{Music Monday} My Girl - NOTA

Today's selection is one of my favorite summertime songs.

Of course, after having my babygirl, the song took on a whole new meaning! Because my daughter's name means "one whose light can never be hidden," and we're a musical family, we chose this song as the inspiration for the theme of her first birthday.

While the original Temptations' song was pretty much perfect, I personally love Michael Jackson's mix a little better. This one is from the Puerto Rican group NOTA, who won the first season of the show Sing Off. It's different, and I'm digging it!

{New Segment} "THANK YOU" THURSDAY!

Before I had children, I struggled to stay awake long enough to watch Leno's opening stand-up on the Tonight Show. I would sit up in bed with my pjs on (hubby snoring beside me), praying I'd make it past the first set of commercials to catch the "Headlines" segment.

Roll film!!!!!!

Two kids later, both of us are lucky if we make it in bed before Leno is over.

The bad thing is I live on sleep withdrawal.

The good thing is I've discovered Jimmy Fallon - the new perfect ending to this busy mom's day. I love to end the day on a good laugh.

Amongst my new favorite segments (it's really hard to pick just one), is when Jimmy writes "Thank You" notes at the end of the week.

I've decided to do my own version of "Thank You" notes with a mommy twist in a new bloggy segment I'm calling:

Here is my first set. All of these coincide with real events that happened this week. Hopefully someone can relate.

THANK YOU... Layout designers of children's stores, for designing aisles 0.25 inches narrower than the average stroller making sure my kids can successfully pull handfuls of merchandise off the racks without having to stretch their backs as I shove my way through the obstacle course.

THANK YOU... Green thumbed neighbor, for placing a dazzling and brightly colored pinwheel smack dab in the middle of your beautiful landscape, then expecting children not to be attracted to your yard.

THANK YOU... Mulch, for looking so much like chocolate. You get my little guy every time.

THANK YOU... Baby girl, for spilling your juice on big brother's pants at the mall driving him near hysteria begging me to take off his pants. You cured me of being self conscious about my bad hair day, un-waxed upper lip, dry skin, and frumpy clothes because next to a boy walking around in his underwear, who cares how I look?

THANK YOU... Magazine editor, childhood friend, former co-workers, and former students, for deciding to all be at the mall on the same day and at the same time; right after the boy decided to lose the pants.

THANK YOU... Farts, for turning pouts into giggles like nothing else can.

Come back next Thursday for another set of {Thank You Thursday} - Mommy edition.

Thanks for reading!
Debra

{Music Monday} The Real Me

I've decided to begin participating in Music Mondays. Music is a huge part of my life so, why not?

Friday night, I finally bought some bubble bath, poured a glass of sparkling champagne, created a "relaxation" song list and headed to the tub.

My song list included numbers by Rascal Flatts, Michael Buble, of course, and a few others.

Today's song was one that touched my heart Friday night. Written and performed by Natalie Grant, this is the song that helped me relax the most because I could totally relate. If you've ever found yourself feeling the pressure of perfection, or feeling like you must have your act together, then you'll relate to this song too.

Enjoy!

Happy Monday!

xoxo

Debra

{NEW to TiTi's TuTu's}

I'm beyond excited to introduce this new original collection to you. I feel so lucky to be the creator of something unique, unlike anything on the market. Thank you for taking time to look through my photos and leave a comment. I love feedback!

decÓrate is about having fun with fashion

about standing out,

about letting girls be girls.

No matter the age, us girls love to decorate ourselves. Whether it's make-up, nail polish, hair accessories, or jewelry, getting pampered is always a treat.

The pieces present a spunky edge while adding a touch of femininity to your look.

I strived to include something for everybody in the collection, from bold large pieces to small subtle ones; I hope you find something you like.

Please visit the decÓrate album on Facebook for more photos.

The headbands will be on sale at my new etsy store and at The Little Shop. Email me for custom orders.

Thank YOU!!!

Credits

Photos by: Patricia Bishop Photography

www.facebook.com/patriciabishopphotography

Hair by: Sarah Conoly for Turning Heads Salon

www.turningheads602.com

Headbands by: TiTI's TuTu's

www.facebook.com/titistutus

Dresses and Embroidered Tops by:

www.maddiecolinandriles.com

{Mommy Lessons} Back Seat Driver

For some "not-so-well-thought-out" reason, I taught my son that red means STOP, yellow means BE CAREFUL, and green means GO.

Now, of course, every time we approach a traffic light, he starts yelling from the back seat what I should do. Which, don't get me wrong, is super cute. I even ask him to be my helper. I pretend to not look at the light and ask him to inform me when it changes so we can go.

The problem is right hand turns. He gets so frustrated when I turn right on a red light. I tried to explain it to him but that was a fail. Now I just say "oops!" and keep driving.

Last night my husband was driving home and sure enough we had a very frustrated little boy in the back seat. I turned to look at him and thought to myself "I wish he would relax and stop worrying about things that we have under control."

Nothing teaches me more about God than my own children so, immediately the light bulb came on. It was as if God was saying "now, where have I heard THAT before?..."

Why is it that we worry so much and try to tell Him how to lead us when He's got everything under control?

Today, I'm determined to let Him drive!

xoxo

Debra