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* 

Don't Go Changin...oh wait.

With Christmas and New Year's in our rear-view mirror, it's about time to give you another update on the big changes happening in our house...again.

No. This isn't a pregnancy announcement.

No. We aren't moving.

About a month ago, Kyle got a phone call from the owner of a local music store. They sell music, instruments, offer lessons, instrument repair, etc. During that phone call, Kyle was offered a job! If you've been reading for a few months (if you're new, here's what I'm referring to), you know that Kyle changed careers. He had been in the teaching profession for 5 years and as of this last July, he left for the world of car sales. He's been enjoying his time the last 6 months, but the timing and the opportunity couldn't be more perfect for this new change.

So it's exciting, scary, and busy to change careers again.

In my world, I recently was accepted into a Graduate Program. It's 100% online. It's for my Master's of Education with an emphasis in LIT (Library, Information, and Technology). My ultimate goal is to teach for a few more years and then stay home with kids until our children are all in school. Then, my plan would be to return to the schools as a librarian. It's not because it would be easier, the demand would just be different.

And Lewis is still loving life. Last night he woke up at midnight and when I went in to rock him back to sleep, he started patting my face and putting his hands in my mouth. To which, I chuckled and that got his belly laugh going.

We are thankful for the new changes coming our way and we are excited for what's in store.

What is new in your new year?

Happy Wednesday!