And so it continues

Christmas Day recap? In January? My answer? Better than July.

Kind of like Christmas Eve recap, I'll list the little details that I would like to remember. And of course share a few pictures to go along.

*We left my parent's house early in the morning (7am) while everyone else in the house was still sleeping. When we arrived to the house, we had the kids go in first where they were pleasantly surprised to find that the cookies and milk was gone {thanks to Santa} and that the reindeer ate the carrots {how the reindeer were able to get down the chimney, I have no idea}. There, Santa had left a few presents for the kids {in the special Santa wrapping paper that our dear Elf delivered to the north pole}.

*Elliana helped us carry the presents to the tree where the presents that mama and papa had bought were, and for the next 2 hours, we opened presents, assembled the ones that needed to be put together, and enjoyed ourselves. That was definitely my favorite part, and it proved that we did not have to have many presents to make that morning fun with the kids. I'm still convinced that they would have been perfectly fine with just one toy to play with. Well maybe two so that they would not have to share. Of course mama and papa are boring and got the "boring gifts" for the kids---socks, underwear, clothes, and shoes. Swim suits too {deals!}.

*We got a Cake and candles for Jesus, sang happy birthday to Jesus, but forgot to do the cake part. Elliana still asks about Jesus' cake. This is a new thing that we started doing this year, and I am excited to continue to incorporate more religious components to the holidays. As the kids get older, it's more important to us that they fully understand why we celebrate Christmas to begin with.

*Graham took a little nap while the rest of us went to get showered and get ready. We headed out to Andrew's grandma's house in the afternoon to celebrate Christmas with his family. There, we ate the best food, had the best company, and had the best time. Aside from the million presents to be opened {which we all decided an intervention was needed because of this}, we spent our time just talking, laughing, and playing games that his grandma had thought of. I also decided that next year, we would incorporate more games and fun things for us all to do.

*The kids got way too much stuff, a whole new wardrobe, and not too many toys. Surprisingly, I was pretty pleased that we did not have to drive home a car full of junk. The toys they did get were definitely ones that we would get good use out of.

*College money for the kids is still by far the best gift to receive---to all those out there that wonder about what to give. And the one that we are most grateful for as well.

*We decided to drive home that night {even though initially we were planning on maybe staying}, and we got home just a few minutes before midnight. Before Graham's birthday.

We rushed inside, got his little cake out, and sang happy birthday to him.

It was the best way to end the day and start the new one. Celebration of life.

Say "I DO" to Target

This post is brought to you by Target, but all opinions are that of my own. Follow along via #TargetWedding

Do you know someone that got the proposal during the holidays? Have you been asked to be in that special person's wedding? Are you currently out shopping for the perfect gift and not sure where to start? Engaged and ready to start the planning process? It is that time of year you know. Wedding planning has begun, and come spring/summer/fall time, all the little details will need to be in motion for the big day.

Planning aside, one of our favorite things to work on for the wedding was the registry. It's the start the first pieces that will be placed in your new home, wherever that may be. It's exciting and challenging all at once. To find the quality while meeting the budget all in one place.

Would you be surprised if I told you that Target has all of that for you? Certainly, you shouldn't be... because what does Target not have anyway. Of course, for me though, I get suckered into buying more than I go in for {who doesn't} and then I have to buy something for the kids, the home, and maybe even myself. Shopping online is no exception.

But Target has never failed me. Not yet, anyway. And you know what my favorite stuff to gift {and receive}? Is stuff for the Kitchen. It's the thing that has motivated me to cook, and to learn more. 

   

1. Kitchenaid Mixer

2. Rubbermaid Storage Set

3. 3 Tier Serving Tower

4. Crockpot

5. Blender

6. Skillet

I've been mastering the {prevention of} house fires and yummy meals since 2009. Still a working progress.

Four on Thursday

{ONE} Blog posts.

Yesterday's New Year's post interrupted my birthday week recap, so the rest of Christmas as well as Graham's birthday will be up next week. I think, sometimes, I just have to post things when I write them and let others take a step back. I think that's why I have moments of dread coming to this little place to write...because I don't let my thoughts out as I write them out. Scheduled posts are a life saver at time. Others? Not so much. While I'm on the topic--I have some fun posts scheduled. Someone also emailed me asking about whether blogging with a purpose is coming back, and I will leave that question open to you guys----is this something that you would like to see come back? I'm not sure yet if it will.

{TWO} Books.

I read the Divergent, and then the Insurgent, and then the Allegiant all in about 5 days. All three books. This. Coming from the girl who has not picked up a book since the 50 shades of Grey. Before that? I think it was Twilight. Really though, I got a Nook for Christmas and I am determined this year to read at least 1 a month. I think I have January covered already. Part of my outlook for 2014 involves a lot more reading. More on that later.

{THREE} Winter.

Winter has really been dreadful over here. Really cold. Lack of snow {so it's not like we can be out playing in the snow}, and lacking fun. I have been stir crazy in this house more often than not, and I'm ready for warmer weather and to be able to get back into the swing of things. Like daily walks. Getting in the car and just going {without ten million layers to put on and off}. Park dates with our friends. Anything but sitting in the house doing activity after activity. The same ones. I feel like the kids are getting a little worked up over it as well.

{FOUR} Deals.

I won't be doing deals of the week anymore, but I will share them when I find them. I know all of you are as crazy as I am and start planning for Christmas 2014 like I am. Okay, okay, not yet.

link here

75% off toddler coats

That's all I have for today. I know, boring. With the holidays and all the birthdays these past two weeks, I'm just ready to start getting back into a regular routine again. I truly think it will take me about a month to recover. So if I'm a little distant in this space around here? You'll know why.

Looking back on 2013

Looking back.

Looking back, 2013 was an amazing year. Although Graham was born in 2012, we got to fully experience and dive into this life with two kids  business. We got to experience all the wonderful firsts with Graham, and in addition, share that joy with our oldest. We adjusted to this new life with ease and although there were hurdles, frustration, and challenges on the road, we seemed to find our way. More importantly, we found it together. 

I went back to work after 3 months of maternity leave, and to be frank, I was not sure if I was going to be able to do it. To do this whole working full time nights at a fast paced critical care unit at night, and then turning around to come home and take care of the kids, my husband, and our home. And everything else in between. How would I figure it out? How would I make it work? Would I have to switch to part time? Do I need to find a babysitter to come relieve me while I sleep? Will I sleep? Sleep....what is sleep?

So many questions, yet it came down to one simple concept--- have faith and believe in myself. I knew that I went through this hurdle once before. All the adjustments that entails taking on such a difficult schedule and wacky sleep schedule. Wacky being a complete understatement. Yes, I knew that I had done this once before, but furthermore, I knew that I could do it again.

And I did. And we made it through this year and made it work. And somehow...not exactly sure how, it seems to be easier than when I did it with just one. Perhaps that has to do with the fact that my body has gotten used to it. Perhaps I found a better schedule that works. Perhaps it's because I have an amazing mom who comes out to help when I work two nights in a row. Not sure what it is, but I sure am thankful.

As a mother, 2013 was definitely a trying year for me. Not only did we go through the changes of bringing another person into our family, but we also had to go through the trials of year 2 and 3 of toddlerhood. It is true what they say you know. Year two is definitely easier than year 3. And year 3? Well year 3 has just begun. Are there more wonderful? Absolutely. Is it trying because of them, or is it trying because of us? I would have to say that it is because of us. The parent. Me. I have to say that is trying because we, ourselves, are not accustomed to these changes, and we have flaws as human beings. It's trying because I have to question everything that I do and I have to adjust my ways in order to be the best mother that I can to these children. I have to check in with myself at night, or moments of silence where I think about every detail of every situation. I have to evaluate changes that need to be made. And I sure have to trust that I will figure it out.

I think that there were a lot of eye opening experiences and because of those experiences, I have become a better mother. A better person. And hope for an even better year to come.

As a wife, I definitely fell back in my role and put my husband on the backburner more times than I would like to admit. If I thought that making time as a couple was important when we had our first, then I surely forgot the importance when we became a family of four. It was more important than ever before, and somehow, I just could not figure out the time thing. Andrew and I finished off the year on a beautiful date, and we vowed to make more time for one another in 2014. Snuggling on the couch at night and cuddling was just not going to cut it. We love our date nights, and yet we failed to make them a priority. I have convinced myself that now that Graham is one, then it will be easier for me. That is until we introduce another baby into the mix....

And as far as this blog? This blog continued to be a wonderful blessing to me in 2013. This blog has been my space, and I am thankful that I have been able to find the time and make it a priority to not only write down my thoughts, but also my memories that I know I will cherish one day. Heck, I cherish already. If I am being completely honest though, there were definitely times that I thought I would call quits on the whole deal. Writing? No, not quitting that. But as far as opening myself to others? Yeah, that. Some days, I definitely wonder about it all, and other days, I'm in it full force. I guess that's life though, and blogging is no exception. What do I hope for this blog this upcoming year? I hope that I continue to be true to myself and write for me. I hope that I have no fear of judgment and to find a way to open myself up more. I hope that it continues to be an outlet for me, but that I will be content if it no longer is. Wherever this space takes me, I hope that I go with it.

Looking back, 2013 was probably the best year for us, yet I have a feeling that the better years are yet to come. Full of ups, and full of downs. Full of laughter and maybe a few tears. Full of confidence, and sometimes in need of answers. Definitely more ups than not, and a whole lot of blessings, love, and beautiful memories.

Looking back, I am reminded, once again, year after year, that there is a lot to be grateful for in this life. And to always, always look at the positive versus the negative. As our pastor said this past weekend: FOCUS ON THE JOY.

Looking forward, I welcome 2014 with just that: JOY.

Hello to the start of a new year.