What are you still doing over here!

What are you still doing over here . . . you're missing great blog fodder over here. Ok, well maybe not great, but get over there anyway!

I've moved . . .

Well, if you're looking for me, I'm here now! So, don't forget to change your favorites or google reader or whatever you use!

See you there!

www.crazydaysofsummer.com

Updates and more . . .

Well, I've settled on a new name and DCRmom is working on the design. We should have everything up and running here soon. Since it will be a new name and new blog, all of you who use Google Reader or some other program will need to change the feed to the new address.

Other updates, potty training is going well. We've had success if both areas, #1 and #2. We still have random accidents, but for the most part, I can say our little Maddy is potty trained! And in her words, I'll say "YIPPEE!"

I've got so much to write about. But, first things first, I'll need to set up the new blog today so that my wonderful blog designer can showcase her work. Stay tuned, 'cause when I finally do get everything up and running, I'll have to tell you how extremely pleased I am with the work and advice that she has provided to me.

What I've been up to

Well, I've never fancied myself as a "Susie Homemaker" type. In fact, I'd describe myself as the farthest women from that. But, since becoming a stay-at-home-mom, I've had the urge to delve into things that never interested me before. So, while I was in Ohio, with a mother-in-law who is practically an expert at sewing, I knew I needed to take the opportunity to learn a few "skillz"!

So, I picked up two patterns, borrowed one sewing machine and dove right into sewing. And with the much needed help from my mother-in-law, this is the end result:


Isn't she the cutest thing EVER! And I just love this little outfit on her. What's that you ask? Yep! I even made the little ruffles. "Everything from the scratch," as Hubby would say!

So, after I conquered that, I knew Baby Lulu also needed an outfit. And this is what I came up with:



And this little outfit is a little too big for Baby Lulu right now. But I can just picture her wearing it this summer.

After these two outfits, I got to thinking and wanted to make some other little things for Maddy and Baby Lulu. And, I began to wonder, how can I simplify the process and this is what I came up with:



And here's a closer look:



I bought this little knit outfit for $5. And it definitely needed something. So, I found this ribbon and decided to trim the top and bottom with it. Cute, huh? And easy peasy!

So, anyone have any sewing tips, tricks or projects you'd like to share. I know my sis-in-law in Kansas is a sewing genius also -- maybe she'll take this opportunity to comment publicly (hee! hee!)

An apology to my dear husband

Why is it that the things that we hold most dearly in our hearts are the things that we hold most loosely in our hands? Wouldn't you think we would have learned this lesson by now? You know, to hold on tight and never take anything or anyone for granted?

I think back to yesterday. I was all in a tizzy because I had an appointment to meet with the CPA. I hurriedly dropped my husband off at the airport for his week long trip, gave him a rushed kiss goodbye and an "I love you" he could barely understand, and off I went to the appointment. As I drove there, a million "to do's" ran through my mind. Never once did I think that in the blink of an eye, that rushed kiss could be the last time my lips ever touch my husband's lips. Or that mumbled "I love you" might be the last thing I ever get to say to him.

But, the thought crossed my mind last night . . . and I was sad. And ashamed. Because anyone who knows me knows that losing my husband would be the most devastating thing in the world to me. In fact, it's hard for my little brain to comprehend how I could function and keep living my life without him. I know that my Lord Jesus Christ would somehow carry me through . . . but it just seems impossible. I guess what I'm saying is the goodbye I gave him yesterday (and I ashamed to say several other times) was/is not at all representative of my love for him. And it should be. That kiss should be a kiss that carries him through the whole week and makes him look forward to coming home. And that I love you should ring so clear that it echoes in his heart and mind until he's back with us again.

Hubby, I love you very much and so appreciate all that you do for me and our family. I'm sorry for not giving you the attention that you deserve. I look forward to the day when I can wrap my arms around you again. Ok, if my parents or my in-laws and reading this, close your eyes ---- XXXOOO (I mean, who wants your parents or his to see you kiss right?)

Potty Training Camp: Day 3

Well, only good news to report. All is going well in our big girl potty and panty world. Here are the stats:

#1 in the Potty 5
#2 in the Potty 0
#2 on the floor but actually was the fault of the adult in charge 1
Near misses 0
Times Maddy went Potty by herself 1 (you go girl!)

Maddy, Mamma is soooooo proud of you!

To My Wonderful Friends Over At the Food Network:

(A letter I drafted to the Food Network)
I just wanted to write you a short little note to let you know just how much I (and my hubby) have enjoyed your channel. I've learned so much over the past couple of years. By the way, while I've got your attention, could you tell Paula I said "hey y'all!" Anyway, I was just sitting around thinking today, 'cause that's what we stay-at-home-mom's do you know, sit on the couch and eat bon bon's all day, anyhoo . . . yes, back to thinking, and I came up with this great idea for a new show. Seeing as how I'm never able to complete Rachael's 30-minute meal in just 30 minutes, or Sandra Lee's Semi-Homemade Meals EVEN.THOUGH.THEY.ARE.SEM-I-HOMEMADE, I thought I'd throw my name in the hat for a new show. Ya know, somethin' to spice things up a bit. And I thought I'd call it Chaos in the Kitchen!Has a nice ring to it! Now you just wait a minute! Before you start jumping to conclusions, let me finish telling you about it. I'd thought I could attempt to make some very family friendly, culinary works of art that are staples in every household (like fried spam and mac-n-cheese) . And just to shake it up a bit, I thought I'd do it all while my two little ones (Maddy age 2.5 and Baby Lulu age 1) were running around the kitchen. 'Cause let's face it, that's real life for ya people! And I might even have to balance the littlest one on my hip while cooking 'cause she's quite the "Mama's Girl" if you know what I mean. But no worries, I'll only have to stop 3 or 4 times to hand the two of them juice, or crackers, or yell for my husband to GET.EVERYONE.OUT.OF.THE.KITCHEN.RIGHT.THIS.MINUTE.BEFORE.I.REALLY.START.HOLLERIN. Oh, and I thought you might want to give me a little more than an hour to fix said culinary work of art because, well, it is a work of art and I will be wrestling two kids. And maybe I could answer a cell phone call or two while I'm at it. You know, just for added excitement. What you think?

Well, why don't you just pass that idea around the board room for a couple of days. No need to answer my letter immediately. I'll just be waiting here patiently and continuing to watch my favorite shows as always.

The Queen of Chaos in the Kitchen

Potty Training Camp: Day 2

Ok, today was rough -- not just with potty training but just the day itself. So, this will be short and sweet:

#1 in the Potty: 4.5
#1 near misses: .5
#2 in the Potty: 0
#2 in panties: 1
# of times Maddy said that SHE.DID.NOT.NEED.TO.GO.POTTY 1,234,365,890,907

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to sit in the corner of the bathroom in a fetal position and cry while banging my head against the wall.

Potty Training Camp: Day 1

Well, I got Maddy out of bed this morning and I said,
"Maddy, NO.MORE.DIAPERS!"
Maddy, wiped her eyes, smiled at me and said,
"Okay, Mama."
So, we took her diaper off and the child has been running around, mostly bare bottomed for the better part of today.

What are the stats you ask?

Accidents 0
#1 in the potty 5
#2 in the potty 0
Near misses 0
False alarms 3
Bribes 0
Warnings from Mama to Maddy not to "peepee" on anything that is Mama's 1,087,754,467 (okay, maybe not that many!)

Crossing my fingers that Day Two goes just as well!

Wordless Wednesday

Oh no! Someone call the doctor! My child is suffering from "Stickeritis"!

For more Wordless Wednesday, go here.

Tackle it Tuesday

What am I tackling today? Well, besides two children and a husband (just kidding you guys!), I've got a whole list of other things to accomplish today. It's funny(not really), I had an ongoing list since last week. I just keep adding to it and marking off. Will my list ever be completed? Will I ever look at it and think, "wow, I have nothing to do!" Didn't think so!

Anyway, today's list includes bedroom work:

1) Wash all the sheets in the house;
2) Dust all bedrooms;
3) Vacuum floors of all bedrooms;
4) Dust blinds in the bedrooms;
5) Drop off tax info to accountant;
6) Send out thank you card to friends.

I think that's enough for today 'cause you mamas know that I have to add this list to the normal daily stuff that I need to accomplish (dinner, dishes, laundry, wiping noses, . . .)!

What are you tackling today? To see more Tackle it Tuesday posts, go here

What's the deal with tipping?

Can someone enlighten me, please?

Yesterday, I strolled into Olive Garden to purchase a gift card. And can I just say it smelled sooooo good in there that I almost told the hostess, "yes, seating for one, I'll be dining alone." But, guilt got the best of me and I just asked her where I could purchase a gift card. Darn that guilt, darn it! I then directed to the bar area where I was greeted by the bartender (or is it bartenderess?). We exchanged friendly banter and finally, I got around to asking to purchase the gift card, to which she obliged. One swipe of the gift card and then one swipe of my credit card, and voila, I was ready to be on my way. The only thing left to do was sign the credit card receipt. And there it was! The blank tip line staring me slap dab in the face. What do I do? Oh, I dread these types of situations. I mean, the girl was nice and all, but did she really do anything that warrants a tip? Is it industry standard to tip for ringing up an item? Furthermore, is she expecting a tip? Or is it just that the tip line is there for, you know, those drinking customers and dining in the restaurant and it's not like she could remove it or anything?

You tell me on etiquette experts on the internet --- do you tip in this situation?

By the way, did you know Olive Garden gift cards are also valid at Red Lobster? Yes way! That's what she told me!

I'm running out of time . . .

So, without further ado . . . look over there to the right in my sidebar -- or your left if your back is facing the computer (ha! ha!)Hey! Just go with it people ok? Go ahead and make your selection(s). Vote for your favorite(s). The poll will be up until March 31st. Then, I'll select my winner for the $25 Amazon.com gift card.

VOTE NOW . . . please and thank you!

Happy Easter!

Jesus is Alive!

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.

Matthew 28: 1-9 NIV

Don't quit your day job!

Well, my friends, I'm sorry to say that I will not be entering the field of refrigerator repair anytime soon. My diagnosis was completely inaccurate. Instead, we had a bad defrost timer ?!? (BTW, that would have been my second guess wink!wink!) Anywhoo, glad to report that all is cold again in the Striving home. Our milk is cold, our butter is firm, and mamma is happy, again!

Striving for some sanity!

Can I just say, there a three things that a Florida girl never wants to be without:

1) Air Conditioning
2) Water
3) A Refrigerator -- Uggh!

I love my Kenmore stainless steel refrigerator. It's so sleek & stylish. However, I'd love it more, if I didn't keep having to replace the compressor relay! Last August, I learned a hard lesson. After noticing that everything in my freezer was melting, I attempted to self diagnose fridge. I took everything out -- did the hairdryer thing. You know? Trying to defrost it!?! Why? I'm not sure. There was no ice built up or anything like that. I just remember seeing my parents do something to that effect when I was younger. Well, after I had wasted the day trying everything I could think of, it was far too late to call a repairman. Hubby was out of town and my food was spoiling each minute, as I struggled to call friends and family and ask to borrow coolers to put the food in. Needless to say, the repairman came out the next morning and fixed the problem. But the food? Nope, the food didn't make it. So, not only was I left with a $140 refrigerator repair bill, but a big 'ole grocery bill to boot!

So, last night when I noticed Maddy's milk didn't seem as cold as it should be, I alerted hubby, who quickly went into "refrigerator repairman" mode and grabbed his tool box. He unscrewed, yanked, wiggled, unplugged, reset and voila . . . nope, didn't work! I'm almost positive it is the same deal as last time. Only this time, I think we're going to be able to save the food IF the repairman would GET.HERE.ALREADY! He's 15 minutes late!

I'll let you know how it turns out . . . just thought you might want to know what's going on in our household today . . .

Well, that's not the only thing! We WILL be dying Easter eggs tonight! And I'll have to tell you about our Easter Party we attended yesterday!

What's that? A knock at my door? Aarrggghhh! Just a Baby Lulu! Mr. Refrigerator Repairman . . . WHERE ARE YOU?

This out of the mouths of babes!

Maddy and Mommy headed home from the store -- only the two of us in the car. Picture this: it's completely dark outside and Maddy has on her pink sunglasses, her diva sequin bag draped on her arm which is securely holding her money (60 whole cents!)

Mommy: "Maddy, you're such a silly turkey!"

Maddy: "Why tank you mudder!"


*Want a $25 giftcard to Amazon.com? Well then go here.

Got a favor to ask of you . . .

I know! The nerve of me . . . being gone so long and all and here I just show up and ask for favors. But, in my defense, I REALLY do need your help. Because, well . . . I'm about as creative as . . . well . . . I'M NOT! And I've asked someone to help me redesign my blog. New title, new tag line, new look . . . that's right folks -- I'm sparing no expense to bring a little sunshine to my bloggy audience. But, this is where I run into problems. What in the world am I gonna name the new blog??? And this is where the favor comes into play . . . I know that there are a lot of creative juices packed into my most favorite bloggy readers (ahem . . . that's you!) Can you all atleast just point me into the right direction! Here are some things you might want to know:

1) I'm a stay-at-home mom to two little girls
2) I'm a girly girl -- love polka dots, handbags and shoes
3) I'm married to a wonderful man - who is, unfortunately, absentee ALOT -- which makes for good blog fodder!
4) My name is Summer and I love warm weather, walks on the beach, christian music (oh my . . . this sure sounds like I'm soliciting a mate instead of a blog title!)

Anyhoo . . . I guess you can get started from there. I've actually thought about creating a name centered about my name. You know, somehow incorporating Summer in title or artwork!?!

So, if you don't mind, give it some thoughts and leave me some answers in my comments. Once I receive a few nominations, I'll add a poll some you all can vote. And for the most creative person who submits the winning entry, you'll receive a $25 Amazon.com giftcard. That's right . . . I take care of my peeps!

Ok . . . go forth and be creative!

I'LL BE BACK!

Hi there! No, I haven't forgotten about all of you. I'm back in Florida and just trying to get caught up. It's our busy rental season for our vacation condo and I'm doing all I can to keep my head about water. BUT . . .

I promise I'll be back with a new design and some blog worthy material . . . soon!