Nothing is perfect...

So yesterday, Rich and I went to Kohl's to, well, I don't really remember why, but we went. Mandi and I went off to look at bathroom stuff for her first bathroom and she found an awesome toothbrush holder. It was pink, held tooth brushes, and had a spinning flower. How cool is that? She picked a theme for her bathroom. She carried the bag out of the store and wanted to hold it in the car. So cute!

Today she was showing all of her friends and just as I said, "Mandi put it on the table before it gets broke," she dropped it on the tile floor. She was devastated. Two of the petals had broken off and it was just not the same. She ran into the other room, sat on the floor, and cried. I told her that I would try to fix it, but I wasn't sure if I could.

As I was crazy-gluing the petals back on the flower, I thought of my angel. My Grammy had painted an angel for me when I was younger than Mandi. The wings on that angel have been mended what appears to be 2 or 3 times. I wouldn't dare throw it away. It's a reminder that I was a kid and I was clumsy. I broke things and my mother probably sat there gluing my prized possessions back together just as I was doing tonight. It isn't perfect, but nothing is. We aren't perfect... she isn't perfect.... Tomorrow morning, she'll see her mended flower and may be a bit disappointed. I just hope she knows that even though she isn't perfect, I'll always love her.

Is it a full moon??

Not today, but tomorrow it will be! It will be a Super Full Moon tomorrow. The first time in 18 years. It looks bigger and brighter. Last year we had a Blue Moon and a Red Moon, now a Supper Moon. So cool!

WOW! Janie and Jack coupon code?! No way!

Love the children's clothing at Janie and Jack, however I rarely shop there because I don't tend to shop without a coupon. Well, I got word today that they are having a Friends and Family event! 25% starts today and goes thru Sunday, March 20th! Use the coupon code JJPLAY for online use. Also enjoy FREE shipping on all orders over $100.00. Have a beautiful weekend!

Great Deal from Shutterfly!!

If you are anything like me, you take tons of photos of your kids, however you rarely print them out. Well, I discovered making photo books was a great way to organize and document major milestones and just plain cute moments. The photo books from Shutterfly are beautiful. They have many different layouts and styles to choose from. Click here for an amazing offer -------> $10 for a 20-Page 8"x8" Hardcover Photo Book from Shutterfly

They also make great presents for Grandparents.

I love savings!!

Visit Rita's Italian Ice on Sunday, March 20th from noon- 9pm and get a FREE regular ice! Happy first day of Spring!

My only Sunshine...

I have submitted this photo into the iheartfaces photo contest for this week. This is one of my favorite Mandi pictures. She was just learning to walk from one surface to another.

Check out the other entries at iheartfaces!

Just breathe....

So many years I have stressed over everything. Is that toy safe? Is my house clean enough? Am I spending enough time with my daughter? Am I getting enough "me time?" My daughter is almost 4 and I feel like I have lost myself in raising her. I have forgotten how to be myself and what the right balance is between mother and woman. Something had to change because I became to dislike the woman in the mirror. Not that I regret becoming a mother at all, I just became too absorbed in her life. I learned that by me doting on her, I was not only ignoring my own needs, but creating a very needy child.

A kind friend suggested I join the gym and let my daughter play in the child area while I work out. I thought about it, and decided to try it out. Well, what a difference this has made. I get out, do something to better my body and my daughter loves to play in the child area. So what I am learning is to just breathe more.... to not worry if toys are littered on the floor while she is awake, I do spend enough time with my daughter, I keep track of recalls, and if I feel like I need me time, I should just get a sitter and go out. No big deal. Loving in the moments is just about that... loving every moment of life.