Week in Review March 6-12, 2017 w/ DITL Vlog!

Hello friends. Happy Monday. I hope you are having a beautiful start to this new week. I am back sharing a new vlog along with a new week in review. I have done this for so many years that I just feel it's something I want to continue. Here's the vlog and more is below. Hope you enjoy. 

A little more about my week: 

This past week was I guess what I would consider a typical week. I worked a lot and I didn't have a lot of time to get other things done. But I am trying to get back on some kind of schedule. I have made decisions based on being a stay at home wife and mom for so many years. Now that I am working, my decisions are a lot of times different than what they use to be. However, moving back home means I spend a lot more time with family and friends. I think it was what I was craving the most after being gone so long. I actually get to go to preschool with Laura and spend more time with the kids. I get to see and spend more time with Brittany and other family and friends. I am happy to be here. I really am. It's what I dreamed of. I get to hear the grand kids laughter everyday. I get to see Laura, Brittany, and Jackson as much as I want. I get to see old friends and even make new ones. It's really strange how things work out sometimes. There is truly no predicting the future.

I am also very comforted in knowing that I have so many of my old friends back in my everyday life. Friends that I have had forever. People I have loved for a very long time. Ryan is at the top of that list. I am blessed to have someone who knows me so well. The scary thing is we are a lot alike. I think that's good since Scott and I were opposites on just about everything. I am really trying to not make a lot of the same mistakes. I am trying harder in every aspect of my life. I feel like with all the pain of things going so horribly wrong, I got stronger. I have learned what I want more and trying to accomplish it. Some of my goals are pretty simple really....be a better mom. be a better girlfriend... be a better friend. I have cut out all toxic people. I stopped caring about what others think about me. I have to be able to look at myself in the mirror and live with the choices I make. I MAKE. I am sure some people think they can tell me or explain to me what I should be doing....what I shouldn't be doing but this life was given to me. It's my path to walk and it's my story to tell. I have really been trying to focus on the positive and know that my happiness is dependent on no one but myself. I think as days turn to weeks and weeks to months and months to years, I will continue to learn the lessons God wants. I will get stronger and I will continue to strive to do better. I don't have the time to live unhappy. I know better than anyone that we are on borrowed time. Why waste a single moment of it? 

I am so happy that this week was a good week. Spent with good friends, family and even good wine from time to time. :) This French Lick wine is soooooo good. Try it! 

This week is going to be busy, fun and exhausting all at the same time. I work some and then leave on Thursday to go on vacation. Ryan planned it all out and I think we are going to have a lot of fun. He works hard and I know he needs a break. I also could use a few nights of fun and mornings sleeping in next to him. I feel so comfortable with him. Probably more so than in my marriage. Again, I guess it goes back to us knowing each other for so long. He's really quiet sensitive and gentle. It's all about love. We all just want to be loved and he is no different. I have no idea where our relationship will go. I have stopped trying to guess the future after everything that has happened. But I am excited to find out. 

Weekly To Do's

:: Clean apartment....it needs it. 

:: Try to get more sleep each night. 

:: Do laundry

:: Go to the grocery store later today...hopefully. 

:: Don't forget the cat food and litter

:: Kiss Ryan a lot more...hug my family a lot more. 

:: Clean out the frig. 

:: Delete a lot of photos and videos from my phone to make more room. 

:: Give Laura a key to the apartment. 

:: Pack up for our trip. :)

:: Go through bills and pay what I can. 

:: Clean garbage from car. 

:: Start looking for Harper and Ashlynn's birthday gifts. 

:: Call and confirm hotel and rental car. 

::  Try to get in a yoga workout...TRY.

Here is some inspiration to take with you through the week

Thank you guys for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the vlog. Lots to do this week and not a lot of time! Let me know how things are going in your neck of the woods. xx

Week in Review w/ DITL Vlog

Hello everyone. It's Tuesday night and I am just getting around to writing this post and sharing it. It's been a long couple of days. I honestly didn't ever realize how hard it would be to keep up with this blog with a job and family. I understand now. There are less hours in the day it seems. There are so many things pushed back and unfortunately this blog and my videos seem to take the brunt of it. I am coming to the realization that I just have to do what I can when I can and move on with it. I don't need to overthink it. I don't need to worry about it. I just need to put one foot in front of the other and get it done. Soooooo...I know it's Tuesday and I am just getting around to posting the WIR. Actually Tuesday Truths just went up a while ago. It is what it is! :) 

Week in Review w/ DITL Vlog

Hello friends! I hope you are having a wonderful Monday. I am back today with my latest DITL Vlog and a new week in review. It's been a while since I have got one of these up for you guys. Lots of photos and me rambling on. Hope you enjoy! 

I decided after a while of no videos that I would just come back with a new ditl vlog. I don't plan on doing anymore than one a week if that. I hope to get other videos up as well. Here is a little bit of how things have been going. 

Since I have moved back home so much has happened. I have been through so many life changes. Not all were good or easy either. However, one of the biggest greatest things about being here in Indiana is Brittany. She was a huge part of the reason to come back home. I was tired of missing out on all those big and little things with her. Most days I feel like a taxi driver running her, Jackson and even Maekenzie around. We are always in the car it seems....going from one practice to another or running items back and forth.

 Right now in the middle of the school year there hasn't been a lot of time for fun but it doesn't matter. We are still all getting to spend time with each other and finding joy even in the smallest of things.

I simply need to balance my time more because I miss doing the fun things. We need more family days. We just do. I tend to smile a lot more when the kids are around. The girls and Jackson just bring a new breath of fresh air to my life. And for that alone I am so grateful.

This past week as also hard and sad when I had to pick up Scotts ashes from the funeral home. I never imagined I would have to do that. I am still not sure what to do with him but in time we will figure that out. I think the ripple effect from his death will last a very long time with his kids and grand children. They will never know him and the kids that do remember will always miss him.

Laura and I still spend a lot of time together. I see her daily and it has given me more time with my grand children. They are growing up so fast. I guess I am trying to love Laura and the kids enough for both of us. Laura is one of the best people I know. I also moved back here for her them as well. We are family and I don't think that will ever change. 

I always wanted a houseful of girls. Always. I might not have had them myself but with Laura, her daughters, Ryan's daughter and Brittany along with Brittany's best friend Kenzie I am surrounded with amazing girls. They make me smile all the time. 

I have been struggling to find a good balance between work, kids, the animals, family. Just like the rest of you! On my days off I tend to run errands and clean. The apartment is smaller which helps a lot but even my days off are not just lounging days anymore. 

I am so happy we finally got a vacuum. It was fine borrowing Laura's all the time but its nice having one here. Little by little I am trying to rebuild, grow stronger and more confident. It just feels weird being my age starting over. But it's also a little empowering. 

Some nights around here we enjoy Chinese in bed...

I don't particularly like cooking that much. I guess I got use to not cooking much when I was in the camper. Ryan prefers dinner a little more than I do! But I am slowly getting back in the grocery store again so I can make dinner for us. He's actually bringing back a little stability in my life. And God knows that's a tall order for anyone. 

 I will hopefully have some new food hauls and recipes up soon for you guys too. I also plan on putting up a new tea video sometime soon sharing my favorites. Maybe I'll include a giveaway as well! :)

Life around here has been pretty busy and calm all at the same time. The cats seem to be adjusting to everything just fine. Gabby is as sweet as ever and Romeo is just plain spoiled rotten. He actually just celebrated his 5th birthday! That is one of the most loved animals I have ever had. The kids, Ryan, my friends just love him as much as I do. And Gabby has just fallen in love with Ryan.

We have been having the strangest weather this week. Friday we were in the high 70's. It was crazy. I was loving it. I think everyone around here was loving it. Then the next day, we actually dropped to 30 degrees and snow started to fall. I was at work when I noticed the snowflakes glistening away. This kind of strange weather has been going on all winter. I think its going to get us all sick. But just for a few hours I enjoyed watching it come down. The weather report shows that this week we will have a lot of rain. We are basically having all four seasons in one month. Who would have guessed.

Many have left such sweet comments on that vlog. I tell myself that I want/need to keep working as much as I can, but I'm still dealing with so many mental blocks that it's been kinda tough to put my thoughts together, so thank you for your patience with the cope with the ups and downs that have become so consistent in my life and posts. That's my life now after all:) There have been many days when I smile so big my cheeks hurt, and my heart feels light like it hasn't felt in so long, and then there are other days I feel the crushing grasp of heartache that literally takes my breath away. A lot of my thoughts are deep and heavy. Inquisitive at times. I want answers to questions that I will never get. But I am doing my best to remember the good things in my life. I have Ryan and he is doing his best to make me happy. He does make me smile and laugh a lot which really means a lot to me. He knows I am a mess a lot of the time. But somehow we both are saving each other really. I think he needed to be loved as well. We are trying to create new beginnings. My heart has been changed. In every sense it's been broken, battered and crushed, and these days I really feel so much more deeply than I would've ever thought possible. I just want to be happy. I am too old for anything else. I know not everyone understands and that's ok. They don't have to. But he makes me feel better. And I love him. Having him around feels so easy and natural. I feel like our lives are pieces of the same puzzle. We have known each other since we were kids. And were together before Scott and I and here we are now. I am sure that you will get to know him more in the future. 

I know that I have a lot to live for still. I have been terrible with change for years. I like routines, schedules, and certainty. But all these unexpected things that keep happening are just making learn to live more in the moment. I am taking more risks coming out of my comfort zone. It's been a new way of life. 

I have so many new goals and hopes for the future. Starting over at my age might seem crazy. It kinda is but I think it brings the opportunity to do things better. To love harder. To try harder. To be a better parent. To work harder. I have always loved fresh starts. And this is a new beginning for me. And really I am just putting one foot in front of the other trying to move on. And that's where I'm at. Just trying to find my way down a new path. Thank you guys for coming along with me. ♥♥♥

Weekly To Dos

- work in planner and calendars.
- make chocolate chip cookies
- Do nails
- Buy houseplant ( sounds silly but I have none! )
- Get seal for pressure cooker from camper
- Pre record some videos
- Make Dr. Apts for kids and myself. Ankle really has been hurting.
- Groom kitty cats
- Crack open an actual book.
- Start new organization project in apartment.
- Look for some new part for wheel area of my car. Ryan put it on my list.
- Make some homemade cleaners. So much healthier and cheaper.
- Go check on a couple of my uncles.
- Start on gallery wall....again.
- Plan a dinner where everyone is here. So hard with all the different schedules.
- Start trying to actually menu plan again.
- Get all the towels washed. I don't take them to be washed like I do the clothes.
- Clean out under kitchen sink
- Replace burnt out light bulbs.
- Wash sliding glass doors.


Shopping List

- microwave
- pillow for bathtub
- Amazon fire stick ( don't get me started on why )
- New Cookie sheet

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

Thank you guys for stopping by. I love how inspirational, caring and supportive you all have been. I have always said I love this blog. I truly do. This is my home. Its been such a great way to communicate with all of you. You can always leave a comment and let me know how you are doing. Just as many of you have followed my life, I have followed many of yours. I'll see ya tomorrow with a new Tuesday Truths blog post. 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

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

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: Finding my Mojo |

Afternoon friends! I hope you are having a wonderful day. I am moving so slow today but I am actually feeling good and happy for a new day and a new week. We are actually kicking of spring break with the boys today so it's ok if we take it a little easier...a little slower and a a little more relaxed. I didn't vlog as much this past week because wasn't feel that good over the weekend. Here's a little from our week...hope you enjoy!

This is no going to be a long dragged out blog post with photos about our week. It was mainly a week of packing and trying to get things finished up around here. Then the weekend came and I just wasn't feeling good dealing with a lot of different things. So I feel like I kinda fell behind a little but it's ok. I started packing early just in case of something happening. I still have plenty of time and as we move through this spring holiday I am going to have the boys help out some. I for sure want their help in the garage. 

Scott is busy and has been working hard, hanging out with the grandkids and trying to get everything done up there that he has to do. If you guys only knew how long my to do list is as well as Scotts this week. We will both probably feel dead by time the weekend rolls back around. Here's a few of my to do's...

- Keep packing and moving forward. 

- Figure out dates when everything has to be shut off. 

- Transfer cable

- Find the UNO cards. 

- Answer Emails...like seriously...I can't put it off any longer. 

- Start cleaning packed up areas. 

- Keep up with filming and blogging schedule. 

- Pick up Zanes glasses. 

- Clean out car so Scott doesn't kill me when he does get home. 

- Take the boys out for a picnic. 

- Clean rocking chairs on front porch. 

- Wash and hang out bedding. 

- Fill up bird feeder. I won't be doing that much more here but I think they sing more for me for food! :)

- Answer some youtube comments. 

- Try to get treadmill cleaned off ( boxes ) and make time to walk. 

Here's some inspiration for your week:

Thank you so much for stopping by today. I hope you have a wonderful week. It's going to be mostly packing for us. No fun but it's what has to be done. I am still excited about everything coming up. I just have to find my mojo again and get at it! See ya 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

DITL Vlog: Week in Review → Febuary 22 -28, 2016 w/ Weekly To Do's

Hello everyone! Welcome to another Tuesday. I am amazed at how fast the days are flying by. Sorry about this post and video going live a little late. My video editor just didn't want to cooperate yesterday.....guess it just needed the day the off! Today I am back sharing another Day in the Life vlog from this past week. I am doing my best to get back on schedule which includes vlogging! It's a rather long one so grab a cup of coffee or tea and come spend an hour with us! :) Hope you enjoy. Lots more below.

This past week was mostly spent doing housework, filming videos, shopping, listening to my kids run through the house and snuggling up in my blankets trying to avoid cold mornings as much as I could. I still am not sleeping as well as I should but I guess I shouldn't really complain. The earlier I get up, the more I get done. Funny how that works. Monday I actually got up and ran some errands doing things that I have put off. Sometimes it's a vicious cycle. I have a huge to do list from things to do with the kids, the house, the animals, the blog, youtube....and the more behind I get the worse I feel. So I am trying super hard to get through all the things I really need to get done. I surprised the kids with some milkshakes which made them so happy. #milkshakemonday should totally be a new tradition in our home! 

We had a ton of rain this past week. It just poured down and even in the rain I could still hear some of the birds in the trees singing away. I guess they just have to make the best of it. The rain is another thing that slows me down. I love it and I find it so relaxing...except when I am driving in it. The nights came early it seemed and our home looked so pretty with candles flickering throughout the house. Plus they helped jazz up the smell of the house too. The animals kinda took center stage this past week. Cooper is so sweet and loving but totally harasses us with balls. He's a retriever after all and he just doesn't know life without a ball. We actually call the ball his pacifier. :) He even sleeps with one most of the time. We also had some hedgehog care going on. Have you ever tried to trim a hedgehogs nails? Seems easy but they pull that little leg up and make it next to impossible. I think Spike might need a trip to the Vets office soon so we can get some assistance with it. 

Throughout the week, I ran more errands...shared a new Ipsy bag while I was sitting in the car and ran errands again on Friday and Saturday as well. It felt like I lived in my car this past week...and I hate hate hate driving. Over the weekend we relaxed and rested to prepare for this new week. Scott works a ton of hours and Sunday's are a day for him to actually sleep in and not worry about car deals. I think he worked over 80 hours this week. I totally respect his work ethic. I also got in a little bit of reading of my new book Pretty Happy by Kate Hudson. I am really trying to become more mindful of my body, my diet and yes even exercise. It's hard. I have never been on a diet in my life and I have never really worked out either. I am hoping the book will give me not only some inspiration but some much needed motivation as well. I know I have been standing in my own way. I just need to stay focused and do it. For myself. It's been a really good read so far...you might just want to check it out yourself! 

We are heading up north this week and I couldn't be more happy about it. It's where I grew up and it's where we plan on moving to. Scott is actually working on the Friday we are there. How is that possible I bet you are wondering? Well he is trying something new out and I hope that it goes well. If so it could mean a move a lot sooner and it would also mean less time at the office for him. :) We are actually going because Brittany has a cheer competition over the weekend that she really wanted us there for. She has been training really hard as well as the rest of the team. I am so proud of her for following her dreams and going for it. She's everything I ever imgained. All of our kids are amazing and its a true honor watching them all grow up. To be very frank, I am so happy to be out of the baby stage. I like watching them mature while trying to figure themselves out and this big bad world out. I am blessed with wonderful kids....even on the bad days! While we are up north we will be seeing our oldest daughter Laura as well plus lots of other family and friends. It should be a great time! 

Here's a few of my to do's for this week: 

:: Lay out chicken for dinner

:: Quick cleanup of frig. 

:: Make more time to read this week. 

:: Figure out what to wear to competitions for Brittany.

:: Make brownies

:: Get on treadmill everyday if only for a few minutes

:: Make eye Dr appointment and get nose piece fixed on Jackson's glasses. 

:: Spend a few minutes in the master closet tidying up. 

:: Try to answer some comments from YOU! ♥

:: Clean dog dishes

:: Hang up coats and sweaters that are hanging on the banister. 

:: Clean up DVR

:: Keep plugging away at my very full inbox. 

:: Prerecord some videos for this week. 

:: Don't forget to take vitamins!

:: Whiten teeth

:: Do better with my water intake

:: Brush out all the animals

:: Mourn Downton Abby....last episode coming up 

:: Pause mail for while we are gone. 

:: Stay on top of laundry. 

Before Trip:

:: Write out notes for housesitter

:: Make Brownies and cup cakes

:: Get out luggage

:: Gather up items for family and friends

:: Sit out pet items 

:: Bring hedgehog downstairs

:: Don't forget epi pen! 

:: Figure out times for everything going on....people we are seeing....places we want to share with Zane....and stops we want to make. 

:: Don't forget earbuds!!!

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

Thank you guys for stopping by. I am sorry this post is going live kinda late but my video editor just was not cooperating! I guess it needed the day off. :) I hope you have a beautiful and blessed week. Be sure to come back and check things out.....more to come each day! xx