36

I love getting a year older.  I'm not sure why one wouldn't want the greatest gift of all, yet another year on earth.  Sure I'm fighting like hell to keep the wrinkles off my face.  It takes a little more working out and eating healthy to look and feel great, but it's worth it.

36 was quite the birthday to remember! Instead of a swanky night out with family & kids, we had an impromptu back deck dinner.  Joe even bought me a mini cake!

I woke up and everyone seemed great! The kids were so excited to give/help me open my gifts.

Joe took this photo in Lake George and had it made into a canvas.  I love it!

On vacation our little cooler broke, so he heard this was the cooler to get.  He stocked me full of my favorite goodies!  I'm thinking these will be perfect for date nights in and when friends come to visit.


If you don't have a Corkcicle, I highly suggest one! This is my second one and I LOVE that I have two now.  Brooke picked it out for me.  I love my water ICE cold and this baby keeps it cold!

My mother in law came over for a few hours, so I ran up to have lunch with Joe.  He was stuck helping a customer and I had to wait awhile, but we still got to see each other which was so nice.  Thanks again Maria!


The weather was a little chilly so I got to wear my white jean jacket.

I came home and kids were resting/napping...and then they woke up.  As soon as Bradley awoke he was crying so hard. I went in and rocked him and he just snuggled and felt very warm.  Sure enough he had a fever of 100 degrees and was not feeling well.  I gave him something to drink. I told Joe but he said that they'll be fine...

Not even 15 minutes of Joe being home did Bradley get sick all over the place.  My momma gut was telling me to cancel and I'm so glad we did not push it, and have that happen at the restaurant!

SO we ordered take out and ate on the deck.

Delicious bacon wrapped spinach.

Red wine, bacon blue cheese topped filet and mashed potatoes.

I really wasn't mad or upset, I just felt so bad for my babies!

This one wasn't 100% as her stomach was off a bit...but she wanted to hang out with us.

Clearly we cannot control our circumstances, and I surely would have liked to have gone out with my kids and family, but there will be other days.  I felt like it was only fair since when we were supposed to go out in April for my sister's birthday, something happened and we had to cancel on her.  

No sense in fighting it, I think it's going to have to be my mantra for 36: Go with the flow.  Breathing in all the love and blessings, counting my lucky stars and wishing for health all year long.

Mommy Monday

Lil Miss and I had a mommy & me morning last Friday.  I went to get my brows waxed and she loves coming with me.  Afterwards I spoiled her with a cake pop and she was in lollipop heaven with her blue sucker too!

After that we hit up Party City to check out any last minute party supplies and then met up with Daddy and brother at the mall. It was a such a fun morning!

Saturday my girlfriend Kristin came over to help me decorate for the kids' party which was on Sunday.  We were so impressed with how well it turned out!

The sign said "Aloha" so we obvi changed it to Rio.  Thank you again Kristin!

Birds, bright colored flowers, primary colored balloons and streamers were just enough to make it feel like a festive little area.

Most of our budget went into the cake, (which I still cringe over) BUT it came out adorable and everyone (and then some!) enjoyed it.

I have tons of photos, but I of course need time to upload them ;)  Here is one of my favorites, of my two.  They've been dying to get their fingers into ring pops, so I finally caved and let them have some for the party.  Hence their blue and green mouths.  Ya only turn 2 and 4 once and we still had a fantastic meet up with the dentist this morning, so I'm rolling with it.

Brooke & Bradley, I love you more than you'll ever know; you two have so much spunk, personality, creativity, joy, love and life---I need to constantly stop and thank my lucky stars all throughout the day, for a perfect pair like you.

I hope you had so much fun during your party; I had so much fun getting ready for it.  Love you!!

What I am Loving...

Wednesday, err Thursday??  This week?

Oh my gosh, where has January gone?!   I wanted to share Brooke's birthday; we went up to where Daddy works and had a little pizza party with balloons and some cake.  He had to work late, so we wanted to try and spend a little time together.

She blew out her candles and definitely enjoyed her cookie cake that Daddy picked out!

After the oldest turned four, I immediately started to get emotional about this one turning two.  Don't let that sweet grin fool you, he is a crazy little bubs! He just never stops and his energy is intense.  I love it and would not wish for it any other way.

Friday we snuck out for our Date Day and I had acupuncture; I wished I had brought some makeup to refresh with, as I feel like I look rather pale!  We had a wonderful little lunch, drove around and enjoyed some chats and some silence!

I requested that he take me to Breathe Yoga studio, as I have been too nervous to go before, and I've been wanting to check it out for years.  They have a delicious juice and smoothie bar.  I am obsessed with their little immunity defense shots!!

Come Monday, I was so proud of myself that I actually went to a Yoga class. I got up at 5am and made it to the 6am practice.  I'm still sore. I can't wait to go back.

Tuesday night Bubs turned 2!!  We decided to go to Longhorn Steakhouse.  The kids were fairly well behaved and we enjoyed ourselves.

Someone was *a little* jealous of the attention brother was getting, but she hung in there like a champ.  She's obsessed with her new bird from Grandma.

Mr. Cranky (literally was fairly moody all day long!) gave some dirty looks before dessert.

We just got him a few gifts and he LOVED the scooter my friend Lindsay recommended.  He's so big, it's killing my momma heart!!

Big sissy was such a huge help opening the cards and gifts.

And totally random, but I really like this tea.  My throat had been hurting for almost a week and I was downing this tea like it was my job.  My throat is starting to feel better, but now I sound like a man (or Luann from the RHONY).

What are you loving this week?

Happy 4th Birthday Baby Brooke

I'm not quite sure how four years just flew by in a blink of an eye, but I can say they have been the most rewarding, beautiful and meaningful years of my life.

We loved you before we even knew you, sweet Brooke. You were showered with more love than I could have ever imagined.

While I had no idea what I was doing when it came to labor, some how you made it into this world, perfect and healthy.  When I finally was able to hold you in my arms, there was no other feeling like it in the entire world; you began to teach more about life, love and what it means to be self-less.  I truly miss the late nights nursing, waking up to your little hunger cries.  Falling asleep in the glider and just playing with you...just you and me.  I'll hold those memories close, and I swear and promise to you baby girl, I will be there when you become a mommy.  It's the hardest and best thing that will ever happen to you.

{Birth Story}

{First Birthday}

{Second Birthday}

{Third Birthday}

I could post a million photos today, as I am fairly certain I've taken that many.  I would say that is the hardest thing about being your Mommy; time goes by so fast and I just want to capture each silly, loving, peaceful, challenging, beautiful moment with you. If Daddy and I could stop time and even rewind a little bit we would.  

Last night before we tucked you into bed, we let you cuddle in our bed a little longer.  We asked you to stay three, for just a little more time.  You said no, you want to be four and be a big gurrl. 

You're growing up to be such a strong, caring, smart, beautiful, loving, and very independent girl.  We wouldn't change you for the world and continue to be blessed for every day we spend with you.

May 2017 and your 4th year bring you so much joy, excitement, adventure, and fun. 

We love you so much and hope that you have the happiest birthday baby Brooke.

Happy Birthday to my Husband

My handsome hubby is 39 years old today.  I cannot believe I have been with him long enough to celebrate birthdays 31-39.  I'm proud to say how much I've grown to learn what kind of man he is; I am beyond grateful to share life with this person.  It's funny because when I was young and thinking about what life would be like once I found "Mr Right," I really had no clue what that would entail.  I didn't realize how many ups and downs life would throw at me.  I didn't expect the depth of emotions I would feel once we had children together.  I sincerely didn't have any idea how much I needed to continue to grow and learn and become a better person every single day.  I am certain that Joe showing me that life is too short and that things don't ever get easier, we just must get better, is by far the best gift I have ever received. (Aside from our children.)

Every year on his birthday he works.  He always has a tent sale and at least his birthday falls on Sunday this year, which means he was able to relax and open up his cards from the kids and a few gifts before work.  I tried to make him the best homemade waffles with a side of fruit, bacon, over-medium egg w/ avocado, so he could enjoy it in bed.

Since I'm still not 100% better, we are keeping it low key and I'll be cooking up some homemade bread, lobster risotto and some bacon wrapped chicken for dinner. My sister and brother in law will be coming over and bringing dessert.

Bradley keeps saying, "Happy Birthday Holly" (it was her birthday last?!) and Brooke spilled the beans a bit on his gifts; life with kids!

I need to do something major next year for his birthday; it may have to be an alternate weekend since his will again fall when he has to work, but 40 is a big deal and I'm thinking (and hoping) we'll be able to do something super fantastic.

Happy Birthday my love; I hope that your day is filled with so much love and light. May your year be healthy, fun, loving and full of money (as I know how hard you work for it!)  I love you boo.

35

It's official. I'm halfway to 40!! Haha I really don't mind, as I've stated before, I'm happier, healthier and really enjoying my 30's.  I never understood why people would say that, but as with most things, now I totally get it.

Monday 7/25 I woke up to a sweet curly haired blond girl shoving a little red envelope in my face whispering, "Open it!"

Inside was a silly little cat card stating to pounce on it, because it was my birthday. I about died because I don't love cats, but that she was so proud of picking out the card herself.

Hubby grilled me some bacon and I made some eggs; we had a quick breakfast & I opened up my gifts from them.

An adorable new heart mug.

He totally gets me.

I'm obsessed with this cute tumbler!

How fun will this be?! I'm always toting my phone around and goodness knows the music could always be louder.  I think this will be perfect for upstairs in the shower, outside on the back deck, up front playing with the kids or even taking it on our land.

These two enjoying their 2nd breakfast and Paw Patrol, while I printed off voting registrations for myself and hubby (super celebratory, I know!0

Then came the random text from my husband, basically stating I needed to take a shower because the sitter would be there at 11 and I had a spa day waiting for me here!

Didn't have to tell me twice!! I was so surprised!  He sent me here last year for my birthday and I had not been back, but I didn't think he'd set it all up on his own again.  Totally fooled!

I stopped at Starbucks for me green tea latte.

And made myself right at home at the spa.

I was able to read some of my book and just relax in quiet.

I had a massage, organic facial and a pedicure. I felt like a new woman!

I knew we were going out to dinner, but I had no clue where and I thought it was just the 4 of us.  Well, my sister's husband shares the birthday with me and they ended up coming back in from boating and met us out for dinner!

I don't think we've ever just hung out the 6 of us, so the impromptu gathering was rather fun!

We went to a gorgeous little Italian place on the river, downtown.  The food was outstanding and the kids were really well behaved!

I love this man.  He told me that since I always put everyone else first daily, he wanted to make my day super special.  Well it was the best birthday ever! Thank you baby.

They even had my favorite wine!

It was so fun to get all 4 of us dressed up and I swear Bradley and Brooke knew they were going some place special.  It was such a treat!

Brooke loved her gold dress.

I went big and ordered Lobster French--to die for!

The gang shared canolis and I ordered the flourless chocolate cake as well.

We took a little drive around after dinner and caught a bit of the sunset overlooking the city.

I know so much more than I did 10 years ago.  It's crazy to think how just 5 years ago I walked away from my teaching job, and within those 5 years, we have had two beautiful children.  We've experienced loss, heartache, frustration and shared many tears.  But above all else, we have continued to work hard on ourselves individually and as a couple.  I cannot believe I'll be 40 in 5 years; I sure don't feel it!

I'm ready for a year full of blessings and waking up each morning with a heart full of gratitude.  I have big dreams for myself and my loved ones and I can only hope that everyone works as hard as I plan to.

Here's to 35; may it be my best year yet.