Wide Open Spaces

On Saturday the kids and I met my Mom and my brother Spencer at Avila Valley Barn. Give them an open space to run and rusty tools to climb on (that's safe, right?) and they are good to go. We missed you David.

Swimsuit Woes

Our Internet has been down all week + the screen to my camera broke = not that into blogging. But now- I'm on the hunt.

Goal, same as last year: flattering suit to completely disguise tummy, lift boobs, elongate legs/arms, and still make me feel cute and youngish. Even slightly sexy. Suits matching this description come with a skirt and the option solid stripes or Hawaiian print. 

This mama will not wear a bikini again. But it's OK. There are a ton of cute one pieces out. I just haven't found the one for me. Last year I bought a cute Besty Johnson polka dot one piece but it doesn't even have a shelf bra. It's so uncomfortable not to have a built in bra so I have to wear a bikini top underneath and it hurts my neck. Here are my favorite's from Anthropologie. Even though they are way over my budget, I probably would still buy one if they had chest support. But they don't.

 anthro (sold out)

 anthro

this one is my favorite...anthro (sold out)

Modcloth has some cute retro suits but I can't tell if I'm over that look. To be honest, I'm considering ordering a Miracle Suit. I'm not talking Victoria Secret's Miracle Suits (because they still don't cover enough for me), but I actually might try one of from here. I figure if I accessorize with a cute big hat and sunglasses it might look cute? It's funny, I'm trying so hard not to look 'momish,' but...I am a Mom.

Let me know if you have any one piece suggestions. I'm not big on tankinis. Happy swimsuit shopping :)

The Naughty Artist

Last night Little Maeg and her boyfriend had us over to his house for dinner. She made yummy tacos and it was fun watching them together. Zack's a great guy. We got home and the kids were playing nicely in their room. It was past their bedtime but they were so mellow I thought it didn't matter. As I laid on our bed next to Mike I knew it was too quiet. Ella came in and tilted her head to her shoulder, "Sorry Mommy. Sorry Mommy. Sorry Mommy!" She handed me a black crayon. She had drawn all over one of the walls in Maxwell's room. I know I'm supposed to expect these things. Like the way they'll probably cut their own hair and they'll probably get chickenpox. It was a Crayola Washable crayon and it came right off. I firmly told Ella we do NOT draw on walls, only on paper at her desk. She just kept nodding her head and telling me, "Sorry Mommy." I told her I forgave her and I asked her to help me clean it up. She went to bed- it was no big deal.

Today I was in the kitchen making lunch. It was too quiet. I went in Maxwell's room. Same crayon, same wall. We talked about it and cleaned it up. Again.

It's time to find chalk and encourage the chalkboard. (Remember that awesome chalkboard Mike built in Max's room? I am so forgetful that every time I go to the store I forget to buy chalk. They think it's just an alphabet board for their letters.)

The BEST Concert

My trip was perfect. I think I was mostly excited to get away and have a good time with Maeg. I thought I'd like the concert, but OH MY GOSH IT WAS SOOOO GOOD. I only knew the songs 8 they play on the radio, but I did not sit down because every song was amazing. Not to sound like a music nerd (thanks to my Dad), but they would go off on these amazing jam sessions with fiddles and guitars and I seriously got the chills. The played for over three hours straight and I didn't want them to stop. As they played their song 'Whatever It Is' I (obviously) imagined that it was written for me and I melted because it's too sweet. But most of their music felt a lot more rock than country and it was just...so good (for the 50th time). If you have a chance to see them- GO!

The trip felt like a vacation. We ate, shopped, and slept in-just like I hoped. Maegann's Aunt and cousins bought tickets at the last minute so we hung out with them too. Her Aunt is Maegann's Mom's sister- and I love them. All of them. Here are my too many pictures, as promised :)

Zac Brown Band
Whatever Is Is

She's got eyes that cut you like a knife and
her lips that taste like sweet red wine
And her pretty legs go to heaven every time
She got a gentle way that puts me at ease
When she walks in the room I can hardly breathe
Got a devastating smile knock a grown man to his knees

She's got whatever it is
It blows me away
She's everything I want to say to a woman
but couldn't find the words to say

She's got whatever it is
I don't know what to do
And every time I try and tell her how I feel
it comes out "I love you"

You got whatever it is

You know I've never been the type that would ever want to stay
Bring 'em home at night and they're gone the next day
But that all changed when she walked into my life
And people ask me what it is
I tell them I don't know
There just something about the woman makes my heart go haywire
And She's gonna be my wife

She's got whatever it is
It blows me away
She's everything I want to say to a woman
but couldn't find the words to say

She's got whatever it is
I don't know what to do
every time I try and tell her how I feel
it comes out "I love you"
You got whatever it is

Now when you love me
Girl that's how I feel
When she loves me I'm on top of the world
When she loves me I can live forever
When she loves me I am untouchable

You got whatever it is
It blows me away
Your everything I want to say to a woman
but couldn't find the words to say

You got whatever it is
I don't know what to do
every time I try and tell her how I feel
it comes out "I love you" I Do

You got whatever it is

In 24 Hours...

In 24 hours I will be in Santa Barbara with my beautiful Little Maeg. I am sooooooooooooooo excited for this mini trip. Do you ever notice that fun things always seem to happen all at once? It had been a long time since we'd gotten away and then boom- Camping at the beach/Santa Barbara last weekend/and now SB again. AND, in 36 days (yes, I'm counting) I meet my college girlfriends, my best girlfriends, in Pasadena for another girl's trip! FOR FOUR NIGHTS! I need to mention that we planned this pretty poorly, scheduling our girl's trip on Father's Day weekend. I know, how amazing are our husband for agreeing to this anyway. Mike sent me to Seattle last June which was last time I was away from the kids for more than one night. I think I love June.

When I say I am sooooooooooooo excited about tomorrow, what I actual mean is I can't wait for:

1. Girl time. Maeg and I will try on a different outfits (before I settle on what I already know I'm going to wear, because it's the only thing that fits). She will do my makeup (because at 30 years old, I still don't know how). We will giggle and sing out loud to whatever's playing on the radio. We will take a bazillion pictures and smile all day/night long.

2. Alone time. I get to spend a whole day being self centered. I'll worry about when I want to eat. When I want to sleep (And to wake up when I want! sprawled out on my own mattress without little ones wondering at all hours). I'll hop in the car at the drop of a hat and...just go. Even packing will be fun and not overwhelming- because whatever I forget, will just be for me. Back at the home front: baths, poop, manners, safety- Daddy's got in under control :)

3. The concert. I love all different types of music, but I've let that part of me go. I always used to be discovering some new band. Now, I just listen to the radio. I got an IPOD for Christmas two years ago, and I only have about 60 songs on it. I haven't made the time to pursue music as an interest like I used to. I can hardly wait for that buzz you get from hearing good, live music.

4. Coming home. Because ever time I get to go out and have 'me time,' I'm a better Mom when I get home. Seeing those faces light up when I return is about the sweetest thing a Mama could ask for.

Be prepared for picture overload on my return!

Good Weekend, Bad Pictures

We took a last minute weekend getaway to Santa Barbara. We had a college graduation, family visit, and mother's day. It was a good time, minus the toddler meltdowns (x 2). I almost cried a few times. But there were lots of laughs too. My camera barely made it out of it's case, but here are a few shots.

Happy graduation Bradley! No picture for this, but we are so, so proud of you. You've done an incredible job staying focused and you've accomplished so much. Above all, you are just a good guy. You have the best heart and you treat people well. It was two years ago that you stayed the summer with us. Now you're all grown up, educated and graduated. Well done.

We brought our beach cruisers and trailer and rode from our hotel to the harbor and on the pier. Nice picture of Mike's back. Imagine two wide eyed kiddos in the trailer.

 

 

I took this right when we checked in. The kids were so excited to find their backpacks from home that I put on their pillows. (Side note: Despite being surrounded by pillows, they both fell out of the bed in the middle of the night. More than once. Honestly, more than twice. That is why they are the only 26 month old kids still in cribs at home).

 

Awkward mother's day photo. They look delighted to have their picture taken.

 

When we got home I got the Mother's Day gift I asked Mike for...an hour and a half nap. SO NICE! But before I went to sleep, one of my big kids surprised me. I came home to a beautiful bouquet of flowers, a super sweet card, and these concert tickets!!!

 

We often laugh at our family because, really, it's pretty funny that I'm 30 and my step kids are 20 and 24 (If you don't know us, our family Christmas card can look a bit confusing). But being a part of their lives is incredible. Blended families aren't always easy, but it is an amazing gift. I feel loved and appreciated by Michael and Maegann. The fact that little Maeg wants to hang out with me at this concert at the fair is awesome. It's a privilege to be a part of this family.
And to my mother and mother in law~You have each blessed me so much this past year. The endless love you both show Maxwell and Ella fills my cup over and over when I'm feeling tired. You each spoil me in your own ways and I appreciate every word of encouragement and extra time you go our of your way to help us. Happy Mother's Day Mom. Happy Mother's Day Judie. I LOVE you both.

Feels Like Summer

My Mom has many jobs. During the summer she lives at the pool where she life guards and teaches swim lessons. Yesterday we snuck in for a swim. I took this picture of Maxwell because he was making me laugh so hard. My Mom got him these goggles and he wouldn't take them off. This is him 'lounging' after our swim- goggles still in place.

We had a great time yesterday Mom :)

Camping At The Beach

Saturday morning we took our RV to Morro Bay to camp for the night. I always think this sounds fun, until nap time or night time and it gets really hard with the kids. But this trip was different! Maybe it's because they're getting older, but they took a nap! And went to bed, together, in their own bed! This might not be big for some families, but in ours I always have a hard time with the two of them when we are away and it's time to sleep. We spent a couple hours on the beach and I was disappointed because I forgot my memory card for the camera. When we went back out to play before dinner I remembered I could use my phone...so here are my phone pics. This mini trip made me excited for more camping this summer.

Sand crabs

Our friend Jerry and his son Cooper came to hang out for a bit. Jerry takes Max for a ride.

After lots of playing on the beach we set the kids up with a movie...and they fell asleep. I was so happy :)

The next morning was opening season for ocean fishing. Mike's friend's picked him up early and they went out on their kayaks. Mike caught this guy- can't wait for fish tacos!

The bummer of the weekend...we came home to a leaking ceiling in our kitchen. It now looks like this. A project we weren't ready for.