Friday Favorites-First of March

You guys, we did it! We survived the longest and the coldest two months of the year. Does anyone else just feel like a rockstar for making it through the dead of winter? We are nowhere near in the clear yet, in fact they are predicting more snow for us early next week. Also, has anyone noticed I almost always talk about the weather in my Friday Favorite posts? Woops! I am just really really excited about spring, okay? ;-)

1. Sweet Brothers

I will be honest, some days my kids give me a run for my money. They are loud, and are also both 100% boy. I would be lying if I said some days I didn't crave the quiet that I naively assume comes with having girls, but that feeling also vanishes immediately when my boys say or do something sweet. Sometimes the sound of their little voices just makes my heart hurt because I know that before I know it, those little voices will be big voices and my boys won't be so little. They butt heads like you would not believe, and there is a 87% chance that Lincoln actually wanted nothing to do with this picture ;-) but those moments where I see these two being brothers and loving each other so fiercely make every exhausting moment of being a #boymom worth it. I fear for anyone who tries to mess with these two in the future, while Jackson may love to irritate his brother, I have also seen him jump to his defense the moment he saw someone else doing something upsetting to Lincoln. I am so lucky to be their mama.

2. Fun Toddler Jammies

Until my boys stop wearing toddler sizes, this should probably just be a standing item on my favorites. I can never get enough! If you don't know, Jackson is absolutely obsessed with snowmen, and while this may be late to the game, he finally discovered the movie Frozen and Olaf is his new favorite character. He can sing his entire 'In Summer' routine by memory, and when I showed him these pajamas he about died of pure joy. I actually forgot about them, until he told his daycare provider that I had bought them and he would be wearing them that night. Woops! I had to explain to him the mailman would be bringing them, but it wouldn't be for a few days. He wasn't happy with me, but thank goodness Gap had them at 40% off, so I bought them up right away! I just cannot say no to my kids you guys, it's a problem.

I am totally guilty of giving Lincoln all of the hand me downs, and 99% of the time it is fine. Jackson had SO many clothes that most of them were only worn a few times, so Lincoln is wearing things in perfect condition. But he is definitely getting to the age where he has his own likes and interests. He saw Jackson's Buzz Lightyear pajamas on the floor this week, and got SO excited and wanted to wear them. Of course his brother did not want to share his clothing, and my heart broke a little and I was reminded that two years ago, I would have scooped those jammies up from the store in a heartbeat for big brother, and I need to make sure Lincoln gets that same special treatment sometimes! So I saw these Toy Story jammies and just bought them for my sweet littlest guy. He is going to be so excited!

3. All Things Yellow

I am feeling all the sunshine vibes this week, and as a result am all over all of the yellow things! I got this top in the mail last week and am still just in love with it. These bright jeans just came out at Gap, and I am all over them. I am still lusting over these chinos, does anyone have them!? With free shipping, I might have to bite the bullet today. And with lots of weddings and showers coming up over the next six months, I would love a bright, sunny dress like this one, and you can't beat the price!

4. Baby Shower

My mom and I are hosting a baby shower for my sister-in-law tomorrow, she is having a precious baby girl! As a boy mom, I am going to be honest and say I have been having so much fun doing all of the pink things! I grabbed this 'baby' balloon, and couldn't resist this tablecloth either! I am just dying to share the rest of the details after the party, so much pink, and so many sparkles!

A little preview of something I am working on for the shower!

5. Dirty Hair

Earlier this week, I shared the details on how I have transitioned from washing my hair daily to only two times per week. And I just loved all of the feedback I got from you guys! So many of you commented over on my Instagram with products you use to help get between days, how long you can go, and it was just so much fun to hear everyone's experiences! If you have been wanting to go longer between washes, be sure to check it out!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and soak up the fact that spring is finally in sight! And if you have a spare second or two, maybe say a prayer for Minnesota to not get the snow they are promising us on Sunday night ;-)

Five on Friday // Friday Favorites // Friday Favorites // High Five For Friday

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Friday Favorites-First of January

Whew, we made it through the first week back after the holidays! I was seriously dreading the return to work and daycare on Tuesday, I thought my kids would be in total meltdown mode. But, to my surprise they were actually super happy, sweet, and ready to go! It always gives me such a good feeling to know how happy my kids are at the daycare that they go to; we truly are lucky to have found her! Aside from working our way back into a routine, trying to eat healthier, and surviving sub zero temps for a second week straight, I love the fresh feeling that comes with the new year, and of course there are so many goodies out there to support that!

1. New Year, New Letterboard

While my letterboard isn't new, the quote on it may very well be my new favorite. I laugh every time I walk past it hanging on our wall, because it is SO true. And don't ask me if we had pizza last night for dinner, because the answer is obviously yes. I am working on cleaning up as much of my diet as I can, and am even saying goodbye to my wine for at least a month just to flush out my system, but cutting out pizza? Nope, it just isn't going to happen.

1. My First Facebook Live Event!

Well, I stepped way outside of my comfort zone this week and did a live video over on Facebook. Be on the lookout for more details next week, but we have started incorporating essential oils into our home and I hosted an online class for how to begin! It was super intimidating for me, because not only was I going live in front of people I know, I was educating on a product. But it went so well and I actually had a lot of fun! I will have the video up through Saturday, so if you want to check it out, you can do so HERE to learn more about how to use a YL Premium Starter Kit!

2. Valentine's Pajamas

Okay, yes, I am sharing more pajamas. Jackson is wearing size 5T you guys, which means my days of putting him in all of the adorable toddler pajamas are truly becoming numbered. And I saw this pair and purchased immediately for both of my boys. I absolutely love Valentine's Day (okay, I mostly just love the color pink) and it always bums me out a bit that there aren't many great options for boys. These are still very much made for boys, but so sweet and festive without including robots or 'love monsters'. I know you other boy moms know what I mean!

4. Sueded Moto Jacket

I feel like I have been lacking an in-between jacket. I have a good amount of spring options, and I have my warm down jacket that I wear most days during the frigid cold of winter. But I don't have a stylish option that is cute and easy to wear but still warm and cozy. Earlier this week, I saw this jacket at American Eagle marked down at a MAJOR discount. It is originally $150 and is on sale for only $35! I scooped it up right away; I love the moto style, and think this one looks so unique in that it is also a warmer option. I chose to go with black, and cannot wait to get my hands on it!

5. New Moisturizer/Hair Care/Do It All

As I continue to clean up my skin care routine, I grabbed a bottle of jojoba oil to mix with my essential oils when applying to my face. When I opened it, I read another suggestion on the bottle was to apply a drop to your hair as a serum when it is wet. Now trust me when I say that a little bit goes a long way, but my hair has been so dry and brittle lately, and I couldn't believe how soft a little bit of this oil made it! Way softer than my normal hair serums, in fact. If your hair has been dry and just feels dull lately, try a little bit of jojoba oil, it is amazing!

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend, we are finally supposed to see some temperatures in the 20s on Sunday, so I have my fingers crossed we can get the boys outside to do some sledding and snowman building!

Five on Friday // Friday Favorites // Friday Favorites // High Five For Friday

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What's Up Wednesday

Is it just me, or is this just the most confusing, out of sorts week ever? I love me a long weekend, but our Monday off felt so much like a Sunday, and I cannot believe it is already Wednesday. Adding to that, even though the weather the past few days has said otherwise, since Memorial Day has come and gone I have been thinking it is June this week, when today is in fact the last day of May. So, with the last Wednesday of the month comes a recap and 'What's Up Wednesday!'

What We're eating

Now that summer is here, I am officially trying to kick our family eating habits into a healthier gear. So, lots of grilled chicken and burgers, steamed veggies, and my all time favorite roasted brussel sprouts. It is also officially watermelon season, so I plan to have that stocked in the refrigerator nonstop.

And, let's be real..pizza. Pizza always has a place in our dietary rotation ;-)

What I'm reminiscing about

I really haven't been reminiscing too much lately. Lincoln's birthday has come and gone, and we are more so looking forward to all of the things we get to do this summer with our boys!

What I'm loving..

I am loving the new trees in our yard! We just got a willow tree for back by the pond, and a vanilla strawberry hydrangea tree for our front yard! We seriously did ZERO yard work before moving last summer, so it is so much fun to finally start feeling like we have a yard!

What we've been up to

This summer we spent with my in-laws playing yard games, eating outside, and getting our first real taste of summer for the year. Aside from that, a lot of time has been spent in the yard, going for runs outside with Lincoln in tow, and we have graduated from Toy Story and are being forced to watch Despicable Me on the daily ;-)

What I'm dreading

Not much-I mean it is finally summer! However, with summer comes ticks and mosquitoes..definitely dreading seeing those around.

What I'm working on

I am still slowly but surely working on decorating our house. I just got some new things for our mantle to put a 'summer theme' to it.

I am also doing a lot of work with my Instagram lately (come check me out @stangandco) that I am having a lot of fun with. I have learned SO much about social media strategy in the last 1-2 months, and am really seeing a difference and some fun opportunities arising as a result!

What I'm excited about

I am excited for it to be warm enough this weekend to hopefully pull out the pool for the boys and spend as much time in the sunshine as possible! I also have my future sister-in-law's bachelorette party in two weeks, and their wedding next month. So much coming up on our calendars!!

What I'm watching/reading

Confession: I picked up a book months ago, and only got a few chapters in. I am just not in a stage of life where reading is something I can do! Whenever I try, I end up dozing off..woops!

We have been watching Prison Break, there are only a few episodes left and I can't wait to see how this season ends! I am trying to watch The Bachelorette, but honestly after Nick last season, I think he did some damage to that show. Is it just me, or do people seem pretty darn uninterested? Swapping out Luke for Nick was a HUGE mistake!

We also just started watching Bloodline on Netflix. We are only two episodes in, but so far I am REALLY liking it!

What I'm listening to

I started busting out a bunch of my old burnt CD's in my car the past few weeks, and am loving them! A lot of them are labeled by season and year, and they seriously just take me back to that time. One of them has a bunch of songs that bring me back to the summer I met Mike, which to this day I think would go down as my best summer ever, and not just because I met my future husband! It was filled with time in the sun, lots of bonfires, parties, and time with great friends. I love how music can take you back to a time and a memory!

What I'm wearing

 Tank // Jeans // Glass (similar)

 Dress

 Tunic // Jeans

Top // Skirt

Tee (very similar here) // Shorts // Sandals

 

What I'm doing this weekend

We don't really have anything on the books! I believe we have plans to order a truckload of black dirt to start working on the lawn. Exciting stuff, let me tell you ;-)

What I'm looking forward to next month

I am excited for my sister-in-law's bachelorette party and her bridal showers! I just love those types of events :-) And, I cannot wait to spend as much time as possible outdoors with my little guys!

What else is new?

Lincoln is on the move! He is still plenty wobbly, but is most definitely walking and taking steps and it is about the most precious thing I have ever seen :-)

I am so excited for the coming month, bring on the summer!

Linking up with Mel, Shay, and Shaeffer today!

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Tuesday Outtakes (Linkup)

Hello Everyone! I cannot believe it is already May. Where has the year gone!? This time of year always seems to sneak up fast, especially because winter often hangs on as long as it can for us here in Minnesota. It was definitely snowing yesterday, and yet I swear we will blink and it will be summer. So, we try to soak up as much of our short spring season that we can!

Today, as it is the first Tuesday of the month, it is once again time to link up with Danielle and I to share your outtakes from this past month! Any and all photos that didn't quite make it off of your phone or camera are fair game :-) Grab the button below, and link up so we can see all of your photos from the cutting room floor!

I posted a shot from this night on Instagram the other week, but left out my bathroom selfie. Notice all of the water marks on the mirror. I swear I clean my house..sometimes. 

Snuggles with my boys. On the mornings where they aren't throwing tantrums and want to cuddle and watch Mickey Mouse, I just soak it in. And usually end up going to work with messy hair because I waited too long and didn't have time to curl it! 

 This guy. Mean mugging for the camera. But oh so cute.

Just keeping it real. This photo was an outtake for a reason..yikes! And that looks like a tear on his cheek..but I don't recall him crying? 

 While snuggling on the couch on Sunday night, Jackson put his arm around Lincoln and it was just so sweet. They sat there like this for the longest time.

Mike smoked this pork for my nephew's first communion, and he and my brother in law love to send each other pictures whenever they smoke stuff. It was really yummy..but EW look at his dirty hands!

Surprisingly that is all of the outtakes I had for the month! I have either gotten 'delete' happy, or didn't have my phone out much to take pictures! Either way, now it is your turn, so link up, I can't wait to see what you all have to share!

Also linking up with Lindsay for Tuesday Talk today!

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Life Lately: Favorite Target Finds

I have a serious question. Is there any place in this world greater than Target? Okay, that isn't a serious question, because the answer is obviously NO. Disney World is pretty high up there, but Target may in fact be my very favorite place. I was so excited to see Allie hosting a linkup of our favorite Target finds, and my biggest problem is honestly narrowing the list down. I want all of the things at Target!

1. Shoes

These shoes have gotten a lot of attention across the blog world this spring, and for good reason. They are so darn cute, and super comfortable! And with a sale, I scooped them up for a mere $17. I know inventory fluctuates, but if you see them available in your size, you need to get them!

2. Cleaner

My sweet friend Chelsea introduced me to these delicious cleaners, and I am hooked. I have the grapefruit and sea salt and lime scents, and they make cleaning so much more fun! They are extra motivation to wipe down and disinfect my counters at night, because my kitchen smells so darn delicious after!

3. Dish Soap

Okay, my age and mom status are totally showing, but I am also obsessed with this dish soap lately! I always hate having to get it out every time I do dishes, but I also hate leaving a bottle on the counter. I love that this can be left out next to our hand soap, and is a bit less of an eye sore. It also makes it so easy to put a few pumps into the water in the sink for easy dish washing!

4. Bookends

I am still obsessing over these Pineapple bookends, you guys. I was so upset that the ones left in my store were damaged so I couldn't bring myself to buy them in less that perfect condition. And by the time I put that together, the sale they were on had ended. And I always wait for a good sale. ;-) These are hanging out in my cart and I need to make them mine!

5. Iced Coffee

These almond milk iced coffees are so good. I grabbed one on a whim one day, and couldn't believe how tasty it was. While not super cheap, they are definitely still more affordable than you iced latte from the coffee shop. If you like coffee and almond milk, you will love these!

6. Comforter

While this isn't our newest purchase, I don't know if I ever appropriately raved about the comforter we purchased for Jackson's bed. His nautical nursery theme was something I wanted to carry over, as I am waiting on any kind of room design until he starts really expressing an opinion. This piece was perfect to tie in the navy and red of his room, and I accent with his original nursery quilt and décor. It is very soft, but durable meaning it is easy to wash, which is key with a toddler! I also figured with the colors it could easily transition as a hand me down to Lincoln if we ever redo Jackson's room, as they both have navy in their color schemes. Practical, but seriously cute as well!

7. Candles

I am usually a Bath and Body Works girl when it comes to candles, but when I want to stock up and be a bit more frugal, I really like the two-wick options from Target! They melt pretty well and have some really yummy flavors. My most recent favorite scent was a sugared melon, it smelled incredible!

8. Vase

One weekend recently, I set out on a mission to furnish our fireplace mantle, which is very big and was very empty. In desperation, I grabbed this vase in two sizes, totally unsure if I would keep them or not. I threw in some green stems, and fell in love! They have a funky feel to them, and I was worried they may look too modern or harsh for the vision I had, but they fit just perfectly with the rest of our décor. I have seen them on major sale in our store, so while they are still in stock online, you may find them even cheaper in store!


I cannot wait to see the other finds that you all have picked up at Target lately!

Also linking up with Annie for Thoughts for Thursday.

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Friday Favorites: Easter Weekend

I love nothing more than Friday. In the past year or two, it has seriously become my favorite day of the week by a landslide. I don't even mind having to get through the work day, I think because I know there is relaxation to look forward to. This weekend is even more exciting than most because it is Easter! All of our family is local so we don't have to do any traveling, but I always look forward to seeing relatives and hopefully getting those little ones of ours to church! Before we get to dying our Easter eggs, I am sharing my favorites of the week!

1. H&MFinds

I was in H&M earlier this week and literally wanted all of the things. To be honest, sometimes that store is a bit hit or miss for me, but their spring stuff is a definite HIT. Nothing screams spring to me like a crisp white shirt, and this off the shoulder option is perfect. I love the pinstripe lining on this blazer,  and after hunting I think I have finally found the perfect white pencil skirt. This tulle skirt is so pretty, and while they only have black online, the prettiest mint green color is in stores and I am stalking for the site and the store waiting for them to get my size back in. Suede jackets are totally on trend right now, and this option is the prettiest blue color. And finally, I have a similar lace skirt and get compliments on it all of the time, and having it in this fun color would be amazing!

2. Giveaway

In case you were wondering, I am totally running towards the weekend ;-)

Earlier this week, I teamed up with Pink Blush to host a fun giveaway! You can look back at my original post to enter, or head straight to my Instagram! It is easy to enter, and this shop has so many pretty dresses, perfect for spring! If you are interested in shopping my gorgeous floral dress, you can find it here!

3.  Cool Whip Easter Eggs

I haven't fully decided,  but I am thinking of trying out dying eggs using this method this year. Have any of you tried it? Last year we did traditional dye from the store, and I felt a little bit bad because Jackson really was just able to watch and help out a tiny bit. With the whipped cream I think it will probably ultimately be a big mess but he can really be more involved. And I love the effect of how it turns out on the eggs!

4. Pajamas

 

I should probably  just do a weekly roundup of my favorite pajamas for toddlers because I think we can all come to a clear agreement that I am obsessed. Earlier this week there was a great sale at Old Navy, Gap, and Banana Republic where everything was 40% off, no exclusions. I took the opportunity to stock up on summer pajamas for the boys, because while it still isn't warm here, our house tends to heat up anytime it gets above sixty degrees outside, and fleece pajamas are pretty much already out of the question. While I plan to put these in the boys Easter baskets (I scored them for only $10!) I couldn't resist letting Jackson wear his new Mickey Mouse set this week. He was so excited! Mickey is the newest big thing in our house, and I really don't mind one bit. While the hot dog song does drive me crazy, there is something so classic about Mickey Mouse that warms my heart. And my kids being obsessed makes me that much more excited to bring them to Disney World one day!

5. Snuggles

Lincoln will be one in a few short weeks, and it breaks my heart. I am soaking in all of his baby cuddles, because I know it won't be long before he doesn't need them like he does now. I just don't know if there is anything squishier or more delicious than when he is cozy in his sleep sack and fuzzy blanket. I could eat him up!

I hope you all have a blessed Easter weekend, with lots of faith, food, and sunshine!

Five on Friday // Oh Hey Friday! // Friday Favorites // Friday Favorites // High Five For Friday

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Friday Favorites

Whew. What a week. I have no idea why, but I have felt so out of it all week. Between a few big announcements at work, being out at trainings, and maybe just the longer days, I feel, just, not with it. We have a packed weekend ahead, so I am hoping to snap out of it. I think pizza and a glass or four of wine will help. Cheers to the weekend! As always, I am sharing a few of my favorite things from the week before welcoming Friday with open arms.

1. Blush Jacket

I scooped up this twill utility jacket recently and am IN LOVE. It is such a pretty color and so perfect for spring. It is such a fun twist on the darker color options you usually see for these jackets. I received my V-neck tees this week too, and they layer under the jacket perfectly!

Jacket // Tee // Necklace // Similar pants

2. Bridesmaid

I am pretty sure I already shared this, but my brother is engaged! Last week, they ended up booking their wedding for THIS JULY! Disclaimer: the only reason for the quick engagement was a great deal on the reception venue they couldn't pass up ;-) Moving on from my disclaimer..she asked me to be her bridesmaid this week and I am so excited! I love me a good wedding, and I cannot wait to be a part of their special day. I honestly cannot believe my baby brother is getting married, but Jenny is seriously the sweetest thing. Our family dynamic has changed so much over the past few years. We went from four single kids to three being married in such a short time, my kiddos have been added to the mix..it is just so different. Not all of the changes have been easy, but overall I am so happy with where my family is at right now and I feel blessed to have all of my family members in my life, both new and old!

3. Pottery Barn Chair

You may have caught this on my Instagram stories (follow me @stangandco) a few days ago, but if you didn't, the My First Anywhere Chair finally had the sale I was waiting for last week. They were marked at 25% off, and then there was a coupon code for another 20% off that could be stacked. These chairs are so often excluded from sales, so I knew once I saw it that now was the time to buy! My grand total, with shipping and custom embroidery, came to $90! If you are rolling your eyes at what a baby chair costs..go put it in your cart and see what it comes out to at full price. These were some major savings, and these keepsake items are so much sweeter when I picture both of my boys sitting side by side in their little chairs. I am so obsessed with the fact that I have a pair of brothers in my house. Some days I still have to remind myself that this is our life, and I also cannot believe how much I love being a boy mom. What I never knew I wanted, but is exactly what I needed.

4. Birthday Crafts

You guys, Lincoln turns one in less than a month. While I truly have no idea how that is even possible, I have been keeping myself from dwelling on how quickly he is growing by planning his birthday party! I did a little DIY project for him, and while I am not sharing the final project just yet, I have to say I love how it turned out! Here is a little sneak peak. I may be a boy mom, but you know I sneak a little glitter in wherever I can ;-) I will definitely show how I made this item after his birthday! And on the note of him being eleven months old, I do have an update post in the works. I was so on top of those with Jackson, posting to the day of when he hit his monthly milestones. With Lincoln, I figure as long as I am within a week or so, it still works, right?.. #secondchildproblems #imalsoasecondchildsoitsokay

5. The perfect dress

It's blush. It's off the shoulder. It's flowy. And it's from Target. How cute is this dress!? I saw it and immediately fell in love. And, with all of the upcoming showers, parties, and wedding festivities, I am thrilled to have a few occasions where a new dress is actually warranted ;-) The negative reviews say the sleeves are really long, which may deter most but is kind of perfect for me. I just love it!

This weekend is filled with baby shower festivities, so today and tomorrow will be lots of decorating and food prep. I am looking forward to spoiling my future nephew, I can't wait to add another little one to the cousins! :-) Happy weekend friends!

Five on Friday // Oh Hey Friday! // Friday Favorites // Friday Favorites // High Five For Friday

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Tuesday Outtakes [Linkup]

Welcome to the first week of 'Tuesday Outtakes'! On the first Tuesday of every month, link up with Danielle and I as we share the outtakes of the previous month. Share some pictures, share a story, whatever didn't quite make the cut. Because those are often the best stories anyway!

We were taking selfies, and he managed to get my lipstick all over his chin. Fortunately he doesn't seem to mind!

One of Lincoln's favorite things is to hang out upside down. He thinks it is so fun and hangs his mouth open wide every single time. I couldn't resist snapping this sweet photo. What a little ham!

We have struggled getting Jackson to drink out of an open cup. For the most part, he has just outright refused for the past few months. I decided to give it a try to give him an open cup with a straw. He complied and drank his water, but not without throwing me a little side eye.

This kid loves his snacks. If we would let him, he would live off of snacks and totally skip meals and not mind one bit. This trail mix is already out of stock at Target as it was seasonal, but it was called 'bunny bait', which I started calling 'bunny crunch'. Jackson now loves to ask for his 'bunny bunch', and it is so darn cute!

He is just so darn cute sitting in the backseat. What a guy.

This stare. I don't know many kids that can throw down a stone faced stare better than Lincoln can. And those baby blues are sticking around I think. If someone can tell me how I ended up with a blonde haired, blue eyed kiddo, that would be great!

Earlier in the month, Jackson randomly got sick at daycare and so I had to pick him up and spend the day at home with him. We had a picnic in the living room of meatballs and some fruit that he had already cleared off of the plate. Two bouts of sickness and he was back to 100% by lunch time.

Showing off his bunny. I stole that bunny back and it is going in his Easter basket. SHHH, don't tell!

I picked up donut holes the other weekend, and Lincoln ate SO many. I had to cut him off. Kid loves to eat.

The kid also loves to climb the stairs. His brother likes to knock down the baby gate giving him access that I am unaware of. Ask me how quickly my heart starts racing when I realize my baby is up half a flight of stairs!

Grocery shopping with his own personal cart and doritos. Of note, he tried to fill his ENTIRE cart with doritos, but I limited it to the one bag ;-)

And last but not least, we buzzed Jackson's hair this month! It is SO thick and I was reaching the point of not knowing what to do with it. Washing it was so much work! He hates haircuts so much, but we need to start doing them more consistently because his hair grows so fast. He is not crying in this picture because we bribed him with chocolate. Whatever it takes, right?!

I can't wait to see all of your outtakes-I just love getting a glimpse into what 'real life' looks like for everyone!

Also linking up for Tuesday Talk today!

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Weekending

Another Monday, another 5am wakeup call by the kiddos. While I hate to see the weekend go, this one was a good one!

On Friday, I got some news over my lunch that my younger brother and his fiancé had picked their wedding date, and it is four months away! I had already known they were entertaining a fall wedding and would likely have a shorter engagement, but apparently a deal came up that was too good to pass up, the pastor was available, and that was that. SO, our family is in total wedding planning mode now!

Aside from the excitement of the wedding date being set, on Friday afternoon my brother and sister in law came over to get food prepped for Saturday. My husband and BIL both have smokers and decided to make their own recipe for ribs. And for those of you with smokers, you know it is a labor of love ;-) So while they prepped I got to hang out with my SIL for a bit, which is always fun. The kiddos played and by the time Jackson finally was put to bed, he was so tired from a day spent at grandma and grandpas and playing that he closed his eyes and was out before I even laid him down all of the way. Now if only he would do that every night!

On Saturday, we were up and at em and made an early grocery store run for dinner. On the menu was ribs, potato salad, corn bread muffins, and homemade banana pudding. If you have ever had Famous Dave's, they sell their corn bread in the stores, and it is SO good. Lincoln was just along for the free paper crown.

Once we got home, two of my sisters in law came over while the guys started up the smokers. And you guys, they totally took over and cleaned my house! Katie literally disassembled my couch and vacuumed every last nook and cranny of the thing, and Laura organized the toy room, which is already back in shambles (sorry Laura!) You just can't keep that on clean for longer than thirty seconds. But still, I think I need to invite them over more often because I don't know if anything is better than someone else vacuuming for you ;-)

The banana pudding custard took SO long to make, I honestly declared I would never make it again. I swear I stood there stirring it to thicken for almost an hour. But then I tasted it at dinner, and it was that good. So good that it is worth standing over the stovetop for an hour. The recipe is out of one of our books, but I will try to share it soon!

After dinner, we all hung around, we took a walk around our little neighborhood, it was just so nice out! Mid sixties, and we had all of the windows open while the kiddos ran around outside pretty much all day. These are the spring days that we dream about all winter! We eventually got the kids to sleep, and were so exhausted, we watched a little bit of The Chapelle Show and were down and out early.

We woke up to a cloudy and raining morning Sunday, so most of the day was spent inside. I made an early grocery store run with Lincoln, to get some breakfast items and stock up on some things for the baby shower I am hosting at our house next weekend!

 

My sister in law called shortly after, and we ran into town for some party supplies, and we came back and worked on some projects for the shower! I am really excited to pull all of the little pieces together, I think it is going to turn out so great!

After she and my nephew left, we lounged around the rest of the day. Our kids were having one of those days, so it was basically a countdown to bedtime. We watched The Office, which I was just told is going off of Netflix next month!? I have no idea how I will survive. Buy the entire series on Blue Ray I suppose. We have watched the entire series through three or four times, and I don't see us stopping any time soon.

We went fancy and threw in frozen pizzas for dinner, and finished off the night with the season finale of The Walking Dead. You guys, if you watch it, IT WAS SO GOOD. One of those finales that is just insanely gratifying and has me dying for it to be October so we can watch again.

Don't forgot, tomorrow is the first day of the Tuesday Outtakes linkup! Join in and share all of the photos from the month of March that didn't quite make the cut :-)

 

Linking up with Biana today.

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