{10 Spot Time}

It's {10 Spot Time} again:

1. I am really excited about “girls day out” tomorrow (Wed.). We are heading out for a day of shopping, lunch and ending the night with a movie- finally, we are going to see Beastly- I think it will be the perfect ending to our girls day- what’s more girly than a good dose of love?!?


2. I am disgusted with the weather, yes I know disgusted is such a harsh word, but it’s so true…well, not necessarily today, today was really nice- it was a break from the dreary. Beautiful sunshine in the 70’s, but tomorrow and every other day this week is supposed to be back to the cooler temperatures and rain. Seriously, the days are dragging because of the weather you have no idea how ready I am for more today’s. I guess the “spring showers” saying is proving all too true- in this case I would like for it to be proven wrong…at least every once in a while.


3. I Love the love I get from my kid and the sweet little things he says for example: random kisses and hugs, out of the blue “I love you’s,” when he cups my face in his hands and tells me that I’m the best, when I tell him that he’s my favorite and he asks “favorite prize?!?” I answer with, “yes, baby you are my favorite prize!” he goes out of his way to pick every flower along the way for me, coloring his hands a bright shade of yellow.- just to name a few…(my heart melts) yes, he is a sweet heart.



4. I have recently found a site that GIVES you a free 8x10 gallery wrapped canvas or $50 towards any size- WHAT?!? Seriously, FREE. Of course, you have to pay shipping and handling but that I expect. I am REALLY excited. I can’t tell you how long I have wanted to buy one but they are fairly expensive and for me it’s so hard to decide what picture I would use if I had to buy one. I have an idea I am going to try my best to execute to make it look more like a piece of art work derived from a portrait. If it turns out the way I have it pictured in my mind- it will be great, can’t wait to find out.


5. Tonight I am thinking how much I would LOVE to have a cold Mello Yellow on the rocks. I haven’t had one (or anything- non diet) in, oh…about 6 months, MAYBE MORE! I have done SO good, but whew tonight the craving lingers. Luckily, there is nothing like that anywhere in the house because it would be my temptress. I guess I must settle for a Coke Zero- although really good and SO close to a regular coke, it’s just not the same.


6. I recently read something that I really loved. I love when something I read jumps off the screen that’s so profound and opens my eyes- so I shall share it with you in bold, so it has more of a “jumping of the screen effect!” “In nearly every story, the protagonist is transformed. He’s a jerk at the beginning and nice at the end. If the character doesn’t change, the story hasn’t happened yet. And if the story is derived from real life, then life itself may be designed to change us, so that we evolve from one kind of person to another.”


7. I do not like working out at night, but I do know sometimes life calls for it, like today. I had stuff to do all during the day and just was not able to get to it any sooner. I must say it’s not my favorite.


8. Last night we watched “Knight and Day” and I must say I was not feeling it. I mean, it was a cute movie- I reckon! I just didn’t get the whole Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz together, their chemistry, to me was major bleh. I’m not a huge fan of Cameron so that was a downside and although Mr. Cruise in his Ray Baan’s wasn’t half bad to look at for an hour and forty minutes or so- the story line was just ok. I guess after recently having watched the Tourist- and the two KINDA being of the same genre; Knight and Day doesn’t hold a candle. On a positive note: at least it was a free rental!


9. We went to the mall this passed Friday with twelve minutes until closing. I got $26.00 worth of free goodies thanks to birthday coupons! One of my goodies being body spray from bath and body works. I chose their new scent called “carried away” and oh.my.goodness, it smells SO good- I think that it’s their best smelling one yet. I love free stuff and good smelly stuff; it makes for a happy momma.


10. I LOVE those wire head massager things, at first they send tingles all down my body as it paves the way to soothe city.

our week in pictures.

Here is our week in pictures- Sunday thru Saturday. It's something a little different for you, highlighting most of our days or at least a little part of them. There isn't a time that I am without some form of camera to snap some shots here and there- some of them were taken with the big camera and others with my cell phone- of course, you will be able to tell a difference in the quality-I wish they all were taken with my big camera but sometimes it's the only one I can grab quick enough and in those moments I am thankful that I have one on hand.

*Nana surprised Lo with a new baseball glove. He is all boy when it comes to sports and hasn't found one that he doesn't love to play, especially baseball. He is such a great sport, he has a great arm and catches like a champ. I can see us now- in a couple years juggling all his activities- I am excited already, not to mention how darling he will be in his uniform(s)!

*Earlier this week the weather was SO much nicer than what the week has ended on. Our neighborhood is mostly up hill- so in addition to my workout(s) I decided that me and Lo would go for a brisk walk, enjoy the beautiful weather, each other and some fun conversation! (That's him making his "chkn" face like his Papa for the picture :)). Now, I am so glad that we did because it seems as if the beauty will never return to us...even though I know it will.

*We have recently discovered a GREAT restaurant, Cheddars Casual Cafe' (oh my goodness, it's SO yummy, there isn't a thing I have tried that wasn't great and the prices are just as terrific). Since our discovery we try to frequent it as often as we can and so we did Tuesday night. (btw, that outfit on my kid is just TOO cute- I got it last year end of season at Children's Place for a total of $4.00- for the shirt and shorts- who doesn't just LOVE a deal like that?!)

*Nothing like good snuggle time with daddy after work while watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse... You know who rules in our house! :)

*YAY, FAMILY FUN DAY!!! Y'all already know we had a great time at Chuck E. Cheese's (cuz I told ya) well, here is a couple pictures for your viewing pleasure. It's all he has talked about since, asking often to go back- reminding us just how much fun it really was (momma smiles!). We went later in the afternoon- which was a GREAT idea because it was hardly busy AT ALL- we kinda had the place, almost to ourselves. It will definitley be revisited, often.

*Family Fun Day...CONT. Shopping at Target, of course. We have to visit it at least once a week. Isn't he just SO handsome- silly face and all.

*Target was a success- ending with a ring sucker purchase. There is nothing like the happiness that's captured in this picture, I think we could all use a little dose of that.

*Dinna with the family is always loads of fun. He loves his BFF Kenzie, but geez louise, they fight like brother and sister.

*Woohoo...A DATE?!? Could it be?!? Yes, indeedy. After dinner with the family last night we went to the movies with my sister, brother and the girlfriend. My Mom took Lo back home so that he could get in bed and so that we could enjoy a little time out. The movie was good, really good. I loved the way they depicted the story, the time period and the overall dramatics of it- definitley worth seeing.

Here's to the week ahead and all the goods it will hold. Friday is April, holy smokes- that's almost hard to believe. I'm looking forward to every single day.

a note to spring.

Dearest Spring...

Dearest Beautiful Days...

Where have you gone?

You gave us several amazingly beautiful days

and now we are left with dreary and dreadful.

We want sunshine and happiness-

Just take a look at my adorable kid in his spring attire-

the colors alone scream joy.

I was just getting him used to his little body not being

completely covered-

and making up stories about how high his sandals make him jump

so he would love them.

We are so tired of long sleeves and our toes being covered-

Please don't play hard to get-

Please, OH, Please...come back to us,

We will LOVE you forever!

Yours Truly,

Momma.Ratzzi 10 Spot.

It’s that time again, well it’s probably already passed the time, in fact I know it is. It’s time for Momma.Ratzzi 10 spot. The Top 10 things on my mind RIGHT NOW- although probably more than 10. Here goes:

1. I am missing the hubs this morning. Yesterday was his weekday off, and we always try to use those days as family fun days- we did a good job at that yesterday, it was a great day, indeed!! He got up early for a service call before me and Lo even got up, when he returned he and Lo cut the grass while I worked out and showered. My mom and I went for a pedicure, which was really nice for $11- oh yea! When I got home we made our way to Knoxville for a day at Chuck E. Cheese’s. We played games, ate pizza and had SO much fun. Lo dreamed about his “tickets” last night and wanted to go back first thing this morning. So not only am I thinking that I miss my hubby, I am thinking how much I LOVE FAMILY FUN DAYS!

2. The Tourist with Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp is a really good movie. We watched it last night after getting the kiddo to bed and really enjoyed it. I do, of course, recommend it.

3. Charleston, enough said. I have a strong hankering to be there. I know y’all have heard me say it a million times over- but it is my most favorite of places. We talked about taking a spontaneous trip down there Tuesday night and being there for our family fun day- but opted out- bleh. We’ll eventually heed to his calling.

4. Eeek…my birthday will be here before I know it. I’m excited- I’m always excited about birthdays. I found a dress for the special day- but I’m not sure if it’s pretty enough, so I am still on the prowl- I don’t want to end up wearing the same ole’ same ole.

5. While in NC. last weekend, I had three sessions with families- they went great and it was so good to see everyone. Since taking their family portraits I have had a STRONG desire to have my own family pictures taken- it just not that simple when you are the girl behind the camera. I guess I’m gonna have to set up the tripod and tickle the kid ‘til I get a smile, lol.

6. I think I wanna go tanning- but it’s SO boring laying in the tanning bed- unless of course I’m dog tired and can go to sleep.

7. I have a mountain of laundry that needs to be folded and OH MY GOSH I cannot summon the energy to do it, lol. I have plenty of energy I just LOATHE folding clothes. I wonder if I can talk the hubby into doing them?!?! Bless his heart.

8. My allergies are really acting up today, ugh. I can’t seem to itch my nose good enough and it’s driving me CRAZY!

9. I have all intentions of wearing a bathing suit at the beach this year. I haven’t worn a bathing suit since I was preggers, I just didn’t feel comfortable. But this year, it is my goal to wear it and feel good about it. I already have it out as inner motivation!

10. I accomplished a goal, more of an unspoken goal really, something that I hoped I would accomplish this year and I did. I consider myself more of a portrait photographer, rather than landscapes, objects, etc… On occasion I will photograph those things- especially when on a holiday. I was so excited when I was contacted by someone that wanted to BUY a portrait that I had taken- not one that I had taken for them- but one I had taken a while back for my own keeping. A landscape portrait- it felt incredibly good to accomplish that goal, it definitely makes me smile when I think about a portrait that I took will be hanging on someone’s wall as an art piece.

Lucky to be Blessed.

May the sun shine, all day long,
everything go right, and nothing wrong.
May those you love bring love back to you,
and may all the wishes you wish come true.

flashback.

I am convinced that the 80's and 90's were the best time to be a kid, even teen for that matter. I guess because those are my "days of yore." Those days hold great memories for me along with their fair share of embarrassing ones as well. They hold fashions that today leave me thinking, "WHAT WAS I THINKING?!? or WHY DID MY MOM DO THAT TO ME?!?" Toys that were wayyy too cool and t.v. shows that still to this day bring a smile to my face when I think about them. Are y’all ready for a flashback?!?! Here’s my list of favorites from my 80’s and 90’s:

*Slap Bracelets

*Hello Kitty & Friends

*Watch Rings

*Pound Puppies

*Rescue Rangers

*M.A.S.H- LOVE THIS GAME

{Mansion, Apartment, Shack, House}

*Duck Hunt on Nintendo

*Pogs/Slammers

*Trapper Keepers

*Rufio, Rufio, RUFIOOOO

{ya know, from HOOK}

*Mood Rings

*BSB, NKOTB, NYSYNC

{BSB- my MOST FAVE}

*Teddy Ruxbin

*Cabage Patch Kids

*Darkwing Duck, Ducktales and Gummi Bears

*Gumby

* LA Gear light up shoes

*Curly shoe laces

*Crimped hair

*Side Pony Tail

*Scrunchy socks {layered for that extra cool}

*Stir-up pants

*Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

*Dying your hair with kool-aid

*Full House, Family Matters,

Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Punky Brewster

*Squeeze Its juice

*Jelly Shoes

*Skip It

*Mickey Mouse Club

*Saved by the bell

*Perms, side parts and wings

*Doc Martens

*Knee high leggins w/Mary Janes

{made popular by Clueless}

*Bedazzle

*Trolls

*Rhinestone belt buckle

*Carmen San Diego

*Dodgeball & Hopscotch

*Bubble Yum Bubble Gum

*Big Chew Bubble Gum

*Orbitz Drink {the coolest drink EVER}

*Cigarette Gum

*Caboodles

*RAT TAILS=sexy

*Espirit

*Parachute Pants

{best known as MC Hammer Pants}

*Alf

*Dinosaurs {loved that show}

*Bobby's World

{my hubby can sound JUST like him}

*Goosbumps

*The Baby Sitters Club

*NICK CARTER {favorite crush}

*Tiger Beat & Bop

*Classic McDonald's Happy Meal Toys

*Tamagotchi

*Popples

*Slimer Hi-C {yum}

*Push Pops

{I pretended mine was lipstick}

*Warheads

*Tee Shirt Clips

*Razzles

*Care Bears

*Lisa Frank

*Power Rangers

*Lip Smackers

Ok...So what am I forgetting?!? Because I know there HAS to be more!

*note: I was going to add pictures of some of the items listed above- but blogger was being a booger- shucks! :)

the weekend confession.

I accidentally fibbed yesterday when I said that I hadn't made or created anything recently. I guess I had forgotten about a few things because I was still waiting on them to arrive, and they did, today! Here are my latest "works."

I made this one for my darling hubby. I love, love, love the saying and because it was a "once upon a time" quote- I wanted to make the picture itself look like an "antique" letter with the coloring, writing and the stamps.

I made these for the kiddo's playroom! We hardly have anything hanging on the walls- although, we are working on getting some posters of his favorite movies to hang-but in the mean time I wanted to do a couple little "art pieces" to give the room a more personal touch.I just love the way that they turned out. The whimsical alphabet (highlighting his initials) and his sweet sweet silhouette profile!

I love the way they all turned out- and I love knowing that I made them- that makes them all the more special! The day was beautiful- despite the kiddo not feeling 100% we spent a while outside playing and running around until, bless his heart he was ready to not be outside anymore- so we took a lil' backwards walk to Nana & Papa's to visit them for a bit. We had dinner out and did a little shopping. I got some super cute clothes, including my "possible" party dress and Lo got "BIG BUZZ"- the one with buttons just like the movie. He was THRILLED and doesnt want to put it down. I got him the plush Buzz and Woody for Valentines and when he opened them he went right to pushing the buttons on Buzz and was disappointed when they didn't work, "batteries" he said. Bless his little baby heart- but now he has the Buzz with buttons. He has been flying around the house all night saying "the infinity and beyond!" TOO PRECIOUS! Tomorrow we have plans on going to G'Burg to hang out- not sure if we will actually make it or not- it all depends on how the baby is feeling, I just hate him being so sniffly.

The hubby and I have been on a movie kick recently, just this week we have watched Morning Glory, Life as We Know It, Love and Other Drugs, Faster and we are starting Pandorum tonight. WOW- that is A LOT! See, I told ya. I am looking forward to this coming Tuesday- the Fighter and Here After comes out, I think both of them will be really great. Aside from watching movies at home we have a list of movies to see in the theater and not enough date days or nights to fit them all in- what are we to do?!? The next day he has off during the week we will be having ourselves a lil' date (I'm sure)- and hitting up the theater. Red Riding Hood, Beastly, The Adjustment Bureau?!? Deciding what we will see will prove to be the hardest decision. The hubby said we may just see two in the same day- it would be something we have never done before, we would be killing two birds with one stone and of course, having a great time out together... Speaking of which, we purchased two movie tickets on living social's daily deal the other day for a whopping total of $9.00- what a GREAT DEAL! They will come in VERY handy here pretty soon!!

Here's hoping your weekend is treating you splendid- I'm off to snuggle up and watch a movie with my love. xoxo.

Momma.Ratzzi 10 Spot.

As the week comes to a close and the weekend sheds it's glorious light (so thankful for that)- I will share the top ten things on my mind- at the moment, it changes quiet frequently.

Momma.Ratzzi 10 spot:

1. This week has just been crazy. The first few days of the week were…what’s a nice way to say it "in the dumps!" Wednesday, mostly. I guess every once in a while we are due our "day(s)."

2. REALLY wishing that the kiddo would get over this seasonal cold that he has. It NEVER fails- every.time.the.seasons.change he gets sick. Nothing major, stuffed up/runny nose, itchy watery eyes. My fingers were crossed that a cough wouldn't be added to that list of unpleasantries but unfortunately, yesterday it did. I am so very thankful that this sick thing doesn't make a habit of rearing its ugly head. We are SO blessed to have such a healthy kid.

3. I “like” Mumford & Sons- really LOVE.LOVE.LOVE is more like it. Their music is AH-MAZING. They are AH-MAZING. If you can’t see the love, I could go on…I recently found out about a specific tour they are a part of, “The Railroad Revival.” It’s a week long outdoor concert series, launching in April (the month of my birth)- M&S along with Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and Old Crow Medicine will be traveling via vintage railcars across the southwest. HOW COOL IS THAT?!?! Most shows are already sold out and they aren’t anywhere close to us (of course). There is a show in New Orleans on April 27th that at this time isn’t sold out! Of course the hubby jumped all over it knowing my love of them and quickly stated that WE SHOULD GO- honestly, y’all- I WOULD LOVE to, like beyond LOVE, just the thought of it is exciting. BUT…I just can’t leave my kid. I did in January, and aside from the fact that I enjoyed my fool self to death I missed him like CRAZY and can’t stomach the thoughts of it again! As much as I LOVE M&S- and the thoughts of going on a trip to somewhere that is in fact on my “list”- I love my kid more! I am in hopes of a closer show in my future.

4. Super excited that I have lost 7lbs since starting my workout journey a little over 30 days ago. I have a goal set that I hope to reach by my birthday for a super swanky outfit. Fingers crossed, I will reach it. {On another note- the hubby is doing just SUPER he has lost a total of 13lbs. Yay for him. MAY I JUST ASK, WHY IN THE WORLD DO GUYS LOOSE SO MUCH MORE -SO MUCH QUICKER THAN GIRLIES?!? GAH!}

5. I am anxiously awaiting pictures to arrive in the mail for my Project Life- it has been 8 days since I ordered them and I am getting a LITTLE bit antsy. I have been at a stand still working on my book and I am ready to get started back. As soon as I get caught back up, of course I will share with you my progress, because I love it so!

6. family: nuff said. They are always on my mind. I saw this quote the other day, I think it’s actually a spanish quote translated non-the-less I just loved it and find it beautiful and so true: “An ounce of blood is worth more than a pound of friendship.” In addition to family and being a family- I’m working harder at being a better mom and wife, daily. Less facebook and blogging and focusing more on my lover boys- letting NOTHING overshadow that- they are what’s most important and I want them to constantly know that in all ways.

7. “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” is a part of my DAILY routine. By the end of the day I have a hard time getting the “hotdog song” out of my head- I must admit it is fun to dance around to.

8. I’m itching for the fuji mini instax camera- it is on my birthday wish list- fo sho!

9. Dying to have CHINESE. We still have not found a good chinese place here in the GSM, so unfortunate.

10. I am itching to create and make things. My creative side is lacking. Someday’s I got it and others… well, I DON’T. I shared with y’all my Pom-Pom necklace and Tee-shirt scarf, but that has been the extent of it (BLAH). I guess I “create” best behind a camera and I’m ok with that!! I did start creating in the kitchen this week- yep, it was my start of “rekindling the kitchen”- On Monday, I made bbq sandwiches, slow cooked the meat- it was so tender it just melted- that was the extent of it, yep, certainly didn’t go the way I planned AT ALL. Family was in- therefore it called for eating out. Then baby was sick so I was busy taking care of him, so on and so forth. Hopefully this coming week will go as planned- let’s hope anyway.

love for my love.

Hus: all things considered- I love you...like, a lot and everyday there's more of it, it increases in volume- guaranteed. you're the funnest, coolest, best dude eva. xoxo

giggle.

things that make me giggle.