Busy days ahead...

Helllooooo!!!!

I feel like I am on the slippery slope of no more free time!  But who needs it when you are chasing your dreams?!  Well that's my philosophy.  This past Tuesday I made the final decision to return to school to obtain a degree in Business Management.  I've decided to go to the University of Phoenix.  I know they are pricey and not ideal for everyone.  But I do like their curriculum, online class platform, and the all around environment.  So along with chasing my kids around, blogging, being a temporary single Mom, and now a student...I'm not exactly sure I'm the right woman for the job?!  No, you know what; I am the EXACT woman for this job.  This is my journey and I plan to take all my opportunities and run away with them!

Surprisingly, I'm super excited to start school.  I keep thinking of my long term goals and what I can learn now to help me in the future.  So I'm going to forego thinking about all the sleep I will miss out on, how hectic my house will become, and how I may have to miss out fun nights out.  But to me it's all worth the sacrifice!

I've also made the decision to send my two year old son to daycare. *Gasp* I know, I know..I'm supposed to be going through this whole SAHM job; but it's time to take SAHM career to the next level!  He's going to attend two days a week.  That will give me time to complete my homework and study.  I will also be able to run errands with just one little guy, instead of two!  In a few months, I'm going to entertain the idea of sending my then six month old to childcare a few days a week as well. *sad face*

Well thanks for listening. As you can probably guess; I don't have much free time...hahaha!  And as always I have at least ten other items on my to-do list for the day.

Take care!

~Jacqueline~

I think I've finally found my groove!

I actually can't believe the weekend has come and gone. This week went by so fast I didn't have time to catch up! Monday's are always interesting for me and the kids. We are usually exhausted from the weekend and Monday we can find some time to relax. But it's also a time for any business that came about over the weekend needs to be taken care of. But that's all I remember?! Next thing I know I'm in the middle of Sunday!


However, I did learn a few things this week. I learned that my 2 year old son is extremely SMART!!! Yes, I know this is standard Mommy talk. But he really surprised me this week. We choose a subject every week for him to learn from and try new things. This includes words, games, and foods. This week we were learning about foods. I bought a three new Sesame Street books that focused on foods and matching items. The very first time we read the first book he could identify or say all of the foods!!! I guess I have been teaching him something over the last few years! Needless to say I was beyond stoked about that!

We also implemented a new weekday schedule. I have read many times over, that schedule is the key to success with children. I'm not opposed to it, but it seems like I was behind the schedule ALL DAY! I think I will use it as a blueprint for the day, but with two young children; I find it stressful to stay on an exact time schedule. We've also added a three time a week park visit in the schedule. It was actually quite fun. We usually spend time in the backyard, but the park allows us to be around our peers. This is a total plus! We also did not have a meltdown about leaving the park!  This is also a huge deal in my book!

So here is to another week ahead.  To good children, completed workouts, no tantrums, conversations with Dad, and no drama at all!!!

Until Later,
~Jacqueline~

Weekend Update...

It's my favorite part of the week, the weekend!  Not that I am "off of work", because we all know a Moms work is NEVER done.  So although I don't get to sleep in, I'm not off of work, and my kids don't give me any kind of break; I still enjoy it!  The weekends are care-free and not as stressful for some reason.  I also credit the fact that all of my friends and family are also off on weekends, so we can hang out or talk on the phone.  So, right now as I lay hang out on my couch watching football, and typing to you....I am relishing in the fact that it's the weekend baby!

Which SUV, that is the question?!

So the time has come for me to purchase a new car.  Well okay, I don't need a new car. But I have had my current car, a Toyota Camry, for six years!!!  I can't believe it has been that long.  It is paid for,  which is a HUGE plus, but it has over 100K miles and I'm ready to let it go.  So I have been researching mostly crossover SUV's.  I only have two small children, so space isn't a huge issue for just four of us.  I need room to fit two adults and two children comfortably.  But I'm not ready for a full size SUV.  Well I take that back; I would buy an Escalade, Yukon Denali, or Tahoe LTZ, but those aren't in my price range. :)  So I am searching for a mid-size crossover SUV that fits my budget, needs, and wants.  Suprisingly, I found  five that fit the bill!  I have since e-mailed my selections to my SO (significant other) now let's see what he has to say! LoL!  I think he will be pleasantly surprised that ALL  my choices (pre-owned) are within or UNDER the budget!!!  Now that's a shocker!  But we're not making any purchases until next April when he returns from deployment.  Oh, I almost forgot....here are the vehicles that I am interested in, let me know what you think or any first hand experience you've had with any.

2010 Chevy Traverse

MSRP $39,260

2010 Chevy Equinox

MSRP $32,230

2009 Saturn Outlook

MSRP $36,720

2010 GMC Acadia

MSRP $43,860

2010 Land Rover LR2

MSRP $41,425

Note:  All of the prices are based upon the trim levels and options I am interested in; which include, but are not limited to: navigation, rear headrest entertainment, and leather seating.  These are also the prices of these vehicles brand new.  I think after looking at all the prices, I will check out the certified pre-owned versions of all of these vehicles.  :)))

Until Later,

~Jacqueline~

Mommy Overload!

I'm 29 years old, I am a Mother, A Daughter, and a Sister.  But if someone were to really ask me "Who are you?"  I'm not quite sure I would be able to give them an accurate answer?  This is my last year in the 20's.....the last year that I should be finding myself and what I'm all about, right?  I feel like my interests are scattered all over the map.  I am interested in Real Estate, Accounting, Web Design, and most recently Blogging.   So how do I find the time to pursue all of my interests?  I don't want to take away from raising my children, but at the same time I want to find my niche in life.  Is that selfish of me to want to pursue a life outside from just being a Mom?  I don't think so at all!  I actually feel it's the best way to bring the best of both to your children.  Mommy is being fulfilled by what drives her in life, and your children reap the benefits of a happy Mommy!  It's a win, win situation in my book!

Thanks for listening!

Until Later,
~Jacqueline~

Girls Night Out better known as "GNO"....

It's been three weeks since my spouse has gone on deployment.  Three weeks for me to realize that I need to get out!!!  So I've enlisted all of my girlfriends (family and friends) for a GNO!  I figure it's a great way to fellowship with one another.  A lot of times we as women don't take time to nurture relationships with other women.  I think it's important.  So I challenge you to get your friends and families together!  Let's try to get monthly GNO!!!

Until Later
 ~Jacqueline~

Ahhhhh!!!!

It's 10:30pm on a Friday night, and the three of us are still alive! I'm drained, exhausted, tired, drained, exhausted...you get the picture! Today was a rough day. Okay, we're all Moms here, today was miserable!!! I have two boys ages 2 years old and 3 months old. Yep, I know...that explains it all! Lol! I mean they didn't do anything out of the ordinary. It just seems they were both on energy level 10 and I wasn't even on the radar! It all started with the Target trip. It began well enough; but somewhere between the household essentials and the children department it all went to h-e-double hockey sticks! My two year old who I'll refer to as, Big J, had a meltdown because I wouldn't let him open his new cup. Then we walked by the toys and my 3 month old, Lil' J, wakes up. Next Big J starts to cry over a dinosaur. And can you imagine it didn't get any better! I finally make it to the register, long gone my days of perusing all Target aisles. Now Big J has stopped crying, but he has started to whine about the cup again. And Lil' J is in the beginning stages of a cry. Just when I think, this couldn't possibly get any worse, cute guy gets behind me at the register. Nope, Im not single ,and I'm definitely not looking. But the look I received from him wasn't the "she's hot" look I used to receive just two short years ago. Nope,it was more of a "I'm never having kids" look.

Now here I am hours later...both kids are asleep and I'm enjoying a glass of wine. Even after all the drama my kids gave me today, I wouldn't trade these experiences for anything in the world. Well maybe a vacation; I promise I'd come back home. :).

*cheers* to a better day tomorrow!

Until Later,
Jacqueline


~Haute Mama~

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Favorite Fall Finds...

Well here I am, jumping in on fall fashion. I've never been a fan of jackets, sweaters, or long sleeves. I always feel so constricted! However, I've been shopping; and there are quite a few nice things out there these days. :)



Macy's has an awesome selection of sweater dresses, cardigans, and tunics. Which are *wait for it* all starting to look super cute to me! Paired with some leggings, skinny-boyfriend-straight leg jean, or with a dress or skirt. It all looks amazing! There are also a lot of versatile styles; for work, play, or casual dress. Which these days casual is the category I fall under. I need to be comfortable to chase my kids around, yet I still want to be a Haute Mama!

Here are two cardigans that I really like. On the top is BCBG (retails for $158) on the bottom is INC (retails for $79)

UGG has also reeled me over to their site (retails for $160). The Classic Argyle Knit boot is perfect fit to my lifestyle.

These are my favorite from Ugg.

Also, I can't believe I am going to say this, but I am also checking out leggings. I have not been interested in any of the skinny jean/legging trends until I bought a pair of DKNY skinny jeans from Macy's. I am not the skinniest woman around; i.e.: I have a J.Lo derriere...LoL! And these jeans make me feel like a size 4!

So, I will try a pair of leggings from Express.



These are a pair of denim leggings (retail for $49.50). They also have spandex, sequin, and sexy sleek black pair.

So those are a few of the pieces that I am interested in. I know that a lot of Moms won't take/or have the money to spend on themselves. But, you can always improvise all those pieces at discount stores. I am also an Haute Mama on a budget. Stores like Ross, Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Forever 21, and even Target keep up with the latest trends for discounted prices.

So here's to you fall *cheers*! I think I just might like this season from now on! ;)

Until Later,
~Jacqueline~

Fall Is Upon Us...

Well the time has come that every Californian dreads...a change in the weather. Although I spent the last three years in Texas, I am still not happy about weather. So now that temperatures have dropped, so have my spirits! Not only do I mourn the cold temps, I mourn the cute summer clothes and open toed shoes. :((( It's no secret that I am no fan of fall/winter clothes. They are restricting and in my opinion quite boring. But I am making an attempt to change my own mind and try out a few of these styles. *sigh* Wish me luck!

Friday Night

So this is my new Friday night? 1am and I've got my two sons taking over my bed. I'm entirely too sleepy to try to move them. And, it's actually enough room for the three of us.

Tomorrow we don't have much planned. The weekends are especially tough. The weekends serve as family time, and since we are missing a link of our family, it's just not the same. :(

Okay it's time for me to head in for the night.

~Jacqueline~


~Haute Mama~

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Trying New Things...

As you may know, a few weeks ago my spouse left on deployment. With that being said, the Navy has wonderful groups that support the family year around. As you can imagine, when it’s time for deployment those groups really come together. So after five years of being a part of the Navy, I am finally going to participate. Well I take that back, we lived in Houston for three years, and I attended many Navy events. I still miss the friends that I made from that time; who were all military affiliated. However, we all had the same story. Let me explain.

I am from a military town, so I am familiar with military families. From those experiences or from what I’ve seen, I NEVER wanted to be a part of that life. The military wife has a bad stereotype in my book. They are labeled as boring stay at home Moms. I don’t want to be under that label. Although I am a stay at home Mom, by no means am I boring! I love fashion, shoes, make-up, my kids, and of course my Navy man! But under that label; military wives don’t care about fashion, shoes, and make-up. All they care about is their children and their husbands. They won’t take time out for themselves to do things other than for their kids or husband. Which is great and of course that is always first priority. But there is a fine balance. You don’t want to lose yourself in only being the caregiver.

So tonight I’m attending a family game night. I hope to meet other women like me. We love our spouses, we are very proud! But it doesn’t DEFINE us! I am hoping I can meet ladies who love to read Glamour and InStyle magazines. I am hoping to meet ladies who do not live up to that stereotype. That’s what I’m hoping.

So ladies, if I meet you tonight and I share my blog with you, please don’t be offended. I am only writing about my own experience and what I’ve encountered. Here’s to the next few months flying by so our loved ones will return home!

~Jacqueline~

This week was supposed to be different....

This week was supposed to be different. This week was supposed to be great! Alas, none of that happened. Here it is Thursday, and I am no more relaxed than I was last Thursday. *Sigh* this week I wanted to get my kids on a schedule that worked for all three of us. I wanted our day fly by smoothly, with everything falling magically into place. And then I woke up!

All jokes aside, I wanted to start my week with a little time each day pampering myself. I think it’s important to take time out from the hectic life as “Mom” to just unwind. Yet, I can’t even take my own advice! Now don’t worry, it hasn't been from lack of trying. However, as we all know with a toddler, whom I’ll refer to as, “Big J” it’s darn near impossible to predict his mood each and every day! And don’t even get me started on “Little J”, he is 2.5 months old; I won’t call him a “bad” baby, lol…but he has left behind the sleep all day infant phase. He wants to coo, talk, play with toys, and watch his big brother run around.

So what does that mean for me??? Well that meant no time to rave about my favorite new nail color; it’s called Pink of Hearts by Opi. It’s a pale pink color and it also supports Breast Cancer Awareness month. I have it on my toesies and I just love it! I also have had no time to try my Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk. I have heard wonderful things about her entire line of products. So I bought a few to try and share with you all. And if you’re wondering, I have not received any compensation for speaking about these products…LoL! I’m just a real life product junkie and I don’t mind sharing.

Well I have another busy day ahead. Surprisingly, “Big J” and “Little J” are still sleeping! So I am taking the time to get my schedule ready for the day. I’m trying something new this evening and I’ll talk about it in a separate post. Enjoy your day!

~Jacqueline~

Whew!!!

Whew! That is all I have to say about the last few days. If my children weren't two years old and two months old, I'd be quite certain they have been trying to get rid of me!

Let me explain. As you may know, I am now the "Head Honcho" in this house. My spouse is away on deployment. And as proud of him that I am, there is also a part of me when my children are screaming I think to myself; Lucky Bastard! No, I haven't lost my mind, yet. But over the last few days I have lost complete control of my bedroom, if that's what it is anymore. My day seems to be full of putting out small fires ie: poop blow-out on Kid #2, Kid #1 sliding on printer paper across the tile floors, and Kids #1 and #2 simultaneously CRYING!

So with all that being said, I am dedicating my weekend to organizing our home and our schedule. I NEVER imagined staying home with MY OWN children every day could be so exhausting! Mind you, I'm not completely naive. But I was thinking it won't be easy, but I can do it. I'll play with them, feed, them, we'll read books, and they'll be GENIUSES!! Uh, yeah..I just want them to be alive at this point. LoL!

I also want to spend next week on ME TIME! Even though I'm a rookie at this Mommy gig. I know that I must maintain some sort of sanity for myself and my children. So next week I'll blog about my favorite products and new products I want to try and share.

Thanks for listening....Whew!!!!

~Jacqueline~