Tag: Mommy

I already miss those days 

I have been slacking on my blog because I am in survival mode. Since Back to School! I don’t know about you, but my “To Do List” is getting longer and longer by the day. I’m Realizing how much time it takes to do all this MOMMING and it is hardcore. I am used to easy breezy maybe-we-wear-pants-maybe-we-leave-the-house-maybe-we-eat-cake-for-breakfast type of days. 

We are all getting in the swing of things. I know it takes time. I am realizing that I am officially a SAHM (stay at home mom.) Now big brother goes 5 days, all day and my littlest just started school, 3 days, 1/2 day, so I get 7.5 glorious hours of “me” time a week. 
But, this whole getting up early, making breakfast, making lunches, getting me and the boys dressed, shoes on, teeth brushed, sippy cups in hand, and lovies out the door for school before 8am has me thrown for a loop. Just typing that makes me tired and want to drink another cup of coffee. 
But for now, I can accomplish 3 things between 9-2:30pm. Workout, eat and take a nap. MAYBE on a good day I will shower, or run to the store, or work on the computer. But if you have kids in a 1/2 day school or MDO that’s it! You are killing it at life if you have been on any or all of these levels!

The Five Levels of Being a Stay-At-Home-Mom


1.) The Go Getter! 

This positive attitude usually happens in the beginning of the week. Let’s go workout, get coffee, run errands and work on the house during nap time and even pre-plan dinner. I have never made it past Wednesday in this mode.

2.) The “Hey at least I…” 

This is like “hey I got one thing done today” and I’m pretty proud of myself so I’m going to treat my self to bathing and maybe even blow drying my hair. Sounds ridic right?!?! Wrong! Sometimes I haven’t washed my hair in a week (disgusting) but not even dry shampoo, deodorant and Chanel can help me. Straight scrub. 


3.) I have zero Fs to give! 

I’m tired and all I want to do is pray for a fairy maid mother and take a nap because I know what’s still waiting for me when I get up. A dirty house, laundry to fold, butts to wipe, and a million unread emails. So usually I chose to watch some bravo on dvr, eat any cheese or potato product available in the house, and take a nap. 


4.) What am I doing?

Let’s do a million activities and not accomplish anything. Play dates, birthday parties, grocery shopping, and going thru a drive thru. You’re busy. Sometimes too busy to even want to do the shit you said you were gonna do. This is exhausting. 

5.) Breaking point.

Mommy needs a break. When you do get a REAL break, enjoy it. Then you feel guilty, miss your kids, come home to chaos, and want to run back to the car. Being a parent is insanity. Expecting different results while doing the same thing over and over again. 


Ok peanut gallery I hear you all in my head. Get help! Hire a babysitter! Don’t be a stay at home mom! Go back to work! Stop bitching! Order everything online! Use a delivery service. You need time management and organizational classes. How about FU!?!?


Some people are cut from a magical cloth that allows them to run on little sleep, have energy like the energizer bunny and look bananas. I’m just not cut from that cloth. Thing is I enjoy being lazy. You ask my older son what my favorite thing to do is and without a moments hesitation he will say “SLEEP!”

I’m not hating. I get stuff done. I admire those who can “do it all.” I’m just stuck in the middle of feeling like “Hell ya I’m slaying it and then questioning if I’m sending a healthy enough lunch.” 

So I don’t do anything but pour myself a glass of water I mean wine and curl up in my robe and look at pretty people on Instagram while some TV show is on in the background. It’s called balance. 

Calendars are a full time job. I don’t know about you all, but I haven’t consistently checked my emails for 4 years. The only emails I open are “Your Package has shipped, track it now!”, Taco Bueno, Bath & Body Works, spa packages, and Southwest flights I long book. LOL but seriously! Now, it’s more stressful! Soccer, gymnastics, homework, PTA meetings, date nights, school events, birthdays, football, ETC!!! Do kids not get to be kids anymore? One day we are singing ABC’s, the next we are in line for a tardy slip at age 4. 

After naps and pickup, round 2 begins. The afterschool snack that will ultimately ruin dinner, afterschool activites, homework, baths, books, songs, prayers, and goodnight moon. BAHAHAHA GOTCHA! 

Hello this Just Happy Mommy 

not Bullshit Mommy. 

4 Ways bedtime happens at our house  
1.) Eat it, wash it, brush it, read it, pray it, kiss it, goodnight, lock the door.

2.) Afterschool activity, drive thru dinner, screaming “I’m not tired”, asleep in the car, crying in the bathroom, and pouring them into bed. (Which sounds exactly like a night out drinking in my 20’s, or my last birthday give or take)

3.) We all sit down, eat dinner together with NO TV, peacefully agree to bathe, drink our milk, watch a show together, brush our teeth, read 3 books, sing a song, say our prayers, and turn out the light saying “NO, I love you more.”

4.) Babysitter. You keep them alive. I pay you. 

Yes, I was just bitching about my kids driving me bonkers, but now I miss them and want to have little spy cameras on them. Ages 0-4. Hardest, yet the most control you will EVER have. Everything is harder for me BC I’m a control freak that tries to be chill. Sooo I already miss the days I am waiting to miss. 

The Trace Adkins song is playing in my head “You’re gonna miss this, you’re gonna want this back, you’re gonna wish these days didn’t go by so fast, these are the good times, so take a good look around, you may not know it now, but you’re gonna miss this.”

Trace Adkins You’re gonna miss this
Oh wait! You mean the days when I used to make my own life choices and didn’t have to be a slave to a calendar? Yes, yes, I miss those. 

Granted, this is my first rodeo. And for my veteran readers, just go ahead and shake your head, sip your wine, and say “ROOKIE” out the side of your mouth. All the new rules and the hustle and bustle has given me and my family a violent shove into “THE REAL WORLD.” And like The Diary of Britney Spears ” You think you know, but you have no idea.” It is true. Like anything in life we do not know what it is like until we actually experience it or live it ourselves.

Xoxo

Just Happy Mommy 

Back 2 School Blues 

We all get down on ourselves. We are tired. We look at the to do list and get overwhelmed. With a new school year starting I have been so emotional. Seeing my baby grow-up and walk into his first day of PreK really hit me hard. He was so happy and excited and I lost it as I was leaving the drop off line. Teaching him has been my job until today. Granted he has been going to school since he was 10 months old but now it’s different. It is real school with a drop off and pick up, packed lunch, a cafeteria, recess and all new faces. 

He beams a smile and waves good bye, excited for his new adventure. Meanwhile, baby brother and I lose our shit in the car on the way home. (Yes I’m driving. I know I should not use a phone while moving a motor vehicle.) also I’m an ugly crier and turn the volume down 😩😢😭

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I felt so happy, sad, proud and afraid all at the same time as I drove away. Will he be ok? Will he make a friend? Will he eat his food? Will someone bully him? Will he even think about me? Did I do a good job?

So do my emotional episodes mean I have a mental issue? Yes! It is called being a parent! We are all losing our shit at some point. It’s called having a heart beating in your chest. Life is made of peaks and valleys, happy times and sad times. It is not just in parenting. There are ups and downs in marriages, work, friendships and hell even the economy. Point is that we all experience things differently. The only person who can judge us is The Lord. 

Yes I know my life is not over because my baby started PreK. I know, trust me I’m getting over it as I find myself writing this post, because I haven’t had a moments peace in 3 weeks since summer camp ended. But, I just care about my child and I want him to be happy, healthy, thrive and glow. I have been praying for him to have a good day and get in the car with a smile on his face full of stories. 
When you question yourself as a parent it is a natural thing. It means you care. I struggle with my confidence as a mom and then other days I am like “Hell Ya I am a kick ass mom.” “Pound it dog! Booya! and Holler!”

So here it is the first day of school and as I stare at my to do list, laundry, calendar etc. All I want to do is take a shower and a nap before I go get in the HORENDOUS pick up line 30 minutes before I’m charged a $14 fee.  

I know things change. I knew this was happening but actually living it is hard for me. All the new rules, my baby being so independent and being on time is really hard for me LOL. BUT it is good! We thrive in a routine so I am happy that I am being challenged to change. I know its not the end of the world but I do know I’m going to miss this. 

I’m gonna want these hard ass F^&* days back. When no one eats what I make for breakfast, lunch and dinner. When no one listens to me to stop splashing and flooding the bathroom. When I need to kiss the boo boos. When my baby crawls up in my lap and says “Mama hold you.” When the boys no longer let me dress them alike. And when we have rainy days cuddling and doing absolutely nothing and they let me kiss their heads and smell their hair.

Trust me I am taking note to cherish this time. We don’t get a lot of time on this Earth so we have to make each day count. But damn it is hard to be a parent in todays world. 
For now I tell myself.. The monograms can wait. The perfect breakfast, lunch or dinner cannot be made everyday. The organizing, the cleaning and everything I keep talking about will have to wait. 

As “THEY” say “The days are long, but the years are quick.” As I see the calendar fill up I have to stop and think these are the days I will miss. But for today I will sit and write my babies a letter telling them how much I love them. I will take a shower. I will lie down and day dream in my quiet bedroom. The greatest gift we can give ourselves and our loved ones is time. Unapologetically I will proudly give myself sometime “Because If Mommy Ain’t Happy, Ain’t Nobody Happy.” 

Since pickup this afternoon he had a great day, made a new friend and learned a song. We had a special afternoon snack, played trains and he helped me cook dinner. After slaving away on dinner, it hits, here comes the meltdown. “I don’t want to eat it! Yuck!” As he’s screaming crying and running around the house losing his exhausted mind. Meanwhile baby brudder is enjoying his special allergy free (gluten, oat, egg, dairy, nut free) lasagna and breaks out in hives. 

Daddy walks thru the door as I’m finishing baby boys bath and dosage of Benadryl. Big boy still whining and saying “eating dinner is so hard and I’m not tired.” I look around at the dishes piled high, laundry covering both couches, toys, cups, trains, Chex and blueberries all over the rug… 

There’s my exit. I poured myself a glass of wine and I’m hiding out in the bathtub right now adding this to the post. 

Sometimes no matter how hard you try, shit is still gonna happen. Just depends if you are gonna pick it up, move on or just sit and cry about said shit. I’m gonna leave this one to daddy. 

XOXO
Just Happy Mommy

My editor was not able to correct all my grammar, run on sentences and cussing. Once again if you don’t like my blog don’t read it 😁🖕🏻💋🍷

How was your day?!

When do I have time to blog? Well today I was Blogging in the car, in the open garage with sleeping babies and air conditioner on full blast, burning oil and burning money! Haha! This is when I have time to regurgitate my mommy adventures. 
Yes I’m eating Cinnamon Toast Crunch! 👊🏻

When it’s this hot in Oklahoma anything under 70° is unbearable to me and my family. We avoid the outdoors, using the dryer and oven unless it’s before noon or after 9 PM. 
Target should be paying me. I go there anywhere from 1-3 times a week! Last week we decided to have a Play date @ Target bc it’s 97 -100 degrees every afternoon and bc we have already exhausted other options at 3pm. 
On Monday I had to get the boys school snack and I of course thought I had it all stashed away ready to go but no it was 1/2 eaten. So off to the red store we go @ 8:30am. The Red card saves money The Self checkout line does not save time with 2 kids in tow. As we were hurrying thru the checkout I keep hearing that ladies voice:

“Please place your item in the bagging area.” 🙄Then

 

“Please wait for assistance.” 🙄
This happened at least 3 more times bc my happy helper isn’t really helping. 😁 
Then I hear “Oh that Poor baby must be starving.” I turn around to look and see him shoveling handfuls of veggie straws into his mouth at 8:45am. I wanted to hiss back at this target employee 

“Really bitch?! Well he just ate a gluten free organic waffle with 2 organic grass fed sausages covered in an organic maple syrup & agave blend with vanilla coconut milk, so ya he’s starving.” I didn’t say this obvi but I’m saying it now LOL. 
Next up blind bags. What are they you ask?! They are tiny piece of shit toys that ends with “you can collect them all!” My kids are an advertisers dream. Everything is “mom we can collect them all!” Um NO we can’t. 

Well if you beg and bug your mom enough, until she screams “Fine!” Then you get them. At least they are like $1.50-3 but they are also a chocking hazard and hurt like a MFer if stepped on. He learned about these things from KidsYouTube which is basically videos of other kids and creepy grown ass adults opening these blind bags, toys and candy. Seriously it’s absolutely insane that these videos have millions of views. My initial thought was cool a YouTube especially for kids he can watch Thomas, Paw Patrol etc. NO! Don’t get sucked in. It’s a terrible choice. Advertisers dream! 
This one has 74MILLION views I guess I’m the dumbass 
Blind bag and candy egg YouTube
 

Jim Gaffigan is probably one of my favorite people on the planet other than my family and friends. I love him and actually encounter most of the things he talks about in his books. Sunday I slept in my sons twin bed bc he fell asleep with daddy. He then woke up about 6 AM to sleep with me. I woke up and realized he had Peed the bed. I woke up wet. I was so tired I rolled over and thought its not that bad on this side. 😝

Jim Gaffigan Mr Universe
Next, Breaking things in stores it happens but it’s usually my fault and not the kids. We were leaving the Starbucks area of Target and my diaper bag hit the display and shattered a glass French press☕️🙈. Again while at hobby lobby a woman said excuse me and ended up backing her back end into an entire glass display of yard gnomes and chachkeys and half of it shattered all over the floor. 
Finally my social media rant. It’s a love hate relationship with this addiction. 

My Instagram feed sends me mixed messages. The photos of food and perfectly staged beverages make me want to eat everything. Then the next pic says but use this to stay skinny and wear this bc we never have enough. It’s so annoying bc I too am an advertisers dream. I love to shop. Grocery shop, home decor, clothing, shoes, you name it I can find a reason. Again you can convince yourself you need it because it’s pretty and some unconscious part of your brain was a victim to perfect product placement. 

Also it’s so annoying when I see the pretty sparkle “be thankful for today” script. I am thankful for today. I love my family, my boys and all that I have and all that I am. I’m just not thankful for the flooded bathroom floor or $1,000 car repairs. I’m not thankful for poopy swim diapers at the pool or that my sister sits at the Hemotology lab by herself 6 hours a week. #Blessed. BTW when I #blessed I’m totally sarcastic. I know it could be worse. Duh I’m not 6 feet under and my kids are baby models. 


So yesterday after camp, lunch, nap/quiet time I really wanted a sno cone and to bring my sissy one. So we went to get shaved ice and then swimming at Meme and Poppys. We had a blast. Come home eat dinner, watch Zootopia and then as I’m laying back on the new clean sheets of the twin bed I ask him “what was your favorite part of the day?” “Nothing,” he says “this is not my best day ever!” #AssholeParent
So God Bless America the home of the free and the brave.  I Hope you and your family enjoy this most important holiday! 🇺🇸❤️💙🎉
Xoxo

Just happy mommy 


Warning: This content is offensive, so pour yourself a drink and sit back while I lay the smack down 😘😝🍾👊🏻

Hot Mess to Hotness in 30 minutes 

Hot mess to hotness in 30 min 
You know when you have a big event, and the night before you think, “I got this”, and then in the morning you don’t?! Well that’s my life most of the time. I can plan my outfit, jewelry, makeup, shoes, hair, and all that but something usually happens where I’m more of a hot mess than hotness. 

A few examples. My wedding night. I’m not going to get drunk and stay up late with all my amazing friends. Bahahaha ya right. Good morning father I’m sorry most of our wedding party smells like red bull vodka. But I still managed to look fabulous. I think being 25 and 125 lbs had something to do with it. 

Also, knowing I was going to be on TV this week, I’m all like “I’m going to workout, do a cleanse, drink lots of water, do a face mask, body wraps, sauna, etc.” Then the night before, eat my weight in Mexican food and wash it down with some queso. Oh yeah. That was my choice last night. Work hard, then get bloated before getting camera ready. 

PS I do NOT think cleanses are safe for moms. At least not this mom. I need coffee and chips ‘n salsa er’ryday. And if there is any type of baked good in this house, consider it gone down my gullet. I had cookies during my cleanse. Like, I eat Cheez-Its when I wrap. 

It works
Also I’m pretty positive kids know when you have something going on. They know when you have been out on date the night before and they get up at 6am on a Sunday and then they sleep in till 8am on Monday. Sunday nights go like this:
 “I need water!” “I need to go peepee!” “I need a snack!” “I had a bad dream!” “Can I have the iPad or watch minions??” 
“No! I will take all your hot wheels away.” Hello!!! We have a TV interview in the morning and mama needs her beauty sleep. 

It’s just like the book “Go the F to sleep!”

Go the F*** to sleep book

After a night of musical beds we accidentally sleep in and Of course it’s raining and I think I have a pinched nerve in my back. I feel like the princess and the pea. 

Ok for real. I get to my parents’ house dressed like this. 


In a bath wrap and rain boots. Aka Mommy is a hot mess! I got 30 minutes to get camera ready. And go…

We get to the TV station, and let me tell you what! Being back on the other side is waaaaay better. I used to have to set up the interviews and coordinate with people. It was pretty hilarious to see it played out as the interviewee. 

Thankfully the producer is a doll, and our photog is the bomb.com. Funny thing is, we are being interviewed about parenting. Bahahaha says the mommy blogger who says that I love Jesus but I cuss a little. And the mom who has accidentally locked her kid in the car, not once, but twice. Thank you Pop-a-Lock and Tulsa Fire Department. 

Here’s a tip. Don’t let your kids play with your keys as a distraction to get them in their car seats. Anyway, sorry for the side bar. 

It’s pretty funny. We tried to answer the questions, and I felt more like just Douche Mommy than my bad ass self. Can’t wait to see the finished product. KJRH NBC Channel 2 Friday night at 10pm or at KJRH website

It’s the real life ugly stuff we don’t post, but I’m certain we all have these moments all the time. Now instead of stressing out too bad, I think, “OK for real. Blog post!” I need a Mouseketool to get me thru the rest of the week, and it’s called sleep. It’s only Tuesday, and I’m already ready for a massage and our date night Friday night. 

Why do I feel like I can do a zillion things? The calendar and to do lists never end, but this week is CRAY!!! The last days of school, TV interview, lunch, teacher appreciation gifts, MIL in town, out to dinner, SAM’s club, baths and thunder game, go to the doctor, deliver lunch to friends, no nap for baby, swim lessons, dinner, blog post, clean house, dentist, park, B-roll footage at our house. Going to work, haircuts, swim lessons. Friday. Finally date night!!! Saturday workout, birthday party, block party. 

So as you can see, I’m a hot mess. But I try to do it all looking a hotness. Cheers to the super mamas out there. Love you all! 
Xoxo

Just Happy Mommy 

Remember to Love the not yet Mom’s 

 

Happy Mother’s Day!

I have been trying to think of a cute, heartfelt, and poignant post for this most important holiday. I think Mother’s Day is one of the best reasons to celebrate. We all love our mom, mama, mommy, madre. The woman that gave you life and would give her life to save yours. And I am so thankful I have 2 adorable, loving little boys. They are my reason for living and bring so much joy to me and our family.

I was woken up with smiling faces, hugs, kisses, hazelnut coffee, and a sweet card in bed. I mean does it get any better than that?!?! Yes. Yes, it does. The last week of my life has been the greatest gift and wish come true. We just got home from a family vacation to Destin, Florida. If you are contemplating a trip. Go. Don’t think. Just go.

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What if you aren’t a mommy?  Maybe you can’t become a mommy. What if you might never have the chance to have a child of your own? There are so many women struggling to have a baby.

I know there are so many ways to become a mother. Whether it is through the amazing gift of procreation, modern medical assistance with IVF, adoption, foster parenting or other ways.

But what if you woke up alone in a hospital bed? What if you were greeted by nurses, beeps, pills and questions? What if your body did not allow you to live a real life, let alone have the ability to grow and carry a child or even literally carry a child.

Some women with infertility issues, chronic illnesses, and debilitating diseases may never get the chance to be someone’s mother.

Could you imagine?

Simple freedoms. Things that we all expect to have until our health is compromised.

It’s almost like Alzheimer’s in reverse. Your mind is like let’s go and your body is like umm no what? Huh? slowing down.

While I complain that my baby has allergies or that we had to quit the country club and move from private to public school I have to stop myself and say STFU!

I bring these things up because, even though this is a day to rejoice and be thankful for mothers and all that they do for us, this is a day of pain and sadness for others. Death, loss, hopelessness, and fear.

The trivial things Mom’s complain about. The funny and disgusting things we talk about. The heart burn, morning sickness, laundry, dishes, wiping butts, and kissing booboos. Or wanting to pick up the phone and call your mom 19 times a day and remembering she’s not there.

There are women who are wishing they had those things to occupy their time. They want to have a baby, a butt to wipe, and little hand to hold, or have a mommy to hug.

Instead they are usually bombarded with questions. “When are you gonna have a baby?” “The clock is ticking.” “Are you trying?” “Are you gonna freeze your eggs?”

No shit. They know their clocks and they are consumed with conception, levels, medication and even staying alive. Whether it is infertility, cancer, rare and incurable diseases, there are women who are literally dying to be a mom.

Unfortunately this hits home to me as I have seen many friends and family members struggle. It has been at the front of my mind that the person closest to me for all of my life might not even have the chance to be a mommy. What if you are not able to take care of yourself but your mind sees and wants those normal things we all take for granted.

I want my sister to have a better quality of life. She has been in and out of hospitals for almost 8 years, and the last couple months have become worse, more serious, and concerning. She is embarrassed and doesn’t want pity. She is so strong it’s astonishing. Getting labs and blood work every week, doctor appointments, residents, hospital visits, infectious disease doctors, questions without answers, and the list goes on and on. Not being able to live alone let alone and keep a job or do daily tasks without feeling like hell everyday. If you can’t take care or yourself, how can you take care of a baby??

I could not imagine switching places with her and watching your sister and friends get married, have careers, and start families while you start a new IV treatment and look forward to a shower. That is torture. Yes, she endures all of this and still has faith and hope. But it’s wavering. So I decided to pamper her on Mother’s Day. I gave her a pedicure, blowout and makeup. Even with no where to be but in a hospital bed it made her feel special and loved.

 

My parents are at an impasse. They have done everything they can and still do not know how to help their baby.

You have a baby and love these tiny humans more than anything. I don’t know what might be worse than not being able to help your child’s suffering for so long and not being able to give them a good, happy, healthy life.

Mothers are the glue of this world. But we also crack and sometimes break. The love of our children helps keep us together. My mom is one of those people. She is the glue that keeps our whole family together. So selfless, compassionate, caring, and loving. I love my mom more than I love myself, and she has taught me so much. I can only hope to be the mother she is to me to my babies.

So not only tell your mom how much you love her. Tell the other women in your life how much you love and admire them. Do not pity or dismiss others challenges. Instead I challenge you to think of the women longing to hear Happy Mother’s Day.

Someone you know. Someone that is hurting. Reach out to them with a comforting text, phone call, or visit. I know in this day and age we are scared to pick up the phone and show true care and emotion. But, trust me, you have no idea what it might mean to someone that is struggling.

Some women chose not to have children for whatever reason. But could you imagine not having the physical ability to choose?

Happy Mother’s Day to my fellow mommies, the not yet Mom’s and to my beautiful Sissy. May God heal you and grant you a beautiful life you deserve. Remember

Just Happy Mommy

Xoxo

Plans

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Plans 

Why do we make plans?

We aren’t promised tomorrow or next week or even next year. 

Plans make me happy and plans make me cringe. 

“So what’s your plan?”

We have been hearing this question for a majority of our lives.

“Where do you plan to go to college?”

“What’s your plan after college?”

“Where do you plan to live?”

“Do you plan on getting married?”

“Do you plan on having kids?”

“Do you have a retirement plan?”

“Health care plan?”

And it all comes full circle again when you are a mom… “Where are your kids going to school? What’s your plan?” We all have a calendar full of activities, events, parties and obligations. 

I always had a plan. I was a go getter as long as I could get sleep and some cocktails. As a young journalist you take any job you can get in tv. Then you fake it till you make it. In my case the job was assignment editor. What you ask? Exactly. Think of it like the air traffic controller of a newsroom. You don’t care about them until they F$&@ up or until you have to fill in for them. Basically you plan the news for a living. I made it my plan to master this position and I ended up making it my bitch! RIP deuce desk 

I knew I was going to get married at 25 and I did. I wanted to have kids at the exact same ages my mom did 29, 32, and I did. Who knows maybe we will have #3 in 5 years hubby LOL! He’s done I’m still open to the plan. I knew I wanted to be a mommy and raise my family in Tulsa. Always liked the idea of moving away but it’s never gonna happen. 

So Here’s the deal. Plans are bullshit. We plan and plan and then plan the plan. Since becoming a mom I have started to sometimes loathe plans. Simple example, kids get sick. Can’t plan that. Although I can usually predict it because we will have some BIG plans it could potentially ruin. Case and point this week. We are leaving for the beach at the end of this week. We have planned this for months and it is a much needed getaway for all. 

Come on robbers hope you like stealing dishes in the sink, clothes from old navy and mountains of laundry. My husband always says I should not post that we are out of town for fear we get robbed. But I say the most valuable things we have is our kids and yes we are taking them to the beach too! It’s a family vaycay. 

    
Our little boy has a compromised immune system (for any new readers) and has extreme allergies to food and the environment. So today I took him to see our sweet pediatrician because he has been coughing and breathing rapidly, congested and feverish. We decided since we are leaving town and our deposit is NON refundable,  we better check everything off the list. 
So we took chest X-rays, nasal swab for flu and throat swab for strep. NO fever, no flu, no strep. Chest X-ray not so good. She called it fluffy. Possibly the start of pneumonia. If you have never experienced a child getting a chest X-ray it is like a mid evil torture device. The tears stream and baby cries mommy until it’s over. As a mom this is one of the worst sounds. 

  
This evening daddy comes home with a bag full of drugs (costing more than my car payment) and we begin our new plan. Our new normal. I will be administrating breathing treatments everyday even after he is done being sick and finished the antibiotics. 

   
 A mother never plans for her baby to be sick. A baby who is sick has got to be the saddest and most painful thing. And for a mom who helplessly tells them it’s going to be ok and begging to God to help her child or take their place, it is exhausting. 

I see this in my own mother. She shows so much grace and strength while helping me and telling me it will be ok. All the while I know her aching heart yearns for her baby girl to get better. Your baby is your baby. Whether they are 18 months or 31 years they are still your baby after all. Our health is our wealth. 

Please click below to learn more about food allergies.

Living with food allergies 

As people we are taught to follow a plan. We thrive on plans. We have safety plans.We have goals. We have agendas. We have tasks, events, celebrations and expectations and obligations. 

I kinda hate the saying “it’s always something.” It comforted me until recently. I know we all have pain, triumphs, struggles and things going on. But when someone says “it’s always something,” isn’t that just a nice way of saying tough shit move on?!? Or am I my usual sensitive Sally?!?

I think I have fallen short on some of my promises I made in my first blog posts. I promise to keep it real. Well here’s the real deal I can’t do it all. I can’t be a super me! Everyday I try to get up and be the super mom and a super wife and super friend and super daughter and super sister.  

Thing is I’m exhausted and need to realize over and over that

 I am enough. 

Just me being me. 

I can’t plan for everything that gets thrown in my way. 

I really admire other moms and bloggers who really have their shit together. Pretty Instagram pictures, lighting, poses and real posts. I have ideas and try, but fail miserably. 

I want to keep hustling my blog, my brand and make extra money for my family. That’s why I took this picture tonight. If you can’t plan your posts to promote yourself and your business then do it all in one. I’m a wife, mommy, writer, hustler and swag lover! I hope this makes you chuckle 😂 links below

  

Like I planned on posting about my 60 day beach body reveal well here is the reveal!
I didn’t change shit and I look the same. Chips and salsa erryday! Mommy pops, donuts, smoothies and currently a big bowl of spaghetti! 😂😂😂🍷🌮🌶🍩🍝

  
I wanted to do a cute pinteresty post about how to perfectly pack the family for a beach vacation. At this point we will be lucky if we get to go. I’ve gotten this far… I love this plan from Pinterest and 

40 Beach Tips & Tricks
  

So I sit in the bathtub with my wine and baby monitor on full blast and think I hate plans but I know I need them. 

I hope & pray everyone stays safe during these storms. It is important to have a safety plan in case of a tornado. 

Xoxo

Just happy mommy 

Swag photo cred: Hubby and links below 

Fabulous Earrings by Abby Sparks
Lip Sense Lip Gloss
My IT WORKS!
Mom Life Tee & Sunnies

Waiting for the other shoe to drop

Waiting for the other shoe to drop

I use this saying all the time and almost everyone knows what it means but I decided to look it up anyway. 

Definition
A common experience of living in apartment-style housing in New York City, and other large cities, during the manufacturing boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Apartments were built, similar in design, with the bedrooms located directly above and underneath one another. Thus, it was normal to hear a neighbor removing their shoes in the apartment above. As one shoe made a sound hitting the floor, the expectation for the other shoe to make a similar sound was created.

Verb
wait for the other shoe to drop
(idiomatic) To defer action or decision until another matter is finished or resolved.

(idiomatic) To await a seemingly inevitable event, especially one that is not desirable 

It’s kinda like when you got your shit together and have a moment of “yep it’s going too good”. The anticipation of what happens is waiting for the next shoe to drop. 
I am superstitious. I get it from my Papa. I know there is no such thing, but still my mind will say, “Dammit! I jinxed myself.” 
I have lots of examples of this so, please let me indulge you. 

The last few days I have had my super mom cape on and kicking ass at mom life! 

Friday the boys and I had a friend over to try out some new lip gloss. It’s called lip sense and I thought ok what the hell. I love me a good lipgloss! It was so cool and we had a blast. The boys loved her and I love my new everyday color called first love. It doesn’t come off, it’s all natural and I am so excited I got it today! Find her on Facebook Kiss Proof Kisses and tell her you saw it on Just happy mommy  😘💄💋

This is with NO makeup. My before, then after lip color, then with gloss and still perfect even after swim lessons! 

  
Then Saturday we had my cousins wedding which was lovely and great to see my cousins. 

Then Sunday we relaxed and went shopping at trader joes OMG obsessed and so happy they have one in Tulsa now. I waited a month but it was still a zoo! My mom and I ran over to Nordstrom rack and old navy to get some cute beach gear for our trip in 24 days! Bow chic a bow wow! Holler ED vaycay 2016!  

 Yesterday Our AC was broken so a sweet friend helped me out (shout out to said friend,) and a repair man was there in less than an hour! Boom! Then I had to take my son to school, then take the baby to my moms, then off to the dentist to get 4 fillings. OUCH! Back to pick up the baby, then pickup at school then off to SAMs to get a few things, go thru the car wash oh ya and clean, vacuum and mop my house all before 6:30pm when friends were arriving for my first wrap party! Finally got in bed by 10pm. Booya! 

Just Happy Mommy It Works
So today feeling pretty proud of all I had accomplished, I had a pep in my step. We made it out the door to school and then to visit my BFF, drop off some yummy food and stare at her beautiful week old baby girl. Of course we had some coffee talk. (In the mike Myers voice). It was a perfect morning!

  
 Then little man and I went to my parents’ to go for a walk. My mom is my soulmate. We are there for one another and know each other better than ourselves. I told her, after bitching about something, “But you know what? We are healthy. We haven’t had to use an epipen in a while.” And as soon as I said it, I thought “MFer! I should not have said that for fear of jinxing my streak of good luck with no allergy attacks!” After our walk, little man had some red bumps on his face and he was rubbing his eyes. I immediately thought there it is. The other shoe dropped. He’s going to have a reaction. (Also just to note: this is where he had his first anaphylactic reaction so I’m on high alert.) We washed his swollen face off and I got him some Benadryl and decided to get him home and give him steroids. I called my husband, who was home for lunch, and he had the medicine ready as soon as I screeched in the doorway. 

I left my parent’s house just praying to God to keep my baby safe. I kept reaching my hand back into his car seat so he would grab my fingers with his little hand. I would shake them and then he would squeeze my finger back. We did this the entire ride home. For anyone in a health or dangerous situation car rides are hell and seem like every brake light is another breath taken for granted.

  We are home now, and he is sleeping. I have the monitor on full blast. I walk in to watch him breathing every few minutes. I overreacted this time. The last couple times I have been so calm and just gave him Benadryl and a bath. But today I thought “OK, bitch nuts, it’s on.  We have been too lucky, and Since I got cocky with saying no epipens, it was on.” I am so thankful that he is OK and just very congested. 
I am almost certain it is something outside. This time of year, in Oklahoma especially, allergies are at the all time high. When I was at the TV station, I remember that Tulsa is one of the worst cities in the US for asthma and allergies. I love living in green country but, I hate seeing my baby struggle to breath and my big boy getting shiners under his eyes from the high pollen count. 

Anyway, we think we got our shit together, and then we don’t. Sometimes the shoe drops, and sometimes it doesn’t. But the knowing things are too good to be true and the anticipation of knowing something will go wrong in the future is what causes me anxiety. I for one have to force myself to live for today. I cannot control what happens. God is in control, and I have to trust in Him to take care of me, my babies, and my loved ones. Good things happen and bad things happen. Life isn’t fair and it’s all about perspective and being thankful. 
Seeing my friend’s new baby girl this morning and having a few minutes to talk, just us girls, just us moms, is a gift I cherish. 
I always check FB and Instagram when the boys are napping or having quiet time, and a sweet friend of mine posted this on my timeline.
Why being a mom is just enough 
Tears streamed down my face as I read this. It was just what I needed. Me taking care of my boys and giving them the time, love and attention they need and deserve is enough. They make my world go round. 

 We survived swim lessons and both boys loved it except for this one comment. I was running after little brother while big bro had his lesson. He was ready to jump in! A mom watching me run back and forth says “this is when you lose the baby weight.” 

Ummmm I’m sorry what?!?! I thought “Wtf lady?! ”  I wanted to say “Oh I’ve already lost my baby weight and guess what I’m going to Wendy’s after this bitch!” I Obvi didn’t say that but you bet your sweet ass I got a spicy chicken sandwich! Insert Wendy’s ad here 

  So Im hanging up my proverbial super mom cape tonight. Wednesday is our no plans, no pants, PJ day, and I intend to enjoy it fully and completely with my little humans.

Xoxo

Just happy mommy 

Maintenance: You did not wake up like this!

OK ladies lets talk maintenance. The whole “I woke up like this” is a crock of shit. If you are able to get 10 hours of sleep, drink 75-100 ounces of water a day, exercise, exfoliate, eat perfect, fix your hair, put on makeup, be wrinkle free, bright eyed, pouty lipped with an apple bottom, thigh gap, top knot, mani pedi all while wearing a perfectly pinterested outfit well then my hands are up giving you a high five and a hallelujah! Amen!

The rest of us humans try, but few attain the perfection we see in our favorite celebrities. I love to learn from other beautiful women. I have always like to see what the new fashion trends are, learn new makeup tricks, and keep myself somewhat put together. This last week has knocked me down a peg or twenty, and I have taken a wrong turn down ugly lane. Rocking a swollen face, dehydrated, 3rd eye zit, dark puffy eyes, and a triple chin to boot.

Beauty. I have been thinking about this topic for awhile now. I usually do some type of research on the topic I am writing about just to make sure I have some idea of what I am talking about. This time I did not get far. When I googled beauty routine, I was overwhelmed by the ridiculous amounts of results. “80 Beauty Tips & Tricks Every Woman Needs to Know” was when I stopped

http://dailymakeover.com/beauty-tips/

The article has great tips but 80! Sheeeeit I barely get a shower these days, let alone shave my legs. And to worry about a skin care regimen?

Here’s the thing. Women are not supposed to age, wrinkle, grey, sag, or whine. Yet when men go grey they become a silver fox, gain some moobs, and they are dad bod hot. UM NO! I refuse! I have aged more in 4 years of being a mom than I did drinking and smoking every single weekend while eating Mexican food and never washing my makeup off in my 20’s. Now after breastfeeding 2 babies, gaining 60 lbs twice, and never really sleeping again, I look my age and need to get my maintenance on! I AM NOT COMPLAINING! MOM LIFE & PREGNANCY TAKES ITS TOLL.

I can hear the peanut gallery now. Why don’t you stop blogging and go workout?! Why don’t you put your kids down earlier? You should go to church. How many cocktails are we talking about? Try Botox, Pilates, these 8 face creams etc.

It costs a lot of money to look good. Good genes are priceless and you bet your sweet ass I have some great genes. I don’t know about you, but I think I look better than I really do. Until recently when I looked in the mirror I thought “I know I could always look better, but my clothes fit. Considering my mom lifestyle, it was decent.” The first pic is ZERO makeup with my oldest son  🙂 The second was a month ago after getting my hair done with my gorgeous sissy!

IMG_5345

IMG_7808

OH HOW WRONG I WAS! A couple of weeks ago, I had a reaction to my eyelash extensions. My sister is amazing and pays for this lavish unnecessary extravagance, and I have had them on for several months and never had a problem. Anyway I was interviewed for a TV story and we had professional photos taken of my family in our home. After seeing my fat, swollen, round face triple chin on TV and again in this local magazine I was mortified. WTF had I done. Thinking hey “I look good” turned into “HOLY HELL I look like that?!” Instead of feeling excited and empowered my confidence plumeted.

image

Kristy DeBOER On Balancing Work & Life copy

Now I think back to those damn eyelash extensions. Sure enough, when I got them done again, this happened! Last Saturday I woke up like this.

image

 

GROSS! Crusty, red, itchy, burning, and swollen shut. Looks like I have pink eye huh? Nope not pink eye because it went away after using Rhoto eye drops, warm compresses, and taking Benadryl.  The price we pay to look like a beat basic bitch.

I have been getting my hair highlighted and colored since I was in high school. As a blonde its a deal made with the hair devil. I used to get my nails done but that was a budget cut since baby #2. I have NEVER bought expensive makeup. I recently started using a nightly face cream that gave me a HUGE third eye sized zit on my forehead. Then there is the physical and mental maintenance, which I think is the most important, but also for me the most neglected. Exercising is KEY.  It makes me happy, a better mom, wife, and person. But when I do not get much sleep, I forgo my workouts for sleep and bravo in order to continue functioning. Ok, my biggest hurdle FOOD/DRINK. I love to eat healthy, and I hate anxiety. But I still eat Taco Bueno and enjoy a cocktail. I drink A LOT of caffeine. Coffee and Dr. Pepper are my #1’s. I am really trying to drink more water. If you have read my blog at all, you know my stance on mental health.

The terrible 3: Depression, Anxiety & social media  – Just Happy Mommy

The terrible 3: Depression, Anxiety & social media 

Finally fashion. Looking cute is considered maintenance to me. Especially since I work part time at my friends totes adorbs boutique, which is pretty much the only place I shop other than Target or online. Check out Posh online

http://poshtulsa.com/collections/all

When you look cute, you feel pretty. And when you feel pretty it shows. You can have it all goin’ on, but if you DO NOT FEEL GOOD it shows. I love the expression “you can’t polish a turd, but you can roll it in glitter”.  I guess what I have been trying to word vomit out the last 1,000 words is we should age gracefully. Keep a young attitude towards life, and explore different options. Just like my mom says, “what is good for some women does not work for us.” As for me, balance is the key. I want to stay true to me, and I think this article from the local magazine Daily Table explains my outlook on food perfectly. Not only is eating a celebration, but so is life so go take a bite!

XOXO
Just Happy Mommy

Kristy DeBoer On Balancing Work & Life

Reasor’s new magazine Daily Table Interviewed Kristy DeBoer On Balancing Work & Life.

The T’s! Teens, Twos & Threes

Forget the terrible twos it’s all the T ages! It is the terrible teenage months, 2s and 3s. Yes there is actual literature on this. Basically every 6 months they change give or take. New challenges emerge along with new skills and milestones! 

    I have yet to experience the real teenage years with my boys, but from what I remember I was a naughty tease. It makes me have heart palpitations just thinking of how naughty and wild my boys will be. I mean look at that face!!! 

     Anyway, it has been my experience as a mom, specifically to 2 boys, that the age of 15-19 months are some of the hardest. Not to say every age thereafter does not have its challenges. 2 & 3 will come with plenty! 

    Somehow I had forgotten the days of screaming, crying, scratching, biting, and head bashing tantrums of the teenage months. 

    For this is the reason we keep having children. We forget these token tantrums and hellacious times. Somehow it gets thrown down the disposal of memories.

    But now I am in the throes of the floor flailing, end of the world, snotty, crocodile teared tantrums. Come on, you know the ones. Either you feel sorry for the parent because you too have been there, or you think “Ha! My fictional kid’s not going to act like that.” Bahahaha 🖕🏻 Good luck with that. 

    With our first son, I really freaked out. He was an angel baby. Then, around 15 months, it struck! I thought we needed to call a priest for an exorcism because he grew horns and a tail overnight! I, of course, sought the direction and advice of my mom who suggested we go to the PED. He gave us a book called SOS help for the parents.

       It’s kinda like parenting for dummies. Lots of situational examples, and how to react and discipline without spanking or breaking their spirit. 

    So children get frustrated because they can understand what we are saying, but they cannot yet verbally communicate. So we try to teach them sign language for this brief intermission before they start talking nonstop. Our first son signed and learned words very quickly. Our second son, not so much. He just wants his wubba and blankie, and to scream, grunt, point and scratch his way to what he wants. Obvi this is not acceptable. He knows how to sign, and he knows what we are saying. But instead of trying, he gives up and literally slams his head on the tile or concrete floor then looks at me like “WTF? Mom, why did you let me do that?!” Thankfully, I know this is a phase. 

    I would also like to point out that he was the happiest baby on the block (another book and DVD reference) until recently. So many of you are like, “Well, what changed?” Teenager is what changed. Pissed off, frustrated, teething, growth spurting little nuggets who are not babies anymore. Oh the decision to be a baby or a big boy. 

      As you can see the similarities, and almost direct correlation, of the teenage months and the teenage years. Discovery, understanding, boundaries, body changes, and challenging parents. I love the shirt “mom life is the best life”, 

     http://ilycouture.com/products/mom-life-is-the-best-life-sweatshirt?variant=3216305027

     but I also like the one that says “you are why Mommy drinks”. https://www.etsy.com/shop/FiveWildHearts?ref=s2-header-shopname

      
    Clearly I love my boys more than anything or I wouldn’t give two shits about figuring them out or even writing this blog. To all the other moms who are going thru this, it is ok. This too shall pass. 

      
    Raising a strong willed asshole, I mean child, is hard work but it is worth it. Learning, understanding, and gaining patience for your strong little one is one of the best gifts you can give them and yourself. 

    I had to go back to the drawing board on how I am going to parent. There is no magic wand or book or blog that can help you do your job to help your kid learn and navigate this world. 

    Also I did NOT read all these books! I’m more of a rag mag  conisore I respect and admire people who read, I’m just better with pictures. Which is the perfect transition to today and oddly ironic. 

    You want proof? We went to the bookstore today because he had birthday cash burning a hole in his  Avenger wallet, and he had to have immediate gratification. Unable to wait 2 days for Amazon Prime at half the price. 

    The book is called “The Book With No Pictures” by BJ Novak. It is a fantastic book! It came highly recommended by a friend of mine and recently a yellow class favorite! So we went to the book store, and he bought the book with his own money. It really has NO pictures! 

      
    And of course I was beyond proud! Not only did he ask for help to find the book, count his money, and say thank you, but he bought a BOOK with his OWN money! Not a cheap crap toy! 
    Meanwhile this is happening. 

       

      He throws this book on the floor! “Parenting the Strong Willed Child.” Now if that isn’t God speaking to me then I don’t know what is?!?! Plus destroying the checkout display items 😳

    We have come leaps and bounds with my now 4 year old who is so well adjusted, intelligent, kind, and understanding.
    I know his brother will be another beautiful challenge for mommy. So until then, Cheers! Here’s to the T years! 😘🍷

      
    https://www.etsy.com/shop/FiveWildHearts?ref=s2-header-shopname

    Xoxo

    Just happy mommy 

    Mommy Says Bad Words

    You know why Mommy says bad words? Because she can no longer live in the fantasy world of no cussing. After only 4 years of parenting and 2 kids I have reached the “I don’t give a s***,” Mommy says bad words, level. 

    In my very first blog post I promised a few things, one of which was to offend people. So I use curse words which is taboo language and considered offensive and innapropriate. Well I can be both of those things so hence why I enjoy cussing. 

    If you don’t cuss well congrau****lations. Stop reading.

    I love Jesus, but I cuss a little. This is not one of my faith filled posts. 

    Over the holiday break my older son kept telling me, “Mommy you are on the naughty list because you say bad words.”  I responded with, “yes, yes I am, I’m sorry, I will try to do better.” Trying to set an example and clean up my potty mouth especially since I tell him not to say bad words. Do as I say, not as I do mantra. After 2 weeks together, hardly leaving the house, and everyone being sick, I lost it.

    We had stopped at Whole Foods to get the baby allergy friendly food and a slice of pizza for brother. On the way home he asked to listen to the ‘Grinch’ song, then he wants to watch ‘Elf’ the movie. Mind you I am driving, but like many moms I have mastered the keeping your child happy while traveling is key, albeit unsafe. We were almost home and he says “mom the volume, I cant hear it.” As I turned I hit a HUGE pothole, the kind that could easily pop a tire. His pizza went flying to the floor and he started crying. I lost it. I said “F#$% YOUR PIZZA!!!”

    I immediately apologized then I realized I created that little angel/monster. The one in the back seat that wants to hear his jams and watch a movie on a 10 minute ride home while eating a $4 slice of organic pizza!!!

    We got home and I explained to him why mom got upset. Finally I said “honey that is just who I am.” Surprisingly he said “that’s ok Mommy, I love you just the way you are.” WOW. Ok cool.  

    Saying a cuss word is better than throwing something or acting out in anger right?!

    There is new scientific evidence out there that people who cuss have better vocabulary, are more attractive and have less stress… I don’t know if I believe it but HELL I will take it. Here are a few of the articles that back up this amazing claim. 

    http://www.sciencealert.com/people-who-curse-a-lot-have-better-vocabularies-than-those-who-don-t-study-finds

    http://elitedaily.com/news/world/people-curse-time-hotter-confident-less-stressed/994289/

    So why do I cuss and other people do NOT? Well, believe it or not I grew up in a strict household. I got my mouth washed out with soap several times. Enough to remember it was not worth saying bad words. My mom doesn’t cuss and my father is an attorney, haha nuff said. My mom is a straight arrow republican and my dad is a hippie democrat. I think my siblings and I had the best of both growing up. We all took manners classes and cotillion. But we were not overly censored on what we watched or the music we listened to. 

    I minded my P’s and Q’s until college and then I went loco in the cabeza. My husband is always getting on to me about my bad language. 

    I own who I am and being a mom doesn’t change the fact that I cuss and I enjoy it. I know it is frowned upon in general and is extremely frowned upon to cuss on social media. I think the reason is because we are trying to be the best versions of ourselves on fake book yet we should strive to be our authentic selves. I will always try and tame my taboo words around others but I also think teaching my kids self expression and real life language is my perogative. 

    Here are a few examples of why I cuss…

    When you go check on your kid in the bathroom to find the sink overflowing, the toilet clogged and soap all over the mirror, I say WTF?!

    When you see your child falling in slow mo and hit their head and you can’t quite get there in time to prevent the injury, I say S***!

    When your kid wakes you up and says any of the following… “I peed my bed, I’m hungry, I don’t feel good, or just wake up and it is still dark outside, I say DA**it! 

    When you are in the checkout line at the grocery store and you go to pay and realize that you do not have any form of payment because the baby got into your purse and threw your cards somewhere, so you leave with nothing but an empty cart and kids crying and screaming “the food, we need the food, I’m starving, mommy we need the food,” like we cant afford it and I am starving my kids. Meanwhile people are wide eyed and gawking. I want to look back at them and say do you think these clean, well dressed, adorable boys are mistreated or malnourished!??! I want to say “**** no!  So stop judging me you a**holes.”

    I asked my son how he feels when I say bad words he said “Mommy I want you to be happy. Can you do that for me mommy? Just Be Happy.” 

    Well Damn. Out of the mouth of babes. 

    XOXO
    Just Happy Mommy