Seattle ~ Day 1

In twenty twelve we took a little trip.  Not just any trip but our first *real* vacation sans kids since having children.  I don't know what a *real* vacation is but I'm pretty sure that's what we took.  We bought plane tickets and booked a place to stay and looked up places to eat.  We arranged child care for the boys and left bright and early one Friday morning.  Grammy arrived at our house on Thursday night so we finished packing and gave our biggest hugs and kisses.  We planned on getting up around 3:45 since our plane left at 6:25.  Thankfully, our sweet Emory bear woke us up earlier than that and we got to give him more hugs and kisses and daddy rocked him back to sleep.  I am so glad we got to really give him hugs and kisses!  Around 4:50 my friend Mandi picked us up at our house (wow, that's a good friend, especially considering NONE of our friends are morning people!) and drove us to the airport.  Getting through security was rather uneventful but we had plenty of time to get something to drink and eat from Starbucks.  We got on our plane and it took off and landed before we could blink.  It's only a 40 minute flight from Little Rock to Dallas.  

Us in the Little Rock airport.

On the plane.

From Dallas we went to Albuquerque and from there we went to Seattle.  We landed, felt the chilly air picked up our rental car.  We headed to where we staying and made it there rather easily.  It was about a 25 minute drive from the airport with almost no traffic.  We were turned on to a website called AirBNB.  It's a site where people office their rooms, apartments and studios for others at a fraction of the cost of hotels.  We stayed in the cutest garage apartment in a wonderful part of Seattle (The Ballard District).  The garage was completely renovated and had a super comfy bed, nice TV, fridge, microwave, organic coffees and teas, delicious homemade brownies and a vase full of lovely flowers from her garden.  We would definitely stay there again when the opportunity presents itself!

Once we unloaded we talked to the owner a little and decided to set out on a walk.  I have some pictures but haven't saved them to my computer yet!  We stopped in a little bistro called The Fat Hen and ate a little lunch.  We lost two hours so it was only around 1pm there.  Anyway, I had a bowl of delicious beef stew and Joe had a sandwich with sausage, garlic, greens and a smoked mozzarella.  Both were wonderful.  We already felt at home.  We finished up lunch and went for a stroll.  We walked and walked and ran into a grocery store.  We learned that a bill was just passed in Seattle that forbids the distribution of plastic sacks when shopping.  You either get a paper sack (which you have to pay 5¢ a bag for) or you bring your own.  How cool is that?  People being considerate of the Earth seems to be normal there whereas here we are looked at like we have six heads when we bring our own bags and people are genuinely shocked when you say you don't want a bag for something.  Anyway...we decided to head back to our room (I have a hard time not saying "home" here...it really felt like home from the moment we arrived).  The walk seemed to take a bit longer than we realized. Apparently we walked a little ways...

Once back at the room we planned on what to do for dinner.  We headed out to a local pizza place called Delancey's.  It has amazing pizza and a great local vibe.  We did not feel like tourists here.  

From one day of travel we decided we loved Seattle.  It was so amazing to see what is normal there compared to where we live.  On the menus of the first two places we ate, the origin of the food was listed.  They tell you what local farms they get their ingredients from.  It really does make a difference in the taste and quality.  We don't eat at places like Chili's and what not and always seek out local restaurants at home but in Seattle you don't have to seek them out.  In fact, you have to seek out chain places there.  Amazing to us!  Did I mention we already loved Seattle at this point? 

What a fun day we had.  Not even a full 24 hours and we were sold.  Good thing Grammy had the boys at home or we might not have come back.  We already knew we loved the Pacific Northwest (honeymoon in Montana anyone...) but this was just a small bit of a reminder.  

Tomorrow I can highlight day two :)

Happy Wednesday! 

November-Shmovember

I always seem to find more important things to do besides blog.  But I want to have the written account of the week to week.  So, I am really going to try to make this thing happen again.  Even if I am the only one who reads it...one day I can remember the silly tiny things we did every day! I can't believe it's already pushing the end of November.  November-Shmovember!

I don't know where the time goes. We spend a lot of time being silly. And making funny faces. 

We spend a lot of time reading books.

Before bed.  Before Church on Sunday mornings.  Before nap.  And lots of other times too.  Books are such a good way to fill the "I'm bored" times.  Only boring people are bored!

We've had some lunch dates with the babes <3 p="p">

I always choose to sit next to the big one.  He's less active during the waiting period!

The boys are working on their self sufficiency skills.  Step one: Make a PB&J.  Not too bad.

We have spent a lot of time getting ready for things.  Getting ready for Birthday parties.  Getting ready for dinners with friends.  Getting ready for holidays.  Getting ready for vacation.

Ahhhh, vacation.  We went to Seattle sans kids.  It was glorious.  I want to blog about every day there so I can remember everything about the trip!  I think I shall ;)

Boys are napping and I have to make a few lists for things we have going on this week.  Taking a few small dishes to Thanksgiving lunch at my in-laws. Dinner guests coming over on Friday night. Girls only birthday party for my precious friend Jessica on Saturday night (it's a potluck, wine and pinterest party...yes please!) and then hosting my niece's birthday lunch on Sunday.  Looking forward to a busy week!  

*Meg*

The End of August.

For people who don't really have much going on, we sure do have a lot going on!  A few weekends ago we took the boys out for a fun family Saturday.  We went to the Museum of Discovery where they both had a blast playing with everything the museum had to offer. Thing 1 is always initially drawn to the physics like section and Thing 2 loves to run around and look at the animals and the preschool area.  A big plus for both boys is the air tubes with balls and scarves that flow through the pipes and shoot out overhead.  We've also been busy with play dates and errands and things of that nature!

Watching a nature video.

Seeing themselves on the TV is so fun to them.  It cracks me up because anytime we enter or leave Kroger they both love to wave at themselves and think they are really important because they are on TV!

Thing 2 just being silly at a friends house. 

Last night Thing 1 officially started soccer.  He practiced last night and will practice again this evening. We all came home sweaty last night (and all I did was sit and watch!). Thing 2 ran around like the crazy little boy he is and Daddy chased him back and forth.  I offered to stay home with the little man tonight but he said it's good for him if he goes also so a family affair it will be!  I'm mostly excited because we opted to not be "drafted" and signed up on the homeschool team.  The kids we play with are all involved in the Saline County Christian homeschool group and so we will have other opportunities to be involved and Thing 1 will get the chance to make some new friends through that channel.  

Along with practice twice this week I'm hosting a women's retreat working meeting at our home one evening, we have two play dates and lots of errands and cleaning to get done. I have a feeling that once Bible study starts up again we will be busy little bumble bees.  We are going to start a more structured pre-school time (not too structured but there are things I want to read about and do each week) next week so that should be fun as well! 

On another positive note, Poppy Les is doing REALLY well, considering. He is still in ICU but has woken up and is moving arms and legs and talking.  He was originally going to be in an acute long term recovery facility but is getting better so quickly now that he no longer qualifies for it which is a HUGE blessing considering the news we were told a few weeks ago.  I'm so elated about this.  Both boys love their Poppy Les, but especially Thing 2.  He randomly asks about him and anytime we are with them, he constantly wants to be near him.  3x a day Thing 1 prays for him and says "Dear Jesus, please make Poppy Les's head and heart all better. Amen".  It's so sweet and it's something he started on his own while we were in Texas.  The faith of a child is untouchable! 

Nap time is almost over and I must be on my way! Need to prepare for dinner and run a few errands as soon as the boys are up!  Happy Tuesday :)

Summertime & Poppy Les

I can't believe Summertime is nearing an end.  I feel like we have been very go go go! We have taken a small little trip to Atlanta to visit some family.  We got to see friends from Tennessee that we haven't seen in a while and we made a trip to Texas to visit other precious friends.  I made a quick trip out to see another friend that I hadn't seen in two years for her baby shower yesterday and that was nice as well! 

The boys are growing up so fast.  Both of them say the silliest things all the time! Thing 1 asked his Daddy yesterday (while I was gone to the baby shower) "Is Mommy at the baby wash yet?".  He was praying before bed the other night and prayed

""Dear Jesus, please make me really good at Mario tomorrow and please give me a hypothesis. Amen" His prayers are so honest and cute. I'm not sure what hypothesis he was wanting but I hope he got it :)




We finally got the boys their hair cuts! They needed them. We don't go short by any stretch but it was in their eyes and I was constantly sweeping it out of the way.""Dear Jesus, please make me really good at Mario tomorrow and please give me a hypothesis. Amen"  His prayers are so honest and cute.  I'm not sure what hypothesis he was wanting but I hope he got it :)

We finally got the boys their hair cuts! They needed them.  We don't go short by any stretch but it was in their eyes and I was constantly sweeping it out of the way.

After hair cuts :) Much better!

The rest of our Summer will be pretty uneventful.  We have a few plans with friends but other then that we're just being lazy pants.  We start our Community Bible Study program in September and we're really looking forward to that again.  It is such an excellent program with such amazing people.  I am truly amazed by the women I met last year. The boys learn SO much as well.  

While I hate to end any blog on a sad note but I am going to here.  Joe's grandpa (Poppy Les) is in the hospital and we're not getting the updates we hoped for.  He had surgery but because of some kind of calcium build up they had to end up doing full open heart surgery.  He was having some kind of episode every time they tried to wake him up after the surgery.  The surgery was Thursday and it is now Sunday and he is still under.  He is on a vent and Joe told me at the time there is not much brain activity.  We're praying for a miracle.  Every night Paxton has prayed on his own "Dear Jesus, Poppy Les's heart is broken and I need you to make it really fixed" The faith of a small child is amazing. So if you happen to pass by this post and have a prayer to spare, please do so.  The boys love their Poppy Les (and specifically, Thing 2 - who is enamored with him every time we are around them) and we would love a lot more time with him! 

Have a Blessed week :)

Meg

Busy as a Bee :)

What a busy week we've had and it's only Wednesday :)

Last Saturday I had several errands to run before a movie with friends.  We saw the new Snow White movie that came out.  It was good, but left a little out for my romantic taste.  It was mostly just a meaty story with little room for love.  I'm not a big movie go-er anyway but it was time well spent with sweet friends and salty popcorn!  

Sunday was church followed by a classy farewell party that afternoon. The boys each moved up to their new classes.  Thing 1 was SO excited.  His old teacher poked his head in to see how he was doing and he said "Mr. Marlon you don't have to check on me because you're not my teacher now. I'm in my bigger class because I'm 4".  Poor Mr. Marlon!  He and Ms. Susan were fabulous and we'll miss them loving on our baby :).  Thing 2 did WONDERFULLY in his new room also.  He's grown so attached to his teachers but his new room has a train table so really, he's fine ;)  Now that he is in the 2 year old class he gets to go sing and watch puppets every week.  Their teachers told me they sat by each other and hugged and held hands.  My babies are best friends and for that, I am ever so grateful.  That afternoon was the classy party.  It was a girls only event and it was a fun way to send her off in style!  And when you're a stay at home mom, you'll take any reason you can get to put on a pretty dress <3

When I got home from the party the boys were still awake so I snapped a picture of them getting their bedtime story.  What an amazing Daddy they have.  These moments completely melt my heart!

Monday we ran errands and I prepped for Bunco that evening.  I had the opportunity to host and loved it!  I enjoy having company and putting together meals and decor.  Daddy took the boys on several errands so we could be boy free but when they got back, the boys soaked up all the attention they could get!  11 women, 2 sweet little boys.  Yeah, they were in heaven!  Daddy even got complements!  When he walked in he went to the kitchen and started cleaning and putting stuff up.  People were amazed and commented on how their husbands would have gone straight for the bedroom and never touched a dirty dish, especially one they didn't dirty.  I secretly think Joe just got a little rush from loading things into the dishwasher as we usually wash all of our dishes by hand.  Our dishwasher is like a guilty pleasure.  

Tuesday we had friends over to play and today we went to a friends house to play.  They boys had a great time with their sweet friends, J&C.  I love having a little pair of brothers close in age for my boys to play with.  It's like a perfect playdate :)

I snapped this picture before we headed out the door this morning.  Best. Stinking. Friends!

Which brings me to another point. Joe has 7 first cousins.  Two of them are a set of brothers.  We had the pleasure of spending time with them on vacation in Florida this year and I told Joe more than once "THAT is how I want my boys to be.".  They are kind, respectful young men who get along with each other.  In fact, they seem to genuinely enjoy being around each other.  They each have hobbies and interests but to see teenage boys with the perfect mix of maturity and "kidness" just makes my heart smile.  I want my kids to respect their grandparents and parents and have a love for activity like they do.  I pray we instill the same qualities in our children as Joe's aunt and uncle have instilled in theirs.  

Well tomorrow is therapy and Friday is a rest day since we've been so go go go this week!  Happy Wednesday Friends!

I'm Back. Again. But really this time.

My sweet babies :)

Brotherly love.  Poor Libby!

I'm back.  I'm less tired.  I'm more productive. I'm healthier. I'm more educated. (Okay, not really to the last one but I'm deeming myself so as the official holder of a college degree).

My sweet husband has been a rock.  Since I have been in school he has taken care of the boys every second he was home.  Cleaned up after dinner. Bathed kids.  Put them to bed.  And lots of other little stuff that when added up makes really really big stuff.  He did it so I could graduate.  He has never once told me I couldn't do it. Or that I shouldn't. Or that it was a waste of our money or time.  But he encouraged me to do it because I wanted to.  So I did. And I'm done :) I love him.  Lots. 

The healthier thing I mentioned is a fun one too.  I've lost a total of 34 pounds this year.  I don't talk about it much but this is my blog. So here, I will ;)  I don't subscribe to the "1200 calorie diet" much.  I did in the beginning and thankfully I got smart and actually did some research and read on several forums and topics and consulted health professionals I trusted.  I'm still losing fat. And I'm gaining muscle.  And praise the Lord I'm EATING.  I eat around 1900 calories a day.  Mostly healthy food, but I eat some form of junk daily.  Because I like it. And I can.  When I "go overboard", my scale doesn't go up the next day.  Because it's used to food and it knows how to process food.  When I go on week long vacations where I don't pay an ounce of attention to what I'm eating, I don't gain an ounce.  Because my body LOVES fuel.  It needs it to run and I'm just beyond thrilled that I learned it early enough on without doing damage to my metabolism.  I don't spend hours (or even minutes) doing the whole cardio thing.  When I do work out these days (it's been a busy month so the gym hasn't seen me....at all) it's lifting weights or the occasional slow uphill walk on the treadmill...and honestly, that's only so I can watch MTV or E! (Hey, we don't have cable at home so it's a guilty pleasure).  

And the less tired thing.  Almost every night we're in bed before 10.  It feels SO good to sleep.  Instead of running on 5-6 hours I'm going on 8-9.  

I just wanted to say hi.  And we're back.  For good this time :)

Meal Plan Monday :-)

So this is what we're eating this week.  I'm already a day "behind" which is a good thing because it just means that I'm covered through next Monday as far as food goes which is fabulous!  Because of the amount of leftovers we usually have I'll actually be covered through Tuesday or Wednesday I'm sure.  So, it's Monday and we'll have the waffles tonight! I have recipes for everything (for the most part, I kind of wing it a lot of the time) so if anything looks like something you'd want, let me know :)

Sunday, January 8: Waffles, Eggs

Monday, January 9: Homemade Sloppy Joe Flatbread, Peas, Fruit

Tuesday, January 10: Black BeanVegetable Soup, Rolls

Wednesday, January 11: Chicken Sausage Jumbalaya

Thursday, January 12: Roasted Red Pepper Falafel, Roasted Cabbage

Friday, January 13: Steak Fajitas, Beans, Salad

Saturday, January 14: Open Faced Grilled Veggie Sandwiches w/Hummus and Chips

Sunday, January 15: Crock Pot Roasted Chicken, Carrots, Butternut Squash

This week we get to go back to Community Bible Study.  They follow the local school schedule so we've been out since before Christmas.  I'm really looking forward to that.  I miss my time with those precious women and I'll be honest, I haven't spent as much time in the word over the break...the break we were taking to celebrate the life of the One the book is about, irony, yep. 

The boys and I are having a lazy day.  We ran to the bank, paid a bill and now I'm about to fix lunch and they're watching a Veggie Tales DVD.  Just a sing a long because the rest of them "scare" my almost 4 year old.  How to Train Your Dragon doesn't scare him. Talking vegetables do (not singing vegetables, just talking ones).  Makes  absolutely no perfect sense.  

Hope everyone has a blessed week.

XOXO ~M