daybook: "a feeble attempt to get back to blogging" edition

Outside my window... 

it's dark and chilly and Christmas lights are twinkling.  

I am thinking... 

 about how wonderful that peppermint stick ice cream I just ate was... and how I surely went over my calorie limit for the day as a result of it!  

I am thankful for...

my minivan! Never thought I'd every say that in my lifetime.  

I am learning... 

  

to crochet. Thank you, YouTube. Once upon a time (probably two decades ago), my grandma taught me the very basics of knitting and all that came of that was a washcloth. I am determined to master crocheting. Infinity scarves, here I come! 

I am creating... 

Christmas presents, jewelry, and house decor. Speaking of jewelry, my Etsy shop is up and running again. I'm offering a 15% off coupon code (BABY3) that will be good until at least after Christmas! 

I am going... 

to start blogging regularly again. I miss it. I may get even less sleep as a result, but it will be worth it. A blog re-design may be in order!  

I am hearing... 

Shark Tank. Ryan's favorite. 

Around my house... 

I see Christmas decorations and baby things. Love. 

One of my favorite things... 

is my sweet Evyn Mae's smiles and coos. Brynlee loves to talk to her and laughs uncontrollably when Evyn "talks" back. Ev's been sleeping long stretches at night, too. It's wonderful. Ohh I love my girls so much. My boys too.  

A few plans for my week... 

hanging out with my kids, Christmas shopping/creating, a fun night with the lovely craft night ladies, and dreaming up projects. I'm finally feeling inspired again to sew, decorate, create, write, blog, and read. It's good to feel passionate about the things I love to do again. Christmas shopping... that's one thing that I do love to do but dread it, especially when I have to go out in the craziness alone with all the kids. That results in a crisis every time.  

Pictures...

 

[our Christmas card picture]

My sweet nephew Greyson Flynn was born to my sister and brother in law on October 14, so these cousins are just 9 days apart (despite them being due on the same day, but let's not mention that around Meghan).  Love.

Tomorrow: I'm going to follow Raechel's lead and link up to an "At Home for the Holidays" link up party.  Can't wait!

daybook

Outside my window...

it's a gorgeous day! The kids and I paid a little visit to the zoo this morning and it was so refreshing to walk around.

I am thinking...

about (now that I'm feeling a bit better pregnancy wise *besides the surprise bursts of nausea and awful headaches*) all of the fun projects that I'm excited to get my hands on. Trying not to feel overwhelmed by everything I want to get done and trying to just let myself enjoy my kids and projects, not see either as "work" or something I need to impress others with (this article spoke to me so much and keeps popping into my mind).

I am thankful for...

the dvd player for 12 hour car trips. Enough said!

I am learning...

that putting things off just makes me stressed out.

I am creating...

ummm... a baby. Ha. Still trying to unpack from our vacation, so I haven't been able to get past that this week!

I am going...

to meet baby Keller so soon! Come on, baby!!!

I am hearing...

Clifford! B's favorite.

Around my house...

all I see are Mac's "BIIIIG TWUCKS!" strewn about. He is obsessed and I love it.

One of my favorite things...

is how Brynlee doesn't even put real clothes on most days lately... just a princess costume and (sometimes) leggings. She hops into my bed around 7 am and is usually already in costume.

A few plans for my week...

hanging out with my momma tomorrow, craft night tomorrow night, and girls' night Saturday night!

A picture...

one of my favorites from vacation... more to come. :)

daybook

Outside my window...

it's chilly, almost freezing... hoping the tree buds that have formed in the freaky-abnormally warm Spring weather we've had in the past week don't freeze off.

I am thinking...

about many things... mostly about how I'm hoping and praying Brynlee doesn't have a high fever tomorrow like she's had in the past two days. It hurts me so to see her so miserable, plus I'm not feeling too hot either so it's a recipe for crankiness all around. Let's just say I'm pretty sure the past few days have been a mothering fail. Clinging to my word of the year.

I am thankful for...

quiet trips to the grocery store (with a Tim Horton's cappuccino in hand) after sick kids are in bed. I seriously circled Wegmans about six times tonight, just because I could.

I am learning...

that I would have loved to live in the early 1900s. Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong decade. I love today's technology and stuff, but the properness and tradition of that time intrigues me... or perhaps it's just Downton Abbey that intrigues me. Or maybe I'm obsessed. And maybe I watch the interviews with the cast members a little too closely. And maybe season 3 needs to come out, like yesterday.

I am creating...

decorations and a menu for my B's birthday party this weekend.

I am going...

out for hibachi tomorrow night (grownups only!) with our small group... as long as fevers don't make another appearance tomorrow (please please)!

I am hearing...

the monitor. The usual.

Around my house...

so much is getting done! My dad and Ryan are building built-in bookshelves in the living room and my mom has been painting the kitchen cabinets (eeeee!) and I have been cleaning up after them and pretty much just bossing everyone around.

One of my favorite things...

is giveaways!!! Don't forget to enter the Nourish Organics sugar scrub giveaway on She {hearts} It... and Keight is now hosting a giveaway for a free pair of earrings from my shop. Get at it (see how bossy I am?)!

A few plans for my week...

going out to eat, cleaning like crazy, party prep, taking a MUCH needed trip to see my hairdresser (I think I'm going to do something different for once), and partying it up on Saturday. Then the prep and packing for the OBX begins... ahhh I cannot wait!

A picture...

I feel lame for pretty much only using my phone to take pictures, like, always now... but it's better than nothing, right?! Plus my camera is totally in the process of biting the dust. Sad. I DID, however, take pictures with my real camera of my kids painting the other day, until Mac decided to paint his entire body and I had to toss him in the tub. He was not the happiest, to say the least.

My Net girls and I went out to celebrate Amy's birthday on Saturday, complete with lunch, dollar store candy, the biggest tub of popcorn EVER, and The Hunger Games.  So fun!

Brother goofing off with sick sissy, trying to make her feel better. :)

Painting kids!  The mess was worth it!

daybook

Outside my window...

it's 55 degrees at 9:30 pm. *angel choir*

I am thinking...

that Mac MUST not wake up with a fever again in the morning. He's had a high one all this week and when we went to the doctor yesterday he said that I needed to bring Mac in again if it's not gone by tomorrow. My poor baby. He needs a break!

I am thankful for...

the opportunity to be a part of Gussy Sews' Spring Gift Guide. Click the button below to check it out!

I am learning...

Wordpress, thanks to She {hearts} It!

I am creating...

a plan of attack for the giant pile of laundry looming next to me.

I am going...

to Emily's house tomorrow morning and to a girls' night in the evening. Lucky me!

I am hearing...

the monitor and the occasional car driving by.

Around my house...

I see a pile of clothes that I bought for the kids today for our OBX trip. Much damage done at Old Navy.

One of my favorite things...

is Mac's new ability/willingness to give REAL hugs and his new skill that we discovered just tonight: pointing to the pictures in his books and saying "What's that?" Melt!

A few plans for my week...

this weekend is free and clear! Family time! Maybe we'll hit up the St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday.

A picture...

or two from the other day- who doesn't play on the swingset in full princess getup?!

daybook

Outside my window...

it's dark and sounds like it's windy. Tomorrow it is supposed to be 64 degrees!

I am thinking...

that I CAN complete all the errands I have planned for tomorrow morning (with kiddos in tow)... post office, sewing machine shop (I'm picking up my serger, Martha, and dropping off my sewing machine, Vik- can't wait to have them BOTH well again!), Wegmans, Target, blood draw for Mac (routine stuff), and I'm sure I've missed a few.

I am thankful for...

impromptu dinner dates with my best friends and our families. Tonight was the best!

I am learning...

how to make my house look clean when I know it really isn't. (HA.)

I am creating...

a birthday party theme/plan for my ALMOST THREE YEAR OLD. Can't believe it's been almost 3 years since my miracle baby changed my world.

I am going...

to the OBX in exactly a month. We, I should say, meaning our family and Ryan's whole family. We ALL need this vacation- badly!

I am hearing...

last night's The Voice. Thank you, dvr. I'm wondering what's up with Adam's sweater and what's on Christina's head.

Around my house...

I picked up the clutter before I sat down. Solid decision.

One of my favorite things...

is root beer! I just can't get enough. Love.

A few plans for my week...

small group tomorrow night, visiting friends, hanging out with Justin & Amy & the kiddos on Saturday, attending a baby shower for a dear friend and her miracle baby on Sunday. :)

A picture...

or a montage... from a few weeks ago. Love my boys!

daybook

Outside my window...

it's cloudy but almost 60 degrees! I was out and about with the kids this morning and totally sweating in my pea coat and scarf.

I am thinking...

that pinkeye and double ear infections stink... poor Mac.

I am thankful for...

my best friends and my family... especially my mom, who painted (almost) my entire downstairs in the past few days. It looks amazing! I'll share pictures soon.

I am learning...

that going to bed early is easier said than done... but wonderful when it is successful. I got over 9 hours of sleep last night, even with getting up at 6:30am!

I am creating...

a lot! I'm so inspired and excited by so much these days- feels good!

I am going...

to Craftcation!  Eeeeeeeee!!!!!

I am hearing...

the hum of the monitor. Ahhhh.

Around my house...

we have made so much progress and I'm so, so happy for what we have done.

One of my favorite things...

is date nights- Ryan and I were able to go out to a yummy place this past weekend and ended up seeing Erin and Ray at the restaurant, then met up for dessert with Alyssa and Jason (who happened to be at the restaurant next door at the same time). So fun!

A few plans for my week...

tonight is small group, but looks like we will have to skip due to pinkeye boy. :)  Also, I'm excited for my sweet Emily's kids' joint birthday party this weekend.  Love them!

A picture...

One year ago today... my baby boy in the big tub for the first time.

daybook

Outside my window...

it's very cold but sunny.  It was really windy last night so there are branches everywhere.  I have to pinch myself when I look outside, because in spite of all the work to be done, we are in OUR HOUSE... we are home!

I am thinking...

that I just might need this... so cute!  (Ahem, Valentine's Day?)

I am thankful for...

all of the wonderful people who helped us pack, move, and unpack in the past week.  Not sure I really know how to truly express my gratitude.

I am learning...

that unpacking a house with a 14 month old is literally impossible.

I am creating...

my craft/work/sewing room.... oh it's gonna be so great.  I'm so excited it makes me want to cry!

I am going...

to small group tonight... excited to see old friends and meet new friends.

I am hearing...

the hum of the monitors (B has decided that naps are a good thing) and traffic.

Around my house...

it still looks like a war zone but things are coming together.  I took a video (that I'll share later this week) before I was able to tackle the boxes so I can chronicle all that we get done.

One of my favorite things...

is dancing in the kitchen with my girl and my boy saying "Pthlzzz" (please) unprompted. :)

A few plans for my week...

unpacking, girls' night, unpacking.

A picture...

(Or a few... some snippets of the past few days)

 

Empty {new} house

Kids on a shelf (as I unpack books)

Mac eating broccoli (it's a MIRACLE!  I guess the trick is letting him do it himself)

Happy Wednesday, friends!

daybook: moving on the brain edition

Outside my window...

it's clear and chilly.  It hasn't rained/showed for weeks, and we have had sun and clear skies.  Tomorrow it's supposed to rain... the ONE day we will be packing up the moving truck.  I am praying it holds off!

I am thinking...

that perhaps staying up until 5am packing my kitchen will affect/is affecting my productivity today.  

Also, I'm thinking/highly suggesting that you should hop over to Keight's blog and enter her fun giveaways (do I spy a PCB giveaway?!  Oh yes I do!) and don't forget to enter my PCB giveaway this week right HERE!

I am thankful for...

my mom and dad, who are watching the kids this week while we pack.  I truly don't think packing this house would have been possible with my sweet rugrats underfoot.

Also, my love who turned 30 on Sunday!  I had plans for an elaborate birthday post,

but they were squashed.  Wonder why.  Thankful that Ryan is understanding/not needy!

I am learning...

how much STUFF we have... makes me want to chuck everything and live a simpler life.

I am creating...

plans to decorate the new house!  Speaking of creating, check out these.  HILARIOUS!!!

I am going...

out to dinner with friends tonight, and have done so with various friends every night this week.  Part goodbye, part break from packing, part lack of food in the house.

I am hearing...

Us and our Daughters.  Oh, Phil LaRue, you will always be my teenage crush.

Around my house...

there are boxes everywhere.  Duh.

One of my favorite things...

is talking to my sweet B on the phone while we are apart this week... despite the conversations lasting 7 seconds.

A few plans for my week...

do I really need to say it?

A picture...

My mom has been super diligent with sending pics of the kids this week.  Love her and them.

That picture of Brynlee makes me weep.  Miss them so much.

daybook

Outside my window...

it's currently 48 degrees.  Not super Christmasy feeling, but I'll take it!

I am thinking...

that I really should get going on my plan to clean the whole house today.

I am thankful for...

the lack of snow!  Bah humbug, right?!

I am learning...

how incredible a two year old's memory really is.

I am creating...

wrapped Christmas presents?  Does that count?

I am going...

shopping with some of the teenage girls from church tonight... hoping it won't be too crazy at the mall.

I am hearing...

the Thomas the Tank Engine theme song... "They're two, they're four, they're six, they're eight..."

Around my house...

my boy is running around yelling "ball!" and "vroom vroom"!  Love it.

One of my favorite things...

is a good game of Angry Birds or Fruit Ninja.  Did I really just admit that?

A few plans for my week...

traveling to NY for Christmas.

A picture...

Or a few!  We tried to get just ONE good picture of the kids before church on Sunday... you be the judge on how successful we were!

Between a finicky camera, on the verge of being late for church, and less than willing kids, I'd say the success level was a bit low. I think I am sensing a theme here...

{2010}

Haha!

daybook

Outside my window...

it's really dark, except for the Christmas lights on my street.  Pretty.  And, the house kitty-corner from us has a light up Rudolph in the lawn whose head keeps falling off.  Makes me laugh.

I am thinking...

about how sleepy I am and how I shouldn't be ignoring my list of things to do.

I am thankful for...

this season, my sweet family, new friends, new beginnings.

I am learning...

to chill out when I feel the need to keep my house pristine.

I am creating...

 lots of jewelry!  And a marathon post, FINALLY!

I am going...

Christmas shopping with my friend Mandie tomorrow night... I need to pound this out!

I am hearing...

the fuzz of the monitor and Audrey Assad... my new favorite.

Around my house...

things are still and the clutter is semi-under control.

One of my favorite things...

is seeing Brynlee's little legs kicking under the water during swimming lessons.  Today was her last lesson, and she went from clinging to me to swimming on her own (with a floaty bubble thing) in 6 weeks.  She's so confident now and I'm so proud of her.

A few plans for my week...

Christmas shopping, Christmas parties, organizing.

A picture...

My sisters (in law) and me a few weeks ago at the Christmas parade the day after Thanksgiving... how I love and miss them!

Happy Thursday.

daybook

Outside my window...

it is cloudy but the current temperature is 69 degrees.  Whaaaaat?!

I am thinking...

about how nervous and excited I am to leave for Tennessee tomorrow.  I have so much to do beforehand!  I still haven't started to pack!

I am thankful for...

my momma who will be wrangling my kids for the next few days!

I am learning...

to not put a timeline on God's plans.

I am creating...

Christmas decorations!  And orders for my Etsy shop!

I am going...

crazy.  Haha.

I am hearing...

Brynlee talking when she's supposed to be napping and the hum of the washing machine.

Around my house...

it looks like a bomb went off!  The glow of the Christmas tree makes me happy, though.

One of my favorite things...

is the sweet "muah" Mac lets out as he plants a kiss on me!

A few plans for my week...

to clean up and pack, send out some orders, catch our flight to TN, meet some new friends, run a half marathon Saturday... you know, no big deal.

A picture...

Carrie gave me the pictures she took from Mac's party and from our little family shoot (will share the rest soon) and I love this one of me and my boy right before his party:

 

Catch ya when I return... hopefully I will still have two working legs!

daybook

Inspired by Arielle, I thought I'd start sharing a little {hopefully} weekly daybook. Gotta keep it real around here!

Outside my window...

the weather is cloudy but not (yet) rainy. I am loving this 60 degree November weather!

I am thinking...

about how proud I am of my dear friend Erin for finally opening her Etsy shop! Check out her lovely printable wall art.

I am thankful for...

friends I can be completely transparent and honest with. You know who you are!

I am learning...

what it is to have a heart and love for humanity. That life is about serving others and furthering God's kingdom. About what it is to be a woman of influence. I went to an amazing women's conference this past weekend and am just brimming with excitement for the changes God is stirring in my heart.

I am creating...

my 52/1 project for the week... I hope it turns out as awesome as I'm envisioning!

I am going...

to the post office, the library, and youth group tonight. Hoping to get a shower beforehand! Brynlee and I had (mommy & me) swimming lessons this morning and I currently look just LOVELY.

I am hearing...

Brynlee chattering over the monitor & pattering around her room (she's supposed to be napping) and Milo Greene -- they opened for The Civil Wars when Ryan and I saw them in Boston a few weekends ago, and to say that that show was incredible would be a shameful understatement.

Around my house...

the toys and clutter are surprisingly picked up. We were gone all morning, so that helps. :)

One of my favorite things...

is Dunkin Donuts mint hot chocolate. Yum.

A few plans for my week...

to get my 52/1 project and post done, go to the midnight showing of Breaking Dawn with some friends, package and send a bunch of orders (YAY!), hopefully get a run or two in, update Mac's babybook, write thank you notes for Mac's birthday party, and the list goes on. :)

A picture...

One year ago this week... oh my, my.

okay, and maybe a few more... we had a little family photoshoot with my sweet Carrie when we were home a few weekends ago and I am so in love with the little preview she gave me:

Hope you're having a lovely week!