Picture Perfect Mess

Can I just be real for a minute.... (hopefully without offending anyone... too much).

I recently started following some other mommy bloggers on instagram in an effort to see what others were doing and how I could promote my blog.  I now have this constant stream of perfect mommy pictures featuring flawless make-up,  perfectly tousled hair in super adorable outfit out on some adventure to a farm, zoo, beach, etc.  Now I don't know these people- maybe this is their everyday life and I guess wow- that's amazing- you sound like you are leading a life close to the Rich Kids of Beverly Hills.  (Thanks E!  for that gem of a show) That's a great life, if they are happy- then I'm happy for them. Unfortunately, that's not my life, nor do I want it to be.  I have to believe that I'm not the only one who leads a life that's filled with just a bit more chaos and mess.

This is my life...  My dog should not be trusted when left alone! 

This is how I look 90% of my life.

When my son was first born I was gross, like all the time! I'd have maybe five minutes a day without spit-up, snot, drool or some other bodily fluid on me.  I was on maternity leave- yoga pants and a t-shirt were my uniform. I didn't have time or energy to pose for a picture edit and share it with a world. Even now my son is almost one  I'm still pretty much a mess most of the time- I go work and then come home and if I'm not in comfy clothes in like five minutes- it's kind of a bad day (haha).

My husband and I both work full-time jobs with varying schedules we see each other sometimes for five minutes a day and usually I'm half a sleep when it happens.  When we do have a day off together half the time it involves household chores. I spend at least one or two nights a week at home alone with my son, trying to fit in walking the dog, making dinner and cleaning up dinner, doing a load of laundry, showering while entertaining my son and keeping the dog from eating the bathroom rugs, giving my son a bath and getting him in his jammies all before the MELTDOWN hits!

I'm not complaining.  I'm pretty sure this is just the life of a mom.  I know I'm not alone. Maybe I'm just following the wrong moms but I don't care about your cute new tunic sweater, I don't care about this great new mascara- if you have time to spend writing a product review on mascara- you are not my crowd. Guess how I buy my mascara- I go to the store look at all the brands and say well these are all too expensive- I guess I'll buy the cheapest one. I'm certainly not researching them on blogs before I go pick one out.

None of that is helpful to my everyday life.  Tell me where I can save money on a family activity, a easy quick recipe, tell me a story when everything just fell apart and all you could do was laugh at the insanity.  That's whats helpful to me, make me laugh, tell me I'm not the only one who's husband just can't manage to get the dishes all the way to the dishwasher.

This is my life. I coupon, groupon, and sign-up for anything that will send me a birthday or anniversary deal! I live on crockpots and casseroles. I multi-task with laundry, dinner and cleaning the house in the hour my son takes a nap.

If your life is a little closer to mine, I hope you will subscribe and follow my blog.  I promise I won't only share the perfect times in my life.  I'll hopefully be helpful with recipes, deals, and kid crafts and honest when it comes to the messes and struggles of a working mom's life.

J.S.

See you later...

My family and I just experienced the closest thing to a real life "Notebook" story.  My last post I told you about losing my Grandma, well exactly a month to the day later we lost my Grandpa.  I told you-they just couldn't be apart for too long.  In the history of couples that belong together- there is Mickey and Minnie, Romeo and Juliet, and not far behind- Ed and June.

I know we are relieved that they can be together again, free from pain- reliving the glory days of drinking beer, playing cards and dancing.  But I think this loss has hit a bit harder.  Maybe because somehow it's more definite. Not that before Grandma was coming back, but with Grandpa here- part of their family was still here, there was still Grandma and Grandpa's house to visit.  The lost of Grandma was still so fresh and now there is Grandpa too.  I think its just hitting everyone a little harder.

Together Grandma and Grandpa lit up a room- their smiles, and laughter just filled a room with joy and love. But in my last post I shared with you a little bit about my Grandma, so it's only fair that this one I tell you about my Grandpa.  He was the kindest man, a true gentleman. He always put everyone before himself. He loved his family and his wife more than anything. I believe his greatest joys were when all of his children, grandchildren and eventually great grandchildren were together.

I can't really sum up my Grandpa's whole 91 years of life in just a few sentences but I can say he was warm, loving, sweet, jovial, funny and just always seemed to enjoy life.  My amazing aunt put together a video tribute that really sums his spirit and life up better than I ever could. http://vimeo.com/106232790.

I will share a few of my favorite Grandpa memories though.
When I was little and we would go out to eat with my grandparents and I'd get a dessert, Grandpa always take a bite first and say, "I better test that out for you- make sure it's OK." He was funny, clever, quick-witted and a little corny, but in a way that can only be Grandpa.  Along with playing card games- which Grandma and Grandpa taught us all at an early age- we also played dominos.  I remember my Grandpa getting so frustrated with the game- he always ended up with the worst tiles- nothing to play and a million points to add up at the end. Without fail every game at some point (usually still in the first round or two) included Grandpa saying with great frustration "I hate this game!"  I have to say this phrase comes up in every game we play as a family- at some point, by someone- but we always play again.

We have already begun cleaning out Grandma and Grandpa's house- and each child and grandchild has taken a little something to have in our own homes- a way to remind us of them, keep them close to us. It's been hard- filled with tears, stress and heartache- but also some laughter and even a few happy tears- laughter is healing- and if there is something we can always make each other do it's- laugh.

I believe is ghosts, angels, spirits- whatever you want to call them.  I believe even after someone leaves this world physically they are still here with us. They are still a part of our lives. I've felt it.

I lost my best friend over two years ago and on multiple occasions since I've felt her with me.  Things have happened that maybe could be explained in some other way- but I don't care to explain them in any other way.  I know they were Lauren saying hi, or just being with me. I know the night my son was born- I called on Lauren- I was scared and anxious and had no idea what to expect- I just said Lauren help me through this, be with me. And I know she was.  Another time right after I visited Lauren's gravestone-the first time I had taken Elijah with me-I was pulling out of the cemetery and my inside car lights turned on, and started beeping like my trunk was open.  But it was not it hadn't opened in several days.  Now you have to know that Lauren had this obsession with checking her car to make sure her trunk was closed - she would always double, triple check it every time we left my house. I know that when I left the cemetery that was just Lauren saying hello.

I also believe this has already happened with my Grandma.  The Thursday after my Grandma's funeral I was driving to work and lightning struck right in front of my car- maybe five-ten feet away. It was SCARY!  But I was ok- I know that was my Grandma just saying hi.  I know this sounds strange too- but my Grandma was electric! Every house she had ever lived in-since she was 5 years old had been struck by lightning- and she moved a lot!

Sure these situations could be coincidences and maybe they can all logically be explained but I'd rather believe that the people I love who have passed on are with me, watching over me, helping me. I believe after someone passes on- that we can carry them with us our whole lives and a part of them lives on with us. I also believe these same loved ones carry us through some of the darkest, hardest times of our lives. Times when we feel like giving up, when we are so overwhelmed they push us to continue through to the lighter times.

So as sad as we all are now-dealing with the fresh losses of Grandma and Grandpa  (and I'll tell you heaven got some good ones this past month)  I know I have just gained two more people who will be watching over me, and I'll be looking for a hello from them every once in a while!  So I will not say goodbye Grandpa- I'll just say See you later!

Love you Grandpa!

JS

Saying Goodbye

Two weeks ago today we lost my Grandma. It's not that this was a total shock- she had been sick, I guess it just came a little faster than anyone thought.  My family and I are all relieved she did not have to suffer too long.  But her not being with us in this world has left us with sorrow, grief and longing.

Grandma and Grandpa at my wedding in 2012

My Grandma was just what you picture when you think of "Grandma"- she always had a candy jar- maybe two out in her house (one with Skittles, one with chocolate) and no matter how quiet you tried to be sneaking candy before dinner you'd hear from the other room, "I heard that."  I remember her and my Grandpa taking care of me one summer and spending almost the entire summer teaching me to shuffle cards- we play a lot of card games in my family- so you gotta learn young!  I remember taking a train ride with my cousins and grandparents and Grandma pulling lemon drops out of her purse for us to snack on during the train ride- even though I'm pretty sure the train was taking us to lunch!  She was loving, joyful, clever and funny- she was Grandma.

When I think of the "leader" in our family- I think of her.  She organized get-togethers, hosted parties, planned trips. I hope she knows she left a family who will continue on the parties,  get-togethers and traditions she started.  We will even continue the traditions we each complain and grumble through- Christmas cookie decorating, every year we make too many- but every year we make the same.  It's what we do, and we will continue to do. Because who doesn't love Christmas cookies until Valentine's Day!  :)

The hardest part of this loss is seeing my Grandpa without her.

My entire life I never saw my Grandma and Grandpa apart (I mean maybe by a room- Grandma in the kitchen, Grandpa watching the game in the family room).  They truly lived their lives together- is there anything more amazing then to honestly be able to say you shared your whole life with someone- from 16 years old on?   It's just amazing and so lovely!  She passed away peacefully, holding my Grandpa's hand- I can't think of a more peaceful way for her to pass on.

I absolutely love this picture from my Grandparents wedding. 

My Grandpa is being strong, he is heartbroken but he is still getting up, smiling, laughing and yelling at the Reds, or Bengals.  (There isn't always a lot to cheer about with Cincinnati sports)

Grandma help create a family filled with support, laughter and love for each other.  At her memorial there was a sadness of saying goodbye but a lightness as well. We were all together and I think that makes us realize how strong we are as a family.  I see a part of her in all of us and that will help carry on her memory and legacy. 

After we cried for our loss, we laughed remembering good times, and planning for future memories.  I do not think there is anything more healing then laughter.  I'm proud to be a part of a family that never ceases to smile, laugh and love. 

Love you Grandma! 

JS

Thriving in Chaos....

I'm not sure how everyone else feels...maybe it's something all moms' feel- or maybe I'm just weird- but I feel like I am so much more productive, happy and satisfied when I have just about too much on my plate!

I really started to notice it when I was in college- my last semester of college- I was taking a full class load- had three part-time jobs and an internship- I was BUSY- but I loved it- I knew what I had to do each day and I went to bed feeling accomplished each night!  That semester was the only semester my entire college (and possibly high school) career I got a 4.0 GPA!

After graduation my first "Big Girl Job" was as an administrative assistant- I was BORED out of my mind- and as a result of not being challenged at work I got a little complacent and lazy in my personal life too- I was itching for more projects, more responsibility, more challenges.  My second job outside of college was at a waterpark in marketing, and planning events- I loved it!  I got to be creative, organized, have fun and working with the public there was just a bit of craziness!


In the past few years I've had a couple of career changes, planned a wedding, bought a house and oh yeah had a baby- so it's kept me pretty busy! Just when things are starting to calm down- and I feel like I'm kind of getting the hang of things professionally and personally- I'm itching for more! I need a creative release, a project, a trip, an adventure!

I'm so happy right now in my life- I love seeing my son grow and change everyday- he's getting to such a playful age, and our puppy provides just another dash of unbridled energy. I'm happy but I'm also itching for something more-professionally and creatively. (Without taking too much time away from my little man- because he comes before everything else in my life.)

Something I know I am missing- is something we did in my time in marketing at the waterpark.  We put together little videos showing guests and events at the park. I have always loved movies and it was so fun to quickly make these promo videos highlighting the park.  It was probably my favorite thing to do at the park.  I miss it- I wish there was some aspect of my career now that gave me a reason to make something similar- but real estate doesn't exactly provide the same chaos and fun as a waterpark.

While planning my wedding I did put together a fairly long slideshow presentation of my husband and I growing up and had it transition through several different songs. I may be a little biased but I thought it was pretty good!  I also designed and printed my own wedding invitations, save the date cards, programs, cards for the guest gift and thank you cards.  Everything went together, and fit into the look of my wedding. Again- I may be biased but I was very proud of my wedding and the look I created was exactly what I wanted.

My point to all of this is- I'm itching to get some more creativity into my life.   Designing- invites, cards, whatever- I can probably do it.  Or I can put together photos, or video clips into a movie.  Just let me know what you need or what you are looking for and I'd be happy to try and help!

I loved planning my wedding day, and creating all the special little parts of it that make it unique and personal.  I love meeting new people, talking wedding and family and I'd love to help someone else plan their big day.  I've planned a number of different events in my personal and professional life- so I am very familiar with the process.

If there is something you would like my help with- designing, planning or editing- send me a message, leave me a comment, or connect with me on- twitter, instagram or pinterest.  I'd love to help- and apparently I'm lacking a little organized chaos in my life right now- haha!

Some of us just live for the mayhem- and I'm one of them- if it doesn't come my way I go looking for it!  :)

Summertime Adventures

I know it has been a while! I apologize I have been wanting to update- but I can't quite get my thoughts all in order- so while I work through this writers block- here's a photo update of some of our recent adventures!

Summer has finally arrived in Ohio and we have been having so much fun!

It's not quite the same fun that summer used to bring with weekend trips, vacations, and theme parks and all day adventures but we are definitely still having fun!  Trips and outings just take a bit more planning.

We are trying to get back out there!  Over the winter I feel like I really did hibernate- too cold and snowy to want to go anywhere especially with a newborn- but  I'm trying to figure it all out now and find out some good places we can go and fun things we can do! If you have any ideas/suggestions send them my way!

So far we have:

Springtime Family Photos! 

Gone to the park to walk and take new family photos- this was actually more spring time but that's ok!

Trip to the Zoo! 

We went to the zoo on a especially cold late spring/early summer day- it was obviously so much fun it worn the little guy out!  And it was so cold we were only there about two hours but the first couple animals he did really enjoy seeing!

Four Generations! 

We celebrated Tony's birthday with a cookout! Which also included a visit from his Grandparents from Florida and Aunt and her family.  It was so great because we had four generations all together for a family shot!

Father's Day! 

Tony had his first Fathers Day!  Which was such a busy and special day!  It started out with coffee and his favorite donuts, and ended up with a first time swimming for little man and a new addition to the family- a puppy named Cody!  

Where did I pee??? You'll never guess! 

Cody has been a great addition.  I know some people have said we are crazy- but you know I just don't like boredom so why not take on a puppy and a baby! haha.  Little man loves the pup though so all the crazy is worth it!

First time hitting the pool! 

It doesn't look like I am having too much fun...
But I promise I love it! 

Best Buds! 

Nap Time is better when we snuggle!

I'd say we are having a pretty good summer so far!  I'll keep working through this writers block and hopefully have something more informative next time! :) 

Religion Struggles...

OK- here goes another just super honest blog- I am sorry if anyone is offended by but, it's just where I am right now and my story and my struggle.

Doesn't everyone have a First
Communion picture like this??

It's safe to say that currently I am struggling to find my religious "home." I grew up Catholic attended 12 years of Catholic school, attending Mass every weekend with my family.  My family always went to Saturday evening Mass and afterwards we would go out to dinner.  It was pretty much the one night a week we ate out- it became our normal Saturday night- sometimes we would go out to dinner and then stop at Blockbuster to rent a movie!  It was special treat and a fun family night growing up.

I was actually a very good practicing Catholic until I began college. I went to college away from home and just never found a Church there.  However, even before I went to college- Mass had long become just a routine I would sit through. I just people watch and wonder how many people just came to Mass once a week thinking it was their pass for the week- were they really living their faith once they left? The homilies often made me mad- I began to criticize parts of the sermon and question parts of my faith.

I in no way have ever questioned God- I believe in God.  I know for a fact there is some higher power watching over us and guiding us if we let Him.  But what I do question is people's interpretations of The Bible- it's so very easy to interpret Bible stories/lessons in a way that gets followers to believe and act a way that is favorable to their own beliefs.

I also do not like the business aspect of the Church.  I know that it is in fact a business and that for parishes to survive they have to have money supporting them.  But I personally have seen an ugly business side of the Church where people were not treated in a very fair, respectful or understanding way. I know that one situation or person should not affect my entire faith but it is just more fuel that makes me question the interpretation/ manipulation of people in a position of religious power.

My other struggle is I want to get my son Baptized but my husband and his family are not Catholic which means no one from his side of the family are eligible to be Godparents.  We were married in the Catholic Church but because he is not Catholic our marriage is not recognized in the Church.  This bothers me- he is judge because he is not like everyone else and not fully accepted- shouldn't a Church be accepting of every person and welcoming everyone.

One thing that has stuck with me is from a World Religion class I took in high school- I found it so interesting that so may religions have similar stories. This only reinforced my belief that there is a God but people have just interpreted God and miracles in different ways and call Him different names.

I question why any religion only focuses on the differences instead of the beliefs that we all share.  Why do we say there is only one true religion- isn't it kind of arrogant to just disregard millions of other people's beliefs.  Why is any Religion given the power to judge another person based on a belief or lifestyle? Isn't it better to believe that God truly loves all people and that if we are a good kind person that helps others, and makes that world a better place that will be an enough for Him to grant us eternal life and salvation?

This is my belief and because of it I am struggling to find a new Faith home. I want my son to grow up in a Church, to learn about Religion, Faith, God and The Bible. But I also want to honestly stand behind this religion and know how to answer questions when he comes to me to ask- why is this, why do we do that?   How can I ask and teach him to believe something I am not sure I fully understand and agree with?

I want to create a Saturday/Sunday tradition where we go to Church and then share a meal as a family.  But I am not sure where to go- if I should explore another Faith or if I give the Catholic Church another try.  I am stuck and confused.

JS

Family Zombie Time!

We have sort of a fun weekly tradition with my husband's family.  About two years ago we all started watching The Walking Dead... I know right.... super fun family bonding show.  But it is for us.

We all (about 10 of us- which is pretty impressive to coordinate that many schedules!) get together Sunday night have dinner, hang out and watch the show. We laugh at the zombies, are shocked by the plot twists and/or say we called it (there's bets out on Beth's survival), try and come up with what's going to happen or how they are going to get out of each crazy situation.

It's become a fun Sunday night that we all look forward too- of course The Walking Dead is only on 6-8 weeks at a time- so we have kept up the tradition on their off seasons by getting together and watching movies every Sunday.  We watched Frozen much to some of the mens' protest.... but lets not lie- they all loved it!  Next week it's The Avenger's once we discovered someone in our group had never seen it! Plus I know our little guy will like it- he loves action... already such a boy (he laughs every time we say stinky poo-poo).

Ok enough about our movie and TV watching habits.  Since we have moved in to our house we have sort of become the house to host Sunday nights- which is fine for me because I have made Sunday my day to stay home, hang out with my little man and get ready for the week!  I love Sundays!

Sunday has also become by Crock Pot Recipe test day! The Sunday night crew has become my guinea pigs for new Crock Pot recipes!  This past week was Crock Pot Mexican Lasagna.  I personally was not 100% sold on it but everyone else said they enjoyed it- so I'll give it one more try!

Here are a few of the Crock Pot recipes I have tried- that I'll definitely make again:

• Mexican Lasagna
• Cheeseburger Sandwiches
• Chicken Tacos 
• Chicken Cheesy Spaghetti
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
• Spinach Alfredo Ravioli 
• Cheesy Spinach Tortellini 
• Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
• Chicken Pot Pie 
• Breakfast Casserole- who doesn't love breakfast for dinner! 

Tonight I am trying Creamy Chipotle Tortellini! (I'll let you know how it is.)

There are many more recipes on my Pinterest Page- You are welcome to check them out- I haven't made them all but - it's kind of like all the crafts and home decor- they sounded good enough and easy enough for me to re-pin them!

I just have to say again- Crock Pot recipes are awesome- they make enough to feed 10 people, and sometimes we even have leftovers!  I really think I could throw just about anything in there and it would turn out!  It's amazing!  I'm thinking I need to buy like three more!  Plus and possibly best of all- its a one pot clean-up- so I can rinse it and get back to the party- because after all I made it- so hubby's on clean-up duty! :)

JS

40 Acts of Kindness Summary

Hey guys,

A belated Happy Easter!

Sorry it has been a while- I just decided to wait and do one post to do to summarize my 40 acts of Kindness Challenge.  I am happy to report that I have completed my Lenten Kindness Challenge- with the exception of one final act:
Planting a Tree/flower- the weather has not been on my side and I am waiting to do this until it consistently warms up- who knows this one may have to wait until June!

But here is a summary of the rest of the items on my challenge list:

• Clean up litter- I did this in our grocery store parking lot
• Bring Flowers to a friend- I did this twice for two different friends 
• Compliment someone- completed twice with two work friends 
• Make dinner for a friend- I did this one 5 times throughout Lent for a few different friends
• Donated Food to the Lebanon Food Pantry 
• Make a Donation to a Charity-I donated money to 2 local charities 
• Leave a generous tip- Completed for my birthday dinner out with my husband 
• Let someone go in line in front of you- Completed at least twice- at the post office and at Starbucks 
• Hold the door for someone- Completed 4 times- this one was cutting it close the last one was  Easter morning at Church
• Write a letter to a friend- Completed twice
• Bring Co-workers a special treat- Completed twice 
• Buy Someones lunch- Completed one time- I bought my friends lunch when we were out shopping one afternoon
• Donate Used Clothing- I donated some clothing and other items to the Vietnam Vets
• Plant a tree/flower- To Be Completed as soon as the weather is consistently warm
• Be an active listener to someone who needs to talk- Completed
• Give a Thank you note- completed two times
• Donate Blood- My husband and I both donated blood on April 12th
• Make Breakfast for my husband- My husband is very lucky I did this three times throughout Lent
• Say Good Morning and smile- I think I did this really almost everyday but I know I completed it at least four times
• Thank and praise a co-worker for their good work- Again this a grey area because I think I did this a few times but I only noted doing it one time

Adding up all the acts we are at 39 plus one TBD- when Spring officially arrives and sticks around for a while!   

Here is what I have taken away from this challenge.  I had a good time with this; it felt very rewarding to do simple acts of kindness for others.  It was fun to surprise a friend with flowers, to make someone's day by just letting them go in front of you in the coffee line.  Taking the time to write an actual letter to friends who I don't get to see often is important to help us stay in touch and connected.  I hope all of these acts made people smile and brightened their days- and perhaps they passed on the kindness to others- I don't really know but I hope so!  :)  

My favorite act that I did on this challenge was I took flowers to my very best friend that has unfortunately passed away. I had not visited her in way too long.  While it is always hard to go and see her, it also brings me a strange sense of peace. I was able to talk to her, tell her I miss her, and would give so much just to have a stupid conversation and hear her laugh about everything and nothing one more time.  Somehow going to see her- makes me feel more connected to her again and know that she is still a part of my life and is looking over me and my family. 

I think I will do this again next year I'll keep some of these acts and try and come up with a few new ones.  Having my acts out on a list made me take the time to think about them and start doing them again-like saying good morning- I always mean to say it but sometimes I jump right into working I forget- having the list just made me more aware. Over the next few years our little guy can become gradually more involved and help with some of them- I think it will be very rewarding, fun and educational for him and our whole family. 

Thanks for going on this journey with me and helping me complete my Lenten Challenge.

I'll get back to my "normal" blog posts now- we are getting ready to travel for the first time with little man- so hopefully I'll have some tips and/or lessons for you on that soon! :)

JS

Random Acts Update

So I've been working on my acts of kindness Lenten challenge for about of a week and a half.  I have to say I think I'm doing pretty well.  It's been fun and rewarding- I like planning out some of the acts and others have just happened naturally. Some of the acts on my list are so simple they really should be done without even thinking about it, but its nice to challenge myself to continue to work on these simple easy acts and put someone else in front of my own worries and stress.

I'm just going to re-cap the acts I have done so far- that way you guys can help make sure I get to 40 by Easter! 

1. Write a Thank you note:  I wrote a Thank You note to our mail man- just thanking him for delivering the mail every day through this very cold and nasty winter!  Hopefully- as much mail as he sees it was a nice surprise to get something for him!

2.  Say "Good Morning" and smile:  I am trying to do this every morning, its so easy and really should be done but sometimes we just walk by someone in the morning without thinking or we are already wrapped up in our work for the day.  I'm trying to make it a point though to say Good Morning to all of my co-workers each morning.  (some people are more morning people then others- haha)

3. Make Dinner for a Friend:  I made dinner for my family and friends on a Sunday evening- We have a set date every Sunday night where we get  together hang out, and then watch a show or movie. I usually make a dessert or snack but this time I made chicken and macaroni and cheese and a salad- it was an easy dinner but I say it still counts! (Look how happy they all are- my husband can't wait to eat it!)

4.  Praise a co-worker for their good work: This happened sort of by accident but I had a co-worker questioning her success and just getting a little overwhelmed.  It was really nice to help reassure her and help her see why she has earned and deserves all the success and opportunities she is receiving. I would have of course said the same things whether I was doing this challenge or not- but like I said some of these acts just happened naturally.

5.  Write a letter to a friend:  I wrote a letter to a friend who was expecting a baby Mid-April - just catching up with her and trying to reassure about becoming a mom and that she is going to be an amazing mom.  I wrote the letter last Thursday but I was waiting to send it because I was sending it with a little package- and on Friday I found out her little guy just couldn't wait to come into this world and he was born the week before!  I just sent the package today- hopefully the letter will still be a nice surprise and provide some encouragement in the first couple challenging weeks!

6. Hold the door for someone: This is another really easy one and it's surprising how it catches people off guard because it does not happen that often anymore.  I have been able to do this one three different times so far and I always get a Thank you in response- which is not needed but nice! 

7. Donate Food to a Food Pantry: I was able to do this last Friday, on Pi Day! I stopped into a local food bank and dropped off a bag of groceries and I didn't even spend any extra money picking up the groceries I just went through our pantry and picked out some items we had extra of. 

8. Buy Someone's lunch: A friend came to visit me on Saturday and we went out to lunch- I picked up the tab- much to her protest!  But it was nice to do and I told her she was helping me with my Lent challenge! :) 

9. Let someone go in front of you in line: I did this today at the post office while I was mailing the package to my friend. 

10. Bring my co-workers a special treat: In honor of St. Patrick's Day I made my co-workers a special treat- Lucky Charm Treats!  There are no more left in the cafeteria- so I assume they were a hit! 

I still have a lot of things to cross off my list- but I think I am off to a good start.  It has been very rewarding so far to make someone smile with such simple little acts!

JS

40 Acts of Kindness- Giving Back instead of Up

Ok so I know I said that my next post would be about actually balancing the mayhem of Mommyhood- but this idea just came to me last night and since Lent is starting today I feel that I need to post this today. 

Lent is beginning today- Lent the 40 day period before Easter Sunday- traditionally Catholics give something up during this period.  It signifies the 40 day fasting period Jesus experienced while in the dessert before beginning his public ministry. (thanks for the summary Wikipedia).

I personally always struggle to find something to give-up and I never really found it rewarding to so this year I am trying something new.  Instead of giving something up I am going to give back- with 40 acts of kindness. For me this is a more positive spin on Lent and hopefully by putting positive energy and goodness into the world it will help make it a little better and make a few people smile along the way.

Now the goal would be to do one act a day- but I know that may not happen so as along as all of them are accomplished before Easter- I say it counts.

I'm writing this entry as a way to make myself accountable to accomplishing this goal and as just a way to track the acts.  Also this is just going to be my list to work off of.

Here my list of acts of kindness- obviously there are only 20- so some of them I'm going to do more than once but I will complete each act at least one time in the next 40 days.

1. Clean up litter
2. Bring flowers to a friend
3. Compliment someone
4. Make dinner for a friend 
5. Donate food to a food drive/pantry
6. Make a donation to a charity
7. Leave a generous tip
8. Let someone go in front of you in line
9. Hold the door for someone
10. Write a letter to a friend
11. Bring Co-workers a special treat
12. Buy someone's lunch
13. Donate used clothing
14. Plant a tree/flowers
15. Be an active listener to someone who needs to talk
16. Give a Thank you note
17. Donate blood
18. Make breakfast for my husband 
19. Say "Good Morning" and smile 
20. Thank and praise a co-worker for their good work

My hope is that by completing this kindness challenge I will be setting and being an example for my son and in the future we can do this together. Wish me luck!  I will be posting updates as I complete each act! 

Back to work....

Ok after this post I'll be more fun... these last couple of posts have been more just my thoughts and story... but I promise the next one I'll talk about useful planning tips, and perhaps I'll feature a Crock Pot recipe! :) 

I've been back to work now for about three weeks. It's been a hard adjustment.

I have been on maternity leave since mid-November and working part-time since January. In this time I have been a little spoiled by making my own schedule- grocery shopping in the middle of the day, sleeping in a little bit a few days a week, and not having to be too strict on my own bed time.  It's been an adjustment becoming a mom but it's also allowed me to refocus my energy and get out of the hustle and bustle of my work life.

However that being said, I like being at work and the projects I am working on.  It's a challenge, it's rewarding to create presentations and deals, and to just be successful at work.  Being around co-workers and other adults is also really nice- just the contact with other people is something I missed on the days I was at home alone while my husband worked. (I'm definitely a people person- and go a little crazy when I spend too much time cooped up at home).  And of course its nice to hear that I was missed at the office while on maternity leave.

But I miss my little man and I miss my time at home.

I know some people have told me "You will be so ready to go back to work and get out of the house"- I am not one of those people.  I didn't mind staying at home- I found plenty to do and found it rewarding to be a homemaker and take care of my family.

Now I find that I am trying to do both and it is challenging; I see that it can be done, I guess the real question is do I want to do it.

I have the utmost respect for stay at home mom's- it really was a challenge some days trying to get it all done especially if my little guy was particularly fussy.  But I also have a lot of respect for women who go back to work- it's hard!  I want to be both places at once but unfortunately I do not have the Harry Potter Time Turner- so I'm stuck trying to balance it all in 24 hours day.

What I am finding is- I want to stay in touch, go out and spend time with my friends but when I am working 5 days a week until 4-5pm- I don't really feel like going out afterwards- I've got to spend that evening getting ready for the next work day.  And my weekends are my time with my little guy, I'm not really willing to give that up and get a babysitter- I know I can bring him along to some places but sometimes I feel it's just easier to stay home. I see now why some people loose touch after having a baby- but I am going to try my hardest to not have that happen to me.

I'm hoping that my family and I get into more of a routine, and I hope my little man doesn't miss me too much (though I'm sure I miss him more than he misses me)- I know he is well cared for with family helping out and so far just daycare once a week.

I guess what it boils down to is I just want to make sure that he sees and spends the most time with me.  As his mom I should be the biggest influence and presence in his life and I don't want to loose that by working full time.

We will see how this all shakes out- I'm a pretty stubborn person and I don't give up on anything too easily so I know somehow we will manage and will create a system that works for our family. We are only three weeks in... we just need to keep moving forward and taking it day by day (but still plan for dinners a week at a time :)

J.S.

Body Issues.

Ok so I am going to go ahead and try to tackle a sensitive and tricky subject..... body issues after pregnancy.

Let me preface this by saying I am judging no one and I do not have a stance on anything- these are just my thoughts based on my pregnancy, experience and feelings.  I am also not looking for a pity party or anything of the sort.  If anything I am just sharing my experience in hopes that it gives some reassurance to others who may be feeling or have felt the same way.

So let's just start by saying- before my wedding in October 2012, I worked really hard to get myself to a place where I was happy with my body- I felt good, energized, healthy and happy!  I had been running and eating healthier well-balanced meals. I honestly do not know how much weight I lost- I never stood on a scale- I just knew I felt better as a whole.

Now I said after my wedding I was going to keep up my running schedule- but I am not someone who runs on a treadmill- I need to be outside, listening to music, feeling the breeze.  (I will be the person that falls off a treadmill).  I could come up with an excuse as to why I did not keep running, the time changed it was dark earlier, it was winter and cold, it was the holidays.  Honestly, it was a combination of everything but the results are the same I did not keep my promise and started putting back on some weight. Then last March I found out I was pregnant so 9 months and a baby later- I'm back to where I started!

One of the few pictures of me pregnant.

When I found out I was pregnant I was excited we had been trying for a few months- but I would not say I was someone who loved being pregnant.  From the very beginning I just didn't feel like myself- I was tired and cranky, my hormones made me cry at the drop of a hat and then be furious a second later. I just felt- not right.

I did not like strangers commenting on my pregnant belly- "When are you due?" "Are you having a boy or a girl?" "Wow, you look like your ready to pop!" "Your feet are so swollen!"- Thanks, I know all of this!

I know all these comments were not made with any intent to upset me- but when you already feel off - they are draining.  I just wanted to say- I don't know you random cashier/waitress/person walking in the mall- I'm never going to see you again and frankly none of this is any of your business.  Of course as a "glowing" pregnant woman- that response is not acceptable- so you just smile and answer politely.

My entire pregnancy I tried to be healthy- I was very good about eating plenty of fruits and veggies, no caffeine, eating all my meals. But let's be honest I had a sweet tooth before I was pregnant and being pregnant I did indulge in my fair share of sweet treats! (mostly ice cream- so I feel like we can count that as dairy- right!).

Throughout my pregnancy I believe I gained about 50lbs- I was right on track until the last few weeks-when, holy cow, I just gained a ton of water weight.  In a two week period I gained 14lbs- I left the appointment feeling GINORMOUS- I mean how is that even possible! (My son did come about three weeks early- so I guess my body was just preparing with lots of extra water weight very quickly!)

Right after I delivered I lost a bunch of weight- that was FUN!  (I don't know exact numbers- I'm not a fan of scales- I just want to feel good and back to my normal self).  I was planning on breastfeeding, which helps you loose the baby weight- and I did for about 7 weeks but it honestly was just not working out for me and it was making me miserable (and an unhealthy/unhappy mom can not be a good mom or wife).  Since I have stopped breastfeeding I have also stopped loosing weight.

I am ready and wanting to get back into my wedding day shape. But I also have a whole new set of priorities in my life and my son is number one.  While my wanting to exercise and loose weight is important, I feel it is more important for me to spend quality time with my son at home after work.  I want to snuggle with him, play with him and just be with him.  He is my number one focus and time with him takes precedence over everything else in my life.

We are starting a healthier lifestyle as a family- which means eating at home more, making healthy sweet treats that include a lot of fruit, and choosing healthier snacks. I can already tell a difference in just the way I feel- I'm starting to feel better- which is really my goal. And as soon as this dreadfully long winter breaks we will be out in the stroller walking and running.

I am determined to get back to feeling as healthy and happy with my appearance as I did on my wedding day- and while the road to get there may be a little longer- it will be filled with fun active memories with my son and family.


JS

Renovated and Reloaded- Mommy Style!

It's been several months since I have updated and what a couple of months it has been!!  Never has my life completely and utterly changed so quickly- one night and WOAH it's all new!

My husband and I welcomed our son into our family on November 14th- immediately we were in love. It's the type of love that even though you just met this little baby you know you always have and always will love him! He is precious and perfect and I am sure will never do anything wrong and will probably rule the world one day. (maybe that's just my "mommy bias")

It's been challenging- but the best, most rewarding kind of challenging- and even being sleep deprived, spit-up, peed and pooped on all in one day- it's been the best time of my life!  I have had my fair share of breakdowns and freak-outs, but hey my hormones are working their way back to some level of normalcy.  It's overwhelming; I have to plan my potty breaks and shower according to little man's schedule, to leave the house I feel like I bring 90% of everything we own!

Now at almost three months old (I can't believe it) we are working into some sort of routine.  It is an indescribable feeling to look into our baby's eyes and see my parts of my husband and myself looking back. He really looks more like his dad right now- but I have realized that when he stretches out waking up or going to sleep it's almost the exact stretches I do when I am tired! Weird and Amazing!

When my maternity leave began (sort of unexpectedly- little man made a surprise arrival 3 weeks early) I felt like I had all the time in the world- but it flew by!  I can't believe that I am going back to work full time in just about a week! I am really not looking forward to this but now that we have this little guy we have to be able to afford him- so it is necessary that I go back to work.  We are lucky to have a very supportive family and that has volunteered to watch him a few days a week so we only have to do daycare part-time- I'm sure daycare days will be the harder days- (I wonder if I can just stay on the phone with the daycare all day so I can just hear him!)

I'm going to try and wrap up this blog post- because I honestly feel like I could just keep writing and I'm not sure anyone would want to keep reading!  But I hope to use this blog to share stories with out of town relatives and it honestly helps me reflect and focus; maybe it can also help other moms to hear another person's story about balancing the mayhem of work and family life. I'll post quick dinner recipes (I intend on becoming a crock-pot queen), fun craft ideas/activities, travel tips, and funny stories!


I feel like my life has been leading up to this like I have a real purpose now.  I have someone that I would literally do anything and everything for; someone I will protect above everything else. I don't know how to describe it accept he is mine.

Thanks for reading- I'll try to post again once I'm back at full-time; that's when the real balancing begins!

JS