Our Weekend Through Monday

Well-- yesterday was a bit of a doozey as far as Monday's go and I just did NOT get around to catching up about our weekend {which was pretty fabulous as far as weekends go}. So here is a little rewind of our weekend plus a day!

{F R I D A Y}
Friday when Hudson got off the bus it just felt like the weekend was finally here! It has been so awesome to watch Hudson adapt to kindergarten, hear about his day and just watch him grow even more into who he is.

The weather was beautiful so we tossed his school things inside and played in the backyard for a bit. I also took some time in between playing to work on the boys' activity binders for the plane. I made one for Hudson and one for Beau. In them I put some busy bag activities, some color sheets, blank construction paper, stickers, mini post its and some worksheets from workbooks (my boys LOVE workbook pages...no idea why but I won't fight it!)

I thought we could do patterns with the stickers on the mini construction paper. They could draw with their crayons, write words, etc on the other blank paper. The mini post its are different colors to play a game of tic-tac-toe on the drop down trays. Just simple things to keep them busy. Gabe can also draw and use the stickers. He has packed some books, miniature animals and Disney characters to play with too!

My in-laws also gifted each boy with an mini activity book that works with a water pen. Hopefully they will have enough to keep them busy! If not, there is always the last resort of the iPad but I'm hoping that we don't have to use that until maybe the plane ride home! ;)

We grabbed some dinner after playing outside at a Mexican restaurant (our boys LOVE Mexican). We had some family snuggle time before bed and wrapped up our night. 

{S A T U R D A Y}

Saturday was Hudson's last soccer game of the outdoor season. Neither Andrew or I played soccer before so we really had no idea what we were getting into but we have grown to LOVE watching our boys play soccer. This has been Hudson's third season. He has played with the same friends each season and it is the most fun! They have gotten better each year and are learning so many skills, the importance of sportsmanship and teamwork. 

He ended the season on a high note scoring two goals! So proud of his hustle!!

We came home after the game and started working together to get a few things done around the house. Then I began the task of packing five people for Disney! Honestly, packing hasn't ever been too overwhelming for me. I can pull everything out but my problem is trying not to overpack. If it's just me, not a problem. But it's so long and I don't want anyone to need anything! 

We are checking one bag and have two carry on suitcases. The boys have a backpack with their snacks and activities and we have a diaper bag/backpack that we'll use in the parks as well. 

The boys took a nap while I finished laundry up and then the we loaded up to head to my grandma's for a cookout. 

We played soccer with the boys and my nephews, cooked hot dogs and s'mores. It was such a beautiful, cool evening. I love being close to family. 

{S U N D A Y}

I woke up early on Sunday to have some time to myself. I made monkey bread for the family and my own sweet breakfast for me. 

Our sermon was a new series on peace and oh man was it so good!! I am really excited to hear more. The biggest takeaway: "Peace redefined is not a temporary mental state, but a permanent state of reality." 

I stayed during our second service in one of our kids' rooms. I just love seeing them engage in the lessons, worship time and hearing about their weeks. 

After church I met Andrew and the boys who were at my in-laws. We stayed for lunch and played. My boys are seriously blessed with all the people who love them being so close. I went to the store to get a few things for the trip and Andrew took the boys home. When I got home, Hudson and Beau were playing and Gabe was asleep. Andrew said he walked into the house, grabbed his fox (his lovie) and went to his room and got in bed! Ha! 

Little man was TIRED!!

Sunday night is always our night to get ready for the week. So we played with the boys some and had dinner, read and put them to bed. They were pretty worn out from the weekend and we definitely need them rested before our big trip. 

Andrew and I caught up on some work, did a little more prep for the trip and went to bed. 

{M O N D A Y}

Monday was like most Mondays. Our mornings are pretty full. I made the boys breakfast, got them ready and Hudson on the bus. As he gets on the bus, Gabe's SP arrives. We love her dearly and she works with Gabe for about an hour. As she leaves, I get Beau and Gabe loaded up so we can take Beau to preschool. 

This week is Beau's week at preschool to share All About Me. I was carrying Gabe (who was being crabby) and Beau's poster into school and Beau was happy go-lucky as typical just chatting away. We both tried to walk through the door at the same time and I bumped him with my wide arm load. His head hit the door frame. Bless his heart! 

Whenever my kiddos hit their heads I hold them close and just rub the spot that got hit, except this time, I pulled my hand away to look at him and see you're ok and there was blood. Like a LOT. 

Fortunately, lots of other mamas were dropping off and helped me get me what I needed to clean Beau up (who was so calm and sweet) and see what the situation was. Thankfully it was just a small little nick. No need for stitches or anything other than a little TLC. He didn't want to stay the day. He had a good sized bump and seemed a little shaken up (we've never had blood like that before in our house) so he went home to rest up. 

See--crazy Monday!! 

Thankfully today was a calmer and we are all set for our trip!! 

Around here..

Life has been so full around here. I sit back and reflect at the end of our days and I smile.  Seriously! Don't get me wrong. Not for one minute are things always rosy. I have three boys four and under for Pete's sake! There are fights, meltdowns, scrapes, tantrums, and days that really suck! But the sum of these days lately have been amazing!

Our schedule has been jam packed so here is the run down of what has been going on around here!

On Friday we had some friends over for a fire pit and some food! The yummy recipes I shared back here were a hit!

On Saturday, I woke up earlier than the family to get out the door to my Saturday Cize Live class. I had six new faces join me and we worked up incredible sweat as we danced our booties off! If you have not seen the craze of Cize, check it out!!

Nothing like a beautiful space to work up a sweat in.

I jetted out of class and drove home to help Andrew (my hero) finish getting the three boys ready for Hudson's first soccer game.  Can I just pause and say that I know it isn't babysitting when it is your own kids and my husband has never been the guy that says it is. But, it is a lot of work to get three little guys fed, teeth brushed, dressed, extra set of clothes for Hudson laid out, pajamas out for all three, diaper bag packed all by yourself when it is NOT your normal morning routine! See--hero is accurate. I'll explain later why we had to have pjs set out at nine in the morning. 

We got to Hudson's game and I can't even tell you how cute it was to see all the different teams playing. Hudson was nervous but so excited. They play three on three. He is on a team of five boys total so they practice subbing in and out.  At one point it was Hudson and two of his best buddies (boys of some of my best buddies) all on the field.  I think I teared up.

Hudson was so stinking cute. He kept looking over to us as if asking if it was okay to run after the ball; take the ball from another player; go fast; turn around. We had to eventually tell him on a water break to not look at us! Near the end of the game he scored a goal!! #proudparentmoment

After the game, we took all three boys to Andrew's parents house.  My nieces were in town for the day and I had planned a day date for Andrew and I. It is such a huge blessing that we have both sets of grandparents close who are always so willing to take our boys. Three is a lot to take on but they do it so graciously! #shoutouttomimiandgammy

Andrew and I headed about an hour and a half away to an event called Hobnob Market. It was my heaven, y'all! It was a huge event with antique, craft, vintage, you name it vendors! Over 200 vendors. Tents and tents of the best stuff! All right next door to a winery. Oh, and some yummy food vendors flooding the air with the most delicious aromoas. #heavenonearth

Andrew and I came with some ideas of what we were looking for and found so many other great finds as well! We left with a car full! I can't wait to show you some of the finds later as we get them all situated in the house!

We picked the boys up and had dinner and baths at Mimi's and headed home. They were wiped. Soccer in the morning, play day with cousins, fun at Mimi's with no nap kind of tired!

Andrew and I were planning on staying in but a good friend invited us to her father-in-laws house. He was throwing a get together and had hired a country singer that was traveling through town prior that week to come play. Like, a legit, "I-have-a-record-deal-you-may have-heard-me-on-the-radio" country singer. Now listen, if there is anything my husband loves as much as I love going and picking through "junk" to find my next treasure, is live music.  He doesn't really care who it is. He LOVES live music....

So I called a babysitter last minute who really just had to make sure our kiddos stayed asleep and we went to hang out and listen to live music. It was such a nice night.

Sunday was a typical day so I won't bore you with details.  ;)

I am reminded that each day with my family is a gift.  Not every moment is glamorous, fun. Some can be downright exhausting. But they are mine.  They are the heartbeat of my life.  I am choosing to look for joy in our days!

Friday Favorites: Feeling Fall

The busyness of our week sure made it fly by.  That, and of course, Monday being a holiday and making the weekend extend into the work week. I love when that happens and we have an extra day all together!

Anyway, I'm linking up today and sharing some of my favorites from this past week and things that are making me feel ready for fall. 

Andrea

Amy

{O N E} 

As I posted last week, I had a hair appointment to go darker and I shared some of my cut and color choices.  I basically went with the Megan Fox color and a really textured long layered cut.  My hair lady, Tonya, totally hooked me up and I love it. Here it is making it's debut on last weekend's date night. 

{T W O}

We survived Hudson's first week of school. You can read about his first day on yesterday's post.  I sure do love that sweet boy and his excitement!

{T H R E E}

One of my very best friends had her twin babies this week!!!! I am over the moon ecstatic for her and her family.  Mama ROCKED her pregnancy. She was considered high risk twins aside, and she carried them to 37 weeks like a pro! They were born both weighing over seven pounds! No tubes, no NICU needed! They are just champs and I can not wait to meet them this weekend!!! 

{F O U R}

I like to switch out my soaps with the season. I just love how it makes our moods change. My boys love making me smell their hands after they wash! {I'm just glad they washed, ok?!} I'll be picking up these three scents today while shopping for a few other things for the boys.

{F I V E}

We love a good night around the fire.  My husband would probably have a fire every weekend but me, I love to wait until the weather gets a little cooler. And tonight is the perfect night to kick off Fire Pit Fridays with our friends!! I am cooking up a new chili recipe and making this snack mix. If you want to check out more of what I love on Pinterest, you can follow me here. 

Hudson's 1st Day of 4 year-old Pre-K!

It's official! Our house is "back to school!" I can not believe Hudson is in his last year of preschool before Kindergarten! It is absolutely crazy how fast these years have flown by!

Hudson attended preschool last year as well, but because we moved halfway through the fall, there were no openings in our district's preschool program. Although we loved where he attended last year, I wanted to get him in district so we could meet other families and so Hudson could start building friendships with kids he would go to school with in future years.

His new preschool is a co-op. Parent involvement is a requirement which I love. Every day there are two parent helpers in the room that act as aides.  I can not wait to go in each month and be part of his day and see him in action!

Yesterday was Hudson's first official day. Parent, and then child, orientation took place before Labor Day weekend. But yesterday was him, on his own, with his teacher and classmates!

Tuesday night we read the "Twas the Night Before Preschool." My mom had gotten Hudson a little back to school gift and the book was included. We saved it to read. When the story was over, Hudson admitted that he was a little nervous about his first day too but a lot excited! :) We reassured him that he would have a great day and prayed about his school year.

I wanted his first day to be special and to make it exciting to help ease his nerves. After my workout and shower, I whipped up some Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins.  I found the recipe over at Mix and Match Mama a few falls ago. My boys have loved them from the very first bite and ask for them all the time! They become a staple at our house when fall hits. And since Labor had passed, I felt like we could officially call it fall!

Andrew stayed to have breakfast with us, and to drop Hudson off for his first day! (It was also my first day teaching my Cize class at a new gym! Overlapping times equals Dad to the rescue for week one!)

Our guy looked so sweet on his first day.

The little boys and I went to Cize Live. They played in the day care area while mama got her sweat on teaching a fantastic group!

After we went home, snacked and played, it was time to pick up our missing piece! He was so cute packing up his bag and was thrilled to tell us about his day. Beau held Hudson's hand as we walked back to the car and asked, "So, how was your day at school, Hudson?" Melt my heart, would ya?? So cute! 

Hudson got to choose where we had lunch and picked Culvers. As we were finishing up, another boy from his class came in with his mom and came up and said, "Hey Hudson, remember you went to school with me today?" 

I can already see so many fun moments like this happening. Love it!

We ended his big day by meeting some friends at a church outreach called Real Encounter. BMX bikers and motorcyclist stunt men showed off some tricks and shared their testimony.  The boys ate it up!!! 

That's it! First day of 2015 in the books! Here is to a year full of fun, memories, learning and growth, sweet boy!!

Friday Favorites- An {exciting} list

Oh happy day! It is Friday!

I am especially excited about this weekend because it is one of my dearest friend's bachelorette party this weekend! {Wahoo}

Can I just be honest about a few things?
1. I have only attended a handful of bachelorette parties in my life.
2. The last being while pregnant with our firstborn.
3. None of which have come after a week where two days were spent with sick kiddos (and by sick I mean pukey.)

Her oh-so-cute sister, and MOH, planned the whole thing and I can not wait for a whole lot of spoiling of the bride-to-be to ensue!

Besides the weekend, other things that have me excited...

{O N E} 

Hudson is starting 4 year old preschool up right after Labor Day. We are in the district he will actually attend for preschool this year so I am really excited to meet lots of other moms and kiddos that he will be doing the school thing with for years to come!

I know how hard teachers work and will always appreciate what they do! I like to send a little something their way the first day to let them know how much they mean to us as they care for our littles and help them grow into brighter kids! 

I took this cute idea and adapted it a little. I put the "C" essentials in a tumbler instead of a mason jar. I seriously can never have enough tumblers, especially when I taught! 

{T W O}

Do you feel that change in the air?? Fall is coming and I couldn't be more excited! My pinboard has been growing by the day. If I could live in a season of clothes I would always and forever choose fall. Layers, boots, scarves, plaid, vests, texture. It is all just too much! Some of the looks I am coveting right now are (and by coveting I mean sitting in my virtual shopping bag waiting on me to checkout):

Not this exact one and I should have shown the back but I love a good layered look. 

via

I love a good button down. 

Add a vest. 

Throw a sweater over it. 

Wear it open or buttoned.

via

A scarf. Can one ever have enough? 

The correct answer is no. For our friendship, the answer is no.

via

{T H R E E}

Speaking of fall fashion, my Fit For Fall Fashion Accountability Group is kicking off soon and I am really excited to get started with the ladies that have already made the commitment. I think we can get so wrapped up in being fit for summer that we forget that our bodies need proper nourishment and activity all year long.  It really is a lifestyle to be lived out!

Interested? There are still a few spots left!

{F O U R}

My friend got me started on essential oils.  I had heard all the chatter for awhile and have been on the fence but her love of her oils and just her knowledge base pushed me over the edge. I got my oil starter kit in last week and have since already placed another order for other oils I want to add to our stash. I can tell this may become an addiction.

{F I V E}

This is one I need some help with...

The excitement part--one of my good friends is getting married at the end of September! It is a going to be such a blast to watch him say I do and share in he and his fiance's special day. It is at a vineyard and will be such a beautiful day. They are both so laid back and in love I couldn't imagine a more perfect pair!

The help part...

I can NOT find a dress! I haven't come across anything I like. So--suggestions? Have you seen a fabulous dress that would be great for an outdoor wedding at a vineyard? End of September here in the Midwest?? Send your suggestions my way! I would be forever grateful (and stylish)!

That is it for me! Hope you have a fabulous weekend! I will be posting up a recap of our shenanigans from the weekend, I'm sure. And did I mention my husband is off to a bachelor party this weekend too (for said friend who get's married at the end of September?) What are we even going to do with ourselves??? :) 

Linking up

Amy

Andrea and the gang

Taking it back to Halloween

So you see--this thing called moving happened the very same weekend that Halloween happened. And then a whole lot of life happened.  What didn't happen? This blog! #bloggerfail

But it's ok.  We are just going to have a little throwback for awhile as I catch up everyone (hi, mom) who reads this.  Because no one likes missing pieces of a story, mmmk?

On Halloween, the boys woke up to a fun little breakfast, their Halloween bags holding a few treats and a house pretty completely packed up.  Writing about it now I feel like it was years ago that this happened.  I can't believe we moved away only a short month ago.

Anyway, back to Halloween..

Do you see that it is still dark out? My kids have  been waking up early ever since! 

The plan was for us to take the boys to our new (well, new again) town so they could trick or treat there that night.  I knew trying to keep them occupied in a house all packed up was not going to be much fun.  Andrew and I decided since he was coming back late that night to pack up the moving vans that I didn't really need to stick around.  Around nine that morning, I packed all three boys up and headed home.  

I can't tell you how surreal that drive was. I crossed the river out of Pike County and I couldn't even believe it.  In a year so much had changed in our lives.  Andrew and I became a stronger couple; we welcomed a new baby; made new friends; and found a peace in who God was calling us to be.  I never expected to be heading home permanently so soon.  My heart was so full.  It was as if the boys could feel my peace too.  Shortly into our drive, all three fell asleep.  It was the most peaceful two hour car ride. 

We made a stop at Andrew's parents when we got to town for a potty break and to unload.  Then we headed to meet my mom and brother's family for lunch.  Lunch with five boys, three and under, is never boring!

After late naps, the boys woke up to their other cousins (Andrew's brother's family) arriving for pizza and to trick or treat.  Hudson and Lila were really excited.  It was like they really understood how  much candy they were about to get!

My superheroes 

All month, all week even, the weather had been beautiful.  Halloween night was COLD! Like 30* cold! We layered our boys underneath their costumes and left Gabe with the grandparents so we could brave a few houses.  We stuck to Andrew's parents street and that was enough for our crew!

Before heading out

Striking a pose

It was such a fun night! I wish my kids could stay these ages forever.  Everything is so magical and special to them. 

Our boys were pretty wiped and fell asleep pretty quickly after settling down and getting into jammies.  Andrew's night was just beginning. 

But that is another story! ;) 

Halloween Fun

I love Halloween.  Which is crazy because my family never really participated in Halloween when I was younger.  But I knew that when I had kids I wanted this little holiday to be full of fun, traditions, and just making memories.  I adore fall and think that Halloween is one of the best parts.  I HATE anything scary so we don't focus on that part..again, just the fun!

We are moving the weekend of Halloween this year so our entire house will be packed up.  But, Andrew and I will still be doing trick or treating and as much festive things that day. We won't be able to do everything but we will sure get in an activity, a treat, and a flick!

Here are some really fun ways to make Halloween special for your little:

{O N E | Themed Lunch}
I love making my kids meals special on holidays.  And thanks to Pinterest the ideas are endless! Here are just a few.

source: mummies/brooms/

{T W O | Craft}

We like to do lots of crafts at our house.  There are so many fun things to do with your kids no matter the age.  A few years ago we did the foot-print craft below.  But you paint pumpkins, make a stained glass pumpkin, create a candy corn man (I did this with my firsties when I taught).  I good craft is a really fun part of our day.

source via

{T H R E E | Activity}

Now that Hudson and Beau are older, I like to do activities with them to facilitate listening and learning.  This can be really simple.  The idea below can be tailored to your kids ages.  For example, I might make a pattern using candy and have Hudson re-create it, or take pieces away in the AB pattern and see if he can fill them in correctly. Then, with Beau, we may just sort the candies into like groups.   

{F O U R | Treat}

Themed treats are some of my favorite things to make.  The boys get so excited to get in the kitchen and bake with me (or really anyone who will have them!). So for the holidays I like to choose something we can make and share throughout the week.  This is a favorite of ours for sure!

{F I V E | Movie}

Every year, ABC plays It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.  I am a sucker for Charlie Brown.  I just love the whole gang! After trick or treating, checking out their loot and choosing a piece, we change the boys into their Halloween pj's and sit down to watch this together.  

What are some ways you make Halloween fun for your little ones?

Weekend Recap: The final few

I can't believe we are down to our last few weekends here before we move.  This coming weekend will be our last full weekend! How did it come so quickly?!

Friday evening Andrew came home from work and we took the boys to the park to play.  It was kind of windy but I want to spend as much time outdoors as we can before winter hits.  Our boys love playing outside so winters can be tough when it gets so, so cold.

The boys' Mimi sent them a new movie in the mail (since most of ours are already packed) so after dinner we did a round of baths and then snuggled on the couch with ice cream as a treat.  I love sweet, simple nights in with our crew.

Saturday I made the boys pancakes.  Hudson has been on this kick of wanting to pick his up to eat so he just gets some peanut butter and is good to go! Beau loves his syrup.  Both devoured almost the whole batch (there were 6!)

After breakfast they played and Gabe napped while Andrew and I started packing some more, taking down some bigger furniture.  It was a really productive morning.  Our town participates in something called the Color Drive.  All the small towns have food vendors, craft vendors and tons of garage sales.  We went to the square and looked around and got the boys corn dogs for lunch.  It was such a beautiful day, and not too chilly in the sun.

A friend of Andrew's stopped by with his family (they live about an hour away but were going around on the Color Drive) so our boys got down for later naps.  They didn't get up from nap until dinner time! I made breakfast for dinner because, yum, then, since it was so nice the night before, we did baths and hung out again! The boys were super tired from all the playing and being outside so went to bed their usual time even though they napped late.  Andrew and I watched The Fault in Our Stars. Serious tear jerker.  I knew it would be but goodness.  And though I loved it for the love story (I mean, c'mon--Gus? Sweetheart!) I also watched it from the parental stand point.  I kept thinking how grateful I am for healthy kiddos and how I couldn't imagine walking through what the parents did.

Sunday Andrew woke up bright and early and headed out to the tree stand.  Well, not bright.  It was too early to be bright.  The boys and I slept in, by which I mean 7, and then began our day of play.  We were outside most of the morning during Gabe's nap.  Then, when Andrew got home, I ran a few errands.  After nap the boys ran errands while I snuggled Gabe.  Then we grilled hamburgers for dinner.  Probably one of the last times we grill this year. Sad day.

It was a pretty low-key weekend but it was a good one. I love weekends that we get so much together time without rushing from one thing to the next.  I know these next few weekends are going to be so hectic I really relish these with nothing to do!

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend and have a wonderful week!

October Goals

I just love turning that page in my calendar to the next month.  Especially when that month is a lovely month in my favorite season. 

I love fall.  I feel like I await it's arrival all year.  It has all the best parts of the year in my opinion.  I love it all.

There is so much I need to catch you up on but first I wanted to write down a few goals.  This month is going to BUSY, even more so than usual so I want to make sure I have a few things I can check off my list..just to help me keep the sanity. 

{ONE}

I started this short, sweet, quick workout program on Monday and I love it so much.  I have done it before so I know it will help me get back into working out and will be something I can squeeze in each day.  

{TWO}

I love blogging so much.  Writing my own but reading so many as well! It has been something that has fallen by the wayside since Gabe's birth and even though I try to read as much as I can it is hard and I miss my "blog friends" (although I feel I know you more than you me! Ha!) I also started this blog to document our life and I am doing a poor job of that..I mean Gabe is almost six weeks! Shame, shame, shame!

{THREE}

Before Gabe was born, I wrote down some specific activities I wanted to do with the boys each month.  Fun things that correspond to the months activities and season.  I want to make time for them.  To see them, listen to them, and just be with them.  They have been so great about playing with each other and being my helpers as we adjust to mom vs. three at home and all that entails.  But I never want them to feel left out, slighted.  I want them to always feel my love for them. Even in simple things. 

{FOUR}

I am a planner and typically start to buy Christmas in October. I'd like to do more before then but I just haven't become that organized yet.  My goal is always to be done a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving so I can have it all wrapped that first week of December.  I love to see the gifts under the tree and just spend that precious month soaking up time with our family--not stressing over shopping! 

{FIVE} 

I love to read and typically read daily but when my Kindle went kaput at the end of July, and then Gabe's birth in August, my reading became hit or miss.  I am a calmer, happier, more well-rounded person when I get some reading in.  So I am making it a point to do this daily!

I'll be checking back in with you at the end of the month to let you know how I did! What are your goals for October?