I had to do this post so I could say a HUGE thank you to all of you for your support from yesterdays' revealing postabout part of my past. I always strive to be real, open, and honest about myself and my thoughts. I know I have come a long way and tend to be a very positive person, but I think it is only reasonable to show that it can be hard for me too. And my life has not always been rainbows, butterflies, and fairies. We each have the choice to do something about our lives and to have the faith that things will be okay. I can without a doubt say that getting back my faith is what helped turn all of that around.

And I also want to say that I love my father very dearly now.

at my wedding...about a year after beginning to mend our relationship

Our relationship has changed tremendously through lots of hard work and talking. And therapy, especially on his part, to battle the severe depression, anxiety, and anger issues that are prevalent in his family. Things, I too, am very aware of for myself and have to consistently pray and be cautious about to keep myself from slipping. I also want to say I am so thankful to God for how much he has helped my dad. He is absolutely amazing with Makenzie and I am so thankful things got sorted out before him interacting with her. She brings out the best in him. And although it can be disheartening at times to know I missed out on that when I was younger, I love him for the joy he brings her and that he is part of her life.

My Dad with Miss M

I didn't want to just tack this on to my other post today, since I feel my dad does deserve credit for the wonderful man and father he has become. Thank you for reading.

My money today was in one ear, er pocket I mean, and out the other. I went to the bank to drop off a check for two weeks' worth of my tutoring payment from one of the kiddos. Then, I had to run some errands for last minute baby shower needs (my friend's, not my own since I'm not THAT desperate for numero dos ;)). Oh baby! That stuff adds up fast! Pun intended. I'm such a dork. 😀 And.....moving on now....

I headed out to a couple of stores.

Home Goods

Hobby Lobby

Why oh why is it so easy to seriously get sucked into these two stores? Especially Home Goods. I could have shopped there all day! And almost did. M and I even shared a snack amidst our shopping.

Asian Pear Fruit Crisps snack

We perused the nice cooking area. With such fun dishes, coffee cups, platters, decorations, cookware, etc. And the adorable little girl bedding decorations. Although I'm not too certain on this one...

Naughty and Nice

Why would you have a pretty Time Out chair? I personally think a different approach would be perfect for Makenzie. All it's missing are handcuffs.

All Naughty

Kidding or no? *insert evil laugh here* 😉

Back to shopping. I picked up some extra serving dishes since apparently I don't have enough for 30+ people attending. You read that right. Also, a nice round tablecloth. Another thing I thought I had but my memory apparently fooled me so I would have to spend more money.

serving platters and tablecloth

And I should have been prepared. TJ Maxx and Home Goods share the same building. And what section would be right by where you line up to go pay? None other than the section where I can easily find four new things I don't really need but refuse to leave without.

new workout tops

I justify with the fact that I live in workout clothes. And they were too nice for the price! Plus, they have patterns embroidered into them which are SO cute.  Please note: purchasing said workout tops while still wearing workout clothes will get you a funny look and a "you must like working out" comment. Compliment, or no? Hmmmm....

After spending money there, it was time to drop into Hobby Lobby. Fortunately this trip was a little shorter. Like 45 minutes instead of almost 2 hours. I picked up a picture frame to place the invitation in for the mommy to be as a keepsake, some melting chocolate for the Oreo truffles I will be making to go along with the polka dot look we have going, gift baggies, a teddy bear cookie cutter and sugar crystal coating for cookie favors, confetti for decoration (I will regret this I just know it), and wrapping stuff. I give Hobby Lobby two thumbs up for not having workout clothing by their registers. I was able to leave with only what was on my list.

various goodies from the Lobby

Now, if only my money multiplied like these two things...

neverending laundry

Dishes

...then maybe it wouldn't disappear as soon as I deposit it. 😉