My Choice

Lately I feel like I've been looked down upon because I am a stay-at-home mom.

It's been a few instances where people in different aspects in my life have implied or made certain comments about it. Some have children and some don't.

Now let's get this straight.  I don't judge anyone whether they are a SAHM, a working mom, or a work from home mom.  What matters most is that the child is loved and taken care of, and everyone knows that being a mom is the hardest job.

However, just because I'm not in the official work force doesn't mean I don't have aspirations or ambitions. Some people seem to think just because you're not chasing a "higher career" that means you just are someone that is a knot on a log.

Well this is simply not true.  Yes being a SAHM means that I sacrificed a professional career.  Could I have kept moving up the ladder?  Yes!  Would it had been worth it?  I can confidently say no it wouldn't have been.  In my particular field, there was no way I could have kept up a healthy balance of the two...something would have to give.

Before I had children, I was all about my career.  But guess what after having children my perspective changed. I realized where I wanted to spend my time and effort.  It doesn't mean that's the same choice for everyone...because many others are able to make it work.  In my case and career it just wouldn't have worked.

But does that make me less of a person?  Does it make me less smart?  Does it mean I don't have goals or dreams?

I feel like society paints a picture of females that make the choice to be a SAHM that they just "didn't have what it takes" to make it in the workforce.

I shouldn't feel like I have to justify my choice by saying, "Oh yeah I graduated college with honors or that I was really successful in my professional career."  But I do feel like I need to.

But instead this is what I should say:

I'm a great mom to two wonderful boys.

I'm a great wife to my husband.

I'm a loyal friend.

And this is what really matters, not a grade on a paper or a promotion from a job.

Life is what you make it, so don't leave any regrets on the table.  And I can happily say, I don't regret a thing.

Natalie

Memorial Day Fun

This weekend was so nice because we were able to spend it with some friends of ours that we've known since college.  Their little boy is just three months younger than Nolan, and these boys had so much fun!  It was so sweet to see them playing together so nicely, and I have to say this is the most I have ever seen Nolan play with another kid.  You know he's still at the age where they interact some but really just play along side each other.  But Nolan and Max really played together---one would have the lawn mower and the other would have the weed eater.  They have similar temperaments and have about the same energy level so they were the perfect little match.

They would chase each other in the yard yelling and digging dirt with their "working gloves."  The last night before the left we went to a local park, and the boys were holding hands on the path.  It was the sweetest thing I had ever seen!  When they left, it was hard because I was so sad to see them go because Nolan really had so much playing with Max.  I hope we see them again soon!

How was your Memorial Day weekend?

Natalie

A Snapshot of Daily Happenings

Right now I feel like the world is on fast forward.  I still can't get over the fact we are almost into June PEOPLE! That is just crazy talk!  I am also finding that with the busier it gets for my family...the less I find ideas to blog about.  Maybe it's the fact that we're practically in summer, and I just want to enjoy it.

Nevertheless, I do have some photos of our life lately.  All of these were taken with my iPhone, and I find that I have barely been using my regular camera.  Hopefully with being outside enjoying the weather I'll remember to pull my real camera out!

Some of these you might have seen on Instagram, but I thought I would share with those who are not.

Do you find that your blogging slows during the summer?

Natalie

The Weekend Recap-Charlotte and a Conference

This past weekend I attended my first blog conference by attending Bloggy Boot Camp by the SITS Girls in Charlotte, NC.  I was super nervous because this was my first time really stepping out into the bloggy world and meeting these people in real life.

Would they like me? Would they be like they are online? Or will it be like high school cliques?

Fortunately, the hosts, Tiffany and Francesca were amazing. They were the first people I met on Friday evening when I attended the cocktail hour, and Francesca ran up to me and said, "Are you my Natalie?" (Because I'm a community lead for SITS) I said yes and she immediately gave me a big hug.

Instantly, my reservations were taken away by the kindness and the support these ladies showed me. Tiffany was absolutely inspirational during her part of the program and brought many to tears by just talking about how we as women really never give ourselves a break and don't take time to care for "me." And it's so true...I think in general, especially as moms, our needs and wants come last. She really challenged us to take those breaks and to learn to say, "No, thank you" when asked to do something that you really don't want to do.  She said you don't owe anyone a reason or an explanation.  She said you can't do it all, all the time so don't feel bad if you have to say no.  That's some powerful stuff right there!

I learned so much about SEO which to me is almost as hard as rocket science.  I learned about ways to publish a book (no I'm not writing one or want to, just good food for thought!), how to optimize your SEO, and to ask the question, what is my end?  What do I want to do with my blogging? That my friends is still a question I haven't answered.

I learned about why it's important to use Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.  Let's just say I have not really jumped into the Google+ world and have been scared, but it looks like after this conference I'm going to try it out.  If you are on there, what do you think?

Many more items were covered from good design, about being engaging, and how to approach brands.  I know I'm leaving a lot out---however that is even more reason you need to go to a blog conference to find out! :)

The bloggers I met were amazing.  Everyone was so positive and supportive!  No one was trying to be all like "I have a huge blog and your little one means nothing to me."  Everyone was so open and kind...all trying to help one another out.  I really was impressed...and even more about all the different types of blogs out there.  I guess I kind of classify myself as a mommy/lifestyle blog...and really most people were not in that category.  It was truly a wonderful experience and not a dull moment.  The speakers were great, and they kept the pace going so we didn't get bored.

Also not to mention the cool sponsors of Brew Over Ice (iced drinks for your Keurig), yummy Salsarita's, and HELLO free tasty wine from Mirassou (Loved the Riesling and the Pinot Grigio)

I didn't take many photos because I was soaking it all in, but here are a few from the weekend:

1) View from our condo of the city of Charlotte
2) My Brew Over Ice Strawberry Pomegranate drink=heaven!
3) Meeting one of my favorite bloggers/friends the famous Shell
4) Nolan playing at the Discovery Museum in the Kid Science area. (He went with Daddy and Grandma while I was at the conference...more photos of their adventure soon!)

Have you been to a blog conference or are planning to go?

Natalie

A Little Update...

Thanks for everyone's well wishes on my week getting better.  And I am happy to say the rest of the week has been a major improvement!  Let's hope the rest of the week continues to be...especially since we're on our way to Charlotte this weekend so I can attend Bloggy Boot Camp.  If you're going, please find me.  I will also be the girl with the breast pump as a purse...yes I am that stylish.

Anyhow, I realized that I never showed you photos of our updates on our exterior and landscaping improvements.  Due to a hail storm, we had to get another new roof and siding for the back of the house.  We decided to go ahead and change all the siding since we hated it from day one.

Here's the before:

An ugly yellow siding with an even uglier green accent color.  Also the bushes near the house were taking over!

Here's the after:

We changed the color to a light gray with black accents.  We painted the entry door red, and purchased a new storm door outlined in black.  We also took out the porch railing that was rotting, and poured a new concrete walkway.  Now the entrance is in front of the door instead of coming from the side by the garage.  We still have to cover the new posts and add the composite railing to the two sides...but  I think it's a major improvement!  We also got rid of all the huge bushes and totally changed up the landscaping.  We've still got a few plants to add, but they are looking bright and colorful this spring.  Oh and don't mind the huge cable/electric pole in the middle of the yard by the mailbox.  Gotta love utilities, right?  We're still working on the back landscaping, so once we're finished there I will share.

I'm off to do some packing for the trip.  Wish me luck!

Natalie

Oh Monday...

Oh Monday...yesterday you proved your reputation right by being a long and tiring day.

We started out with Conley teething and crying in the morning---which continued ALL.DAY.LONG.  Of course that also meant short naps, which also leads to an even crankier baby.  I had forgotten how much I dislike teething...and how it can change a total happy baby into a cranky monster. UGH!

After dinner while Daddy took Nolan to Little Gym, I knew I had to get out of the house since it was the witching hour.

When I came home with Conley, I noticed the dining room table place mats were all moved over.  I thought...hmm that is weird I know I didn't do that before I left.

Then I knew.  My Jack Russell Terrier, Molly had jumped on the table and eaten the small leftovers I had left in Nolan's plate.  Since I was in a hurry, I hadn't moved it.

Much to my dismay, there are now dog claw marks on my relatively new dining room table.  Seriously??? I mean if I don't have to worry about enough with getting the kids out the door now I have to make sure my table is spotless so my dog doesn't jump up on the table?

I already have to make sure Teddy, our other dog is either outside or in his crate because he's been known to pee on a table leg.  And of course this started happening right after I had Nolan, and we had just had the floors refinished.

Molly's crate doesn't zip up, and so we leave her in the living room...because if we leave her in our room she gets on our bed, under the covers, and on our pillows and leaves her white hair everywhere!  So needless to say, we are now getting a new crate because I can't deal with one more detail before I get out the door with both boys.  My mom brain just can't handle it.

And now to better news...I had a great Mother's Day with my boys.  They were so thoughtful and got me flowers and a spa day.  Can't wait for a day of relaxation!  Here's a few photos:

Hope your Monday went better than mine :)

Natalie

To All the Moms...

To all the moms out there...

I know some days you feel like you are a failure.

Like you have nothing left.

That you're not special...

Or that you're doing it all wrong.

But know this...

Your children love you for being their mommy.

For greeting them with a smile in the morning.

For all the kisses and hugs you shower them with everyday.

Don't feel bad that you didn't do that Pinterest activity.

Because playing trucks or singing songs is just as fun.

Because driving around and pointing out all the flags is just as enjoyable.

Your kids aren't keeping score, so you shouldn't either.

Just be you, just be their mom.

Happy early Mother's Day to all you wonderful moms.  Hope you know just how special you are!

Natalie

A Little Bit of This and That

After a weekend full of rain (and Monday) I am so glad to see the sunshine!  Vitamin D sure does a body good.

I had a little bit of cabin fever since we were pretty much trapped in the house all weekend long.

Here's a sneak peek of Conley's 9 month photo session that we had on Friday morning before the rain settled in that evening:

Of course Nolan decided to be a little diva that morning and whine about his clothes and just about everything. Thankfully, Daddy coaxed him to get him to pose for some family photos in the beginning of the session.  I swear that kid always knows when we have something important to do and chooses that moment to be upset. Oh the life of living with a toddler!

Anyhow....

Now with the days being longer, my husband and I will take the kids out to do something after he gets home from work and after dinner.

It always leads to us getting the kids home late for bed...but with the extra daylight we just can't help ourselves.  Of course there will be these days with the kiddos will be tired out and go to bed early...but if we're out and about we just can't help but enjoy the extended day.

During the summer do you have later bed times due to outdoor activities?

Natalie

The Busy Month of May

Wow is it really May already?  It's hard to believe we are well on our way to being half way through this year!  And since this is my first post for May, I thought I would kick it off with our busy May schedule.

Tonight-Baby shower with the mom group for two moms having baby #2.

Tomorrow-Conley's 9 month photo session

May 6th-Mom group birthday lunch for one of the moms

May 7th-My dentist appointment

May 9th-Conley's 9 month doctor's appointment-no shots just checkup

May 10th-Mom group birthday lunch

May 12th-Mother's Day!!!

May 13th-Mom group birthday lunch (apparently half my group was born in May!)

May 14th-Nolan's Aloha Day at school--has to wear swimsuit

May 16th-Nolan's last day of school

May 17th-Driving to Charlotte for Bloggy Boot Camp! (Are you going?)

May 18th-Bloggy Boot Camp session

May 19th-Head back home

May 23rd-27th-Friends in town for Memorial Day weekend

I mean seriously how crazy is our schedule in May?  In a blink of an eye it will be June!

Do you have a busy May ahead of you?

Natalie