We packed the past 90* weekend with family fun.  The boys were spoiled rotten on Saturday when they got to sleep at their Gigi + Grandpa’s house — while Mom and Dad danced our pants off at a family wedding.  I’m 99% sure the boys went out to ice cream multiple times in just one short day, ordered pizza and stayed up late with their grandparents.  Spoiled rotten you guys, spoiled rotten.

We’ve been rocking the trail in our hood a lot lately! Bike rides after school are our way to get a bit of energy out and get some fresh air before it is time for dinner and homework.  Which, by the way, thankfully, so far, 1rst grade homework is a cinch!  So far so good!

We attended the annual Taste of Hudson on Monday.  After missing the boys from being away over night it was so nice to just walk around, drink fresh lemonade and eat at one of our favorite spots in town — Flip Side! A little frozen yogurt, and our favorite Crazy But True popcorn, we ended up full of food and fun!

The Lake Erie Monsters set up was pretty sweet.  Of course, the boys, including big daddy had to give it a go at this.  We even got 4 tickets to a game in October! Happy boys = Happy momma!

Why can’t every weekend consist of having Mondays off.  It really made us all feel SO well rested.  There was zero rush to our days, and the evenings felt so relaxing knowing we had just another day to get things done, or do nothing at all.

Thanks for an amazing week fam — Let’s do it again, shall we?

If you asked me to sum up motherhood, well, there would be no summing up.  It would be endless upon endless paragraphs packed with every lesson, every failure and every celebration.  I would bare it all.  Not holding back.  Because much like every mother out there, we experience it all.  Being able to share my journey here, with you all is certainly a special thing.  I think every mom can relate to the stories I tell here.  The good, the bad, the ones that are just so embarrassing I do not even want to publish it.

But that’s the beauty of it all, motherhood.  One giant tornado of emotion.  An epic hurricane of feelings.  An earthquake of confusion and lacking confidence in an area that you truly have to learn as you go.   One thing I really hope to create here is more of a community for moms to just chat about anything and everything.  An open book if you will, where we can all laugh, cry, and encourage one another to rock this mommy-hood together.

I’ve got 6+ years down if you count the time in the womb in this mom game.  The second that test turned positive everything that I once cared about went straight out the window.  Myself, Dan and this sweet baby boy was all I was concerned about.  I wanted to do it all right.  Carry this whole process with grace and make everyone around me proud.  I learned oh so quickly once Brody was born that I had to let go of how everyone thought I was doing.  NOTHING went the way I expected.  EVERYTHING happened in its own time.  And ALL I could see was this sweet little baby boy that consumed every ounce of me, in the best way possible.

By the time we were so lucky to bring another sweet man into the mix I was grateful to have friends/family who were bringing little ones into their lives as well.  A few more moms to relate with. Owen and Brody together is really something to be seen.  A brotherhood that cannot be broken.  They are attached to each others hips and just light up with one another.  Sure, they have their moments, but what siblings don’t?

Trust me when I say there is no perfect advice for parenting.  Besides starting each day fresh, full of love and readiness for whatever may come your way.  You get blasted in the face with a toy?  Go cry about it in the closet (totally kidding) just learn to roll with the punches (literally).

Things are not going to go the way you anticipated.  Sickness, bad grades, not fitting in, all the crap will be outweighed by the simplest of moments.  We’ve all heard a fierce “I DON’T LIKE YOU!” or “YOU’RE MEAN!” in times when they just can’t get their way.

But all it takes is one…

A hug, a good squeeze.  A kiss you goodnight.  When they sit on your lap and suddenly that giant kid feels like they did when they were 18 months old.  When they tell you that they love you, even after a day when you spent most of it crabby and overwhelmed.  They see it, they know it.  You’re doing your best, and your loving the hell out of them during it all of it.

Just look at that face –

If there is anything I know for sure – it is this…

Every birthday candle blown.

 Every prayer at night.

 Each and every coin tossed into a fountain.

Every wish I had ever made had everything to do with these two boys.

Every single one.

 Every hope I had to become a mother was answered and beyond.

How did I get so lucky?

Anyone else get excited when a fresh home decor catalog shows up in your mailbox? It is like Christmas morning for me, only its lacking the gift card to run out and buy everything it’s pages have tempted me with.

Ikea’s Fall Catalog came and I just couldn’t help myself with showing you some of my top picks! If you have an Ikea near you (for us it’s about a 2 1/2 hour drive) it would be well worth it to snag some of these pieces!

We have loved and continue to love the pieces we have purchased from Ikea and it will forever be a favorite stop of ours each year!

And for those of you that insist that Ikea furniture is “crap” or cheaply made.  I just have to say this … Furniture is expensive.   And if you can find a place that has pieces you love, at a great price point that will last you a few years to many years depending, it is worth every penny.  The pieces we have purchased are far from crap and some of our favorites in the entire house.

We take a yearly trip, and this year we may have to make a fall run because these pieces are too good to let go.

page 8.  Sinnerlig pendant lamp This lamp shade is gorgeous.  I love its large size and that with its woven details it still remains light and airy.  I would put 2 or 3 over a large dining table any day.

pg. 71  Vase Cylinders  I am a girl who adores having flowers in the house so I am on the constant look out for matching vases with a variety of heights for different rooms, these are perfect!

pg 84 Nockeby Loveseat  Craving neutral couches like a prego aching for ice cream.  I love the shape of this couch and would be glad to dress it up with my favorite blue pillows.

pg 93 Ingolf Chair  These dining chairs are tried and true.  We have them in our dining room and adore them.  They are beautiful and super sturdy and even easier to put together.  We need 4 more in black to go in our kitchen.

pg 92. Hemes Daybed I love a good daybed.  This one is screaming my name to be placed in the office upstairs.  This would be gorgeous in a smaller room where you need the sitting and function of a pull out just incase, or a reading nook for your kiddos!

Pg 156 Sanela Oh how I love a good pillow! If you are looking for darling pillows to add to  a little girls nursery these would fit the bill!

Pg 166 Hemnes Bookcase Imagine these flanking each side of a crib to fill up a wall.  Or even in an office, basement or surround your television.  Book cases are always a perfect addition to a room just screaming to be dressed with pieces to tie an entire space together.

Pg 194 Garnera 2 Tier Serving Tray  I am constantly whipping up yummy treats and appetizers and this tier tray would be ideal to not only hold my food but be easily moved from room to room while entertaining!

Pg 217 Erktop Loveseat + Byholma Armchair  I have read SO many amazing reviews on these couches.  The comfort, the style and the ability to wash the slip covers just makes me smile.  Afraid of a white couch? Don’t be – moves so simply through each season making it easy to switch up your pillow and throws.  And this darling armchair is just aching for a home in a corner somewhere, or two set with a table between, or on a patio.  Just get a few, please.

Pg 229 Greenhouse My black thumbs are crying tears for this greenhouse.  If only it was called a magic house and would guarantee the life of my plants.  I think it would be darling to have a few in the kids rooms for their very own garden set up.

Pg 237 Dying for this drawer unit! The color, the style, oh baby.  I would love to put a few of these in different areas.  Mainly the kids rooms for storage and our basement flanking a couch for the kids to store their legos in!

Pg 243 Mulig Shelving Unit No storage? More problems! We need storage space so badly, one that would keep our tubs organized! The price on these shelves is outstanding, we need about 6.

Pg 263 Tyssedal Dresser And people complain that Ikea is too modern.  Well, here you whiners are.  A gorgeous traditional style dresser that I would love to have two to place beside our bed.

Pg 262 Hemnes Dresser A dresser? A piece you can double duty into a changing table? A media center for under your T.V.  Come on now, Ikea have mercy on my bank account.

You see what I mean! This fall catalog is fantastic!!

Oh, and here is a hysterical video of a husband poking fun at all of the Ikea names to his wife, its adorable.

Get to shopping folks 🙂

August 21, 2009 we said “I do”

Six years ago we made a public commitment to each other, in front of all of our friends and family.  And like most anniversary posts, I could tell you how much I love that guy standing next to me up there, and how we are meant to be, how he gives me butterflies and all that hoopla that will either warm your heart or make you gag.

So, instead I thought I would share with you 6 lessons I have learned over the course of 6 years of marriage.  It is frightening the statistics of divorce out there, so I thought you would all appreciate a little advice about keep it together, forever.

F.Y.I. I’m no Oprah, so this “advice + lessons” I’ve learned are my opinion only – what works for me may not work for you.  So use your head, and don’t blame me.

1. Get Naked 

For over 12 years Dan and I have been together.  When he first met me, it did not take a second thought to enter my mind before my clothes would come flying off (Sorry, Mom).  Gone with the wind, bearing it all, proud of what I had and no room for lacking confidence.  I was secure with my body.  For god sake, I was the era of “I don’t think your ready for this jelly” music, so I don’t think I ever felt insecure about a few dimples here and there.  Now that I’ve had two children, both BIG babies for my size, my skin has been stretched, my boobs have gone from nothing to motor boaters dream and back.  Getting naked in front of the husband for a few years was not on my list of things to do.

I went from my clothes flying off to hiding behind my closet door not getting them on fast enough.  Thankfully, after paying close attention to my man and noticing how much my lack of confidence bothered him I took to the wind and decided it was time to let my thighs fly.  To appear confident, to give it a go and just behave like a normal married couple.  After getting buck naked a few times in broad daylight I am telling you it will do wonders not only for your marriage, but for your self-esteem.

We’ve all got imperfections we want to cover up, but keeping the flame burning should always be a priority.  So change your clothes in front of your spouse.  I guarantee they will not be staring at your cellulite or post baby belly … in fact, you may not be putting clothes back on for another 20 more minutes.

2. Listen

I’m a gal who loves to chat.  Even better, I am a pretty darn good listener for those that need to vent.  I’ve got ears that like the attention and I definitely enjoy being social.  Listening in marriage can be super difficult though.  I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard something, or have been asked to do something and in return I let it go right out the other ear and do what I need to do.  It usually happens most when I feel like I am consumed with the boys, and listening to someone elses needs just seems like another thing on my to do list.  My face is that of a mime.  I literally contort my face into a million different expressions ( good and bad ) and I know when I am listening to something I do not want to hear, it shows.

It has taken years to really understand the art of listening.  That it doesn’t end there.  It is not a one way street, nor is it a reason to get your feathers ruffled.  There are times when we both get upset about a situation, and there is no way to get around it but to settle it.  Talking, listening, and truly understanding where the other half is coming from will make every marital spat go that much smoother.  Do not dismiss your own feelings, or your partners, but find a way to listen and RESOLVE – so that you are not sitting down talking about the same crap 2 weeks later.

3. DATE

Not other people! Geez, you guys are awful! (jk)

I know how difficult it can be to find alone time to get out together.  Trust me, it has taken us 5 years to finally get to the point where set aside time for ourselves.  We never did.  The kids would fall sick.  Work would run late.  Or hell, I would be too freaking tired after taking care of the kids all day that the thought of going out and trying to look somewhat not worn out would give me anxiety.

Years of not getting date nights took its toll.  We got FAR to comfortable with ordering in and getting a movie.  Which, by the way is totally acceptable, in fact one of my favorite things to do.  But once month, if you can, snag your man or woman and take them out to dinner.  I’m telling you.  Just being out in public (like real humans do) enjoying a meal alone, staring at each others eyes across the table and playing footsie…ha, okay maybe not that one.  But true, uninterrupted time together even if it just one hour can work wonders in a marriage.  It spices things up, brings some life back into our restless parenting bodies and reminds each other that we need to focus on ourselves more!

4. Learn what they like

“Duh, Abby!” If that’s what you’re thinking I get it.  I know what my husband likes for dinner, or his favorite coffee drink or pair of underwear (for you ladies).  Blah Blah Blah.  But the point here is, know what they like and act on it, FREQUENTLY.  Nothing beats being thought of.  Even better, someone doing something for you out of the blue, just because.  A LOT of ladies complain that their man isn’t romantic enough.  Well, I’ve got one and let me tell you I have cracked the freaking code.  Do onto others what you want done onto you.  Simple.  As.  That.  Just as I said, whether it be me coming home with his favorite Starbucks latte at random.  Or slipping on a pair of underwear I brutally hate just to make him blush.  Making a snack, favorite meal, filling up gas tanks, picking up a movie.  ANYTHING you guys.  Nothing beats seeing their surprised look when you do something nice, and believe me, it will be returned.  If it doesn’t, shred those stupid panties that give you a yeast infection and tell him you’re wearing boxers to bed from now on.  HA.

5. Maintain

This probably seems super shallow, but here ya go.

From your nether regions to your brows, try a little.  Whoa baby did I use the “I’m a busy mom” excuse FAR too many times when leaving the house looking like I was trying to be stopped by someone on the “What to wear” show.  I would say to myself, “I don’t have time for makeup!” “Who cares what I am wearing, I’m with my kids all day!” “I’ll shave my legs tomorrow, I’m wearing jeans.”

Oh boy.  A slippery slope of not maintaining can not only age you like a raisin, but really decreases how you feel about yourself.  Take a few minutes every single day (this is for men + women) to fluff yourself up a bit more.  Because nothing is better than when your darling spouse is looking totally adorable, you notice, compliment and both of you suddenly feel 100% better.  It’s worth the 10 extra minutes.

6. Lighten up! 

We’re not perfect.

FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR from it.

So if you can’t crack a joke, or laugh at each others stupidity, youre doomed.

Just kidding, see, lighten up!

Time and time again we find ourselves getting our feathers ruffled over the same situations that rub us the wrong way.  Or those pet peeves we have … once they are brought to our attention, finally, after 12 years together we have learned to laugh laugh laugh it off.

Taylor Swift was so wrong, you shouldn’t shake it off.  It’ll come back to smack you in the face.

Do not think you can change what the other does.  Who they are.  How they are.  Embrace each other.  Love each other.  Lighten it up when the mood seems to fall sour.

I think we’ve spent 89% of our relationship laughing.  And we owe 100% of that to our lighten it up attitudes!

See that guy up there? He’s a freaking stud.  An amazing Dad, and a man I cannot wait to celebrate many more anniversaries with!

August 19, 2015.

 The day my first born suddenly transformed into a first grader.

I can’t handle it!

You can check out his pictures from his first day of Kindergarten last year.

He still had a baby face, little chunky cheeks.  Cuteness overload if you will.

Just look at that baby face! AH!!

While he is still a cutie pie, this kid has sprouted like none other this summer.  We always joke that his baby pudge is gone! I miss it!

He is a witty, charming, sweet sweet boy whom I know without a doubt will do great in school this year.

I just dropped him off a bit ago, and here are some pictures I snagged of him before!

Look at the stud muffin.  Taking pictures this morning was a bit of a challenge, in the way that posed pictures are just out the window with my boys.  So let the boys be boys and start snappin’

This is what I got 🙂

^^ Can’t forget his best bud in the whole wide world ^^

“In your face first grade!” “I got this!”

Always throwing up the peace sign whenever he gets the chance.  Too cool for school.

Chasing down Dad who was walking Duke down the street.

A few things I know for sure….

Brody is sure to win over hearts.  Teachers and classmates alike.  He will always stand by his friends, not jump into a group that is naughty or not nice.  He is competitive, so I am sure when someone else on the ball court wins at recess, he will cry.  He loves to learn, so the car rides home will be packed with chatty facts about all he learned that day.  He will be sure to let me know if I did not make his lunch just right, heck, he’s such a good cook he might even just take over for me.

But most of all, he will learn to spread his wings just a bit more.  I do not know who will have a harder time being gone all day.  Let’s get real, its me.  An entire day without this guy makes me a bit jealous of his teacher.  I love him so, will miss him dearly, but look forward to watching him grow even more.

Mom, Dad and Owen love you B-mac!!