Handling the Holidays With A Blended Family

Happy Wednesday Ladies!  Normally I do What I Wore on Wednesdays, but I was MAJOR slack this week with taking pictures, so instead of reading about what I wore today, I am going to share with you how we handle holidays, and other events as a blended family!  

I love this!!!

For those of you who did not know that I was divorced and remarried, you can read more about that here .  I share so much of our life on Facebook and Instagram, and over the past few years I have gotten tons of emails, FB messages and comments of people saying how great they think it is how my ex-husband and I do what we do for our children, and many have asked how we even tolerate each other, let alone be in the same room with one another...because most divorces are messy, nasty and the couple that was once was united and together is now in constant battle mode, and wishing ill-will on the other.  I am very happy and proud to say that my ex-husband and I do NOT fit that category!  Obviously we got divorced for a reason...but it was very important for me to never ever have a messy, hate-filled divorce, and I absolutely would NEVER make it so my children were put in the middle and forced to ever choose sides.  Back in 1990 is when I met my now ex-husband, and we started out as friends, and once we decided to divorce, it was important to me that we end as friends.  I wanted that for so many reasons, but mainly because during the course of our marriage we brought 5 children into this world, 5 children who did not ask for their parents to get divorced, 5 children who needed love and support from both their mother and father, 5 children who did not deserve an ounce of heartache due to our failure.  Now before I go any further, I fully understand that some people are just mean and cruel, and a friendly divorce just isn't possible, but I do strongly believe that if the two parents always keep the children front and center, it can be alot friendlier than they would think.  I was very fortunate that the father of my children is a very good man, even though we are divorced, he still meets all his responsibilities as their father, you can imagine how terrified I was being a single mom to 5, even in divorce, I was able to continue to be a stay at home mom, my ex-husband knew that paying a higher child support, so our children would not have to come home to a babysitter, or I would not have to go back to work full time and put my 1 year old in daycare, was important not only to me, but our 5 children, I am truly forever grateful for the sacrifices that he made to ensure the happiness of our children.  

So, we got off to a pretty good start, and just as I was adjusting to life as a single mom, I met a pretty wonderful, amazing man, who is now my husband.  It wasn't long after meeting Mark that I knew he was special, and that falling in love with him was pretty much inevitable, but then I came back down to reality and thought, "yea ok, he is a great guy, but seriously Kimm who is going to want to get involved with a woman with 5 kids?????"   I know woman say all the time that their husband is the greatest, but ladies my husband is truly wonderful, we fell in love pretty quick, and him and my children fell in love with each other even quicker.  Any woman who has gone through a divorce understands what I am talking about, it is so scary introducing your children to someone, and hoping there is a connection, because we have all heard those horror stories of "evil step parents", and I seriously wake up and go to bed every single day thanking God for the life that I have.  

Up until I had met Mark my ex-husband and I had a pretty decent relationship, my intention was to keep it that way, for the obvious reason we had 5 children together, 3 of which were still little and need us to "get along", so I was very honest with Mark, even though I knew he may get a little freaked out of the relationship I had with my "ex", I needed him to not only be aware of it, but to be "OK" with it also...and well like I told you before he really is wonderful, and he was totally fine with it, you see,though it isn't ideal and considered to be the "norm" to have the friendly relationship my ex and I do, Mark understood it and felt the same as I did. So, of course the first time Mark and Kenny were going to meet, well you could say I was a little ALOT nervous....and about 5 minutes into the meeting, they were cracking jokes and laughing...yup there I was standing in my house with my new partner, my ex-husband and all 5 kids running around and it wasn't akward, or weird...it just felt normal....major sigh of relief on that one!!!! 

My ex and I had discussed how we were going to handle holidays, etc when it came to the children, and well right away I knew that there was no way I was ever giving up my children on Christmas, like over my dead body that was gonna happen, and then I thought neither one of us should not be able to enjoy these moments with our children, and our children shouldn't have to choose who to spend holidays with, so I spoke to Mark about it and we agreed that Kenny would always be welcome to spend the holidays here with us, and well 4 years later that is what we still do.  My ex lives out of state, so when he comes to visit the kids, he stays here at our house, sounds crazy right....but it works for us, we all truly get along and I cannot even put into words what this means to our children.  You see our youngest is only 6, so we have so many more years of parenting together and milestones such as graduations, weddings, holidays, etc that we will all need to be together for, so for us, getting along is just the only way to do it.  

   A few years ago on Christmas, all of us together making stockings

This is probably one of my favorite pictures, I mean look at this, Olivia with her father and step-father, what a lucky little girl to be loved by two wonderful men

No matter what we are still her parents!!!

This past spring, we all vacationed together, us, Kenny, his girlfriend and her children, yup we vacationed together, no one killed anyone and we all had a blast!

AJ super excited to have Daddy here for Easter (and incase you are wondering that is Harrison dressed up as the Easter Bunny....major good sport!!)

Clearly there is no mistaking the love they all have for each other in this picture...this clearly proves that blood does NOT make family....but love surely does...one of my favorite quotes, "A step parent is much more than just a parent; they made the choice to love you when they didn't have to " #weareblessed

My heart could burst....words cannot describe how much I love my people!!!

TRUTH!!!

So as you can see we all do really get along, and I always love when I read a comment or someone sends me a message saying how wonderful they think it is that we do this, and that I must have married a saint to put up with the ex husband staying at our house, and sharing our holidays...but here is the truth...it isn't always easy, I would be lying if I said none of us ever argue, disagree or fight, but we always get past it.  You see, we do what we do for the fierce love all 3 of us have for these children, there is nothing more important to any of us than their happiness and sometimes that means putting our happiness off to the side to do what is right for them.  So many people I talk to say they "hate" their ex, hate is such a strong word, and yes we did get a divorce for a reason, but how on earth could I ever hate someone who gave me the greatest gifts I have ever received?  My husband isn't a saint, he is a good man, who loves my children like they were his own, he respects their father and who he is, he isn't trying to replace their dad, we have no competition over here, my ex husband is grateful that I married a man who truly adores his children and doesn't treat them as "step children".  

I learned alot going through a divorce and having to start all over and one thing I learned that anything can happen, and if you truly have faith, things will work out in the end.  I can only speak for our family, and though it hasn't always been easy, I can absolutely say it has always been worth it.  

I know not every divorce can work out this way, but so many people have asked me about how we do it, and I don't have a concrete answer other than the fact that no matter what our children will always always always come first, our new significant others knew going in, we are parents first, and even though we aren't married to one another anymore, we still have 5 children who need their mom and dad on the same team.  We have had some kinks we have had to work out along the way, we are all still learning.  It of course makes me so sad for my children, I never thought they would be one of "those" kids whose parents got divorced, but I have 5 very well adjusted, happy children...some days are harder than others, and some days you wonder is it all worth it, am I doing things right, and then one day out of the blue your 10 year old says "Mom I am so lucky that I get to have two dads and they both get to watch me open my presents from Santa"....and it's at that moment, I know I am not perfect, but I am doing something right, all the ups and downs that we sometimes dealt with are all worth it, because my 5 children know how much they are loved and they realize how truly lucky they are!!!!

Thank you so much for stopping by today...I know this post is not the normal every day happy go lucky post, but its a part of my life that I am not ashamed of, but rather I am proud of, I am proud of how we handled our divorce and I am proud that we put our children first, always no matter what!!!  

Have the BEST day!!!  Happy Hump Day

Comfy Clothes & PJ's

Happy Tuesday Girls!  You guys already know that this girl is all about comfort, I love being comfy, and my happiest is when I am in my PJ's! With our Christmas break fast approaching I will be spending alot of time in what I consider to be my "comfy clothes".....so today is all about some pajamas and some comfy clothes that feel like pajamas, but that you can wear out of the house!!

While the kids are in school we are always so so busy, so when they are home on a break, we really

 do cherish the time home, and we all actually enjoy doing nothing.  My kids are so content to hang home and just play with their friends...it is so nice to get a mini break from the rat race of life.  Our kids are done with school this Friday and don't head back until January 6...I don't have a heck of alot planned, maybe a little shopping and a few lunch dates, but other than that this crew is just gonna relax!!!

If I could I would stay in my pajamas all day every day...seriously, no lie!!!!  Now don't get me wrong I do like getting dressed, putting on a super cute outfit, but if I had my choice I will always go with comfy clothes!  I am so glad I have found some super cute comfortable stuff that I can wear outside of my house and still look put together!

Right now these pajamas are pretty much my favorite thing to wear.  I have bought two pairs and they have been the only pajamas I have worn for the past month!  My mom is getting these for Christmas and I know she is going to love them as much as I do.

So Sheaffer over at PTMT highlighted these slippers a few weeks ago, and well I thought I would give them a try....HOLY COMFORT!!  These are just awesome...and I love that they are really cozy but also durable enough to walk outside with them on.....this could possibly be the best $40 I have ever spent!!!!

So pretty much if you come to my house at anytime after 5pm you will find me in those pajamas and slippers!!

When pajamas are just not acceptable attire, I usually try to reach for something that I can be comfortable in, especially during the winter months!  I wear leggings ALOT during the winter months, like probably 5 out of the 7 days...I just love them!!!  

These  leggings are pretty much my favorite of all time, I have them in black and grey and wear them all the time!!!! 

After falling in love with the leggings I went ahead and tried these denim leggings and loved them just as much.  

I love this outfit, of course I am wearing the leggings , this t-shirt, and my favorite cardigan from old navy  I can throw on some boots and be comfortable, yet look "pulled" together to leave my house.....WIN WIN

The other day I was in Target, it is like my home away from home, and I was back in the "workout" section and saw the cutest fleece top, then I went over into the woman's section and found the absolute cutest sweatpants ever, I bought both of them, and I seriously think I am going back for different colors of the shirt and different patterns for the pants, this outfit to me screams comfort and I can wear it out and look decent, and it is ridiculously affordable!!!!

I love these sweatpants and this sweatshirt!  I have a hair appointment Friday and some last minute shopping to handle and I am 99.99% positive I will be wearing this outfit!!!!  I haven't officially worn this yet, but I can't wait to!!!!

So pretty much you will find me for the next couple months in sweatpants, leggings, and comfy tees and tunics!!!!

Have the BEST day today!  Thanks for stopping by today

Weekend Wrap Up

Happy Monday Ladies!!

Yup...this pretty much sums up how I feel about Mondays....they just come around too quick!!!!

This is the last week of school for the littles...AJ and Olivia have their classroom holiday parties this week, so they are very excited about that...but really they are just excited for Friday to get here and not have to go back to school until January 6th!!!  The reality also set in that this is their last week of school and this mama still has a TON to do before Chrtistmas.....YIKES!!!!  

My hubby headed out of town Friday morning for the weekend....so it was just me and the kiddos!   I have been going back and forth the past few weeks between upgrading to the IPhone 6 or the 6 plus, and well on Friday I decided why not just go big...I am definitely loving my new phone....but it definitely takes a little getting used to...it really is ALOT bigger than my IPhone 5s!!!  My boys were making fun of me saying "mom it's not a phone, its a phablet...."  they are just too funny!!!!  I thought I would be quick just running in to do the upgrade, well duh nothing is EVER quick, I was there like 2 hours!!!  So I hit the drive through at McDonalds on my way home and we ate Big Macs, chicken nuggets, and cheeseburgers at 9 pm.....and I have to admit, even though it is so not good for you, it tasted so delicious!!!

Once I got everyone settled in for the night, like 10:30pm...I started opening some of the packages that had been delivered earlier that day....and well....my Kate Spade earrings that were supposed to be delivered Monday were delivered Friday.....yup...I was ESTATIC!!!

These earrings are nothing short of fabulous...they are sold out pretty much everywhere...but if they come back in stock everyone needs to buy them!!!!!

I have a ton of wrapping to do...and my plan was to start and finish wrapping what I had Friday night...well after my phone upgrade excursion and eating dinner at 9:00, I decided it just wasn't going to happen...

Instead this happened...cozy pajamas, slippers, Hallmark Christmas movies and Pepsi...it was a pretty perfect night!!!!! 

Saturday morning Olivia raced downstairs to see where the Elf was, she was cracking up hysterical when she found him.....

I've seen so many "pooping" Elf pictures on Instagram and I just knew my kiddos would think this was just hilarious...Olivia said to me "hey mom I think he poops chocolate chips because he eats so many cookies in the North Pole"  All's I can say is thank God for Instagram....I've pretty much gotten most of my elf ideas from there!!!! #elfideastealer

Later Saturday morning I knew I needed to go run a few quick errands at Target, I kinda new that the stores were going to be crazy...but I decided to go anyway...the store didn't seem too crowded, however the parking lot and traffic a totally different story....

No lie...took me 25 minutes to just get out of the parking lot!!!  At that point I hit the drive thru Starbucks and headed home!!!!

It was a beautiful, warm day here Saturday, so the kids were pretty much playing outside all day long, which allowed me to catch up on housework, laundry, and some Hallmark movies:)  After another take-out dinner (I pretty much never cook when Mark is out of town), we got in our jammies and made some Christmas cookies.

And when I say make Christmas cookies, I mean I bought the roll of sugar cookie dough, sliced it, baked them and let the kiddos put some frosting and sprinkles on them.  I am hoping to do some "real" holiday baking before Christmas but I am just not sure that is going to happen...the kids though seemed totally fine with this cheat method!!!!

And then I figured why not wash all that icing and stuff down with a Coke!!  (fyi, it was only maybe a 1/4 full...but she thought it was fantastic to get drink it)

She was so proud of this cookie, she said it was the most special one she made.  Love it...but I am loving that toothless grin even more!!!!!

On Sunday morning, as usual, Olivia raced downstairs to see where the Elf was...

Another "borrowed" elf idea that I have seen on either Instagram or Pinterest...Olivia absolutely loved it and the boys were excited to get some gum!!!  

That was pretty much the only picture I took on Sunday, because I pretty much spent the day in my pajamas, doing laundry, cleaning, and watching football.....fun lazy Sunday!!!

Thanks for stopping by today!  Hope you're weekend was fantastic!  Have the best day!!!!!

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!!!!

Happy Friday Girls!!!  I am so happy the week is about to end...bring on the weekend!  Today I am linking up with Andrea , Erika , and Narci and sharing some of my Friday Favorites with y'all!  Grab the graphic and link up too!!!!

So, this weekend my hubby is heading out of town, he goes to Florida every year to drive his mom back here, she spends the winters here in NC, I hate when he goes out of town, but I love that he does this every year for his mom.  

He isn't just my favorite today, but EVERYDAY!!!!  This is one of my favorite pictures, Olivia just adores him, and well she pretty much has him wrapped around her finger:)  Second marriages can be a little scary, especially when there are children involved, I am so thankful that I was able to find love again, and be able to marry a wonderful man who not only loved me, but instantly loved my children.....we are all so lucky!!!!!  

One of my favorite things to do is eat, yup I admit it...I love to eat...it just makes me happy!!!  

I was in Trader Joe's last Sunday and these babies were right there as soon as I walked in, well, I needed them, I had never tried them before but I knew I needed them.  It is safe to say that this bag was opened before I even pulled out of the parking lot...and let me tell you....DELICIOUS....sweet, salty, and a little peppermint...Christmas goodness as far as I am concerned...if you have a Trader Joe's by you, you should definitely go and grab these....

The past few months have been crazy around here, and somewhat stressful, both boys were playing football, I was driving all over creation multiple nights a week for practice, they were getting home at 9pm, and then they would eat dinner and then start homework, just very long days, enough to stress this mama out!!!  I started taking some time each day, to just sit for like 15 minutes at my desk with a cup of coffee, or a Pepsi, and write down things that I was grateful for that day, or some good moments of the day, it definitely helped me regroup, breathe and re-focus.

I picked up this super cute little journal at Tuesday Morning, and each day I write in it...it has definitely become one of my favorite things to do each day!

So if you have read this blog, then you know I have a serious love for Kate Spade earrings, I own quite a few of her square studs, and pretty much wear them everyday.  A few weeks back I saw the new glitter ones, and at first I wasn't sure how I felt about them, well after I was home for like an hour I decided that they were just fabulous and I needed them....well I went to order them and the ones I originally wanted, the multi color glitter, were sold out, so I bought the gold glitter ones...and I got them and I LOVED them...I probably wear them 4 days a week, they are fabulous and I am a true believer that too much glitter is never a bad thing!!! Check out my glitter earrings here !  Well I was doing some shopping online the other night and guess what.....

these were available....I have seriously looked everywhere for them,  and they have been sold out everywhere...I went to check them again as I was posting this, and they are no longer available again at Nordstrom.  I am so glad I immediately ordered them the other night, they are scheduled to be delivered Monday and I seriously cannot wait!!!!  Lesson learned, always go with your gut, if you love it, buy it, before it sells out!!!!

So there you have it...a few of my Friday Favorites this week, be sure to grab the graphic and link up...can't wait to read everyone's favorites this week.  

With my hubby heading out of town this weekend, we are planning a whole lot of Christmas movie watching, cookie baking, and not too much else, and I cannot wait!!!  Thanks for stopping by today, have a great weekend and be sure to check back Monday for our weekend wrap up!!!

Last Minute Holiday Gifts

Happy Thursday Girls!!!!

Can you even believe that Christmas is in just two weeks away!!!!  

Yea...pretty much how I am feeling right about now!!!

 I wish I could say that I am done shopping, and everything is wrapped and ready to go, sadly I cannot say that.  I am about half way done with my shopping, and what I have bought so far is pretty much thrown in my closet still in bags, I am hoping this weekend while my hubby is out of town, to spend some serious time in my closet going through what I already have, and making a list of all I still need to get.  Having 5 children is fabulous, but being Santa to 5 can be a bit overwhelming!!!!  Shopping for my older two is usually the easiest, they are very specific in what they want, they usually email me their list with lots of links, so I can just click and buy, easy peasy!!!!  The three little ones is a different story, Olivia, 6, seriously wants everything she sees on TV, every day at least a few times a day, I hear "Mom come here quick and see this, I really want this for Christmas", this is one of the reasons I don't shop early, because they tend to change their mind often.  My little boys are at that stage where they are really not into toys anymore, and are very into electronics, video games and clothes, but that still doesn't prevent that normal week before Christmas, hey mom can I add something else to my list.  I always try and get them what they are asking for and then add a surprise or two in there, something they may not have asked for, but something I just know they will love.  Below are a few things that would make some great last minute gift ideas, or little extras for your loved ones!

Pretty much every woman I know would love to have this....it is inexpensive and great little extra to give someone.

Candles...who doesn't love a great smelling house.  I love receiving candles as gifts!  I was at Yankee Candle a few weeks ago and they had a special buy 2 large candles, get 2 large candles free, I got 4 candles for $60, that is $15 per candle, awesome fairly inexpensive gift.

This needs no explanation...CHOCOLATE....I mean who wouldn't love to get something like this!!!

Nail Polish....I am sure lots of ladies on your gift list love having pretty nails...this would make a great little gift to give your babysitter!

For all the coffee lovers out there...how fun to get a cute travel mug and maybe add a Starbucks gift card.

So there you have it, just a few things that would make great last minute gifts.  Hope you all have a great day!.  Thanks for stopping by today...be sure to check back tomorrow to see my Friday Favorites.

What We Wore Wednesday

Happy Wednesday Ladies!  So glad we are half way through this week....like usual, by Wednesday I am pretty much ready for the weekend!!!!!  I feel like things have been crazy around here lately, I cannot even believe Christmas is two weeks away, and I am not even half way done with my shopping!  I have been dressing pretty comfy these days...the weather has been a little cooler here, and I am all about being cozy and comfortable on days like that!!!!

This is one of my favorite outfits to wear, it is comfy, simple, but looks totally cute.  I absolutely love my Kendra Scott Necklace , it looks like it isn't available in the neon yellow anymore, but all the colors are fabulous, you can't go wrong with anything color!  Its such a great necklace and adds a little bit of pretty to any outfit.  I got these pants from Hippie Chick Boutique , check out their website, seriously adorable stuff at a great price!!!! These pants are so comfortable....love love love them, and I always get a TON of compliments everytime I wear them.  Of course I am wearing My Favorite Flats , love love love these shoes.  Definitely worth the money!!

I already told you of my love for tshirts with cute sayings on them...I ordered this from a boutique I follow on Instagram...its fabulous.  Of course i am wearing My Favorite Jeans and my flats.  Perfect little outfit to throw on and run some errands.

I have pretty much been wearing these Kate Spade Glitter earrings every day...I love love love them.

This sweatshirt is flippin fabulous, its comfy and its sparkly...its just awesome...sadly it is sold out online, but some stores may have...if you can find it, you should get it!!!!

This sweatshirt is another one that I have and absolutely love, it isn't available online but they say it may be available in stores...it is pretty great too!  I love Loft and I love the Lou & Grey line, it is all just perfect!

So that is a little bit of what I am wearing right now and loving!  Thanks for stopping by today!  Happy Wednesday!!!!

Today's Tuesday...and It's All About Harrison

Happy Tuesday Everyone!!!  Today my post is all about Harrison.....I cannot even believe that he is turning 19 today....it really feels like just yesterday he was born...and its as if overnight 19 years have flown by and BAM he is all grown up now.

I remember very clearly sitting in the doctor's office back in the summer of 1995, super excited to have my ultrasound, I was pretty much convinced I was having another girl...my pregnancy had been going the same way it did when I was pregnant the first time, and I truly couldn't even imagine having a son, so I had myself convinced I would be having another daughter....well, the image popped on the screen and we quickly realized there was no little girl growing inside of me....it was a BOY!!!!!  My husband's face lit up, I mean every father wants a son to raise, so for him I was just thrilled, and I will admit the thought of having a boy and a girl did make me happy....but wait a second....what the heck was I going to do with a little boy....I am pretty much an over the top girly girl, I am all about all things pink, glittery, sparkly, etc....I was not a fan of super heros, matchbox cars, or dirt, I secretly began to panic!!!!

On a cold, snowy December night we welcomed our son into this world, and it was truly love at first sight...he was the most beautiful, perfect little boy I had ever seen, and he was all mine!!!!  Our all pink, princess, Barbie filled world quickly started sharing space with all things blue, matchbox cars, and super heroes, and let me tell you...it was AWESOME!  I was fretting about becoming a boy mom....and I kind of surprised myself a little bit how much I was enjoying all the things that came with raising a little boy.  I can remember my mother telling me that there was something really special about the bond between a mother and her son, and oh boy was she right....little boys really love their mamas!!

Sweet baby Harrison

It has been a pure joy to watch that sweet little blue eyed boy grow up to be a man that I am so proud to call my son.  Parenting is always a little stressful, in my opinion, during the teenage years, but I was so fortunate to never have to encounter any real problems with Harrison, he is just a good kid, certainly not perfect, but after listening to some horror stories from other parents, I know how lucky I am!!!

20 years ago I would have told you I could never ever imagine having a son...and today I can tell you that I absolutely could NOT imagine my life to be as full or as happy as it is without having a son.

I mean...that chubby little face...LOVE

All dressed up looking super handsome!

Totally cute...YES!!!!!

He loved wearing this army attire!!!

As I was going through pictures he told me not to use this one, but oh he was just adorable...those rosy cheeks, that smile....AAAHHH!!!!

One of my favorite players to watch in action #80!!

I absolutely love babies....obviously I have had 5!!!.....and I hate that they don't stay babies for long, and that they just grow up so quick, but it really is such a wonderful feeling to look at your adult child, and know you did your job right...I am not saying I am a perfect parent, I don't even think there is such a thing, but I know for the first 18 years of his life I equipped him with all he needs to go out there and be a successful adult.  I am so extremely proud of the young man he has grown up to be.  He is kind, smart, good hearted and he is so so funny!  The other kiddos couldn't have asked to have a better brother, he spends so much time with his two little brothers, and coaches their football team, it makes my heart so happy to see, even with a substantial age difference, they have a bond that can never be broken.

Best big brother ever!!

I am so proud to be this boy's mom, and I am so so thankful that he made me a "boy mom", truly one of the greatest gifts I have ever received!

Happy Birthday Harrison

Be sure to check back tomorrow to see what we have been wearing over here!  Thanks for stopping by today...Happy Tuesday