Thankful Thursday

I'm following in the footsteps of my pal Esther and thinking about all I'm grateful for today, this week and this life. This week has been a hard one for a lot of us, and sometimes we forget to look around and realize ALL the precious gifts that life has given us. My most important being family.

Last weekend was a busy one, with party after party after party; and throw in an extra toddler (we babysat my cutie pie nephew for the day) and well things were just straight up crazy. But in the BEST possible way. I attended my first ugly sweater party, and it was so much fun! The hubs wore a woman's sweater and decided to accessorize with his very own ta-tas. Quite the goofball my guy, but God I love him!
Here's the whole fam, minus a few at the end of the night:

After we left we decided to drive around with the kids to see all the pretty houses lit up for Christmas, this one was our favorite; when you pulled up you set your radio to a certain station and the lights lit up according to whatever song was on, SO NEAT!!!

Afterwards, we headed home - got the kids in their PJ's (well sorta) and put in a Christmas movie for them to watch - Santa Paws 2 - which if you haven't seen it, IT IS ADORABLE! Just what these little guys needed after a long fun filled day!! It didn't take them long to pass out cold!

Sunday little miss woke up and wondered outloud "Where'd E go?" How sweet!
We spent the day playing cars, and snuggling, which honestly is my idea of heaven.

So when I get myself in a funk, which seems to be a lot these days, I'm gonna take a step back, and think of this weekend, and all the things I have to be truly grateful and turn that frown upside down!

Ache

That's how I feel. An aching in my heart, a punch to the gut, a heart broken.
Like many people, like many parents - I can't seem to shake Friday's horrible shooting at Sandy Hook, the devastation; the senseless act of violence that left 28 people, 20 of them small children - dead. I have no words, only tears & prayers. Prayers that these families can begin to heal; prayers that no children should ever have to endure the horror that these children did on that day; prayers that our schools can become a safe place again, a place where we send our children to learn, and grow up to be smart, bright, loving individuals.
Sadly, something these 20 children will never get to do.

To Daniel. Olivia. Charlotte. Josephine. Ana. Allison. Madeleine. Dylan. Catherine. Chase. Jesse. Grace. James. Emilie. Jack. Noah. Caroline. Jessica. Benjamin. Avielle. You will never be forgotten.

And to the brave teachers/personnel, who risked their lives to save so many students - you are heros: Principal Dawn Hochsprung; School psychologist Mary Sherlach and Teachers Victoria Soto, Anne Marie Murphy, Rachel D'Avino, Lauren Rousseau.

May they all rest in heavenly peace.

What we've been up to......

Christmas Tree Decorating - We downsized this year, and went with an artificial four foot tree as opposed to the 6 1/2 footer we usually put up. Thank you apartment living, which equals not much space!

Playing "People" w/Papa. This girl is loving Phineas and Ferb lately.

Chattin' with Santa and Mrs. Claus. She said to me last night after looking through the big toys r us book "Maybe I'll tell Santa I want EVERYTHING".
Santa better find a second job!!

Welcoming our elf Toodles now known as Chippy. He had an identity crisis. Thank you Elf on the Shelf movie for completely confusing my girl. It's ok. I think Chippy suits him just fine.

Nursing a sick baby. Sos has had the sniffles and sneezies this past week, has been super congested but otherwise her happy self.

The holidays and hustle and bustle that come along are in full effect, and well I kinda love it. We have a jam packed weekend, with 3 parties in one day - including an ugly sweater party Saturday night at my nieces, which I am TOTALLY excited about.

I'm hoping Sunday I can slow down, and maybe attempt my FIRST ginger bread house with Sophia!! The first of many traditions we'll be starting this year.

Tell me what are some of your families favorite traditions during the holidays?? Would love to hear some!!!

Thanksgiving (A week late)

As usual, we hosted Thanksgiving dinner at our house this year.

Our table was short a few people, and that made for some heavy hearts and tear stained cheeks, but no doubt we were all beyond grateful to be together.

The H and I argued most of the day over how to set the table, isn't that lovely?? I swear I have the only husband on earth who cares about what china we use and when! I was upset that I didn't have more fall friendly dishes (ladies, please tell me I am not alone in this??!!!). He wanted to use "Spring" dishes. Trivial I know. Finally I gave in. Next year though, you better believe I will be getting some fall freindly tableware!

Dinner was amazing, dessert was even better. Which really who doesn't love dessert? Pumpkin & Apple Pie, Cheesecake - oh my goodness! Heaven.

After we were done dinner, I asked Sophia "What are we most thankful for" & do you know what she said? "Our family". Granted I had been working on that one for awhile, but still - what a perfect ending to a perfect night.

Here are a few family shots from the night:

This time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is my most favorite time of the year, spending it with family and those you love, there is nothing that compares!! Plus I always get a little nostalgic, since we found out the night before Thanksgiving that we were pregnant (as I was in the hospital w/swine flu!). If that isn't reason enough to be thankful I don't know what is!

Wordless Wednesday

My best girl.

Some updates

Has it really almost been 2 months since my last post? Holy Moly.

Things have been to put it mildly - pretty insane these last few months.
To start off - my beautiful, energetic, spunky 94 year old grandmother passed away Tuesday October 23rd. As devastating, and as crushed as I am feeling right now, I know she is in a better place; free from pain & once again with grandpa.

I miss our weekend chats, I miss hearing her stories, and watching her play with Sophia. I miss her baking, and her calling me up to say "I made chicken soup, come and get it". I even miss her yelling at me "You need to loose weight, you have too much STUFF!" If anything she was always brutally honest. I loved that about her.

One of the hardest parts of this whole thing is explaining to a two 1/2 year old that grandmom is not here. It's daunting and truthfully something I've avoided. She knows something is off, she knew that grandmom was "very sick, and resting" but still doesn't quite get it.
Everytime we leave the house she says "Let's go see grandmom, she gives you kisses". Ahhh....I just don't have the heart to tell her, grandmom is gone.

But I'm working on it. I know it's a talk I have to have sooner radther than later - I just don't know how to do it. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated.

In other news, we are getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, we are hosting - as usual (which I LOVE!). It'll just be 8 of us, 2 very important people missing this year, but we'll get through it - with lots of love & some great food, and maybe even a few bottles of wine. Lots of baking, and cooking and cleaning to be done today - don't you ever just wish you could snap your fingers and voila! It's done??!! This girl does. Guess I'm gonna keep dreaming!

I Hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving, spent with those you love, with full bellies, and most of all lots of love and laughter.

Wordless Wednesday

***If you would, send prayers, happy thoughts, good vibes - whatever you can to my beautiful grandmother who will celebrate her 94th birthday tomorrow. She was admitted to the hopital Monday morning in severe pain, doctors found cancer in her legs, and spine. I love her more than I can put into words. Praying that they keep her as comfortable as possible.

My Sally Fields Moment

My bloggy friend Esther
nominated me for The Liebster Award. You guys!! I am totally in awe. I can't beleive that anyone is even interested in ANYTHING I have to say; let alone takes the time to follow me or nominate me for awards. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Now without further ado......

The Liebster award is for blogs that have 200 followers or less and lets us little blogs have a great change to network and get to know each other (and hopefully grow into bigger / better blogs!)

Here are the rules:
Post 11 things about yourself
Answer the questions that have been posted by the people who gave you the award Create 11 questions you want your nominees to answer Pass this award on to a maximum of 11 blogs.
Let them know that you've given them the award!

So here goes!

Are you a cat or dog person? Definitely a dog person. Growing up we always had cats, my mom was a cat person. Maybe that's why I am so adamantly NOT.

How did you come up with your blog name? It's actually the title to one of my favorite Tristan Prettyman songs. If you know me, you know I adore this girl. I've loved her since I heard her demo many moons ago.
One of my favorite lines
"And this love will build
Through flights and streets
In the end I predict
You'll get the very best of me"
I just love it.

What's your favorite movie? This is such an easy one, The Notebook. Ryan Gosling + Rachel McAdams, every girls dream come true. I can watch that movie a million times over and never get sick of it. And if I'm in need of a good cry, it's always something I can count on.

Where do you find your fashion tips and advise? Being a plus size girl, I find it hard to get good fashion advice. I'm not one to let it all hang out persay, I don't feel 100% comfortable in my own skin (especially since having a baby!) BUT a new blog I recently found called Stylish Curves, has some great tips, outfit ideas - etc; another one I love is Girl With Curves
Aside from wanting to raid her closet on the regular, THAT HAIR. OMG. In love!


Where would you go on vacation if you could afford anything? Greece! Hands down, I've always wanted to travel to Greece. I mean have you seen Mama Mia??!! Ahh... LOVE.

What is your favorite comfort food? Mashed potatoes and gravy! Oh my goodness. If they doesn't scream heaven to you, I don't KNOW what does!

What genre of music do you usually listen to? I'm a rock and roll kinda girl, but I really listen to everything. From Bon Jovi, Maroon 5, DMB to Sugarland and Taylor Swift.

Do you have any favorite tradition (daily, weekly, or holiday)? We really don't. This year at the holidays specifically I think we will start. I've seen a lot of ideas around the web, and pinterest especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas, that we will be putting into affect this year now that Sosie is old enough!

What's your favorite color? Hmmm purple, and green!

Are you an early bird or night owl? I'm most definitely an early bird; always have been. When Sophia was born, sleeping in became a thing of the past. But honestly, I don't mind. Some of those early mornings are still some of my favorite. Even now, when she wakes up early (hello 5am wake up call Saturday!); we let Papa sleep in, cuddle up on the couch and snuggle. It's my favorite way to spend the morning with her!

What's your favorite restaurant and which dish do you always order there? I'm not even gonna lie, I love some TGI Fridays! Their Jack Daniel's chicken and shrimp is my favorite. If we're talking a little nicer, I have to go with Morton's Steakhouse.

Now, to pass the love on - I'm nominating the following blogs, that are some of my favorite everyday reads:

Heather's Thrifty Closet


Adventures with Gwen


Moments Like This

Luca Lou and Whoop Di Doo


This Amazing Day

Nail Polish Swap

I'm a SUCKER for nailpolish.
I mean, what woman do you know that isn't right??
So when I saw Lala & Carly's nail polish swap, I jumped at the chance to sign up!

I got paired with the beautiful, fabulous Esther - if you haven't yet, please go check out her blog; she is such a sweetheart!!!

I LOVE the polishes that she picked out for me, and cannot WAIT to try them out soon!

Fun Days

Late yesterday afternoon, as I was buckling Sophia into her carseat after a playdate with my favorite little guy & aunt dd, Sos looked up at me and said "Mama, I had a fun day today". And we did. We had a great weekend.

From a birthday party for two precious little girls:

To some mama time for me and one of my besties:

To blowin bubbles and learning how to play t-ball with DD

And even Stinky Faces at the food store

I couldn't ask for anything funner!

Friday Letters

Dear Kelle Hampton - THIS video, has my heart all sorts of happy today.

Dear Adam Levine - I love you, like triple heart, x's and o's, love, love, love you. And that Blake Shelton impersonation?? Priceless. Cute and funny? What more could a girl ask for??

And while we're at it, maybe you can tell Christina to cover up her ladies?? No one needs to see all that, especially my two year old!

Dear Hubby - Thanks for taking such good care of us. For taking such good care of our girl, and our home. People always ask me how can I do this commute, the hours are rough, I'm gone from the time our girl gets up, until she is ready for bed but my answer is always because of you. You always have my back, OUR back and I feel like the luckiest girl ever. All that talk about Adam? Hogwash. You're the only guy for me. You have my heart forever and ever and ever.

Dear Toaster Struedels - Thank you for filling my belly every morning this week. I adore you. My behind on the other hand.....

Dear Blake Lively - You are perfection, and in fact my new girl crush.

Dear Weekend - I'm SO glad you are here. Tomorrow we are celebrating the birthday's of one of my oldest and dearest friends two little chicklets, I can't wait to get in some girl time with my ladies and maybe, JUST maybe some fall decorating.

**All images via Pinterest

Happy Friday!!!!!

Its Friday, 3:00 - my favorite time of the week. I'm on the train, headed home, headphones on and trying to unwind from what proved to be another crazy week. Thank God its over and I have a few days to recoup!

Tomorrow we're taking Little Miss to Sesame Place to see Yo Gabba Gabba, who mine as well be The Beatles to her. She is SUPER excited. Everytime I ask her "What are we gonna do this weekend??" She screams "Go see Gabba GABBA". I can't wait to see her face tomorrow!

Other than that we don't have much planned besides the norm: cleaning, laundry and grocery shopping! Not so fun, but after this week - anything sounds good right now!

I'm hoping The H and I can squeeze in a few hours on the couch watching our new favorite show "Breaking Bad". Best Buy had the full seasons on sale a few weeks ago for $12.99. The H had some gift certificates so we decided to scoop up all 4 seasons, and have been HOOKED ever since! If you haven't seen it, you have no idea what your missing. Its SO good!

So that's what we're up to this weekend. Anyone have any big plans? Do share!!

Have a good weekend!!!!!!
 

 

Heavy

Via

For the last week I've struggled with what to write, how much should I let go, what's ok to put out there, and what's not.  Some things have been heavy on my heart, but they don't just affect me so, putting them out there seems, well unfair to the rest of my fam.  The H and I are not splitting up, just to be clear, and our little miss is perfectly fine (Thank the Lord!!)

Things are changing, but you know sometimes change is good, sometimes its much needed and overdue - in order for us to grow.
But change is hard! Especially for me.
I like things the way I like them.
I like normalcy. I like my simple little life, drama free. But this isn't about me, and its not my journey. So for now, I'm rolling with the changes.

Learning how to adapt and trying to see the positive.

Wordless Wednesday

Play-dohing

Painting

"Horsing" around

Matching

Currently.....

I'm linking up again this week with Wendy and Randalin - please go check out both of these amazing mama's & sign up!

Currently I am...

Missing....Being pregnant. Is that weird?? As sick as I was throughout the better part of half of my pregnancy, I miss it. I miss feeling life inside of me, I miss that special bond between me and my growing baby and the weekly pedicures (my one indulgence while pregnant)!

Craving....Space. Little Miss is growing fast!! She is outgrowing our bed which she has shared with us since she was a wee baby and since we will be sharing a room until we move, it's time to set her up with her own space! We are thinking of rearranging our bedroom to give her her own little area. This means getting rid of furniture, throwing stuff away that we don't need and downsizing. Hopefully by Christmas we can make this happen!!

Anticipating....Fall. Cooler Weather. A jam packed social calendar in September, which may include Breakfast with Sophia's favorite peeps ever - Yo Gabba Gabba!!! We live literally ten minutes from Sesame Place, and got word that they'll be here in a few weeks. She will be SO excited! I can't wait to see her little face!


Thinking....About a dear friend whose going through a rough patch. I'm such a fixer, and it kills me there is nothing I can do to help her. It's been weighing heavy on my heart.


Singing....Taylor Swifts new song. Don't hate me but it seriously rocks my socks off. Go listen here. I dare you not to fall in love.

Celebrating A Half Centaury

The H turned the BIG 5-OH on August 1st. We had a quiet day that day, went out to dinner - had cake, and opened gifts. He scored a fancy new ipad courtesy of moi, (tell me does he not have the best wife!!). It was nice and simple but little did he know in a few weeks we were planning a joint surprise party for him, and his soon to be nephew in law who was turning 40!

His nieces and I conspired for a few months, to make things perfect! We would tell them it was a party for their two daughters (who both were celebrating birthday's around the time)and make up some excuse about The H needing a ride & his nephew going to pick him up. Clever right?? Well, we seemed to think so. Apparently this totally gave us away, and the boys knew what was really going on, but thankfully never let on! We honestly couldn't have asked for a better day. The weather was GORGEOUS! Sunny & hot. We rented a bouncy house for the little ones, and put out a big baby pool. The kids had a blast! The H's brother from VA even made it in! It was such a great time.

Fifty. Wow!!! I still can't beleive it. Here's hoping for another 50 years of family, happiness and lots of love!

7 Questions and A NEW BLOG DESIGN!

Hi Friends!!!
I'm back and recharged after a little break! I feel like Summer is finally winding down, commitments are slowing down & I can finally BREATHE! Which is always a nice feeling.

You know what else feels nice?? A pretty NEW BLOG DESIGN!!! Thanks to Mrs. White over at Little Homemade Housewife!! She was AMAZING to work with, and SUPER quick! We started emailing last week, and she was done by Monday! And not to mention she is a real sweetheart! She took all my suggestions, and likes and came up with a simple, pretty little design that I am in love with. If you are in the market for a new blog design, please go visit her!! You will not be sorry!!

Now onto 7 Questions...linking up with Gentri

1. Bold or Understated?

Hmm....I would have to say understated for the most part. At times, I can be bold but that's only if you catch me on a good day! HA!


2. You have to survive alone in the wild and you only get to take one thing with you. Your choices are: A Pocket Knife, a Water Bottle, or a Book. Which do you choose and why?

Yikes. Pocket Knife for sure! Hopefully I am surrounded by a body of water of some kind, so I wouldn't need a water bottle (I've got hands for that!!) & I definitely wouldn't pick a book - because once I read it what would be the point of that one?? But a knife would come in pretty handy for many things (umm like FOOD!)


3. Thirty Two Cows, Seven Eight Chickens, How Many Didn't?

Problem solving is SO not my strong point. You got me. I give up.


4. Would you rather die doing one legendary act of service or do small acts of kindness that may go unnoticed every day?

Small acts of kindness. For me this is an easy one. You really don't need anyone's recognition to do something nice!


5. Happiness is ________. (one word; fill in the blank)

My Little Miss!!! (I cheated, 3 words)


6. Can you laugh with out smiling?

Dude, that's just creepy & not even humanly possible!


7. Do you pop your knuckles?

No, but I used to when I was younger!


Click below to go see Gentri!!!

It's Ok Thursdays - V.I

Today I'm linking up with Amber and Neely for my first ever "It's Ok Thursdays". Click up top to visit them why don't ya??!!

Here goes....

It's ok - To have wanted this week to be over before it even got started! With back to back birthday parties for Little Miss and The H, this girl is beyond exhausted & looking forward to a weekend with NOTHING to do! Friday, are you here yet??!!

It's ok - That after both above said parties are over, our nice little cushion that we had in the bank is CAPUT. Boo on being broke and eating PB&J for lunch. Thank God tomorrow is payday!!

It's ok - To feel totally over this Summer weather, and being super excited for Fall! Boots, Pumpkin Spice everything, and pumpkin patches?? Bring it on!

It's ok - That I got "caught" this morning, singing and dancing in my car to this song while parking @ the train this morning. To say I was embarassed would be an understatement.

It's ok - That I've been late for work EVERYDAY this week! Little Miss has been "sleeping in" & because I work such wacky hours I try not to leave until she wakes up & we get a few cuddles in. Thank God again for having a boss that understands!

It's ok - That this is what my house looks like this on a daily basis, it makes me a little crazy, but at least I know that my Little Miss is HAVING FUN!

Friday's Letters

Dear Rain - Please, please, PLEASE stay away tomorrow.

Dear Little Miss - I'm thinking it's about time you got acquainted with your OWN bed. Our little queen sized bed is becoming cramped with you in it. While I love snuggling and waking up to your sweet face every morning, I think it's time.

Dear Fall - Hurry up and get here already. I'm over temps of 95 degrees and sasandals and flowy dresses. I want boots and jeans and well.....not to have to shave my legs every darn day.

Dear Sephora - We've gotta slow things down. It's not you, it's me. But seriously my bank account cannot sustain or weekly meetings. Target do you hear that? Goes for you too.

Dear NJT Commuters - Its never ok to eat a smelly, onion laden hoagie on the train. That's just gross!!


Dear Pink - I love you. Thanks for rocking my otherwise boring commute home this week.

M.I.A.

Sophia's most FAVORITE toy was missing yesterday. From the way The H sounded when he told me, you'd think the world was coming to an end. Little miss was not happy!
They searched everywhere, but poor Plex was nowhere to be found.

After crying (for what seemed like an eternity) - this is how she passed out.

Later last night, as I was on my way home - I got a text that they found Plex. Under mama's pajamas. Poor guy, must've been comfy!

This my friends, was the highlight of my week!!!

This weekend is The H's big surprise (shhh....) birthday party.
My niece and I are throwing it for her fiancee who is turning 40, and The H who turned (gasp) 50. As bad as it sounds, I'm SO looking forward to it being over! All the planning & preparation - the stressing over everything being just perfect. I'll be happy when it's all done!!!

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Baby Fever

Image Via

Maybe it’s the fact that a few of my good friends are newly expecting babies, and a few others are talking about expanding – but this last month I’ve come down with THE fever – yep: BABY FEVER!

So much so that I had a dream the other night that I was pregnant again. It was another girl. An emergency c-section was in order. The doctors couldn’t find the H. It was wildly vivid. And then I woke up.

But as often as I get the urge for another baby, I just don’t think it’s happening. And that’s ok. That doesn’t mean it’s not something that I still struggle with.

I’d love nothing more than to have a bunch of babies running around, to love on, to grow up together – to be there for each other when they get older – but I think one will do.

The H just celebrated his 50th (yep you read that right!!) birthday.
He has two grown kids (25 and 27). My God, he could be a grandpa soon. Ha! That’s funny to even think! Point is – he’s not getting any younger.

Another issue is his health. It’s gotten progressively worse these last few years. It’s not easy for him to get around sometimes, and silly things we take for granted like running around outside or bath-time – can be hard for him. Not to mention, he is home everyday with little miss.
He’ll never say it, but I know at times it’s A LOT for him – having a toddler, and one as high maintenance as our girl, is demanding.
So…..Sophia will be our last baby. We will love her, and spoil her like MAD!

She will grow up with a big sister and a big brother that would move heaven and earth to ensure she was happy & well taken care of.
She will have cousins who she adores!! She will have a “big brother cousin” who will look out for her & protect her. And she will have two parents who think the sun rises and sets in her eyes and who love her more than all the stars in the sky.

And well, that’s ok.

Currently

Currently I am.......

Listening - To Ben Howard. Haven't heard of him? You should - CHECK HIM OUT.
He's dreamy. He reminds me of Ray Lamontagne. I could listen to him forever and never get tired of hearing his sweet voice. LOVE.

Daydreaming - About tropical vacations, and faraway islands. The H and I are toying around with the idea of heading to Jamaica for a long weekend next May. His neice is having a destination wedding, and it will be our ten year wedding anniversary next year. The only problem is - it's mother's day weekend. I'd be away from my girl for the first time & to top it off it'd be mother's day weekend. What would you do??!! I'm stumped.

Wanting - A little quiet time. I swear July / August are the busiest times of the year for us. With birthday parties, showers, weddings - etc; we seem to have something planned from now until the end of the month. I'm tired just thinking of it.

Looking - At condo's and bigger apartments. Seriously I know I am just dreaming, but I'm itching for more space & a bigger place for my little fam.

Writing - Lists upon lists. With so much going on these days, writing it down is helping me keep it all together.

So what's everyone been up to?? Summer is slowly dying down, and it'll be back to school soon for the kiddies. How are you enjoying these last few weeks??