MORE: From Messes to Miracles book review

When I was asked if I would like to read and review MORE: From Messes to Miracles by Tammie Head, I knew by the title alone that I would. First off, who doesn't want to become a miracle from the mess of this earthly life? Secondly, I feel like there have been days that I just wanted more. More of what?  I didn't know. So, I quickly responded, "YES!" And, man, am I glad I did. As soon as the book got here I got my little post-it note flags (which made me feel very official, by the way ;) ) and went to town. After the first chapter I had flagged at least twice a page. You think God was speaking to me through Tammie? Yeah, I do too. 

This book is one that will make you think and just down right yearn to be in God's presence. She tells her story of how she went from a girl working in the sex industry to someone who realized that the "more" she was wanting, was actually God. That He could fill that hole up "more" and then some! In the book she says,

 "I think our need for more stems from the same empty well in all of us-even if our attempts to satisfy our emptiness play out differently in each of our lives. I think this emptiness was created in us by God and for God. I think the "more" we're longing for is God."

Her raw honesty is exactly what I needed. It gave me hope, reminded me of God's never ending love and gave me a renewed sense of urgency to get back in His word. And that I will feel better than I ever have before if I just let Him become that "more"

Who doesn't want authentic Joy and Adventure??? I know I do!!! To order your copy of MORE: From Messes to Miracles you can find it here on Amazon. But, how about a chance to win a copy?? Enter into the rafflecopter below!!!

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Weekend for the record books

This past weekend was one of pretty much perfection. It was perfect ratio of busy/relaxing. The perfect ratio of eating whatever we wanted to/working out. The perfect ratio of kids needing us to love on them/letting us do our own thing. Like I said, one for the record books. 

We kicked it off by going to get donuts Friday morning with BeBe and D-daddy. They had kept Row and Isla the night before, so it was a good chance to get to see them before they had to go back. We went to a local bakery called Clayborns and I happen to believe that they have the best donuts around.  In particular, their cinnamon roll. Connor loves it there and could probably make himself sick if I'd let him. He comes by it honestly! 

It has been rainy around these parts, which means there has been a lot of crafting and inside playing going on. It has made for a lot of extra giggles, actually, and that is something I'll never complain about! 

Saturday morning, Matt was participating in a local half marathon. The boys and I got up early to make the drive there to support him and BeBe. We had such a good time looking for them and cheering for the runners. Having been one of those a couple of times I can assure you that they do appreciate every clap and cheer they hear...whether they know you or not! 

This race is one of the smaller ones, so it was easy to find everyone. We set up first in between mile 6 and 7. As soon as we saw Daddy and BeBe, we headed to the finish line. I was so diligent the night before and google mapped four different places we could go to watch at our first stop....and then forgot to look up how to get to the finish line! Thankfully, it wasn't that difficult and we made it in time. Matt's goal was to run it in 1 hr 50 min. I saw him enter into the track (where you have about maybe .20 left) and I looked at the clock to see it at 1:49ish. I knew that if he was going to make it, he didn't need to slow down at all. I was a nervous wreck and kept thinking, "Don't slow down. Don't slow down. " And he didn't! Finished at a 1:49:39! So proud of him!

Sunday involved a little working out (with the help of some peppermint essential oils!)

and some one on one time with my cute little assistant. We made some GF brownies, which tasted more like cake. Which is fine, because I now have a great and fluffy GF chocolate cake recipe! HA!

The boys played so well together.. to the point that I mentioned it at least 3 times that night and the next day. Makes my heart happy to see them becoming best friends right before my eyes. 

Can you tell someone had a lick of the spatula when we were baking?!?!

Cade's vocabulary has exploded and I pretty much think he has the cutest little voice ever. One of my favorites that he says is "Right There or Over There...only because it's like THU-AIR.
 
 Connor's new thing is to figure out what every single word he comes across starts with. Which is so fun and sometimes equally exhausting. Cade has picked up on it, too!

It's Fall Y'all: Apple picking edition

So, a little 3 month hiatus never hurt anybody, right?! Don't answer that, Mom.  I am going to try my hardest to post some of the big stuff (like their birthday party back in March. Or our FL trip in July??? Geez)! 

Summer flew by and in true Summer fashion, it was awesome. I can't say I was overly thrilled to be saying goodbye to it and hello to Fall, but at only 10 days into October I have fallen back in love with this month. We have had a few more rainy days this week than I ever remember in the past, but if anything that just makes everything look more vibrant on those sunny days. Funny how that works ;) For some reason every single year it is declared Fall, I am immediately decide it's time to go pick apples. There are two things wrong with this picture. 1) Almost all of the apples are gone by then. 2)Even though it is "fall" the temperature is still BLAZING HOT and the boys sweat because I make them wear fall clothes. I am such a mean mom. 

Aren't they cute picking their apples? That is the only one either of them picked because, seriously, they were all gone! 

The second we got there Connor muttered the dreaded 7 word phrase that no mom wants to hear when they are at a public place that has no bathroom. You got it. He said, "Mommy. I need to go to the bathroom." Big fat fail on my end for not making him go before we left. Off we went to the port-a-potty. Not only was it ridiculously hot in there, but flies were swarming and some type of big bug was crawling all around the part where you actually....umm...pee in. I left Cade outside, instructed Connor not to touch  single thing and just held the door open so I could watch him and Cade at the same time. Cade of course had to go too and they both thought it was awesome to pee on the bug. Needless to say, I was sweating buckets afterwards and laughed about it after bathing them in some sanitizer. ;)

The rest of our time there was uneventful, thankfully, and even though it was slim pickins, the boys had a good time. Connor wasn't ready to leave despite the sweat rolling down his nose. Bless him. 

On the way out, I made Cade stop so I could get some pictures of him. He is looking so big to me these days and it's hard to believe that he is our baby. Just as I suspected, he is losing it even more so since he has started talking. 

The child is so full of expressions and personality. You never have to wonder what he thinks about something. It is written all over his face. The snarl above is the one he uses when asking a question. "Where's bubba?", he asked. And that is the face he attaches with it. Love him. 

Excited to see what else this fall will hold for us. I am soaking in all of my lasts with my big boy before he starts kindergarten. It will be here before I know it! 

Cade's potty party!

As of June 9th, we have been diaper free in this house!!!! (Well aside from pull ups at night) I guess the first time Cade told me he had a dirty diaper was when he was 18 months old. Shortly thereafter, I would put him on the potty every time I could tell he needed to go. About a month before the potty party, he was regularly telling me when he had to "poop". But, I could never catch him when he needed to pee. Until one weekend we had a sleepover with Ella. And after seeing her and Connor wake up and go to the bathroom, he wanted to do it too! And he continued to ask all weekend. So, on a whim, I just decided to have the full blown party on Monday.

I did the whole shebang, just like I did with Connor. I talked to Connor about it beforehand, because I wanted him to understand what was going on. He immediately asked if he could have a potty party. I told him no, of course. So he said, "Well, what about a coloring in the lines party? Because I'm not so good at that yet!" HA! That child is a mess.

I chose for Cade to teach Buzz how to go to the potty. He wasn't too thrilled with having to take time away from playing to make this happen, but once he started realizing that he got Buzz' treats, he was all about it. Even to the point of taking Buzz potty himself :). After he woke up, it was go time for him. He peed every single time I put him on (I also gave Connor treats when he peed and I'm pretty sure he used the bathroom more that day than he does in 2 days combined!) and had a great time celebrating. The first full afternoon went great!

It's that second day that always gets you, though. You are over it, they are over it. Connor wasn't. He was primed and ready to get some more candy! We had quite a few little accidents that morning and by that afternoon I was ready to throw in the towel. It wasn't the last time I thought that, either. He was still having accidents and didn't even seem to care that he had them. They weren't big ones, like I remembered Connor's being, either. Which kept leading me back to his bladder not being mature enough. And then, two days later, something just clicked. He started telling me when he needed to go and even holding it longer. He still sometimes catches himself about to go and will run to the bathroom, but I remember Connor doing that, too. I've heard it's a boy thing.. just not wanting to stop what they are doing. Either way, the fact that he does that at all tells me he was ready. I was nervous because it was quite a bit younger than Connor was, but I followed my gut and his signs!

Because why wouldn't using the potty require shades?!

He still sleeps in a pull up at night and will go back and forth on if he wakes up dry or not.  He just started going down for naps without one, though, and is doing great! I'm so so proud of our big, but still our baby, boy!

4th of July!

I started off pulling up pinterest and looking up blogging ideas, because, folks that is what it appears my blogging has come to.  Then I just decided I'd start on the most recent event, July 4th weekend. I'm not saying I won't have to go back to those lists, because I might. But for now, this is where I'll start. My hope is to one day get to the point where I just ramble about our day every day. More like a journal. Because like Trace Adkins says, "you're gonna miss this."

I love long weekends. I know most people do. But, I love them because that means that daddy is home. And I've kind of come to the terms that daddy is pretty much "ALL THAT" right now. I've had my time in the "ALL THAT" spotlight, but Daddy is pretty much stealing the show right now. More on that in a bit! 

Friday started off with Matt heading to a local men's shelter and grilling some burgers for them while the boys and I stayed at home and got the house cleaned up. We don't make pancakes a whole lot around here, so I try to make them every holiday and make them theme related.

Connor thinks it's the best thing in the world. Cade is just always frustrated I make him wait to eat until I take a picture :).

showing me the damage from the cake pop he had at lunch. He might be the messiest eater EVER.

As soon as Daddy got home, we packed everything up and headed to the pool. It was surprisingly not crowded, so the boys had a great time.

It was honestly a little too chilly to fully swim as their lips were turning blue if they were in too long. We took advantage of the breaks and warmed up each time.

After a few hours there, we headed back home to let the boys rest before we headed out to watch fireworks. 

Cade wanted to sit in Connor's lap almost the entire time. Never would sit with me! Connor ate.it.up!

They loved the fireworks show! 

Saturday was spent relaxing at one of our friends parent's pool. It's a shame Connor has it so tough ;)

Sunday we were at our church for the first time in what felt like weeks! Connor was excited to be back, which makes my heart happy.

Connor looked at this picture and said, "Oh, man.  I need this one for my room." And I melted!

Matt and I got some much needed yard work done while the boys napped.. Is it weird that I love doing stuff like that with him?  I just love doing life with him, really. And what's more real life than pulling weeds?! As soon as the boys woke up, he got in their pool with them while I laid in the hammock and read a book. GLOR-I-OUS. 

And this is where the "ALL THAT" status comes in. He is just so much fun with them. Whether it be playing ninja turtles or going down this tiny slide with them, he just makes it fun. And when I really start to think about it, that is what I loved about him from day 1. He made the mundane things fun for me and now I am seeing him do the same for our kids. I can honestly say that when I married him I wasn't dreaming of what he would be like as a daddy. I obviously wasn't worried about him not being a good one, but I wasn't thinking that far ahead just yet. If I had only known then just how much more I would fall in love with him while watching him with our boys...well... I don't know if I could have even handled it! 

We had a wonderful 3 day weekend and I am already looking forward to the next one!

Cade is TWO!!!

I cannot believe that I don't have a baby anymore.  In fact, I might go as far as to say I am in a weeeeee bit of denial about it. The fact that I haven't even lowered his crib all the way kind of proves it. Oh, and the fact that I still call him baby Cade ;). Oh, well. He can be 55 and he will still be my baby, right?!

There are so many things that I could say about this sweet boy. The first thing to come to mind is that he is just FUNNY. He makes me laugh all day. Half of the time I don't even know where he came from. He is just that funny to me. Whether it be the expressions he makes or his actions, he's just a mess! I say a lot that I feel like I have two 4 year olds instead of a 2 year old and 4 year old, because he doesn't realize he is the little brother. He is brave, which once again, goes back to thinking he is older.  If Connor's doing it, you better believe he will be doing it. For Christmas the boys got a new swing set that has a rock wall to climb up to get to the swing. He had it figured out and was climbing it after watching Connor twice. I love seeing that adventurous side and would be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to seeing him play sports! 

He gives the best kisses, but you better get them quick because he never slows down. Brother is on.the.move if he is awake. We nicknamed him the destroyer at a young age and that name pretty much still sticks! Which goes right along with how aggressive he is! The face he makes when he is "wrestling" proves he is out for blood! 

 He is easily Connor's biggest fan. First thing he says when he wakes up is "Bubba" and don't even think about letting Connor go somewhere without him. He will cry and scream the whole time. One day he will appreciate that one on one time with us! 

The boy loves food. Especially meat. He is our meat man, for sure! The only thing I have found he isn't a huge fan of is sandwiches. I can't say I blame him! While his language is still a little behind, he is starting to get more words every day. I just love hearing that sweet voice more and more. I, of course, talked to his doctor about it and we have a date of July 4th to see if he has progressed any. If not, we will move to the next step of having an evaluation done. If this past week is any indication, I think we'll be fine, but it's nice to have a doctor that is so supportive! 

Goodness does he love movies. All things Disney, really. Frozen is probably his favorite movie and you can constantly hear him asking for "et it do (let it go)" or "mo mummer (in summer)" pretty often.  In fact, he requests us to sing them every night. Pretty sure Daddy wasn't expecting that one, but he does it! 

He is showing so much more interest in the potty at this age than Connor did. I really think if I did the whole potty party shebang like I did with Connor, he would have it. And, honestly, I'm not sure what's holding me back since one of his favorite words is "poop" (and the day Connor found out he could say that will go down as one of my favorite memories. I have never heard such loud, deep from the gut, laughter out of him! It was a fall on the floor, tears coming out of his eyes moment. All because of the word poop. I'm in for it!!) His doctor said not to let his lack of vocabulary hold me back, so we'll see! 

Overall he is an absolute joy. He might keep us on our toes, but at least we are laughing while doing it. I know this next year is going to be huge in terms of how much he grows and changes, so I am trying my hardest to soak up this last little bit of baby that he has left! 

We love you so, so much our sweet baby Cade!!!!


Here is a quick list of some cute things I want to remember at 2!

Things I want to remember: 

-Is the sweetest when you lay him down for a nap. You put him in his bed with all his animals surrounding him (the lineup changes, but the constants are his two lovies and the stuffed bear he got for his 1st birthday from Aunt April and Uncle Josh), give him a kiss and he says "Bye Bye, Mommy (or Ah-Dee) and Nigh-Nigh. It's rare when we rock him to sleep anymore, but getting to see that sweet little smile is just as...well, sweet!

-he does not share his food. Like ever. If he even thinks you are going to get something off his plate he starts yelling at you and may even start crying. It cracks us up!

-knows all of his colors. And everything green is bubba's and everything pink and purple is Ella's.

-can point out a few letters.

-loves jumping. He started really working on getting both feet off the floor the week before his birthday and got it down a few days ago. It's so cute!

-loves choo-choo trains and will scream "CHOO CHOO" super excitedly when we go over the tracks. We are planning on taking the train into Nashville this summer with them and I cannot wait to see his reaction!

-we figured out a few months ago that he knew everyone's first names (obviously I am talking about us and his grandparents..people that he typically doesn't hear their first name). He understands and takes everything in!

-loves to wrestle. If you are sitting down on the floor, he is going to tackle you. If you are standing up he is going to come at your knees.

-with that said, he is surprisingly gentle with babies and pretty much points them out everywhere we go and will just lovingly pat them if given the chance. I think it's because he knows he is bigger! HA! Now, he has tried to give Isla (our 5 month old niece) a high five once or twice, but we will work on that ;)

Connor is 4!

Connor, 

You turned 4 last month. How that is even possible, I don't know. I can still remember that moment that you were laid upon my chest for the first time. The first time I got to physically touch you and kiss you. My heart swells just thinking about it! And now, here we are four years later. You have taught me so much about life and have made me a better person. I have no doubt you are going to do that for other people around you for the rest of your life. We love you, baby boy!

Here are some things you are doing at 4!

*weighed in at 36 lbs and was 39.5 inches tall. You did NOT like putting on the gown because you didn't have pants on! You are much, much better at the doctor now and will even talk and joke with him. You got your shots for kindergarten and did great. I was afraid you would lose it when I told you what was about to happen, but you asked if it would hurt and was ok with that. You didn't even cry once she stuck the needle in, only when the vaccine went in. You stopped crying after a minute or so and was over it. I was SO proud of you.

*have the most tender heart for people, but especially your mommy! I'd say you are still a pretty big momma's boy, but that definitely doesn't mean you aren't a huge fan of your daddy! If I am giving Cade a hard time for not giving me a hug or kiss you will stop whatever you are doing and give me one. In fact, I'm not sure you have ever denied me that privilege, unlike your little brother! I would say that every other day or so you will beg me to just cuddle with you. Momma's boy, I tell ya!

*love to learn. You ask to play "school" frequently and have gotten really good at writing your letters.  Your new thing is asking what letter certain words start with. You can sound some of them out by yourself, but for the most part still need my help with that. When we were filling out the form at the doctors office you were eating it up that I was testing you.

*becoming more and more brave. You are slowly letting go of the need to be in control and are more willing to test the waters. Speaking of water, though, that is one place you prefer to have all the control. Your first swim lesson you pretty much tried to take the reigns and tell the instructor what you were going to do next. It is your defense mechanism, for sure!

*you sleep with every single stuffed animal you own and a few other odd things. And I swear you go through them each night to make sure they are all there. There have been many nights that you have been in your room for 30+ minutes, but you will come out saying you are missing something. Pretty sure it takes you that long to figure it out!

*are all boy. Love every superhero and can turn anything into fighting. Anything into a sword. Thankfully, we haven't gotten into the guns, but I can only imagine that is next.

*keep everyone around you in line. You are constantly telling daddy that he needs to pick up his stuff and correcting me if I say something wrong ;)! You asked me the other day if you could do something and I said, "I guess".  You said, "Mommy, you know that I guess really means yes?" HA! It is a very rare day when we get ANYTHING by you!!!

*really just love life and we can make the littlest things an adventure with you. Your sweet, shy smile is contagious!

Last year we had a little interview with Connor (find it here) and did the same this year! 

Just get sprung already

I did something that I shouldn't have done this morning. No, it wasn't eat a piece of cake for breakfast...although I'm thinking that wouldn't have been a bad idea. 

I looked up when Spring officially starts. Whomp, whomp. March 20th?!?! Something about the vernal equinox? I don't care much for vernal or his equinox. All I know is I am ready for some COLOR! I have tried to hold off on fully switching all of my decor out and I just don't know if I can wait 15 more days. I probably will though just out of pure procrastination/busyness.

You would think going through pregnancy twice would teach me a teeny tiny bit about patience. I'm not so sure. Once I get something in my head, I am ready for it. Like now. For example, I have decided to do a little change-a-roo on the ole hairs on my head. I have made my appointment, but I think had the girl asked me if I could come in right then I would have. Instead, I am waiting another week. (Which, I know isn't long. In the world of hair appointments, it's actually quite a short wait.)

I know that waiting is what makes the end result so much sweeter. But spring, let's just get sprung already, mmmkay?

Yesterday was a good day. MUCH better than Monday. Ella bella and BJ came over... So it might have been the somewhat uninterrupted girl talk that helped. Matt had a last minute opportunity to go to a hockey game, so it was just the boys and I lugging it up to the gym. Have I ever mentioned how grateful I am my boys love going to the gym?? Because, man does it make it easier (read: less guilt) when they go in there saying, "Bye Mommy. Love you!" Or, "My Mama", in Cade's sweet little way of saying bye. I had grand plans of making Paleo Pancakes (love this recipe) for supper only to realize I didn't have any almond flour. I ended up making regular pancakes for the boys and pretty much raided my fridge and threw something together for myself. It was brussel sprouts, a sweet potato, an egg and some bacon mixed together. Sounds a little..umm.. different?? But, it was so good I had it again this morning!

We are headed out this morning to the gym (just a quick 20 min run) and get some stuff for the upcoming birthday bash. I'm getting antsy to start putting all of the decor together, but some of it is so big that I won't have anywhere to put it once it is together. I'm sure my husband won't mind a big teepee in the living room... will you, honey? ;)

Hope y'all have a great Wednesday!

One day at a time

If you are a runner or ever have been, then you know those days that you just feel like you might need to hang those running shoes up? Those days that make you feel like you don't even have the right to be out there at all? I know that feeling. But I also know that feeling on the opposite side of the spectrum and yesterday was one of those for me. We did our speedwork and I OWNED it. Like a boss. I felt like Rocky and had a million tiny little spectators cheering in my head. I am my own worst critic, but thankfully, also know how to be my own best cheerleader. 

I decided to do some planks afterwards since the Pilates class was canceled yesterday due to ice. (Side note: I am LOVING Pilates. Never did I think I would be able to say that. One day I suppose I need to try yoga) and killed it with my first ever 3 minute plank. I held it for 1 minute, did shoulder taps for a minute and held it for another minute. Matt came in as soon as I got done and I joked with him that he just waited until I was done to finish. Because while he might smoke me in running, I've got him on the planks. Hey, I'll take what I can get! 

By the time we left for the gym yesterday I was about to go crazy. I think the boys were taking it better than I was. At one point Connor even asked me what my deal was. I was getting to the point that if one more person said "MAMA, MAMA, MAMA, MAMA" or even went as far as to touch me, I was going to collapse into a hot mess. Not pretty, but just being honest. 

He found his bumbo and decided to take advantage of it. I was cracking up!

It doesn't help that Connor refuses to sleep past 6:15, which leaves me little to no time to gather myself in the mornings. I think if I truly wanted that time I might have to get up at 4:30, which I'm not totally opposed to, I just worry that since his room is right here connected to the kitchen and Living Room he would hear me (because we all know it would need to start with a cup of coffee and the Keurig might be the loudest contraption ever) and just try to come out even earlier. I guess I'll never know until I try. 

Never one to miss out on getting his picture taken. Little limelight lover.

In hindsight there wasn't really anything bad about the day. No whining. No fights. I am pretty sure it was just me. But, thankfully, today is a new day! (And all the mama's said, "Amen!")

Weekend rewind

Our Monday morning is starting quite different. I am sitting in the oversized chair with my husband lounging on the couch. His boss texted him this morning and told him to hold off on coming in this morning due to the weather. When they show the traffic map on the news you can't even see most of the roads due to all of the wreck icons. Scary stuff, that ice. So glad they aren't making him drive in it. It's looking like we are just now getting what everyone else already has, so we might just have an extra day with daddy! No complaints from me, that's for sure! 

We had a good weekend. Nothing too crazy, and actually a little slow, which was nice. Friday we got to keep our Ella girl. Ella is Connor's "girlfriend" and they have so much fun together. Cade loves her just as much and I'm pretty sure asks about her about 5 times a day on average! They will go from being superheroes (Connor's choice) to playing school or any other imaginative game (Ella's choice), which I think is why they play so well together. Honestly, they are like siblings. They can be fighting one second and laughing like crazy the next. It's so much fun to see their little friendship grow. 

We started off Saturday with our long runs. Matt set out to go 7 and accidentally went 9. Or at least that is his story ;) I ran with Becky, but was a little worried beforehand that she would be a little too fast for me. Surprisingly, I held my own and kept up... and felt great!

 I still laugh about the fact that I have a goal to keep up with my mother in law! We are officially starting our training program today (well, assuming we can make it to the gym later today) and today is speed work. I wasn't going to do any type of speed work just because I couldn't care less about my time, but I think it will help with my overall strength. 

That night we made a very last minute decision to use some Outback gift cards. Outback is one of the easiest places to find a pretty close to Paleo meal and one of the few places that have not made Matt sick (he has Celiacs and eating out is pretty hard for him. Not impossible, just a little difficult). As we were walking out I heard the woman behind us say, "Oh, look at those boys. They must be twins." I cannot tell you how often we get asked that or I overhear someone saying it. I guess it is because I have them dressed alike as often as possible, but it always makes me laugh. Probably because I don't see too many similarities between them! 

Connor woke up in the middle of the night and I think just gagged on all off the drainage he had stuck in his throat and made him sick. So, needless to say our day yesterday consisted of sitting, playing, sitting and playing.  And lots and lots of cuddling. 

Love these two! 

My boy turns 4 this weekend. I can't even begin to believe it, but I guess I better start trying! 

Also, there is a giveaway in the post below for the book Chasing God by Angie Smith. Check it out for your chance to win! 

Five on Friday::Chasing God Book review::GIVEAWAY!!!

TGIF!!! I am going to the Melting Pot tonight for a salad and dessert (definitely non paleo. definitely worth it!) and I cannot wait! Girl talk and chocolate. Yes, please!!!

I'm linking up here again today for Five on Friday!

{one} I just ordered the boys' Peter Pan birthday invitations and am going to get started on the stuff I need to put together for the games portion of the party. The invites are kind of vintage Peter Pan and I am in love!  I am getting so excited about all of it! One of the things that I thought I was going to give up on this year was making the cake. See, I'm a DIY'er. I love doing everything AND it saves money. Total win-win. But, this year, I was determined to let that go. UNTIL I got the quote price back for the cake I wanted and it was $299!!!! Umm.. no thank you. Looks like I better start reading up on how to work with fondant! (insert wide eyed, scared emoticon!!) Thankfully, my sister in law is going to help!

{two} As I had mentioned before we are signed up for another half marathon in April. I'm not going to lie.. I have not been crazy excited about it. Until I ran in a 15K (9 miles) a couple of weeks ago and got bit by the racing bug again. Something about a race is just so much fun. And I'm not even hugely competitive. Much more so with myself than I am with others. Anyway, it's becoming fairly obvious that I am about to have to start giving up some of my workout classes and focus more on running, which I'm still not thrilled about. But, you know what would make it better? These pants. 

found here

I mean. Come on! I'm pretty sure they are more for yoga/pilates/barre, but I'd be willing to give it a shot! 

{three} I am mentally starting a countdown for our Florida trip this summer. A few nights ago I looked up the house again and noticed that they had added a playground and bikes for you to ride around town. I know I haven't mentioned this (because really, why would I?!?!), but one of my dreams is to ride a bike around destin in a cute little sundress. Bonus points if it is a vintage bike with a basket full of fresh flowers in the front. Call me silly or easy to please. I'll accept either! 

{four} A few weeks ago I mentioned that I was wanting to read Chasing God by Angie Smith. A few days after that, I got asked if I wanted to review her book. If you read her blog, you know you are going to laugh and have an "aha" moment all at the same time. This isn't one of those books that you'll read once and be done. It is one that you'll come back to many times.  It's a book that you read and feel like you are sitting in front of her and having a conversation. One that is raw and honest. One that isn't sugarcoated, but doesn't leave you feeling like you can't be the Christian you desire to be. One that will undoubtedly reassure you of the love our God has for us. A love that everyone dreams of and the kind that can only come from Him. Angie states early on that 

"The goal of this book is not to present you with a formula for living out Christianity. It's to offer my thoughts on the difference between looking for Him and looking at Him." 

If the amount of highlighted sentences in this book are any indication, I'd say she did a great job. 

{five} In addition to reviewing the book, she also offered a book to giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Valentines Day 2014

I've never been an over the top celebrate-r of Valentines Day....until I had kids. And then you are able to make the ordinary things in the day that much more fun with little things, which is right up my alley!

As soon as I got up that morning I noticed a card propped up on the stove. My sweet husband had put it there. It was such a sweet card and definitely started off my day right! He knows how much I love them! 

 I made the boys a themed breakfast and had to go wake Cade up so that could eat together. Connor came in with me and kept saying, "Happy Valentine's Day, Cade. It's Valentine's Day!" I made them take the picture before they dug into their food, which made Cade a little unhappy. I had to keep giving him bites of the extra pancakes so he would at least not cry! 

After breakfast, we got ready to run some errands in Nashville. To make it seem less like errands, we stopped by Gigi's Cupcakes to grab a treat for after supper that night. The past 2 years I had gotten them an ice cream cake, but since Matt can't eat it, I decided to do cupcakes! They have a gluten free cupcake that we surprised him with. While out, I also had to pick up mine and my friend Chesley's packet for the race we were running in the next morning. At one point I was looking at one of the vendor booths and I noticed the women in another booth were smiling and laughing at the boys. I looked down only to see Cade blowing them huge, dramatic kisses! He continued to do it to every woman we saw on our way back to the car. He is a mess, y'all!!!

As soon as Matt got home and supper was ready, we let the boys open their gifts. 

They each got a little mini set of all of the characters on Planes. Connor has been dying to see the movie, but thought it was still in the theater. We hadn't told him that it had been out for months, now :)

So, naturally, this was the next thing for him to open. We watched it while eating supper and I'm pretty sure they watched it at least three times with their daddy the next day! 

I sure do love my 3 Valentine's!!!

Grateful

I am sitting in the oversized chair in the living room and the sun is highlighting different spots in the house that I have long forgotten. It's funny how sun can do that. The boys are napping, which means all I can hear is the hum of the fridge and my fingers tapping the keys. Today has been a good day. A day that tells me spring is coming. Summer is coming. Time were I can grab some rays during nap time (while slathered in sunscreen, of course. This skin ain't getting any younger) and bring the boys out with me as soon as they wake up. My favorite days, by far. 

This has been a long winter. As I read stories about the people in Birmingham and Atlanta that were having to abandon their car to walk multiple miles to get somewhere safe, leave their kids at school because they had no way of getting to them, the tears just couldn't help but pool up in my eyes just waiting to fall over. As a parent, I just can't imagine that kind of frustration and helplessness and pray I never have to.  But, more than anything this winter has made me so grateful for the things we have that keep us warm. There are so many people that aren't as blessed and I hope that from here on out I will do better about being more aware/grateful without the harsh circumstances to cause me to do so. 

And, really, when I start to think about it there aren't many things in life that I tend to complain or feel like I'm going to go crazy over that don't also have that "glass half full" side as well. Cade has said "momma" about 500 times that day? At least he is starting to talk more! Connor has whined more times than I can even keep track of? He is able to feel different emotions...working on how to navigate through those emotions will come. 

Now don't let me fool you into thinking that all days I am able to see the bright side of things. I can assure you (and I know Matt could as well) that I have some seriously ugly moments. Sometimes I don't say anything, but go into the bedroom and shut the door just to breathe and pray for a few minutes {side note: one time I was thisclose to going crazy, so I did the only thing I knew to do {side note to the side note: and what I should have done in the first place} drop down on the floor and pray. Connor came in and asked me what I was doing, so I told him. Fast forward a few weeks and I was in the same spot of the bedroom, just this time I was doing a plank. He said, "Mommy? Are you praying and talking to God again?" I have laughed about that ever since} and other times I let out a frustrated scream while all 3 of them look at me like I have lost my mind (and in those moments, I'm not sure I haven't...talk about navigating through emotions!!!). 

So, while I am definitely among the group of people that is more than over winter, I pray that this renewed sense of gratefulness that winter has brought me doesn't say goodbye as well. Here's to looking at the bright side of things in the bright, warm sun! 

FIVE on Friday

Whoop Whoop! It's FRIDAY. TGIF. Husband home for the weekend. Going out tonight for a girlfriends 30th...Need I say more?

{one} How many of you fellow bloggers out there open up the page to start writing and posting pictures only to realize that some of them are stuck on your phone? To some it might not be a big deal to go grab your chord and go through the process of downloading them. But to me, it is. In the past I have resorted to emailing them to myself. UNTIL I was introduced to Image Transfer. All I did was open up the app, choose the pictures I wanted to send, go to the website they told me to go to on the computer I wanted to send the pictures to, and hit download. Done. GAME.CHANGER! Thanks, Libby, for introducing me. Anyone else have any life changing apps for me??!!

{two} I have heard rumors of a Starbucks coming to our area for a while now. There have been some new little strips going up around town, one of which we pass on our way to church. Matt and I say every Sunday how awesome it would be to swing by and grab some coffee on our way (Not that we would have time, mind you. What is it about being late to church? We CANNOT make it on time. Something always seems to happen). Anyway, my mother in law sent me this picture with the caption "You can stay here now!" haha.. she knows me too well! 

Then on the way to bootcamp my father in law called to tell me the same thing. I think they have me pegged! 

I also have to say that I am a huge fan of the new sleeves. Aren't they cute?! 

{three} I joke all the time that Cade is about to be 2, but is really going on 4. I'm not sure if it is the second child thing or if it is just his personality or both, but he is constantly cracking us up. Whether it be shooting us with his Buzz Lightyear laser or noticing the big boy stuff like superheroes, he is ahead of the game with some of the funniest stuff. One of the sweetest, though, is praying. Connor noticed that Cade was paying attention to him while we were praying and mimicking everything he was doing. So, thankfully, he has been setting a really good example!  I'm not sure I've actually heard any of the prayers Matt has made lately because I can't help but stare at them and smile. 

{four} Sign ups for Connor's first season of soccer is tomorrow!!!!!! I am so excited to see what happens with this. I can see this going both ways. I can see him clinging to my leg not wanting to go out there or totally surprising us and doing well. My gut is telling me that he will surprise us. I pray that my gut is right. Not because I will be disappointed, but I just want him to have fun! I'm already envisioning his cute little self in that soccer get up. I can't even handle it. I can also envision us having to tie Cade to the ground. Like I said before, he doesn't realize he is younger! 

{five} This excruciatingly cold winter has killed my skin. My hands specifically. While browsing IG the other night I saw a post for DIY body Butter. It looked easy, so I decided to give it a try. I followed the recipe from Paleo Cupboard, only omitting the essential oils. Only because I wanted an unscented lotion. So, all it took for me was 1 c. coconut oil and 1/3 c. almond oil. Mix it together using a hand mixer and voila... you've got yourself some lotion! 

 At first I kind of felt greasy, but once that settled in my skin was so smooth! Plus, it lasts longer while washing dishes since it is oil based!

So, there you have it. Linking up here, so check it out! Hope y'all have a great weekend!!