Lipstick and Legos

Five years ago, Dewy and I were struggling to get pregnant with Larsen--and had been for a while.  We decided to get the heck out of here, and celebrate our anniversary far away.  Playa Del Carmen was the selected destination--even though neither of us had ever been or even heard of it.  We'd never done the all-inclusive thing either, so decided to try that, and we hauled Dewy's cousin and his wife with us.  Mostly because CJ is huge, and if we got caught by the cartel he would be handy to have.  Just kidding.  They're pretty fun. Anyway... when the Hodges met Playa Del Carmen it was love at first sight, and has been our favorite place ever since. Three years ago we planned to go back to Playa again, this time with the Wilsons--get to know that name people, cause you can't have the Hodges without the Wilsons and vice versa.  Remember how I said we had a hard time getting Larsen here? Well Baylor somehow powered through two methods of birth control and ruined our Playa

Summer is well under way, and it didn't take long to become apparent that this mom needed a schedule in place or her sanity was going to bail. Most of the things we've been doing this summer are things we have done in the past, but each year I modify it a bit.  None of this is groundbreaking, and I can't even claim to have thought of the concepts myself, but they are proving to help us enjoy our time together this summer, which means no one has died.  Step one: go to fiiz and get a caffinated beverage.  Just kidding...kind of.  Does it drive anyone else insane when your kids wake up and immediately say, "MOM! MOM! MOM! WHAT ARE WE DOING TODAY!?" Like I literally want to cut off my ears.  I started doing this last summer, and it worked like a charm.  Each day we have a theme, and I printed it off so Rhett could read for himself what the day would be and then tell Larsen.  The less I have to associate with my kids, the better.  Here is what it looks like: This

Last week was our spring break, and while everyone I knew was off laying on a beach with a book and a beverage--or so it seemed--I was at home looking like Rosie the Riveter.  I grew up spring cleaning on spring break, and my kids are going to do the same, dang it.  I shared some of my spring cleaning tips on Instagram, and then decided to create a post with all the tips, tricks, how-to's, and products I love.  You're welcome. Get organized! The night before I'm going to begin my spring cleaning, I make a list of EVERYTHING I want to get done during the week.  This list is usually lofty, and I have not ONCE made it through the entire thing.  However, having the list is motivating to keep working, and the kids like the fulfillment of scratching things off.  My list has everything broken down by room.  For example: FRONT ROOM -walls -baseboards -vacuum -window -dust -window screen -blinds -wash blanket -beat rug -wipe fan I do this for ever

Being a first time mom, I was terrified.  Who isn't? Like... I can't even be trusted to wear matching socks, and you want me to take this human being home? And keep him alive? As Rhett and I got to know each other over the first little bit of his life, I decided I was the world's best mom.  He slept when I said; he ate when I said.  He was adorable, and smart, and HUGE.  I remember thinking that I couldn't fathom what moms were complaining about.  It isn't THAT hard.  Oh Amber... you big, BIG idiot. If Rhett left me thinking I was a good mom, Larsen went ahead and DASHED all those ideas in one fail swoop.  Straight from the womb Larsen was a screamer.  He was the worst sleeper ever, the worst eater ever, and he couldn't decide what he wanted.  If I picked him up, he screamed.  If I laid him down, he screamed.  If I sang him a song, he screamed... although, to be fair, most do.  All of a sudden I realized that I had ZERO idea what I was doing.  Rhett had bamb

As a junior in high school, I went to Hawaii with my family.  My parents always tried to find a sacrament service we could attend if we were on vacation over a Sunday, and this particular trip we found one where President Monson was presiding over a conference.  We had no idea, and just lucked out to stumble on it when we walked into the chapel.  We took our seats toward the back--the building was very full--and settled in.  I am ashamed to say, that I cannot remember a single word that was spoken during that meeting.  Not one.  I don't remember the songs we sang, what we did after the meeting, or anything else specifially in regards to that day. Except the girl sitting four rows and one seat over in front of me.  She had long blonde hair, tanned skin, a tiny frame, and a beautiful dress. She looked about my age, maybe slightly younger, and based on her body language, I assumed she was shy.  As my eyes continued to scan the room, I noticed another beautiful girl.  She was clearly

I can't remember the last time I set foot in the mall.  It's almost upsetting.  Until I realize that I can shop with no bra on and not offend the world when doing it...I've been shamed at the grocery store before for being braless, but that is another story for another day.  Back to shopping... I am a professional shopper.  I pride myself on finding great deals and products, and I'm convinced I could single-handedly keep Amazon Prime afloat. One day--super upset that he had to walk to my door pack-mule style, I'm sure--my mail carrier said, "You know... it looks real bad when they all come on the same day." My response? "Well they all come everyday, so... you're welcome!"  I have rounded up some of my favorite Amazon purchases for this week's Friday favorites, and I think you are going to love them all! 1. Smarty Suckers I've talked about these before, but I am NOT above reminding you about their greatness. I can buy t