Not finished

1. The eye doctor

Yesterday I had a lot of anxiety about taking Jack to get the stint taken out of his eye.  Once the doctor came into the room he decided to wait until Spring to remove the stint.  I didn't bat an eye.  It was a super easy visit and I really like Dr. Roberts.  Per usual, Jack was in good spirits and loved getting checked out.

2. Cold medicine

I slept TERRIBLE last night.  I was filled to the brim with snot.  It even woke me up and I had to go cough it up and blow it out.  Yes....too many details.  I am not going to lie, right now I still feel like shit BUT I have medicine on board.  I could not imagine how this cold would of treated me if I didn't fight back with some serious over the counter pills.

I just noticed that I never finished this from last week......I am going to go ahead and post.

I am still alive

1. I am not that sick anymore.

Oh wowzers, this week have had a terrible cold.  I have tried to ignore most of it but on Wednesday it KICKED MY BUTT.  Again, I still tried to ignore.  Thursday I woke up feeling so much better.  Today I haven't gained much progress but I am so grateful that I am not back to Thursday.

2. Holiday shopping

I am happy that I have been able to complete so much of my shopping.   It becomes a tad overwhelming at times but right now I feel like it is in control.  The one bad thing about Christmas this year -- all the boys are asking Santa for something that he is not going to give them.  Owen wants a gaming computer, Cameron wants a REAL panda and Jack wants 2 tigers (one that is green), 2 lions and then last night he added 3 bears.  WTF.  I thought I would be able to convince Jack to switch it to poop play-do.  That hasn't worked. Instead he keeps adding more animals.

3. Closer to my goal
I am getting so close to my pull up goal I can taste it.  I am using a different pull up machine which feels more comfortable to my body.  Looking forward to the day I can cross this off my bucket list.  I can. I will.

4. Time to study

I have a lot of extra time at work that I am able to study for my black belt.  One of my big goals today is to get through my next chapter in my book.  I have a ton TON to learn before I take my exam.

5.  NC

After work and school we are headed to NC to see Pat for a quick 2 day trip.  It will be nice to sit down and catch up.  Usually when I see her I am headed right back out for another trip.  Brian and Lauren will also be there with baby Grace so it should be a great weekend.

the normal

1. Movement

I have worked out everyday since 10/29.  I have no plans to stop.  I am starting to feel great.  The scale isn't moving but I am feeling stronger, mentally tough and more clear minded.  I am really proud of myself.  Here is a picture of SBJ playing duck duck goose when I picked him up today after my spin class.

2. The tree
This evening we made a QUICK (like 7 minutes total) stop at the Christmas tree lot off Keystone.  It's a little bit more expensive than Lowes but it supports a local business and it's super easy.  We left, were home AND had the tree up, with lights, within 90 minutes.  In the next few days we will slowly pull out the ornaments.  By far - this was the easiest year yet.  It's great that the boys are getting older and can help Mike with all of the logistics.  Lifting Owen for the tree was a bit too much weight.  LOL

3. The boys are home
Within seconds our home became loud.  Really loud.  The instant crazy that these two bring is a bit NUTS....nuts in a wonderful type of way.  Loud, crazy and lots LOTS of movement.

4. Bathroom choices
This afternoon my mom and I went to pick up a few more items for the bathrooms at the lake house.  Neither of us have really strong opinions about these rooms so it made it super easy.  I felt like we were in and out.  Grateful not to spend the entire afternoon stressing over faucets and lighting.

5.  Cleaned out fridge
This afternoon Mike cleaned out the fridge.  I am glad that he did it and not me.  Right now as I type is he pulling stuff out of the attic.  Holy hell....love it.

It's only SATURDAY

1. Lunch

Yesterday afternoon we hit up Maggiano's for lunch with the ladies.  It was a great afternoon out where I stuffed myself with bread, filled up on the gossip and had a few glasses of wine.  It goes without saying that we are extremely lucky to have each other.  

2.  Elf on the Shelf
Elf is back in the house and I absolutely love being able to use him by saying that he will tell Santa about bad behavior.  Maybe this is terrible parenting but it makes our day a tad bit smoother so I am going to keep using it while I can.

3. Crime Junkie
Yesterday Kara told me about a podcast that she is obsessed with called Crime Junkie.  I started today.  I am starting to become obsessed as well.

4. Black Friday
I don't go out to the stores on Black Friday BUT I did get a lot of great deals from my computer.  Who doesn't love great deals?

5. Lost and wrapping
Mike and I started a new series....well not new but new to me.  Currently we are watching Lost.  Last night we watched two episodes while I wrapped presents.  Glad to get those wrapped and out of the house.  Oh...and Lost is pretty good too.

Tday

1. Thanksgiving Day

Another year in the books.  Per usual we have a LOT of left over food and the worst part of the day was cleaning up.  It was great to have the neighbors over this year.  Jack had a blast (and his room was destroyed) playing with Micah and Jude.  Oh wait....the worst part of the day was Jack's huge meltdown during dinner.  By the end, my dad took Jack away and within minutes he was back, happy, and apologizing.  Now that I think about it....I am sure my dad gave him candy.  Oh well - grandpa's have those powers.

2. Nicole Bates
The night before Thanksgiving Nicole and I met our for a drink and a quick bite.  I absolutely love meeting with Nicole.  When I got home that night I was trying to put into words why our time together is so inspiring and uplifting.  Nicole is so positive.  She is encouraging, an amazing listener and honest.  She thinks like an entrepreneur, travels the world and makes me THINK deeply about what I want out of life.  Like at the table, she legit asks me the tough questions to make me think deeper.  Basically, I want to be the friend to others like Nicole is to me.

3. Morning Workout

Yesterday morning I went to spin and yoga before the day started.  Actually I was up picking up the house, made a dessert and then went to the gym.  It was a perfect start to the day.  It kicked my ass and left me in the perfect headspace.  I wish my schedule allowed me to do this every day.

4. One more week
We only have one more week of double swim lessons.  Though they are easy and not too much trouble I still don't enjoy being booked every single night with something to do.  I am super grateful that we didn't just "lose" these lessons since they were missed.

5. Long weekend

At the last minute I decided to NOT go to work today.  I think that the driving factor was wanting to go to a class at the gym at 830am.  The teacher from yesterday morning has an 830 and a 945.  I would love to do both and start the weekend off strong.  So freaking grateful I don't have to go to work and study.  

the day before.

1. Target trees on sale
Last night after work and swim lessons Jack and I grabbed my mom and headed to Target.  Our mission was a pre-lit Christmas tree for the lake house.  Mission accomplished.  It was easy and now it's complete.  I am getting excited for the Christmas season.  I was also able to show Jack his Christmas toys and tell him to ask Santa for those specific ones.  Yes - I actually did that.


2. Grocery shopping complete
Yesterday morning I made a quick trip to Kroger before work.  They had SO. MUCH. FOOD.  I was able to get everything purchased and today we will start prepping.


3. hair straightener
This morning I was running REALLY behind. I laid in bed for a full 60 minutes after my alarm went off which meant I needed to get myself and Jack ready in 30 minutes.  I had a 7am interview this morning that I could not miss.  I decided to take my mop of a hairdo and straighten it.  So freaking easy and fixed within seconds.


4. Poinsettia
Yesterday I walked into my office to see a small red poinsettia.  It makes me smile every time I see it.  It reminded me that random acts of kindness really do make a difference in someone's day.


5. Laying with Jack at night
Oh this little sweet boy of mine.  I find myself giving him a few extra hugs and kisses for 2 minutes or so before bed.  He usually talks about his day or just wants to cuddle.  Though many nights I am near the end of my sanity - his little hands make my heart skip a beat.

My husband

1. Thanksgiving Week

I am excited for Thanksgiving this year per usual.  It is going to be a different group than previous years but I am sure I'll discuss that later this week.  I am looking forward to Thanksgiving so I can be off work, spend time with my family, workout in the morning and did I mention be off work?

2.  Cameron and Owen are in Chicago
I am not grateful that these two are gone but I am grateful that they are surrounded by family who love on them.  They will have a great week away.

3. The leaves are collected
For now.  Holy hell we collected a million bags of leaves this weekend.  Most of them were our neighbors.  I am grateful that at the lake we can just blow all of these leaves into the woods.  Suburban living is a bit miserable sometimes.

4. The furnace is FIXED
For approximately a month the furnace has been acting up.  It doesn't work that well and would need some morning help to get it started again.  Yesterday morning I ended up breaking it completely.  By the afternoon someone was out fixing it, did a complete tune up, found the problem and it only cost $144!!!  That is so freaking exciting.

5.  "what are your goals right now"
Yup, my husband asked me this last night as we walked on the treadmill before yoga.  I am working on doing a pull up (which then I proceeded to show my skills) and I am working towards my black belt.  Those were the only two I could name.  Clearly I am in an interesting headspace.  So grateful that my husband asked!

it's about time

1.  Jack and Jude

These two boys have been in the same class for awhile.  The other day when I picked this little one up they were coloring.  Jude is a few months younger but clearly knows how to cover within the lines.  This made my heart so happy and reminds us how we are all so different.

2.  Snow day
The boys had a snow day last Thursday so Owen and Jack climbed into bed for a few extra moments in the morning. Have I said how I love my king bed?  Or have a said that I hate snow days and I am super jealous of these boys who were able to stay home.

3. Broken Finger
Owen smashed his finger last weekend.  At least we thought he smashed it.  It was still swollen and bruised on Wednesday so Thursday morning I took him into the ortho clinic.  It was broken.  Clearly this child is a beast.

 4. Dinner with the boys
My mom and I took the three boys out last night.  Overall they were ok.  Not the best behavior but not the worst.  The picture was a bit rough but everyone enjoyed their meal PLUS we went to McDonalds for ice cream afterwards.  Who does that?!?!

5. Mike is home
Rouzer went to Columbus this weekend for the funeral of a family friend.  He had a great time going out with his friends and spending time with his parents.  I am grateful that he is home even though I have a feeling we will be in bed at 745pm.

Awesome

1.  Lay with me
Jack: Lay with me for a couple minutes
Me: No, daddy will lay with you
Jack: No daddy's legs are too short
Mike: My legs are not too short.  My legs are long


Mike get's into bed with Jack.  I keep brushing my teeth.


Jack: I said Mommy.  I don't want you.  You stinky.  You are so stinky daddy.


2. Green scarf
The other day I was wishing that I had more physical memories of Erin.  I use a mug she gave me for Christmas almost every day and I frequently wear one of her green scarfs.  I have red flats that remind me of her and my diamond studs were custom made to replicate the ones that she was wearing when she was hit.  Today I am wearing her green scarf.


3. lotion
I have hand cream in my desk drawer that Jenna gave to me at Christmas a million years ago.  I have put it on my hands no less than 20 times today.


4. boy scouts
I am grateful that Mike does boy scouts and not me.  It sounds like a LOT of energy and crazy for a Monday evening.  I am glad that I get to go to yoga and also glad that the boys have a great role model.


5.Choosing a vacation spot
I have an obsession with becoming a world traveler.  Usually we can't travel far due to our finances and ages of our children.  This afternoon we officially chose our next vacation spot for Spring Break.  We are going to head to British Columbia, Canada. 

Caught up

Yikes!!  I haven't done the blog in a few days so back to Monday morning and attacking my goals. The thing about this weekend is -- a LOT happened.  A lot of good stuff happened. 

1. Spin, Smoothie, Yoga

Knowing we had a full day on Saturday I needed to get my workout in early. I was at spin by 7am.  Jack slept in this morning so not having a 330 or 4am wakeup call was refreshing.  After spin I ran down to grab a smoothie before going to yoga.  I love the Saturday morning class because it is just flow and not flow guided.  This was a perfect way to start off my day.

2. Christmas gifts
This year we decided to make Christmas gifts again.  The kids really enjoy the experience and I think all of the grandparents are happy with the outcome.  The boys were well behaved and the entire thing went pretty smoothly.

 3. Lunch
After painting we had lunch in Noblesville.  We played games while we waited for our food and Jack only had 3-4 meltdowns. In the second picture you can see the boys cracking up while listening to Mike be silly.

4. DEFY Indianapolis
Finally we did something to celebrate the twins' birthday.  They each invited a friend to jump at DEFY Indianapolis.  It was the first time that we have tried this place and per usual we all had a great time.  Owen hurt is finger really bad.  I am still nervous that it is broken but he is going to wait for a few more days before we hit up the doctor. 


Also, their friends, Nathan and Fin are great kids.  They are super polite and have friendly parents. 

 5. Breakfast
Sunday was another busy day.  Mike started the day off with a great dear and egg meal. I ate it all in about 2 minutes.  It left me full all day.  I am so grateful that he loves cooking!

 6. Proud of themselves
Sunday morning I went to the first wrestling meet of the year.  I had my new bleacher seat which did make the experience MUCH better.  The part that makes me most grateful about this event.....


After they both lost 2 matches they were out of the competition.  I was getting ready to leave and they were going to stay for a few more minutes to watch their friend compete.  I asked each of them...."Did you have fun?  Are you proud of yourself?"  They both said yes and of course I responded that I had a great time watching them too and I am proud of all of their hard work.


On my way out the door I passed a dad who was arguing with this son.  He was telling his son that it was a "horrendous performance" as the son tried to negotiate what happened.  The dad was actually in a bee line away from the conversation as the son quickly chased after.


I am so grateful that my kids don't have that type of experience.  Though they might win a ton more matches if we were hard on them and mean to them ....I am glad that they left the match giving it 100% and proud of the outcome.

7. Early Bedtime

After wrestling I picked out tile, got the boys haircuts, went to the library, folded 6 loads of laundry, made dinner and went to bed at 8pm.  Mike had a reallybusy day too.  It was nuts - though we got a ton of stuff completed.

Publish

1. Swim lessons are easy

Last night it was hard to get out the door but overall swim lessons are pretty easy to get accomplished.  Jack likes it, LifeTime is close to our home and the instructors are great and easy to work with.  I look forward to some solid swimmers soon!

2. A win for mom
Last night Jack was throwing a major meltdown about what to eat.  I didn't give in and I tried to stay as calm as possible....trust me...I can loose my cool with the best of them.  Anyways, I didn't give in to his crazy and eventually he wanted to eat his chicken in the car on the way to swim.  I didn't have to bribe or plead....it was a very satisfying feeling.

3. New bathrooms
Luke is starting on our lake house bathrooms Monday.  Yup....MONDAY.  That means that my mom and I have to start picking things out immediately.  It was nice to get the process started and I am so grateful that he is the contractor who does our work.  He is a good man and easy to work with.  PLUS he already knows my crazy and deals with it accordingly.  We can also just walk right next door to get status updates.

 4. New Coat
Yesterday evening Cameron picked out a new coat from the Gap.  I would never of guessed that he wanted the one he chose.  He was super excited about the new coat and later in the night even thanked me again.  I love his own, personal style.


5. We didn't miss the bus
This morning the bus came at 6:48am.  The bus has never come this early.  I am glad that we were there and waiting.  We would of been sitting there a long time when actually we would of missed it.  Grateful for the missed catastrophe.

Rouzer

1. Made it to the gym
This is about the time that I have stopped the journey.  My body is still trying to figure out the new routine, I have a lost a few pounds and I a bit sore every day.  This morning was a hurdle.  I could of given myself a "rest day" because let's face it - I need rest.  LOL.  But knowing that this was a breaking point I made my decision and stuck with it.  I think that the next few weeks are going to be full of early morning battles within my mind.  Glad I made it past the first one.

2. Stitch Fix
Last night I got another Stitch Fix box.  I don't really need it but since they are coming for free I keep having them sent.  That clearly needs to stop.  I am loving my new box and having fresh new clothes every few weeks.  I get so tired of wearing the same crap all the time and this morning I get to wear something new.  Stitch Fix is so easy - it is perfect for my life right now.

3.  Fresh Air
It has been cold and brisk lately.  I don't love this weather because I hate coats but I am grateful that I have fresh air to breathe every day.

4. My husband arguing with me so early in the morning
Right now Mike is arguing with me about where we are going to go to lunch today.  Since he is still tired and waking up and I have been up for 2 hours then it starts to become funny.  He cracks me up with his crazy.  Legit - I am over here typing with the biggest smile on my face.

5. The days and months
Jack knows what day it is better than I do.  Yesterday walking out of school he asked me what day it was and I said November 5th. He immediately knew I was wrong and that it actually was the 6th.  Even though I miss being home with him terribly I am grateful that he learns this stuff every day.  He loves daycare and that makes me happy.

FG

I knew yesterday that if I didn't get this done first thing in the morning that it would be thrown by the wayside.  Though I had a good day yesterday -- it was a busy one.  

1. Hispanic Festival

This year was another great festival.  Sadly, Cameron's class only did a poem but the boys still did great.  I met a ton of new parents, we sat next to the Stahleys, and the night was not stressful like usual.  I am obsessed with Forest Glen and these nights are like the cherry on top.

 2. Process Improvement
Look at that....I am taking my skills and actually UTILIZING them.  What? what?!  This is our current state map for the lipid clinic.  Today we are going to blow it up and create an ideal future state.

3. Voting Day
I have mixed emotions about voting day.  It has been disappointing and disgusting.  I am going to go out and put my vote in the mix - but I have no interest in being disappointed in society tonight.  Even as I typed that out I realized my negative attitude.  Yikes.  Grateful that I am an American citizen AND that I have the right to vote.

4.  Grandma
My mom is getting the boys off the bus of Monday.  It is such a big help.  Last night we went to the school program while she stayed with Jack.  Today she is volunteering at the boys school.  So grateful that she is here.  It takes a village.

5.  Julie Hawkins
Yesterday I was in a meeting with Julie.  I usually call into the meeting but since she gave me a heads up that she was coming I walked three buildings over to say hi.  Afterwards we got coffee, caught up and headed our separate ways.  It was great to see her!

jack and mommy

1. Nash stayed with us during the walk

Yesterday evening Jack and I took Nash out for a short walk.  It needed to be short because I was unable to find his leash. It was great to get some fresh air and Nash stayed with me the entire time.

2. Peanut Butter, banana pancakes with sprinkles
When you have a mommy & Jack weekend you do fun things like have special pancakes for dinner.  You would thin that he would be in heaven.  He acted like he was going to eat it but not much left his plate.  I think that I'll leave the crazy meals to daddy.  Maybe he was full on all of the Halloween candy.

 3. The gym
I have made it to the gym or MOVED every day this past week.  I am determined to be in the best shape of my life by my birthday.  SOOOOOO.....I have a lot of work to do.  So far we are off to a good start.

4. Mike killed ANOTHER deer

Holy hell our freezer is FULL.  It has been a great season for Mike.  I absolutely love that he is having a great season.  The last two years have been rough to watch.  I am grateful he didn't have to go through that again.  And I am grateful that I like deer (well most of it).

5. Warm Tea

I am struggling to warm up after my workout today.  I easily made some hot tea and even holding the mug is doing the trick.

Rouzer

1. This guy

I can't shout it loud enough how freaking PROUD I am of this guy.  What he has done in the past few months takes a lot of guts.  He quit his lucrative, growing business to be a teacher.  He started at the bottom becoming a sub and within weeks he was promoted.  He kept grinding his wheels, making connections and reaching out to friends.  In Bermuda he talked to Kevin and learned about the rewarding job of working at an accelerated school.  Mike added those schools into his search.  Last week he interviewed and yesterday he got the job.  We officially have a TEACHER on our hands.  I hope that the boys are watching him closely. I hope that they figure out what they want to do, take some risk, and go all in.  Way to go Mike ~ cheers to you!

2. Volunteer Fail

Yesterday I volunteered at Forest Glen.  The one thing the teacher asked for me to accomplish when she left the classroom was to wipe down desks.  That's the thing that I completely forgot to do.  Yup - parent volunteer of the year.

3. Jack's constant crazy at bedtime.
This child goes bat shit crazy at bedtime.  Like legit a mess.  I'm not going to lie, it is hilarious for a little bit.  He is so happy and filled with joy as he runs around naked trying to get away from his dad who is quickly losing his mind trying to get his pajamas on and teeth brushed.  Eventually it gets tiresome to everyone involved (except Jack).  But I am grateful for those minutes that he fills our house with laughter every single night.  I know that these days are short lived and will be gone and forgotten soon. ahhhh….I could cry even thinking about that.

4. Saturday
Today my agenda consists of gym and laundry.  I have no interest in leaving the house and hope to stay in my pajamas all day long.

5. Home Computer
I am grateful for this home computer.  It makes life easier.  I can hustle toothpaste, check my work email, update my blog or search the news websites.