Vacation!!

So my DH, our closest friends, and myself all went on vacation and let me tell you...it was wonderful! Woke up at our own leisure, had the butler (yes I said butler) bring up my coffee, lounged by the pool which was heated to the perfect temperature, and enjoyed great meals without having to cut up something into little pieces for my peanut. Yes, she stayed with Grandma and Grandpa who thoroughly enjoyed having her but were totally exhausted. 

Aside from just getting out of the heat, the main reason for our vacation was so my DH and I could reconnect. We put everything we've got into our marriage on a daily basis but sometimes the hustle and bustle of life can leave you feeling drained. We decided long ago that our marriage would always take precedent and we would do everything we could to keep it strong. Going away without our peanut allowed us to focus on our marriage completely. Before we left I mentioned that we were going away just the two of us at my ladies bible study and all of the women really supported and encouraged it. It really made me feel like I was totally doing what was right since most of those women have been married to their husbands for MANY years! 

I deserve a sticker!

Being a mom, especially to a toddler, can be a "verbally" thankless job unlike the corporate world where you constantly receive praise in one form or another. Yes, I know I get paid in hugs, smiles, giggles, kisses, and the occasional love bite, smack, or jab (yes, we are working on the no biting or hitting.) However, today I decided to keep a small list of things that I did today that I deserved a sticker, cookie, or at least a thank you for.

1. I rescued a packie from certain destruction when my peanut tried to throw it into the running garbage disposal.

2. I did not say unkind words to the old grumpy woman screaming to the poor little girl working the return counter at Target. (Yes, I do not like the Target return policy but there are ways of asking politely to speak to the manager - and that would not be screaming so everyone in the dollar section can hear you!)

3. I gave my peanut the can of Little Crunchies while she road in the cart at Target. (DON'T WORRY, I PAID FOR THEM!) 

4. I laughed out loud in the card section when I looked at my baby, who had 3 Little Crunchies stuck in her mouth, crumbs all over her face, and then decided to try and talk. It was so darn cute but reminded me of the Gremlins movie when one of them has like 4 cigarettes hanging out of their mouth.

5. Got Father's Day stuff and birthday stuff for my mother-in-law

6. Made my weekly trip to Sprouts for double deal Wednesday, clipped coupons, and just saved our family a boat load of money.

7. Took our little money pit of a dog to the vet as she was would not put weight on her front leg and did not freak out when the vet told me she won't know if it is broken for a couple days. (I really wanted to say, well I will pay the bill when you tell me something worth that kind of money - but I guess I wouldn't get a sticker for that response!)

8. Did not smart back to my husband when he piped off about the vet trip. 

9. Locked myself in the bathroom to try and have a conversation on the phone, only to find myself laughing about my peanut banging on the door and sticking her little fingers under the door. So cute!! 

10. Made no comment when my DH asked why our peanut can not just sit on the couch. 

But, I would give back all the stickers, cookies, and compliments just so I can see her smiling little face every morning! There really is nothing better than that!

My gift is my song and this one's for you

Music is something that is very constant around our little patch of heaven. At any given time we either have the laptop, ipod, radio, or tv playing some type of music. We are pretty much a fan of all kinds but there are certain songs that just stick with you. Here are some songs that remind me of people in my life:

DH: Son of a preacher man - "the only one who could ever reach me, was the son of a preacher man."

Our peanut: Maneater - this song would ALWAYS put her to sleep in the car when she was little. A guess a little Nelly Fertado never hurt anyone. 

My Mom: Anything by the Beatles - we would listen to them in the car all the time. I have her to thank for getting an A in the History of the Beatles in college. My DH has her to thank for the same reason!

My Dad: I fought the law and the law won - I gave up trying to fight the law in my early teenage years because he would always win! It is no fun trying to argue with a lawyer!!

My Brother: Anything Guns and Roses - he was the only 8 year old on our block who actually convinced his mom to buy him Appetite for Distruction when it came out. She was always a push over for him!

Ton: Pour Some Sugar on Me - On our way to Maui we were listening to the radios on the airplanes and this song came on. We both love it and have danced to it at many a clubs and weddings. So hearing it and being on the plane was not going to stop us from rockin out in our seats. I am pretty sure the boys were totally embarrassed.

Miss M: See you again by Miley Cyrus - Probably just the name reminds me of her but I also change up the chorus to say "My best friend Kinley said oh she's just being Miley."

My father-in-law: Amarillo Sky - "And he takes the tractor another round and pulls the plow across the ground, and sends up another prayer. He says Lord I never complain, I never ask why, please don't let my dreams run dry."

Cheri: Shook me all night long - her anthem! 

That is about all I can think of at the moment. What about all of you out there...any songs that remind you of someone?