This bird can sing

This song is has been on repeat in my mind for days, so I am sharing it with you. I am in love with songs that have great lyrics and this song definitely does. Birdy also does an amazing cover of Bon Iver's Skinny Love.

Dear Charlie Bucket,

We told the boys we were going to name you Charlie before bed one night. We had just finished reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory a couple of weeks before, but we were surprised when Owen asked "We're calling him Charlie, like Charlie Bucket?". And, the name stuck. You were known from that day forward as Charlie Bucket, or Bucket, for short.

Bucket, you're the boss. You decide when the rest of us wake up, when we eat breakfast, when we play, and when we watch Mickey Mouse Club House. You decide who puts you to bed and what song they must sing while tucking you in. The world revolves around Charlie. You are the sun, and the rest of us, planets.

You're quite the opportunist. You never let a moment pass you by. While I am off punishing the other two for doing something ridiculous, you're in the next room coloring the mirror, the desk and the ottoman and yourself with orange marker. It is amazing what damage you can cause in a matter of seconds!! When Owen was your age, I had an 11 month old Oliver (Who, at the time, I thought was a handful. Ha!  If I only knew!!!). The both of them together were never as much work as you are individually. How thankful I am that you came last.

But, oh, the love. The love you give is amazing. You say " I love you" un-prompted and it just melts my heart. Three little words and I have forgotten about pages 24-58 you decided to rip out of Water for Elephants. And, at the end of each day, you request that I put you to bed and sing you a song, and I love that time together. We sing Twinkle Twinkle, ABCs and You are My Sunshine. You know all the words, so we sing it together and I think to myself "Yes, you are definitely my sunshine!"

Chris Martin Love

When she was just a girl,
She expected the world.
But, it flew away from her reach,
So she ran away in her sleep
and dreamed of paradise.
Every time she closed her eyes.


...and I still do. Enjoy!

Just that once

In six short weeks, I will be boarding a plane to Oregon with Oliver. We'll be going on a  week long "mommy and me" trip that this middle child really needs. Not that Oliver is ever over-looked. Oh, no!! This star shines so bright, no one could possibly forget he was in the room. I just happen to think that every child (middle or not) needs some quality one on one time with their mom. It's important to have that time together without sibling interruptions, fights, or competitions. Quality time spent doing whatever it is he wants to do; without having to worry about the baby's nap schedules, or whether or not his older brother would approve. I will give him my undivided attention, spoil him rotten and maybe, just maybe-I'll let him ice cream for dinner.

          I can't wait to go on this little adventure with Ollie. I just know it will be fun. Because Ollie's fun! He loves going new places and discovering new things. And, he never complains. Ever. You want to go on a five mile hike, uphill, in the woods, while it's pouring rain without an umbrella or proper foot wear? He'll do it. And he'll smile the whole damn time. Yes, he really is that awesome.

           I hope this trip will be one he remembers for a lifetime. I hope, from this year forward,  every time he thinks about the fourth of July, he remembers the one year he and his mom spent it watching the most spectacular fireworks together, side by side; enjoying just each other, just that once.

BB cream

This month's Birchbox was inspired by the CW's Gossip Girl. I used to love that show- back when I had time to enjoy tv- but I've missed the last two seasons. I liked the pretty packaging, and thought the "xoxo" note card was cute, but my box was ehhh this month. I usually feel like the $10 spent on the box was well worth it, considering I'd received one or more full-sized sample in my box worth at least $15, but this month I didn't feel like that. I did discover something awesome, though. Dr. Jart's BB Cream. This stuff is the business. This is my third day wearing only Jr. Jart's and a touch of bronzing powder, and I decided I am in love. I ordered my full-sized sample this morning. 

The regular price- a whopping $32.00- is a hard pill to swallow, but I had a coupon making it half off and I don't mind spending $15 for a moisturizer, SPF, and treatment serum all in one. It goes on rather matte, requires very little rubbing in, and it  instantly makes the skin look even and smooth. I don't wear foundation during the hotter month's in SoCal, so Dr. Jart's will play a pivotal roll in my morning beauty routine this summer.

Me, wearing Dr. Jart's BB cream:

A beautiful day, a beautiful bride

On Saturday, my best friend married the love of her life. The day couldn't  have been more beautiful. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the tears were flowing, as two of the most beautiful people -both inside and out- exchanged wedding vows in front of their closest friends and family. I enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you, for letting me be apart of your special day!

Moments before Katie slipped into her beautiful wedding dress.

Favorite Stuff Friday

I asked one of my favorite mommies to share her favorite stuff today. Jasmine is mom to my adorable nephew Kai and will soon be having another baby (and this time, it's a girl!). She's one of the sweetest people you'll ever meet and more than anything in life, she loves her family.You can follow Jasmine and her adventures with Kai and Cory (and soon, baby Emee)on her blog, here. Take it away, Jas...

My "someday" sister in law ;) blogs and every Friday she posts a few of her favorite things and explains why they are her favorite. I'm going to hop in and write about a few of my favorite things for her, by "co-blogging."

Hope you enjoy! 

1. Burberry Brit by Burberry: This is one of my all time favorite perfumes! I just cannot seem to wear it enough, and I have a pretty nice collection.. but this one always gets my pick~ :) It's a light and sweet smell that goes a long ways. 

2. Almond Poppy Seed Muffins: Now, I'm 28 weeks pregnant.. So, I definitely have to add one of my favorite food delights to the list. . . and this is it. I was out grocery shopping last week and saw this pack of 6 HUGE almond flavored poppy seed muffins- with 360 calorie for only 1/2 of a muffin. I'm a SUCKER for poppy seed muffins so I bought them. They are delicious. :) Now, I know everyone doesn't have these awesome muffins to buy that come cooked and wrapped at the store, but you can easily prepare them yourself or use this easy box of Krusteaz Almond Poppy Seed Muffin mix. :) These are just as tasty. . . 

3. Seeds of Change: http://www.seedsofchange.com/

My love for this company started out when I received a notice of getting $75 worth of all different kinds of Organic seeds for just $5. Thought that was great.. When planted- they grow amazing, tasty vegetables and not to mention they are 100% Organic seeds and when used with Organic soil/fertilizer you get organic veggies! I was shopping in Walmart last night and noticed that you no longer have to buy them through site or catalog.. because they are a part of Walmart's inventory now. Thought that was awesome too. All you organic people should give them a try!~ 

I figured 3 is good for now, Til next time... :) 

Jack White Love

We've enjoyed Jack White for years, but his latest c.d. Blunderbuss, is ah.mazing. I just can't get enough. This c.d was seriously all we listened to for two weeks straight. I never tired of it. Bryan just recently replaced it with the new Shin's c.d and okay, okay I get that everyone thinks their new stuff is out of this world, but they got nothing on my man Jack. 

Get off your chair and dance around the room. You know you want to! 

Between you and me...

Sometimes I don't know how to pronounce certain words because I've never actually heard anyone use them; I just get them from all the books I be readin'. Please stop laughing at my mispronunciation of superfluous.