Diet Coke IV Drip, Starbucks Inhaler... I'll take both.

Hello Darlings! How was your weekend? Hope your weekend was enjoyable and restful. Mine was so NOT restful. Enjoyable at times? 100% yes. Other times? 100% no. This weekend it was an emotional roller coaster. All three boys have been SO sick. {have I mentioned I am OVER winter, sickness, germs...} Coach W's team lost unexpectly in their 1st tournament game. By far, one of the toughest nights our castle has seen in as long as I can remember. Many tears from Coach W and some of my favorite kids.

One of the things I enjoy the most is having the basketball kids over. Since Friday was so not a good night we had some of the basketbal kids over for pizza and just to chat. I mean who wouldn't want to hang out with the coolest family EVER? So, we talked with the kids till 2am. Yep, so whoever says boys wont talk. I beg to differ. We sat on our L-shaped couch and literally talked for... over 6 hours. Blessed. Refreshed. Thankful. 

Which brings me to say... I am exhausted. I need like a permanent IV of caffeine. Do you ever feel that way? What do you do? I probably should of got up early to work out. That always helps me. It gives me an extra boost. However, I didn't. I need some ideas. What are some things you do to get much needed energy after a LONG weekend? Do tell. This momma is desperate.

As it is written.

It was a cold day, snow falling,  I was 8 1/2 months pregnant. I had just lost my dad. I remember going into our laundry room and shutting the door and crying into a pile of clothes so no one else could hear me. I remember that same day I wanted to just crawl in a hole and not be seen for days. Not a good place to be in but for me that is how I felt. Until, that same day I walked out my door in to the snow and went to get the mail. Not thinking really about much of anything I see a envelope with my name on it. It wasn't a card it was a handwritten letter from a friend. 

As I read the letter I can remember thinking, what a great friend, she took the time out of her busy life to sit down with a pen and paper simply to tell me she was thinking about me and praying for me. It was simple. It was meaningful. It was perfect. For me, it was what I needed on that very day. 

Which brings me to a question for you and myself. When was the last time you wrote a real letter? Nothing typed on a computer or sent via text. A pen to the paper letter. There is just something about receiving something tangible to remind someone else that they are thought of and loved.

I am challenging myself and you to take 10 minutes out of your week. Make a list of people who are on your heart. Sit down and simply write. It doesn't have to be earth shattering, just intentional.  Mail them out. Sign. Sealed. Delivered. Sometimes that is the hardest thing to follow through with.

 

Photo

Who can you write a card to today? Will you do it? I hope so, what an easy way to simply bless someone else! 

linked to Things I Love Thursday

To build or not to build. That is the question.

Okay, so like I promised yesterday here is the BIG topic that has been taking place in our fabulous castle. To build or not to build? We have been throwing around the idea of building a house for almost 8 years. Of course that is all it was, an idea. Something we would talk about, not something we would actually do. There are a ton of exciting things about building a new house. It makes me giddy just to even think about it. 


It's once again Top Ten Tuesday and because of that... Here are 10 reasons why I think it's a fan flippintastic idea. We can design a house to fit our needs {and some wants}. We can pick the layout, colors, all the light fixtures, the size of the rooms, the height of our doors {sound's weird but I will show you why it makes a difference in a home}, number of windows, how much sq. footage we want to be carpet vs hardwood, type of door handles {another home pet peeve}, plus I can design my dream kitchen and pretty much be involved in everything. From a control freaks stand point this sounds fabulous. However, there are a ton of reasons not to build as well. One thing is we have three little kids and what if our house wouldn't sell {side note: our house is awesome and really anyone would be lucky to have it} and we could be stuck with two house payments. YIKES! I am truly not as concerned with that as I love the *idea* of getting a fabulous custom home with all the bells and whistles. I am not one who likes to get just the basic. Although I am thrifty, I like really nice things. I always have. Plus, I have an obsession with houses and decorating them. So, for me this is a clean canvas to go buck wild. 


Coach W has done a great job of keeping us debt free (excluding the house payment). I am not saying that to be boastful but to say that money is the one thing we don't argue about at all. I think because in the beginning of our marriage we had some key things established as what to expect. Plus, I did marry an accountant. If this tells you anything he can tell you where pretty much 99% of all of our money has been spent in the last 7 plus years. Do we make a ton? Absolutely not but the Lord has given us great discipline and has blessed us for being good stewards of our money. I say ALL of that to say I would hate to see us get in debt or begin to argue about building, add ons, stone fireplaces with plasma t.v's in all the rooms... you know? All that new house talk. Most importantly I don't want to become obsessed with what I want. It's a scary place to be when it's all about you {aka. me}. I want to focused on things that matter but I would love a new castle to share and bless with so many others.


So, what do you think? Have you built a home before? Do you know someone who has? I really do trust what you guys think and would love to know your opinion.  


Ready.


Set.


Tell.


To build or not to build?

This post is linked up to Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda

Weekend in Review

How was your weekend? Believe it or not it was actually warmer than it has been. So, the boys and I maybe went and got ice-cream three different times. Can you tell we are ready for Spring? This also may be why I am beginning to see an old friend show up. If you don't know what I am talking about you *may* want to read about it! 

If you were a fly on the walls of our castle this weekend you would have heard mainly about basketball.  Why? Well, Coach W had a game on Friday then left his game to go scout another team {the same night}. Then he got up on Saturday, went to Brady's game {Have I told you the kid is unbelievable?} Anyhoo. He left from that game to go to a Basketball meeting. Then he got home, played with boys for a bit and left with Brady to go scout two more games. Holy basketball. THEN on Sunday he was back at another basketball meeting.  It was pretty much all testosterone. Then Coach W throws me a curve and says, " I think I am ready to build." Huh? Build what? A basketball empire or something? {I will fill you all in tomorrow. } It's tournament week for the Warriors. So, I had to buy some new fabulous nail polish to support the team! {Don't tell them but they are kind of a big deal. Here's to hoping we destroy the two teams we play this week}

Yep, the color, it's a little crazy but I kinda like it. I am looking forward to getting this week started. What about you? Anything exciting going on? Happy Monday to you lovelies and please don't forget ...

{Photos from weheartit.com}

Today, I don't want to forget.

The way I feel when I look at you my sweet little boy. 

As I peeked in your room tonight I didn't want you to see me

but I had to see what was going on. You see, I could hear the sounds of a giggle

that was only your giggle. As I peek in your room, I see you on your knees laughing 

and then slamming that little body down on your belly. 

Then you would laugh to the point of squeeling and then repeat.

 Almost as if you were practicing

for when you are big enough to take your brothers down. 

I was holding my breath as I peeked through the slightly opened door. 

You make me hold my breath so I don't laugh. 

{Not many people can make me feel the way you do}

As I watch you then stand up on your little blue elephant sheets and I see you act like you are blowing something. I can't quite figure out what you are doing.... UNTIL.... I realize your fan is blowing your mobile that is hanging from the ceiling. You sweet little boy don't realize it's the wind from the fan. So, you keep puckering those sweet little lips and pushing those little cheeks out. You clap your hands together. 

You are so proud.  You're laughing. 

I can't hold it in. I start laughing. I walk in and you reach up... 

as I lean down to pick you up I can't help but hold you and smile.

You make me smile. You make me laugh. 

You make me proud to be your mommy.

And they gave thanks.

There is so much to be thankful for.

Yet, daily I struggle within myself.

So many feelings, thoughts and emotions...

overwhelmed.

humbled.

blessed beyond measure.

missing my dad.

tired.

praying.

cleaning.

juggling my different roles in life.

learning more about my God.

laughing.

dancing.

praising.

up all night comforting my sick little man.

trying to do it all on my own.

failing but getting back up to dust myself off.

opening the windows and smelling the warmer air.

smiling at my tulips on my kitchen table.
surviving on starburst jelly beans and Diet Coke.

but more than anything....

Today I am thankful. 

Because of you, and so many others who gave,

  we raised well over $2,000.00 yesterday.

Humbled by such grace and generosity.

 A simple Thank You just doesn't seem enough.

'GimmE Five'

I am so excited to come to you, my favorite readers, and let you in on an awesome opportunity. Some amazing bloggers {Mommin' It Up, Here Only, Savings Lifestyle, Evan Has Landed, Random Becky, Once a Month Mom, WestAnaWillGo} and I are participating in the GimmE Five campaign. Its launch is today and we are asking all of YOU, friends and random strangers of E, to each bless their family with a $5 dollar gift {more if you would like}. You can donate by simply clicking on the button below.

For those of you who don't know E... Let me tell you a little bit about my friend. Her and her husband Steve are on staff with Athletes and Action. Chris and I have had the honor of supporting them and watching them literally pour their lives into other people and to us. It has been such a blessing for our family. Steve and E have three adorable children: Olivia {age 5}, Turner {age 3} and Quinn {age 3} who they adopted from China in 2009. They are unbelievable parents and dear friends of ours. 

Here is some of the back story: E had been having bloating issues that led to her having a CT scan. The day after her scan they would received news that would forever change their lives. The Dr had brought them in to tell them that, "some large masses showed up that I am very very concerned about." Three days later E had a complete hysterectomy on Friday January 21st for Stage III c ovarian cancer. As far as surgery goes, it was successful in that all the visible cancer was removed. Elizabeth is scheduled to start chemotherapy on Monday, February 21st.  She will have outpatient surgery this Thursday to have two ports placed, one in her chest and one in her abdomen, through which she will receive the chemo. E will then begin four months of intense chemo.  


So, this is a campaign to BLESS their family. All gifts will be used for expenses incurred by the Koproski family during E's months of chemotherapy.  Since E is a stay-at-home mom, these expenses will likely include paying for child care, transportation, house cleaning, and grocery shopping but will also likely include many 'unexpected' expenses that at this point we cannot imagine, and other things like insurance co-pays, and any adaptive equipment or items that E might need to be comfortable at home. Rest assured that E and Steve are grateful and humbled by this effort and will be the best stewards of your generous gifts.


I can't thank you enough for being a part of blessing E and her sweet family during this time. If not in giving please shower them with prayer. Prayer for wisdom for their team of doctors and nurses who are fighting with them towards remission and then one day, being pronounced 'cured'. What a glorious day that WILL be! I am confident that her hope is resting on nothing less than Jesus' never-ending love. This journey won't be easy but I am praying that we can lighten this heavy load. Please check out E's journey on her blog! You will laugh and cry with her on this crazy road to kicking cancer's butt! Thanks for being a part of this journey. This life is always easier when it's done together. Please actively join us in the fight and lets blow their mind with funds they NEVER expected!  

⁹ Two are better than one,

because they have a good return for their labor:

¹⁰ If either of them falls down,

one can help the other up.

But pity anyone who falls

and has no one to help them up.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 {New International Version}

SEW... What are you waiting for?

  This is my 'dream machine'... urbanoutfitters.com

Guess what? This weekend I signed up for a sewing class. Yep, me and a sewing machine just hanging out with a bunch of old people. {I am one of those old people. As well as two of my girlfriends} Even though I feel like it ages me about 20 years I'm kinda pumped. So, if your're thinking of learning something new why not try sewing?

It's Tuesday which means I will be doing it in Top Ten Style. So, here you go in no particular order... Top Ten reasons: Sewing is the 'New Black'.

1. Limitless: When I think of all the fabulous treasures on Etsy I often think, I could totally make that. Whether it's a cute handbag or a fun kids banner.
2. Creativity: Get my creative juices a flowin: There are so many adorable fabrics, machines, and threads out there-- the sky is the limit.
3. Longevity: I can be 90 and still be sewing. It won't ever go out of style {even if I do}!
4. Save Money: If you know me at all you know I buy expensive jeans and NEVER have them hemmed. Why? Because I never want to spend the money. So, for three years my cheerleaders would laugh at the fact that I would use safety pins to "hem" my jeans. At least I was trying to save money or maybe I was just lazy. hmm...
5. Go Green Baby: I can reuse, recycle some of my old clothes and create some fabulous new ones. How great is that?
6. Future Income: You never know this could open up a ton of doors. You may see me with my own Etsy shop. HOLLA!
7. Personal Style: I can think of so many fun, modern accessories that I have thought of but just haven't been able to create because I can't sew a darn thing. I love the process of creating things, but also being able to make new garments no-one else has and bring my own ideas to fruition! DIY projects here I come!
8. My mom said I should: Who doesn't listen to their mom, right?
9. It's the New Black: Like I said nearly EVERYONE is doing it. Well, actually not everyone just two other girlfriends and maybe{you}?
10. Excuse: It gives me a excuse chance to hang out and laugh with some of my favorite girlfriends. Can you imagine how much fun and laughter will be taking place as I try and thread a needle. Oh. My. Seriously, I am just hoping I don't sew my fingers together!

Are you a sewer? {is that even a word} Any tips for this newbie? Don't worry I will be documenting my journey. You never know I could become a sewing fashionista. Is there nothing I can't do? {I kid}

Happy Top Ten Tuesday!

This post is linked up to Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda

happy {love} day!

 I feel blessed beyond measure to have
these little men to love each and every day of my life. 

To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides. ~David Viscot

To my one special valentine who gave me these three little valentines. I love you more than words can say. Thank you for making my heart full! 

From our castle to yours... Hope your day is filled with love, laughter and tiny kisses!
Happy Valentines Day! xoxox

One Chance At This Life

Have you ever had a verse or a saying that you have heard or read before but all of the sudden it just kinda smacked you in the face. For me, this happened this past week. As I was reading through some blogs. I noticed my friend Sarah's. You know how it normally says 'About Me'. Well, Sarah's says, 'One Chance at this Life'. When I first saw the title I thought how I really loved that 'saying'. Then the other day she commented on my blog and it said, "One chance at this life said...." It wasn't what Sarah had said that actually struck me but it was the title. 


I just wonder if all of us {me included} truly grasp that we really do have ONE chance at this life. That's it. What are you doing to make your one chance count? I wonder if we truly believed this if we would tell more people about Jesus, love others around us more, do more for others instead of doing what is easy or best for ourselves. I wonder if we would squeeze our kids a little more or extend grace to them when they may not deserve it. I wonder if we would extend the same GRACE that Jesus shows us on a constant basis to others. I wonder if we stop nagging our spouses. Because does it really matter that they forgot to take out the trash? How much different would our 'one chance' look? 


For me, I can get so caught up in my stage of life. The changing of diapers, the discipline, the constant teaching, the housework, laundry, the pulling of my everyday life that I think I forget that it is just a stage. For me, for all of us, I have only one chance at this life. What am I going to do to make it count? So, really I just thought I would say the same thing to you.


Dear friend you have, like all of us, one chance at this life. Is it worth being bitter, angry or so caught up in yourself and what is going on around you that you waste this once chance, this one shot .....

Winning Picture

The time has come to reveal the winner of my 'Design my photo shoot' contest.

Here is the winners idea..."Love the photo shoot idea. I think you should dress up in a june cleaver style 50's dress and make it a "super mom" style shoot. Have the boys around you in chaos...tugging at your skirt, toys everywhere, etc. You could be balancing your laptop, a basketball, talking on a cell phone etc while tending to them.

I want to do a fun shoot with my kids!!!"

 LOVED the idea Meghan! I will be getting in contact with you today. Hope you enjoy your gift certificate! 

Feathers, Fun & A Photo Shoot

You may or may not already know this about me but I LOVE, borderline obsess over, thinking and styling photo sessions. Not your typical sit at your local Target and smile. {not that that's a bad thing} I find it energizing and exciting. I find myself sweating and giddy about what new things I can think of. This also may explain why I have had more photo sessions in the last six months than I have in my entire life! 

Lately, I have been on a mission to get a bunch of different 'professionally' taken pictures to put around my house. Memories that I would have for years to come. For as long as I can remember I would swoon over pictures I would see of families in their own bedroom. There is just something about it that felt warm and family-ish. So, this past weekend the lovely Nikki James from Nikki James Photography came to our castle and took these fabulous photos.

Here is a Sneak Peak of some of the photo session held at our castle...

One of my favorites!

LOVE the expression on my boys faces. This is 100% who they are!

We would pause every now and then to dance to the music that was playing on the I-pod. Lot's of laughter and bribery had taken place but didn't they turn out SO sweet! It was just what I was hoping for. Tomorrow I will be doing the 'big reveal' of the winner of this post! So excited the winning picture is pretty darn cute! 

What are your favorites? {You haven't seen all my favorites. I couldn't show them all in just one post, now could I?} 

This post is linked up to Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda

Bachelor Babies

{Love, Sippy Cups and Drool}

Only 8 roses remain who will be the next to go.....

Do you think this could pass as a new TLC show?

{I kid... I kid...}

 The classier version of toddlers and tiaras? 

{ahem} 

Can you tell I am totally cracking myself up? 

How was your weekend? Mine was full.

I have been {in order}

~ birthdaying

~carboloading

~upward basketball watching

~movie watching

~oh-no-ing

~ photo shooting

~ carboloading

~  planning

~superbowl watching {kinda}

~ saving a birds life {aka bird whispering}

~carboloading

I am sure your weekend was full, as well! Ready for a new week to begin and of course, it's Monday which means two of my favorite things, zumba and the bachelor. 

Happy Monday Friends!

Photo of my little bachelor by Nikki James Photography

The Storm Rages On So Why Not Have Some Fun.

45 minutes of "Work"

27 Pillows

7 Blankets

3 Little Men

1 jumping in his undies

1 gut laughing at his older brothers

1 encouraging the craziness

and

1 happy thankful momma watching

 her three little loves enjoy each other 

and some much needed time off! 

Have you been enjoying the extra time off? How have you been passing the time with your kids? Any fun ideas to help the cabin fever? Do tell...

Top Ten Tuesday: Gifts for a VERY special someone...

ME! As you know it's *almost* my birthday. Believe it or not I am actually not a huge celebrator of my own birthday. I don't do a week birthday spectacular or anything like that. However, yesterday after a GREAT Zumba workout I did ask Coach W for a massage and I did use the .... my birthday is Friday? {works every time} I mean how can you say no to that. I also added I gave birth to your children and I need a massage {that one works too} for non birthday times.

I thought I would let you in on 10 gifts you can buy.... me. HA! Plus, I think you might just find some fabulous new obsessions of your own.

1. Gussy Sews. This is something new I just found. Why am I just finding her? I have no clue but she is adorable and can sew ruffles like no other. I want pretty much everything she makes but here is one of my favorite by Gussy Sew. You should check out her blog. She is adorable one of those blogs you read and you just know you would be friends {kinda like me... I kid, I kid!}

2.  The Vintage Pearl. I LOVE simple and unique, exspecially when it comes to jewelry. Every piece that she creates is made of sterling silver and because it is handmade and personalized the pieces are so meaningful. You have to go their website. Plus, she has a blog that is fabulous.  If I had to chose one of these fabulous creations it would be this one..... Would I not look great with this on! 

or this one... I can't decide.

Are these not to die for?

3. Anthropologie. Need I say more. I just got this adorable apron from my mom so you can mark it off the list of what to get me. Is this not the cutest thing EVER! I don't even cook but let me just say I will cook more because of how cute I will look while doing it ;)  

4.  Anthropologie. I needed something to hang my adorable apron on. So, I wanted this....

Good news... It's on clearance $7.95! Whoot! Even better news a special someone already got this for me and gave it to me as an early present! 

5. Crazy Love {Overwhelmed By A Relentless God}. I read this little snippit and realized I NEED this. I am not a reader but this looks too good to pass up. Here is a little "snippit" of the book. 

"Have you ever wondered if we're missing it?

It's crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe—the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor—loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss.

Whether you've verbalized it yet or not, we all know something's wrong.

Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and don'ts-it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same.

Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything."

6. Yoga Pants. I have to wear the Victoria Secret ones. Not because I am a label snob but because I have tried a million different pairs and these are the only ones that don't stretch out after I dance {zumba}. I would like them in Black.  You can get me a small. I will stretch them out! 

7. Shoes. This isn't a want. This is a need. I have had the same pair of gym shoes since college. No lie. Part of it is because they are so comfy. The other reason is I can't find a pair I love. So, until then I wear my ratty 'ole shoes. But if you find some cute one I need them! I kinda like these....

8.  Mascara. I ran out of my FAVORITE. So, see I am not high maintenance. I would LOVE this as a tiny gift. A girl has to have her eyes on, right? Carbon Black {in case you were wondering}.

9. Prayer. I know many of you are praying for my friend E. You can check out her blog here. {she is hilarious} She is starting the process of kicking cancer's butt. She needs your prayers. Lots of them! So, more than anything I would ask for you to go check out her blog and let her know you are praying for her.  It would be a great birthday present to me!   

10.  Truly gifts aside one the best present to me is doing exactly what you are doing right now. Reading. There is just something that I LOVE about blogging and reading what you all have to say. So, please continue to read. Yes, I will be one year older on Friday. Yes, that means I will have a little more gray hair. Yes, that means a little more sagging {sigh}. BUT that means I am also one more year wiser {or so they say}. 


Happy Tuesday Friends! 

This post is linked up to Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda