A Bachelorette Soiree, Dallas Style.

Almost two months ago (geez...that's embarrassing), my girlfriends and I spent a weekend in Dallas celebrating one of my dearest friend's upcoming nuptials.

We didn't have a whole lot planned outside of relaxing, sipping cocktails, gossiping, laughing and reminiscing our college days.

It was a worthwhile trip for a weekend away from my stinker.

In fact, it was a joint bachelorette party for these two sisterly beauties. Do they look like twins? 

Well they practically are, just four years apart.

Who knew that a large group of almost 30-year old Chi-Omegas could still hang with the best of 'em?
I surprised myself.

We spent an entire day basking in the sun on top of our fabulous hotel. 

What trip with nice weather would make sense without a day like this?

It doesn't get much better than catching up with college buddies I don't get to see very often. 

We always pick up right where we left off.

Saturday night, we started off over zealous. There was photo bombing, mini-bottle shots and inappropriateness via naughty bachelorette games. 

We then ventured to a quaint, fabulous patio restaurant to celebrate this special lady. 

We showered her with lingerie.
There might have been a toy or two.

We ended the night dancing our tushies off amidst swarms of young college girls.
I'd post some photos from our epic club experience, but my friends would divorce me.

I love you girls. My life wouldn't be the same without you.

To my dearest friend Smack, your wedding will be unforgettable.

You will be stunning. 

I can't wait to celebrate you and your new chapter with your prince charming. 

Friday Randomness

Well hello Friday! Boy, am I happy to see you.

The past month has been a bit crazy for us. I'd say I'm busy, because we really are, but every one's busy.

Aren't we all running around like chickens with our heads cut off? Or is that just me? 

As much as I'd love for everything on my list to get accomplished or to have a clean house and a home-cooked healthy meal more than two days a week, it just ain't gonna happen. For awhile at least.

The blog gets shoved to the back burner when everything else kicks into gear. And then I come here and try to write and nothing flows.

The next thing I know, I'm 10 posts behind and Big Boy is two months older than the blog says. Ugh. Definitely a stress I don't need.

So, please excuse my randomness on this wonderful Friday, it's all I got. This could be fun:).


{1} A grasshopper flew in the car window while we were at the farm and attacked me. I screamed like a little girl, and Carson got scared. Momma K and Brian made fun of me, but for real, it attacked me. No lie.

{2} I've read the same book to Carson for the past six nights in a row. He's obsessed and won't let me read any other book. I find myself reciting the book while working, running, driving, you name it. I can't get it out of my head. It's obnoxious. I don't know how many more times I can read "Go, Dog Go!".

{3} We sold our house and have a pending contract on a new house. Well, not new, but new to us. Eeeek! Here in a few weeks, we will be moving! We are SO excited!

{4} Said new house is only about a half mile from where we are now. Shawnee forever!

{5} I can 't tell you how excited I am to no longer make my bed. House showing with a toddler was exhausting, but really, making your bed everyday is the worst.

{6} Brian forgot to pay our taxes. Yes, I'm serious. We He didn't realize it until it came up with our lender. All is good, but seriously men, get your acts together or leave the important stuff to the women  (Love you babe!).

{7} It was nearly 100 degrees in Kansas City on Wednesday and we are expecting 79 on Sunday. Can I get a WOO-HOO (while fist pumping the air like Vicki from RHOOC)!

{8} I've once again gotten myself hooked on watching The Bachelorette. I told myself I wasn't going to, but this season hasn't disappointed one bit. This season is full of hair gel, bad haircuts, dramatic cry babies, high pitched voices and some men who I question if they need to come out of the closet. Good stuff.

{9} Were headed to Denver over the 4th for a wedding and to meet my bestie's baby girl, Harper. Carson isn't coming along and I'm already dreading being away from him. Flood gates have already opened!

{10} I've had two cookies today and it's only 12:32. Dammit. Good thing I haven't been to the pool once this year.

Happy Friday!

TOP | cooler in the wagon full of soda | carson and friends | picnic at the shawnee central park

MIDDLE | got my DSLR ma | wheach= wheat + peach | chick fil a play date with layne

BOTTOM | hk is the big 30 | concentration | night out with our DILFS

Farm Life.

We don't make it to Great Grandma's farm near enough.

But when we do, we tend to reminisce the trip for weeks after.

I'm not sure there are many places that are more peaceful than the farm.

Close enough to home, yet far enough away from the city.

Last summer, Carson was still a babe, so this year's trip was a bit different.

We put him to work with Dad first thing Saturday morning, where he discovered a new favorite: mower rides.

He just couldn't get enough. He sat on dad's lap and was completely content for two hours.

I'm not sure I've ever seen him sit so still.

He eventually fell asleep, which provided Brian with some quality snuggle time we rarely get.

 My boys in their classy cut-offs

While the boys worked, I stayed inside and crafted a wreath.

I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out (can't wait to hang it on our new door!).

 Tutorial here courtesy of my bestie, Heather

We attempted sprinklers, but Big Boy didn't really catch on. 

I'd say we made progress, but there definitely wasn't running through them. Someday:).

We came home with chiggers and not much sleep (thanks to Big Boy's lack thereof), but the farm makes it all worth it!

 Like father, like son.

Shoe Thief

A few months ago, Carson became obsessed with shoes.

Like, totally obsessed.

He also has an obsession with hats and toothbrushes, but today were talking about the shoes.

This child plays with our shoes every. single. day.

Mornings and evenings during the week, and at least an hour on Saturday and Sunday when we are home.

He loves trying out every pair in our closet, but gravitates towards Daddy's shoes. The bigger the better.

He likes some pairs more than others.

And drives his daddy crazy with certain choices.

But he always looks cute regardless.

He likes stepping in and out of them, walking in them, seeing what he can climb in them, and if he finds something else that grabs his attention, the shoe (or shoes) just go with him.

Many times, he gets tripped up, caught or just frustrated, which always turns sour. He lets you know he's frustrated and wants your help by whining loudly and throwing a temper tantrum until you come to the rescue.

So basically, we have an episode at our house every day. Thanks to the shoes.

I thought this shoe obsession was pretty common for toddlers. But after talking with a few of my friends, and seeing him do this in public with random people's shoes...I'm beginning to think his obsession is excessive. 

The upside? I have a million photos of my cutie in clown shoes so I can tell him about his quirky little obsession someday.

The downside? Our house is always a mess of shoes.

Either way, it's still pretty cute.

A Week I Won't Forget

This world is a good place. I just know it.

We are blessed and fortunate and happy. I feel it.

Impossible things happen everyday. I've heard it.

But there is tragedy, heartache, pain and confusion. I've seen it.

It's been a tough week. For Oklahoma, for families and friends of the victims, and for one of my closest friends who lost her dad very unexpectedly.

Give your loved ones an extra hug this weekend and always tell them that you love them. Life is too short, my friends.

It's been awhile since I've done a Friday Phone Dump post. I tend to be lazy with the blog these days (thanks, Instagram). But I'm back today, with gobs of pictures of my kid. Surprised? I didn't think so.

What have we been up to lately? Thanks for asking.Well, let me tell you.

Bachelorette Party in Dallas. Replaced our AC. Traveled sans Brian to Wichita for my niece and nephew's graduations. Bachelor Party in Vegas (Brian). Put our house on the market. And Big Boy learned how to open and close doors. Yikes.

It's crazy at our house. We are a mess. This whole house on the market stuff is going to be interesting. How do people have more kids?

Crazy town. But, if they make me smile as much as he does, I'd be open to it.

Happy 3-day Memorial Weekend y'all!

TOP | c's first sporting kc game | mother's day orchid | batman can stand in his highchair

MIDDLE | two blond headed peas in a cousin pod | squirrel hunting in the hat | mmm pudding

BOTTOM | professional mower and weed whacker | grad cards #targetdollarbins | the reason I smile everyday

Teacher Appreciation: Hand Soap + Cookies

This years teacher's appreciation gifts required two things: quick and easy.

In typical style, I waited until the last minute. So, I did what every mom does and scoured Pinterest.

I found the cutest tags at eighteen25 via Pinterest to accompany hand soap. Who doesn't love hand soap?

Aren't these just the cutest!? Lucky for me, I had some Bath and Body Works bottles on hand, so I simply added Carson's name above the line before printing, trimmed and punched, and attached the tag with some colored Baker's twine purchased at Target.

Voila. Gift for Carson's two main teachers done.

I also wanted to send along a general gift for all the teachers, so I baked cookies and attached a play-by-words tag.

I just so happened to have this apple gable box already on hand. Target dollar bins. I always stock up when I find something I know I'll eventually use! I designed the tag inspired by this one.

Here's to all the teachers out there! We appreciate you so, so much! Lord knows, I couldn't do your job.

Happy Teacher Appreciation!

Best Apps for Toddlers

It’s sunny today. It was yesterday too. And has been for about a week. It finally, finally, feels like spring. Mother nature was in the dog house for quite some time, so it’s a good thing she finally got her act together.

Our AC went out on Tuesday, and we had to replace the entire unit. I’m loving this weather and the extra time outdoors, but not when it’s 89 degrees in our house. What a drag. But, we survived.

So, are you ready for infamous Kansas 100 degree days? I have an inkling they are right around the corner, but I sure hope I’m wrong!

But don’t worry, we’ll find ways to stay busy. Me and my little squirt will stack Kleenex boxes, play with spice containers filled with marbles, climb furniture, build forts and…play on the iPad.

That’s right, I’m talking about newly discovered, toddler-friendly apps today.

So, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite 2ish year-old Apps just for you!

And…I've included a very handy iPad/iPhone child lock trick that forces the said 2ish year-old to stay within the one app and not navigate outside of it and get into your email inbox. It’s the best thing invented since the Bilibo.

I hope you all enjoy some of these as much as we have!

**Please note that we don't utilize the iPad or electronics as a substitution for play or interaction with him. We simply utilize the technology available to this generation and are loving the educational aspect if offers.

1. Peekaboo Barn, $1.99

This is the app we use the most by far. Carson can navigate entirely himself, talks and points to the animals, and has a hay day doing it over and over.

One of three Peekaboo apps from Night & Day Studios — a forest version and jungle version are also available — Peekaboo Barn is a short, simple game ideal for toddlers and pre-readers. It requires neither reading nor excessive interaction to play. After hearing a muffled animal noise coming from the big, red barn, you tap the barn doors to reveal the animal inside. The animal’s name then displays and is spoken aloud. Ten creatures appear in all, after which night falls and the animals go to sleep.

2. Fish School, $1.99

This is our second most used app. For busy toddlers, this app is great because there is always movement. With each tap, colorful schools of fish magically transform themselves into different letters, numbers, shapes, colors and more.

Fish School includes 8 fun educational activities: Letters, Numbers, Shapes, ABC Song, Colors, Differences, Matching and Playtime.

3. Elmo Calls, $0.99 (Plus additional for specific calls)

Elmo Calls is a simple app that has put a stop to tantrums while traveling in the car. At this age, it doesn’t hold Carson’s interest for long, but he gets an Insta-smile when he sees Elmo talking to him via Facetime. Once he’s a bit older, we’ll try the scheduled calls for daily activities such as brushing teeth, going potty, taking a bath, etc.

"Elmo Calls" encourages children to engage in imaginative play, practice listening skills and sing songs with Elmo! Receive video calls, audio calls, and voicemail from Sesame Street’s own furry, red monster. This app also fosters self-confidence by encouraging children to celebrate important life moments, such as visiting the doctor, going to the potty and learning the alphabet!

4. Endless ABC’s, FREE

This newly found app is awesome. And FREE! It’s basically an electronic shape sorter with letters that includes fun, animated videos and descriptions of the words after placing the letters correctly. Carson can’t quite do it himself, but it’s a fun activity for both of us to sit down and do together. He gets a kick out of me taking his finger and matching up the letters. If I take too long, he holds up his finger and “eh eh’s” until I keep going!

Set the stage for reading success with this delightfully interactive educational app. Kids will have a blast learning their ABC's and building vocabulary with the adorable monsters in Endless Alphabet. Each word features an interactive puzzle game with talking letters and a short animation illustrating the definition. Before you know it, your child will be using words like gargantuan and cooperate!

5. PBS Kids, FREE

We don’t use this app very often, but I imagine we will once Carson discovers cartoons. It usually buys us 2-5 minutes of time while trying to finish something up.

Watch videos from your favorite PBS KIDS television series anytime, anywhere. PBS KIDS features more than 1,000 videos from over a dozen top PBS KIDS television series, including Curious George, The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That, Dinosaur Train, SUPER WHY!, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Sesame Street and Wild Kratts.

6. UnColor, $0.99

What a perfect app for ‘I-want-to-touch-everything’ toddlers! All they have to do is swipe away to reveal the hidden drawing.

Unlike most children’s art apps, which expect kids to apply ingenuity to a blank canvas, Uncolor begins with all the lines colored in — and it’s up to baby to discover where the finished drawings are hiding. Tots swipe their fingers across the app’s six black screens, revealing a collection of cute, colorful animal pictures in the process. Though the idea might seem a bit lean, that’s precisely the point. Uncolor’s extreme simplicity is exactly what will keep wee ones coming back for more.

7. Jungle Jam, $1.99

Confession: We haven’t downloaded this one yet, but I’ve heard good things from a coworker. By the description, I think my little one will love the monkey’s and interactive music play. Looking forward to trying it out soon!

Music games don’t get much simpler than Jungle Jam, but simplicity is just what will draw tots to the game. Well, simplicity and cute, bouncing baby monkeys. All the action takes place on a single screen, where you can either tap a virtual bamboo xylophone to move through a basic do-re-mi scale or touch onscreen characters — including animated bananas and a smiling sun — to watch them move. The monkeys bounce in time to a simple beat, helping kids grasp basic rhythmic concepts in the process, but the bouncing is also a clever interactive tool that encourages little ones to tap and explore.

Guided Access
As promised, go here to find out how to keep your toddler in one App and from navigating outside of it into other apps.

Guys, this is seriously the best thing ever. Before I found out about this trick, Carson was constantly getting out of the app and into other apps….making all my apps dance with those little “X’s.”

Seriously, you will love this.

Here’s the basics if you don’t want to read the link:
-Go to Settings
-Choose General
-Choose Accessibility
-Choose Guided Access
-Turn on Guided Access

From there, all you have to do is go to the app you want to use, then click the main circle button on the front of the iPhone three times. A start button will appear prompting you to start guided access. To stop, simply click the menu button three times again and choose End.

Happy Apping! Yep, I just made that word up.

You can find us hanging out in our underwear. Not really. But we were yesterday.

Did you really think you would escape a post without a picture of my kid? Hah, you thought wrong.