Go back to ASU or not go back... nope, not going back :(

Last weekend I was given the wonderful surprise of finding out that ASU re-reviewed my FASFA and awarded me with two Grants (as well as two loans, that I didn't need or want). So, of course I accepted the grants, told a few people of my good news, and started the process of becoming an ASU student once again.

Fast forward to this morning, and my good news became sad:( ASU drastically cut the grant funding (less than half of what I was offered and accepted), then applied stipulations to one of the grants, that I cannot possibly commit to at this time in my life. I'm so bummed and disappointed. All I want is to return to school and complete my final semester. This is definitely a blow to my attitude for the day... maybe week or two.

I'm trying really hard to remind myself that if returning to school was meant to happen, then it would! My wonderful, younger cousin reminded me this morning that "Maybe God knows something you don't, and is steering you away from this one, as to be ready for the next."

So, as of now, I'm not college bound... yet.

Bath time fun!

Braydon - 26 months

My Stella&Dot Pick Of The Week...

... it's the perfect summery accessory!
Click here --> Beth Switzenberg - Stella & Dot Stylist

Father's Day Gift Gone Wrong...

Babe, if you don't want to ruin the surprise, don't read any further. But if you want a good laugh, I honestly don't mind if you ruin the surprise.

Today I had the brilliant idea to take Braydon to As You Wish to paint a bowl for Tyson for part of his Father's Day gift. Tyson has a bowl of cereal almost every night before bed, so I thought this would be a cute gift to give...
as of 11:15 today, I discovered my cute gift turned into an ugly $20 bowl that is worthy of mockery and teasing! I wish I had the idea to use his College colors BEFORE starting the bowl... sadly, I did not.

Instead, I let Braydon pick two colors and I chose the other two. What we came up w/is red, blue, green, and black... what is that about!?! Braydon was pitching fits almost the entire time we were there, helped for about 10 minutes, and began to scream "ALL DONE, ALL DONE, ALL DONE" time and time again. I tried to finish it myself... to make it look somewhat cute, and instead made it that much worse. Finally, I resigned from painting and decided to finish the bowl off with Braydon's hand-print.

Of course he wasn't willing to participate, so I had to bribe him with a cookie in order to achieve the hand-print. So, once I promised him a cookie, we did a quick/messy hand-print, and I paid $20 for an ugly @$$ bowl.

I'm exhausted, frustrated, and so bummed the experience wasn't a pleasant one for us both. I'm also pissed at the employees for not helping out even a little bit, but maybe some of my disappointment due to the outcome of the bowl is tainting my attitude towards them a little bit.

Anyway, the thought and love were there... the looks, however, are not... sorry Babe!

Harkins Summer Movie Fun

This morning Braydon and I went to our very first movie together. We're doing Harkins Summer Movie Fun, where babes/kids of all ages, pay next to nothing to watch reruns of somewhat older, family friendly movies. Today's was Shrek the Third, and though Braydon was very unsure of the dark, massive theater, he decided to give it a try when a bus load of 6 year olds walked in. During the entire movie, Braydon sat on the edge of his seat, and any noise he made blended in nicely with the noise the other little ones made. I loved it. We have 8 more weeks (every Tuesday at 9:45am) of this and I'm hoping by the end of the Summer Movie Fun, Braydon will be ready to join his daddy and me for the newer kiddie movies.

Such a great day!

PS Braydon even volunteered 3 kisses (to me) during the movie!!!

Mommy and her snuggle bug!

Potty Training Diaries

I'm already throwing in the towel -- for now. ML, you were an amazing support to me today, but these last few hours have absolutely stressed me to the max (as well as Bray - he's a bit freaked out and totally clingy) and I'm realizing that Braydon just isn't ready yet. I tried to push, and instead he held his pee pee as best he could while sitting on the potty, and would then unleash and release all over the place.

For a while, I thought we were making progress (because he DID successfully time and time again go on the potty, however time and time again, he'd pee, not realize he's peed, and was happy to sit urine drenched big boy pants. Not only did this win/lose happen ALL DAY LONG, he also begged to take off his big boy pants. He yanked at them, screamed, maybe go pee a little in his big boy chair, and as soon as he was out of the bathroom, he'd wet his pants and anything around him :(

I'm so disappointed, but my mommy gut is telling me to back off and try again in a couple of months. Physically, he's pretty much there. But he's just not mentally. I guess I need to let it go and try when I feel and believe it'll be a smoother transition.

I'm upset, frustrated, and pretty disappointed. Braydon's THRILLED to be back in his diaper (which why wouldn't he, it's all he's known for 2 years), and I need a drink or two to unwind from a stressful, mind-numbing day.