Going Stir Crazy!

We are on ice day #2 here and the walls are closing in!! We haven't been out of the house since Saturday we are running out of things to do.

We haven't made it out of our PJs and we've slept in until 7:00 the past two days! 7:00, people!!! That is huge for our family considering I wake up at 4:30 on week days and Jansen never sleeps in past 6 AM.  

Naps on the other hand have been a little tough...for Sawyer at least. She has been boycotting naps lately and while I know it could be worse, it's still crazy to me. Last weekend and this weekend she didn't nap at all. She spent the entire two hours playing and singing on her bed. She doesn't try to get out of her room--she doesn't even try to get off of her bed. I'm thankful for that, but girl needs to get a nap in every once in a while at home. Thankfully, she did take a two hour nap yesterday. I'm guessing two days in a row of no nap wore her out. I guess gone are the days of her 3 to 4 hour naps! 

I've had so many blog post ideas swirling around in my mind for weeks now so be forewarned. This post might be random. 

First up--Twin Sister's Boutique

I've been buying items from this boutique since early fall and I've been loving everything that we've got! The prices are great and everything I've received has been awesome quality. Kristy is a mom herself so I know she makes sure the quality is the best for her twin girls. 

They have 24 colors of moccasins for $15. Jansen has several pairs and I'm going to have to order more since he's almost outgrown his. The leather is very durable and have held up amazingly with my rough and tough little guy. 

I'm dying over these lace shorts for Sawyer to wear this spring and summer! 

I LOVE this hat, but can't decide if I think Sawyer would keep it on her head or not. I may just have to get it anyways and hope for the best :)

This is one of the Disney princess aprons we ordered. I ordered Anna for Sawyer but would love to start a dress up collection for her. On my list...Elsa, Merida, and Ariel. 

Side note: My grandma brought this HUGE bear for Sawyer and Jansen this weekend. Sawyer is obsessed with him, and Jansen is okay with Bear from a distance...when he gets close, poor JT freaks out! I can only imagine why--the bear is a little bigger than Sawyer. 

These "Adventure Awaits" tees are extremely soft!! Love them!

Here's another picture of Sawyer in her Anna apron. Her big red bow in this picture and the big purple one in the picture above are from Twin Sisters. I buy the whole lot of 25 bows for right around $40. They are my go-to bows for Sawyer every day. 

If you haven't already, follow Twin Sisters Boutique on instagram at twin_sisters_boutique and on Facebook here.

She's got tons of preorders going on right now so go check it out! 

I've been obsessed with Hulu lately. If you are a frequent Netflixer (yes, I just made that a word), then you need to join Hulu as well. 

I just realized that I haven't blogged about my love of Amazon FireTv yet. Canceling our U-verse account and strictly using FireTv has saved us so much money! We pretty much only use Netflix and Hulu so we pay about $15 a month for TV.  We paid $99 for the box and remote and we pay annually for our Amazon Prime account. We don't pay anything additional, monthly or annually, for having the FireTv. We love that you can rent movies and download apps such as Disney Junior, PBS kids, Pandora and Spotify. The only disadvantage we've had so far is no live sports. Dusty had a hard time with this at first, but quickly got over it when he realized he would just go over to my parents to watch his games. They have the Watch ESPN app so he can watch Sports Center but we haven't seen anything that lets him watch live games. 

They also sell the Fire Stick for $39. If you don't care about any gaming, this is what I would suggest. We bought the Fire Stick for our bedroom (we have the FireTv box in the living room). From what I've read, you don't have to have the FireTv box in order to use the Fire Stick. What you do need to have is an Amazon Prime account. We've had this for a few years now because I do so much of my online shopping through Amazon. This saves SO much money on shipping and quick deliveries!

Between Netflix and Hulu, my last binge-watching shows were Parenthood and Nashville. I'm on the lookout for a new show to dive into. If you've got any suggestions, let me know :)

Playing together during ice day #1 (let's be realistic, we have ice days, not snow days)

"Let's see how big of a mess we can make since Mom won't let us go outside."

Snack time in the dog bowl

Cheeeeese!

Blurry but cute :)

Everything can be emptied and sat in with this boy.

That's one way to use the activity table.

Enjoying the new pergola at Nana and Papa's house.

Ready for her Valentines Party at school! 

Well, the kids are up so it looks like my blogging time is over. Until next time friends! 

Friday Favorites

-Desserts Skittles- 

I am not ashamed to admit that we have been using candy as a reward in potty training. Sawyer likes to have a blue and pink skittle any time she goes potty. I'm not a huge skittles fan...chocolate is more my style but I can't help but sneak a few of these every once in a while. 

-Snickerdoodle Creamer- 

Say hello to my new favorite coffee creamer. 

-Parenthood-

If you don't already watch Parenthood, you need to get started on that A.S.A.P. Thanks to my friend Lacey, I'm hooked! I blew through seasons 1-5 on Netflix and caught up on season 6 on Hulu. Parenthood is more real than any of these "reality" shows on air right now. I love that I can relate to at least one character every single episode. Plus you just can't beat Coach Fox ;)

-Matilda Jane Good Luck Trunk- 

A little less than a year ago, I made my first Matilda Jane purchase. I never expected to love MJ as much as I do, but you just can't beat the quality and unique pieces. I am so excited about the spring release in February and can't wait to see everything! Right now Matilda Jane has moved most of their pieces from previous collections into their Good Luck Trunk and the prices are ridiculously low! I've already shopped through the Good Luck Trunk twice and am trying to fight over going back for round 3. 

50% off these Eggshell Big Ruffles...yes please!

LOVE these Cobblestone Finn pants

Sawyer has this Aurora sweater jumper and the Monet ruffles and I didn't even think about pairing the two of them together until now :)

I have been flirting with the idea of hosting a trunk show, so if you are interested in Matilda Jane and would like to come see some pieces in person OR would be interested in ordering online. Let me know! 

Friday Favorites

I had all intentions of getting back to blogging on Thanksgiving break--obviously that didn't happen. So I had every intention of starting back up on Christmas break--didn't exactly happen as planned either. So here I am, starting off the New Year FINALLY blogging again. I made a list of goals for the new year and one of those goals is to blog twice a week (I'm trying to be realistic).

This Friday is definitely bittersweet since we go back to school on Monday-- I've loved having the time off, but I'm ready for our family to be back on our routine. Stay at home mommas...I have so much respect for you! Being at home with a 1 year old and 2 year old each day for two weeks has not been anywhere near as productive as I had planned on it being. I may just throw in the towel on trying to be productive on breaks for the next year or two. 

I'm linking up with Andrea, Erika, and Narci today to share my Friday Favorites. 

1. Clinique Moisture Surge 

I've been using this for about two months now and I love it! In the winter months my face dries out pretty easily so I always try to find something that gives me extra moisture without making me oily. I switch off between this and Nerium every other night. My skin seems to drink this moisturizer up without leaving any residue like other creams I've tried in the past. A little goes a long way too because I'm only about half way through the jar and I've been using it every other night for two months. 

2. Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte

I don't have much more to say than...AMAZING. That is all.

3. Wrenn Jewelry

If you love gemstone and/or druzy jewelry, you will LOVE Wrenn Jewelry. I am loving this necklace with a D initial and then add the long bar with our anniversary on it. 

Follow wrennjewelry on instagram to see all their jewelry. I like seeing the items on there since I can see them on actual customers and then check out their website for ordering. My wish list grows every time I get on instagram and see what people have on. 

4. Blanket Scarves

I have been dying to get my hands on one of those blanket scarves that I see all over pinterest and the blogs I follow. Our local boutique, Groovy's has had such a hard time keeping them in stock because they fly off the shelves and sell out online quicker than your fingers can put it in the shopping cart. I actually JUST got a text message from Sara (Our Groovy's gal) that she got two blanket scarves for Melanie and me. I may have squealed just a little. Thank you Sara, you're AMAZING!!! Groovy's goes above and beyond for their customers :) 

If you are local and you haven't been to Groovy's you should get your booty there ASAP and if you aren't local check out their website here. 

Favorite Things Party--August

Today I'm linking up with Andrea and Erika for their August Favorite Things Party. I love reading everyone else's favorite finds under $10 and I hope you enjoy mine as well! 

I've already professed my love for Olay's shower lotion and I'm here to profess my love for their Total Effects 7 body lotion as well. I still use my shower lotion when I take my shower at night and I'll put this on in the morning. I bought mine at Walmart but I haven't been able to find it online anywhere for me to link it in. I believe I paid about 7 or 8 dollars for mine.

I used Honest diapers with Sawyer and now with Jansen. I can't say enough good things about this company's products! Sawyer has a bilateral reflux in her ureters so we are very careful about what products we use with her in the bath. It breaks my heart a little bit that she won't be enjoying bubble baths anytime soon but if it keeps the UTI's away then that's what we'll have to do. I love using Honest's shampoo and body wash because it's natural, organic and free of harsh chemicals. I've tried some other natural products before but I couldn't stand the smell of them. I don't know about you but one of my favorite things is cuddling with my clean and sweet smelling babies once they're in their pj's and ready for bed. As far as I know, this shampoo/body wash only comes in the sweet orange vanilla scent but I LOVE it. Smelling clean and sweet at the same time....yes please :) I have mine shipped to me along with JT's diapers and wipes but Target just started carrying it in stores. You can find it for $9.95 HERE.

They have a conditioner but I like to use their conditioning detangler spray for Sawyer. It is the same scent as the shampoo/body wash and cuts through the worst tangles. It's extremely light and doesn't make her hair oily or weigh it down. 

I've saved the best for last! If you are an instagramer and haven't discovered Chatbooks yet, you need to download the chatbooks app or visit their website HERE ASAP!!! Trust me, you'll thank me later :) I'm the worst about printing off my pictures and putting them in frames, let alone in photo albums. Chatbooks accesses your instagram account and puts them into 60 page books. I ordered 8 volumes at $6.00 a piece with FREE shipping. You can choose which photos you want in your books and I love that they include the original caption and date. 

Guest Post--Lonestar Ginger Boutique

Hey y'all I was super honored to be asked to guest post for Lonestar Ginger Boutique's Wonder Woman Wednesday!

Stop on over at The Lone Star Ginger Boutique blog to read my post :)

Melissa is super sweet and has an adorable Etsy shop with TONS of items that I am already adding to my wish list! If you want customized spirit shirts for your school, Lonestar Ginger Boutique is where you need to look!

I just might be a little obsessed with this shirt. #lovemesomejoshabbott

Check out her blog HERE

Etsy store HERE 

Facebook page HERE

Something for all my fellow mommas

Summer vacation is officially over....such a bittersweet statement. I'm sad that the summer is over ...as I am every year, but I am extremely excited about a new year with a whole new group of 4th graders! This morning we kicked off the school year with convocation followed by the first day of conference sessions (think mini workshops). This is such an amazing way to start off the school year for me because I get so pumped and excited with tons of notes and ideas for the new year!! I went to two awesome conference sessions today and I can't wait to share a couple things with y'all tomorrow on Friday Faves. 

I came across this blog today and fell in love. Coffee + Crumbs is a collaborative blog by 7 women about all things motherhood. The posts I've read just hit home as I'm sure they would with all of you mommies out there. I don't know about you, but sometimes it helps to have that reminder that 

1. You're doing just fine.

2. You're not the only one. 

3. It's only temporary

4. Don't sweat the small stuff.

5. Time passes by too quickly and you need to embrace what is in the present (even the cheerios on the floor)

This is the first post I read by Ashlee Gadd @ Coffee + Crumbs. Every single word is so real and so true that I feel that every mom and mommy-to-be needs to take the few minutes to read these words that have been written so perfectly.

a letter to my pre-mom self.

AUGUST 12, 2014

Oh, momma. I see you over there in the diaper aisle of Target, stuffing your face with popcorn, icee tucked carefully between your arm and baby bump. You’re staring at eight different kinds of baby wipes trying to make life-impacting decisions for your unborn child: scented vs. unscented, organic vs. non-organic, name brand vs. generic.

Your brow furrows as you glance over your shoulder at the array of other choices staring at you—diapers, diaper pails, diaper pail bags, diaper rash creams. All the products sit neatly lined up on the shelf, mocking you. Mocking all the moms.

“Pick me! Pick me!” they shout, trying to get your full attention in between bites of popcorn.

And what I really want to do is grab you by the shoulders and both yell and whisper sweetly at the same time: it doesn’t matter. None of that stuff matters. It doesn’t matter that you don’t have a clue what you’re doing or buying because I’m going to let you in on a little secret: nobody does.

Nobody knows what they’re doing bringing fresh new babies into the world. We’re all clueless and equally terrified of doing everything wrong. We’re all just here, caught up in this newfound all-consuming love, trying to figure it out one day at a time, one mistake at a time, one too-expensive Target trip at a time.

I see the worry on your face, the anxiety in your heart, the ridiculous things you’re googling. It’s okay, it’s part of the process. I know you’re scared that life will never be the same, and you’re right—it won’t be. It will be both better and harder than the same, a truth you won’t entirely understand until that squirmy seven pound baby is in your arms.

I am only two measly years ahead of you, but rest assured: I have learned more about motherhood in these past two years than I did in the 26 years leading up to that first positive pregnancy test. And while I have so much to tell you, gentle advice and encouragement to offer, I know that you will never fully comprehend any of this until that baby is here. Yet still, I cannot help myself….here is what I want you to know:

You will be different. You will see parts of yourself that are unrecognizable, brought only to the surface by the sheer fact that another human is suddenly dependent on you for everything. You will be anxious, you will worry, you will feel overprotective like you have never felt before. You will simultaneously need space and not need space because all you want to do is be alone and also never leave your baby with anyone else. You will uncover a plethora of mom-related judgements that were hiding in your heart all along, and one by one they will fall by the wayside as you realize just how hard and messy and glorious this calling of motherhood actually is. You will learn to love fiercely and wildly without expectations, and for the first time in your whole life, your heart will default to selflessness—a part of you that always existed but was buried deep down inside—waiting for this moment, this change, this baby, this occasion to rise. 

Your body will be different. Some parts will get bigger while other parts will shrink; it’s weird and miraculous and confusing most of the time. You will hate your body some days and love your body other days. Give yourself grace. When you’re having a hard time offering yourself grace, take a shower and blow dry your hair. Treat yourself to a new pair of jeans when you're ready to wear jeans again. Get the expensive kind (tell your husband I said it was okay). Remind yourself that your body grew and sustained a human, and that those faint stretch marks on your belly are the well-earned marks of a warrior. 

Your marriage will be different. You and your spouse will see each other with a whole new set of eyes: a brand new microscope on each others’ triumphs and failures. One of you will be “too carefree” and one of you will be “too careful”—you will learn to meet in the middle, eventually. You will trust each other like you’ve never trusted anyone before, and you will learn to love each other as parents, which is a different kind of love. Your date nights will be sparse. Your sex life will be slow. Be patient, be patient, be patient. You'll be tempted to keep score of everything: the number of times you get up in the middle of the night, the number of diapers you've changed, who did the dishes last, whose job is harder. Listen to me carefully, momma. Score-keeping has no place in your marriage. Throw that scorecard away. The best thing you can do for yourself and for each other is to say “thank you” and “I love you” every single day. Be grateful, be appreciative, offer each other grace upon grace upon grace. It is easier said than done, but trust me in this: you both need it now more than ever. 

Your house will be different. You will often feel overwhelmed by the mess, the piles of dishes, the sticky surfaces and crumbs. But one day there will be a trail of cheerios on the floor marking where your baby has been and what he has seen, and you'll realize that those cheerios make your house feel more like a home than any fresh flower arrangement ever could, and that epiphany will make you smile. One day your toddler will run down the hallway in his footy pajamas and you will want to capture that sound in a bottle for all of eternity because there is no better sound to wake up to (excluding the coffee maker). Your house will be messier, more chaotic, and less conducive to hosting company, but you will love it a hundred times more because it has never felt more like home.

Your whole life will be different. Every single day you will wake up with the responsibility of loving a child beyond measure. It will affect every decision you make, every thought you have, every fiber of your very existence. You will slowly learn to let go of control and expectations, a process you will practice every day for the rest of your life as a parent. You will start to see the world as a mom—you will see love and God and humanity through new eyes that will change you and mold you and make you more aware of how small you are and how big God is.

A void will be fulfilled that you didn’t even know existed. Can you remember the first time you saw a sunrise? The first time your toes felt sand? The first time you tasted chocolate? Probably not; you were too young to remember. Five minutes before those experiences happened you were just cruising right along, thinking life was great as is. But then, you saw that stunning orange sunrise and you felt that warm sand between your toes and you tasted that delicious piece of chocolate and you just knew. You knew life just became infinitely better in every way because you experienced magic. And motherhood is kind of like that, only a million times better.

So keep on shoppin, momma. You just dropped a piece of popcorn down your shirt but don’t worry, nobody noticed. And remember what I said about the baby wipes: that stuff doesn’t matter.

Recap in Pictures

Today is my last official day of summer vacation. This time tomorrow I will be sitting in a workshop learning all sorts of new science things :) I had planned on working in my classroom today but instead I'm at home doing laundry, watching old One Tree Hill episodes and snuggling with my little guy in between his naps (which he is doing right now). It turns out that Jansen has thrush AND strep throat. When Sawyer was JT's age, we were told that children under the age of 2 rarely got strep throat so I was extremely surprised when we were told that's what JT had. Apparently that changed in the past 18 months.

So because it's the last day of summer (for me anyways) I'll be posting an end of the summer recap in pictures from the last few weeks.

We love Kendra Scott 

Lunch and shopping in West Village for Mom's birthday

Showing our love and support for Claire before her surgery

 These aren't the best quality but these girls wanted to play in Jansen's pack and play at Nana's. They were having some wild fun! 

Naps at Nana and Papa's are the best.

Love these two.

Posing at Andrea's Matilda Jane Trunk Show

Shopped till she dropped

Lunch @ SNUG with my favorite girl.

Two is better than one.

Sweet wall of heaven.

1st time for Jelly Bellies. 

The BEST sandwich I've ever tasted. EVER.

McKinney wore this gal out. 

Costco Run!

Date night @ Top Golf. I was just a tad bit proud of beating him a couple times ;) 

 This girl is OBSESSED with popsicles. She may or may not have had a small meltdown this morning because I wouldn't let her have one for breakfast.

1st time to try spaghetti. #ate3helpings #idsayhelikedit

Monthly pics don't come easy anymore.

Oh Happy Day :)

"Say Cheese Daddy!" 

Smooth Operator by Emporium Pies...there aren't enough words.

She loves pudding.

 

You wouldn't know he had strep by looking at him.

We like to balance Lucky Charms on our nose.

Ella gave Sawyer these flip flops and she slept in them for two nights in a row. #yesmom

When I asked her who taught her to do the splits, she quickly replied, "Papa".

I definitely raised an eyebrow. I think I'm going to need to see that Dad.

My sweet boy.