Letting my Boys be Kids

My Random thoughts for today.....

Last Wednesday was one of those annoying, frustrating, grumpy days.  The boys seemed extra whiny all morning and didn't want to play.  It also was one of those days when the events of the day seemed to be like such a big deal at the time, and now looking back and talking about it to a friend I realized how small and insignificant all the "bad" things of the day were.

 I really started to go downhill in mood and get my tail feathers ruffled that afternoon after Noah woke up from his nap.  I won't go through all of the events but here were the kickers.

Noah  just wanted to roll around on the couch and cry and whine, and it just really pushed my buttons because I didn't want Carson waking up.  I started to freak out (which usually doesn't help, I never fail to try it anyway)  and made things worse.  After he calmed down he asked for daddy who was working outside so I gladly helped him go out and see what dad was up to.  As I sat inside, I just thought about how I acted and was embarassed.  Noah is only 3, and I was expecting way more out of him than he was even able to comprehend.  He was waking up, still tired, and wanted something but instead I just sshhh'd him and got mad at him for letting out his emotion.

He played outside for awhile and around dinner I went out to check on him.   I stepped out into the garage to see his play shoes, the ones that I had put on his feet.  I look over at the shoe shelf to see that his new nice tennis shoes were MIA.

Momma was steaming.  I just just finished laundry  for the day.  I had just washed all the boys tennis shoes.
I walked out to see Noah playing in the mud his daddy was making from washing off his tractor in his new shoes, jeans, and brand new never worn before WHITE Old Navy tee.

Now in retrospect... And reading the print here.  Really Not that big of a deal. There are real problems going on right now everywhere in the world but at that moment, I was madder than a hornet and the rest of the day was done for and it SEEMED like a big deal.

In case you were wondering what happened to the shoes I put on him, I forgot to mention he changed them himself without his father knowing because they were "squeaky"  meaning he got them wet and then wanted a nice dry clean pair to wear!

I got so worked up, I had the worse tension headache all night, I sulked, didn't talk to anyone, and went to bed right when the boys went because my head couldn't take it anymore.  I ruined my day because of a reaction I let myself have to something so minute.  Why is it so hard letting go of things some times?

I expect a lot from people.  I expect them to know what I want.  I expect them to act how I want them to act.  I expect my kids to be perfect when perfection doesn't exist.  I expect them to never act like "typical" boys and not make messes.  And what I realized is so many times, I expect my kids to not act like kids.  I expect them to understand what I do and care for my house like I do and it's not possible!  Heck some adults can't even fathom being neat and clean like I expect my house to be.

This morning  I got to stay home with my boys.  I needed to go get groceries, but instead we stayed home. I wanted to play and make messes with them.  I wanted to see their 1 and 3 year old smiles and hear their laughter.  I tried to mask my expectations and just things be!  I watched them be kids!

Preparing for a Little One Link Up

My friend Kaitlyn and I came up with a great idea that I absolutely love. 

As you know, Kaitlyn is expecting her first child. This can be so overwhelming and I know that other first time moms probably feel the same. She has so many questions and would love to hear the opinions of moms who have already been through this a time or two before.

Because of this, we are hosting a weekly series for a few weeks to try and get some answers to some of the most common questions.



We divided the series into two mini 4 week series grouped into questions Pre-Baby & Post Baby. The first mini series will be:

Friday, April 5: Registering (Everything you need to know, Must Haves, Don't Bothers, etc...)

Friday, April 12: Nursery Organization & Ideas

Friday, April 19: Packing For The Hospital: For you & the baby

Friday, April 26: Birth Stories (The good, bad, and ugly) / Birth Plans (yes? no?)

So without further ado, let's get on with Week 3:  Packing For The Hospital:  For you & the baby

First off, let me just say I'm a terrible packer.  It always takes me forever.  I over analyze and over pack.  I'm always afraid I have forgotten something and am always throwing in last minute items just "in case" I happen to need them.  Since I'm not good at this and if I made a list it would be a mile long, I searched for lists and found a really good one that is truly the only things I needed/ and used.

 The hospital does provide a lot of items for the baby such as diapers, wipes, cremes, and personal items for you, use them!  You are paying for them if you do or you don't so you might as well.

Also with the clothes you pack for yourself, think like 6 months pregnant and comfortable.  I brought some pre- pregnancy tshirts with my first  that I thought would be big enough.  GROSS!!!  I was so uncomfortable and wanted my maternity shirts for a few days because my bump was still there and those tops were still the best thing for it.


Happy Packing!  And makes sure to come back next week for birth stories.  I can't wait to share my two boys stories.  They are so different from each and I love it!

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Grab A Button & Link Up!

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Finish the Sentence

1. I laughed so hard I cried when...my mom has her laughing fits.  She can't stop, we can't stop.  Fun memories! And also some moments with Noah, that boy says the funniest things.  

2. My high school...mascot was the Flaming Heart.  For real, who came up with that?

3. It really pisses me off...when in a big crowded place, people just stop walking to look at something.  I lived downtown Chicago for a little while after college and would walk to work.  The tourists would drive me crazy because a whole group of them would just stop in the middle to the sidewalk.  Also I'm a fast walker so I usually get annoyed at all the slower ones.  

4. In ten years...I hope to have some business of my own

5. If I could erase one thing..It would be years of High School Decisions... But not sure if I would, because then I'm not sure if I would be where I am today without going through those.  

6. In 1999...I was a cheerleader and remember dancing to We are going to party like it's 1999

7. Honestly...I may have a workout problem.  I'm slightly addicted.  I don't workout excessively each day but can't go a day without just a little. I ran 8 miles yesterday and was supposed to rest this morning.  I just couldn't, had to get in a little elliptical time.   

8. To me, Sushi...is disgusting.  Never tried it but can't stand the look of it.  

9. Someone really needs to invent...not really sure of an idea, but I can say what I wish people wouldn't have invented, junk and processed food.  We would all be a lot better off if someone wouldn't of started ruining us years ago and coming up with the stuff.  

10. The first time I drank alcohol...I was way too young and stupid and it went downhill from there. 

11. The one question I would ask God is...When are you coming back?  I just want to know.  

12. Lindsay Lohan...  used to be so sweet and innocent in her Parent Trap days.  Then Hollywood happened

Thanks Holly and Jake for Hosting another version of Finish the Sentence Link Up

Delicious, Healthy Snack!

Awhile back I went to a friend of mine's for a book study (aka, excuse to get together and chat with some wonderful ladies without kiddos) and she had a little parfait bar set out for us. 

The layout consisted of greek yogurt, a few kinds of granola, strawberries, raspberries, kiwi and some honey and agave nectar.   

I know greek yogurt has become kind of "trendy" and I have tried it in several recipes and haven't liked it.  I don't like plain yogurt or flavored ones either,  I just don't like any of it.  So when I saw this I was a little nervous but wanted to eat some since she had it set up for us. 

I'm soooo glad I tried it. 

 I discovered something wonderful, when you combine vanilla greek yogurt, strawberries and Nature's Path Organic Coconut Chia Granola (even if you don't like coconut, still try it because I generally don't either) it is such a great snack or sometimes in my case, lunch .  I have tried it with some other granola I had and it's not as good.  This particular granola makes it for me.  Another plus, it's actually good for you!  

Do you ever make parfaits?  If so what's your favorite combination?

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I'm Loving... These new sandals... Wore them on vacation and Sunday.  They are so comfy too, love the zipper in back!  ( Excuse my ugly feet, just check out the shoes)

I'm Loving...That I finally decided to try some BB Cream and yeah it seems to be pretty great.  Love how it's lighter than my foundation and have been using it instead.

I'm Loving... That Monday I had a super productive morning and got all my normal weekly cleaning done and a few more things.  I vacuumed, mopped floors, cleaned bathrooms, washed towels and bathroom rugs, dusted,  cleaned the microwave, and got caught up on laundry.  Yeah it was an amazing morning.  I NEVER get that much accomplished any more and no clue how it happened with my boys here but I'll take it!  Here is one way they stayed entertained, a new playground while I mopped.

I'm Loving...That I got an 8 mile run in this morning.  I never thought I would say that!

I'm Loving... That I will be going here next week for work.  After 2 trips with my kiddos I'm ready for a trip that feels like a vacation.  Also hoping to get some laying out time!   

I'm Loving... That my boys are seeming to play more and more with each other and that even though I'm not a full-time stay at home mom yet, I do get to spend most days with them.  

I'm loving that Carson is now always saying "hold you"  and answers us all the time.  His cute little yes and no along with head shakes are so darn cute!  

I'm loving that Noah this last week has been so loving.  I love when he calls me his" sweet little girl" and tells me "I'm sorry mommy, I didn't mean to" and he gives the best 3 year old hugs and kisses.

What are you loving this week?

Come join the link up here!

What My Loved One Says About Me

I'm loving this link up idea.....Since it's not for me to write, here is my hubby, with what he thinks are some random facts about me.

Jen is going to regret this, but here we go:

(1.) She likes to keep her socks on at all the times when in bed, that's why we call them "business socks."
(2.) She is a candy fiend, but never really liked chocolate until the last few years.
(3.) She considers herself very good with trends and fashion, but admits she does terrible with picking wall paint colors.
(4.) She cannot blow her nose, so she does non-stop sniffling when she is sick... it's weird/cute.
(5.) She can fall asleep while talking.  It's not as bad recently, since she doesn't pound the Loratadine (Benadryl) lately.  Before she found Genesis Pure, that's all she could take for her hives, so for a long time she would take four at a time every four hours or so (yes, that's more than the recommended doses).
(6.) In college, she had a favorite pass time with her best friend, affectionately called, "the butt game."  To my knowledge, they no longer play it.  That's about all I'm going to say about that...
(7.) She wants to trade in her SUV for a minivan.  Personally, I'm too cool for them ;) , but she claims that it's what's better for her needs.
(8.) She had wanted to be a pediatrician when she was in high school.  She went the easier route, married a doctor instead.
(9.) She dislikes pets, or really just animals in general.  We will likely never own a dog, which is too bad, because our boys need one :)
(10.) She loves to be alone.  She's a wolf pack of one... well, she hardly ever gets to be by herself anymore because of our young family, but she needs to get alone time to keep her sanity.  
(11.) She pronounces many words oddly.  Off the top of my head, "saw" = "Saul" and "blanket" = "blind-ket"
(12.) She hates the words "moist" and "panties."  She really hates ":moist panties" together... but I'm not sure that's used in day to day conversation. Apparently it must have at some point...?

Ok, that's about all I've got. I'm going to hit "Publish" now, before she can proof read ;)

Enjoy.

- Matt Jones

Tuesday Topics

This week 5 Childhood Pictures

I'm pretty sure my son makes the same face now

Ragedy Ann for Halloween one year.  I think my mom had a slight obsession with them because when my sisters were little they had a whole room decked out in their stuff.

This picture cracked me up, there is yellow highlighter all over it.  Apparently one day I decided to color it.  And I cut them off on accident but I was sporting some sweet pink Mickey Mouse shoes that DON'T match at all. And my hair?  I have always had bad hair!  I should do a whole photo reel on that someday because I've never found too many pictures that I have good hair in.

I had a thing for dresses.  I know for awhile I wore them everyday, I hated pants. 

Yeah..... My stepmom made this for me.  I would like to say I only wore it to make her happy, but I'm pretty sure I liked it.  It had my first name on the sweatshirt and my last name on my pant leg.  It was silver puffy paint and bows were sewn on all over.  The matching hat, too????  I have no words!  

This was hard choosing 5 pictures, there are so many more "good" ones!  

Join the party and share some of your childhood pictures!

Weekend Recap

I'm always the last one to join the party but took lots of pictures this weekend so thought it would be the perfect time to join this one.  Linking up with Sami !

We just got home Thursday night from Disney so Friday was kind of slow starting, I got a workout in, got everyone ready, grocery shopped, and got caught up on laundry.  In the afternoon I took a nap with the boys.  Friday night we did this.... Hung out on the couch with a movie and popcorn, one of my favorite times of the day.  I love when the boys are winding down and like to cuddle and Noah tells us how wonderful we are!  It was a perfect back to reality, catch up kind of day.  

 Saturday morning went for a quick run and I say quick because check out my avg pace, under 9:00 minutes!!!!  That hasn't happened yet, or even that close.  It is usually around 9:20 to 9: 45.  I was stoked to see that when I finished!  

Saturday afternoon while the boys napped, I cleaned out the garage.  I may have told my husband "this is what life is all about"  while I was cleaning it out.  I'm weird, and twisted I know.  But cleanliness and organization can make me very happy!

 Sunday it was beautiful.  We headed to church then to my dads for our normal Sunday family lunch.  The boys had a great time hanging out outside.  Riding the gator, other outside toys, jumping on the trampoline, and rides on the 4 wheeler and tractor with grandpa.  They are outdoorsy kids for sure.  Then they took great naps, which is good for all of us!  We had a great weekend.  I love finally get to see some spring weather and green coming up all around! 

Menu Plan Monday

Saturday-  BBQ chicken pitas and sweet potato fries
Not sure where I saw this, but just baked a few chicken breasts.  Cut them into pieces and smothered with BBQ sauce.  Next put BBQ chicken in the pita, add lettuce, cucumber and a salad dressing.  We used Ranch and Chipotle Ranch

Monday -  Our go to Mexican-  quesadilla casserole

Tuesday-  Cilantro Lime Chicken freezer meal
This was one of  the meals I received in our swap so not sure on the exact recipe, but this one looks like it would be similar to what's in my freezer bag

Wednesday-  Steak on the grill pan, Baked potato and green beans

Thursday- Leftovers

Friday-  Baked Chicken, rice pilaf, salad

Saturday-  Wait and see

Happy Menu Planning!

Linking up with Org Junkie!

Disney Family Vacation

We're Home!

  

We had a great trip.  I can sometimes be a negative Nancy and pictured our trip being way more difficult and not going nearly as well as it did.  Carson was such a happy boy at the resort, I don't blame him I loved it there too.  Noah loved being with cousins.  Lines were fairly short.  Boys were in awe.  You get the idea.  Things went really well.  Of course we had those moments and meltdowns  by kids and moms (We did have 7 kids, that were 6 and under).    But the wonderful happy moments far outweigh the stressful ones.  This will be a trip I will always remember.  I'm not sure Noah will, and I know Carson won't but we have the pictures and their smiles ingrained in my memory. 

Here was the rundown of our week.

Sunday night flew in to Orlando, got in late.

Monday bright and early headed off to Magic Kingdom for the day, came home in the afternoon for naps and back at night for some more rides and the awesome light parade/fireworks

Tuesday-  Hung out at the resort swimming, eating, played at the playground and just hanging out

Wednesday-  Hollywood Studios for more shows and rides, back for naps in the afternoon.  Swam and more playing in the evening. 

Thursday-  Pack up, ate lunch and headed home!

It was a good amount of time, not too short, and not too long.  When the kids get older I could see spending more time at the parks but at their age this was the perfect amount!  We got to do what we wanted but didn't over exhaust ourselves.  ( I did take naps with the boys, it was wonderful) 

Now for the photo reel!  

Carson's first time flying and he did great.  He got really nervous/scared at takeoff and landing but handled it well.  Just wanted to hold on to his momma.  

Noah, the helper.  He thought it was his job to buckle Carson in.

Waiting to get on the monorail to enter Magic Kingdom.  My poor baby was teething, had his fingers in his mouth a lot lately.  

Our family.  Boys were not wanting to look at the camera.  I don't blame them, Mickey Mouse and friends were on stage singing and dancing!

My boys and I on the monorail heading in

Disney you are a magical place

Noah seeing Mickey up close and personal for the first time was priceless.  He loved it and wasn't shy at all. Gave hugs and high fives and even talked to him. 

My water baby

My big water baby.  He is fearless in water.  

Riding Toy Story 3D ride.  Mommy got into this one too.

My hubby, his twin brother, our two boys and one of my nephews heading to the playground at the resort

Boys got to meet Lightning McQueen and Mater.  Noah was a big fan!

More water fun at the kiddie area at the resort.  I seriously loved this place, a lot to do around the grounds.

Mickey Time

Someone was too wore out and took a quick cat nap

Waiting in line to ride Dumbo

Boys posing on Dumbo

Another priceless memory.  The afternoon parade.  Carson danced, clapped and waved the whole time.  I think it was one of his favorite times, haha at 1 1/2 and Noah loved it too.  He thought everyone was waving at "him" the whole time.  He just keep smiling and waving.  

My sweet baby on the flight home.  He was out just about right after we took off and napped the majority of the flight.  It was perfect!

Noah and Micah ready to leave the first morning in their gear!

Snuck back to see Mickey again for more hugs!

All the kiddos on the last night swimming !  Love that they have cousins their age and that we are so blessed to have each other.  I'm lucky too my SIL's are great.  Love hanging out with them!  

Disney I'm sure we will meet again someday !