a week of firsts

This week has been a week of firsts. Little firsts.......

 Logan started going down slides by himself, and also going down stairs....but let me digress....

[I don't know why talking about the things Logan can do with people, with Michael, and especially on the blog/facebook really bothers me. It bothers me when people talk about when their kid can walk/talk/count/read ect. I have been around very smart kids and some not so smart kids, but more importantly I have been around nice kids and not so nice kids. What really matters is focusing on our kids being nice, sharing, accepting, not judging, and not bulling! Jackson, my incredibly athletic, the tallest of the group, the kid that always gets noticed,has what some would call a "learning disability". The hours  I have spent meeting with teachers and the hours I have spent trying to help him "know" what others in his grade "should" know, its crazy. Bottom line is, Jackson will continue to work through his struggles, but he definitely walked before any other kid I have ever met, he continues to out run and bike everyone his age and his coloring kicks ass. So when I talk about Logan doing what he is doing, I am not bragging, I am just mentioning.....]

Ok So a week of firsts....other than Logan figuring some more stuff out, it was also his first time to the mall! We had NO PLANS this entire weekend. Which is really unlike us, but its also a bit weird, like what do we do with no plans? As much as I like to clean and organize when there isn't a lot going on, my husband actually begs me not to.....(I'm pretty sure he thinks I become the devil in the process)

So on Saturday, after I hit the gym and Logan woke up from his nap, we headed to the mall. I hate the mall, I actually don't remember the last time went to the mall. I love Nordstrom, but you can easily go to Nordstrom and walk out and never entire the mall itself so I don't count that as going to the mall. Anyways, Logan's first time to the mall was really fun. It made me realize that going the mall on a rainy day isn't that bad....I get why there are 8000 other families there.

We spent some time getting the boys new shoes, then hit up the train for a little ride around the mall. I only had $6 in cash and Michael didn't have any, so he had to wait and watch us ride around in the train...he was jealous...

 

The boys got some back to school goodies, although Logan doesn't go to school I think he needs to start working on his fall get up

 

We then went to PF Changs for some yummy Asian food....Logan inhaled his noodles, Jackson inhaled his Chicken Fried rice, and both boys smiled, laughed and sat mostly still for the entire dinner....OH and Logan and Michael had their FIRST egg roll...so sad for Michael he has gone 32 years without super tasty fried rolls in his life.

Fun part of Asian food is the fortune cookies!

 

 

Logan LOVED his FIRST fortune cookie

Holly's: Your coworkers take pleasure in your great sense of creativity.
Michael's: Place special emphases on an old friendship
Jackson's: Past experience: He who never makes mistakes did anything that's worthy
Logan's: Yours eyes will soon be opened to a world of beauty, charm and adventure

how perfect?!    I am so the opposite of creative, but the others were cool

here are me and the boys leaving the mall..

 

And then there was Sunday....a beautiful day, we went to the park, the butcher, then I cooked, cleaned and most of all filled up everything possible with water. I didn't take a picture of our big blow up pool but it was blown up, scrubbed with bleach, scrubbed some more, filled with water and completely beaten up by a bunch of neighborhood boys.

 

 

that is not the pool I was talking about above...although I did clean that little one with bleach as well...

This is my crazy boy, who I love with all my heart, he continues to challenge my parenting skills every day but he always makes me laugh. He  does these things, all day long, every day, that make me smile....I try to document as much as I can...

note-that big smile on his face, in the baby pool, is because he is peeing....those are one of the not so funny moments I wish I could erase....

Heres to peeing in the pool! (one with chlorine though!) 

 

lucky duck

We are so incredibly blessed to have two amazing boys, a home and food on the table every night. We are blessed because as of right now we are all healthy. I have been hearing so many sad stories lately of parents loosing their children, children loosing their parents, even dogs passing away. I am so incredibly thankful that I have been blessed with such an amazing life at the moment. I try not to take things for granted and my goal for the rest of the year is to make sure every day I appreciate the little things.

I know this probably doesn't make much sense to most of the readers of this blog.... (not that I have any idea who really reads this) Last night I was putting Jackson to bed and he asked me if I was going to be home when he wakes up. I am lucky, extremely lucky, to be able to work form home every day. So my little bit of "me time" is spent most mornings at the gym. I am usually gone from 7 am -10 am. Therefore, Jackson often wakes up and I am not home. He asked me as I was tucking him in to please run at home the following morning, so I would be there when he woke up. I kind of smiled and said I don't know, we will see. I really try not to feel bad about going to the gym, because I am home the rest of the day, but it really made me feel bad. I woke up early with Logan, hung out with him for a bit and then headed to the basement to get in a good 6 miles on the treadmill and then do some crunches/arms. He was not even up when I was finished. I am not saying that I won't be going to the gym multiple more times this week, but I am saying that I will most likely feel bad going and at least one day this week I stayed home to make my little booger happy. Its the little things :)

 

silly boy #1 (model pose?)

 

Silly boy #2 (tongue pose?)

so lucky to work from home, so appreciative and I love my job!

 

oh and lastly

 

HAPPY SHARK WEEK!!!!!!!!

(this little shark is fierce, he bites!)

Fundays Weekend-days

We spent the weekend soaking up the beautiful weather and enjoying some family time. Friday night J man went to his dads so Michael and I took Lo to dinner at Litefoot. He fell asleep on the 5 minute drive there, then he woke up and was the best little boy at dinner. We don't take him out much so we stress when we attempt to have nice dinner. We made a great choice that night. Live music on the patio was an extra bonus!

Saturday I spent running errands and working out. Jackson and momma ran to the Wine'ing Butcher in Ashburn to pick up some yummy food for dinner. First off, all their meat is local, or fresh! I don't eat meat really, but when I do it has to be organic/natural/fresh/local. Beef tips! One beef tip is about half the size of a Filet, the meat is tender and juicy but a little more chewy then filet. Anyways, I always grill them pretty perfectly and Saturday Jackson inhaled two of them. He never eats steak, he almost never eats meat, it was a pretty big success. check that place out!

Jackson had a sleep over Saturday night so we woke up Sunday and I made French toast and then we all headed to the park. After the park we decided we would head to the country and enjoy some Great Country Farms/Bluemont action. We have been to both many many times but watching both boys smile and giggle and run and explore and experience, it makes it all very much worth it. Both boys loved the vineyard too, which means we will be going back very soon! The best thing about Bluemont is everyone has kids. The owner, with his two kids and dog, driving in there tractor, instantly start conversation and invite Logan play with his dog and hop up in the tractor. Great atmosphere.

Here are my pics:

 

 

 

Who doesn't like huge cows?

 

 

Michael told Jackson to grab that....

 

J man flipping away on a huge bounce pillow

 

 

I always bounce on the pillow too, I pretend I'm 12 (that's the age limit). Logan deserves to get to bounce too!

 

Someone felt right at home in the wooden castle....

 

And on the wooden truck! He cried when I made him get out

 

 

New big slides, they look cool but they are a really slow. The most exciting part was Jackson wanting to go down the middle slide, the one a little girl decided to climb up. He didn't think that was right and wanted to take her down....we didn't let him :)

 

 

So as he quickly passed by every kid (much smaller) on these bikes and flew around and around and around the tracks, he ended up getting more and more sweaty. This was the end of a dry/clean/non stinky Jackson.

 

 

snacks, shade, wine, ribs, and an awesome view. great way to end the afternoon

Silence and two sleeping boys before pulling out of Bluemont...priceless!

 

 So thankful! Hope you all had a spectacular weekend!

I want....my Revolve Addiction.....

I hate when people say they have everything they want. I mean I don't hate them, I just hate when people say that. I don't get it really. I mean, I am super happy with the life I have, I thank God every day, if not multiple times a day, for what he has blessed me with, but there is so much crap that I want.....and when I say crap, I mean awesome clothes/shoes/boots/ect. :) 

I sometimes sit on my phone and stalk my Revolve app. The worst part is that the app is slow, so I can't surf as fast I would like, but I still do it anyways.

They have a website, but I don't like the website as much, and I really don't have time to sit on my clunky lap top and surf. When I am at my lap top I am doing one of three things: working, paying bills, or writing a blog post. I don't have a ipad, and I don't really want one.....

So here is what I currently want.....I am not writing this so anyone buys me these things, I am writing this because I min-as-well do something with all the time I have wasted surfing the stupid app.

All of the below pictures are from the revolve app on the iphone.

 

Frye, Jenna studded short boot.....amazing in so many ways....

 

7 cut off shorts, because I mean really, right now, there are never too many cut off shorts in your closet

 

big, boho, off the shoulder,slouchy gorg sweater, Free People of course, me need for fall!

 

Another gorg Free People, I think its too tight on that girl, loose is always better....

 

 

Me and Chan Luu need to spend way more time together, as in I need to have like 20 more of her pieces.....they are all so beautiful

 

Chan Luu

 

Oh Basta Surf, if I had fake boobs, I would rock these dresses like no one, unfortunately I don't, but I love the boho no back

last but not least, I could totally see me coaching J's soccer team this fall, in this outfit, maybe some uggs as well, why? because why the f not?!

 

(Free peps!)

 

 

Oh how I love to pretend I could obtain all of these gorgeous pieces...oh I love it....

 

Happy Friday readers!

 

CRAB FEST 2013!!!!!!!

You want crabs? I want crabs! My girlies and I, and our loved ones, got together at our house this weekend for an awesome crab fest. We had a couple dozen Maryland crabs, 4 lbs of snow crab, 4 lbs of steam shrimp, lots of corn, salt potatoes, corn muffins and cookies. We ate, drank (too much), jammed to music, played games, and I enjoyed every minute. Every time we get together, I get depressed when it ends. I am hoping some day to live in a culdesac with these ladies so I can see them every day. Until then, I'll keep soaking up our get together and sleep overs.

Pics!

no crab fest is complete with out a crab balloon....and old bay and butter....

get that crab!
 

 The crew

 Logan loved all the attention

 

I loved all the girl time

 

Jackson and his god mother, he is 6 and will soon be taller than she is....

Thank you friends for the awesome time this weekend, the ridiculousness that we always create and the memories that I am constantly smiling about. I am so proud that at our late 20's/early 30's we are still acting like we are in college. I am so grateful to have friends that get my sense of humor, accept me for who I am, love my children, travel the distance, always have my back, are completely honest, open and loving at all times, and most importantly are ridiculously cool. You are my family and I cannot wait for you all join me in the marriage and parenting part of life! Cheers to many many many more times like this weekend! 

catch up, grandparents visit

Here is me trying to play catch up with everything that has gone on since the beach...

We spent a lot of time unpacking, doing some wash, putting wash away, and just hanging out in our play room, because I am pretty sure that is what Logan missed the most. Being home is so much easier, with our gates and the normalness. I miss the beach, but I love the comfort.

We were quickly thrown into company mode because my parents came into town the Wednesday after we got back. It was really nice seeing them. Logan has only met them in person once, when he was 2 months, so it was nice to see them interact with him. Jackson loves his grandparents to pieces and loved every minute of playing with grandma and grandpa. I am so thankful that my parents still "play" and know how to "play" and more importantly (at least I think) enjoy playing. My kids are always devastated when they leave. Can I just say a shout out to my step-mom who babysat logan twice while they were here! I got to go to the pool, and lay on a chair and not move for more than a minute. It was amazing. Logan did so well too, makes me optimistic about leaving him home more often.

 

 

 

I made some yummy whole wheat banana bread, mini ones. Then I wrapped them in twine, because I was bored....

 

 

First attempt at home made pizza dough. This is pre-rise. Just FYI for people who have never done this before. my recipe took a good 5 hours total....worth it though!

 

 

Grilled the dough, topped with teleggio cheese, ricotta mixed with graded parm, fresh arugula and a little big of truffle oil. My dad said I was making healthy pizza....I think because of the arugula, it was anything but healthy. super yum though!

 

 

I love fresh flowers. I made all these little arrangements and put them throughout the house. They smelled so good too!

 

 

J man and my pops (Grandpa) at the pool

 

 

Jackson has to eat every time we go to the pool, and I have to take pictures of him while we wait...

 

 

Grandma took these pictures. They apparently like to get really close to her camera

Home sweeeeeet home.....

We ended up coming back on Friday since it was raining all day there.
The drive was a lot more successful than the way down. We made it home in under Five hours. We didn't stop. My gas light went on as I was pulling into our neighborhood. Logan cried and whined for basically the last two hours, but not so bad that he threw up, so that was a positive!

Thanks to my amazing mother in law we only had one little bag of dirty cloths. One little bag! We came home with all clean beach towels too. Crazy! The only issue I had was that the clean ladies came and we had a bunch of dirty sheets to be washed (not really a something I should complain about) and we also had some laundry in every basket in each room so I spent the weekend getting  every bit of dirty clothing clean and put away. Now Michael's bag, which was the last to be packed, is officially the last to be unpacked...get with it Zung!

Today we spent our last day of vaca at one of our favorite wineries, Quattro Goomba. Wasn't the same with out my little brother (he was with us last time we were there) but they have great wine, beautiful scenery and wine slushies, perfect for a hot day. Logan loves being outside so we had a blast.

 

I am depressed, but also feeling blessed....no more drinking before noon and showering for the first time after 5pm, no more cheat days and skipping my work outs, no more having my wash done and folded for me, no more late night catch phrase laughs, no more elevator/pool table/hot tub/private pool......

 

It was an awesome vacation, one that I will always remember. Can't wait to go back.

Here are my goals I set pre-vacation...lets see how good I am at setting goals-

1. To work out every day, other than travel days, although I should probably try to work out on travel days as well - This did not happen, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, I worked out, took off Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Sat I ran and lifted and today I biked...whatever.....

 

2.To make lots of memories with my two little guys, play, build, swim, splash, just have a ton of fun - Check! I loved every minute with both boys, so thankful.

3.   Find some hidden OBX foodie spots- Some of my favorites were- Tale of the Whale (amazing view!) and OBX brewing station

4. Slow down, take it in, relax, and focus on the moment (try it, its not as easy as it sounds)- I don't think I am very good at this BUT- one morning Michael, Logan and I (Jackson had gone to his dads) went out to the beach early, there were crabs everywhere, dolphins swimming non stop right in front of us, there was a storm off shore and the sky was amazing and, I took every minute in.

 

5. Drink more water than alcohol- I am really bad at this too.....but I know I drank a lot of water at night!

6. No flip outs during travel- super fail on the way down, pretty good on the way back

7. Get tan, without getting burned- never got burned..not even a little..holler!

8. No gainage of weightage- I have no idea, clothes still fit, will weigh myself at the end of the week to see how bad it is....

9. Bond a little bit with everyone in the house- definitely feel as though spending time with my inlaws was very much needed and I loved it

10. Have fun, show respect to everyone I meet, smile, laugh and enjoy every minute of it -big Check! at least this one I am one hundred percent sure I did....

Heres to my attempting to keep up the blog while I am back at work. This week will be craaaazy but I will try to keep this up.

Hope whoever is reading this, is enjoying it.