Summer Reading Book Swap!

It's officially the summer before Kindergarten in my house. That means playing outside, river days, camping, and lots of reading! We just got the latest installment of George Brown Class Clown. We were both over the moon when the box came in the mail, and that got me thinking. I have participated in some swaps before, but why not have a swap for the kiddos. And a book swap at that. I don't know about your house, but in mine, checking the mail is a treat, and it's even more exciting when we get the little key to open the "package box". 

So here's all the details. 

I think that to make this truly about the kiddos, we should let the kids pick for the kids.

 Most kids books are fairly inexpensive, so lets try to keep it under $6. All of my favorite books come from the used book store for $1.

 My kids love all kinds of books, on all kinds of topics, if your kiddos have a specific genre or topic they are interested in, let me know. 

To sign up, email me at sillybeautifullife@gmail.com

Child's name:

Age: 

Reading level:

Topics of interest:

Return these back to me by July 26, 2013 if you would like to join the fun!

 

Bet On Your Baby Giveaway!

 

  Today I have a super fun giveaway for you! I have only caught some of the new show, Bet On Your Baby, but it is hilarious. So today, I'd like to give you a chance to win free diapers! {as a mom with one still in diapers, I wish I could win.} I'm going to make this giveaway super easy. All you have to do is complete the Bet on Your Baby quiz above, and comment with your percentage {mine was 57%} and leave your email address in your comment. The prize is 3, not just one or two, but 3 packs of Luvs diapers. Once I choose the winner, a coupon book for the free packs will be sent straight to you. If your a tight budgeted mom like me, that's 3 weeks of not buying diapers, which means you can splurge somewhere else! For an extra entry, pin this giveaway and come back and comment with a link to your pin.

 This giveaway is open to residents of the United States only.

The Christian Parenting Handbook Giveaway

My house is currently a war zone. 5 has been the toughest year yet, and the defiance is through the roof. While I'm being honest, I tend to lose my patience by bedtime. When all you hear is "no" all day long, it wears you down. I really need a change, and at the same time, I was given the opportunity to review The Christian Parenting Handbook. I am absolutely certain God had this all planned. The ideas, and solutions in this book are exactly what I needed.

This book is all about using tips and techniques backed by the bible to raise our kids to be accountable. The book teaches us parents how to change our children's thinking, into a more Godly awareness. Being accountable for the choices and actions they are making is one thing, but this book focuses on changing the hearts of our children. 

I have already started implementing some of these techniques with my babies, and I'm seeing a slow improvement. Having these tools has been amazing. I can't wait to see more progress, and let you all know about it! Until then, I have a huge giveaway for you all today! I have been blessed to give away 5 amazing parenting products.

Prize 1:

Set of 5 Parenting Shifts eBooks

by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller,  RN BSN

The Parenting Shifts Series gives specific parenting advice for that particular age group. A team of experts, working together with Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN, have collaborated to bring you the best in a heart-based approach to parenting at any age. Wherever you are in your parenting journey these books will help you move forward with confidence and effectiveness.

Set Includes:

• The Baby Adventure (Birth to 12 Months)

• Toddlers on the Move (Ages 12-36 Months)

• Preschool Explorers (Ages 3-5 Years)

• Elementary Foundations (Ages 5-8 Years)

• Cultivating Responsibility (Ages 9-12 Years) 

Prize 2:

One free Biblical Parenting University online class! Read more about it!

Prize 3:

 

Disciplemaking at Home:

Raising Kids to Follow After God 

by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller,  RN BSN

Parents have a job to do–pass the faith on to their kids. This book will show you how. Parents are the primary spiritual and moral trainers of their children and much of the everyday work of family life is the classroom where children learn. Here's what you'll learn in this book. 

You will learn

•  Fun ways to pass the faith on to your kids.

•  How to use spontaneous moments to teach children what the faith is all about.
•  A biblical understanding of the conscience.

•  How to develop internal motivation in kids.

•  A plan to help children take responsibility for their part of an offense.

•  Ideas for teaching kids to take initiative instead of relying on parents to get things done.

•  Ways to move from behavior modification to a heart-based approach.

•  Tools to develop integrity in a child.

•  How to get kids to be others-focused instead of self-focused.

Prize 4: (The book that has changed my household!!)

The Christian Parenting Companion Guide

50 Heart-Based Strategies for All the Stages of Your Child’s Life

by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller,  RN BSN

The Companion Guide is a workbook of 50 lessons along with 50 audio tips to take you through The Christian Parenting Handbook step by step. Each lesson contains advice from Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller in a 5 minute audio tip and then offers teaching, an assignment, a Bible verse, and a prayer to help you apply each idea or strategy in your family.

You will learn

• A practical tool to stop children's arguing

• How to separate firmness from harshness

• A strategy to help children change their hearts

• Ways to teach kids to add energy to family life

• Solutions for sibling conflict

• The relational side of parenting

• What to do when parents don't agree

• How to help kids who are blamers

Prize 5: 

Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, in You and Your Kids Lesson 1 Complete Package: Includes Lesson 1 on Video, as an MP3, includes Study Guide pages, and the Kids Honor Club Children’s Program.

Honor is a biblical concept that changes the way people think and the way they treat others. Honor is a relationship term and teaching honor in the family equips children with the relational tools they'll need for the rest of their lives. This package gives you instructions for both parents and children so that honor can transform the culture in your home.

Tons of great prizes right??? I am so excited for all you parents out there. I am loving all of these extras, along with the book. I feel so blessed to be able to share with all of you!

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Things Daddy Says (or didn't say)

So this week, Daddy didn't say anything that I can remember. This week has been hard. Hubs is so close to being done with school, and it is definitely the dark before the dawn right now. So daddy didn't say squat worth a laugh this week. However, Bo said something that knocked me right off my rocker. Here's how it went: 

Boden puts his hands down his pants- "Mommy, I have a pee pee. Do you have a pee pee mommy?"

Me- I sit in silence wondering what in the world I can possibly say to that. "Uhhhh, kinda Buddy." T

That was all I had, I didn't know what to say. 

The next morning, he saw me getting out of the shower. Boden- "where's your pee pee Mommy?"

Again, speechless. 

Are there really ever right words for moments like this? 

Things Daddy Says {again}

Hubs is going to school to be a Sheriff Reserve right now. It is this major time consuming part of our life. It takes so much time, and so much of our thoughts. It's a lifestyle. But anyways... Hubs and I were sitting at the dinner table talking about the remaining things he needs. If you haven't analyzed cop stuff, everything is basket weave. We had another awesome conversation! (I love our chats.) 

Hubs: I need a notebook cover. 

Me: Basket weave? 

Hubs: they have Basket weave everything. Basket weave hummingbird feeder, basket weave romper, basket weave men's Tungsten wedding band. 

Me: I'm getting you one. You'll be all basket weaves out.

Hubs: I'll have so much basket weave, they'll start calling me the dream weaver! 

The things that we say. Seriously, I'm glad there aren't hidden cameras in our house! 

Keeping Up With The Jones' Yard

Everyone is out working in their yards right now, planting, and primping, and adding their spring election yard signs. My yard is still in progress. I haven't gone out and bought new flowers yet, there are still weeds in my flower beds, and I certainly don't want to draw attention to my untended lawn by putting election signs in my yard. (I get it, they make people look, and think about what measure the yard owner is supporting, but It doesn't add to the yard feng shui.) 

I have a few plants ready, and my porch is cute (even though we don't sit there) but I still have a long way to go to make sure that it is exactly how I want it, and halfway decent compared to every other lawn on the street. 

This is a sponsored post. All the thoughts are my own.

 

Things Daddy Says

I am really having fun with the things Hubs says. Last weekend, we were dying Easter eggs Saturday night, all by ourselves. The kids were in bed, and we had slacked on the good parent thing. I saw on Pinterest this really beautiful Ombre egg. I looked it up, and told Hubs I was making an Ombre egg. He asked what Ombre was, so I showed him a picture of Ombre hair, and explained that its "term" for fading from light to dark. Guess what Hubs said?

 

"So someone dyed their hair, were too lazy to go get it redone, and decided it was cool to have 2 colored hair?"

 

Yes honey, that is Ombre. :)

I love the way he looks at things, and the way he thinks is amazing! I am lucky to catch these things that fly out of his mouth! Hopefully I have enough to make this a series of sorts.

My Volkswagen

When I was 15 my mom bought me my first car. $500 dollars, and it was root beer (Or poop) brown. It had a crank handle I had to turn to open my sunroof, and it was all decked out in Hello Kitty gear. It wasn't at all what I imagined my first car to be, but I loved my little Larry Roesch Volkswagen. 

I was slightly wild in my younger days, and had no fear. With just my learners permit, I would drive my little Jetta to pick up pizza, go tanning, or all around our little town. My mom caught me a few times, but I had spare keys and a wild streak. 

My car was a year older than I was, and kids around my neck of the woods were driving brand new cars.  I was a little embarrassed of my old thing, but it was reliable with a stero that worked, and a sunroof! How could I not love it. 

The brown love of my 15 year old life got sold before I turned 16, so I never drove it legally. This car set the standard for the rest of the cars in my life. I have a few things I cannot compromise on when looking at new cars. I must have a sunroof. There is no getting around that one. I feel claustrophobic otherwise. Also, my car must have a great, working stero. That means speakers sturdy enough to last on days I need to "feel" my music. Although I no longer require Hello Kitty duds in my car, I have to have some kind of decor. (Right now it's carseats and tissues. That counts right??) 

It's funny how one little thing can give you a baseline to grow from. Thank you little Jetta for starting my car future out with a bang! 

This is a sponsored post, but all thoughts and ideas are my own.

Along My Weight Loss Journey

I have been struggling with this weight loss journey of mine. I mentioned here that I was down 17lbs. Since then, I've plateaued. It has taken me weeks to get over that bump, and back to losing weight again. My body is finally ready to push through, and move forward with this weight loss flower mound. Although the scale is telling me the weight is coming off, I'm not sure where it's coming off from! 

I am down almost 2 dress sizes. (I am eating 3 Cadbury mini eggs as I write this) I am feeling amazing in my body, though I am not quite where I want to be. I am getting close! By continuing to watch my portions, and watching the type of food I am putting in my body, I know the weight will continue to come off. 

If I say out loud that I am "dieting" I immediately go into hibernation mode, where I feel the need to eat as much as I can. Quickly. So to keep myself on the right path I've started looking harder at labels, and choosing things that are fresh. Another way to keep myself away from reaching for a quick fix, I try to have lots of healthy snacks ready and available. Sliced fruit, veggies, nuts, granola and yogurt are all go to snacks for me. Oh, and lots and lots of water. I mean lots. I have a reusable water cup with me at all times. 

I am working on finding the perfect exercise routine for me, but right now, that's not a huge factor in my weight loss. I will continue to fine tune my exercise and then once I find something I truly enjoy, I will add it to my everyday lifestyle. 

Regardless of the struggles, this is all working for me. I still have cheats, and I'm not crazy insane strict, but my body is re-teaching itself how to eat. It's not a quick fix, it's a forever lifestyle change, so I'll be patient while I get to my target weight the right way. 

A Daddy Analogy.

My kids are spoiled. Not in the brat sort of way, but they have no lack of toys. The electronics ban is still (mostly) in effect, but it's not like they don't have anything else to play with. It drives me bonkers to hear, "I'm bored." 

I was venting to the Hubs one day about the kids not playing with the abundance of toys filling our house, and he said he didn't understand. We take the toys our kids have away, and they don't seem to care. Then he suggested we buy them more, cooler toys, then take those away. Slightly childish, right? But here is the analogy he used to explain his reasoning.

" if you give a bum ONE DOLLAR, then snatch it out of his hand, he'll be upset, but not overly concerned, it's only a dollar. BUT if you give that same bum ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS then rip it out of his hand, he'll be PISSED, because that's a lot of money." 

So apparently I should buy my kids some really cool stuff, then snatch it away. Then they would appreciate the dollar??? 

*disclaimer*

I would like to say that my husband is a rational man, and doesn't normally tease people of all living situations to my knowledge.

Diving in.

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I got a new book! Ok, so I got it a while ago, but I just started it. I am so excited. I love it. Do you ever read things that you should only read a certain amount each day, and don't stop? I feel like I'm cheating, but sometimes I just can't stop! 

I needed a little bit of down time before diving into ,y work for the day, and this book was a perfect starter.

Happy Tuesday Friends!

 

One Week Down [Battle of Electronics Update]

With the kids off electronics, I'm off electronics a majority of the time also. It's been nice. A little break from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. [ive been on Pinterest a lot though. We are beautifying the backyard!] The kids took things hard the first few days, but it's become easier. Now they are fighting over toys,instead of computer space. There's more hitting, but there's more interaction. I think I'm winning. 

The weather has been so nice. We've been outside, and playing, and working in the yard. It's a trick though, a storm is coming on in this evening apparently. No one asked me how I felt. Now it'll be back to the rain, stuck inside, and trying to keep the electronics hidden. 

I covered our dining room table in paper, and left the markers and crayons out last week, so now I need to top that. Maybe I'll leave the play doh and cookie cutters out this week. I need a good activity that isn't too horribly messy, so that w can still eat on our table for meals. Hmmm, Pinterest I'm coming for you! 

Back to the electronics though, daddy got ratted out. Brax asked me, "why can't you let us do what Daddy does." We'll kid, because daddy says stop, and you guys stop. I say stop, and you guys still scream and fight, and yell and act like banshees. That's why. So Daddy has been allowing secret electronic time. Well, I let Brax play a little computer when Bo is sleeping. But that's it. He earns it though. We've finished TWO George Brown and the super burp books. At 5, I'm pretty stoked. He's a reader. Gooooo me! 

I still haven't figured out quite what kind of chart I'm going to make, and how these electronics will be used as rewards, but it's sure working nice just not having them. The kids are using their imaginations, and playing together. That's what this whole thing is about. Sure, I have fold laundry on my couch, and dishes in my sink from stopping mid chore to break up fights, or issue timeouts, but it's worth it. 

Massage & Reflexology Healing

Almost 4 weeks ago my papa passed away suddenly. It was such a shock, and such an emotional time for my family and I.  The next day, I woke up and my body was extremely sore. I was emotionally drained, and it had taken its toll on my body. The followings week I had called and scheduled my first deep tissue massage. The pain in my right shoulder was so intense, I didn't know what else to do. Once I got to the salon, I began talking with the therapist, and she informed me that if you are under emotional stress, your body is more sensitive. (Wait... What?) No wonder my body was a hot mess. She explained to me that a deep tissue massage, though seemed right, wouldn't be good for my body. I probably wouldn't be able to handle it. So she gave me a nice soothing massage with some reflexology thrown in. It was such an amazing experience, and she was so fantastic at explaining to me how, and what my body was going through. 

It made me start thinking. I really would love a spa getaway. A weekend away of reflexology in woodinville wa. Nothing but pampering, and relaxation in a little b&b. sign me right up. I would love to have a full reflexology session. I also want one of those little foot bath things where it detoxes your feet, and the water turns black. I have so many spa services that I would like to try. 

The more I sit here and think of it, I would love to own a little b&b spa place in some beautiful countryside town. Maybe once my kids are grown and hubs can retire, I can talk him into a girly lifestyle of pampering for the remainder of our lives. 

I can see it now, a cute little farmhouse with a few bedrooms up stairs, that can all be rented out to a party of girlfriends. A sauna, relaxation room, a solarium, and a big cozy family room where everyone can get together and discuss the services over a hot cup of tea. Alright, it's official. I am making this dream a Pinterest board. That's what Pinterest is for right, keeping all of your thoughts neatly organized? I can't wait to get started. If you don't already, follow me on Pinterest at sillybeautiful to see my inspiration for my new dream.

It's is a sponsored post. All of the opinions and ideas are entirely my own.

War Against Electronics

I have a confession, electronics keep my kids occupied so that I can get something done in my house. My 2.5 year old can get around any phone, and website, or tablet with ease. He has his own log in on the computer, so that way, he doesn't mess anything up on my page.  

However, my kids don't drone out all day, they do play, and interact, but not as much as they probably should. I entertained them completely for waayyyy too long as infants. Now, I'm paying the price. All day. Every day. 

So Friday, I had a full basket of clean clothes, all folded and sorted, and ready to just be put in the drawers. (Never mind the fact they weren't put away yet.) Brax jumped right through them to get to my phone, which was on Bodens hands. Clean clothes, everywhere. I basically lost my mind. Then my phone rings, and hubs asks for lunch. I am hysterically crying at this point. So he stops by the house, and helps me unplug everything with a screen, and things with batteries got put up on top of the fridge. My kids had a crazy insane meltdown. Brax ended up in his room, screaming. Boden however, got an action figure and pulled the info part out of a DVD and made a tent. I was crying, and hubs, who wanted lunch, probably wished he would have made his own that morning. 

Today is Monday, and there was only one show this morning while we were getting ready, there has been no computer, their tablets are still on top of the fridge, and my cell phone is no longer a damn toy. I am on a mission to make electronics rewards again. I know that by the time my kids are in middle school, tablets will replace books, but for now, I need to have the power. I am thinking up an awesome chart design to earn electronic time. 

How do you guys limit time, or use? I need all the tips I can get. 

Green Cleaning

I have been thinking about going all green with my household cleaners for some time now. I have all of the ingredients to make my own laundry soap, and I've actually made my own dish detergent. Here's my deal, yeah, I made it at home, but when I have to add drops of dawn dish soap, how "green" is that? I added Kool-Aid to my dish detergent. Doesn't seem so green. 

I have been looking up green cleaners on Pinterest and google, and I found http://www.econutssoap.com. Soap nuts... Really? These things look so dang cool. You put them in a bag in your washer with the rest of your clothes, and tah dah, clean clothes. 

Who knew cleaning products were so exciting? ;) I just think throwing nuts in my machine sounds like more fun than pouring liquid. However, since I have purchase all the stuff to make said detergent, I am going to make it this weekend. There are so many variations on Pinterest but it seems to boil down to borax, washing soda and fels-naphtha. Hubs brought me home a 5 gallon bucket from work. Sweet right. He left out that it was used to hold oil... Not exactly what I want to make my laundry soap in. I feel like ill be heading to Freddie's for a clean one. In any case, I'm hoping this turns out good. 

Another one I planned on trying was fabric softener, but it called for scented suave... Definitely not very green. More like cheap. No thanks, I wouldn't use that in my hair, so I don't want to use it to soften my kids clothes! I feel like some of these recipes of so called "green" cleaning are really just a cheap way to make it yourself. 

I like to buy the Seventh Generation products from my Fred Meyers. Especially when I can find them on sale for like 40% off. That to me, is green cleaning for a steal. Are there any legit green cleaning recipes you guys have to pass on? Have you tried any that were a colossal waste of precious time and money? 

This is a sponsored post, but all the opinions and thoughts are solely my own.

My Lawn Mower. (And Other Outside Issues)

This is my backyard. It's little, and cute, and a pain in the butt to mow. I thought it'd be awesome to own a house, and get to decorate my lawn however I want. But... I suck at landscaping apparently. It would be so much easier to have one of those fancy lawn trucks come with their fancy commercial lawn mower and take care of my yard for me. However, I am not made of money. So, I need to get my butt in great, and read up on how to keep my grass green and my plants alive. 

Pinterest gives me all this beautiful inspiration to fill my head with

I love all of the beautiful flowers, and I spend a dumb amount of money on them every year, and every year, they die. I try to read up about what kind of sunlight they need, and the type of soil they thrive in, but eventually, I just want them in the ground to show off all their color. So I plant them. Ad they die. Every. Year.

This year, I've got a plan. I am going to take pictures of my planter areas and spend one day watching the sun pattern,  and take  that to my local nursery, and ask what stays alive!  Also, I'm going to buy a real lawn mower. I currently own a old school push one.you know, 1950's dad out in his khakis and polo mowing... That's me, minus the man part, and the clothes. I mow nude. I kid, I kid, I mow in shorts, because it takes me hours to mow my tiny square of grass. I've even had a neighbor offer to help.  But I did it. Once. And I'm done with it,unless its for decor purposes. 

I just want a simple, pull to start and tah dah lawn mower. Then I can have a pretty lawn. Then I'll advance to a whole yard of prettiness once I get plants that stay alive. 

Bring it on Spring, I'm going to own my yard this year!

This is a sponsored post, but all of the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Kiddo Down!

Last night we had attempted family movie night. We rented Ice Age Continental Drift. All got pjs on, and turned the lights down, snuggled on the couch. For about 15 minutes it was a picture of perfection. And quiet! Then Bo decided he had enough with Ice Age and went and played on the computer. (Which was quite amazing actually, but that's another story) Then... The deep, phlegm cough cuddled up with Brax. :( He drank his warm juice, and tried his best to stifle his coughing fits. 

We finished up the movie, and Brax and I went into the bathroom for a steam sesh. He thought he was so cool because I brought in the Sunday comics, and let him read them while sitting on the back of the toilet. It worked while we were in there. As we came out, so did the cough. Some Zarbees night time cough knocked little dude right out, and he got to get a good, cough less, night sleep. 

This morning the fits are back. We steamed again, and we've still got the cough. 

I'm slightly paranoid because I just read that there are 4 cases of whooping cough in our little town. Luckily none of them are Brax's age,but still. So far today, warm juice, Vicks on the kiddos chest and feet, and cough meds are keeping life calm. But as the day progresses, I've got eagle eye on the kid. 

It's sad when the monsters get sick. Brax told me that he was sad because he would never be able to go to school again. And he was seriously concerned.  I reassured him that school will still be there in a couple days (and the rest of his life) and that he wasn't going to miss much. Thank goodness for the dollar store workbooks. I've got those babies stocked up for years! So he feels like he gets special school on sick days. Plus I get to watch him do his work, and it's fun for me too. 

Do you guys have any go to recipes for getting the kids back to health in no time?  Or do you have special things the kids get to do when they are sick? 

 

Living With Boys (and having Rotorooter on speed dial)

It's no secret that there is a difference between having boy children versus girl children. This past weekend we were at a birthday party for a friend, and there was an old friend of mine from high school with her kiddos. An almost 4 year old girl, and an almost 2 year old boy. This sweet little girl, was shy, and quiet, and wasn't running around chasing the dogs, or shiesting peoples phones . Which brings me to my point, boys are crazy! Or maybe it's just mine, but I have bred crazy little men.
My kids love to play in the bathroom. Home of epic bathtubs with Lush bath soaps, and awesome water color changers. Where my kids really love to play, is the toilet. Gross, right? This awesome hole with a lid is the home to many car races, superhero hot tubs, and most importantly, lots and lots of toilet paper.

Looks normal right?? Its the toliet of doom!!

 

More often than not, I can fish out whatever toy was having a "spa day" with some simple kitchen utensils, but when it comes to the 2 brand new rolls of toilet paper, including the cardboard, that were maliciously unrolled, and left to sit in the toilet... I need help. I tried to flush it... Oops. Then I had water all over my bathroom floor. Because I was afraid of what may lie beneath the toilet paper, (maybe the kids thought it was an awesome time to actually poop IN the potty) I called Rotorooter. Apparently they have no shame and will tackle that poo head on. So basically if I would have owned a plunger and 5 gallon bucket I could have cleared this awesome poopless blockage, but instead, I paid for it. The guy was super nice, and I just kept apologizing. It must be a relief though to not actually have a "shitty" emergency, and just have a clueless mom.
My kids still use the toilet as a play place. It's true, I can't get them out of there. It flushes, its mesmerizing, I get it. However, someone needs to invent a toy stopper. You know, something that the pooh will still go through, but has magical powers to stop foreign objects from making it through. (Ill let you know when I'll be on Shark Tank)
Until then, I'm stuck with kitchen tongs, a spatula, and Mr. Rotorooter wondering why my kids are playing in the toilet.










This is a sponsored post, but all the thoughts and opinions are my own.

I'm a "Gleek"

Ok. I admit it, I'm in love with Glee. I makes me happy, and it puts into my head that I sound good in the shower. I'm sitting here tonight, going through the first season on Netflix. I love seeing the kids grow, and their relationships change. It's so heart warming, and I think about high school. Hubs is having his 10 year this year. Crazy! Which means we have known each other for 12 years now. Wow. Time flies....
Anyways, back to music, which is where the whole post steamed from. I am interning to these songs, and it makes me wonder, why is music a memory. What I mean by that is, how can one song, remind you of a time, a day, a person, or a situation. There R some songs that weren't even out during high school, that take me right back to that memory. Does this happen to you guys?
I am an over emotional person. I cry when people win big money on game shows, because I get so incredibly happy for that stranger. But music (totally distracting myself) really gets me. Being so emo, I cry a lot over music. Even happy tears! (I'm a hot mess people.)
I love the way that music can put into words things I didn't know how. I love all types of music, but country is usually my go to. And old school rap. (Love me some ja rule) so many songs open the memory flood gates, and tonight on Glee, they were rocking out to Journey. It reminds me of an old friend of mine, and I can't help but giggle.

Do you guys have an songs that just take you back?

Mommy Brain

Apparently this forgetfulness lasts long after pregnancy. Or maybe never goes away. (Ill let you guys know if I ever find that memory I used to have.) This morning I was feeding B breakfast and getting him dressed for school. Normal. Three day a week routine. As we drive along, and get almost to school, I remember that today is in fact pajama day, and school starts an hour later. Oh yeah, and I need fully precook end sausage. Ummmm, really?
So turn around, undress him, put his Niners PJs on, finish getting myself presentable, then head to the grocery store. B is horribly picky. So we have this whole conversation about how he doesn't want to bring sausage because he doesn't even like sausage. Guess what buddy, mommy needed to contribute, and that's where she wrote her name. Don't eat the ssauage. Problem solved. I proceeded to buy myself an Odwalla juice, and B lectures me about how that's not enough for the whole class. Apparently the sausage convo 2 minutes ago was lost on him.
We finally get to school, and I don't even get an " I love you" from the little man. Thank you. I just ran around crazed, and no goodbye. Ahhhhh!
Are there any cures for this mommy brain stuff, obviously other than sleep, because I am trying to be realistic here folks. ;)

Please indulge in your mommy brain stories here, so perhaps we can all have some chuckles!

The restaurant drop off

I love to shop. I also love to take my hubs with me, and get his opinion. Too many times, I end up dropping him off at a restaurant, or sports bar, so he can sit and watch whatever “game” might be on.
Which brings me to the whole point of this rant, why don't they have more places like this in malls. You throw a great sports bar in at one end of the mall, and tah dah. Business. I know from personal experience that alcohol = money spent. I can't tell you how many times, when I was younger, my girlfriends and I would have a nice lunch, drinks, and go spend more money than we anticipated. And most of the time, it's expensive things I wouldn't normally buy.
During Christmas season a few years ago, we were in Portland shopping. It was a dream come true, right near Nordstrom, the ESPN sports bar!!! Uninterrupted shopping, without the hubs seeing how much I was spending. (That's the year I spent $75 on juicy couture ornaments) If hubs would have been in the store with me, it would have been a quick in and out, with no needless spending.
I know bigger cities offer more opportunities for these things, and such is the downfall of living in a small town. One handy dandy thing about the Internet is that you can search and find restaurants in the area you'll be shopping. Vacationing and shopping go hand in hand. So search  Restaurants Boston,MA and  tah dah. Hit google map, and you have the perfect spots to drop your non shoppers off while you pound the pavement for deals.
We have been talking about taking a weekend together, ALONE for a while. I truly think that the next time I get to shop, on vacation, I will do my research ahead of time. And find the shopping centers near sports bars. Then, I can shop without feeling guilty! Plus, after shopping, (which is of course exhausting) I can enjoy an adult beverage with the hubs! Win-win if you ask me.

Do you have certain strategies to shopping with the non shopper in your life? Or do you just leave them at home?




This is a sponsored post, however all the views and opinions are completely my own.Restaurants in Bostona, MA

Weighing In

Wanna know something? I'm overweight. I'm not big boned, (unless my bones magically grew more dense after child birth) I am not husky, I'm not plump. I'm fat. Yup. And I own it.
However, while I can admit it, it's not something I want to live with for the rest of my life. I have been on a weight loss journey for a few months now, and I am down 15 lbs. which is rad, don't get me wrong, I am proud. But... I still have 30-35 more to go. And I'm going to do it. I am currently on a plateau. The weight is apparently fond of me, and doesn't want to leave.
Where did this all come from? Well, I was looking at pictures of myself after having Brax, and I remember being smaller right after I had Boden than I am now. Wtf. I know how it happened. Boden was a constant breast feeder, so I was a constant eater. All those awesome dreams of nursing equalling weight loss were shattered as I started packing on the pounds. I didn't eat the healthiest either. Cookies were my weakness. But really, after a 2 am feeding, I wasn't about to make myself a sandwich. So snacks it was. And here I am, 2 years later, fat.
My boys were playing wii fit plus today, so I decided to hop on and make a profile. My mii age... 40!!!! Ouch. Ok, thanks video game for telling me I'm old. But more than that. Thanks for giving me motivation to keep pushing through this plateau.
My husband, kiddos and puppy deserve the healthiest me. I deserve to be healthy,so here I go. Pushing forward, and getting this ball rolling again!

Dinnertime

Dinner.

This word is dirty in my house. I have always had the vision of having my family, all around the table enjoying a meal together.

Bahahaha.

I cook two dinners, I admit it. I have made one very picky child. (I wonder if that's hereditary, I am picky.) He is getting so much better with every day. He tries new foods, at least one meal a day. I attempt to make things for the hubs and I, that our 2 year old should have no problem eating. Usually, I am successful. He eats great. There aren't many foods that he doesn't like.

Then there's brax. He eats like me. Not much. The things he does eat though are great. He loves his fruits and veggies. I think one of the only veggies he doesn't like is over cooked asparagus. (Who can blame him) He loves, loves, loves broccoli and bell pepper. But, try to get that child to eat a bite of chicken that isn't nugget shaped, and I might as well be speaking Japanese. He tries them, but never likes them. And his gag reflex is amazing. He doesn't even have to put it in his mouth and he is gagging.

So the food is rough.

Sitting at the table, my kids do great for the first 10 minutes, but after that, they are humming, dancing, throwing food and silverware, knocking over drinks, and seeing who can “cheers” the most times. One starts laughing, then the other, and its a chain effect.

We have nice conversation about our favorite part of the day, and it makes us all thankful for the things we have. Then BAM chaos... (What was I thankful for again??) I know as they get older this will get easier, but oh my guacamole dinner time is rough.

Any great tips for dinner conversation other than, how was your day, and what are you thankful for?

Breaking It Down!

I am a mom. Sometimes it's mommy, mama, mooooooooom, and occasionally they throw out Fallon. That's the first, and most important hat I wear. I took on the responsibility the day I found out I was growing a little bean in my tummy. That day I made the decision to become the mom that raises her little ones to be polite, respectful,and responsible human beings. I also made the decision to instill these traits in them from the start. I want my children to be able to grow up, and be good, up standing citizens of our town, state and country. I hope that someday, when they look back at their childhood, they know that mommy was doing the best she knew how to raise them, and prepare them for the real world.
I am a wife. (Which usually sounds more like babe, honey, princess or sparkles.) I am that supportive wife. I am always behind my husband 100%, unless I know for certain he is wrong, then I am beside him, gently guiding him in the right direction. There are so many different types of wife. I am the wife that lets her husband make decisions, but isn't afraid to add her two cents. However, I am the wife who believes that her husband can ultimately make the choice, and I will support that choice. We have a partnership, and I could tell you it's equal, but I don't believe that's how a marriage should be. I'm a little “old school”, and I believe my husband should be the head of the household. I want it that way, and I've chosen that way. Now, don't get me wrong, my husband doesn't have this amazing life with no responsibility other than bringing home the bacon, he has chores, too. And I ride his butt to get them done, but he does support my staying at home, so he does have “get out of jail” passes.
I am a daughter. I love my mamas. (My mom, my mil, and my sons grandma) yup, I am blessed with many great women who inspire me, and are role models for me. They push me to be the best “me” that I can be. I love that I have so many strong women in my life, it's more love I have, and more people to bounce ideas off of. I have a dad and a “pop” also. I guess I am their daughter too, haha. ;) All of the parental figures in my life have given me examples, and life lessons along my path thus far.
I am a friend. Which I have really let go of these last few years. I am finally (after losing all my friends for my babies) putting myself out there, and rebuilding as a social person. This is where I struggle most. Not because I am a bad friend, but because I put my family first in my life, and I rarely find time for my friends. It's a struggle to realize that my family will make it a few hours while I go have “girl time.” I am actively working on pulling myself out of my bubble. (Ill keep you posted on my progress ;))
Lastly, I am a woman. I struggle here more than anything, (yup, you thought my being a hobbit was weird...) I feel guilty taking time for myself. There is always something in my house, or with my husband, or my children that needs to be done. So, naturally, I take care of all those things first. Then, at the end of the day if I have anything left when everyone is asleep, I'll do for myself. My husband pushes me to do for myself, but I can't bring myself to Let to of the responsibilities that stare me in the face.
As women, we feel as if we should have it all. Perfect children, smokin’ hot bods, and beautiful homes. I haven't found the balance of making it all work, but right now, I know I am working towards the healthiest, most centered me I can be.

Being Honest

So I sit her and think about my blog, I think about it a lot. What's keeping me away? My lack of time management, my own fear of failure, my Lord directing me in other directions? I'm not sure, but I want to take it back, I want my path this year to include my blog, for me.
I read all these amazing mommy blogs where their kids are perfect, their house is adorable (and spotless, regardless of young ins) they show “real” pictures of their kids and those cute faces just seem so... Posed. Perhaps it makes me feel inferior. My kids usually have dried go-gurt on their face, and not for my lacking as a mom, (I bathe them I promise). My kids are little monsters. Fun loving, hyper active, jumping on (or off) the couch little boys. So my house always has the toy of the day strung throughout our modest 1400 sq. feet. Let me tell you, toys make it feel tiny!
I have the normal mom “issues” if you will. I cannot use the restroom alone, I am constantly hearing “mom, mom, mommy” all day long, and just as soon as I put something away, the kids pull it out. But, I have raised dependent little buggers. My 2 year old is constantly at my legs. We are currently in the middle of severe separation anxiety. Like, I cannot go in my room and shut the door without a meltdown. My genius 5 year old spent the first 2.5 years of his life in my lap, being constantly entertained. These last 2.5 years have been hell trying to breed some sort of independence in him. Now, I will say, I am not complaining by any means. I made these two little boys who they are, so I realize I am the responsible party here. I just would like to know where the handbook is to raising kiddos.
These “perfect” blog mamas clearly know of a secret book that tells you how to have it all, and raise self sufficient, intelligent, and dang adorable kids. I just want to know the secret to cleaning my house with a toddler on my leg, or in my arms.
I apologize for coming back to the blogging world with such a lengthy post, but these last few months have been spent evaluating (ok, ok, comparing) myself, and my family. Also, trying to find my niche in this huge world of blog. I am back, and though I cannot promise a specific number of blogs a week, I can guarantee some serious laughs, probably tears, and pictures of messy kiddos loving their life.

(Speaking of funnies, my 2 year old is convinced his name is "Honey Boo Boo Child" after hearing it on GMA!)