Life and Friendships

Isn't it crazy how friendships change as we grow older. I'm not sure if it's due to our lifestyles changing or if it's due to being wiser but things most certainly do change.

Many years ago I wrote about how friendships expire and how it's ok if a friend you were once really close to changes to someone you don't talk to anymore. I do truly believe that people come into your lives for a certain purpose or reason.

But what about those friends that are supposed to be your closest?

I've found that the older I get, the less people I can call close friends. Sure I'm fine to catch up and talk to these friends, but the closeness and connection is not the same. Is it sad? Yes but part of life.

However I do find it funny how if you are catching up that some of these friends never really ask you about your life. I always try to make a point to inquire what's going on with their life and children, but I find this is not reciprocated.

I get it, being pregnant with number 3, and even a third boy is not exciting right? Because "oh you are just having another boy," just a normal thing. But seriously I don't expect these friends to bend over backwards as yes I have been down this road before. However I don't think it's too much to ask for a friend to ask how you are feeling and maybe how the boys are reacting. I think that's normal, don't you? I'm surprised that after I ask them how they are doing, I get ZERO questions about myself, my family, or even KMB.

What does this mean? I'm not sure if it means these friends are totally self-absorbed, if they don't care, or if they consider their selves too busy. I just find it a little disheartening that some people won't even give you the time of day, but they can sure talk about what's going on for them.

Do you have people in your lives like this? How do you deal with friends that don't seem concerned for you?
 

Natalie

Birthdays and Babies!

Wow what a week! I've been planning a lot for the KMB second birthday party, and I'm happy to report it was a huge success! It was a country/western theme, and I absolutely fell in love with our cake!

So glad that planning is done! Now it was time for my actual birthday! I headed to a baby shower, and a weekend of friends and shopping! 

My friend put together this fun collage of all the first baby showers together!

Hard to believe the first shower was for Nolan in 2010!

Oh and I can't leave out the boys' Halloween costumes! 

Happy Monday!

 

Natalie

September Fall Fun!

It's been a crazy last few weeks!

I went to two concerts:

Kelly Clarkson:

Lady Antebellum:

 

Then we hit the beach:

 

And now I'm headed to Dallas!

It's been a traveling month full of fun! Nolan also swam underwater for the first time, started his first season of soccer with the YMCA, and went to the zoo with the grandparents.

Anyone else think 2015 is flying by?

A Weekend of Fun!

The husband and I had a rare weekend away without the boys (since last October)!

We headed up to Louisville, Kentucky and had a fantastic time.

First on the agenda was a late night dinner at Proof on Main which was FABULOUS!

Then the next morning we headed to Mega Cavern for hours of zip lining fun!

 

Then we headed to a dive lunch place called The Grind and had the most delicious burgers and fried Brussels sprouts!

 

Next up on the agenda was a Bourbon tour.

 

 

 Last but not least was eating dinners with some old friends.

 



 

 We had a great weekend but wish it had been longer...already missing the great food we had!

Natalie

A Little Girl Time

A few weeks ago my two friends from high school came to visit, and we had a great time!

We try to get together 3-4 times a year, and so far it's worked really well for our busy schedules.

Above in the photo is my friend, Jessica. We've been friends since 3rd grade and pretty much played every sport together (softball, basketball, volleyball, and track). Now the journey of marriage and motherhood!

(Jessica to my left, and to her left Melissa)

Melissa and I have been friends since my freshman year of high school where we shared classes in driver's ed, math, and sports like track and volleyball.  She was the first of many friends to get married and have kids--before many of us even knew what having kids was all about!

Now on our night out together we had these celebrities sitting behind us!!! Eric Balfour and Tara Reid in town for a convention! It was pretty crazy as this was just a casual eating place.

We had a fun time getting a pedicure, shopping, dinner, drinks, and hanging out at a dance bar that played our 90's childhood music. Literally it was like seeing our childhood flash before our eyes!

Happy Summer friends and hope you get to kick it with some friends!

Natalie

Old Friends and Fun Times!

We've been busy the last few weeks but having some fun!

This past weekend we drove to the other side of the state to visit some college friends!

First we visited my old roomie and sorority sister Beth and her family!

Then we drove a little further to visit our friends Daniel and Nikki! The boys had some Italian ice fun!

 

We last stopped and visited our friends and their new baby girl. She was the cutest thing, and the new mom was was so relaxed and chill. I know as a new mom that's not the easiest thing to do when adding a new person to your family! So kudos to her!

Before we left I had another KMB Mom's Night Out. This one was "An Evening of Design" and was so fun! We even had a fashion runway show.

 

 

I also attended a baby shower for my friend Mary Catherine who is due with a baby boy this June!

 



Have you seen any old friends lately?
 

Natalie

Fun Fall Festivities!

Happy Friday my friends!

This week we received the kids school photos from their Mother's Day Out program. I really didn't expect them to be good, but I must say I love them! How are my boys old enough to have school photos???

They actually have another one of Nolan actually smiling. In the above photo is his classic "No I don't want to take a picture!"

Last weekend we attended a birthday party for Ethan at a pumpkin patch. You might recognize Laura from her former blog My Thoughts Uninterrupted. She's not writing anymore because of her new business Pop of Happy. You really should check out her shop as she has great home decor and party items. Ethan's birthday party was SO CUTE! Her theme was a farm theme with apples, popcorns, and old pickup trucks. Unfortunately it was very windy so she couldn't hang all her decorations BOO! 

We had a station to season our own popcorn and add delicious toppings to our apples. She always has the most creative ideas!

The pumpkin patch was huge and so much fun! All the kids loved running around, climbing on hay, picking out pumpkins, and even seeing a pumpkin launched from a cannon and blown up!

Do you make an annual trip to a pumpkin patch? 

Natalie

Fun with the Gals

This past weekend I had a fun one night away with some of my friends from high school.

We headed to Chattanooga and stayed at the Chattanoogan. That place was awesome, and I strongly recommend it!

We had a good meal at The Urban Stack and went for drinks at The Flying Squirrel. That place had lounge areas, so it was perfect for sitting back and drinking with the girls.

This week is full of party prep for Conley's 2nd birthday! It's hard to believe he is now TWO!

August is a pretty busy month with KMB events, and then the boys start school (Mother's Day Out). Conley is going just for one day a week, and I think he'll do great.

I'm WAY behind on my blog reading because this week is crazy with birthday party planning and KMB event planning, but I'll try to catch up next week!

What's on your agenda this weekend?

Natalie

Friendships That Last a Lifetime

I've written many times about my view on friendships and how they change and evolve as we age.  I take all friendships for what they are, and don't take anything personally anymore.

As adults, it's hard to find those friendships that are more than skin deep.  I personally struggle with making that deeper connection.  As my wise friend said, she tries not to get to know people better because most of the time she finds things about that person that she doesn't like or agrees with. Cynical maybe? Yes. Realistic? Yes.

Just because your kids are the same age or you run in the same circles doesn't automatically throw you in the "besties" category.

Just because you worked or grew up with someone doesn't mean you'll keep in touch forever.

It's just the cycle of life, and we all experience it. We all get busy with marriage, kids, jobs, and life in general.

However I do have a few friends that no matter when we talk or get together it's just like where we left off. This weekend two of my friends that I grew up came up for just a night, and we had the best time.

We started the evening off at BeStyled a new local hair blow out place. I had purchased buy one, get one free back when the had their Valentine's Day sale. Seriously if I could get my hair done like this every day, I SO WOULD. As we relaxed, we enjoyed mimosas and watched Eat, Love, Pray on their big screen. Great book by the way!

We then headed to the hotel downtown and checked in. We have this neat little area called Market Square which has stores, restaurants, and in the summer all kinds of concerts and activities. We went to eat at this lovely restaurant Cafe 4 where my friend said she had the best BBQ sandwich of her life. Needless to say, we will be back!

We then headed to a coffee shop around the corner.  It was easy.  It was relaxing.  And it was fun!  We don't have to impress each other or struggle to connect.  It's just there. For me, these are the best friendships to have!

Do you have friends that you can just pick up where you left off?

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

A Night Out with the Girls

This weekend I spent my very first time away from Conley. He's really been doing well at night so I knew it would be fine, but you just never know. And of course I always feel guilty being away from my boys even though I should take some time to myself.

I met up with my friends Jessica and Melissa.  I have known Jessica since the 3rd grade, and Melissa since high school.  (Melissa is on the left and Jessica in the middle)

Throughout the years, we have continued to be friends after marriages and children.  As I have written on here before that I do have great friendships from different periods of my life---these two are ones that have been there the whole time.

I'm so glad we were able to get away from the kiddos for a night and have a great time together and can't wait until the next time!

Do you make time to catch up with friends?

Natalie

Friendships of the Past

At many times in my life, I have experienced wonderful friendships.

When we're young, we have our friends that we grow up with and attend high school together.

Then we transition to college and make friends during the "growing up" phase.

After college, we head out to the workplace and find co-workers that become friends because you can talk about all things work-related and empathize with how much you dislike your boss or overtime.

I used to be the friend that always reached out to those that I knew at every point in my life.

I thought because I grew up with my high school friends that I needed to continue the friendship forever.

I thought since my college friends were supposed to be the "friends you keep for life" that I needed to continue to reach out.

After I left my work to be a SAHM, I thought it was important to continue the work friendships with those I had worked with for 4-6 years because we spent so much time together.

But in reality, sometimes friendships expire.  And it's ok to be sad.  It's ok to miss those friendships and to look fondly back at the memories that you created together.

I learned that just because you went to high school with someone doesn't mean you actually have anything in common.

The college friends that were supposed to be for life were only for those years of growth to adulthood.

The co-workers, were just that.  Once you leave that work you find you don't have that much to talk about.

I do have strong friendships and best friends from each of these periods of my life.  I have a few that I can talk about the good ole days when we were teenagers, college friends that I can talk about the crazy times and our sorority days, and even a few of my co-workers became some of my closest friends.

But I don't beat myself about those that are lost.  I don't reach out anymore.  I have made my peace with it, and I cherish the times we had.  I don't discount the friendship, but I understand it is one that can't move forward.

And if a few of them call me every now and then, I talk to them.  I don't hold grudges that we don't talk everyday.

People come into our lives for different reasons, and so I accept it for what it is.

How do you look back on friendships of the past?

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

Fun with Friends

This past weekend, we decided to take a trip with the kids to visit some of our friends.  It would be only the 2nd time that Conley has been in a car that long---and that was at Christmas.  So needless to say I really didn't know how they were going to do.

I am happy to report that they boys did AMAZING!  They slept great...I had no idea how nap time was going to go...but they both were little champs in the napping department.  We still used a pack'n'play with Nolan even if his feet can touch the end.  He looked pretty silly, but he didn't seem to mind.

In the car, they both were awake most of the time, but they were really happy most of the way.  I couldn't have asked for a better trip with them.

We were so excited to see our friends Beth and Bill...and their little boy Brody.  They recently moved into a new house so we were ready to check out the new digs!  The boys had a blast, and we had a relaxing couple of days.  I usually get stressed out when traveling with the boys, but they were seriously little angels.

We also traveled to see our other friends Nikki, Daniel, and their little boy Max.  It was about another hour drive from where we were staying.

Here are some photos from the weekend!

Now back to reality and the daily grind!

Natalie

Just Two Years Ago...

It's hard to believe that just two years ago I started this little blog of mine.  I wasn't sure how I would like it or what I would actually write about.  What would I write?  Would people read?

But now, I couldn't think of my life without my blog.  I have met the most supportive ladies throughout this journey, and it always amazes me how some of my bloggy friends are so kind and generous.  They have nothing to gain---it is just pure kindness and thoughtfulness that they share with me.  And for that...I thank you.

You've helped me through the beginning of being a new mom, a SAHM, and one that is not very domestic.

You've ranted and sympathized with me...and told me motherhood is hard, and it will be alright.

You've watch me transition from a new mom of one, to a mom of two.  You've shared your wisdom and support when I didn't know how I was going to manage them both.

You've watched my first born become a toddler.

You've watched my second son grow and grow...he's not a little baby anymore.

You've sent cards and gifts for my boys...I never in a million years thought some online friends could have such big hearts.

So today I want to thank you all, but also some special folks who have been there with me from the beginning.

Alison from across the world in Malaysia was one of my very first followers and has always offered great advice and wonderful writing for me to read.  We also have two young boys, so it's been great to have someone who is going through the same experiences.

Jessica has also been there from the beginning.  I have watched her blog grow and change and have loved every minute of it.  From quilting to martinis, from gardening to home schooling, this gal has skills!

The Workaholic Momma has also tagged along these past two years.  We've joked that we were bloggy twins, and that we should set up an arranged marriage for our children.  She was even so kind to send Conley a super soft towel with his name on it.  It was actually the first gift I received with his actual name on it.  I'm so happy that she will be adding another little girl to her family!  Now we can arrange a marriage for our second borns.

Amanda has sent me and the boys home made birthday cards...I remember receiving them and thinking how can someone who hasn't met me be so thoughtful?  Because some people are just geninunely good people and will go out of their way to be nice.  Amanda is one of those people who loves to put a smile on your face.

Rach is one that we have emailed back and forth about homemade baby food, cloth diapering, toddler learning, MDO, and many many other topics.  I have enjoyed having someone to share this motherhood journey with and so glad she's having number two baby as well!  She also was so sweet and sent Conley the sweetest little outfit.  You people just amaze me with your generosity!

Ashley is also one that I swapped boy mom advice back and forth.  I'm so excited that she just added a little girl to her family!  Not only is she busy with a newborn, she's also behind the New Orleans Moms Blog.  I've loved learning more about the Big Easy!

Sherri is also a long time follower, and I love reading about her favorite meals, books, and her DIY style.  I can just tell through her blog she is a genuinely kind person, and I think that's why I like her so much.  She also has an awesome sister, Lauren who is super crafty.  I didn't even know they were sisters, and I was already following both blogs!  I love reading about their family.

Then there is my book nerd friend Shell.  I'm sure many of you know of her because she is a huge blogger, and has her hand in everything.  But you would never know it...she has always been so kind to me by referring me to GoodReads, loaning me books through the Kindle...and this May I get to meet her for the first time.  And you know what?  She's sending me home with a whole stack of books!  She has always taken the time to answer any of my questions, and I think that my friends is why she is such a good blogger.  She is someone you can relate to, and one who is not afraid to help out others even when she's really busy.  So excited about meeting you!

And the gal who really helped me start blogging, and even helped with the name is my IRL friend Laura.  I won't go all mushy on you because I know how you are about these things, but I can't say enough how I value our friendship.  You are truly my best friend and someone that I can always lean on.  Even though I may already know what is going on in your life, I really enjoy reading your blog.  I look forward to reading it when I see you have a new post up, and it always makes me smile because you are so honest and really put yourself out there. That's why people in the blog world are drawn to you because you are not afraid to show the real you.  You're a talented writer, and I'm always impressed with how you are able to write with humor and sarcasm.  That's not an easy thing to do!  I'm so excited to watch our boys grow up together.

And to my best college gals-Sarah, Kristy, and Beth who told me to start a blog and who supported me throughout this journey.  Hope we can get together this summer!

And to all my favorite fellow mommas--Emily, Emmy, Jenn, Katie, Tatiana, Sara, Ashley Paige, Erin, Cam, Sarah, Samantha and so many more!

There are many, many others that have touched my life but I know this blog post would get too long and you guys would stop reading.  So here's to you all!!!!  Thanks for making this blog experience the best!

HAPPY TWO YEAR BLOG ANNIVERSARY!

Natalie

A Little Girl Time

I was so excited that two of my childhood friends, Jessica and Melissa, decided to come visit the new addition this past weekend---even though I am pretty much a walking zombie from sleep deprivation. 

Here's a photo of the 3 of us:

And here we are in 2010 after Nolan was born.  Both times the boys were about 4 weeks old when they came to visit. 

 

Here's a photo of us from my wedding in 2007:

 

 

Jessica's wedding 2010:

 



We've been friends since we were kids, and I'm so glad we've continued our friendship into adulthood and through the changes of marriage and being moms.  Melissa has two daughters who are 8 and 4, and she welcomed a baby boy to the family this past May.  Jessica has a little girl who is almost exactly a year older than Nolan.  It's crazy to see us all grown up with children!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!