M-I-C-K-E-Y spells Home!

It's kind of sad, but I realized when we went to see Cars 2 as a family last Monday night that Disney has captured me! I have the nostalgic feeling of home whenever I am around anything Disney. I think that's what their whole marketing scheme is based around (and I was sucked in). Of course, I feel a little better about myself considering that I grew up only 20 minutes from Walt Disney World. I used to tell my students that Mickey Mouse is my brother (well, we did tease my brother Michael with that name).
One of my good friends is going to Disney World with her family for the first time in October with Make a Wish Foundation! I'm so excited for them (Excitement = BLOG)! Not to mention I was so excited that we continue to talk with each other about it until I promised her the dreaded link list (dun, dun, dun) of some other fun things to do in Orlando. So here it is, for my special friend, Mel, and anyone else who wants to know how to make Orlando into more than just a Disney vacation!

There's a Hole in my Blog, Dear Liza, Dear Liza

I was thinking about this blog the other day as a collection of who I am, updating my list of books I'm reading (which is pretty pathetic since Child #2 came along), rewording some things to better match my thoughts, and all of the sudden BAM!!!
It's like I got smacked in the face! The biggest part of my life, FOREVER, my other half is not on this blog at all! I wouldn't be a mother without him! There are so many things he has taught me.
I wondered "Why?" "Why am I so quick to write about motherhood, homemaking, homeschooling, etc. but NOTHING about my amazing husband and marriage?" I realized then that it's kind of personal. What could I write that would influence someone else to have a positive marriage without exposing something private between my husband and I?
So, while I can't really convey the beautiful intricacies of marriage on a blog, I decided I can start posting a little more about what makes my marriage so happy and unique.
Here are a couple of thoughts to start off with:
1. It's an eternal marriage.
2. My husband and I BOTH do the finances. Maybe it's a lot of extra work, but it means we have to talk about it more and we're both on the same page. Plus, we can check each other easier (you're much more responsible when you have someone to report to)
3. We are both REDS! I'm talking code - color code. My mother always said "how does that work exactly?" We're pretty productive :) He takes his stuff and I take mine..it works.
4. We LOVE to watch movies together
5. We've just recently had to start "planning" dates. Nothing half-hazard or last minute seemed to be happening anymore with two kids. More on this to come! We've had some great date ideas!
6. There is no question about feeling supported. Whenever I'm passionate about something, he's always been supportive :) (and I'm thinking again, why does this blog exist without him?)
7. He just walked in and said "How much would you be willing be spend for my "super-shed/greenhouse/chicken coop"....better go! Off to more adventures with my other half!

Beat the Heat with Summer Reading

This blog for me is an opportunity to record my favorite sites, topics, ideas, and adventures as a mother and homemaker. It makes for easy access when I forget something and makes it easier for me to share my thoughts (not having to repeat it ten times or write 3 emails of the same information). Lately, I've had so many things to post about! I admit that while the two's can be terrible, it's a budding time of learning for mommy and toddler! Now that I have two children, the new learning seems to happen everyday (and the growing pains at least once a week if you know what I mean).
Looking over my list, I realized how silly it will be for me to post in the fall about summer reading. So, while you may not be able to take advantage of all of the ideas below (because half of the summer is over), at least it will be a resource and idea bank for next year's summer reading. Enjoy!

Breastfeeding Fashion

I've been struggling for clothes lately, now that I'm nursing again. Seriously, what did I do for clothes the first time I was nursing?! I feel like everything is uncomfortable to nurse in this summer and I'm dreading when the baby starts pulling at the nursing cover!
I ran across Mod Milk Momma - a site by my college friend, Mandi. So cute! I love her thrift. I love her easy tutorial on making any top to accommodate breastfeeding AND modesty by including a tank underneath! I just bought 10 of the Old Navy tanks for only $20! I'm so excited that the $20 is going to save me A TON in buying nursing clothes! The tutorial looks super easy (even for an intimidated, green seamstress such as myself). It might just help me get over the fear of using that machine ;) Hope you enjoy the site! I'm proud to be a Mod Milk Momma too!