A Clean Mess

He stole my heart

2012-02-14T18:05:00.004-06:00

I don't know if you know this or not.....but my daddy is AWESOME. He loves mommy and I so much.....even when we are stinkers. We aren't SUPPOSED to celebrate Valentine's Day around here but daddy surprised us........
Mommy got this AWESOME arrangement of roses and star gazer lilies (her favorite)! It came with a Bear Hug! I have my eye on that bear, so I'm hoping mommy will share with me!
I got a rose of my own AND a balloon! How cool is that?
And to top it all off.....we got daddy.......NOTHING. Poor daddy. Guess I'll have to give him lots of hugs and kisses to make up for it!

True love

2012-02-14T14:10:00.002-06:00

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

A Valentine art project

2012-02-13T19:55:00.006-06:00

Today, mommy taught me how to do stamps using my hands and a paper towel roll (thank you Pintrest for the idea). Mommy made heart shapes with the paper towel roll and I got to use PINK ink! I made daddy 2 Valentine's. It was supposed to be a surprise, but when daddy asked me what I did today....I spilled the beans.

Here I am hard at work!

And here are the 2 finished products of my amazing art!
Not too bad for my 1st REAL art project!

Change of plans

2012-02-11T20:16:00.002-06:00

Well, today was SUPPOSED to be an AWESOME day at the museum seeing Sid the Science Kid (a PBS cartoon that Addison is obsessed with). There was going to be a red carpet walk, a viewing of an episode, pics taken with Sid, and a poster! Then of course lots of playing. BUT....that all changed when Addison started throwing up her guts last night from about 10:30-1:30. Poor thing.
INSTEAD.....we got to have an AWESOME day staying home, playing, having a snowball fight with snowballs made out of yarn scraps, and watching DUMBO!
It was a fun family day no matter where we were......and she is feeling much better!

Crock Pot Warnings

2012-02-10T10:09:00.002-06:00

There should be warnings that come with your crock pot. If I had my way they would go something like this:

1. Good luck getting this sucker clean!
2. Will require at least 30-45 minutes of scrubbing after each use!
3. Before each scrub session make sure to have plenty of caffeine for energy!
4. If you over cook your meal.....you're pretty much screwed....but it MIGHT come clean!
5. If you burned dinner.....just throw it out and get a new one!

My company probably wouldn't sell many crock pots this way though. Glad I wasn't a buyer for crock pots.

You're invited!

2012-02-09T09:20:00.000-06:00

Open House

Stella & Dot Jewelry and the Fabulous Thirty-One!

Come see Stella & Dot jewelry that’s been featured in InStyle, Lucky, and O Magazine and complete your style with an amazing bag from Thirty-One! Fabulous finds for under $50 and lots of great gift ideas! Especially with Valentine’s Day right around the corner!!! The more the merrier–bring a friend!

Hostesses:Megan Bennett and Sara Henderson

Where: 3514 Wellington Dr. Pearland, TX 77584

When: Friday, February 10th at 5:30pm

RSVP please: 713.423.5231 (Sara’s Cell) or 281.468.0595 (Megan’s Cell....or via email)

Want a sneak peek or can’t make it, but still want to order?

For Stella & Dot jewelry go to:

www.stelladot.com/sarahenderson then click “search for a Hostess” on the check out page, and type in Megan Bennett

For Thirty-One bags go to:

www.mythirtyone.com/meganbennett search for Sara Henderson as the hostess

Come and enjoy time with friends…..leave with style!!!

Sun, Moon, and Stars

2012-02-07T15:58:00.005-06:00

Today at "school", Addison learned how God made the sun, moon, and stars. Here are her art projects from today!

My sweet little artist!

A year ago today

2012-02-06T13:59:00.009-06:00

A year ago today was the scariest/worst night of my life. It's when we got in our car wreck which totaled our car, made me pass out on the side of the road, burned Dustin's skin, sent me to the ER, put bruises all over Dustin's back and side, sent me into months of physical therapy.....and resulted in us buying a MINI VAN. That's right.....a MINI VAN.

Here was the aftermath,
Dustin's side.......hence all the bruises he got :(. I'm so thankful to God that he was even able to walk away from the car.
My front row seat to all the action......
The guard rail that we managed to destroy part of.......but so thankful to God it was there b/c it probably saved our lives and kept us from flipping over.

All b/c of this STUPID soccer goal that was in the middle of the road.
Thank God none of us was hurt very bad and Addison didn't have a scratch on her. AND, she got to ride in an ambulance. So, I guess it was worth it.....just kidding.

A wild party

2012-02-05T14:43:00.004-06:00

My friend Jennifer asked me to make a banner for her daughter, Kylie's, 1st birthday. Her invitations were leopard print with red. So I accepted and started the "hunt" for the perfect leopard print paper. Here's what I came up with....

The banner........
But I couldn't just stop with a banner so I made matching confetti.......
and other decorations to hang........
and of course the matching outfit!
My mom told me that party was a blast and that Kylie looked adorable! Thank you, Hobby Lobby, for always having the matching paper, fabric and ribbon I need! And thanks, Jenn, for letting me be a part of her special birthday even though I couldn't be there! Happy birthday, sweet Kylie! See you soon!

It's true......

2012-02-05T08:05:00.000-06:00

The Bennett Castle

2012-02-04T19:44:00.002-06:00

Just another day at the castle.......

Fun with my Mimi

2012-02-03T13:59:00.006-06:00

Today my Mimi took Kara and I to Chuck E Cheese! Mommy and Aunt Crazy (Lindsay) got to tag along too. I had lots of fun riding rides, playing games, and of course....eating pizza!

Mimi was teaching me how to ride this horsey! I rode it about 10 times!
Kara and I got to sit back, relax, and ride this ride while watching a short movie!
Then we tried this one........uh.......no thanks. We didn't like it. Can't you tell from my face?
The Bob the Builder ride was more my speed!
Thanks for such a fun day, Mimi! I had fun!!

Starts today!!!

2012-02-01T16:35:00.002-06:00

The new Thirty-One Spring (Feb-April) catalog starts today!!!!
Go to www.mythirtyone.com/meganbennett to download the catalog! Happy shopping!!!

BTW-if anyone actually reads this blog and wants to come to my OPEN HOUSE w/ Stella and Dot jewelry it will be at my house on Feb. 10th from 5:30 to about 7:30 or so. Stop by for a fun girls night of shopping and hanging out!!!

That's a mouse

2012-01-30T18:07:00.002-06:00

Addison: "Mommy draw Elmo."
Me: "Here you go (showing her my AWESOME drawing)."
Addison: "No, mommy. That's a mouse."

I guess I need to work on my drawing skills.

Just around the corner!

2012-01-25T08:22:00.007-06:00

Hold on to your hats (for those who get excited about things like I do) b/c Thirty One is at it again! Not only are they offering 3......that's right....3 catalogs instead of 2 this year, but they have come out with some great new products and prints! Here is a sneak peak at what you will see in the 1st catalog.....which launches in 6 days!

Here are 2 new hostess exclusive items this year!
The new season is just around the corner and I'm excited! Parties are starting to book up now so if you would like to book one......and earn this cool stuff for FREE......just let me know. I will be having an open house with Stella and Dot jewelry on Feb. 11th from 5:30-7:30 at my house. You are invited. Stay tuned for more info on that!

If Cinderella spoke......

2012-01-21T08:44:00.001-06:00

I wonder if she would have said this.......

My big girl bed

2012-01-19T07:53:00.003-06:00

Last night was my first night to sleep in my "big girl bed". Mommy and daddy had "the talk" with me about not getting out of bed. I was told to call for them if I needed to get out. So.....I stayed in bed all night and this morning I woke mommy up with my usual "Mommy......where are you?" and "Hey mommy, come here!"
I guess I'm officially a big girl now at 26 months since I sleep in a big girl bed and only wear diapers at nap time and bed time (btw-I've only had 2 accidents since Sunday!).

1st day of "school"

2012-01-17T12:56:00.006-06:00

Today was my 1st day of "school". I get to go play with other kids while mommy goes to a Bible study called Mothering Matters. She says it is going to help her be a better wife and mommy!
I'm a crocodile! I got to color pictures, play, and got a turn to play on the playground. They have one inside so it didn't rain on us! I cried when mommy left me for a while, but the teachers told mommy that I was very good!
This is the study mommy will go through. Her friends Lindsey, Kim and Jill are doing it too!
Mommy is excited and hopes I don't cry every time. She says she stood in the hallway with tears in her eyes b/c she could hear me crying for her. Mommy was strong though and resisted her temptation to take me out and go home. Good job for walking away and trusting my new teachers!

A perfect Saturday!

2012-01-16T19:36:00.016-06:00

Saturday was a perfect day for me! It all started with this wagon ride.......
then the slide.......
then learning how to climb this thing.....
then of course the swing.......

then the real fun started! SOCCER!!!!
Daddy tried to distract me by throwing me in the air.....
and giving me fun shoulder rides......
and holding my hand......
BUT I SHOWED HIM.......
watch out, daddy!
Ok, ok.......I really do like shoulder rides. More, please!
Then to top it all off........I FINALLY got enough courage to go down the BIG windy slide all by myself!
Daddy was waiting for me at the bottom which made it all better and not so scary!
What fun day with mommy and daddy!

Inventory blow out sale

2012-01-15T13:38:00.011-06:00

Hello. I am having an inventory blow out sale to help get rid of some of the items I have made.

Tag blanket: $7.00 (reg. $12.00)
Bow holders: $10.00 (reg. $14.00)

purple and pink
pink zebra
brown and pink
purple
Tutus w/ matching hair bow: $8.00 (reg. $12.00)

blue and white (will look adorable with a red bow tied on for 4th of July!)

also have a red and white one (will look adorable with a green bow tied on for Christmas or a pink one for Valentine's day)

I can provide the bows to tie on if you would like!

Also, as a reminder.....I also make nursing wraps w/ a matching burp cloth for $35.00. I have the available fabric for wraps if you would like one.
I also make a 3pk bundle of burp cloths. I can can do the colors you would like so just ask. They are $15.00. The one below isn't for sale though....just an example of what you would get.
If you would like any of the above please either leave a comment or email me directly (meganbennett77@gmail.com).

Thanks for considering!

Go Rockets

2012-01-13T22:05:00.003-06:00

I got invited to the Rockets game tonight with my friend Kim! It was fun....although I did have to apologize to her for talking too much. It wasn't till the second half that I realized she probably hadn't gotten to even watch the game b/c I'd been talking to much. I think sometimes I'm starving for conversation with people over the age of 2.
Maybe I need to get out a little more........

"Too nervous"

2012-01-12T12:47:00.004-06:00

Today at lunch, Addison randomly said to me "I'm too nervous to dance without my slippers." I was like "did you just say....." and she said "yes". I thought well....that is interesting. Then I remembered that she watched Super Why (her favorite PBS cartoon) this morning where the girl couldn't perform her dance recital without her lucky ballet slippers.

I've been "potty training" Addison for the last 6 months or so. Not really doing it consistently but still working on it from time to time. She hasn't had a #2 in her diaper for months now which makes me so much happier since we do cloth diapers most of the time. Lately when I ask her if she needs to go to the bathroom she will respond "No. Thank you so much. I went already." I love her funny responses! Now if I can just get her to go #1 in the potty! I've committed to getting serious about 100% potty training starting next week......so I'm sure it will be interesting!

What a fun day!

2012-01-12T12:34:00.007-06:00

Yesterday my friend Kerith got to come over for a play date! We had a wonderful time playing with toys, in my play house, with the baby dolls, and of course.....a tea party!
Then, mommy took us to the museum for a few hours of FUN!!! Kerith is so silly.
I've been known to be silly a time or two as well.
Ok, driver.....I'd like to go shopping at HEB please!
I just need a few groceries....
Uh oh....clean up on aisle 4!
Will that be cash, check or charge, ma'am?
It was a great day! I'm so glad mommy got a museum pass again for Christmas! She promises to take me there a lot over the next year. I like taking friends too!

I'm hooked!!!

2012-01-05T19:15:00.003-06:00

My friend, Shannon, got me 100%, totally, don't know how I never knew about it hooked on Gooseberry Patch magazines. Not ONLY do they have amazing recipes but they also have TONS of craft ideas for gifts, home decor, etc.
I have found a couple crafts just from this magazine that I'm going to try (after I get caught up on scrap booking and sewing projects) and I've already made 1 of the recipes (Golden Chicken Divan)! Dustin really liked the meal so that makes me happy too! Just wait till you see all my fun crafts! Stay tuned........

I just WISH the magazines weren't so expensive and you could get a subscription. Oh well. I found mine on clearance for 80% off so I can handle that!!!

Holiday highlights

2011-12-30T10:40:00.013-06:00

This Christmas season was FILLED with activities and fun!!! Here are a few highlights (minus pics of Christmas Eve b/c those pics are on daddy's camera and I don't know how to get those off......but it was AWESOME and filled with fun things like my new clothes, new dress up clothes, new pots and pans, and new picnic table!!!!)

I got to hang out with my crazy cousins for this cool picture! It was a surprise for my Mimi!
I made time to read books by the tree.....
Here I am all dressed up on Christmas day at Mimi and Papa's house!
I got my new play house too!
Daddy got a cool new alarm clock. He has no excuse to be late now!
I got 2 arms full of stocking stuffers!
I got a gingerbread girl from Build A Bear!
Mommy got some cool boots!
I got more toys than I know what to do with! I'm so glad people like to spoil me!
It was so much fun getting so many presents and getting to see my Grammy, Doot, Mimi, Papa, Aunt Crazy, Noah, Kaitlyn, Kara, Uncle Chris, Uncle Rich and Aunt Alia! Thanks for such a fun few days!

Candy house village

2011-12-21T12:10:00.017-06:00

There is a church here in town (Second Baptist Pearland campus for those who live here and may want to go check it out) that has a candy house village on display. It is AWESOME!

Addison was in awe and of course wanted to touch and eat the perfectly made houses! Here are a few pics.....

The church was made out of sticks of cinnamon Trident gum.......can you imagine how long that must have taken to do?

One of the areas even had a working train going around it! Addison LOVED it!

It was all too exciting so she found herself a couch to rest on!
They also had this "petty chemistry" (pretty Christmas tree) and ENORMOUS poinsettias. I tried to get her to stand still long enough to get a pic b/c they were almost as tall as she is....but clearly that didn't work out too well.
I probably liked seeing this as much as she did and I can't wait for her to get a little older so we can build one of these houses too! Ours will probably end up looking like a shack compared to this village......but it will be fun!

If anyone reading this wants to go see it........it's open for viewing from 9-4 but ends tomorrow so hurry by! It's worth it!

Can't stop laughing.......

2011-12-20T13:12:00.002-06:00

Found this HILARIOUS thing on Pintrest (a totally AWESOME website....and major time waster)......

Such a lady....

2011-12-19T12:57:00.002-06:00

Addison: " I want to watch Super Why."
Me: "Super Why is over. Do you want to watch Sid the Science Kid?"
Addison: 'Yes, sure, mommy. That would be perfect."

Sometimes her answers are so funny......and so grown up. She is only 2, right? What is it going to be like when she is 4? Will she be quoting Shakespeare, writing songs, doing our taxes, public speaking, running for Mayor, or what? Only God knows.....but for now......I enjoy laughing at her grown up answers!

Marks of a mom

2011-12-18T16:34:00.003-06:00

Addison is sick to Dustin stayed home with her today so I could go to church. I got to hear a full sermon and he got to take care of a sick little girl. As I was leaving to head to church she started crying hysterically and saying she wanted to go too. Of course this broke my heart, but I left anyway after hugging her and sitting her on the couch next to Dr. Daddy.

Once I got to church, I greeted several people and went in to sit with my friend Claire. Right before it started she said......"you have something on your shoulder." My discovery was a little gross b/c it was a.........booger..... left by my sick crying daughter. I grinned (does that make me a mean mom), explained, and excused myself to wash my shoulder off. Afterwards my friend, Jill, said it was just the mark of a mom.

So I guess the throw up that was in my hair and on my clothes from her yesterday was another mark!

Get well soon, little punkin.

All natural cough syrup

2011-12-16T13:36:00.002-06:00

Addison is sick with a pretty nasty cough. The doctor couldn't give her any antibiotics b/c it's viral. Since toddlers can't (or shouldn't anyway*) take over-the-counter cold meds till they are like 6 or something, she recommended this all natural cough syrup called Zarbee's. It's basically honey (which she also recommended giving) with some other goodies and flavors to make it taste yummy and go down very easily. It's not as thick as honey, but it was designed to help take the mucus down with it. I'm not 100% sure it works b/c I've given her 2 doses of it already today and I'm sitting her typing and listening to her cough her little heart out while trying to nap. They have a nite time formula as well but my Wal-Mart didn't have it today (it's not sold everywhere).
I thought I'd pass this product along though in case any other toddler moms are desperate to help their little ones stop coughing but don't want to give them meds that aren't designed for little people. BTW-It's only like $7.00 so even if it doesn't work like you want it to....I'm sure it's better than nothing.

*this by no means denotes judgement to anyone who chooses to give their kids other o-t-c meds.....just stating what Addison's pedi said.

2 funny things.....at least to me......

2011-12-12T14:08:00.004-06:00

1-This was Addison this morning playing dress up in my tank top drawer. She literally had on 10 tanks.
2-Dustin (being the Star Wars freak.....I mean fan) that he is has an app for his Iphone that sounds like a wookie when he gets a text message. Well, to mess with him I would tell Addison that it was a cow when she would ask what the sound was. It drove Dustin nuts :)! I'm such a nice wife! Anyway, he thought it was very important to correct me and introduce Addison to Chewy the Wookie so.......this is the newest member of our family. Looks like a cow to me.....MOOOOOOOOOOO!

She's so confused

2011-12-11T20:16:00.003-06:00

Some recent conversations with Addison have gone like this:

Dustin: "Are you sleepy?"
Addison (as she rubs her eyes): "No, I'm just tired."

Me: "Are you all done?"
Addison: "No, I'm just finished."

Me: "Time for nap/bed."
Addison: "Ok. I wake up in just a minute. Maybe after nap."

I think she's a little confused about some things......but it sure keeps us laughing around here! Love this little girl so much!

Confessions of a sinful heart

2011-12-11T13:40:00.003-06:00

I participated (selling Thirty-One, donating an auction item, and donating 50% of the proceeds to Redeemed Ministries) in a fundraising event last night to help raise $ for different organizations helping to fight human trafficking here in Houston and internationally. I have to confess that I went into the event thinking mainly about what I could get out of it (new customers and maybe a party or 2). When I got there it wasn't quite what I pictured though I had no reference for an event like that so it wasn't a bad different....just different. It was held at a church and the people were SO welcoming and nice. All I kept thinking was how I was the oldest person there and was sure I wouldn't get any orders and making it a waste of time (it was a 7 hour event with a 1 hour set up).

I love how God has a way of showing us our sinful hearts. After the auction there was a time of praise, worship, and prayer. I was totally blown away by the sincere prayers, genuine worship, and broken hearts over the victims of this kind of captivity (sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and domestic service trafficking) and the captors themselves. It was just amazing to see how God could use such horrific situations to draw people to unite and take a stand against such evil.

I confess that I mostly live inside my comfortable bubble in life and often shield myself from knowing about the evil things that go on right inside my own city. I love that God allowed me to grieve for these people and have a changed heart by the end of the event. I am thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of something so worthy b/c it opened my eyes to a new way to approach ways that I can use my Thirty-One business to make a difference no matter how small the effort. God knows what is needed and will provide a way. Thank you, God for the 2 orders you did give me!

God (and those at the event too), please forgive my sinful and selfish heart.

2011 ornament

2011-12-06T16:08:00.003-06:00

Each year (all 3 of them so far), I have tried to do a special ornament to reflect something special that has gone on in Addison's life that year. For instance, her 1st ornament had her 4 week old little hand print on it. Last year she got a cupcake ornament to go along with her 1st year b-day party (or what would have been her party if she hadn't gotten sick). I really wanted to do something fun again this year so I have been on the hunt. Then today at Hobby Lobby I finally found what I was looking for.......a tea cup and saucer to go along with her Tu-2 Tea Party. I dressed it up with a tutu in the same colors as the one she wore that day! I LOVE the way it turned out (even though you can't tell much from the picture)!
Hope you have another special Christmas this year, little Punkin! Love you so much!!

Shop till you drop!

2011-12-05T13:29:00.003-06:00

Shop till you drop! This week I will be at a Brooke's Boutique in Pearland selling 31! This is the new shop where I got my AWESOME Guess cowboy boots for only $25! They have great prices. The incentive for this week is.......if you place an order with 31 you will be entered to win a $25 Brooke's Boutique gift certificate AND a free personalized tote from 31! You have to come into the shop though!

The address is:

281.997.1001
8209 Broadway, Ste. 106
Pearland, TX 77581

They are across from the McD's and Kroger. I will be there from 11-2 then from 4-7 if you need to ask questions. You can go anytime that day (or this week till Friday b/c it's all set up already)!

Hope you can come in!