The Solver of all Problems

So, today was a good day. Nothing extraordinary happened. Bella was being extra loving and sweet. But, for some reason I didn't quite feel like myself. I was blah. Maybe I was tired because yesterday was such a busy day and I didn't sleep well. Maybe it was because we stayed home all day and usually we go out and do something. I don't know, but it was just a blah kind of day. Bella and I just hung out at home all morning, and then in the afternoon we went to the neighbors to swim and down the street so Bella could play with Kenzie. We waited for Greg to come home from work which ended up being around 7. I still couldn't quite shake the blahs away. So, we decided that we should go to Starbucks. I am a creature of habit and usually order the same two things; chai latte or cinnamon dolche latte, both are delicious! However, I took a risk and decided to try something new. I love coffee in the morning, but I'm not a fan of coffee drinks. With much deliberation I decided to get the mother of all drinks. A mint mocha chip frappuccino cream based. Holy Mother of God. In one sip I added an extra 2 inches to my already bulging hip structure, but it was the most amazing drink I have ever had. I can't even begin to describe the sensation I got from drinking this fabulous drink. It had a fluffy chocolate milk shake taste with a hint of mint. It was so creamy, but was also filled with chocolate chips. I could see the calories adding up with each sip I took. I am advising all my friends, coffee drinkers or not, to try this heavenly drink from above. It will solve all of your problems, even the blah ones. 

PS: Thanks Allison for the Starbucks gift card! 

the Fort Worth Zoo

Today we went on a field trip to the Ft. Worth Zoo with our good friends Chrissy and Cameron. You might be thinking we are crazy...two toddlers, 1 prego, and Texas heat, but it turned out to be the best trip ever! We started out on a train ride to the very end of the zoo, so that we we walked back we would see everything and be closer to the car. (great idea Chrissy!) The kiddos loved the train ride and we loved the cool breeze it provided. Oh yes, Bella had to wear her pearls to the zoo. We saw all kinds of great animals: penquins, monkeys, giraffes, and this potty belly pig which reminded me of how I feel after I eat sometimes. It was half price on Wednesday and we brought our own lunches, so the entire day costs us under 20 bucks! What a great deal. Both of the kids were so well behaved and I was so impressed. Bella would sit in the stroller and would walk holding my hand. I'll post more pictures on dropshots, but I just wanted to share a few with you. 

If I could only have this girl's body.

Seriously, look at those abs! 

I LOVE the 4th of July! It is by far my favorite holiday. Let me tell you why: fun in the sun, cookouts, beer, and fireworks. It doesn't get better than this my friends. So, this 4th we headed up the Ok to visit Greg's family. We had an awesome time. Apparently we have a little fish on our hands, because Isabella could not stay out of the pool. She swam everyday, all day. Her favorite thing was to jump in from the side. The girl is not scared of anything. I did my most favorite thing of all on Friday. I sat my happy butt on a float, with a beer in hand, and let the sun rays color my skin. (which it desperately needed)

On Friday night we headed next door for the fireworks show. Isabella was not the biggest fan of the fireworks, except she thought the sparklers were pretty cool. She was too busy playing in the playhouse and on the swings.
On Saturday, my awesome MIL (mother in law) went shopping, while Greg watched Bella at the house. That night we went to Bricktown and had the best time. Aren't they cute! I have the best in-laws! 
My new fav place is Toby Keith's Bar and Grill! I absolutely love this place! We hung out and had a few drinks and ate dinner. The had a great microbrew, which tasted like lemon tea. Therefore, I kept drinking it. I also had the best Chicken Fried Chicken of my life. Isabella loved listening to the band. She kept wanting to dance in the aisle. It was so cute. If you have never been there, then I highly recommend it. 
After dinner, we took a boat ride down the canal. Bella LOVED the boat. She waved to all the people passing by and was memorized by the ducks floating in the water. All in all, it was a wonderful weekend. We are so tired today, but had a great time! Happy Fourth to all of you! 

Look at the big girl! Isabella has been doing so well with the potty training lately. Granted, she asks to go potty about every 10 minutes, but what do you do? You have to take her every time, because you never know. The best part of it all is that she will clap and say, "Yeah Bella! You did it!" (even though nothing comes out.)

On a side note, I found a nice surprise in Bella's room yesterday. One of the dogs had taken a huge, I mean huge dump right in the middle of the floor. It was so disgusting! They are both old enough and have been trained for years now. Seriously, I think someone is having issues with not being the baby anymore! 

(sorry, that was a gross story.)

Pick your battle.

So I have this little girl. She is quite amazing, but could be one of the most strongest willed child ever. It must be pay back. You see, Greg and I are not exactly easy going people. We are both very opinionated and determined. (Don't ask me how we ended up together, that was God.) So I'm thinking that Isabella's personality is going to be a taste of our own medicine.

Anyways, that being said, here in lies the battles:

Battle #1: The big girl bed

Yesterday Bella was able to climb out of her crib. She did it three times during nap time. I could here her playing in her room on the monitor. The third time she fell completely out and started to cry. Now I'm worried about her hurting herself, but I'm not ready for the struggle of getting her to stay in her bed. 

Battle #2: The Binky

Now that Isabella has turned two I feel like maybe it's time to start taking away the pacifer. She is very much in love with her binkies, especially at bed time. She usually only gets it at bedtime, but once in awhile it is used to solve problems. Part of me is attached to it also. I love that it comforts her and makes her seem still like my baby. But....the battle of giving it up will be a really tough one with a lot of crying.

Battle #3: Potty Training

We have already started potty training. Bella has gone in the potty (poop and pee) several times. However, it is not consistant. I was waiting to start really trying until after we got through her birthday. Well, that time is here. She does really well when she wants to, so I don't know if I should push her or just let it happen. I'm not looking forward to the clean up of accidents, but I also would like to send her to school potty trained. 

Here I go....

I have been advised by my best friends that blogging is the way to go. I think it's great for someone who stays at home, but I am a working mom and my time is so limited. However, I thought I would give it a whirl over the summer and see if I can keep up with my fellow bloggers. Don't expect anything fancy, maybe some pictures and a few words here or there. 

You maybe wondering about the title, "Featuring the Franks: the life and drama of Greg, Nesa, and Isabella." Well, first of all I can take no credit for the artwork. That was all due to my very talented friend Miranda. (thanks Miranda!) If you know me and my family at all, then you know the title is very suiting to our lives (especially this year!). The great thing about my life is despite all the drama, I still have a loving family and amazing friends who support me. 

So...here I go!