WIW: Wedding {7th Anniversary}

Seven years ago today I was not a nervous bride.  I was a happy and excited bride.  I had waited not so patiently for this day.  After years of passionate and tumultuous dating, I was finally to the finish line.  My maid of honor had Miss Manners'd me to death, the best man had promised that come hell or high water my groom would be there, and my shoes were perfect.  That's not to say there weren't any surprises and mishaps.  What I'm saying is that one of the happiest days of my life was just the beginning of our journey. 


So to celebrate SEVEN years, of marriage, of babies, of some trials, and always love, I welcome you to WIW: Wedding, my first solo linky.  I hope that you enjoy this trip down memory lane, and that you share your own photos as well.  I can't wait to see what is linked up today, and please share, share, and share!  I'm more nervous about this linky party than I was on my own wedding day!


Link up and share!
WIW: Wedding



Dress: David's Bridal (seriously $299)
Veil: David's Bridal
Shoes: Madeline's Bridal ( Local shop)

Just for the record,
I had blue shoes.
Before it was a thing.
Did you know it was a thing now?
Well I read that on Huffington Post.
But seven years ago,
shoes were my something blue.
And they were comfy!




All My jewelry.
Fake.
As in bought over the Internet for less than $50.
Oh my Wedding ring is very real.
But I didn't buy that!

My make-up was done by thee most unprofessional make-up artist ever!
He was late, and made the entire bridal party late!
The wedding was still on time, but I had 2 very bride-zilla moments.
My hair was done by Bree Gentry, who still does my hair today.
This was our first major appointment.
I just remember her finishing my hair in under 20 minutes.

My flowers.
My beautiful flowers.
My only request to the florist.
No roses.
And that bouquet was $75.
Thanks to the Fresno State Student Floral department!


Let's talk about this train.
It looks amazing in this shot.
And I look super tall.
I'm not.
I have to say this dress was so comfortable.
I had my heart set on this dress about 6 months before he proposed.
Yes, I was that girl.
I saw it on the David's Bridal website,
and book marked it.

When he finally put a ring on it,
I went in and tried it on.
The first size I tried didn't fit well.
I was heart broken.
My mom convinced me to try on a smaller size.
There was no way it was going to fit.
I kept saying that, even after it was zipped.
It fit like a glove.


And yes this totally happened.
And no the cake was no GF, but I didn't get sick.
The plan was for him to feed me frosting only.
John had other plans.
Foreshadowing?
So I got a face full of cake.
See that piece of cake in the front of my dress?
Take note of that.
We'll come back to it.



There I am mid clean up.
Also, notice John has some frosting to clean up too?
Well, I threw cake at him.
While our reception guests laughed and whooped and egged us on.
Yeah, it was that kind of night.
Plus with all the flash photography we were kind of blinded.


No hard feelings.
We were covered in cake.
I found cake in places I shouldn't have had cake.
And I smelled like strawberries and butter cream for the rest of the night.
Not a bad way to smell if you like cake.
John's jacket seemed to get the brunt of it.
Good thing it was rented.
We did have to have our first dance in his shirt sleeves.
It was better that way.
Casual is how we roll.



Here we are during our first dance.
I bet he is thinking about all the martial bliss we are going to have.
Nah, he's probably thinking that I'm going to give him hell for the rest of his life.
He was pretty spot on about both.

And remember that cake in the front of my dress....



Yeah, that totally happened too.
And there are many pictures to prove it.
Nice and classy!

I think the best thing about my wedding day
was that for the first time in my life I felt beautiful.
I wasn't worried about my hair or make - up.
I wasn't worried about that stomach I couldn't get as flat as I wanted.
That day, as soon as I said "I do",
all my insecurities vanished.
I just let it all go, relaxed, and had a blast!
It was a great day!

So Happy Anniversary John.
You love me, even when I don't deserve it.
You made dreams I didn't know I had, come true.
You make me laugh, daily.
I want to laugh with you until death do us part.






PS: A funny thing happened on the way to this linky.
I discovered that my CD of wedding photos is damaged.
As in there are no longer any pictures on my CD.
Nice.
Currently in the process of getting another copy.
Thank God the photographer is a good friend!





Dirty Secret Saturday {Linky Party}



Mom2MemphisandRuby




 

Welcome to another edition of Dirty Secret Saturday. 
This is a linky party just for you. 
To get all those secrets off your chest. 
It can be funny, it can be heartbreaking, it can be real. 
It just has to be all yours. 
We want all the dirt. 
All that we ask in return is you give us some bloggy love,
and share this button on your post. 
Then let all your friends via Twitter and Facebook know,
we are partying it up over here!

Your hosts are:
and
Chrissy from A Lil Dash Of Diva

Let's get down to business shall we...



This is how we roll.
In Target or the grocery store.
My kids will be eating some form of non-nutritious food.
And hopefully they won't scream too much,
because then I'll have to break out the peanut butter cups.

Mac's 2nd birthday party is tomorrow.
I called my mother's housekeeper to come clean my sty.
Yes, it was a sty.
I hate to clean.
So instead of stressing about baseboards,
I called a professional.
Clean house =  Happy Mommy.
It's how I roll, but only on special occasions,
like birthday parties, or Tuesdays.

Recently I have loved some Instagram pictures,
highlighting recent dinners from other bloggers.
They include: cereal, pb&j, grilled cheese, granola bars.
God bless these blogger moms.
Grilled cheese and goldfish are exactly how we roll.

I haven't worn my hair down in weeks.
It's just easier to wear it up,
And with my bangs, my hair takes 5 minutes.
Is it possible to downscale a non existent
beauty routine even further?
Yes.
Ponytails and funky mini buns are how I'm rolling.

Summer is quickly approaching here in Fresno.
Let's say 114 degree temps make shorts and tanks a necessity.
However, I have a problem with leg hair.
As in, when I shave, my legs have 5 o'clock shadow.
I'm super serious, ask anyone.
So I've turned to the maxi dress.
Or as my Hubby affectionately calls it "the moo" as in mu mu.
The best invention for stay at home moms since the DVR.
I love the maxi dress so much, because it hides unshaved,
or recently just shaved legs that got chilled and now have stubble.
So if you see me in a maxi dress,
then I must have unshaved legs.
Sorry, it's how I roll.

So now I've gotta go and take care of some pre-party BS.
Seriously when did kiddo birthday parties
turn into such high profile events?
I remember cake and ice cream,
pin the tail on something or other, and gifts.

I guess that's what happens when you add Pinterest,
a glue gun, and enough DIY blogs to run a small country.
Sorry crafters, I turned to the party store for my centerpieces.

I've got some posts to write.  A cake to make.  Goody bags to fill.
And Thursday's Grey's Anatomy to watch.
I've got priorities.
It's how I roll.





  










Dear Miss Mac,

Dear Miss Mac,

You my angel face, are two today.  Yes!  Two years old.  And your mama is shocked at how the time has flown.  I was relieved when we celebrated your first year.  A year filled with love and learning, but also a tough year for mom, trying to wrangle you and your sister.  I was also still reeling from your "birth day".  It still gets me, at the oddest times, but it's not so heavy on my heart anymore.  These days, the heaviness is from watching my shorty, angel face, grow up all too quickly.  You are starting to look like a toddler (finally), but I hate to admit that I'm going to miss having a baby around.


Angel Face, you are a doll.  You make mama smile even on foggy days.  You are funny just like your daddy and can lighten any situation.  Your facial expressions are more than words.  You can give a dirty look better than any Hernandez I know.  Your smile melts any heart, especially your daddy who is challenged with taking anything away from you, and your mama who tries to be tough, but just can't follow through.


I want you to know that I find it simply amazing that you are talking.  A lot.  You get that from me.  Once you got started a few months back, you haven't stopped.  I'm amazed that you know the color purple.  You ask "where's daddee" and "daddees wok".  I love that you ask for "eye-sh tee" and "cocos", which translates into iced tea and chocolate.  I know breakfast of champions, but you know what you like.  I love that you call for your
"mon-eee" (grandma) and your "papa" (great grandpa), and they love that you ask for them.

I love that you still love Yo Gabba Gabba, you ask for "dabba dabs" and point to the tv.  You sing, "dee dee Do Do" for Dora, and "go go dogo" for Diego.  You also sing and babble to yourself in your own Mac language, and I can hear you from other rooms.  When I check on you I find you are rocking your "babies" or collecting your "friends", like Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Brobee. 



And sometimes, when you forget we are listening, you will go ahead and sing your "hoppy" song.  Listening to you sing, You are my sunshine, in your own way, nailing the melody like you have sung it since birth, squeezes my full heart.  The only word I recognize is "hoppy", and it makes me happy too.  I'm so glad Papa was able to teach it to you, and that you love him and this song so much. 




I'm so incredibly glad that I had you.  I'm so happy that I let go, and took the road less traveled.  Had I played it safe, I would have never known the actual joy of motherhood.  You also gave me a gift only you could give, a second chance to be the kind of mom I wanted to be.  A chance to really feel like a good mother, a worthy mother.  Thank you.  Thank you for all the second chances you have blessed me with.  Thank you for all the midnight feedings I didn't cry through.  Thank you for all the 3 am diaper changes where I sang to you, instead of acted like a zombie.  Thank you for teaching me the fine art of being myself and being a mom.


So today you are two.  And we will have cake and ice cream.  We will sing and open gifts and get pedicures (ok, that's mostly for me).  We will say a prayer of thanks for this life.  This life that is so precious and blessed.  It's funny, but mom thought she had it all. 
Then she had you...


Happy Birthday Miss Mac... And many more.  Mama loves you, more than Starbucks.


What are "beauty products"? {Tues10}

It's Tuesday, which means, I will be linking up with my bloggy friend Lena. I love her Tuesday 10 themes. It helps keep me inspired. However today's made me laugh out loud... Well more like a snort and then a cackle.

Today's them is "10 Beauty Products". And I'm like, "say what". I am challenged to come up with 10 beauty products that I use. Ok, sure I know I have some, but 10 will require me to list everything from start to finish. No really, because I'm that low maintenance.  Let's put it in perspective, when I get "fancy", I add like three more items to this list. Which means I add eyeshadow, mascara, and eyebrow pencil.
 
So here is the list of items you need to look as fabulous as AbsoluteMommy


 
  1. Head and shoulders (let's not talk about why this is necessary right now)
  2. John Freida Conditioner for breakage (also, losing your hair is not the biz)
  3. Dove Soap (since high school.  and no fancy schmancy soap will fill it's shoes)
  4. Avon Acne scrub (still breaking out like I'm 13)
  5. Avon Solutions eye gel (for the luggage under my eyes)
  6. Garnier Beauty Balm (it truly is the balm... lol)
  7. Avon minerals blush (to add some color, like I've been lazing in the sun)
  8. Cover girl clear mascara (for the brows)
  9. Knock off Target brand Aquafor (for the lips)
  10. Suave Cheapo hair spray (for everyday, not fancy days)

I really had to stretch that list.  You see, the easier the better.  The faster I can look decent, the faster I can make sure my kids aren't mashing chips into the carpet while watching Octonauts.  Yes, Octonauts.  If you don't know Octonauts, then call your cable company and demand Disney Jr.  It saves mommy lives, people!

 
Also this quickie beauty routine has made it possible for me to go from bed, to shower, to car, in under 45 minutes.  College/20-something Megan is super jealous.  Ok, she's really not, because she's still asleep.

 

 
 
Do I even have to say it???
 Mom2MemphisandRuby

Because {InstaFriday}

Because I can't get enough of this doll.


Because hangin' with your sister is still cool.
And playing with your big sis's ear is still acceptable.




Because cookies at Panera are larger than her head.
And she loves them.



Because this beauty looks like a model.
On preschool picture day.
In a dress and "high heels".
She had to call her daddy to say hello.



Because these two break my heart.
Miss Mac and her nap buddy.
My grandpa, her Papa.
He sings you are my sunshine and she's out.
So blessed to have them both.



Because the weather is beautiful, and commands attention.
Because swimming is on the agenda.
Because I can't stay at this pc all day.

What's your "because" of the day??



Dear Momma and newborn

Dear Beautiful Momma at Target with your newborn,

Your newborn son is super handsome.  So handsome in fact that I can't even remember what your toddler looks like.  Your husband I'm sure is pretty handsome too, since he married you.  What I remember about our encounter, is that you all should have been on the cover of a very chic baby magazine.  You in your flowing maxi dress, beachy waves down your back, and flawless skin.  I'm sure you had on zero make-up. 

What I also remember was the look on your face.  A scowl.  When my mom and I complimented your handsome little man, (he's what maybe 3 months) you just stared at us.  No smile.  No thank you.  Just a blank stare.  Then when you gave me that glance as I was blocking the Oreos, with my crazy cakes kiddos, I thought "what a bitch".  I get it.  You're beautiful.  You are too beautiful in fact to shop at Target.  I'm sorry.  I'm sorry we were in your beautiful way.

Even my mom, the patron saint of kindness, said "What a bitch". 

Then later, as I loaded my car, I remembered. 

I remembered the most important rule of motherhood.

I have no idea what's happening in your house.

I bet that beautiful little man, who seems sweet and angelic in Target, is keeping you up all hours of the night.  Maybe your boobies didn't work either and it has totally crushed your mama spirit.  Possibly your toddler who made no noise at Target, turns into the Incredible Hulk when you step through your front door.  And perhaps, you looked so strikingly beautiful today, because it was your first shower of the week.

If that's the case then I'm truly sorry.  I get it.  I've been there.  Ok, so not quite as beautiful, but I remember those days.  I'm sorry I judged.  I'm sorry if you are tired, cranky, and totally over "motherhood is bliss".  I get it. 

Just remember, that it all goes so fast.  That little mr. handsome, will soon be crawling, then walking, and then starting school.  And then you will long for those long, lonely nights where it was just the two of you, trying to figure it out.  I don't miss those nights much, but once in a while I wish I had my little all to myself, without her telling me she has Barbies to play with, and better things to do.

So, beautiful Momma at Target, I hope to see you some day soon, with your model like family, with a huge smile on your face.  Or maybe on the cover of a magazine.


 

PS:
I just wanted to add that Post Partum Depression is no joke.
It is very real.
If you are in a fog, feel helpless, or are just stuck,
please contact someone.
Heck, contact me! 
My email is mamma_megs@yahoo.com.
Anytime you want to talk or vent, send an email.
I totally understand.
I've been there, and even though I didn't want to admit it,
I needed help.
All great mothers ask for help.
With love,
AbsoluteMommy

Don't Touch That Remote!! {Tues10}

Today's theme for
Tuesday 10 was irresistible.
Movies.
It's actually 10 embarrassing movies,
but I'm tweaking that.
I must warn you.
I'm not embarrassed at all.
Some of these movies did not win any Academy Awards.
They do however brighten any day.
Plus, they are the movies that me
and the hubbs enjoy together.
We have spent many hours watching and laughing.
They may or may not change your opinion of me!
I like a good comedy with foul.
I also like tragic teen aged vamps.
And I absolutely love one teen wizard.
cocktailparlor.com
For realz.
Beerfest.
Any time, any place.
Preferably on cable,
so my favorite lines have not been cut.


Super Troopers!!
sorry the picture will not download!

Uh. Yeah.
We totally watch this.
We had it on once when,
Caitlin was like one.
And she liked it.
It was on Comedy Central so it was ok.
Right?

growingupgenx.blogspot.com
I will not apologize for loving this movie.
My parents let me watch this
when it came out on VHS.
Yeah, I'm that old.
I will watch this every time.
Who can say no to Long Duck Dong?
<><><><><><><> 
twilightmovies.org
Sure the book is 100x better.
But I can't take my eyes away
from this when it's on cable.
I just love the way Edward talks
to her in class for the first time.
Like he's just learning English for the first time.
I also love the part where Bella asks,
"How long have you been 17?".
Gets me every time.
Plus, I catch the hubbs watching this one without me.
Yes, I sure do!
en.wikipedia.org
Don't laugh, but this is not my pick.
This is the hubby's pick.
Every.  Time.
He's not shy about it either.
And I'll admit I've been shushed a time or two,
when it's on tv.
Gotta love a man who loves Miranda Priestly.

movieposter.com
It doesn't matter.
One.  Two.  Three.
It's on the tv.
Recently, Caitlin asked to watch the movie
her and daddy were watching before bed.
Direct quote from Caitlin,
"you know the one with the scientist and the lightening".

Ferris Bueller's Day Off
again downloading issues!
I'm now a fan of this movie.
Pre marriage, not so much.
But we watch this movie like the daily news.
So, now, I'm a fan.
My husband can quote the entire movie.
Not just Ferris' parts.
All the parts.

awesomehq.com
I love all Kevin Smith Movies.
But Mallrats will always have a
special place in my heart.
It's not always on tv now, but when it is,
I'm busting up like a high school kegger.
Plus, my BF will admit that both her children's names
were inspired by this movie.
No, they aren't named Jay and Silent Bob!
<><><><><><><>     
movieposter.com
I can't explain the pull to this one.
Other than the fact that Dave Chappelle
is in fact hilarious.
Plus, you have to hand it to the
story within the story about Killer.
"First to understand what happened to killer,
you gotta understand who killer the dog was".
<><><><><><><>    
movieposter.com
I can't even justify this with a DUH.
I'm just going to say that the Hubbs
thought I was crazy train.
He thought Harry Potter was for nerds.
However, after a few ABC Family
weekend marathons,
he was hooked.
Even caught him using an English accent.
He refers to the double door hall closet as
the "Dumbledoor" closet.
So yes, we stop everything for Harry Potter.
Merlin's beard!

So that's my list!
I hope you like it.
It's just like me, all over the place.
What are you're favorite movies?
Are any of mine any of yours?
Will you be linking up with Mom 2 Memphis and Ruby???





 
Link up here. 
Mom2MemphisandRuby 

Are you ready to Par-teeeey?



I am!  Are you??

Ultimate Blog Party 2012

This is happening right now!
Go visit 5 Minutes for Mom for details!
This is a totally awesome blog party created by two moms
who understand the need for networking,
blogging, and frienship!
No child care needed folks.
This is a great way to share what you do,
and meet some new friends along the way!
The best part is you can link your blog by category!
That's right!
Blogs with shops.
Christian bloggers.
Lifestyle Bloggers.
Or my favorite,
Daily life and Opinion bloggers.
Opinions, like mine, LOL.
So check out the Ultimate Blog Party!
And LINK UP!!

And if you are visiting from the Ultimate Blog Party,
here are some fun facts about me.

I'm 34, and finally ok with that.

I have 2 beautiful daughters, who are the lights of my life.

They are also four and two, so you know how that goes.

I married to a man, who despite my sarcasm and serious sassiness,
loves me anyway!

I blog about everything, but mostly my journey through motherhood.

My motto is "I wasn't built for motherhood, it built me.  It's a work in progress."

I love to link up, so this Ultimate Blog Party was a no brainer!

I love Twitter and Instagram.

I'm in counseling with Facebook, since he went all mid-life crisis,
and added Timeline.

If you hang out here, I hope you will feel welcome.
I hope you will be inspired to be honest.
I hope that you will have a laugh,
But mostly I hope you will enjoy what you read.

With AbsoluteMommy, what you see is what you get.


April Showers {Coffe Date + InstaFriday}

If you were to come over to my house, I'd probably have a panic attack.  I'd try to explain all of the garbage bags of clothes and baby stuff to donate.  I'd try to explain the endless coils of wires and cords where our computer once was.  I'd try to explain the mountains of laundry still piled in my living room.  Along with a sea of toys, crushed pringles and goldfish crackers, and the kids shoes that never seem to get put away.

I'd have to offer you iced tea or water.  I think I have coffee somewhere.  But no creamer.  How's hot chocolate?  Can I make it up to you in Oreos?  Pink and white frosted Animal Cookies?

Then I'd share that spending time on the blog this week has been a challenge.  I'm always overwhelmed by emails, and that leaves me too anxious to write.  That when I'm in the zone, my kiddos always need more attention.  That blogging after the kiddos go to bed, means missed time with the hubbs. 

But enough of that!  I'd then show you these pictures of our week, and tell you how incredibly blessed I am.  That in the last few weeks, life around here has been happy and healthy.  That while I still argue with my 4 year old, and still can't understand my almost 2 year old, I wouldn't change any of it.  And I'd ask you, how could I be in front of a computer with all this life going on?


Easter baskets for the girlies.


Chocolate bunnies in a cage.
Divine.


Hoppy Face.
Cool glasses from the Easter Bunny.


Monkey see, Monkey do.
Mac's turn with the glasses.


Monday was incredible.
Warm and toasty.
So outdoors we went.
The Easter Bunny brought bubbles too.
Caitlin was in her own world twirling.
To be four.


Mac's got a serious case of Cheeto face.
Glad it's not noticeable.
We are having fun with the reverse camera.
Again.
She loves it.


Concentrating hard on getting "big" bubbles.
What on Earth is more fun than a bubble pipe??


Jumping in puddles.
One of her favorite activities.
She kept asking and asking.
So as we left Old Navy,
I said ok.
At least it wasn't raining.

So even though I was sad that the weather changed.  That we got soaked two mornings in a row at preschool drop off.  This week was wonderful.  That's not so say that there isn't laundry or dishes that need attention.  Our home office is under construction.  I've got Mac's 2nd birthday party to plan.  All those things aside, this week I just let it go. 

How was your week friends?

 
 

Rags to Stitches

Life Rearranged