5 on Friday

<ONE>

Is it Friday? I can hardly tell. Vacations totally throw off my sense of "day". So far, our Thanksgiving break has been amazing. I worked Wednesday in a very quiet building. Got a TON done. I can even see my desk. On Thanksgiving day, we had a slow morning. We went to the lake house at 2 for dinner, then to a playground on our way home. The lake house was quiet and relaxed. It was very nice. Today, my dad and stepmom came to visit. Another quiet day! Tomorrow we plan to go to Boone for the day to pick out our Christmas Tree at our tree farm of choice in Meat Camp (you read that right). We may piddle around Boone for a while, Mellow Mushroom, etc.

<TWO>

I'm knee deep in editing. That's why my blog has been so neglected lately. November is my super busy picture-taking month. In the past two weeks alone, I've done 37 Christmas mini sessions and 2 full sessions. I love how they're turning out. But man alive...I'm exhausted.

<THREE>

Kellan turned one a few weeks ago. I didn't have the chance to blog a letter to him as I did to Finn. Unlike Finn who was sick on his actual birthday, Kellan got sick the day of his party. We ended up canceling it and not rescheduling (due to my busy photography schedule). Had all these cute "Where The Wild Things Are" decorations and outfits and cupcakes...was very disappointing. But when you're running a fever of 103.9, you don't expose it to others. Mommy was bummed.

<FOUR>

Today, Finn announced these exact words: "I've got my life all figured out." I'm glad it only took him four years. I've been here 36 and never had it all figured out. He makes me laugh.

<FIVE>

I did not "Black Friday" shop today (kind of). I went on Nordstrom.com and bought myself a pair of earrings I've been wanting for a LONG time that were on sale. They're usually out of stock, or when they're in stock I'm too cheap to pay full price. Today was the glorious day! It'll be even glorious-er (?) when they arrive on my ears. 

Night.

What's Up Wednesday

So, it's November. And I think WUW is for the last Wednesday of the month.

Oh well. First Wednesday here we go!

• This week we are eating fried rice and sushi (Finn's favorite meal), turkey chili and baked potatoes, a homemade pineapple and black olive pizza, taco salad, Tandoori chicken kabobs with Naan bread, and a pineapple chicken sandwich.
• This week I'm reminiscing about the year in general. Kellan will turn ONE on November 13th and I'm not entirely certain how this year has come to an end. It is amazing how different the first year was with Kellan than with Finn. Kellan is so easy-going, and smiles at everything and everyone. He's much more like I am. 
• This week I'm dreading the weather. November is SLAMMED with photography sessions. Both the many I'm shooting, and our family portraits by Coreyanna Photography. The next 10 days' forecast isn't looking good. Rain. Wind. Rain. Thunderstorms. The combination doesn't make for good pictures, and there's not time to reschedule.
• This week I'm working on editing two photo sessions and planning Kellan's first birthday. Kellan's party is a lot smaller than Finn's. Just our close local family and friends. But there's still a lot that goes into planning.
• This week I'm excited about going to the Panther's game on Sunday. We have a sitter for the boys all day and Pat and I are going to sit back and enjoy an entire football game without a squirmy 11 month old, or a 4 year old that has to go potty or needs a drink or wants to go play on the grass every 5 minutes (that was the App game this past weekend).
• This week I'm sort of reading See Me, which is Nicholas Sparks' new book. When I say sort of, it means I started to read it one day, got 6 pages in, and haven't had the time to pick it up again. I should probably be reading it instead of blogging.
• This week I'm listening to my boys laugh together. The adore chasing each other, and just cackle cackle cackle. Typically this game of chase turns into tears as Finn gets too rough and knocks Kellan down. But prior to that, I love watching them go round and round and crack each other up.
• This week I'm wearing my very last pair of Banana Republic dress pants that I've been trying to fit into for 2 years. It's my 1 pair of pants I've been wanting to be able to button and zip and this week, it happened! 
• This weekend...well, I think I've covered it already: photo sessions, Panther's game.
• Next month, well how about this month? This month I'm looking forward to the Panther's game, Christmas mini sessions, having family over for Thanksgiving, and going to the mountains after Thanksgiving to pick out our Christmas tree.
• What else is new? We downloaded a weekly cleaning schedule from Pinterest. There are daily tasks (like 1 load of laundry, dishes, wiping down counters), and then more in-depth tasks for each day of the work week. For example, Mondays you clean your master bedroom, etc. Oh my word, friends, cleaning is not an activity I enjoy. And it is taking near 2 hours a night to get it all done. Not sure if that means we're really dirty or what. I'm hoping as we continue, the time will get shorter each night as we're more maintaining than deep cleaning. It is nice to have a mostly clean house every day though. Can I just hire someone?

Stitch Fix #7

'Twas a Happy Wednesday for me!

My 7th Stitch Fix arrived and was waiting for me when I get home.

I waited longer than usual for this one, so I was particularly excited.

Look at the beauty of it:

I wrote in my last note to Stitch Fix that I wanted the same stylist I had last time, when my fix was a 5/5 keeper. And, they listened! I also said I'd like a nice fall sweater, and a nice pair of dress pants for work...preferably red. And, my stylist (Sam) listened. In fact, here is her note to me:

She referenced my Pinterest board and my request for red pants.

This is why I love her.

Confession time:

I was added to a Stitch Fix B/S/T board on FaceBook.

The ladies on the board buy, sell, and trade pieces they receive from Stitch Fix.

I learned from this board that you can sneak peek your box before you get it, once it has shipped.

You simply go in and act as if you are going to "check out", and it has listed all your items.

Now, you don't get to see patterns or colors...just the designer and name of the piece.

You can google it, but it's not exact.

So I snuck a peek, and I knew in advance it wasn't going to be a 5/5-er.

The one thing I was excited about was the Emers (pants).

On the B/S/T board, everyone has been raving about how comfy they are.

Like yoga pant comfortable...but you wear them to work.

So when I saw I had Emers on the way, I.COULDN'T.WAIT.

*Sidenote* I'll never "cheat" again and sneak peek. It ruined a lot of the fun of the process.

Here are the styling cards:

(which, again, are of no use to me)

Here's the price list of each item:

Yep, expensive fix. I knew regardless of how things fit, I wasn't keeping everything.

I had a $25 credit going in to this fix from a previous referral.

You see, if you use my referral link, I get $25 toward my next fix.

My referral link is:

https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/4656172

And...when you sign up and LOVE it...

you can get referrals and credits, too!!!

So here's the show:

Item One is the Kensie Blazer:

I do love blazers. But the last blazer I got and kept was blue. And this is blue.

The last blazer had a nice pattern, this was plain. It was also slightly larger than I'd choose for myself.

This one is a return.

Item Two is the 41Hawthorne Blouse:

So I didn't hate it. I actually like the color for fall.

Not a fan of the "Studs" - not really my style.

The shirt fit very well, but it is almost exactly like two other shirts I've received from Stitch Fix and kept. So for that reason:

This one is a return.

(AND REMEMBER, WE'RE NOT JUDGING THE CLEANLINESS OF MY BATHROOM)

Item Three is the Market & Spruce Dolman Top:

I love a Dolman. But, this one is way too big.

And it's blue. Blue #2.

This one is a return.

Item Four is the Margaret M Emers:

Sorry for the bad photo quality.

They were super comfy. But...

I wasn't in love. And to keep a $98 pair of pants, you have to be in love.

The pattern/texture wasn't quite right.

And I was wanting more RED than burgundy.

This one is a return.

Item Five is the RD Style Pullover Sweater:

When I first looked at it, I didn't even want to try it on.

Again, blue. Blue #3.

But I tried it on, really liked the length and fit.

I don't have anything like it in my closet.

I didn't want to lose my styling fee.

So this is my one keep.

At $68 with a $25 credit, this fix cost me $43.

Not bad, although I'm sure I could find a similar sweater cheaper somewhere else.

Not trying to discourage you from trying a fix at all.

This is my 7th, and only 2 of my fixes (this included) have been disappointing.

I don't blame the disappointment on my stylist. At all.

I never told her to stop sending blue/navy pieces.

She has seen what I've kept in the past and tried to send similar items.

I get it.

After checking out, and returning items #1-4...

I gave a lot of feedback to my stylist on sizing and colors and whatnot.

I also redid a few things on my style profile.

I stated: NO MORE NAVY.

I also went on my Pinterest board and pulled down some pins that I didn't want emulated in a future fix.

I'll still request Sam next time. I like her. She gets me.

Want to try Stitch Fix? You should!

Click HERE to use my referral link.

THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!

My next fix is scheduled to arrive on December 24th.

An early Christmas gift to myself :)

So if you sign up and schedule a fix,

you'll pretty much be giving me a Christmas gift, too.

*wink wink*

Thanks and Good Night!

Dear Finnegan

Dear Finnegan,

Today you turn four. 

There is so much I clearly remember about this day four years ago. Mainly frustration. You were strong-willed even before you were born. And to this day, you frustrate me with your strong-willed behaviors. You probably always will.

But frustration aside, your strong-will makes me proud. You know what you want. You are not persuaded. You are so smart.

I don't know where the time has gone.

"They" always say, "Don't blink" because your children grow up literally right before your eyes. This couldn't be more true. I don't know how you are four today.

Every ounce of you makes me smile and laugh. I love your mind, and how you express your thoughts. I could write a novel a month with all of your wit. Sometimes you have no idea you're funny. Sometimes, you are intentionally funny. And I think that in itself is a true skill.

Your belly-laugh is extremely contagious. You laugh, and you mean it! You love to be tickled, and when you've had enough, you let us know.

Sometimes I just stare at you in amazement. I'm already so proud of who you are. And if I'm not staring at you, I'm eating you up. I love kissing and nibbling those cheeks.

I can't wait to see what your fourth year of life has in store. You've already matured so much this past year, that I'm sure this year will be one of giggles and tickles and some deep conversations.

For your birthday this year, Mommy & Daddy got you:

Want: A bathtub toy, it is a floating mountainous racetrack for your Hot Wheels.

Need: A belt. You can't quite hold up 4T pants, and you always talk about needing a belt. Little old man, you.

Wear: Some long sleeve Ninja Turtle jammies.

Read: A whole slew of books - some Paw Patrol, some Pout Pout Fish, and some Tractor books.

Yesterday we had your birthday party at Cherry Berry in Denver. It is your favorite place to frequent for "ice cream" - really, frozen yogurt (but I'll never tell you that). You always get chocolate, then load it up with M&Ms, chocolate chips, gummy bears, juice balls (you call them bubbles), marshmallows, and fudge. Yuck.

 

 

You made your invite list, naming ALL of your friends from Preschool, and a few other family friends. It was a great turnout, and completely wiped you out.

You came home to unpackage all of your gifts, hoarding them from Kellan. As I laid you down to sleep last night, the last time I laid you down as a 3 year old, you had a "Rubble" toy in your hand. You wanted him to sleep with you, warm under your covers. And why not? I wish I had captured a picture of that.

Tonight, it's all about you. I baked you a "red cake" as asked (red velvet). We are dining out at this fine establishment called Jersey Mike's, per your request. All you want is a bag of chips...

Then we will head to Target to spend your gift cards on whatever toy(s) your heart desires.

And when we get home, you will open your gifts from Mommy, Daddy, and Kellan. We will sing to you one last time, and lay you to bed for the first time as a four year old.

My sweet, my heart, my purpose. I love every ounce of your strong will. I thank God every day for choosing me to be your mommy.

Love,
Mommy

Five on Friday

<ONE>

I haven't blogged in a while. The last 8 days I've not been feeling so well. Kellan and I shared a stomach virus. Finn and Pat both have had a cold, which I think I'm now getting. All I have to say is be careful how you word your prayers. I was holding Kellan, rocking him to sleep last Thursday evening and I prayed that God would take all of his sickness away and give it to me instead. Well, He did. Next time, I'll just pray that God take all his sickness away. Period.

<TWO>

This has been a very tough week for me. I've not felt on my game at all. I've been taking far too many things personally. I have to constantly remind myself that it's not my job to save the world. So I found this. Which I think is more meant for motivation to run, but I've been using it for just plain motivation. I can do this. And, next week, the things that were a big deal this week, won't be a big deal anymore. For the most part.

<THREE>

I'm running the Rhyne Financial 8K tomorrow in hopes of adding another medal to my running medal board in my office. Yes, it's all about the bling. No, this picture isn't MY bling. But maybe one day!

<FOUR>
Finn turns four on October 26th. He has no concept of "not yet" and wants his birthday to be here SO BADLY! He asks daily if his birthday is tomorrow and I keep saying, "Not yet...a little longer." He is ready for gifts and cake and ice cream. Every commercial he sees on TV for a toy that is a "boy" type of toy, he asks if I'll get him one for his birthday. What I'm most excited about is his party will not be at our house - hallelujah! We're going to Cherry Berry, and that is such a relief.

<FIVE>
Now that I'm confident in the way I feel in my clothes (weight is off), I've realized I have become addicted to clothing. I bought a few LuLaRoe items today at school, and I'm going through Stitch Fix withdrawals. I usually get my boxes 6 weeks apart but decided to go longer in between this time since my last box was such a splurge. I got an email today asking if I wanted to share anything with my stylist - so that means it's coming soon!!! Woohoo!!!

What's Up Wednesday

I was jonesing to write tonight as I'm all caught up on editing photos. But I don't really have a topic in mind so I found this:

What we're eating this week:

I was out of town this past weekend so Pat made our menu and did the grocery shopping. This is what we're eating: tofu and artichoke casserole, homemade pizza, Thai peanut salad, slow cooker chicken, grilled cheese and tomato soup, artichoke chicken and potatoes, and taco salad.

What I'm reminiscing about:

I've spent some time recently flipping through all the old pictures in my phone. This is the first picture of Finn I have stored in my phone. I had to do a double take because this is Kellan's favorite thing to do. Something about shoes!

What I'm loving...

Roots Thai Coconut Curry Hummus. Heaven in a little container. Just add carrots.

What we've been up to...

These past few weeks have been a little crazy. Either Pat has been out of town or I have. He's been working late or I have. I think we just see each other 5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes before bed if we're lucky. I always think about how nice it will be when things slow down a little, but that never seems to happen.

What I'm dreading...

I had a really hard time answering this, which is a good thing. I don't have anything in the immediate future that I'm dreading. Finn is in this stage where he talks 100% of the time he is awake. I can't talk on the phone without him taking over the conversation. I can't have a conversation with Pat without Finn interrupting. And although at times I feel frustrated, I remember that there might be a day where I can't get him to talk to me at all (age 14?). So I try to remind myself to cherish his conversations even when it's not the right time for me. I do dread him growing up. I love his innocence.

What I'm working on...

What am I NOT working on? I'm getting everything organized and ready for Christmas mini sessions, trying to gather necessary items to create the various stages. I should be working on my photography blog. Maybe tomorrow. I'm working on planning Finn's 4th and Kellan's 1st birthday parties. Working on what to get them as gifts. We do the 4 gift rule (1 thing to wear, 1 thing to read, 1 thing they want, and 1 thing they need).

What I'm excited about...

In December, Pat and I will celebrate 6 years of marriage. We're going to Sandals in Jamaica for 3 days and 4 nights. I'm excited about that...big time! My sister, mom and auntie are coming from CA and MI to visit us and keep the boys while we're away. I'm VERY excited to spend time with them over the holidays. Magena (sister) is even going to be here for Christmas. I feel very lucky to celebrate the holiday with her and...secretly...I'm excited to get a stocking and stuff it with fun gifts for her.

What I'm watching/reading...

Since it isn't Bachelor or Bachelorette season, I'm not watching TV. Those (aside from the news) are the only shows I watch. So, I'm reading some poetry books, Ruby Holler, and re-reading Cafe (Companion to Daily 5). All of these books are for school. We're trying to get our students to read from a variety of genres and their least favorite is poetry. So I'm trying to find a good poetry book I can do a book-talk on during morning broadcast. I'm reading Ruby Holler which is a children's novel because it's by an author (Sharon Creech) that I like. Her book Walk Two Moons is one of my favorite children's novels. I'm re-reading Cafe because it has been a long time since I read it. And a lot of my teachers read it this summer. I'm trying to know my stuff and keep up with them. I know Judy Blume came out with a new novel and she is one of my favorite authors, so I think I will get that next.

What I'm listening to...

97.3 is my radio station of choice. Is that the "oldies" now? I listen to Pandora a lot. When I run or exercise I prefer the Taylor Swift station. When I need background music if I'm editing pictures or working on a blog, I prefer the Ray LaMontagne station.

What I'm wearing...

Currently I'm in baggy jammies. But I'm very into dresses lately. So easy. Here's one I bought this summer that I love dressing up with heels and a big colorful necklace:

What I'm doing this weekend...

In the background on the news, they just said this weekend is supposed to be on of the wettest weekends on record. Great. Well, I have one photo session scheduled Sunday night. Other than that, no solid plans. Which is good I guess. I was hoping it'd be nice so we could go to Boger City UMC and pick out our pumpkins. Oh well.

What I'm looking forward to next month...

Finn's 4th birthday is October 26th, and although I'm not looking forward to him getting older, I'm excited about his party because HE is excited about his party. It is "Paw Patrol" themed. Also, we're going to our first App football game as a family of four on October 31. So we will probably trick-or-treat in Boone. And I'm sure it'll be SO COLD. But that's ok. Finn and Kellan are both "the blue ninja turtle" per Finn's request. Their costumes look different as one is for a baby and one is for a 4 year old. He is extremely excited to wear his costume and trick-or-treat.

What else is new...

I've started a running club at work with 7 or 8 other teachers. We have just over 40 fourth and fifth grade students who will run with us 2 days a week for just over 2 months to prepare for their 5K in Huntersville in December. I'm excited about it! Of course, it's supposed to rain tomorrow. Trying to come up with a back-up plan.

5 on friday

<ONE>

I could write twenty-five things every Friday of what Finn says that cracks me up throughout the week. This week the two most memorable were:

1)  Me: "Finn, I am not very happy with your choices right now."/Finn: "Are you sure?" (coyly smiling)

...and...

2) Me: "Well I wonder what Mommy will have for dinner. Maybe I'll eat Finn's dinner since he has decided not to eat it."/Finn: "NO! I'm gonna eat it as soon as my grumpies go away! I just need to sit in a quiet place for a minute."

-----------------

Where does he get this stuff?

<TWO>

Pat was out of town this week - here's a virtual high five to you single parents who did it daily (not just one week). You are all amazing (and probably really tired).

 

<THREE>

I've been wanting to find a way to display my race medals and have been scouring Pinterest for a while. Well, I just plain don't have time to make anything. So Etsy.com it was! Here's what I got and will shortly be hanging in my office:

<FOUR>

It has taken MONTHS but I got my work inbox down to five emails before I left for the weekend. I couldn't even do that this summer. And the good thing is, the 5 in my inbox have already been responded to...they're just in there as reminders! I'm tellin' ya, there's something about the good feeling you get with an empty inbox!

 

<FIVE>

I am loving this quote lately: "What if I fail? Oh but my darling what if you fly?" I repeat that to myself a lot.