Mother's Day 2017

I hope that everyone had a nice day yesterday!  Hubby was so sweet and made 'my breakfast' of spinach, eggs, tomatoes & feta. I even had a little mimosa to start the day!

We relaxed and took it easy; Joe decided it was time for the kids to have a Power Wheels.  We hit up the sidewalks and headed out to the back parking lot.  Maiden Voyage!

Here he tried to make it go faster, aka 5 miles an hour. Neither kid liked it!

They love 'balancing' on this log.

He's getting so big.

Behind the scenes, #momlife

I wanted to get a few photos of just the kids and I...

I just love her little grin.

Thanks for the photobomb dad!

"Girls Rule, Boys Drool."

I think I got a few good ones for my mother in law to print off for me haha!

Of course I may have ended with one more little glass of bubbly.

Cheers to all of you who work your tail off each and every day.  You put everyone else before yourself, take pride in washing, folding, putting away little pajamas. You clean up countless crumbs and wash off never-ending sticky surfaces.  You still find time to love your husband and be a good friend.  You shower at 4pm and sometimes forget how nice jeans feel. Cheers to being awesome; no matter what season you're in, I am sure that #momlife is no easy task, but once you're living it, you'd never go back.  I'm not going to lie; I got quite emotional looking back at newborn photos wondering where on earth these last 2 & 4 years have gone.  Being a mother has certainly challenged me, changed me and for sure has made me a better human being.  Such a special task that should never be taken too lightly.

We ended the day with Joe's ribs & grilled asparagus. I also had him grill me up some chicken breasts to eat for lunch all week!

For dessert I made this Tastefully Simple sugar cookie wafter thing---I dont know but it was SO GOOD.  Joe wanted to put ice cream & fruit in it.

I was "SORT OF" healthy with some greek yogurt and fruit...omg. Addicting!

How did you celebrate Mother's Day?

Tuesday: Toddler Time

Soooo...when did my 'baby' become a toddler? Maybe I was in denial (hello bottle) or really he just grew up so darn fast.  I cannot believe how much fun, and crazy, it is to have two toddlers!  He will always be my baby, especially right now with his teething of his canines.  They are so much worse than I remember Brooke's!

This one starts pre-school in September, so I suppose I only have until then to call her a toddler.

I have learned the trick to happy kids =  TAKE THEM OUTSIDE AND PLAY.  Every day. Preferably twice a day.  It's amazing how much they sleep, eat & drink when I do this!  Luckily our weather has been super cooperative and though my house may not be as clean, my children are so happy!

His vocabulary is blowing my mind.  "Tree," as he points.  He says, "thank you" after you give him something, "bless you" when someone sneezes.  He loves cars, trucks and all things that go "vroom vroom."  Tractors and 4-wheelers are his jam.

We have some fave spots and this little gem has a Spray park which wasn't quite on last week. I bet it's running now!

Seriously?

He is such a little ham and knows he can't do al the things big sis can, but man he still runs around like a champ!

They laugh and love the swings so much.

Not sure what he was thinking here.

I like it when we have the place to ourselves. The kids love it too!

That was a cool day!

I am loving that we can bring snacks and rest and play and don't have to rush away.

My little monkeys.

When bruddar is sleeping or it's raining, Brooke and I have been reading.

Since the warm weather warmed up, we headed to Wal-mart stat for some new shorts and tops!  This little guy picked out the minion hat and refuses to wear it the "right way."

We've been having a blast these last few days and are getting ready for lots of exciting things!! Brookie has her first dance recital coming up, I just signed up to do the pre-school newsletter and we will have weekly play dates at different parks so the pre-schoolers can start meeting each other, how fun is that? 

I also just booked their first dentist appointments for July---omg! 

Family time: We have our eyes on the prize---our "staycation" will be after the 4th of July and that will get us through the crazy busy month of June. I'm frantically trying to fill up our schedules during the tent sale so we are not too alone and missing daddy too much.

I have lots to say, but I'm trying to really budget my time with my other responsibilities.  All I can say is that life is good and I truly mean it.

Hope you're having a beautiful day and following all of your hearts' desires.  

Mothering

Moms do everything.  Ok, maybe not everything, but for the most part, at least in my case, momma is the glue that holds the family together.  It's a lot of pressure us as women put on ourselves; there is never enough time in the day to do everything we want, and by the end of the day, if you're like me, you're exhausted.

I think about folding the laundry sitting by the dryer that needs to be done.

I walk by the pile of mail that needs to be sorted.

The books on the counter give me a side-eye, as if to say, "read me!"

The dog needs to be walked.

The kids need to be bathed.

The living room needs to be picked up and vacuumed.

The crumbs from dinner are sticking to my feet and need to be swept.

Some days are easier than others, but is it simply because of my mindset? I think so.  There is ALWAYS something to be done around this house and being home 24/7 allows for more time to make messes!  So while I am home all day and sure I can clean, I can only load/unload the dishwasher so many times before I am ready to go bonkers.

So I pack all of us up and get-out-of-the-house. {cue the 3:45 Starbucks/Target run Monday afternoon}

Sure it's a bit of a workout getting the kiddos all bundled up, boots, hats, mittens, snacks, drinks, potty before we leave.

It's usually always worth it though, even if the outing can't last too long because Brother doesn't want to sit in the cart and Brooke keeps running around the store.

But if it's one thing I keep learning, it's take time for me.

Take the hot shower, even if it means the kids watch the Ipad and try to climb into the tub.

Take the extra 15 minutes and put on makeup.

Take a few minutes to design a keeper to go with my outfit.

Sneak off to Starbucks, grab a green tea latte and head to the library. (It's eerily quiet!)

Honestly, what really helps is one day a week, go out of the house, just for me.  Tonight it happens to be my favorite {acupuncture} I know it fills my soul with such positive energy and much needed breath of fresh air.

If I don't, carve out these small moments in time for me, I know I get even more frustrated and a little lost.

I've also learned to stop wishing it would be easier, and learn to be better (thank you Jim Rohn).

I'm going to have amazing days in mothering, and I'm going to have some not so great days too.  I've also learned that I can be having an extremely trying day, but still find slivers of pure bliss.  Moments where I look over and the two of them are so sweet, loving, and playful with each other.

Being a mother has taught me so much and has made me feel things I have never imagined I'd feel.  I think the hardest part is always feeling, "on".  Even if I'm not with my babies, I'm always thinking about them and worrying about what I could be doing better.

I am really looking forward to this Summer because of their ages; Brooke really gets things now and Bradley just gets so excited to see Brooke's reactions.  

I have already started planning out some activities that I want to do with them and I just need the weather to cooperate!

I think with Mother's Day coming up, it's stirring all of these emotions of what it means to be a mom; and if you caught my post on one of my big dreams, I definitely want to be close to my kids. In all aspects!

I've also seen a lot about mom shaming and mom judging and quite honestly it's just so disturbing.  I don't really have anything to say other than we need to just start supporting one another and helping each other out because that village that used to be here to help us raise a child, is gone.  A lot of us are doing it mostly on our own.  Husbands work long, intense hours so we can stay home and tend to our children.  There aren't grandmas and aunties living with (or near) me.  Things continue to evolve and I feel as though as technology becomes better, we become more divided.  The more we can see into each others' lives, the more we think we know it all.

I had a brief moment at breakfast this morning, where all of my loves sat eating their breakfast that I lovingly cooked, as I rushed to get my water and hubby's green tea ready, so I could actually sit and enjoy a bite or two with them.

No one gets to see that moment.

I don't post a video on FB.  I don't share a photo of us all enjoying our eggs on Instagram.  I snap videos or photos of the food itself, but that moment that happens every day?  That is ours and no one can see it.

Just like we don't see A LOT of what goes on in 24 hours of other mommas' days.

I chose the word SUCCEED for 2016, and I almost feel like I should have chosen "GROWTH." There is so much growing I continue to do each and every day, I honestly feel silly when time hop shows me old FB statuses or photos of me, 8 years ago.

But isn't that the point?

Aren't we supposed to change and grow and learn to be the best possible version of ourselves?  Becoming a mother has certainly challenged me in ways I find hard to put into words.

Mothering has been such a wild, crazy, messy, beautiful ride since I brought Brooke into this world.  I can honestly say, I am nervous, excited and a little overwhelmed by all that is yet to come.

One day they won't need me to do so much for them, but I know they will need me in so many more ways.  Once you're a mom, you're always a mom.  I know that if I want a healthy and happy relationship with my son and daughter, it's going to be a lifetime or giving; selfless and constant love and affection, no matter what.  It's being there for them when they don't even think they need me, is what will matter most.

Moms are everything to a child, and that doesn't change no matter if you're one or forty.

We are all in this together moms, and raising littles is not easy, but it is so worth every stink(y)in moment.  So if you're feeling alone, a little or a lot overwhelmed, or simply like you're going a little nutty, it's gonna be okay.  Focus on the good, give some extra hugs, and find a really good latte to help you through!!

Fashion Friday

It's Friday!! I am enjoying a semi low key morning vibe~Brookie is with my dad and step-mom and hubby is off today.  He has a lot of errands to run but it's nice to have him around!  Baby boy is into everything::currently playing with a faux pearl bracelet--trying to drop it down a heating vent::

My look yesterday: A long sleeved Old Navy shirt in coral and my favorite Stella pieces from last year. 

Kaia Earrings & Necklace

Totally adds value to any old outfit & I can feel more dressed up with less effort!

I saw this and can see Brookie and I in these, so I decided to take the plunge and sign up for the discount with Stella & Dot!!  I think this will look so cute alone or over jeans.  We can have our suits on or just go grab lunch and be ready!  I don't know where we are vacationing yet, but it will be fun and we are going to be styling!

Lace Tunics

I saw this shirt on Jane a few weeks ago and had to grab it.  I also grabbed the Riviera Statement Necklace as it was on sale (and I still had a half off hostess credit!) So as my friend says, I basically got it for free.

While I don't have a degree in fashion, I do have SO much fun with it!! Here was last Saturday as I played around with our Easter outfits!

Brooke's dress and Bradley's plaid shirt actually came from B.J.'s Wholesale Club of all places. We went there for diapers and I saw a few clothing items at a decent price and it worked!

My dress is a few years old and I actually wore it two years ago on Easter.  I got it in Toronto and I don't remember which store.  I paired it with a Target Statement necklace.

Joe chose his blue shirt...he's worn it a bunch but he always looks so good in blue!!

Workouts?  A good headband. A cute workout top.  (I love a motivating phrase!) A solid sports bra & leggings (Old Navy and LuLaRoe are my go to).

I'm also adoring my wristlet pouch.  I have seen quite a few floating around, so they're quite on trend!! Keep doesn't disappoint when it comes to being in the know!

I shared this on my FB fan page (Bliss to Bean)  yesterday in a silly video I made.  I am super excited to try some new makeup out!  [Holly photobomb]

It comes with a little compact so you can apply it on the go!

Checkout that contour the girl did on my cheeks!! I snapped a photo of myself "working" last night.  Yes, here is my "Thursday night look" haha.  Good old Victoria Secret Robe.

I  had a lot of with an online social.  Joe was working late (last day of the month) baby was asleep, and I was able to make some money and talk about jewels!  Seriously wish I had only started this gig sooner.

Want some sneak peaks??! Shhhh!  Tassels are all the rage!

Help me decide, bag 1 or 2?

Launch Social

Since I couldn't see spending full price for something of these gorgeous beauties on their way next week, I took advantage and signed up.   I don't go to the mall a lot, but when I do? I don't really see anything I love.  And with Stella & Dot?  Seriously everything catches my eye AND I get constant compliments. 

Hope that inspires your fashion for this upcoming Spring/Summer!  

Which looks are you loving?

Mother's Day {blessings, love, beauty}

Hello beautiful friends…I have gotten sick!! I really thought I had escaped it, but alas, it came for me.  Last Tuesday I started feeling ill: body aches, fever/chills…I rested, slept 9:30-5:30 and thought I was getting better!! Thursday I even enjoyed a Corona.

Thank goodness Brookie and Daddy are super connected and have such a wonderful relationship.  She has spent all of his time home, making him work haha!





Her first "bike"!


And then Friday, it hit me again, HARD.  I can feel the tightness in my chest and continue to cough, ears plugged, and am taking tylenol.  I think I have blown my nose so many times, it feels like I have broken it!! Crazy how sore it is. Between my terrible allergies and this icky sickies, it has been a rough few days--especially since the weather has been unbelievable and all we want to do is play outside!  I mustered up as much energy as I could to let her play a bit...



Either way, "This too shall pass" and I am trying so very hard to not be mean to myself…as I have not kept up with my blogging, the laundry, or even cooking good meals.  But it has allowed me to spend a lot of time just "being" with my children.  Cuddling on couches, resting, laying on the floor.  And maybe it was someone's way of telling me to S-L-O-W down and do this more often.  At least that is what the silver lining is telling me from all of this.  I feel better, but am no where near my normal perky, super productive, happy go lucky self.  And that is okay.  I will be there soon….

He was super clingy Saturday.  I didn't mind.

Sunday brought Mother's Day: My almost 4 month old in a 9 month outfit.

One of my favorite plants that comes up each year!

Our lilacs are in full bloom and smell heavenly.

Joe and Brooke picked me out some beautiful hanging baskets!

These are my favorites!

He also took her out back while I tidied up the dishes.  Yes, I did dishes on Mother's Day.  I actually did a lot of them and changed many diapers…mommies don't get days off.  And that's okay.  One day my Mother's Day won't have little bums to wipe and messes to clean.  I can't even think of that right now.



She was being a little crabby for him and captured it…little drama queen.



My sister and brother in law stopped by unexpectedly and it was so nice to see them!

While Brooke napped, I sipped a little vino, read some of this enlightening book and actually fell asleep in the sunshine.  It was glorious.

My Mother's Day Car {{yes that is chocolate from a little 2 year old's fingers}}

I thought it was so sweet Joe picked the fox out because of baby boy's "theme" and a fox has really come to us with him…love it.

It was such a gorgeous day, nice and warm with a little breeze.

And then it rained  little bit and she just loved dancing around in it.

Joe grilled chicken wings for dinner and grabbed this for dessert.

My Mother's Day was perfect and I couldn't have asked for a better day with my sweet family. 

My mother has taught me how to be an incredible stay at home mom.  I have so many happy memories of singing Winnie the Pooh, finger painting, playing outside in the sandbox and just roaming around in our backyard.  She was always there, watching us three girls.  When I recently read an article about 70s/80s moms and how hands off they were, a chord struck in me and I remembered how nice that was.  I never once felt alone, scared or like my mom wasn't doing something good enough for us--she allowed us to think and use our imaginations.  Granted, we didn't have things like internet or cell phones/ipads, but we had tv and sure I had my favorite cartoons and such, but nothing replaced the ability to create stories with my stuffed animals, playing house, or just running around and letting off some energy!  I needed that reminder, and that although times are different, I want my kids to have that same experience of being kid.  Sticky popsicle lips, dirty grass-stained feet, and being so tired they may even fall asleep before the summer sun sets.  It's so funny how life comes full circle when you have kids of your own, so thank you mom.  My mom was never a helicopter mom, and I love her for that!

My step-mom has taught me to love and accept others as part of your family and that blood doesn't always mean family.  She's allowed me to know that while my parents may be part, she will be there to take care of my dad and that he's happy and not alone.  In the last year alone, I have learned how hard (yet important) it will be to one day say goodbye to my son as he ventures off to find himself and become his own person.  She has always shown my babies so much love and they just love having fun with their Nana.  It is something I am very grateful for!  I know that she will make an impact in their lives for years to come.

My mother in law has taught me how important it is to be close with my future daughter-in-law (and son-in-law) some day.  She was there for me when I was completely losing my mind from lack of sleep with Mr. B and I cannot tell you how much her saving grace meant to me!  Food is definitely one of my love languages, in so many ways.  Any time someone offers my family a meal, I just find that so thoughtful and one of the best things…as a full time momma what I am going to feed my family is on my mind 24/7 and to not have to think about one meal = PURE BLISS.   I am so grateful for my mother in law's amazing Italian cooking and I know she will teach my children some of her incredible recipes.  I also know that her love of gardening will be passed to Brooke, as she already loves digging in her dirt piles with a plastic shovel.

And my children, my sweet, young, innocent babies who have made me a momma.  Thank you.  Thank you for pushing me, giving me a greater reason other than myself and making me want to be better each day.  I sometimes feel absolutely exhausted---deep down into my bones tired---and I know it is because I know how much you both need me.  I know that there is no one in the whole world like your mother.  I am the one you will need for the rest of your life.  So for now, the problems you have a fixable and easy [[thank you God]] A hungry tummy can be fed.  A little boo boo can take a bandaid.  A fussy cry can be simply burped away.  A worry of where "racket/red cat" aka BLANKET can easily be found.  And although these demands pile high, much like my laundry, they are nothing in the scheme of real problems some families face, and for that I am so very thankful.

Happy Mother's Day.