Thirty-three + My Gift To You!

Thank you all for the amazing birthday wishes yesterday...seriously, I don't know how we would feel so loved and special without social media.

I mean before Facebook did birthdays even exist except for your parents and a few friends who wished you a good day? I really don't think so.

Onto the birthday recap...

I turned 33 yesterday.

I'm not one of those people who dread birthdays. I mean they are coming regardless and we are all going to get older. But this age just feels weird to me. Its just too close to 35 for comfort. Not that 35 is bad, but once you hit 35, 40 is around the corner, then 45, then before you know it you're 60. Whoa. 60? Now that seems crazy.

Yesterday morning as I was getting myself and Cruz ready to leave the house, I heard Nick ask him what they should get me. Cruz as honest as ever said, "daddy, I think mama really wants a race track."

Wouldn't you know it I got home from work last night and was promptly told to sit on the couch and open my gifts..and what was in the expertly wrapped Fat Brain paper? Yep. A race track. As I was putting it together I was thinking to myself - hmm, looks like it's going to be a Ron Fuchser kind of birthday.

What is a "Ron Fuchser" kind of birthday, you ask? Well, Ron, aka my dad, was the king of telling my mom for every birthday, Christmas or Valentine's Day that the new kitchen she got was her present. Or the the new car she had gotten a month ago was her gift, etc, etc.

I actually had a Ron Fuchser mother's day - we are in the process of redoing A TON of stuff around our house - and truthfully didn't mind it.

But I'm not going to lie that as I was sitting on the floor with Cruz yesterday, putting his track together, it was going through my head, "huh, he's really going to use that gift cop out for both mother's day and my birthday?" (Come on, you would be thinking the same thing...right?)

Then, THEN he said, "ok you get Cruz ready to go to dinner and I will go change my shirt. Oh, and he needs a diaper change."  I almost pulled the birthday diva card and said, "nope, all you." But refrained..thankfully.

Because when we walked into Cruz's room, the door was shut and on the bed was this...

Well, this was actually all set up nicely and some of it wrapped, but of course I didn't get a picture prior, so this will have to do.

And I immediately felt like a jerk for even the split second that I was feeling bad for myself. Jerk.

And then that thought left my mind as I believe the next words out of Cruz's mouth were, "oh. my. gosh." with the cutest emphasis on each word. "mommy, look at all that."

I was thinking the same thing, brother.

So yes, my husband spoiled me. A new, utterly fantastic wok. A case of delicious Pinot Noir. And, AND, the box with my wedding shoes. Huh. When I opened it up, what did I see? Girls, he gave me approval to buy a new pair when I'm in Vegas in a couple weeks. Seriously. I think I'm still in shock.

(Is it bad that sensible me wants to take the money to Best Buy and snap up a new iPad instead?)

We then went to dinner at Kona and devoured this with my two guys. I think the look on Cruz's face shows you how excited all of us were to get after that brownie.

Don't forget the food didn't start there. Nope. If you follow me on Insta, you know that my amazing co-workers gifted me with this massive plate of nachos today at work.

I'm not sure you realize just how amazing they were. And massive. That is a legal-sized notepad right there, folks.

So yes, you could also say this was not only my birthday, but a day of utter gluttony.

And cuteness. I mean look at my dinner date. I'm a lucky gal.

Ok so enough birthday talk because now I want to celebrate my birthday with ALL OF YOU. Yep. You heard that right. These lovely ladies and myself have $220 cold hard cash to offer one of you lucky gals! 

You don't need me to tell you how many ways you could use $220, right? I would, but we might be here all day. Just get yourself entered...quick because it's not going to last forever.

erin elizabeth | rhapsody + chaos | september FARM | treats + travels
boone + owl | {the farmer's wife} | yellow mango life | princess burlap
living lavender | kaliwood | classy + sassy mrs. | march to december
being mrs. beer | a faithful passion | danielle faith | wedding rings to teething rings 

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Angels Everywhere

This will be a short and sweet one today as this girl is heading off to the golf course shortly.

Yes, on a school day.

Golfing, beers, nice weather and some of my fave girls? Count me in.

As if that isn't reason enough, we are doing it for a great cause, too.

As you guys have heard me mention in the past, I've been involved with Angels Among Us since 2008 and I'm obsessed. Quick background is we are a local, small organization who raises funds for families who have children with cancer. We give them a monthly stipend that goes right to pay some of their monthly bills so they can concentrate on their child and be there for treatments, doctor's visits and just be with their little one.
I still feel so honored that I get to be involved and Nick & I try to help in any way we can throughout the year. The families and children I've met since being involved have stolen a piece of my heart and it's something that no one should ever have to go through with their little. Ever.

And if I'm lucky, some of the children we've helped who are in remission (yay!) will be on the course with us today. That is really the best part. These kids are inspiring, as are their parents, and I love being surrounded by them and their happy spirits.

Which makes me thankful for every single moment with this guy. Seriously thankful that we've only experienced minor bumps during his sweet life.

And, yes, I'm the mom who classifies donuts as breakfast and justifies a donut with my Starbucks because I can't let Cruz eat one alone....


Linking up with Katie as well as Ashley and Jess on this gorgeous day. Squeeze your kiddos extra tight. Just because you can.

Cheers to the Mamas

Another Mother's Day in the books and it was a pretty great one around these parts.

And it started early, which is even better.

On Friday I was invited to a little mama's day tea at Cruz's school. They serenaded us with two songs, cookies and the cutest little picture frames that C and his fave girl are showing off right here.

Cruz was, of course, the one who jumped out in front of his entire class directly after the second song to bow so we all knew it was time to clap and show them some love.

Afterwards, we met Nick for dinner. I really think these nights are some of my fave. I love downloading a long week over dinner, a glass of wine and taking in these two. Just ask Cruz and he will tell you his daddy is his best friend.

On Saturday we crafted theses bad boys for the grandmas. I mean, we may be getting a bit too big for the foot print crafts -just look at the size of those feet.  And think about it, we handed these over to the grandmas, like here, it's a flower pot with a painted foot on it. Enjoy. Though, I think they enjoy them.

Sunday is where the best part came in.

I woke up to Cruz - in bed with us of course why would he be in his own bed - leaning over me saying "happy mudder's day, mommy" with flowers and a card.

Then Nick got up, not me, Nick and whipped up some eggs over easy and toast. It was delish. But that was just to tide us over because after debating our plans (we wanted to go to my parent's place to golf but it was storming), we decided to head to a late brunch. Which let's be honest is technically lunch, but brunch sounds so much better. Don't you agree?

And as Nick said, "what's better than brunch? Mexican brunch." So off to Cantina Laredo we went.

Table side guac. Queso. The most amazing warm salsa. Sharing the enchiladas veracruz with my Cruz. And complimentary mimosas and bloody marys. Um, yes please. Oh yeah, and spending the day with my two guys? My fave. I've got me two handsome men in my life.

And we met Marc & B, which Cruz just loved because he had someone other than his daddy and I to show off for.

Our day ended with a road trip up north to Nick's mom's house and a massive meal. Good food, good convo, and even better cocktails (it was my day, so I wasn't driving, remember?) =)

Now it's back to reality. Laundry, picking up after the toddler tornado, dirty diapers, boogers handed to me like they are some sort of present. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Hope you all had the most amazing mother's day....mama or not!

And for those of you in the Midwest - hoping you stayed out of the mess of storms we had. They were a doozy.

Potty Training 101

Ok, seriously, this title is a joke.

I'm the last person to take potty training lessons from.

Remember when I thought we had it all down with the nanny? {here}

Ha!

And then earlier this year I gave it another shot thinking if I bribed him with M&Ms and being able to wear big boy undies that he would just figure it out? {here}

Double ha!

And even better when he blatantly peed his big boy undies, slipped and fell right into it?  {here}

There was even a point when I felt all good inside after he would go in the potty and people were so impressed that he was so little and already potty training. I was kind of smug proud that we had it down.

Seriously, rude awakening.

As of right now, he has the upper hand and basically has proven that he will not tell us when he has to go. Or better yet he waits until he's gone and then tells us. Like he's mocking our little plan to get him potty trained.

Is it that bad if my kiddo goes to Kindergarten in diapers?  At this point I'm not sure I care.

Ok it's not that bad.

We are now approaching round #26 of this little venture and, while I'm not convinced I have it figured out, I sure hope we do.

I made this fancy little chart.

Bought some totally rad stickers.

Had him pick out a super cool toy at the store....that I bribed him with.

And now we have reviewed the plan over and over and over.

Basically it goes like this:

He tells us when he has to go pee pee or poo poo.

We hurriedly remove the dipe and set him on the big boy potty.

When he goes, he gets to take a sticker and put it on his chart.

After 10 stickers, he gets the big boat.

Since then? He has asked me no fewer than 212 times if he can get put a sticker on the chart or play with his Jake boat.

And all I've gotten is a lot of this.

With no action in the potty as of yet.

{smh}

I have a feeling this is going to be a looooong process.

Anyone have any pointers? I will listen to - and try - just about anything at this point...

Because I really don't want my kid walking into kindergarten with a diaper sticking out of the top of his jeans....

Linking up with Ashley and Jess. Because potty training is just one of those little things that we get to experience with these kiddos of ours.

And Kristin for her Baby Talk series.

Q&A with Mr. Yellow Mango

Yep, you read that right.

Mr. Yellow Mango. aka The Hubs. aka Nick. is crashing the blog today and I'm so excited.

I have seen some lovely bloggers posting questions from their husbands all over their pages (specifically Katie and Biana) and I seriously never in one million years thought Nick would do it. He seems to think my blog is kinda silly. And doesn't understand the blogging community. And is plain just a hater sometimes.

Buuuut, I must've been extra good this week or something because I asked and he didn't even hesitate. Maybe he's been waiting for his debut and that's why he was such a negative nelly about my blog time.

And in my efficient manner, I didn't ask him one question, I emailed them. Otherwise, I would've been telling him how to answer and I wanted it to be all him.

Let's see what he has to say.

You said you would do it. No backing down now. =)

Me: What is the name of my blog?

N: yellow mango something

Me: What do I typically write about?

N: probably cruz

Me: What's a popular fashion item for women right now?

N: sweatpants

(Well, I can't blame him for that one, that's basically all he sees me in at home...)

Me: What's the best place to shop for women?

N: scheels

(Scheels is a local sporting goods store. we did just do some damage there, but he just likes it because he can shop for himself at the same time)

Me: What do you know about Pinterest?

N: Its for girls and I've never used it.

Me: What do you and I like to do together?

N: eat and watch movies

Me: Am I good at staying on a budget?

N: dumb question. no way.

Me: What do women keep in their purse?

N: many unnecessary items and stuff for Cruz

Me: What do I do when I'm home alone?

N: on the computer

Me: And what do you do when you're home alone?

N:  watch sports

Me: What is your favorite thing about me?

N: everything

Me: Least favorite?

N: when you disagree with me

Me: What's my favorite accessory?

N: chapstick

Me: What's an acceptable amount to spend on a makeup item?

N: 50-100

(For an item? Sephora. Here I come.)

Me: What are my hobbies?

N: blogging, running and shopping

Me: What jewelry do I wear everyday?

N: necklaces

Me: What's my favorite TV show?

N: kardashians

(Definitely top five, for sure)

Me: Really, how excited were you when you found out we were having a boy when I was preggo with C?

N: 12 out of 10. 

Me: What is your favorite thing about being a dad?

N: having a mini-me. looking forward to baseball and golf and all other sports with him.

Me: How many more kids would you like to have?

N:  2

(And this is where we disagree a bit. However, I'm pretty sure I will win with just one more.)

Me: Anything else you'd like to share?

N: I'm hungry

N: xo

And there you have it. A man of few words. A big thanks to my baby daddy being such a sport. I have to say I am loving his answers, because they are all him.

Five on Friday {May 2, 2014}

It's Friday. And I love me some Fridays!

No reason to beat around the bush, let's jump on in...

{one}
Yoga at the Cove. I cannot tell you how excited I am to finally announce our collabo with Sweat, Cycle & Soul for our first {of hopefully many} Yoga at the Cove events.  Yoga. Under the sun. Live DJ. Cocktails. Shopping. Wine samples. Lululemon. Mini massages. Giveaways. Junk headbands. Juices. Cupcakes. And so much more. Seriously, it's the place to be.

If the event itself doesn't sound kick ass {well, let's be honest, then you may just have problems}, maybe the fact that our guy Eric Church filmed his "Drink in my Hand" video at our Stir Cove will get you a little excited. He said himself that the Church Choir in the Cove was just too great not to film. I'll drink to that!

{two}
Tone It Up Bikini Series. Eight weeks until summer, so putting a little more focus on my workout definitely doesn't hurt. And I love these girls. How cute are they? And while I'm at it, I'm also doing the #100bySummer - running 100 miles from now until 6/21. I've decided just to count running. Gives me a reason to get out to Lake Zorinsky.

{three}
It's that time of the year. The Omaha Farmers Market is back. And this mama couldn't be happier. I love love love making this a Sunday staple. After a workout, I grab my babe and a coffee, walk in the sun, check out the goods, grab some breakfast, play in the park. It's perfection. Even better if I can talk Nick or one of my gals to join.

{four}
The gals and I got together Saturday morning for Color Me Rad. Seriously everything about it makes me happy. The color. The running. The fact that loads of people pay actual money to have colored powdered thrown all over them while running. Trust me, you will want to pay money to have colored powder thrown all over you. It is that much fun.

And those people at Color Me Rad know exactly how to throw one damn good party. Seriously. If you are in Omaha/CB - sorry suckas, you missed your shot. But sign up next year. If you live in another part of the country - check out their map. There may just be a race coming your way and you don't want to miss it!

{five}
It's that time of the year. The time of weddings. I love weddings. Is that weird? And I think I love weddings even more now that I have little man in my life. That kid is a blast. And he can dance. Boy, can he bust a move. He definitely doesn't get that from his mama. Oh, and I can justify a second piece of cake because I tell people "it's for Cruz."

Along with weddings comes wedding showers with wedding gifts. I am all about giving cold hard cash for showers and weddings. Why, you may ask? Because. The receiver can do whatever the heck they want with the cash. Want to put it toward your honeymoon? Do it. Want to have a celebratory dinner out after the big day? Do it. Want to use it to buy a new pair of shoes? Hell yes, do it!

But I can't just give a card with cash in it. Nope. I like to have something that is a little personal. Which is why I started making these prints. I just love giving a little something they can look back on all the special details of their fabulous day.

And not only that, but I also love doing the same thing for new, little babes in my life. I started making the subway art with one for Cruz's nursery - lord knows I wouldn't remember all those important details! - and have since given them to friends and family right after they have their little.

Well, there you have it. My most random list of  fives from the week. I hope you have a fab weekend and wishing you all some of the gorgeous weather we are supposed to have around these parts. I'm sensing a trip to the farmer's market (obv), a stroll around the zoo and a mommy/Cruzer brunch date in my future.