Mothers Day

Mothers Day was very low key for us. It was nice though. Josh woke up before me and made me breakfast. An egg white omelet and a slice of natural uncured turkey bacon. Jayden came into the bedroom soon after Josh had woken up to give me my mothers day gift. He had been hiding it in his backpack since Friday, when he got home from school. It was a plate which he colored and drew a picture of all 4 of us. Me, Josh, him and 'baby sister'. Complete with tv hanging on the wall and ceiling fan on the ceiling. We spend a lot of time in our living room!

It was sweet. One of those things I will tuck away and keep forever and bring out every mothers day from here on out to show him what he made me in his Kindergarten class. I love it. 

Instead of spending the whole day going places and doing things, we spent the first half just hanging out at home.

Penelope has been on this massive exploration since learning how to crawl {I know, already!}. It's so much fun seeing her take everything in and become so curious over everything and anything. Many times I just sit there on the floor with her and watch her do her thing. One of the moments of being a Mother that is so special. Seeing your baby learning and exploring the simplest of things.

Normally we go out for lunch somewhere on Mothers Day but this time I decided we should all just go for ice cream. Normally we go to the Yogurt Bar place but I wanted some good ol' fashion ice cream. So we went to the Marble Slab and it was delicious. I gave P a little tiny bit of my chocolate ice cream and she loved it. We have been giving her all kinds of different baby foods and she has always been so uninterested with it and for the most part will keep her mouth closed. The chocolate ice cream however... that's a different story. She wanted more. I totally understand though. I would much rather have chocolate ice cream then chicken, peas and potato all mashed into one serving.

This Mother's day has been special and bitter sweet all at the same time. It's my first Mother's day as a Mom of two, but my last Mothers Day as a mom to an 8month old and a 6yr old. I know the word 'last' seems kind of depressing and sad to describe something as special as Mothers Day but it's a good last. One of those that you take in. You sit back, you take in each moment with your baby and your 6yr old and realize that he won't make you a plate like this next year and your 8month old won't be crawling all over the place, exploring new nooks and crannies. It may be a cup next year and a toddler running around all over the house, whichever the case may be, I love it all the same and will continue to cherish all of these moments throughout the year and every Mothers Day to come!

A look back at 2013

I can't believe that 2013 is over {well almost}. I know every year I/all of us say that but for real, this year just flew by and I think part of the reason it went by so fast was because so many things, memorable things, happened. It was like one milestone after another.

I know technically this doesn't fall within 2013 but it's relevant and if not just as important.

Christmas Day 2012 we found out we were pregnant with little Miss Penelope.

We bought a new family car -2013 Ford Escape-

Jayden turned 5!!

My bump grew by what seemed the day...

We worked on projects, we were silly and we spent family time together going to our usual spots to 'sight see'.

Summer was slow, mostly waiting for Penelope's arrival.

Turned the studio into the Baby room.

Got to see little Miss on our 4-D u/s {never had one of those with Jayden}.

Looked for some land to buy {haven't found any yet}.

The bump grew.

J graduated Pre-School....

...Then started Kindergarten!!

Penelope Grace was born September 6 2013!

Halloween came and J wanted to be a Zombie from Walking Dead then changed his mind at the very last minute so the only costume I found in his size was Capt America.

We had a very low-key Thanksgiving {as in we made dinner, had good friends over, didn't sit around the table, instead sat around the couches in the living room and watched movies}.

My car was broken into and $200.00 was stolen. My fault for leaving my purse in there but not my fault someone took it upon themselves to get into my car...

Aside from the break in we started a new tradition. Went out and bought a bunch of non-perishables, baby items and hygiene products and donated them to the Salvation Army.

Christmas fast approached and we had good times with good friends.

Anxiously awaited Santa.

Santa came and destroyed the house ;)

Penelope had her very first Christmas and on Christmas day it had been exactly 1 year that our adventure of becoming a family of 4 started.

Here is to a good 2013 and an excited 2014 :)

Valentines Day thoughts

I have never been big on Valentines Day. Not because I don't like it or think it's 'stupid', it's just to me it's just like any other day. Josh and I let each other know everyday that we love each other and remind one another of how much we appreciate the things each of us do for the other. Even the simple things... I make a good dinner, or Josh does the laundry {which is pretty much all the time lol}. I think 'love' shouldn't be recognized for only one day, but every day of the year.

This Valentines day does seem extra special though. With my little man's birthday in 7 days {hello 5yrs old!} and Baby M who will make his/her debut in early September there is just so much to love and so many things to make me feel loved.

My heart is full with so much family happenings and future family happenings and I don't need one day to remind myself of that. Everyday is like Valentines day, but I guess if there would be a day to 'let it out', then today would be that day :)

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

Mother's Day, Goodies and 11lbs

Happy Mother's day to all the Mama's out there ♥

First and foremost... I have lost 11lbs thus far {since starting 4 weeks ago}. I am super happy and even more motivated now!

Yesterday we went out for the day to do a little shopping.

It's been a long, very very long time since I have bought some stuff for myself.

First we headed to the shoe store. Josh needed some new shoes and since we were there he bought me some new workout shoes {the ones ive been using have gotten to the point where they make my feet hurt when I workout}.

I don't normally wear Nike but since im doing more HIIT training and not as much running then im 'ok' with Nike's {for running I prefer Asics}. Plus I liked the colors :0)

Next up we headed to the commons and Jayden and Daddy bought me something else ive had my eye on.

Some new makeup! I don't even know if I remember how to put on this stuff. It's been at least 3yrs! You see right after Jayden was born I had this recurring eye issue. My eyelid kept swelling up, happened about 4 times within a year. After multiple visits to the doctor with no relief, I was referred to an Ophthalmologist and he said it was {insert funky medical term here} infection. Gave me some new meds and I was good to go.  Downside? ALL of my M.A.C makeup that I had, I threw out. I didn't want to risk getting another eye infection.

I used to wear the covergirl or maybelline makeup but when I first tried M.A.C I was hooked. It lasted all day and stayed just as 'vibrant' at the end of the night as it was when I first put it on. It's not exactly cheap {$15.50 for an eyeshadow} but heck, first makeup bought in 3yrs? I think it's okay.

Next up we stopped at 'Coach'.

Now this was my treat to myself. I don't go through many purses because I keep them until they are falling apart. I have always admired the style and quality of a Coach bag and so, I took the plunge and treated myself to the Soho Signature hobo bag.

So there are my Mama's day treats from my boys {and the bag from myself}. It's been a really great weekend. Every weekend is awesome, just hangin out at home with my little family. Each new day is like Mother's Day and I couldn't ask for anything better :0)

Happy Mother's Day!!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Just wanted to pop in real quick and wish you all a fun/filled day with friends and family {even though it's late afternoon now... a little late, I know}.

For the most part we have had a quiet Christmas day. We had a nice turkey dinner with green beans, corn and stuffing. For dessert I made my 'famous' mud pie which consists of reduced fat oreo cookies {crushes}, light cool whip and fat-free/sugar-free vanilla pudding {I usually make it with chocolate pudding but I ran out, oops!}.

Josh and I must still be kids at heart because we were up earlier then Jayden was and when we were up, we couldn't wait any longer so I went in and woke him up myself to tell him 'SANTA CAME!'.

He got lots of toys and had lots of fun. Josh got me a laptop which I was super excited about. I am not happily posting from the couch in the living room all the while watching Forest Gump while Jayden and Josh are on the floor playing with one of Jaydens new train sets. With the laptop he also got me new Adobe lightroom, some workout/weight gloves for the gym a new fleece to wear to the gym, a large set of colored pencils and a set of drawing pencils and supplies and lastly a laptop bag :0)

All in all it was a good day, but im happy that it's really just been the 3 of us hanging out. It's been calm, relaxing and fun.

Hope you all had/have a fantastic holiday!

Fuzzy ball Christmas tree

We made some ornaments. Im so excited about this because Jayden is at that age now where he can start to make his own little creations with the supplies we have and glue. We tried it when he was 2 and he was more interested in the glue then anything else but now.... now he is all about making his own little creations and it just makes me squeal with delight inside.

Lots of glitter!!

Glitter, paint and glue!

And those fuzzy ball things. I don't know the technical term for them other then fuzzy balls.

He made a fuzzy ball christmas tree out of Popsicle sticks and glitter sticks.

We also made one of those glass ball ornaments with the hand print that I have seen going around the internet pinterest.

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On another note can I just say I had the most amazing shower this morning!? No im not about to get all dirty minded with you all, but I had bought this exfoliater scrub back this past Summer. It's a Hawaiian coconut scent and I have only used it once. Since ive been working out I decided to use some of it again and wow, my legs feel amazing. I can't remember the brand of it off the top of my head but I got it at Target, if that helps :-P

In other news it seems like December is dragging. I don't know what it is but this year im just not feeling christmas as much as I did last year. Don't get me wrong, im excited and all and really excited for Jayden that 'Santa' is coming... but I just don't have that warm little fuzzy feeling in my gut that I normally get around this time of year. I think it might be because last year it was Christmas overload. We not only had my sister and her boys come {which turned into a trainwreck} but also my Dad came and I was so happy to have them down here but I think the chaos with all the boys and the drama between me and my sister... this year im just like UGH... sigh, relief, lets just do a low-key Christmas. 

We are not having anyone over and im totally content with that and after cooking two Thanksgiving meals, im done with cooking a big meal for... oh another year lol! 

 

Feelin a bit beachy about Christmas

Hi.

It's been a little bit. But such is life. Right? I am however happy to report two things. 1 being I am about 95% done with my Christmas shopping and even better? - All of my presents/gifts are wrapped and tagged. and 2. Even with the holiday season upon us I have managed to really crack down and get back into shape.

We had two Thanksgiving dinners and it was awesome. Food was great, family was here. It was fun. However that Sunday after thanksgiving I felt like I had gained 20lbs, felt extremely bloated and just blah. The gym was calling my name. I hate feeling blah.

For the past two weeks I have worked out everyday for at least an hour or more, with cardio and strength training. I have also been eating super healthy and I am loving it. Ive lost 3lbs so far {although weigh in is tomorrow, but so far 3lbs since last weigh in}.

This Christmas we are keeping it low key. Because we had TWO Thanksgiving dinners, I just don't feel like eating a big heavy meal and Josh agreed. Instead we are going to cook some steaks on the grill, roast some veggies and maybe have a glass of wine after Jayden goes to bed, just the two of us.

Living in Florida we can still grill out and eat out on the patio {w00t}.

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Last weekend we went to the beach to get some shells. 

I love the beach this time of year.

It's calm and extremely peaceful.

No tourists!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Except a few seagulls...

Some washed up Jellys

Seashells and sand dollars.

Smiles.

Tranquility.

We walked in search of different shells.

I found a really large one sticking halfway out of the sand, closer to the water. I didn't want to get wet so I had to calculate my timing right to run and grab the shell before the next wave came up. 

Then as we were walking back a wave came up and soaked Josh's leg {hehe}. We drove home with wet socks hanging out of the window {cute}.

Now as for the shells, plan to make some sort of ornament with them.

One of our traditions is to go to the beach a couple weeks before Christmas to get shells. Love it! 

Im also going to make something with the remaining shells and handfuls of beach sand I grabbed and sent it to my Grandma up in Massachusetts. She used to live in Florida and then moved to the Bahamas and lived there for 5yrs, then lived in St Croix for about 6yrs and then back to Florida before moving back up North {so my Dad could help take care of her}. I thought the shells and beach sand would put a smile on her face. She loves the beach and tropical weather. 

Can you imagine {living} in St Croix!?

OH and I saw Santa the other day walking around. He was wearing flower print board shorts, sandals and a T-Shirt that had part of a Santa suit on it. He was going into Bealls outlet lol.

Put a cotton ball on it

I originally wanted to talk about something that im super pumped about but with it being the FIRST of December I had to go ahead and post a craft. A christmas craft to be exact. So I will hold off until tomorrow to talk about what I originally wanted to talk about.

Okay. so ya, December 1. Can you believe it!? Doesn't it seem like just yesterday it was August? I know for me it seems that way. It seems like just yesterday the sun was shining brightly, the days were humid and I had major pits stains from the intense heat... OH wait, that was almost yesterday. I forgot I live in Florida haha. No but for real, it was 25 degrees this morning on my way to work. Its crazy to think it being 25 degrees in Florida but the weather down here in the winter is so sporadic. One day it's freezing, the very next it's hot and it continues to flip flop for the next 2-3 months.

So this post isn't a craft about weather. I promise.

It is however about something I made a loooong time ago and when I made this I always knew I wanted to make another one someday when I had kids of my own.

A Santa advent calendar!

I still remember back in kindergarten. You know back when they still had Christmas parties at school and you could make santa crafts and snowman crafts and christmas tree crafts.... ya, back then. Anyways, I was 6yrs old and of course at that age your totally psyched about christmas and santa and presents and toys and all things holly jolly. Am I right or am I right?

We had made these little Santa calendar {advent} out of construction paper, glue and cotton balls. If any craft I remember doing in school, it's this one. I LOVED it. Seriously loved it.

First you start out with some red and white construction paper. With the red cut out the shape of a santa hat. With the white, cut out the shape that would be a small part of his face and then his beard.

Next glue the santa hat to the beard. For the end of his hat I cut a circle out of some extra paper, glued it to the end and then glued cotton balls on it. Then you glue cotton balls along the bottom/rim of the hat and also along the face area. Leaving the rest of the beard exposed. 

For the nose and eyes you can pretty much draw them on, or for what we did, we put a felt ball for the nose. I didn't have any red. closest I had was a dark pink/cranberry color. For the eyes I added some of those googly eye things and drew on some glasses.

For the beard, write in the numbers leading up to the big day - 25.

Now for each day that passes leading up until Christmas you put a cotton ball on that date.

Since today is December 1, Jay put a cotton ball on '1'. 

24 more days to go!

O Christmas Tree... O Chr..... okay

Well folks, the tree is up in all her glory. Bright, colorful and fun. That was the theme this year. No color left unused. No light left unlit. Everything was game.

Last year we got a real tree but this year we were ready to settle for another fake one to be able to use next year and so on and so on. Im pretty pleased. Either the fake tree's have caught up with the times or we just got lucky with a 'full' looking one.

This year we also decided to do some color lights because Jayden has been super excited about the tree, presents, santa and christmas in general. More so then last year {when he was 2}. So with his excitement, we busted out the colorful display of light.

{J's christmas ornament from 2010 hehe}

The stick pole at the bottom kind of ruins it a bit, but none the less a pretty tree. Jayden loves it. The dogs love it. I love it. We're all merry with our little colorful christmas tree.

We made some handmade christmas ornaments tonight and I even busted out with a craft that I did when I was 5yrs old {can't believe I still remembered it}. So stay tuned for that!

How bout you... put the tree up yet? Do any cyber monday shopping?

Christmas lists

Have any of you created christmas lists? Josh and I normally don't make christmas lists and just kind of go off of the things each of us like or the whole 'surprise me' type of deal.

This year however we decided to create lists. Our lists aren't so much things we want specifically for christmas but rather things we each have had our eyes on for awhile and have never gotten around to getting.

It's been a long time since ive created a christmas list and boy was it hard. I don't normally buy things for myself so to sit down and create a list of things for someone else to buy me was even harder. Josh and I agreed to only spend a certain amount on each other but to just throw everything on the list we've always had our 'eye on' so that way we had more to go by.

My list looks pretty pricey. Kind of makes me self absorbed no? Nah, the things towards the top I have been wanting a loooong time. A new laptop being one of them, but they are pretty pricey so I told Josh, that can be something we can both invest in {and both use}. A new MP3 player is a big one. Right now ive been using my phone and I don't typically like to use my phone for music, that and the fact I like small MP3 players. Light weight and easy to handle. Following that... new running shoes {thats a given}.

A new Nikon lens, lens filters, external flash and Lightroom have also been on my list for awhile {although I keep flip flopping between lenses}.

A writing/drawing tablet for my computer {surprisingly those are reasonably priced}. A new wool coat and a new scarf. I only own one scarf. I should say owned because I can't find it {hence why a new one is on my list}. I loved my old scarf too. It was a light icy blue color and it was knitted. I had it for 10yrs and super bummed I can't find it :-(

A fun colorful robe because I don't own any type of robe. Some new art/drawing supplies, 'Heavenly' by V.S {love that scent}, candles {holiday and tropical scents}, one of those cool mugs from starbucks that you can write on and lastly.. {and Josh thinks im weird for wanting these} some fun/colorful silverware from Target.

I also added on there gift cards to my fav. stores, cookbooks/photography books. CD's {Yanni, Chris Spheeris, David Arkenstone, Kitaro, and Josh Grobin}. New bakeware, stainless steel measuring spoons, picture frames... tried to give him a variety since a lot of my all time wish list items are to pricey.

We shall see. When it all comes down to it I just want everyone to be happy and healthy and have a great christmas morning {seriously. watching J open gifts is the greatest thing in the entire world!}.

How about you. Do you make lists for christmas, or do you have a 'year round' type of list of things you have always wanted, just never got around to getting?

And guess what WE did today!? 

Stay tuned.

:0)