A hat, A hacker, A Vlog {last week in Instagrams}


Here is proof.  Of all of the crazy that happened last week.  Ok, so it wasn't super crazy, but I feel like it was a blur.  But with every blur, hic-up, and bump in the road, we laughed and played, and lived!
That's what it's about, right?


(1) Shades with my mini me.  (2) Modeling a very big hat.  Which we all had to model, see numbers 4 and 6.  (3) Oreos poolside, but then Grandma put the kibosh on that since Oreos got in the pool.  I know shocking, Grams has rules!  (4) Me modeling the big hat.  (5) Close up Mac, recording a Vlog... 
(6) Mac's turn in the hat!



Then this happened.
Yeah, I got hacked.
It was scary and hilarious.
Read about it here!


Is it weird that I took like 5 pictures of this guy until I got a good one?
That is a guy, dressed like a banana, popping and locking for Jamba Juice.
I couldn't make this up if I tried.
I laughed so hard, I almost missed my light!
A guy, popping and locking, in a banana suit.
You want some Jamba Juice now don't 'cha?



This kid.
In my lap.
Loving face time.
So I decided to record her.
Check out Mac's first Vlog.





How can I follow that?
I can't so that's all I got for today.
Caitlin is ready for her close up, but she hasn't decided on an outfit.
I swear I'm not even making that up!



 
 
This post was sponsored by Mindy,
 

My email is in Manilla, eating lumpias {hacked}

By now you all realize that whatever happens to me is going to end up on the blog.  End of story.  Even this story which isn't that big of a deal, but I almost lost myself over it.  Of course the seriousness at which I was handling myself (completely overboard, freaking out, close to tears) came to an end when I called my BF.  Who instantly had a great side story to share about said hacking, and I just lost it.  I laughed so hard, and before I knew it this post literally wrote itself.  So here goes the story of how my email decided to travel the world, and didn't even leave a note with me.  With my entire contacts list, yes.  Me, not so much.

Let's talk about the email itself.  It's what my friend called "flat and not her usual witty self", when she called another friend to ask if I really was on a project trip to the Philipines.  To which I say, thank you for thinking that I am that cool, philanthropic, and brave.  I have a fear of flying number one, and two since my diet basically consists of chicken and avocados, I rarely travel anywhere that can't provide those two items immediately.  Also, how awesome that my wit and sarcasm precede me, and that the email was not believable because it lacked both!

Here's the email:


Hope you get this on time,

Am sorry I didn't inform you about my trip to Philippines for a program, I'm presently in Manila and am having some difficulties here because i misplaced my wallet on my way to the hotel where my money and other valuable things were kept.I want you to assist me with a loan of (2,800 Euro = 3,700 Dollars) to sort-out my hotel bills and to get myself back home.

I have spoken to the embassy here but they are not responding to the matter effectively, I will appreciate whatever you can afford to assist me with,I'll refund the money back to you as soon as i return,let me know if you can be of any help.I don't have a phone where i can be reached.

Please let me know immediately if you can be of help to my situation.

Regards,
Megan
AbsoluteMommy

Ok, so I can see that you may or may not believe that I was in dire straights.  Let me set the record straight, today, so that if I do end up stranded in a foreign country, and send an email similar to this, you will believe it's me.  I would have blogged heavily about any program I was going to go on.  I would have wanted you to know all about it.  I can't wear neon shorts without you all knowing, so some big trip to the Philippines... Yes, I would have blogged!  You should also know that I can't even do simple math, let alone exchange Euros and dollars.  In addition I would have parked my ass at the Embassy, even if it was the British Embassy in the Philippines, until they got me home.  And finally, do you seriously think I would be anywhere without my phone???  My beloved, third child, my iPhone.  Really? 

So here is what a letter would look like if I went over seas, and while I did mention it, in detail, on this blog, you may have forgot.

OMG, Holy (insert appropriate "F" word here),
I'm stuck in (insert country of choice here)
Some ahole stole my wallet, and now I'm wandering the streets of (said country) looking for avocados and chicken.  I'm starving, I haven't showered, and I really need a Starbucks.  I'm deadly seriousy as you can see by the Instagram pictures of me crying at the Embassy.  If not I will tweet a picture of me in the gutter with a newspaper blanket.  Please send whatever you can spare, money is great, but I'm dying for some grain free food right now.  This is not a joke, like the last time.  I really here.  Attached you will find an OOTD picture of me in dirty shorts and a tank.  Crying.
Thanks
Megan

In addition to that, the only country that is on my bucket list is England.  Because I have to at least try to run through the pillar at Platform 9 and 3/4 once, and stand in an empty hearth, throw some floo powder, and shout "Diagon Alley".  Just once.  So if you get an email of me at Kings Cross looking disheveled and perhaps with a wand in my hand and a lightening bolt on my forehead, act on that one.

So yes, it's been a frustrating yet comical day.  The ahole who hacked me changed not just my password but all my identifiers, so it came close to losing the email address entirely.  And yes, I freaked, flipped my lid, and almost cried.  But, you want to know the best part?  All the people in the blogging world that had my back. 

Thanks to all the bloggy friends that responded to the email to confirm that I was home safe, and some random ahole hacked my email.  You guys were ready to send money.  You rock.

Thanks to all my Tweeps, who blew up my feed immediately!  Like this awesome gal who always has my back!

Kristine is the bomb.  Period.
#yeah, PERIOD.

Thanks to all my friends on Instagram who knew it couldn't be me because of a few details that hacker didn't know about me.  One, I over share my life online, and two, I'm a stickler for spelling and grammar.

Does she know me or what???

I feel like this is a great compliment to my writing abilities.




And thanks to my friend from high school who left this comment on my personal Facebook post:

I seriously laughed at this one all night!

What can I say?  Well a lot since this post is super long, and if you are at the end of this rant, thanks.  I hope I made you laugh, because the laughs I had last night were so totally needed.  I guess it's not the end of the world if your email gets hacked.  It's just really frustrating and inconvenient.  Until you find the humor in it.

And then it just writes itself.


 
 
 
Meet Megan.
Not only does she have an awesome name,
but she has a totally awesome blog!
Check it!

Confessions of an AbsoluteMommy

Sometimes I can go on a bit of a rant.  This is one of those days.  Sorry in advance, but I hope you can laugh about it with me.  Because if I can't laugh about life, then what's the point?

Confessions of an Absolute Mommy

I find gratifying satisfaction when I can load all the dirty dishes into the dishwasher.  I have no idea why.  It just feels like I've done something big.  Like discovered America. 
It's completely sick, but dishes are like the only household chore I actually enjoy. 

I hate Facebook posts about "genius children".  You know what I'm talking about.  "Amy says her ABCs and she's just 2, oh my Harvard here we come".  "Alex can read Fox in Sox!  WOW my 3 year old is a genius".   I'm sorry, but are these genius children still crapping their pants?  A genius does not crap their pants.  Show me a 2 year old, who goes on the pot, WIPES THEMSELVES, and flushes, and I will gladly call them a genius.  The key words being, WIPES THEMSELVES.  My 5 year old still calls me to "help".

someecards

I've been staying up super late (like 1am) to watch TV alone in the quiet.  I love the solitude.  Plus I love talking to my favorite characters on the screen, so if I'm alone in the rocker recliner no one looks at me like I'm mad.  I am however mad about Sookie Stackhouse, the new show Newsroom, and Brenda Leigh Johnson!

I have over 1000 likes on my Pinterest likes board, and I'm so overwhelmed by it.  Why don't I just repin my likes when I like it?  I have no idea.  I guess I think that not everyone will like what I like, and why bore them.  I think I need therapy for my Pinterest Liking addiction.

I am raising emotional eaters.  I'm dead serious.  When either of my kids gets hurt, I pop a Hershey's kiss in their mouth.  It's sick and twisted and I'm sure you are all calling the motherhood police.  But I do it.  I also offer ice cream as a bribe more often than not these days.  I'm amazed at the mileage of a vanilla cone.

I hate to vacuum, but do it more often these days because my husband believes that chips or crumbs in the carpet are grounds for divorce.  So why not make the man who works outside the home 12+ hours a day happy... Because the woman who works inside the house 24 hours a day is tired.  I vacuum anyway.

I have been enjoying this summer for the sheer fact that the hubbs likes to sit in the garage and have beers with the neighbors.  This means the kids go outside with him too.  That means that I can hide out in the house and read or watch tv, or go on Pinterest.  It's been amazing.

I've been having issues with posting to my blog daily.  I'm lazy, and sometimes uninspired.  Ok, I've been super uninspired lately.  Problem is, I feel like I'm missing out if I'm not posting everyday.  Will someone tell me this isn't the case.

I've been known to wear maxi dresses three days in a row, just so I don't have to shave my legs.  Look, my showers are rushed enough, without having to worry about cutting my leg off with a dull Venus razor.  That's the truth.

I'm completely over the fact the the "5K" marathon is the new black.  Most likely because I'm envious of anyone who loves to run.  I hate to run.  Fact: Running makes everything jiggle.  Everything.  And I'm not motivate to run long enough for them to stop jiggling.  Why can't we go back to "5vodKa martinis" as the new black? 

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Color Me Rad

Last Confession:
I'm such a follower that I'm going to jump off a bridge and join my friends in a 5K coming up.  A good friend of mine has said that she will walk it with me.  That's because we both agreed that while the "Couch to 5K" looks awesome on paper.  The couch looks better. 


Tell me it's not just me.  Tell me some mommy confessions of your own!

 And them link them up with these lovelies!!

Photobucket





Meet Delilah
She will make you laugh your ass off.
If you need that kind of thing.

Are we there yet? {Motherhood}

Don't you just love that question?  Are we there yet?  Like a broken record, it can be what makes or breaks a road trip.  It's a question as parents we hear even when we are just going across town to a different Target.  But do you ever ask yourself, "Are we there yet?".  As a family?  As an adult?  As a mother?

Two things happened recently that made me ask myself that question as a mother.  Am I there yet?  Have I evolved into the kind of mother I have wanted to be since I got that plus sign?  Am I the kind of mother I had hoped to be when I was mothering Cabbage Patch Dolls?  Am I the kind of mother who takes pride in her work?  Perhaps...

A few weeks ago, I went out to lunch with my dad and my girls.  While we were eating, there was a table near us of two pregnant moms with two adorable toddler girls.  And it was a typical lunch of two moms trying to have a conversation and eat, while two toddlers tried to interrupt and not eat.  The moms were cool and borderline calm as they tried to wrangle girls with bows and mac and cheese.  The toddlers were adorable as they laughed and sang and played musical chairs with no music.  I admired both teams from where I sat, because both had obviously brought their "A" games.

As my group wrapped up our lunch (which was far from uneventful, including Mac stuffing all her ham into her cheeks like a chipmunk and then spitting it out on the table), the moms and toddlers were wrapping up theirs.  At the drink refill station, I casually asked one of the moms how old the girls were, she replied two, going on three.  And I remarked that I remembered those days, and that my youngest had turned two in April.  I figured that would be it, until she said, "Tell me the second one is easier".

True to form, I stumbled my answer.  Yes, NO, absolutely!  Because the second child is easier.  Possibly because we are more relaxed.  It's also harder having a second child, because you have a first child who still needs their momma.  And absolutely because we are so ready for our do-over.  Our second chance to make the changes we want, or to do the things we "should" have with the first.  I gave her my honest opinion on all of this.  The second child is easier because we are more ready to be ourselves.  Our "new" selves we discovered somewhere around 2 in the morning, three months in to this gig.

How do I know this?  How do I have the confidence to even state this?  I'm not sure.  After talking to those moms, I was like "WHO AM I?".  I don't know enough on mothering to answer those questions.  I don't even read the books that teach you those things.  Sure I have Happiest Toddler on the Block, but I seriously skimmed it.  I get my motherhood advice from blogs or my Facebook friends.  Seriously, when did I get here?

My second thing was that I'm having a hard time with Mac being my last baby.  Chalk it up to her being two.  Or finally looking like a toddler, with her new hair do.  Maybe it's because I know my health is a major factor, and pregnancy isn't a smart thing for me to do.  Also I'll be 35, which I swore (at 25) was last call for my uterus.  I'm not really sure.  I know, I'm such a hypocrite because I came on her months ago, stating that my uterus was closed for business.  That some how changes when it's time to get rid of the high chair, the bottles, and the tiniest onesies that could not have possibly fit your giant of a toddler.

So again, how did I get here?  When did the transformation happen that I'm actually a confident mother?  Like confident and capable at the same time?  Not a lot has changed.  My kids still eat "questionable" breakfast choices.  They currently do not have a bed time this summer.  I'm still a yeller when my house looks and sounds like a government coup. 

However, one thing has changed, my attitude.  The attitude that I can do this.  That I could add another monster to the mix and life would be just as exhausting, just as chaotic, yet undoubtedly blessed. 

Last week I confessed that I was sad that Mac was my last baby to my BF, and she wasn't surprised.  She didn't judge me either, thankfully, since I made her pinky promise that if I started to talk "third baby" she would tie my tubes for me.  She actually said something that surprised me.  She said that she thought that I was the type of mother that just gets better with every child.  I become a better/happier version each time.  That I find more joy with more faith each time.  It has to be the best compliment I have received as a mother. 

I'm no expert.  I'm not perfect.  I still fumble through my job as a mommy.  Now, the imperfections don't bother me as much.  I can usually still get through the fumbles and the set backs without to many people noticing. 

But there is something to be said about about being here.  In this little pocket of motherhood.  Where I am confident about the choices I make.  Where I find joy in the exhaustion and chaos.  This place where I finally feel like a mom, on solid ground.

"Mommy, are we there yet?"

Yes, girls.  We're here.

 
 
 
 
Meet Cassie one of my fabulous July Sponsors!!
 

Want to know? {Life Lately, Instagram}

Want to know about our life lately?


Top left
5 randoms about me.
Yes, I dream about eating bread at least once a week.
I'm a Celiac!
Bottom Left
I vlogged last week.
It was nerve racking!
Top Right
Me and my gal got inked...
Ok not really.
Bottom Right
My hubbys got jokes!



I just love all the #WIDN tagging on Instagram!
Even if I get tagged doing absolutely nothing.
Like a good stay at home mom should, right?
Yes that is a book and a remote
and a sleeping baby in my lap.
Also my take on breakfast to go.
A few of me and Mac just chillin.
And me with my feel up in the front yard.
Ahhh, the life!



We can cross night swim off the bucket list.
We had a little evening swim party.
With ice cream of course.
It was so much fun.
How do you like those ice cream 'staches?



We started ballet and tap this week. 
I realize that those tap shoes need bigger ribbons,
and it's on the list.
Also tap shoes with pink tights are so girly don't ya think?
Bun head? Check.
Black leotard? Check.
Cutest ballerina? Double check!



Mac started swim lessons this week.
And I got a surprise work out.
Why didn't you guys warn me that "mommy and me" classes are hard?
I'm too out of shape to be lifting 25 lbs over my head while swimming!
Ok, so it's not that bad.
I swear she had a blast.
You just can't tell by these pics.



How have you been?
What have you been up to lately?
Do tell, then link up over here with Alli at Life On LeRoy!





 
 
Have you met Chelsea?
What?
You must!
Go there now and enjoy the fun!
 


 

Summer says {Photo Challenge}


Summer 2011


Summer says, "First Ice cream cones are delicious".



June 2011


Summer says, "Hello" to the sea for the first time.




June 2012


Summer says, "Bask in the delight that is summer"
I'm linking up with Lena of Mom 2 Memphis and Ruby
fame at her newest venture Lena B Photography
with Maria and Natalie.
Perspective
Be sure to check out this fun photo challenge and link up!
Don't forget to say hello to Heather at

WIWW. The "Moo" {Wednesday Wander}



Ladies (and some gents?), I give you the "Moo".
As in "mu mu".
This is what my husband calls my every growing supply of maxi dresses.
Because this mama ain't got time to shave her legs every day.
(Yes, I have to shave every day! Like a man, baby!)
Because this mama needs to look put together in under 45 minutes or less.
(Check out the wet hair in a "friar tuck")
Because this mama has taken low maintenance to a whole new level!


Maxi Dress: Kohl's Petite Dept
Awkward self portraits: AbsoluteMommy



Also I give you the Wednesday Wander, with Cat!
Cat and I are buds from a art swap way back.
She gave me the coolest art,
like Star Wars themed...
Yeah, cuz she is that cool!
She invited me to co-host this week,
so do us one solid and link up!




Welcome to the Wednesday Wander!  This week's hosts are:



Cat from Stuff I Love
This week we are linking up our Facebook accounts.  


Here are the rules:
 
1) Add your Facebook url to the linkup.



2) Follow the hosts.
3) Check out a few other people.
4) Leave a hello or two.
5) If you've got a sec, share the wander.
6) Grab a button if you've got somewhere to put it!
That's it!  Thanks guys!


Wednesday Wander
<div align="center"><a href="http://www.babystuffilove.blogspot.com/search/label/Wednesday%20Wander" title="Wednesday Wander"><img src="http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee435/mrscat206/WednesdayWander.jpg" alt="Wednesday Wander" style="border:none;" /></a></div>



If you'd like to a Wednesday Wander? 
email Cat at: stuffilove.and.mimibaby(at)gmail(dot)com



Where are you "wandering" today?







Ever wonder about life and motherhood in Costa Rica?
Well, wonder no more!
Meet Jelli and her blog.
Also link up all things motherhood at her

Me, Myself, and I {Did you Know?}




I just love how my Twitter friends come to my rescue
when I have a case of writers block.
Case in point. 
This link up that I would have totally missed
if I hadn't asked about what to do on Tuesday. 
I got lots of Tweets about this little link up,
and so I hope that you humor me in this week of blockage,
with some fun and fluff,
while my brain is in sleep mode.

My Beautiful, Crazy Life


1. What is your biggest phobia?

Don't laugh.
Possums.
They scare the c-rap out of me.
Although my cousin pointed out that if I came f
ace to face with one they would just play dead. 
They still creep me out!

2. If you could relive any day of your life, what would it be and why?
 I'm not sure, because I like to think that I have no regrets.
If it was just to have fun and enjoy myself,
it would most likely be my wedding day.

3. If you could choose to stay a certain age forever,
what age would it be?
 
 
In my younger days I would have said 25,
but when I was 25 I didn't have kids.
Now that I do, I'd say 34 (now) so I could cherish these two blessing
I totally take for granted.







4. Which celebrity do you get mistaken for?
It used to be this gal.
 
 
 
 
And I always loved the comparison.

5. What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?
How much space do we have?
Let's say Blink 182 (Dude Ranch, Enema of the State)
U2 (Achtung Baby)

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These guys too!
Soundtrack of my life.
Past. Present. Future.



There you have it.
Some fun for a Tuesday.
What's your biggest phobia?
What celebrity do you get mistaken for?


 
 
 
Don't forget!
You can still sign up for this beauty box swap that I'm co-hosting!
Beauty Box Swap

LMAO {Pinterest}

Confession:  I spend way too much time on Pinterest via my iPhone at night laughing.  My two favorite places "Geek" and "Humor".  Sure I browse "DIY and Crafts", "Health and Beauty", and "Food and Drink", but my heart belongs to geek and humor.  What better way to end the day, then with some good old fashion laughter?

Since some of my bloggy friends are hosting their weekly Pinning Party, I thought I'd share some of my "LOL" pins with you.  Also I have writers block something fierce, so since I'm burned out, Link Up prompts seem appropriate.  Bare with me friends.  This is going to be an interesting week.

Enjoy these pins from some of my boards and likes:


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To find it and the original, click here

I loved the Hunger Games!  LOVED. 
I laughed at this pin for a while. 
I even went back to it twice to read it again. 
If the books and the movies weren't so serious,
then this is what might have happened!



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Find it here
This is what happens when geeks procreate.
Han Solo was my life crush.
All the things you'd want in a hero.
If I had a boy, I'd want this in my nursery!




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Find it here
 Sponge Bob isn't my favorite,
but there is something endearing about his friend Patrick. 
Everyone knows a Patrick in real life.
Think about it.

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Find it here

The comment on this pin on my board is,
"Why did I laugh for like 5 minutes?"
Because I seriously did.


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Find it here
 Kurt Hummel, skins like a babies but, and voice to match!
Oh I love this for so many reasons,
but mainly because Artie says
"Who this be?"

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Find it here
Dr. Sheldon Cooper. 
Period.


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Find it here
My pinning adventures are never complete without a little HP.
I'm still laughing about this one!



Hope you got your daily laugh in! 
Check out these ladies who are


with



 
 
 
Meet Project Baby Smiles
Stickers for milestones, birthdays, and pregnancy!