Confessions and Randoms...

I confess...

...I'm so happy it's Thursday!! I'm beyond ready for the holiday weekend. Bring on the fireworks!

...I feel guilty for blogging.  I sometimes think I am "wasting" my time, but then when I think about it, I don't have many activities that I do just for me, and in a way, I hope that my blog helps others.  At least that is what I tell myself so that I don't feel guilty for taking some time to write!

...I did not want to workout today but I did it anyway.  I pushed play on my Beachbody on demand and did cardio with Shaun T.  Boom.

...I am not loving this silly weather.  Where are you Mr. Sun and please dry up all this rain?!

...I totally got my new Driver's license in the mail and cannot believe how chubby my cheeks were! The photo was taken years ago before I had kids...so while the fine lines and wrinkles are not there, man oh man my cheeks!

...Side note, I really appreciated being able to go to TOPS to get my vision checked and filling out all my info online and entirely skipping the DMV.  Not a place I want to go and bring the kiddos!

....Lots of good vibes and positive thoughts for this weekend. We have some big deals happening and I am praying for some smooth sailing!

...I have really been taking in what Brené Brown has to say.  She's got a lot of good stories and a way with explaining how our minds and hearts tend to work as women.

...That said, this quote stopped me in my tracks when I was walking the dog the other morning:

...I will fully admit I don't like the middle of things---the uncertain, the unknown, the crazy ups and downs and where the EFF is this taking us feeling...but it's so true.  Without a scary middle, there is no beautiful end.  I need to learn to embrace, get uncomfortable (even more than I was already thinking that I was) and that yes, I DO want to be in this arena.

...Confused about what I'm talking about? Do yourself a favor and grab this book:

...I'm sure I'll share more later as I am only a little ways in.

...Some days I don't feel like lifting heavy weights or jumping around like a crazy person.  It doesn't mean that I don't work out, it means I turn to Yoga.  I am obsessed with my new Alo yoga pants.

...I made the kiddos a homemade pizza last night and it took all of me to not eat the other half. #truestory

...however I did nibble a few bites and immediately felt a yuck feeling in my gut. I tossed both kids in the stroller and pushed them (it's rather heavy now!) and felt a little better.

...I saw this about about died.  Joe and I will randomly start singing this aloud and then question wth? Seriously this song is something else.

...Is it 5:00 yet?  Mama is heading out on a sushi and business date with daddy and is ready to get dolled up.

Happy Thursday!!

Weekend Highlights

We had a such a good little weekend!! I brought up this table my mom had bought the kids last year for Christmas, and the kids are loving it.  Brooke even said, "It's like a new house." It's funny how one little change can really make such a difference.

Friday we had a mommy/daughter morning.  I had to get my brows done and she loves coming with me.

Don't you just love her little shirt my friend Rachel made?

After my brow appointment we stopped at Barnes and Noble.  She had her eye on a cookie brownie and some chocolate milk.

As we sipped our drinks, we talked about who "all these guys were" and then the whole concept of heaven came up.  Not exactly easy to explain to a 4 year old, but it's one of those mommy moments where I will remember this conversation and little date forever.

I picked up a book for the kids and these two for myself.  I've started them both and really like them!  I was shocked to see a Think and Grow Rich for Women, as I have been dutifully listening to the original one lately and was kind of laughing at how it is kind of sexist.  However since I am not a #feminist, I don't take offense.  I understand that during the time in which this written, it's just the way things where.  However, it was refreshing to see that someone took the time to take the amazing information presented in this classic, and put a feminine twist to it.   Men and women are different and I look forward to reading this one for sure!

Present over Perfect has been on my list forever, but I finally had the real urge to buy it.  I've gotten about 60 pages into it and can definitely relate to some of the things she mentions, but at the same time I think since I met Joe, I have done a much better job at living in the moment and not rushing through life.  He taught me since our first date to enjoy every moment together and that even though life may not be perfect, we can always be looking for the good in all things... 

More to come on these; I will give more of a review!

Saturday brought laser tag, which I will fully admit I wasn't exactly looking forward to.  We were invited to a birthday party for one of the guys Joe works with, and I definitely looked forward to seeing everyone and hanging out.  I envisioned myself getting shot and then sitting out right away. I have never been the girl who wanted to play; I remember sitting out during these games many times when I was younger.  But this is my year of "yes" and well, back to Joe, he always pushes me to try new things.

I. Had. A. BALL!!!

I couldn't believe how fun it was to chase people and shoot with lasers!! I was so out of breath and really sweaty, I can't imagine how many calories I burned! LOL

If you have laser tag in your area, you must go do it. 

We also signed up for a game of Cyber Sport which was riding around in a bumper car thing and then trying to shoot and score with a lacrosse type of equipment.  Hilarious!

It was such a fun night out with friends and just being with adults!

Sunday morning brought yummy breakfasts...hubby gets his in bed.

After breakfast I slipped back under the covers for a few minutes.  I tried to watch Food Network, but the next thing I knew, Bradley boo came back in and wanted to watch Scooby Do



We did watch this as a family and oh my gosh, it's so good!! The kids and Joe have watched it like 3 other times and Brooke claims it is her favorite movie.   I just loved the themes...no one can make you happy; happiness is a choice and it lies within ourselves.



Kids played with some play-doh at their table while dinner cooked in the slow cooker.

The fire was going all day and I really didn't do much at all, which is why I have so much laundry and cleaning to catch up on for today...

But again, this book kind of highlights where we as mommas especially, need to slow down.  I tried not to "fake rest" too much.  That's right. You know where you say you're relaxing, but really you're still doing the dishes, folding the laundry, cleaning up after the kids....that is not resting.  It's what we have to do in the stage we are at (needy kids at 2 & 4) but once in while we really. really. really. need to rest.

I'm looking for a good fiction book recommendation, anyone have any?

Have a fabulous Monday! 

Inspiration

I think that inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere.  I can literally feel myself sliding down a little slope and when that happens, I quickly look for what I need to be lifted up, or inspired. I can't say that just one person will do it for me, so I tend to have a big old toolbox that I pull from.

Workout Inspiration-  Lindsay 

Home/Cleaning Inspiration: How Jen Does it

Belief/Faith: Terri Savelle Foy

Momma pick me up: Amanda Muse

Beauty Tips: Glamor by Elizabeth



Those are the ones that come to the top of my head.  Sometimes I inspire myself.  I also turn to...

...outdoors. Walking in the fresh air really lifts my spirits.

...taking a social media break.

...getting lost in a good book

...my husband. He works so hard I can't sit on my ass and do nothing while he works so much!

...my kids. I want to be the best mommy for them!

...a good movie.

...sitting alone, quietly, thinking.

...watching the Cooking channel.

I don't know if I'll ever be bored again.  There is always so much that I want to do and so little time!

What inspires you?  

Books

I have been a little bookworm lately!! I cannot stress how much better I feel when I am reading/listening to books.  I definitely have a wide variety I enjoy, and some I've enjoyed more than others.

My top 3 ways to read:

1.) Audiobook
2.) Kindle fire
3.) Actual book

Here is a look at my audible app:  I am really enjoying 10x rule and I did like the Miracle Morning as far as personal development goes.  I'm still working on Eat that Frog and I still listen to, How to Win Friends and Influence People.

The Girls is moving kind of slow for me.

I REALLY like the Behind Closed Doors!

I can't get into Rich and Pretty...I'll keep trying though

This book is on my Kindle Fire and I read it to go to sleep at night.

If you're looking for a who done it/what the heck happened type of book, this is your best bet! It's a super fast read and I liked it a lot.  (took me a weekend!)

I ramble a little, but here's a little you tube video on "books".

What are you reading lately?

{love the crazy look; I need to learn how to make a thumbnail ahhh! LOL}

Happy reading!

Day in the Life

I love these posts! Mostly because I like seeing what other people do all day!  For me, no two days are the same, but I figured I'd give you a run-down of what typically happens during our day.

6:30/7:00- wake up. I'm trying so hard to get up earlier, but it's dark and cold and the bed is so warm! Oy! I really do enjoy when I have a little "quiet/me time" first thing though.

I walk the dog for about 10 minutes, brew some tea, and hopefully get a little time to check in with myself (meditate/gentle yoga) and check in on my biz (Stella & Dot)

7:30- iron Joe's work clothes, start the bacon & make the bed.

8:00 kids need juice, a cartoon to occupy them while I make breakfast.

Depending on the day, Joe leaves for work anywhere from 8-8:45.  He often takes Brooke to school as well, so that's always a little extra fun to get her ready and out the door too!

If I'm on top of my game, I make my breakfast too, if not I make it after he leaves.

All three of us go outside and wave goodbye to Daddy, outside.  

I will put the TV back on to let the kids watch Paw Patrol at 9am.

9:00- I make my Green Tea Latte & check in with my blog, Facebook, instagram etc.

9:30 I try very hard to peel myself away from the computer and wash the dishes.  One motivater is a good audio book! I'm currently listening to this:

10:00- Snacks all around (I've been enjoying this treat!) followed by playing upstairs, cleaning up bedrooms, getting dressed for the day etc. I may put away laundry

11:30: Workout (if I'm doing one with the kids-they LOVE Country Heat) 

12:00: Lunch

1:00 Nap time (for Bradley) Brooke is to play quietly in her room, sometimes she falls asleep, sometimes not. I typically get my shower in for the day, Joe may come home for lunch, I work on my biz, clean up whatever I need to, dishes, laundry, toys, repeat.  Today (Wednesday) I actually just did my workout and ate my lunch, and typed this blog post.

2:30 Kids are up. Snack/juice time

3:00 I try to get us outdoors while we can!  We may drive to a park, run errands or just play in the yard.  OR if it's raining, we may play in the basement to change up the scenery.

We found Brooke's piggy costume from 2 years ago and they got a kick out of playing with it.

4:30 or so, I start dinner, so I do put on a show for the kids.  Unless it was yesterday, in which case we had firewood delivered and the kids were SO helpful! They had so much fun stacking/throwing the wood.

5:30ish we will eat.  

6:00 Bath time OR go for a family walk. (I try to bathe them during the day then!)

6:30 On a typical night, we unwind, read books, tidy up rooms.

Last night however, I had a pre-school board meeting, so it shook things up a bit.

7:00 Bradley goes to sleep, I usually watch a show with Brooke, unless she's cranky from not napping and then I'll let her read.

8:00 is Brooke's bed time and then Joe & I have time to relax (if he's home)

10:00 I try so hard to be in bed by this time!  I am obsessed with my Kindle Fire my mom got me for my birthday and read myself to sleep.   Currently reading:

Now, keep in mind this is a highlight reel.  I try to share my day on Snap Chat or Instagram -stories, and sometimes I show the dirty floors/dishes to keep it real.  But not all days are rainbows & butterflies.  There are frustrating moments with Bradley melting down because I wouldn't let him destroy our Paw Patrol puzzle, or when Brooke throws herself on the floor because I won't let her eat candy corn for breakfast.

I am definitely on a good path right now and have lots of positive energy flowing in this home.  I am working extra hard at creating happy days for all of us and keeping toxic people out; I attribute much of our happiness to that.   But I still have times when I'm emotional or angry; but I really try to just push those thoughts out and stay focused on the good.

I'm thinking of trying to put together a Day in the Life video--as it might be somewhat comical to look back on and I just keep thinking how busy I am now, and how much I'll miss these crazy kids when they're in school all day.  Thoughts?


Happy Hump Day!

I Confess...

...that I have NO FLIPPING IDEA how to start blogging again!! haha

...I have legitimately pulled out my laptop, stared at it, started 3 or 4 posts and then put the darn thing away.

...I have a MONTH's worth of photos/memories/thoughts/ideas all stuck in my head and my phone camera, that really need to come out.

...it's my friend's birthday---HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALISON!!!! 35 is your year girl!

...I am super woman lately. For real. I have to toot my own horn because I have caught up on quite a bit of house/yard work that was postponed for awhile, when my mom was up with my sister and that whole ordeal.

...my sister is still in the hospital and she is doing well!

....I need to go see her and have some sister/sister time. It's been so long since I have been able to just hang out with my littlest sister and I will not take this time for granted.

...the kids are basically my besties. We have been playing in the little kid pool, taking walks, doing everything together and although it's a little tricky at times (the grocery store for example) I know that come September, Brookie starts pre-school and it'll just be bubs and I doing the shopping.

...we balled out of control last weekend. I don't know why I think I'm 21 sometimes, but man it's fun to live it up! It's not so fun trying to catch up on sleep and chase after two littles though!

...My birthday is on Monday and I have been so nostalgic lately; I swear these last 5, 10, 15, ...35 years have flown by and I told Joe last night, I have never been happier.

...my love for Spark has returned.  If you haven't tried Limeade, you're missing out!  I was able to lay 28 bags of mulch, play with my kids, grocery shop, walk the dog, cook dinners (kids and then Joe) clean out our freezer and vacuum/mop the floors. Thank you sweet sweet Spark!!

...I have about 5 loads of laundry all washed and dried, but I have yet to fold and put away.  That's my goal for today.

...I listened to Teresa's (HONJ) prison book. Glad I didn't spend money on it and just borrowed it on the Overdrive app from the library.  To balance out that garbage (it was really terribly written, not that I expected much. I was must nosy to hear what she was going through) I have been listening to Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People.  Joe downloaded it awhile ago on iTunes and we've been discussing it as we listen.  I've listened/read parts before, but it's something you can hear over and over again. I highly suggest it!

...we cannot wait to start building on our land. The anticipation is starting to really get to us!

...I sometimes think I bite off more than I can chew, but I can't help it.  There's just so much I want to do and I know that I just need to focus and stop trying to juggle so much.

...I don't understand why some people have so much desire to achieve and some have so little.  My husband did not get home last night until 10 pm, and as much as I wanted to be curled up in bed with a book, I find it my duty to greet him with a smile and a warm dinner, and most importantly a conversation.

...this is my "Summer Song"  Every Summer I have a song.  I will totally confess I don't always listen to the lyrics first; it's the beat that always catches my ears!  Joe told me that when he hears this song, he thinks of me because I love dancing so much...and when we go out dancing, everyone watches me, but I am only looking at him.  I was confused at first, and then he said, "Did you listen to what she's saying?" LOL {Fact: It just happened at his reunion...some good tunes came on and I overtook the dance floor.  I can't help it; dancing makes me SO SO SO SO happy!}

...it's supposed to be in the 90's so I bet that you can find us sitting in the kiddie pool and eating popsicles since that's pretty much standard after nap time!

Happy Thursday!

Week/end Review

How is it Monday morning again?! I'm sipping on my matcha latté, trying to get my bearings. Just last Monday I was cleaning and preparing for Nikki & her daughter to come up for the week.  We were so lucky to have such beautiful weather and we all had so much fun! 

The girls had their lunch and dinners mainly here at the little picnic table. I'm all about keeping the crumbs outside!

We played with bikes, bubbles & bounce houses!

I introduced Nikki to Club W.  It's my life line!! haha

Wednesday we hit up the Museum of Play and even bought lunch there.  I took a bunch of photos/videos on Snap Chat, but I have so many pictures from there I didn't save much.

The kiddos were all well behaved and we enjoyed our french fries!  After our play time, Bradley & #babybigtruck fell asleep, so Brooke, Nikki & I grabbed some Starbucks and went for a little drive. I showed her our land and our adorable little town we'll be moving to!

Thursday was hot hot hot!!  We knew it would be the nicest day of the week, so we saved that for the Zoo.  It was really crowded, as it seemed everyone else had the same idea, but we had fun nonetheless!

Brookie was our tour guide with the map.

Mr was getting hangry so we knew it was time to head out and enjoy our lunch.

Even though the leaves weren't all on the trees, it wasn't too hot outside of the Zoo where there is a small play area.

We had a major #momwin with getting the kids to stay awake from the Zoo.  We were able to get all three of them down for a nap, thus allowing us some quiet time!!

For dinner we made the mango lime pizza---SO good!

I stole your photo Nikki!



A little salad....

And Joe grilled us some wings!

Friday morning was a bit of a whirlwind as they had to leave and I had to go get my hair done and then go to a memorial service.

That night I was beat and we decided Mexican would be for dinner.  Kids were a bit wound up from that outing!

Saturday morning I read some article about how one lady couldn't find any pictures of her mom with her growing up; the photos were all of her as a kid and not of the mom.  So I'm really making more efforts to be in the photos, whether or not my hair and makeup is done. I want my kids to see how present I was!

Sunday morning Daddy ventured out and brought home some donuts and we all snuggled on the couch, being that it was all of 45 degrees that morning!

We got to meet baby Avery and brought sushi over to our friends for dinner.  The kids napped well and I was able to devour my book The Nest  (so good!) I even started this book.

Now it's couponing, a diaper/wipes run, and I'm still trying to play catch up on laundry.  Operation no bottle is still working, but he won't take any "milk" (cashew) other than his formula, which is annoying.  But I'll try to find something else too---either way, he hasn't had a bottle since Wednesday so that's good!

As for me, I need to get back on track with eating clean and working out.  I'm going to do some 21 day fix workouts, piyo & tone it up girls this week. If it warms up, you bet I'll be walking the kids too!

Have a great week.