It's finally here...

Fall is here, everyone! We are loving this cooler weather. This week is full of adventures and festivities. It's the annual Potato Bowl at UND this week AND Homecoming! It's busy, but fun.

So tomorrow will be spent at the world's largest french fry feed. Friday will be a little relaxing. Saturday we will see the parade! And Kyle and I have an opportunity to get out a little bit and see Mary Poppins in Fargo with my sister and her husband.

And then we're gearing up to celebrate my birthday next week.

Here's the cake I'm making for myself. 2 layers of this with a few modifications. And 1 layer of this.

Yum!

Hopefully I'm back for a little while now. We'll see. If not, it's good to see you around here again. :)

Where has time gone?

I wrote this a few weeks ago and forgot to share it. And since time flies when life is busy...I'll share it now. 

Written 5/22
 
I've been trying to find time and gumption to write for weeks now and while I still don't have much to say, I wanted to send out some encouragement.

Life is hard and circumstances suck sometimes. Although that is the case, there are some people that make life easier to trudge through.

It's the end of the school year. Life is hard. Money is tight. Sleep is fitful. Stress is high. But this is just a valley before a peak. And God is good.

A friend of mine shared this verse with me last week.
“Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” - Psalm 42:7,11

He is in control and when we have hope in Him, we know that we will return to those peaks. Life is not without trials and heartache, but because He is good, we will make it through.

Added 6/11

Summer is here and life is still tough. But with summer comes the sunshine and the full days with my boy help immensely.

Happy Monday!

Mid-Week Likes and Links

I've seen this topic floating around for a while and since I've been MIA (sorry!), I figured I'd kick things off again with some stuff to look at.

Here's a funny article that's oh so true.
We're loving these and these from Amazon lately.
If you're finding yourself saying "yes" too much, this  is for you.
An idea for the mothers in your life. Plus, it'll arrive in time!
Thinking about this place or this city for our 5 year anniversary. Thoughts?
STILL LOVING this recipe but adding some Mae Ploy
We just finished this show and started this one
And I'm firmly on Team Wade for "my" show

And last but not least, I'm watching this video on repeat.

Happy Wednesday!

Mid Week Book Talk | 04

It's a little hard for me to choose which book to talk about this week. But I think we'll have to go with my most recent finish, Stand-Off by Andrew Smith.

This weekend is the WAR for Literacy conference in town and Smith is our keynote speaker this year. The WAR conference is designed to be a free conference for teens that explores Writing And Reading (WAR). There are sessions on favorite books, writing poetry, screenplays, using social media, etc. The last two years the keynote speakers were Chris Crutcher (Crazy Horse Electric Game) in 2016 and Ellen Hopkins (Crank) in 2017.

This year we have Andrew Smith, author of award winning Winger and its sequel, Stand-Off.

Stand-Off by Andrew Smith

Stand-Off follows Ryan Dean West, a 15 year old senior at Pine Mountain, during his final year of high school. After a junior year full of pain, frustration, love, and heartbreak, Ryan Dean struggles with anxiety and fear of what may come. Coach M moves him up to the stand-off position on their rugby team and makes him team captain, but that responsibility might prove to be too much for young, Ryan Dean. To top it all off, he is assigned to live on the Freshman floor of the dorm with a 12 year old! Even with all of these challenges, Ryan Dean still has his girlfriend, Annie Altman, by his side.

After reading Winger last year, I had high hopes for Stand-Off. I was hoping to read more about his anxiety and how he copes with it. I also wanted to read more about their rugby team and Ryan Dean's final year of high school. And I think that was the biggest let-down. The novel takes place over the course of a few short weeks at school. Smith only covers one of the rugby matches in the season, which leads me to believe that the book couldn't have covered more than the first six weeks of school, tops.

My Goodreads review was this:
A nice story about Ryan Dean and his time at Pine Mountain. I definitely preferred Winger, but Stand-off was a nice tribute to Ryan Dean growing up and dealing with his anxiety following Joey's death. Unfortunately, in all 401 pages, only the last 2 talk about the end of his senior year and what his future might hold. Stand-off was severely lacking in rugby stories, unlike Winger, and it almost made Ryan Dean seem more like a little kid than the first go-around.

All-in-all, read Winger and make sure to read Stand-Off because it wraps up Ryan Dean's story, a little too nicely.

Happy Wednesday!

*Post does contain affiliate links, which means I may be compensated from any purchases you make, but at no extra cost to you*

You are the best

This is a huge, heartfelt Thank You! to everyone who has reached out to us this week. We feel so loved and are extremely grateful for the kind words and prayers.

Like I wrote last Monday, we know this isn't the end of our story. We continue to believe that Lewis will be a big brother one day and we thank you for joining us in this journey. And until then, it is my desire to help support you if you're experiencing a miscarriage or longing for that sweet little babe. I'm all ears.

 

On Healing...

This is a post I prayed that I'd never have to write. Many of you were around during my pregnancy with Lewis. You prayed for us and you celebrated with us.

When I wrote a few months ago about changes in our lives, many of you contacted me and said you were sure I was going to announce a pregnancy. And my goodness, how I wish you had been right. The alternative is oh, so heartbreaking.

The reality is that 1 in 4 women will experience a miscarriage at some point in their life. And we don't talk about it. 1 in 4. I'm still not sure how much I'm ready to talk about it. But the more we talk about loss, the less stigmatized it becomes. The more we talk about it, the easier it is for other women to find support and healing.

I was pregnant one week. And the next, I wasn't.

It's still fresh and we're still raw. But we know this isn't the end of our story. We are praying for our rainbow and cling to our hope in Jesus that He will fulfill the desires of our hearts.

During this time, I've been loved on and supported by some women close to me. Some know what it's like to lose a baby you desperately love and want. And others who know how our heart aches for that baby we'll never get to hold.

If you have ever experienced a miscarriage, I am here for you. My heart breaks for you.

Five on Friday| SALE!!

Guys! The TOMS sale isn't over yet! They've extended it through Sunday! GOGOGO!

Okay, but now there are a few more awesome deals that you should take advantage of. And you can still use Ebates on a couple of them or even better, Amazon Prime! And we're linking up with April over at Smidge of This for Five on Friday.

one | Children's Place
It is one of our my favorite stores to shop at for Lewis. They have skinny jeans that aren't just skinny, but they're also long enough for him. That's HUGE, folks! And right now, they're having a giant sale. I mean, BIG.

And I also found out last night that our local store is leaving the mall. *all the sad eyes*

But still check out the sale.

  

Seriously. This is awesome! Plus, you can get 4.5% back from Ebates. Click here to sign up. When you sign up and spend $25, I get $15 and you get $10 back!

two | Old Navy
We love, and I mean loooove Old Navy. It's awesome for mom clothes, dad clothes, and especially Lewis clothes. Like TCP, they have jeans that are long and narrow for Lewis AND their one piece jammies for kids are awesome! They're long and narrow as well. Even better if you can score a sale...

2% back from Ebates!

three | Walmart--play food

I've been eyeing Walmart's play food section online for months now. Seriously. Months. Ever since Lewis got his own kitchen... So here's what I'm thinking..

 

OR

 

Plus up to 10% back with Ebates! 

four | Hudson Baby Slippers

Kyle and I wear slippers around our house, all year long. So we got a pair for Lewis too. These things are awesome! There's room for him to grow and they're not terribly expensive at only $8.99. Plus they're on Prime!

The one thing we don't like is they get covered in so much dog hair since the puppies are shedding like nutso right now. Oi, the awkward time between winter and spring.

five | Native Slip-ons

I've been waiting for these to drop down below $25 for the last year! Last week they were on sale so I snagged a pair. I've only heard great things so hopefully they'll be awesome for us too. I'm thinking easy outside summer shoes, splash park shoes, pool shoes, etc. They're still under $25, so check em out here if you're in the market!

No Ebates on the shoes or slippers. :( 

And as always, check out the Five on Friday link-up and have a great weekend!

Happy Friday!

 

 

 

Toms Shoes--RUN!

If you love Toms like we do...make sure you get over to their site today. Seriously.

TODAY.

They're having their end of the season sale and it is over...you guessed it....TODAY.

During this sale last year, I scored some suuuuuper cute high tops for Lewis and they've been perfect for him as a new walker. They fit great, they're easy to slip on, AND they stay on.

Plus, if you sign up to be a Passport Rewards member (free!), you'll get an extra 5% off.

25% off! That's awesome. Plus as a PR member, you get free shipping (at least with this promo).

Okay...enough about why it's so great (it seriously is). Here's what I scored for Lewis this year. *heart eye emoji here*

 

these in a 6 for next fall/winter

 

these in a 5 for this spring/summer/fall

But let's be real. Aren't they adorable?? Okay. Now head on over here to check it out!

Also...you'll get 12% back with Ebates. Click here to sign up. Plus we both get a bonus if you use my code. You rock, BTW.

Happy Wednesday! 

Five on Friday: Dreaming of Spring...Shoes

I'm linking up with April and Christina and their blogs for Five on Friday. Write a post and go link up!

I've had Spring on my mind lately. And with a toddler who is into running, climbing, and really everything, I've been looking for shoes. here are five I'm contemplating getting.

Let me know what's worked for you!

one | Natives
$23.40

I've heard so many good things about these shoes. From they are durable for any kid who is hard on shoes to we love them and won't buy any other types of summer shoes.

That makes me think that we should get Lew a pair. The only downside...is they're more expensive than I would normally spend on a pair of shoes for my toddler.

two | Blue Berry Loafers
$14.99

I love the simple slip on idea. Lew is getting more and more independent and it won't be long before he insists on putting his own shoes on. These are so cute and more affordable than the Natives. But are they durable enough to last us at least through this summer? That I'm not sure. Do you have any input on these?

three | Ankle Boots

$15.99

Lewis has two weddings coming up that he is in, so with khakis, he's going to need some brown boots of some sort... I found these and while they are so cute, I'm not sold on the brand. Some of the reviews of other shoes by the same company haven't been overly positive.

Does anyone have these and love them? It is a plus that they're available with prime and have free returns.

four | Mid Top Boots
$19.99

And then there are these. They appear to be fairly new on Amazon...only one review so far and nothing about the quality. Again...prime eligible.

five | Crocs
$16.79

Or do I go with the standard, easy to slip on, comfy, easy to clean, not terribly expensive, but trusted brand route?

Thoughts? Anyone? Bueller?


If you've got any input, I'd love to hear it! Oh...and...

Happy Friday!

 

Lew's Favorites

Lewis is certainly coming into his own nicely. He's learning and changing from a baby into a little boy right before my eyes.

Some of his favorites right now are...

...saying "hieeeeee!" with as much gusto as a mom in Target alone.

...dancing to anything and everything. When the music stops, he shouts "moooorrrr!" and waits for music to resume.

...laughing when someone tells a joke. Often, he's the first one to laugh at it.

...climbing up the stairs and sliding down on his tummy...over and over and over.

...shouting either "maaaaaaaamaaa!" or "daaaaaaaaa!" and when we respond he just giggles.

...eating Dad's tums out of his dopp kit.

...telling us when something is "haaaawwt" or "cooooood".

...helping with everything...opening the car door...closing the dishwasher...throwing garbage away...putting his shoes in their basket...you get the picture.

He's a funny little bean (with a double ear infection) and he cracks us up.

 

eating Dad's tums

Happy Tuesday!

 

How is it Friday already? Five on Friday.

It's Friday again and I find that so hard to believe! Some days I felt like this week has dragged on...and now that I'm writing, it feels like it flew by. Does anyone else ever feel that way? No? Just me? Good to know.

Anyway, I'm linking up with April over at Smidge of This for another round of Five on Friday. Go check her out.

So...here we are with five things for this week.

one | Meatless Mondays

I've heard a lot about this from various bloggers and ladies that I follow on IG. So we thought we'd give it a go. We really like this quinoa recipe and this quesadilla recipe. So those might be our go-tos for a while.

two | Potty Training

I know! I feel like it's SO SOON to be even thinking of this. But, Lewis has been telling us when he needs a new diaper...and has even told us before he's messed his diaper. So...I feel like it might be a sign to start getting him acquainted? Does anyone have any great tips for an 18 mo boy? I've been looking at this, this, and this on Amazon. And I find these to be silly.

three | Mott's

These are a new favorite snack in our house. Lewis wants them all of the time, but since they are sooo chewy and sticky, he only gets half. One day he'll get to enjoy the whole bag himself.

four | Healthy Meals

We're in a rut. I love to cook, but I feel like we make the same things all of the time. PLUS. We have so much food in our freezer, that I feel a little overwhelmed by it all. SO. I need some suggestions for your favorite meals that include ingredients most people already have on hand. It's time to clean out our cupboards!

five | Grad School

Update on grad school...I'm almost done with week 3 and it's going. I'm starting to get a little overwhelmed between work, homework, and keeping up with things at home. So if you think of it, send up a prayer or seven for me.

That's all!

Happy Friday!

 

Taking Stock | 03

Making: progress on my grad school homework
Cooking: kitchen sink quesadillas and grilled sammies w/soup
Drinking: water, I'm boring
Reading: Challenger Park
Wanting: mini basting brushes...think of how many pigs in a blanket I could top with egg wash!
Listening: The Greatest Showman Soundtrack...I haven't seen it yet
Playing: chase with this little guy...he LOVES being chased around.

Eating: homemade stew with venison that Kyle shot and beef broth that I made
Wishing: that I could get caught up at home and stay caught up
Loving: this dress

Watching: We just finished this...now what do we start on? Also, I'm re-watching Grey's...I'm almost done with season 13

Enjoying: time at home with my boys more often with Kyle's new job

Wearing: my new watch

Noticing: how long winter feels this year...and it's not even Feb yet

Bookmarking: recipes for my sister's bridal shower next weekend, specifically: this and this

Mid Week Book Talks | 03

The last two book talks I've done have been about more YA pieces that I've been reading to stay "with it" when it comes to my students. The one for today (and probably the next one) will be geared a little more toward adult/advanced reading. **This is not to say teens shouldn't read the book. We've had teens who've loved them!**

This week's book is A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. (pronounced oo-vah)
*click on image to visit Amazon for purchasing options*

my goodreads review here

Overall:
I absolutely loved this book. It's one of those books that I wish I could experience again for the first time. 

The good:

Backman is fantastic about his character development. Ove reminds me of my grandpa. He wants everyone to think he's a grump, but in reality he's a softie who needs to take care of those around him.

The bad:
Nothing...I really loved this book.

The ugly:
I almost cried. And I'm not a crier...so there's that.

If you're looking for a feel-good book that also might make you cry, pick this up. It will make you want to pick up Backman's other books. Honest. Aaannnddd...I'll review another of his books here soon. They're just. that. good.

*contains affiliate links

Happy Wednesday!

 

Run Baby, Run!

Post contains affiliate links.

Lewis runs everywhere. And I love it. For so long, I was just itching for him to roll, then sit up, then crawl, and eventually run. There are so many well-meaning helpful people who tell new moms, "One day you'll wish you hadn't been so eager for him to walk." Here's what I have to say to you.

I'm not regretting it in the least! 

We were soooo excited when Lewis started to cruise along furniture and when he began to push toys around. Once he started walking on his own, new doors were opening everywhere!

I will say this...the hardest part about him walking was finding the right (read: cheap and versatile) footwear. So many friends swore by StrideRite shoes. I wanted to try them, I really did. But then I saw the price tag. *gulp*

So, when my mom asked if she could buy him a pair of moccasins, I wholeheartedly accepted. By pure chance, she found these on Amazon.

Mejale. We love them. They're durable. Versatile. Inexpensive (notice I didn't say cheap). And he wants to wear them all of the time! We've been rocking the same pair since about July or August. They've formed to his feet and keep his tootsies toasty at daycare.

The only downside...he probably shouldn't wear them out in the snow.

Other than that, we can't sing the praises of Mejales enough! If you're looking for footwear for your little, no matter the age...check these out. Amazon. $12.89.

And if cute is more your thang...

These are on sale today! Only $10.89. Snap em up.

If you grab a pair of Mejales...let me know, send me a pic of your LO loving them. If you have other suggestions for footwear that I need to know about, please do share. Share in the comments, on IG, on FB, or send me an email.

Happy Monday!

 

Five on Friday | 1.19.18

Between a new job, grad school, and colds...it's been a busy few weeks in our house and we've been a little overwhelmed. But, Kyle celebrated his birthday again and we've spent time with family.

That being said...I'm back with a quick check-in and a fresh round of Five on Friday with April.

Here are five things we've recently purchased on Amazon and have been happy with. I don't have much for rationale, but take a gander anyway.

one | Fossil Q Venture

two | Salbree Popcorn Popper

three | Mrs. Meyer's laundry detergent: Honeysuckle

four | Green Horse Hopper

five | Long Tunic

 

We've been happy with all of these and I can't wait to see what you think too!

Happy Friday!

*may contain affiliate links*