I Am Full.

Refreshed is what comes to mind after this past weekend.

We live pretty busy lives.  Between D’s hours, me working, the weekdays just seem to not really count towards the important things like spending quality time together; instead they count towards the, you know, house-work-running-around-like-a-chicken-with-your-head-cut-off, unimportant things.  The evenings just really get away from us, so they are usually off limits for anything ‘extra’.

Saturday consisted of new shoes and a day out with no particular reason other than spending time together, which was exactly what we needed.  We haven’t done that in a very long time; I forgot how enjoyable it can be.

Sunday we finally got to visit friends at their new home, where we had ice cream cake, pizza, laughs, and made messes. Oh, and tried to catch a wolf.  Don’t ask.

I feel like the past few weeks I have really adjusted my goal to just enjoy the ride.  My brain is usually consumed with what we have to do, what could go wrong, what we need to plan, what is planned, etc. etc, ETC.  I too often forget that life happens every day and I need to appreciate and enjoy every ounce of it.

I am so blessed to have a marriage that I am happy to say has gotten so much better, kids who I love to love every single day, a home that is our home, and friends who we can connect with (or make fun of, or just stuff our faces with) on a personal and laid back level.

All of that being said, we have reached the halfway mark of our last pregnancy.  We DO have a lot to do, but I am going to ENJOY getting everything done.  I am going to soak up these last twenty weeks, most of the days will be spent accommodating to every other mom duty I already have, which is totally fine by me.  This spring and summer will fly while we enjoy watching our oldest play another year of TBall, go camping, creep up on our boy turning three, swim, play, and take joy rides in the Jeep.

I mean. Think about it.  Do you really, I mean REALLY take the time to enjoy the life you live?  It is so fulfilling.  We all need to make this a priority.  ENJOY THE RIDE.

XO

There are Lessons in Birthday Parties.

Our sweet girl turned five yesterday.  She was confused because her party was Sunday, and Mommy didn't have to work yesterday. "It is?! Today is my birthday?!" "Yes baby, February 17th, remember?"  She was thrilled.

We have had birthday parties every single year for our kids.  I love doing it.  I love being surrounded by friends and family who set aside time to celebrate and love our kids on their special day.  I love the chaos, the food, the noise, and even the mess (kind of).

I used to throw over-the top-parties for her.  The ones on Pinterest? Not as good, but they were pretty damn good.  Homemade banners every year for her, cupcakes made on my own, each and every decor item matched her theme.  It was fun, but also exhausting.  You know what I did with all that stuff?

I took photos and then THREW IT AWAY.

She doesn't care if the banner is made by me or bought at Target. Or if we eat on foam paper plates or color coordinating ones.  If the food is extravagant, or easy.. she does not give two sh*ts.  She has had fun at each one of those parties.  Not ONCE has she mentioned to me which was more fun, or more pretty, or whatever other standard we set.  She will rememeber them through photos just the same.  I have learned that it is her happiness that matters - and she could care less how much money is spent on PAPER decorations, THAT WE THROW AWAY.

Before we scramble and stretch ourselves thin of how we are going to out-do last years party, or how this one will compare to the kids in her class' party... think about who this is really for.  You?  NO. The kid.

Buy a cool looking cake, your utensils from Dollar Tree (and even your party favors; this place is my fave), the easier the food is to make the better, play some music and blow up some balloons.  Wanna color coordinate? FINE! I do because I am SO OCD.  But try your best to remember the goal of this special day.  All they want is love and fun.  You really can't buy that!

...(I am really hoping I can stick to this mindset for Mason's birthday this year.  Newborn baby + a bday party = STRESS CENTRAL.  Keepin' it simple. AMEN?)