Resolution Check-in

Raise your hand if you are really good at setting goals but not so good at following through.

Both hands raised over here!

{Although I'm giving myself credit by even having the courage to do an update}

Ok, here we go...

The closest pic I had to January 1, 2011

'cuz what's a post without a picture?

If you want to read the original New Year's post go HERE.

Sounds good right?

Well, here's the reality of where I'm at 6 months later

{report card style}:

Patience

B-

Save more $$$

Fail

Get back into shape

A-

Let go a bit

D

Love my husband more

C+

Teacher's notes: 

Shannon has transitioned well from 1 to 2 kids and exhibited some {relative word} patience ie: when her toddler throws a fit while her son has a blow-out...she get's frustrated but doesn't let it stop her from staying calm and loving her kids through it.

When it comes to saving more $$$, we recommend Shannon goes to summer school. She has good intentions but, she's had one too many detentions for over-spending at the grocery store and cheats by going through the drive-through for dinner too many times. If she wants to ever get a new car, something must change.

There is great motivation by Shannon to get back into shape, and we are proud to see her making time for a quick work-out on a consistent basis. Her motivation comes from wanting to feel in shape, not just look it. This is a much better outlook than years past. While she has not yet signed up for a 5k, there are plans to find one soon!

It is still extremely difficult for Shannon to let go. Again, we see her wanting to let go of her control-like tendencies. But, it is so much easier for her to do it herself (or so she thinks). This is an area that still needs a lot of work.

Considering the circumstances, Shannon is doing an adequate job of loving her husband. There are times where she is able to encourage Greg through a text or written note. And there are ways she has taken initiative to do things that make him proud ie: cleaning the floors. But, this too, needs work. Shannon needs to show that she will go above and beyond her usual {comfortable} ways of loving her husband.

***

Did you make any resolutions? If so, how are they going so far?

Garage Sales Galore!

Today was a perfect day for garage sales! With the Mr. gone at work all day, the kids and I ventured out in hopes of finding three things: a crib and mattress (more on that in another post), some kids clothes, and a beach tent.

NONE of which we came home with. Of course.

BUT, we did snag some pretty good deals!

$2.50 for all these toy cars. 

I decided it was time to invest in some "boy" toys but, Kensie has been playing with them ever since she got home! This is how she arranged them just before going down for her nap.

Mason--these are for you. Kensie is just warming them up until you are ready to play with them, ok?

$9.00 for this battery operated 4-wheeler (brand-new)

The previous owner bought it for her daughter. She sat on it one time and was scared every time she pushed the button to make it "drive". I sat Kensie down for a test drive...and let's just say we brought that sucker home lickity split!

$6.00 for this entire light-up Christmas village

(not for each one but, for the WHOLE set people!)

I am incredibly excited about these!! Christmas in {almost} July!

I didn't even care that they smelled slightly of smoke and that all the lights work except one bulb is missing (easy to replace!). So excited. Have I said that yet? Ok, you get the idea.

I. Heart. Christmas.

***



And this is what I'm currently enjoying after all that bargain hunting.

Yes, time for some "me" time while the munchkins nap.

Happy Saturday!

Dada's Day {in photos}

Without this strong, steadfast, loving man...

I wouldn't have these sweet moments to watch...

...like the way he connects with Kensie...

...and the way she looks at him...

...and the way they laugh together...

Oh, how we all love this guy. So incredibly much.

***

And, here's a quick clip of Greg's ideal day of celebration

(just moments ago)...

What Dad wouldn't love that??

***

UPDATE:

{Now all THREE of them are sleeping! I really think I'm getting the better end of the deal on this one.}

:)

Happy Father's Day!

A taste of summer

Strawberries remind me so much of summer. I just had to bring this yummy summer(y) fruit indoors.

And with the leftover party decorations from Kensie's birthday last year, I didn't have to buy a thing!



The tiny plate reads:"May the Sun Shine Warm upon Your Face"

I love summertime.

Fresh lavender from the front yard. mmmmmmm.

I love this welcome sign {Hobby Lobby}. It keeps rotating walls throughout the house and I still haven't used those adorable magnets--hmmmm suggestions?? 

And this lovely {fake} bouquet was passed on to me from my sister Lauren. She's getting quite good at arranging flowers and this was a "practice" bouquet for a wedding she did--Lauren made the fake ones so the bride could get an idea what she wanted....AND THEN made the real ones for the actual wedding--yeah. Who does that?? But, I was happy to take them off her hands. :) She needs to become a florist. Oh wait, she's already a super-genius practicing pharmacist. Yeah, I'm just a little proud {ok a LOT}.

Here are 2 more bouquet's my lovely Lauren made that I tucked into an old dusty keepsake box my Mom found in her shed. Thanks for the idea Lolo!

And this pic {from our honeymoon} is the epitome of summer. Ahhhh. Such good memories.
***

Have you brought some summer into your home yet?

21 months and 3 months {a list}

{1} When did my Kensie girl grow up so fast? I mean, I know it happens a little bit everyday. But, where does the time go??? Yeah yeah...it goes even faster with the second one. I'm just marveling in these thoughts lately.

{2} We are entering some new stages with this girlie....nothing catastrophic....just a few more fits, some more outright, "NO's!"--from her that is, some trial-and-error disciplining and I'm waiting for the day I walk in her room to discover she's {finally} managed to crawl out of her crib....seriously. It's coming soon, I can feel it.

{3} This girl adores her two blankies. We hadn't washed them in ::cough over a month cough:: Gross. She sleeps with them at night and during naptime, so the window of getting them washed and dried is very short during the day. Annnyyway....we finally washed them the other day. Here's a clip of the reunion:

Don't judge out nasty un-finished basement either ok?

When I see it on camera I cringe...ick.

{4} Some new things she LOVES to eat: oranges, fresh cherries (after I pit them of course), and salad--of all things.

{5} She could really care less about Mason right now--other than trying to intercept my lap when I'm about to feed him.

Speaking of my handsome little devil, let's get to that list:

{1} Just turned 3 months but, looks {and feels} like he's 6 months.

{2} Has a lot more personality than Kensie did at this age. Smiles at anyone and flirts with ALL the ladies. Oh dear.

{3} Sleeps  between 8-10 hours at night. Praise the Lord for another great sleeper!

{4} In general a very content little guy.

So those are the kiddo updates! Working on a decorating post soon...

Snaps of Memorial Day and the playroom

What a beautiful Memorial Day we had on Monday!

It was sunny {85*} and gorgeous.

A perfect day for the parade downtown.

The marching bands are always Kensie's favorite.

And when we got home, the kiddie pool finally made it's debut for the season....

It was a hit, to say the least.

***

And if you have time this week, make sure to stop by Hobby Lobby! Lots of fun clearance items.

Like these cute butterflies I snagged for the playroom {$1.99 each}--sorry I cleaned out the rest of 'em on the shelf! But, there are lots of other fun summer(y) things like umbrellas, pinwheels, chinese lanterns. If you are looking to have an outdoor party this summer, then go. Right.now.

Makes you want to giggle huh?



Kensie {read: Shannon} has been pointing at them all week in excitement.

Shabby finds, gardening, and a visitor...

Look what I brought home this week....

I have mason jars ALL over my house. But, whoever thought of making one into a soap dispenser just became my new best friend. I found this cutie at our local "Not So Shabby" store.

And this moss covered "M" fits perfectly into my decor as well. Also found at the same store. I know, I know. I could have totally made one myself. But, time for hobbies is decreasing at an increasing rate, so all you DIY crafters can sue me, ok?

And since I'm a below-average gardener....these pics are for my mother--"Mom! Look at the clematis {above} you gave me a few years ago! It's blooming and gorgeous and I love it. And remember that climbing rose {below} that I declared a 'non-blooming dud'?? Well I can't even count the number of buds on it!! Thank you for having faith in my lack-of-a-green-thumb skills".

Oh and as for our visitor this weekend...

Well, this pic pretty much sums it up.

Hope you are having a great Memorial weekend!

We sure are...