Share some of your thrifty ideas! And secrets)
Friday: Free-B Friday (If you have linked up at all with me on any day, you will have a chance to win a surprise, a crafty surprise for the summer!)

How do you all keep your house from it looking like a tornado went through on a daily basis! I need suggestions! I am thinking about buying a few pieces of furniture but do any of you have suggestions, like a daily routine you do to stay on top of your house work. I need help and ideas! Take pictures and post them or leave a comment for a chance at the summer giveaway that I will announce on Friday! It will be one you don't want to miss!!! (sorry I am not going to post any pictures because you all would die if you saw how crazy my house is!!! But I will once I get organized) And if you don't blog leave a comment on Facebook for a chance at the giveaway! Now let me hear your advice!

What if Blessings Come through tears?

2011-05-10T13:36:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share a song with you all that has touched me in so many ways. My heart has been heavy over the past several days and I heard this song on the radio and it just moved me to tears and this is why...

As most of you know (if you read my blog often enough) I struggle with contentment. The word "content" has been my worst nightmare. Anxiety attack after anxiety attack and tears after tears has led me to praying for God to get me out of this small town life and begging for the "country club" atmosphere. This small town at around 2,000 in population wasn't my dream town that I would call home and it definitely wasn't where I wanted to buy a house and raise my family. I have had wilderness paths dealing with family differences, friend differences, long distance issues and so much more. I have packed my bags waiting for the right time to leave. I have honestly thought I wouldn't make it one more day. I have told Ryan to get me out and I have begged him to find a new job. I wanted to have a life of my own, a life where I didn't feel like I lived in someones shadow or be compared to this person or that person. I want to finally be Sara, the wife, mom, and friend that I have dreamed of and wished for. I just want to live a life where I can have a sense of accomplishment and a sense of worth. I don't know why God brought me to this small town of Des Arc and I may never know. What if all these issues were blessing. What if I am praying for what I want and God has a different plan. I feel so guilty for even thinking I am without grace. God forgive me for not giving you enough credit and I pray you will show me your blessings even if they come through sleepless night and lots of tears. I hope you are touched in some way by the words of this song!

Happy Mothers Day 2011

2011-05-09T06:20:00.000-07:00

Hope you all have had a great Mother's Day!

(Lola is pressing her face up against mine, so I look SILLY)

I am so blessed with so many "mothers" in my life! From my mom to mother friends, I am who I am today because of you all! Thank you!

As you know we are stuck on a Island here in Des Arc so we went to my MIL's for lunch and it was so yummy!

I hope my mom had a great Mother's Day as she is such a mentor to my everyday life of being a mom! I don't think I could be half the mother that I am today if it weren't for her sweet patients and Godly advice. The love she has for Lola is so sweet and pure. It melts my heart to see her love and adore my precious girl! Thank you Mom for all that you do, I love you and I appreciate all you do for me!

My MIL and Lola! Lola loves her Nana and I will add her Poppa too! During church she kept asking "where's Poppa?" They spoil her rotten and they love her so much! I am thankful Lola knows all her grandparents!I do wish I could have lived closer to my grandparents but I am so close to my only living grandparent, Meme, in whom I just adore! She is so precious inside and out! Thank you Meme for all you do! I love you so much!

I wish we could see my dad more but he works so much and lives a busy life and with that I will add that my step-mom is also a very important mom too! She has been a blessing to my life and I am thankful for her!

Again Happy Mother's Day to everyone!

A little of this and that...

2011-05-04T14:45:00.000-07:00

Its be a while since I blogged last so to fill you all in here are a few(sorry that is a little bit of an exaggeration) pictures!

Last Tuesday we finally made it back to our normal routine playgroup. We all went to Jump Zone and Lola wasn't to sure about the HUGE inflatable play ground. While I was talking with other moms she did sneak off and I found her attempting to check what the whole fuss was about!

Then she wanted so badly to put Baby Brilie's shoe on!

And sorry poor Baby Kinley, Lola is having flash back moments, she loved her car seat like this!! But she loves every car seat that she can buckle!

Then on Thursday we all went over to our friends Ashley and Addi's house to check out their new and improved backyard and to play! We had a blast! I have no idea why, but Lola wanted to play inside so bad...

I feel so bad but I haven't taken any pictures of Lola here lately... So I got my camera out and took a few pictures today. She has been so much fun here recently! Her new things is Barney. And she loves this car seat and insists on you to buckle her in while she watches Barney! She cracks me up!!!

And then the sad sad news.... Des Arc is flooding. If you don't know where I live, you will find my town on the banks of the White River. Due to so much rain and a few levees breaking up north, we are at flood state levels and many homes have been lost due to such a high amounts of water. Please keep these families in your prayers. Crews have been working LONG hours trying to save lives, homes and businesses. These pictures don't do the high amounts of water justice. It is just unbelievable. My heart just breaks for all the families that packed up and moved to only go back in a few weeks and find their homes ruined. I just can't imagine. Someone reminded me the other day that all of that is "stuff" and "stuff" can be replaced. It has taken me back a few steps and made me reevaluate where my heart lies. I need to redirect my heart and remember to not store treasures here on earth but to store treasures in heaven.

The water isn't as high as it is supposed to get. Friday or Saturday it is supposed to reach its highest point.

These are the steps that take you down to the parking area for the boat ramp. There is a road WAY down there!!!

Thank you God for everything you have blessed me with and I pray you will lift all these families up each and every day. Amen!

We, along with our neighbors, went for a walk to see how high the water had reached. This is a street and can you see how high the water is from the street signs? Its crazy!

Lola passed out on the way home!

Ahhhhhhh....and Yes Easter pictures!

2011-04-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

I must admit I am happy to be past Easter! I am so over Easter eggs and looking at those cute white shoes in the closet just dying to put them on. Its finally over and white here we come! I am also so thankful for Easter. Not only is it a refreshing time in life but it is also a time I just thank God for sending his son to die on the cross so that I may have eternal life!

I have been extremely busy with crafts and now that its finally over I feel like I can breath and maybe get my house back in order!

A lot have been going on so let me fill you in (all 2 readers, ha.) Thursday was my moms birthday! We went to the Flying Fish and it was yummy!!! I am still craving it!!!

We didn't have a candle so I stuck a fork in it! haha

Lola was so not feeling well, so she is a bit on the cranky side!

The girls! (minus a few)

Friday was just a plain crazy day. I sure do hope May brings some sunshine and smiles on mine and Lola's face. We just can't seem to catch a break. She has had ear infections, trying to potty train and so much more. But this is her most favorite thing to do right now, buckle EVERYTHING!!! I got this car seat down so she could buckle it as much as she wants.

On Saturday I took Lola to the Easter egg hunt in Des Arc. It was a flop just like I thought it would be. The whole idea of the egg hunt was great but Lola just wasn't for the idea, maybe next year!

She is into TV here lately. She wants you to turn it on and she will sit and watch it until she has had enough. She finally gave it up and this is how I found her sleeping!

Saturday night we took Uncle J out for his birthday! Lola was pretty good, she was just super tired.

Easter was fun! The Easter Bunny brought Lola a few goodies!

Happy Easter 2011

I then tried a photo shoot with "on the go girl" and this is all I could get.

Hope you all had a great Easter!

Deals

2011-04-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

Yes I am crazy woman and I went shopping(again!) I hit up Target and Walgreens and saved more than I spent! Not going into a lot of detail, but at Target Allegra is free (when you stack a Target coupon with the Sunday paper coupon) and Degree deodorant is free doing the same (stack a Target and Sunday paper coupon.) I spent around $13.00 and save almost $20 ($19 and some change) I even got birthday cards and Dr. Pepper.

At Walgreens I didn't do as well as I had planned. If you go, your first time is a little more expensive because you don't have RR(register rewards) to use. I got razor blade refills both packs for $4.99 (that's 8 refills.) The Aquafresh kids toothpaste was .49 cents! You get me! I spent around $36 and saved around $34.

These are my finds and I am working on getting better! I so need to go to the grocery store but I haven't made it there.... Hopefully soon because I am getting very creative with meals here lately and that is scary because I am not a creative chef!!

Weekend catch up!

2011-04-18T19:25:00.000-07:00

Saturday I took Lola to the Clinton Library for the Easter egg extravaganza! I will say after reading Kelcie's blog we must have missed everything by a bit. We didn't stay very long as I was starving and Lola doesn't do "strange" characters who don't look like the everyday human. If there is ANY facial hair you can bet your bottom dollar that she will cling on to you and grab any article of clothing she can get her hands on making sure you aren't going to let go...

My friend is taking this picture so its not that close but can you see Lola choking me and squealing frantically because the bunny put his "paw/hand" on her... Oh boy I'm not sure what Disney will be like when we take her...

This bunny is more like it!! PURE WOOD AND NOT MOVING!!! She is finally breathing again!

We went with my friend and her daughter, Kendal! Thank you for hanging out with me ALL day! After we left we had lunch at ZAZA's and then went shopping! Lindsey got some AWESOME deals at Ann Taylor Loft and I will have to say she is going to be a very well dressed girl from here on out!!!

Then Sunday I hosted a housewarming for a sweet friend in Des Arc. They just built their first home and it is PERFECT!!! I don't think they missed a detail! I am in awe of how everything turned out! I am so happy for her and her husband as God has blessed them in so many ways!

A few of their new items to fill their home!

The Lady of the house, Chrisana (she is due to have her second little boy Easter Sunday, yes that is a week away!!! She look awesome!)

Living a busy, blessed life

2011-04-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

Hello there to all my friend(courtesy of Barney and Friends), yes this is what I feel like my life is all about...Barney, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, repeat, repeat! Early mornings, long nights and in between: mother, babysitter, wife, maid, laundry keeper, entrepreneur, friend, and an involved church member. I should be the next spokes person for energizer commercial! Who needs the bunny when there are crazy moms like me out there!!!
Moving on to fun craziness! Holidays always pick up for me in my craft business! (check it out HERE) I find myself stressed but I just can't help to think I am also so blessed! I am not the most "creative" or "talented" person out there but I love what I do! I am so backed up with Easter buckets(check out the one below) and bows that I am running a little behind. I am covered in paint and my gas bill this month is going to be outrageous (going to Hobby Lobby isn't just a 5 min drive, try 1 and 5 mins.) This is also why I haven't posted anything in a long while!

A few odds and ends! I have received several emails about my version of "extreme couponing." I am going to (one day) start a coupon blog of my good deals. It is fun for me to get out of a store with products that were 50% to 75% off! I will also tell you that buying $1000 worth of groceries for $60 is RARE and stores are really cracking down and being extra careful with what coupons they take. Let me get through this Easter rush and I will answers some questions for you all! My deal yesterday was getting Trident Gum (the layers kind.) for .14 cents They are $1.29 a piece at Target but I walked out paying .29 cents for 2 packs! How to do it, go to Target.com and search their coupons and print out the $1.00 off coupon (Trident Layers gum) and combine it with the BOGO coupon from the Sunday paper! BAM you just saved some money and if your husband chews this gum like candy that is a STEAL!!!!

I got these finds at Target. Not all were deals but I just wanted to post what all I got for $34.00!!! This isn't my best at Target but I thought it was good and I compared prices with Kroger and I saved A LOT of money!!!
This may sound like a lot but when you think about it I paid $9.29 for the "table saver" and pull ups are $8.99...Now for the break down!
Pull-Ups Reg. $8.99 used coupon in paper get $1.50 off end up paying $7.99
Ziploc bags and Ziploc products are on sale! Buy two get $1.25 off(bags) $2.42 (snack size bags) and $3.39 (storage gallon size bags) use coupon end up paying $4.56 for both! And buy two plastic products and get $1.50 off, sale price $2.10 (large storage container) and $2.10 (small bowls) use coupon end up paying $2.70 for both!
Reynolds aluminum foil and parchment paper was also on sale. Combine the two and use a $1.50 off coupon in paper. $2.50 aluminum foil 75 sq ft and $2.50 parchment paper 30 sq ft after coupon end up paying $3.50 for both!!!
Reynolds slow cooker bags are regular $1.87 coupon in paper get $1.00: pay .87 cents
Color wonders on sale too! Use the $1.00 off coupon in the paper and get a pad for $2.50
Trident Gum was regular price @ $1.29 combine coupons BOGO and Target coupon $1.00 off get both packs for .29 cents
Spent $34.15(includes tax) and saved $13.21
Another deal:
If you are around Jacksonville Wal-Mart they have color wonders on sale for $5.00 and combine it with the coupon in the paper you can walk away with Color Wonder Toy Story light up markers, sheets and marker holder for $4.00!!! That is an awesome savings!!!

(sorry that was a lot of information)

Hope you all have a great Friday!!!

Spring Changes

2011-04-01T08:52:00.000-07:00

This whole idea of spring is inspiring me to change a few things in my life. If you know me I am sort of a negative Nancy. I try so hard to look on the bright side but my idea of perfectionism sometimes takes me away and I become negative. I also have the tendencies of becoming over whelmed FAST which then leads me to getting down on myself and so on and so forth. I have made it a "goal" of mine to focus more on the good things.

In all efforts to get a better attitude, I am doing things for myself. I bought some tanning visits and made my tanning appt for 6am in the morning. This gets me up and out of bed and putting some color on my pasty skin! I am going to try it for 2 weeks and see how it makes me feel, so far so good. I am enjoying my time early in the morning with Ryan and we can then do our Bible study(we used to do it in the evening right before bed but it would always lead to fights I think due to us just being "normal" exhausted parents ready for some shut-eye.) See I could lay in bed for hours and not even be asleep. I just love to lay in bed which then leads me to think about things to deeply. That then leads me to over analyze the small stuff.

I also have been surrounding myself with friends that encourage me and understand when people have "down" days! I am thanking God daily for such sweet women in my life! I feel like my "down" days are visiting me less! I still have "those days" and thankfully I have a support system to help!!! God bless you all who just give me words of encouragement or even just an ear to listen!!! Please trust me I appreciate you all so much!

On top of everything Ryan and I have been making it a point to understand each others needs. Just talking intensely has helped. It has been rough getting a lot of held in frustration and baggage out but I can see us becoming closer and more in love with each other already!

And I must admit (because I am being honest here and I can't leave this out) retail therapy has lifted spirits too! Oh my Lola has some of the cutest spring clothes. I can't wait till it gets warmer and I can dress her up! I have also been working on our Easter outfits! I just love Easter Sunday. It is so refreshing and I think God puts that in our hearts because when he rose from the grave, life as everyone knew it changed forever! It was a refreshed life, a NEW LIFE! Thank you Lord for bringing us new life!

(Lola's outfit)

Sorry this is a long post but I have been meaning to write it, I just have been busy!

Hope you all have a great Friday! Lola has a double ear infection, need I say more and I am having a garage sale in the morning OH BOY!!!

2011-03-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

First of all I am ready for some warmer weather! Is anyone with me? You know I like cold and I like hot but for crying out loud, mother nature, pick one PLEASE! I am again so late on this post and I have tried all day to sit down and work on catching up but it didn't happen. I am trying so hard on getting up earlier and training myself to get a earlier start on things so I forced myself to schedule a tanning visit for 6:20 AM! What was I thinking????

Well last week was spring break but not for me:( I did take Friday off and went to the zoo with a friend! It was a bit chilly however we made the best of our 3 1/2 hour zoo tour... I don't think I have ever spent that long in the LR Zoo but I did last Friday. I was sore the next day from walking so much(yes I am OUT OF SHAPE!!!)

Catching a few sweet innocence kisses before lunch!

Saturday morning we went and ate with our friends Ashley and Addi! They are just too precious! We had a great time and Ashley made Lola these bloomers in exchange for a bucket! I will post it when I get finished!

Hope you all had a great Wednesday!

Make my Heart Melt

2011-03-24T22:04:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a few photos of our weekend, YES LAST WEEKEND! It was a great one and I didn't want it to go MIA! Friday night started out with a little game night at my brother from a different mothers house! We honestly had a blast! Pizza, Wii and Guitar Hero, you can't beat it for sure!

Lola had a blast too!

My sister and mom!

Lola and I playing peek a boo, her favorite game! "Where is she" is what we call it!

I was very serious in the picture, I was really getting into it I guess!

Lola with her cup, snuggle bunny, pacie, and yes Jason! Got to have it all!

Then Saturday we headed out to the Heifer Village in Little Rock. Fully equipped with animals, Lola was in heaven! We had a great time petting goats, ducks and bunnies! We even planted a few watermelons! Great day with some friends too!

Lola and Brylee! Thanks Kourtney for inviting us!

Then we came home and got ready for a wedding. We had a great time seeing some friends make memories!

Lola is all into praying these days! I couldn't miss this photo opportunity (sorry Lord, I just had to have this photo for her baby book.) Doesn't this just melt your heart??? It does mine!

Sweet little family at the reception(thank you summer for approaching us quickly, we need some SUN!!!)

Ok if your not sitting down now you might want to find your seat! Ladies and Gentlemen, I attended my first wennie roast! Yes I said it...ok are you back up from falling over? I will continue! Some friends invited us to come over for a wennie roast.

You may think I am silly, but I grew up with parents that didn't know what country was if it hit them in the face. I lived on 18 acres growing up but that doesn't make a county girl. Ok, so my dad knows a little bit about being country (I think it is just in a man) and my mom only reallys know what living on country club drive and walking to the club pool feels like! Growing up I lived mainly with my mom and a wennie roast in her terms was light the fire in the fire play and roast marshmallows right in the comfort of your living room!

We had a big fire and had a great time. Oh Des Arc is becoming my home quicker than I expected...

And yes, for entertainment, Laura (the hostess with the mostess) rode the kiddos around on the power wheels jeep! Oh boy my future holds many more memories of what "country" really means!

Beautiful

2011-03-23T21:03:00.000-07:00

Tuesday we went to Wye Mountain to see all the pretty flowers. There were rows and rows. Lola had a blast and we took a friend along with us! We actually met a few people there and had a great lunch after! Here are just a few. It was mighty windy so Lola wasn't in the best of moods. I just love these pictures! I wish I could post all of them!

I don't know about you, but this picture is the best! It reminds me of a card!

Hope you all had a great Wednesday! We played outside most of the day and I did some random things around the house. It was a pretty good day!

Friday playdate and winner!

2011-03-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

Today was a very fun day! Every mom who attended the play date, I mean this honestly, I had fun! The craziness and food was perfect! Thanks for all who came and I hope we can do more!

This is all Lola wanted to do, play with the car seats!

Yummy food!

Yesterday we went out to eat lunch with my best friend and Miss Kendal (it was her 1st Birthday!) We had fun but I was in a funk that afternoon. Ryan and I went to Lowes and bought flowers and such to landscape a little. I was beat by the end of the day!

Sweet Kendal aka The Birthday Girl

Lola and Lindsey

The winner of the bucket is Ashley (you must have good luck ha, I can NEVER win anything and here you are two times in a row) I will attempt in every way to get it to you WAY before Easter. I am sorry that the other items took forever to get to you all. Organization in my mind is wonderful but actually doing it is another thing... So in attempts to do better I am going to try and work on a schedule. Thanks for all who entered and if you would like to order anymore please feel free to do so. Just go to The Sassy Polkadot (click on the title) and you can email or facebook me!

Hope you all have a good day!

2011-03-16T10:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a fun day! Filled with painting pottery(stressed me completely out), lunch at Chick Fli A, shopping and a dinner date!

First we went and painted pottery. I was one stressed puppy. We had fun and I can't wait to go back and finish our plate! (note: I didn't finish my plate because I was shaking in fear that my child was going to break something)

Then we headed to Chick Fli A for lunnch. After lunch we headed to Searcy where I stopped my a consignment sale and then had dinner with a sweet girl and her precious little baby (well she is the same age as Lola but our girls are still babies in our eyes!) I don't have any pictures but we hope to get together soon and I will take pictures then!

I am keeping a zoo at my house today. I am getting more and more used to having kiddos at my house. I will admit it almost got the best of me at first but I am learning to keep things picked up and I am finding myself less stressed! After buying all Lola's spring clothes I may need to work more to pay for it all. I went all out this spring. I really don't know why but I am so excited about everything! I just love children clothes! I also have a HUGE list for my mom too! haha

Well I better get! Just had a share our pottery painting day! Hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday! OH by the way if you are wanting to win the bucket make sure you enter HERE!

Memory Monday and a giveaway!

2011-03-14T08:31:00.000-07:00

Good morning to all! This weather makes me just want to crawl up in bed and watch Disney Channel all morning! I really like rainy days when it is dark outside. I made cinnamon rolls and yummy is all I can say!

Today I will take you down a sandy beach with waves crashing in the background and one of the best days of my life, a Memory Monday version of my "going to the chapel." I don't know about you but my wedding holds a lot of memories! It was the day I married my best friend (not quite sure he knew what he was getting into when he agreed! ha), got to wear one of those, you know, white dresses and veils and have a day where its all about you! I love to get dressed up and could probably wear heels every day of my life, which makes my goal of being "more domestic" a little harder, but I am not going to give up this soon! Sorry, back on track, on June 5th I slipped that white dress on, walked down a sandy beach, stood at the corner where the waves splashed up on the sand, and said my vows. Oh how peaceful.

I am not one to want attention on myself. I get nervous and clammy (like in my sisters wedding I almost passed out because the sight of all those people makes me so weak), so walking down the aisle to a stage wasn't my cup of tea. Ryan knew this right off the bat. A chapel wedding wasn't in the picture and if I had it my way, the JP was the best way. Pay your $35 dollars and sign a piece of paper. OH YEAH!!! If your parents are like mine, "giving" away the bride and groom is important, and that is why we decided to go away and ONLY invite family (if I passed out I wouldn't have to many people to see me go down and eat sand.)

My morning started out by getting my nails done and eating breakfast with my sister at Waffle House. I love that place by the way. I was so nervous the whole day. I remember being so worried about repeating all the vows. I didn't want to mess them up. I got my hair done and then it came time to adorn the body with that lovely white dress! We loaded up in the limo and headed to the beach. The ceremony lasted maybe 5 minutes (after everyone walked down to get seated), and then we headed to eat! It was such a great time and such a wonderful memory!

All the preparations leading up to that day reminded me of God's grace and perfection. There were times I just didn't know if getting married was for me (cold feet they call it), or if my family could afford everything (my sister just got married and I was finishing college on my parents dime.) But financially everything worked out. See I wanted the BIG ring and the fancy "extras", but when it comes down to everything at the end of the day, it is all gone, the flowers die, your dress hangs neatly in a closet (one day Mom I will come get it off your hands), and that ring doesn't make your marriage, no matter how big or small. Young ladies who think they need the biggest diamond in the case: I promise being married to a man with character and heart is much better than that expensive thing that people size up anyway. Its all fun and fancy, but all you have left are those pictures that will adorn your wall or photo books. The smiles on your faces are priceless and should never be forgotten. God made it possible for everything to happen on June 5th. Just planning the wedding was Gods way of showing me the man I was about to marry was the "right" one! From changing our photographer at the last minute to finding the funds, everything fell into place! Whether its your wedding day or just any day, cast all your worries on the Lord, and He will see that you are well taken care of. I look at pictures once again and just think of that day, and the story runs through my head once again. Oh how awesome it was and is!!!

What is your story? Oh and the giveaway is a custom Easter bucket. To enter, post a comment! I will give away the bucket on Friday!

Busy weekend!

2011-03-13T14:44:00.000-07:00

I feel like I am so not into the game about blogging here recently. I am so behind on everything! I have got to get a move on my life!

I don't know about your children but Lola HATES being dirty. Yes I know its probably my fault because I am always so picky about hands being dirty and playing outside (which isn't my thing, it wasn't even my thing when I was little either) so she gets it honest and that leads me to the unthinkable! If your mind is wonder let me pull you back, and lay it out there...YES Lola pulls her poop out of her diaper and brings it to you as if it is an award or something. IT'S NASTY!! I know she hasn't had a "normal" diaper for a long while and she may be wondering what is coming out of her , but it doesn't make it any better... It plain weirds me out! So after consulting with a few mothers they recommended to start potty training. We went and bought a potty and bless my child's heart they don't make panties small enough to fit her tiny behind. As I started the process she would get so excited about the potty but I can't get the concept of how to get her to understand how to pee-pee in the potty and not the floor. I turn the water on, dance for her and nothing seems to work. She will come get me and pull at her diaper but she either doesn't make it or right after she wipes she will pee all over the floor. We are going to keep trying, I'm not giving up but if you have any suggestions please feel free to share them!!!

Remember the towel I gave away... Here it is monogrammed!! So cute!

Saturday was my best friends little girls first birthday (I don't think that was a sentence!) She is a shamrock baby with her actual birthday on St. Patty's Day but we celebrated this past weekend! As my gift to her I decorated and made pretty much everything EXCEPT the cake. I am no cake maker by any means! I had a blast getting it all prepared but I had a little set back, I got pink eye Thursday night/early Friday morning. I am so tired of being sick. SO I made everything Saturday morning. Yes I am a crazy lady and I was a nervous wreck all morning worried I wouldn't get it finished in time. But I did and it was all so cute! Check out my craft blog tomorrow to see everything.. Click HERE!!!

Lola is so funny in this picture... I had to post it!! It looks like she is really into that food she is eating!

Kendal with her taste of the cake, I think she like it!

Lola is getting tape up off the floor! I just love those feet in the background!

Trying to get a bestie shot! This is the best we could do!!!

She is up to something!

My sweet sweet friend! I look horrible because I have hardly any make-up on and I look so tired. I need to tan so bad! I think I may start soon to get ready for my two trips to the beach!

I don't know if it is the weather but I have been dragging here lately! I need an energy boost! I have this friend in Des Arc that goes all the time and always has a great attitude about life! I am trying to hang out with her more so she can rub off on me! ha She claims getting up at the roosters crow helps.. Not so sure I want to try that advise! But I love her! ha

Tomorrow is a giveaway! Check back tomorrow to see what the awesome giveaway will be!!!

A tough testimony and a Memory Monday

2011-03-07T12:36:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I cleaned house! I mean got the bleach out and everything! If you know me, I am no where near a house cleaner or house keeper. Cleaning is not my game! I like to clean other peoples house but not my own and I wouldn't even go to say I like to clean other homes, I like to organize other homes! However, I found myself cleaning windows and every toy and every place I could think that kids would touch or have touched! If there is a germ still alive it is worthy to live! My Monday has really been refreshing! I have done a few loads of laundry and picked up and I even put my spring stuff out(Is it to early?) and I feel like cleaning some more(I don't have fever Ryan I promise!)

But something struck me this morning as I was picking up the bathroom. A picture that means so much to me brought tears to my little eyes. As most of you know we had a scare 5 days after Lola was born. It had been a beautiful day, we went on a walk and enjoyed the sun light (much like this spring weather is bringing) but when dark hit, literally, so did the fear of death. I, for about 15 minutes (which felt like 100 years,) thought my little baby was gone. Holding what I thought was a lifeless body screaming for help changed my life forever. She had stopped breathing and was literally chocking on fluids that were coming from places I had no idea they could even exit. Breathing breaths of life into that little mouth and trying to recall my previous (3 years before) knowledge of CPR, my mom and I were doing everything we could do to revive my baby. Yelling "my baby is dead, my baby is dead" with my mom responding "No she isn't, no she isn't, keep going" Ryan was ordered to Call 911 and I think the thought crossed his mind "Whats the number?" and not 2 minutes later(we live just around the corner from the EMT station) people started filling my home administering professional help to my child. All the machines were hooked up and breathing aids were administered. After 2 days in a hospital and coming home with a heart monitor we still don't have a clinical diagnosis of what went on, only God knows and thankfully he is in control of our everyday!

Wow what a picture will do to a little mind, but the pictures that surround my house all have a story or a testimony. They mean so much to me and I find myself just looking at one specifically and just thanking God for another chance. See, I could not and can not imagine what it feels like to lose a child. I pray that God will protect me from that knowledge and feeling and protect every other woman. I know people who have lost children and I can only say "Bless your Hearts" I have no idea how you must have felt but I do know what it feels like to save a child and to save my own child. I am here to say this, hold on to memories, hold on to those stressful and tiring moments that so easily find us broken and run with them. They just blow away in the wind, quickly! Find a place where you can look back at those testing times of life and take a deep breath, Praise our Father for each one and pray for peace to deal with the future "trying" times!

This picture is a one in a million. I put it in my guest/Lola's bathroom where I or Ryan give her a bath and we will see it at those times where I can have the best of both worlds right in front of me, a little girls splashing around in the water and a memory to keep me going while praising my God for that life that was restored! My best friend from college came down and took these(there are many more throughout my house.) She has pure talent and I don't know how she does it but her photos can tell stories. This was just one of my stories.

Do any of you have a memory or a testimony? Share...

Show us your life,,, Your family!

2011-03-04T12:13:00.000-08:00

My family doesn't have "perfect" behind the name but I love my family! When I was 8(just turned) my parents divorced. This to this day has been hard on me. I just dreamed of having my parents together. I wanted my mom to sign my papers with the same last name as me, but that wasn't the case. I had a very difficult time expressing myself through this time in my life. It still gets me down and I often get frustrated with a split family but I just try to make the best of it.

My mom is such a sweet woman. She is a prayer warrior! Ha She prays about everything and she sees prayers answered all the time! God is so good! She is a domestic woman but has a heart for BLING! Growing up I remember begging for "take-out" because she cooked ALL the time! And she also made a lot of our clothes and makes a lot of Lola's clothes too! She is just my inspiration! She is married to a man that deeply cares and loves her! He is very level headed and I admire him for taking on 3 girls plus his own in one house! (yes that is 4 girls under one roof and if you count my mom that is 5-1) God has placed many of jewels on his crown in heaven! ha

My dad is the "can do ANYTHING" man! Don't put it past him to build, weld, cook, and much more! I can always count on him to fix anything, but I am sometimes to embarrassed to ask. He has put the fear of God in me. I was always scared to mess up. He is made of steel and therefore he expects everyone else to be as tough. "You work for it" is his motto. (I think he forced me to be independent) I do love him and I wish I could see him more. He is married to a sweet woman of God and I am blessed to have her in my life and for putting up with my dad!

I have an older sister, Serena. She lives in Fayetteville. She has a daughter 6 weeks older than Lola. She and I don't have much in common but we do share lots of love for our girls! She is a busy woman so we don't get to see each other very much!

I also have a little sister, Suzanne that is in nursing school at Arkansas Tech University. She is my side kick! I don't know what I would do without her!

I will also add that I have an adopted brother (no legal ties but I know somewhere we are related) Jason is so special to me! His love for Lola just blows me away! I love getting text from him to tell his niece that he loves her! He is going to be an awesome daddy one day! I can't wait to spoil his children like he spoils mine! He has grown to become an awesome christian man and if you are reading this and your single... he is a "one in a million!" BTW he is a lawyer too! he

This is my family! And I wanted to add this... Today is the last day to win an ipad. The Cannon's are adopting a sweet girl and would like your help! Read their story HERE! She is a precious woman and I am blessed to know them! Hope you can help them! I did!!!
Have a great weekend!

Here I am! And winner of the dish towel..

2011-03-04T08:26:00.000-08:00

First I will start off by saying we are alive and kicking! My "small town" life is a very busy one and I wouldn't want it any other way! It does stress me out from time to time but thankfully I have understanding clients (that is a big word but couldn't think of anything else.)

I have also been overwhelmed with the nasty change of weather sickness. Lola has had everything under the sun. From being scoped to find ulcers and now on a daily medicine to virus after virus I am ready to let the sunshine kill all these nasty germs that have infected my house. Yesterday we went out and got groceries and I broke out the cart cover! That things is the best invention EVER and I love the stores with disinfecting wipes at the door! You learn to appreciate the small things when you have a child oh and my new pet peeve is bathrooms that don't have a changing table... Really? (sorry I got a bit off subject, just saying though!)

This past weekend (yeah I know I am a week behind) we went to Jonesboro to visit! It was much needed however my child wore me out. She was so weird the whole time. I put my hands on her and prayed over her at one point, need I say more? Lola got to hang out with some very special girls I grew to call my own. Their mom became like a sister to me so I took the girls in like they were my nieces! I learned over the few days I was there what it is like to have 3 kids and all GIRLS! Bless my moms little heart and my grandmothers at that. Girls WHINE and you need a BUS to separate them all! I learned separation is KEY! I know know why my mom had a mini van! Honestly I am just going to put this out there I want one, yes a mini van, so bad I can't see straight! I am driving a paid off car so I will stick to it until I drive the wheels off or I have another child. We had a great weekend and I already miss those brown haired little girls! I hope to go visit more, they have a "TO DIE FOR" pool! Oh yeah I can't wait!

Lola was this the whole weekend!

Well she did smile at the park!

Getting some lovings!

We have a pretty calm weekend ahead! The penguins are being introduced to the LR Zoo so I think we may go and check them out. Tonight is the members only preview, we may try to attend, if not I may take Lola Bug tomorrow if weather permits! Tomorrow we have a date with Uncle J! Lola is itching to get some loving from him!

And now here is the winner of the St. Patrick's Day towel.

Congrats Ashely Harvey! Facebook me what you want on the towel!

A late Giveaway!

2011-02-28T07:50:00.000-08:00

Its been crazy around here with health issues. I will update later, but as for now this is a very late giveaway. Kitchen or Bathroom towel!

This is something new I am trying! You will be the first to receive one and as an added bonus add a monogram if you would like! I will announce the winner on Friday!

How to win:

1. Post a comment!

(its pretty easy, Right?!)

A Tummy worth Fixing!

2011-02-17T07:06:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we took Lola to Arkansas Childrens Hospital for them to scope her. She was great with the exception of having a couple of ulcers and her esophagus being really irritated. She did so well. The rest of the results will come back in a couple of weeks. So thankful we got some answers! Now if we could get an insurance that will pay for her meds everything would be great! Got to love insurance policies! (I really am thankful for insurance don't get me wrong I just don't understand their method to their madness!)

She was loving her ipod(yes I have donated my "hand-me-down" ipod to Lola) where she could watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse!

She was so tired of being in that little room. We played everything we could think of. She finally found the floor to be more fun... Don't ask????

I had to sneak a few kisses in before they took her back!

I am loving this picture! Look how sweet those little legs are with her pants rolled up and socks WAY to small!

Then we took her to Chick Fli A. She didn't eat much but at least she ate something! We didn't let her go play and she wasn't happy about that, I just didn't want her to catch something and then the anesthesia react to her in a bad way...

Here are our "Valentines" Lola gave all her friends at our Valentines Day party. I thought they turned out cute!

Today we are just going to hang out at the house. I am once again in a funk. I may need to break my Beth Moore book back out, Get Out of that Pit... I just can't seem to break out of my funkiness. I am going to try to get somethings done today. We will see! Hope you all have a great Thursday!

Valentines Day and a weekend

2011-02-15T11:53:00.000-08:00

This post is a little backwards but I wanted to start with our valentines first! We had a pretty good day! As you all know, Lola is pretty much mesmerized with anything Mickey, so cupid brought Lola a few surprises!!!

I later took the kids outside and let them enjoy the wonderful sunshine! Lola has figured out how to ride in her car and let me tell you she thinks she is something else...by the look on her face below she is all laughter when driving her bug!

We then iced cupcakes.

Lola enjoyed the project!

Ryan and I went to Chick Fli A and Sam's for our date! To please me, take me to fast food and a retail shop and I'm happy! If you are around central Arkansas, Sam's in North Little Rock have cute Carter's play clothes for $5.44. A steal of a deal if you ask me and they are super cute!!

My in-laws gave Lola a pair of crocks, she loved them and we wore them today!

Ok now back tracking to the weekend! I has a really bad day Saturday morning. You know those mornings where if one things went wrong EVERYTHING seemed to go wrong... Well I just left the house and went to my friends house to just talk! It was good for my soul to see her and we had a great time. We then went to pick Ryan up from the airport.

Lola's Uncle J got her a Mickey Mouse for Valentines Day, she wouldn't put the mouse down for a second, she even feel asleep with it in her lap on the way home!

Sunday after church we went on a walk! SO SO nice to get outside (but I do miss the fluffy white stuff that sticks to the ground, sorry everyone I am a winter loving kind of gal!)

We are headed out for a Valentines Day party! It was rescheduled due to the snow storm. I will post tomorrow the kiddos valentines, they are cute if I do say so myself! he

Blog Winner, snow cream and new things

2011-02-11T08:58:00.000-08:00

I don't know about your child/children but Lola loves Mickey Mouse! She can spot him from a mile away. We joined the Disney movie club and I ordered Lola some episodes and they are the highlight of Lola's day! She will come get me and take me to the tv and want Mickey on! It is so cute! The other day we went to Target to get a few things and one was Valentines cards for her friends. She picked these out all be her self. I'm telling you she has a eye for those ears!

As YOU all know we got an amazing amount of snow here. The schools shut down Wednesday, Thursday and they are still closed today. Some roads are very slick! We walked down to my friends house so she could teach me how to make snow cream. I had never heard of it until she introduced me to it when we got the first snow of the year! It was so yummy!

I set my bowl out right when the snow started falling so I wouldn't get grass or nasty dirt in my snow cream!

The eagle brand milk, vanilla, sugar and milk... Laura is mixing it all up! hehe I just watched and yes took pictures!

The finished product! It was Yummy!

Then after we made snow cream Lola and Eastyn played on the drums. Every time she would tap a drum she would get so excited! I just love how excited she gets about certain things!

The street was covered in ice but Lola didn't care she wanted to get down and walk...

Here is Lola and this is her "new thing" sitting in a bean bag, with her snack watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.. I'm not kidding about that silly mouse! She is obsessed!

And the winner is Michelle! Haha I just laughed when the "random number picker" picked her! She has ordered several things from me! I hope you enjoy your frame! I will email you and we will get together! Thank you all for making my first giveaway a success! Check back next Monday, February 21. If you like kitchen decor you will love this!

Hope you all have a great Friday! I am finishing up cleaning and picking up! We have a busy weekend!

Letting GO!

2011-02-09T20:00:00.000-08:00

A thousand times I've failed

Still your mercy remains

And should I stumble again

Still I'm caught in your grace

Yesterday I went to Little Rock and just had a spirit moving revelation. (I don't find myself to be one of those people that tells "religious" stories to make people feel sorry for them, I am sharing this as maybe you may be in the same boat I am.) I am surrounded by Godly people everywhere I turn. Many of them are my support system but my #1 support aside of Jesus, is Ryan. I am just so blessed to have him in my life. With that being said, Ryan is on a mission trip right now. Only being able to talk via a few text here and there and a few emails it has left my heart in fear. You know those crazy thoughts and questions that fill your mind with daunting thoughts...

Through out the whole preparation process I DID NOT want Ryan to go. I wrestled with it and almost begged him not to go. For personal reasons I was just not ready for him to take a leap of faith and go where God had led him to go. We didn't talk about it much and as a matter of fact I ignored the fact that he was going and when he left, it didn't hit me that he was gone till I couldn't text him to say "I love you." He was out there in a place where I couldn't talk to him or know what he was doing. Was he ok? Was he going to return? Suddenly a song filled my speakers as my baby girl was snoring in the back seat, I turned it up and started shouting the lyrics as tears filled my eyes(yes Lola slept through it all.) Lord, I give you control... You can have him, yes take him and release me from the control and fear I have for him... He isn't mine, you are just allowing me to spend my life with him. Thank you for that but Lord keep him safe. I had to finally give Ryan up. As I often poor way to much pride into him, I found myself lonely and afraid.

As I released Ryan to God, it was like the spirit placed his hand on my shoulder and assured me everything would be okay!

If this mission trip did nothing for Ryan, it has been a mission trip for me.

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades   

Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame

My heart and my soul, I give You control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise, become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise

                                              Hillsong United

We were stuck inside today! We went over to our neighbors and Lola played her heart out! We had a great day! I even got to clean my house! Ryan will be so happy to come home to a clean house (that's if we don't tear it up again!)

2011-02-08T21:28:00.000-08:00

A little recap of this past weekend (I forgot to do it on Monday.)

I am not sure how many people know, but Lola has been battling crazy tummy issues since about 4 months old. We are back and forth dealing with diaper rash and runny stools... (they have gotten better since we have seen a specialist and are starting to be proactive about the whole issue) Last week we FINALLY saw a Pediatric Gastroenterologist. After a 2 1/2 hour doctor visit, no conclusions were made so Lola will get an upper scope done next week.

This past weekend I had my Kellys Kids kit and I tried a few things on Lola... Here she is modeling (and it was torture to get her to put ANYTHING on) the cutest outfit and check out the bow! Oh yes I am going to make her some of these monsters! hehe

We headed out for a birthday party Sunday! Alana turned the big ONE! How precious is this girl!

Happy Birthday Alana! Lola thinks being one rocks! You learn how to throw fits, demand things YOUR way, and get away with bi-polar! She says"Bring on #1"

I took this picture of Lola, Monday morning...(sorry she has bed head so bad, I just stop fighting it) She is such a monkey! This is her trying to get on top of the table, and yes she can do it! My hands are full I must admit! Look at that smirk on her face...

We went to Little Rock today for a little retail therapy.. these days that consist of finding the best deal on laundry detergent and diapers, oh how things change with you start paying your own bills! ha

Project Frame Giveaway!

2011-02-07T07:43:00.000-08:00

Good morning! The snow has returned here in this little town. I am still in my PJ's and will be for the majority of the day. The schools are closed and the ground is covered! The only down fall to this snow is that it is a "wet" snow and that makes for wet grounds and nasty roads. Can I just get one more "fluffy" snow before spring? Is that to much to ask? I just know God has it all under control!

Today is the marks my first blog give away! I am super excited! I am going to do 2 a month unless I change my mind!!! I hope this is fun! Most of the time it will be a craft that I make and others might be a surprise! That means the next few give aways that I will host will be my things!

Here is how you can win:

1. Go to www.thesassypolkadot.blogspot.com and become a follower!

2. Leave a comment under this post!

I will choose a winner and announce it on Friday!

Hope you all have a fun snow day! I have my Dr Pepper at my side and we are watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse!!! This snow day is already off to a great start! I have to go grocery shopping tonight (I hope it doesn't get worse!)

Good Luck!!!

New blog address, OH YES!

2011-02-02T11:02:00.000-08:00

Blogger overwhelmed, THAT I AM!!! I attended a blogger night out with some girls on Monday where we all learned a few new things about blogging. The good blogging vs bad blogging...

Savannah from http://www.chasingmybees.com/ was so sweet to give up her night and lend us a little bit of bloggers advice. I think it was to much for me to take in all at one time but in efforts to become a better blogger I am attempting to heed some advice!

I have bought a web address. You can now find my blog by simply typing www.sarabellblog.com and oh yeah I feel really "important" too(NOT!!!)

But please be patient with me as I try to hurdle all these blogger tips... And if you have any send them my way!

Hair cut, dog bowl and bowling!

2011-01-31T07:16:00.000-08:00

My sweet little bi-polar angel got her first haircut last week. I must say it was an event!

First, I will fill you in with a little bit of what we are going through at this stage of development(to define the bi-polar statement.) Lola has been blowing me away with her fit throwing, lack of self-control (a one year old has self-control RIGHT?), and non-existent vocabulary. I am soaking up every article about toddlers and tantrums and I am in no denial that my child has fits that lead to embarrassment and sometimes a bump on the head from throwing herself back on the floor. But to make light of it, not even two minutes later she is on to playing babies and loving on me like nothing EVER happened. I am finding that our "life in public" is about to disappear for a while! I refuse to resort to portable TVs or "giving in" down the toy aisle for good behavior and I am not going to spank her for every little "no-no" she does. (FYI I do use spanking as a form of corrective behavior but I just don't want Lola to go through the day getting spankings for every little thing she does to test me. I am researching other ways to correct a child and trying to take note on which ones work the best.) I understand they are trying to express themselves and I am all for that but it is really getting to me that she can't talk. SHE SCREAMS AND GRUNTS. We are working on "using our words" and she knows a handful of "signs" that we can moderately understand her, but in that moment where you need her to talk the most, she has a lack of communication which leads me to usually tears or somewhere on the verge. (Mrs. Cannon, if you are reading this I value your parenting and if you have any secrets or suggestions I would love to hear what you have to say!)
WHOA , I am just crazy from the thought that my tot is responsible for my mental un-stabilization.

So back to the haircut...(sorry about that)

She is sitting on the chair ready and excited!

This is the last cut before it all turned sour...

Kisses from Grandi, paci and snuggle bunny started to make it better but she wasn't having this haircut at all!!!

The other morning, I find Lola drinking out of the dog bowl. As some might think this is gross(I am in agreement with you) I had to get a picture to put in her scrapbook. I have been working on that stinking scrapbook and I am so far behind I get frustrated to even think about trying to crop...

She thought it was so funny... I'm not sure how much she actually drank, but her hair was wet and we soon got a bath!!!

Saturday, we headed out to bowl with our Sunday School class.. It was so nice to get to have some girl talk. We took Lola with us since Ryan hadn't seen her in a week and to be honest I just love taking her places with us, but this will possibly be the last outing she attends unless we can get the behavior under control.

She gave out on the way to the bowling ally!

Some of the girls in our class, a few left early...

We then went to a cute yogurt place in Cabot. You made your own and even put your own topping on it and they weighed it at the end!!! It was so yummy and as I am typing this I am getting hungry for it now!

Horrible picture but Lola was enjoying it,and she would let go of that pacie either!!!

Happy Monday!!!

Playdate and Kellys Kids

2011-01-26T10:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we headed to Little Rock for a play date with Ashley and Addi! We had a blast until the girls bonked their heads. Poor Addi hit her head super hard and I felt horrible. They both cried HUGE tears but were calmed down by pacies and ice cream!!!

Addi was loving the slide!!!

On another note, Kelly's Kids has completely snuck up on me. I have my kit next week. If you are interested are need any CUTE clothes for your little ones let me know!!!!

Can it be, snow again?

2011-01-20T18:15:00.000-08:00

Today we were supposed to meet a friend for lunch, but due to the weather we had to reschedule. So So sad but we made the best of our day... Since we were already headed to Little Rock I just took Lola and her buddy to Chick Fli A for lunch then headed back home!

Lola had some wild wild hair today!!!

I tried to get Lola to play in the beautiful snow, but she didn't want anything to do with it...

I finally got her to smile!

The snow was so pretty but it didn't last long and it didn't stick to the roads, I am a little bummed, I could use another day inside just me and Lola!
I also can't wait for tomorrow! I will be scrapbooking till I drop starting at 5 till Saturday at midnight!

Its that time of year again, where your birthday meets you again!

2011-01-19T08:23:00.000-08:00

Saturday was my birthday and somewhere in the number I have lost count, hehe no but in all honesty I DON'T feel 26. It feels like yesterday I was going to kindergarden, and then enrolling into college. I find it harder to do the things I used to could do like back bends, where the last one I tried I fell smack on my head, and the hardest one is simply sitting on my knees, I look like an old woman trying to get back up straight to walk. Like it or not I getting older, we all do unfortunately. This year I actually spent my birthday with my hubby. Since we have been married he has a farming conference to attend but this year they skipped out!

Friday, birthday eve, we went to meet my dad. We went to Larry's pizza and I couldn't have been more happy! I am in love with Larry's pizza. There are knock offs but this is the "real" Larry's with him, Larry, walking around filling drinks and what have you! Yummy to my tummy!!!

Saturday was the "big day" and if you don't hence the excitement I am all about birthday! Yes, I love love to have a reason to celebrate! The day started out like normal Cinderella housekeeping chores. My husband, oh yeah I told you he stayed home this year didn't I, well he decided to go with a few people from church and squirrel hunt. I wasn't to thrilled about this decision, but oh well he went and I think had fun. So while he was blasting away at all but the ZERO squirrels out there I was cleaning away on this much needed day of fun! Finally somewhere around noon (he was supposed to be home by noon) I had to lay Lola down for a nap. I had kept her awake for way to long, you see she got woken up a little early on this day because of loud noises that approached her from a ice chest and ice meeting! Ok on with my day, we woke the sweet angel up from snoozing away to go fill my selfish desires of shopping. Oh yes I went to my favorite stores, Hobby Lobby and then Target!

But while feeling guilty for messing her day up, we took her to the park. It was so nice Saturday! She enjoyed some fun in the sun!

After playing and a quick unplanned trip to Gymboree (that is another long story) we headed over to Olive Garden for dinner. It was yummy!!!

(Thought I would share the results of what kiddos can do to a restaurant!)

I had a great time with family and friends! Thank you all for making my evening wonderful!!!

If you notice, she isn't wearing the same shirt as in the park and she doesn't have socks on because I forgot her outfit at home. She had stains all over the other shirt and I didn't want to change her after I rudely woke her up from her nap. I thought I grabbed the freshly ironed outfit but I only got the undershirt, socks, shoes and bow, but not the jumper. That is the Gymboree story in a nutshell!

2011-01-12T13:48:00.000-08:00

Lola blogging, and this is what she said!

ghhhhhhh,hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhcfftrfeyedgtehyrehdhryhyfrdhgdhetdhgtd

Just thought it was cute!
(Excuse all the mess on the table, I am in no means a neat freak, I live in clutter... (one trait I hate about myself) I am trying to do better and so far my house isn't as horrible as it used to be! I am getting better about picking up after myself and putting thing away instead of telling myself "I'll just do it tomorrow" and then never doing it. But to top it all off, behind the cabinets and in the closets, I am a NEAT FREAK! I mean my shirts are folded to the "T" (thats from the 5 years I worked for Houndstooth and all the shirts were folded perfect) and I have a thing about all my clothes in my closet have to face the same direction, they are all arranged by color and are hung on white hangers. Ok, yes I just exposed a BIG secret about myself) That's enough of that!

Happy Wednesday!
Love, Lola

Snow day and this and that!

2011-01-12T08:16:00.000-08:00

"For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord;

I sing for joy at the works of your hands."

Psalm 92:4

Last week(I know I am a little behind) we had a game night at Jason's (my brother from a different mother) house. He is honestly the brother I never had and I will claim him forever! He is such a blessing to Ryan, Lola and I. He has been around my family since well a long time. I just love him to pieces and he is just a delight to be around. He is studying for the bar exam so he is in hibernation mode these days but we were able to sneak in a little dinner and a few games.

Rocking out

They were all so tired.

Sunday I just didn't feel well. I had a head ache all day Saturday and it followed into Sunday. Lola was also sick with a horrible cold. She is finally over the major part of it but still has a bit hanging around.

She has been so cranky lately. Ryan and I are worn out. She hasn't been sleeping well, eating well, or playing well. So I sat down and I made her play with her toys instead of holding her. She finally warmed up the the idea of dolls and pushing her grocery cart around. But all and all we are just tired of being in the house!

It snowed! YEA!!!! Lola loved it. Although she was still a bit under the weather, we walked down to Lola's BFF's house and played for a bit.

So pretty!

We came inside and Lola was much happier looking out the window.

Yesterday was supposed to be Lola's GI specialist appt. Oh how I have been looking forward to this day for a while. But GUESS WHAT?! Due to the clear road ways and a little snow left in the grass, they were closed... ARE YOU KIDDING? Since getting out of the house was a MUST we headed for Chick Fli A for a bite to eat and let Lola play a little.

Is it to early to put hearts around the house and break out the cute Valentines day clothes? I am so ready!

The Gateway City

2011-01-06T09:23:00.001-08:00

I will start off this post by saying I just love my life. Yes there are days that I just grip and complain and find myself shedding a few tears but I just overall enjoy who I am. I love being a mommy, wife and crafty woman... I love to cook, clean (if I can ever find the time) and much much more! I am so blessed with a great husband who supports me at every turn and a daughter that just brings so much joy to my life! Thank you Lord for all that you do in making me, ME!

We headed to St. Louis (The Gateway City) for a small vacation. Ryan had a conference and we joined in on the trip! I can't tell you how much I love St. Louis! My sweet aunt used to live there and I remembered getting on a plane all by myself for a long weekend of A LOT OF FUN! I just love memories and that is one of my goals as a mom, to provide Lola (and any other children I might have) with memories to take with them throughout life. So silly you might think but I wouldn't appreciate where I am today if memories didn't come along side the ride! My aunt has given me so many memories I will never forget!

After a long day in the car we stopped for dinner at Pappy's. All I can say is YUMMY! It was awesome. They sold their last rack of ribs to the person right before us my mother in law was so sad... This place was so busy it just blew me away. We had the opportunity to talk to one of the owners, he was so nice. I don't recall the last place I went to that someone took their time out to talk and just enjoy our company. If you are ever in the St. Louis you must check this place out!

We then headed to our hotel. I don't think we brought enough stuff for 3 days. haha

We got up on Tuesday and spent most of the day at The Magic House. Lola enjoyed herself while playing with the sand, making music, and just being able to run around!
If you have kiddos, this is a must do too!

They even have a little cafe there in the museum that serves your lunch in a picnic basket!

That evening we headed to "The Hill" for some tasty authentic St Louis food, Italian. I don't even know where to begin my story about this "top of the line" restaurant. I mean you would have thought when I called to make reservations and the reservation included 1 high chair they would have volunteered the information that this restaurant was in no means child friendly. Since they didn't say anything we thought we would just give it a go. The restaurant guide gave it their high recommendation and we were on a vacation so to speak! We get their to find and should have taken the obvious hints (such as the lights dim, very soft music playing, Oprah's signed picture on the wall along with Al Gore, President Bush and a few others I can't remember, and the waiter dressed in a Tux) to turn around, but we proceed to a table. Again they still had the opportunity to tell us this was a 4 diamond elegant restaurant and we were #1under dressed and #2 had a child, but no they seated us at our table, placed the ironed folded napkin in our lap, filled our water glass and never let run a drink low, and removed the unnecessary dishes from the table. I just felt so silly the whole time. I was a nervous wreck with the thought of Lola squealing out for a fork to bang on the table or to bother the man at the other table who was dressed for the occasion and appropriate for this nice place. All in all the dinner went well and I was so glad for it to be over!!! I will admit the food was beyond good!!!

Wednesday we headed out to check out St. Louis City Museum. This place rocked my pants off! If I hadn't been with my mother in law and child I do believe I would have played my little heart out! This museum was amazing and I have no other words to describe the creativity this building held. Lola was a bit hesitant at first but she warmed up quickly and was off exploring everything! This is another place to check out if you have kids and are heading out to St. Louis! This place let kids use their imagination and explore instead of sitting in front of a computer or Nintendo game. Lola had a great time and took a LONG nap on the way home!

I can't wait to go back to The Gateway City! I just hope it is a little warmer and we can go and do all the FREE things St. Louis has to offer!

Hello 2011

2011-01-02T18:21:00.000-08:00

Our new year started out with a best friend visit!

My very best friend lives an hour away and I try to see her once a week (yes I know its beyond silly) but throughout December our visits turned into short phone calls to say "hi, I just need to hear your voice, ok bye." She has been studying for her boards (in which she passed) and that meant every last second she had, she was occupied. I have felt so deprived:( Then Christmas came along and we were again busy then finally a day we had nothing on our schedule...

I will say I started my year off right! We sewed a little that morning, went on a Sonic run (for happy hour of course) and then dinner at her parents! Lola and Kendal had a blast playing together! I mean they played HARD!!! I just love watching them play together!

For dinner, we had pork chops, black-eyed-peas (I have learned you are supposed to eat them on New Years) and corn bread! Everything was delicious!

Happy New Year Everyone! I really don't have any resolutions... Is that ok? I am going to attempt to become more frugal (I just can't seem to resist buying Lola clothes, yes I will save $60 on my grocery bill to then take the change and buy her something... I know shame on me) and more organized and to not become over booked. I will say I am going to ONLY attempt...no promises!

Welcome 2011

Christmas Day

2010-12-29T09:04:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning we got up (way to early, Thank you Lola!) and Lola wasn't interested in what Santa brought her. He knew she needed practical items but she so wasn't into practical... We then started opening gifts under the tree. It brings tears to my eyes when I have flash backs of Lola's face when she would sight what was behind the paper. She would just light up! I can only imagine what next year will be like.

She was so excited to open this big gift! I think this was one of her favorite, Magic Doodle!

Ryan surprised me with a new toy! Now if I could find the time to put it into practice!

I got this for Ryan, he loves it! Thank you Target for running a great deal!

While we were opening presents, this was baking in the oven! Yummy!

We then headed out to Ryan's family for Christmas there... We had a long but great day visiting with his family!

Lola got her dog!!!

She also got another shopping cart, this one stayed at their house so she can play with it when she goes over for a visit!

Quick family photo moment!

She was all finished opening gifts! I just can't get enough of this little girl!

We had a great Christmas! We are so blessed with everyone in our lives! I told Ryan today that I haven't even given my gifts much thought(although if you are reading this Mom, I am thankful don't get me wrong) but, all I have thought about is how blessed we are with family, friends and a sweet little girl who lives life to the fullest! She is my motivation in life and has brought me so much closer to God and my daily appreciation for life! I would give every gift back for the opportunity to see how excited she was during this Christmas holiday!

Our Christmas Eve

2010-12-27T06:26:00.001-08:00

We started off our Christmas tour on Christmas Eve. We headed to see my Dad! We ate breakfast and then hit the gifts. Their Christmas is a bit different than the average family. Every year the girls always get "girly" things and the guys get their manly items PLUS a "macho" toy (I'm not sure how much "macho" you can add to a nerf gun, marshmallow gun, fly shooter, and this years toy of the year... a ball gun.) I would like to say that my family is mature but once they open the LAST toy their parenting skills, manners, and age gets left behind as the war is on. Balls flying everywhere, men running around hiding behind anything they can find, and the man "jargon" begins (you know how boys talk when they try to act tough...) I have no pictures because you just get out of the way or something is liable to get broke... So needless to say our morning began with a bang (no pun intended!!!)

Yummy

The women essentials

And the mans...

I just love this photo...ruffles and keds!

Lola got gloves...who would have thought she was more excited about these things than presents???

Sweet Gracie loving on Lola!

We then headed to my moms. After a quick trip to Wal-Mart that turned into almost an hour we finally made it to her house a couple hours late. Luckly we didn't miss much but we were a little pushed to get to the candle light service we always attend at my moms church. I have been going for several years and it is something I look forward to every Christmas. It is just signing and reading about the birth of our sweet baby Jesus, but it is just so special to me!

"Come let us adore him"

After the service we all go back to my moms and feed our bellies. We don't do dressing or turkey (we do that at Thanksgiving) we like to eat shrimp, ham and simple finger foods. It is also something I look forward to every year!

Just a few of the sweets!

After dinner we start opening the gifts. I got some neat gifts and so did Lola!

From clothes I didn't even know I was getting to a few pieces of pottery (I knew I was getting) I was blown away with all my goodies! Lola got clothes, a cell phone (because she loves cell phones) toys toys and more toys, and....

a Barbie Bug... Yes I didn't miss type, she got a pink slug bug. Her Uncle J (who spoils her rotten) surprised her with this power wheels car! She is still trying to figure out how to make it go!

We were just blow away with all the great gifts through out the day! Thank you all for everything! We are so blessed to have you all in our lives!

Making our way home LATE LATE LATE, we were cramped in the truck like sardines!!!

Traditions

2010-12-26T18:49:00.000-08:00

This past week, we took Lola to see the lights at the capital. She had a blast! When Lola was a baby last year I told Ryan there are traditions I wanted to start and taking her to the capital was one of them. I have wanted a family from well, I think I was born wanting to be a mommy. As a little girl I woke up playing "house" and went to sleep playing "school." In high school I lived to babysit and then in college I kept a few kiddos on a regular basis and in some cases I became part of the family! Children mean so much to me and now that I have my own I am experiencing children in a whole different perspective. With that all being said having Lola has allowed me to do those things mommas do! Like well, I may go a bit over board but who is keeping track ha! BUT doing some of the things I do with little Lola I have waited a LONG time to do! So we will make the capital a "must-do" every year!

She loved this dog, don't ask ha

I do believe we have a beautiful capital, something Arkansas should be proud!

She loved running in the grass

Loving her face

Its a horrible picture but I had to have a family photo!

Ryan and Lola by the fountain that was by the big bell that Lola was scared of. Is anyone else kiddos afraid of the weirdest things?

Branson family vacation

2010-12-19T13:36:00.000-08:00

I will start off by saying I have been trying to write about our Branson trip for a week now! ha I have just been tied up with Christmas. We took our annual vacation to Branson and we had a great time! We took Lola to see the lights at Silver Dollar City, let her see the fountains at the Branson Landing and last but not least had breakfast with Santa. It was so neat watching Lola interact with everything this year and the best part was watching her interact with Santa (she wouldn't have touched him with a 10 ft pole.) Bless her heart, she honestly didn't know what to think of that jolly old man... Here are a million pictures of our trip!

Lola is feeding the fish

The cooks at the hotel make gingerbread houses every year, they are so neat

Our hotel

My sweetness

Freezing at Silver Dollar City

We got up and went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast and as we were leaving Lola lots her pants.

Checking out the fish at Bass Pro Shop

She loved the fountains at the Branson Landing

Chowing down on the bread pudding at Texas Land and Cattle Steakhouse

The man let Lola play a beat

Breakfast with Santa

Need I say more...

But Santa did get her some new bath toys

On the big sleigh at our hotel

I just pray giving holds a BIG place in this little girls heart!

I thought this face was priceless!