Well, I didn’t win the lottery…so that’s disappointing. I was really counting on that ;). My life lately post would have been a bunch of pictures of me jumping up and down…and then, I’m pretty sure I would have slept in this morning. #justsayin
Here’s a peek at life lately…
Erika’s mother-in-law invited Kensington over to craft with her and Ebby Lee the other day and look what she made me! I’m not sure how they did this…but the girls made these little miniature versions of us and then painted them. Look at me! I have highlights (check!), a Bible (check!), and a bowl with a whisk (check, check!). Listen, if my kid thinks of me in the kitchen with a head full of highlights reading the Bible while whisking up a recipe, then I’m quite happy ;).
Speaking of highlights…while the three kids were at school the other day, I treated myself to a blow out. Am I the only one who prefers a blow out to a mani/pedi? Whoever created these places is a genius in my opinion: a hair wash and dry (‘cuz y’all know how much I dislike blow drying!), coffee, chick flicks playing…I mean, it was the most relaxing 30 minutes of my week! If I could, I would go every day. Loooove me a good hair washin’! (And pssssst: don’t forget, they’re the ones that sell my favorite dry shampoo…it’s heavenly and gives your hair great body too!)
When your mom says you can’t have a cupcake for breakfast. #sigh
Gangs all here for Smith’s first basketball game! Our little guy had his first game on Saturday morning and so my parents, Catherine and Sean wanted to come watch. We had the best time cheering him on!
Smith and Coach Andrew 😉
I just love this kid!
After the game, we had lunch at our favorite diner.
On Monday night, Andrew took Kensington out on a special little daddy/daughter date. They ate Japanese food (her choice) and had so much fun. Back at home, Smith requested pizza on the floor picnic style…so that’s what we did (with Ashby, of course!).
I don’t know about you…but sometimes I feel like I’m playing that whack a mole game as a parent. You try to spend special time with one kid and “whack that mole” just as the other kid pops up and you know you need to spend special time with that one too. In our house, we’re always trying to make sure each kid has special moments and that no one is forgotten. Any suggestions on things we can do? I love your ideas :).
Speaking of which…you should read my friend Cassie’s blog post on how she’s not doing it all. I was nodding in agreement as I read every line. It’s so easy to think we’re failing as parents/moms/wives because we see other people “doing it all” but really, most people aren’t. It was very refreshing, funny (Cassie is hysterical!) and upfront. I loved it! Heaven knows that I’m not doing it all. so it was really nice to read Cassie talk about how she isn’t either (with her very witty spin on things).
On Tuesday mornings, I volunteer in Kensington’s class. On this day, I was listening to kiddos read and when it was her turn, we took a selfie. Love this girl so much.
It was a gorgeous day on Tuesday after preschool (60ish!), so I took these two to get a slush and then we played outside until the big kids were finished with school. They’re just so much fun together.
That’s life lately!
On my foodie blog today…
…Beef and Pepper Ragu over Polenta! Super simple and delish!
Come back tomorrow for a GIVEAWAY!!!
Erika Slaughter says
Yes!!! I loved Cassie's post earlier this week!! I was nodding my head in agreement as well.
kelly says
That craft K. Made is totally awesome!! She seems to be quite the Artist! It looks like it could be turned into a Christmas tree ornament!
Here's an idea for spending QT with kiddos.
My cousin told me that every night when the kids were sent to bed, she would lie in bed with each child and spend 15 minutes talking with each child individually! She did that all through high school and whenever they were home thereafter!
She is nothing short of Uh-mazing! Cause that was 1 hour of time every night! Phew! I always admired her for that but even if you did it once a week with the kids or just did one kid a night (which would be more doable.)
Narci says
Precious picture of you and K at her school!! So sweet!! Also, love that Ashby and Bowen!!
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Kensington totally nailed her craft of you! So cute!
Elizabeth says
I always love a good mani/pedi but nothing beats the Dry Bar!!!
alison says
Am I the only one hoping ashby and Bowen will get married one day??? Lol they are just too cute! Xoxo
dresselfamily.blogspot.com says
I hear ya!!!
Aubrey says
What a magical life! Espesh that dry bar business. I would most definitely opt for a wash and dry over a mani/pedi!
Courtney Wells says
Random question: what tool did the dry bar use to creat those waves/curls? Looks amazing! ��
Suhana Alam says
I have the same question as well!
Mix and Match Mama says
It was a one inch curling iron!
Sarah Lee Park says
I haven't done this yet, but I remember reading about the idea of spending extra time with each child (it can be as simple as letting them stay up an extra 30 min past bedtime to do something special with just you guys) – and it happens once a month, on the day of the month they were born. So if their birthday falls on the 8th, then the 8th of the month is their special day each month.
My friend's family (when we were growing up), also did a special outing with their parents each weekend (the kids took turns each weekend) – but they were old enough to stay home by themselves while their parents took each kid out. 🙂
Bekah Bruce says
I too was going to suggest the first idea! We are implementing it in our house this year because, with three young kiddos, a husband who travels on the regular, and just LIFE–it is hard to have actual 1:1 outings with each kid each month, plus time for your spouse or yourself!
Kaylee Steiner says
So, I grew up in a family where my mother birthed 10 children in 16 years. I am number seven. People have this impression that because my family was so big that my parent's couldn't have given enough time and love to each kid. I'll tell you right now that isn't true. My dad isn't one I had a super close emotional relationship with until I became an adult because he is more reserved socially, but he was always at all of my concerts, recitals, sports ga!mes, etc for my whole growing up life. My mom was and still is a stay at home mom and I always have counted her as my best friend, and it is simply because she is always there to talk when I need her. I think just being available is the most important thing. I would talk to her after school, or while she made dinner, or after bedtime while she was (trying) to read her scriptures. What I'm trying to say is , it is obvious you love your kids, they know it, and you try to have time with them. They know you've got their back and that's what matters. You make yourself present and available and they will always know they can come to both of you if they need to. Every child needs different kinds and amounts of love and attention at different stages of their lives, and when we fall short even though we are trying, God will step in. You're doing a great job!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I just love this Kaylee!
Megan says
the pic of Ashby in the closet is my favorite. That might just be me this weekend since we cut out processed sugars on the daniel plan. But seriously. Ha!!
Karen says
The craft that Kensington made is precious – she knows her mama well:)
Crystal ~ The Williamson Household! says
We have 7 kids, so needless to say, we have a hard time giving everyone the same amount of attention so I decided to start what we call, "special days". Our kiddos take turns having a special day. We plan special days on Saturdays. We have a list of fun things and they get to pick from the list of what they'd like to do. They also get a solo meal with each of us so for example, breakfast with me and dinner with dad. They love it so much and look forward to it. We try to do a special Saturday twice a month! On the fun list they can also choose whether it is a group activity or something they do with just me or dad. 🙂
Christine S says
I have six kids, and one thing we have done is to make part of their birthday include one-on-one time with Mom. They go to lunch and shopping with Mom (and Dad if he isn't working) and we enjoy the afternoon together. My oldest is turning 25, married and expecting her first baby….and I am happily traveling an hour on Wednesday so I can go to lunch and shopping with her on her birthday. I think this tradition will live on forever. 🙂
Leigh (Balancing By Faith) says
That craft is too cute – I may be partial to the knobby knees…but I am sure that isn't a reflection of you!! 😉
Cassie {Hi Sugarplum} says
OHMYWORD! Thank you for including my post, friend! It was scary sharing all that dark stuff, but it's been liberating knowing so many people can relate. I'd never guess that you feel the same way sometimes, too, so it's a relief to know you're just like us! But with better hair! 😉 Your blog is always a bright spot in my day, thanks for sharing your darling family and blessed life with us! and PS, my stew was a hit! 😉
lindsey says
Nothing beats a good blow out bar! I take mine with champagne though 😉
Melanie Smith says
Just a thought…what if you parents alternated months and took out each child individually once a month. Like February could be your month to take out Smith, then Ashby, then Kens? Then March could be Andrews. That may be super hectic, I don't know.
The Nelson Happenings says
I've never had a blow out !! We have a great salon here in Omaha that I must go to ! Your hair looks amazing.
Catherine says
I've never had a blow out but now I really want too!
And the FL winning ticket was sold 20 min from my house, but not my Publix. 🙁
Lynne says
I know Ashby is so sad in that picture, but she looks like a doll!
Gidgets Bookshelf says
When my now 9 year old was around 3 she wanted a cupcake for breakfast it was her birthday. Anyway she proceeded to reason with me that a frosted doughnut with sprinkles was the same as a cupcake just different shaped. I loved that reasoning and we still laugh about it. Needless to say we let her have the cupcake (it was her birthday, and who could argue with that logic. 🙂 lucky for us she hasn't asked again.
Haley Southey says
love those cute faces!!! too much fun 🙂
Ash says
Ohhhh I love the blowout! And I really need some ideas on how to spend quality time with each kid. My boys are 3 and 1. It's hard to figure out what is special to each of them. I hope you get some good ideas I can steal here!
HashtagMomBlog
Jeanie says
Love your "Life Latelys." The knees on your thing-a-ma-bob that Kensington made kill me. That is the cutest thing. And Ashby crying? Poor baby.
Sarah Kuykendall says
I'd cry if I was Ashby, too! Good thing she has Bowen to cheer her up!
Your hair looks gorgeous!
Pearl says
Hi,
Second time caller, long time listener..;) I love your blog. I just wanted to comment that as a kid I wanted to spend time with both of my parents at the same time. So maybe have one child have a special day with mom and dad and the other two are with grandparents. Have you watched "The Middle"? In one episode theh tried that but once they got to the third kid they were just exausted. It was funny but I think it was a good idea.
Tracy Stegall says
I've only had one blow out in my life (my 30th bday!) and always talk about wanting another one. I'd take it any day over a mani/pedi! I linked up your blog on mine, I hope that isn't a problem. Thanks!
Teresa says
I agree with Kaylee! love your blog every morning! You're so refreshing and real! Hope you enjoy your 3 day weekend and Smiths birthday:)
Teresa says
I agree with Kaylee! I love reading your blog every morning! You are so refreshing and real! Hope you enjoy your 3 day weekend and Smith's birthday:)
Meghan says
Your hair looks amazing! I've never had a blow out but that's on my list now! Love the craft of you!
thallford says
I'm a teacher. One of my parents knew to give me a Drybar certificate instead of a massage or mani/pedi.
Drybar is my saving grace!!!
Jaren says
Thanks for sharing the post Cassie did! It was really really great! Oh and I want a Drybar where I live!!! Those curls were perfect!
Dawn says
Speaking of doing it all, or not, have you seen "I don't know how she does it" with Sarah Jessica Parker? Overall message? You can't. Good movie!
sarah mcclanahan says
I feel like you have it all together all the time 🙂 you get up early & get everything accomplished it seems like.