February Happenings

February. The month of love. And for me this year, way too much snow. My poor kid has had a delay or cancellation way too often this year. Between the ice, snow, and just cold weather, I am so ready for some warm, spring weather. I'll be honest - I am not totally sure what my backyard looks like. I may have forgotten what the landscaping is like. Oops. I'm also ready for my dogs to stop using the patio instead of the yard for their business. Ugh.
So, here is what we have been doing recently:
Shannon and Audrey have 9 days between their birthdays. We celebrate each person two times in that week and a half span. It's weird to think that there are days I can't remember yesterday, but I can remember a lot about the day she was born (or the day I gave birth to her, depending on who I want to give the credit to. Let's be honest, I did the work. She was the product of said work. I guess it would be like asking what came first -- the chicken or the egg?? Don't ask Siri.)

Landon has started going to a day care and it's been amazing! He wasn't much of a fan, but now he loves going to play with his little friends and I really like his day care provider. It's a small place on my way to work (YAY!!!!!) and it's been a blessing. Plus, since he is in day care 2 days a week, that gives me little excuses to go to the gym those two days. But, it's been good to burn those calories, work out stress, and sweat. It's been cheap therapy for me. Plus, I have been sleeping more soundly at night, and have more energy during the day to complete the tasks I need to check off my list.

On to that list -- it's opinion time! :) (Because my March box came in the mail today! HA!)

 W3LL People Multi color stick is amazing. I feel weird about using the same product for my eyes, lips, and cheeks, but I LOVED it on my lips! Very soft color, not drying, and it wasn't sticky. I hate it when my hair gets stuck on my lips because of the product. Ew. This one, I like and would recommend.

Half-Up I have wanted the sock bun since I started working at the cafe and have to (GASP!) wear a hair net. It's not glamorous, but it's food service. I am still trying to figure this thing out. I like it, but my hair has so many layers to it that most seems to fall out - boo. Learning curve to figuring it out, but I think once I have it mastered I'll be golden.

 Serum So I am thankful that I don't have to remember the entire name of this thing - Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum - but I'll keep it short for you - love it! I could use this ALL over my face. Left my skin feeling balanced, moisturized, and smooth. This may be one for this 30-something to add to my bag on a daily basis. Highly recommend to help prevent and correct signs of aging.

Whish Body Butter I love having a small bottle of lotion close to me to keep my hands soft. This lotion didn't leave a greasy feel to my hands, which I hate! If I needed to open a door after applying this lotion, I could. Great smell (pomegranate) but also not overpowering. My normal go to is from Bath and Body works but this is a close second.

Tea Bags I have little opinion about tea. I'll drink it, but since it's a one time use item I don't really have an opinion. I did enjoy the taste of it, but I also prefer coffee. The tea bags didn't explode so I wasn't chewing my tea. As I said, little opinion about tea :)

And some fun family photos for your viewing enjoyment ---

My dear son trying to do shoulder presses (with a 2 pound weight). This boy keeps me on my toes. He's hilarious, sweet, and ornery all wrapped into one little body.

I can't wait to have THIS be my view most evenings.. Kids outside playing.. Me chilling, listening to some music, drinking some vino, and enjoying life. So ready for spring!!!!!

 

Happy March friends!!! 

So I've gotten a few Birchboxes without my review of the products.......

First of all, let's be honest -- it's been a while and my last blog was dark. Hard day. You've been there too... maybe have even admitted to it! That being said, it's a new year, and I am amazed at where my family is now is 2014. Let me tell ya, that's a whole different blog in and of itself. Last year at this time, I was learning how everything worked at the big Oak Cafe. My first day at the cafe was a bit overwhelming! Ha.. but was a good change for my family and I am thankful for the opportunity to become a barista and the people I have met through the cafe. It's been a huge blessing for my family.

Now -- back to the real reason for THIS blog -- my opinion! :) There's a really good chance there are going to be lots of opinions here, but I feel the need to catch up before my February Birchbox (sign up here!) arrives in my mailbox!

In a totally random order -----

betty&ko - The Betty Polish is a very nice sugar scrub. I like the sample of it, but for the price tag, I would probably never buy it for myself. Very nice smell to it, not too gritty, not too soft.. I just don't think it's worth the $48 price tag.

A candle. (no photo. It's a cream votive.) I'll be totally honest (what else would you expect!?) this candle has such a strong smell to it. And not a scent that I enjoy being absorbed by my nostrils. Way too strong for me. It's a candle. I have had so many votive candles that it wasn't special to me.

Insert an image of a cream colored votive candle HERE.

 

Viva la Juicy -- I'm usually not a fan of perfume samples because I can go to a department store and get the exact same thing. I have also had some scents that are so strong I can smell them before I see them in my box. (gross.) This one is a light, fruity.. with a hint of a musk to it. As I smell my wrist, I am leaning more towards liking it with every sniff.

Manna Sheer Glo Oh the sparkles and the shimmer! :) I do like products like these, but I just don't wear them often. Great for a day to night look or to add a little somethin' somethin' to a look. I will say that I do prefer a tube to a pump though. I just like to have control of how much of the product I am getting. I have mixed this with my foundation for an all over, lightly shimmered look that I like.

Healing Balm My hands take a beating. I have a small patch around my wedding rings (I also joke that I an in dire need of a platinum band. My husband laughs in return). The patch ranges from a few small bumps  to being so swollen I can't wear my rings. Plus, being in the sanitation water from work -- it's so harsh. The balm has a clean, spa-like scent. It's light and fresh.. I do feel a tad greasy which I don't like. I don't like seeing a residue from my lotion. I do like this lotion, but I think it's best to use before bed or put on gloves.

Burt's Bees -- first of all, I gotta say there are a lot of Burt's Bees products that I do like and crave. This may be a new favorite of mine. I am normally an oily skinned girl, but this winter has sucked out all the extra moisture I normally have. This stuff is great if I need some extra hydration or am staying in for the day. For me, this is enough hydration to make me feel like I am glowing without glistening. Love this product!

Nail Rock -- I like the idea. Nail polish and glitter. However, I rarely wear nail polish anymore (Boo to dishes, glove, and sanitation water!) I did try this out so I can make an opinion.. The instructions tell me to sit for about 20 minutes for it to dry. That's not going to happen. I'm so spoiled by my Red Carpet Manicure or my Jamberry nails and I can't wait that long. It looks pretty and if I had time to devote to a traditional manicure, I would totally add some sparkle and glitter to it. I've been sitting for the 20 minute dry time..... some of the sequins/glitter/sparkles have come off, but majority have stayed on my nail.

(Stubby nails. Boo. Sad nails... that sparkle!)

Beauty Protector - First, the smell is to die for. There is a warning on my birchbox card that the scent is addictive. I totally agree. It's a warm, comforting smell.. Something that is just yummy in my hair! Plus it protects when I actually USE heating tools to create a style that is not a ponytail or a top knot :) I did have some issues with the spray NOT working, but after I cleaned it up I was good to go. (And, yes, just sprayed it again to make sure I wasn't lying! Oh.. the smell! YUM!)

And since it's been a while here are a few others I have LOVED in my last couple of boxes ---

Eyeko Mascara *drool* So I didn't take a photo of this one, but I really like this mascara. I have never used a mascara in a squishy tube, it's always been a cylinder-like tube.. but I really like it. I feel like I can get more of the product on the wand. It's not clumpy, does a great job separating my lashes, and I LOVE it. I'm also a sucker for a great mascara. This one, two thumbs up! 

Dr. Lipp Nipple Balm  - first of all, this name made me chuckle. I have nursed both of my children past their first birthdays.. The nipple creams are a great thing to have nearby. And the coloring and texture of this balm reminded me of some of the creams I have used on other regions of myself. I would feel very weird smearing some Medela nipple cream on my lips in public. However, this product is JUST what I need this winter. It has been so cold and dry around here that I am craving any kind of moisture I can get. I just found this on the bottom (THE SHAME!) of my make up box and I am about to go grab it RIGHT.NOW and put on my lips. It's a thicker, more moisturizing balm and it's been perfect.


I think that should update you on most of my favorites of the past few months. I'm hoping to get into a groove now. Maybe. Ha. Sure. ;)

The bitter time of the holidays.

I know I have blogged in the past about "Dark Days" .. (I always think of Gilmore Girls and Luke's Dark Day when he's mourning his father's death). Today, this week, this month... well, I've had a few dark days. I don't know if it's from all the change that we have experienced, the small things that trigger a memory, the idea of planting a garden in the spring, the wondering, the drive past the cemetery... Or the combination of everything.

It would be easy to feel sorry for myself, and yes, I am taking today to do just that. I do wonder what kind of a relationship I would have had with them.. and if I would have had any siblings.. or who I would be TODAY. Today, December 18, 2013. Thirty-one years after they have passed away. Thirty-one years. My dad would have been 55 years old, and my mom would have celebrated her 50th birthday a week ago. However, I can't live in the what could have been, or the what if, or the could have... I have chosen to embrace a gift that my parents weren't given.

When I sit back and think about it, I have already been able to do so much more than they ever could -- I am in my 30's. I was able to see and be with my daughter for her 1st birthday... and I am so thankful I have been able to see her 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and am looking forward to seeing her 6th birthday in March. I am thankful she has a sibling and I have seen him grow into this amazing little boy who has me tightly wrapped around his little finger. I am so thankful to have seen him grow his first year of life, and I am so excited to see what the future holds for him. I am thankful for the past 10 years with my husband. Life could have been a very different deck of cards for me but I am so ... ridiculously grateful for how life.

Newspaper clippings from my parent's accident (December 1982)

A friend of mine from college was at my work a short time ago. I lost it thinking about my dad and how much he liked her.. and how much it meant to me that she attended his funeral. This time of the year reminds me of a particular Christmas and a holiday party we went to. The hosts of the party (to about a hundred or so people) selected my dad to "sing" in the 12 Days of Christmas. He hated every single second of that.. and every time he had to "sing" Three French Hens I think my mom slid more in her seat until she was almost under the table. It makes me laugh with tears in my eyes thinking about that memory.

This past May it has been 12 years since he said goodbye to his pain, suffering, and met his Jesus. I miss him. I know I could use him this spring and summer when we plant a garden. When I was growing up, my dad had two HUGE gardens. You name the food and there's a good chance he could grow it. The garden will be in his honor and memory. I also see time in the garden as time to talk to him. So, if I give you some food next spring/summer, and it's a little extra salty, it's love from shedding happy tears.

He taught me to be honest, to speak when it's necessary, but also to be true. He taught me to love life because we aren't guaranteed tomorrow. He taught me to be thankful for what I have because it could be taken away in an instant.

I have chosen to see things differently. To be cautious. But to love those around me passionately. I want my kids to know DAILY I love them. I am thankful for them. I hate yelling at them, but I also want them to grow up to be respectful adults. I want my husband to know I am so thankful for him. He is my rock. He has been through the good and bad with me. He stood next to me as we said goodbye to my dad.

At this time of the year we tend to think about presents... Today is a present. I am so thankful I can open that box today, and I hope I can continue to open the day for a long time.

Decade.

11.29.2003

It feels like yesterday that Shannon and I were planning our wedding, prepping for marriage, but it's really been 10 years. A decade. We had been dating 5 years prior to that date. We have been together for 15 years. There is a lot of history between us. A lot of good times, speckled with the trying times of life. But I can't imagine my life without this man.

I wish I had the words to be able to write a book about how thankful and blessed I feel today. But, I can't. I am .... so blessed. 

Shannon -- Love you, babe. Thank you for what you do for me and our family. I can't imagine my life without you. I look forward to what to today and what lies ahead for us. With you by my side, I am successful, happy and challenged to be better. You try to complete my sentences, but you know what I like on my sandwiches and what pizza toppings I like. You really are the peanut butter to my jelly. Love you. 

 

Post move update....

So, it's not much of a secret -- we have moved. Somehow we managed to (eventually) gather almost 10 years of memories into the largest truck possible, my Tahoe, pick up(s), and a trailer. It was ridiculous and so overwhelming to me/us. We went through a great time of purging before the move, and are still in that phase post move. There's a good chance the borough isn't fond of our trash loads. But, this too shall pass.

Our new home!

Here is how we are doing, roughly three weeks at our new place:
Shannon - awesome. He has gotten back to cooking normal meals instead of hamburger helper (insert gag face). He has quite a few outdoor (and indoor) projects to work on since the house has been vacant for almost a year. He's enjoying more family time, and less time on the road. We are loving the extra time with him. Plus, with Audrey riding the bus he's able to take her to the bus stop in the mornings if needed.

Audrey - fantastic. She has had to do so much adjusting. New room. New school. New teacher. New friends. Riding the bus for the first time. But, I think she is doing well. I asked her the other day if she was happy .. her reply was a solid YES. She, of course, misses her friends from her old school and street. We just need to make efforts to make plans and play dates.

Landon - That boy. We were preparing ourselves for many restless nights, but he's been a rock star. He's starting to try to form some independence, and it's a challenge. He's done well at going with the flow and we have tried to keep things as much the same as possible. Unfortunately, he has started to have an intolerance to dairy and car rides (insert masked emoji face). I am done with vomit in my car, his car seat, and on him. His car seat is going to get the boot once he has had a settled belly for a couple months. I really hope this goes away around the time of his second birthday...

And, last, as always, is me. I feel such a huge relief that this is done. When we signed at settlement I knew it was time to unload trucks, but it was all going to be okay. We have time to make this place our home. I have been ridiculously stressed out.. I think to the point I may have gone numb and didn't really feel anything. I am very on with my general appointments - eye doctor, dentist, hair, etc.. I haven't had my hair done in a good 6 months. The ONLY appointment I kept and made was for my eye specialist. And I told them to feel special because this was the ONLY appointment I was planning on making. This past week was the first we were able to get back to taking care of myself, my animals, my family, etc. I had taken a week from the cafe (and the good coffee) to take care of my family. So glad that I am at a place where I can do that and it's okay. I was able to get so much DONE. What a relief. We had no idea where to put a lot of our boxes so the ended up in the garage. By the time I went back to work we were able to actually use the garage for a car.

It's been a journey, but the journey of 'moving' is over. We are in the beginning of writing the next chapter about being able to live, love and find a new sense of normal. It feels like home now. We are all doing well, we are happy, healthy, and adjusting. It's also a great feeling to know we can start saying YES to invites now without feeling guilty.

Photos will come of the house. It's still a work in progress with a few boxes remaining. But a LOT less than we had 2 weeks ago :)

Thank you for following me/us on this journey!

Kindergarten.. already? How!?

Wow. I can't believe I have dropped my 9 pound bundle of joy off to Kindergarten. Oh wait.... she isn't my 'baby' .... she's growing up and she is becoming someone I am so proud to be able to call my daughter. She is excited.. she's excited for her music days, but when the time came for me to NOT walk her to her room, she was nervous, and unsure. Inside, I was too. But with a gentle, "Momma loves you" she was off.. and with a wave of her hand she is enjoying the next adventure in her life. I am so excited to see what she learns and I can't wait to hear all about her first day of school.

Our "Kissing Hands"

Pick up was perfect. I wasn't late, she was so happy to see us, and she was ready to go play with our neighbor. She had no interest in telling me about her day. So far, she loves kindergarten. I'm so excited to see what this year does for her. She's going to do fantastic.

So proud

Hugs!

And she's off... and I had tears rolling down my cheeks

She turned and waved! I cried. Love her.

(Audrey -- someday when you read this, remember, no matter how big you are, how smart you are, how many friends you have, remember - I love you. You are an amazing person. Whatever you set your mind to, you will accomplish. I love you to the moonlights. Always, your Momma)

Breathe in ... breathe out...