Summer's Sunshine Project

Summer is one of the sweetest bloggers ever.  She has a huge heart and is just so genuine.  She recently started the Sunshine Project.

Basically, it is a project where you share some sunshine (aka, what brightens your day) and maybe share some love with someone else who may need it.  This is totally right up my alley.  I love this idea and knew I wanted to participate. 

These 2 are my sunshine. They make the gloomiest days bright and happy.


To share our love for others, we are co-hosting a "new parents" play date at church Saturday morning. Hopefully we can make new friends and welcome them to our church :)

Join in on the fun with Summer and spread some sunshine!

Current Obsessions

We are in the process of selling our house and hopefully buying a new one so most of my current obsessions right now are home related. 

Right now, I love burlap. LOVE IT!  I just ordered a burlap table runner and pillow from Rustic Living and I can't wait to get it.  I love this picture as well for our house. 

I have always loved maps and this fabric map is just perfect!  I would love to put it in our playroom.  It is so colorful.  Right now, I have only found a DIY tutorial.  We all know how my DIY projects turn out so I'm hoping to find one on ETSY. 

My biggest obsession right now is the mason jar chandelier.  I MUST have this in my dinning room.  It will be perfect with my farm style table and burlap table runner.  I'm hoping my very handy husband can make this for me asap!

Speaking of DIY projects....I tasked my awesome hubby with making this welcome sign last weekend and he was up for the challenge!  It's still in the works, but as you can see....he's making progress!

This is on my Christmas list this year.  I seem to take a million pics with my iphone and having the ability to just print them out would be fantastic.  Santa...are you listening??  It's only $159!

Lastly, I saw this recipe on pinterest this morning and I'm absolutely craving these now.  This is what I will be having for dinner tonight.

Best part is????  Apparently they are healthy!  Win/Win!

What are your current obsessions?



10 things about me

Since I haven't told you a lot about me, I thought I'd make a short list :). I love getting to know other bloggers so hopefully you feel the same.

1. My favorite color is yellow. It is warm and happy.
2. My major in college was communications/broadcasting but I work in HR.
3. I have not opened my blog up to my family and real life friends yet. I don't know why. I guess I just like the thought of having it private and having a place to vent. On a side note... my husband does read it.
4. I have a small (ok a big) shopping addiction. I love a good deal and black Friday is my second favorite day of the year (my 1st is Christmas).
5. Speaking of Christmas, I listen to Christmas carols year round.
6. I want to go to NJ to Anthony Roberts salon (or the Gatsby) to get my hair and makeup done. Love Jerseylicious! Especially Gigi, Olivia, and Anthony.
6. I love NYC. I love the city and the gorgeous skyline. I like the hustle and bustle of the city. I wish we went to visit more often.
7. I love reading. I finish at least 2 books a month. I will read just about anything. My all time favorites are "Same kind of Different as Me" and "Unbreakable".
8. I teach Sunday school to an adorable group of 2-3 year olds. I think it is so important to teach kids about God at a young age.
9. I knew I wanted to marry my husband when I met him 12 years ago. I even told my best friend. It just took him a little longer (like 5 years) to start dating me.
10. Watching Paxton dance and sing and watching Mia sing and do gymnastics are my favorite things to do.

Negative Nancies....venting

If you know me IRL, you know that I despite my self deprecating humor, I am a really optimistic person.  I love my life.  I love my family and I look for the good in everyone and everything.  My husband would say I am too optimistic as I usually get my hopes up only to be upset by things not happening the way I had envisioned.  He also says I live in "Karen World" where life is sunshine and rainbows.  I don't think it is entirely true, but I do have a great outlook on life--despite the misfortune that seems to come our way far too often. 

That being said, 2 things that really irritates me (and this happens a lot with my in-laws) are negativity and telling me how to parent my children.  I'll start with negativity...Instead of looking at the possibilities of something and how great it can be -- or how awesome Christmas carols are year round (just my opinion) or how amazing this house could be that we are looking at- or how new shoes or a pedicure do make you feel better sometimes and therefore it is not a waste of money-  some people insist on pointing out what is wrong with everything.  I'd be more specific with a few of those examples, but my husband sometimes reads my blog (though he refuses to be a follower).  men.  :) --just kidding Chris. 

Anyway, point being, I wish if people didn't have something nice to say, they would just not say anything.  Stop raining on everyone else's parade.  If I want to pick out paint samples for my future home that I of course know we don't have yet....so be it.  If I want to listen to Christmas Carols in June...who cares.  Who is it hurting anyway?  If I want to pin crap on pinterest that I want for my dream home...is it really hurting anyone?  If I want to spend my extra money on a pedicure or some cute shoes or whatever...what business is it of anyones--other than mine and maybe my husbands (though we have seperate accounts).  ugh...Do you ever feel like screaming..."mind your own business" or better yet..."I don't want your opinion". 

Further...I wish people would refrain from telling me how to feed my kid (Paxton).  Unless you have had a child with severe feeding issues, you have NO idea what you are talking about.  Just because you forced your kids to sit at the table until they ate their dinner does not mean it will work for my child.  He doesn't eat table food and he won't.  No amount of time at the table will change that.  If he doesn't eat...It is a big deal...to me.  I have a difficult enough time feeding him.  It already takes up to an hour for each meal.  I don't need the stress of him missing meals on top of everything else. 

I think I am done.  I'm sure I lost most of you after the first paragraph and sorry for venting.  I hope you are all having a great week.

Weekend Recap...

We had yet another busy weekend, which included a wish party, house tour, projects, and sadly...saying goodbye to some family moving to Texas today. 

First up....Friday.  Friday, my make a wish partner, Wes and I had a "wish" party for one of my Make a Wish kids.  She is going to Costa Rica and left yesterday.  I am so excited for her and her family.  Her trip is going to be amazing.

Friday evening it rained so we did not make it to the farmers market.  :(.  Instead, we decided to take the kids for a walk as Mia wanted to catch raindrops on her tongue.

Pax had a little trouble holding the umbrella up so Chris had to help.

Yes, we took him walking in just his diaper.  It was hot and rainy and he didn't care.

Saturday, we took the kids for a hair cut (Paxton so desperately needed one!) and I convinced Chris to make me a sign for the front of the house as seen on pinterest (details to come in another post when he finishes).  We all know I suck at crafts so my poor husband is forced to make all of the stuff I find.  My next request is for the mason jar chandelier. 

We spent the rest of the weekend with my in-laws.  We toured the house that we made an offer on (with the rest of the family of course).  If you are familiar with big Italian families, they apparently do everything together.



Today, my sister in law and her family are moving to Dallas, TX.  While we are definitely sad to see them go and will miss seeing them often, I'm excited that they are moving to TX.  I've always wanted to go to Texas as now we have a reason to visit (hopefully often).  The kids played together all weekend as we tried to spend as much time with them as possible. 

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Book Review: Room by Emma Donoghue

I just finished the book Room by Emma Donoghue.  Here is the summery from amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Room-A-Novel-Emma-Donoghue/dp/0316098337

To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It is where he was born and grew up; it's where he lives with his Ma as they learn and read and eat and sleep and play. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits.

Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it is the prison where Old Nick has held her captive for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for Jack. But she knows it's not enough...not for her or for him. She devises a bold escape plan, one that relies on her young son's bravery and a lot of luck. What she does not realize is just how unprepared she is for the plan to actually work.

Ok, so for my review:

This book was very disturbing.  The first 2 chapters (1/3 of the book) were really slow.  I almost stopped reading, but I decided to push through.  Overall, I'm glad I did. 

Once you get to the part where they are "escaping", you really become invested in the characters.  You feel so sorry for Jack.  His integration into the real world is difficult and confusing.  It was incredibly sad.  This is not a "feel good" read, though the end is a good one.  It is also not a page turner; however, if you are looking for something different, you may want to consider this book.  It is a reminder that there are so many people and families who are struggling with children, grandchildren, etc who are missing.  Even if/when they return, their lives are never the same. 

If you have read this book, I'd love to hear what you thought. 

What's in my mind- Brain dump

I feel like my head is going to expload.  We have so much going on right now.  We made an offer on a house last week.  Yesterday, they counter offered and this morning, we sent another offer.  Buying a house is so stressful.  Did I mention our house was just put on the market yesterday?  Please pray that it sells for what we are asking. 

Paxton started preschool this week.  I am so incredibly proud of him.  He is such a big boy.  When I get home from work everyday, he runs to the top of the stairs waiting to give me a big hug and kiss.  He totally melts my heart. 

Mia is such a good big sister.  She totally watches out for him at school (and wherever).  As I was laying in bed last night, I was thinking how grateful I am that we had our kids so close together (22 months apart).  While having 2 kids close in age was really hard (and still is) for the past 2 years, it is so totally worth it.  I LOVE that they are more than just brother and sister.  They are best friends.  They hug a lot.  They hold hands.  Mia always asks if Paxton can go with her when she is invited to go somewhere.  It is just so great to watch them grow up together and love each other (most of the time). 

That's all I have today as I need to play on pinterest and dream about my new house :).  Have a great week!

So What Wednesday

It's Wednesday again and I'm linking up with Shannon at Life After I Dew

This week, I'm saying so what if:

• I've accomplished absolutely nothing for the past 2 days except pinning stuff for the new house we have NOT bought yet on Pinterest.
• I am completely obsessed with the mason jar chandelier at Pottery Barn.  I need my husband to make it for me asap. 
• Paxton did not sit on his "sit upon" for story time yesterday during his 1st day of preschool.  Little man wanted to dance instead...and let me tell you....that boy can shake it! 
• My DVR is over 65% full and it is driving me crazy!  I don't have time to watch TV during the week and we were busy all weekend (when I usually try to catch up). 
• Paxton's birthday party is in 2 weeks and I hate the fact that it is outside at the park (and will be moved to my house if it rains).  Planning for a party that is supposed to be outside, but could be moved is hard!  Totally should have thought about that before I booked the pavillians at the park for the kid's birthdays this year.
• I want so much to make some of the DIY things I've pinned lately, but I just tried to make a cake stand and it ended up a hot mess.  Why Why Why can't I follow simple directions when it comes to crafts? 

What are you saying so what to this week?



Bauble Swap

Shanna at Because Shanna Said So is hosting a Bauble Swap!  While I am not a fashion Blogger, I do love clothes and love a great deal!  I've never participated in a swap and am excited to give this one a try.  After all....who doesn't love jewelry??

So, there is still time, hop over to Shanna's blog and sign up!  It's a great opportunity to make new friends and get a fun gift.

Weekend Recap

We had a pretty busy weekend.  Friday, we went to gymnastics and then to the farmers market as usual.  We had fun. 

We were making faces while waiting for Chris to pick us up from gymnastics.

Paxton was dancing here, but he looks like he's saying..."what's up ladies".  I love that little man.

Saturday, we had a garage sale.  

Our house is officially on the market as of today!!!!  One step closer to moving to our forever house.  I'm so excited.  Anyone interested in a house in Southern MD????  I'll make you a good deal :)

During the yard sale, the kids painted the flowers in our front yard and drew some pretty pictures with sidewalk chalk.

  Saturday evening, we went to the firehouse (Chris's dad is a volunteer) for a crab feast.  I'll spare you the details of what a HORRIBLE experience this was as my kids were a hot mess; however, they did have fun looking at the firetrucks.

Sunday, for Father's Day, we went to church and then spent the day with Chris's parents.  The kids went swimming and played with their cousins.

They had a great time.  I hope everyone had a great weekend and great Father's Day. 





Celebrity Junk

I love Kristen's Celebrity Junk linkup!  I don't really get a chance to read people or US Weekly so it's nice to read everyone's link up to find out what is going on.  This is what I found out this week.

I read on http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2158330/Fifty-Shades-Of-Grey-movie-Scarlett-Johansson-perfect-Ana-says-writer-Bret-Easton-Ellis.html that Scarlet Johannson's name has been thrown into the running to play Ana in the 50 Shades movie.  Really?  Is it just me or is she completely wrong for the part???  Not to mention, she is too old. 

Congratulations to Rob and Amber Mariano on the birth of their 3rd daughter, Isabetta Rose. 

 

Also, Congrats to Matthew McConaughey and new wife, Camila Alves on their marriage.  E News got a close up on her ring.  Looks very pretty.

 

And in otehr news that I find completely baffling....why are these 2 back together???

So disgusted. 

Have a great weekend and don't forget to link up with Kristen to share your celebrity junk. 

 

Fathers Day craft...gone wrong.

I thought it might be fun this year to let the kids make "personalized" gifts for Chris and for their Grandpa's for Father's Day.  My idea was to make heart shaped molds and then use their thumbs to make hearts, paint them, and stick a magnet on the back.  Sounds easy, right?  That's what I thought too.

First, I bought this model magic stuff.  I like it.  It was easy to use and didn't flake a lot.  No complaints there. 

I then used a heart shaped cookie cutter to cut hearts.  That was easy enough.  I was able to make 12.  Next, I tried to get the kids to make hearts using their thumbs.  I guess I should not expect much when working with a 3 year old and almost 2 year old.

  This is what I ended up with.  Ok....it wasn't terrible, but not what I had in mind.  I decided to roll with it since the kids were having so much fun.  Next, we painted them. 

We used nail polish...mainly because that is what I had available in red and pink :).  The kids had a great time.  They both love art projects, especially painting!  So, although my kid's craft idea did not come out how I had planned....in another way...maybe it was better?  This was something they made completely on their own and loved every second of it. 

So What Wednesday!

I'm linking up with Shannon at L.A.I.D. again for So what Wednesday.  This came at the perfect time as I had no idea what to blog about today and I'm too tired to really try to figure something out.  On a side note....if my 3 1/2 year old does not start going to bed at a reasonable time (and staying in bed), I may completely lose it.  This 9-10pm crap (and up during the night often with night terrors) has got to go.  Ok, enough of me whinning...  This week, I'm saying so what if....

• I have accomplished absolutely nothing for the past 2 days because I spent that time reading.   Oh my gosh...Bared to you:  a Crossfire Novel is as good if not better than 50 shades of Grey (and thankfully, minus the Inner Goddess stuff).  Thanks to my BFF Melissa and her Dirty Book Club for the recommendation.
• I have already preordered book 2 if the Crossfire series and it doesn't come out until October. 
• I have already started window shopping online for the house we hope to buy (aka--the mold house).
• The house I want to buy has mold in the basement.  It is dirt cheap, gorgeous, has over 3 acres, and we can rip the basement apart, right?  There are people who can remove mold and certify that it is safe, right? 
• If I cannot think of anything else and trying to finish this blog quickly because the cafeteria is about to open (I'm at work) and I'm in desperate need of a fountain coke, chocolate covered donut, and some bacon. 

Happy Wednesday and don't forget to link up with Shannon for So What Wednesday!

These are a few of my favorite things

When Becky and Raven announced their favorite things vlog link up, I knew I wanted to give it a shot. Let me start by saying I officially hate to see myself on video. It is so weird and no matter how many times recorded it (3), I picked it apart. Finally, I just decided it wasn't going to get any better so, here we go :)

Weekend Recap: Beach and Birthdays

This weekend was busy....full of 2 birthday parties, a trip to the beach/farmers market, church, and we even squeezed in time to check out a new house (still hoping to sell ours).  Friday, as usual, I took Mia to gymnastics and then we headed to the beach.  No pics this week. 

Saturday, Mia was invited to her friend, Ryan's 5th birthday.  They played mini golf and rode in bumper boats.  Mia had fun, though it was so hot and humid. 

Paxton had fun too and got lots of attention.

He also got another lollipop

Mia decided she didn't need a nap and instead decided to dress up as a butterfly princess.

Sunday, we went to church.  The kids love to play outside after the service. 

After church, Mia was invited to another birthday party.  This one was for Tucker, who also turned 5.  They kids played in a bounce house, played on the slip and slide and decorated cupcakes.  The kids had a great time.

We also checked out a house yesterday.  From the outside it had a lot of potential, brick, 2 story with a basement, great piece of land and a great neighborhood.  Unfortunately, the inside was a hot mess.  The walls were pink.  I love pink, but not in my kitchen, living room, and dining room.  The hard woods were all scratched, the carpet was stained and in a variety of colors.  We also found a dead mouse in the basement.  Needless to say...I think we'll probably pass.  I will say...it could be fixed up, but not sure it is worth the money and time. 

I hope everyone had a great weekend!