Thursday Thoughts

Hello Ladies

Today I am just going to share some of my thoughts with y'all and what has been on my mind and in my heart these days.

There has been so much ugly going on in the world lately, and if you have read here for a while, you know that I just will never understand a world with so much hate in it.  I have always been a believer in speaking your mind, but I fully believe there is a way to do that without being disrespectful and hurtful to others.  My mom always told me growing up, and I tell my kids the same thing, if you don't have anything nice to say, keep your damn mouth shut!  I understand with all the events going on in this world people have strong opinions, and while there is NOTHING wrong with being passionate about something, in my mind, there is something very wrong with people who just chose to be disrespectful and mean to others who have different views. 

 As I sat and watched, as I am sure many of you did, the events in Charlottesville unfold, I just found myself feeling so sick and scared.  It is crazy to me to see people walking around filled with so much hate towards others.  This isn't the kind of world I want to raise my children in...there is just no need, no room for hate.

None of us are better than anyone else...and those who think they are need a reality check.  I know nothing is simple, but I truly believe it all starts with us...its up to us to be good people, be respectful of others, while still standing up for what we believe in.  It is our job to raise our children to treat everyone the same, no matter their race, religion, economic status, at the end of the day we really are all the same.  

Women need to support other women, rather than tearing each other down.  We are all different, we all parent different, we all do life and marriage different, and we need to respect that just because others do things differently than us, it doesn't mean it is the wrong way.  What works for one, doesn't always work for another, and that is OK!  Over the last few years between blogging and social media, I have gotten ridiculous, sometimes hurtful messages from other women giving their two cents...and I am all for advice and constructive criticism, but some people truly do cross the line...and that must stop.  

Texas...I have been glued to my TV all week watching all the coverage of the hurricane...and it is absolutely heartbreaking to see the devastation.  I cannot even begin to try and know what it must feel like for all those affected, but we are praying hard for all of the people affected by this.  It is truly such a devastating situation, but it is incredibly heartwarming to see all the people coming together to just help...strangers helping strangers. It is so refreshing to see that even with so much division in our country right now, there is still so much unity an so much good in our country.  There are so many ways to help all those in need right now, and I urge you all to give what you can...even $1...every little bit helps!   

So those are my thoughts for today!  I just hope we can all start being a little kinder, giving a little more grace to others.  None of us know what the other is going through or may be battling, and none of us are in a position to sit back and judge others and be mean.  We all stress to our children to not bully others...we as adults must lead by example!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Be sure to check back tomorrow for some Friday Favorites!

xoxo,

Kimm

Thursday Thoughts...

Hello Ladies!

YES!

I feel like there is so much going on in the world today and so many people seem to be walking around just plain angry all the time.  So here are some of my thoughts for today....

Back in November I deactivated my Facebook account, we were in the heat of the election, and good Lord people were MAD, and I felt like all I was doing was ready one negative, mean comment after the other.  It was terrible and just depressing.  I love so much that we live in a place where we are all free to have different views and opinions, but I feel like more so than not these days, respect for each other is a thing of the past, and people are just intentionally mean to each other.  

You can turn on the news on any given day, and hear about a shooting, it is to the point, where it doesn't even phase us anymore.  I realize we can't live in bubbles, but 10 years ago I would never think twice about going to a mall, airport, stadium , or whatever...but now I worry, worry if some crazy person is there with a gun.  The amount of innocent lives lost to this sheer insanity scares me.  It also sickens me that there seems to be no value or respect for human life, people just kill others way too easy.  Scary!  As a mom, I worry all the time about my children and their safety.  Especially that my younger kids are hitting the teenage years, and spending more times out with friends, it is frightening.  Living in fear is simply no way to live, so each day I pray that my family will stay safe.

Where I do think we as a society can make some difference is in how we treat one another.  I truly do not understand the sheer amount of "ugly" that is out there.  Certainly it is just easier to scroll on and say nothing, rather than taking the time to just say something mean or hurtful to someone.  I have said this before, but my mother always told me if I didn't have anything nice to say I just needed to keep my mouth shut, I now tell my children the exact same thing.  I am also a big fan of agreeing to disagree.  We are all never going to agree on the same things, we are always going to have a different opinion or point of view than someone else, and that is OK, that is what makes this world so great.  However, as great as that is, I feel as if freedom of speech has turned into just disrespecting whomever we please, and that just sucks.  

Being a parent is HARD, and I think being a parent nowadays is a lot harder then it was for our parents.  As parents, we do the best we can and hope and pray like hell that we have done a somewhat good job, and raise our children to turn into good adults.  I want my children to grow up knowing they should always stand up for what they believe in, to make sure their voice is heard, to be a leader and not a follower, but more importantly, what I stress to them OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN, is to always respect others, whether they agree or disagree with you, you respect them and their feelings.  I have learned over the years, that you don't have to like someone to respect them, and I truly believe if we all worked a little harder at being a little kinder and respecting each other this world would just be a better place!!

So those are my thoughts for today!  And if you are looking for an awesome chocolate chip cookie recipe be sure to check out my post from yesterday, and check back tomorrow for my Friday Favorites, and I will announce who gets the $25 Starbucks gift card!

Have a great day!

xoxo,

Kimm

Thursday Thoughts

Hello Ladies!

I have written before about divorce and trying to keep a healthy relationship with your ex for the kids, many times before, and every time that Kenny leaves after a visit, it reinforces to me why I have worked so hard over the years to keep it all as friendly and civil as possible.  

Marriage is HARD, most of us know this, but divorce is even harder.  Marriages end for a reason, so during that time, it isn't always easy to try and see the good in each other, and it is very easy to be mean and nasty.  People are hurt and angry, and lashing out and playing the blame game can become all too easy.  

When I decided to get a divorce the only thing I was worried about was my children and how they were going to handle it, I wasn't interested in making my ex's life a living hell at all.  Now I know that not all divorces can be "friendly", but I really believe it is so important to try your hardest when there are children involved.  

People ask me all the time, how do you do it, how can you be so friendly with your ex, and have him in your house, spending time with him?  Well for me the answer is so easy, my children...I do it for my children.  I am always going to be their mom, and Kenny is always going to be their dad, it doesn't matter if we are married or not.  And they deserve two parents who keep them a priority.  They didn't ask for their family to be broken apart, and they should never have to pay the price for our mistakes, and our failed marriage.  

I met my ex-husband when I was 15 years old, we started out as friends, dated, got married and had a whole bunch of babies, and when we realized the marriage was over, we made sure we ended it how we started it...as friends.  

Some days it is really hard, I would be lying if I said it was easy all the time.  But when we are all sitting on my couch, me, Mark, Kenny, the kids, and everyone is laughing, having a great time, I know it is ALL worth it.  

My children will grow up never doubting for a second how very much they are loved.  They know they have a mom and 2 dads who love them more than life itself and would do anything for them.  

These 5 kids are SO SO LOVED!

I realize that not all divorces can be this way, but I urge anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation to try your best to keep it as friendly and civil as possible.  I am not saying it is going to be easy, but I can tell you 100% that it is definitely worth it!

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

xoxo,

Kimm

Thursday Thoughts...

Hey there girls!

YES YES!!!

After 3 days home sick with a fever...Olivia is back at school!  It didn't even take a full two weeks for the back to school germs to get her! 

The kids are super excited today...I am heading to airport this morning to pick up their dad, and they are just thrilled he will be here for the weekend! 

I don't know about you guys, but these days I don't even want to turn on the TV...it seems as if every other day there is some senseless shooting, and way too many innocent lives being taken.  I have said it before and I will say it again, this world is getting scarier by the day.  As a mother, I am so over trying to explain all this senseless violence to my children, and trying to tell them that we will be OK and be safe...because the truth is...I don't know if we will be.  I mean we could be in any public place, and some crazy deranged person can just walk in and shoot it all up.  I worry about them at school all the time. Back when Brooke and Harrison were younger I do not ever remember worrying about someone coming into their school with a gun.  But these days...I worry about it all the time.  For the life of me, I just don't understand why there isn't a metal detector in every single school in this country.  I know some of the inner city schools have them, but wake up...this is happening even in the "good" areas.  I am sure there is much more involved to it than I realize, but seriously it just seems like a no brainer to me.  As parents, we should not have to worry about our kids not coming home from school because someone with a gun can get in and just kill everyone!

The lack of respect for human life is sickening to me.  I mean what type of person gets so mad, that they feel the need to go grab their gun and just kill them?  So scary!  Now a days you really need to think twice about what you say to people, and I find myself stressing that to my children all the time.  Years ago, I can remember having tiffs with neighbors, friends, co-workers, probably having a few choice words, and I never ever worried about them killing me.  The biggest worry was having your neighbor pissed off for a few days.  It makes me sad that people don't know how to talk anymore and work things out, haven't we seen by now, violence is NEVER the answer. 

Respect for others seems to be non-existent these days.  And well that is just scary!  I am all for freedom of speech, but seriously sometimes people just need to shut  up.  There is a VERY big difference between freedom of speech and just plain being disrespectful and an a-hole.  And I think what scares me the most is how many young children are just being brought up, thinking it is OK to just not have respect if they don't agree with it.  I want my children to have their own opinions and thoughts, however, I have always taught them, though they may not always agree with others, they must always respect them.  We are not all going to get along, we are all not going to like one another, we are all not going to agree on everything...and that is a good thing, because how boring would life be!  Liking someone and respecting them are totally different, and do not go hand in hand, in my opinion.  You don't have to like someone, or their views, thoughts or whatever, but you do need to respect them and their opinions. 

I truly believe if we would all just be more accepting of others this world would slowly get better.  We all have our own opinions and such when it comes to race, gay, lesbian, religion, politics, etc...and that is OK...at the end of the day we are all the same aren't we?  We are all human, and we should all be able to live our lives the way that makes us happy, not society.  I truly believe we can have our own opinions, but we can still be respectful and accepting of those that choose to live differently than we would. 

Every day I pray that this world gets better...as a mom raising young kids, it really is scary!

Those are my thoughts for today.  Hope you all have a great day today!  Be sure to check back tomorrow for Friday Favorites!

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!

 

 

 

 



Thursday Thoughts...Saving Money

Happy Thursday Ladies!

 

Hope you are all having a great week so far!

 

This little saying right here...so true!

 

Those of you who read over here, know that I love to shop, and now a days I feel like it is so easy to overspend, I mean it's literally as easy as one little click...and BAM, in a few days it's delivered to my doorstep!  I am a huge fan of online shopping, and will always prefer that, rather than having to go to the store and shop.  It is so convenient, but it can also be SO dangerous!  You see a good deal someone posted, you click it and buy it, you do that a couple times a week and you've easily probably just spent $100!  Listen I am so guilty of this!  I have always kind of been and "instant gratification" type person...and it can be bad! 

 

For the most part, bigger purchases Mark and I discuss together, but if I am out at Target and see something cute for the kids or the house, I will usually just grab it...and ladies isn't Target the absolute worst...I mean who ever goes into Target for just what they needed...NO ONE!

 

#truth

 

One of my goals for this year, is to really get serious about budgeting and saving money.  I have never ever been one to write down what I spend, however I took a good, hard look online at my bank account and all the debit card purchases and HOLY COW....way too many stupid, unnecessary purchases!  It is way to easy to whip out that debit card, and $5 here, $10 there...it all really adds up.  I am thinking for us we will set out cash each week, and we have to learn to budget and live within that certain amount.  This is definitely going to be a huge adjustment for us, but I am confident in the long run, it will be totally worth it. 

 

I have read a little bit about the envelope system, and I am thinking maybe we will try that.  I would love any tried and true tips that you guys have for budgeting and saving!  I am not going to lie, it can be a bit overwhelming!  So bring on your advice and tips...I am ready!

 

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

 

 



Thursday Thoughts...

Happy Thursday Girls!

 

I cannot even believe that Christmas Eve is two weeks from today!  2015 has flown by!  I am still not done with all my shopping, but I am not stressing about it, I know it will all get done in time!

 

 

If you have read my blog since October then you know our family has been through lots of changes.  We packed up and moved away from a life that we loved.  We left behind family and friends that we miss terribly, and quite honestly, it has been HARD for me.  During my first few weeks in the new place we now call home, I found myself doing A LOT of complaining.  I was complaining about everything...the heat, missing my family, the new school schedules, you name it, I was complaining about it.  I was finding joy in nothing.  Mark was getting really upset, he is always so supportive, he is a wonderful man, and I am lucky to have him by my side, but he was getting very annoyed with all my bitching, and for not trying to make the best of things.  Looking back, he had every right to be annoyed with me.  I wasn't the only one going through the changes, we all were, the difference was that everyone was focusing on all the positive things, not the negative ones! 

 

I loved my life in Charlotte, it was pretty darn good.  I loved where I lived, I had some great friends, my kids were happy, my family was close by...Charlotte made me happy!  After being here for about 7 weeks now, I realize that it isn't the "place" that made me happy, it is who I share my life with that makes me happy.  My truest happiness comes from within my four walls.  As long as I have my husband and my children, I can always be happy.  Now I am not saying that I still don't have days where I am just down, but for the most part I am finding happiness and joy again...and it's nice.  We made this move to better our lives, and I am so thankful that my husband works so hard to provide such a wonderful life for me and the kids.  I realize now that memories are wonderful, and making new memories and starting new traditions are just as wonderful. 

 

These past two months have taught me so much!  It is so easy, especially nowadays, to get caught up in always wanting more, thinking we need more "things" in order to be happy and feel fulfilled.  I love social media, I do, but sometimes scrolling through Facebook feeds, or Instagram pics, you can really start feeling bad as you see picture after picture of someone's "perfect" life, seeing all the "things" they have.  I myself have been guilty of it, but no more.  I have truly learned to appreciate what I do have, I know that "things" can provide you a sense of immediate happiness, but it fades quickly.  My house isn't new and big and perfectly decorated, but its where we call home, it is filled with things that money cannot buy, and to me that is way better!  I'm ok to share pictures that include a huge mess in the background, because that is my life, chaotic, crazy and at times messy!  Capturing the "perfect" picture is great, but it is very clear to me that being in the moment, rather than trying to capture it for the perfect social media post, is much more important. 

 

Going into 2016 I am going to constantly remind myself to be thankful for all that I do have, for it is so much more than many have.  We are always going to want more, it's just part of life, but I am really going to focus on all that I do have, and be content and happy with it. 

 

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

 



Thursday Thoughts...Getting Organized in 2016

Happy Thursday Ladies!


Seriously....one day!

With each new year that starts I always tell myself I am going to get organized, and well, I am pretty good for about a month, and well then life happens, and I immediately turn back into a scatter brain...which always leaves me feeling overwhelmed and stressed out!  Well this upcoming year, not only am I telling myself I am getting organized, I am going to be sure that I stay that way and hold myself accountable! 

I love reading blogs, and my favorite posts are always the "monthly goals", I love reading everyone's goals, and I love how the following month they let us all know how they did!  It always makes me feel good seeing that so many don't always achieve all their goals, but they don't let it get them down!  Starting in 2016 I am going to bog each month about my "goals" and I am really hoping I will do better knowing that I will have to follow up on them the following month!  Sometimes we just need to be accountable!  I know for me, it definitely helps!

Like most of you, I have a smartphone, and my iPhone can do just about anything, however I am so old school, and for me, writing things down is a much more effective way for me! 

I love a good planner!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Simplified Planner !  If you guys are looking for a great planner, you should definitely check it out!

I am loving my Pineapple Planner for 2016!

I love that I have the entire month at a glance, and then each day has it's own page..it has plenty of room for what I need! 

I am real good about writing things down and making lists, however sometimes in the rush of things I forget to look at it, and well it all goes south from there! 

I have noticed that on the days that I wake up an hour or so before I get the kids up, my days go much smoother.  I love my sleep, so normally I will get up at the last possible minute and I find that I am a crazy, rushing lunatic in the morning!  If I set my alarm for 5:30, I am DEAD tired when I roll out of bed, but I find that after a cup of coffee I am ok...and I really just enjoy my "quiet" time before the craziness starts.  I am starting this whole getting up early thing and I must say even though the past few mornings have been rough, getting up while it's still dark out, I find myself much more relaxed throughout the whole day. 



This made me laugh out loud...so funny and so true....

I have definitely let diet and exercise take a major back seat for oh about the past 9 months!  I absolutely HATE working out of any kind, however I am not one of those lucky enough that doesn't have to exercise or watch what I eat...I have to do BOTH...and I haven't...and my clothes can certainly tell that I haven't!  I figured it is almost pointless to get too crazy with the whole dieting thing right now with Christmas right around the corner, but I am hoping to watch what I eat.  I am a firm believer in moderation, I will never deprive myself of anything, and well pretty much since the spring I have indulged in everything!  I am definitely determined to get back on track in 2016.  More so than weight loss, I just want to be healthy and feel good about myself! 

2015 was a crazy year for us...and I am really excited to see what 2016 has in store for us!  I know that for me, being organized and having "all my ducks in a row" will help to ensure my year is great!  Would love to hear if you guys have any great tips for being organized, and eliminating stress from the grind of day to day life.  And I am super excited for the new year to share my goals with you each month!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for Friday Favorites!!!!





 

 



Thursday Thoughts....Trying To Adapt To Change

Happy Thursday Girls! 

 

Hope y'all are having a great week!  I can't believe tomorrow is Friday already...this week is FLYING by!

#truth

 

We have been here in our new home, new state for exactly 3 weeks today!  In some ways it feels like we have been here much longer, and in other ways it still feels pretty new!  I am happy to report that the kids are LOVING it here and have adjusted so well with their new schools!  I was really worried about them.  Olivia struggled with school so much and everyday was a fight back in NC...but holy heck she is so happy and girls...she LOVES going to school everyday!  Jack and AJ are awesome little boys, not because they are my boys, but because they really are just awesome!  They are friendly and outgoing, and they make friends easily!  I was worried about them...they are both in middle school, definitely a tough age to start a new school and make new friends.  By day 3 they were feeling pretty comfortable and had started making some friends.  They are still getting used to the new curriculum and schedules, but they are happy and enjoying school!  Mark started work last week...I love my husband but after him being home for 2 1/2 weeks I was so ready for him to get back to work.  He really seems to enjoy it, and he is confident he made the right career decision!

So with all that, everyone happy, I should be over here jumping for joy, loving life, right???  Well....not so much!  I am missing home BIG time!  It is beautiful here, but it is HOT, and when I say HOT, I don't mean like warm, I mean like mid 90's everyday, with humidity HOT...and I HATE the heat!  So that right there is just having me real depressed these days!  I am also missing Harrison like crazy..now I know he is about to turn 20, and it is really time to cut the cord, I get it, but not even being in the same state as him, not even getting to see him once a week has me really down.  Harrison and I have such an amazing relationship, and I just miss him!  He is happy, thriving, doing fantastic and it makes me so happy, but it doesn't change the fact that I miss him. 

I had a routine for the past few years, and I thrive on routine, so right now I am adjusting to my new routine!  I lived in Charlotte for ten years, so it is definitely hard teaching an old dog new tricks:)  I lived in the BEST area of Charlotte, and EVERYTHING was convenient to me.  I could be to 5 Harris Teeters in 4 minutes, I had 2 Targets within 5 miles of my house, a Starbucks pretty much on every corner, and the best mall ever about 12 miles away.  Now I know these are not the most important things in life, but that convenience was AWESOME.  I could tackle lots of things in one day, and still have time at home before the kids even got off the bus.  Here, things are not as convenient..I mean girls it takes me about 30-35 minutes to get to Target...and the mall...well it's no South Park that's for sure!  So now I am getting myself to be more organized, it's no longer convenient to run to Target everyday...and trust me that makes the hubs pretty darn happy! 

When we lived in NC, I would drop Olivia off to school around 8:30, and the boys would head to the bus stop around the same time...and then Olivia got off the bus around 4, and the boys got off the bus around 4:45...so I really felt like I had the whole day!  Here, I drop Olivia off to school at 8:20, then I drop the boys to school around 9:15, and I have to be at the bus stop by 2:35 to get Olivia, that hour and a half makes a HUGE difference!

I don't like to complain, and over the past few weeks I have definitely felt like a "Debbie Downer", complaining a lot, so I am really trying to repeatedly tell myself that change isn't always bad, and infact it can be very good.  I know in time, this will start feeling like "home", I will start meeting new people and making new friends, and soon enough I will be in my "groove"...but I would be LYING if I said it is all happening easily for me! 

There have been days when sometimes it's just all too much, and I just break down into tears and just cry because I am feeling sad and overwhelmed.  But then I quickly remind myself how blessed and lucky I am.  I shouldn't be complaining about where I live, at least I have a place to live right?  Not only do I have a place to live, I am lucky enough to share my home and life with the most amazing people...my husband and my children.  There is lots of love within my 4 walls, and the 700 mile move certainly didn't change that!

Thank you so much to everyone who reached out to me during the past month, all the words of encouragement have meant so much to me.  I am so thankful for this wonderful community of positive women!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for Friday Favorites!

 

 

 

Thursday Thoughts...Big School Changes

Happy Thursday Ladies!

 

Hope you are all having a great week so far!  I am ready for the weekend, the kids and Mark have been home with me for almost two weeks, everyone got back into their routines this week, and as ready as I was for them all to go, I am definitely missing them, and looking forward to us all being together this weekend!

 

We have certainly had a lot of change in our lives lately, and I am trying to be positive about it all, and I keep reminding myself that change can definitely infact be GOOD!

 

I must admit, the first week or so here kind of felt like we were on vacation...I mean I have never ever lived on the water, so it was definitely neat waking up each day to gorgeous views, the kids just walking to the edge of the yard and dropping their poles in the water....I mean I get to do this every single day!  I am not going to lie, I am really missing "home", I am especially missing the cooler temps that were just starting to come in NC...girls it is HOT here, and when I say HOT, I mean like 98 degrees HOT....I can't say I am a fan!  Everyone keeps telling me just wait until winter, I will be loving it...I am not yet convinced... only time will tell!

 

In addition to all the change for Mark and I, the kids also had big changes!  It's never easy starting over, not even for kids.  New schools, new friends, new routines, new everything.  They were all super excited about the move, but I also know they were nervous about starting school.  The boys are both in middle school, so I am so glad Jack and AJ are together at school.  The middle school is very different than what they are used to.  They are not used to having 7 classes each day, I tried explaining to them, that is how it was when I went to school, but they don't get it, so it has definitely been an adjustment this week for them going to so many more classes each day.  In addition to that, they are still feeling things out, trying to get the lay of the land so to speak, and make some new friends.  It sure isn't easy, but I am so proud of how positive they have been through this whole thing!  Their attitudes are great, and it's made me happy to hear that each day when they get home, that the day was better than the last, that they are talking to more and more of their peers, starting to make friends.  I know they are going do fantastic, they are GREAT boys, but I totally can appreciate how scary it all can be, starting all over!  They are both excited to get back involved in sports and get on with their lives!  They are super excited though about the school year being done before Memorial Day!  (I hope they realize getting out earlier only means they start back earlier...but I am not bursting their bubble yet)!

Now those of you who read my blog or follow me on social media know that Olivia has been known to be somewhat difficult in the mornings, and going to school isn't one of her favorite things to do...so you can imagine how I was FREAKING out when I found out that the elementary school was year round here!  I started panicking right away..and when I told her, well her reaction was exactly what I expected...she WAS NOT HAPPY!  I wasn't sure how I felt about this whole year round school thing...it is only the elementary school, so the thought of her and the boys being on different schedules was kind of flipping me out.  However I was absolutely LOVING that the school was a uniform school...I don't know about y'all...but I am all for uniforms! 

We registered the boys for school before we did Olivia, because the elementary school was closed for two weeks for a break.  While we were at the middle school they gave me a calendar for the both schools, I was anxious to look at it to see how crazy our schedules would be!  I was pleasantly surprised to see that though Olivia has A LOT of time off, many of their breaks are at the same time!  It will definitely be different having her home while the boys are at school, and vice versa!  The year round school isn't as bad as I originally thought.  She starts back around the second week in July, the boys don't start until August.  And they all have the entire month of June off! 

The boys school hours are pretty much the same as they were in NC...they start at 9:25 and get out at 3:55.  I drive them all in the morning, but they all take the bus home.  The boys get off the bus around 4:40, and another big change...the bus stop is FAR from our house.  I pick them all up from the bus stop each day.  It's a very far walk, and there is a main road involved which I am not comfortable with even the boys walking on.  Olivia's school hours are a bit different.  In NC she went from 8:45 until 3:45, here I drop her off by 8:30 and she is out at 2:20...I was used to being kid free from 8:30 each day until 4:00...now I get back from dropping the boys off around 9:30 and at 2:30 I'm at the bus stop picking up Olivia.  That has been an adjustment for me!  I love my kids...but I also enjoyed the time they were at school and was able to get a lot accomplished while they were gone.  I'm definitely still adjusting to my freedom ending at 2:30 each day...but I am certainly treasuring the extra time with my sweet little girl!

We just started school this week, so it is still kind of new to the kids...the boys seem happy, but say it is very different.  In NC, we had A/B days and they had 4 classes a day for 90 minutes, here they have 7 classes a day, for 40 minutes.  Personally I think it is better that way, but the boys don't seem to think so.  I think one they get used to it, they will like it way better.  They said all the kids seem nice, and so far they seem happy.  I know they will start making friends fast, and will be "fitting in" in no time! 

Girls, I was NERVOUS Tuesday when Olivia started...I was fully prepared for the tears, the fits, the clinging to my leg.  She woke up Tuesday morning and it took about 5 minutes before the tears started.  She was a MESS!  We got dressed, ate breakfast and headed off to school.  She was so sad and it broke my heart.  We got to school, I walked her into her classroom, and we were greeted by the sweetest kids.  They were so excited to have a new student and they all came up to Olivia, it was so sweet.  She however was still crying, clinging tight to me.  The teacher walked over to her and gave her a big hug...right away I knew she was going to be in an awesome class.  I could just tell this teacher was going to be great, and go out of her way to make Olivia feel comfortable.  I sat with her for a few minutes, then I had to leave.  She had tear filled eyes, and she looked so scared and so sad...I walked out to my car and just cried.  I was so nervous all day..but girls she came off the bus with the biggest smile I had ever seen!  She had the BEST day!  She couldn't stop talking about school, and she kept saying "mommy I can't wait to go there again tomorrow"...my mama heart was so happy!  She woke up Wednesday morning, all smiles, couldn't wait to get dressed and kept asking if it was time to leave, this girl couldn't wait to get back to school.  I seriously hope this continues...she has hated going to school since kindergarten...and probably 4 out of the 5  mornings were spent with her crying, begging to stay home..so to have her this excited...well it was HUGE!

Mark started his new job Wednesday, he is so excited, and I am so excited for him and proud of him!

We sure have had lots of change here in the past month, but we are super excited to see what the future holds for us!  Thanks for taking the time to read today!  Be sure to check back tomorrow for Friday Favorites!
 

 

 

 



Thursday Thoughts...After Game Snacks...

Happy Thursday Girls! 

 

 

I have been waiting for today to get here......

 

We are so excited for Football Season over here!!! 

 

Speaking of football, my Thursday Thoughts today are about my feelings on after game snacks for the kiddos!

 

Before I even go any further, please know these are just my thoughts and opinions, I don't expect everyone to agree with me! 

 

I have been involved in organized sports for years now, and I love being involved in these things with my children.  I have been "team mom" more times than I can even count, I have organized snack schedules, end of season parties, coaches gifts...you name it, I have probably done it!  I think back to the early years of my boys playing t-ball, and no doubt the best part of the game for them was the after game snack!  Those little boys would sit and pick grass out in the field, and sometimes take their sweet time running the bases, but once snack was busted out, they came running for their cookie and juice box:) 

 

My boys are not so little anymore, and long gone are the days of t-ball, now my kids are at the age where the game, NOT the snack, is the important part!  My boys, especially AJ, play competitively and to win!  We have been playing travel baseball for YEARS now, and we don't have snack after each game, it is up to the parents to make sure they have whatever it is their child is going to need/want to eat and drink during and after the game!  To me this is simple...no brainer!

 

Last year, as I was team mom once again for AJ's football team it really got me thinking...is all this snack crap necessary?  In the years past, I had organized a snack schedule for the team, sent out reminder emails all week, and yet it never failed that the designated snack parent for that week would show up without the snack...and hey I get it...we are all busy parents, snack isn't always at the top of the priority list!  So last year I thought to lessen the stress for everyone, I would take up a collection, and I would be sure to bring the snack and drink each week...the parents LOVED that idea!  The positive...snack was never forgotten..cold drinks and yummy treats were always there after the games...the negatives's...it's a major PAIN IN THE ASS lugging snack for 30 kids each week, not to mention it's expensive...last year I spent $36 a week on chips and gatorades for the team...that's INSANE!  In addition to it being a major pain, you always get that handful of kids complaining about the snack, they don't like it, they want something different, etc....and add in the kids with allergies, it can become a pretty stressful thing!  I decided after last year that I was NO longer going to participate in team snack anymore moving forward!  I spoke with AJ about it, and he could care less, (thank GOD), he is there to play the game!  I know my child, I know what he likes, and it is really so much easier to just throw a snack in your bag for your own child, than worrying about the entire team!

 

A few weeks ago, I got an email from the team mom, and it was all about snack, and she opened it up with "lets get to the important stuff first...snack"....I laughed a little bit...these boys are 11 and 12 years old...if snack is the most important thing, they should probably not be playing!  And it was decided between the team moms this year that in addition to an after game snack, we needed to provide them with a half time snack as well!  I nearly fell over in my chair as I was reading it!  I had already decided I wasn't participating this year, so I replied back to her email, simply stating that our family would not be participating in the snack sign up, and a snack and drink does not need to be provided for our child, we will make sure he has one if he wants one.  Immediately after I hit "send" I thought to myself, should I just have said screw it and signed up for the snack?  But after talking with Mark about it, and Harrison (who mind you is one of the coaches for the team), I knew I did the right thing by voicing my opinion, in a very respectful way, regarding snack.  The football game start to finish is just barely an hour, these kids are not babies, they can make it that long without having snacks midway and after the game.  This is a very competitive sport we are playing, and I can't speak for the all the kids on the team, but I know my son is there for one reason and one reason only...to get out there, play the best he can, and win the game!  AJ could care less about a bottle of Gatorade and a bag of chips after the game! 

 

I think it is great to have a little end of season celebration, or maybe a special treat after the last game of the season, but in my opinion I just think it is unnecessary to have snack after each game.  As a busy mom, I know for us, it is much easier for me to throw a quick snack and a drink in my bag for AJ after the game, rather than worrying about providing 28 kids with a snack. 

 

I have been involved in organized sports for many many years now, and I have seen it change so much over the years.  Some changes for the better and some, in my opinion, not so much for the better.  I can remember a time when trophies were only given to the winning teams, not every single kid, on every single team.  Now there are times when a score isn't even kept, well because it doesn't matter who won...YES, YES it does matter who wins! And it is so important to let our kids know how to lose, and that losing is OK.  We all want to see our kids win, and have a collection of trophies on their dressers, but I want for my children to have truly earned them, not just be given a trophy because he/she participated. 

 

I am sure many may feel differently than I do about this subject, and like always, I always respect everyone's thoughts and opinions, these just happen to be mine! 

 

This year, I decided to not over extend myself and volunteer for everything!  It's first year in FOREVER that I am not a team mom...and you know what I am totally fine with that!  It doesn't matter to AJ if I am team mom or not, what matters to him is that I am there every week watching him do his thing!  It will be so nice this year to just enjoy watching my boy play!  As a mom I want to see my children "win" at everything they do, but the reality is you can't win all the time.  Win or lose, as long as my kids go out there and give 100% all the time, I am proud.  My boys, especially AJ, has had his share of losing on the field, and I am always so proud of him for never being a sore loser. 

 

I am anxious to hear everyone's thoughts on after game snacks!  Be sure to check back tomorrow for Friday Favorites!

 

 

Thursday Thoughts....

Happy Thursday Ladies!

 

Hope you are all having a great week!  We have been enjoying our last few days of summer and running around like crazy trying to get everything we need together for school on Monday!

 

#truth

 

Lately I have found myself being just disgusted with so many people, I feel like nowadays there are so many negative, mean, back stabbing people out there!  I have seen so much change around me over the past 10 years, and I have to say, most of what I have seen I HATE!  I have always tried to look for the good in everyone and everything, I mean heck none of us are perfect, but I have always believed everyone has some good in them. 

 

I feel like it wasn't that long ago that people were truly supportive of one another, that people really wanted those around them to succeed, that people helped others for the simple fact of just helping them, no hidden agendas.  I feel like nowadays some people can only find joy and happiness by tearing someone down, people don't think twice about stabbing you in the back if it means it can benefit them. 

 

I find it so sad that we confide in people who we think we can trust, and sadly they just build an arsenal up to be used against you at a later date.

 

I hate that I have to raise my kids to be somewhat guarded, to have to tell them they can't trust someone just because someone swears they can be trusted.  I hate that lying has become all too easy for so many people.  For many, it is so much easier to lie than to tell the truth, and I just think it sucks! 

 

Over the years I have seen my circle of friends decrease in size dramatically, and I am really OK with that.  I have learned that quality over quantity is better any day!

 

 

Be sure to check back tomorrow for Friday Favorites!

 

 

 

 

 



Thursday Thoughts....

Happy Thursday Ladies!

 

Hope you are all having a great week.  I have been major blog slacking this week.  With the kids just getting back home and trying to get ready for our trip to Michigan...(we left bright and early this morning) I have had no time to so much as even compose a thought!

 

Anyway....I am sure many of you who are on social media and who blog have heard about Leslie Sisti , she blogged over at Blonde Ambition, and how she passed away earlier this week.  I started reading her blog a while back, and it was definitely one of my favorites to read!  I was absolutely heartbroken to hear of her passing, she was a young, beautiful wife and mother, and taken WAY TOO SOON!!

 

As a mother, this breaks my heart so much, these two little girls will grow up without their mother.

 

I hear sad stories all the time, but this one really got to me.  I just assume I will be around to watch my children grow, be here to watch them get married, have children, etc....but the truth is tomorrow is not promised to any of us.  Now I know we cannot live our life in constant fear of dying, but we can live our life to the fullest each day.  Making every single minute count, making it a point to tell our loved ones how much they mean to us, not holding grudges over the small stuff. 

 

I know that everything happens for a reason, and God always has a plan, but if I am being honest I definitely question it sometimes.  Why do bad things happen to good people?  What possible reason is there?  I can't sit here driving myself crazy asking these questions...I am aware of that, so all that I can do is treasure every single minute I have here. 

 

Elaine, over at Honey Pie Accessories is starting Sisti Sisters Letter Writing Campaign, it will be a collection of letters for Leslie's two daughters to read one day. I think it is wonderful that she is doing this for these sweet little girls.  I am sure when they are older, and read them all, they will be so thankful to have these.  If you are interested in participating, send Elaine an email to elainewelte@gmail.com and put in the subject line "Sisti Sisters Letters" . 

Also a GoFund Me page has been set up for Caroline and Ainsley for college and their weddings, I can't even think of a better cause to give to than this.  Any little bit, even $5 can help.  You can go HERE to donate!
 

 

So today, hug your loved ones a little tighter, make sure everyone knows how important they are to you, say you're sorry, be kind...make each day count with the ones who mean the most to you!

 

See you back here tomorrow for Friday Favorites!

 



Thursday Thoughts...Don't Judge A Book By It's Cover

Happy Thursday Ladies!  I am pretty excited for this week to end...because on Saturday my kiddos are coming back home! 

We are all guilty of it at one time or another...you know looking at someone and making a judgement without even knowing them.  I know in the past I have surely done that, though in recent years I have really tried to no longer do that.  I know that it is so easy to look at someone, and base judgement solely on their appearance, and well it is just wrong, and honestly none of us should do it.  Lately with all that is going on in this crazy world we live in, I have found myself preaching acceptance, and how important it is.  I am CONSTANTLY telling my children how important it is to be kind, compassionate, accepting and to never judge anyone because maybe they look "different" , it's an important lesson that everyone needs to learn.  The world has become so mean lately, I find myself coming into contact with more mean people than nice people, it really makes me angry!  It is just as easy to be nice, and if you can't find it in you to be nice and if you have nothing positive or kind to say to someone, then just keep your mouth shut!!

For the most part I am usually "tough", I have learned over the years that I can't take so many things to heart, and for the most part people's opinions of me, what I do, my family, anything really...well they just don't matter.  The only opinions that I concern myself with are those of the ones that are living within the same 4 walls as me.  I can close my eyes, and sleep well at night knowing I am doing right by my husband and my kids, and well that is all that matters! 

Last week I was in Nordstrom, and while I was waiting to pay there were two older women behind me, and we started chatting, they seemed sweet.  One of the woman said to me, and I quote "you're such a pretty lady, it is a shame you have all those tattoos all over yourself, when you're old and your skin is all wrinkly you'll probably be sorry you got them".....my first thought, I wanted to nicely tell this woman to shut the f*%k up, but I got hold of myself and put a smile on my face, laughed a bit and said, that I happen to love them, and I am sure that even when I am old and wrinkly I will still love them!  She proceeded to say how she thinks it is so silly that young people and go out and get tattoos while they are young and most wind up regretting them later in life, and how she thinks it is just disgusting when she sees mothers pushing around their babies, with tattoos all over them.  I was biting my tongue the entire time, I mean I seriously wanted to tell this lady off, but in a very nice way, told her that actually I did get my first tattoo when I was younger, 25, but the other two I had just recently got within the past 3 years.  She simply said "oh", and that was the end of the conversation.  I can't say it really bothered me, I mean these two old women and their opinion of me means absolutely nothing.  I really didn't give it a second thought, and went about the rest of my day, shopping and enjoying my day. 

Later that night as I was sitting on the couch I did start thinking about that conversation with those two women, and it wasn't that I even gave a shit what they thought of me or the 3 tattoos that I have, but how incredibly rude it was of them to even say anything to me at all.  I am all for freedom of speech, and always respect everyone's opinions and all that other BS, but being rude or unkind in anyway is just something I will never ever respect or be OK with.  People now a days truly think it is OK to say what they want, when they want, and too many people just don't taste their words before they spit them out.  It really got me to thinking, are there really people out there who would look at a mother with a few tattoos and just assume she wasn't a good mother?  I mean WTF!!! 

We all need to just stop judging people, who are any of us to judge someone solely on their appearance, without getting to know them.  I am such a firm believer in that if YOU are comfortable with who are you, than that is all that should matter.  Like I said earlier, I myself have definitely been guilty of jumping to judgement on a person based on their appearance, but I can assure you I no longer do that.  I hear people talk crap all the time, talking about someone and how they dress...ummm...hello.....just because wearing nice clothes is important to you, it may not be important to the girl next to you, and seriously there is nothing wrong with that. 

I absolutely love this quote...it is so true.  What's on the outside really doesn't matter, it is truly what is on the inside that does!

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





Thursday Thoughts...Let's All Practice Acceptance

Happy Thursday Ladies!

 

We are pretty excited over here that we have exactly one week of school left...bring on summer..we are ready!

 

Unless you have been living under a rock, then I am sure you know the story taking over everything...the world has met Caitlyn Jenner.  And it wasn't long after it took over the internet and social media that people started voicing their opinion.  I have to say that I was blown away a bit by some of what I read.  It's so crazy to me see a feed on Facebook that goes from someone giving their opinion to an all out pissing contest and people defriending people left and right for not having the same views as themselves.  For a brief moment I thought it was 1991 and I was back in high school:)

 

A few months ago I did a post on my thoughts on vaccinating your child, you can read it here , and I must have stated a gazillion times I was simply giving MY opinons, and wow people can be so cruel, and holy heck there are people who think if you don't agree with them you are just an idiot...truth is I loathe people like that.  I respect everyone's opinions, I may not always agree with someone's views, but I will always respect them.  It's my opinion that many people just have zero respect for others, and that is just so wrong.

 

As I was going through Facebook Monday night, I sat there with my jaw dropped reading some of the comments and opinions of people.  I love that we are able to express our opinions freely, but it seems as though lately people just cross the line. 

 

These are solely just my opinions, I am not saying it is right or it is wrong, it is just how I feel.  When I watched the Diane Sawyer interview with Bruce Jenner, there were times during the interview I actually teared up.  It made me so sad to hear how this was something he struggled with his entire life.  Can you imagine not being able to be who you wanted to be because society says it's "wrong"?  I think it was very brave and courageous, why shouldn't he be able to live his life for himself, what is so wrong with him wanting to be happy? 

 

I had posted a comment on a feed saying we all need to stop judging him and others because they appear different than us, we just need to all concentrate on our own lives.  Well...that turned into a response about how God thinks its wrong, and the Bible says it's wrong, and well there is something just wrong and not ok with a kid being raised by two moms or two dads, no one is born like this, it's a choice....seriously...back down people!  Again, this is solely MY opinion, but I don't think this is something you choose, I do think people are born this way.  I have many friends that are gay, and I can say first hand, as I watched one of them struggle with "coming" out, that this wasn't a choice, it was who they are, right from the start.  I did get angry when I read the comment about how having two same sex parents is just awful and ruining our kids...I would love for that person to walk into Olivia's classroom and tell the little boy that lives at home with his two moms that...this little boy is happy, well rounded, social and most importantly living in a home surrounded with love...how on earth can that possibly be so wrong and damaging?  Again, this is just my opinion. 

 

My feelings and opinions are so simple, everyone should be entitled to live their life the way that they see fit, the way that makes them happy.  I don't feel like it is for us to judge or say how someone should live their life.  Constant "labeling" needs to stop, it really doesn't matter if you are gay, lesbian, transgender, pink, purple, black or white, at the end of the day we are all the same aren't we...we are all human beings. 

 

Someone made a comment to me yesterday that they were praying for my children, because I am raising them not in God's word....I am raising my children to be accepting, to be kind to others, to not judge or ridicule someone because they live their life differently than we do.  I think what surprised me the most was how many self proclaimed God loving, Bible reading, church going people, are so judgemental and so unaccepting of people who are not living their life the way they think is right. 

 

I am not writing this today because I am hoping everyone reading this agrees with my views and opinions, I am writing it because I am sick and tired of seeing so much ugly out there in this world.  There is a difference between voicing your opinion and trying to jam your beliefs down someone's throat, and then getting nasty when they don't agree with you.  I admit that we don't go to church often, and I don't read the Bible, but I do believe in God, and I do believe that God wants for me to live my life in a way that is right for me, and no one else.  Kids, young children are taking their lives because they are constantly being made fun of for being "different", this to me is tragic.  I would never ever try and change someone's opinions or beliefs or values or anything like that, but what I would love to see is us parents to really teach our children how important it is to be accepting of all human beings, being kind is just not that hard, and if you just can't be nice, do as my mother told me when I was a little girl..."if you don't have anything nice to say then just keep your mouth shut". 

 

#truth....that's all

 

Thanks for taking the time to read today, be sure to check back tomorrow for Friday Favorites!

 

 



Thursday Thoughts....Carving Out Couple Time

Happy Thursday Girls.

Yay!

If there was one thing I could get more of it would be time!  There are some days when there is literally just not enough hours in the day to get everything done that needs to get done.  Some days are just so crazy busy that by 8:00 I am just done and find myself heading to bed as soon as I get the kids settled, and then there are days when I am pushing myself to get it all done and I am up until 2am.  It's a vicious cycle for sure.  Like most moms, I tend to focus most of my time and energy on my kids, and unfortunately my husband and my marriage gets kind of put on the back burner.  My husband is a super great guy, and he really doesn't ask for much, but the one thing that is super important to him is for us to make it a point to find time for "us".  I am very ashamed to admit it, but I have been seriously failing in this area lately.  I certainly don't take my husband or marriage for granted, but sometimes I get so caught up in the kids and everything else, I kind of push him to the side, thinking he of course knows I love him and want to spend time with him, but I am just busy doing other things.  When I actually write that it makes me feel just awful, I mean how can I be too busy for my husband?  Mark is so so good to me.  No matter what he always puts me first, he makes such a conscious effort to let me know every single day how important I am to him, and I am truly thankful for that! 

When we first met, we had lots of date nights, you know, that whole new and fresh relationship stage, well when you are in your mid 30's and have children, that doesn't last too long, and real life quickly settles in.  Probably the first two years we were together we had a date night once a week, usually just dinner, home by 9, but it was so nice to just get out and be away from the kids for just a little bit.  The past couple of years life has just gotten so crazy, the little kids are not so little anymore, and are involved in sports and activities that occupy so much of our free time.  Now don't get me wrong, we love how involved our kids are, and we love being there to support them, but it's a huge commitment of time, and it absolutely effects our entire family.  When we have a weekend free, we are usually so exhausted we both just prefer to stay home, and we are usually pretty content to be curled up on the couch and watch TV.  We have both decided though, that as much as we love hanging out at home in our sweats with the kids, once a month we need to go to dinner or something, just the two of us.  So my goal right now is to make that a priority, and make sure it does in fact happen. 

Mark and I probably go away twice a year, for the weekend, by ourselves.  I see that so many couples take little weekend getaways like once a month, but that right now doesn't fit into our lifestyle or budget.  So the couple of times that we are able to get away for a weekend without the kids, we truly treasure every single second of it. 

One of the most important things to Mark is that we go to bed every single night together, and that is something I am really trying make sure happens each night.  With 5 kids and a whole lot of craziness here from dinner time to bed time, it's hard sometimes for the two of us to even have a conversation some nights.  I find on the nights I make it a point to go up to bed with him everynight, we are able to just have simple, yet important conversations, talk about our day, make plans and set goals for the future, and this little mundane time is so so important in our marriage.

My mother always told me that your children of course should be a priority, but always make your husband and marriage your first priority.  When she first told me that, I thought it was the most ridiculous thing I had ever heard, I mean how could anything be more important than my children????  As I have gotten older, I see that she was right.  When I truly make the effort to make our marriage a priority, we are both happier, we are solid and strong, and that makes us better parents. 

Life is crazy hectic not only for me, but for every other mom out there, and it's so important to make a sincere effort to be sure to carve out time for just you and your husband.  I have learned over time, to not feel "guilty" about us going out or doing something without our kids.  As much as it is our jobs to nurture our children, spend time with them doing what they love, take care of them, etc...it is just as, if not more important to give that same attention to your marriage. 

Would love to hear what everyone else does to make time for just themselves and their husbands!