Getting to Know You Link Up

1. what inspires you?
My husband inspires me to be the best wife I can be and my daughter inspires me to be the best mom I can possibly be. Corney I know but so true!

2. what was the last thing you bought yourself?
Just went to the Banana Republic Outlet last week and got some summer dresses

3. would you rather watch a movie in a theater or from the comfort of your own home?
I love watching movies at home because I like wrapping up in blankets but my husband and I went out to a movie a few weekends ago and I had forgotten how nice it was and how good the popcorn is!

4. household chore you don't mind doing?
mopping

5. coffee or tea?
Both, I love my starbucks but I am from the south so there is nothing better than sweet tea!

6. what could you eat every day and not get sick of??
French Fries- they are my weakness

7. what's the last book you read?
Not a huge reader- Dave Ramsey Financial Peace was probably my last

8. do you think you look you "look" your age?
I think so...maybe a little younger on a good day :)

No Jesus

Just wanted to share a cute story about my little Miss today... When I try to get her to go to sleep I sing Jesus Loves me. I have done it since she was a little baby. Well, little Miss did not want anything to do with a nap today, which, as I am writing, she is still running around. I laid down with her in bed and, as soon as we laid down, she started yelling...No Jesus No Jesus! So, I guess she associates Jesus with naptime. Guess we are going to have to start working on putting some positives around Jesus's name!! After an hour of her doing everything but sleep, I finally gave in and let her be. Sometimes, battles just aren't worth fighting!

Zoo Date

Sunday was beautiful so we decided to take a trip to the zoo. We invited bailey's little boyfriend and his parents along and had a blast. The kids loved the animals and making the animal sounds. Baker is just too cute for words and my little monkey...well, I think she's pretty cute in these pictures too. Mommy had to buy her some new sunglasses at Janie and Jack and she loves them. I have to admit that it really excites me that she loves to wear sunglasses! I had one sleepy little girl Sunday night. She took about a 30 minute nap on the way home from the zoo and probably walked five miles while there!

Thank You Wildcats!!!

This has been a GREAT weekend in our house. The weather was wonderful, I got to shop, and Ben's team won! We are trying to move Bailey back into her room (yes, we are those parents) and she hates her crib so we decided to move her into a big girl bed. I found Pottery Barn bedding that I loved so I went Saturday and bought it. While at the mall, my favorite kids store, Janie and Jack had a 25% off coupon so I bought a few things there. Now that comes to the title of my post...thank you Cats! Ben hates spending money..he thinks I can buy everything I need at Walmart :) He was in such a great mood because of the Wildcats win, he didn't even say a word when he looked at the bank account!! Now, if I can just get them in the Final Four, maybe I can do a little shopping for myself!! Oh, and to Ben's grandma that I know is reading and wanting Bailey pictures.... we went to the zoo yesterday so I will post pics soon!

Isn't this just precious????

Happy St Patty's Day!!

It's St Patty's Day and I'm off work. I had this day planned where I would dress bailey in her cute outfit and take her to ben's office and tehn we would go to lunch. The, ben found out UK plays at 1:45 today si he is leaving work early!! There goes my plans! Bailey's grandparents are coming over to watch the game today so at least they can enjoy her in her cute outfit! We aren't big on corned beef ad cabbage so I think we are going to go with Spinach Dip and cookies!! It is gorgeous here today so we may try to get Daddy to take us to the park after the game! Everyone have a great day and GO CATS!!

This time last year... Sniff sniff

The "Rotation"

I love looking for and trying new recipes! It's very hard for me because my husband is the pickiest eater ever!! No beans, no onions,no fish and pretty much no vegetables. Do you ever have one of those nights that you cook something new and your family loves it? I always ask Ben if it gets put on the rotation. Our Friday meal was one of those, Spinach Cream Cheese Lasagna. I found the recipe off of Faithful Provisions I added some ground turkey to it to keep my husband from freaking out at the "green stuff." He ate it, the baby ate it, and I ate it until we were stuffed..Then, we ate it the next day for leftovers!!! Unheard of in our house! Now, do you ever have those nights that you cook dinner and you think you would be better off throwing it in the trash and going to Wendy's?? That was our last night. I didn't get home until 6 and we were all hungry. I had laid pork chops out which we usually grill but it was raining so I decided to pan fry them. I guess I let it sit too long because I was peeling potatoes so when I put the pork chops in the pan, they started smoking. Then I was going to make mashed potatoes so I decided that I could peel them, cut them, and put them in the microwave. They didn't cook right and I couldn't even mash them up. I've been getting into the organic craze a little lately so I made Annie's Mac and Cheese. It was good but nothing compared to some Velveeta Mac n Cheese. So, last night, we had burnt pork chops, lumpy potatoes, and mediocre mac n cheese. Too pitiful for even a picture! Tonight is Taco Turkey night with Rotel dip so I know it will be a good dinner night!!

Spring Cleaning

Friday was beautiful outside and the sun was shining in my windows...my incredibly dirty windows. It started with me steam mopping the hardwoods then it went to steam cleaning behind and under the couches, then cleaning off the window seal, to then cleaning the windows. As you can see, I had some help from my mini-me. Don't let her fool you, when she wasn't helping, she was messing. Sometimes I feel like I am in a race to clean up faster than she messes up... Oh well, I wouldn't trade a clean house for her in a million years!

Zebra Party!

Kellys Korner is doing Show us Your Kids Bday Parties so I thought I would join in! I never thought of doing zebra for a first birthday party but I fell in love with an outfit on etsy that was zebra and, of course,the party had to match her outfit! Planning a first birthday was alsmost as stressful as planning my wedding! My sweet husband who like the "simple" things in life would just smile and shake his head as I was planning. His project was a slide show of her first year and it was so sweet. The songs we used were. Hey Baby (they play that at the football games and has always made her smile) amd My Girl. I was proud because I made most of teh decorations myself...with a lot of help from my aunt. My favorite decoration was a banner that had her picture for every month of her life and yes, I cried when I was done with it! My favorite project was the cupcake tier that I made... it was so easy and turned out super cute! Her second birthday will be this summer so I guess I need to start planning! I have a feeling it may be scaled back a little! haha I think I was softer colors and maybe a cupcake theme for #2.. Any ideas??

Date Night and GO CATS!!!

This was a great weekend!! Saturday, we planned to meet Ben's parents at a local children's musuem so they could spend some tie with Bailey. We didn't realize it was Dr. Suess day and free. With pouring rain and a full parking lot we decided to go to lunch instead. After lunch, Bailey went shopping with her grandparents and Ben and I went rug shopping. I found a rug that I loved for the living room. It is beige shag. Once we got it home, I hated it!! It completely clashed so we have to take it back. Saurday night, my aunt offered to keep Bailey for Ben and I to have a date night! We went to dinner and a movie. It's so funny because we love date nights but somehow preschool came up in conversation. We try to be just husband and wife on those nights but we can't fight the mommy and daddy thoughts. It was so nice to have a date but I couldn't wait to get to church Sunday to see my girl! Also, speaking of Sunday... who beat the Vols Sunday afternoon?????

On another note, Ben and I are also proud of our Alma Mater.. this has been a tough week for the basketball program. A Lady Raider (Tina Stewart) was murdered Wednesday night. The team, the school, and the community have been heartbroken over the news. The Lady Raiders had a disappointing loss in the Sunbelt Tournament but showed so much strength and class. I was very impressed with the Arkansas State coach who called time-out before their win over the Raiders and asked the girls not to celebrate on the floor out of respect for MTSU and their loss..Very classy coach!!

Bailey Thursday

Even though I am a working mom, I am very lucky to only work 4 days a week. I get my day off which is usually a Thursday. I call this my stay at home mom day. My friend Jessica is expecting her first baby and found out Wednesday she was having a BOY!! She had a little "cough" on Thursday and couldn't go to work so she joined Bailey and I consignment sale shopping. We had the best time! I didn't get any "oh my gosh" clothes for Bailey but I did ok. Pajamas and play clothes for $3, I will defintely take. She got some great deals on little boy clothes. Looking at the baby clothes made me itch a little bit for another! I told Ben that and he said it makes him itch too but more like an allergic reaction itch!! We had lunch at a little meat and three in Franklin called Puckett's. It was incredible! I got home just in time for Bailey to nap and for me to get some housework done. We did go to a baby boutique in Franklin while we were out and I had Bailey in the stroller not paying attention to her and all of a sudden I hear BOWS BOWS BOWS! Bailey saw a rack of bows and had to let me know! She had the whole store cracking up as I explained I have created a little monster!

My name is Melissa and I am addicted to Zulily

If you are reading my blog because you know me, you know that I love dressing Bailey. If you are new to blog, you will soon know that I love dressing Bailey. What you may not know about me is that I love to save money! I rarely buy anything full price for my girl. That is why I have a Zulily addiction. They have name brand clothes each day for usually about 40% off. I bought Bailey Wee Squeak shoes from there that she LOVES! She wants to put them on as soon as she wakes up. I wonder what she is going to do when it is time to wear them to church and mommy takes the squeaker out :) I ordered her Easter dress the other day and it is absolutely precious! I went with blue this year and it is a bishop smock with bunnies. This time of eyar is very exciting for me because it is Consignmet Sale Time!! I get great deals at these sales. I never thought I would buy consignment until her first few months of having clothes that she never wore. I realized kids grow out clothes so fast, they can't wear the clothes out. I hit up consignment sales in the "upper class" communities and get the cutest clothes at a fraction of the price. I also try to get clothes on sale at the end of the season but it gets a little tricky with a little one that you have no idea what size they will be. Another way I save money is sewing. I have just started this hobby but have quickly become hooked. I can make an outfit that I would spend $40 on for $5!Her little pink and white polka dot skirt and turtle top is my most recent project. I also use Ebay to find clothes. She had to have Uggs this winter and I was not going to pay $50 for shoes. I found them for $18 on Ebay! I also shop TJMaxx and Marshalls for one of my fav brands, Ralph Lauren. I outlet shop some but have found the deals there aren't the best for her but for me, I usually only shop at Banana Republic outlet and JCrew outlet.

Blog Party!!!

How would people describe your personality? (If they could only use ONE word.) Are they right?
outgoing and yes I am but there is definitely a part of me that wants to stay inside and not talk to anyone

What celebrity/celebrities would create a “Star-Struck” feeling if you saw them in real life?
Garth Brooks- just saw him in one of the Nashville concerts and I was completely star-struck

Who is your favorite blogger? Why?

I love Kellys Korner- She blogs about real life and doesn't make it sound like she has all the answers

What is your comfort food/drink?
My comfort food is chicken tenders and fries. I am from the south so give me a big sweet tea with that and I am good!

Be brave – tell us something very random and weird about yourself.
I have random thoughts all the time. I will be in the car with my husband and just belt out why do birds fly?

Do you have a strong desire to do something you’ve never done? What is it?
I have a desire to stay at home with my child. I am very lucky that she stays with family while I work and I don't have to do daycare but I feel like I am missing so much!

Movies: Action, Drama, Romantic Comedy, Documentary, Comedy? What are your favorite genres?
I like a different variety of movies. Everything from a good comedy to a drama.. not too much on scary movies though!

Books: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Romance, Biographies, True Stories, Self-Help, Devotional/Study? What are your favorite types of reading material?
Mostly nonfiction but I love Dave Ramsey so I have read his books

Music: Funk, Rock, Country, Jazz, Classical, Film Score, Blues, Classic Rock, Crooner, Alternative, Heavy Metal, Techno? What are your favorite types?
Mostly country but I will branch out a little

If you inherited a million dollars, what is the first thing you would do with your money?
I would stay home with my girl and give money to my church and charities that I support such as St Jude. I would like to say that's all but I would buy a new house, and probably a ton of clothes for Bailey.. I do have a shallow side.
Name one weakness of yours (confession is good for the soul).

I have a weakness for not being satisfied. I want bigger, better.. I am working on it!
If you could live anywhere at all (and take all your loved ones with you), where would you go?
Def Hawaii!!

Strange Talent? Can you juggle basketballs, put your legs behind your head or perform some other strange feat?
Not that I can think of!

What’s something you consider yourself to be good at? (Don’t worry, it’s not bragging, it’s acknowledging a God given gift).
I am good at getting great deals on cute clothes for my girl!!

What is one of your favorite things to catch a whiff of?
cookies baking in the oven!

When you leave a social gathering, do you wish: You would have talked more or You would have talked less?
Hmmm depends on the gathering and who I am around... I have been on both sides on this one

If money wasn’t a factor, what stores would you shop in?
I would still shop everywhere!

What is your greatest fear or strange phobia?
My biggest fear is that something bad will happen to my husband or daughter.. I don't know how I would go on without them

What is your greatest accomplishment?
Being a mommy and learning from mistakes.. I am not the best but I strive hard to be!

What are your favorite animals?
Dogs but after cleaning up after a toddler and a dog, I think fish are pretty cool!

What movie or book character can you most relate to?
hmmm...I really have no clue!

Long time catching up

Three posts in one day has to be a record for me but I haven't blogged in forever and really miss it. I want to get back into it. I enjoy reading blogs and I like having my own so I can go back and see what I was doing 6 months ago. I am horrible at scrapbooking and have not written the first think in Bailey's baby book so, from a blog post over at Kelly's Korner I made a book of her first year at Snapfish. I realized when making this book that I need to blog more so I can remember what happened and when. The book turned out great and I would defintely recommend it, especially if you are like me and are not very good at scrapbooking! Since my last post (before my 3 posts today) I really think Bailey has gone from a baby to a little girl. My heart breaks missing my little baby but this age is sooooo much fun! We play baby dolls, we play kitchen, we shop together, we eat lunch together.... I love it! One thing that I am sure that I will look back and laugh on because I'm not really laughing right now is she will not say mommy! no momma, mommy, mom, nothing!! First, I must explain Bailey in her speech. This child says everything! Daddy, dog, duck, good girl, Pawpaw, shuler (the dog), anything that you tell her to say, she says it...but mommy. When I tell her to say mommy, she says daddy and shows those little dimples. I'm not sure if it's a little joke between her and daddy or she just can't get m's. I will tell her to say mmmmm and she gets that but can't put it with mommy! Hopefully, soon she will say mommy! I am tired of being called Daddy!

Pigeon Forge- Saddle Up

Ben had a business trip planned last week to Pigeon Forge, TN. He is in advertising and PF is his main account. Usually, he will be gone a couple of days during the week when he is away but this trip was going to be all weekend. After trying to decide what Bailey and I would do last weekend, we decided to drive up and meet him. It ended up being beautiful weather and we had so much fun. Thanks to the tourism director, Bailey and I had a pass to pretty much do whatever we wanted for free while we were there. We arrived Friday afternoon and met Ben at a photo shoot he was working on and then did a little outlet shopping..oh, how i love J. Crew! Saturday, Bailey and I went to Wonderworks and played for awhile. Most of the stuff there is a little "big" for her but we found plenty of fun stuff to do. We then went to meet Ben at the Chuck wagon cook off. I have never had chicken fried steak but oh my goodness, it was so good!! Bailey found some ducks at the campground that she fell in love with so we had to talk to the ducks for quite a while. We then went to the Track in PF. They have a kiddie zone with a choo choo train and merry go round. Bailey has never rode any rides so we weren't sure how she would be. Well, she loved the rides, she smiled and laughed while on them and cried her little eyes out when we took her off of them. After, that, we went back to the hotel where my baby passed out for over 3 hours and I snuck in an hour nap and some more shopping while Ben was watching UK on TV. Ben had a full night of photo shoots Saturday night so B and I thought we would just hang out at the hotel but we both started getting bored so we went to the photo shoot to meet up with Ben. The last event was the Western dance. They had a band and Bailey loved it. She shook her little booty to the music and twisted those little feet. I didn't take any pics at the dance but the photographer did so I am hoping he will send them to me. We headed out Sunday morning back home. I am way behind on laundry and housework but it was worth it! We had such a great time!

Thanksgiving through Christmas

Four months since my last post and it seems like an eternity! Thanksgiving was great! We are very blessed to live near both of our families so we are always busy on holidays but it is great! Family is very important to Ben and me and we are so happy we are here in this time in our lives. Christmas flew by and it made me sad because I LOVE Christmas. No cruise this year for Christmas but hopefully we will cruise again next Christmas. To let you know how busy our Christmas is..here we go! Week before Christmas was Ben's Grandma in Kentucky. Back home for Dec 23 at Opryland hotel with Ben's family. Christmas Eve morning was our little Christmas at home, then we rushed to my Grandmother's house Christmas Eve night. Christmas morning, we woke up and went to my brother's for breakfast and Ben's parent's for lunch. A quick trip that night to visit Ben's friend and his family and we were home! Bailey was completely spoiled for Christmas. She got a kitchen, dance star mickey, princess table and chairs...to much to list. I have to admit, I was a little spoiled too. Diamond earrings from Ben, a new sewing/monogram machine from dad, new food network cookware from Carol, and a sewing table from Ben's parents!

Yes, that is chocolate on her Strasburg dress

Mommy's first monogram project!