101 FREE Shutterfly prints

I haven't ordered photos since before Halloween!  That means I have Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Daniel's birthday pictures, along with everyday shots, that are still lurking from the depths of my computer itching to be printed.  Today is the day - I am finally ordering because Shutterfly is offering 101 FREE prints {use code GET101PRINTS at checkout} through midnight tonight.  Hurry...you don't want to miss this deal...nothing is better than FREE!  

Some of my favorites...

Disclosure: Affiliate links used.

Show Us Your Life {Halloween Costumes}

~ Linking to Kelly's Korner - Show us your life - Halloween Costumes ~

Daniel was a cute little frog for his first Halloween at almost 10 months old, a bumble bee for his second, a bear for his third, and sheriff for his fourth.  But...an old ugly witch with a wicked laugh, wrinkly green face, and pointy fingers changed it all.  Since then, he has been contented to hand out candy {sans costume} to the trick-or-treaters in our neighborhood...until last year.  Joel was six months for his first Halloween, so I knew I could dress him up without any arguments.  He was the cutest little Nittany Lion you ever did see.  Knowing his love for Penn State, I asked Daniel if he would like to dress up as JoePa.  He agreed, and they were so cute!!  

I can't believe a year has gone by and this little guy is 18 months old already!  He will definitely be dressing up, but I can't make any guarantees for his big brother.  Stay tuned! :)

101 Free Prints

I took the kids to back Penn State for the afternoon last Friday.  

We met my mom, sister & her kids.

We shopped for all things blue & white, had lunch, went to the Nittany Lion shrine, Joe-Pa shrine, 

and had ice cream at the creamery.  Best. Ice cream. Ever.  We had a blast! 

I took lots of pictures at various spots on campus, but this is one of my favorites.  I want to frame it :)

Which reminds me...Today only, get 101 free prints at Shutterfly.  Use code PRINTS4TH at checkout.

Show Us Your Life~ Moms of Boys

~Linking to Kelly's Korner ~ Show Us Your Life: Moms of Boys ~

Let me start by saying our oldest son was an only child for nine years until his baby brother was born last April.  We thought long and hard about adding another member to our family, but it just seemed like the right time and we started planning.  Almost everyone we told asked if we wanted a girl.  My response was always some variation of...It doesn't matter; We don't really care; Just so s/he's healthy; Either will be fine with us. I got tired of answering that question, because in all honesty, it did not matter to us one bit.  We wanted another baby and for Daniel to have a brother or sister.  That was the only thing that mattered.  For some reason, I had a gut feeling that we were having a girl...until the big ultrasound proved otherwise :)
Following that appointment, we drove to Kohls where we picked out a little brother onesie and baby blue security blanket.  Any thoughts of having a girl escaped and I didn't look back. 
We started thinking about names, planning a nautical nursery theme, and dreaming of what life would be like with another boy in it.  I can't imagine anything other than having boys.  There is so much fun and joy...and so little drama {yet}!!  I look forward to watching them grow and anxiously await what life has in store for each of them.  My boys are my life, and I wouldn't have it any other way :)

   

My sister and I have five boys!

11 months

 
Joel now has a total of seven teeth {four on top & three on the bottom}.  As a result, he pretty much gave up having anything to do with baby food this month, with yogurt as the one exception.  He will eat anything.  His favorites are cheese, bread, rice, peas, corn, puffs, goldfish crackers, and cheerios.  When his current can of formula runs out, we're going to try 2% milk and see how he does.

Joel's first St. Patrick's Day...celebrating our Irish heritage...

Cocoa puffs for breakfast in the high chair that belonged to my sister & I when we were babies :)...

 Wearing Daniel's old cowboy pj's...

We love to play outside in this nice spring weather :)...

We rearranged some furniture this month, moving my office space out of the nursery and into Dan's office, a couch from Dan's office into Daniel's bedroom, and Daniel's old kitchen set into Joel's room.  Three words...He loves it.  Every time we put him down in his room, he crawls as fast as he can to the kitchen and starts banging pots and pans and "cooking" with fruits and veggies.  Too cute!!

As you can see from that picture, we moved up to a size 4 diaper this month...another sign he's growing up  :(  Another favorite past time is closing doors.  If we leave a bedroom or bathroom door open, Joel thinks it's his job to close it.  It's so funny to watch him learn and grow!  Joel will be moving out of his baby tub into the big boy one soon.  We could have probably made the transition already, but that is one step closer to him not being a baby, and I'm not quite ready for that yet.

Joel was baptized this month back home in the church where I grew up, we were married, and Daniel was baptized.  It was a special time as he shared his special day with his cousin, Griffin {six weeks younger}.   We celebrated with all of our families at church and then lunch afterwards with individual mini cakes decorated with crosses {Thanks, Mom & Dad}!  This picture doesn't do them justice, but they were so sweet and delicious :)

We also celebrated my mom's birthday.  I wish I had pictures to share, but she's not much for being on the other side of the camera. It was nice to spend the weekend with family to celebrate the best mom and grandma anyone could ask for...even though we're so many miles apart!  However, these boys don't mind taking pictures...this is by far, my favorite one from that weekend :)

We started this week with a trip to the pediatrician for a fever, coughing, and runny nose.  He's had the cough for a while, but when the fever came on over the weekend, we felt it was something more.  Long story short, he has an upper respiratory infection and needs breathing treatments through a nebulizer until the wheezing and fever are gone.  I am glad we got him to the doctor before it got worse...we didn't pick up on the wheezing at home...so thankful for doctors with the knowledge to treat sick babies and make them better.  We are praying for a speedy recovery and that this isn't the onset of asthma, following in the footsteps of his dad and brother!!

We decorated for Easter last week, and Joel loves the plastic eggs.  I gave him his own little basket to play with, and he sits for long periods of time dumping them out and putting them back in.  I'm hoping to take some spring/Easter pictures this weekend if weather & health permits :)

I am awestruck...the next time I update, Joel will be One. Year. Old.  Where has the time gone!?!?  Happy 11 months to our sweet baby boy :)

Baby Boys Being Baptized

Last weekend {in pictures} 

 I am so blessed with a great family!  

My sister and I have baby boys born six weeks apart.  

We had them baptized last Sunday, back home in the church where we grew up.  

Ten months!

We're only two months away from Joel's first birthday.  Party prep is in full swing {cue I'm crazy and I know it in the background}.  I can't believe he's almost a year old, but so excited to celebrate his first year of life.  He brings so much joy to our family, and I can't imagine life without him in it!!

This month, Joel weighed in at 22.75 lbs and measured 28 1/4 in.  He did so good at his 9 month well visit.  We had a scare, but everything is fine...Thank God!!!

Joel is on the move...all the time!  And let me be the first to tell you...he moves fast!  He loves crawling all over the house and pulling himself up to his toy box, coffee table, couch, and anything else he thinks might be interesting. 
Two more teeth have made their appearance this month.  I think he may also be going through some separation anxiety.  He screams when I put him down sometimes and some days/nights absolutely refuses to nap or go to sleep for the night.  There were a couple times last weekend where he squalled every time Dan went out of sight, and he wouldn't come to me.  Definitely not my proudest mommy moment.  I'd be lying if I said I didn't shed a couple tears as he screamed for his daddy to come to his "rescue."  But...I know it's just a phase, and we're back to being buddies again :)

Joel hasn't been feeling the best these past few days.  The flu is sweeping through our family for the second time in two weeks.   His appetite isn't quite up to par, so we're trying to keep him hydrated with electrolytes.  The only thing he'll eat is yogurt, some formula, and puffs...but we are glad he has an interest in those few thing.  And, while he's been sick, he is still in good spirits with that toothy grin :)

New foods this month: goldfish crackers {I was paranoid because they seem so big, but he was fussing for some when Daniel & I were eating them, so I caved in.... he chews them up like nobody's business}, teething biscuits {not a huge fan of those either, but he loves them}!  I am trying really hard to get him to drink from a sippy cup and like it, but so far he's not convinced.  We took Daniel's bottle {except the one at bedtime} when he turned one, but I'm not so sure that will be the case with this guy.

He still loves books - looking at them and being read to.  His teeth are changing his looks...he is starting to look more like a toddler than a baby, and that makes me sad.  His favorite toys this month are his musical gears and wooden busy beads.  He still LOVES to play with his big brother {mostly with his little football} and looks for him when he's not around :)

Happy 10 months, Joel...We love you!

Joel's newest game...peek-a-boo behind the curtains in the dining room :)

Look to the Bow

 

I've been doing a pretty good job of writing in my journal of blessings.  I made it every single night in January.  February snuck up on me, and things got really busy.  I missed a couple nights in a row and then tried to catch up.  But, God wanted to make sure that I remember to reflect on my blessings every night, no matter how small they may seem.  

Let me back up a bit.  Joel had his nine-month well visit two weeks ago on Tuesday.  Dan stayed home to finish up some drawings for work.  No big deal.  Nine-month well visit.  It was no big deal until I saw the look of concern in Dr. M's face as he pressed Joel's belly.  I'll tell you what...I'm going to order an ultrasound.  His right kidney seems to be enlarged.  It could be gas or a bowel movement, but I want to make sure. I don't remember feeling it last time.  I felt the color drain from my face; I looked across the table to see tears streaming down big brother's cheeks as I held back my own.  He gave us the paperwork.  The nurse came in with the HepB shot.  Joel whimpered for about five seconds after said shot.  I pulled his pants up. We checked out and walked to the car.  I buckled him in, kissed his cheek and went around the other side of the car and wilted in the drivers seat.  I cried my eyes out as I tried to call Dan.  No answer.  I didn't want to call anyone else until he knew what was going on.  Daniel held my hand the whole way home and we prayed like we never prayed before.  My world was rocked.  I was scared, and I prayed so hard. Did I already mention that?

An ultrasound was scheduled for the following evening.  Dan got home in time to go with us.  As I held his tiny hands while the tech squeezed cold gel onto his belly and probed all over his abdomen, I thought back to just a little over a year ago when I laid on that same table where we found out we were having another boy.  We were told Dr. M would call us with results that same night.  I turned the volume up on my phone and took it everywhere I went.  I rocked Joel to sleep, and prayed that I would have many more nights of rocking.  It was after 10 and I knew he wouldn't be calling, so I sat down on our bed and read this...

Trust God where you cannot trace

Him. Do not try to penetrate the 

cloud He brings over you;

rather look to the bow that is on it. 

The mystery is God's;

the promise is yours. 

{~ John R. MacDuff from Whispers of Promise, 2009}

I wrote in my journal and thanked God for what we did have...hope.  A peace like no other swept over my body and allowed me to get a good night's rest.  I called Dr. M's office early Thursday morning and got I'll put a note on his desk; he typically returns his calls within four hours.  I was kind and thanked her, prayed that he'd call sooner than four hours because I wasn't sure how much longer I could stand the unknown.  About 45 minutes later {during my dear student teacher's lesson} my phone vibrated in my hand.  I ran to the hall to hear Dr. M's kind voice...Joel's ultrasound came back, and everything is perfectly normal.  I caught my breath and all I could say was, that is so awesome! Thank you so much!  His reply: I didn't think it was anything, but I just wanted to make sure. Unless you have any questions, we'll see you at Joel's one-year check-up.   

Yes, you will see him at his one-year check-up...and his two-year...three-year...five-year...you get the picture.  We are thankful to have such a caring doctor.  He could have said nothing and then found something the next time.  Our two days of worrying and clinging to hope paid off.  The mystery was ours, but God knew the outcome would be perfect.  We all need to look to the bow. 

I love this boy.

Linking to Women Living Well Wednesday

Doodle.

Somebody loves his new marker and paper from Crayola!

His mama and brother are pretty crazy about it, too :)

last minute valentine idea

Yesterday was not a traditional Valentine's Day for us.  I was home with a sick boy, cleaning and disinfecting, meanwhile trying to take care of Joel and plan a somewhat decent dinner for Dan & me.  I put Joel down for his afternoon nap and crashed on the opposite end of the couch where Daniel had slept most of the day.  We were up all night long the night before, and I was exhausted. I woke up two hours later, feeling like I had been beaten in my sleep.  Long story short, the calzones didn't get made, there was no wine, and Dan ended up eating leftover take-out for dinner.   I felt so bad, so I thought of a cute idea.  I wrote I heart U in lipstick on the bathroom mirror {I know that is not a new idea}...We had new cream-colored loofahs in the bathroom cabinet, so I threw our old ones out, cut red hearts out of foam {from our craft bin}, put a slit in the middle of each, and slid them over the string.  I think they turned out cute, and it was a fun way to brighten up the shower.  He thanked me for the cute hearts and the message on the mirror...I crawled into bed in my over-sized t-shirt and went to sleep.  Yeah...not your traditional day of love, but I think this is super cute...and so easy! :)

I heart you.

Happy Valentine's Day!  We don't go all out, but we always try to do a few things to make it extra special.

Over the weekend, we made this...

 and these... 

We added our own twist to each, so they are not the same as the originals...but yummy anyway :)

Joel is getting these little color crayon books from the dollar spot at Target...

I got this light saber for Daniel...

Since we don't like to leave the kids on weekends, Dan & I are both taking a day off next week and taking a road trip while Daniel is in school and Joel is at the babysitter.  I'm not sure where we'll end up, but spending the day together will be fun, no matter what we do.  In the meantime, I stuck a lottery ticket in his card & woke up to these...sweet :)

Every year, I stop at Rutter's to get Daniel a red slush on my way home from work...that won't happen today, because he was up sick through the night and couldn't go to school.  I'm home with the kids, and hoping the rest of us stay healthy.  

I think I will try my hand at a variation of Giada's calzone recipe for dinner tonight.  As for Daniel, he will be on the BRAT diet until further notice. 

I hope you and your family are having a lovely day together, no matter how you choose to celebrate.  Even though we're stuck inside, we're making the best of cuddling under thick quilts, and I'm catching up on lots of laundry!

Hugs!! :)

Linking to Tasty Tuesday

love from home

Today we came home to this:

Joel was just as excited to tear into the box and cards as his big brother!  
Thanks, Gee & Pappy for the box of goodies...and Grandma & Grandpa for the cards! 

this new day

I'll be honest.  I'm not having the greatest week.  12-hour work day on Wednesday, Dan just happened to have a two-day trip to Atlanta for work over the span of said 12-hour work day...so the kids will be at the sitter until 8pm when I get finished with parent-teacher conferences.  Drama rears its ugly head in every corner of my world lately and I hate it...but tomorrow is another day, and Friday is just around the bend.

This New Day -

This bright, new day complete

with tewenty-four hours of opportunities, choices, and

attitudes comes with a perfectly

matched set of 1,440 minutes.

This unique gift, this one day, cannot be exchanged, replaced, or 

refunded.  Handle with care.  Make the most of it.

~ Whispers of Promise, 2009 ~ 

And...I can't forget the things that bless me most...I treated the boys to Texas Roadhouse last night while their dad was away.  Daniel had a free kids meal coupon from a good citizenship award from his teacher last week.  He shared his day at school and how his commercial book report went....Joel was SO good!  He ate rolls, baked potato, mac & cheese, and cheese from my salad.  He was intrigued with all the people, clapped at the music, and had himself a blast!  Love those kids more than life itself. 
Happy Wednesday - whatever this new day brings for you, make the most of it  :)
Linking to Women Living Well
Disclosure: I am not being compensated for this post.

9 months old.

Today is Joel's 9-month birthday.  3/4 of a year has gone by, and I am in complete disbelief.  This month, Joel has celebrated his first New Year's.  Birthday party plans are in their beginning stages, thanks to Pinterest :)

His hair is too funny!

Joel finally has one pearly white tooth after a week of teething and crankiness.  We found that he loves yogurt bites {mixed berry & strawberry}. His favorite food, hands down, is still yogurt.  He can eat a whole container in about five minutes flat!

silly face.

Bedtime was quite an issue for about a week.  Joel decided he doesn't really like it.  I'm not a fan of crying it out, but that's what we've been doing, because nothing seems to work.  He wanted to be up and playing, and at 10pm on a school night, that's not something I'm willing to do.  We all need our sleep.  He usually only cried for 5-10 minutes...I'm not even sure this is truly CIO because it's such a short amount of time, and I think that's an okay amount of time for him to cry...I definitely wouldn't let him in there for hours on end, but he needs to know that he can self-soothe, as he's been doing for the past several months. We're back on track now :)

Joel has lots of new tricks up his sleeve this month.  He finally lets me hold him and rock him to sleep, which I love {Sunday afternoons are my favorite}.  He loves going to the nursery at church.  He has a couple friends, and they just sit and smile and giggle back and forth, reach out and touch each other while they play with separate toys...too cute.  Last weekend, he woke up screaming during his afternoon nap...I went in to find his leg stuck in the crib rails {up to his thigh}!   I immediately put the bumpers back in... I've walked in to find him on his belly sleeping in his crib {with his head turned}...We let him sleep with his blanket and monkey now - I am much less paranoid than I had been..  I normally have to wake him in the mornings before school, but on weekends, he wakes up and plays in his crib until we come to get him.  He also pulls himself up and stands in his crib, peeking over the top...too cute!

I couldn't find him anywhere, then I found him peeking from my closet.

Joel learned how to clap, so whenever he really likes something, he gets really excited and starts to giggle and and clap...so funny.  He went crazy at Daniel's soccer game yesterday!
He's starting to interact more with his toys.  His favorites this month are his phone {from Gee & Pappy, Grandma & Grandpa - they each got him one}, gumball machine {from Santa}, and activity lion{from Aunt Maggie, Uncle Jake & cousins}.  He is so funny with his gumball machine.  Instead of taking the gumballs out, he closes the lid every single time we put it up.  Daniel tries to get him to understand, but Joel just wants to keep closing the lid.  He is curious & is seeking out more cause and effect toys, pushing buttons, moving toys back and forth to see them light up and play music, rolling balls, etc.
He giggles at the lion when the lights flash & it sings and plays.  He pulls himself up on his knees and then into the standing position.  He's getting stronger and is able to hold himself up for quite a long time for a little guy.   We are noticing that he isn't quite as chubby because he's always so busy when he's awake.  He can move from his belly to the sitting position like nobody's business, and he scoots in reverse {too cute!}   All of the sitting, rocking, and scooting has transformed into a full-fledged  crawl, and nothing is safe!  I am definitely busier than I was when he stayed in one place, but we're all enjoying his new-found mobility.  We are currently shopping for baby gates, and Daniel is getting used to keeping his toys with small pieces out of reach.

He had just been laughing, not sure what this face is about...but these two are still best buds :)

Joel's nine-month well visit is this week...I'll be back to update with stats.  Oh, time, where have you gone?    Happy 9 months, Joel :)
23 lbs, 29 1/4" 

our little buddy :)

Working Moms...

I've started to write this post several times, and my mind ventures from one thought to another...so forgive me if this seems all over the place!

First of all, I want to say that if we could comfortably swing it, I would totally be a stay at home mom.  Our financial status just doesn't allow for that.  And, truth be told, I am not willing to sell our house,  move into a tiny apartment, downgrade to one car, cut our cable, quit eating out, etc. so I can stay home.  If we could cut a few things, I would do it in a heartbeat, but it is just not feasible for our family right now.  And...I'm home with the kids during the summer, so if I have to work, I have the best job I could hope for...I'm a stay at home mom for almost three months & get long holiday breaks :) 

The most important thing for me is family.  My family is first. Period.  If my kids need me, I'm there.  There once was a time when I'd feel guilty about calling in sick because I had feverish kids at home.  Now, I call off and appreciate the fact that I can stay home for a day or two, eat chicken soup & jello, cuddle up in thick blankets, and watch cartoons until they feel better. 

Balance is also important in keeping a household running with two parents working outside the home.  As hard as I've tried, I know I can't do it all.  I used to think no was impossible, but I have learned to say  it...and let me tell you, it feels good.  I would commit to church functions, work events, and school projects without batting an eye.  And then I'd lie in bed Saturday night with knots in my stomach about reading in church the next morning.  It seriously wasn't worth the stress.  Now I say no without batting an eye.  It's not necessary {or healthy} to do every. Single. Thing. You're asked to do.  Learn to say no.  I did.

Equally important, organize!  I know the weeks are busy & full, so I try really hard to prepare myself over the weekend.  Coming home to everything else after a hard day at work is stressful.  I find that it's much easier to go into Monday morning if I have an agenda for each day of the week.  Bi-weekly menu/meal planning is a necessity for us.  Read more about that here. 

I'm lucky enough that Daniel buys school lunch every day, so that is one less thing on my plate {pun intended}.  Joel's babysitter keeps a stockpile at her house, and she lets me know on Fridays if there is anything he needs for the following week.  I make sure to have his bag ready Sunday night if there was something on her list {baby food, snacks, formula, diapers, wipes, extra clothes, etc}.  I usually pack my lunch on a whim right before we leave in the morning {I'm trying to get better at this}.  I try really hard to set things up for breakfast before I head to bed.  Sometimes I forget, and that's okay.  It is okay to forget, really.  I need to tell myself over and over sometimes. 

I am really good at picking clothes out for all of us {except Dan, he picks his own ;)} before bed each night.  That is something I struggle with daily {especially for myself}, and if I lay my head down at night knowing what we're all wearing the next day, I can rest a little easier.

I used to religiously clean the entire house every other Saturday {pre-Joel}.  Now, I might scrub toilets on a Thursday night, clean tubs on Saturday morning, and wipe vanities down & clean mirrors on Monday night.  Kitchen counters get wiped down with Clorox wipes each night after dinner {it has become my routine, and I actually find it calming}.

I am one lucky wife to have a husband who is more than willing to pitch in where ever he can {without being asked}.  He irons, vacuums, folds laundry, cooks, cleans, does dishes, feeds & bathes Joel, helps Daniel with homework...you name it & he'll do it.  I love him for that, and am so thankful to be blessed with someone who does what I can't always do.

I recently realized that Joel has enough pairs of pajamas and day clothes that I only have to do his laundry once a week.  So...when I see his hamper is full, I do it.   The rest of us share hampers in our bedroom.  I have three separate baskets for lights, darks, and towels/sheets.  When I see that one basket is full, I'll throw it in the washer.  No more  Thursday/Sunday laundry marathons.  I do it when it needs to be done.  We all have enough undies to last at least a week, so that is never an issue.  You can usually find me doing two loads of lights and darks and a load each of towels & sheets weekly.

There was once a day not so long ago that I'd go into a slight panic attack if I saw that toys, books, and papers were out of place.  Now, I let it all go until everyone  else is nestled in bed & I take 10-15 minutes each night to tidy up the living room {fold blankets, put stray socks in the hamper, toys in the toy box, and dirty cups in the dishwasher}.  It would take me all day to keep up if I went around putting things away, but when I do it all at once, it doesn't take long at all - there is something about going to bed with a tidy living area that makes me happy.  I keep a Swiffer dry wand on each floor of the house.  If I notice a thick coating of dust on a dresser or coffee table, it only takes a few seconds to run it around.  {I've also been known to use old socks lying around...it's just as effective ;)}

The only things that must get done each night are dinner, dishes, homework, and bath/bedtime routine.  After that, anything I get done is icing on the cake.  The rest can wait for the weekend when I have more time.

When we get home after a long day, Daniel has a snack & watches a few minutes of tv while I sit on the floor and play with Joel.  I usually give him a bath {and then depending on how his schedule at the sitter's went for that particular day, he will either go down for a short nap or sit in his high chair and eat puffs or yogurt bites while I make dinner}.  Daniel starts his homework & if he needs help, we work on it after we eat.  Dan gets home around 5:30, and we always eat as a family at the dining room table {it might just be soup and sandwiches, but every one of us sits up at the table where we reflect on our day}.  On Friday pizza nights, we eat in the living room, but we are all together.

After dinner, Daniel gets his shower & does his reading for school.  Joel eats with us, but usually wants a bottle after that. He goes to bed around 8:30 and that is when I catch up with Daniel & do some blogging.  I find that if I draft a bunch of posts on the weekends or when I have a few spare minutes during the week, it is much easier to be consistent with posting.  It is really the last thing on my list, but I find it relaxing to sit down and write, so I make it a part of my routine.

Make time for you.  I know it's hard, and time isn't easy to come by, but even ten minutes can mean the world after a long day of working, making dinner, and changing a poopy diaper.  Take a hot shower, read a magazine, relax with a glass of wine, an afternoon at the spa, lunch with friends, an hour blogging, finding ideas on Pinterest...whatever it is that makes you smile... And don't feel guilty about it.  I struggle with that, but I've found that if I give myself some time, I'm more energized and ready to give my family the love and care they deserve.

At the end of each day before I climb into bed, I count my blessings, one by one. Life isn't perfect, and there will be days when you can't do it all...The most important thing for me to remember is that my kids won't be little forever...I need to make the most of each and every moment of each and every day.  What I don't get done today will still be here tomorrow...

Linking to Women Living Well and Kelly's Korner - Show Us Your Life ~ Working Moms

Disclosure: I apologize for no pictures (I had good intentions of adding them}, but I just didn't have the time...off to get Joel ready for bed after a very long day!  Good night! 

Birthday weekend :)

Our weekend of celebrating {in pictures}...

Everyone had a great time!  Thanks to all who helped us celebrate Daniel's special day :)

Sorry, Dan...no pics of you - you must've been hiding from the camera. Again.

Ten.

ten fingers, ten toes, ten million reasons to love
ten years ago today on a blustery Sunday afternoon,
a certain blue-eyed boy came into my world...
and let me tell you...
life would never be the same.

Daniel, I am so proud of who you are...
your kind, loving spirit,
your witty sense of humor,
the way you love your little brother,
the way you still want me to tuck you in at bedtime.
Thanks for teaching me to love like I had never loved before.
Happy 10th Birthday :)

Love you to the moon and back,

Mom

blessed.

Let me just say, I've never been one to make and actually keep any New Year's resolutions I've ever made.  Therefore, I quit making them. You could say I made a resolution not to make a promise I know I probably wouldn't keep.  The last few days of 2011 had me thinking and questioning myself as to whether or not I'd make a resolution.  I went with no, and didn't think much about it until I woke up to see a big green 12:06 on the clock next to our bed and heard gunshots and fireworks blasting in the night sky.  I totally missed the ball drop to welcome 2012.  The first time I have ever missed it in my entire adult life.  I was heartbroken, but I wasn't the only one who missed it...I reached over to find Dan sound asleep.  Daniel was out like a light at the foot of our bed. I hurried to wake Dan, we did our midnight kiss & then I went to kiss both boys on their foreheads.  It was then that I realized how blessed I truly am.  It's not about keeping my eyes open to experience an event that remains the same year after year.  It's not about throwing confetti or blowing horns or wearing party hats or toasting to bubbly at the stroke of midnight {although those things are exciting}.  It's about being blessed   every single day of the year, and actually realizing that you are blessed.

{These blocks were my inspiration for this post - I recently purchased them here...I gave a set to my sister for Christmas and kept a set for myself.  As I was putting Christmas decorations away yesterday, I got these out &was reminded once again that I am blessed.}

I know I fall short in so many ways.  There are times when I know I could be a better wife.  A better mom. A better daughter, sister, and friend.  But...no matter what comes my way, I know that I'm always blessed beyond measure to have the love, friendship, and support from my husband, parents, kids, and friends.  My goal for 2012 is to take a moment each day and count those blessings.  Every. Single. One. Of. Them.

Be blessed.

What is your word for 2012?

 Share it at the tuckers take tennessee.com

the best of 2011