Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Jacob.

I love you so, oh don't you know.

We've Been Busy.

This past week we were busy.

Nearly everyday was filled with something fun to do, which doesn't happen often for us.

We went to our local Japanese Gardens, the Aquarium, the park and then ended the week with a progressive party with friends. 

Have you ever done a progressive party?

We were on bikes all day with food and drinks at every stop.

It was so. much. fun. 

Here's some lovely snapshots of the week.  

I wish I could say I will be relaxing this week, but oh no!

My little guy turns 1 in just two days and I've got a party to get ready for.

Let the craziness begin.

Have a lovely week.

I'm linking up here...

Spaghetti.

It's oh so good.

 And oh so messy.

 But so much fun.

Jacob and The Joyful Life Library.

In 1 week and 1 day Jacob will turn 1.

To celebrate our little guy we're having a birthday party with all our friends and family.

I have a huge family, which means a ton of people, which usually means a ton of gifts.

Gifts that we certainly do not need.

So instead of getting, we're giving. 

When Ethan turned 1 we asked all of our party guests to bring books in lieu of gifts, which we donated to our local library.
It was a hit!

We were so pleased with the outcome we decided to do it again.

But this time all the books we collect will go to The Joyful Life Library, benefiting Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach.

We love this hospital!
Both boys were born there and both boys had to go there as infants for physical therapy.
The staff was always helpful to us and wonderful to the boys.
No hospital horror stories here.
So, we are very happy to give back to a place that has given so much to us.

Would you like to celebrate Jacob's birthday with us?

If so, just click here.

You can purchase books and they will be sent directly to Miller Children's Hospital.

How cool is that?
I wish I had something fancy to give everyone that donates a book, but all I have is a big Thanks. 

If you want more information on this project and the wonderful gal, Heather, behind it all, click here.

Happy Almost Birthday Jacob!

Summer's End.

I know our summer isn't over quite yet, but I'm already sad for it's end.

This has been my first summer of being a stay at home mom. 

I've loved it.

I've loved the freedom of doing whatever we want, whenever we want.

I've loved the lazy days, the long warm evenings, eating outside, spending time in the water, and soaking up the sun.

I plan on taking full advantage of the next 3 weeks before Ethan starts his very first day of preschool.

I'm just not ready for it all to be over, not yet.

I'm linking up here.

Over It.

Today I'm over it.

I'm over the whining, the fussiness, the crying, the fighting.

I'm over the mess, the dirty dishes, the piles of laundry.

Ethan has been in an ornery mood most of the day. 

So bad that he threw himself on the floor at my sister's house screaming and yelling. 

This rarely happens but, Really?

You would have thought I was torturing him.

And Jacob hasn't been feeling well for two days, which means lack of sleep (for everyone) and clinginess.

So I'm over it.
(Is that horrible to say?)

Thankfully they are sleeping at this minute and I'd love for it to continue for another hour.

I'd even take 30 minutes.

I rarely feel like I should get paid to stay home but today feels like one of those days.
Actually, I don't think I could even pay anyone to stay home with them today.
(I'm joking, slightly.)

Thank goodness that in just a couple of short hours Brett will be home to help.
I have an easy, frozen Trader Joe's dinner waiting and then I'll be off to my Zumba class.
I most definitely need to sweat it out!
A little workout and time away seems to make things better, usually, and I hope that'll do the trick tonight.
I'm off to sit on the couch in silence for at least a couple of minutes.
Hopefully.

Brothers.

As each day passes I feel my boys growing closer to one another.

Ethan wants to involve Jacob in most everything he is doing, and Jacob wants to learn.

Ethan is learning how to protect Jacob, and Jacob is listening to what he says, sometimes.

Ethan helps care for Jacob when he cries.

They squeal in delight and hug each morning when they wake up.

They make the other one laugh the hardest, my favorite.

I'm having the most fun sitting back, watching their relationship grow and form.

There is no bond like the bond of siblings.
And nothing makes me happier than knowing they will have each other forever.

I'm linking up here today...

Today...

we did a whole lotta nothing.

We stayed home, cooked, took a walk, watered the plants, played and laughed.

Pretty much a typical day except,

the boys didn't fight, not even once.

My boys aren't terrible, but they get into it.

They grab from one another, wrestle a little too hard, scream at one another, typical kid stuff.

But that didn't happen today. 

They played together nicely and played alone quietly.

They didn't need me to interfere or help or rescue.

It was amazing.

And what better way to end the day then with dessert.

Nilla Waffers topped with banana pudding, banana slices and cool whip.

Did your mom make this for you as a kid?

I haven't had it in years and I knew the boys would love it.

It was a hit!

Next time I'm using chocolate pudding.
Yum!

Oh What a Difference.

A few months ago I purchased material to make curtains for my kitchen and laundry room.

Only problem, I don't sew.

Well after much lagging on my part, I asked my aunt and mom for help and the curtains are done.

I don't have any before pictures, just imagine white boring old blinds and shades.

(and I know these are not the best photos, but it's what I've got.)

Here is the kitchen...

I love them! 

They add so much color and pop to our otherwise boring kitchen.

And here's the laundry room (more like laundry corner)...

 I also added this little shelf with some goodies from around the house...

 

 This little corner makes me happier while doing laundry.

I'm so pleased with how lovely these spaces turned out.

Thank you so much Aunt Pam and Mom!

I'm linking up here...

I Heart Faces: Friendship

When I saw this week's challenge at I Heart Faces I knew of just the photo I wanted to submit.

This is my favorite photo to date of my niece Abby and Ethan.

I love the way Ethan is squeezing her from behind and the look on both of their faces.

They were having so much fun that day, playing in the rain barefoot, rubbing rainwater in each other's hair.

They are the greatest of friends and I hope they will be forever.

My Boys.

They are just so handsome.

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend.