Drawing the Line

I knew this day would come. I could feel myself holding more and more back from all of you. I think long and hard before I post a story about my children on the blog anymore. I have done a lot of reviews and giveaways and have written some posts that are about me or motherhood but I have kept the most important part of my heart - my children - to myself.

Before the last month or so I have never seen Drake get embarrassed. Sure he had done embarrassing things, but he did not know that he should or could feel embarrassed about it. But in the last few weeks I have seen him utterly and truly embarrassed and it broke my heart and put me on high alert. I know I will do things in the future to embarrass my kids. I'm guessing sometimes it will all be in fun and I will do it on purpose and other times they will be embarrassed of me or things I do whether it is justified or not.

Here is the thing - I don't want this blog to be a source of embarrassment for them.  In the world we live a quick Google search is all it takes for stories, pictures and all the information you need to know about a person is at your fingertips.  I know I can't protect my boys forever, but I can limit what I contribute to their "internet biography." I want them to make their own tracks in life- their own stories- if they want to write a  blog someday, great, but that is up to them.

So I guess what I'm saying is that the line has been drawn. This blog will continue but with a lot less of my sweet boys in it.  I will still share pictures of my boys from time to time and I'm sure every now and then I will pop in with a story or 2 about them, but for the most part I will do what a mother should do and hold the most precious and sensitive stories close to my heart just for me.

Growing up is hard to do...

What's On My Mind

On this cold and dreary Monday morning this is what I'm thinking about-

•  Drake had a lock down drill at his school on Friday. I can't even begin to tell you the heartbreak I felt as he told me "we had to pretend there was a bad shooter in the building and turn off all the lights and hide."  So, so sad that a lock down drill will now be the new normal for kids at school.

• I'm feeling really grateful for my husband lately. I have been gone a lot in the evenings the past month and my husband is wonderful about it. He never makes me feel guilty for being away and I love that I can leave and not have to give him directions on what to do with the kids because he already knows since he is such a big part of their care everyday anyway. I'm just so happy I get to do life with him

• I went to the Pink concert with my mom and sisters on Friday night. What.A.Show! Seriously, if you ever get the chance to see her concert, please do. Hand down the best show I've ever seen!

 

• Our church puts on a Turkey Mission Dinner every fall and gives 100% of the money away.  All the food is donated and the tickets are free (a free will donation is taken at the door). Two year ago the dinner raised $25,000. Last year $60,000 was raised and this year over $87,000 will be given away to Habit for Humanity and Imagine No Malaria. I get goosebumps just thinking of what God is doing in our church and how many lives will be changed as a result of this turkey dinner.

• This is my new favorite picture. I love how it captures everyday life at our house.  And Charlie's expression? Priceless! I wonder what he is plotting...

 

• I continue to be amazed at the distinct personality differences between our 2 boys. Drake is sensitive and emotional. He is a cuddler and over thinker. Charlie is wild and tough. He is busy and carefree.  They both bring so many great qualities  to our little family that I love.

And Here are a few links I'm loving right now-

• I did the Fresh 20 Meal planning a lot last winter and I'm ready to get back on the wagon again. Makes meal time SO much easier.


• Do you use Instagram? It is my favorite social media site. I would love to follow you! You can follow me here.


• I am loving these Design Dilemma posts on Young House Love. I think it would be so much fun to submit a room in our house and get some fresh ideas.


• Watch this. The message speaks to everyone.


• If you plan on buying any Fisher Price toys for the holidays here are some great coupons for you!


• I just got done reading this book. Wow, just, wow. Read it.


• I bought this cardigan for Drake last week. There is just something about little boys wearing grow-up clothes that melts my heart.

Have a wonderful week!

Disney on Ice Ticket Giveaway

Disney on Ice Coming to Wells Fargo Arena

We have had the opportunity to take Drake to Disney on Ice the last several years and it is quickly becoming a favorite Thanksgiving tradition of ours! We were so excited to hear that they will be back in Des Moines this Thanksgiving with a brand new show!

I am a Good Mom

Last night I was talking with a friend about motherhood. We were talking about how we felt like we were struggling in some areas- about how hard it can be and the guilt we carry around. I was telling her how I struggle to get a meal on the table for my family and how lately I feel like I am hardly keeping it together. I feel guilty about not getting down on the floor enough to play with my boys or for snapping at them in a harsh voice when all they want to do is ask me a question.  I wish that I had craft projects prepared that we could do together and that I could control them better in public. I just wish I was a better mom.

Today, that same friend sent me a link to a  video that has been floating around Facebook. Please take four minutes to watch it.  If you can't watch the video here is a quick overview-The video starts by showing moms being interviewed about what kind of mom they think they are. They are all very hard on themselves and list many of the same things that I listed above. The video then goes on to show their kids being interviewed about their moms. The kids rave about how wonderful their moms are and all the really great qualities that they have.

I cried through the whole entire video. It just hit so close to home for me.  I don't concentrate on the qualities that make me a good mom, but instead I focus on all the bad.

But you know what? I am a good mom. I love letting my boys crawl in bed with me in the morning and I cuddle and kiss and love on them. I take them on donut dates just because. I am teaching them to be kind and generous and forgiving. I love exposing them to new things and we go on lots of adventures together. I date my kids carving out special one-on-one time with them. I take pride in how they look and dress them well. I make cookies with them. I throw great birthday parties. I fill up their little pool hundreds of time in the summer just so they can swim for five minutes. I go all out for every single holiday. I have taught them about Jesus. I have pizza party picnics on the living room floor. I take time to pick out the perfect gift for them, one that I know they will love. I organize playdates. I started our special "Friday Festival" tradition. I love reading books with them. I try really, really hard to play superheros, I have dance parties with the music turned up way to loud. I love them so much my heart hurts. I am a good mom.

What an awesome thing it would be if we could all just see ourselves through our children's eyes, huh? I know that I'm going to try.

Making Memories at the Circus

I think one of the best parts of being a parent is seeing things through your child's eyes. Tonight Ben and I were lucky enough to get to experience seeing the circus through Drake's and Charlie's eyes.

Drake was so excited to go back to the circus again this year. He still talks about last years circus and he was hoping to see some of the same things again this year.

What I'm Loving Right Now-Fall Edition

I love the crisp fall air and the taste of pumpkin spice lattes. I love sweatshirts and yoga pants and covering up with big heavy blankets. I love everything about fall!

Here are some of the other fall things that are topping my list right now:

The TV Show The Blacklist

Has anybody else started watching this show? We watched the first 2 episodes on Hulu Saturday night and I was left wishing I had a whole entire season to binge watch. I can best describe the show as having the suspense of Scandal and the twists and turns of Revenge. I am so excited that a new episode is on tonight!

Ponte Pants from Target

These pants are genius! They are fitted like leggings but made of a thicker material. I wore mine yesterday with a sweater that did not quite cover my whole bottom. I could not have pulled that look off with regular thin leggings but these pants are thick enough that they are more pants than legging. I want a pair of these in every color! The best part is that they are very affordable. I bought mine for $25.00. You can order online here.

My Grandma's Apple Cake

I don't usually like fruit cakes, pies, etc but this cake is so yummy! I think the thing that makes this cake outstanding is the fact that it is not dry whatsoever. You can eat this cake plain or serve with a little ice cream or dollop of whipped cream. You must make this cake soon!

1/2 Cup margarine(can sub- 1/2 c. applesauce & 1 TBS. oil for a healthier option)
1 Cup sugar
1 Cup brown sugar
1 Cup milk
21/2 Cups flour
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda&salt&vanilla
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
2 Cups chopped and peeled apples

Cream margarine and sugars, add beaten eggs and vanilla. Sift dry ingredients. Add to creamed mixture alternately dry ingredients and milk. Add apple last.

Bake at 350 for 35-40 min in 9x13 greased pan. Bake for 22 min for muffins.

Painted Furniture

I always get so excited when I decided to do a project that I forget to take a before picture every.single.time and this project was no different. Our desk used to be a dark wood and although it looked nice, it was getting pretty scratched up and the dark color made it seem so heavy in our small room. The coat of white paint is just what it need to make it brighter and give it new life. The desk chair was a medium oak and although it was beautiful I wanted a color that would really pop with the white desk. I think I accomplished my goal with the sunny bright yellow color!

Drake's School Papers

I sometimes wonder how Drake really feels about Charlie. At home he seems pretty annoyed with him and really does not pay very much attention to him so you can imagine my surprise when he brought this home last week...



Incase you can't read it clearly it says "Drake was so happy when he spent time with Charlie."  Yep, I think it is safe to say that he loves his little brother just as much as we do. I love watching the relationship between my boys bloom and it has become one of my absolute favorite things.

What are you loving right now?