Addicted to S'mores..

I will fully admit...without the slightest hesitation... that I have a LOVE for s'mores... a huge addiction to the warm, crunchy, sticky, chocolatey greatness. 

We've been having s'mores for dessert just about every night for the last 3 weeks... or more. Drew and I will stand at the stove roasting our marshmallows over the burners, laughing as the catch on fire and we rush to blow them out. Last weekend we bought these new HUGE campfire marshmallows... these things are at least 3 times bigger than the normal big marshmallows. You're supposed to use one marshmallow with 2 full grahmcrackers... but that would be breaking our tradition of 1 full grahm each.. so we stuck with tradition and ended up with melted marshmallow everywhere.... oh so deliciously worth it.  (I was WAY too busy and messy enjoying my s'more to take pictures....)

We're on our third week of Winter-Ball... and Drew is loving it. I, however, have a small complaint. At last Saturday's game it was 95 freakin' degrees.... How in the world can you call this WINTER ball?? Oh and then there's the fact that FALL just started last week so we're not even close to winter. I think it might be time for the little league officials to go back to school and learn a little more about the seasons before they started naming each session of baseball.... ok, end complaint. 

After last week's HOT little game, we took a break at home for a few hours (and a short trip to the dentist.... again) before heading out to our last Angel game of the year. Drew always gets excited about going to these games. He knows most of the players names and their positions and always brings his glove in case there's a foul ball in our direction..... however... once we're there this kid barely pays attention to the actual game. He's so busy reading the stats on the score board.. watching the highlight clips they show.. and the shots of the crowd. Remind me again why we even bother going?? Oh that's right... anything to please my little monster Angel. 

Anything to see this smile.... 

We ended our weekend with a little bowling with some friends. Where we were very rudely educated on bowling etiquette from a man who probably spends every free second at the bowling alley... seriously, I get that these "pros" have their little bowling rules.. but at 2:00 on a Sunday, 2 six year old little boys just want to have a good time and bowl (aka: slide around on the slippery floor, dance, run and scream). Lucky for us the nice folks at the bowling alley agreed with us and gave us an extra hour for free... and moved us away from the grumpy old man. 

Finally Friday

1. I lost my budgeting challenge of the week... Drew had baseball practice last night at 4:30 and on my way to pick him up from school (after rushing home from work to pick up his clothes that I forgot to bring in the morning) I realized that I didn't have his cup and in our league it is mandatory that all kids have a cup on, even at practice. So at 4:02 I'm rushing to the sporting goods store to buy another cup. But at least we made it to practice at exactly 4:30 completely prepared... until I realized his cleats were at his dad's. 


2. Yesterday was picture day at Drew's school. When I asked him where they took the pictures at he said "We took our LONELY ones outside and the other one inside"... excuse me? Your what? "Our LONELY ones Mom, the ones we take by ourselves". He cracks me up with his innocence. 


3. Last night after practice we decided to go to our favorite spaghetti restaurant for dinner (ya I know I wasn't supposed to be spending money, but after already breaking that rule, it was all down hill...). When we were practically through with our meal Drew tells me he needs to use the restroom... NOW. So I pass our waitress on the way to the restroom and hand her my card and tell her we'll be right back and ask if she can leave a to-go container on the table. When we come back she stops us right before the table and says "I'm sorry they just cleared your table... but don't worry, I put in a duplicate order of your meals and they're packing it to-go right now." So we ended up getting another order completely free! Kinda makes up for spending a little extra... right?


4. It's supposed to be 90 degrees at the beach on Sunday... and I am SUPER excited. This will probably be our last beach trip (warm weather, swimming  -we'll go when it's cold too, but mostly for bon fires) of the year. For once I am actually looking forward to the Fall weather.. but my heart will always belong to Summer and I'm glad we'll have one more weekend to soak it all in. 


5. After already having spent about $3,000 this year alone at the dentist (and about $5,200 last year) on top of the $1,500 my insurance covers, I've pretty much decided I just need dentures. There's still about $28,000 worth of work they want to do in my mouth.. are you freaking kidding me?? And a full set of dentures would only be like $3,500. 28 isn't too young for dentures.... right? 

Who Are You When I'm Not Looking

This song came on the radio yesterday as I was on my way to pick up Drew, and it made me think.... 




Who Are You When I'm Not Looking
By: Blake Shelton


My oh my, you're so good-looking 
Hold yourself together like a pair of bookends 
But I've not tasted all your cooking 
Who are you when I'm not looking? 

Do you pour a little something on the rocks? 
Slide down the hallway in your socks? 
When you undress, do you leave a path? 
Then sink to your nose in a bubble bath? 

My oh my, you're so good-looking 
Hold yourself together like a pair of bookends 
But I've not tasted all your cooking 
Who are you when I'm not looking? 

I wanna know 
I wanna know 
I wanna know 

Do you break things when you get mad? 
Eat a box of chocolates 'cause you're feelin' bad? 
Do you paint your toes 'cause you bite your nails? 
Call up momma when all else fails? 

Who are you when I'm not around? 
When the door is locked and the shades are down? 
Do you listen to your music quietly? 
And when it feels just right, are you thinkin' of me? 

I wanna know 
I wanna know 
I wanna know 

My oh my, you're so good-looking 
But who are you when I'm not looking?


It made me think about my Drew... and who he is when I'm not around. Is he still my sweet little angel? Is he dancing around to any and every song that comes on, the way he does at home? Is he constantly making up jokes and funny stories? Does everyone at school or at his dad's house get to see MY Drew.. the kid that I get the pleasure of seeing every day?


And it made me think of other people.... Do I get to see the REAL them when we're together? Are there things they won't do around me that they do when they're alone or with others?
Who are they when I'm not looking?....

What is bound to be the LONGEST week EVER...

After having done some MAJOR over-spending this weekend (baseball gear, Grandma's birthday, baby shower, new clothes for Drew and... stuff) I've decided to attempt to cut my self off...from ALL spending... for a WEEK (ok it'll actually be 5 days since Saturday is my grocery shopping day).


*This will not include the purchase of gas ($20)... gotta get to and from work some how*


I'm normally pretty good with my money. I absolutely LOVE to shop.. but I'm fully aware of every cent in my bank account and where it's already been alloted to. But I've noticed a pattern recently of spending unnecessarily. And since we're already working with a very strict budget, my little shopping trips need to stop. 


Drew has enough clothes to fully cloth 62 kids... at the same time!! (Let's not talk about my closet... )


Our house has enough... MORE THAN ENOUGH... stuff. 


Our freezer, fridge and cupboards are all full.. some overflowing.


So one week it is. 


We will not be eating out. No new toys, books or baseball gloves. The thrift store is COMPLETELY off limits. Wal-mart & Target do not exist. 


My debit card is being left at home and I'll only carry a credit card (just in case of emergences) because I absolutely HATE using my credit card for anything. 


And since our kitchen really is fully stocked, I might try to get through the weekend as well, without any spending. 


So there you have it... my goal for the week. If I don't post again by next Monday you will know that died from lack of spending... and that shopping really is necessary. 


Wish me luck!!

Angels, Dolphins & White Sox...Oh My

Last weekend we went out to my uncle's restaurant to watch the Dolphin game. It was their first game of the regular season and Little Man HAD to see it. But by half time he was pretty much over it and ready to leave. We ran a few errands then headed to the park so he could get some practice in before baseball starts. So Drew and I had our own little baseball practice... while he wore his Dolphins FOOTBALL jersey.... 

But that didn't last too long because it was HOT. I decided to sit out a few innings so he decided to pitch for himself and also wanted me to time him while he ran the bases (yes, in sandals.... year-round footwear in So. Cal.) Drew decided it was a bit too hot for him also.... 

So off came the jersey. Which is extremely rare for the SHYEST kid EVER.... he's fine with being completely naked at home... but once he steps outside (even in our own back yard) he pretty much requires full clothing at ALL times.   *One day this boney little butt is gonna be a professional ball player...preferably for the ANGELS...  mark my words =)

After his cheeks were completely red and his head was dripping with sweat, we finally called it a day.

And yesterday when we got home, a new present was waiting for him on the door step thanks to the UPS man (and ebay)..... a new helmet... 

For the last month or so, Drew keeps saying he wants to be a Miami Dolphins Football Player for Halloween. And although I'm sure this choice will change weekly all the way up until Halloween, I decided to indulge in getting him the helmet anyway since we can always use it at his (Football themed) birthday party next month. The first thing he wanted to do was put on his jersey, grab the ball and take a picture..... to send to his DAD... whatever (in dad's defense, he's the reason Drew even likes the Dolphins to begin with.. mom's just a tad jealous)

And because we haven't had enough sports stuff going on.... The coach of his team this coming season called last night (at 9pm... which is LATE for us) to introduce himself (haven't heard a word from anyone in the league since JUNE) and to let us know Drew is on the White Sox for this season of Winter Ball.... YAY! Go White Sox!! Oh, and his first practice is Thursday (TOMORROW!!) and the first game will be on Saturday (THIS Saturday!!).... already this coach is starting off wrong with me... Talk about LATE notice or poor communication on SOMEONE's part. 

But Drew's excited and we already have all the equipment left from last year so it really won't be an inconvenience at all. 

*Here's hoping for a great season of Winter Ball.... and no costume decision changes!! =)

Birthday Project

In 38 days I will be the mother of a 7 year old.... 


7 years... 


When I think about how fast these last 7 years have gone, I really hate calendars and clocks... I blame them for stealing my baby... and sticking my with a 7 year old... I love my (almost) 7 year old... but I miss my baby. 


The planning for this little mans birthday started back in April.... yep, I'm a bit psycho when it comes to his birthday (aka: The BEST Day EVER!!)


And this weekend I added a new feature to his birthday process.... a way for us to countdown to The BEST Day EVER... 

Drew's Birthday Countdown Calendar

We always enjoy using advent calendars to countdown to Christmas, so I wanted to do the same for his birthday. I had a very hard time finding this box... but it was so worth it. And I spent some time Saturday afternoon decorating it and making all pretty for my little monster. There are 25 little drawers that slide out so I can add small toys, candy or anything else I find to give Drew a little treat each day as we countdown to The BEST Day EVER. 

He's so excited to use it... but we've got another 13 days to wait before the countdown begins. 

We also went shopping for piñatas.... because we're going with a football/Miami Dolphins theme we're having a bit of trouble finding something he likes and that is a good size. So far I've only been able to find small football shaped ones (about 18" long). This weekend we found a place that custom makes them for you in any shape..... Drew chose to get a football PLAYER made... so this should be interesting. Can't wait to see how it turns out. 

Dear So & So....

Dear Drew,
Hope you're having a GREAT day in second grade. Please eat all your lunch and try not to stare at the little girl in front of you sucking her thumb. 
-Love, Mom

Dear September,
It's not officially fall until the 22nd, so please bring back the sunshine and take these clouds away. 
-Thanks, So Cal Chick

Dear Father of the Year,
I know for a fact that your work meetings are scheduled a month in advance, so calling me at 7:06 this morning to tell me you can't pick up Drew tonight (as you do EVERY Wednesday) because you have a meeting is not ok. Try planning things a little more in advance.
-Irritated, Super Mom


Dear Cousins,
Last nights game night was a blast as always... however; in the future we will have to move these nights to the weekend. 5:50 came entirely way too early for me this morning. This mom and her little munchkin NEED our sleep. 
-Till next time, The Old Lady

My Itty Bitty

While the love of my life was away at his dad's this weekend, I decided to take some time and clean out his disaster (my fault completely, I admit) of a bedroom. I came across this old Tigger costume. I remember when we found it at the store.... YEARS ago.. it was adorable, he looked so stinking cute in it, and I had to have it...for him, of course. He was about to turn 4, but the size 3 costume fit him perfectly. 

Oct. 2007 (the date in the picture is wrong..)

My adorable little Tigger  (age 4)

So of course finding the old costume brings up old memories of my adorable itty bitty... my little love bug who always looked so cute and warm in his costume. There was no way in the world I could put that costume in the 'Thrift Store' pile... nope, we're keeping it. 

And when Drew came home on Monday I told him to go to his room because I had a surprise for him. (No, it wasn't the costume... I bought him a new bike as ANOTHER early birthday present...) but the first thing he saw was the Tigger costume hanging outside his closet, and he says "oh ya, I remember that thing".... so I had to have him try it on. Anyone who knows us at all, knows that Drew truly is my Itty Bitty.... he's so small for his age... 

But even I have to admit that my itty bitty is growing... a size 3 is officially to small for my almost-7 year old.. but it still zipped up completely (and he was wearing clothes under it too).