Weekend Snapshot

Our last weekend of summer vacation was a whirlwind. 
Thursday, some girlfriends and I went to dinner and a movie. 

Shameless bathroom selfie

Friday morning I had a hair appointment and Corinne came along with. 
She got herself a cute little updo 

Saturday Miss Rylee had a golf match. She versed her bestie, Emma. 

Here they are Saturday 

And three years ago….

Time. Slow. Down.
Keagan had baseball practice and Travis took Drew to get his football equipment so I took the younger two with me to Rylee’s match. 

Playing scorekeeper …

Saturday night we got together with some families for an end of the summer celebration. 

Look at all those boys?!!?

Sunday I finished up back to school shopping and got supplies separated and ready for their big day. 
We ended our weekend grilling out and watching Big Brother together. It’s getting SO good. 
That’s my weekend snapshot! Now we are off to squeeze every bit of summer out of these last few days. 
Xoxo

Mindful Monday

It is the last Monday of June… how is that possible?

In honor of the last Monday I am sharing with you a few ways to practice being mindful.

There are three things I do everyday. 

1.Call my mama

2.yoga 

3. practice mindfulness. (it is a practice). 

Mindfulness is intentional and it is important. A few of these I do without thinking much about it, most of these I have to really shift my way of thinking in order to integrate them into daily life. I know for sure I need to do better with #1 and # 3. Who is with me? 

10 THINGS MINDFUL PEOPLE DO DIFFERENTLY

Stop believing everything you think. We can be so mean to ourselves sometimes. We tell ourselves we aren’t good enough, we aren’t strong enough, we aren’t worth it. Stop doing that. 

Slow Down – when you are reading or listening, take a second to tune in and truly take in the information.

Do one thing at a time. This is difficult, especially for moms. We try to do two or three things at a time to meet everyone/s needs leaving us depleted and exhausted. Do one thing at a time. Maybe that’s “just” folding laundry and not folding laundry, fixing a broken toy for your child and replying to a text. (I’m so guilty of this) Just fold the laundry. Maybe it’s JUST reading. Maybe it’s JUST eating dinner. Recognize the parts of your day where you are overwhelmed and overstimulated and find ways to trickle in some moments of one thing at a time. 

Take 5. Start taking mini-breaks in between tasks. Every hour try to take a few minutes to do nothing. This doesn’t mean answer an email or text ( guilty) it means do nothing. just breathe.

Be fully present. Whenever your listening , be fully present in that moment with that person without trying to judge or control or think about all of the stuff you have get to. 

Laugh at yourself. I do this multiple times daily. I am a clumsy, hot mess but a hilarious one. 

Nourish your body. Eat well, drink water, get sleep, do some yoga, get some sun… give your body what it needs.

Don’t try to avoid or deny emotions. When you start denying that the emotion is there, it just sticks around. It will linger there and take up space. Feel the emotion, acknowledge that it is there and then LET IT GO. (Sorry if Frozen songs are now playing on loop in your heard) 

Get outdoors and embrace the beauty of nature. Okay, I know you’re going to be SHOCKED but I am more of an “indoor girl.” I do things outside for my kiddos but it’s not my favorite. You want to play board games, play-doh, watch Netflix, read books, bake something, or color? That is my jam.  Heat, humidity, dirt, bugs,–not my jam. However, I have really enjoyed going barefoot, doing yoga outside and taking in my surrounding. 

Understand that all things come and go. Good things and bad things. Embrace the space you are in right now in this moment because it will be over and something else will replace it.

 

I hope I have inspired some of you to practice being more mindful. The world needs more mindfulness. Slow down, check in and smile. Remember that self love is the balance between darkness and light. There is light in darkness and sometimes darkness in light. Find your light and shine on. 

 

xoxo 

 

Life Lately

Hello! I have missed blogging SO MUCH. I am glad to have a few minutes to reconnect and share a little bit of what has been keeping me busy–well, busier than usual.

 

Since my last post

Coco made her ballerina debut on stage with her dance class.

 

She played a bun in the market scene of “Beauty and the Beast”

She really loved being on stage, and waved to everyone in the audience for the majority of her time up there.  Her great grandma, Bev and both sets of grandparents were able to see her. 

And of course her brothers and sister were there front and center. It made my heart melt to see the kids be so excited for her and so supportive.

 

Beckett turned 10 and Keagan turned 13 in May!

 

It is surreal. I cannot believe that our kids are growing up this quickly. It makes me want to bottle them all up and put them in a time capsule.

 A few weeks ago I completed my 200 hours of yoga teacher training! I had an amazing experience and am so excited for the classes I can now offer at the studio for adults!

These women that I had the pleasure of taking this journey with are now all like sisters to me. I miss them so much already. We got used to seeing each other for three straight days once or twice a month and now we are off running the world.
 

The school year ended a few weeks ago and we are enjoying summer so far. 

This is a short summer for us, our school is getting a renovation and it is bumping up our start date so they can get out earlier in 2019 to start the inside of the renovation.

 

We have been watching Keagan and Beckett play LOTS of baseball 

 

Rylee is having a great golf season

and Drew is just as sweet and effortlessly cool as ever

 

Corinne attempted soccer camp with her cousin/bff, Brooks last week. It was very entertaining. I don’t think she is ready for the big leagues yet but she definitely had the best ponytail. 

 

Summer is going WAY TOO FAST. In the beginning, I find myself having these really high expectations for myself of what I want summer to “be” and what I want to “do” and what I want it to “look like. That is way too much pressure on me to be the source of fun and entertainment for five kids everyday.

 

Two weeks in, I literally have zero expectations and am taking it day to day. This means some days we (gasp) do nothing and some days we go full throttle. It takes the pressure off and also teaches the kids to find the joy and excitement in the little things in addition to the big things. We try to have an “adventure” day once a week and a pool day once a week. Other than that we really haven’t found our groove yet. We are having fun taking walks, playing in the water, visiting parks, going to the library and having ice-cream at our local ice-cream and coffee shop. It has been heavenly and low key. 

Our big family vacation is in July and its going to be BIG. Until then, we are just doing whatever we feel like that day.

 

I am also teaching kids yoga camps at Serendipity. Our first camp was last week. The theme was “Yogis for Peace”

 

 

I had a great group of yogis and I cannot wait for camp next week.

Okay, so the main reason I have been MIA is I have sort of slipped into owning another business.

 

I am taking over a local daycare/preschool here in town and will be opening up as Rosebud Early Learning and Childcare as soon as all of the details get ironed out.

 

It has been a whirlwind but I am so excited to offer this service to the families in this community. If you know me at all you know I LOVE children and this is literally a dream come true for me. Travis and I ask for your prayers as we take this on. It is a long process and has required a lot mentally and emotionally. I am so grateful for Travis, he’s been holding my hand and cheering me on every step of the winding, long, narrow way.

Prayers for patience, guidance, and strength would be much appreciated.

 

That is life lately.

I hope all of you are enjoying summer vacay. Make sure you are taking time for self-care, mamas. It is way too easy to forget to check in with ourselves. This is your reminder that you are allowed to do that.

 

Peace and Light

 

xoxo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s Up Wednesday

It’s Wednesday! We made it to the middle of the week. It is supposed to be mid 60’s today and I have the whole day with Coco! Life is good! 

Here is What’s Up this Wednesday! 

What we are eating
Easter Candy. 

Kidding. But not really. 

I’m trying my hardest to stay away from their chocolate.

Monday I shared three recipes for casseroles that we are having this week. 

We had Ham and Swiss Croissant Casserole last night and the kids will probably finish it off for breakfast this morning. It is great with a salad for dinner or as a breakfast casserole. Win win. 

 

What I am reminiscing about

Corinne’s birthday.

I cannot believe our baby is three years old!

here she is all brand new and squishy

on her 1st birthday
2nd birthday

and 3rd

On the night before her birthday she slept on her pillow case from Sandy’s Secret Wednesdays. It’s a wonderful new tradition! 

The day of her birthday, she had Mommy and Daddy all to herself! 

We went to visit some baby goats at Prairie Fruit Farm and Creamery

This is Phoebe, Corinne’s favorite one.

 

They had fun together last month during our first visit to the farm and they found each other again on this day too! 

Then we took our little lady out to lunch at Portillo’s because she wanted a milkshake!

and she got free cake for her birthday!

 

When we got home she played dress up and danced around the whole house. 

 

She wanted to change into her new Belle nightgown at 3:30 p.m. and I let her because you only turn 3 once! 

She had a lot of phone calls and FaceTimes! And Her cousin Olive even Facetimed her to say “Happy birthday”

 

She had a great day!

Her party is this weekend and it will be goatastic … as long as the weather cooperates. Fingers crossed. 

What I’ve been up to

We’ve been running to soccer, baseball, golf and dance the last couple of weeks. 

Other than running kids and teaching at Serendipity we’ve been spending our nights together reading or cuddling up to watch a movie. We are trying to get through all of the Marvel superhero movies before Avengers: Infinity War comes to theaters at the end of this month. 

What I’m dreading

Nothing that I can think of! 

What I’m working on

Im creating camps and classes to offer over the summer. I am really excited about a new adult yoga series I’ve been planning too. I’m anxious to bring adult yoga to to studio! 

What I’m excited about

Beckett and Keagan have their first baseball games this weekend! Baseball is my favorite.

Beckett plays two games Saturday and Keagan has one Sunday evening. 
And of course, Corinne’s birthday party is Sunday!

What I’m watching/reading

I’ve been watching or trying to watch Santa Clarita Diet.

I love Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant so I figured I would like this.

Travis and I sat through the first few episodes and wanted to throw up. It is definitely shocking and not what you would expect. 

Once you get past the initial shock and just enjoy the dark comedic aspect its more enjoyable. I don’t know why we are watching this though….Like I want to stop –but we can’t look away.

What I’m listening to

I spend a lot of time in my van being a taxi for the kids. Corinne has been into The Little Mermaid lately and that’s what I have been listening too. 

Love me some “Part of Your World” 

It’s a welcome change from Moana and Frozen. #idontwanttobuildasnowman

What I’m doing this weekend
soccer, baseball, baseball, birthday party, more baseball! I love mommin’. 

What I’m looking forward to next month

We have a lot to celebrate in May! Two birthdays, Mother’s Day and the end of the school year! I will have to make an effort to stay mindful so as to not miss any of the really important stuff. May is going to fly by and I want to savor it as long as I can.

What else is new

My niece Olive.  I mean— how cute is she? 

We had a chance to visit her two weeks ago and I can’t wait to hold her again. I’m thankful for FaceTime and Snap Chat so I can see her everyday. 

That’s it for this weeks “What’s Up” Wednesday. 

Enjoy the warmer weather these next two days! 

Xoxo

 

 

 

 

 

Spring Cleaning Edition

The weather might be a bit confused lately but Spring Cleaning is a MUST around here.

I love to clean. I love putting in my earbuds and listening to a good podcast and really going to town. 

But its impossible to keep up with everyone and everything and keep the house in order. Although I do try my very best to be as organized as possible, lately I feel like we have all been slacking in the housework area. 

Travis and I are getting the kids more involved in the responsibilities of the house.

These responsibilities go beyond their daily light chores such as making their bed, feeding the pets, cleaning their rooms etc.

These are bigger responsibilities intended to teach them life skills and teamwork. 

Pro tip: if you call them responsibilities instead of chores they take it more seriously 

We have tried the “Chore Jar” 

It worked for approximately 2 days before someone was crying because they got the “worst chore …again” and “no, I’m not switching to keep it fair”

Then there was the time I tried to assign weekly responsibilities.

Each child is responsible for a the same few chores everyday for a week. This failed too and was really annoying. They would rush through them or they would ask me a hundred questions “Where’s the dust buster?” “Where does this go?” “Can I use Pledge to dust the t.v.?”

I’d end up doing the chores myself because I was exhausted.

Frustrated with their lack of help and complete lack of care –I set off on a journey through the land of Pinterest.

(Cue the gospel choir)

I stumbled upon the idea of using chore baskets. Here’s the breakdown:

Each room or section of the house gets a basket. 

These baskets can be found at the Dollar Store but I am reusing baskets that we used for their travel kits for our trip to Gulf Shores. 

Each basket is stocked with anything needed to clean that room/area/section

and (my favorite part) has an index card with bullet points of how to clean that area and what to use to clean what. 

 A literal step-by-step guide so there’s no confusion.

I made baskets for Kitchen, Bathrooms, Dusting, Windows, Laundry Room, Pets, Yard and  Floors. 

Each kid was assigned one or two baskets and I sent them on their way.

Even Coco was assigned to help pick up sticks with me in the yard!

It took about 2 hours but we all got our responsibilities done and no one complained!

I encouraged them to turn up some music and have fun with their jobs. They took them seriously and we were pleased once it was all said and done. 

Once they completed their area, I restock the basket with supplies for the next time we need them, and store them in the pantry.
They all did a great job and hopefully will realize that it takes a lot to keep up with a house for 7 people but if we all do our part it leaves more time for family fun!

Other ways I am spring cleaning this month:

I am starting from the bottom of the house and workig my way up! I want to declutter, organize purge and deep clean the basement and then head up to the main floor to do the same. The bedrooms are last. I go through drawers and closets and purge, purge, purge.

I try to do two things each day and my goal is to have it all done by the time the kids are out of school.

How do you Spring Clean?

 

xoxo

 

 

 

 

 

Meal Planning Monday

Spinter weather is ruining my life.

I want sun. I want to fly kites with my kids outside. I want to take to dogs for a walk without the fear of frostbite. I want my kids to get the heck outside.

It seems like forever since we have been able to do this!

Not only is it hard to figure out how to dress everyone around here, I’m running out of ideas of what to feed them!

Our weeknights are spent going in many directions, but I still want to provide them with a meal that they can enjoy whenever they are done with practice or something to scarf down before practice.

We are lucky to sit down all together for dinner twice a week right now.

For all of those reasons–Casseroles are my jam right now. They are easy to cook up and they reheat well.

So today I am sharing 3 casseroles I think YOU should try out this week. They cover all the categories: ground beef, chicken and ham. There’s something for everyone!

 

Ritzy Chicken Casserole

shopping list:

1 lb. of cooked shredded chicken

1 10 oz. can of cream of mushroom soup

1 c. grated parmesan cheese

1 c. chopped mushrooms

1 10 oz. box of frozen spinach

1/2 c. chicken stock

1 1/2 tbsp. Italian seasoning

1 c. grated mozzarella

1 sleeve of Ritz crackers

4 tbsp. of butter

salt and pepper

 

It’s like spinach dip and chicken got married and had a crispy, buttery, cheesy chicken baby.

full recipe here on Mix and Match Mama.

This best served right out of the oven, but it is still tasty as leftovers.

Beefy Cornbread Casserole 

Shopping List:

1 lb. ground beef

1 onion

1 1/2 cups ketchup

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 Tbs. Worcestershire

1 Tbs. Chili powder

1 8 oz. package of cornbread mix

1/2 c. milk

1 egg

sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese to garnish

It is a perfect meal for those nights you just spent freezing your you know what off at soccer or track or baseball. It warms you up and is so easy to whip up!

You can find the full recipe here

 

Finally, I want to share with you my favorite casserole to make any time of year.

Ham and Swiss Croissant Casserole

 

I love a croissant. I love cheese. Putting them together is a no brainer!

Shopping List:

6 large croissants, torn into pieces

6 eggs lightly scrambled

2 cups of milk

2 Tbsp. of Dijon mustard

1 lb. ham cut in cubes

2 c. grated swiss cheese

 

This is great for dinner but also works for breakfast too! My family loves breakfast for dinner so this casserole is always a fan favorite around here.

The full recipe is here

 

I hope I’ve given you at least one new idea for dinner! 

Add these to your dinner rotation and coast through the rest of the SPINTER season!

xoxo

 

Happy Birthday, Corinne

Feisty: to have a lot of spirit and courage in a lively way 
That pretty much describes our little Coco!

she small but mighty and oh so sweet 

she loves to perform (pretty sure she’s pretending she’s Moana here…)

And here 

And definitely here 

she loves to watch herself in the mirror!

she loves babies and stuffed animals 

and is obsessed with baby goats 

this girl loves to go go go

 but enjoys a good cuddle while watching a movie too! 

One of the cutest things she says is “Can I cuddleth you” 

She says it like one long word and I never correct her cause …
Well, look at this face ?!?!

She does not like to get dressed or for us to help her with her hair or clothes or shoes …
she is fiercely independent and as sweet as she is sassy

She loves BIG, has never met a stranger and brightens up any room. 

I’m blessed to be her mama. 

She is the piece that completed our family and although I wish time would slow down— I am excited to see her continue to grow up! 
Happy 3rd birthday, Corinne Lily. You are so loved! 

Xoxo 

Happy Birthday, Corinne

Feisty: to have a lot of spirit and courage in a lively way 
That pretty much describes our little Coco!

she small but mighty and oh so sweet 

she loves to perform (pretty sure she’s pretending she’s Moana here…)

And here 

And definitely here 

she loves to watch herself in the mirror!

she loves babies and stuffed animals 

and is obsessed with baby goats 

this girl loves to go go go

 but enjoys a good cuddle while watching a movie too! 

One of the cutest things she says is “Can I cuddleth you” 

She says it like one long word and I never correct her cause …
Well, look at this face ?!?!

She does not like to get dressed or for us to help her with her hair or clothes or shoes …
she is fiercely independent and as sweet as she is sassy

She loves BIG, has never met a stranger and brightens up any room. 

I’m blessed to be her mama. 

She is the piece that completed our family and although I wish time would slow down— I am excited to see her continue to grow up! 
Happy 3rd birthday, Corinne Lily. You are so loved! 

Xoxo 

Let’s talk

 

Today I want to talk to you about self-care

 If you read my post about February goals, you know that this is something that I have been trying hard to incorporate in my daily life. My mom friends and I often talk about doing things for ourselves and how guilty we feel about it. 

I’ve realized over the years that in order for me to be my best self, best mom, best wife,  best girlfriend, best yoga instructor and business owner —-I also have to FEEL my best. 

Sometimes that means treating myself with a little extra love and care to boost my mood/energy/creativity. 
Let’s take the guilt out of the conversation. Don’t apologize for that blowout or that pedicure. Don’t feel bad about letting the laundry in the dryer go through another cycle (or 3)  so that you can take a bubble bath. Got a new dress for vacay? Excellent! You deserve it. You deserve to feel great! You put up with a whole lot of stuff all day everyday. Just do something to make you feel good and don’t feel badly about it. 
Here are some ideas on how to “self-care”

Go to bed earlier
This might mean right after the last kid goes to sleep…but girrrlllll put on that sound machine and eye mask and go.to.sleep.
 Eat right and drink plenty of water 

This is hard for most of us. We fix the kids breakfast and then dash off to work or onto chores. Do yourself a favor and fix yourself some yummy breakfast. Take that time to sit at the table and drink your coffee and fuel your body. 
Read a good book 

When I’m stressed, I love to escape in a good book. I know I’m not alone.

Have you read any of these faves of mine?

Meditate/stretch/yoga 

Take 10 and work on breathing, stretching and setting intentions. Changing your mindset changes your day and ultimately your path! 
Take a bath and light a candle 

Pamper yourself! When the kids are in bed light a candle, grab a book and take a bath. Add Essential oils like lavender to really feel relaxed. 
Disconnect from social media or television 

Even if just for an hour a day of less social media— make it your new habit to disconnect and just BE. 
Play with your kids 

sometimes getting down on the floor and playing with the kids is literally the best feeling in the world. Go for a walk, visit a park— get out of the house and try something new! 
Limit your chore time parent yourself first

This is another difficult once since I feel guilty or anxious if I don’t do my list of chores each day. Stuff piles up the list gets longer etc because Alice doesn’t live here. (I neeeeeed an Alice)

What helps for me is to prioritize what ABSOLUTELY has so be done first and then what can wait. Limit the time you’re spending on chores and get your kids involved in the housekeeping. It’s a good skill to learn and it will give you more time to put your feet up. 

I never hope I’ve given you some ideas on ways you can self-care. 

We are made to feel guilty or selfish for wanting to do things for ourselves but — it is necessary to take care of ourselves so that we can take care of all of the other people we care for!
Love yourself enough to recognize your need for some pampering. 

Get.it.girl
Xoxo

What’s Up Wednesday

It’s Wednesday so it means that I’m sharing what’s up.

Full disclosure:  I almost didn’t post this because I realize that I’m really, very boring and I need to take more pictures of my older kids ….

All that being said—- Here’s Whats Up…

What we are eating

This Christmas we were gifted an instant pot. 
I am in love. 
As you know we have a lot of children and zero time to prepare healthy meals that they actually like. 

Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of nights where we order gondolas to be delivered or have something quickky before we head out to a practice or game.

But, the instant pot has change that.

I have tried a few meals in them and love them all —bonus the kids did too! Here are three that were our faves so far. All of these recipes were found on Pinterest! 
Honey garlic chicken with rice and broccoli

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sammy’s 

 

And creamy shells and beef 
All of these were easy and kid approved! 

What I’m reminiscing about 
Serendipity held its first adult event this past weekend and it was awesome! 
I had a fabulous group of women join me in the studio for an afternoon of kids yoga. 
I structured this class the way that I run my kids classes because adulting is hard and sometimes we need to bring out our inner child. 

We played games, tried new poses and enjoyed milk and cookies. 
It was nice to see some new faces and have such great support from my community. I will definitely be hosting more of these! 

What I am loving

Spending my days with Corinne Lily 
She is growing up so fast and I’m loving all of the time we are getting to spend together—just the two of us.
Some days I run out of things to play and do so my new trick is mid-morning bath time.

She loves the water and the bubbles!

 It gives her a chance to play with her mermaids and boats and I get ten minutes of knowing she isn’t destroying the house or breaking into her sisters slime collection.  

She’s doing the potty training thing and rarely keeps clothes on these days. Not because I’m not dressing her but because she keeps stripping them off
Here she is working on her latest masterpiece 

And here she is working on some emails.  
Side note: is it too early to use “The Easter Bunny is watching you!” when she’s not listening? 
Asking for a friend. 

What I’m reading/listening to 
I’m reading two books for yoga training and two books with the kiddos! 
Rylee finished the first book of “The Land of Stories” series and loved it so much! 

If you have a middle schooler who loves fairy tales and mystery then they will love this and you will too! I started reading it after Rylee finished because she thought I would like it

— and she was right! 

I’m also reading “A Wrinkle in Time” aloud to the kids. 

We want to see the movie next month, so I’m trying to finish it by then! 

What I’m doing this weekend 
Our kids are out of school Friday and Monday. 
I’m looking forward to having them home with me during the day. 

I have yoga trainjng this weekend so the extra time will be good for my soul. 

What I’m looking forward to next month 

My neice’s birth! 

Olive Rose will be here by the end of March and I cannot wait to meet her and see my brother in action as a daddy! 

Here are some pictures from the baby shower. 
Corinne is ready to party 

She wanted to give Olive kisses

Beautiful backdrop for the beautiful mama 

That’s What’s Up this Wednesday! 

A crazy bunch of randomness but that IS my life. 
Xoxo