the {perfect} Saturday

It's Saturday morning, here I sit in my comfy chair, sipping coffee with a great book while I watch my dressed, hair combed, teeth brushed boys play peacefully. The house is clean, the refrigerator is stocked, the bills are paid, the errands are ran. The entire day is ours to do with whatever our heart desires.

.....and then I woke up.

Rather, it's 9:45a, my boys are WOUND UP & the TV is blaring. I have a ginormous pile of dirty laundry at the bottom of the stairs (right in he path of where you must walk to access the kitchen or the bathroom) waiting to be washed, dried, folded & put away. My 7 year old is running around in his boxers (like he is everyday 20 minutes after he gets off the bus) and my 2 year old is completely commando on the bottom half....he thinks if he pees in the potty like he's asked their is no need for pants of any kind, oh and the kitchen floor has yet to clean itself.

Reality is, Saturday's are never "perfect" in my house. Well at least not what my brain thinks perfect is. But, my boys do get to play together (which they LOVE) and I do get catch up on some housework (sometimes), and usually we have the house in a semi-clean state before my dear hubby gets home. Saturday nights are movies, popcorn, games & good fun in our house. And if we're lucky, some time in the hot tub for my dearest & I after the kids are in bed. I guess perfection is what you make it. Does this mean that I'm content with the state of my house...no, I'm stressed to the max most Saturdays, but I'm content with the state of my family...and that's more important in my book :)

Happy Weekend Mama's :)
Jenny

But if you WILL....

Normally Sunday's are my day to sleep in (which incidently means we are perpetually late to church). Fortunately my husband is AMAZING and always gets the boys & himself ready, allowing me to leisurely apply make-up, straighten my hair, and change clothes 3x before meeting them at the car (after they have been waiting for a good 10 minutes mind you). Yes folks, he's a saint. Well...he's on a day shift right now and is of course working Sundays, which leaves Mama alone with the 2 precious littles. In case your wondering...in the 5 weeks Jason has worked Sunday's the boys & I have made it to service twice. Let's set the stage of our morning...

I was up & ready by 7am (This is GOOD..very, very good), Cole got out of bed, immediately got dressed & brushed his teeth (we're on a roll!), I have the car started at 7:15a...all I have left is get the toddler dressed. Surely that can happen in 15 minutes, right? {chocolate donuts in the car for breakfast...we're operating on essentials only this morning ladies} And this is when it all started going downhill.....Mr. Jacob had a colossal meltdown when I went to take his PJ's off..."No Mom, my jammies, my jammies, I dress, I dress". Then he chose to kick his feet the entire time I tried to change his diaper, whopping me in the face at least twice. By the time his coat was on & zipped I had successfully sweat every ounce of my make-up off and my hair (which was last nights anyway) is now levitating far above it's intended place. By the time we reached the church parking lot Jacob was covered in chocolate donut! My dear friend who happened to be greeting this morning asked me how we were today, my response "I've realized if I was a single Mom we may never attend church again" as I continued dragging the chocolate covered beast behind me. I had one thing on my mind...drop this kid in the nursery!

As I sat down in the pew I was all but ready for my mind to wander and to not feel connected in anyway today. Then Pastor Randy read the call to worship, Psalm 9:1-2. 

I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. 

I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

{sigh} Peace. That's what I felt. I had the choice at this moment to Praise Him. I had the choice to be glad. I had the choice to Rejoice.

Sometimes it's not easy, especially during these early years of parenting. My heart reached out this morning to every single Mom out there to who faithfully does this every week. God Bless You, Mama's. It. is. hard.

Sometimes you just don't have it in you. But if you WILL, He will meet you where you are. And that's just what happened today, I was filled beyond measure. I was blessed because we pushed through. My Children were blessed because we pushed through. My husband was blessed because we pushed through. 

And now I'm off to clean chocolate out of church shirts :)

Love & Hugs, 

Jenny

No More Perfect Moms - A sneak peek for YOU!

Happy Friday Mama's :)

Are you still focusing on your imperfection? It's time to change that!

I mentioned last week that I had been fortunate enough to be selected to be on the launch team for Jill Savage's new book No More Perfect Moms. I'm about 3/4 of the way through it and I tell you, she's talking right to me girls!

Even though the book doesn't release until 2/1/12, you can preview the first (almost) 3 chapters on Amazon here!. I promise you, this book is worth your time!

Don't forget to sign up for the 31 day challenge! You will receive an email each day, encouraging you to let go of that Perfection Infection we all suffer from.

My book awaits :)
Jenny

2 years...and counting!

Wow. The last 2 years have gone by so fast. I can hardly believe it's been that long since I have worked outside the home.

It truly feels like just yesterday I was running out the door, late to yet another meeting. I went from savoring my drive-thru lattes to downing a cup of folgers before the bus arrives. I gave up my leisurely hour long lunch, for munching the crusts of my toddlers PB&J.

Days like today make me feel overwhelmed with gratitude that I can be home with my boys everyday. Today was one of those awesome, snugly, wonderful days where all was right within our home.

Of course everyday isn't like this. More often than not we have messes everywhere, kids fighting and an exhausted, stressed out Mama that has no opportunity to refuel for at least 4 more days. But, even in those moments I'm reminded that THIS is where God has called me to be, for this time in my life. This is where He had been gently nudging me to go for so long. (and for those of you who don't know the story, I didn't listen so well, so God gave me a good, hard shove finally! ha!)

I have no idea what the next year will hold for our family, but I'm so excited to see where God leads us :)

Our surprise Christmas Adventure

{I'm determined to get our Christmas posts up before Easter! ha!}


On a Friday morning, Darky our Elf brought the boys a letter from Santa. Because they had been so good, he was sending us on a Christmas Adventure with Big Papa & Nana!

Ready to go! It was just me & the boys :)

When we got to the hotel, we found they had the best Christmas Decorations!

The staff made Gingerbread houses & guests got to vote on them (our vote was for the UP house!)

That sneaky Elf even followed us to the hotel, and wreaked havoc on the boys pictures.

Headed home after our fun weekend! (well, until we got stuck in an hour long traffic jam :/)

So..are you interested in knowing where our surprise Christmas adventure was too?? My parents took us to Historic St. Charles! It was so fun :)

Best Buddies :)

Jacob & I get the pleasure of hanging out with a sweet, sweet boy during the day. Mommy has fallen in love with Mr. Matt, and, Jacob has found his best-est buddy. (not to mention, it's greatly helped Mommy's baby fever, which makes Daddy very happy too!)

Sometimes I just watch Jacob play, dreaming about when I'm big enough to jump on that turtle....

Occasionally he decides he wants to play when I'm trying to take a snooze...

We love to snuggle together & watch TV. Sometimes I just wear out & have to grab some shut eye :)

"Maaaaat...phone's for you!"

And, we love to sit & wait for my Mommy to get home. I love her :)

Why I get nothing done in a day....

A 6 year old goofball - that keeps me laughing always :)

Random games of peek-a-boo during my laundry folding...

Smiles that make me stop in my tracks & have conversations that most would find silly...

Paying bills, or taking silly pictures with my boy? :) Like you would choose laundry...

The rocking...oh the rocking. Who can resist?!

Brothers....

Jacob's favorite part of the day is when Cole gets home from school. They snuggle in the recliner & watch PBS after Cole's homework is done :)

A Very Hungry Caterpillar First Birthday - Food!

This was my first birthday party that did not involve a full meal. The timing of the party (2pm on a Sunday afternoon) just didn't justify a meal. So, I tried to get creative with our snacks.

The menu...
Chex mix & Gardettos
Veggies & Dip
My Granny's Sweet Sugar Popcorn
Chips & Queso Dip
Caramel Apple Bites
Punch
Cake!

Our food table...

Caramel Apple Bites

These are so much better than whole caramel apples, and, much less mess. Cut your apples, stick a toothpick in them, dip into caramel sauce & refrigerate!

Caterpillar Twigs

By far the best way to serve veggies & dip. Cut your carrots & celery into sticks 3-4 inches long. In the bottom of a plastic punch cup, put some ranch dressing, then stand your veggie sticks on top. Personal serving sizes, and so cute!

Cute little smash cake :)

Can you believe he ate 3/4 of it too?! Sugar High!

And the star of the show....

Is this not the most awesome cake?! I found a picture online of this cake, but it was done in fondant - I hate fondant :( So I called this fantastic (part time mind you!) baker and she said she could do it in butter cream, and, the caterpillar on top in a giant cookie. When I saw the cake, I nearly cried. It was so perfect - and, a wonderful reflection of the caterpillars journey in the book. AND...it was truly the best tasting cake I have ever had. So fresh, so beautiful. Thank you JoEllen for making our first birthday cake so perfect!

A Very Hungry Caterpillar First Birthday - Decorations!

Our little caterpillar, with a big caterpillar!

For this, I purchased yellow & green paper lanterns from Amazon (base the size you purchase on the area you have to hang it in), cut the eyes out of construction paper (using my oval cutters from CM), and added purple pipe cleaners for antennas. We didn't have what we needed to hang it perfect, but this worked I thought :) After the party, we hung this in Jacob's room from the ceiling - it looks adorable!

My custom Birthday sign..

To create this I cut circles out of Green Paper (using my old time Creative Memories circle cutter!), and, the letters out of white paper on my cricut. It turned out so perfect, I love it! And, I can always replace the circle with the # birthday & reuse the banner. LOVE IT!

Table Decor..

I kept it pretty simple. Yellow & Green plastic table cloths ($1.25 each from DG), a helium balloon (opposite color of table cover), and, a picture of Jacob in a $1 acrylic stand (stands & pics printed at walmart). Family & Friends got to take home a picture when they left :)

Build your own caterpillar station..

I wanted an activity for the young children, and I thought this would be cute. I cut the colored circles out of construction paper (heavier grade) using the circle cutters again, cut 2 purple antenna's from pipe cleaners and pre-bagged these items. Black markers & glue sticks were in a basket on the table for them to put their caterpillar together.

My personal favorite...

This was definitely my favorite. We had paper & pens available for everyone to write a note to Jacob. We will open these on his 16th birthday. How fun!

1st Birthday Pictures..

Printing photo's is truly more affordable now than it has ever been. Take advantage of that, and, spice up a cake or food table, with prints of your little one. I printed copies of his 1st Birthday Smash Cake shoot, framed them ($1.50 black wood frames from Walmart) and placed them around the cake (oops - you got a sneak peak! full food post coming next!). We let the Grandparents each take a framed 8x10 home with them.

We also had copies of the book sitting around on tables for people to look at, and, Children to read.

This was such an easy First Birthday, and the Decorations were pretty affordable - especially when so much can be reused, or was given away as favors.

Stay tuned for my post on Birthday Party Food!

Family Friendly Halloween Activities!

One of the biggest challenges that I, as a mother, face this time of year is finding activities for my children to participate in for Halloween. Going door-to-door trick or treating is just not a good choice for my family. With Dad working in the evenings, and 2 small children, it's just not a safe or smart choice for me to make. Still, I want my boys to have the fun & excitement of picking out that perfect superhero costume and letting their imagination soar with their friends. So..I search for alternative ideas that be fun for the boys, and, less stressful for Mom & Dad.

One great option is the Fall Festival at church. Many churches in Central Illinois offer some type of event in the week leading up to, or the evening of Halloween. You will usually find food, candy, crafts & tons of fun, all in one safe place. Another bonus...you only have to get out of the car once! If you have ever hauled costumed children in & out of car seats multiple times...you recognize what a bonus this is for you :) If your in or around the Montgomery County area, please join us at Hillsboro Free Methodist Church on Monday, October 31st from 5-7pm for Indoor Trick or Treating!

Another choice is hitting up your local pumpkin patch. One of our favorite trips is to our local Orchard (Broom's Orchard in Carlinville, IL), for their annual apple & pumpkin festival. Picking your own pumpkin is so fun for the kids, and, you get great pictures while your at it, Mom! Most festivals include food, hayrides, games, petting zoo's, even pony rides. These are great, low cost, family outings. Plus..your supporting your local growers! Your just intime for Broom's annual Pumpkin Fest this weekend. If you don't have plans, head on over to Carlinville.

While I love to see the children dressed up as Tinkerbell & Spiderman, I do not love the idea of opening my front door every 10 minutes, unsure of what may be on the otherside. For a safer option for both you & the trick or treaters - why not grab a few neighbors & set up a "Trunk or Treat" in your local parking lot. Most retailers would gladly offer their parking lot for a safe option for children. Park your cars, fill the trunks with candy, even set up a few fun games for the kids. Parents will appreciate the effort to keep everyone safe.

An important part of our preparation for Halloween, includes talking to my children about the good & bad parts of this day. It's important for them to understand that there are people who take advantage of children & adults, and emphasize the demonic origins of this day. We, as Christians are responsible for educating our children. My family personally does not dress up as ghosts, goblins, devils or monsters - they are scary to my children. We utilize this time to encourage our children's imagination, but, also keep them grounded enough to recognize there is evil in this world.

I would love to hear how you work to creative alternative for your family!

Celebrating our 1st Born

This Thursday marks the 6th, and, Golden Birthday of our First Born, Cole. We are so very blessed that the Lord entrusted him to us!

Our Celebration started last weekend with a Farm Party. One of Cole's favorite places is at my Sister's House - she just happens to live on a big farm. Horses, ponies, cows, bulls, goats...yes, the list goes on & on and he loves every minute of it. Josh & Lindsey graciously agreed to host his annual wiener roast birthday party at their house.

We were so excited that most of my family (immediate & extended) were able to celebrate with us. We enjoyed a bonfire, hayride, wobble wagon, pony rides, petting zoo, even soft serve ice cream!

By the end of the day Cole was covered in dirt & had a huge smile on his face. Before he fell asleep on the long ride home, he said "Mommy & Daddy, I just love today". Those moments are so precious. Cole has so much to celebrate this year, he has truly worked hard to get to where he is!

The celebration continues with a Party with his school & church friends this Sunday, and, a Party with Jason's Family next weekend. While we normally would not have 3 birthday parties, I'm kind of glad we can show him just how much he means to us with all of these celebrations this year.

One last summer adventure

Well, this post is a little late coming! Oh...I can blame it on housework, children, even cooking. But, well - the truth is, I've been surfing Pinterest a little too much lately :)

In late August, Cole got a couple of days off of school for a local celebration they have here. We took advantage of he & Jason both being off and went away on one last little adventure before we were thrown into the school year. We decided to try Caribean Cove Waterpark & Hotel in Indianapolis, IN. The rates were very affordable because they were running a buy 1 night, get 1 night free special. Waterpark access is included, as well as a full buffet breakfast each morning.

Here are a few pictures of the waterpark. It's all indoor - awesome not to have to deal with the weather issues, sunscreen, etc.

We also took advantage of the awesome Indianapolis Childrens Museum. It is a little pricey (about $50 for the 4 of us), but wow - we could have spent all day in there. They had a transformer exhibit - probably the coolest exhibit I have ever seen - in the lobby. The boys (my big boys!) loved it :)

It was a very quick trip, but so relaxing. If you get the opportunity to grab those quick weekends away - do it! Remember, your making memories both you & your children will always remember :)

Family Pictures

We finally had time to get our family pictures done a few weeks ago. It's so difficult working with Jason's schedule, my Father-in-Law's schedule & the boys schedules. I think I am the only one that is flexible anymore! ha! I was so happy with how they turned out. It was a quick shoot, with neither boy really interested in having photos done - but we got several good ones, and, that's all that matters :)

Jacob's Baptism

In May, we were so blessed to have family & friends join us for Jacob's Baptism. I thought I would share a few of our favorite pictures :)

Jacob's Godparents: Josh & Lindsey

Pr. Randy performing the ceremony

I love this. Cole had a special part of the ceremony & was so proud to be asked to help care for and teach his brother about the Lord. So, this picture was all the more special as Jacob is reaching out to Cole :)

Pr. Randy refers to this picture as "Old & Young"! I think it's just beautiful. I love the way Jacob is looking at him so intently :)

It was such a special day, and, one that we will always remember :)

Jacob Crawls!

This post is really late going up. I thought it posted, I guess it saved. Either way - Jacob has been crawling for several weeks now. He's into everything!

Happy Father's Day

The Love of my Life
Thank you for giving me 2 beautiful (handsome) boys, who look nothing like me..Good thing I think your cute :) My life would not be complete without Rumi tournaments & late night Psych. You are truly my best friend.

My Dad
Thank you for always being there for me! Not only are you a great Dad, but an even better Papa to my boys :) You are the most giving person I know - I hope someday I give 1/2 as much as you do. And, of course, you introduced me to the best fried fish that exists..Buffalo!

And, to my Grandpa's..who helped mold me into the person I am today, loved me unconditionally, and, kept Mom & Dad from killing me during my HS years :)..Love & Miss you everyday!

Grandpa Gene
A short order cook extraordinaire! Every morning before school we would put our orders in, and, whatever we wanted we got. Pancakes weren't just pancakes..they were micky mouse, letters, numbers - whatever we wanted. He also introduced me to the most amazing food in the world..Fried Mush!

Grandpa Keith
I am a spoiled brat today because of you! I will forever have a love for Roller Skating, Fried Mushrooms & Rockin' Robin..all because of you :) My love for Christmas is a gift that could have only come from you.