Confessions & Laughs

Happy Thursday!!

I confess that...

It was a rough week last week.  This one decided to run out back after a Husky, when Joe & the kids were getting a lawn mower out of the shed.  Thank goodness she is okay, but she had some gashes/bite wounds and major bruising.  She thinks she's a big dog.

I've been really trying to eat clean, but when hubby brings home banana cream donuts from Donuts Delite....

One cannot resist.

These two have been soaking up sweet Summer.  Lil man loves his watermelon (mama loves that he can eat it in a diaper outside) and lil miss loves magic dance camp.

I have finished quite a few books lately so I will have to share my thoughts/reviews.  THIS one author however, is speaking volumes to me.

My heart was happy to see one of my favorite flowers on sale at the grocery store.

The kids and I met up with a friend at the splash pad.  Brooke loved loved loved the water.  Bradley, not so much.  (Daddy much?)

The struggle is real.  Which nails to do for my birthday weekend?!  {Clearly some form of pink and glitter!}

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2.

3.

4.

I was so blessed with some early birthday flowers from friends and my Fall samples arrived!

Hubby said I'm hard to buy for. Say whaaaaaaa?  So I googled my favorite champs and sent him this.

Speaking of, so last night after I tidied up the house, did the dishes, got the kids to bed and sat down to look through the new SD catalog, I meant to voice text my bestie about the new BLACK HORN necklace that I'm dying over.

This was too funny not to share.  Somehow even though I clicked on her name, my watch sent a text to my husband and instead of horn, siri heard:

Needless to say there was a very quick facetime call after he got that first message!!! Ha


Bradley and I played with snapchat---silliness.

Bubs also insisted he sit in the blue car like Daddy's.  Anything with wheels and motors...

Another giggle.

Joe sent me this meme to see my response. {pardon the language}

My response,

"But the real question is, why is he even holding a dish?!"

He told me I was funny, and I replied with:

I'm really trying to not take life too seriously.  It's really a lot more fun when you're lighter on your feet.


On a random note, holy caffeine buzz from this! I usually drink green tea but one of these made me zoom around the house after 4pm.  And I made it myself. #winning

Have a beautiful day!

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!!

Thoughts & Confessions

I confess...

I am obsessed with this quote. I really want to finish the book Daring Greatly by Brene Brown (who by the way is the key note speaker at Hoopla in Vegas! SO bummed it's not working out this year, but I am so excited for all of the Stella girls who will get to hear her speak.    I think back to so many times where I felt the need to defend myself or explain for things, and during yesterday's devotional it really spoke to me as well.  There is NO need to explain why you tell someone no.  No need. Simple. End of story!

I confess...

I have not had a Starbucks drink in over 2 weeks!! Considering I was making it an almost daily habit of my Green Tea lattes, I consider this a small victory.  (It's to the point where my kids play "Starbucks" and will go to windows or my kitchen counter and order a green tea latte! I about died when they started doing this.)  These pretty things were floating around social media yesterday so I may have to treat myself to one on our upcoming vacay!

I confess...

I kept myself quite busy listening to books while Joe worked his butt off during his tent sale.  It was my 10th sale with him so I know the drill. No one is going to come and save me, no one lends out a hand to help out with the kids or ask if we need anything.  And ya know what? It's just something I have to learn to deal with.  I can sit and cry "poor me" (which I may have had one night where my girl Nikki talked me off a ledge---thank you mama!!) But the truth is, I'm a strong mama and I've got this.  I try to remind myself that we are living like no one else now, so that we can live like no one else later.

Know what else helped?  This book.  I am obsessed with GC.  I loved his 10x book and think I need to listen again, but this spoke to me in so many ways.  He reminds me of my husband and now Joe loves listening and watching him too.

They say you're the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with, and well other than the kids and Joe, I'd have to say my other "people" are authors.  Speakers. Podcasts.  I don't watch TV and really try to keep my mind right.  If you are looking for inspiration, buy Grant Cardone and listen to him speak the truth.

I confess...

As much as I love my personal development, I also need to turn the thinker brain off a bit.  I started this book awhile back and couldn't get into it.  I picked it up again and plowed through it pretty quickly.  It started out slowly but then took a turn and I was hooked!! One of those, "where the heck is this going?!" books...  I gave it a 3.5 and definitely recommend it if you like those murder mystery types of books.

Since I had no where to be or dress up for, I didn't take many pretty selfies haha! I traded them for sweaty selfies and have been working out almost daily.  It helps me stay sane for sure!!

I have been doing Beachbody On Demand and mostly Shaun T week.  I do Yoga too--pretty much no excuse to not workout with on demand.  Turn on the laptop and press play.

2 weeks of eating well (10 day cleanse) working out, etc. I'm down 6 pounds and I am starting to see leg definition!! I'm pretty pumped.  My little workout helpers aren't very helpful and it can be frustrating, but it's working so yay!

PS The apple watch was a game changer too! I love seeing how many calories I burn and how many steps I take in a day...it's a little addicting and I'm trying to not obsess.

I confess...

I was OVER the moon excited about our sparkle studs in gold.  I can't seem to find either my smokey studs or my regular clear studs, but I did order the new ones yesterday.  $19 and they look real!  I love a good stud in the Summer (especially a less expensive version of a diamond!) beaching it, pools, playgrounds, you name it and I won't worry about losing them.

Our ever popular white Gita tassels are now in black too! So fun.

I confess...

I love it when it's 90+ outside.  We always joke around that I'm a "SummerGirl" since that was my screen name on Match.com when I met Joe.  But really, we love the heat and just lounging in the front yard while the kids jump in and out of the kiddie pool.

I confess....

I did get to escape 2 times during the sale.  It's super hard to not have any help with the kids from the moment they get up until the moment they go to bed. I hit up a spa one day for a massage (she worked the sh*t out of my knots--quite painful actually!!) and acupuncture (which to me is more medicinal than just relaxing.) I go monthly for stress/reflux and simply tell her whatever is bugging me.  

Put those oxygen masks on mamas.  We MUST take care of ourselves.

I confess...

I feel like we all have our own paths that we are on.  I struggled for awhile wondering "what my purpose was" or just feeling insecure with what I was choosing to do in life.  I truly feel that the more I stay focused on me, Joe, the kids, our dreams, goals and our future, the easier it is to just be.  I also have dug a little deeper into my faith and see the bigger picture.  I'm not in control of anyone or anything, other than my own mental attitude.

Sometimes people will say that Joe works too hard or that I am too hard on myself.  I used to let that get to me a lot....but I've started to shift my thinking quite a bit and realize what a dis-service it would be if we just stopped. If we just settled for the average and didn't bust our tales out there, what greater good could we provide?

I have started making a list of the charities we want to donate to, the people we want to help, the places we want to travel to with our kids and all of the things that hard working money will be able to provide.

I heard Grant Cardone actually say that being poor is selfish because then you're only taking care of yourself.  You can't help anyone else if you're not able to really take care of yourself.  Wow.

I see a big future ahead of us and know that although we are in a great place in our life, God has so much more in store for us and we have a long way to go.

I Confess...

...I don't know whether I am coming or going these days!

...I keep hearing myself talk in the Olaf voice, "All good things, all good things!"

...I've spent so much time watching, reading and listening to uplifting podcasts, you tube channels, self-help audio books and I am fairly certain it is all beginning to truly pay off.

...New business ventures = life is crazy.

...Finding the time to "just be a mom" vs. "being there" is a bit of a struggle.

...I hate strict schedules, but I have got to find a solid routine!

...Currently looking for a house cleaner and less expensive childcare...work with me universe!

...I'm so stinking proud of myself for the hard work I did the last few months with my stella & dot biz.

...I have also discovered that I don't LOVE living online.  It's great to a point, but I need human, face to face, real interaction to make my soul happy.

...Hubby and I had a weekend without kids (thank you Nana & Papa!) Seriously don't know where those moments went, as it was gone in a blink of an eye!! Dinner out, sushi lunch, met with our builder, Ugly Disco, Brunch, Real Estate work...we were busy bees!

...Speaking of the Ugly Disco, I will be sharing photos, I promise! We went to our first one 8 years ago! I think we look even better now haha! It is such a fun event and for such a great cause.

...In the middle of all of the hustle and bustle I am consciously making efforts to stop and smell the roses.  Life is short and we must enjoy the little things! (cliche, but so true!)

...There truly comes a time in your life where things make zero sense, so you stop feeding into them.

...Current Mantras: "Do fewer things more often and get better at them---FOCUS." And  "Success is determined by what you say NO to."--Steve Jobs

...I'm also loving Jesus Calling as my daily devotional.  I swear things are speaking to me and if I only let my faith and trust God, the universe, the Divine, I then live my best life possible.

...I'm SUPER excited to go to the Circus today, and by Circus, I mean Brooke's pre-school class.  She's a lion! ROAR!

...Bradley Boo is singing his ABC's, chatting up a storm, and really coming into his own.

...Brooke is currently obsessed with laying eggs, 'hatching' them, and pretending she's a bird. Bless.

...There are a million things I would love to blog, but I am struggling to find time to breathe!

....We finally invested in a Ninja---GAME CHANGER---I have been making what taste like Wendy's Frostys to me!  2 frozen bananas, a few blueberries/raspberries frozen, cashew milk with protein, 1 tbl of peanut butter, 1 tbl of Cacao powder, 3 ice cubes. Kids think it's ice cream!!!

...I am officially back at working out!! Beachbody on demand is my jam. Currently digging Chalene Extreme--love her! (Thanks Ann for the rec!)

... I am slacking in the dinner department. Any kid friendly meal ideas/clean eating recipes would be much appreciated!

...We keep getting a taste of warmer weather and I do believe I saw 77 on the forecast for next week!

...Currently Reading Mind Power If you are into the "Law of Attraction" get this book!!

...My youngest sister is 10 months clean. I am so proud of her.  Keep it up!!

...Something about the rain, a cup of tea, and the dryer going makes me want to blog, even at 7:30 in the morning.

....BOOM. I blogged!!! Yay!

...Happy Thursday friends!!

I Confess...

....Happy 5 years blogging to me!! (yesterday)  My very first post back on 9/28/11

...I love back to school; I do not love back to school germs!!  Seriously, my Time Hop shows me each year we are dealing with little colds this time of year. BOO!

...I am legit obsessed with tea.  Currently sipping on some Throat Comfort Yogi tea.  It's definitely got a little different taste to it and I'm not sure if I love it, but I do think it helps the ick. Plus I'm already dreaming of my Matcha latte OR trying a pumpkin vanilla chai. I saw someone post that and I never thought about that! I miss my pumpkin spice latte, but man everything coffee makes my reflux no fun.

...I had no idea what I was getting into signing up for the craft committee for Brooke's pre-school.  I just cut out 18 haunted houses, 18 black cat tails and 18 orange cat whiskers.  Luckily Joe helped me on that last batch because it was a lot!

...It's cold and rainy today and other than grabbing miss Brooke from preschool I have no plans other than to play, cuddle and maybe do some painting with the kids.

...I feel like I'm really starting to find my voice, be comfortable in my own skin, and truly own how I feel.  So much has happened in the last few years and maybe it's just what happens as we age.  Most of the time when I was young I was super shy and very quiet in school.  I kept my thoughts and opinions to myself.  Now with social media, I have found that for the most part I do the same, but lately I feel like if I have something to say, I will just say it.  I don't ever "go after" anyone or attack, but sometimes (especially lately with all of the presidential debate media) I find myself not deleting my comments, but rather hitting publish.  It's kind of freeing, really.

...I'm not quite ready to be a hunting widow this Fall, but I do hope hubby gets a deer this year.  He's been working hard setting up all of his tree stands and I know it's the ONE activity that he truly loves.  

...Speaking of loving a hobby, I really miss ballet. I loved Zumba and other dance classes but I may try to figure out a way to go an adult dance class. Even if it's just once or twice a month. I'd have to hire a sitter because it's on a late night Joe works and we basically have no family around to help us out.

...I had the best time last weekend with my girlfriend Kristin. We did this "Remote Rochester" thing and wore headphones and did this tour like event, which I cannot even put into words, but it was really really cool!

...this mom thing hasn't really gotten any easier.  There are real raw moments where I just tear up and think, am I doing anything right? Am I good mom? Should I be doing more?  I question myself all of the time, and certainly wish I had my mom here in person.  I was joking around the other day and said I should start a "grandma service" so that we could match moms like me with older women who would just LOVE to be of help to me and my kids.  I'm not even talking about a grandma to just watch the kids, though that would be nice, but I'm talking about just being with an older mom/grandma to talk about how it was when she raised kids.  To sip tea and chat while the kids run around.  It's not something I've published a lot here, but it's on my heart and mind all of the time.  I long for a mentor and an older woman to bond with.  Kind of weird to some people I guess, but when I don't have that, it makes life harder.  Maybe because I want it so badly? It takes a village to raise a child, and like I said before, Joe and I are the village, unless we hire out.  Tough stuff, but we are doing our best and I do truly believe our kids are thriving, happy, and well.  Make that lemonade my friends, life is better with the glass half full.

...My son eats more food than I have ever seen one child eat.  I feel like I am always wiping him up and cleaning a food mess, only to just turn around and start feeding him again! He's a beast. I love it.

...Las Vegas is around the corner and I am SUPER pumped about it.  We just can't decide to stay at the Bellagio or Aria?! We'll be staying at the Red Rock Casino for Joe's AFG convention, but we learned from last year to take an extra few days and enjoy!

...I have been having so much fun with Stella & Dot.  I can honestly say out of the companies I have dabbled in, this is by far the most rewarding.  I feel like the goals I set I can achieve and the payout is in jewels & cash---which is amazing!! I am hoping to keep growing at my own little pace and with the holidays coming, I can hopefully get into some vendor events and share a little more.  It's funny how it all started, but I am happy and to me that's what is most important!

...My tinnitus hasn't been annoying me so much since I STOPPED THINKING about it.  Crazy how much your mind controls things.  What you focus on increases and man, the less I think about my ear buzzing, the better off I am.

...I read a book last weekend and it was good! Think Gone Girl/ Girl on the train.  It was The Couple Next Door.  I think it ended a bit abruptly, but I believe that was the way the author intended it.

...I swear I'm going to get myself back onto a blogging schedule; I miss you guys!

...Bring on pumpkin everything and bring on October!

...I'm thinking of giving these Crock Pot Ranch Tacos a whirl tonight. I'll let ya know how they go!

I confess...

...I've been waking up with a scratchy throat--allergies still?? #overit

...I'm not sure how a week has gone by again already; I feel like I JUST wrote my confession post!

...We had a freaking ball at the Luke Bryan concert. For a few minutes I almost felt 21 again!

...I still find it amazing how time does help us grow, change, heal and move forward.  

...I've been leaning into this guru/gem lately.  She helps me fill my heart with radiance

...Super excited to mail out some goodies for my friend Rachel to host a Stella & Dot trunkshow! We will have to facetime but it will be super fun.  Well, let's be real; it'd be more fun to fly out there to Cali, but we can't have it all, can we?

...Joe's got his tent sale again this weekend and so we are having a pool party today at one of the other wives' houses.  Kids and momma time!

...I still haven't gotten back into the swing of working out on the reg.  I got up and out of bed to walk the dog before 7, but I know I need to move more.

...sometimes I really wish we were having a 3rd...but then I realize how much I didn't love being prego! haha No, but really...I love our two little ones and I think we have the perfect combo.

...I've been drinking tea like it's my job.  Herbal. Green. Chai. Earl Grey. I love them all!

....I decided to give my skin a break with the whole fake tanner (it was becoming a bit layered) and wow. I can't believe how little sun I've gotten this hot sunny summer! (yay for not burning either!)

...I'm nervous about my sister, as she approaches the end of her hospital stay. Extra prayers, healing love and energy are always welcome.

... I reeeeeeeeeally wish we lived on our land.  Like, yesterday.

...my three year old is really starting to voice her opinions; what a balance between allowing her to find her voice and teaching her to be respectful!

...I rocked baby boy last night before bed; I didn't want to let him go.  He bumped his head and shut his fingers in the drawer right before bed--poor little guy! He's so tough, but still my little bubs.

...Joe told me a "sad statement" as he put it.  He heard, "One day you will pick your child up and put him down, and never pick him up again."  Cue the tears.

...I cannot believe how hard it is for us to put ourselves first sometimes.  I was helping a lady with a 24 day challenge she just ordered, she just has a hard time justifying taking the time (to cut up healthy fruits/veggies/meal prep...) and I explained to her that it is really the best investment for herself and for her kids.  Once you start taking care of your health, it's a win win all around! Then I found myself staring at myself in the mirror, thinking that while I have my physical health under control, I really need to continue working on my emotional well being.  It's not selfish to want to be happy and to learn to rid feelings of guilt, when no wrong has truly been done.  On that note, I am working on meditation and yoga...still working on those chakra centers!

...You can't pour from an empty cup. So fill 'er up!

Happy Thursday and embrace today. 

I confess...

...KEEP is having a Flash sale today only! Super cute looks 30-50% off! Check them out and shop the mystery hostess link here!  You could enter and win hostess rewards.



...that I personally believe 1 1/2 is a very tough age! I remember having a little bit a tough time when Brookie was this age and I was pregnant with Bradley!  Now that he's this age, I try to remind myself it has to be easier because I'm not prego, but man--he is surely coming into his own!  The last few days he has been super duper cranky.

...that said, I think 1 1/2 is an incredible awesome age.   He's my little parrot and will repeat the last word of whatever I say, hence, "okay?" "Okay."  He is fast as can be and needs to be entertained and on the go all the time!  I wish he liked water more, but hopefully he'll grow out of that phase soon.

...We are going to Luke Bryan tonight! I even bought myself a pair of Cowboy Boots with my own money to wear tonight.  Pretty darn excited!

...I'm still obsessed with sunless tanners.  I can't pick one that I think is "best" but I gotta say if you're lazy, in a hurry and wanna be frugal, the Jergens is really my go to!  It' doesn't stain my hands and takes zero time to apply.  I do think some of the higher end ones work better, but then I need to use gloves or body sponges--totally worth it, but for every day? Not bad Jergens! Maybe I'll get around to a review of all of them....ha

....I finally ordered my Fabletics pick for July! I'm in love with the black dress I grabbed a month ago and love how comfortable and trendy it is! Need some cute workout or comfy dresses/rompers? Check them out here!

...even though this is my 5th year of not going back to work as a teacher, 'back to school' time is always exciting for me and I may be a *tad* excited for Brooke to be going to pre-school.  It means back to school shopping & all that jazz.

...I feel rather overwhelmed with all of the books that I want to read! It's a good thing, but I just wish I could hold up in a room for a whole weekend and read, eat pizza and drink wine. bahaha Anyone else?

...I miss my mom being here.  I know she will be back again, but it was nice to have her around so much!

...I'm not really loving my workouts this week. I just can't find my groove and I am hoping that changes soon.

...The ringing in my ear is really annoying lately.  I need to try and see if some sound therapy can work for it (tinnitus) but it's just finding the time to go...and with that I should see the chiro, my acupuncturist, and try to go to yoga.  Oy!

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!

I confess...

....that I totally pushed pause on my cleanse. I have 5 days left, but I could not resist an ice cream cone and a few cocktails over the holiday weekend. I'll restart June 6th! Join me?

...I already ordered some new Summer items that launched today from our collection! The coral branch is SO pretty and will be the perfect Summer accessory.

...I'm hoping my Mystery Hostess Party gains momentum and that some lucky girl will win a ton of Keep loot!!

...I am addicted to reading.  Legit.  I can't stop listening to Pretty Girls, although I can because it's rather disturbing and messed up, so I don't listen while little ears are present.

...I love the smell of a hot morning.  I opened the sliding glass door up to let Holly out and it smells so good!  72 at 7:00, YES!

...June is always a long and tough month with how much hubby has to work, but I know that the money is good and we have some down time coming up in July.

...I'm all about the self-tanners lately. I just bought Jergens to slather on again and I have to say, it's not too shabby! I don't love the smell but the price is good. I want to try some others too, since I love the Summer glow but don't want crispy skin!

...I'm so proud of our little girl; she got on stage last night for her dress rehearsal and did really really well!!  I may have teared up and my mouth was on perma smile.  She was amazing.  She looked so grown up and her curly blonde hair is getting long---be still my mama heart. I love her so.

...I also am loving how much Brookie is enjoying reading! All it took was a few new books and me reading in front of her and she's totally hooked again. For awhile she didn't want much to do with them, but I made a big deal when I came home from B&N and she has me read them a few times a day.

...I have my first pre-school meeting next week and I'm actually really looking forward to it! I am excited for this new chapter in our lives.

...I finally worked out again yesterday for the first time in awhile.  My arms are sore, but it felt so good!

...I'm super ecstatic for my friend Elizabeth and her new venture, Glamour by Elizabeth.  She is such a caring, sweet soul with TONS of beauty advice! When I've been sporting my yoga pants and tees for too long, I look to her for some inspiration.  Confidence is key and she is spilling all her secrets as to how she stays glam, day to day!

...hubby was out the door by 7am for a Dr appointment and I was able to eat my breakfast in quiet, write this blog and there's still no stir from up above...I may even get a quick shower in!

...nothing is more important than where you are right now, in this moment, and so just breathe.  You can't focus on what has happened in the past and you cannot worry about the future.

Happy Thursday!

I Confess...

...that I am thoroughly convinced the hardest age is 1 1/2-2 so far.  I'm sure there will be struggles as the kids get older, but man.  Someone is super clingy, being a picky eater and rather fussy more often than not lately!  It seems as though the only reprieve is if we go some place, but that's not possibly 24/7.

...I got a little bit of color from the sun yesterday and I'm not mad about it.

...I'm on day 4 of my cleanse and I can't promise that I will make it 10 days without a drink. #toddlers

...that I'm stoked to have a pedicure date tonight with my girl Alison!  It's probably my last outing without the kids for awhile.

...one of our sitters is moving to Buffalo and the other is super busy all Summer, so now I have to find more help!

...we have so much yard work/garden/deck work to do this weekend.  I can't wait to get some flowers to hang and plant!

...I felt like I was in a really great groove/routine with the kids and I'm trying really hard to get back on track, but it's so hard!

...behind my knee is hurting pretty bad. I think it's a tendon and it's from carrying the kids up/down the stairs and walking the dog, as she pulls really hard.  Pushing the double stroller also bothers it, as does grocery shopping.  I have been trying to ice it and rest when possible, but I barely sit all day so it's kind of an issue. I hope it gets better soon!

...I have no desire to clean, but the floors are bad already and I need to just do it.

...it's not even 10 am and I'm starting to sweat, bring on the high 80s and 90s woo hoo!

...I haven't been reading as much as I had been and I'm not cool with that.

...I need to go listen to some positive motivation because I'm kinda feelin in a funk.

Let's do this Thursday! 

I confess...

...I totally just packed the kids up and headed to Starbucks. In my defense, I was out of my low fat vanilla soy milk and couldn't make my own latte.  I did however, go back to the OG and get my grande vanilla soy latte---WOW!  I can't believe how strong the espresso tasted after about a month hiatus! Crazy.

...I am dreaming of some amazing QT with my groom.  I am talking about breakfast, lunches, dinners just us, not worrying about whether someone is drinking enough of her water, or if someone else is eating enough of his veggies.  To sit in absolute silence, or to talk and discuss big dreams.  To rap along to the dirtiest of hip hop music, and laugh because we can.  Kid free time is much needed!

...I ate three pieces of cheese pizza last night for dinner, and even though I did a quick arm/ab workout and a a 20 minute walk with the kids, I still jumped on the elliptical last night.  Felt damn good!

...I am going to write a post about how social media is causing depression/anxiety/unhappiness.  The more I stay away and do "other activities" the happier I've become. No joke.

...Bradley is the funniest little boy I have ever met. He keeps doing this side dance and booty goes round--I die.

...I can almost not see the parking lot behind our house and I kinda love it.  

...the triangle pavé ear climbers are back and EVERYONE wants them! They sold out so fast last time, I didn't get a pair, don't delay!!

...I love goat cheese, but not so much on the morning eggs---I prefer my feta.  Sorry Nikki!! 

...I'm finding it hard to believe that it's the end of May and that Memorial Day is next weekend. I need to finish mulching and grab some flowers asap!!

...I am shocked at how many people reached out to me after my post on Tuesday.  I never know what may strike a chord with someone, as I write really just for me...(selfishly) but I am so moved when others find comfort or familiarity with my words.  I like that a lot.

...Father's Day is around the corner, I have NO clue what to get my dad! He owns a hardware/lumberyard and is probably the hardest man to buy for on the face of the earth. I wish I could buy him time, so that he could just spend it with his grandkids and not worry about working.

...Parenting is no joke.  (obvi) Joe and I were discussing how "easy" we have it, with me being home 24/7 and his hard work ethic, allowing us to live this way--and yet we still have struggles, challenges and worries about our kids.  I take my job as a momma very (too) seriously at times and I just want both of them to be totally fine and have no issues ever. . . I may be referring to some potty training related issues, but I don't going too public about that with my babes. 

...I'm excited for my grandma to meet our kids!  Both of my other grandparents have passed before they got to meet them, so it will be very special for me.

...I keep seeing 11:11 a lot lately, I mean pretty much twice daily. I love this interpretation here: 

In my opinion and what resonates with me, is that when you see ‘11:11’ whether on a clock, a license plate, your bank statement or wherever you happen to see it, is like a friendly little sign from your soul, source, higher-self, or the entire Universe, whatever you choose to call it, God, if you will, that everything is in alignment and you are exactly where you need to be, right here, right now.  (Source)

...I really do feel like I am exactly where I need to be lately and there is NO freer feeling that just that.  To not feel like I am supposed to be doing this, that or the other thing.  To feel completely at ease, almost blissful in this chaotic world that spins around me.  I do not wish for anything more, I am simply surrounded by beauty, abundance and am happy---from the inside out.  Isn't that what we all strive to feel or be?  I don't know how long this feeling will last, but I am soaking up every lovin minute of it. 

I confess...

...I wish I had a babysitter to hire so Nikki & I could go hit up the mall sans kids!! We were both laughing and saying we had the urge to go shopping, but with kids at the ages of 1, 2, & 3?  We were not ready for that mission. #thankgoodnessforonline

...We are supposed to hit 80 degrees today and THAT makes me a happy Summer Girl!

...I really want to just finish my book The Nest in one solid sitting.  I want to devour it up and feel so full of it, and yet I just don't have the time at the moment! I am reading first thing in the morning and making decent progress.

...I highly suggest going on social media fasts in the morning.  Starting each day by myself, with a book (No TV, phone, computer, ipad whatever!) It's so refreshing!

...I am loving all of the green buds on our trees!  Everything is slowly coming back to life!

...I'm on the struggle bus here with trying to get baby boy to drop the bottle.  Granted, I haven't tried very hard, but man, he looooooooves his 'ba ba' and it's not easy folks.

...It's been refreshing having another mommy of a toddler to hang out with!  I really need to make some new local friends.

...I want to buy new shorts, tops and jeans so badly! My post baby body is just not fitting into my old clothes; even though I weigh less than I did pre babies, it's just all different...and I need to feel confident when I dress.

...I got my new Summer bag from Stella & it's perrrrrrrfect!  I cannot wait to use it!

...I'm feeling that a little reset is needed.  Be on the lookout for some clean eating/cleanse posts soon.

...I also feel like I need to research new bubbies.  Yup. You heard.  Anyone have any tips?

...sometimes it hits me like whoa, I can't believe we own land and we are going to build a new house!

...we want chickens and I need to learn how to care for them! I've never owned chickens.

...the countdown is on for our weekend love trip!  Toronto is going to be a blast!

...toddlers make me want to drink lots and lots....and LOTS of wine.

...Nikki buzzed is kinda funny...

Have a fabulous day!!