April Fave 5

A couple weeks ago, I went to my special little folder that holds the various months for the various years----I gasped when at the time I had only one day worth of pictures! That was soon corrected when I got to visit my daughter by heart, and take pictures of her sweet babies. One will be a year old in May and the other one is almost 3 weeks old.

Just a few days later, was my niece's 9th birthday so I managed to get caught up. I'm still bummed that I did not even take my camera on the grown up camping trip. There was many great photo moments such as my husband using electrical tape to hold a bottled water onto a stick. He used this to hold over the fire to heat it up for coffee. And then my dear brother by heart who uses stumps as foot stools. Country boys can survive!

May will be much better with all the fun things we have planned with the kids each weekend, and I am very ready for it! Now for the April Fave 5....

Kaden is loving the new play equipment our local park finally put in! Here is having fun on some strange play thing yet it is rather cool looking. Eventually, I will get full shot of it.

A rare moment when my husband and Kaden fall asleep in the afternoon. Both had a very tiring day!

The newest addition! James is the almost 3 week old I mentioned earlier in the post. Such a sweet baby!

My attempt at taking picture of a fire.....and I was bored.

Kody used to hate water that was not from the bathtub! This was the perfect photo moment of him smiling and having fun on the water slide.

I've Been Awarded

When I logged onto my blog the other day, I was surprised to see I was awarded what is known as the Liebster Award from Being Positive with a Depressive Soul and I get to list not only random facts about me, but answer a few questions.

Random Facts About Me

I used to despise cooking! Just give me the boxed stuff or a quick fix spaghetti and I was good. Recently, I discovered a couple awesome recipe sites and actually been learning to cook more. Now, I love it! It is nice to have a refreshing change. Turns out, I kick butt on strawberry pie!

I am unable to conceal when I am upset about something, but sometimes people get confused with facial expressions thinking I'm upset when really I am not.

I'm far from being a crafty person! Luckily, my boys are big into drawing, making things, and have great imaginations.

If I had my way, we would go camping every single weekend.

I hope to return to college one day so I can major in business and would really like to get at least a certificate in photography.

My 11 Questions From Jamie

Coke or Pepsi?

Neither.....I am a Dr. Pepper gal. That is my version of coffee for the mornings.

Why do you blog?

I had originally started the blog for my attempt at a photography business. For 6 months, I did gain a decent client base, however, I have recently put it on hold. Now, I just love to talk about anything and everything.

If you could change your name, what name would you choose?

I've always loved the name Aurora since "Sleeping Beauty" is my all time favorite Disney movie.

Beach, country, or city person?

Oh gosh I love both the beach and being out in the country. I've always lived in small towns so I am not big on the city life.

If you could trade places with someone for a day, who & why?

I honestly can't think of anyone I would want to trade places with.

Purses or shoes?

I could honestly care less. Just give me my flip flops and I'm good to go!

Chocolate or Peanut Butter?

Chocolate!!!

What are your hobbies?

Photography, reading (really need to find a good book to read), writing, and just being with family and friends.

Favorite color?

Red

Favorite musician?

Pink....love her songs and how they are not only catchy, but her songs actually have some sort of meaning to them!

Favorite blogger?

The Italian Bella Diaries which is by a close friend of mine, practically like a sister to me. She just tells it like it is and is not afraid to hold back.

Easter Saturday

We celebrated Easter a day early this year. It threw me off at first, but in the end I was thankful we got an early start. Our local volunteer fire department had an amazing Easter event! They did an outstanding job with organizing the egg hunt. It was divided among age groups such as 0-1, 2-4, etc. and up to age 12. Not only did they divide up the age groups, they had posters showing approximately the time the hunt would start. They also had many games lined up for the day, but we had to leave around noon for Easter with my side of the family. Even the Easter bunny showed up for a visit :) I was so relieved that my 6 year old son Kody did not get frightened--a junebug frightens him (can't really blame him..those things are just ugly and strange).

The remainder of the day was spent at my parent's house with all the family and friends gathering. I swear I was stuffed and about to blow by the end of the day! The food was amazing, and I seriously came close to taking pictures of it! A friend of mine made bacon wrapped crab meat. All she did was take some imitation crab meat, wrapped bacon around each piece, and cooked until done. They were quite addicting! I do believe my grocery list got a tad longer because I think that will make a great snack. The kids got to do their egg hunt with eggs hidden in trees, yard statues, and even on a car with a gas tank door holding it in place. My older nephews always get creative when hiding them. And it never fails that by the time my dad mows, more eggs are found. One year someone actually did the dyed eggs......my dad did not appreciate the smell of running over an old one during 100 degree summer temps...dyed eggs I do believe are outlawed at their home now. Many memories were made on Saturday, Sunday was a day of recovering. Some may frown upon Easter being celebrated a day early. I did at first, but it seriously was nice to just sit and relax at home on Sunday. After all, it takes time to adjust to a food hangover.

March Fave Five

It is that time for favorite photos of the month! Seems like a majority of the ones taken this month were while we were on vacation, but I still have at least one or two more I have yet to share at that time. We have an Easter party with family on Saturday, and I was going to wait until after that to do the March Fave Five. However, that will be a post all in its own :) Now introducing the Fave Five!

At the beginning of March, a retirement celebration was held for the chief of the local volunteer fire department. I've met him a couple times before. He is a very respectful man who worked very hard to get the department where it is today. A department of hard working individuals who truly are like family.

My daughter by heart had her baby shower on St. Patrick's Day. She is expecting her third baby boy! Heather is also very creative when it comes to food. She made cakes for both my sons for their birthdays. Also, she made adorable cupcakes in a jar--using baby food jars!

Found these beautiful and delicate little blooms at the park just a couple days ago! Finally, something new to add to my Etsy shop.

Kaden loves the merry-go-round! I love his smile! He is so energetic and loves the outdoors.

Finally, my favorite place---Galveston at the beach. Taken just before we headed home, and I got a bit teary eyed. It was such a gorgeous day taht I wished we could stay a little longer.

Blog Dare #1--I was afraid to say....

Bloggy Moms has been a nifty website to help get ideas on blogging. I was excited to come across the Blog Dare, which gives daily writing prompts. I may not do every single writing prompt, but it will be fun trying!

This one is probably going to get a little emotional at times:

I was afraid to say.....

.....thank you, I'm sorry, you're right. Things that should have been said to people I cared about, but never could quite show it. To this day, I am still struggling with certain people to let them know how I really feel. Yes, they may have an idea, or do they? My mother-in-law and I had a bit of a struggling relationship with each other. When she got sick with cancer, our relationship mended. I often wondered, "Is it only because she is sick?" I was always afraid to say that thought out loud because I knew deep down it was just because my mother-in-law was all about love and peace. If anyone was hurting, she would fix it. If anyone was angry, she would calm them down. If I had to vent about her son--the man I married--she was quick to say with an amusing smile "I warned you!" The last few months, I made it a point to tell her, "I love you, Mama Leigh!" But, I never truly apologized for being a pain in the ass daughter in law. I admit it! I was a major pain in the ass! Still, certain things she would say would make me think she read my mind. When she told me she will always worry about her son, I was thinking, "Am I that terrible of a wife you have to worry?" As if she read my mind, she finished her comment with "I am so proud of the man he has become. He is a husband and a father, and I admit that is something I thought he would never be since he has so many challenges due to his accident. But, I see the patience you have. The way you keep him going. You are a great wife and a great mom, and I thank God every single day he has brought you into my son's life."

I recall that day greatly! Just a couple days before we had a major disagreement....what exactly, I don't remember, but I just remember a major disagreement. This was actually before finding out she was sick with cancer. We never had another argument ever again. We had more in common than we realized. Both of us were passionate, stubborn, and focused on taking care of our families. We were mothers who had the same worries. We were wives dealing with strong willed husbands. We were our hearts on our sleeves.

Although we had made amends, I still wish I could have one more day to say, "Mama Leigh, you were right! You were right about how no matter how old your children get, they will always be your babies. You were right that we did not need to get this or that just yet." or "I am sorry for all the pain I have caused." Still, maybe she did know...maybe she did not. My husband will comfort me for a brief moment saying that my actions showed how much I appreciated his mom.

June 2012 she lost her battle to cancer. Standing over her grave a couple days after the funeral, I spoke softly as if she was standing next to me. She inspired me to never give up and to fight for all that I believe in and for all that I love. I never really understood what people meant when they say they can almost feel the spirits of the lost loved ones. The moment I closed my eyes and whispered, "Thank you for being not only the best mother-in-law, but being a mom. Thank you for giving me guidance, and most of all thank you for blessing me with the greatest husband any woman could ask for."

As I turned to leave, the breeze picked up and I almost felt the slightest touch on my arm...a moment I never experienced. It could have just been the way the wind was blowing, but it still gave me peace and some closure. Mama Leigh definitely lives in my heart. Her memory lives in her children, grandchildren, and all members of the family. I was afraid to say so many things back then. I cannot hold regret for that. Instead, I just focus on making sure the people I love and care about clearly see they hold a special place in my heart.

Sunday Social: All About Spring

It is FINALLY Spring, but still not enjoying the pollen very much! It is so bad here that you can actually see it on the road. Luckily we had a nice bit of rain on Saturday so my allergies have toned down. Still, I love Spring! Time for Q&A on this beautiful season.

What is your favorite thing about Spring?

The flowers blooming, trees and grass getting their lush green color back, Easter, Mother's Day, and even more outdoor fun!

What is your favorite kind of flower to grow or receive?

I am so pitiful when it comes to growing flowers that I much rather stick to fake flowers of any kind. Now for favorite flowers in general I love roses, wisteria, daffodils, and those adorable little wild white flowers. Most of all, I love Dogwood Trees and Crete Myrtle Trees!

What is your favorite nail polish color?

Just recently, I purchased an awesome nail polish from Ulta (oh how I LOVE that store...it fills my girly-girly needs) called China Glaze, and the color is called Rare & Radiant. It has a blue, gold, and green tint that is sparkly and gorgeous!

What is your favorite outdoor activity?

Camping!!! Oh I am so ready to go camping, again! Ready to sleep under the pine trees and stars in our cozy tent, roast marshmallows, watch the kids explore, and play in the lake. It is so relaxing and refreshing! Must nag my Bubba some more on us going in April--we are a big camping family :)

Do you have any fun Spring plans? Details!

I do have a bit of a wish list compiled. First, as mentioned earlier, must go camping soon! We also have the traditional Easter fun with my side of the family. For a few years, my parents have hosted an Easter egg hunt which involves family and long time family friends plus my husband's sister and her little family. Eventually, I will like for us to go to the Ft. Worth Zoo which is about 2 1/2 hours from us. It will make a nice little day trip.

So It Begins....Spring Cleaning

Every now and then, I will catch an episode of Hoarders in hopes to help me feel better about my own situation. Before anyone jumps to conclusions, I am NOT a hoarder and you can walk through my house with ease. The problem is with my husband, although not quite as extreme as what you see on the show. He does have a bad habit of collecting little things that will NEVER be of any use. When I want to toss it out, I have to wait while he is at work and discard it before he returns home. Every now and then I will be lucky enough for him to agree to tossing some paper with an old number or a wire that has no use at all.

The Spring cleaning has started today in my bedroom. At first I thought I would organize, toss out, and then give it a good wiping down. After filling up two trash bags, the wiping down will have to come later. Yes, TWO trash bags....SO FAR!!! May not seem like much, but a few months ago we switched rooms with our boys------filled up SEVEN trash bags! Is there reason behind my husband's hoarding? Yes, there is and it's a result of a head injury he endured from a car accident in 1993. He has actually gotten a lot better! There is no more of saving this and that or bringing home something that will just get tossed to the side. It is just a matter of finishing my project from a few months since I was guilty of it myself. I would get things tossed out then just got tired and stashed it somewhere else. Finally, I am getting around to it!

The fact that I have spent only an hour in our room and already got quite a bit done is an accomplishment. I am not stressing over it too much, and I am thinking of the end result which will be a neat and organized room. It is coming along easier than I thought. My focus will be on one or two areas of the house. Today, the focus is on our room then moving onto our boys' room. If it does not get all done today, no worries! It may take a month, but it will get done! Meantime, if I don't venture back online--check any mental facilities to see if I have lost my mind in the process ;)