Happy Marcus Monday!

Little boys might not have all the pink and tulle, but sometimes their clothes (and accessories) are really cute.

Sometimes those clothes make an 18 month old look more like a 5-year old!

Aren't those sunglasses and Converse just too much?!

Speaking of sunglasses, the Society 43 sunglasses winner has been drawn...
Laura!! I'll email you today with more info. Congrats!

Happy Monday!

Mommy Needs a Pot of Coffee

Each morning I try to have my posts up by 7:00AM Pacific Time. I don't have any rhyme or reason behind this, but I like the consistency of posting at the same time every day. Today that schedule was blown to bits.

Last night was one of the WORST since Marcus has been born. There was endless hours of screaming and crying. Endless attempts to cure an unknown (and still unknown) issue(s). There was even a point where I think I would have given Marcus away to the first person willing to take him. I kid. Sort of. From 8:30PM to 6:30AM there MIGHT have been a combined three hours of sleep.  

Momma is tired. 

How the little man is going strong right now is totally beyond me. At this point I could sleep for DAYS.

With that said, I could use a big, piping hot POT of coffee. 

And, that leads me to a little High Five-ing for Friday!

1. Sunday is National Coffee Day. Who knew?? To honor the day, it is reported that Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, Krispy Kreme, Tim Hortons, and Wawa are offering free cups of coffee. Yes, please. I'll take one from each, like right now.

Image source

2. I've been toying with the idea of chopping off my hair. What person with long hair doesn't toy with that idea once a week? When I saw Claire Danes rocking a faux bob, or "faub," at the Emmy's I knew I had to try it out. Now I can get my short hair fix without ever cutting a strand. 

Anyone interested on a how-to of the faux bob? Let me know, I'm debating on whether or not to do a tutorial.

3. THESE PANTS! I don' know WHAT it is, but these pants from Road Runner Sports are beyond awesome. Words don't even begin to describe how gloriously comfy these pants are. Running or not, I could probably wear these all day every day. The icing on the cake, they were on sale. Booyah! 

4. Yesterday was this little guy's 1st Birthday! Happy Birthday to our Superman nephew, Clark!

Oh my gosh, seriously, how adorable is he?!!

5. I'm fairly certain Marcus has finally fallen asleep. Praise the Lord. Let's hope this nap lasts a loooooong time. 

Have a great weekend!

Home

If I ever go looking for my heart's desire again, I won't look any further than my own back yard. Because if it isn't there, I never really lost it to begin with.
L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

A [wo]man travels the world over in search of what [s]he needs and returns home to find it.
George Augustus Moore, The Brook Keith

I think what you notice most when you haven’t been home in a while is how much the trees have 
grown around your memories. 
Mitch Albom, For One More Day

Home is the nicest word there is.
Laura Ingalls Wilder

An Adventure

Per the norm, our trip home was action packed with fun. But, between traveling, posting milestones, and such, I haven't had a chance to share all that we did while on our second tour of the Midwest.

While Scott and I were tailgating fools my parents took Marcus to Adventureland.

If you aren't familiar with Adventureland you are obviously not from Iowa. It's basically the only theme park in the entire state. Many a memories were made there while growing up.

When my parents told me they were taking Marcus I was a little apprehensive. Certainly taking Marcus would be nothing short of a nightmare for my folks, there wouldn't be a ride he could go on, there's no way this trip was going to work for anyone...

I think I was wrong. 

Marcus was able to ride on several rides!
According to Grandpa and Grandma the boat ride was Marcus' favorite. I'm not shocked at all.
Marcus and Grandma even went on the ski lift (lower right photo).

Grandpa D snagged a video of Marcus on the boat, and I can't stop watching it. There's something about it I find hilarious.

Of course there was a train, and naturally Marcus needed a ride. 

Carnival type games were played (by Grandpa) and prizes were won. 

How fitting that he won a monkey!

Grandma said within minutes of leaving the park Marcus was lights out.

What a fun filled day!

Maybe we can make Adventureland a regular summer stop when we visit Iowa. I'd love for Marcus to create as many memories there as I did as a child.

18 Months Old!

Yesterday marked 18 months for our little man!

Unofficial stats
Height: 34ish inches - 95th(ish) percentile
Weight: 31 pounds - 95th(ish) percentile
Teeth: 17
Clothing size: 2T/3T
Shoe size: 6

Highlights for Marcus in the last month:

• Lately, Marcus has become very attached to mommy. There have been several times where Daddy has tried to comfort or assist, and Marcus only wants Mommy.
• The little guy understands his left foot, right foot, left arm, and right arm.
• Marcus is able to identify his nose, eyes, mouth, and belly button. He also enjoys pointing these out on Mommy as well.
• Ceiling lights, street lights, any kind of light amaze Marcus. He will point to the lights and "talk" to me until I acknowledge the light. I wonder if he's telling me, "I love lamp." ?
• Along with lights, ceiling fans are pretty mesmerizing.
• Light switches. We could spend all day turning on and off light switches.
• Marcus really understands what we are saying. If I ask where Marcus has put a sip cup I will ask, "Where is your milk?" Marcus will head to a spot where his milk is hidden and show me where his milk is. 
• Marcus likes to play a game where he closes his eyes or hides under a blanket. He thinks he's magically disappeared when he does this. When he opens his eyes or removes the blanket we pretend we've found Marcus. He finds this to be *so* funny. 
• Though the same few foods are favorites, Marcus has expanded his little taste buds, and will at least try new foods. Lasagna, red peppers, and nectarines are a few foods that have made the short list.
• On top of "no," "oh no," "hey," "go," "mom," and "dad," Marcus seemingly says a word one time, and we never hear the word again. We are (im)patiently waiting for more words!
• We've started incorporating time-outs. They are only 90 seconds, but we have hopes these little moments of reflection will help with some of the defiant issues we've been dealing with.

Happy 18 Months little man! We love you to the moon and back, twice.

Happy Marcus Monday!

Last night, somewhere over the US...

A little boy was fast asleep.

Happy Monday!

Right Where We Belong

Why is it that when you wish for days to crawl they fly right by you? That's the case with us right now, and if I could just freeze time I would. We are right where we belong, and leaving is going to be so difficult (as it is every time we have to say goodbye).

With that said, it's Friday so let's get in a high-five or two, or five...

1. I'm still gushing about the awesome surprise game/tailgate that Scott put together last weekend. He planned for NINE MONTHS, that is no joke. Husband of the year!

2. We've really utilized all the open space lately. There is nothing better than a quad ride with my little man.

3. I've gone on some seriously breath-taking runs this week. I can't help but stop and snap photos, which isn't great for my pace, but it's impossible to pass up the beauty that is right before me.

Isn't it gorgeous?

4. Perhaps the most amazing food to ever grace the planet was on the menu this week. Helloooooo Oklahoma Joe's!

Turkey Z-man with a side a fries. Oh.my.goodnes.

5. The sunglasses giveaway is still going on, and you should probably get in on that action (there are multiple ways to enter EVERY day). Just sayin'. Enter via Rafflecopter below.

Happy Friday!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dear Marcus

Dear Marcus,

I hope some day, when you're all grown up, you'll find this little space of mine on the Internet and take a second to read through all of this.

If you're reading this and I'm not here there is so much I want you to know.  I hope I've told you all of this million and one times, but having it in writing never hurts.

Before you were born I prayed for you. And, the day you arrived my life was fuller and more complete than I had ever imagined possible.

Your dad is one of the hardest working people I've ever met. He is also incredibly patient and caring, I know you will pick up those traits of his. I love to read and write and have a passion for animals, and I hope those are passed along to you, as well. Both your dad and I enjoy spending time outdoors, as well as working out, we hope those characteristics stick with you. 

Whatever career path you take we will support your choices, and we are proud of you. You have so much to offer this world. You were born to move mountains, and I know that's just what you will do.

Though your father and I may not have a lot of money, our lives are rich with love and laughter. Money can only buy things, but love and laughter bring so much happiness. I hope you find you are one of the richest people you know.

I hope your dad and I have set a good example of what a trusting, loving marriage looks like. 
I pray that we have given you a solid foundation in faith, and you know that no matter what life hands you, God is your rock. 

Lastly, I hope I'm still here to tell you this every day, you are my entire world. I couldn't love you more if I tried. 

You have my whole heart.

I love you to the moon and back.

Love,

Mom





Write a letter to your little(s) and go link up with Sarah and Holly!

The Best Surprise

Scott outdid himself with my birthday. He really did. I am still blown away by the amount of time, work, and crap he had to put up with (from me). 

Because there was so much involved, and so many months of planning my surprise party, I'm going to run down the list of awesomeness Scott put together.

1. Surprise party in LA with all of our LA friends.

2. Surprise trip, destination unknown.

3. Discover trip is to see the Iowa State v. Iowa game. Only the biggest game of the season.

4. Hold a MASSIVE surprise tailgate party with some of my very best friends!

I was totally clueless about the party. Completely blown away. There is a chance I may have peed a little I was so surprised. 

Friends from Boston, Illinois, South Dakota, Texas, and all over Iowa were in on the secret tailgate. 

My best friends in the same place, together! It was beyond glorious.

We've always been a house divided. I'm the only one in my family that's a Cyclone, the rest are Hawkeyes. I'm still not sure how that happened...

Even my little brother was in on the secret and managed not to let anything slip. 

And, look who I managed to find in the sea of Cardinal and Gold - SALLY!!!

It was all made possible because of this guy's months and months of planning.

Just ask Scott how hard I made the last 24 hours prior to the party... I'm kind of a control freak, and obviously had no idea there was a party being held in my honor. I was trying to set up tailgates, trying to orchestrate getting food and drinks rounded up (believe me, there was enough food and drink to feed an army). Scott and my friends were fighting my plans tooth and nail. I couldn't figure out why they kept shooting down all my ideas.

While we were enjoying food, friends and drink at the tailgate Scott said to me, "Do you know how many times I just wanted to tell you to 'SHUT UP!' " HA! Sorry hun.

After the tailgating fun we headed into the game. Thanks for the tickets Dad and Mom!

Our seats were amazing!

It's just too bad Iowa State wasn't able to clench a victory over those pesky Hawkeyes. 

I know I've said it a few times, but the surprise birthday party/tailgate/game ranks right up in the top five days of my life. Seriously. 

To Amy, I missed you at the party, but I am so thankful for all the time and effort you put into the party. To my friends and family, I had the best day ever.  To Scott, I cannot tell you how grateful I am to have such an amazing man in my life. You went above and beyond with my birthday, and words can never fully describe how awesome you made the day/week for me. Thank you so much for the all planning and putting up with me. I love you all!

Don't forget to enter to win a pair of your choice of Society 43 sun glasses (as seen sported by me in all the photos)!

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Birthday Stunner Shades {{Giveaway!!}}

I've been looking forward to today for about 3,493,108 days. You might be asking yourself, "Why?" Well, there are a few reasons:
1) Today is my birthday - the big 3-oh! Go shawty, it's your birfday! 
2) The hubs lined up the most AMAZING surprise birthday party. Of.all.time. More to come on that later.
3) Society 43 sunglasses. You guys, I've been DYING to share these with you. I'm not even kidding. The minute I laid eyes on them I knew I HAD to have them! As a die-hard Cyclone fan I needed these sun glasses in my life! I had SO many compliments on them. I can't even count how many times I heard, "Those sun glasses are awesome! Where did you get them?!"

Ok, so you know I'm old, and you know my hubby rocks. Let me tell you a little more about these stunner shade...

You think they're awesome, don't you? Yep, I knew it. The only problem is you're (probably) not a Cyclone fan. Well, Society 43 has shades for a TON of schools. Don't believe me? Here is just a sample of some of their goods...

Click the picture for a larger image.
Each school has MULTIPLE colors, I'm just showing a tiny sample of what is available for each school's colors. 
Click >>HERE<< to see all your school's color combinations!

Not seeing your school? Here's the entire list of schools that Society 43 carries in their collection:

Game Day glasses come in the Throwback style. But, what if you're not a huge sports fan? Not to worry! Society 43 has Every Day glasses, which come in the Throwback style and Highlight style.

Click >>HERE<< to see all Throwback colors.
Click >>HERE<< to see all Highlight colors.

You can't tell me those Highlight sunglasses aren't awesome. They are. They totally are. Each style has a plethora of colors to choose from.

Perhaps you want to customize a pair. That's do-able, too!

You want them. You need them. I'm giving you an opportunity to get them on your face, FOR FREE! Just enter in the raffle below.
Happy Birthday to me, I'm giving a gift to you. :)

If you can't wait until September 30th to find out you're the winner don't worry, I have a little something up my sleeve...

For the next two weeks Society 43 is offering a 20% off entire-purchase discount to the Monologue readers!  (Psssst, Christmas is only 99 days away! These would make perfect stocking stuffers!) To get your shopping on, head to Society 43 and enter MMBlog in the coupon code at the check out for your 20% off discount.

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Disclosure: I received this product in exchange for highlight this business. All opinions are my own.

Pocket Full of Sunshine

A sweet little award is floating around the blog world, and not one but two ladies nominated me for the Sunshine Award!

From Trista from Stewart Street:
1. Open your music on your phone. What is the last song you listened to?
Don't laugh - Aqua, Barbie Girl. It was the last song played when I ran yesterday. Don't judge, it has a good beat!

2. Last adult beverage you drank?
Pinot Noir!

3. It's Saturday night and you are 16... where are you?
Probably with the softball team, playing a game.

4. Favorite actress?

Rachel McAdams 

5. Have you ever cheat on someone?

Not my proudest moment. 

6. Ever been cheated on?

Yep. 

7. First kiss, tell us about it.

I was in middle school, 7th grade maybe? A bunch of us were playing "spin the bottle" and I kissed Jason H.

8. First job you ever had?

My dad owns a radio station in a small town in Iowa. Around age 13 I went to work for him as a night time "DJ" (I use this term loosely). All I had to do was report the weather, a tiny bit of news, give the station identification (You're listening to XXXX...), and push the play button to run a CD program.

9. How old were you when you had your first alcoholic beverage?

Does church wine count? If so, then 9. 

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10. Do you still keep in touch with your high school best friend?

I have a few, and yep, I keep in touch with them all (Hi Amy! Hi Holly! Hi Trisha!)

From Erin from Homemade Happenings:
1. What makes you happy? A yummy dessert? A butterfly flying by? Finishing a good book?
I love finishing a good run. There's something about pushing myself to go fast, harder, longer. And, a good glass of wine at the end of a long day.

2. What song make you sing your heart out every time you hear it on the radio?
T.I. - You Can Have Whatever You Like

3. Do you have a full set of teeth, or did you have to have some pulled as a kid?
I have 'em all, minus those pesky wisdom teeth.

4. What is your favorite Tootsie Pop flavor?
I don't know the name of the flavor, but the dark red one is my favorite!

5. Would you rather go a year without shaving your legs or your armpits?
HA! My legs, hands down.

6. What is your favorite kind of dressing for your salad?
Ranch, the REAL stuff.

7. What is your favorite app on your phone (or website if you don't have a smartphone) BESIDES those social media ones (Twitter, Facebook, etc.)?
Oh geez, time TimeHop app is fun, and I'm kind of obsessed with Candy Crush.

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8. Which is better: Full House, Saved By the Bell, or Boy Meets World?
Full House, obviously.

9. What kind of sent do you like to burn in your house? (Floral, Baking, etc.)
Any of the Fall scents - Pumpkin Spice, Mulled Cider, Cinnamon Apple

10. In your opinion, who's hotter: John Slattery (yummy), Vince Vaughn (adorable), or Matthew McConaughey circa 2003 (I die)?
Matthew McConaughey, hands down!!!

Image source

Isn't that a nice little way to end on this fine Friday?! :)

Time to nominate some ladies for a little sunshine!

Abby - Is This How Parenting Works?
Allison - code: blog small tales of a NOT-SO-LITTLE hearted Kansas girl
Amie - Lassen & Co.
Angie - Mean Ang
Ashlee - Life Without Pink
Jenny - Growing Up Jacobson
Kristen - 31 Million Seconds
Meredith - Is This Thing On?
Sarah - Our Journey
Stephanie - Wife Mommy Me

Nominees, here are your questions:
1. Best way to spend a cool, rainy, Sunday afternoon?
2. If you could meet one person (must be living) who would it be?
3. You have $5,000 to donate to charity, which charity would it be?
4. You've won the jackpot, what would be the first thing you buy?
5. Who is a person who inspires you?
6. Favorite thing to do to relax and unwind?
7. Your dream vacation destination?
8. Indulge, what's your favorite dessert?
9. What is the number one thing on your bucket list?
10. You're granted one wish, anything at all, what is your wish?

Here are the rules:
1. Include award logo in a post or on your blog.
2. Link to the person (people) who nominated you.
3. Answer 10 questions about yourself and write 10 questions for your nominees to answer.
4. Nominate 10 bloggers to receive the award. Link your nominees to the post and comment on their blogs letting them know they've been nominated.

I Did It Myself

Hair cuts are kind of... Traumatic... Around here. For Marcus, anyway.

You can read all about the fun we've had in our two previous barber trips here and here.

A few days ago I decided to forego all the barber hub-bub and just cut his hair myself. What's the worst that would happen? I'd save myself $20, and Marcus might have a lop-sided 'do for a few weeks. Eh, I could deal.

If I was going to be stressed about a stinking hair cut I wanted to be at home stressing. And, it's easier to, um, "restrain" your child in the comfort of your own home.

Oh my lanta, he really did need a hair cut!

Neither one of us really enjoyed the experience. Marcus screamed his head off the whole time, and I tried to work quickly while trying to avoid lopping off his ears.

I'd be lying if I told you I did research on cutting hair. I didn't look up any videos, follow any tutorials, how-tos, or step-by-steps. I just cut.

After about 15 minutes of cutting, snipping, praying for even bangs, and an outfit change...

Not too shabby, right?

Might as well go ahead and change my "title" from Full-Time Mom to Hair Stylist.