SOOOOO...I just realized that I never did an 8-month update for A! While I don't really write these for anybody but him and the rest of our family, I feel so bad that I forgot it! To be fair that was all in the middle of Thanksgiving, but still. A, I'm so sorry bud! Truth be told there wasn't a LOT of change until after you already turned 8 months, so we'll try and play catch up with your 9-month update :)   Before I had A, I always wondered how on earth I could love another child as ... continue reading...

Some day I think there may be a teeny chance that I'll actually make time to do a proper cookie plate for our neighbors and friends. We used to help my mom every Christmas season to pack up the perfect cookie plates for our neighbors, friends, and my parents' co-workers, and to this day it's still one of the sweetest (pun intended) memories of the season. We would make magic bars, moon shaped shortbread cookies, fudge, brittle, smoked pecans, and more - all in batches so large that we had to ... continue reading...

Can you guys even believe that Christmas is ONE WEEK FROM TODAY?! I feel like I just got used to writing "2015" on things, and now we're almost at the end of this year. The older I get the faster time flies, and this year/season is no exception!   Having two kids this Christmas is such a blessing, but can I just tell you that never ever have we had to watch the Christmas tree so carefully? When W was a baby we had the tree in another room from where we usually hung out with him, so it ... continue reading...

While I certainly don't consider myself a parenting expert by any means, according to the rule of 10,000 hours I have now achieved my Ph.D in the field of parenting. Too bad that doesn't really mean anything because kids are tricky little sweethearts that keep us all guessing :)   HOWEVER I do feel like I've been able to grasp fairly well a few key items that have worked well for my boys and their friends over the past couple of years. These items are tried and true; they are the ... continue reading...

YOU GUYS. I don't even know what to say - I'm so tired. Life is wonderful and beautiful and I am very blessed, but ear infections with both of my boys over the past few weeks is kicking my tail. A had a really bad one, and after 10 days of antibiotics it's still not better. Nay, I'd say it's probably worse! I took him to the doctor yesterday and we're running a few tests to see what kind of infection it is/what medicine will work to get rid of it, but in the meantime I'm having to give him ... continue reading...

Can we all just agree that being a grown-up is kind of nuts? First of all I still can't believe that people trust me with things like paying bills, owning cars, and having a job. Don't even get me started on the fact that I still feel like I'm 18 years old, only with a husband, 2 kids, and a few extra pounds (and 14 more years to boot). Despite the fact that my parents did a great job raising me I hardly feel prepared to be an adult and do adult things.   Regardless of that, though, ... continue reading...

  I partnered with Dr Pepper Snapple Group and The Motherhood for this post, but thoughts and opinions are my own. The world is a scary place these days; every time I open my computer or phone I fear what kind of news story will pop up first. Terrorism, mass shootings, murders, deception in every form - the list goes on forever. That’s why when there is something good happening we should celebrate every second of it, together, in a way that makes those good things contagious. If ... continue reading...

I just love this time of year, especially when it's kind of spring-like weather with the crisp breeze of fall and winter. That's what life has been like the past few days, and this weekend? Guys, it's supposed to get into the 70s!!! I don't mean to be that girl who talks about the weather, but I'm a teeny bit ecstatic over the chance to play outside even longer! No matter the weather, though, the holidays absolutely require hot chocolate in my book. I love a big, steaming mug of rich, ... continue reading...

  Oh my word y'all. How hilarious SLASH TRUE is that "conversation" up there?! Monica shared it on Facebook and I couldn't help but crack up because I really wonder what it was like to go to the bathroom by myself pre-children. And sometimes I wonder if I'll ever be able to finish a cup of coffee without having to warm it up halfway through. I'm embracing this season, but still - a lone bathroom trip once in a while would be nice!   This past week has flown by, per the usual, ... continue reading...