Friday Favorites

Happy Friday Girls!

 

Today I am linking up with Andrea , Erika  and Narci and sharing my Friday Favorites.  Be sure to grab the graphic and link up too!

 

ONE

Having all my kids home, sleeping under the same roof is definitely a favorite for me!

 

 

TWO

Since Olivia has been like 3 years old she has had a STRONG love for erasers, and getting to get new erasers from the dollar section in Target is like her favorite thing!  She never uses them to actually erase, but she just collects them, has them in all sorts of different containers, and she just builds things with them.  I love walking into a room and seeing her eraser creations...I usually leave them there until she takes them down, because I know one day all too soon, she will be big and her little creations and eraser piles won't be all over the house. 

 

 

THREE

In the past week we have been seeing dolphins out back swimming in the canal...I mean walking outside and seeing dolphins in my own backyard...FAVORITE FAVORITE for sure!

 

 

FOUR

I had mentioned a few weeks ago that Jack was pretty bummed about getting a B in Algebra, we he has been going to tutoring 3x a week before school, and progress reports came home this week, and he did it...he brought it up to an A...we are just so proud of what an awesome student he is!  A for sure favorite for us!

 

 

FIVE

Beautiful sunsets are always a favorite for me!

 

 

SIX

I was at WalMart the other day and I saw this cute little faux plant...for $2.88 I had to grab one..I just love it...and of course I am now kicking myself that I didn't grab like 5 of them!!!!

 

 

Now I have a favor to ask y'all......

 

Holly was one of Jack's friends back in Charlotte, they had every single class together, except one.  I remember back in December Jack coming to tell me about Holly and her diagnosis..Jack has been following along and not that long ago he told me she was doing well.  You can imagine how shocked and devastated Jack was when he read this the other day.  I cannot even being to imagine what this family is going through, or how this sweet, innocent, precious girl is feeling, but my heart is completely broken for them all, and Jack is just so sad, as are all his friends back home.  It was just a month ago another one of his classmates from Charlotte was killed in a car accident, and now these young kids are having to deal with yet another tragedy and loss.  Please please please keep Holly and her family in your thoughts and prayers.  So often lately I am reminded that life is not only precious, but so completely unfair. 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by today, have a wonderful weekend, and don't forget to hug all your loved ones a little tighter!!!

 

 

 

 

 





 

A Little Bit Of Life Lately

Happy Thursday Girls!

 

Hope you are all having a great week!  Life has been crazy over here lately, but things seem to be somewhat calming down and getting back to normal, so I am hoping to be back blogging regularly soon!

 

Y'all....I just love Fridays!

 

I feel like life lately has been just plain crazy over here lately!  Mark is finishing up "busy season" and I am so ready to have my husband home more!  I love how hard he works, but I am pretty much over the late nights and the every other Saturday crap!  Some nights he is working late, and we don't even get to all eat dinner together, and I hate that! 

 

Harrison arrived last Saturday, and we are all still pretty much on cloud 9 that he is here!  He truly seems happy and excited to be here!  He will be starting work soon, but right now he is enjoying some "down"time!  It really is so good to have all my kiddos back under one roof again!

 

 

It has been WARM here lately...I am guessing spring doesn't exist here...lol.  It is a little cool in the mornings, and it does cool down nicely at night, and I love just sitting out on our patio, looking at the water, just enjoying all that is around me.

 

I love sitting outside drinking my coffee, just looking at the water, it is so peaceful and such a great way to start my day!

 

Mark and I went to dinner at a rooftop restaurant last weekend, and it was so nice.  I loved enjoying a meal, a few drinks, and a beautiful sunset with my guy!

 

 

Saturday night we took Harrison up to the beach by our house to watch the sunset, it was just gorgeous...I feel so lucky that we get to call this beautiful place "home".

 

Olivia is very much a mama's girl...that is until Mark gets home...then it is as if I don't even exist.  These two love each other so much, and I am so thankful that she has such an amazing guy to be her "dad"!

 

So that is pretty much life lately over here!  We are in the final weeks of school over here, and the kids are pretty darn excited about that!

 

Thanks for stopping by today...be sure to check back tomorrow for Friday Favorites!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



What's Up Wednesday

Happy Wednesday Ladies!

Today I am linking up with Shay , Mel , and Sheaffer for "What's Up Wednesday", be sure you guys link up too!

WHAT WE'RE EATING:

I have been AWFUL the past few weeks with my meal planning!  it is on my "to do" list this weekend, to actually sit and plan for our meals next week, I mean life is so much easier when I have dinner planned out!  I am excited to try a new chicken recipe my friend Elaine shared last week...I am making it this week and very much looking forward to it!  You can find the recipe here . 

WHAT I'M REMINISCING ABOUT:

Always around this time of year, I find myself thinking about my kids being little.  With the school year about to end, I always get a bit weepy about how big my kiddos are getting and how fast the time is flying by!

WHAT I'M LOVING:

We have lived here for exactly 6 months now, and up until last week we have never seen dolphins out swimming in the canal in the backyard.  I am absolutely LOVING sitting out back watching them swim and play literally right in my backyard!  It's amazing!

I am also LOVING our new outdoor furniture!  We spend LOTS of time on our patio and this little Iset makes us happy!

WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO:

Mark has been working like crazy lately, but thank goodness busy season is coming to end for him!  When he has a weekend off, we have been doing projects around the house..nothing super fun or exciting!

WHAT I'M DREADING:

I have got to do some SERIOUS closet cleaning and organizing, and I am 100% DREADING it!

WHAT I'M WORKING ON:

I have been thinking for quite some time now to change my blog over to wordpress, so I have finally gathered all the information I need, now I just need to get my butt in gear and get it going.  Thank you Olivia for the contact information!

WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT:

I am super duper excited that school is over in less than a month!  I love having the kids home!

WHAT I'M WATCHING/READING:

I haven't been watching much TV these days...we are hoping to finally finish Making A Murderer this weekend.

I have not read nearly as many books as I had hoped, but I did finish one, and am halfway through another.

I am a huge Emily Maynard fan (fellow Charlotte girl) and I read this book cover to cover in about two hours.  It was great!

I am about halfway through with The Guest Room and so far I am LOVING it! 

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO:

I love having country music blaring on my BOSE during the day!

WHAT I'M WEARING:

I haven't taken any "what I'm wearing" pics in FOREVER!!!  Basically you can find me in either my Zella capris, Jcrew factory shorts, JCrew factory t-shirt, or a cute graphic tee these days!

WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND:

Mark has off this weekend...YAY!  We are thinking about having some friends over Saturday for a cookout, other than that, just hanging out with the kiddos!

WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:

I am looking forward to school being out for the summer!!!

WHAT ELSE IS NEW:

We are all still super excited that Harrison is here!  He seems very happy to be "home"!  other than that, nothing else is new over here!

FAVORITE MOTHER'S DAY GIFT:

I would much rather give a gift than receive a gift, and on Mother's Day, I love giving my mom something special.  My mom and I are so much alike, so she is super easy to shop for, because if it is something I would like, she is sure to love it also.  I love giving her things she typically wouldn't treat herself to...a really good pair of pajamas, a massage and mani/pedi, a gift basket with her favorite candles and bath products.  And as I am typing this I am realizing Mother's Day is right around the corner and I need to get her gift ordered and shipped ASAP!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  See you back here tomorrow!





Let's Talk

Happy Monday Girls!

 

Today I am linking up with Andrea and Erika for their monthly "Let's Talk" link-up.  Be sure to grab the graphic and link up too!

 

 

 

and here is the list for the upcoming topics....

 

 

Today we are chatting about our hair and make-up routines!  I always love these topics...I am always on the lookout for great products that others are using!

 

 

I have naturally wavy hair, but not the nice beachy wave kind of wavy hair...the kind of wavy hair that just gets frizzy!  Most days I use a flat iron and straighten the heck out of my hair, and some days, I let it be a little more natural, and using certain products definitely keeps my hair from frizzing!

 

I feel like I have used pretty much every single shampoo and conditioner on the market, and this is hands down my favorite!  And the smell....amazing!

 

 

I have been using Moroccan Oil for years, and two weeks ago when I was getting my hair done, my stylist recommended that I use the "light" Moroccan Oil instead of the regular one.  That same weekend, a reader recommended the same thing!  I ordered it asap.  If you have light hair go get yourself this little bottle of awesomeness!

 

 

A few weeks ago when Shay and Erika had their "Stranded" linkup someone had mentioned this little serum...I went to Target and grabbed some...I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!  After I wash my hair I put this on my wet hair and blow dry...it really works!!

 

 

That same person also mentioned this flat iron spray, and I grabbed it as well....I am really loving these products.  They work awesome and they are not crazy expensive!

 

 

Probably my most favorite beauty item of all is my Beauty Blender!  If you guys aren't using one, you need to be.  I cannot say even great things about this little pink sponge!

 

Can't wait to read through and see everyone's favorite products and routines!

 

See you back here tomorrow!

 

 

 



Friday Favorites

Happy Friday Girls!  Another week got by me and I didn't blog once!

 

Today I am linking up with Andrea , Erika , and Narci and sharing my Friday Favorites.  Be sure to grab the graphic and link up too!

 

ONE

My favorite everyday is sitting on my porch, drinking coffee, just looking at the water.  My new furniture is also a favorite for sure this week.

 

 

TWO

Yesterday we celebrated 4 years of being Mr. & Mrs!  Most days it feels like MUCH longer than that!  Being his wife and doing life an raising kids with this guy is a FAVORITE for sure!

 

 

THREE

A pedicure...always always a favorite!

 

 

FOUR

I got this book in the mail Tuesday afternoon and finished it Tuesday night!  I have always been an Emily fan, and this was a great read!  I would definitely recommend it!

 

 

FIVE

I ran into Target to just simply return a pair of pajamas for Olivia, and well, do we ever just go into Target for just that "one thing"...I was pretty excited that these poufs were 20% off...they look great with our new patio furniture!

 

 

SIX

And my favorite favorite of the week.....Harrison coming home tomorrow!  We are all so excited and we cannot wait to see him!

 

 

Hope you all have a great weekend!



Friday Favorites

Happy Friday Ladies!

 

I am so ready for the weekend!  I always look forward to the weekends, well because DUH...they are awesome!  But I always look forward to them more when Mark has off!

 

Today I am linking up with Andrea , Erika , and Narci and sharing my Friday Favorites.  Be sure to grab the graphic and link up too!

 

ONE

What I love most about where we live, is that we have water all around us.  We have it right in our backyard, we can go to lots of different restaurants and bars and be right on the water...it is so awesome.  Mark and I had lunch last Sunday at our favorite little place in town...I love sitting outside, looking at the water and the boats.  And on this day..the dolphins were out there having a good time!  It was so hard to get a picture as they came up out of the water..they are quick!  But I loved just sitting there watching them out in the bay playing!  Dolphins...definitely a favorite!

 

 

TWO

Seeing my kids happy is always a favorite for me!  AJ was made to live on the water.  This boy has a ridiculous amount of patience and spends ALL of his free time sitting out back fishing.  Watching him out there, so content and peaceful, doing what he loves is a favorite for sure!

 

 

THREE

Being able to just walk out my back door and just enjoy some peace and beautiful scenery, with Starbucks is a favorite!  And speaking of favorites, I am LOVING my new bracelet .  This bracelet is super cute...however I am not sure I would have spent $65 for it!  I do love Tory Burch, and my flats and Miller sandals are my favorites!  Each year right around my birthday I get a code via email for $50, and well I mean I can't just not use it right...and unfortunately it cannot be used on flip flops..so after searching the website I decided on this cute little bracelet.  I really think it is so fun and so perfect for summer, and I am so glad I only had to pay $15 for it! 

 

 

FOUR

Making the arrangements for Harrison to come down has been a favorite this week!  We are super excited to see him!  He has already been chatting with the boys and doing his research so he can coach them again in football! 


FIVE

We have been on the hunt for a few months for some furniture for our patio, and I am so happy that we FINALLY decided on a set...it is coming this weekend and I am pretty darn excited about it!

SIX

How true is this!  It is no secret I am super proud of ALL my kids!  I have mentioned a time or two how awesome Jack is!  He is such a good kid, like in the 14 years he has been on this Earth, he has  never gotten into trouble, we never have to yell at him, he never talks back...he is really such a good, genuine kid.  Academics is a HUGE priority for Jack, he is hard on himself, and settles for nothing less than perfection.  Jack has always been a GREAT student, and this past marking period he received a B (a high B) on his report card in Algebra, and well he didn't like one bit that B on his report card.  He has state testing coming up soon, and he really wants to do well, and he is determined to bring that B to an A.  I am so proud that on his own, he came to me and asked if I would bring him to school 2 hours early, 3 days a week for the next 3 weeks so he can go to tutoring to bring his grades up.  I am so proud of him, he works so hard, and it really makes me so happy that on his own, without any pushes from mom and dad, he truly gets how important his school work and grades are.  This kid has BIG dreams about his future and there is NO doubt in my mind he will be something amazing!  His positive attitude and work ethic is a favorite for sure!


I am really looking forward to Mark having off tomorrow...we have lots of running around to do, and I plan on spending the rest of the weekend outside, relaxing on our new patio furniture! 

Have a great weekend!   





Thursday Thoughts & Life Lately

Happy Thursday Girls!

 

For sure!  Friday is hands down my favorite day of the week! 

 

I was sitting going through my planner the other day and it is so crazy that we are heading into our last four weeks of school.  Once again, another school year that has just flown by!  I always find that last month of school can be a bit trying.  The kids know the end is in sight, and they are so ready for a break, so at times it can be challenging to keep them focused for just a few more weeks!  AJ has his state testing going on now...and Jack starts his in two weeks...I am NOT a fan of these darn tests!

 

Olivia is ready for school to be over...because "Mommy 2nd grade is super hard sometimes"...that girl!  The kids all change so much during the year, and we have seen the biggest change with Olivia.  I was so nervous about our move earlier this year, and how the kids would handle all the change.  I was most concerned about Olivia.  Since she started kindergarten, going to school each day was a STRUGGLE for her.  Tears every single morning, it was hard.  All of a sudden this girl loves school..no tears, excited to go each day...what a blessing that has been.  She has really grown up and matured so much this year.  It is hard, because man I miss my baby!  But seeing her thrive, become a bit more independent has been so wonderful.  And the bonus...she thinks wearing a uniform to school every day is just plain AWESOME! 

 

AJ decided not play baseball this season...I was kind of shocked when he said he didn't want to play, but it was his decision.  His baseball schedule in the past has been consuming to say the least, but man I have definitely missed watching my boy play!  I think he is a little bummed out he decided not to play, but he is already getting himself ready for football, and already talking about next year and baseball!  Both him and Jack are pretty pumped about Harrison being here...they love going out in the yard or to a field and throwing around the ball with their big brother!  AJ is loving our life here...AJ is so super outgoing, and had about 65 friends after the first day of school...he is doing so great, and loving life...that is just AJ!

 

Brooke is doing well here also.  She misses her friends from back home, and is looking to plan a trip this summer to go and see them all.  I get a lot of crap on here about Brooke, that she is an adult, living home...blah blah blah.  She is 23 years old, I am sure in the next few years she will be in her own place, but for now I don't mind her being with us.  She pays her own bills, helps out around the house, helps out with the little kids, and is able to save money.   She was always a good kid growing up...never got into trouble, no horror stories during the teenage years...it was nice.  She worked hard in high school, and school was NOT easy for her. I don't talk much about her on here, because she kind of does her own thing.  Now mind you had I blogged or social media been around during her younger years, y'all would have known her!  HA!

 

Jack has adapted well to our new life here.  He is not as outgoing as AJ, so it took him a little longer to acclimate, but he has now and is doing GREAT.  He is extremely focused on his studies and cannot wait to get into high school ...high school....how is that even possible.  He has made some great friends, and is just as easy going, as ever.  If all children could be like Jack, this world would be awesome.  He is responsible, kind, never mean or negative.  He is just all around a great kid. 

 

Harrison...well you all know he will be back with us in another week...and holy heck people didn't hold back on their opinions of that:)  I am so proud of Harrison for trying to be on his own at the ripe old age of 19...he was only 19 when we moved..but has since turned 20.  I am more proud that he, on his own, realized it sure wasn't as easy as he thought it would be, and that the best way for him to get ahead in life, is to live home for a just a little longer, work and save some money.  I would much rather him move back home at 20 then when he is 30!  I want my children to know that nothing but hard work is what is going to get you ahead in this life.  It was our opinion, that buying Harrison a new car wasn't solving anything or teaching him anything, other than you can just run to mommy and daddy to save you.  That being said...we are giving him Mark's car when he gets here, since Mark is getting a new one, and Harrison will be paying us for it.  He will be able to work full time, and save some money, and hopefully in a year or two he will be out there living on his own, with some money in the bank!

I saw this floating on IG and it sure is true.  I don't feel the need to be too hard on myself or the decisions we make for our family or children, clearly there are readers out there doing that for me:) 

 

My thoughts today, don't really differ from my thoughts that I have always had...people are very quick to give their two cents, and I don't have issue with that...but there is simply no reason for anyone to be just down right mean.  Isn't is so much easier to say nothing, or just not read over here, if you are just looking to bash on how we live our life or raise our kids. 

 

I don't know what is right for you and your family and no one but Mark and I, know what is right for our family and our children. 

 

I have always said this world gets scarier by the day, there are so many people that are just plain ugly in this world.  It is as if people thrive on being mean or saying something hurtful to others, when the reality is there is just no need for that.  I was raised, and still follow this...if you have nothing nice to say you just keep your mouth shut.  Seems like such a simple concept, yet many seem to struggle with it. 

 

I love sharing our life with you guys, and I am so thankful for how many wonderful people I have met.  I always welcome everyone's comments, even if you don't agree with me, if you can be polite about it, you can be sure it will be published.  My blog is all about real life and real life means that we won't always agree..and that is fine...I am fine with "let's agree to disagree"...My hope is that people will actually start tasting their words before they spit them out, think about how your words will make someone feel.  You can surely get your point across without being down right mean and hurtful.!

 

Thanks so much for stopping by today, see you back here tomorrow for Friday Favorites!

 

 

 

 



Stranded With...3 Things

Happy Wednesday Ladies!

 

Today I am linking up with Shay and Erika for their new link up!  Be sure you grab the graphic and link up too!

 



And here is the list for the upcoming link-ups!

Today we are sharing what 3 items we would bring with us from our medicine cabinet, if we were on a deserted island!

 

ONE

A toothbrush would be the first thing I would bring with me...I am thinking everyone else would have this as their #1 too!

 

 

TWO

And right after I grabbed my toothbrush, I would grab some toothpaste..well because duh what good is the toothbrush without the toothpaste!

 

 

THREE

I would then grab my Extra Strength Tylenol....there are days this is my best friend! 

 

So there you have it...my 3 "MUSTS" from the medicine cabinet!  Can't wait to see what everyone else would grab from their medicine cabinet!

 

Thanks for stopping by today!  See you back here tomorrow!