Thought I'd share

This is an awesome Candle cake centerpiece!!

http://www.trulycustomcakery.com/tutorials/31.html

Finishing Up!

Day 23-Favorite vacation

Another favorite vacation was a short weekend getaway James and I took to the River walk. I thought for sure he was going to propose that weekend...NOPE! He booked us an expensive room at the Omni Suites, overlooking the River walk, roses and champagne in the room when we arrived.....why wouldn't I think he was going to propose! Anyway, we had a great weekend, spent a lot of money, held hands, saw the Alamo for the first time - it was just a fun, romantic weekend!!! He proposed 3 months later.

Day 24-Something you've learned

I've learned that there are few people you can trust with secrets.

I've learned how to be a good mommy!

I've learned that you get back what you put in.

I've learned that life is short......live it up!

I've learned to be thankful even when times seem rough!

I've learned that family is SO important!

I've learned how to be an adult, and the transition was pretty easy, actually.

I've learned that I am the voice for my child and if she tells me a teacher hit her at school, speak up b/c she can't!

I've learned a lot from my parents.

I've learned a lot from my husband.

I've learned a lot from my daughter.

I've learned how to be happy no matter what.

Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs

This should be interesting - I have over 1,000 songs that rang from classical, to rap....hehe I'll do first 15

1. Nickleback - All the Right Reasons
2. Kelly Clarkson - You Found Me
3. G Spot Boyz - Stanky Leg (LOL)
4. Carrie Underwood - Just a Dream
5. Taylor Swift Speak Now
6. Eminem - You're Never Over
7. Kidzup Educational Music - The Wheels on The Bus
8. Daughtry - There and Back Again
9. Rihanna - SOS
10. Avril Lavigne - Too Must to Ask
11. Lil Wayne - Drop the World
12. Darius Rucker - Come Back Song
13. Lady Gaga - Beautiful, Dirty, Rich
14. Colt Ford - Gangsta of Love
15. Maroon 5 - This Love

Day 26-Picture of your family

Day 27-Pets

Ally & Beaux. I used to love them SO much. They were my kids. They were so spoiled. Now, it seems that they just get on my nerves, are always out of food, stink, and get in our trash. I feel so bad b/c I do still love them, but they are too much for me now. I tell James that we will not get rid of them, but we probably will not have any more pets until all of our kids our out of the house! I feel so bad, they don't get enough attention anymore. I do no know why this section is underlined, and I do not know how to change it. Weird.

My Beaux & Ally

Day 28-Something that stresses you out

Everything stresses me out! Well I say that, but I'm usually a pretty calm and stress free person. Work sometimes stresses me, Cori stresses me out when she's jumping on the bed, or running down the driveway towards the street....James stresses me out when he's being insensitive. My mom REALLY stresses me out. I need a margarita....and I'm without on until July!

Day 29-3 Wishes

Wishes...I haven't thought of that word in a long time.

I wish for my family to be successful and happy.

I wish for my daughter to grow up and be a strong independent woman!

I wish for my weeks to go fast and my weekends to go slow.

I wish for my daughter growing up to go slow too!

Day 30-a picture

From our cruise. We had such a great time!

Bound & Determined.....

To finish this 30 day challenge....even if I lump the missed days all into one.

Day 20-Nicknames

I don't have a lot of nick names....there is not much you can do with Casey.

• Does "Mommy/Momma" Count?
• Case
• C.J.
• Babe
• Casey J.

Yup, that's about it.

Day 21-Picture of yourself

Hopefully this doesn't mean a picture of my current self, like at this moment. It's Monday morning...I was running late, as usual and I look more frumpy than "cute".

This picture was taken from my phone a few months back.

Day 22-What's in your makeup bag

I don't wear a lot of makeup. I don't technically have a "makeup bag" either. I have a little tray in the bathroom that holds my makeup. Bare Minerals foundation & bronzer, black eye liner, mascara, the same purple-ish eye shadow that i sweep on each morning, and chap stick. That sums it up. The only time my make up is in a bag is if we are traveling. I never take my makeup in my purse to work or anywhere else....I don't freshen up my makeup during the day....I have more important things to worry about I guess. I like to keep things simple. I'm a very simple girl.

FRIDAY!

Day 18-Something you regret

I really try hard not to regret anything, but I do still have some regrets. The first one that comes to mind is not swimming with the dolphins on our cruise when I was in college. Why was I afraid? I'm not afraid of many things! They were so calm and so sweet but I just couldn't make myself get in the water. I touched them on their heads for split seconds (as if they were going to bite me or something) and then jerked away. Really. Now that I look back I was being so pathetic. I missed out on a once in a lifetime thing.

Another that comes to mind was a VERY bad night. I think James and I were on a "break" (which probably only lasted a few days) I was in college and for the most part I didn't go out...I didn't party....I just hung around the apartment, studied, and waited for James to call me. (Again, pathetic) I decided that I wasn't going to wait around on him anymore and I wanted to have fun for one night. We got dressed and went to Shinanagin's. (sp?) I was not even 21 yet but used my college ID to get in and drank WAY. TOO. MUCH. When it was time to go, I though "I am okay, I can drive home". Boy, what a bad idea. Long Story Short.....I didn't make it out of the parking lot before calling James hysterical telling him what I did and what my situation was. He was in Houston...what was he going to do? He called Erin and woke her up, she came and got me....laughing at me, and drove me home. What a good friend. Somewhere in all the throwing up I did that night, my phone ended up in the toilet.... That was a very expensive, embarrassing, shameful night. I can honestly say that I have never been that drunk again, or that stupid for that matter.

Day 19-Something you miss

My childhood. Kids have it SO easy! I look @ Cori as I'm brining her her dinner, all cut up for her, separated like she likes it, the specific cup with the specific juice she requested, and think....what else little princess....do you want me to give you a foot massage while you eat? I have done a great job at spoiling her rotten. I was spoiled growing up too though. But really....just to be a kid again....no worries, no bills, no responsibilities, no job, no headaches, and no problems.....wouldn't that be nice.....even if it was only for a week. I had such a fun childhood. Our neighborhood was perfect and filled with kids our age, some that I am still friends with today. The summer days at the neighborhood pool were long and I was so tan! My mom left a tin hidden in the dining room with cash and movie tickets in it. We could order pizza for lunch once a week and if we could find a ride we could go to the movies. Our biggest problem was "Who's mom was coming home at lunch that could drop us off at the mall". Riding our bikes to our friends house, making trails through the vacant lots to cross from one street to the other without going all the way around was our specialty. Playing babies, dressing our brothers up like girls, making friendship bracelets and watching stupid shows on MTV, like singled out. If only I could go back to that time I would know not to rush things. I was so anxious to grow up, and even though growing up is exciting, I'd give anything to be young and carefree again!

Behind again...what do you know!

Day 12-What you believe

I believe in God.

I believe that I'm a good mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend.

I believe in good & evil.

I believe in Ghosts.

I believe that you should forgive.

I believe that when you do nice things, you get nice things in return.

I believe in Santa.

I believe in myself.

I believe that our paths are already made out for us.

I believe that it is cold and I believe in a lot. =)

Day 13-Goals

I guess my main goal is to be a great mother. I have lots of other smaller goals, but that triumphs them all. I'd like to get my Masters Degree, I'd like to be debt free, I'd like to be a elementary teacher one day.

Day 14-A picture you love

My sweet baby girl when she was 2 weeks old!

Day 15-Bible verse

I've never read the bible. I have always wanted to, but as a child I wasn't ever in church. My parents didn't go. Every once in a while we would go with friends, but nothing on a regular basis. I'd love to start going to church, I just haven't made that step yet. I'll look into verses......I want a favorite verse.

Day 16-Dream house

I can't wait for my dream house!! My next house will be on some acreage, like 10 or more acres. I want a long driveway leading up to the house with trees lining the way. As for the house - I want more house than I have now! More rooms, more places to go, more closets, more kitchen, bigger closets....I just have this perfect picture of my dream home in my head....it would take days to share every detail. I think I want a white house with a red front door. I love those. It will probably be built to look like an old plantation home on the outside. Those are my favorite.

Day 17-Something you're looking forward to

I have so much to look forward to! We are going to have our 4 year anniversary next year!! We are adding another baby to our family!! My daughter is growing like a week and I look forward to watching her grow and learn and become a big sister!

Day 11

Day 11-Favorite tv shows

I have a lot....ready?

• Grey's Anatomy
• Private Practice
• The Office
• Lost, (although the series is over)
• Gossip Girl
• 90210
• 19 Kids & Counting
• Kate Plus Eight
• America's Next Top Model
• How I Met Your Mother
• Prison Break (Series is over too)
• One Tree Hill
• The Little Couple
• Dexter
• Weeds
• True Blood
• The Big C
• Real World
• Big Brother
• Desperate Housewives
• LA Ink
• Keeping up with the Kardashian's
• Kendra
• Dog the Bounty Hunter
• Fantasy Factory
• The Soup
• Family Guy (I don't DVR, I only watch this one if I catch it on...not very often)

I doubt this is all of them, but this is all I can think of this early in the morning. I love my DVR and rarely ever watch regular TV anymore. I can't tell you the last time I watched a commercial on TV. Cori goes to bed at 8 and I relax and catch up on my DVR.

Day 10

Day 10-Something you're afraid of

Clowns. Suffocation. Roaches. Creepy cars that drive by at night super slow. Spiders. Being Alone.

I don't think I'm afraid of much, although I do get spooked easily.

Making A Baby

This was e-mailed to me today and I thought it was funny and wanted to share with my photographer friends!!

The Smiths were unable to conceive children and decided to use a surrogate father to start their family. On the day the proxy father was to arrive, Mr. Smith kissed his wife goodbye and said, 'Well, I'm off now. The man should be here soon.'
>
> Half an hour later, just by chance, a door-to-door baby photographer happened to ring the doorbell, hoping to make a sale. 'Good morning, Ma'am', he said, 'I've come to..'
>
> 'Oh, no need to explain,' Mrs. Smith cut in, embarrassed, 'I've been expecting you.'
>
> 'Have you really?' said the photographer. 'Well, that's good. Did you know babies are my specialty?'
>
> 'Well that's what my husband and I had hoped. Please come in and have a seat !.
>
> After a moment she asked, blushing, 'Well, where do we start?'
>
> 'Leave everything to me. I usually try two in the bathtub, one on the couch, and perhaps a couple on the bed. And sometimes the living room floor is fun. You can really spread out there.'
>
> 'Bathtub, living room floor? No wonder it didn't work out for Harry and me!'
>
> 'Well, Ma'am, none of us can guarantee a good one every time. But if we try several different positions and I shoot from six or seven angles, I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results.'
>
> 'My, that's a lot!', gasped Mrs. Smith..
>
> 'Ma'am, in my line of work a man has to take his time. I'd love to be In and out in five minutes, but I'm sure you'd be disappointed with that.'
>
> 'Don't I know it,' said Mrs. Smith quietly.
>
> The photographer opened his briefcase and pulled out a portfolio of his baby pictures. 'This was done on the top of a bus,' he said.
>
> 'Oh, my God!' Mrs. Smith exclaimed, grasping at her throat.
>
> 'And these twins turned out exceptionally well - when you consider their mother was so difficult to work with.'
>
> 'She was difficult?' asked Mrs. Smith.
>
> 'Yes, I'm afraid so. I finally had to take her to the park to get the job done right. People were crowding around four and five deep to get a good look'
>
> 'Four and five deep?' said Mrs. Smith, her eyes wide with amazement..
>
> 'Yes', the photographer replied. 'And for more than three hours, too. The mother was constantly squealing and yelling - I could hardly concentrate, and when darkness approached I had to rush my shots. Finally, when the squirrels began nibbling on my equipment, I just had to pack it all in.'
>
> Mrs. Smith leaned forward. 'Do you mean they actually chewed on your, uh...equipment?'
>
> 'It's true, Ma'am, yes.. Well, if you're ready, I'll set-up my tripod and we can get to work right away.'
>
> 'Tripod?'
>
> 'Oh yes, Ma'am. I need to use a tripod to rest my Canon on. It's much too big to be held in the hand very long.'
> Mrs. Smith fainted

Day 9

Day 9-A picture of your friends

this challenge is hard. I suck at this. I have too many friends and this is impossible not to leave anyone out. I'll just show the closest friends, that I see and hang out with regularly!!

My Best Friend since 7th grade, Alexis

My brother, SIL, Dylan & Laura

James, Me, Alexis, Jimmy, Kristy, Justin, Cody & Karen on our Cruise last year!

I'm behind, but here are Days 4-8

Day 4-Your parents

I think they met at a bar somewhere in Houston. They were married 5 years before they had my brother and 2 years later had me! Still today, I think 30 something years later, they are still married. Growing up my parents were strict...I hated it at the time, but appreciate it now. I will probably use their parenting and tweak it in a few ways with my own kids. My daughter is in love with my mom. I think she loves my mom more than me - probably because she lets her eat fruit loops in bed, dump all the dirt our of the potted plants, walk around outside without shoes, eat pop tarts for dinner, ice cream & juice after she already brushed her teeth.....oh the joys of Yaya. She likes my dad but for different reason! He is constantly giving her money, rides on his 4wheeler, drinks of his root beer.......she runs the roost when she's there and they love it.

Day 5-Your favorite recipes

HA - this is a funny one. I don't cook much! My husband runs our kitchen....When I do cook, its spaghetti, hamburger or tuna helper, goolash or some frozen chicken nuggets in the oven. So I'll spare you any of my recipes as I'm sure you all know how to cook some spaghetti. =)

Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy

Day 7-Favorite movies

I am in love with Disney movies....still. My all time favorite has to be The Lion King. I do love some Little Mermaid, Beauty & The Beast, and all the Toy Stories movies. As for regular movies I can never pass up a chance to watch Joe Dirt, Elf, Pretty Woman, The Dark Knight, or The Hangover. I am not a HUGE movie watcher, but I do have my favorites. I am more of a TV series kinda girl.

Day 8-A place you've traveled to

I have been to a lot of places in my short 24 years. My mom was always really good about taking us on vacations and seeing new things. I have loved all my vacations but I think the ones I love most are the ones that I have done since I've been with James. Its fun to experience something new with family, but its even better to experience something with someone you are in love with, who you can hold hands with through it, and talk about it together to your kids. Last year we went on a cruise. James' first time to ever do anything that drastic. Jamaica was awesome, Caymen Islands were okay and Cozumel was fun. Jamaica was my favorite b/c it was like nothing I've ever seen before. When you were on the beach there you felt like you were in paradise, but when you venture off into the city, it gets a little sketchy! The pictures, the memories, the adventures......it was all such a blast! I can't wait to make it to The Bahamas one day!

Day 3

Day 3 - First Love

He happens to be my best friend, my husband, my "baby daddy", and my partner in crime. We met the end of my freshman year of highschool. He was a senior about to graduate. He had the bad boy immage which I fell for right away! We were off and on as I finished highschool (that probably made my parents happy-they were never thrilled about me dating someone 3 years older at such a young age) but we were fully committed to each other by the time I moved away for college (probably bc before he knew I wasn't going anywhere and college could change all of that). It was a tough 4 years & a lot of miles put on out vehicles driving back & forth - but it was totally worth it!! We are still in love today!!

30 Day Challenge, Day 2

Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name:

This is an easy one. This blog is about my family, the Cranford's. I don't really have a specialty worth blogging about....so my blog (when I decide to blog) is about my family. Mostly it's about Cori.

Test

In order to keep up with this 30 day challenge, I will need to be able to post from my phone.....this is a test to see if my incredibly awesome iPhone4 can get the job done!!

Yeah! It worked! I can even edit them....now, if I could figure out how to post a pic.....

30 Day Challenge, Day 1

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts:

I'm Casey. I'm from Humble, TX (Born&Raised). I am the daughter of two of the best parents anyone could ask for. I'm the sister of one, interesting boy, my older brother. I loved school growing up and I was a good kid to my strict parents. I graduated High School a year early in 2003. I met a boy somewhere in that time. I attended Sam Houston State University and graduated with a Business Degree in May of 2007. I married that boy on July 7, 2007. Now I am the Wife of that amazing man, James. We bought our first home in August of 2007. Shortly after I found out I was going to be a mommy to my beautiful, sweet, perfect angel...Cori McKenzie. She was born 10/27/08. My life has never been the same. I'm in love with two people at the same time. It's an awesome feeling. Somehow in the next 8 months I've got to open my heart to yet another blessing!! We are expecting #2 and I couldn't be more thrilled! That is ME in a nutshell!

Recent picture of me....

15 Interesting Facts: (this is going to be tough!)

1. I wear my Old Navy $3.50 flip flops 95% of the year.

2. I am good at my job & I love it.

3. I survived a long distance relationship for 4 years and married my first love. My first everything.

4. I graduated High School in only 3 years after threatening to quit b/c I hated my school so much.

5. I've kept a lot of my childhood friends & college friends close by me!!

6. I'm Honest, loyal, to the point, adventurous, a little crazy, loud & obnoxious some times.

7. You either LOVE me or HATE me....for some reason there is no middle ground there.

8. I Love animals and I am very passionate about them......but , once my dogs are gone I doubt I'll own anymore.

9. I love country music....I love some rap music too.

10. I usually carry chapstick in my front pocket. I'm addicted.

11. I wear mostly jeans.

12. Pink & Black are my favorite Colors. I like Purple too.

13. I get along better with guys - but as I'm getting older, I'm gaining more girlfriends.

14. I am a great mommy. Unfortunately, I'm a better mommy than a wife. I need to find a happy medium.

15. I refuse to learn Spanish. I just can't do it.

30 Day Challenge

30 Day Challenge?

This is something I pulled off a friend's blog I follow. I will try to start today I posted it just in case you want to copy/paste it and try it too! :)

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts

Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name

Day 3-Your first love

Day 4-Your parents

Day 5-Your favorite recipes

Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy

Day 7-Favorite movies

Day 8-A place you've traveled to

Day 9-A picture of your friends

Day 10-Something you're afraid of

Day 11-Favorite tv shows

Day 12-What you believe

Day 13-Goals

Day 14-A picture you love

Day 15-Bible verse

Day 16-Dream house

Day 17-Something you're looking forward to

Day 18-Something you regret

Day 19-Something you miss

Day 20-Nicknames

Day 21-Picture of yourself

Day 22-What's in your makeup bag

Day 23-Favorite vacation

Day 24-Something you've learned

Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs

Day 26-Picture of your family

Day 27-Pets

Day 28-Something that stresses you out

Day 29-3 Wishes

Day 30-a picture

Cori is TWO!

Where did the time go? I can not believe she is 2 years old already! She is such a big girl - super smart, caring, loving and sometimes a brat...but aren't we all? I just love her to pieces and feel so blessed that she is my daughter!!

On a different note - I'm feeling a little depressed. This time last year I thought that I would have another baby by now...or at least be way pregnant....but I don't, and I'm not. I wanted to have 2-3 kids and I wanted them to all be close in age so they could grow up together and be friends. I almost feel that if a couple more months pass by and I'm still not pregnant I may decide to only have Cori. Is that crazy? I don't want them to be 3 years apart. Why can't I just get pregnant already? Its been 6 months of "not preventing". I don't like to say we are "trying" to have a baby b/c I'm not counting days or taking ovulation tests or my temperature or anything like that - to me that takes the fun out of being surprised....but maybe I should start now. I also know that 6 months isn't a long time and some people actively "try" for years and years. I know it will happen when its supposed to happen.....I'm just wondering if the scar tissue on my ovaries from all the ruptured ovarian cysts is finally catching up with me. In 2007 my Dr. scared me a little by saying the more scar tissue the harder it will be to conceive...so I started right away....got pregnant right away and was totally happy! now, 3 years later It isn't as "right away" as I'd like. I'm a big planner and it's killing me that this isn't going my way. I need to let go a little and let the bigger man be in control, I guess. Prayers are welcomed!

Anyway, enough of the sappy mushy stuff!

MY BABY GIRL IS TWO!!

Cori & I got up early this morning to go have breakfast @ McDonald's together (her favorite meal of the day) and then went into Kroger to get her & her classmates some cupcakes to have at lunch in lue of Cori's Big Day!

Her Birthday Party was last Saturday and it was GREAT!! She had a lot of fun and got so many awesome presents!! (I even stuck a few back for Santa to re-wrap @ Christmas) Thanks for everyone who came to help Cori celebrate! She is such a lucky little girl!

James and I got her this Dora pillow....she's in LOVE!

yes she wore the same thing on her party day as today =)

She was so excited and LOVED everyone singing HAPPY BIRTHDAY to her!

Jacksonville

So Saturday morning Cori and I flew to Jacksonville, FL.

Saturday:
woke up early squirly! (a phrase my mom used to use) Loaded up the car and headed to the airport, this was about 6am. Had a little trouble getting in b/c my plane ticket said Casey Smith, my TDL said Casey Cranford - but luckily I brought my expired passport, my newpassport and my marriage certificate showing who I am. Then, I swear the lady at security called me stupid. I had never taken a stroller through the airport and I didn't know I had to collapse the stroller and send it through the xray thing....so I took our shoes off, took Cori out and was going to push it through in front of me and she rudely said "HELLO......YOU HAVE TO COLLAPSE IT" (and then turned to someone and said "I SWEAR SOME PEOPLE ARE STUPID".....If I wasn't in the airport security line I would have popped off at the mouth! Don't worry though, I cussed her out in my mind and gave her a dirty stare!!!!

The plane ride went good. We had a really nice lady sitting next to us and Cori and her got a long really well. I was relieved! I was afraid we'd get some mean person sitting next to us. Cori and the lady did a lot of high fives and she taught Cori how to fist pump. At one point Cori reached over, and took a bite of the lady's muffin. I was mortified and very apologetic to the lady and she said "It's no problem honey" as she finished her muffin. After we got off the plane, got our luggage Ashley & Syd were there to pick us up! We drove back to her house, which is on a Navy Base!

This little bubble was so different than anything I've ever seen. It's guarded by gates and ID's must be shown to get in. Everything you need is in there - Houses, gyms, fast food, gas station, office buildings, ship ports, daycare, even an RV park! Ashley calls it pleasantville. Her backyard is literally the beach! We walked down there and Cori had fun! It was her first time in sand and salt water. We didn't get all suited up, and we didn't stay a long time but it was nice to just go and see it. We took lots of pictures (I do not have any of them, we were using her camera) but they all turned out so good! We came back to her house, let the girls nap and then went to the NEX (Navy Exchange). That was so cool! It was like a department store, except everything was cheaper, and no tax. It was super cool! We browsed for a while and I got a new purse! After we left NEX we drove around town, stopped at a few stores and ate dinner at Chick Fil A. The girls were exhausted so we sent them to bed and Ashley and I stayed up until Midnight talking and catching up!

Sunday:

We got up and went to church. Ashley teaches a Sunday School class and I was able to go with her to help out. Luckily she teaches kids in the 2 y/o range so Cori was able to stay with us. She had a blast. Their church is really awesome and I wish we had something like that near our home! Starbucks on the way home, lunch and nap for the girls! Later we went to mall and walked around and let Cori play on the indoor playground. I said "Thank y'all" as I asked a couple where the restroom was and got a VERY strange look. FL is so much like Texas that I forgot to leave my "y'all, aint & mitiswell's" at home!

Monday:

We got up, got all packed up and loaded the car. We had tickets to go to the Jacksonville Zoo. We got there about 10 in the morning and started looking around. They have a really nice zoo!!! Cori had a great time as did Ashley and I - Sydney had fun just looking around in her stroller! Chick Fil A again for lunch (We had some time to kill before we needed to be at the airport and I like Chick Fil A's play ground better than McDonalds)

Airport Disaster:

Getting to the airport, checking baggage, finding our gate, browsing the stores to kill time, boarding the plane (for the first time) all went well. Cori was an angel. After we got on the plane we left the terminal and headed for the runway - only to hear the captain come on the speaker and say there is really bad weather in Houston and we had to wait 25 minutes until we could take off. Okay that was bad news, but Cori had her Dora episodes on my iPhone and she was being still and quiet. after 30 minutes of waiting he came back on to say it would be at least another hour so he was going to take us back to the terminal and get us off the plane. SHOOT ME NOW! I gate checked the stroller the 1st time we got on the plane so here I am in the airport, my almost 2 y/o has not napped all day, and it was now 4 O'clock in the afternoon with no stroller, no toys for her. She was TIRED and CRANKY and BAD. She took off running from me, laughing. I finally caught her and she threw herself on the ground. So thats what she did. She laid there, in the middle of the floor, on her back with her arms and legs spread - people were stepping over her! I walked away.....about 20 ft away and watched, pretending she wasn't my kid. When I tried to pick her up she'd scream....so I just left her there. Finally after laying on the floor for probably 5 minutes or more, a lady stopped to ask her if she was lost and she came running to me. We walked around for a few minutes more when they finally called us to board again. After we were in the air, she fell asleep about 5:30 in the afternoon, but only slept for about 20 minutes. The rest of the flight was still okay even though she was awake. She just laid on me and watched her episodes, holding the iPhone. I thought my bad luck spell was over.....nope.

I called James when we landed and told him to head that way to get us. (We only live 5 minutes from the airport) Well SOMEHOW (??) there was traffic and even after stopping in the restroom to change Cori, waiting for our luggage at baggage claim and getting outside....we waited about 20 minutes! Cori didn't want to stay in her stroller so I was holding her, and had the carseat backpack on, pushing the stroller and trying to drag our suitcase - Cori ended up getting a spanking and buckled in her stroller. She screamed, and screamed and screamed as I was texting very bad words to my husband to hurry up and get there, what was taking so long???

HOME SWEET HOME - Cori got a bath and went straight to bed at 7:30. She said she wasn't hungry so she didn't even get dinner. (Bad mom, I know) I unpacked, chilled out and ate dinner and was in bed by 9. I slept HARD.

I feel bad today b/c I have never been so frustrated with Cori before. I feel like I should have handled things differently b/c I knew she was so tired. But, if you have a toddler then you know that if they are tired and used to only sleeping in their own bed that just because I want her to nap doesn't mean she will. I handled her pretty well (The best I could) but I was frustrated and tired myself. I gave her big hugs and kisses this morning and asked her if she had fun and she said yes - so that's good! She woke up in a really good mood surprisingly and didn't hold on to my leg when I dropped her off at daycare, which is rare!

I had such a great time and can't wait to go back! Thank you Ash for everything!!

Stupid Kids!

So last night I had dinner with a friend. Behind us sat these three kids, probably 17-19 years old. Somehow they talked the waiter into serving them alcohol. I can't say I judge them for that, because I sat and drank at restaurants many times, being underage. I just hope I wasn't as stupid and annoying as they were. They were obnoxiously loud, and telling stories the entire place could hear - inappropriate stories. I was not the only one there rolling my eyes and turning in my chair to look at them. They had no clue. Finally they got their check and were getting ready to leave (Thank you Jesus) when the youngest looking one said "Can I get a bottle beer, to go? ...........Seriously.....did she just say that???? YES!!.....I'm not sure when I turned into an old lady but I wanted to go up to her and lecture her about the consequences of drinking and driving (because apparently her parents aren't doing that) and maybe tell her how stupid she was and how no one was going to like her b/c she'd probably end up being a trouble maker and possibly a murderer if she thinks drinking and driving is cool.

As they made their way to the door I thought to myself....that will NEVER be my daughter! I hope I can be a good enough parent to raise her better and that she will know to be respectful in public and behave herself if we are not able to be with her.

Geez, my mom was right! When I was young she'd say "You just think I'm being unfair, just wait until you have kids, you'll realize why I wouldn't let you wear those short shorts to the skating rink" or "One day you'll appreciate me telling you you can't hang out with that girl, she's trouble" yeah yeah yeah - Thank you Momma! You were right! Mommas know best!

Finally, something worth blogging about

So Cori decided she was a monkey and started climbing out of her crib, and knocking on her door for us to get her out. I wasn't thrilled on the idea that she could fall out and break her arm or something so we broke down her crib and she is now a big girl in her toddler bed!

Cori did great last night! We took the rail off and she sat on her bed all excited and said “I big guel Momma”. I took her to Target so she could pick out some new sheets and pillowcase for her new bed and found that they actually have toddler sets so she picked a really cute one out. Once we got it home and took it out of the package I realized it matched a lamp that my mom for her room! It’s a perfect match. Now I want to go back and see if they have any other matching accessories!

We were out late so by the time we got home with our McDonald’s chicken nuggets, got a bath and got ready for bed it was about 9 O’clock. I told her she was a big girl and had to stay in bed and go night night. “Okay Momma” was her reply. She laid down and wiggled for about 5 minutes (James and I were watching her on the monitor) she got down once, got a book and went straight back to bed. Finally after about 10 minutes she was out. She woke up about 4am, sat up in bed, whined for about 20 seconds, found her paci and went right back to sleep! She was still in her bed at 7:20 when I went in to wake her up. To top it all off – her pullup was DRY!

She’s such a big girl!

Newness

I'm in my new office! It smells so good, it's so clean, the A/C works, there is fresh paint on the walls, I have a new fancy desk that makes me look important, hardwood floors are wonderful, a nice clean bathroom - I'm all unpacked and I absolutely love it! It's about dang time! Our last building was a dump - totally disgusting to be exact! Coming to work won't be so bad anymore! Okay, gotta finish getting organized! Did I mention I love my new office?

chaos!

Everything in my life is a total MESS right now.

#1 the road I drive on everyday to get to and from work is under construction. It is literally a 3-4 mile drive from home, to daycare, to work and it takes me about 20 or plus minutes b/c of the traffic and dimwits that think they can't drive when there are cones on the side of the roads....come one people.....I don't have much patience.
#2 We are moving at work. So Packing up, moving into a temporary little box building (while waiting on new office to be ready), unpacking, trying to do my best to stay organized and keep working as much as possible, packing up, moving to new office (which has yet to happen) and then unpacking again to get organized and get back into the swing of things! I'm complaining now but it will be SO nice to be in our new building! It is so pretty and awesome compared to the dump I've been in for the last few years!
#3 Somehow I have been kicked out of my garage parking spot. I AM NOT happy about this. I am an adult, who pays a mortgage, the LEAST I should get is a covered parking spot! right?
#4 Why does the grass grow so dang fast in the summer....really we look like white trash by Wednesday after mowing on Sunday....really if we can't mow every 3 days....the grass takes over!
#5 I can not seem to keep the house clean - I even have a cleaning lady that comes every 2 weeks! (Lazy, I know....but I love her!) I started a new routine that has been working out.... Every morning when I get up I start a load of laundry. Before I leave I put that load in the dryer...the next morning, I fold the load in the dryer and start another load. So it really has cut down on the laundry piling up and I like this new routine! Oh, and I totally make my bed every morning now too - and I have never done that before 2 weeks ago! I guess #5 doesn't count as chaos....

#6 Cori - woah. What do I say about Cori. She's A MESS! She's mean, smart, sweet, loving, rude, cranky, adorable, opinionated, sassy, grouchy, happy, beautiful, (did I mention mean?) all in about a 15 second time frame! It blows me away! She can slap the crap out of me, kiss me, pull my hair and tell me I'm pretty all in 1 sentence. That child knows what she wants and when she wants it and if its not what she wants, the neighbors and I both will know about it. She makes me crazy and so proud in the same feeling.....does #6 make since to anyone else besides my twisted, tired brain?

#7 isn't chaos either - Erin's wedding! It was beautiful! I am so glad I was able to be apart of their special day! I met LOTS of great girls and I hope to keep them as life long friends!

(not sure why my pictures wont let me move them to go under each thing...so here are some pics, out of order....but whatever. I can't win every battle)

Cori and I playing!

This is what I've lost my garage too.....

My new office.....I can't wait!

My temp box office to keep me going

Erin & Kris on their wedding day!

Fear

I realized tonight while watching tv that I have a new fear. This woman was telling a story about the worst thing you can think of happening to her 10 year old daughter. It just broke my heart!!! So I wanted to put it out there that if anything like that ever happened to my child and I knew who it was, I wouldn't call the police. I would kill them! I think I'm crazy to say those words but I just have so much anxiety just thinking about it!!! The worst part is is that it can be someone you trust and allow into your home. Man oh man! I think I may have just become one of those over protective parent that I always swore I wouldn't be! Now I know why my parents were the way they were and I thank them from the bottom if my heart for being such great parents!! I love my daughter with everything I have! I would feel so guilty if anything ever happened to her!

On a happier note, I'm headed to Galveston tomorrow with my college roommate and some great girls for a low key, just the way I like it, bachelorette party!! It's gonna be lots of fun! Then Saturday I have 2 adult birthday parties to attend!! Busy weekend ahead!

Peace out, have a fantabulous weekend!

Rain, Rain & More Rain!!

Okay - my week has been crazy! I went to see Eclipse at midnight on Tuesday/Wednesday and ever since then I've been so screwed up! I'm too old for a midnight movie, especially on a work night. What was I thinking?? Anyway, it was actually really good and I enjoyed it a lot! The crowd and the screaming little girls weren't too bad either - sometimes I wonder if I was that dumb and immature when I was 11-15.....I probably was (although I didn't think so at the time) so I try not to get too annoyed with them! My days were so screwed up I asked Holly where her "Friday High Fives" were........ON WEDNESDAY.....LOL she probably thinks I'm crazy!

Monday I went to the Orthodontist to look into getting invisalign. I have 2 teeth that are not straight and it drives me nuts! No one else notices but it bothers me. I was shocked to hear the price of invisalign on the upper only for 6 months! So, looks like that won't be in my near future and I just don't think I can do braces again as an adult. (Side note: Invisalign for 6 months was going to cost about 2k more than I paid for lasik eye surgery.....seriously!!) So I just decided to have the ortho make me trays and bought some bleach....maybe whiter teeth will make me feel better. Also on Monday was Cori's 2nd gymnastics class! She's so adorable! Gymnastics wears me OUT! Am I supposed to be sweaty and out of breath at the end of the 45 minute class too?? It's so funny to see Cori doing forward rolls and jumping on the trampoline! It brings back memories that I had doing gymnastics when I was young! After she gets her stickers at the end of class she tells me "HOME MOMMA, NIGHT NIGHT" She know's she's tired!

James bought a Polaris rzr this week! I was reluctant at first but I'm okay with it now. It's fun and Cori enjoys riding on it.....anything for Cori! a rzr is like a cross between a 4wheeler and a golf cart - except it gets up to about 70mph!

Cori and her BFF Carl, my parents dog.

Getting ready for her 1st Ride!

Tonight Bridget, Cori and I are headed to Ft. Worth. My mom is leaving this morning and was upset we couldn't go with her (b/c I couldn't miss work) but I decided to take off a little early and head that way! We aren't telling them we are coming! I think it will be so cute to sneak up and let Cori walk up and knock on the door! They will be so surprised! I hope she does well in the car for me, this will be her longest trip yet! We got a dvd player for the backseat, so hopefully it keeps her entertained! I think I wanna make time for the stockyards tomorrow, if the weather is nice, and maybe even check out Billy Bob's! We'll see. My mom said something about everyone driving into Oklahoma to go to the casino....but unless one of my cousins offer to babysit, I will be missing that trip. No biggie though - I could totally do without throwing money into a slot machine!

I hope everyone has a great long weekend - stay safe and have fun!!!

weirdness

okay - I came across this blog.... Let me state first off that I am (for the most part) shy and modest but I don't mind hearing other people's not so shy and modest views and stories! It embarrasses me sometimes, but I like it. (Weird?) Well this blog is very ADULT and even though I can not tell if the writer is male or female its pretty entertaining and funny! Check it out!

http://www.livinthedreamblog.net/?expref=next-blog

for Kristen

Just got bored - Kristen if you like these, you can save them as images....click on them to make them bigger first before you save. If you have something else in mind, let me know!

New and Creative

So I was doing what I read on another blog and pressing 'Next Blog' and coming across other people's blogs, that I did not know. I got some really good ideas! If you notice to the right, I made up a cute picture of Cori and told about her - I stole this from someone's blog that (CRAZY) had 10 kids! She was only 34 btw. She had one of these for each of her kiddo's and I thought it was cute! So, when #2 comes around, I will add another...and if there is ever a #3. I'm sure you get the point. Also she had a signature that she posted at the bottom of every blog, so I stole that idea too, and created my own! I've also changed the layout on my blog page....now I just need to add some cutesy stuff and music like some of you have! Hey, I'm moving on up in Blog World...feel privileged that you get a glimpse in my crazy head! j/k! Oh, here is the link to the blog with 10 kids, she is pretty funny, I now anonymously stalk/follow her =) http://fontenotkids.blogspot.com/?expref=next-blog

See, how cute is that? I hope you like it!

Randoms

• Cori says to the dogs "HUSH UP BOBO" I guess she pays attention to everything I say!
• She has said her longest sentence (that I've heard) "No, Momma - I don't want that!" Clear as day! I am proud! (and apparently I like to use parenthesis and exclamation marks!!)
• She told the lady at the pool supply store yesterday "Thank you lady, bye" The lady thought she was adorable, as did I.
• I am in love with Gatorade G2 - fruit punch flavor. I've never been a Gatorade fan, but I am now. Watch out Sam's Club, here I come.
• Cori is now using only 2 pull ups a day at daycare! She tells her teacher when she has to go and goes! Again, I am so proud!
• I love the song that says "I feel like pound sign, question mark, star, exclamation point" #?*! hehe
• James and I are officially "trying" to have another baby!
• I've started a new book series - I can't stay away from the dang vampires! I am now reading the Sookie Stackhouse novels. I've been watching the series on HBO, True Blood, and I enjoy it, so why not read the books where the show came from. Speaking of vampires, I have a ticket to go see Twilight: Eclipse the night it comes out...so yes, I am going at midnight July 1st. (SHOOT ME NOW - I'm not a Twitard, as some would call fans of Twilight, but I was talked into going....so lets see how quickly I become annoyed by the screaming idiots that faint when Jacob comes on screen with no shirt on. I am on Team Edward, by the way!)
• This is gross, but I am so excited that I get to go to the dentist next month - I haven't been in THREE YEARS! ever since I graduated college my health insurance that I had with my parents canceled so I have not had dental insurance since then. I have been taking extra good care of my teeth, and I don't feel like I have any problems but I feel like I need to have them cleaned! I signed up for my own dental plan and made an appointment! I'm not sure why I am so excited.....I usually have a full panic attack at the dentist and swear I will never go back!!
• Also on the July agenda - My college Roommate, Erin, is getting married! So It will be a busy month for me! I'll be in Kervin on the 11th for her shower, then we are going to Galveston for the weekend of the 17th for her "Bachelorette" party and then her wedding is in Huntsville on the 24th! I am excited to see her so much, just in 1 month! Oh and my friend Kristen is coming back to Texas for a while, so hopefully I'll get to see and spend time with her and her girls too! Yay for July!
• UGH! we were off the dang paci for about 2 weeks but Cori somehow found one that she must have hidden and now she is attached, again! At least I know we can break her - gotta start from square 1. No biggie...right?
• Work is finally picking up! That makes me happy, we were so slow for so long! I love my job and I am VERY thankful for it! James' A/C company is doing really well too! We are blessed.
• I love our pool! It's like a mini vacation every weekend....walk right out the back door and jump in! Cori likes it too, although she clings to me, very tightly!
• I'm super excited that Cori and I will be going to FL to visit our friend Ashley in September! It will be Cori's 1st plane ride! I'm thrilled!
• Do you guys like pictures on my blogs? I need to post some, I suppose.
• I feel like my mind is running 100 mph - I have so much going on. My life is great. I have everything I need. I work hard for what I have. My daughter is BEAUTIFUL. I have faults, but I admit to them. I feel like the sun is shining right on me everyday! I am SO loving life!
• okay, bye!

XOXO