Weekend Recap: Just the two of us

I don't hate Mondays but sometimes do feel this way! Our weekend flew by! 

On Friday, after dinner, it was FINALLY not raining around here so we went a long family walk.  My boys love riding in our stroller and I just love that time to talk with Andrew about our day, hear the boys point out what they see.  We got home and the boys got their baths.  After that we made a treat for a movie.  It had been awhile since they had been in the kitchen with me but it was already after seven {our boys go to bed between 7:30-8:00} so we made a quick treat; puppy chow!  

Andrew finished his workout (he just stared P90x3 this past week) and we watched Heaven is for Real.  The boys didn't stay up for the whole movie. Andrew and I both really liked it.  It was one of those  movies that made me feel a little inadequate as a parent.  More because I hope I never take a moment with my children for granted; that I realize every moment is a gift and an opportunity to teach them and love them.  So perhaps inadequate is the wrong word; challenged may be more appropriate.

Saturday morning we had our typical routine of getting ready for the day and then headed to Springfield to meet my mom.  At the beginning of summer my mom had offered to take the boys for an overnight closer to our due date.  My parents knew that Andrew and I wouldn't have any alone time for awhile and also knew that maybe we would want to just catch up on things around the house {or on SLEEP!} Truth be told, I was so looking forward to this overnight but the minute they boys pulled away with Gammy I looked at Andrew and said, "I miss them already!"  Oh, motherhood! 

I didn't have time to dwell on them being gone.  Andrew and I ran errands.  I had some things I needed to return.  We went to Bath and Body for some wonderful fall candles.  Not all of my favorites were out yet but I got a good little start to my fall scent stash.  We ran to Target and Hobby Lobby and since we were in town around lunch time, we grabbed some sushi.  How I love sushi!! I have been craving it for months.  It is the only real craving I've had this whole pregnancy and we were not disappointed.  

We got back home and put away our items.  Then Andrew worked out I went out for a long walk. When I got back we just hung out. Our house seemed so quiet. It is in those quiet moments that I long for my boys.  In those moments, I know God is reminding me of why I love motherhood.  I wouldn't trade our chaotic, busy, rough days for quiet days.  I know they won't last forever; they won't be little forever.  

Since we didn't have the boys, we decided to head over to Hannibal to eat dinner.  {It was quite the day of eating out!} We went to a steak house called Drakes and it was so good! Andrew mentioned he almost didn't know what to do without having our boys to get settled in and order for.  It is amazing how our children become our lives.  We did enjoy our meal together, without interruptions and got to talk about some goals we have and really just focus on each other.  

I'm so thankful my parents took the boys.  It was such a gift to have that time before the baby comes and our world changes. 

On Sunday we slept in much later than I thought we would but I guess that happens when you never set an alarm because you normally have to littles laughing or calling from the next room.  We went for a walk together and got ready for the day.  We met my parents in Springfield to get our little guys and grabbed lunch together.

It was so good to get them back.  They had the best time with Gammy and Papa. The zoo, making treats, a new movie night.  I know they had a good time.  We had called the boys before bedtime and Hudson was telling us about his day and then said, "well I'm ready to watch Bolt now so I better get back to my movie.."  HA!

We spent our Sunday similar to our Friday.  We played outside, took a walk, and cuddled to a movie after bath. Our boys were so quiet when they went to bed.  They must have been exhausted from such a fun weekend.  

I hope you all had a great weekend too!! 

Oh hey, Friday I'm having a baby in 2 weeks!

Happy Friday! I am linking up again with Amy and Karli for this fun weekly party!  Thanks gals for hosting!

So, I am having a baby in two weeks (or less!) I mean, where did these last 10 months go? Yes- 10! I don't know why everyone talks about pregnancy being 9 months but there are 40 weeks! F-O-R-T-Y! Don't be as naive as I was the first go around! Since we are in the home stretch, I am dedicating this week to all things baby prep! Enjoy!

O N E {Meal Prep}

I did not do this with the first baby but a wise friend told me when we were pregnant with Beau that she wished she would have prepped and froze a few meals.  Well I did that with Beau and was so glad I did.  Andrew and I were actually very fortunate because we received some meals during  my maternity leave and then a dear family friend brought us a meal the week I returned to work {let's just pause and reflect on the genius of that idea. Isn't going back to work hard enough without trying to pick up that sweet baby and think about coming home to prepare a dinner?? GENIUS} Anyway, those freezer meals saved me when I went back to work with Beau.  For the first month, I had 1-2 nights of dinner already taken care of and that just eased my mind so much.  I work from home now but Hudson is starting preschool, we are hours from friends and family and take-out in our little town is pretty non-existent.  These meals are going to be my saving grace.  I just know it. 

T W O {Deep Clean}

I am a typically clean person.  Oh alright, I borderline OCD when it comes to keeping my home clean but to be fair I have toned it down since becoming a mother.  Nevertheless, I always like to give my house an extra good scrub before the baby.  This past weekend my mother came over and we moved furniture so we could clean under, shampooed the carpet, wiped baseboards and doors, hand mopped our hard floor surfaces, did the windows/blinds, etc.  I know I will still have my weekly cleans but it just feels better to get all the dust bunnies and grit and grime that can accumulate cleaned up! 

T H R E E {Baby's Laundry}

I have been buying some new and sorting through some hand me downs of the boys' that will work for our newest little guy for some time.  Along with clothing, there is bedding, burp clothes, swaddlers and just lots of laundry for such a tiny little person.  I generally do some of the washing of baby's things when setting up the nursery.  But as we get closer to D-day, I usually do a load of clothes and blankets I will take to the hospital as well as some items I know I will be using those first weeks at home.  I make  my own laundry detergent and use it on my boys' clothes fine. But, I was gifted some Dreft and I was not about to let that sweet nectar go to waste.  The smell of Dreft on freshly-laundered clothes might be the way heaven smells. "imjustsaying

F O U R {The Pump}

If you are working mom, or maybe even if you aren't, a good bump is your b(r)east friend.  I was only able to nurse as long as I did with both my boys because I had a good pump to get me through work until summer vacation.  Although I will be home with baby this time around, I still wanted to get  my pump all clean and ready. I sterilized all the parts. You never know if you will have a baby that doesn't latch, an overabundant supply, or just want a break to shower and let someone else handle a feeding.  I have the Medela Pump Style Backpack and love it! It is worth every penny but I know you can rent them from a doctor's office too!

F I V E {Date Night}

One of the biggest changes of your life is about to take place and even though it is a blessing, the change is HUGE nonetheless.  My husband and I always get a night away just the two of us before baby's arrival. This time my parents are keeping both boys for a day and an overnight.  I don't know what Andrew and I will do but even if it is just sleep in and relax we are going to enjoy it.  Sleeping in {if you can even call the occasional 7:30 wake up time sleeping in} is going to be a thing of the past so even the simplest indulgence is welcome. 

Any other mommies have some tips? Things you do to prep for baby?? I'd love to hear! :) Next week, I'll be posting about what I pack in my hospital bag so stay tuned!

Happy weekend!

Happy Thursday!

Happy Thursday! If you are needing some dinner inspiration today hop on over to my fitness/health blog for a simple, quick and healthy recipe.  Enjoy!

Summer Reads

I have always loved reading but I feel like it is something that always gets put on the back burner. Until summer.  I don't know if it is the laying out, time in the car driving for weekends away, or just the fact that summer means I had time off work so could be a little more of a night owl.

This summer as been no different.  I have been reading lots. I am sure that I am way behind on many of my picks but that is just how it goes.  I don't have time to keep up on best-sellers when I am chasing toddlers. ;)

So here are my summer reads (in no particular order):

1. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

    I know that everyone has raved about this book.  I liked it ok.  I wanted to like it so much more than I did because there was so much hype about this book (and now movie). I wanted the ending to be happier.  I am a sucker for happy endings.  I just felt like I wanted a little more closure and just didn't get it. 

2. The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks

   Nicholas Sparks is just an author that never disappoints.  He just gets how to write about relationships.  I just feel like he can write from a woman's perspective like no one else.  And always uses such class.  I love the way he developed each of the characters in this story.  I loved the background of each relationship.  It was a great read that I finished in about a day and a half. 

3. Fifteen Minutes by Karen Kingsbury

    Karen Kingsbury is an author I feel in love with through several series of books that followed a family through many different aspects of life.  She also has several stand alone books I love.  One reason I love her books is that she intertwines the characters and their trials with their faith.  She tells some really poignant stories.  This book was about a reality singing competition and how it changes the main character and his struggle to keep who he was in tact.  It was a really good read and made me think about what we as a society are willing to sacrifice.  

4. Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella

    I really wanted to like this book. I read the little snippet and thought it sounded really great.  And I liked the idea of the book, but I just couldn't really get into any of the characters.  It was ok.  I kept wanting more from the story or something more from the characters. Not sure. Just a bit of a let down. 

5. Sparkly Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle

   This is one of my favorite reads so far this summer.  I had seen the title pop up on about a million different blogs I follow and had it on my list to read and I am SO GLAD I finally did! I read this book in its entirety during a car ride last month.  I was laughing out loud.  My husband actually kept saying he felt uncomfortable, like a third wheel, because I would start laughing so hard.  I read it feeling like I was having a drink with my best friend and she was just rehashing some funny tidbits of her day.  It is a must read for mamas! I think every mom can relate to some aspect of Melanie's story into motherhood!

6. Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers

   This is another book I could  not put down.  I love the way Francine Rivers develops her characters.  I love the depth they have.  I love how she writes about redemptive qualities.  I loved that this book took place in a different time.  I loved that the love story was such a reflection of God's love for us.  It reminded me of His grace for me, that no matter what my mistakes are, there is always His grace and forgiveness waiting for me if I want it.  It is such a great story.   

7. The One and Only by Emily Giffin

   I discovered Emily Giffin books a few summers ago and devoured every single book she had every written.  So it was a sad day when I had read all of her books and had to nurse my detox from her wit, her characters, the stories of love and trials.  When I heard she had a new book coming out, I may or may not have squealed and counted down the days until it's release.  This book did NOT disappoint.  Blame it on my love of the south, my love of football, or the fact that I think football coaches are attractive too, but I LOVED this book! I mean loved it.  The whole thing.  I read it so quickly, that I got mad at myself for not making it last longer.  But I couldn't put it down. 

So that is what I'm reading.  I mean--I was also reading Gone Girl until my Kindle bit the dust.  What have you been reading this summer?

Prayer Circles

I am a really big goal setter.  I always have been.  I love to-do lists because I love that feeling of crossing a line through an item that is completed; checking it off with satisfaction.  It could be partly because I come from a long line of organized ladies or partly because I have a tendency to have an over-achieving personality but either way, reaching goals is something I've always liked to do to measure growth.

That being said, it wasn't until about a year ago that I started to set and write down long term goals instead of just my weekly to-dos. You know, thinking beyond accomplishing the laundry pile, grocery store and menu planning! {Although accomplishing those goals should be celebrated with a glass of wine some weeks!!} I had never thought to be proactive in where I went in life versus just doing my best and seeing where I ended up.  I still don't think I would have adopted this practice without journeying down a completely different career road than I had ever imagined but that is a different story altogether.

So, when the new year rolled around, I made a list of 10 BIG goals.  The list was a marriage of goals of all types: relational, business, financial and spiritual.

I have always gone to church; I grew up in church! But I haven't always been very good about carrying my relationship with Christ on my own.  That quiet time that is spoken about so often in youth group and during sermons.  I was very hit and miss with it. It just wasn't a constant and it certainly wasn't a practice as I made out my goals.

So I wrote down a goal to pursue my relationship with God more actively.  I further defined that by having daily quiet time of prayer and reading the Bible.

Well, seven months later, although I am not perfect, I am really thankful that I wrote that goal down.  Seeing it listed among my other goals has pushed me to make it a reality.  I wanted to share with you all a little bit about my routine in case you are like me and sometimes have days where you can barely find time to go to the bathroom, let alone time for some "quiet"

{Bible Reading Plan}
I know for me, the Bible is overwhelming.  I don't know where to start reading, how much to read.  I always feel like I read the same parts of the Bible over and over.  I didn't want that.  And, for someone who grew up in church, there was so much of God's word that I hadn't read. {Kind of embarrassing to admit that} I wanted to read it with fresh eyes.  I had forever heard of the YouVersion app so I downloaded that and searched through the partial Bible plans.  I found a plan that actually has 12 parts.  Over the course of the year, I will read the Bible in its entirety.  I like it because it jumps around.  I have read books in both the New and Old Testaments.  I also like the plan I chose because it is only a few chapters each day.  It isn't overwhelming and if I do miss it isn't hard to make a couple of days reading up. Just in the few months I've been doing it, I have read so much that I hadn't read before. If you are like me and don't know where to start

{Jesus Calling}
My grandma got me this devotional for Christmas last year.  I simply love it.  It is written as if Jesus is speaking to you. It has encouragement and reminders in the short daily writing. The book also lists a few verses at the end of each day that prompted the writing of the day. I can't tell you the number of occasions I have opened this devotional and the days message really felt as if God were speaking right to me.  It is such a simple and quick devotional but also so powerful.

{Praying Circles}
This is something that I started doing a couple of months ago.  Last summer our home church in Decatur gifted each family with the book, Praying Circles Around Your Children.  I read it last summer and it stuck with me but I hadn't put it into practice.  The idea, in short, is that as parents, we can take scripture and literally use it to prayer for our children specifically.  I had never thought to look at scripture that way!! So, what I do as I am doing my reading, is I have a little notebook by my side.  I date it for the day, and anything that speaks to me, particularly about myself, my kids, or my husband, I circle in my Bible. Then I right that scripture down to use as a prayer when praying for my kids.  Isn't that so neat??

An example of how I've used this: Just this past week I was reading in Job and read Job 1:1 "...This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil."

I circled it and wrote the verse down.  I can now recall the verse and use it to pray for my boys:
~God, help Hudson and Beau to grow to honor you.  Help them to make choices that glorify you; that hold them blameless and upright, in your eyes.  I pray that they know you God, that they fear you with a godly dear and that they turn from evil.~

I have really loved doing this. I feel like my prayers are so much more intentional.

{Power of a Praying..}
I also read a prayer a day from the Power of a Praying Wife/Parent books. I don't always fit this in with my quiet time but can do it before bed.  The prayers in each book are specific ways for me to pray for my husband and kids.  Like I mentioned above, I love having an intentional way to pray.  There are so many areas in their lives that I miss when praying and this book prompts me to cover that area.  I read a different prayer each day (there are 30) and restart the book at the beginning of the month. Another way to use the book is if there is a specific area in your husband or child's life, you could continually pray that topics prayer until you see it resolved or God releases you from it.


Do you have a quiet time? What do you do? I'd love to hear.

Oh Hey Friday! (and August!)

Cheers to another Friday!  Cheers to August!! {Seriously, August?? Already??!) Cheers to me actually getting some blogging done this week! ;)

Karli Amy

O N E
Yesterday I went with a friend for dinner and a pedi! I so do not know why I don't do that more often because it was HEAVEN! I just love that little bit of pampering.  The feel good lasts well into my next days and weeks.  I think my husband should take note of that good mood and schedule some time for mama more often! ;)

T W O
Do you adore this as much as I do? We had family photos taken a few weeks ago by my dear and oh-so-talented friend.  I knew that I wanted to place photos rather than hang them and I was also dying to have a place to change out seasonal decor.  I've been wanting a rustic beam for awhile and we have this huge wall in our eat-in kitchen area that was begging for some attention.  Well, hubby built one.  We got the original idea and tutorial here and just tweaked the general idea to make it fit our needs and purpose.  I think it is not bad for a whopping $16!

T H R E E
I am BEYOND thankful for my latest workout routine.  I started four weeks ago and just know that there is nothing else my body would want to be doing this close to baby (-3weeks and counting).  I have stayed loose; my body feels stronger, and I have just felt more energized.  Pregnant or not, I highly recommend checking out this program! If you have questions, I would love to chat with you about it! It has been my saving grace during this last trimester that has typically left me moody, sore, and exhausted in past pregnancies!

F O U R

This week, since baby time is getting close, I have been prepping some freezer meals.  I would love to do a few more but am running out of ideas! I keep my family's diet pretty clean.  We don't eat a lot of processed foods. I like simple and quick! So- if you have any ideas for quick, healthy meals that I will be able to freeze or whip up after baby's arrival, I would LOVE to hear them!! 

F I V E

Mid-read my Kindle pooped out on me this week! {Terrible, right??} It is years old and has been many a place.  I am planning on replacing it soon {I can't just be in the middle of a book!} but I am trying to decide between the latest e-ink version or the Kindle Fire.  I could care less about it being in color and I really just loved my kindle for reading but didn't know if anyone had a preference or a strong reasoning on one over the other.

I guess I am asking for lots of opinions and suggestions this week! HA! I hope you have a great weekend!! 

Another family weekend

Last weekend was another weekend spent with family, only this time, it was MY side of the family! My brothers' families and I are a bit spread out {not super far, and possibly going to farther} so we don't always ALL get together as much as we would like.  We pass through Springfield on our way back to Decatur for visits and on that drive we always pass a local outdoor water park.  Hudson ALWAYS comments and asks if we are going there.

Well, this past weekend, we did just that.  My parents, both my brothers and their families and our brood met in Springfield to make a full day (and a night) together.

This trip was really nice because, 1)it was only an hour drive and 2)we were just staying one night.  After several long weekends I could pack up this family for one night in about 10 minutes. ;)

We met at the park as soon as it opened and the boys wasted no time getting wet.  And by boys, I mean my my husband and  younger brother.  They (and J's wife Tori) took advantage of the fact that my older brother and his family hadn't arrived and the fact that it wasn't too crowded and went down some "big kid" slides.  Beau and Hudson wondered right over to a children's area and got in!

Not too soon after, Zach, Rachel and their boys arrived.  You may recall here where I talked about how close in age my nephews and boys are. Hudson and Graham are only 4 months apart.  Beau and Emmett are 6 months apart.  Yes, between both sides there are three 3-year olds and three 1(ish) year olds.  {And no, none of it was planned.}

Graham is a boy after Hudson's heart because he too was a fish in the water.  Totally fearless!! They rode slides, swam around, and got completely soaked!! Beau and Emmett loved the water too!!

Outside of the water park are some rides, a putt-putt area, driving range, and picnic area.  My parents brought all the makings of some yummy lunch so we took a break from swimming for lunch.  Four hungry boys never waited so patiently! 

Do Emmett and Beau not look like twins? I can not believe how blonde they both are!! 

Bless their hearts! I hope they are always close and can encourage one another as they get older to be the men God created them to be!! 

Typical. 

After lunch we continued the slides, pools, and waves for about another three hours! Just as everyone was getting tired, it became really cloudy.  Then a huge clap of thunder cleared the pools.  It worked out that we had the whole day there with perfect weather.  It only started to rain after we were loaded in the cars! 

Since it was a bit of a drive (Jay and Tori live in the suburbs up north) we opted to make a whole day and night of it.  We checked into our hotel and everyone cleaned up before heading off to dinner.  Bless my dad (or whoever it was) that called ahead.  Because when I walked in and said 10 and two high chairs the poor hostess' eyes got rather large until she realized we had called ahead.  {Could you imagine two parties that large coming in at the same time?} 

The original plan was to have dinner, change into pjs and head to the drive in once it got dark.  But with the rain we made a Plan B and went to the theater to see a movie instead.  Planes:Fire and Rescue if you must know! ;)

What's a movie without popcorn and peanut M&Ms?

Don't let Beau's face fool you. Dude was out before it was half over.  Emmett held strong though! 

The movie was pretty cute {I am actually not a fan of the Cars/Planes movies but eh..) and both our boys were zonked as we headed back to the hotel.  So tired they slept in until 8 the next morning.  We were in bed by 9:15 people! PTL for hotel black out curtains, amen?!!!

We all had breakfast together the next morning before heading back home! 

{Had to get Papa in one of the shots!}

It was such a fun little visit even though it was short.  I am so so thankful for our family, close cousins, and memories being built! That night my SIL, Rachel, reminded us that the next time we'd be together we'd be a crew of 13! It is amazing to see how God has grown our family.  

Picture overload courtesy of Gammy.  It's much easier to actually capture memories and moments when there are extra adults, one of whom is always toting a camera. ;)