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?

dear vacation,

Dear Vacation, 

warm, sunny days, with a salty breeze

slow mornings with leisurely strolls to our favorite breakfast spot

walks in the palm tree lined neighborhood

hours spent relaxing and playing on the warm sand

splashes of clear salty water

family photos

reading my new books during nap time

many stroller/wagon rides

lots of yummy food

one, or two... who am I kidding... or more visits to my favorite little shops

priceless memories with my little men

That's what I am hoping out of my time with you. I can't wait to see you. 

Love,

a momma in desperate need of time at the beach

momma mondays: it's a... gender reveal!

It's a girl!

I knew things would be different this time around. After all, it has to be quite a bit different with just one baby. Having two boys the first time I got pregnant was honestly quite a shock. I didn't know what on earth to do with one boy, much less two! While I still have a lot to learn as these little men grow, I wouldn't change or trade them for anything... even two little girls. 

When I found out I was pregnant again, of course I thought I'd love a little girl, but I pretty much banked on it being another boy. And, strangely enough, I was okay with that. I think after having these two little guys, I couldn't imagine anything different being any better! 

They have the best hearts, the sweetest personalities, the kindest smiles and are so incredibly filled with love! A boy or a girl like them would make me happy. It really didn't matter. I am awfully happy it is a girl, but part of me can't even imagine that she could be any more darling than my little men.

We all are so happy and are awaiting her big arrival later this summer! The boys will be great big brothers and are already learning to say, "baby" when they see one! Baby girl, we all love you already!

momma mondays: mom life

The majority of my life so far I have spent just worrying about myself. Not that I tried to have my life revolve around myself, but it was always focused on my school work, my job, my to do list, etc. Now that I am a mom, life has tremendously changed. It has changed drastically even from life as a new wife. When you get married, you still focus on the needs of your life, but add on your spouses as well. Then, when you add little ones to the mix, everything changes! Your to do list goes after their needs. Your wishful fun errands take a major backseat to the errands that need to be done for the kiddos. The freedom to shower whenever you please becomes the hopes that you even get a shower in. Finding the parking space closest to your destination now becomes the one closest to the shopping carts, because you can't leave two little men in an unattended car. Life changes. In big ways and in small. And I don't mind it. Our days get hectic, tiring, and stressful, but they are always filled with joy.

exhaustion

I've recently said to the Hubs that I think mommas should be allowed to get tired, but not exhausted... or cranky, for that matter. The boys have decided naps are pretty much a thing of the past and are very overrated. They sometimes take one long nap (1 hr), but for the most part, they are power naps, and boy do they fill them with more power! They have a really fluctuating wake up schedule in the morning too. I wish it was more consistent so I could plan my strategy a bit more, but I guess it is part of their strategy to keep me on my toes a bit more! Yesterday was a long, difficult day in our house. At about 2/2:30 I felt like I just couldn't keep going and had to close my eyes, but being that I had two loose toddlers, that wasn't happening. I let them watch a little extra tv to keep them quiet, but that doesn't last long. I was desperate. The day progressed and I just kept pushing along. Once bedtime (for me) came, I just kept thinking and praying that they would sleep, and a little later. I just needed one night of a good night's rest without a crazy early wake up.

And, what do you think happened? My wake up came earlier than even before, 12:30. I heard my little man, who happens to be sick, crying. I had no idea what time it is, but I knew I hadn't been asleep for long. I woke up the Hubs, which is not an easy thing to do, and asked him if he could just go get him back to sleep for me. He kindly dragged himself out of the bed and went to check on our little man. It wasn't long before I heard little man numero dos start crying and that is when I felt like crying. This couldn't be happening. Shortly after I heard quiet and I was thanking the Good Lord!! Aaahhh, a peaceful night's rest ahead of me? Nope. Before I knew it, I was sleeping with three cute guys... make that four. The dog was in the bed too. The reason for that quiet was they were in their Papi's arms on their way to see Momma. I just didn't have any energy in me to get them back to sleep in their own beds. I didn't care that shortly later I would end up with my head resting on my nightstand, my hips balancing on the doggie steps and my feet and calves hanging onto the bed for dear life. I just cared that there were no screaming tears (from them or me) and we would soon be sleeping... hoping again for a peaceful night's rest.

Scratch that thought. I was up constantly with one boy or the other. At one point our little worm of a sleeper was at the bottom of our bed half on the bed, half on the bench. I heard little mouse squeaks coming from a place that shouldn't have been and that's when I saw him there, wide awake. I don't know if he squirmed down there or he was trying to get off the bed. Either way, I brought him back for more cuddles, to then find the dog sprawled out on the pillow my little man and I were sharing. I thought that it was never going to end. Once one boy got settled, the next would start up with something.

And then finally, after catching some winks with my head resting on my nightstand, my hips balancing on the doggie steps and my feet and calves hanging onto the bed for dear life, we had an early wake up call at 5 something with one little guy having a night terror that I couldn't seem to stop forever and another little guy who woke startled by the screams. At about ten to six, the three of us headed out to start the day.

Even though I am even more exhausted today than I was yesterday, I know God will some how give me the grace and strength to go on. I don't understand His ways sometimes. It wouldn't be that hard to let me get a little rest, but I guess He has other ideas. I'm hoping I can be strong and joyful throughout this day and not fall asleep in some corner, praying no body sees me.

Do you have any tips for more energy, getting your littles and yourself more sleep, or any help for this exhausted momma? If they'd watch tv for hours straight, I'd be tempted to just put something on so I could catch a rest, but they are too active for that.