2 Mom Days

The past 2 days of my life should be labeled as "mom days."  You know those days...the ones where everything you do revolves around your kids, and I mean everything!  I was making Valentines for Gabe's school party, burnt my finger on a glue gun doing it, making rice krispie treats in the shape and color of pink hearts, etc.  Then both of my boys end up sick with fevers and bad coughs.  So, my nights have been filled with taking temps and kissing foreheads.  Ugh, mom days...yes, that is what I have been having.  Now, don't get me wrong.  I would never trade these days with my boys for anything.  Just saying, that these have been mom days at one of the higher levels here, but I love being able to be here for my boys!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day.  I was lucky enough to be at Gabe's Valentine's party at school and get to see all of the kids with their Valentine's.  Such a fun moment to see kids actually being sweet to one another and just excited to share fun notes and candy.  My highlight was having one of Gabe's little friends ask me for our phone number because he wants to call Gabe for a playdate!  I almost cried right there.  I want him to have good friends so bad.  He deserves it! 

I had to take the boys to the doctor yesterday.  Graedon has an ear infection, and Gabe has been having respiratory issues.  His cough sounds horrible.  Loved how Leslie described it..."He sounds like a man!"  It is bad.  So, here is my kitchen table and 5 prescriptions later.  They are already feeling better!

2012-A Rough Start

The start of my New Year has been a rocky one.  There has been some family drama, and I have had a few rough weeks, and honestly, things are still not okay.  I am just trying to adjust to a new "normal."  My marriage is stronger than ever, and I am so lucky to have such a supportive and loving husband.  I value family relationships so much, and I have such a heavy heart that things with my some of my extended family are so strained right now.  I pray that things will get easier, and maybe one day, even be resolved.  I am just taking things day-by-day and counting the blessings that I do have.  I just wanted to fill you in on why I have been absent, but I am ready to embark on making 2012 a better year going forward, and I want you to be a part of it with me!

I have been getting creative at my scrap desk, and I look forward to sharing some of that with you soon!  Lots of photos to take and edit, and stories to fill this blog.  Hello 2012-(just a month late)!  :)

VBS Week!

A new week has started, and it is going to be a busy one!

It is Vacation Bible School week at our church, and it is in the evening, so that means there needs to be a little bit more organization on our weekly menu. 

I am also in charge of crafts for the week at VBS, so I need to have my game face on!

Here is what I am thinking for the week!

Monday-Tacos

Tuesday-Brats on the grill, oven friend potatoes, brocolli

Wednesday-Hot ham-n-cheese sammies, veggies with dip, fruit salsa

Thursday-Grilled chicken, pasta salad, baked beans

Friday-Camping trip after VBS

Saturday-Camping trip

Sunday-Dinner at my mom's

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Nothing too exciting on the menu, but things that I can make quickly, and things that can be eaten easily.

Here's to a great week!

Last day of May

I really didn't expect to take a leave from blogging the entire month of May, but that is just how life has been this entire month!!  Filled with unexpected happenings!!  One of the major ones was the weather-Oh my!  We had some bad storms come through and knock out our power for 2 days, uprooted so many trees around our house, and take off part of our chimney.  I am just thankful that we are all okay, and that no injuries were reported here!

One of the main things happening is our countdown to Cocoa Beach!!  We leave this Friday-after Gabe is out of school.  We cannot wait, and it is a much needed break that we are all looking forward to!

So, I just wanted to update that I am still here, and still planning on blogging, but life has just taken a front seat at the moment! 

The last 2 weeks...

So, I know I have been MIA, and I apologize for that.

We have been so busy as a family of 4, that I have put my blogging on the back burner.

Want to see a peek in my life over the last couple of weeks?

Spring Break in the Windy City!

 The boys looking out on the "Ledge" at Sears/Willis Tower.

What an amazing experience!

The four of us at Fogo de Chao in Chicago.

Cheers!

Would a trip to Chicago be complete without a photo at the "Bean?"

I love this man of mine!

He's a keeper!

Returning home, we celebrated Morgan turning ONE!

I could love on her all day!

 Now, I am really old...my younger brother turned the big 3-0!

Some cropping fun at Crop for the Cure!

I have 2 of the best friends a girl could ask for!

 Baseball season has started, and Gabe is pretty excited!

 We were finally able to color some eggs this week!  Graedon loved it!

So, that is what my last couple of weeks have looked like....oh, and lots of this:

Getting back to normal

Trying to get things back in order and back to a routine around here. 
Christmas really sidetracked me and blogging and I have neglected so much since the holidays hit!
I have a lot of posts lined up to share:   
    *December Daily album posts
    *Christmas recap
    *My One Little Word for 2011-as seen at Ali Edwards-One Little Word
    *Some of my own resolutions

I'm excited to be back, and I hope you will stick with me!

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I am happy to say that I am also back with my menu planning for the week!

Monday-Tacos, rice, applesauce
Tuesday-Spaghetti with Nita's Meat Sauce, salad, garlic bread
Wednesday-Sloppy Joes, cheesy potatoes, green beans
Thursday-Chad's Birthday Dinner at his parents-I believe steak on the grill is part of the menu-YUM!
Friday-Chad's 32nd Birthday-Dinner out with game night to follow
Saturday-Dinner at Fogo de Chao with friends
Sunday-Dinner at my mom's

Love this time of year

I LOVE this time of year!!  I don't know if it just has to do with my birthday being right before Halloween, but this time of the year is my fave!  I love my birthday, I love Halloween, I love fall, I love October!!  I am a little sad that this is the last full week of the best month ever, but it is going to be a great week!

Last night we carved pumpkins at my mom's.  It was so much fun.  I think that is one of my most fave activities for the month of October.  This Friday, my actual birthday, we are hosting a kid-friendly Halloween Costume party at our house.  I cannot wait!  I have so many fun activities, games, treats, etc. planned.  I am also a room mom for Gabe's classroom this year, and I am getting some treat bags made and some fun snickety-snacks prepped for the big day.  Also, I have a couple of girlfriends coming over on Wednesday to do a Halloween craft!  Fun time!  Lots of prep work this week, but so fun! 

What do you have going on this week?  Are you a lover of all things Halloween?  I would love to hear about them!  I am going to leave you with a pic of our jack-o-lanterns!

Happy Halloween Week!

Could use some extra prayers, please?

I can't sleep.  I am to be up in 5 hours to take my mom in for an ablation surgery in the morning.  It's not a risky procedure, and I know my trust in Him is strong to take care of my mom, but it's my mom!!  My mom is my security, and it is scary to imagine a life without her in it.  I would appreciate it so greatly, if you would offer up a prayer for her tomorrow morning at 8am. 

Thanks!!

A busy October

Wow, October 1st already!! 
That is crazy!
I was sitting and looking at my calendar, and it is already jammed packed, and the first full day of October hasn't even happened! 
Bare with me as I jot it all down...

• Friday, October 1st-Gabe's school Fall Festival set up 3-5pm, and attend for fun.
• Saturday, October 2nd-Future sister-in-law's dinner and night out.
• Sunday, October 3rd-Church in the park, Bridal Shower at 4pm
• Wednesday, October 6th-My 9 year wedding anniversary (heart)
• Friday, October 8th-Annual Covered Bridge Festival starts (runs for 2 weeks)
• Saturday, October 9th-Celebration night for our anniversary
• Tuesday, October 12th-My dad's 49th birthday, Gabe's first field trip of the year, going to Covered Bridge Festival with my mom
• Friday, October 15th-Rehearsal Dinner for Brother-in-Law's wedding
• Saturday, October 16th-Mark and Peggy's wedding (Gabe and Chad are in the wedding)
• Sunday, October 17th-return tuxedos.
• Friday, October 22nd-Mom's is having an ablation surgery
• Saturday, October 23rd-Kids' Halloween Party
• Friday, October 29th-My 31st Birthday
• Saturday, October 30th-Cousins Wedding and Trick-or-Treat night.

Just looking at that list all written out makes me so tired!  I don't know how we are going to survive!

Another busy week ahead...

I think I am officially in a birthday coma!  Is there anyone else out there that has their kiddo's birthdays along with a niece's and 2 great family friends all within 4 weeks of one another???  Oh my goodness.  It's been a whirlwind, and I am getting ready to plan another one.  Graedon's Super Mario Brothers birthday bash is this coming Saturday, and I am still recouperating from my niece's party from over the weekend.  I feel so horrible that I haven't even shared about Gabe's big Toy Story party either.  (Note to self-Post about Gabe's birthday, stat!)

To top all of that off, we are planning another Disney World vacation, and there is so much to do before we leave!  To say I am a bit overwhelmed is an understatement! 

happy thoughts

Some things that are making me HAPPY today:

• Gabe only has 5 more days of school left, then summer vacation officially starts for us!
• Only 9 more days until we leave for FLORIDA!
• I am loving our heat and sunshine that we've been getting.
• My mom is opening her pool this week!
• I have a lot of home improvement projects underway, and I cannot wait to get them done.  I have found some great tips and ideas while blog surfing.
• Taking motorcycle rides with the hubby has been great.
• I love snuggling with my baby niece, Morgan.  She is just too precious and makes me want another baby of my own.  Look out baby fever!

What is making you happy right now?

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Dear Mr. Raincloud-

You have been wearing out your welcome.  I am tired of your antics, and I don't think you are being very nice not letting Miss Sunshine show up.  You have had your time playing long enough.  It is now time to share the sky. 

Sincerely,
Me

Living life

Going to be heading here later on tonight.

I was hoping it would get rained out.  Is that bad?

:-)

Sorry, I haven't been blogging lately.  We've been a little busy.

Lots of baseball and softball games to attend between Gabe and my niece Taylor.

Went to a very chilly outdoor wedding over the weekend.

I am ready for summer and our Florida vacation.

I am counting down the days. 

We've also been working on some home improvement projects.

Getting our front porch roof replaced, and then spiffing up the front porch-new paint, furniture, etc. 

Just lots going on in my day-to-day life at the moment.

What's new with you?

Any good activities to recommend for a 3 and a 6 year old for a 17+ hour car ride to Cocoa Beach, FL?  Would love some suggestions!