Currently

Drinking:
Can I just tell you how in love I am with Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Spice coffee? It's so delicious without the added sugar and such in lattes and creamers. I just add a splash of skim milk and a little Stevia and go. It's been super nice to sip on during these cool fall mornings!

 

Not drinking: Soft drinks. I have really kind of given them up. I never thought I could go without my Diet Coke, but I've been drinking so much water lately that I don't even miss it.

 

 

Reading: Chris and I have been reading several of Dave Ramsey's books. We had been doing the envelopes very loosely for a few years but this summer, we buckled down and read his books and FINALLY got on the same financial page after 10 years of marriage. I'm excited about where our journey will lead us. It's crazy to think about not having a house payment one day and retiring with money in the bank when we're old and gray. Maybe then I can get my trip to Bora Bora! :)

 

 

Working on: Webb's behavior is something we've really been working on. He is such a good boy but sometimes he is a bit on the sassy side. He also will still have accidents in his pants on a much more frequent basis than I think is necessary for an almost four-year old. I totally understand that accidents happen but we wanted to really encourage him to GO! He is so interested in playing and being social that he will just wet his pants and not think twice. This week, the teacher in me, created a little behavior chart and posted it on his toy closet door. Each day he has two tasks: use the potty and be a sweet boy. Here's how his week is going so far!

 

 

He chose his stickers and has loved adding them at night after we finish supper. I KNEW he could do better- he just needed a visual reminder. On Friday, if he earns most of his stickers, we are going to get him a SMALL treat. He wants to go to the Tractor Supply Store and pick something out so that's what we will do. Today he went to the chart and said "Today is Wednesday!" So double whammy for behavior and calendar skills!

 

 



Studying: We are getting ready to host a Life Group at our house this fall. Our church is huge so the best way to meet people is to join a Life Group. Last year, we attended two that were lead by our pastor. This semester, Chris and I are going to lead it (or attempt to lead it) and we're pretty excited about it. I met some of the most amazing people in the last group, many of whom are joining our group this go-round. We also have a few neighbors who go to our church who are coming!

 

 

Loving: This precious face. My sweet Webb who will be turning four in two months. The love of my life, the sweetest, most rambunctious, loving, talkative, imaginative, and full-of-life child I've ever seen. And did I mention handsome? Oh, so handsome.

 

 



 

 



I hope you are all having a good week and enjoying this cool fall weather!



 





What Weekends are Made For

I love weekends. It's such a great time to unwind, catch up, relax, and be with my boys. These last two weekends have been therapeutic in a way. Who thought that kicking the soccer ball around the yard and watching the chickens would be just what the doctor ordered!? Last weekend, we went canoeing and found a little island close by where we ate a picnic dinner. Webb also found a cool tree that someone had rigged up to climb so he and Chris spent a while climbing and jumping down.

 

This weekend, we enjoyed a fun night out as a family right here in our downtown! We went to a great restaurant that served the BEST pumpkin spice beer and then headed to another little hang out where Webb played while we hung out and talked with friends. When we came home, Chris built a fire in our little fire pit so we sat out and enjoyed that for a while. Saturday morning brought finger painting (YAY for no soccer!) and helping daddy mow. It was also fun to see NANCY!

 

 

I often look at this life and think about how blessed I am. Wow.

 

:)

 

 

 

 

These Days

These days Chris and I are focusing on what really matters to us and to our family. I learned last year that worry and busyness can make life miserable. I'm so thankful that Chris and I are becoming grounded in our faith as a married couple and as parents to begin making better choices for our family and for our future. So here's what is important and blog worthy these days . . .

1. Church. I can't even begin to articulate the impact that our new church has had on us. We are learning so much each week and are thinking of joining. We've been visiting for about a year now and absolutely love the inclusive, loving, warm, laid back feeling of it. It's so refreshing to go to church each week in jeans or a little sundress and not worry that someone will think less of me because of what I'm wearing. No one knows my mom or dad or how I grew up. No one cares really. I don't have to show-boat my child around in smocked outfits to impress anyone. He can wear his superman cape or his rain boots and no one cares. I can sit in church people from all walks of life and find comfort in knowing that I'm accepted for who I am just as they are. I can rest in the fact that my husband and I are truly growing in ways I never ever ever imagined. I pray to a God every night who I know now, at the age of 35, is more real than ever. He is working in amazing ways in my house and it's so cool to see!

2. Webb. The absolute love of my life. He has started back to preschool and is in the big room. He loves being with his friends, playing, and learning so many cool things. He is still at his sitters house a few days a week which he loves too since he's with his little buddies. We started him in soccer this fall as well which I really hesitated on doing. I wasn't sure how he'd do but so far, we're off to a pretty good start! Tonight he just wanted to pick the grass but he also did a great job with the stations and such. He is learning and thriving and becoming a well-rounded little boy. He also has a birthday coming in a few months and we're planning something BIG this year! YAY!

Can you tell we love Duke?! I had to include a picture of Jonah. That night at the park, when Webb and Jonah saw each other, they ran and grabbed hands and just hugged. It was the sweetest thing. I love those two boys so very much!

3. Chris- I have to give it to him. He is amazing. We've had a few date nights lately which have been nice. We made a commitment to each other that we would do date nights as much as possible or just watch a movie together instead of getting on our phones or on the iPAD. He has given up his Saturday morning gym sessions to be a soccer dad as well. Last weekend, he spent the afternoon getting our chicken coop cleaned out so we could be ready for our new chicks coming soon. He has also done countless loads of laundry and even bought me a new car. I'm not sure what I did to deserve him but I sure am THANKFUL!

Two of the greatest blessings . . .

4. My job- I am teaching second grade this year and like it so far! It's nice that the kids are a little older and can do more! The BEST part of my job are the two amazing women I work with every single day. One is a veteran teacher who has a wealth of knowledge and is inspiring on so many levels and the other is a first year teacher who has more energy and excitement than I ever dreamed of. What a blessing it is to be surrounded by amazing people who lift you up and keep you smiling. Last Friday, Caroline brought us both these little pots of flowers. Talk about making your day . . .