July Update

***A couple days early but we have a hectic weekend ahead***

Outside my window . . . it's sunny but the sun will be setting soon

I am thinking . . . of a potential business opportunity. Lots to think about!!

I am thankful for . . . girl talk. It's wonderful to talk to other mommies who totally understand what I go through. We mommas must stick together!

I am going . . . back to work in the morning so tonight will be busy. At least there are only 2 days until the weekend.

I am wondering . . . how soon the speech therapist will contact me to set up an appointment.

I am reading . . . A Time to Dance by Karen Kingsbury

I am hoping . . . to finish sorting through Levi's old clothes before tomorrow night. I procrastinated long enough considering the yard sale is this weekend. Oops!

I am looking forward to . . . our fun filled weekend!

I am hearing . . . Brian give the boys a shower. It's the small tasks that he does that I greatly appreciate.

Around the house . . . are a ton of clean clothes that need to be put away. I've worked hard at catching up on this daunting task.

One of my favorite things . . . is spending our evenings together watching some TV before bed.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . Brian's family reunion on Saturday morning, Brian & I are going to a wedding on Saturday afternoon (kid free!!), & a day trip to Holiday World on Sunday.

Happy Campers

Brian & I bought our first camper (a pop-up) last May. We camped twice in the fall & once earlier this year with it & were hooked. Brian grew up camping with both of his parents while I only camped once as a child. Both of us have always wanted to have something special to do as a family that will be fun, exciting, adventurous, & memorable. Camping has become that for us. 

Jump ahead to May 2016...Brian is full speed ahead on a search for a newer camper for us. I agreed right away but gave him a strict budget. We quickly realized our expectations were a little far fetched so we re-budgeted & agreed on a new price to stick to. We checked a few out & lost out on a really good deal right away. Brian came across this camper about a month ago:

Brian contacted the owner immediately & we scheduled a time to look at it the next day. We assumed it would quickly sell so we had earnest money handy & I'm glad we did because someone else was coming to look at it after us. I quickly fell in love with the layout & decor. While Brian loved the storage & extra space. After discussing it over dinner, we made up our minds that this was the ONE!! In a matter of a couple days, we were pulling into our driveway with a new toy...and we couldn't be happier. Here's an inside look:

Queen size bed (brand new memory foam mattress was given to us by previous owners)

Full working kitchen. Couch & table both turn into beds.

Bunk beds for the kids. Don't mind the messy comforter--the boys were wrestling. :)

Bathroom has a vanity just behind the door.

I'm super excited to share our camping adventures with you throughout the years!!! Do any of you have any camping do's or don'ts?

Recap: January Edition

Brady thought the extremely cold weather was ridiculous

We took the kids to an Icemen game. It was Star Wars night & the boys loved it! They also enjoyed watching the fights. :)

Lowe's fun while I'm trying to decide on light fixtures

Logan reading his bible to my mom

The boys & I ventured to the zoo this past weekend since the weather was wonderful. Logan's smile & pose cracks me up!

Levi had a check-up with his orthopedic doctor so he was treated to Donut Bank for breakfast

Our very own winter wonderland

Logan was totally done with our Lowe's trip

Someone lost his 1st tooth!!!

Cousin play time

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August Update

Outside my window . . . the sun is starting to come up.

I am thinking . . . of how Logan will do at school this week. Week 1 was successful so I hope this week will be just as good.

I am thankful for . . . my new work schedule. It's crazy early hours but I'm able to be home in time to pick Logan up from school every day. Plus, I'm not working as much any more & that allows me to get more things done around the house.

I am wearing . . . pj's. I just rolled out of bed. :)

I am going . . . to the east side with my mom this morning. I have to get Logan more shorts (the kid is growing like a weed) & Mom wants to go to a consignment shop. Therefore, we're going to tag team in order to keep Lily & Levi under control.

I am wondering . . . why I have to have allergies???

I am reading . . .Nada. I have given up reading over the summer but am looking for a good read. Any suggestions???

I am hoping . . . to cross off some items on my to-do list this week. I'm off of work until next Monday & have lots of things planned. Making jelly, lunch dates, bug guy scheduled to come out, & canning vegetables are just a few to list.

I am looking forward to . . . Brian having a day off. He is working 7 days a week right now. It's really hard on everyone because he's exhausted when he gets home but the boys miss him like crazy. I'm so thankful to have a hard working hubby!

I am hearing . . . SILENCE!! :)

Around the house . . . are signs of a new kindergartener: papers on the frig, backpack hung in his cubby, new shoes by the back door, lunch box on the kitchen counter. I love it!

One of my favorite things . . . is watching Logan succeed at school. I know it's only the 2nd week but we conquered his anxiety last week & that is HUGE for us. We take this day by day & as long as he tries his best; that's all I can ask for.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . make jelly with my MIL, schedule a hair appointment, have lunch with Logan at school, bug guy coming to spray, & dinner with girlfriends. I want to find something fun to do with the kids this weekend too. Maybe Smothers Park?

Changes are coming........

I found this quote today while browsing on Pinterest & it is very fitting for the different things that are about to take place in the Gaiser household. Some of our changes aren't that big or drastic but to us, it's a huge deal. :) Here are the big changes that are coming soon:

1. As you can tell, my blog design has already changed. I thought this would be a great time to re-vamp the look & get back into the swing of things. With so many other changes, why not add 1 more to the list???

2. A huge milestone taking place next month is Logan starting kindergarten. I have so many emotions wrapped up in this one. I'm so proud of him & how much he has grown in the short 5 years he's been with us. On the other hand, he's my first-born & therefore I hover over him like a crazy momma. My feelings range from happiness, sadness, emptiness, worry, anxiety, curiosity, & excitement for him. This is HUGE for both of us & I know he'll be just fine but I'm still entitled to be a basket case until then. :)

3. Brian & I compiled a list of projects we would like to work on around the house. We've been in our new home for almost a year now & are ready to get our hands dirty. Some of the projects are small & simply while others will be quite the task:

• Fresh wall paint in the hallway/stairwell to our upstairs----I already have my picture frames purchased for the collage I want to hang
• Replace the shades in all of our bedrooms & hang curtains----I'm going to reuse the all of our curtain rods & the curtains from Logan's room in our old house to cut some cost
• Put in a swimming pool
• Add a wrap-around porch to the house
• Completely redo the upstairs bathroom
• New flooring in our basement hallway (we replaced the carpet in the living area before we moved in based on necessity)
• Repaint the room we use as a kids' playroom----it's currently a light brown & I want a bright, fun color
• Make handmade furniture for our living room----we have a ton of old barn wood for these projects that will significantly cut down our cost

4. The biggest change (and one that will make the biggest impact) is that I'm accepting a position within my department that will allow me to work less hours so I can be home with the boys more. This is something I have wanted since I went back to work after having Levi & now it's able to happen. I will only work 40 every pay period; which equates to 3 days on week #1 & 2 days on week #2. The biggest perks are that I will have a set schedule (both days & time), no weekends to work, & I'll be off on all major holidays. I have been very fortune to not have to work too many holidays or weekends so far but this will be a guarantee. I love that I will be home about 1 p.m. on the days that I work. This will allow for me to pick Logan up from school, get his homework done, make dinner, & be present for any activities he is in. I'm beyond excited for this change to take place!

5. The 2nd biggest change is that we're completely re-working our budget; partly to make #4 happen but also to see exactly where we can save a little money. Like all families, we have our quirks on what we like to blow money on & I know we can cut some of that back. We still want to be able to go places & do fun things with the kids but maybe scale it back a little. I mean....do we really need to make 3-4 ice cream runs during the summer? (Secretly, part of me says YES! while the rational part of me is frowning)

I can't wait to share the status of our many changes with you. Some will happen very soon while others may take months, even years, to complete but I know it will be an adventure worth the ride!!

Family Vacation: May 2015

When Brian & I discussed our vacation plans for this summer, we knew we wanted to go with his mom's side of the family & somewhere that nobody has been to. In the 11 years we have been a couple, we haven't been on a vacation with them. So we were very excited to have the chance to spend time with everyone for a few days. We also knew we would only be able to plan a shorter trip because of some families' work commitments, softball tournaments, etc. Our decision was quickly made to go to.....Cincinnati, OH. I was very excited to take the kids to the zoo & aquarium (I heard great reviews on both). My sister-in-law found a hotel just outside of the city that was much cheaper than we expected (awesome for our budget!) plus it was close to many restaurants & shopping. 

Day 1: Brian & I left around lunch on Saturday & made great timing along the way. I packed plenty of snacks & movies for the trip to occupy the kids; not only on the way to & from but also while we were in the hotel room. I also packed some lunch trays for everyone so we wouldn't have to stop for food on the way. Timing was on our side because once the kids finished lunch, Levi fell asleep shortly after. Our drive was about 3 1/2 hours & very pleasant, with only 1 potty stop along the way. :) We were the last to arrive (because I went to STL the day before with my other sisters-in-law to see the NKOTB concert) that afternoon so all we were able to sneak into our evening was dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory & a trip to Bass Pro Shop.

Day 2: Zoo day!!!

Brian, his brother Jim, & 4 of the boys

Jim wasn't as thrilled about the zoo as some of the others

This was the best pic I could get at the end of a long, hot day

Our only family pic taken on vacation

Day 3: Aquarium & touring day

KY Firefighter's memorial

Historic church inside an arboretum we saw on our way back to the hotel

It was a very serene drive

Another chapel hidden in the trees

On Day 4, we packed everything up & headed back to IN. The kids were worn out every night from our daily adventures, swimming, & general play time with all of the cousins. My only regret is that I didn't take more pictures (I got caught up in the fun times we had & forgot to take pics...oops!) We enjoyed the time we spent with everyone: Nana, Papaw Rick, Nathan, Chrissy, Taylor, Degan, Jim, Nicki, Lilly, Liam, & Daniel.  This was a big group to get together but I'm so glad we made it work!

April's Mid-Month Update

Outside my window . . . it is very foggy. I believe it's suppose to rain today too.

I am thinking . . . of how tired I am this morning. I'll blame it on the weather. :)

I am thankful for . . . my mom. She cares for the boys while we work & I couldn't be more grateful. I know our kids are in great hands & I don't worry about much while I'm gone.

I am wearing . . . pj's. I really should start getting ready for work but this is more fun. LOL

I am going . . . to have a good day at work. A positive attitude is what will get me through the day.

I am wondering . . . what we'll get ourselves into this weekend??????

I am reading . . . 'One Night in October' by Chad Cain. He's my 3rd cousin & just published his 1st book. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it & see what his book is all about.

I am hoping . . . to get several things crossed off of my to-do list this weekend. I need to get the boys' summer clothes stash out of the basement, sort through it, wash everything, & put it away. I also need to pull out of the clothes they no longer fit into. Our poor coat closet has turned into a catch-all so I want to pull everything out of it & properly organize it.

I am looking forward to . . . our vacation next month.

I am hearing . . . Levi eat breakfast & Logan playing a game on the other computer.

Around the house . . . dirty windows. I didn't realize how dirty they are until this morning. Someone should really clean those things!!!

One of my favorite things . . . my quiet time late at night after everyone has gone to bed. It's my time to relax & just do what I'd like to do...mostly read.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . I have to work today & tomorrow. We have a birthday dinner for my nephew tomorrow night but no other plans for the weekend. More than likely, we'll spend our time outside as long as the weather is good. The boys LOVE to be outside & I adore watching them explore.

February's Mid-Month Update

Outside my window . . . it looks dreary. We're suppose to get a lot of snow with the winter storm that's heading our way. I don't have high hopes but we'll see.

I am thinking . . . of a lot of life changing decisions to be made. I want what is best for our family but am torn on what to do. :(

I am thankful for . . . a husband who helps me catch up on chores on our only day off together. Now that I work more, the house gets neglected more than ever. Today we tackled the play room: organized, trashed an entire bag of broken/mismatched toys, donated 1 trash bag + 2 Target sacks of toys to the Christian Life Center, rearranged the furniture, & hung a couple cute decorations. We aren't done but it's an amazing start! (Pics to come soon)

I am wearing . . . my church clothes. I splurged last week & took advantage of Kohl's winter sale & my Kohl's cash & get myself some really nice, comfortable outfits to wear.  

I am going . . . to dread this work week since I work 4 shifts in a row.

I am wondering . . . how this month's budget will look compared to last month's???

I am reading . . . 'The Auschwitz Escape'. I'm normally not a history buff but this book is interesting & has opened my eyes to what Germans suffered.

I am hoping . . . to finalize the plans for Levi's birthday party next month. I have the date & theme but need to work on the menu, party/food supply list, & reserve a bounce house.

I am looking forward to . . . Brian building a storage unit for the boys' play room. We purchased the supplies tonight & all I lack is ordering the tubs from IKEA.

I am hearing . . . 2 little boys eating ice cream. Yes, I know it's February, but that hasn't stopped a Gaiser before. :)

Around the house . . . are clean rooms. Brian & I worked our rear ends off today to clean the house. I'm enjoying this moment because I know it won't last long.

One of my favorite things . . . is spending a day at home with my family. No particular plans or menu; just flying by the seat of our pants.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . I'm off work tomorrow but work the rest of the week. We may go to the DU banquet on Saturday night but that's all that is planned so far.

January's Mid-Month Update

Outside my window . . . it's pitch black out & I just got home from work. I can't wait for it to lighten up more. This darkness is depressing!

I am thinking . . . of all of the things I'd like to do with our tax return....wishful thinking, huh?

I am thankful for . . . heat. It's a simple thing to be thankful for but I'm such a baby when it comes to cold weather that I couldn't imagine not having it. Plus, it makes me think of those who go without it (whether homeless or can't afford it). I will say an extra prayer tonight for those people. 

I am wearing . . . my comfy clothes while I wait for dinner to finish. 

I am going . . . start tracking our expenses this month. Brian & I did this for a couple years but lost the vibe when we moved last fall. New year, new intentions. It's time to get back on track!!

I am wondering . . . how soon we can get Levi into an ENT. My poor baby needs tubes in his ears. 8 ear infections last year has lead us to this point. :(

I am reading . . . 'The Auschwitz Escape'. I'm normally not a history buff but this book is interesting & has opened my eyes to what Germans suffered.

I am hoping . . . for good news when the Trailblazer goes to the repair shop on Monday. Brian started having trouble with it last week & replaced the battery (thinking that was the problem). Unfortunately, it wasn't. So Brian has been driving without heat the entire week because every time he turns it on, the truck tries to die. So off to the repair shop she goes...

I am looking forward to . . . the weekend. It's my long work week so I'm ready for some times with the kiddos.

I am hearing . . . Madagascar going in the living room.

Around the house . . . are piles of clean laundry waiting to be put up. All of the laundry is COMPLETELY caught up & that is a miracle within itself. I need to bask in this moment. :)

One of my favorite things . . . seeing the boys greet me when I come home from work. It melts my heart.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . Work tomorrow then spend the evening at home, Brian has to work on Saturday but we're taking Logan to the Ice Men's game that night (I won free tickets from work!!!). Then we'll spend a relaxing day at home on Sunday after church.

September Update

Outside my window . . . it's still pitch black out since it's so early.

I am thinking . . . this fall will be the best one yet. We have so many exciting things planned & I can't wait to experience them with the kids.

I am thankful for . . . medication. Logan has a severe double ear infection that has caused his right ear drum to bulge (and possibly rupture). I'm hoping the medication he's taking will prevent it from rupturing but there's no guarantee. Luckily, the medication will knock out his infection & get him back to normal in no time.

I am wearing . . . my pj's while I eat breakfast. 

I am going . . . to start a new job this month. This decision was very difficult for me considering I've been at the credit union for 11 1/2 years & love the department I work in. I'm very excited for this opportunity but am scared all at the same time.

I am wondering . . . what Levi & I will do with our time on the East side while waiting for Logan to get out of school.

I am reading . . . My reading has come to a screeching hault since moving.

I am hoping . . . everyone in our house feels better soon. Levi is at the end of his antibiotic for an ear infection. Logan just started his medication for a severe double ear infection that possibly ruptured his ear drum. Brian is battling bronchitis. I need the germs to go away!!

I am looking forward to . . . the upcoming craft shows this fall. It my favorite time of the year!!

I am hearing . . . the Disney Channel & the furnace running.

Around the house . . . are bare walls. I need to work on putting more decor up since we have everything unpacked now.

One of my favorite things . . . is the sweatshirts & jean weather that is quickly approaching. I love the fall & the weather & all of the changing colors. :)

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . lots of things today: Logan's school, run errands while he's at school, quick lunch, Logan's therapy, & be home by 2 to wait for the internet people. I work tomorrow & Friday. On Saturday I'm going to the Kuntzfest in New Harmony with my mom & sisters. On Sunday, I plan to relax after going to church with the kids.

August Update

Outside my window . . . The sun is rising & casting a beautiful glow on our 'sold' sign in our front yard. :)

I am thinking . . . the next week will fly by considering there are so many things to do before our move.

I am thankful for . . . my youngest sister. She has helped me out time & time again by watching 1 or both kids for me. Whether I've picked up extra hours at work, had to take Logan to therapy, or just needed some time to finish house projects, she's been here to help out. It doesn't hurt that I know they're in perfectly good hands while I'm gone.

I am wearing . . . my pj's while I eat breakfast. 

I am going . . . to knock out a lot of packing this morning before I head over to our new house. 

I am wondering . . . how time can pass so quickly??? Seeing all of the back-to-school posts made me realize that we'll be in the same boat next year. Logan is excited to start his 2nd year of preschool in a couple weeks but it makes this momma a little sad. 

I am reading . . . The Left Behind series. I read these books years ago when they were first released but decided to start the series over again. I love re-reading a book that I truly enjoy.

I am hoping . . . we have good weather next weekend while we move. Typically, it's so humid in August you can't breathe outside but we've had a very mild summer so far. I cross my fingers it stays that way until after next weekend.

I am looking forward to . . . seeing Logan's progress with his therapy. He's only gone for 2 weeks but I'm already anxious to see where he is a month, 2 months, 3 months down the road. (I know I'm jumping the gun just a little bit)

I am hearing . . . Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on the TV.

Around the house . . . are boxes, boxes, & more boxes.

One of my favorite things . . . are snuggling with the boys when they first get out of bed. Unfortunately, that doesn't last too long.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . lots of packing today & tomorrow, Brian & I are picking up our new furniture on Saturday morning then placing it in the new house, & on Sunday I'm going to have a major cleaning session at the new house before we move everything in.

The Gaiser's Are Moving!!!!!

We were approached with an amazing opportunity & snatched it up as quickly as we could! This has been a topic of discussion for several months but has recently taken off. Brian & I are purchasing my parents' house & we couldn't be more excited!! When we purchased our current home we really wanted to stay on the West side but couldn't afford what we were looking for so we moved to the Northeast side of town. We love living here, the neighbors, & the easy commute to either side of town but we've always had a special place in our hearts for the West side. When this opportunity presented itself we thought about it long & hard. There's a lot to think about when you're looking at taking on a much larger home with 5 acres to care for. After much discussion & prayer, we made our big decision & put our house up for sale. We decided to go with the For Sale By Owner option through House Hunters Realty & it worked fabulously. 

We sold our home in 2 months!!!!!

 

With us on a deadline to be out of our current home, my parents moved out this past weekend. So Brian has now kicked it into high gear to make the changes to our new home before we move in (we only have 17 days until our scheduled move date). Here's our to-do list before we move in:

Paint Logan's room

Paint our room

New floor in our room

Paint the main level walls (living room, kitchen, bathroom, hallways)

Replace carpet in basement

With a short time frame to get everything done & ready to move, we are very busy these days. Brian is taking charge of the home projects while I'm working on packing up our current home. (This is more difficult than I thought with a teething 16 month old who is constantly attached to my leg!) I'm trying to capture as many photos of this experience as I can but left my camera at the new house so my 'before' pictures will have to wait for another post. 

July Update

Outside my window . . . The sun is out there somewhere but it's rainy so she isn't out. It doesn't look promising for a pretty day. :(



I am thinking . . . this moving process has been really stressful on everyone & I look forward to the day that it's over. Now that we're working on projects in the new house, I can see an end in sight. Yippie!



I am thankful for . . . a husband who likes to help me with decorating rooms. I had the hardest time finding a comforter for Levi's room to match the theme I insist he has. After a lot of persistence & Brian's opinions, I finally found 'the one'. Too bad I have to wait until 7/21 for it to be delivered. :(



I am wearing . . . my pj's while I eat breakfast. My work clothes will be put on all too soon.


I am going . . . to take Logan to his first movie on Thursday. A local movie theater shows previously released movies for $1 all summer long so thought this would make a great Mommy & Logan date. I can't wait to see how he does!!


I am wondering . . . when we'll get a phone call in regards to closing on our home.



I am reading . . . 'Balancing It All' by Candace Cameron Bure.


I am hoping . . . get the bedroom flooring picked out & ordered this week. With us painting in the near future, we need to order the flooring so we don't get behind.


I am looking forward to . . . my lunch date on Friday with my BFF. We don't get these often enough.



I am hearing . . . Some thunder every once in a while.


Around the house . . . are empty walls, which make me sad. Packing makes the house look 'blah' but I know it's all for a good cause.



One of my favorite things . . . is watching Logan learn how to write letters. His concentration is adorable!

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . Work my normal schedule, meet with a mortgage lender, have a fun Mommy & Logan date, & get some more things done at the new house. I hope to make it to the Franklin Street Bazaar on Saturday...I've wanted to go since it's started but something has always come up.

June Update

Outside my window . . . The sun is setting. It's a bittersweet sight because my vacation is coming to an end. :(



I am thinking . . . this vacation was my all time favorite. It was the kids' first time to the beach & things went well. We had a few bumpy days with Levi's teething & not adjusting to the different environment but things got much better once that stubborn tooth popped through. I'll post about our vacation in a few days (if I can get the site to upload my pics).



I am thankful for . . . time with my family. With today being Father's Day, it quickly reminds me of how short our life really is. Brian's dad was taken from us at the early age of 58 & today is always a rough one. I truly cherish each day I'm able to spend with our family & friends.



I am wearing . . . jeans shorts & a union t-shirt.


I am going . . . to be swamped at work tomorrow after being off for 10 days.


I am wondering . . . if we'll get more calls/inquiries now that we've changed some things with our home ad???



I am reading . . . 'Balancing It All' by Candace Cameron Bure.


I am hoping . . . to start on our first project in our new home soon!


I am looking forward to . . . more family visiting at the end of the month. My uncle from North Dakota visits every 2 months since my grandpa has been in the nursing home. Now a couple cousins will make the trip in a couple weeks. It's always fun to spend time with them!



I am hearing . . . Brian watch a hunting show on TV.


Around the house . . . are small piles of things to go into each boy's room from our Florida trip. I've worked hard today to get the house back in order but a few things still linger.



One of my favorite things . . . reading blogs in the morning while I eat breakfast.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . I'm working an extra day this week to make up for being off last week. We'll also have dinner with my dad at some point since we couldn't get together today (he's running a fever). This Saturday, my niece, Lily, is getting baptized & I can't wait to see everyone together!!

May Update

Outside my window . . . The sun is starting to rise. What a beautiful sight to see!



I am thinking . . . this is the most peaceful time of the day. Kids & hubby are still sleeping, no tv, no music, & no text messages. The only thing I hear right now is the washing machine. I cherish moments like these (they sure don't last long enough!!)



I am thankful for . . . Brian's job. I know he works incredibly hard to provide for us. It was a big adjustment when I started working part time after having Logan but it has been well worth it. His job still provides us with what we need as well as some of the fun extras. I can't say enough how much I appreciate Brian for what he does for us.



I am wearing . . . my pj's:)


I am going . . . finish my grocery list in hopes of making it there today. We'll see....


I am wondering . . . how many people look at our house ad online??



I am reading . . . 'Balancing It All' by Candace Cameron Bure.


I am hoping . . . to get the last clothing items purchased for our Florida trip taken care of this week.


I am looking forward to . . . FLORIDA in only 19 days!!!!!!!!!! (Can you tell we haven't been in 5 years?!?!?!)



I am hearing . . . Nothing but the washing machine ;)


Around the house . . . are bags of clothes & shoes from our massive shopping trip yesterday. Brian & I got new gym shoes while the boys got new sandals. Everyone was able to get new summer clothes. I'm extra excited about the 2 dresses I bought. I'm not much of a dress person but I totally LOVE what I found.



One of my favorite things . . . is receiving extra snuggles in the morning from Levi when he first wakes up. I think that's the sweetest thing!

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . breakfast & visiting with our best friends this morning, finish our vacation shopping on Tuesday, & we're taking a day trip to the STL Zoo next Sunday. With Memorial Day weekend being this upcoming week, I'm sure we'll have some extra activities pop up too.

April Update

Outside my window . . . The sun is shining & it's suppose to be a beautiful day.



I am thinking . . . that we'll have an amazing weekend! We're taking the kids to our church's egg hunt this morning followed by a couple quick errands. I'm sure we'll spend the rest of the day outside since the weather is so awesome. Tomorrow morning we'll enjoy breakfast with Brian's dad's side of the family, our Easter service at church, & then spend the afternoon with my family.



I am thankful for . . . 2 healthy kids. Over the past month, I've seen some very sick, disabled kids & my heart breaks for them. But it also makes me realize how incredibly lucky we are & that what we're facing isn't anything compared to what those children deal with on a daily basis.



I am wearing . . . my pj's:)


I am going . . . to pick up the house a bit before everyone in the house wakes up. It's exhausting keeping our house spick-n-span in case someone wants to look at it.


I am wondering . . . when we'll receive our first call to show our house???



I am reading . . . Nothing at the moment. I packed all of my books for the move so I'm limited to what I have on my Kindle right now.


I am hoping . . . to still find Levi a pair of sandals. I just realized last night that it's the only piece missing to his Easter outfit. (Bad Mom moment)


I am looking forward to . . . Logan starting karate this week. I hope he's as excited about it as I am!!



I am hearing . . . Levi 'talk' to me while we're eating breakfast together. Little moments like this make me smile :)


Around the house . . . It is pretty darn clean, if I must say so myself. Last weekend, Brian & I busted our rears to get our house in great condition to sell. Needless to say...our house was a LOT dirtier than I thought. Thankfully, my grandma stopped by to help & we got everything scrubbed in about 6 hours.



One of my favorite things . . . seeing how much Logan loves his Daddy. It melts my heart to see those 2 interact. When Daddy is home, that's all that matters to him.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . Easter activities today & tomorrow. The beginning of the week will be pretty laid back & normal with the exception of a couple doctor appointments. Next weekend we're having a HUGE yard sale at my grandpa's house so we'll be busy at the end of the week setting up for that. It's so big, we're having it in one of the pole barns!!!

March Update

Outside my window . . . the sun is trying to peak through the clouds but it's still quite cold.

I am thinking . . . about what new recipes to try over the next couple weeks. I'm in a food funk & want out!

I am thankful for . . . my mom. She takes care of our kids on the days I work & I'm so grateful she does. I don't worry about what kind of care they're receiving because I know it's nothing short of the best.

I am wearing . . . a t-shirt, jeans, & fuzzy socks :)

I am creating . . . a menu & grocery list.


I am going . . . to enjoy the nice weather we're suppose to have this weekend. I can't wait to get outside & let the boys run!


I am wondering . . . how soon we can get the boxes removed from our living room & bedroom. We have a decent start to the moving/decluttering project but now I'd like to the boxes of packed away stuff gone. :)

I am reading . . . Nothing at the moment. I hope to read a book when we go on vacation but until then I doubt it.


I am hoping . . . this whole selling our house situation goes quick& smoothly. Is that too much to ask for???


I am looking forward to . . . Levi opening his presents tonight. He turned 1 today!!



I am hearing . . . silence. Enough said.


Around the house . . . are massive amounts of toys that Levi received at his birthday party. I don't even know what to do with some of them but with an upcoming move, I'm not too concerned about the mess right now because the entire house looks like a bomb went off.



One of my favorite things . . . is watching the boys play together. Levi is finally able to somewhat chase Logan & I just love to watch them run around, laughing, & smiling all night.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . Tonight we're celebrating Levi's birthday at home with a yummy dinner, leftover birthday cake from his party, & lots of fun gifts to open. Friday night we're going to the Log Inn to celebrate my youngest sister's birthday (I LOVE that place!!). Luckily, this weekend is open for us so I'd like to roll with the punches & just see what we can get ourselves into.

January Update

Outside my window . . . it is pitch black & very cold. I guess that's what happens when you're up super early with a baby. I hope the sun comes up soon!

I am thinking . . . about how soon Levi will walk. He's become quite the risk taker & will sometimes try but ends up falling. I believe this next huge milestone is just around the corner.

I am thankful for . . . cozy, lazy days, like today, at home. It's been busy ever since Christmas & I take advantage of days like this.

I am wearing . . . pj's :)

I am creating . . . nothing but the usual: Sam's list, grocery list, to-do list, etc.

I am going . . . to have to come up with some fun things to do with the kids today since our TV doesn't work at the moment. I'm a little bummed because I was so excited to watch movies with them today. :(


I am wondering . . . where we should have Levi's 1st birthday party???

I am reading . . . 'Harvesting Your Heart' by Jodi Picoult. I've actually read 2 books in the past 2 weeks. I'm so glad I've been able to get back into reading.

I am hoping . . . we can find a babysitter so Brian & I can have a date night soon.

I am looking forward to . . . planning our family vacation for this summer.



I am hearing . . . Levi play in silence since his big brother hasn't awaken yet.


Around the house . . . are a ton of trains. Logan is obsessed with them right now & he received a lot for his birthday & Christmas. I'm highly considering buying a table just for his trains so I don't step on them any more. :)



One of my favorite things . . . is cooking a big breakfast on the weekends. During the week, breakfast consists of cereal, oatmeal, or something fast. So to enjoy a breakfast full of so many yummy things (bacon, eggs, pancakes, etc.) is a delight for us.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . We have a short work week with tomorrow being a holiday so I hope to get a little shopping in tomorrow, we plan to visit my uncle (who flew in from ND) before he leaves, & I have a dentist appointment. Yeah for me!