take us out to the ball game!

As we are coming upon another big life change, adding Little Miss to the family, we want to try to be sure to do a few fun things this summer before our outings get put on hold for a little while...and while I can still move. I think those days are limited. We took the boys to the zoo the other day and I thought they were going to have to leave me with the elephants because I was so tired of all the walking and waddling too much. The joys of being pregnant. My energy level is dropping fast and the heat of the summer gets to me after a while, especially while trekking through the zoo. Apparently my body enjoys being pregnant at the very same time, during the entire summer, as Little Miss will be arriving at the same time of the year as her older brothers did.

After seeing me trudge through the zoo, we thought something a little less active would be a good idea for our next outing. We decided since the boys enjoyed their time at the Washington Redskins game a while back, we'd check out our local baseball team. We could all enjoy the outing and as a bonus, I didn't have to exert myself too much... at least that is what we thought when we planned to go last night.

We found a great parking spot about two blocks from the stadium and I thought, oh that's a breeze to walk... until I took a pretty bad spill, with one of the boys in my arms. I had to protect not only the boy in my arms, but the baby inside. The Hubs and I are both surprised nothing is broken with the way I landed! I have a lot of pulled muscles and scrapes, but that is nothing compared to what should have happened, especially with my track record. Mare + sidewalks = bad news.

The fun didn't end there though. Our seat was the magnet for foul balls, which would be great if we had had a baseball glove with us. One of the balls literally came right for us. I looked up as I heard everyone around us getting excited and saw the ball coming right . for . us. I quickly dove over the boys as to cover them from getting hit, and apparently the Hubs dove over me. We must have made quite the scene! The ball ended up hitting the chair right next to me! Honestly, I am surprised I didn't get hit. That's how things with me usually go! After that though, we were clear sailing to enjoy the game!

While they may not look like the boys were always having the greatest time, they were. They were paying very close attention and loved people watching, light watching, airplane watching, and of course, ball watching! They would see the ball as it was being hit and once they didn't know where it went, ask us, "Oh no! Where go ball?" It happened to be .50 cent hot dog night so they enjoyed their hotdogs very much, while Momma and Papi enjoyed the price!

The Hubs really enjoyed taking his little men to their first baseball game, and it is definitely on our to do list again very soon! With a growing family, and keeping to a budget, it is very nice to live in an area that allows for affordable family outings. The game had a nice mix of a crowd and was very family friendly which was also enjoyable for us. It allows for the Hubs and I do do fun things as a couple, yet comfortable to be able to bring the kiddos along too!

Will has quite the reactions to things sometimes. This is one of his faces when he'd see the ball!

Will has improved his selfie shots. ;)

We don't have many family shots, and when we do get them, they tend to look like this. Someone is usually either hot and sweaty looking, slightly disheveled, blinking, not looking at the camera or not smiling. I have dreams of the perfect family photos, and if you have some sort of a trick, please let me know because I'd be grateful for even one! Maybe one day I'll save up to have Megan or Paige take on that task! For now, you get to see us in complete total reality! 

It was quite warm and the boys cheeks got nice and rosy and had funky hairdos by the time we left!

The stadium is set up inside with space to walk around, grassy areas, fun for the kids, etc. So it was nice to take a little walk to let the boys stretch their legs a bit.

Before I know it, the boys will be old enough to be in these batting cages themselves! For now, they enjoyed watching the big kids.

Gus made sure to take in every sight, not just what was in front of him and around his sides.

All three of our kids in one picture! (Not the little girl that photo bombed us)

 

Have you ever seen rocking chairs at a baseball stadium?! I had to just love this! Maybe it's southern thing.

One of the best feelings ever! A kiss from one of my sweet little men. When Will kisses me, it is not just a little peck. He takes my face in his hands and gives me a big kiss. It's quite adorable. 

Our family outings have been fun and I am so grateful for these days. When I was pregnant with the boys I was on bed rest so much which was nice to relax, but with two little guys around this time, it's nice to have the ability to get out and about with them before their sister arrives!

What are little family fun activities y'all do with your kiddos?!

thankful for him

 When I was a little girl, I always dreamed of getting married and having a family of my own. As years passed, I realized how hard it was and how rare it was to not only meet a great guy, with strong faith and morals, but also one that would love the idea of having a bunch of kids as much as I did.

 Before the Hubs and I could really even consider ourselves friends, I saw how he meshed so well with children. He loved them and they loved him. It was something I always liked about him, even before I really liked him. 

When the right time came for both of us to move from being acquaintances to friends, we talked about kids a lot. Not our kids, but just kids in general. Since it is a big thing in both of our lives, they'd just come up in conversation some how.

 Then, as our friendship progressed to being more than just friends, I knew that one of the main things that drew me to him was his intense love of family and children and the desire to have a beautiful family of his own one day.

 Once we got engaged, I remember him saying how much he looked forward to having a family because kids add so much joy and fun to life. It wasn't long after we got married that I found out I was pregnant, with twins at that! Of course we were still trying to get in the groove of being married, but it was something we both were really happy about and excited to start! 

 I knew from all those previous years that he would be good with our kids, but I didn't know he'd be quite as good as he is! I think it helps that he has a very childlike heart so he can relate to the boys so easily.

 Our boys are so very blessed to have a dad that truly loves them and makes sacrifices in his life for their sake. He comes home from work each and every day with a smile and so much energy to share with them and the boys soak up each and every crazy moment! The fun with their Papi doesn't end until right before bed. You can really see the love they have for each other and that is something that makes my momma heart full!

 As a family we have made a choice for the Hubs to be the sole provider and the only one who works outside of the home. Even before we were married, or engaged, he told me he agreed and supported that I should stay home and provide the love in our home, rather than have someone else provide that while I worked, bringing in a dual income. Some moments it can be a real sacrifice for both of us to only live on one income.

 Beyond that, we agreed on the Hubs job. He could work elsewhere and make much more money, making life even easier and more comfortable, even luxurious, but that isn't what we thought was best for our family. He has a wonderful job with perks that are best for our family. He doesn't have to be at work at the crack of dawn, and can spend quality time each morning with the boys before getting ready for work. We live close enough that he is able to even see them on lunch breaks if we choose, so they get more Papi time many afternoons. We can pop in and say hello or bring him an afternoon treat while running errands. And he is home as soon as his work day is over around 5. Work doesn't consume his entire life, like many jobs seem to do. Many jobs have bad hours for a family or work that seems to flow into home life. And thankfully, his job, even when it does come home, is a blessing and not a bad thing. He does what he does so well and loves it and it is good for the boys to see that as well. He is present, fully present, while making sure our family is provided for.

 So while we could be bringing in a lot more money as a family, going on fancy trips like a lot of people we know, living in big houses, and living a bit easier, we make this work and we like how it works. I am so grateful to be married to a man that considers his family, monetarily but also at heart. Knowing money isn't the only way to provide. He is home being an example to the boys and that is what is most important to me. He does a fabulous job providing in each and every way for our family.

I know there are many tiring, trying, days raising these two little energetic boys that we have. We all have times when we feel our patience is ending, there is no time for ourselves or getting housework done, but you love well. You relieve me on the hardest of days and love on them even when you are tired.

Thank you for being every bit of you that you are! 

So on this Father's Day, your last one with just boys, I thank you for the love, the fun and the example you provide for our boys every day. 

You mesh so well with our two little boys, teaching them how to be master Lego builders, shoot hoops and race cars. Now I am waiting to see how sweet you are when Little Miss shows up and life includes dressing up, princesses and tea parties. I know you are going to excel in those areas with tender love for her!

And for those times when I am at my wits end because nothing I seem to have done all day makes the boys happy, and you walk in the door and it looks like you brought Disney World to them, thank you. Yes, it baffles me and frustrates me sometimes that when you walk in the door, in a blink, their tantrums stop and all is well with their world. But I am incredibly grateful it works that way and you bring that instant joy to their frustrated world.

You show strength and love each day and I love you for that. The boys love you for that and each and every future little one will too. We all love you and thank you for being the best Papi we could ever hope for!

Have a Happy Father's Day! Hope we are able to spoil you and love on you like you could only dream about! 

five things friday: DIY beauty care

As a quick post for today, I thought I would share some of my recent DIY beauty care.

I use coconut oil for a lot of things, like moisturizer, to shave and even to wash my face! At first I thought, hmmm.... washing my face with oil? Isn't my skin oily enough? But it seems to work wonders for me. So besides plain ol' coconut oil, here are my five faves to share.

1. I alternate how I wash my face between solely coconut oil and a honey face wash. I usually use the honey wash more in the shower so I can easily leave it on for a few minutes for extra cleansing. If I had the money I would use manuka honey, but instead I used raw organic honey. I filled up a little mason jar, added a few drops of lavender essential oil and a few sprinkles of vitamin C powder that I had from another DIY I will show you a picture or two below. I mixed it all up and I take about a small teaspoons worth, massage it all over my face and then I rinse with warm water. Quick and easy, just how I like it!

I keep a small jar of coconut oil in my skin care basket so I have it right on hand. The jar on the right is the honey wash.

2. The only other thing I use on my skin right now is this vitamin C serum.
I take 1/2 teaspoon Vitamin C powder and mix it with 1 teaspoon distilled water and let it dissolve and then stir in 2 tablespoons of vegetable glycerine. Then I store it in this dark colored glass bottle. You need to store in a dark bottle so the vitamin C doesn't oxidize quickly. I keep mine in the fridge too. Apparently this should last a month or so. I have to figure out exactly how long it keeps, but this is a new addition so I am still working on it.

3. I didn't make this toothpaste. My mother-in-law made it for me, so I am going to send you to the link itself that she used. Along with the toothpaste, I use the Healthy Mouth Blend from OraWellness. I don't have the greatest teeth/gums and this has really seemed to make a difference in how clean my teeth and mouth stays. 

4. I've written about my deodorant before, but I am including this again. This one is a real lifesaver for not only me, but for everyone around me!
All it takes is 4 tablespoons of baking soda, 4 tablespoons of arrowroot powder and 6-8 tablespoons of coconut oil (extra virgin - cold pressed - organic)

Mix 2 tablespoons of baking powder and 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder and add 6 tablespoons of coconut oil to it. Stir this well. Then add another 2 tablespoons of each dry ingredient and again, stir well. Depending on the consistency, you may add another 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil. If it is really soft or liquid, it does harden up so don't worry. Depending on the humidity of your home will determine how hard or soft it stays.

You only need about a dime size amount. Briefly rub it together on your hands and then apply to your underarms. Wash your hands when done and wallah! Stink free!

5. I'll be honest here, I don't get a chance to shower and wash my hair every day. I also know it isn't the greatest to wash your hair daily... at least that is what I hear. My hair used to get super oily if I didn't wash it every day, but after using this I can go days without washing and still have my hair look fresh and oil free. This is the dark hair version.

2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons arrowroot or cornstarch

I personally just mix a larger jar with half arrowroot and half cocoa powder, mix and then I have plenty on hand. This gets a little messy so I do it over the shower or sink before I put my shirt on so it  doesn't get all over my outfit. I put a teaspoon or so into my hands and flip my head over and start at my scalp and massage it into the roots and then I run my fingers through my hair and brush through. It truly works wonders for me. If only it was a little less messy. And it is great if you love chocolate because you will smell a bit like it. This picture reminds me, I better go whip up another batch. I'm running low!

Some of these recipes I've found on my own, changed up here and there, but you can also get more info, or at least tips from The Wellness Mama. I have found a lot on her site. She also has a DIY shampoo for light headed hair as well. If you are interested in trying some of your own DIY beauty care, I hope you give some of these a try! Or, if you make some of your own already, please share ideas!! 

momma mondays: relief servies

Back in March, my birthday to be exact, my grandfather passed away after many, many months in and out of the hospital, suffering very much. After a few weeks past with my Mom living with my grandmother to help her out, my grandmother made the trip to my parents home and now lives with them. Unfortunately I have only been able to visit with her once since she has come down, but hopefully as she settles in and my life quiets down from the Hub's family visiting, we will have a lot more time together.

So needless to say, life has changed very much for my grandmother and my parents. It has also changed for me. Every week I could count on my parents aka my relief services, coming down for a day or two to visit and give me a helping hand. They'd help me run errands so I didn't have to go in and out of 10 places with two toddlers, help get some ironing done, etc. The things that were harder to do with two little boys that don't nap. Now that Nana is living with them, their time here can't be as much. They are only able to come down for a quick visit here and there. So, I am learning to adjust to being a SAHM with no extra hands.

Hopefully as she becomes more familiar with her new life in my parents home, they will be able to come more regularly to not only just help, but visit. To my readers who are a SAHM, do you have any sort of relief services? If not, what are your tricks to doing it all?