Coffee Talk

Is anyone else in absolute disbelief that summer is drawing to a close? We are literally only one week away from pumpkin spice lattes, and I'll be honest, I'm not sad about it! So in the spirit of fall, grab your favorite spiced coffee, cozy up on the couch and pretending it feels like fall outside, and let's chat.

If we were having coffee, I would tell you...

 

I am feeling more lost with my career than I have in a long time. I mentioned last week that my boss resigned without notice, and ever since our department has kind of been in a frenzy and no one really knows what to do next. I am at a point of really weighing my options, but it is so overwhelming to ever consider doing something new.

 

In my dream world, I would work 2-3 days a week. Some days, I kick myself for not going into a career that works shifts so I could have this be more of an option. I so badly wish I had the desire to be a nurse, but I just know that isn't the right career for me. I hate not being with my kiddos more and being able to spend more time taking care of our house, and yet I know I would go crazy being home full time.

 

Every time the Powerball gets really high, Mike and I buy a ticket and then talk about what we would do with the money. And we legitimately end up in heated discussions. Over the lottery that we will never win.

 

I am relieved we are beyond party season. In a matter of four months, I threw birthday parties for both of my boys, a baby shower, a bridal shower, and have hosted family over to our house numerous times for dinners. While I love spending time with loved ones and planning these parties, I planned so many in such a short window and am more than ready for a breather.

 

Speaking of birthdays, September is both mine and Mike's birthdays, and then October is our anniversary. These occasions are all taken as an opportunity to go out to a restaurant and NOT cook ;-) I already have plans for childcare and dinner lined up for my birthday, and I already can't wait!

 

I am so off tracking with any sort of meal planning, and healthy eating has not been a priority at all lately, but I so desperately want to change that. Especially because the holidays will be here soon, and if I just continue how I have been going I know it is going to be bad news for me.

 

Since quitting breastfeeding, I put back on a few pounds, but also feel like my body is the most out of shape it has been in years. I am thinking we are finally at a point where if we got a new gym membership we might use it. I can't find a spot in our new house that would be good for a workout, but I NEED to do something!!

 

We are still in the process of potty training, and I feel like we are at an absolute stand still. He is in underwear all day, but still won't tell us he has to go (we have to ask), and he outright refuses to #2 on the potty. I am seriously about to lose my mind and am just so over it. I am even reaching the point where I sometimes get frustrated at him, which I know isn't fair. I am getting desperate, so am more than willing to hear people's tips and trips!

 

With that, I was just scrolling the channels and stumbled across Sweet Home Alabama, so it is time for me to sign off and watch Reese Witherspoon decide which hearththrob to marry ;-)

 

Happy Friday Eve!

 

Linking up with Annie today!

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Coffee Talk

Whew. You guys. I am still here!! I swear I have weeks where I get back in somewhat of a groove with blogging, but then I fall right back off. I blame summer. And parenthood. And lots of time spent playing outside. And to be honest, I'm not one bit sorry about that. I love this little space, so much. But I remember when I first started out, and ladies would take a summer hiatus, or would announce they were leaving for a bit, and I always wondered why. But sometimes, the writing just doesn't come. I haven't had any AHA moments that left me feeling inspired to share a story. I have some fun progress around the house and updates on the boys that I want to share, but I just haven't been able to sit down and get it done. Sometimes we all just need a breather. But one thing I can always do, is ramble. Oh can I ramble. So, if you want to hear the random scatterings that run through my head on the daily, grab your morning cup of coffee, and read on!

If we were having coffee...


I would tell you that this summer has been SO BUSY. Owning a house and putting time and effort into it is seriously a full time job. Owning nearly five acres pretty much is a full time job. My husband is out and about doing odd and end things pretty much every evening after work. I am learning quickly that, in a house, the work never really ends.


Our biggest project of the summer is completed, and we finally have a patio in our backyard! Having that big huge yard but nowhere functional out back to set things was getting to be frustrating and, frankly, kind of sad. I get giddy every time I look out the kitchen window and see our pretty new spot. And to open that door right off the dining room table and be able to walk right out onto the patio..I am in heaven. We are doing a happy dance because we will finally be able to leave our grill outside and start eating al fresco with the kiddos!


I already mentioned this above, but my writers block this summer has been bad. The words just aren't flowing. I feel like I am not the only one thinking this way, because I have seen LOTS of you out there mention the summer slump. I promise myself repeatedly that I won't write content that doesn't feel genuine, but at the same time, leaving this place silent for too long starts to feel like I am giving it up, which I most definitely am not. Sigh.


I know part of the summer slump has been the fact that we have so much else going on. We have really just been living and enjoying life this summer. Saturdays spent playing in the pool and hanging out with family. Watching our boys grow and learn and play. Welcoming a new niece and nephew. My brother getting married. Real life has been so exciting, even though Stang&Co has not!


Speaking of my brother's wedding, he gets married this Saturday. I knew with them only having a four month engagement it would go quickly, but I still cannot believe the day is already here! I just love my soon to be sister in law, and the precious couple that the two of them are. This is the first big family wedding besides my own, and I'm already pretty sure I will need all of the tissues!


Jackson turns three next week. THREE. I do not even have words to describe how I feel about this. He has so quickly lost all that was still baby about him and is a full fledged little boy. While my heart breaks over this, I also melt every time he tells me a story in his sweet little voice. He will recount his day to me on the drive home from daycare, and I find myself in disbelief that this little person that I created such a short time ago is telling me all about his life. Motherhood is such an amazing thing.


I seem to just be heading down the emotional path here, so I think this is a good place to stop ;-) For all of those who are still following along, thank you! This place continues to be an outlet for me, and houses so many special memories that I treasure being able to look back on. I know I will continue writing for that exact reason, so between a wedding and birthday festivities, know you will surely be seeing me around a bit more soon! :-)


Linking up with Annie today!

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Coffee Talk

It has been quite the summer so far. Nothing too major has happened, but I feel like I have so much on my mind lately!

If we were to sit down to coffee [preferably an iced coffee, out on the patio], I would tell you that...

Since quitting nursing, I have gained a few pounds. Nothing major, but 3-4 pounds is enough to just make you feel blah. The worst part is that I have actually been eating better, which tells me that had I not adjusted a few things that weight gain probably would have been much worse. Even still, it is pretty frustrating to make some changes that normally would result in losing weight, and instead I am just preventing further weight gain. It is definitely time for me to get back into working out if I really want to see any changes, I think.

Speaking of working out, I still haven't found my groove. While life is much less hectic than it was a year ago, we are still pretty busy. And with our endless amounts of yard work, I am pretty stuck inside with the kiddos while Mike takes care of the landscaping. I'm not complaining, but I still feel like I just haven't found that sweet spot that allows me to squeeze in exercise without sacrificing my time with my loved ones. I would take the kiddos on walks, but one of them always ends up throwing a tantrum (or a shoe) so I can never go too far!

I cannot believe how fast this summer is flying by. It felt like we were just waiting and waiting for the warm weather to arrive, and then I blinked and we are into the end of June. Summer isn't my season, but this year I wish it would slow down just a bit!

My sister in law brought this pool over when we were at grandma and grandpa's last weekend, and I need one! It is collapsible, but provides enough depth that the kids can really swim and be in the water. It comes up to their chests sitting, so while it requires a little extra supervision, I feel like it is so much more fun for them and feels more like a real pool. And bonus, it is big enough that I can sit in there with them while they splash: extra supervision and pool time for me, too!

This week, I listed a TV for sale on our local online garage sale, and I swear it brought the crazies out of the woodwork. I *stupidly* gave a person our address so they could come to the house to see it/buy it, and my brother in law then said he may want it so to please hold it. Family first, so I told the lady it was not available. She got MAD at me, and scolded me for posting the item before clearing if any person in the world that I know would potentially want it. Then she told me she 'didn't believe me'. Andddd then I blocked her. I have had multiple other people message me, some asking me questions in Spanish (and hello, we live in Minnesota here...) Just weird! Maybe it is because it is an electronic? I am about ready to say screw it and just give it to charity, but I THINK I found normal buyer. Fingers crossed...

This morning, Jackson came in my room while I was getting dressed (wearing a bra and underwear), placed his hand on my butt, smiled and me and said, 'me love your big butt!'. I think it is time to be more considerate of him seeing me when I'm not fully clothed..

I don't know if anything will top that last one for me, so that is where I'll leave it! Happy Friday Eve!

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Coffee Talk

My sweet friend Chelsea occasionally does 'coffee talk' posts, and I was inspired to do one myself today! While I love a good confessions post, or shopping guide, or baby update, sometimes I just have a million thoughts swirling around in my head that don't fall into any give category. Rather, it is a compilation of thoughts and emotions that I would likely spill over to anyone listening on a good old coffee date. So read on, grab a cup of coffee yourself, and let's talk.

I feel like lately, I just don't have it all together. I try, really I do. I think maybe it is the weather. This is always the hardest stretch of the year, with no big holidays to look forward to, weather that keeps us Midwesterners locked inside, and the general end of winter 'blahs'. I keep hoping a bit of inspiration and excitement comes my way soon.

I don't think I have found my calling, career wise. I do not know what my ultimate goal is, and sometimes it can be a downer to feel like you just aren't as motivated as you think you should be. Is motivation a magic pot of gold that I just might not find? Or maybe it's just that darn end of winter blues hitting.

My boys are and continue to be my whole world. There are days where my fuse runs short, and they drive me up the wall, but those aren't the stories I share about them, because those moments pale in comparison to the sweet, joyous moments they bring to my life.

If we were having coffee, I would tell you that a sweet, ten month old baby is what you would find in the dictionary if you looked up the literal word 'baby'. Sweet babbles and giggles, wrist rolls and finger dimples, and those cute little baby teeth spell literal baby perfection. It is one of those stages you wouldn't mind bottling up and keeping with you forever.

I have been majorly working on cutting back what I spend lately. I haven't put all things on hold, but I am being more mindful, trying to use rewards points/major sales whenever possible, and just thinking a bit more before clicking add to cart. Of course, the exception to the rule was getting this top this week. Over coffee, I would admit to you that I own this shirt in five different colors, and wear every single one a regular basis. I mean, if the shoe fits, right? I would tell you that you should buy it in every single color, and then we could be adorable tunic wearing twins.

I would tell you I am excited about things that have been happening with my blog and writing lately, but I am often hesitant to talk about it. I often worry what others will think, and feel as though a lot of people don't understand why I do what I do. I love to write, I love to share my favorite finds, my inner thoughts, and memories of my little family. I really pour my heart and soul into this space, and tell myself that if I am able to touch even one person with my words, it is 100% worth it. But for whatever reason, to try to explain that to others is scary.

I would tell you that I drink way too much coffee, eat way too many desserts, and then would probably ask you to make plans next week that inevitably involve food.

What have you been thinking lately? I would love to coffee chat!

Linking up with Annie today.

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