. . . for Lauren and Lauren

November 2, 2017

33 things on my 33rd birthday . . . . .


Today I turn THIRTY THREE!  Here are 33 random facts about me you may not know . . .

ONE.  I am not a hoarder, but I’m not even close to a minimalist. I like the idea of it but I like things.  Clothes. House decor. Stuff.  I like all of it.  

TWO. I used to not care about good food or take out but now nights we eat out (sans kids) or get take out are a highlight of my week. 

THREE. I also used to not like red wine or dark chocolate and now don’t know what I was thinking. 

FOUR. I think I was a really good teacher and I have days I really miss using those skills but then other days I don’t think I’ll ever go back to teaching. 

FIVE. With that being said, I can't imagine not being a stay at home mom and am so thankful that I get to do that.  

SIX.  I thought newborn and baby phase would be my favorite age but now I think it’s age four and maybe a few years after that. 

SEVEN. I text my sister so many times a day. And she lives only four miles from me. I don’t know what I’d do without her. 

EIGHT.  There were days when I'd get so annoyed at group texts, and feel stressed when my texting limit was about to be reached.  It's funny now because I don’t know what I’d do without texting at all. I often feel that is my main connection for relationships these days. 

NINE. I could eat avocados everyday and never get tired of them. 

TEN. I really hope in the next many years there is some cheaper option available for fake teeth. I’m tired of my current ones and the amount of time and money I’ve spent on them. 

ELEVEN. I’m 33 years old and still don’t feel equipped to apply makeup and take care of my skin. Help. 

THIRTEEN.  I recently got rid of bags of clothing and would like my closet to consist of loose fitting shirts and sweaters I can tuck in and jeans, leggings and booties.  It's ridiculous how many clothes I get rid of and how many clothes I still have.  It makes me feel both happy and embarrassed. 

FOURTEEN. I love when I sweat when I’m working out. 

FIFTEEN. I’ve recently caught up and am staying in much better touch with my girlfriends from high school thanks to the Marco Polo app and it makes me so happy. 

SIXTEEN.  I have a hard time accepting change and am happy when things stay just as they are.

SEVENTEEN. I think those “let’s cuddle” sweatshirts and ones like them are so cute. But I could never buy one because it’d be a total line. Poor Chris. 

EIGHTEEN.  Making my bed every morning makes me feel happy and more put together. 

NINETEEN. I have run three Chicago marathons and one other and would love to do it again someday but not sure my knees (or husband) could handle it again.  Minus childbirth, I've never felt more proud or strong in my life. 

TWENTY. I do not mind doing and folding laundry.  But you could count the amount of times I’ve dusted in the last year. ðŸ˜³

TWENTY ONE.  I love traditions. We have a million of them; especially this time of year and I want to add even more. 

TWENTY TWO.  I feel confident we’re done having kids but I think I’ll forever miss the tiny newborn stage of babies. 

TWENTY THREE. I love teen dramas and romantic comedies. Sometimes I think the genre of shows and movies I like makes me unintelligent but it is what it is. ðŸ˜‰

TWENTY FOUR. I really like creative things. Sewing, painting, baking, drawing. Someday I want to find a way to use some of those things to do something meaningful. 

TWENTY FIVE.  Little things that make me happy: coffee, mugs, graphic tees, workout clothes, cute tennis shoes. 

TWENTY SIX. My favorite cheaper take out choices are Jimmy Johns and Panera. 

TWENTY SEVEN. A dream job would be to get $100 from someone to either buy them new clothes or new decorations for their house. I feel like I could make their money go way farther than most people. 

TWENTY EIGHT. Sometimes I hear people talk about turning 40 and finally feeling confident in their skin and not worrying about so many things they did when they were younger. I want to get to that place before then! 

TWENTY NINE. I love making and having plans during the days with the kids, but am totally content being home in the evenings once they go to bed. 

THIRTY. Chris is the only boyfriend I’ve ever had, boy I’ve ever held hands with or kissed. And I feel so thankful that is my love story. 

THIRTY ONE.  I wish I liked drinking tea. I’ve tried multiple kinds and adding in different things, but every time think it tastes gross. 

THIRTY TWO. I got married when I was 20. A baby. I definitely grew up into adulthood as a married women and think I missed out on a chunk of college and growing up most people have. But I am so grateful for Chris and the so many years we had together, from teenagers to adults.  

THIRTY THREE.  I don’t mind turning another year older.  Life keeps getting better and better and I am so thankful for all God’s given me. Here’s to year 33! 


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November 1, 2017

Girls' weekend!!!


Last weekend we had a girls' weekend in Holland, Michigan and it was wonderful.  It was the first time I left Isaac overnight, and actually the longest I'd been away from Addilyn aside from when I was in the hospital when Isaac was born.  I was a little nervous about leaving, but mostly excited to get away and spend time with the girls in my family.  The kids of course did great, and Chris was happy to spend the weekend with them.  He did text me one time saying that keeping the house clean was a full time job and he's even more appreciative of how much I do, so that's an extra win of the whole weekend. 


My mom, sister and aunt (who was visiting from California) left earlier on Friday and my sister in law and I drove up later in the afternoon.  It was kind of a long drive, especially with traffic on the way up there but I was happy to spend some hours in the car, talking with my sister in law and did not mind that it took awhile.  We spent Saturday having a slow morning, eating a nice breakfast, visiting with one of my sister's friends from college and then walking around this cute town.


We got to meet a family friend for coffee and it was so nice.  Sandy used to have me for sleepovers when I was little and I remember thinking she was the best thing ever.  Then years and years later when we went through all our fertility struggles, she was such a huge source of encouragement and prayer.  We'd talk on the phone, I'd text with all kinds of updates and she was just such a person of support and love and I am so thankful for her.  I hadn't seen her since Addi's baby shower so it was so nice to visit for a little bit.


We did some wine tasting, had a nice dinner and then hung out at the little house we rented.  We played cards and ate chocolate and it was wonderful.  I feel so thankful that I love the women in my family so much and that we all get along so well.  I don't know what I'd do without them!  I am so thankful for such a great weekend away.
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October 25, 2017

Rain, rain, you can stay

sweater: c/o shein
Excuse the wrinkles but I certainly can't iron a sweatshirt that goes with leggings and meant to wear on a cozy Fall day.  They will eventually iron themselves out after I wear it, right?  We've had a few rainy cold days this week and I wasn't at all disappointed because wearing comfy clothes and feeling justified to let my kids watch extra tv and myself drink more coffee was completely welcomed.  Now come January when it's freezing and we can't go outside, I'll think differently, but for now rain and cold are welcome!
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October 24, 2017

Finally

top: shein (only $11)  pants: jcpenney   shoes: target

We've had such a warmer October, but it finally feels like Fall.  And I am so happy about it.  Bring on all the long sleeves, sweaters, vests and boots.  I just got this top and it's the perfect Fall color and so cozy.  The top is super loose, so you definitely need a tank under it, and I love the back with a bralette. Now we just need a fire in our fireplace, and perhaps switch out to leggings of course.  

These jeans are so comfy and I waited for a $10 coupon, plus they were on sale so I got them for under $20.  They are the jegging kind, so stretchy but look like regular jeans.  

Also do people read blogs anymore? Especially ones with outfit posts? Or does everyone just use instagram?  Sometimes I think I should just post there if I have an outfit to share and not do my blog anymore?  Help?? 


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October 19, 2017

FIve for Friday


ONE.  Chris and I went on a date last weekend and it was great!  We got coffee and then walked around a few stores.  It's amazing what three hours alone can do.  I found this sweater at TJMaxx for $12 and I love it.  

TWO.  Here's some other fun sweaters that I love:

one //  two   
three  //  four


THREE.  I feel like so many people have posted pictures of their kids with these masks on.  The panda or the unicorn.  But they crack me up.  Especially Isaac's tiny little body with this huge panda head.  


FOUR.  We painted Addilyn's pumpkin and it was so fun and easy.  I think we'll do this every year. I took her to Michael's and she picked out these stickers and was so proud.  


FIVE. We're going away with Chris' family this weekend and it'll be nice to have a whole weekend together.

Hope you enjoy your weekend!







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