Being Intentional

This week was not your typical week.  My husband was out on business, and school for Nolan was cancelled both days.

Many friends were on Facebook saying how over the snow days and the school cancellations....and usually I would be saying the same things.  Cabin fever is a real thing!

But for me, I embraced them.  You might think I would be beating my head against a wall since I was running the ship solo, but instead I decided to make the best of the situation.

The boys have never enjoyed the snow, so on my own I bundled them up like little butterballs and ran in the winter wonderland.

 I have never made cookies with Nolan, so I found an easy 5 ingredient recipe and went to work.

Bath time in the middle of the afternoon, why not?

I decided with no schedule and no place to be that I would be intentional with my boys.  I would sit down with Conley and really focus on teaching him. I would snuggle with my big boy and tell him stories of him being a baby in my belly. 

I don't always do this....but not having an agenda enabled me to do it.

So I say thank you snow days for these precious moments.  Sometimes the simple moments are the best moments.

Natalie

Old Man Winter

Old Man Winter has definitely made his presence known.  This has probably been the coldest winter I have experienced since being an adult.

To all my Canadian friends, how in the world do you do it? I am not made for these cold temperatures!  Or rather I hate being cold!

I am so ready for spring that whenever I see the sun it tricks me into thinking it is actually warm until the wind blows and cuts through my coat.

Nolan asks about making a snowman, but we haven't really had enough snow to do that.  Then I realize he doesn't own any boots or gloves equipped for making snowmen.  I suppose if we get enough snow we'll just wing in our new balances and knit gloves!

2014 might be a cold year so far, but it's not stopping my calendar from filling up with dates.  We are already reaching in April for some scheduled activities!

Besides the cold weather, I don't have a lot on my mind as far as writing goes...so I'll share some great posts we've had on KMB in the last few weeks:

Is Mommy Happy?
Finding a New Normal

And then some of our KMB contributors have had some wonderful posts on their own blog.  Kristen shared her heart and soul on Let Your Husband Love You.  I really loved her post, and it was crazy to see it go as viral as it did. But what saddened me, the more it grew the more hateful people became about her motives. It just goes to show you the Not-So-Nice Part of Being Online as I wrote about is still so true.  People get very brave behind their computers and feel the need to tear people down.  Do you think every post written is about you?  I personally do not, but many people who read posts from writers or bloggers feel like that person has a personal agenda against them.  Smell the roses people, you just are not that important!

On another note, Laura wrote about how we should have more encouragement in our blog world.  I found this idea refreshing and something that we all can do.  I'm grateful for you guys who have always been a supportive community, and I wish everyone online could share a little joy.  It really couldn't hurt, could it?

Hope you are surviving the arctic temps, and enjoy these great reads!

Natalie

Saying Goodbye to Naptime

Cue Boyz II Men music in the background.

I think my 3 year old is saying goodbye to nap times.

If we attempt it, it is met with tears , yelling, and has the potential of waking up little brother. 

It is JUST NOT WORTH IT.  He hasn't napped in weeks.  

He's good about some quiet time and watching some shows, but enter the evening and he just gets SO CRAZY.

He becomes more defiant, more likely to be mean to his brother, and in general an emotional basket case.

I know he's almost 3 1/2, so it's totally normal for him to be possibly outgrowing his nap time.

But what do you do when the crazies come out? It's really emotionally exhausting!

Bedtime is definitely earlier, but what happens when it is summer and we're out enjoying it?  Is he going to fall apart?

What did you do when your children outgrew their naps?

Natalie

Achieving Balance

So last week I totally ignored the blog here.

I was really busy but also just felt no inspiration or words that were worth writing.

I kept telling myself, I NEED to write a post. But then I thought, you know what?

It's ok to take an uncalled and unscheduled break. 

I know you my blog friends will still be there when I get back.

I can't be everywhere and do everything all the time. I have to learn to cut myself some slack and also learn it is ok to say no. 

As moms, we fill our plates so full.  We are multi-tasking machines always running to the next to-do list, the next task.  I find myself running through my list as I try to fall asleep. 

How do we achieve balance? I don't have all the answers.  I try to breathe and think, does this have to be done? Will it impact my life if I don't do it?  Why am I committing myself to it?

So here I am hoping to give myself the time I need, and to realize as mothers we can't do it all.  But we can also not beat up ourselves about it.

How do you achieve balance?

Natalie

Review Extravaganza Winners!

Thanks so much for linking up with and making a fabulous Review Extravaganza!

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors!

Our sponsors are so amazing and we love all the amazing things they are offering for the Review Extravaganza.  This year we have so many great sponsors that we are going to have two winners, one Grand Prize Winner and a Runner-up.   Our wonderful sponsors (in no particular order)- please visit their sites and see what amazing things they have to offer.  Here are our sponsors in no particular order.  Power of Mom's- MOM Organizational System  $75 Value Grand Prize

Mind Organization for Moms (M.O.M.) is a mom-specific adaptation of David Allen’s best-seller, Getting Things Done®, designed to help you accomplish your most important tasks so you can fully enjoy your family.

In our simple online program, we’ll show you how to clear your counter of “the pile,” organize projects without the stress, set up an effective Weekly Review system, and keep up with the never-ending stream of emails, phone calls, and papers (yes, it’s possible!).

Find the Power of Moms Here: Website//Facebook//Twitter//Pinterest 

Sweet Adornment  Hand-stamped Hugs And; Kisses Sterling Silver Pendant  $24 Value Runner-Up
Sweet Adornment is a mom and daughter run Etsy shop.  It offers beautiful hand stamped jewelry and keepsakes personalized for you and those you love.  This pendant is a sterling silver pendant, silver filled chain along with the silver heart charm.  Would make an awesome gift for someone you love. Find Sweet Adornment Here: Etsy//Facebook//Twitter  jijamas- Pajama Set $90 Value Grand-Prize This couple met, feel in love and had babies.  As their babies finally started sleeping through the night, they realized that the babies' pajamas played a large part in how they slept, all incredibly soft and comfortable.  So they created a line of incredibly soft pajamas for women made with the same Pima cotton that our kids love to wear, in designs women will want to wear.   Find jijams here: Website//Facebook Thirty-one Retro Metro Wallet and Key Fob $30 Value Grand-Prize This cool and casual wallet includes 12 card slots, an interior zipper compartment and stylish snap closer.  It's perfect for teens or moms looking to carry their essentials around town.  This is being offered by Courtney a blogger (at Optimistic Mommy) and Thirty-one consultant.  Thirty-one makes beautiful and long-last purses and accessories.  They come in a variety of colors and styles and would be a perfect gift.   Find Courtney here: Blog//Thirty-one Site//Facebook//Twitter Blog Makeover from Social Chic $75 Grand-Prize Sarah is a blogger with a passion for web design and graphics, she is offering a $75 Blog makeover package, which includes custom header, nav bar, sidebar headers, about me gadget, social media links, button with grab box, custom signature and full installation!  Your blog can have a whole new look for the new year. Find Sarah here: Website//Blog//Twitter//Facebook 2 Autographed Copies of An Altered Existence  $24 total  Grand-Prize and Runner Up Melody Nunez is a blogger, an artist and now a published author! Melody collected antique photos known as cabinet cards that were "orphans" from flea markets and antique stores.  They sparked her imagination and resulted in 14 short stories illustrated with photos "altered" by the author.  I (Emmymom) have read her book and love it!  Melody is giving two copies, both autographed to the lucky winners.   Find Melody Here: Blog//Facebook//Twitter//Art Program Gift Certificate to Shadow Rouge Originals Etsy Shop $25 Value Runner-Up Shadow Rouge Originals features handmade jewelry with enchanting chainmaille designs with a modern twist.  Heather, of Shadow Rouge Originals, offers bracelets, necklaces and pendants.  She is offering a $25 gift certificate to her esty shop so the winner can pick which piece they love best.  Find Heather here: Etsy//Facebook Motivated Decor-Chalk Art Prints Runner-Up Chalk-art is all the rage these days and Amanda of Motivated Decor not only makes beautiful chalk art but does it with a purpose.  All of her products contain quotes that can help motivate us all in each key area of life. She wants to help us feel motivated in some way to make improvements in your life. These art pieces will be the perfect subtle reminder to kick start your day!  This will be more than just the digital file to download, she will send the winner the chalk-art of their choice printed. 
Find Motivated Decor on Here: Etsy//Facebook Rodan + Fields Dermatologists Mini Facial Kit $20 Value Grand Prize Give your skin a glow with a home facial that will reveal a more vibrant, youthful looking completion.  The ENHANCEMENTS Micro-Dermabrasion Paste exfoliates to enhance cell turnover and improve tone and texture. REDEFINE Night Renewing Serum with retinol leaves skin soft and smooth improving skin texture and firmness and reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles. REDEFINE Lip Renewing Serum smooths lip texture, reduces lip wrinkles, and increases moisturization. This pampering packet is good for 2-3 treatments. A few sweeps of the full size ENHANCEMENTS Lip Micro-Dermabrasion will keep your lips smooth throughout the dry winter months. Keep your beautiful skin fresh and young!

Keslie, an independent Rodan + Fields Consultant is giving away a Mini Facial and Lip Dermabrasion.

Find Kelsie Here: Website//Facebook 

Gift Certificate to The Lovebug Collection $25 value Grand Prize The Lovebug Collection is an online boutique that offers baby items and hair accessories for women and children.   There is everything from baby clothes, leg warmers, wipe clutches, headbands, and hair accessories.  The winner will receive a $25 gift card to use at the Lovebug Collection.   Find Lovebug Collection here: Website//Facebook//Twitter//Instagram Emily Kathryn Photography-Starbucks Gift Card $15 Value Runner-Up Emily is a Southern California photographer specializing in newborns and families.  She has always had a camera in her hands and through study and lots of practice she has turned her hobby into a business.  She loves capturing those real moments, the love and interactions and giving each client something they will treasure forever.   Emily is providing the winner with a $15 gift card to Starbucks.  Find Emily Here: Website//Facebook  Sur Le Feu 3-Earring Set $20 Value Grand Prize Simple, stylish, functional handbags and accessories. Sur Le Feu features modern designs with a vintage touch. Each item is unique and never duplicated - just like a real vintage treasure, you'll never see another one exactly like it!  Kristine is offering 3-earring set in coordinating cotton print and silk dupioni hand-covered buttons. 1/2" diameter, very lightweight and easy to wear.
Find Kristine Here: Website//Etsy//Blog//Facebook Olive And Ivy Design Credit Towards Blog Makeover $30 Value Runner-Up Olive And Ivy Design is here to help you fall in love with your place on the web.  They specialize in blog beautifying and pretty custom designs for bloggers and small business.  They can also help those wanting to switch from blogger to wordpress.  They are offering a $30 credit for a blog element or towards a bigger blog makeover package.  Find Olive And Ivy Design Here: Website// Blog// Facebook// Pinterest  Ephemeral Moments Art Print $15 Value Grand Prize Every home needs beautiful artwork and Christine of Ephemeral Moments takes beautiful calming nature shots that would be beautiful decor in any home.  She is offering the winner their choice of either an 8X10, 2 5X7's or 2 4X6's of a piece they love.   Find  Ephemeral Moments Here: Etsy  My So Called Chaos- Original Nail Polish Art $30 Value Runner-Up Miss Angie's etsy shop is filled with lovely handmade art and accessories filled with heart!  She specializes in watercolor and ink prints of simple every day items that bring a spark of whimsy to art. She is offering 2 4X6 Nail Polish Arts. 
Find Angie Here: Etsy//Blog//Facebook//Pinterest Tooth Fairy Pillow Shop Gift Certificate  $25 Value Grand Prize Tooth Fairy Pillow Shop offers Personalized Tooth Fairy Pillows, Tooth Fairy Letters, Tooth Fairy gifts and other handmade, happy gifts for kids!  These adorable pillows will make the tooth-fairy's job a lot easier at night.  Jen is offering a $25 gift certificate to her etsy shop.  
Find Tooth Fairy Pillow Here:  Etsy//Facebook
Kim Cannon Illustrations Print $16 Value Grand Prize Kim is an aspiring children's book illustrator with ample experience in the visual arts field.  She aims to evoke both an emotion and a personal narrative with every image she creates.  Kim has a passion for art and strongly believes that it needs a stronger voice in the education system and she hopes to be able to incorporate these beliefs into her classroom.  Her illustration are her source of income and support for her education.
Find Kim here: Website//Facebook Your Charmed Life -Personalized Hand Stamped Bracelet  $35 Value Grand Prize Kelly of Your Charmed Life Etsy shop uses all types of metals, from sterling silver, brass and copper. Boosting the charms with textures and dings, oxidizing and wool brushing for that marked rustic look. YOURCHARMEDLIFE, is all about YOU and your custom CHARMS.   Kelly is offering a beautiful personalized stamp bracelet.  
Find Kelly Here: Etsy//Blog//Twitter//
And Finally $25 Starbucks gift card- donated by our own Janette  Grand Prize $20 Amazon Gift Card- donated by our own Lourie Grand Prize  And the winners are............. VandyJ of the Testosterone Three and Me—  http://tttandme.blogspot.com   

The runner up is Mindi from Simply Stavish  http://stavishclan.com
Congrats and Happy New Year!

Natalie

Just Call Me the Referee

When I found out we were having a second boy, I was elated.  I was so excited that Nolan would have a brother so close in age, and I couldn't wait for them to be best friends.

Never did I think at such a young age (three and one) that I would be constantly correcting and refereeing. My day is full of statements like these:

"Don't push your brother down."
"Remember to share!"
"Why is your brother crying?"
"Don't take toys out of your brother's hands!"
"Be gentle with your brother!"
"Conley, you can't have every toy your brother has." (cue big tears and a cry as if you told him he would never be able to drink milk again)

I could go on and on, but I'll spare you.

I just didn't think I would have this problem until they were older.  It really is exhausting, and I start thinking will they ever play nice together?  Will there ever be a time that I'm not in the room that I suddenly hear a cry of terror?

For those of you with multiple children, does it get better or worse?

Natalie

New Year, New Aspirations

I have never been one to be huge on resolutions, but I do enjoy the refresh of January.

Everyone is full of hope and drive, and even though not everyone reaches those goals I find we all enjoy the direction and the purpose. 

This year has started on the right foot for my family with the husband starting a new job. 

With this new job, there are hopes of us building our new house by the end of the year.  We already own the land so now we've just been waiting for the right timing.

There are also hopes of saving more money and putting back as much as possible.  I live to be a huge saver but being on one income and two more human beings in the house it's not always so easy.

I am excited about the full year of KMB, and hope we are able to grow the blog and host many events throughout the community.

Last year I surpassed my goal of reading 30 books!  I am probably going to keep it at 30 again this year because who knows if I can reach that again.  Are you on Goodreads?

I have a one photo book to edit and a new scrapbook to start.  I am torn on if I should continue to scrapbooks and photo books? I have basically caught up my photo books up to the end of 2013.  But the scrapbooks are way behind...I know some photos are repeats in both so I am wondering if I should just stick to the photo books? Thoughts? I do have both boys newborn scrapbooks done though.  

My goals for this blog is to continue to blog about twice a week. I would love to do three, but I just don't know if that is possible with managing KMB as well. 

I love my blogging community that I have built over the past two years, so I want to be sure to continue keep it up.  I love you guys!

I still want to cook at least four meals at home during the week, and if I could do five even better!

A new goal for me will be working out.  We actually joined the local Y, so my goal is to go at least two and maybe three times a week.  They have a good 9:30 class I can attend while Nolan is at MDO, and Conley can be in the childcare at the Y.  I really can't wait to get moving!  I feel so "blah" after the holidays.

What are your goals for 2014? 

Natalie