A Day With My Oldest

Aaron had a school field trip last week at the National Zoo in DC. My husband and I both decided to take the day and go with him. We realized when we left that we didn't take any pics of the animals but only of Aaron. He is 4 and we still look and him and can't believe he is ours! He is growing so much and too fast.

Shorts are from old Navy. Shirt is from H&M. Shoes are Chucks. 

I Can't Get No (Job) Satisfaction: Stephen Kellogg

Like many of you, I struggle daily with creating/maintaining my ideal "work-life balance". I have two young children and due to high cost of living in my area, I am not in a position where I can stay home. I am also not willing to move because my entire family is here and that support system is what keeps me sane.

When my kids are sick, or have school events, etc... those feelings of unhappiness with my job start to creep in. A friend sent me this video that was a great motivation to change my mindset while at work. I love the strategies that he presents. Take a look!


My favorite quote from his presentation:

"Climb Ladders Worth Climbing"

Scholastic's Summer Reading Challenge

I thought I would share this fun summer reading challenge launched by Scholastic!

Since our oldest just turned 4, we are starting thinking of ways we can prepare him for kindergarten. We have already experienced some hot and muggy weather, so this is great indoor activity to begin with when it gets too hot to go out.

The older Aaron gets, the more engaged he is with us in reading. His favorite book right now is Corduroy by Don Freeman, which is on the Summer Reading Book List. 

We are going to start by following step 1 of Scholastic's recommended steps to prepare for a successful summer reading adventure. We are going to do an inventory of our current library and donate any books our kids may have outgrown to make room for new favorites. 

For more information: 

2014 Summer Reading Book List

Scholastic Parents on Facebook 

Summer Reading Challenge Page

Boy Outfit of the Day: My One Year Old

My little guy looking like a gentleman and a scholar (my Office reference).

Jeans with suspended (SOLD out) Similiar -> Jeans / Onesie 

Car Organization

My car is always a mess and with 2 small kids, spills and messes are just out of my control at times. I could implement a rule of no snacks and drinks in the car but with our commute sometimes snacks and drink are my life savers and I am in survival mode right now so I can care less about practicality.

Car organization is a skill I lack and the mess in my car is one my husband's pet peeve.

I was so happy to find this video from WhatsUpMoms, if you are not following her, you should! She is hilarious! Her Mom's Car video motivated to attempt to do something about the mess in my car. I also sent to my husband with the subject reading: SEE! I am not the only one! ha! :)

My Boys Outfit of the Day

The never ending struggle for boy moms, is when you go to the stores and see so many isles and racks of gorgeous options for girl clothes and accessories and then when you hit the boys section, you find a limited selection and its all in boring colors.

I get that most boys are not into fashion like some girls are do but US moms of these boys, WE care! And for moms of boys, its not only about putting them in a cute outfit but its also about teaching them self-care, teaching them to take the time to care about how they look and how to look presentable. I am hoping that my son seeing the time and care I put into selecting his clothes, is a skill he picks up on and takes with him when he leaves us one day (hopefully never).

I am always on a mission to find nice, trendy clothes on a budget. Boys will be boys and will get dirty no matter what you do, so not spending lots of money on clothes allows me to give him the freedom to still be him but look cute in the process!

Here is an outfit from this past weekend.

Shirt and Pants are both Old Navy. Shoes are Nike and sold out.
similar shirt / pants / shoes on ebay

A Brothers Bond

We have done a lot of celebrating over the last couple of weeks. Our first born just turned 4! I still can not believe it! It feels like we hit a milestone! Next year he will be in kindergarten! Then, the little one turned the big ole O-N-E! With that big birthday came the accomplishment of sleeping through the night. We got to experience a glorious week of sleep and got the chance to feel well rested and wake up from our zombie haze, only to go back to waking 2-3 times a night because of teething. :) C'est la vie!

What has been amazing to witness is the bond these two are forming. They know they are brothers!
They have begun fighting over toys, and for our attention but they have also realized they are part of the same unit, they are in this together and it's the two of them against the world! It's marvelous.

My prayer is that this bond, that will only grow stronger, will never leave them. No matter how old they get, and what life may bring them, that they know they will always have each other and that is the best gift their daddy and I could have ever given them!

xoxo