Finally Friday!

It's Finally Friday!

Who's ready for the weekend? I know I am!

My good buddies from high school are coming in town for a girls' night, and I could not be more excited! After a long week with sick kiddos this momma is really looking forward to not be cleaning runny noses for a few hours.

I am also ready for the month of March. I am not sure why, but February has been the longest month! Yes I know in reality it is the shortest month, but it has just seemed SO LONG.

It's probably seemed longer because it has snowed and been super cold for our area. Then we've had the glimpses of spring with some 60 degree weather. Such a tease mother nature is, no?

Many people say that Conley and I favor a lot...and sometimes I see it and then sometimes I don't.  Well I pulled out some old photos of me around Conley's age...and...well...

Looks like we do!  What do you think?

Happy Weekend Friends!

Natalie

The Perfect Sunday

Even though the kids have been sick and still recovering, Sunday was pretty much perfect.

The sun was out and the temperature was above 70 degrees.  After all the snow we've had this year, it felt like heaven.  As I said in my last post, sunshine is really good for the soul.  And I completely believe that.

We took the boys to the park, and this was really the first time Conley has really had the chance to really walk for a really long period outside.  It's been to cold, or we've using the stroller.  Seeing him explore and checking out his new surroundings, and seeing those little legs toddler along was just a great moment that I'll keep with me always.

I decide to be present and left my phone in the car.  No checking emails or social media.  I just enjoyed my boys with no interruptions.

We sat down, and Nolan wanted to make a fire pit out of sticks.  So we did. We sat in the sun and collected stick and pine cones and made our own "pretend fire." Conley walked up and down the "shake shake bridge" (if your child is a Thomas fan you will get this.)

We then left and put down the boys to nap, and even Nolan napped due to being tired and still recovering from being sick.

I then headed out to a free barre class, and it was the best workout.  If you haven't check out a class, DO IT. My body is paying for it today, but it is totally worth it.

I then came home and made one of my favorite and easy dinner recipes, Cheesy BBQ Sloppy Joes.  Even have leftovers for tonight!

It was just the perfect day.  How about you, how was your weekend?

Natalie

Sunshine Heals the Soul

As I dropped off Nolan to MDO, I noticed it was going to be a beautiful day.

The warmer temps, blue skies, and a bright sunshine filled the sky.

When I drove back by the school, I noticed his class was playing outside, and I saw him climbing up the slide.

I smiled to myself thinking what a great time he was having. 

I then invited his friend from class and his little brother over.  We went outside and watched the boys play and run around.

I saw glimpses of Conley as a big boy now...also running and trying to keep up with his older brother.

I think we sometimes underestimate the power of a beautiful day.  

Because sunshine is really good for the soul.

Natalie

Some of Our Favorite Books...

How was your Valentine's Day?

We had snow days as I mentioned in my last post, so I hope Nolan can make up his party at school! Here's the boys' loot this year:

I'll post his belated valentines later this week after his school party.  These boys aren't spoiled are they?

Do you have some favorite kid books in your house?

Today I'm over at KMB talking about Toddler Approved Boy Books (because you know, I don't have any girls and couldn't talk intelligently on that subject! We'll be adding a separate post from another contributor for Toddler Girl Books in a few weeks).

Are these some of your favorites? We also have all these books pinned on Pinterest so be sure to check them out!

Happy Monday friends!

Natalie

Bits and Pieces

I'm so excited to say that the first KMB Mom's Night Out was a huge success!  I really wanted moms to interact with each other since we get some many comments that moms throughout our area are looking for that sense of community.  I saw many moms chatting away and exchanging information.  This made my heart so full because I remember being a mom before most my friends were and being in search for these types of friendships.

We're having another snow day in my area which means no Valentine's MDO party for Nolan or a Valentine's play group party I was hosting.  I really had some fun treats planned, so I'm a little sad about the snow days.

I'm pretty excited about the next few months...a lot of fun events planned!  My high school friends are coming up for a Girl's Night Out, and my husband and I will be attending a wedding in March out of town with NO KIDS! This will be the first time we've actually been out of town when my in-laws have watched the boys.

I'm looking for some new books to read...any good suggestions?  You can find me on Goodreads to see ones I have already read.  I just finished reading The Fault in Our Stars and pretty much finished it in one day.  I highly recommend it!

And just thought I would end the post with a photo of this crazy guy!

Are you having a snow day in your area?

Natalie

Where's This Journey Going?

It is crazy to think that this March will mark three years of blogging for me.

I feel like so much has changed in the blogging world...or is it me who changed?

When I first started, I had only one child and chronicled his every month and reached out to other moms to find advice.  Then I had my second boy and blogged about his growth but probably not as well as the first. (Oh those poor second borns right?)

I linked up, I blog hopped, I reached out to other bloggers to find a community.

And then I found that community.  I found blog friends that I have followed for almost these full three years.

I love you guys, and I love being a part of your life.  But now as the children grow, I find myself with less and less to write about.  Is it because I started KMB? Or is it just the season of my life right now?  I also find this same feeling in my life online as well.

I don't consider myself a writer...I'm not trying to publish a book.  So the question remains, where will this blog go?  I feel like I've seen this a lot in the blog world lately and as I discussed this very topic with a friend and fellow blogger (who has been doing this WAY longer than me).

Maybe it's just the evolution of the blog, or the evolution of me.  I don't have the answers, but I hope to continue this little space of mine.  As where it will go, only time will tell.

Do you feel the same way?  Has blogging changed for you too?

Natalie

Taking Care of Mom

We all know moms always put themselves last in line.

Well last week started a few activities that were just for me.  Crazy I know, but it all happened to just be around the same time so I was able to spoil myself.

My husband was gone all last week, but my in-laws watched the boys on Thursday night so I could meet up with the KMB team and another local blogger.

Then on Saturday my friend Katie had free passes for a hair blow out at a fairly new blow out salon in town.

Last night I was able to take two of my KMB contributors for a spa massage and ANOTHER hair blow out!  (in exchange for a review on the site)

So I'm feeling pretty pampered and loved.  The fun continues as next week we host our first MNO event that includes champagne and good food!

I'm kind of liking this whole taking care of mom.  When was the last time you took out time to take care of yourself?

Natalie