Sometimes Things Suck

Can we just take a moment and discuss how much motherhood sucks sometimes?  Today was a colossally awful day.  Like on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being fantastic and 10 being the pits, today was like a 15.  No joke.  It was just one frustration after another.  I can't speak for the rest of mother-kind out there, but days like this leave me drained and exhausted in every way possible.  What made today a 15?  Let's review, shall we:

My day started off normally and without incident-got the boy up, fed and out the door for school on time, got the little lady up and fed, normal morning-time stuff at our house.  Around 10, as I was running my 3-year-old through the bath, because, hey, wearing our cereal is so much more fun that actually eating it, I missed a call from my son's school.  I listened to the message and I swear all of the blood left my face when I heard the words, "Mrs. Blahblah, this is Principal What's-her-face.  There was a rather seriously incident with your son and he's now in my office.  Please call me back as soon as you're able."  Panicked, I immediately called the school and was put through to the principal, who then put my cherub-faced darling on the phone to tell me what he had done to land him in such hot water.  Now, for the sake of his dignity later in life (stuff lives forever on the internet, amiright?), I will forgo all of the details of his crime, but suffice it to say, it was one of those "You did WHAT?!?!" moments, logged into the book of "Things I Ever Thought I'd Hear Myself Say." 

Ashamed and embarrassed, I got off of the phone, finished getting my daughter dressed and we headed out the door to take care of our morning errands. First stop, the dreaded Walmart.  Now, I try to avoid going to Walmart like the plague, but sometimes saving money just wins out and when that happens, I try to go with only 1 kid in tow if possible.  I only needed to exchange something today, so it should have been a quick in-and-out trip, right? Wrong. So very, very wrong.  I stood in line for over 30 minutes. THIRTY MINUTES.  A half hour of my life, people.  There are much better ways I could have spent 30 minutes than in line at Walmart to exchange some defective hair color.  FINALLY it's my turn, I walk up to the counter holding my squirming 3-year-old, who, by now, has completely exhausted any patience her tiny person contained, explain to the lady that I had purchased a box of defective color and would like to get a replacement as I had her the box and my receipt (from YESTERDAY, mind you.  It wasn't like I bought this weeks ago and am just now getting around to it.)  "We don't do exchanges for hair color, even if it was defective."  Me, blinking confusedly at her: "Is that stated somewhere in your return policy?" "No, we just won't do it," as she shoves my things back at me, clearly signaling that she's done helping me and I should be on my way. Beyond annoyed and fuming, I walked away before angry words were said.  I called the store from my car, asking to speak to a manager but unfortunately, one was not available at that moment because they were all in their daily meeting (which hey, I get.  You're running a rather large store and I'm sure there's a lot that goes into that), but the nice (and I'm not being sarcastic, she really was nice) lady suggested calling back in an hour or so. Fast forward a couple hours to when I actually have a moment to sit down and make a phone call, I call the store back, again asking to speak to a manager.  I get put on hold while they supposedly go to find someone-ANOTHER half hour later, I'm still waiting, no one has picked up, so I just hung up.  An hour of my life has now been wasted and I've gotten nowhere, so I decide I'll just go back and find someone myself after I pick up the boy from school.  Within 5 minutes of walking in the store, I have found a manager, explained to him the issue from that morning along with the ridiculous phone call and he has helped me do my exchange.  Now, I'm very grateful to the nice manager for helping me get everything straightened out, but seriously, couldn't someone have just helped me from the get-go, instead of being rude and wasting my time and making me come back, this time with 2 kids in tow, who feel it is their job in life to touch everything in sight?

Fast forward a bit to dinnertime, which as all of us mamas know, is second only to bedtime in terms of suckiness.  The endless mantra of "eat your food" while your kid sits there and comes up with every delay tactic known to man, even though what you've made is their favorite thing in the whole wide world. Tonight was one of those nights.  The 3-year-old has developed this lovely (and by lovely, I mean annoying as you-know-what) habit where she "chews" (it's in quotes because there is no chewing going on whatsoever, it just sits in her mouth) one bite for like 20 minutes. Well, tonight it was more like 40.  For one piece of broccoli.  Which she does like. Which she then gagged herself on, causing about half of her dinner to come up all over her fresh, clean PJ's and hair.  Guess who had two baths today?  

Add to that the whining that ensued from the boy once we got home because he lost tv and toys for the rest of the day due to his choices at school and that, my friends, is why both of my kids were in bed by 7:30 tonight.

Now, don't get me wrong.  I love me kids.  And I mean that, no sarcasm at all.  They are the best things in my life in addition to my wonderful husband.  I love being a mom and more importantly, I love being their mom.  I wouldn't go back on that decision ever.  And I really do love being able to stay home and raise them.  I know so many women who want to be able to stay home with their kids can't and I know that I am blessed to be able to do so.  I'm not trying to complain and say that my kids are awful and that my life sucks because I'm a mom. Because it doesn't.  And I know it doesn't.  There are just those days where by bedtime, you just sit and think, What the heck, universe?!?! And it's also nice to be able to vent a little about those awful days.  Motherhood is the best and hardest job I have ever had.  Being a mom is tough.  There's a lot no one warns you about and there's days like this where all I want to do right now is eat my weight in ice cream, which, let's face it, would not be the best of choices.  But I also know I'm not alone in feeling like this.  I know there are so many other moms out there who have monumentally awful days like I just had.  And there are some moms who have even worse days than the one I just lived through. Know that you're not alone!  

Have you had a monumentally bad day lately?  

Mega Relaunch Giveaway: Winner, Winner!

This is a little later that I was planning-ah, the ups and downs of motherhood.  We've had a very unpleasant stomach bug go through our house, which has kept me up to all hours of the night, taking care of my sweet, sick kiddos.  I've done 10+ loads of laundry in the last two days, seriously.

But on to what you've all been waiting for-the winners of the Mega Relaunch Giveaway!!

Drumroll please......

The winners are:

Prize Pack from The Rustic Lily-Heather Mier Maret

Hair Elastic Set from CJN Flowers & Primitives-Nadine Adam

$10 GC from Shabby Chic Soap Company-Katherine Boone Perkins

$15 GC from Hippy Chic Diapers-Diane Habermehl Addy

Chevron Teether from Bright Eyed Owl-Ashley Alger

$25 Jamberry GC from Kylee Shaw, Jamberry Rep- Lizbeth LaJeunesse

Body wrap from Kathy Padua, It Works Rep- Dawn Wright

doTERRA Prize Pack from Brittany Roscheck, doTERRA Rep-Sheena Fratto

Mommy & Me headband set from My Bella Accessories-Sarah Ann Dela Cruz

Say No to Auto ebook from Kristen Duke Photography-Jami Manderick Rose

Newborn Prop & Layering set from Peek-a-Boo Props-Amanda Gatta

Newborn Pants & Tieback set from Ti Amo Bella-Laurie Lynn

Crochet gift pack from Southern Girl Accents-Danielle Williams Wheeler

Vintage-Inspired Chandelier necklace from Splendid Jewelry-Heather Winn

Congrats to all of our winners and thank you to everyone who entered!  I have sent each of the winners an email with the contact info for their prize-winners, you have 24 hours to contact the vendor to claim your prize or a new name will be drawn.

Mega Giveaway Vendor Spotlight: Meet Peek-a-Boo Props and Hippy Chic Diapers

Today is the last day of our giveaway!  Have you entered yet?

I've got two more awesome ladies to introduce you to today

First up is Sue of Peek-a-Boo Props:

My name is Sue and I'm from Minnesota.  I make newborn photography props like bonnets, rompers, crowns, headbands, ect.  I started my shop on ETSY in January of 2013.  My daughter is a photographer, and I help her with the newborn shoots.  I was looking at the props she was buying and said, "hey, I can make that".  And the rest is history.  I am humbled every day, that I am able to communicate with photographers all over the word, from Singapore to Lima Peru.

I have loved to sew all my life, and now I have found a way to enjoy my passion every day. I only wish I would have heard about ETSY years ago.  Never in a million years did I think this was possible.  I am truly blessed.

And next up is Amy from Hippy Chic Diapers:

I'm a "stay at home" mom to 4 little folks.  In between soccer practices, dance classes and homeschooling, I make cloth diapers & children's apparel.  I strive to make practical children's items that are both fun & affordable.

Here's what these wonderful ladies are giving away:

Don't forget to enter the giveaway, it closes tonight!!

Mega Giveaway Vendor Spotlight: Meet Southern Girl Accents, Bright Eyed Owl and doTERRA

Woohoo, it's Friday!  Are you pumped?!  I've got 3 more ladies to introduce you to that are part of our Mega Giveaway!

First up is my real-life friend Heather of Southern Girl Accents:

I am Heather and a true Southern girl.  I was born in Georgia and raised in the south. I have been married for over 20 years and we have 3 amazing children. 

As I have thought about a name for my blog and for the small, home based business I wanted to create, I wanted a name that would be kinda cute, but, not cutesy.  A name that represented me and my vision for where I see my business going.  Since I am southern .... I am a girl and I do have an accent ... well ... Southern Girl Accents sounded pretty perfect to me.  However, the Accents part more than applies to how I talk.  I love accenting and adorning stuff!!  Don't get me wrong, I am not a bedazzeler.  I like to make items that can be a permanent part of something, or can be easily removed and swapped out for another color or style.  (I love  Back Pack Fowers for that reason ...  lots of fun colors and they can be clipped and changed in seconds!!) 

Next up is my real-life friend Ashley of Bright Eyed Owl:

Ashley lives here in Albuquerque with her hubby and her two adorable boys.  She makes the cutest baby items you'll ever see!  She is one of the most talented seamstresses I know.  She crafts such lovelies as binky clips, car seat covers, stuffed toys-my kids each have one of her adorable elephants- and teething toys.

Last up today is my real-life friend Brittany of The Natural Cure and who is also a doTERRA rep:

Brittany has always had a passion for health. After receiving her degree in Health Education, Brittany undertook further education specializing in depression and anxiety recovery.

Brittany believes that prevention is the key to ultimate health and she discovered that essential oils could help herself and others prevent illnesses and treat ailments in a natural holistic manner with a goal to an all-round healthier lifestyle.

Her passion goes beyond sharing essential oils for healing into giving the opportunity of wealth with others.

She loves people and making new friends! She would love to meet you so send a facebook message or check her out at The Natural Cure, where you can find lots of great recipes, natural living how to's and more!

Here's what these awesome ladies are giving away:

 

You can enter to win these and all of the other great prizes in our Mega Relaunch Giveaway here!

The Rustic Lily 3,000 Fan Sale and Giveaway

How are y'all loving this week's celebrations?!  Well, I've got another one for you!

My shop, The Rustic Lily, reached 3,000 likes on its Facebook page and there's a major sale going on to celebrate!  I've teamed up with some of my vendor friends to bring you all some great deals on some even greater items.  You can check out all of the goodness on the Facebook page.

And what would a celebration be without a giveaway?!  Enter to win 1 of 5 awesome prizes below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mega Giveaway Vendor Spotlight: Meet Shabby Chic Soap Co., My Bella Accessories and Kristen Duke Photography

Hope you all have been enjoying the giveaway this week and getting to know the awesome ladies behind it!  Here are some more lovely ladies that you should know:

First up is Sheena of Shabby Chic Soap Company-

I'm a stay-at-home-mama of 2 little boys, a 5 y/o and 1 y/o. I started Shabby Chic Soap Company shortly after my 2nd was born and my original goal was to make a soap that would be gentle enough for the whole family to use, but it has grown to so much more than that. I love coming up with new designs for my Shea Butter based soaps....designs to get kids EXCITED to take a bath, designs to make mamas feel PAMPERED, designs to make dads feel MANLY, designs that show off your NERDY side and so much more. All of my soaps are made to order, so you can customize your scents and colors or leave out any allergens/sensitivities. And my favorite thing about my "job" is the feedback, encouragement and joy I get from my customers, especially those who come back again and again to restock their soap dishes with SCSC soap.

Next up is my real-life friend Jessica of My Bella Accessories:

My Bella Accessories was founded in 2011 by Jessica Gartrell of Central Florida. This venture runs almost entirely on yarn and money donations, to provide crochet items to those less fortunate. In exchange for purchasing the yarn, customers would receive their item A) for only $5-15--depending on the request; and B) with the peace of mind of knowing that the yarn left over from their order would be used to make items to donate. My Bella has donated items to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, Oh My Baby, The Scarf Project, and numerous others.  Jessica is currently a teacher at Excel Academy in Lakeland and isn't taking orders right now, but continues to do her charity donations.

And last (for today) but certainly not least is Kristen of Kristen Duke Photography and Capturing Joy with Kristen Duke:

Hello! I’m Kristen, an Austin Texas based lifestyle blogger and photographer. I like to Capture the Joy in life, and share it with my friends. My joy includes my family, eating well, designing furniture for my hubby to build, teaching photography to beginners, throwing parties, and sharing all kinds of random thoughts.  Photography has always been a passion of mine.  Growing up, my camera was never very far away.  Back in the day, I learned how to develop film in the darkroom, but now my computer is my darkroom. As a mother of 4, I want to capture my children at each stage.  I wish I could bottle them up and hold them there forever, and with my camera…I can!

Here's what these awesome ladies are giving away:

Stop by their pages and leave them some love!!  And don't forget to enter the giveaway-it ends Saturday!!

Mega Giveaway Vendor Spotlight: Meet Splendid Jewelry and CJN Flowers

Today I'm introducing you to two of our awesome relaunch celebration vendors.

First up is Carrie of CJN Flowers & Primitives

Carrie and I "met" through a common friend who organizes a monthly themed sale on Facebook that features only handmade crafts.  Here's what Carrie has to say about her business:

Freelance floral designer offering services for your wedding or special occasion serving most of New England. In addition, we have an online boutique with floral theme hair and jewelry accessories for girls of all ages.  CJN.... Where style blooms.

Next up is my friend Mae of Splendid Jewelry.

Mae is my real-life friend and fellow jewelry maker.  She describes Splendid Jewelry as "specializing in up cycled designs and vintage inspired jewelry creations that are sure to please. Splendid was started by Mae Reedy, as a fun hobby to re-use old broken jewelry in fun new ways and soon a business was born. We strive to keep prices low, and quality high as we keep broken and discarded jewelry out of the landfill as much as we can in the process."

Check out what these awesome ladies have donated to our Relaunch Giveaway!

You can enter to win these and all of the rest of our awesome prizes here!  And be sure to be stopping by throughout the week as I'll be introducing more of our lovely vendors!

Relaunch Mega GIVEAWAY!!! 14 Prizes, 14 Winners!

The day is finally here!  I'm so excited to bring you this way awesome giveaway!!!

I've teamed up with 13 amazing ladies to bring you 14 awesome prizes.  I wish I could enter to win them!

I am beyond thrilled that all of the lovely, talented ladies have so generously donated these awesome prizes for you all to win. 14 lucky winners are going to score big time!

Here's what you could win:

A prize bundle from The Rustic Lily that includes a pair of their popular Lime Green Rose Studs, Winner's Choice of 3 custom-made Single Bloom Headbands, Winner's Choice of 1 Wristlet Camera Strap and a Halloween Onesie/Tee in Winner's Choice of Style and Size.

A 12 piece Elastic Hair Tie Set from CJN Flowers & Primitives

A $10 shop credit for Shabby Chic Soap Company

A $15 shop credit from Hippy Chic Diapers

Vintage-Inspired Chandelier Necklace in Winner's Choice of Chain Color (Silver, Brass or Gunmetal) from Splendid Jewelry

Chevron Bunny Ear Teether in Winner's Choice of Yellow or Orange from Bright Eyed Owl

$25 gift certificate from Jamberry Nails Rep Kylee Shaw

1 It Works Body Wrap from It Works Rep Kathy Padua

Photography Prop Set from Peek-A-Boo Props-includes newborn hat and legwarmers and layering fabrics

Mommy & Me Braided Crochete Headwraps from My Bella Accessories

Newborn Pants and Tieback Set from Ti Amo Bella

Crochete Goodie Basket from Southern Girl Accents-includes 3 pack of Backpack Flower Clips, Hippie Flower Headband and Wrap Bracelet

Say No to Auto ebook from Kristen Duke Photography

Wholesale Membership (or $35 towards a kit) + Oil Trio Starter Pack from doTERRA Rep Brittany Roscheck

You'll be getting to know some more about these ladies throughout the week.  Stop by their pages and leave them some love!

The giveaway runs today through Saturday, October 11th.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Some fine print: Winners will have 24 hours to claim their prize once winners have been posted.  All items (excluding shop credits and gift certificates) ship for free within the US-there might be a small shipping fee for those outside of the US.  If that is the case, the vendor donating the prize will be in touch with you about that cost.  I will be verifying all entries, so make sure your are completing the entire action required.  Failure to do so will result in that entry becoming void; in the case that a winner is chosen based on an uncompleted entry, that person will forfeit their prize and a new winner will be chosen.