mini muffins

1. The zoo

This year we received a zoo membership for Christmas so we finally made it out to the zoo.  A lot of the animals were not out but we will still able to enjoy a few hours together.  The boys really enjoyed themselves but I remembered that I do not love the zoo.  It makes me feel bad for these huge animals caged up.  Either way - I think we will be getting a lot of use out of our new pass.

 2. Kelly's wedding
Wow it has been a journey the past few years for Kelly.  I am obsessed with out friendship and I am grateful that we were able to travel to South Bend without kids to celebrate.

3. Euchre Night
Last night we went to the Stahly's for dinner and to play Euchre.  Personally, I had a terrible euchre night and felt bad that Tasha had to be my partner but the hours of laughter were exactly what I needed.  

4. sweatpants
Since I have to dress up every day for work I am so grateful that I can wear sweatpants all weekend.  I love not having to make too many choices and being completely comfortable.

5. Talk talk talk talk talk
The kids are FULL to the brim with stories that they want to tell me.  Full.  So usually I am just listing to stories all day long.  Most of them don't make sense but I still love to hear their passion and love of life.

Saturday

1. The weekend

This week at work as been a bit crazy.  I have worked a lot more hours than I usually like and the work continues to pile up.  I am excited for a weekend that I have nothing going on.  That I am able to just sit here and drink coffee and watch TV with Jack.  

2. "On Saturday"

When Jack is talking about anything in the past or in the future he says that it was "on Saturday."  Everything.  I am not sure where he got this from but he says it with so much conviction that you just have to go with it.  hmmm....maybe he is obsessed with the weekend too.....

3. New neighbors

Our new neighbors are young and INSANELY friendly.  I am excited for the weather to be a bit warmer so we can hang out more.  

4. Big brothers

The twins are so good to Jack.  Last week they both wanted to read him a story before bed.  Jack picked out his current favorites, Ten Apples on Top and My Mommy Hung the Moon.  Both of these books were favorites when the twins were growing up as well.  It was fun to be in the other room with the other child and over hearing their reading and interaction.  

5. Air purifier machine
A few years ago Pat got us an air purifier.  It ended up in our room and I use it as a white noise machine.  It's both good and bad.  I am now addicted to white noise so this is an easy solution.  But I am now addicted to white noise so whenever we travel I have to listen to a youtube video of a fan.

Grateful that I have this little gem every night and I don't need any sleeping pills.

Did Nash find a new bed?  Jack was in heaven

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One reason why the boys are obsessed with my parents.

warmth

1. The downtown library

I was already obsessed with the library and every time I go I fall a bit more in love.  This place has made the list and it hopefully in years to come we will continue to make frequent visits.  On Thursday I had another day off so I could spend the day with the boys with out Jack.  Again, it was great to be able to sit down and just focus on 8 year old activities. 

2. Rock climbing at the gym
We do not take advantage of all the amenities at Lifetime.  The boys have been asking for MONTHS to go rock climbing at the gym.  Yesterday we finally made it happen.  It was super simple and Jack was able to just sit and watch while the three of us climbed.  What a great perk!

3. Dinner at my parents
We usually  see my parents at least once a week. This little time is always helpful with a break in meal planning, no dishes for the night, a lot less mess to clean up but the best part is spending time with family.   Grateful for these dinners.

4. Learning
I am learning a TON at work.  I had no idea what this job involved when I started 7 months ago and on a daily basis I am still trying to figure out the details.  This week I think in fact, one of the NPs that I needed to put on a performance improvement plan contacted a lawyer and stated that I breached her contract.  New. Learning.  --and all of this happened via EMAIL while I was out of the office.

It's been a rough week with work.  I am still trying to figure out my organization and how to prioritize all of my immediate tasks - like communication with the lawyer AND completing the SBAR for a replacement position.  And those two tasks are only with my HF team.

I am grateful for a job that I am frequently challenged.  Though this week it was a bit much I still learned a ton and I am sure next week with not be any different.

5. Shelter
It is freezing cold outside.  Like -8 below before the windchill.  It's a bit miserable outside.  It just needs to be said that I am grateful for a warm home, with working heat and no worry about how to pay the bill.  I am grateful that my husband makes us warm fires and that we can go to bed knowing that all of our children are warm.

It was a great one

1. The day off

Yesterday morning I decided that I would take the next two days off (today and tomorrow).  This made for an INSANE day at work but boy oh boy was it worth it.  We sent Jack to daycare and then the rest of us had an amazing day out on the town.  I am so grateful that my job allows me the flexibility to be with my family if needed.  And I am grateful that Mike has the same flexibility.  Looking forward to another day off tomorrow.  Maybe this time I will try and get some chores done.

2. Skyzone

We hit up Skyzone right when it opened.  We had a gift card from Christmas and we all played and jumped for an hour.  I loved being able to just spend time with them and being able to play with them - not just sit on the side lines.  I hope we do this more often.

3. The movie

After Skyzone we went to see Coco.  It was a great movie that we all enjoyed.  Again we used gift cards and coupons so the movie and all of the snacks were free.  Since I am trying to be a bit more healthy I brought my own popcorn so I didn't devour the movie theater popcorn.  Yes - I was that person.

4. Lunch

After we left the movie we went out for lunch.  We used more gift cards from Christmas - so again - the meal was FREE.  The boys were in great spirits and well behaved.  I could sit and listen to them laugh for HOURS.  

5. The evening

After we got home Mike and I laid down for 45 minutes before picking up Jack (the boys were in heaven playing video games).  I had to do about an hour of work because we had a few, strange emergencies with the providers.  After Jack and I got home the boys played for the rest of the evening.  I am so freaking grateful that they are home.  Though I am not sure who is more happy - me or Jack.  And then Mike always chimes in that he is thrilled the twins are home too.

Cheers to a great day.  Though we will not be having such an extravagant day on the town - I am happy to have another day off to spend with Cameron and Owen.

The New Year

We are officially in 2018.  The past few weeks as I reflected on 2017 and thought ahead to 2018 I realized a few things.  I had a lot of success in 2017 and a lot of change last year.   In 2017 a LOT of energy was spent on my career. Between the crazy hours at CHN, job search, job change, going back to school, toothpaste and now working 5 days a week - it has been a lot of change and adjustment.

In 2017 Greg moved to Indy and boys started spending a lot more time with him.  This has been a big change of 2017 - and though the boys are loving this time with their dad - it has been an extremely difficult transition for the rest of us.

We didn't go on ONE bike ride this year.  Yikes.  That might easily explain the state of my exercise and health.

This year we also traveled a ton.  I took 4 different, wonderful trips this year and Mike took 5.  We love to travel so I am grateful we make this a priority.

So....after much reflection - and a pretty good video by Tony Robbins - I decided to create some non negotiable things in my life.  I'm still trying to figure it all out so I don't plan on sharing on this blog today.

That being said, I am not writing down any specific goals right now.  I am going to focus my energy into three areas in 2017: family, health, and being outside.

**Sorry that this post is sort of throw up of my thoughts.  I am excited to start 2018.  Last year was good to us but I looking forward to the adventures ahead!**

December 29th

1. The handmade chips at CHN

Holy these little guys are amazing.  Have they made the list before. I am obsessed obsessed obsessed. I can devour the bag in minutes. 

2. Country Music
Lately Mike has been listening to AND liking country music.  It makes it easy when we are listening to music in the house because we both like the options. 


3. My work notebook
I am finally finding a system to keep me organized at work.  Since I am over 29 different providers and 3 different specialties it makes things a tad crazy at times.  Grateful that I am FINALLY coming up with a process.  Keep your fingers crossed.


4. Three day weekend
I am so happy to have three full days to do NOTHING.  I plan on doing the Shutterfly yearbook and a calendar for work.  I also plan on sitting by the fire, playing with Jack and catching up with my husband.  I am pumped.

5. Mentoring
In the past year I have figured out that one of my biggest passions is mentoring others.  I am obsessed with watching people grow.  That's where I find my energy and that I what I love about my job.  It is so freaking cool to help people set goals and help them achieve AND for these same people to find so much self worth and personal empowerment and achievement. 


Anyways -- top the point -- I was telling this to Sarah yesterday as we celebrated her house being sold (and we were discussing my goals).  And she said, "well you mentor me all of the time. You make a difference in my life."  How can things like that not make you grateful.  Cheers!

Back to the basics.

1. The van is fixed
About two weeks ago my car started to go down hill quickly.  Thank goodness for my husband's memory that we bumper to bumper lifetime warranty on the car.  This was a decision that I went back and forth on in my head and Bruce helped to push me to make the RIGHT decision.  Though Mike was sad to return his rental sports car - I am trilled to have my van back.


2. Fireplace
Over the holiday weekend we had fires pretty regularly.  It was a pretty nice change from the normal.  Grateful to have this little gem in our home and looking forward to more fires in the winter.


3. New work clothes
Oh wow -this whole work attire thing is a LOT for me.  I have been wearing scrubs for the last 10 years and I have found myself slightly jealous of my staff who get to wear essentially pajamas to work every day.  Over Christmas my mom gifted me a new outfit which I am currently wearing at work.  I have had TONS of compliments.  It is very clear my wardrobe needs to be shaken up a bit!


4. Poop in the Potty
Jack is starting to actually POOP IN THE POTTY.  Like the twins, I waited to start potty training Jack until he was closer to 3.  It has been going ok so far.  Not the best- not the worst.  That being said, Jack is at daycare all day (vs the boys being home with me) so the experience is MUCH different.   The point of this is - Jack went poop in the potty last night.  Thankful that we got to do a little celebration dance in his honor.  Oh- and the pride you can see in his eyes - that is the best part of all.


5. The week between Christmas and New Years
I sort of love this little week between the two holidays.  I hate it because the boys are usually gone but this is the time I am able to sit back and reflect on some of my dreams and goals for 2018.  I have not figured out my New Years Resolutions yet or really even what I WANT out of 2018.  I am excited to see how it unfolds.