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

An Amazing and Inspiring Weekend

This past weekend I traveled to Houston for the City Moms Blog Network Sister Site Conference for Knoxville Moms Blog.

I was a little anxious to meet all these ladies as we had never met in person.

But it was like we were old friends getting together for the weekend. Ashley who inspired me to start KMB who I met through this blog 3 1/2 years ago was someone I was so excited to meet. She was amazing and smart just like I knew she would be. Without her, I would not have KMB as a business or as a fulfilling part of my life.

So many inspirational women with big hearts and wonderful ideas. I felt honored to be surrounded by such empowering women.

We stayed at The Woodlands Resort in Texas which was AMAZING and HUGE! If you have to ride a golf cart to get to the lobby you know you are in a big place.

I left with so many great ideas and a long to-do list...but mostly with a feeling of friendship.

If you sometimes doubt if your online friendships are real, I assure you there are some true ones.

I'm almost ONE YEAR into KMB. That's just crazy talk! I know it causes me to post less here, but it's such a great outlet for me. I love connecting the moms in our community.

Have you ever met someone in person that you only new previously from online? 

Natalie

A Few Books and a Trip to Houston!

When I was at the beach last week, I did some heavy book reading and finished two books!

I really like the author Diane Loriarity and have read three of her books---The Husband's Secret, Three Wishes, and What Alice Forgot.

In What Alice Forgot, Alice fell and lost 10 years of memories. She thought she was 29 newly married instead of 39 with three children and in the middle of a nasty divorce.

Since she couldn't remember the past 10 years, she had no recollection of her bad feelings for her husband or why they were separated. As you read on, Alice gets glimpses of herself bring bitter and thinking poor thoughts of her husband.

It got me thinking---is that how the road of divorce starts? All happy in love and somewhere down the road we become bitter and can't stand the one we are with? It really was an interesting and eye opening book, and I highly recommend it!

Marriage is not easy and takes a lot of work and compromise. It's a tough journey, and it's hard not to get lost in the day to day routines. On KMB this week, Christie shared about celebrating 10 years of marriage and some tips on what's worked for them. It's a good read!

This weekend I'm heading to Houston for the Sister Site Conference. I AM SO EXCITED! I finally get to meet other site owners that I've known for a year and a few longer than that.

It's the first time I've traveled on a plane and out of town from the kids by myself!

When was the last time you traveled out of town by yourself?

Natalie

Fun with the Fleet

Last weekend KMB was the official snack sponsor at the Fun with the Fleet in our local town. This is an event we've attended for the past three years, and the boys always have a blast climbing and "driving" all the trucks. If you have an event like this in your town I strongly suggest to check it out!

I swear my boys don't look like brothers...and seriously how tall is Nolan now...he's like a 5 year old!

And I've been meaning to share this wonderful animal cuddly mat Conley received from the RedEnvelope in their new baby gift items. It's so soft and cuddly! You should really check out their baby items when you are looking for the perfect gift for a friend.

Happy Wednesday friends---almost the weekend, right?

Natalie

Rainy Weekends

Rainy weekends make my household go crazy with cabin fever. I was so glad that we had celebrated Conley's birthday the weekend before since the following weekend weather was horrible.

This week we are looking forward to sunshine! The boys start Mother's Day Out the last week in August, so we are enjoying our last free days. (Or are they just driving me crazy? Ask me about 4pm every day, and I will say yes they are!)

(Trying to survive the rainy cabin fever days!)

And out of such a rainy weekend, we decided to book a last minute beach vacay in September. I can't be more excited because I really didn't think we could fit it in since I am traveling to Houston at the end of September. Toes in the sand here we come! 

So that means I'll be in need of some great book suggestions for you guys!

Also in honor of back to school (if you didn't know as a child I was a lover of all things back to school...trapper keepers, Lisa Frank), I wanted to share Jennifer's post about back to school traditions. I haven't done any of these fun Pinterest ideas, BUT I totally would. No but these are some simple ideas!

How is your household handling the back to school transition or do you still have a few weeks?

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

Fun Holiday Weekend

We had a great holiday weekend. We kicked it off on Thursday with GORGEOUS weather. I might even say at night that it could be called "chilly" and people were talking about sweaters!

We started our 4th of July festivities at a local picnic. Music, robots, watermelon, ice cream, legos, bounce houses, and much more! The boys had a great time.

Conley wanted as much watermelons as he could get his hands on. It was too funny!

The next morning we hit up the same area for the local parade, and the boys had a great time watching the bands and firetrucks.

Before all these festivities, we went to a Fruit and Berry patch. The boys picked blueberries and peaches. I was amazed at Conley's picking skills! It was SO HOT but we survived our first berry patch trip!

After all our fourth activities, we also went to two different parks. I even took Nolan to see Rio 2 at our local dollar movie theater. He loved it! I can't wait to take him to the "Fire & Rescue" Planes movie in a few weeks!

How was your weekend?

Natalie

Some Weeks Call for a Breather

What a week!

When I have a week of activities, I am always glad to mark items on the to-do list to have some down time.

I remember as a high schooler and in college I was constantly on the go. But now as an adult and mother, I find I crave and need the down no agenda type days.

I see some moms always filling their calendar with activity after activity. I just can't do that...and if I do I feel suffocated. 

The bigger piece in all this are the boys would be just as happy or even happier with a day at home. Half the time Nolan asks to go home after we have only been away from the house for an hour.

We did have a few activities this weekend...a concert and then Easter Sunday but other than that you will find us at home probably in the yard.

(We somehow survived the Easter Service! One hour and a half long!)

 The boys both had their second Easter Egg Hunt this week...Nolan had one at school and then we had one at playgroup (Nolan was in MDO last week for the Easter Party).

This week slows down a bit, I have a KMB barre class on Tuesday morning, and a KMB meeting that night but after that no other plans! 

How about you? Do you constantly have to be on the go? 

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

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

A Fulfilling Weekend

Even though the temperatures dropped in my neck of the woods, I had a great family weekend.

On Saturday night, we attended our annual "mom's group" family dinner and gift exchange.  Our friend that hosted even had Santa come visit! However that was quite interesting with a group of three year olds and under. Not many warmed up to the jolly ole guy or even Mrs. Claus.

On Sunday, my in-laws watched Conley while my husband, Nolan, and I went to church.  It was great to just go with Nolan, and I realized that was the first or second time my husband and I have both  been alone with Nolan since Conley has been born. How crazy is that? 

Then after church, I took Nolan to his first movie! We have a dollar theater (even though it is $2.50 now) that was playing Planes! He loved it and sat still the whole time. He did not want to leave though and had a little bit of a tantrum but all and all we had a great time.  It's nice to have a little special time with my boy! 

I will be taking a break to enjoy this Thanksgiving holiday with my family and friends, and I hope you do the same!

Happy Thanksgiving my friends!

Natalie

Father's Day Weekend

Father's Day and my husband's birthday are sometimes on the same day or just a week apart. So that means I have to use my thinking cap on what to get my husband for TWO occasions!

This year I decided to be a little more crafty than usual and actually did a few Pinterest crafts.

My bloggy friend Emmy posted this idea, and I couldn't help but try it out!

I also did a "ticket booklet" that included tickets for a massage next Friday, golf with his dad next Saturday, and a white water rafting trip for the two of us next Sunday. The last photo is a bag full of Hershey's kisses!  You can find the printable here.

My husband is a wonderful dad to our two boys.  I love watching him play with them...Nolan runs to see him as soon as he walks in the door, and Conley lights up and giggles as soon as he sees him.  He puts his family first, and I couldn't ask for a better partner.  Happy Father's Day sweetie!

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

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

Easter Eggstravaganza!

Is it me or does Easter start to feel like a mini-Christmas? Of course I understand the real meaning Easter and make sure the boys do too....but with the baskets from the Easter Bunny and both grandparents...well it starts to get a little out of hand.  These boys definitely aren't missing out!

The tee ball set, safety scissors, and Spencer the train are from the Easter Bunny to Nolan.  The train track set and Mickey Mouse are from my parents.  The Easter Bunny did not forget Conley, and he received the roll inch worm and the Bright Starts activity ball.  My parents gave him the little pop up animal toy.

I decided to split up the gifts, so that Nolan could actually focus on one item at a time without getting overwhelmed.  On Friday, he opened the train tracks and Mickey.  Of course he fell in love with both!

On Thursday, we had a Easter Egg Hunt with the mom's group.  It was so fun to see all the kiddos out there, and Nolan really racked up!

And the week before, Nolan had his Easter Egg Hunt at school.  Here's the goodies I packed for the little ones!

I have a few more photos that I'll post tomorrow.

How was your Easter?

Natalie

Winter Be Gone!

Is it me or does anyone else think the groundhog lied? I mean it was snowing here today which is unheard of for March.  And now that I have kids---winter seems to get to me more because we are trapped inside so much.

Nolan definitely gets stir crazy, and even the baby seems to get bored.

And lately it seems like everything involving them is a challenge.  You know the usual meals, diaper changes, baths, nap times, bed times, and everything in between.

I just want to scream, "Why does everything have to be a battle?  Why does it have to be difficult?"

I'm sure it's the fact that I'm still dealing with this sinus infection and the kiddos are fighting the remaining parts of their colds.

I just feel like if I hear one for whine or cry that I just might lock myself in the closet and throw away the key.

The good news is the husband and I did have a MUCH needed date night on Saturday.  After the baby didn't nap all day, I was more than happy to hand him over to Grandma.  We had a great time, and it was just what I needed.

Are you having the winter blues too and ready for spring?

Natalie

The Luck of the Irish

This weekend was a tough one...Nolan had been sick all week and had missed school.  He then proceeded to get Conley and I both sick.  Nolan was waking up several times a night with a coughing attack where it would basically make him throw up.  Conley had a cough that sounded like a seal and wouldn't nap most days.  And I also had a horrible cough with all kinds of congestion.  Every since I have had these boys I feel like I'm on the verge of a sinus infection after I am sick.  Not sure what is up with that, but while I was pregnant I was basically snotty the whole time.  I am guessing I still have after effects.

But last night, Nolan slept through the night without any coughing fits, and Conley slept pretty soundly too. Let's hope we are on the up and up because these sickies are no joke.  Nolan usually has a pretty strong immune system---but this cold was a doozy.

Now onto "The Luck of the Irish"...we don't do anything particular for the holiday but we are Irish, and both the boys have very Irish names.

Here's a few photos of us sportin' the green! (Sorry if you have already seen these on IG)

Not a lot of photos of Nolan, due to the fact he was Oscar the Grouch yesterday.  Conley and I did have an outing of just the two of us to the grocery store.  Lovin' my new mint capris I just bought and my coral toes!

Nolan and I did a four-leaf clover hand print that I was inspired by from Erin's St. Patrick's Day crafts.  We also continued with our learning poster which was all about rainbows, and we also painted and colored some rainbow printouts.

I wished we had felt better because the weather here was absolutely gorgeous!  Nolan did go to the park with Daddy, and we were able to plant some of our new plants.  Now I need to work on my square foot garden ASAP.

Can you believe it's almost Easter? I am looking for some easy crafts to do with Nolan, so if you have any send me a link!  He's having his party at school this week because they are on "spring break" next week.  I signed up for some snacks, and I found some cute little baskets that I am going to fill with goodies.  I'll be sure to take a photo to share with you guys.

How was your GREEN weekend?

(Are you following on Bloglovin? Don't forget Google Reader is going away in July, so be sure to follow us there!)

Natalie

A Whirlwind of a Weekend

This weekend sped by faster than usual.  Friday I was busy whipping up a meal for a lovely friend of mine who just had her baby girl #2 a few weeks ago.  I feel the biggest gift you can give a mom (especially one with a toddler and a newborn) is food!  I know that it really helped me out when I had my second baby.

On Saturday, my mother-in-law came to pick up Nolan to stay at her house.  She offered to do this because Conley was getting baptized on Sunday morning, and she figured it would help us out to get just one child ready for church (and boy did it!)

So with just one child on Saturday we ventured out to some stores and even ate at a new Mexican restaurant that had opened up a few months ago.  We went at like 4pm so we wouldn't have to wait...yes I know eating like an old married couple...but when you have kiddos you've gotta do what you've gotta do!

Sunday we dressed little man all in white and met the my in-laws and Nolan at the church.  The baptism went great...but I tell you sitting up front (we usually sit in the back since we have kids) is stressful.  Trying to keep a toddler quiet, and a baby happy by continuously bouncing and moving this way and that...well it just tires me out.  I always have anxiety when I know I've got a big event coming up, and I'm also relieved when it's over and crossed off the list.  Don't get me wrong, the baptism was beautiful and Conley did wonderful...and I did tear up when the priest was blessing him.  It's just the time building up to the day always has me worried on how it's going to go.  And usually everything goes fine...I'm just a person that likes to get it crossed off the list...anyone else feel like this?  This week isn't slowing down either.  Today Conley had his 6 month appointment and shots...Nolan has Little Gym tonight, tomorrow my mother-in-law is watching the boys so we can have an early Valentine's dinner, Thursday I'm hosting a play date at our house, and Saturday I've got a morning event so I'm leaving both boys with daddy.

Looks like February is going to be a blur for this household...how about yours?

Natalie