Our backyard right now is a blanket of the heaviest, fluffiest of snow.  Covering every inch of our land.  It looks absolutely magical – during the morning when the sun is coming up and the wind blows the snow ever so softly across the yard.  During the afternoon when the sun turns the snow into mush in our driveway and the boys tiny shoes are laced with mud.  At night, when our Christmas lights are glowing on our front porch.  Our house is lit and the light bounces off of the snow making it appear that a thousand pounds of glitter were tossed in the air.

 Every ounce of its beauty is taken in.  

It really is breathtaking.  

Then you take another look and realize the trees branches are so heavily weighed down by the snow.  Inches upon inches, making them droop so low they touch the ground.  Wondering if the weight is too much to hold that the branches will just snap.  A day passes, the sun shines through even stronger and slowly but surely you see the packs of snow drop from the branches and plop onto the ground.  The branches weight is lifted, and they can breathe again.

Much like life – as beautiful as it is, the heaviest of times will come.  You will feel weighed down, and just aching to feel that weight lifted off of your shoulders.  

The beauty of it all? God will never give you more than you can handle.  Just as the sun  helped the trees shed the heavy snow, the difficult moments will pass.  Finding the beauty in troubled times is not the easiest of tasks – yet it can be done.

The weight is there for a reason. 

But there will always come a time where the weight is lifted, not that it hurts any less, but you will feel love more than the pain.  

Take in the beauty around you – pay attention to the ordinary.  For the ordinary things that we encounter on a day-to-day basis always end up being the extraordinary things we will never forget.  

XoXo – Abby 

-source-

COME ON!!

That is all I seem to think to myself at the check out line in every store I visit.  I don’t care how many coupons I clipped and carefully calculated my cart – the total always trumps me.  Every freaking time.

Not only is it getting old, it is extremely frustrating.

We eat healthy 80% of the time.  So shopping for produce is a must –

20% of the time we may order in or swing through a drive thru.

The boys eat as if they were training to for a fitness competition.  The shelves are emptied just as quickly as they were stocked.  Just when I think I bought enough to last a week, I’m back at the store 4 days later.

This has to stop and I do not know how.

We need food.   We need toiletries.

And we are not fancy.  I mean, toothpaste, mouthwash, body soap, razors, tampons, clorox wipes, baby wipes etc.  Our list does not consist of fancy face creams or makeup.  You won’t find high end toiletries in our closet.  So how the heck does my cart add up so fast and the money just seem to pour out of our pockets??

In 2015 something has to change.  It is not easy to cut back when you feel like you cut back already.   I often think, what could I do without? When my cart is full of everything we need.

We cannot be the only family who struggles with this? Anyone else have trouble sticking to a budget + still getting everything they need?

On average – between groceries, toiletries and grabbing a treat here and there I probably spend $600-$700 a month.  As I am typing this Brody has his 3rd snow day in a row – they are dumping pounds of legos on the floors upstairs and as I am bummed about this ever-growing lack of budget I am overwhelmed with going in circles with kiddos they have their off days of not listening.

It is so easy to get discouraged on days like these.  Went into target for dish soap, tampons, clorox wipes, waffles etc and walked out with a $106 tab.  Kids are in sheer destroy mode, getting a little stir crazy from days in with the cold crummy weather.

Days like these where I am constantly racking my brain how I can do things better?

Make money for my family.  Stay on top of this big house and the mess that comes along with it.  It is only 11:30 and I just want today to be over with.

I know, geez Abby, you grumpy brat today.

But, some days, motherhood is tough.  Parenting isn’t easy.  And life is just messy.

So, I want to know your tips to make it a bit easier.

Am I out of line with our budget? What do you moms spend grocery shopping a month? Including the extras like toilet paper and paper towels.  Keep in mind we are a house that has to do different milks for our allergy Owen so we do buy double of some items too.

Where do you tackle your shopping? Any tips to penny pinch?

Thanks in advance – I want to be able to get our spending down quite a bit …. just feel like I already cut back, so not sure how to cut back any more.

Here’s to hoping this Monday turns around – that I win the lottery – and my kids decide to clean up their messes.

Goodluck with that, right?

-source- 

When Brody was a peanut (in our eyes) we had our hockey obsessed boy give ice skating a whirl.  In hopes of him really enjoying it and wanting to do it more often.  Dan played hockey growing up, as did his sister and the hockey obsession is still strong within their family.  Some has rubbed off onto me, I will admit … however, we are not going to push the kids into sports they are not interested.  BIG waste of time! So if they end up liking it, great, if not – it’s not the end of the universe!

He tried it for a while when he was around 3 – and then it fizzled out! Over Christmas break, he was chatting away about wanting to do it all over again so we embraced it and got him right back onto the ice.  Dan was thrilled, and I was just as happy to hopefully join them if Owen was up for skating as well!

The whole car ride Brody was pretty calm and collected – which is such a great sign that he’s going to enjoy himself we could tell he was totally ready! Owen told us he was going to “check daddy into the boards” like a real hockey guy — which had us cracking up.  I knew it was still up in the air if he would embrace it when we got to the rink … but secretly both Dan and I have a feeling Owen will be our rough hockey player.  Time will tell!

Ooh these bite size legs in skates … oozing cuteness.

Owen decided to hang back with mom and devour snacks.  I can’t blame the kid! Jumbo soft pretzels and candy for days … he may have had the right idea all along!

Each time we go skating as a family I have high hopes of getting on the ice. First time I was pregnant with Owen- so that was a no.  Following season I was nursing Owen, and this chic couldn’t get more than 3 feet away from him without him wanting the boob.  No exaggeration! And now,  one kid always backs out – leaving mama to be the babysitter.  One day I’ll get my skate on, or at least attempt to.  I’m no pro, so having me be the helper to little ones who are learning – eh, probably not the best idea!   For now I’ll make friends with the concession stand.  

Itty bitty footsteps scraped across the ice.  Uncertainty and excitement poured from his bones.  Hockey has to be one of the toughest sports to toss kids into.  Hit or miss.  Once the skates are on and they stand, wobbly like a baby giraffe their fear sinks in a bit.  Once their confidence builds –  they step onto the ice, only to begin slipping around like a seal, tears and fear usually follows.

It is a sport that I can see will require constant bravery + dedication.

A few shaky laps around and the smile came whipping  baby stepping around the bend!

Owen started to get excited – and when Brody took a break he asked to put on skates and go out with Dad.

Thankfully his Aunt Kristi snagged a picture for me because seconds later his wobbly legs gave out and we were tossing a crying toddler onto the ice for a spin.  A spin that lasted 3 minutes – tears the entire way.  He was handed off to me by Dan, and he said “Oh, I liked that.  I’m done”

Time to hydrate and hit the ice again …. he went the entire 2 hours.

That caution sign could not have been more true for us that evening.  Slipping, crying, and yet getting back up again.  I am excited for these next few years of trying new sports with the boys.  I love that skating really teaches them to get back up and try again … there is not a “win or lose” aspect to it yet.  That has to be my favorite part.  Just building confidence and skills that will help their hopeful hockey careers! Can you not just see Thome on the back of a Columbus Blue Jackets jersey?

[ this post contains affiliate links – by clicking on these links and purchasing the products mentioned, The Thome Home receives a small commission.  Thank you for supporting our blog! ]

I have a confession.

Unless a magazine, cookbook or online article counts as a “book” – I have not read a book in years.

Gah! That is even embarrassing to type let alone say out loud.  I LOVED reading as a child and even as a teenager. Somewhere between Cosmetology school and kids the only thing I was reading was the labels on the back of baby food and diaper packages.  I have had friends and family lend me books to read – and I “never got around to them”.  I never took the time to enjoy them.

Cookbooks I could read front to back.  Magazines beginning to end …. something about a book just seemed like I needed to take way to much alone time to even accomplish being able to focus and understand the book I was trying to tackle! Seeing as I always have eyes on me ….. literally.

It is time for a change!

I talked last week about setting goals for my blog — and this is one thing I really want to do for myself for 2015.  I think it is SO essential to understand that new year resolutions do not need to be a make or break deal.  Make changes for yourself throughout the entire year that benefit yourself and others.  Do not hold it to starting in January – chances are it’ll be overwhelming and not happen.  Each day, each week, each month do something good.  For yourself, for a family member, for a stranger.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world”  – Mahatma Gandhi 

I want to start reading one book a month.  In hopes of not only wake up my mommy brain cells – but to set aside time for myself.  I want YOU to join in on this too! Leave me a comment, or send me an email

at thethomehome@gmail.com 

Telling me what books you love the most – maybe it will be the book I chose to read the following month and decide to share with you all!

It is so ironic how I stumbled across this months book of choice –

The very reason why I wanted to start this book club.  To break up my bad habit of reality television at night.  You guys this addiction is real.  For those of you who do not like watching t.v., good for you, but my word is it my sweet spot.  Keeping Up With The Kardashians? Yes, I like big butts and I cannot lie.  Big Bang Theory? Bazinga! Bachelor/Bachelorette – Will you accept this rose?   I am a fool for “reality” and witty puns and lifestyles I would love to live.  One show I cannot get enough of lately is Super Soul Sunday with Oprah.  Don’t laugh – it is so inspiring and pulls me in like a thong in a butt cheek.  I love it.

Last week there was an episode on with Cheryl Strayed – the author of WILD – and I knew in that moment, before I jump to see the movie starring Reese Witherspoon – I had to read it!

This memoir, of Cheryl Strayed finding herself in a solo hike –  1,100 miles of self discovery on the Pacific Crest Trail.  I cannot even fathom the thought of hiking alone for an hour, let alone days and days on end.  Lessons both physically and spiritually that I am sure will have me thinking a bit differently about life and love.

So it’s as simple as that! Get this book for yourself this month, let us tackle it together, chat about it next month shall we? I hope you all leave me some good ideas for the following months … so far I’ve got Goodnight Moon, How Do Dinosaurs Eat Cookies? and Pete the Cat! – Do those qualify?

  I am so ready to dig into this book and I really hope you guys will too!

[ side note! you guys go back to this post  and leave you questions for me! Don’t hate – participate — also don’t be shy, you could win yourself a giftcard to starbucks just for asking a silly question! ]

Goals. Goals. Goals.

Blah. Blah. Blah.

Really, that is exactly how I use to feel about them.  Every goal I have mentally set for myself I manage to fall short.

Graduate College.

OR….

Hate community college and decide Cosmetology school is next best.

Get married, buy a house, have babies….

OR in real life …

Have a baby, get married, buy a house.

Maintain a stress-free life.

OR.

End up with anxiety from juggling too much.

Let my husband believe girls do not pass gas.

OR.

Occasionally let it slip.

You see? Sometimes things do not go as planned.

I think it is time for a change.  I can handle when things don’t work out as I envisioned them too, really, I can.  But I think it is time to stop assuming things will not go as planned and set some goals.  Reach for the stars, if you will.

Because at the end of the day, whether it all works out the way I plan or not, I still want to know that I tried –

Like all of my goals above, the things that did not happen the way I thought they would, I still am proud of who I am and where I am in this stage of life.

So – here we go! This post is all about my BLOG GOALS for 2015.

A few things that I should mention first.

The Thome Home is a big slice of our lives that years ago I thought would be fun to share with family and a few friends.  Literally, my mom, siblings, Aunts – ya know.  Slowly but surely over the past year our blog has taken a more professional path in hopes of developing relationships with businesses and collaborate with companies.  Whether or not we earn $$ at first … we hope to eventually streaming in some income to supplement the time and $$ we put into this space.

I have to thank you guys, my readers, practically my family.  To think this blog started with very little views a week (literally like 40) which has now hit thousands – we are humbled and completely shocked you guys care to check in on our not so perfect life.  We adore each and every one of you, and hope you guys continue to grow with us from here on out!

I have been writing this post on and off for weeks now.  Even had SO many discussions about changing the name of our blog with Dan.  Our last name “Thome” is always mispronounced … so I wanted to switch it to something that wraps everything I want to deliver from this blog into a few sweet words.  Not sure what to do …. keep it or change it?

Blog Goals 2015

Make Money.

You may think seeing all of these collaborations that were raking in the cash.  Nope.  Nada.  SO – it would be nice to eventually build up our sponsors so we can afford to keep the design half of our blog going! As a stay at home mother the only dough I bring into our lives is cookie dough.  It would be a dream come true to somehow take all of my dreams and make them a reality and make a living from it.  I’m sure the mister wouldn’t hate a little weight off of his shoulders as well.

Continue to be REAL.

Keep it as is.  Always strive to do better and be better, but stay true to who we are.  For those that read this blog on a regular basis, know that not only do I over share, but I share things that most people would never want anyone else to know.  Writing has always been therapeutic for me.  Ever since elementary school I wrote plays, stories, and dove head first into constantly jotting down my ideas and thoughts.  My blog is meant to be just that.  An extension of my thoughts, for all to read.  To connect to, to relate to, and for myself to grow from.

Collaborate.

I cannot tell you how many emails I have sent out in hopes of collaborating with companies. Whether it be for product reviews, or to do a giveaway, or simple write about them through sponsoring us.  SO many of those emails resulting in a big. fat. but sweet NO.  It’s all about the numbers a lot of the time.  Bloggers who have a HUGE fan base and I mean tens of thousands of hits every hour or day.  Intimidated time and time again I knew I wasn’t a big blogger, nor had the $$ to back up fancy house posts.  But, then, lucky me, some companies read my content and like what I had to offer.  I cannot thank those companies enough — seriously, I am honored and ecstatic about the amazing relationships I have formed in 2014.

There are SO many brands I dream of collaborating with – so I would love to have a few more to keep us busy in 2015.  We have a few lined up these next few months that I am thrilled about.  I love working with businesses small and big.  Ones that have a story to what they stand behind –  that started with intentions and dreams and so admiringly so turned it into something a dream come true.

Make MOVIES.

I love the camera – in a sense.  There is something about pictures that is so awkward to me.  But I love making videos. Not serious ones of course – but I would love to showcase recipes + home stuff via video.  So I will start to do videos for you answering questions … showing snippets of our lives that I know you’ll all be entertained by.  Maybe a dance off? Fair warning — I’m a bit of an odd ball and foul sense of humor.  If you couldn’t tell through my writing already, you’ve been warned.

Post Often.

I love posting frequently.  At times it does get tough to have things to share (sometimes things are so boring around here) But-  posting often pushes us into doing more, resulting in accomplishing more! It challenges me to do more DIY projects on a very tight budget, which I know others love to learn about as well!

Challenge Myself.

In every aspect.  Whether it be a project I am terrified to do. OR  Write about something that seems difficult to share.  This bloggin’ thing was never started in hopes of reaching out to people … and over the years I have met people and read emails from you guys and I am running on the sheer love and joy from it all.  I know the majority of those who have reached out were touched by honesty.  The transparency I provide in my posts.  While at times it is a  hard to type the words and put it out into the universe, it is so gratifying knowing you can relate.

Grow.

I do not know how this will happen .. I know it will not happen overnight.  But I love our blog.  And I feel so blessed to have the opportunities come to us that have already.  I hope to keep growing this little slice of internet.    I want to grow this space, connect with you guys more, and develop relationships that inspire and drive us more to be better, and do better.  Connect with others – inspire – and learn from this community of bloggers and readers.  Not only do I want this blog to grow, I hope that I will continue to evolve and grow as well.  Always for the better!

XoXo Abby

[ 24 hours away from closing the contest! I am opening up the contest to FACEBOOK comments as well — so goodluck! Winner will be chosen at random utilizing rafflecopter + random.org ]

I have been blogging since 2011 – My content is constantly evolving and I am so very fortunate you guys check into this slice of our life on a daily basis.

With 2015 just hours away- I wanted to add a few new sections to our blog! I’m brainstorming like crazy over here, trying to figure out what would fit best for you guys + what would keep me inspired to write, keeping things fresh!

I thought it would be SO fun to have you guys write to me – asking whatever questions you would like to know from me! I will round up -X- amount of questions and answer them in a video for you all –

I want this to become on of the newer things on The Thome Home – frequent videos, touching base, answering questions, home tours, recipes etc.  I want to connect more – hear more from you guys on what you would like to see!

SooOoooO…. Leave a comment here ( on the bottom of this post )

I will be answering the questions this weekend and posting the video next week!

Join in on the fun please! Ask me anything, home related, life related, favorite movie, ha – Even questions for Dan the man!

You think it, ask it

OH and better yet, to thank you guys for pitching in on this first video I will be giving away a PRIZE!

Wahoo! Who doesn’t love a giveaway?

Leave your question on my comment form + you’ll be entered to win a gift card to one of my favorite places on earth …. STARBUCKS.  $20 from me to you.

Winner will be announced on Friday, January 9th.  U.S. residents only.  

Make sure you not only click the “leave a comment” box – but actually leave your question to me to qualify! 

Treat yourself in 2015