Weekend Vlog w/ a Newborn ♥

Hello friends! I am back sharing a new weekend vlog with little baby AJ. I love sharing him with you guys. He really is the cutest! Here is what went on around here.And....I can still call him a newborn for a few more days! Hope you enjoy.

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the video and I will see ya soon! xx

Weekend Vlog :)

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Hello friends! I am here today sharing a new weekend vlog. Just bits and pieces from our weekend. Hope you enjoy.
 
Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope you have a beautiful and blessed week. ♥

Week in Review w/ DITL Vlog & Weekly To Do's June 20-27, 2016

Hello friends! I hope you are having a wonderful Monday. I am back today sharing a new week in review. This is where I share bits and pieces of the past week. Hope you enjoy! More is below...

We had a really nice week. We had pretty good weather and all the kids were more active outside. Coming up here in the warmer months I think was wise. The evenings are beautiful. I am still feeling so blessed to be here with our kids and family. I can't believe how fast summer is happening. The kids last day of school was May 27 and they start back up July 27. They are considered to go all year around....something new since I went to school here. Back to school " everything " is going to happen much earlier for us this year. A new schedule for a new but old city! 

Here's a few things I want to get done this week:

:: Water plants...the days are getting hotter and hotter

:: Check PO Box

:: Wash outdoor cushions

:: Clean ashes out of grill

:: Get to sleep at a better time....still staying up too late. 

:: Laundry....the washer always seems to be running in this house. 

:: Paint Nails...again

:: Clean up DVR

:: Order Brittany's Cheer Items....bows and bodysuits 

:: Scoop cat boxes....Yuck!

:: Start new house project....not sure which one it will be....but starting on something. 

:: Wash windows

:: Walk Cooper daily. 

:: Make a sweet treat for the kids

:: Get Scott to mow the yard.

Here's some inspiration to take with you. 

Thank you for stopping by today. I am taking things a bit slower but as soon as this goes live, it's time to get a lot done around the house. I also hope to record a video today or this evening for tomorrow so I guess I better get on it! Have a beautiful and blessed week! xx

Week in Review w/ DITL Vlog and Weekly To Do's

Hello everyone. I am always happy on Mondays. The start of a fresh new week with endless possibilities just makes me smile! I am back with another week in review. Here's a vlog sharing bits and pieces of our week...and more is below! 

Photos from the week:

This past week was a really a calm easy going week. I still ran around a lot but there was a bunch of times when I was able to enjoy the beauty in a quiet day. I worked a lot on the new cozi app planning out our appointments, meals, and grocery list. I like it because everyone in the family is able to fill it in themselves and they can also add to the grocery list too. I have also been bullet journaling as well. I need a personal planner. That will never change but knowing we all can access the same family calendar on our phones has made life a lot easier. 

Brittany came back this past week. I was so happy when their plane touched down. I know I have to get used to her being gone and doing her own thing but I missed her. I think everyone in the house missed her. We were right back to all her appointments and running around...even in the pouring rain! Jackson is coming over more being he is out of school as well. He still helps out with the hedgehog cage which I appreciate. We have been doing a lot of grilling out, s'mores on the grill are amazing. Summer evenings at home are also amazing when we are hanging out on the back yard with our kids. Lightening bugs flying around. Laughs and giggles from our kids and even kids in the houses around us. Summer brings out the best in all of us I think! 

Scott and I have have been enjoying Friday nights out alone...no kids and it's been nice. We really needed the time together. We tend to go out for sushi every time but it's soooooo good. Fresh and healthy. Scott and I had a great time and came home to veg out in front of the tv. We stayed up late watching Eye in the Sky....a really really good movie! 

I am still keeping up with walking Cooper. We try to do it early, evenings and at night when it's not as hot. It's not just hard on him; it's hard on me as well. I think the new routine is good for us both. :) Also with all this warm weather the cats are shedding like crazy. I have been busy grooming each one of them a couple times a week to get all that loose hair off of them. As you could see in the video above, Romeo loves it. 

Life around here has been different than expected. Better than expected. I love riding along some of the old roads than I haven't been on for 20 years. Memories come racing back at almost every turn but I am enjoying life in a new way. Our kids are giving me new memories...better memories. Fathers day was good for both of the men in my life. Scott enjoyed the day out on the golf course with Zane and then came home to one of his favorite dinners. Brittany and Jackson's dad got time and gifts from the kids...and it was the first time in a long time that we were all together on this holiday. A great way to end the week. 

Weekly To Do's

• Go to bed on time....something I seriously struggle with
• Figure out new zones for cleaning
• Continue walks with Super Cooper. 
• Take photos of house party items. 
• File paperwork on desk
• Paint nails...seriously need to wear the kitchen gloves more. 
• Try to get ahead on video schedule. 
• Go look for new hanging basket for front of house. 
• Make a few important calls
• Wash windows on 1st floor. 
• Work in Journals.
• Get dinner going soon....sorry this post is going live later in the evening. 
• Answer emails. 
• Make a sweet treat for my family....I'm thinking Mary's magic cake
• Share some older summer videos on facebook
• Check PO Box
• Figure out a new date night spot....other than sushi
• Organize new spot in the house
• Run to the dollar store.

Here's some inspiration to take with you: 

Thanks so much for coming back....again for some of you! I have been loving the weather, the company, the beautiful area that we are now in. It truly feels like a huge weight off my shoulders being here. Thank you for all of your love and support. I hope you have a beautiful and blessed week. xx

Week in Review w/ DITL Vlog & Weekly To Do's + Food Haul!

Hello friends. Happy Monday to you all. I am back with a new day in the life vlog sharing bits and pieces of our week. Grab some coffee or tea...take a break and come spend an hour with us! More is below! 

This past week started off pretty quiet. Brittany was gone on her summer vacation and I was back with all the boys! I won't lie...I worried non stop while they were flying. I hate my kids in the air. But once they landed, I felt a lot better. The weather has been so beautiful here this past week. We had the bikes out...which lead to me learning or trying to learn how the hell to get a chain back on a bike. Why didn't I know this already!? I guess I just never had to do it myself. But thanks to Art helping out via the phone I did manage to get the right tools out. However, I got frustrated and eventually had Scott help us! Zane and Jackson hung out a lot more which totally made me :). Those two have their moments but I loved seeing them together. We went to my husbands house and hung out...jumped around on the trampoline, visited and then we took Cooper for a swim. I am pretty sure the swim did him good. He came right home and fell to sleep and never got up till the next afternoon. He loved it though and we will be for sure going back. We also had a little time with our oldest daughter as well. We really enjoy being over there with her and our grandkids. Little baby Roman wasn't feeling god and he adores Scott. So it' was perfect timing. 

As I mentioned the weather has been so nice here. The cats have been loving being able to go outside and enjoy some fresh air. I get so nervous because I know they can all jump over the privacy fence anytime they want. They are watched every moment they are out but it's been nice letting them outside instead of just sitting at an open window. We took full advantage of the weather and enjoyed some old roads that we haven't driven on in years. It was lovely and then we had an amazing Sushi dinner. Both of us were pretty tired that night so we enjoyed a great dinner, a couple of cocktails and then came right back home...like a couple of old people and enjoyed movies all night long. I was so tired the next morning afternoon but woke up to such a nice little gift from Scott. He got me some beautiful flowers and a new coffee pot with a sweet note. Our coffee pot was just not working right and he just saved me the hassle of trying to figure out which one to get. He didn't look up reviews...he didn't worry like I would and since he make the coffee, he picked out the pot. It's nice too and working great! Before I knew it, it was time to go get Brittany. She flew back in on Sunday and I was so happy to see her. She enjoyed a week on the beach, renting jet skis, hanging out with her best friend and getting some sun. I missed her so much. 

Also during the middle of the week I went to to the grocery. It actually took me off schedule because I didn't need to go back on Friday and here I am on Monday knowing I will have to get to the store in the next couple of days. I hate being off schedule! I was just noticing that we really needed some extra lunch and snack items. The kids are out of school, Scott is eating lunch at home more and more, and we were running low. Here's the haul if you haven't seen it already! 

This weekend was also so tragic for our friends in Orlando. It was so horrific and heart breaking. We lift them in our thoughts and prayers. ♥

Here's a few things I need to get done this week:

- Clean up house....today! 

- Have Scott call school for some needed information for Zane. 

- Clean up files on laptop. 

- Go through paperwork lying around waiting for me to file.
- Bath Cooper and brush out cats.
- Add new activities to big kitchen calendar.
- Make time to read a few chapters of my new book.
- Find and order trampoline.
- Continue to work on gallery wall. It's harder than I expected. I am still in search of frames. Wait till it's time to figure out all the photos. I can't wait to get it done!
- Start organizing the bathroom and closet. Little by little! We are really still moving into this house.
- Run Brittany back and forth to cheer this week and every week thereafter!
- Answer important emails..asap
- Menu Plan and write out grocery list.
- Figure out what to do for Father's Day for Scott and Art
- Empty ashes from the grill.
- Wash all bedding today and tomorrow.
- Continue to walk and swim Super Cooper
- Look for some plants for the backyard

Here's some inspiration to take with you! 

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope to get a lot accomplished this week if all goes as planned. I should be back with some new videos each day...so be sure to come back and visit! Have a beautiful and blessed week. xx

Week in Review W/ DITL Vlog & Weekly To Do's

Hello friends! Welcome to another Monday. I can't believe how fast time really is flying by. Before I blink, summer will be over and the kids will be back in school. Today it's a quiet day in the house and I am getting a slow start...and it feels amazing! :) I am back with another week in review where I share a new vlog with bits and pieces of this past week..plus a bunch more! Hope you enjoy!

Last Monday - Memorial Day - started off with a wonderful lunch with my sister in laws. It was a beautiful day and it was the perfect time to get together. Marie came....and it was the first time in a loooong time that we got together for afternoon lunch. I don't remember what the burger I got was called but it had a fried egg on it. I had never tried anything like it before. It was good but I kinda scared to add ketchup because of the egg but once I did it was delicious. We sat there and talked, gossiped, and laughed in the warm summer breeze. I think we are going to try to get together maybe once a month or so....which I think we will all enjoy!

As the week rolled on I tried to do my best to start organizing certain areas of the house. When we moved in, we did it in a hurry. We had kids to get in school asap so we just got stuff in the general area. It was never a long term kind of set up. So I started with the frig...it really needed cleaning and organizing...it's the one spot that always needs more and more organization. It felt great to get it cleaned up stocked with a lot of healthy options. We don't eat perfect but I want it to be more healthy than not. Now if I could just give up the Mountain Dew! I don't know what it is about that yellow dye, high fructose syrup and caffine that has me so bad but I am working on it.

Another project I am working on is the gallery wall. As you come in the front door you come down this hallway and I want it filled with pictures of our family, our animals..special moments. I thought about it for a while. I wasn't sure how I would get it set up. So the first thing I did was cut paper to give me an idea of different size frames and I used washi tape to hang them. It doesn't effect the paint....and it peels right off. I changed it around a 1000 times and finally settled on the current arrangement. I think it's a total of 43 pictures & frames.  There are 8x10's, 5x7's and 4x6's photos. I think I am doing to do all black and white so it looks cleaner and black frames. Hopefully I can find a good deal on amazon for the frames. The harder job is figuring out all the photos. It won't happen overnight but hopefully in a couple of weeks this area will be done. And I think it will be really inviting and I love family photos. I can't wait to get it finished!

In the middle of the week there were errands and running the kids back and forth. They would love to keep me in the kitchen and car all the time if they had their way! I don't mind. I have missed out a lot with Brittany and I have been loving all the time together. She is smart, kind, loving and I am so proud of her. The girls really are so much fun to hang out with. I think I have just been surrounded by boys only for too long. Boys who love xbox, football, hunting...all the things I don't really care for. Now it's more balanced out. :) I hung out with Jackson a few times and he is doing great at his dads. He does have more responsibility but it's good that I am not there to baby him as much. It's hard letting go but I am also proud of him. He was so excited last night because he starts soccer on Wednesday.  Zane is doing great. He starts football in a few weeks. I know nothing about either soccer or football but I guess I am going to learn about both this year. :) With Brittany's cheer, and the boys both in sports it looks like its going to be busy for both Scott and I. I am so excited about all the kids this year. I have wanted them all to be active doing something that they love. It amazing watching them grow up.

Once Friday rolled around it was time to get ready for her Florida vacation. She went with Kenzie and Kenzie's grandmother but we had a lot to do to get ready. We grabbed a quick meal and then got shopping to get a few things Brittany needed for the trip. Kenzie went along too and got a cute new shirt. I hated her tagging along just watching. So she got a shirt and while Brittany was shopping we were in the massage chairs enjoying ourselves for a few minutes. It was a fun but tiring night. I didn't even make it home Friday until after 11pm. I collapsed in the bed only to have to get up and get her out of the house on time to catch their flight.

Sunday Scott and Zane took off to the golf course and spent hours there together. I am not sure how much Zane likes golf yet but I like that he is trying. I like that Scott and him are spending time together. And the fresh air does us all good! I decided that Sunday was the perfect day to totally reorganize the kitchen. It was a huge job and took me hours upon hours to get done but it was so worth it. Then I moved on to the laundry room and got that a little more organized as well. There is still more to do in that room but it's starting to feel truly like home. Now I finally have the kitchen organized to the way I want and hopefully cooking won't feel like such a chore. When I am going drawer to drawer, cabinet to cabinet in search of something it just makes it so much harder. So thankfully that is over! I actually have 2 boxes that I need to unpack this week that is kitchen stuff but once that job is over, the kitchen is done. :) I am going to go into the master bath next and organize and then the master bedroom closet. Little by little we will get this house set up the way we want. And with everything going on with the kids, I can't do it all at one time. Little by little. I am still enjoying the house as well as the neighborhood. I feel safe and comfortable here. All the kids love the house and I love that we don't deal with barking dogs or chickens crowing. Life is better here all the way around. I still have a bunch of stuff that I need to get done. Here's a little list of some of the task for this week. ↓

- Work on closet in living room
- Figure out small workout...starting off slow and easy. Last time I seriously hurt myself.
- Get Jackson's soccer schedule written out on calendar.
- Don't let stupid people or negative energy take up any time in my days.
- Lay out pork chops for dinner tonight.
- Clean back door in living room from doggie slobbers
- Plan something fun to do with Jackson on Thursday.
- Brush out and bathe Cooper....something I keep putting off.
- Figure out when to get all the kids physicals in the next couple of weeks.
- Continue to work on gallery wall in hallway. Another rather big job.
- Get blind fixed in the big room upstairs.
- Clean ceiling fan in bedroom.
- Also need to wash out window seals. Each one is super dirty..something I didn't notice right away.
- Paint nails
- Work on keeping up with video schedule.... which means I need to film a new video today!
- Really clean coffee pot with vinegar. It needs it.
- Menu plan for next week and try to meal prep as much as possible.
- Go through paperwork on desk.
- Donate to Emily Myers. If you don't about Emily and her beautiful family...you should. I might not be able to contribute a lot but I am choosing to financially help because I feel like it's the right thing to do. She has 5 babies all under 6 years old and her young husband is in the last weeks of his life. We lift them up in our prayers.
- Look for bed for upstairs bedroom. We plan on putting the living room furniture up there at some point but I would like to have a bed up there for Jackson or guests.
- Continue daily walks with cooper.
- Plan date night with Scott. We keep doing new random things and I am excited about our next night out together!
- Clean up DVR...it really needs it.
- Look for some flowers to plant in the back yard. Tomato plants too!
- Find food...soon! I'm starving!
- Go through pile of papers sitting on my desk needing my attention.

Here's some inspiration to take along with you today!

Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to stop by. I hope you enjoyed the vlog and blog post. Life has been really good to us here lately. I am proud of our family and I am so very thankful that we are finally here with all the kids. Nothing means more to me and I will forever be grateful to Scott for finally moving us back home. Neither of us really wanted to make this move at first but after really thinking about what would be best for our kids and family; we knew it was the right thing to do. I hope you have a beautiful and blessed week. See ya soon. xx

Quick Week in Review w/ Vlog & Food Haul

Hello everyone. Happy Wednesday to you all! I hope you are having a great day. I am back with a quick weekend in review. I normally post these on Monday but I am still playing catch up. It's amazing how fast things can get away from you. I hate hate hate not being on schedule. And if everything goes as planned you will have another blog post and video later tonight. :) So we are going to stick to a sweet and simple week in review today.  Here's a look at what went on around here last week. Hope you enjoy! 

Also on Friday I had some shopping to do and again.. didn't get it posted! If you want some dinner menu inspiration or just want to see what we got...here's the haul!

It was a bunch of stuff...but I worked hard on trying to find lighter meals and healthier options for all of us. It's not easy though. We are a meat and potato family so switching it up is not easy for everyone. I am also happy I finally got a new grill. I'm pretty simple and just got one of those round standard charcoal grills. It was rather cheap but the last one I got ( exact same kind ) lasted for about 7 years. So it was worth it to me...and my cheap little grill works great! :)

Anyway I do have somethings I want to get done in the last few days of the week. Here's a quick to do list:

- Get a couple videos ahead. Gotta do this so I can stay on schedule. 

- Get Brittany packed up for Florida. 

- Organize bathroom and kitchen pantry 

- Get treadmill hooked up and working

- Find something fun for the boys to go do over the weekend.

- Groom and bathe Super Cooper

- Drink more water...Drink more water...drink more water. 

- Pull weeds from the flower garden

- Go see Grandma and take her some pictures I found. 

- Still need to clean out my car. 

- Start looking for picture frames for the gallery entrance way.

- Clean out hedgehog cage over the weekend.

- Menu Plan & try to not spend as much at the grocery this week. 

- Try to get across the walking bridge this weekend sometime. 

- Return phone calls..answer emails and try to answer a few comments each day. 

Here's some inspiration to take with you. ♥

Thank you guys for stopping by. I'll talk to you soon. xx

DITL Vlog x2: Week in Review May 16-23, 2016 w/ Weekly To Do's

Hello friends! I hope you are having a wonderful Monday. It's a fresh start...a beautiful day with so much potential. I am doing my best to get back on schedule so today I am sharing not one but 2 Day in the life vlogs! :) I had a lot of footage and thought it would be best to break apart the week and weekend. There have been some issues with the first video freezing towards the end. I am so sorry abou that. The audio is there if you just want to listen....hope you enjoy! 

This next day in the life vlog takes you through our weekend...

This past week has been really good. Scott and I have been doing pretty good and life feels like its starting to strike a balance. There is still more than I need to do, people I need to see but I am starting to feel settled...or maybe I am feeling more at peace than anything else. I have switched up the routines more and have been doing my best to walk Cooper on a daily basis. It's just not just for him. It's also for me. It's become a great way to clear my head while enjoying some fresh air. Plus we both could use the exercise.

Also this week, I got a lot done online. Taking time to actually sit down at the computer and answer emails, comments, updating the blog and social media...is a job within itself. But I just made it a priority to do it. The same goes with the mounds of desk work that I need to go through and get it done. Also on that list of things I got done was get a new po box! I need one for products that are being sent to me to review but most importantly I needed one for you guys! I never want you to send me stuff but many of you send thoughtful cards and such. You can always find the address in the downbar of my youtube videos and on my contact me page. While I was out running errands I switched over the bank accounts as well. I guess we really are getting established here. I am still kinda in shock about it all but I feel blessed to be here with all the kids.

Thursday Brittany went to Neils game. I am not going to say I am super happy about her having a boyfriend. It's the opposite in fact. And last year this time I wasn't feeling it at all. But little by little I came to realize that life moves right along rather I like it or not. Little by little I got to know his mother, Neil, friends who actually know him and I feel a little better. He has a great family. I think his mom is great. We see eye to eye on all of it with these two but I know they are growing up. There are serious boundaries in place. I'm still very nervous. :) However, we made it late to the game but it was fun watching for a few minutes. The weather was great, Brittany and Kenzie were sitting with Neils mom. It was the last game of the season and Neils team won! It was really nice. There are a lot more sports events in our future. This next year is promised to be full of soccer, football, baseball and Brittany cheering. And I never cared for sports games! It's different when it's your own kids and I will be there.

Friday night Scott and I had a little date. The move really did take up good 2 months and we just didn't make that much time for each other. So we thought a night out alone....without kids would be fun. On our oldest daughters suggestion we headed out to Sapporo Sushi & Sake Bar & Restaurant.

We had a really nice time. There was a long wait...perfect time for a cocktail and talking...people watching...and occasionally a text to the kids. The would find us anywhere we went! We had a great dinner. Salads...soup...I got a plate of assorted nigiri sushi. It's basically sticky rice and raw fish. Scott got something a little more exotic. His came in aluminum foil, which got set on fire. It burned for about 3-5 minutes and then he opened it up....to some delicious sushi. He loved it. The night out was good for us. Stress free...kid free...and fun! The food was simply amazing. Probably some of the best sushi I have ever had. And we got out of there at a very reasonable price. I am definitely going again!

Over the weekend I did a little shopping...you can see the haul here. I got this really cute cheeseburger cake from Meijers. I thought it was so cute. Brittany had a few friends over and I thought it would be a great ending to a pasta dinner. I am shocked that they ate more salad than anything else. But I am really happy about it. Maybe we will start having more salads....maybe a little more fish. I love a good summer salad. And this week so far it feels like maybe it's back around. I think we are suppose to have 80 degree days all week long. Thank you God. ♥ 

Sunday I stayed home and got a lot done around the house. Monday's are a busy day for me at the computer. I don't do a lot of cleaning besides my regular routines at the beginning of the week. So I like to do a little more on Sundays when I can. It just makes the job easier in the middle of the week when I clean the entire house. I feel like I am kinda caught up right now but there is so much that I really want to get done. Lot's actually. Here's a few of those to do's I hope to get done this week. 

:: Clean out frig
::Answer Emails
:: Walk Cooper 2x day
:: Look for plants for around the house.
:: Finish customizing moms gift...that I should have had done weeks ago.
::Work on Youtube Schedule
:: Update Family Calendar
:: Cheer Meeting on Monday evening.
:: Cheer Uniform fitting on Tuesday evening
:: Clean up DVR
:: Repaint Nails
:: Put up last load of laundry
:: Buy husby some snore spray..doubting it will work but willing to try anything.
:: Pick out photos for gallery wall.
:: Charge fitbit.
:: Change address on subscription boxes
:: Call about planner accessory purchase that never came in. :(
:: Buy new grill this week sometime
:: Continue to journal daily
:: Groom Cats
:: Look for a tree for the back yard
:: Get treadmill hooked up for Cooper...and myself
:: Clean jewelry
:: Start some organizational projects this week.
:: Make some sangria..yep..sounds so good!
:: Send out thank you notes
:: Bring freezer inside.
:: Food prep for a couple dinners this week...tonight and tomrorow.
:: Buy some tomato plants
:: Bath Cooper over the weekend

Here's some inspiration to take with you throughout the week:

Thank you for stopping by today. I hope you have a wonderful week. I hope to have a new video up daily but a few extra blog posts this week. Be sure to come back and check them out! xx

DITL Vlog: Week in Review May 2 -9, 2016 w/ Weekly To Do's

Hey everyone! I hope you are having a great evening. I am back sharing a new week in review going over a few bits and pieces of our week. Today I have been super busy which is why this post is going up a little later. If you want to see the videos before they actually go live... get subscribed!

Here's a little vlog from this past week...hope you enjoy!

Trying to get settled has been such a challenge. This has been a long journey moving up here. There has been so many things that I have had to do. Many of you already know about all the things that go along with moving states. Being back at home has been really nice in so many ways. However, its been a challenge to find balance in between seeing family, running the kids around, unpacking and setting up house. We have been here at 3 weeks and I am finally starting to feel better about the progress made. I have been working hard at getting things unpacked. Even today I spent hours on end bringing boxes in from the garage...unpacking, sorting and putting things up. I think I have been up the stairs 15 times already today. It's been a work out all within itself. I won't sit here and tell you that everything is organized the way I want. It's actually far from that but it's comfortable, liveable and home. Our little neighborhood is out in the middle of nowhere which makes me so happy. I am right where I need to be but in a quiet spot not in the heart of town. The house is really nice and I am in love with the layout. I truly am. It's our new reality and everyday it sets in a little bit more that we really got here. We got up here when people doubted us, when I doubted Scott...without a ton in the bank. We got here because God knew it was time.

With the new move, there are new schedules and routines. I am getting up daily at 8am ( I know many of you get up earlier ) but it's been working out well for me. I have been trying to get a big glass of water in first thing in the morning rather I like it or not. Then I go on and enjoy some coffee. Scott or I take the kids. If he is going to be out working anyway, it's better for him to take them rather than both of us waste the gas. Then I use a little bit of my morning time to walk Cooper around the neighborhood. It feels different here. It feels quiet and safe. The fresh air has been doing us both really good and it kinda wakes me up for the day. Most days I am working around here, and normally it's me that picks the kids up in the afternoon. I shuffle them from appointment to appointment and believe me.. it's not one of my favorite mom tasks but I am getting with it. I am also back to enjoying long baths in my really deep tub. I think for sure it's deeper than than my last one and after a long day of unpacking, a long bath fixes a lot! :)

It's also been a bit stressful for Scott and myself. I think we just need to make more time for each other. Time is something we haven't had much of and moving is stressful all on it's own. But we started really getting a long towards the end of the week and I just hope it really continues. We both just want to be happy. We love our family so much. No amount of  problems will ever change that. So life goes on. We actually went out this past weekend and explored Meijer together. Neither of us has shopped there much so it was a little day date to stock up the kitchen. We had a nice time and then teenagers made it easy on us bring all the stuff in from the car. I was happy with everything we got. I thought we didn't spend a ton of money for what we got. If you haven't checked out the haul yet, it's right here.  We are just going along with life at this point. I am working hard to make this new house, neighborhood, city and state our home. Scott and I are sharing a bedroom again. His snoring still drives me crazy at times but many wives deal with that! Its been nice in a lot of ways but there are times when it's a pain but we are learning how to share a room together. I am not staying up as late and we both deal with being woke up a little more because of each other. It's just the way it is. And the animals are never in the bed...except when Scott lets them sneak up there! I can't ever sleep with animals in the room. No thank you but...

Here's some of the things that I need to get done this week:

:: Unpack more boxes...yes still have a garage full to work on this week.
:: Bath and groom the kitty cats this week.
:: Walk Cooper daily... maybe 2x a day weather permitting.
:: Find new shelf for bedroom
:: Clean out and organize purse..maybe switch purses. I want something smaller.
:: Print pictures for frames.
:: Work on videos...try to keep on schedule.
:: Go through bills....pay what's due.
:: 10 minute cleanout of car.
:: Find Jackson a new Dr.
:: Get weekly cleaning done tomorrow.
:: Call Shanna...haven't talked to her in days.
:: Continue writing in prayer journal.
:: Paint nails.. gosh they have been looking terrible through this move.
:: Buy another potted flower like the one we got as a house warming gift.
:: Answer youtube comments.
:: Clean up DVR
:: Get blind for " bonus " room on 2nd floor.
:: Start really organizing some of the spaces and closets

Here's some inspiration to take with you throughout the week:

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you have a great week. I'll be back with more vidoes and blog posts in the coming days. xx

Week in Review | DITL Vlog: Recent Happenings | Happy Birthday Scott

Happy Monday friends! I hope you are getting along great with your day. I am feeling a little tired today but I plan to get a lot done so hopefully the coffee starts working fast! I am back with a new day in the life vlog sharing a little of how last week went. Here's the video and lots more below! 

So just a few days ago we celebrated Scott's 47th birthday. I always kid around and call him 50 year after year but he's not actually there yet. However he wanted a nice dinner with his family so we loaded up all the kids and enjoyed a delicious dinner at Joes Crab Shack. 

We had everyone except Jackson with us which was bit sad. However due to work schedules and such we didn't even make it to dinner on his birthday till after 8pm. So I understand Jackson being tired. Laura and I had a great time sitting there talking and giggling while Brittany and Kenzie joked and had a great time. Kenzie is Brittany's best friend and she basically has a free pass to our home anytime. Those girls are so cute and fun....I will take them any day over most people! Scott was on grampa duty because Laura's youngest just is a man's baby. He wants his grandfather, his dad....but mom will do too. :) We had such a great time. We came home and celebrated more with a cookie cake and candles. I like to see all the candles...not just number ones. I like it bright! :) 

The rest of the week went by so fast. We had a little flooding incident that I talked about in the video above but it created a huge mess. We just had to deal with it and be thankful it wasn't going to cost us a penny to get fixed. Even right now the air conditioning guy is here at the house replacing the full 2nd floor unit. The kids are going to be so thankful tonight. I have no idea how we actually got another house with a broken 2nd floor air conditioner. At least with this house it's getting fixed. I am sure at the old house it's still hot as hell upstairs.

A lot of my days have been filled running the kids around. I am not fond of driving a lot but living outside the school district means we have to drive. Scott's office is pretty close to the school so most mornings he is taking them and in the afternoons I pick them up. I am also running around like crazy trying to get Brittany back and forth to cheer. Thankfully this week, we all get a little break. The gym is moving to a different area across town. Brittany alone has a ton of appointments but thankfully I am following everything in my planner and trying to make sure there are no big surprises. I actually need to work on the big family calendar later today. We are still unpacking boxes and just trying to get all the stuff in the right rooms and then I can go back and really organize it. It's been a huge job trying to get settled. 

We also have other family and friends here that we are trying to balance as well. I seem to be at Lauras house almost daily. I think I am going to sneak over sometime this week and help her out with a little laundry and housework being she is working and always tired when she gets home. I love being able to see her and the kids without having to make a long 7 hour trip. Now it's just a 10 minute trip! :) But again, it's all about balance. The younger kids and Scott expect me home more than not. Scott was quick to remind me that I live here and she lives there. I don't know why we didn't just get that huge house I shared a while ago so we could all live together. Gosh...I sound like my grandfather saying that! It's just a lot of fun being with our family. 

Friday we all wanted sushi and ended up at a local Japanese Steakhouse and dinner was simply amazing. Zane had never been to one before and I think he was impressed seeing them cook our food on the open grill. It was unexpected to say the least but we all enjoyed it. Brittany had been feeling pretty bad due to allergies but I was thankful to actually get some food in her. She eats like a little bird. I think it's exactly what we needed! Saturday I was home most of the day. It felt good just being here with no big plans. I have been going so hard trying to get everything done plus run around with all the kids and I needed the break. Kenzie was back here hanging out with Brittany and the girls are just so cute. It's really a breath of fresh air having them around. I truly believe it's because of them and Laura that I have been smiling so much. 

Sunday started out easy...well kinda. I got up and made Scott and the kids breakfast and then the day really started. Brittany has a cheer banquet coming up this week and she needed wanted a new dress. Thankfully we did a job and came in way under budget. I was shocked but she was careful. She also bought a dress that she actually can and will wear again. After that it was time to get Jackson for dinner. I am not use to him not being here and it's been an adjustment as well but he's happy at his dads. I swear Jackson should have been an only child! He is really enjoying the hunting and boy stuff he's been missing out on. He came and enjoyed one of his favorite dinners...hedge hog time....Cooper time and finally he had a little time for all of us! We really just want all the kids happy. No matter if I miss him or not, as long as hes doing good and comfortable at his dads, I am fine. And it's not like hes gone forever. After we dropped him back off, we stopped into Laura's house again just to say hi before coming back home. Like I have mentioned over and over....having the kids around has been so nice. I love being able to go see everyone and then be able to come home. There are no people having to stay in the house....no trips to make....it's just easy. We should have moved back a lot sooner. Thanks to all the kids for teaching me so many lessons that only they could. We stayed 20 minutes or so .... kissed the babies and got back home to the younger kids. 

I am really happy to be moved home. Right now there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day. However, I am sure that will change once we all get settled in and adjusted. There are so many people I want to see and spend time with and there is a ton of things that I need to get done around the house. Lots going on in our lives right now. Here's a few of my to do's for this week.

:: Order flowers for mothers day. 

:: Moms birthday on Wednesday! Gotta help her with her blog!

:: Unpack at least one box per day from garage. 

:: Work on new cleaning schedule. 

:: Laugh more

:: Pick up Jackson's prescriptions. 

:: Take my phone off do not disturb. I have been missing a lot of calls but I kinda like it off. 

:: Pay bills. ( suppose to do that yesterday! ) 

:: Groom one cat per week. 

:: Call cable person about internet

:: Try to be more forgiving

:: Get hair dyed. The grey is really showing! 

:: Pull weeds from from of house

:: Wash bedding
:: Keep walking Cooper daily

:: Make time for a manicure. 

:: Get back to a more consistent video schedule

:: Read a least one chapter in new book. 

:: Hang up items on walls this week sometime. 

:: Drink more water. 

:: Work on cleaning up and organizing the pantry. 

:: Clean car out this weekend. 

:: Get PO Box....something I keep forgetting. 

:: Work on overflowing inbox this week. 

Here's some inspiration to take with you through out the week:

Thank you guys for stopping by today. I have truly missed you and this blog. :) I hope you have a beautiful and blessed week. I'll be back soon. xx

Week in Review: DITL Vlog(s) | Packing, Easter & Fondue! ) Weekly to Do's

Hello friends! Happy Monday to you all. I really love a fresh week. It makes me feel good to know that we have a fresh new start. On most Monday's I post a week in review going over some of the things that went on around here. I normally share a vlog and even more photos and ramblings about life lately. This week I am sharing 2 vlogs.  The first one, I already shared but in case you haven't watched it yet, here it is. 

I noticed I had a lot of footage so I thought I would share it on Friday and share a new vlog from this weekend today! Grab some tea or coffee, sit back and hang out with us. :)

Here's a little more about how our week went...

 Around here life has been rather strange. Scott is working in Indiana and we are here trying to pack up the house. Many have wondered how I am coping. Well....it's not easy. I have never really been away from Scott for this kind of time ever. Sometimes I look back and think that we might never be as happy as we once were, but on more positive days I think about how much we've grown since the beginning, about the chances we've been given, and how I would choose this life with him and our kids over and over and over again. I can't explain what has held us together for so many years except love but I think it's what is helping me get through this weird kinda tough time. I am trying my best to stay busy. There is plenty around here to do. Moving from one state to another is no easy task. I spend most of my time packing and or cleaning. I haven't even made much time to film. It's no secret that I am so ready to move but it's a bit sad too in a way. I have loved this state. I feel like I am entering the gates of hell moving back to the area I have sworn off for years. But I am trying to change those feelings. I am trying to remind myself everyday that we are doing this for our kids and our family. It's not just about me. And rather I like it or not....it's home. Many have also asked why Scott had to leave so quick. He actually stayed longer than he should have trying not to leave the dealership hanging. But they wanted him to start right away. Being this is a new area of work for him, we thought it best that he get up there....learn the ropes and find us a new home. I don't want to move the boys if something doesn't work out. We need Scott's income and it's important for that to be a stable area in our lives. It's hard not being together. I miss him a lot and I know the boys do as well. But we are working together to make this happen. It's been boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper and 80's music around here for days. I am on morning shift with the kids now and I am trying my best to be nice in the mornings....normally I am a grump when I wake up. I have been trying to get enough sleep and again...I am prepping as much as I can at night to make the mornings go easier. I have always done the prep work at night even when Scott was taking them. That's nothing new. However, the mounds of boxes around here is really new....a little exciting and a little scary all at the same time!

Scott wasn't able to be here for my birthday and the same for Easter. He actually offered to drive here for a day but that's too many miles for such a short trip. We told him to stay put and we celebrated Easter in our own unique way.  We all slept in and had a wonderful time later in the evening at the Melting Pot. Its a fun little experience for the kids and I love it too. In a way it was kinda a birthday dinner too. It was a great time and thankfully due to the Easter special we didn't have to spend a fortune. We face timed with Brittany while we were there and we all talked to Scott as well. We don't want to leave anyone out even when they are not physically there with us. All through out dinner we talked about what Easter meant and why it is such an important day. Its always interesting hearing how the kids put it! It was a delicious dinner and lovely time with both of the boys. ♥

We were actually running a little late but I really wanted a quick photo before we left. We sat up the tripod...added the camera....set the timer and this was the first and only photo taken before we left! Cooper sure looks cute in that picture. He knows how to pose for sure! I wish the hair wasn't in my eye but it is what it is! :)

After dinner we all came home and totally vegged out the rest of the evening. There was no packing...no loudness...we all just found someplace warm and cozy and relaxed while it rained. Our bellies were full and I don't think any of us wanted to do anything. It was a nice way to end the weekend. So here with are...back with lots of things to do this next week. Here's a few of my to do's.

:: Do a quick clean up of the house. 

:: Film a couple of videos later in the day if possible. 

:: Put phone down more and focus more. 

:: Go through to do list in planner and see what I can work on next. 

:: Finish packing up most of the kitchen in the next few days. 

:: Get to bed early so mornings are easier. 

:: Tackle my overflowing inbox. 

:: Try to be more understanding of Scott and everything that he has on his plate. 

:: Pre-make some breakfast items for this last week before the kids get out for spring break. 

:: Delete old photos from laptop
:: Make some peanut butter cookies. YUM!

:: Brush out kitty cats this week....Cooper too. 

:: Call Dentist and make Jackson an appointment. 

:: Clean jewelry
:: Work in planner for a while today.

:: Buy more boxes and packing tape. 

:: Wash all dishrags, pot holders and kitchen towels waiting on me. 

:: Clean up DVR

:: Bring 2nd floor boxes to the 1st floor. A task that got pushed off a few extra days. 

:: Forget color polish of any kind...do nails with clear polish only. 

:: Make just one folder for important papers that I might need throughout the move. File the rest away. 

:: Soak and clean pet dishes.
:: Make a little more time to enjoy a good book.
:: Send thank you cards out for birthday gifts.
:: Help Scott look for houses online. 

Here's some inspiration to take along with you throughout the week:

Thank you guys so much for stopping by. I know that I have been slacking off with blog post. I plan on doing better. There is a lot going on right now and I do have to prioritize. But I miss being here so I am really going to try to do better. Even through busy times. I hope you guys had a great Easter. I would love to hear about it if feel like sharing! Have a great week. xx

Week in Review: Day in the Life Vlog February 8-15, 2016

Hello friends! Happy weekend to you all. I hope your day is going well. In our home it is so quiet around here right now. I am sure as the day goes on and we all start working on some different tasks and such it will liven up. And it will totally liven up when Scott comes home for sure. :)  I actually was planning on posting a new food haul but I realized that I forgot to post this vlog I put a few days ago. If you haven't seen it already, hope you enjoy! 

I didn't get around to sharing a full week in review but I did a film a little bit as you can see. I had a lot of different things going on and just was too busy. I actually got a few emails asking where I was. Thank you guys for always being so caring and kind. The kids didn't have school on Monday and I just wanted to make the day about them. We all had a great time together and guess what? I wasn't busy holding a camera the entire time. It was nice! Anyway, I will be back later today with that haul I was telling you about! Be sure to come back if you need some menu inspiration. ♥

Week in Review: February 1 - 8, 2016

Hello friends! I hope you are having a wonderful Monday. I am back with a quick week in review post sharing how this past week went. Normally I would have a day in the life vlog to include but this past week I just didn't vlog that much. I plan on starting back up today and will probably have one up mid week or next Monday. Today I have been struggling to get myself motivated to get everything accomplished on my to do list. The picture above couldn't be more right on! I have checked all my favorite websites and emails....enjoyed coffee and thought about all I need to get done.

Notes from my Midori:

:: Make sure trash is out
:: Take Chantix
:: Respond to emails
:: Toss laundry around. Fold & put away.
:: Record Sticker Haul
:: Clean out frig
:: Menu plan
:: Update Chalkboard Walls
:: Work on grocery list
:: Edit, save and upload video
:: Call about hotel points
:: Listen to voicemails
:: Start beef stew early this evening.
:: New coat of Sally Hansen Miracle Nail
:: Clean Coopers dishes
:: Get Valentines for Scott and the kids
:: Weekly Cleaning on Wednesday

I have really been loving this notebook for everything. I have been using it for my monthly and daily calendars, my youtube/blog schedule book, and another insert for notes. It's been working so well for me. In the next few weeks I will be taking you though some planner stickers and supplies that I like to use before I share my setup. :) However I do have a video sharing these notebooks in detail right here in case you want a closer look at them.

This past week went pretty good. Besides some online drama, I felt like it was a nice week. The days flew by. I am still wishing for the clocks to change. I don't know about you but I could totally use an extra hour of daylight. I feel like I am still playing catch up on things around the house. I just keep moving forward and maybe one day I will be all caught up. Doubt it! On Thursday Scott was off work. I can pretty much plan on nothing getting done on his days off. We just laid around the house together and enjoyed a day of tv together. It was actually really nice having him home. I might complain about Scott being hyper but we miss him a lot when he's gone. So I try to make the best out of his days off....even if that means it's a day of sleeping in and enjoying netflix. I mean...that really doesn't sound that bad does it?

Another interesting thing that happened this past week was us finally deciding on a March weekend trip to Indiana. Brittany is competing with Cheer-leading and really wants us to be there to watch. I couldn't say no. I was going to go alone but we thought it might just be fun for everyone! Plus I thought it might be nice for Zane to see the area I am wanting to move him to! ( BTW...Brittany is right behind the coach's shoulder...brown hair! )

Besides watching her cheer I plan on seeing our oldest daughter and other family as well. I am sure I can pack a weekend full of things to do easily. I'm starting to figure out the hotel and everything else it takes to make a trip happen. I'm really excited and I hope we have a wonderful time! 

The weekend showed up and we pretty much enjoyed it at home. The kids are doing really good with getting along....playing outside....and learning that it's not always up to mom and dad to be the entertainment. It's been fun watching them just be kids. Both seem so happy and free. Saturday we all slept in. Jackson got up at 12pm and was the first up...then me and Zane was last. I guess we all needed some extra hours. I choose to make my bed my little office and worked online re doing the blog design to incorporate a sidebar and some new colors. There are some additional changes as well but I am sure you can see them for yourself. Take a second to scroll all the way down to find everything. I have some links to my favorites below as well. It took a long while to get it changed up but I like the end result and I hope you do too. 

Sunday was pretty much the same. We were all lucky to sleep in and woke up feeling rested. Well...actually I woke up tired because Jackson woke up early and was so loud through out the house. I guess Saturday he got all the extra sleep he needed! Scott and I decided to watch some of the Beverly Hills Cop Movies. We watched 2 before the Superbowl and I watched the 3rd when I went to bed. Gosh...so many laughs! I forgot how funny those old movies are. 

Also over the weekend I got around to a little shopping. If you haven't seen the haul yet...it's right here. I needed to pick up a few things but I wasn't prepared and will have to go back sometime either Tuesday or Wednesday.  Once the game started on Sunday I got busy making the snacks and a big easy chicken taco dinner that they really seemed to enjoy. The cheese dip/queso made everyone happy! I personally think it was the best part of dinner! Scott and the boys really enjoyed watching the game together. With Zane now living here full time we are getting to experience a lot of 1st with him. This was the first time he has ever watched the Super Bowl with his dad. And Jackson enjoyed it as well. They ate, laughed, drank Cokes and had a boys night! I wish I would have taken more pictures but I was busy trying to get things ready for this week. It was a fun night at home. :)

Here's some inspiration to take with you....

This picture I am printing out and hanging in the house. I need to teach it to my kids and I also need to remember myself. There has been a lot of negative energy floating around making me forget all about manners. I needed the refreshed for sure! I hope you guys have a wonderful week. I will be back later today with a new What's Cookin Video so be sure to come back and check it out! Happy Monday!