Life | Momma Go Round

Dear Peanut

May 14, 2012 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 50 Comments

Dear Peanut,

We are so excited to finally have you on the way to our little family. We’ve been hoping for you for almost a year now, and finally you are on your way.

I’m already anxious to know who you will be and what you will look like. Will you have your Daddy and brother’s cute little no butt? Will you have my eyes? Will you share your brother’s love of Thomas? Will you follow in his little footsteps, or will you carve your own path?

Whoever you are, whatever you will be, we all love you already. You are lucky to have LJ as your big brother, as long as he doesn’t love you to death. He may be taking over my title of Most Affectionate Person In The World. I hope you enjoy all his hugs and kisses as much as Daddy and I do. We can’t wait to get all of yours too!

For now, little one, just keep growing and getting strong. While I’m already sick and tired of being sick and tired, I’m so happy it’s for you.

We love you Peanut and December couldn’t get here soon enough.

Love,

Mommy, Daddy, and LJ

Filed Under: Family, Life

A Lesson In Humility

April 5, 2012 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 14 Comments

I’d been looking forward to the other night for years. 10 years to be exact. I proudly admit that I called in every time Ryan Seacreast and Brian Dunkelman (yeah, remember that guy?) told me to.

Source: amazon.com via Lilia on Pinterest

And that hair, I totally rocked it. Please, be gentle….it was Freshman year of college….going to the “White Trash Bash”…..I know….

Needless to say, I was beyond excited when my dear friend told me she could get tickets and asked if I wanted to come. DUH!!

I was expecting a fun night out with my girl, dinner without the kids, and a blast at the concert. What I wasn’t expecting was a lesson in humility.

Kelly’s a superstar, has a 10 year career to back her up, and could totally get away with being a diva if she wanted to. What I found was someone truly honored to have the support, thankful for her fans, success, and those who support her. Someone who took time out of her show and the attention being on her to highlight a cause she cares about and highlighting those less fortunate. An artist who will never remember my name or face, but made 1 minute of my life 1 minute I will never forget with a smile, a hug, and genuine gratitude that I would come to see her show.

Kelly’s ability to make it so clear to everyone in the theater that night that she is so thankful for all of this really struck me.

Am I thankful enough?

Do I tell people thank you enough? Am I grateful enough for where I am? Am I teaching LJ to be humble?

cell phone pic…whatcha gonna do?

I am so blessed in this life, but sometimes it’s so easy to loose sight of that. To get lost in the disappointments, the struggles, the things that don’t go my way.

Thanks Kelly for showing me how humility is supposed to look.

And the show was AH.MAZ.ING, so thanks for that too

Filed Under: Life, Outfits, Style, Thoughts

What It REALLY Means To Be A Momma {C.Lee}

March 30, 2012 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 2 Comments

Today I am super excited to share with you a blogger who I simply love and devour every post. It’s not often that I come across a blog that speaks to me as though we were sitting in the same room.

Christy Lee from C.Lee is an amazing woman! Momma to 3 gorgeous kiddos, killer fashionista, Christy shares her insight, positivity, and ability to always look for the silver lining has me in awe. Too many times I lose my temper, don’t handle situations the best way possible, or simply get down…and I look to her on how to be better.

Without further ado, here’s Christy….

I am Christy Lee and I blog over at C.Lee

My blog is all about joy.

The joy I feel since becoming a mother,

finding myself again through fashion and learning,

joy in God and in life’s little moments.

As mother’s we have a HUGE calling. One that does not end at 9 p.m, or even when our kids turn 18.

We are mother’s forever.

When our children are grown, hopefully they will continue to trust us and call us for advice.

At any hour of the night, knowing that we will continue to be there for them.

We develop their faith in us while we do little things.

The mundane day to day tasks that sometimes as mother’s we don’t think they notice

or we deem unimportant.

It is through the little things that we show our love for them.

Leaving our house work until later to enjoy our precious time with them.

Waking up in the middle of the night to comfort a scared or sick child, changing messy sheets when they have been thrown up on and loving them back to their dreams.

Taking time out from whatever we might be doing to answer simple questions they might have.

Letting their little hands help us prepare dinner, even if it takes 30 minutes longer to complete that task.

Having conversations in the car with our kids as we run our daily errands.

Teaching them to trust in God and know that he is also someone who will ALWAYS be there for them

and never fail them.

Allowing them to pour their heart out in prayer,

even if it is a simple prayer that asks God to bless their action figures.

They are all things that develop our bond with them and build their faith.

I love the journey I am on in my life.

A journey of learning things for myself and teaching those experiences and lessons to my children.

Through this I have the most loving, wonderful man by my side.

A husband who is on the same page as me.

We have the same priorities and goals, the same wishes and desires for our children.

Life is a incredible adventure and I am so blessed to have him by my side for it.

I would love for you to journey with us and share your stories with us along the way!

Every Thursday I host a link up party titled “Share your joy”.

Every week I am so touched by the things that are linked up and I read.

Sometimes they make me laugh out loud and sometimes they pull so hard on my heart.

It is one of my most favorite days of the week.

I would love to have you come over and share your joy and life lessons with us!

Hopefully I will see you soon!

XOXO

Thank you so much Christy! I’m so glad that we aren’t the only ones who spend a good portion of prayer time each day blessing our toys (every.single.train).

Thanks for sharing your joy with us, and making my day a little brighter!

Filed Under: Blogging, Guest Posts, Life, Thoughts

The Twilight Zone

March 16, 2012 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 7 Comments

Our big move is quickly approaching. With boxes being stuffed, paperwork to be signed, bubble wrap to buy, it hadn’t really dawned on me that LJ wouldn’t understand what was going on.

He’s been to the new house a few times. When I say “new house” he reminds me that he did his new Curious George floor puzzle on the kitchen floor. I knew he understood that the new house was a place, but did he really get it?

Source: meetbarbaraharnsberger.info via Cookie on Pinterest

Somehow we had ended up “The Bearenstain Bears Go To School” book, and if I had to read it one more time I was going to lose it. Love the bears, could go without Handybear Gus and the giant clay donut for awhile. So a few weeks ago, I ~~stole~~ borrowed a big stack of my old Bearentain Bear books from my parents. I was obsessed with these books as a kid, so they literally had every.single.one.

As I was talking to my mom the other day, she suggested that we start reading the “Moving Day” book. DUH, why hadn’t I thought of that.

When I opened the book to the first page…

Instantly I was in the Twilight Zone. There I was, standing on the doorstep of our first apartment, taking one last look at the only home I’d ever known, just like Brother Bear did. Choking down the tears, trying to be brave, just like Brother Bear was.

Yet there I was, sitting on the floor of the only room LJ has ever known, reading him the same book that helped me. I was exactly the same age when we moved from that apartment, and Brother Bear helped me to understand.

In the last few days we’ve read that book more times than I can count. We’ve pointed out the box of his books ready to go to the new house, just like Brother Bear’s. We’ve talked about how he can say goodbye to his room, just like Brother Bear. I only hope that he will understand and be brave, just like Brother Bear taught me.

Source: rebeccacooper.blogspot.com via Nina on Pinterest

Filed Under: Life, Thoughts

That’s All I Have To Say About That

March 12, 2012 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 30 Comments

I sit here struggling to write this post, as I want to accurately convey my feelings in a respectful manner.

As you know, I’ve been excited for the past few weeks about attending Creative Estates this past weekend. There have been a lot of long days and nights of Hubs working, tons of orders from my shop, and just life in general. I was already pretty fried and looking forward to a break when the news of getting our new house and having to get everything done in under 30 days came down the pipeline. I truly debated as to whether or not I could leave for 4 days with so much going on. But the trip was paid for, Hubs had scheduled the days off, and he insisted that I go and have a great time.

Ashley, Ashley, Me, Nicole…I will love these girls for.ev.er.

Ashley of 5ohWifey….seriously a rockstar!

Me, Nichelle, Lisa, Elise, Ashley, Elisabeth….most down to Earth adorable lovers. Couldn’t have asked for better roomies!

Me and Ilene being turds with our pillow haul

I’ll start with the positive, cause that is the way I would like to remember this weekend. I went to CE with my best friend, and came home with many more amazing girl friends who I’m simply counting down the days until we get to hang out again. There is nothing quite like being together with a big group of girls who “get you”. No having to explain what a blog is, why you are taking pictures of yourself with a tripod, or why you tote a giant camera around with you everywhere you go. These talented crafters, writers, and photographers are “my people”, and there is simply no pricetag that could be put on the friendships I came home with.

Sadly though, that is not where this story ends. For the last few days, I actually considered glossing over this issue and not saying anything. There are others who have, and I wasn’t sure my story was necessary. But the longer I thought about it, the more I realized that I would not be doing anyone a service by staying quiet and letting you all think that CE was nothing but an amazing weekend.

I would like to believe that the event was planned with the best of intentions. I would like to believe that there was no malicious intent, simply mistakes and oversight. I would like to give the benefit of the doubt.

When it comes down to it, there were serious flaws that lead me to not be able to stand behind this event. No drinks all weekend except alcohol and tap water. No fruit, vegetables, or protein. Not enough beds, air mattresses, pillows, or blankets. No toilet paper or hand soap.

These wouldn’t be fatal flaws if the event hadn’t been advertised as including lodging, food, drinks, and craft supplies.

My girl Ashley of 5 Oh Wifey wrote an excellent post about the event that goes into far more detail if you care to read, so I won’t re-hash what she has so perfectly stated.

I feel it is important for me to share with you how the event went, not to bash anyone or hurt anyone’s feelings, but because I’m saddened for the girls who spent far more than I did to be there. I’m hurt that my money was taken for an event that did not happen at all the way it was advertised. Most importantly, I’m scared that if I don’t say something, some of you will go to this event in the future and feel the same way.

Filed Under: Adventures, Life, Thoughts

A Little Honesty

January 26, 2012 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 59 Comments

Lately, I’ve felt a little off. Short tempered, easily annoyed, run down, tired, and generally not happy. I’m not miserable, just not myself. I feel here in blogland it can be so easy to sugar coat life and only show or talk about the good things. So many bloggers give off the perception that life is nothing but rainbows and butterflies….I call BS.

I’m hurt cause other bloggers I reach out to often reject me. Why? I have no clue, but it sucks.

I’m worn out cause we have rarely seen hubby during the week lately. All day and all night, I’m on.

I’m tired cause LJ has decided that it’s a blast to get out of bed 1-4 times a night and come wake me up.

I’m stressed because I stretch myself too thin and don’t know how to say no.

I’m annoyed cause I’ve been busting tail at the gym and can’t seem to lose a pound.

I’m overwhelmed by my to-do list that never seems to get smaller.

I’m frazzled cause if I have to hear that LJ would like Edward, Salty, Belle, and Flynn (Thomas Trains) for his birthday one more time my head might explode.

My story is no different from thousands of other moms out there. I refuse to be another “mom blogger” who does nothing but show pictures of happy kids, perfect crafts, amazing parties, and stunning outfits. That’s not reality, that’s not my life, and this blog is an extension of all parts of my life.

Here’s a little honesty about this outfit…

I bought this jacket almost a year ago and I’ve worn it once. I shortened the sleeves the night before I left for Bloggy Boot Camp and the sewing is total garbage. I got this shirt for $.25 out of pocket at Old Navy and I love it, even though I have 2 sweaters in this same color from ON that I’ve also gotten for chump change lately. I hate these jeans. Got them at Gap in Nov ’10, washed and dried them, and they have never fit the same. I had a nice button imprint on my chub by the end of the day. These pictures were taken in a parking structure while LJ snoozed in the car. He refused to nap once we got home, so the day went to HE** after this.

Jacket: Marshalls, Shirt: Old Navy, Jeans: Gap, Boots: Comfortview, Necklace: c/o Lisa Leonard Designs, Headband: True Birds

To some of you, this maybe seen as complaining. To me, this is the cheapest therapy I can think of. Cause whatever is going on with me, I’m sure one of you can relate. And for that, I thank you. I thank you for commenting day in and day out, reminding me that I’m not alone. Letting me know that while we may never meet, when I need someone who understands, you are there.

My life may not always be rainbows and butterflies, but it is a little sunnier now than when I first started writing this post. And THAT’s the TRUTH.

Filed Under: Life, Outfits, Style, Thoughts

When It Gets A Little TOO Quiet

January 25, 2012 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 6 Comments

Ever have those times when the kid(s) get a little too quiet. You hope and pray that they are being little angels, but deep down you know you are in for something disasterous.

Yesterday, LJ refused to nap, for the second day in a row….oh joy. So I let him get up, have a little something to eat, and gave him 10 minutes to play before we were going to try nap again. Par for the course lately, he was playing with his trains.

LJ: Mommy, where Gordon?

Me: In Mommy’s room.

(toddles off to my bedroom, only to be quiet for just a hair too long)

SOOOOO proud of himself! Laughing and falling and giggling and smiling. I couldn’t help but laugh along and try my best to grab pictures of the stumbling fashion crisis that was parading around my living room.

Yes LJ, you are a little stinker

Filed Under: Family, Life

Back From The Dead

December 29, 2011 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 4 Comments

Sick mommy + week before Christmas + last minute preparations + not getting dressed for days = no blogging

I’m back from rather unplanned 2 week disappearance from the face of the planet. Literally….I’ve seen no one but family. Talked to no one. Went no where. Did almost nothing but watch endless hours Teen Mom 2, Sons of Guns, and Top Gear.

So here, my friends, are the highlights of the past two weeks…

I got dressed, once, for a non-holiday related function. It was a baby shower, and it was a few days before I got sick, so technically it doesn’t count.

LJ spent hours and hours and hours watching the train go around the Christmas tree at my Grandparents.

We picked up Santa at the North Pole on the Polar Express! Cookies, chocolate milk, and 8 rounds of Jingle Bells later, the big moment with Santa came.

Christmas Eve with the in-laws and more classic pictures of the kids

And LJ got just a few new toys

While illness started my blogging break, family perpetuated it. It was wonderful to unplug and enjoy the season with my family.

Oh, and I got a haircut…. but you’ll have to check back later to see that one

Filed Under: Family, Life, Outfits, Style

Cousins

December 8, 2011 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 13 Comments

My sister-in-law and I attempted to take pictures of the boys in their adorable Christmas outfits.

LJ wanted no part of this…

Sometimes you need your baby cousin to slap you into shape!

Or be the adorable star of the show when you bug out

Filed Under: Family, Life

Smurftastic!

December 2, 2011 By Nina @ Momma Go Round Leave a Comment

La, la, la la, la la

Stuck in your head now too? hehe

The Smurfs….my childhood favorite. Ranking right up there with Rainbow Bright and Strawberry Shortcake, The Smurfs were a can’t miss show for me as a kid. Of course Smurfette was always my favorite, but Papa Smurf was a close second

A few days ago, I got to share my favorite with my little favorite when LJ and I were invited down to the Sony Pictures lot to celebrate the release of The Smurfs on DVD and BluRay TODAY!

LJ wasn’t doing so well sitting for long periods when The Smurfs were in theaters, so this was really his first exposure to the loveable little blue guys. I think he likes them…

These guys certainly earned their Smurfberries with how many hugs they had to give that day!

When LJ wasn’t busy being borderline creepo obsessed with The Smurfs, he had a total blast playing with the new Smurf-O-Vision!

Smurf-O-Vision is an amazing free app for the iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch that syncs with the movie for a second screen experience. I’ve never seen or heard of anything like it, and it was awesome! Smurfs appear to sing and dance along with the movie, but LJ’s favorite was all the fun activities like zapping Gargamel, popping popcorn, and stacking Smurfs into a huge dog pile. He had such a blast!

My favorite part of the day was getting to watch the all new The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol. Take the classic Christmas Carol story, smurf-ify it, and you end up with an adorable tale that everyone will love. You even get to relive the glory days with some classic Smurf animation

And then, there’s all The Smurf products….my 6 year old self is super jealous!

All kinds of amazing stocking stuffers! LJ’s favorites are the coloring book and the water bottle (cause it’s just like Daddy’s, only Smurf-ier), but we both agree on one thing…

SMURF SMELL ROCKS!!! Ok, it’s not really called Smurf Smell, but how else do you explain it to a 2 year old?

There’s six Smurfs Fragrances that come in these adorable milk cartons for each of your favorite Smurfs: Papa, Smurfette, Grouch, Guts, Clumsy, and Brainy (he’s a Smurf hunk in my eyes ). Brillantly, these eau de toilets are not super strong, so when your kid goes a little Smurf-crazy, you don’t want to pass out.

Judging by the kiddo watching The Smurfs, eating Smurf animal cookies, snuggling his Smurf, with water in his Smurf water bottle, I think it’s safe to say The Smurfs are no longer just my favorite, they’ve become our favorite!

You can make The Smurfs your family’s favorite with the release of The Smurfs on DVD and BluRay TODAY!

Filed Under: Adventures, Features, Fun, Life