What a Beautiful Mess

Instead of trying to rewrite this... I thought I would just share what I posted on my personal Facebook page last night....

"I had an epiphany today.... My life is a beautiful mess. A messy, imperfect, completely disorganized, BUT absolutely beautiful mess. I am always so concerned about keeping things clean, keeping things organized and allowing my OCD to take over when the kids get dirty or make messes... But I pushed all that aside today, ignored the mound of laundry in my bathroom, the stacks of dishes in the sink, and I enjoyed my family. My beautiful, messy family."


Seriously. Do you know how hard it is for me to just sit down and play in the floor with my kids when there is laundry piling up in my bathroom, the kids' playroom is an absolute disaster area, and I've got a list a mile long to accomplish? It physically makes me nauseous just thinking about it. I'm pushing myself to an uncomfortable level, I'm allowing the dust to settle and I'm not allowing myself to obsess over the little details. This time in my life, when my babies are just that..... babies, I have to enjoy this time, I have to savor the sweet hugs, the slobbery kisses, the mismatched tea parties, the crazy dress up clothes, and whatever else my children happen to love that day. I have to be in the moment, savor every last moment of babyhood, toddlerhood and childhood my little ones have.

That's my short post for the day, I'm really trying to make more time to sit down and work on my blog whenever I can, but it just isn't happening here lately! Please pray for my sweet hubby, he's had a weekend full of phone calls and text messages from work, so although he's been off he's feeling like he's been working on his two days off. God Bless!

And.... Did I mention that my sweet boy turned 8 months old?!?!?!

Family

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am that J's schedule is getting back to a normal rhythm. There are still a few crazy days when he has to go back in to check on his staff or stay over for meetings... but the majority of the time he is home early enough that we can enjoy the afternoon and evening with him! Yesterday was one of those days! We went to visit a place called Antler Hill Village, there's a small barn where you can pet animals (we didn't get there in time for that), shops, restaurants and always music! Boogie thoroughly enjoyed it!

This is the same place we took Boogie for the Radio Disney event, she seems to really enjoy going out there.... so I'm sure we will start going more frequently!

As you can see, it's absolutely beautiful.... even on a cloudy day! And it was one of the first days that it didn't rain (at least until after dark! lol!). 

We also found this field of sunflowers.... 

Boogie got to watch goats, chickens, sheep, horses, etc. around the farm... we played at a playground... not sure if I would really call it that but whatever. There were a lot of BIG kids there, so we ended up talking her into walking into the village for some ice cream!

And my sweet boy wasn't all that thrilled with the trip... I had been wearing him but he is SO hot natured! So we let him ride in the stroller while Boogie ran around. 

There was a great little area to cool off... she got SOAKED. So she is a little wet in most of our pictures (and those pink stains on her shirt were from her yummy berry sorbet!)

She also loved this fountain, she likes to lean over the edge and run her fingers through the water.

This guy came close to the fence when we got ready to leave, so I walked Boogie back down to meet him. He. Was. Huge. So we didn't touch him, lol! Anyways, we had a great time! I hope to have many more fun adventures with my crew!

Another Long Overdue Update!

We finally have our new computer and printer set up... thank goodness! I've been waiting and waiting to get some file folder games and such printed for Tot School! I've found so many wonderful goodies for Boogie, and I'm sure the sweet girl I will be babysitting starting in August (we'll call her Miss V) will enjoy them as well!

It's been a great month for our family, Bubby turned 7 months (and we are creeping up to month 8!), he now has 5 teeth cut through with 3 more trying to break through (that's loads of fun...), and he is figuring out how to get around without crawling! Boogie is her normal, ornery self of course, we took her to a Radio Disney event, it wasn't what we expected but she had fun nonetheless! We even took the kids on a little trip to Gatlinburg, it was Bubby's first vacation and trip to the aquarium! And.... J bought his first motorcycle! I may actually have my car to myself again! YAY!

As for me, I am slowly updating my wardrobe... which is AWESOME. I haven't bought myself new (or new to me) clothes in a long time.... and maternity clothes DO NOT count lol! I bought one new outfit from Old Navy, and the price KILLED me, so the rest have come from consignment stores (both online and in person!) I ordered several things from Thredup.com, they have children's, junior's, women's and plus size women's clothing for GREAT prices! (If you use that link above, you will receive $10 credit on your first order!) I have also signed up to be an Origami Owl consultant, I will post more about that in a separate post later... but let's just say that this company is AWESOME and it was started by a 14 year old young lady!

Now... how about a picture update?

This is J's Nanny, she has been in and out of the hospital. She is doing much better now, but please keep praying for her!

Our big guy is eating so well! He's had lots of different vegetables, fruits, and even some meats! Yay Baby Led Weaning!

My Bubby and I at the fireworks!

He was super excited.... can't you tell?

Boogie really enjoyed playing before the fireworks.... however we ended up leaving shortly after they started because they scared her :(

8 months old!

My failed attempt at a sibling photo.... this was the BEST out of the bunch lol

We got all of Nanny's grandkids who have children together and took a big photo of all of them, along with individual pics of the grandkids with their babies... I am not going to post the other family members out of respect for them and their privacy ;-)

Took a trip to the aquarium....

Bubby stayed asleep through most of it!

Excuse my red complexion... it was HOT.

Boogie dressed up as Sofia the First for a Radio Disney Jr Event!

We had a tea party :)

J's new toy!

So... Bubby is in this picture too... Breastfeed without Fear ladies! 

She thoroughly enjoyed our tea party :)

Origami Owl Takeout Menu - I'm so excited to tell you more!

He's a little excited...