It's Friday!

HAPPY FRIDAY!

1)  So  I got this ombre nail kit for my birthday on Sunday from one of my wonderful sisters and I'm dying to use it.  Problem is my nails are terrible right now.  Hoping this weekend sometime to go get them done and see if they will use this kit to paint them.  

2) Wednesday had a great day with my little family.  Let the boys play outside in their pool and water table all morning, had lunch, then took them swimming at one of their grandparents, napped, then headed to a parade, and finished off  the night with a trip to our ice cream shop Homewood and our nightly cuddle fest.  Wish every day could be that great!

3)  I signed up to run my first full marathon.  I'm freaking out a little bit.  We have about 25 weeks but I'm still nervous as all get out.  I wanted to do a full but was still nervous and some days was thinking I should run another first but this one was nearing selling out so we went for it.  Lucky for us the next day it was sold out! We have a big group going down to Memphis for this one.  Running the full it will be my mom, myself, my sister and my sisters hubby.  Then running the half will be my other sister, and her mother in law.  Since it's a fairly close one of to home we also have some people coming with to watch including my hubby this time.  It should be a fun trip now just to build up to running that stinking far in the next half a year!

4)  I'm so thankful to stay at home most days to get to witness moments like this.  This afternoon before nap, Noah wanted to watch a little TV and of course Carson wanted to, too.  He is Noah's little shadow and copies everything he does so since Noah wanted to lay on the couch with the "circle blanket" he had to too!

5) Feeling extra blessed this week. I got to go on two lunch dates with Matthew this week.  Some days I work I run errands since I don't have the boys but this week I skipped them and went out to eat with him instead.  And my kids are just so darn adorable.  Have had so many cute/ sweet moments with them this week.

Watching a movie before bed one night.  They thought it was so cool to put the pillows on the floor!  Carson wanted to do it the next morning too.  

In case you missed it on Instagram, the boys love helping their dad do anything.  Noah got to plant some more seeds in the garden and they both helped water.  

Today they were having a blast pulling leaves off the trees and bringing them to me.  

Almost 30

My birthday was last Sunday and I started out the day to myself getting in a 5 mile run.
It was a quiet run and I was lonely.  Just the week before I was running with 17,000 people all on the same trail in San Diego with beautiful scenery and adrenaline like I've never experienced before.   But as I ran down those lonely country roads I also did a lot of thinking about my life thus far.  I was overwhelmed with thinking about all that we have.

I just turned 29 this year, and a few weeks before my birthday my hubby turned 30.  30 sounds so much older than any number in the 20's and  I can't believe I'm almost there.  Age doesn't bother me now but someday I'm sure it will.   I have terrible skin, but yet have such a baby face.  I've always hated it, but someday will like it when everyone thinks I'm younger.  

Anyways,  since most of you don't really know me.

Here's what I wanted for myself as shallow as it sounds by this age

Kids after 30 because I really wanted to get my career going first

Big city career in fashion

Live in a big city

Wear high heels every day and dress up every day. 

I always pictured myself walking down the city streets, with heels, dresses and skirts, and a briefcase.  

To Be "Successful"

Well now  that I'm 29 here's my life

2 young boys and plan on being done having children

Live in my hometown which is pretty small and we actually live outside of it.

My house is covered by fields on 3 sides.

I wear flats, boots, or flip flops most days.

I still love fashion and dress up when I can but honestly most of the time I live in yoga pants and a plain colored tshirt

My life is truly very far away from glamorous!

I don't do anything with my fashion degree because I work with my husband at his optometry office.

Now by comparing the two, one would assume, I'm possibly not happy with my life or that I don't feel successful.  

I won't lie, of course I have days where I'm not completely happy, days where I do want more.  Days when I want that feeling of success and something of my own.  But at the same time, 99% of days, I'm completely happy with my life.  

I can't imagine my life without my boys, they bring me more joy than anything I have ever known.  

We actually spent a year living in the middle of downtown Chicago and I didn't like it like I thought I would.  I loved getting to experience what we did while we were there.  I was always around people but still felt lonely.  I missed our friends and family like crazy and couldn't wait to get back to them.  

With my career I knew that if Matthew and I were to get married, I knew we would end up back in our hometown because he had plans to join his father's optometry practice.  That was something I really thought and prayed about before we got married because I knew a big career using my degree just wouldn't be in the cards where we live. 

Now I'm actively trying to find someone for my job at work because more than anything I want to be a full time SAHM to my boys before they go to school.  I never thought I would want a van and to be the mom who stayed home.  I always thought I would need something more.   (I didn't realize how hard being a mom would be obviously when I thought that)  I have in the last few years really wanted to start a business and have had multiple ideas that would work in our small town and still hope to do so someday but most likely not when our kids are this young.  

I have shared this quote before but wasn't sure if I had on here and this truly sums up my life so far.

God knew what I would want.  He knew what the desires of my heart were going to be and he picked my perfect mate for my  unknown dream life.  We are blessed beyond measure and living the life that was made for us. Here's to another year, that I'm sure will be better than the last!  Here's to living in the country with my two kids and just being a mom without some fancy career.  Here's to my happy !  

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 to try and get some answers to some of the most common questions.


Here are the topics we still have for future weeks:


Friday, May 31: Cloth Diapers vs. Disposables

Friday, June 7: To Vaccinate or Not To Vaccinate

Friday, June 14: Tips For Quick Recovery After Labor

Friday, June 21: Struggling With Postpartum Depression

Friday, June 28: BabyWise vs. Attachment Parenting

Friday, July 5: What You Really Need In A Diaper Bag

Friday, July 12: Buying vs. Making Baby Food

Friday, July 19: Cord Blood Banking vs. Not Cord Blood Banking

Friday, July 26: Moving Baby To Solids: Ideas, Tips & Tricks

Friday, August 2: Shopping For A Little One: Favorite Stores & Shops

Friday, August 9: Introducing Your Child Into A Home With Older Siblings Or Pets

Friday, August 16: How To Stay Connected To Your Partner

Friday, August 23: Baby-Proofing Your Home

Friday, August 30: Baby-Proofing Your Marriage

So without further ado, let's get on with this weeks Topic
To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate

When it came to Vaccinations I was apprehensive when Noah was born which was 3 years ago.   There was a lot of talk about Autism being related to all the vaccinations kids receive so he did receive all of his shots until his 1 year and 18 month ones I had chose for him not to get them and I felt confident in that decision.

I know in the last few years the beliefs on that theory are not as strong.  However,  I have heard lots of information on shots and read lots of good articles for them and against them.  This is one issue I can totally see both sides and have never really made a good informed decision for myself or for our family.  Carson our second has received all of his shots except for chicken pox because Noah and him already have gotten them.  And when they both enter into kindergarten I will probably have them get current to what they are requested to have.  

The cold/ flu shots I have never done and never will for myself or the boys.   I just do not like the idea of them.   I don't believe they work and I don't like that we don't know all of the future side effects of them.  Those I do have a stance on.  

I think it's important when making this decision for your children to get vaccinated or not to read up a little about from both angles.  Take into consideration what jobs you and your spouse have?  What kind of environments will your kids be in, daycare or stay at home?  Then after you take those things into consideration and read some articles for you own knowledge you can make an appropriate informed decision for you, and your family.  

Here are few articles that could be helpful
One against Vaccinations can be found here
One for Vaccinations here

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Currently

This week I'm joining Harvesting Kale for the Currently Link Up

This week's themes are Coveting, Imagining, Asking, Saving of Saving For, and Fearing

Here Goes....

I am currently....

Coveting... I'm not actually supposed to covet but seriously my husbands ability to relax.  I'm on stress overload when  I get back from a trip or pretty much every day anyway.  I can't let go everything that needs done and all the catching up I have to just stop and breathe.

Imagining..... training for a full marathon.  I can't stop thinking about it.  I want to commit to doing one but scared at the same time.  The half was hard and that would be twice as hard.
And also that I was back in San Diego, it was seriously a great trip (more to come on that later)

Asking.... Noah to stop hurting his brother, Carson to stop whining and Noah to stop saying poopy. I missed them like crazy but didn't take them too long to get on my nerves today.

Saving for... A new vehicle for Matthew, a van for me, retirement.  Not sure on this one.  We have things we want but not actively saving for anything in particular.

Fearing.... That I will never feel caught up.  All our trips the last month and half have killed me.  Ready to get caught up and for some constant normalcy. And that it is going to take me forever to loose the 5 lbs I just gained on our  trip.  My eating was out of control and now I'm paying.  Darn junk food and  relaxtion!

If you want to join in on the fun, head on over here.

Truth Behind the Photo

Aww, look at this sweet photo of my precious boys.  They are both smiling, happy, getting along so well.

They were in that moment.  That is true.  

But do you ever take photos like this, plast them all over your social media like this is the appropriate depiction of your day or something you did?

 I know I'm guilty.  

Then because of pictures like this that everyone else posts I'm feeling bad maybe because I didn't take my kids to the park that day or because I'm wishing my kids would get along better like other's I see. 

Well let me tell you about the park.  While most of our time spent there was happy.  Noah thinks he is boss over all the park and was bossing around the other kids telling them what they could and couldn't do.  He wouldn't stop and it was getting on my nerves.  Then every time Carson was about to go down a slide or do something he would jump in front of him or push him aside so he could go first. 

He kept calling the other kids poopy and wouldn't stop with that either.

Then he hit my last nerve and really shoved Carson and he almost fell backwards down some steps.  I told him we were leaving because he wasn't being nice.

Of course he didn't go willingly so I carried his little butt to the car while he kicked and screamed.  I used all my might to get him buckled in his seat while he is still screaming bloody murder for all to hear.  

Next I had to go get Carson who wasn't in trouble but had to leave anyway and started the screaming process all over again and had to work to get him in.

Then I put myself in the car, tried to get my breathe back, turned on the ac, to combat the sweat and then drove away with the little dignity that I felt I had left.  

That picture doesn't tell you that now does it?

I don't know about you but if I'm being honest  I kind of delight in hearing other people's stories like this.  I like to know I'm not alone in the struggles of mommyhood.  I like to know my kids aren't the only ones that aren't perfect.  

I've been thinking of hosting a link up called the Truth Behind the Photo and would love to see and hear your  behind the scenes stories about your photos.  

So here is my next question, if you blog would you join in?

Linking up here today!

Perfect for Toddlers

 I have been blessed with two picky eaters!  It has been a struggle to get our boys to ever try anything new.   They would seriously live on fruit if we would let them.  Noah loves pasta, but won't touch bread or anything that resembles it.  Carson loves bread but won't eat any pasta besides mac and cheese.  Carson also won't eat any veggies at the moment and it really bothers me.  Noah likes green beans and carrots so at least we can get him to eat some.  

I don't know exactly why I decided to buy these Peter Rabbit Organic food puree pouches one day for the boys to try but I did and it turns out Carson loves them.  He has been eating 1-2 a day.   I'm in love with them because

 1) they are soooo easy

2) they are just  100% whole fruit and veggie puree with nothing added.  They are USDA certified organic

3) Awesome for travel and eating out,  I can just keep one in my purse or diaper bag all the time since they do not need refrigeration until opened

4)  I can get some veggies in Carson.  Some of them are just fruit blends but others have veggies as well.  Now I'm sure the fruit to veggie ratio is more on the fruit side but I will still take it.  We have tried all of these  blends and so far Carson has liked them all.

I'm not sure who all has them but our Wal- Mart currently does and they are $1.68 each. They are on the pricier side to serve at every meal but for right now we are going to use them until we implement the whole, You eat what we eat business.  I'm completely dreading it but know we need to start doing it once we are home together for awhile.  

Do you have any tips or tricks on getting toddlers to eat?  If so I would love to hear them!  

High Five for Friday

It's Friday and I'm about to be a single mom until next Thursday when I leave for San Diego.  My hubby is heading out on a mission trip this evening and won't be back until after I'm gone, our trips overlap each other.  

We will miss him and I'm sure we will have some rough moments but we sure have had a great week!  

I could go on and on about how cute my kids have been this week.  They seriously have been doing so much growing up lately.  So many  times this week I have just sat, watched them talk and play and just been overwhelmed with thankfulness for them.  They have been killing me with the cutness for sure!

Here goes ...

1)  Tuesday I got my nails filled and picked out a bright pink for my nails.  Seriously in love with it.  I'm pretty sure looking at them brightens my mood!  

2)  Wednesday, my sisters and I took my kiddos shopping.  ( we can't really "shop" in our town so we had drove to a town 70 miles away and also stopped at some outlets along the way)   It was great having the my sisters along to talk with and help out with the boys, couldn't have done the whole day alone.  I found some great deals, Gap Outlet was 50% off, AE was 40% most everything at the outlet,  kid stores always have good deals there.  Found some cute stuff for Matthew, the boys and myself including a new swimsuit that I'm a little obsessed with.  Chevron and jewel tone colors, we were meant to be!  You can see a picture of the suit on the side of my blog on my instragram feed if we aren't already friends.  

The boys were really good considering the car ride, and the fact that they were constrained to the stroller most of  the day.  By the time they we headed home, they were wiped out.  Here was my the view of the backseat.

Even Aunt Hannah fell asleep!

 3)  Then Wednesday night we went out for dinner and my hubby surprised with an early Anniversary present, a new band to add to my rings!  I had been asking for this since like our first anniversary and he told me I had to wait until 10.  He gave in early, it will be 7 years for us next week.  Can't believe it has been that long, time flies and more on our anniversary later!  The new one is a little bigger than the first one but that's fine with me, I love it!  

4)  My boys are best friends and it melts my heart!  God knew what he was doing when he made them so close together.  It can be very stressful and hard at times but also the best thing in the world to see them having fun together.  

5)  Loving that I have gotten in lots of cuddles this week.  This week has been one of those rare occasions that actually seem to be happening more often lately where I can just relax and not care about all the little things.  My to-do list is really stacking up.  My house chores aren't done for the week.  I have things that I honestly need to get done as well but instead have been soaking up the sweet time with my boys.  

My house is always going to need cleaned but they are only going to be this age now.  Most days I can't seem to grasp that but glad this week I have!  

6)  Went and saw The Great Gatsby last night with my wonderful book study friends.  I always have a great time with them.  The movie wasn't what I expected but it was still okay and I was out with  great company so that always helps and the chairs, they were nice!   I got to sit and do nothing for 2 whole hours, can't complain about that!  

7)  I have nothing I had to plan for this weekend!  It seems like for so many weeks in a row I have had something that I was getting ready for and this week has been fairly calm.  Thank you!  

Have a great weekend,  I will be hanging out solo with my boys!  Hoping for some nice weather because my boys are always happiest outside!  

Living a little more this week

We are constantly in a rotation in this house.  We will have a few good days, days that I just love being my boy's mommy and can't stop smiling at how cute they are.  Then we will have a few days that just make me want to pull my hair out and run for the hills.  I'm thankful for the bad days in a way, because without those,  I wouldn't be as thankful and appreciative for the good days we have.  However, I wouldn't be opposed to the ratio changing toward the good direction. This week I have had some doozy's, have been stressed out for weeks and just haven't felt like I could get "caught up".  I was tired, worn out, and needing sleep.  The last week I have been going to bed right after the kids instead of blogging and catching up on social media stuff, therefore missing some days of posting.  Yesterday I was in tear mode again, and just couldn't pull myself together (no real reason for the emotion, just one of  those weeks) and then I picked up my boys early and decided instead of going home and staying there all night we were going to get out.  We went out to eat at Culvers, let them get some ice cream, went to Dollar Tree ( which I'm pretty sure the toy aisle is Noah's new favorite place), and spent the majority of the evening at the park.  We were there for a record amount of time and it was fun, and such an easy night with them.  

Then today was just GREAT!  The boys were in great moods, we played outside, we ate lunch and dinner outside.  The boys played in their new mini pool for the first time this year.  We got out a huge ball sprinkler they got last year but didn't get a chance to use.  We ended the day with ice cream again, always a hit!  

I didn't get cleaning done, my floor is a mess.  It wasn't a productive day so much but it was a great day with my kiddos and that was exactly what I needed.  

Here are some pictures of my cuties and are fun the last few days .

Pictures are better than a post full of words anyway, right?

Is he seriously this big already?

Merry go round with some new friends

Carson the daredevil, child with no fear!

Always cheesin

Filling it up

That blonde hair of is, always sticking up

Always sticking his tongue out

The water was really cold at first, I don't know how they did it!

Action

My boys love their daddy and tractors.  They each got a ride while daddy mowed for a bit.  

 Yea...We tried.  Getting them both to smile and look at the camera at the same time, nearly impossible.  

This is how they really feel, haha

Hope you all had a great Wednesday!