Wickedly busy Halloween

Well my monkey came home after almost a month with my family.  His babysitter was on maternity leave so he spent the majority of October in Texas.  

Our first stop was a trip to Burnet to see his favorite thing on earth...Thomas the Train.  It was also my grandmother's birthday and we spent much of the weekend visiting and watching the kids play and enjoy the train activities.   

One of our many family picnics.  

Waiting to board Thomas!  He couldn't stop staring at the train.  He was in Heaven!  

Then I made the flight home and began my month of silence : ). 

I have been exercising and focusing on getting healthier.  Very proud of myself...taking it one day at a time.  Hopefully I am well on my way to making better choices for both me and my son.  

Once monkey returned it was a whirlwind...my house was literally hit by Hurricane Liam.    He also enjoyed his new ride outside!! 

For Halloween we enjoyed a stroll down Main Street to get candy and a visit to the police department to see rescue vehicles.  

Good times were had!! Now we are settling into our routine and getting back to normal.  

Heading into my favorite season...the holidays!! Good times ahead!

What a difference a week makes!

To say that this week has been crazy would be a complete understatement.  

On Monday I received a text from Liam's father saying he wanted to see him.  Without going into too much information regarding his life he was having an even rougher week that I was. 

One of my fave quotes!

So after much soul searching and praying I agreed to let him come and visit us.  It was extremely awkward at first.  Hard to believe that at one time we could have talked for days straight and now as we stood at the city park we struggled for words.  It did get easier and we spent the next day or so visiting.  

Liam did not want anything to do with him the first day...which is extremely unusual for him. He is normally a very social bee.  I think it was in large part due to the tension between us.  The second afternoon was different and he began to play and rough house with one another.  

When he left we were on good terms and have decided that he will begin to be a part of Liam's life.  While it won't be the typical father-son relationship I do believe it can still be a positive and healthy relationship.  

I also realized that God put in a whole new state over a year ago to help my heart heal and it has done just that.  While it is totally complete I am loving the place both mental and emotionally where I am right now.  

Great quote from Mandy Hale!

This weekend was a much needed weekend of rest.  After the mental exhaustion of this past week I loved every minute of our basically do nothing weekend.  I needed to refresh and reboot  and get myself ready for the week.  

What a fantabulous Friday!

Well we have had a wonderful 4th of July!  

It was spent enjoying some much needed sunshine.  Our day was very relaxing and so very enjoyable.  

We had brats Mac n cheese and pineapples!  Yummo!  

Hope everyone has had an enjoyable and relaxing day!

Happy birthday America!  

Let's get to poppin'

Well we have embarked on our holiday weekend!! Let's hear it for time off from work...does it get better? 

We had a great day at work today...it was goody day and there was a TON of food!  

We had two fill counters filled with delicious yummies!

A coworkers beautiful cake!  

Then I was able to leave an hour early "whoop whoop!" Came home and picked up the house and gave it a swipe and a promise before I picked up monkey.  

Then we came home to some wonderful summer!  We played in the pool...colored on our patio with some chalk and enjoyed a grilled cheese, tater tots and a mini grape slush.  Life is good!  

Dinner time

Chalk became war paint!

Master artist! (Spoken with a French accent)

Happy 4th of July everyone!  Stay safe and remember your pets!  

Tomorrow is going to be a day to sleep in (hopefully) and grill out.  

A weekend of fireworks

Well this weekend was one where being a single parent really has it's drawbacks. Mind you...I am not complaining about my situation.  It is what it is...BUT having two people help raise a child can definitely have it's advantages.  

For starters some evenings it is so hot outside and I am tired from sitting at a computer all day and all my son wants me to do is sit outside and blow bubbles for him and all I want to do is plop on the sofa.  I almost always end up outside blowing bubbles but having a partner to help when I am just mentally exhausted would be nice at times.

He was able to enjoy his new table courtesy of his YaYa!  Helps him to avoid getting too much sun ☀️

Then Saturday was one of those days when you simply wanna crawl back into bed the moment you get up.  My kiddo was in a grouchy mood from the moment he opened his eyes.  Thank God those days are few and far between!! Poor guy is having issues with his molars coming in and it just makes for one cranky Frankie (my nickname for him when he is gripey).  

We just stayed around the house playing outside and watching Thomas the Train over and over : )

Sunday was much better... We spent the day lounging and ended it at a freedom fest celebration at a local church with friends.  We weren't able to stay for fireworks because he became cranky Frankie again...which if you have a toddler means that plans are NEVER set in stone.  

Enjoying snacks with my bud.

Just chilling with my juice!  

Having fun in the bouncy house!

All in all the weekend was a little stressful but I have learned to just take it with a grain of salt (too bad that salt doesn't include a margarita) 🍹

Hope everyone has a fabulous week....it's leading up to a three day weekend!! Happy happy!!

Sunday funday

Well since we went to church last night we were able to just chill much of this Sunday.  

We went over to some friends house for a pool party but it ended up pouring rain for the first 30 minutes or so.   The boys had a blast inside thought jumping on the bed and running around.  

They finally were able to burn off some enery outside playing in the pool and the playset.  

Great way to spend a Sunday.  

As much as I enjoy my job and the great folks I work with...I do dread Mondays.  Seems like the roll around so fast...just wish the weekends lasted a little longer.

I finally had my treadmill put together so going to try and motivate myself to get up a little earlier everyday and use it before I go to work...wish me luck : )

Everyone have a wonderful week!

Summer nights and lazy Saturdays

Last night was spent blowing bubbles out on the patio.  With a nice cool breeze it was a wonderful evening.  

We also counted airplanes that flew over.  

Saturday morning has been full of errands and running around.  We are going to be going to church this afternoon and then over to some friends for a little get together.  

This is reason #1 not to take a hungry toddler to the grocery store....

Someone just can't resist a banana!  No wonder I call him my little monkey!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!

Back to normalcy ...whatever that is

Well my grandparents left this morning.  Hate to see them go....Liam enjoyed spending these last few weeks with them.  Will be a few months til we see them again.  

Liam went back to daycare today.  It was a mix and match day!  I love that they have fun days like these!  

Rocking this outfit with a great smile!

He also was able to ride on his new Thomas the Train!  So far it's two thumbs up!

Hopefully it will be warm this weekend and we can really get outside and enjoy the sunshine!

Happy Father's Day!!

Happy Father's Day to all the daddies out there.  I was fortunate enough to have some great male role models in my life.  While the each have the own strong personalities they have all had a great influence on my life.  

I know that Liam will feel the same about them.  I pray one day he will have a father that takes him on and loves him as his own.  It's so important for boys to have positive role models and unfortunately his father is not ever going to fill those shoes.    

So that leaves this single mommy struggling with the guilt that comes with being a single mommy.  But I wake up everyday and go to sleep every night with the prayer that I am able to be te beat of both parents for my son.  

So to all the single moms out there who are rocking the double duty...God is here to help you.  Your child may not have his earthly father as part of their life but the certainly have their Heavenly Father.  

Let Him be your support and encouragement when you are weak.  When you turn to Him in praise, thanksgiving and need your children will emulate your example.  

While my walk with The Lord is an ongoing journey and learning experience it is one I relish and pray that my son will seek Him.  

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful men out there and the wonderful women who are dad too. May you have a day of love and thanks.  

One more day!!

Well I survived a few weeks without my monkey.  Wow have I missed that kiddo. I am literally counting down the hours til he is home tomorrow.  

A few of the great things I was able to do is pottery painting...redecorating the living room...putting together a tv stand...and keeping a clean house 😉 ( if you're a mom of a toddler you completely understand).  

I also put Liam's Thomas the Train ride along ... Can't wait to see the grin on his face when he sees it.  

Liam has had a wonderful time in Texas with my family.  I am truly filled with love that he was able to make these memories with them.  I still remember the weeks I spent at my great grandparents during the summer.  I hope it's something he can continue to do every summer. Playing with his cousins and running around out after Pa are things that will shape him.  He has also gotten to spend a few weekends with his fabulous YaYa...she says she might not let him return hehehe 

Gattiland fun!

Racing Keegan at Gatti's 

Cousin love!  Three most handsome and sweetest boys I know!  ❤️

My heart is filled with love that he was able to experience these few weeks...but I simply am about to bust with excitement waiting for him to return home...Bella's is probably not quiet as excited 😀

Rainy Sunday

Today it's raining both outside and in my heart.  My heart is breaking for a friend and her family as they mourn the death of her daughter.  

Life is filled with up and downs but the sorrow of losing a child should not be one of them.  

Whenever things like this occur it really makes one stop and take an assessment of what is important in life....loved ones.  Be they family or friends the people who fill our lives are what make the days special.  

So hug the ones you love a little stronger and live the days to the fullest!

Absolutely Fabulous Weekend

First let me say that I miss my son terribly but I have had a wonderful weekend.  

The house is clean, groceries are bought and the legs are kicked up on the coffee table 😄

Friday night was pure excitement...at least for this 36 yr old...a friend and I put together a beautiful tv stand.  Not the excitement that you find in your 20s but it is nice to be able to be self sufficient.  

Saturday was bliss as well.  Spent the morning at an antique market sale and then painted a vase at a pottery shop.  Being able to just enjoy a nice leisurely morning is something I have needed for a long time.  

I also spent much of the day doing work in the yard...trying to spruce it up with some beautiful plants and flowers.  Love how it is all coming together.  

I have talked to my family about 10 times a day checking on monkey.  My heart runneth over with love knowing he is having such a great time. 

Monkeys love bananas! 

Snack time at YaYa's!! 

Love getting pics throughout the week..does a mommy's ❤️ Good!

Now to indulge in some Ben and Jerry's ice cream and give myself a pedicure.  Looks like this weekend is getting better and better 😉

I survived the weekend

Well I survived the weekend without my kiddo.  I kept telling myself to be a "big girl" hehehe

I went to have a manicure and was able to clean house and get my grocery shopping done for the next couple of weeks.  The rest of the time was spent just chilling and catching up on my DVR'd shows.  

Throughout the weekend my mom sent me pics of Liam playing with his cousins and spending time with the family.  

Reading with Pa...this kiddo loves his books and his Pa.  ❤️

Being goofballs with his cousins!!

Enjoying the backyard swing at Pa and Granny's!  

So thrilled my kiddo is being able to take in all the joys of family! 

Weekend getaway

Today is a day of total rest and relaxation.    Technically I am still on vacation for two more days and I intend to enjoy every second of it...even if that is sitting on my butt.  

My dog is most definitely enjoying it.  She is getting mom all to herself...something she hasn't had in two years.  I think she is probably enjoying the fact that my son is with grandparents more than anyone...with the possible exception of my mom.  😉. 

I planned on picking up the house...but that would require effort that I am just not wanting to give today.  However I imagine in a few hours I will muster enough self control and actually do some laundry and put away my stuff from vacation.  I might even try and get a manicure....that will be an amazing treat for this momma!  

Well day one without my monkey boy is going ok...and I just keep reminding myself that he is having a wonderful time with his grandparents and undoubtedly being spoiled every second.