Family Vacay #1

Vacation's are amazing. Well, except for the week before you go and the week after you get back. The week you're actually there is amazing. We just returned from a wonderful vacay with my family in Panama City Beach, FL. The week before we left was crazyyyy busy. I was filling orders, trying to pack up our entire house to take with us, getting the house cleaned (I like to come home to a clean house...weird huh?!), paying bills, etc. etc. The week after was just as crazy...trying to get back into our routine, embroidering some more, cleaning my nasty house (yep, it got that dirty in just a few days lol) and etc. etc. BUT it was worth EVERY BIT of it!

My precious lil family! Love my boys :))

Sweet dolphin swimming right near us! 

The sweetest, funniest and cutest kiddos!

My BFF and I always say now that we have kids that vacation is no longer in effect, it's a trip nowadays. I remember going to PCB with just Trevor a few years back. It was peaceful, relaxing, quiet and we did whatever we wanted. That boils down to the following: sun poisoning from roasting all day on the beach, breaking the bank from eating out every day and shopping too much, and gaining lots of weight from all of that eating out. This go 'round we didn't get roasted because we had to take nap breaks, we didn't eat out a ton because as you know our son doesn't love to and we didn't gain much weight because we were chasing after our 2 year old. But let me just say, it was THE BEST vacay we've had with my family thus far. We had a blast! My older brother took his 2 girls and Tanner was in heaven being with his cousins for a whole week! Hands down, it was just a perfect week.

All of the girls in pink :))

Me and the hubs with the lil ones!

my precious Tanner.

Playing in the sand with his Mimi! :))

We were blessed to have beautiful weather all week. We stayed at Splash, which is a super kid friendly resort. They have a fun waterpark and frog pad for the kids and a few different pools and lazy river. We all enjoyed it! There were a few evenings that we just stayed out on the beach and let the kids play. I realized I had not done that in years. We didn't take showers or rush to get ready and go out to eat, we just fixed us a quick bite for dinner and played. We made some fun memories that I'll never forget! The kiddos enjoyed riding rides, eating junk food and jumping in the bounce houses at Pier Park. We rented a pontoon boat one day and went over to an amazing little island. We snorkeled, went swimming in the perfect aqua water and even saw a dolphin right near us. It was such a fun, fun day! Trevor and I enjoyed a nice momma/daddy date night one evening. And we all enjoyed some delish seafood one night. Having that whole crew go out to eat was fun times let me tell you. Thankfully we could sit outside so Tanner and his little cousin could play under the tables and act crazy. =) Oh and I forgot to mention, I indulged in a great mystery book while we were there. I just LOVE reading at the beach. Tanner would nap and I would read. Gosh, I sound super old. I'm not even 30 yet, but that was some good stuff. Needless to say, we all got lots of rest, sunshine, food and best of all...family time!

Two kids hiding under a table = quiet time for the parents lol :))

Snorkeling with her daddy :)

My Family!

Now that we're home and quickly slapped back into reality, I'm back to the grind of every day life. My little life that I love so much! Since I'm not good at keeping baby books/scrapbooks of Tanner, this is where I'm gonna keep that important info. A few new things about my main squeeze...

Tanner's obsessions:

When he was about 14-16 months old he fell in love with Mickey Mouse. He loved the hot dog dance, the whole crew and had to have every thing Mickey (or at least we thought he did). He was even Mickey for Halloween last year.

When he was about 20-22 months old he discovered choo choo trains. He then discovered Thomas the Train. We had to buy train tracks, millions of trains that never stopped running and Thomas pj's. He's still slightly obsessed.

His latest obsession is Toy Story. Thanks to my mom for buying him the DVD...thanks to Trevor for playing it for the first time on our long ride to FL...thanks to Pop & Cha Cha for buying him all of the figurines...and thanks to myself for buying him a Woody shirt. It's safe to say, all he talks about now is Toy Story, Woody and Buzz. It's adorable. I hope he keeps this obsession up till Halloween...he would be super cute as Woody this year :))

Bathtub fun!! He's totally into bubble bath's right now...he asks to take one every night as he politely brings me the biggg thing of bubbles. Sometimes he'll turn the water on too. How sweet of him lol!

His latest favorite words are mine, no and uh-huh. All used in correct term, might I add. These words totally go with his new two year old personality he's gaining...read below for more info. 

He is putting sentences together a lot now. He asked me the other night, 'Mom, I want more turkey'. Heck yeah buddy, I'll be glad to give you some if you keep rolling out sentences like that!

Selfie on mom's phone :))

He is really talking about the potty here lately. We haven't had a successful go 'round yet, but we're getting closer. I've had to come to the realization that all kids potty train at their own pace (and I reverted back to my post of not comparing him to other children). Not all of them go once they hit two...they're all different! But once he does grasp the concept, I"m taking 3 days and we're gonna camp out at home and use the potty every 30 minutes. I'm dead serious. I'm sick of diapers (and so is my wallet)!!!!

He's been going to Mother's Day Out two days a week this summer and he LOVES it! It's more like a fun summer camp. I've been very impressed with his behavior and how he just walks right into his class and gives me an air kiss. I picked him up today and he was sitting in the floor eating a sucker and listening to his teacher read. Mind you, he doesn't sit long anywhere or anytime. I was shocked! And SUPER proud :))

He is becoming more and more head strong every day. It's scary. For real. He will tell you what he wants and when he wants it. He's getting a little attitude here lately. I'm not sure how we're gonna cope with the trying three's if we can't get past these terrible two's. I guess he's just coming into his own (at least that's what I keep telling myself).

The Monday after vacay we had the beach blues so we went to Chick-fil-A to play and have an ice cream. This lil stinker wasn't ready to go home! 

On the flip side, he is a VERY loving child. He gives me kisses out of the blue and talks about his daddy all of the time when he's at work. He loves to give hugs and gives the sweetest air kisses. He's got a little heart of gold, just like his mom lol =)

Eating ice cream at Pop and Cha's restaurant. Their's is the best :))

I guess that about wraps it up! A lot of goodness thrown into one post. I like it! I hope ya'll are having an amazing summer so far!! We get to go to the beach again with Trevor's family in September (Family Vacay #2) and we're all looking forward to it! I love the beach and I love spending time and making memories with our families! Until next time...

Magan

Father's Day...remembering the men that I love most

I’ve had a crazy busy past week, but that’s the story of my life lol! It’s nice to sit in my office upstairs and just write….all.by.myself. It’s nice to reminisce. A lot of times I find myself so focused on my family, that I tend to forget about me. I forget about my feelings and I don't have time to always think.Well, I did just that last night. I gathered up my big scrapbook filled with stuff from my dad and all of the pictures I have of him. I sat down in my office all by myself and cried, laughed, smiled and just thought about way back when.With Father’s Day coming up on Sunday, it always takes me back. It’s such a bittersweet holiday for me. It makes me yearn for my dad. It makes me miss my Papa. But it also brings a smile to my face just to think about the amazing father figures I have in my life. Not to mention my husband who is an amazing father to our child.

I was just thinking last night while smoochin on my lil love bug how much I love him. Seriously, my heart could burst with the amount of love I have for him. Now that I’m a parent I realize how much my daddy loved me. I was his little princess and he was my prince daddy :). He spoiled me, doted on me and left me sweet little notes in my lunch box every morning before he left for work. He would ground me and then let me go to my friend’s house the very next day. He made me do chores and taught me to be responsible. He loved having ice cream dates at Dairy Queen when I finished cheerleading practice before we would head home. He let me enjoy my childhood, but was also strict. He taught me about work ethic and how to never give up. He was a fighter and a strong man. He battled cancer for many, many years but never gave up. I’m thankful for those memories. I’m thankful that I had my daddy here with me for 15 years of my life. But goodness gracious, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss him with every ounce of my being. It’s hard to graduate high school and college and not have your dad there. It’s even harder walking down the isle to marry your best friend without him by your side or having your first baby and him missing it. I know it's so selfish to feel that way, but I'm only human. God needed him more than I did and that gives me peace. It’s reassuring knowing that he is here and did see me accomplish all of those things, as he’s here with me every step of the way in spirit.

young handsome daddy of mine :)

I have stacks of these notes. I'm so glad I kept them...what an awesome reminder of how much he loved me. 

so sweet :)

I still love to carve pumpkins...I guess because he reminds me of him.

It's hard not to wonder 'what if'. What if he was still here...what would he think of my husband? I'm sure he wouldn't approve of a lot of the boyfriends I had, but I'm almost positive he would love Trevor. I wonder what kind of grandpa he would be? I bet a darn good one. My brother and I teach our kids about Papa Ben and my sweet Tanner Benjamin carries part of his name. I wonder what he would look like? He was always so handsome to me. I wonder where he would be working at and would he still live in the same house? I wonder so much about him and what it would have been like if he was still here. While I can wonder all day, I know for sure I'll see him again and really, that's all I need to keep me going.

stylin and profilin in the bright shirt :)

Daddy and my brother :))

The other sweet man in my life that has always been my rock was my sweet Papa. After my daddy passed, he filled that void of the father figure I needed so very much. He was the one who always made sure I was in church. He was the one who always took me to Burger King for chicken nuggets. He was the one who always carried me to the lake to camp every summer. He was the one who gave me advice about everything. He was the one who was always so very proud of my accomplishments. It’s equally hard not having him here, but I know he’s having a much better time in Heaven. That makes me smile.

I remember this day like it was yesterday. Hearing him say he was so proud of me was worth years of hard work. 

This was the last picture Tanner took with his Papa. He passed a few weeks after. So thankful I have such sweet pictures to remember him by. 

Although Father’s Day floods me with many memories of my daddy and Papa, it also makes me so appreciative of my step-dad, father-in-law and husband. My step-dad has been there for me since my teenage days. Bless his heart; he had to put up with a whole lotta crazy from me! He can fix anything and is such a handy man. I’m thankful for him and all of the advice he’s given me, all of the projects he helps me on and for loving Tanner unconditionally. My father-in-law is another blessing in my life. He is the man who has all of the answers. He’s business savvy and for that I am grateful :)) He is willing to help at the drop of a hat and the love he has for his children and grandchild is something special. I’m thankful for these two men and for how much they love me. They are both awesome father figures in my eyes. God knows what He’s doing and He put these two men in my life for a reason. I’m blessed.

He LOVES playing chase with Poppi :)) 

Spoiled rotten by his Pop!

My sweet brother was the one who walked me down the isle on my wedding day. I never would have thought almost 8 years later we would be as close as we are today. He reminds me so much of my daddy. He is an extremely hard worker and provides for his family. He is a fighter, never gives up and always stands for what he believes in. He cares for his girls like my daddy did for us. He treats them as if they’re princesses every day. That’s how it should be. The love he has for his girls is unconditional. He is one of the best daddy’s I know and I know without a doubt my dad would be so super proud of the man he has become. 

My sweet brother. I'm so glad he was by my side and gave me away on that special day.

And last but not least, my husband. I have doted on him many times in my posts, but I’ll say it over and over again…he’s one amazing daddy. He makes me wanna have lots more babies, just so I can see how great he is with each one. Lol totally kidding. Maybe one more and that’s about it. He certainly fits the bill for a father. He loves his child, he’s protective of him, he a disciplinarian, he’s caring and most of all he’s a great role model for Tanner. I’m proud to call him my husband and even more proud to call him the father of my child. Tanner is uber lucky to have him for a daddy!

Trevor's first Father's Day :))

So Happy Father’s Day to all of you special men in my life! Enjoy your day and don’t do a thing =) I love ya’ll to the moon and back!

Make sure you hug your daddy tight and give him lots of love if you’ve still got him here. And if not, just reminisce…remember the past. Hold those memories close. That’s what I plan to do.

Enjoy your weekend!! I plan to spend mine with those awesome dad’s listed above! Until next time…

Magan

long overdue...

So obviously I left my blog under the big to-do pile on my desk. Thankfully I don't HAVE to post, it's just something that I enjoy doing! So that leaves me with about 2 weeks worth of events that I can't leave out, for my sake at least =) A few things that have kept me absolutely busy these past few weeks:

1. A 2 year old with a cast
2. A 2 year old that had his cast removed and then had a horrible cough along with a severe ear infection
3. Embroidering like crazy, creating invoices, getting items ready to ship and did I say embroidering? :)
4. House work...lots and lots of it
5. Yard work
6. Throwing a birthday party at our house, making sweets for a shower and fun holidays
7. Last but not least, family time

Lets get back #1 on the list...Tanner is CAST FREE!! Hallelujah!! That was the longest 4 weeks for all of us. Bath times were torturous and carrying that big child and his cast up the stairs got old quick. Tanner man is back to normal and crazier than ever! To celebrate after his appointment we had a yummy lunch and he got to pick out a huge cookie, which he demolished in a minute...no lie. He had the longest bubble bath ever that night and the next day he spent it with his cousins that were here from GA. It was a time to remember, but one that I'd never like to revisit again.

The cast is the biggest news that has happened in our lives here lately. But we've also had some other fun times the last few weeks....

Tanner went to his cousins cow birthday party! As you can tell, it was FUN!!

We started prepping for the pool, so once the cast came off we could  go swimming!! Sadly, right after he got the ear infection. Boooo :((

Liz threw the.most.amazing baby shower EVER for her sister. I plan to do a whole post just on her decorating skills. 

We had lunch with Mimi! We always have fun with her!

We had Trevor's grandparents over for dinner. His grandma taught me how to make homemade chicken and dumplings and biscuits a while back so I made it for them at our house...they were both impressed by the turn out :) We cherish time with our sweet grandparents...and Tanner just loves them!

My brother and nieces came here Memorial Day weekend from GA. We threw my oldest niece and brother a birthday party...they were born on the same day =) Tanner was over the moon excited to see his sweet cousins!! He had a blast and is still talking about them!

These three just had a blast together!!

My sweet niece trying to get that candy out :)

Tanner and his cousin...they are a mess together :))

The birthday duo :))

We got her a princess scooter! Girl was happy, happy, happy :))

My brother and his girls!  

The birthday party was amazing! My niece seemed to really enjoy it and my brother was so thankful for all that we did. Speaking of my brother...there used to be a time where he drove me crazy and we never got along. Within the last year, we have become closer than ever. He is a strong man who has been through a lot in his 32 years. I thank God daily for him and the relationship that we have now. I've learned through him that family is what's most important. During hard times, stressful times or good times, that's who I lean on. And I'm glad to know that he now knows I'm only just a phone call away and one of his biggest supporters. My brother doesn't even know I have a blog, but I'm pretty sure I'll share this link with him so he can enjoy my shout out to him =) We are heading to the beach in a few weeks with my him and my nieces and I am beyonddddd happy! 

Random night a few weeks ago...Tanner modeling a floppy hat I had just monogrammed. Just darlin :))

Memorial day at his best buds house!

These are our amazing friends and old neighbors. Since we used to live 2 doors down  from each other, we would spend every summer holiday together. We went to their house this Memorial Day for some delish food, amazing (way past due) girl chatting, and fun time at the park! 

Playing at the park! These two are crazy, wild, fun lil boys who are best buds!

One of the best friends a girl could ask for! I just love her to pieces!

Daddy duty at its finest :))

We enjoyed some backyard fun and sunshine last week! 

He loves his water table! He loves it so much that he climbed up on it, sat in the water and went #2 in his swim diaper. Talk about fun times and lots of sanitizing. I know that's super nasty, but it's reality. Reality of the life of a mom =) 

So that's why I've been missing from my blog lately. After looking back through these pics, I'm blessed by all of the fun times we've had just over the last two weeks! Where would we be without family, friends and good food? And sunshine too :) I am sooo in love with summer! Tanner is out of school for a few weeks before he goes for a summer camp/mothers day out program. Once this infection clears up we're seriously going to the pool! And we're heading to the lake this weekend. I'm sooo excited to take him and just watch how much fun he's gonna have! Have I mentioned that being a mom is the best?! I just love to see him try new things and develop into a little man!

That was a whole lot of stuff thrown into one post. My apologies lol! I've seriously missed writing and hope to never go that long again. But then again, with summer being here I want to just be a lazy, water, tanning, eating fool. Hope ya'll are enjoying your summer so far! Hopefully I'll post again soon, so until next time...

Magan

All things MoMmA

Gosh, it feels like I haven't wrote anything in forever! That's probably because I haven't. I'm a busy little slacker, to say the least :)) It's funny how when I started this blog a few months ago I had so many crafty projects going on and cooked a lot of new stuff that I could share. My poor husband no longer gets those yummy new meals or gets to see my crafty pieces displayed in our home. BUT he's glad that I'm sooo busy with my monogramming. And to tell you the truth, I'm glad too! I LOVE being busy and I LOVE to create cute stuff for all of my amazing customers. So it's a win, win. One day soon I'm going to get back to my Pinterest inspirations because my house needs it!! Lol!

I did find time to be crafty for the mothers that I love so much! Tanner's grandmother's and great grandmother's all received these cute little picture pots. Tanner helped by sitting next to me and screaming cat, cat, cat...he's a little obsessed with this Poppy the Cat show on Sprout and likes to watch it on my phone. That was a total side note, but at least he was present while making these for his fave women.

I hope all of you momma's had a fabulous Mother's Day! Can I just tell you?! Mine was above and beyond AMAZING! I'm blessed. That's really all there is to it.

I heard Tanner on the monitor that Sunday morning and to my surprise my sweets hubs got up and turned it off and as he went out of our bedroom he quietly shut the door. Ahhhh...peaceful sleep for mom...yessss!!! I didn't really go back to sleep, but it was nice to have some quiet time. Shortly thereafter I had a cute lil 2 year old in the bed giving me kisses and saying 'mommmmmmaaaaa'. And I opened my eyes and sat up to a sweet surprise of gifts awaiting me. Trevor gave me a card, Tanner gave me a card, I got a trophy card for best mom, a cute chevron bag, Love You Forever book, tub of popcorn, skittles, m&m's and twizzlers. All of my fave candy...woop woop! That was all from Tanner, per Trevor :)) Trevor gave me some sweet arm candy that I've been eyeing since last year...actually he got me a watch very similar last year but I took it back because I felt guilty for spending so much money on myself. My how things have changed in the last year. Momma's keeping this one fo sho!

We had a nice morning at church with all of my family and a delish lunch at my Mama's prepared by my aunt. Yep, she's tha bomb. I didn't prepare a thing. Can I get a woop woop again?! While Tanner napped that afternoon, Trevor obliged to watch a sappy chick flick with me that I've been wanting to see. Low and behold, Safe Haven was great and he loved it and my candy Tanner gave me came in handy. I felt like I was at the movie theater, but in much comfier seats. Trevor's mom and dad came over for dinner and he grilled steaks, made homemade mac & cheese and green beans. That's right, I didn't have to do a thing AGAIN! Nor did I cook breakfast or change diapers or give Tanner a bath.

I guess he set the bar high for Father's Day. I'm already exhausted just thinking about it =) But really, I am so grateful and blessed to have a husband who adores me and thinks I'm the best mom ever. He dotes on me and loves me. And I have a cute lil monkey who loves his momma just as big. He's the absolute best. I'm one lucky lady, that's for sure!

Tanner also made me this amazing piece of artwork at school :)) It has magnets and has been on the fridge until he almost ripped it to shreds. I had to hide it because I love it and want to cherish it forever. And I'd like it to keep its arms and legs in tack. My precious boy. He couldn't get any more sweeter if he tried.

So all in all, I had a marvelous Mother's Day. It's great to feel appreciated and have your own day. I hope yours was just as great! I seriously am going to get back to crafting soon. And maybe cooking some good stuff too. If so, I'll be sure to share. Other than that, I'm busy being a mom, wife and a monogramming busy bee. I wish I could throw maid in there because my house is a hot mess. That'll just have to wait =) Hope ya'll have an amazing weekend! I've got a busy one planned, but as you know I love me some BuSy! :))

Until next time...

Magan

Sweet Momma

When I think of the word mom, I think of so many things. I think of my sweet Tanner, I think of my amazing mom, I think of my grandma’s, I think of my mother-in-law, I think of my best friend, my cousins, my aunts, and sooo many other amazing women that I know. To me, MOM is the best word that I could ever be called. I am blessed to be a mom. I am grateful to be a mom. I am so undeserving to be a mom. I thank Jesus daily that I am a mom.

The moment when I became a mom. 

My first Mothers Day with my mom and Mama. :)

My second Mothers Day, with my sweet angel dog Maggie and lil Tan man. 

I have so many great examples in my life of mom’s. My Mama and Granny exemplify a mother to me. They are loving, caring, dependable and can cook a good country meal =) Really, they are awesome. My mother-in-law is not only a great MIL, but she’s a wonderful Cha Cha. She is always, and I mean always, there when I need her. She treats me like I’m her second daughter and she loves her children. My best friend, Casey, is another mom that I look up to. She is the first non grandparent that kept my child when he was a wee wittle baby and I had to go back to work. I go to her for everything ‘mom’ related. I trust her advice and know that she’s one of the best momma’s out there. My cousin Felicia…she’s always there with an open ear and willing to share her advice. I value her opinion and I know she knows what she’s doing in the mom department. And last but not least, my mom.

My amazing mother-in-law and sister-in-law (who is also a momma to her fur babies!) :))

My precious Granny!

The one that always listens...my sweet cousin Felicia!

The sister I never had and a mom with awesome advice (and our bebes)!

My mom and I have had a very close relationship for as long as I can remember. I used to ask her to play with my hair before bedtime, and she would. I used to ask her to take me to McDonald’s at 9:00 pm when I was a teenager craving chicken nuggets, and she would. I used to ask her to let me sleep in her room when I was little and got scared, and she would. I used to ask her to make my brother quit giving me wedgies, and she would. I used to complain to her about boyfriends and want her to listen, and she would. Now that I’m almost 30, I realize I need my mom now more than ever. Not only does she listen to me vent over nonsense, gives me advice, goes shopping with me anytime I ask, watches my sweet Tanner for us, runs errands for me a million times a week and talks to me daily about nothing, she is an example to me. She is the type of mother that I’ve longed to be since I was 5 carrying my baby dolls around. She is the woman that I’ve longed to be since I was little watching her work a full time job, cook, clean, be a great wife and tend to her children. She is my role model. She is my best friend. I am more than thankful to call her my momma. I love you to the moon and back.

My momma. She's pretty awesome!

Mother’s Day is such a special day for me now that I’m a mom. Rewind…actually EVERY day is special to me now that I’m a mom. Mother’s Day is just an added bonus. I remember my first Mother’s Day. Tanner was only 5 weeks old and that morning Trevor surprised me with a sweet ‘mom’ locket that he had picked out all by himself. I sat there all dressed for church and cried my little eyes out. Hormones, maybe?! Sweet hubby, definitely! I spent the day with all of the ‘moms’ in my life and relished in the fact that I was now one of them. This will be my third Mother’s Day and I am still in awe that this amazing two year old is mine. That I gave birth to him. That God chose me to be his momma. I’m simply in awe.

I want to wish each and every mom reading this a very Happy, Happy, Happy (I’m a Duck Dynasty fan btw) Mother’s Day!! May your day be as special as you are. May your babies, young or old, love on you and give you thanks for bringing them into this world (and give you some good gifts too…lol, totally kidding). Enjoy your day! I know I sure will!!

Happy Mothers Day Mom!!

And if your mom isn’t with you on this Mothers Day, I’d like to reach through this computer and give you a bigggg hug! Although she’s not on this earth with you, her sprit still lives within you. Treasure your memories with her, hold them tight. And know that you carry a piece of her in your heart every second. Know that I’ll be praying for you, as holidays without your loved ones can be so hard.

While my precious love bug naps away, I’m off to be crafty and get all of my Mothers Day gifts ready for those special momma’s in my life! Enjoy your day and this beautiful sunshine =)

Until next time…

Magan