What's Up Wednesday: 3-30-16

What we're eating this week...

Grilled food!  Yes, yes, yes the warmer days are here which means a lot less crockpot and stove cooked meals.  I am a sucker for any time of food prepared on the grill.  This week we've done chicken kabobs and veggies and later this weekend there'll be some good 'ol burgers. 

I'm also having lots of wine.  One of my favorites is Penfold's koonunga hill shiraz or shiraz cabernet.  They aren't super spendy and oh so good.

 

What I'm reminiscing about...

I feel like this is all I've been speaking on in my blog post as of late, but I am reminiscing almost daily on how grown up both kids are getting!  The days are long but the years go fast my friends.  I am such a sentimental softy anymore.  Ugh, if only I could freeze moments once in a while.

 

What I'm loving...

Spring!

I love the colors, clothes, and flowers that are popping up everywhere.  With a freshly cleaned home, there's nothing better than a fresh candle or vase filled with bright colored flowers. 

 

What we've been up to...

We just got back from a nice family weekend at the lake to visit my folks.  I feel like Easter weekend is the introduction to our summer season up there!  I can't wait for the endless summer days on the water and watching my kiddos grow up loving the water like I did.

Also, we've been able to take advantage of the longer nights and warmer weather lately.  It makes such a difference in our day having the ability to let the kiddos play outside and get some fresh air ourselves.  The bike, scooter, and wagon have all been ridden, the sidewalk chalk art has been displayed multiple times, and we've already gone through our fair share of bubbles.  There's nothing better than simple nights at home.

 

What I'm dreading...

It's my birthday this week...

 

What I'm excited about...

It's my birthday this week... 

I know you're thinking wait a minute, didn't you just say you're dreading that?  Truth is; I really, really, really love birthdays.  I love taking an entire week to celebrate the special day you were born.  I really wish I could celebrate the whole month, and in some ways we do (hehe).  None of us takes enough time during our crazy lives to sit back and appreciate how well we're doing life.  We are always too hard on ourselves; we didn't get enough tasks done at work, we feel like we fail as parents over simple issues, our houses are never clean enough...the list goes on and on.  But hey, we get this day to feel special and that's a day we should all embrace (even if the wrinkles are adding up)!

 

What I'm working on...

For the last few weeks we've been transitioning Brady's nursery into a big boy's room.  It's nearly finished now and just needs a few items on the walls.  So far, I love how the color scheme has come together.

 

What I'm watching/reading...

Paw Patrol.  Yep, that's a new cartoon favorite with the kids.  I'm proud to say I finally learned this week that Skye is the only girl pup.

I am semi-embarrassed to say I haven't seen an actual TV show for over a year.  Yep, completely true. 

 

What I'm listening to...

I change up my music depending on my mood.  I have my traditional country, Christian, and hip-hop stations I vary between.  Lately work has been really fast paced so I've been turning on the Enya station on Pandora.  I love her music and own quite a few of her CDs.  It's so calming.

 

What I'm wearing...

This is probably too much information for most of you, but lately I'm loving my Victoria Secret lacey littles.  I've never been a huge fan of their bras (I only like one style) but I love their underwear.  I recently went in the store to purchase a few new pairs, and I had the most difficult time deciding on some.  There were so many new styles and colors to choose from.  I also spotted the cutest silk robe.  When I have more time to get ready for the day, I love to wear a robe and take my time doing my make-up on the floor in front of the mirror.  I may have to go back and get one!

 

What I'm doing this weekend...

In celebration of the events above, I'll be heading out on the town to ring in (belatedly) turning 29 for the 4th, 5th, maybe 6th time.  But hey, who's counting!  We shall see if this lady can hold her own after more than one cocktail and still walk in high heeled shoes!

 

What I'm looking forward to next month...

These last few months have been busy for us and next month the trend continues.  We have a couple weekend trips planned and multiple activities with the kiddos.  Let's hope those April showers stay at bay so traveling isn't too tricky!

 

What else is new...

Tess was finally given the clear this week to engage in normal activities.  Wow, four weeks is a long, long time to keep a four year old sedentary!  I feel like I should get a medal or something!  I am praying every night that these kids stay healthy for a while.  We could stand another break from any hospital or clinic (I hope I didn't jinx myself).

Also, I'm looking forward to this weekend more than anything just to recharge.  As mommas, we are busy women!  Whether you're a full-time working mom, a part-time working mom, or a stay-at-home mom....you're a mom and you're busy!  A night out is just what the doctor ordered!



5 on Friday: March 25, 2016

1.  All Things Easter

Yay, it’s here!  I love, love, love this holiday so very much.  I wish it wasn’t so early this year so the weather was warmer, but hey, it’s Iowa.  We will be venturing up North to my folks (where they just got 6 inches of snow) to celebrate and both my siblings will be there as well.  It’s sure to be a fun, and very loud, weekend with everyone home.  My mom is making her traditional Easter feast and continues to keep asking me if she should make more desserts!  She’s already whipping up a bunny cake.  She makes the cutest 3D bunny cakes with pipe cleaner ears and all!  My birthday often falls near Easter so it’s become a bit of a tradition for her to make this cake.  I may be 30+ years old, but when your mom wants to make you a cake…you let her make you a bunny cake!  

And if you’ve seen my Instagram feed as of late, you know the only thing I have been doing is eating treats, treats, and more treats.  May as well end this month strong, amiright?

We are also having a fun Easter egg hunt with the little ones and puppies, of course.  I have a few items to bring for the kids for this, but then the other goodies will go into their baskets.  I purchased the kids matching baskets and liners with their names embroidered on them, and absolutely love them to pieces.  I always look forward to arranging their baskets every year.   I’m certain the kiddos will find their baskets and be knees deep in candy before church!  But that’s just one more aspect of such a special holiday.  I’ll make sure to post pictures of our fun-filled weekend soon.

2.  Only Three

With little man, there seems to be only three emotions as of late. 

Sweet Talker

I mean, he is going to melt some hearts.  This little boy has an empathetic side.  When he sees his sister sad or upset, he’ll walk up to her and say “It’s okay, honey.  It’ll be alright, honey.”  I think I mentioned this last week as well, but he loves “beautiful” things.  He will tell Tessa and I how beautiful we are, how beautiful dinner looks when it’s sat in front of him, how beautiful his newly painted bedroom walls are, and the list goes on and on.  Sometimes it may not be the best adjective to use, but I love this new trend from him.

Dramatic

This is what we see the instant we don’t get him something as quick as he wants it. 

If we don’t see this face, we see Brady lying on the ground with his legs up in the air.  We call it his superman. J

Wild

Are all boys wild?  I mean, no pants bandit running around the house kind of wild?  The dumping legos and toys to leave a trail sort of wild?  This boy is out of control and then bam….out like a light!

Sometimes I wish there was a mellow, in between, personality with him.  But I guess then he wouldn’t be my Brady.

3.  Quotes

Every once in a while I’m scrolling through social media and see quotes that make me laugh out loud.  This one caught my eye the other day and I couldn’t stop laughing.  

This is me 100%.  In fact, the morning that I saw this, I was frantic because I couldn’t find two more pennies to have correct change for my coffee.  I felt like I was holding everyone up behind me, got even more flustered, and finally gave in and threw the cashier a twenty!  Why, oh why, do I care so much about an additional 30 seconds?  Please tell me I’m not the only one?

4.  Curls

 When I say I have straight hair, I mean, I have stick straight hair.  I own a straightener but I’m not really sure why.  It may make my hair a bit smoother, but it definitely doesn’t make it any straighter.  I have tried so many times over the years to find a product or a certain curling wand that could work magic on my hair and have always been disappointed.  I have even put multiple stylists to the test, only to find my beautiful curls were only a memory after 15-20 minutes.  Well ladies, my current stylist turned me onto a new product and it is the bee’s knees!  After I put this in my hair, I blow dry, curl, and believe me when I say my curls are now lasting all…day…long!  It is truly a miracle in a small bottle.  Get some today.

5.  National Puppy Day

We love our little Shih Tzu, Mason.  He may be a little silly looking but he is the best dog we could ever ask for.  He has some weird quirks; he sneezes to talk, he hops when he wants to go outside, and will only drink water in one room in our house…but he’s our little man. 

Tess has become attached to him as of late.  They play together non-stop and even sleep together.  I love watching how much she loves him now.  Plus, it’s nice to have an extra hand to help with the “third child.”

5 on Friday; March 18, 2016

1.  Big Boy

It is so wonderful to watch your children grow up into little humans, but at the same time I find it a bit heartbreaking as well.  I want to hold on to moments, take it all in, and pray my mind never forgets some of these wonderful days.   Lately I have been struggling watching little Brady grow up.  Even though his stature is tiny which allows me to still cradle him like a baby at times; his maturity, vocabulary, and activity level brings to light the reality that he is growing up.  These past few weeks we’ve been transitioning his room from a nursery into a little boy’s room.  This project is much to blame for my nostalgic thinking!  The nursery furniture is now gone, the walls are being painted, and soon he will have a little boy space all to himself.  As we’ve been working on this project, he has been walking in to admire the progress.  Last night he says “it’s so beautiful” and I couldn’t help but laugh out loud.  Let’s hope he likes the finished project as much as the construction zone we have going on now.

2.  Art….Everywhere

We are finishing week three of Miss Tess with mono.  She is finally feeling and acting like her old self which brings on new challenges of keeping her activity level down.  If you know Tess, you know she prefers to hop or cartwheel to get where she is going!  Since she feels better, she doesn’t understand that she’s still “sick” and is getting pretty feisty when I say that she needs to walk, lie down and rest, etc.  Well, this week my mom came to the rescue with a “care-package” of art projects from Hobby Lobby.  This girl has been in heaven coloring, using new markers, and creating some fun new art to display ALL over the house (I say that with a huge thrill in my voice….).  

 Only one more week left and hopefully we will get a doctor’s release that all is well and life can get back to normal for her.

3.  Bracket Fun

Is everyone excited for the NCAA tournament?  I’m not a huge basketball fan, but can’t help but jump into the excitement of filling out a bracket and following along.  We’re having a little bracket challenge at my work and it just makes it all that much more exciting as we give each other a hard time on teams we’ve chosen, discussing the upsets, and cheering on certain teams.  I never really know who to pick and sometimes choose teams based on their school colors (did I just admit that?) but at least I’m not doing too badly so far!

4.  Safety First

We had to make a Home Depot run this week which ended up being a little close to bedtime.  Regardless, when there’s time in the schedule, we take advantage of getting projects done!  So, with Brady in his jammies we made the trek into town.  I’m certain I may win yet another mother of the year award when you see how my children function at HomeDepot?

Push your sister on a cart?  Sure

Line five carts up together and climb through them like an obstacle course?  Why not

 

(Also note the suckers in hand...choking hazard and great idea at 8:30...am I right?  Mommy is knocking 'em out of the park!)

Hang like monkeys from a cart with wheels?  Of Course

5.  St. Patties Day

We don’t do much to celebrate this holiday, but one thing I always make sure to do is prepare some type of fun treat for desert.  For the last couple of years I have made Lucky Charm Treats.  If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen my photo I posted. 

The recipe is truly very easy.  In fact, I don’t even follow one.  I’m sure you bakers out there are probably losing your mind as I say that.  I have NEVER been good at following a recipe for baking but am diligent about it when I cook….completely opposite of how it should be, but that’s how I roll.  Regardless, here’s the “recipe” for those who were asking.

½ Stick of Butter

1 Bag of Marshmallows

1 Box of Lucky Charms

Melt your butter in a large pot on the stove.  Add at least one bag of marshmallows.  I typically add even a few more because I love mine shmallowy. ;)  Once the marshmallows are melted, reduce the heat and slowly mix in your cereal.   Pour into a greased 9x13 pan and voila! 

I will warn you that the Lucky Charms do not stay as fresh as Rice Krispies so they’re best to make the day you want to eat them.

6.  Eggs & Bunnies

You all know my love for Spring and Easter in particular.  I have been lighting my favorite scented candle and oil nearly every night.  I wrote about this last year.  You can find this at Von Maur or Dillards here in Iowa.

 

I have been searching for a cute little candy dish for the counter and stumbled across one for 50% off already….score!

We are decorating eggs this weekend and I can hardly contain myself.  Seriously, I enjoy it more than the children.

Finally, I have been a little behind on grabbing items for the kid’s Easter baskets.  I found some really cool bubble whistles but so far that’s it.  I typically throw in some new sidewalk chalk, a few things of candy, and a new book.  Does anyone have some fun new ideas for me?

7.  Simply Love

I have mentioned this family on my blog before and want to give new readers an opportunity to read their story.  I think of my dear friend, her husband, her babies, and her extended family each and every day.  I pray and I encourage others who believe in the power of prayer to pray for them as well.
Read Here

I think that’s all for this week!  I apologize for my lack of weekly posts as of late, but at least I’m finding the time for my Friday posts, right?

5 on Friday: March 11, 2016

Woohoo, we made it to the end of another week.  I always try and appreciate each day and never wish them away; but I think we can all agree that sometimes you are simply anxious for the weekend.

 Last weeks Friday blog post was cut short due to a week of chaos.  That trickled into this week as well, but luckily the sun in shining on happier times in our household.  That brings me to my first "favorite."

 

1.  EBV

 

Yep, after countless back and forth to the pediatrician, emergency room visits, and flip-flop between which kid was going to be sick this time; we ended our two weeks parade with a bang.  Tess has been diagnosed with the Epstein-Barr virus.  I could not even believe at four years old that I would have to consider mono.  But sure enough, my children like to test the limits; so here we are.  I'm certainly glad we caught it early prior to her spleen becoming enlarged, but we are still early in and having to monitor her often.  Luckily her fevers have subsided and we're out of the contagious phase.  Now, the real challenge begins with keeping her from being too active and from little brother catching this too!

 

2.  Taxes

 

Most years I feel like we are always on top of this.  Somehow, the weeks have come and gone and we have finally gotten around to them.  At least we had all our documents in order and we should be finished with them this weekend!  Does anyone else still do their own?  Ha! :)

 

3.  Relax

I have been holding on to a gift certificate for a massage for nearly a year now.  I always try and be better about making time for myself, but when it's all said and done, I don't do a very good job of it.  If I do find time here and there, it's typically brief and it seems like I always run to do my nails quick or jet to Target for some alone time while I'm actually getting things we need anyway.  Well, this week I finally took advantage of my certificate and it was an hour of pure bliss!  My back has been really sore from working in the lab and I couldn't believe how many knots they had to work out.  When it was over, I actually felt pretty awful and lightheaded so I needed water quick.  About fifteen minutes later I was good to drive home.  I need to remember not to wait so long before doing this again!

 

4.  Regulators

I love all the statement t's that are surfacing through fashion.  I swear I see at least five a week on Instagram that I want to purchase for myself or the kids.  This week, I just couldn't pass one up as I was laughing hysterically every time I saw it. 

 

Little man will have no idea what this shirt means, but his mommy will get a kick out of it.  And sometimes, that's all that matters, right?  This song brings me back to one Okoboji summer in particular where my cousin and I drove around with this on repeat in the car.  Oh, I treasure those memories!

 

5.  Wants

I am lusting over a new pair of shorts and a basic top for my spring and summer wardrobe.  I have seen tons of really cute blue denim options but am also really loving these!  They're at a great price point so I'm thinking of adding them to my closet.

 

Another item I wear constantly are tank tops.  I wear them every single day under my tops, regardless of what I'm wearing.  Yet, I really like to have a nice one here or there that I can wear independently.  I really love this one and am going to see if I can find it in another color. 

 I do love black, but since 90% of my wardrobe is dark, I think I need to lighten things up for Spring.

 

6.  Spring Forward

 

This morning when I woke up I heard birds singing for the first time this season and although I don't want to admit it (I'm not a fan of birds); it was the best sound I've heard in some time!  I love the warm weather and sunshine we've been having as of late.  Even though most people dread losing an hour of sleep, I anxiously wait for this day!  Here's to another hour of sunshine and longer nights outside.

 

7.  Foundation

I have used the same foundation for over five years.  Every now and then I give a different one a whirl and seem to keep going back to my tried and true by Estee Lauder.  I've been reading great things about Make-Up Forever's HD Liquid Foundation.  Has anyone out there used it?  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

 

Okay, I have a few other things to write about since I was absent last week but I better save them for another post.  Have a wonderful weekend!

5 on Friday: March 4, 2016

This week has been nothing short of chaotic.  There are multiple illnesses that are running through our household affecting all of us since last week Monday.  Unfortunately, little man with his weak immune system has had the grunt of it but even Miss Tess has been knocked down a couple times.  We’ve been to the pediatrician twice and to the emergency room thus far in the last fifteen days.  Viruses, infections, fevers, oh my….

Then to top it off, it’s been one of those weeks at work.  You know the kind.  Your schedule couldn’t possibly become busier, you feel as if you’re putting out fires left and right, your training new employees, you’re coming in early and staying late. 

Needless to say I’m fairly exhausted at this point.  I couldn’t be happier that it’s Friday so we have a couple days to rest and have everyone feeling better and to disinfect the house for what feels like the twenty-seventh time.

With crazy life as of late, I unfortunately don’t have my traditional five items to share today.  Check back next week where hopefully my life is a little more relaxed….eek!

One last thing, I saw this excerpt posted on Kris Jenner's IG page this morning and loved it.