Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! 

I know I'm a little late but I truly hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! 

We spent the day with family and then my mom and I headed out to do some shopping at Walmart and Target. BRRRRRR... was it ever cold! haha. I'm actually heading back out myself in a few hours to get us a new couch! Yay! 

Anyway, Lincoln had a GREAT FIRST Thanksgiving! That little one is so cute. And Gabriel, boy oh boy, that little man always has fun. I have so much to be thankful for that I don't even know where to start. I'm thankful for 2 handsome boys who are happy and healthy. I'm thankful for my husband who works very hard so that I can stay at home with our boys and so we can give them anything they want. I'm thankful for our families who have always been there for us. I'm thankful for good friends. I'm thankful for a warm house, a car, and any extra luxuries that we have. I'm thankful for this beautiful life. 

Hope you all had a great one! 

Savers

Ya'll maybe this is news...maybe not. But this store is definitely news to me! How did I not know about this place!? What place is it that I'm talking about? Savers Thrift Store! Seriously! This place is like Goodwill only better. I will admit that their prices are a little bit higher but they're quality is definitely better!

Mom and I came across this store today after taking Lincoln to a checkup for his helmet in StL today. We had never seen it before- so we decided to try it out. And let me tell you... I am sure glad we did!

I found 4 stocking holders for $4.99! I've been wanting these for my mantle for Christmas. Seriously! Can't beat $4.99 for 4! WOW! Mom found a new scarf for $3.00. We found Gabe some black dress shoes for $2.99, Mom found a vase for her sun room for $2.00, and we found a belt for Gabriel (since the boy can't keep his pants up) for $.99! OH & maybe the best deal of the day... the Movie "UP" BRAND SPANKIN' NEW for $2.99! WHOA! On top of all these great prices- I used my military I.D. and we got an extra 15% off! It's always nice when places honor your military i.d. (Florida is the best... like seriously! Jesse and I did almost everything in Florida after we got married for Free because of his military i.d.... but that's another story) 

Anywho, this place had it all. Toys. Clothes. Christmas Decor. Movies. Books. Shoes. Accessories. It was GREAT! And it was very, very clean and organized. I love it. Might be my new favorite store! I can't wait to go back and do some more thrifty shopping! :) 

Holiday Season

Ya'll, I can not believe that Christmas is almost here! ahhh!! Where did the time go? 

This season of Holidays is hands down my favorite time of the year! I love this weather, the food, and the spirit of the Holidays. I love curling up on the couch with a blanket and hot cocoa and watching Hallmark movies. I love getting to wear my Uggs, scarves, hoodies... the list goes on. And I'm loving getting to teach my little boy the true meaning of Christmas. I'm especially looking forward to seeing his face on Christmas Morning! AHHHH- I can't wait!
Unlike the past few years, I'm actually kind of prepared for this Christmas. I bought several gifts at the kidsignment sale this year- so now it's a matter of getting a few more small things (and shopping for Jesse) and then I'm done! OH & of course we gotta make a few handmade gifts too!  I want to decorate so badly right now- but I'm also wanting to paint our living room (which I should have done when we moved in- but I was pregnant and tired...don't judge. haha) Anywho, I'm hoping to get this done sometime next week and then the decorating will begin. I'm also making our stockings this year... which I'm super excited about! I have so many ideas for decor for Christmas that I can not wait... can Christmas just last all year? 

I actually had a pretty hard time buying for my boys this year. I mean, I had several things in mind that I wanted and got most of them at the kidsignment sale. BUT, let's face it- since I kept almost every single toy that we've ever had- Lincoln doesn't really need anything. He will "inherit" all of Gabriel's toys. And Gabriel, man oh man, that boy is hard to buy for. I mean, he'd be happy if we bought him 100 more Hot Wheels. Seriously. It's not like he has enough...just kidding. 

Anyway, I have managed to come up with a few more things for Lincoln and I'm actually super excited about them! Jesse and I plan on going shopping together for Gabriel to get him a few more things. I decided that I didn't like some of the things I bought him at the sale, so we're reselling them and getting him some new toys! 

This Christmas is going to be so much fun- especially with Gabe. Since he's older now and can understand it more I think he'll have a great time. Oh man, I can't wait. I bought them both these Santa bags last year after Christmas that I'm going to embroider their names on and put each of their gifts in! It'll be like Santa really left his bag! How fun, right!? 

The worst part about the Holidays!? It's all over within a day. Oh well, I intend on making it a perfectly fabulous day anyway! 

Cara Box

A few months ago I signed up to be part of the Cara Box Exchange. I had seen other blogging Mommies post's about it and thought I'd give it a shot this time. I am SO very happy that I did. You can go to Wifessionals to check it out and sign up for the next round. 

I was paired with Kayla and Sarah this time.  We emailed back and forth for the first month or so and during the 2nd month you get together a box of goodies to send to one of the ladies and the other sends you a box.

I sent Sarah her box and you can see what I sent her and check out her blog here. :)I actually forgot a few things to put in Sarah's box... so I am hoping that she receives them soon (we all know how the mail runs these days). Sarah is so sweet and has an adorable little boy. I look forward to keeping up with her blog and staying in touch with her as well. 

Kayla sent me my box and I can't tell you how exciting it is to get a box of Goodies in the mail. It's even more exciting when you get the box instead of bills! haha. Anyway, here's a picture of what Kayla sent me... I must say, she did a fabulous job of picking things out. The theme of the box is "Best Of Fall." 

 

First up was this Bubba cup! I had told Kayla that I'm practically obsessed with these kinds of cups- so I was super excited to open my box and see this cup. It works for both hot and cold drinks. I've been putting it to good use ever since I got it. She even filled the cup with Crystal Light Pink Lemonade (one of my favorites) and I've been putting those to use as well. 

Next up she sent me a cute candle that smells amazing and some fuzzy, warm socks. I love these socks- especially since it's been getting colder. Gabe especially loves the pumpkins on them- as a matter of fact, so does Lincoln. They both grab them any chance they get. (I failed to take a picture of the socks by themselves... please forgive me!) 

I also got a cute infinity scarf that I look forward to wearing this Fall and Winter. I do love me some scarves. Kayla also made me the adorable earring holder. I have been wanting something like this for a long time, so I was super excited to see this in my box as well. It's made out of Burlap (another fave) and of course, turquoise...another favorite color! :) 

I also got some hot chocolate that is loaded with marshmallows. I won't lie- I've already drank about half of the box. 

Kayla did so good at getting all things that I love. It was so nice to get to know her and her family as well. She has a sweet little baby girl that is adorable and I look forward to keeping up and staying in touch with her. You can check out her blog here. 

Both of my partners are amazing ladies and I'm very thankful that I took part in the Cara Box exchange! The more we got to know each other the more we found that we had similar interests. You should definitely try it out! You get to meet and make new friends and honestly, who doesn't like to get a little present in the mail? I mean, us Momma's need some stuff to ourselves as well. 

30 Random Facts

So the new thing on Facebook is to post a number of things about yourself... someone else gives you a number and then you post that many facts. I, however, am going to do it myself. So here's 30 random things about myself. 

1) I have a Bachelor's degree that has proven to be basically useless unless I get my Master's. 

2) Growing up I always wanted to be a country singer (despite the fact that I can not sing). I had my tour bus designed and planned on marrying Tyler Wilkinson from The Wilkinsons.

3) I found that God has a sense of humor when he blessed me with 2 little boys and no girls.

4) I always wanted 3-4 children until I discovered how exhausted I was with 2. 

5) I see a miracle every single time I look at Gabriel Lee.

6) I hated taking naps during the day until I started the first semester of my Master's degree. After that, naps happened on a daily basis. 

7) I hate running but do it anyway when working out. 

8) Since 2011 I've had 5 cars... Cougar, Altima, Jeep, Explorer, and Buick Car. 

9) I enjoy being crafty and making all sorts of things

10) I wasn't fond of the name Lincoln when Jesse suggested it.. but now I love it. 

11) It took 2 pushes for Gabriel Lee to come into this world... Lincoln took over 5 hours. 

12) I would rather wear sweats or jeans and a hoodie any day. 

13) I used to go shopping all of the time... now the majority of my money goes towards my boys. 

14) I'm obsessed with shopping at Goodwill. 

15) I want nothing but the best for my children and fully intend on buying and giving them anything they could ever need or want

16) I typically put the dryer on for an extra cycle when I don't feel like folding clothes. 

17) I am not a fan of going outside in the dark alone. It freaks me out. 

18) I think Killer Whales are so pretty and would love to swim with one... however, I'm not an idiot. 

19) The stairs at waterparks freak me out... though I'm typically not scared of heights.

20) I worry about Everything my children do and am terrified that they will get hurt. 

21) One of my biggest pet peeves is when people misuse words such as "they're, their, there, we're and were." 

21) I would straight up Marry George Clooney or Will Smith. haha. 

22) I love criminal investigative shows but can't watch them at night when I'm home alone. 

23) I used to be terrified to be at home alone at night but now I'm used to it. 

24) My opinions have gotten me in trouble more than once. I'm slowly learning to choose my words carefully. 

25) I don't like reading many books unless they are based on a true story. 

26) I always wanted to live on a military base. 

27) I can forgive fairly easily but forgetting is something I can not do. 

28) I don't like going in the ocean very deep because I'm scared of sharks. 

29) Eventually, I would like to adopt a baby girl from Korea.

30) My 2 boys inspire be to be the best mother, wife, and friend I can be. 

Just A little update...

Well, we just can't kick this sickness in our home! Lincoln got sick about 2 weeks ago, took him to the doctor and he got put on some medicine. Luckily, it wasn't bronchitis or anything serious. Then, just this past week Gabriel came down with the same thing only worse. I took him to the doctor and the poor guy had an ear infection and bronchitis. Today is the first day that he's actually feeling better. He's been waking himself up at night coughing and has had a fever. Now, I'm getting sick and Jesse doesn't feel well either. Man, can this sickness just go? 

I finally got both boys to sleep. We just started putting Lincoln in his crib this past week and let me tell you... it's been interesting. I kept him in our room a little too long so this transition hasn't gone as smoothly as I had hoped. I did some research online and saw where other moms had used the changing table wedges in the crib- to resemble the rock-n-play sleepers. We got one and VOILA! it worked! I don't know why, I don't know how... but all I know is that my little man has been sleeping in his crib the past few nights (Knock on wood!) Last night was the first full night that he slept without waking up around 4 a.m. We just might be getting somewhere... 

Funny story... Every Tuesday our town likes to test the tornado sirens. Well, today Gabe heard them and looked at me and said "Oh, that's a loud choo-choo!" hahaha. He's so funny! I can't believe he will be 3 this year! 3!! Where did the time go!? I sure wish his hair would grow back soon. 

Today, I officially started working out. Seriously. I'm exhausted. I'll probably be sore tomorrow. But I know it will be worth it. I've put off getting serious about this dieting for long enough now. I'm refusing to buy jeans until I lose more weight and I'm refusing to buy clothes. I literally have a closet full of clothes upstairs and about 3 totes in the basement full of clothes that I haven't worn since I got pregnant with Gabe. Most of them are like new. So, my goal: To fit into all those cute clothes again! Mini goal? 25 pounds by Christmas. I know, I know... that may be hard to do. But I'm confident that if I start eating better and working out everyday, I can do it. Plus, the money that I paid for the gym membership is enough to motivate me to go. Wouldn't want that money to go to waste! :) 

My Mommy Must Have's

I figured I'd do things a little different. As a mother, you never really know what you need until you need it. I remember being pregnant with Gabe and thinking that I needed all of these things and he had to have the best of the best of everything! But now, it's the essentials that I've found we can't live without. The things that every Momma needs to keep things in line. :) Here's my list of must haves (Part 1) {Because I'm positive I can't list everything at once! haha}

• Diaper Bag. Duh! Everyone has their own preferences for what type of bag they use as their diaper bag. I LOVE 31 bags- the organizing utility tote and the Cindy Tote. When I had Gabe, we used the organizing utility tote and my Mom had his name put on it. It had 2 side compartments and 5 other pockets... which made it perfect for storing all those things like bottles, ointments, water, etc. I began selling 31 at the beginning of the year and my first purchase was the Cindy Tote and another OUT (organizing utility tote) for Lincoln. I love the Cindy Tote because it's bigger and it zips. It has several compartments inside and 2 on the sides. Though, I have found that at times I need something bigger... but this does the job. I use the OUT's for each boy when they're going for a stay at Mama's or when I take just one of them. I also use the OUT's as extra bags to take toys, snacks, etc with us on car rides. 

• Insulated bag. I find these especially handy when breastfeeding. Just pop your milk in them with a freezer bag and you're set. :) I found a couple really cute insulated bags from Goodwill that are perfect for us! My friend, Giovanna, also gave us one when we had Gabe that I love to use... as well as the ones you get for free from the hospital when they send you home. All are convenient. 

• Diaper Genie. With 2 boys... we wouldn't survive without a diaper genie. Just remember to tie the bag before using it.. I've forgotten several times- Jess wasn't too happy when he went to take it out! haha. 

• Rock - N- Play Sleeper. I don't know what we would have done without this! This sleeper was the only thing that Lincoln would sleep in until just a few nights ago. (He's sleeping in his crib now... finger's crossed). With Gabe, the transition from his bassinet to crib was easy. He was used to sleeping in those because of being in the hospital for so long. I may have slacked a little with Lincoln on the transitioning... we're getting there! 

• Exersaucer. Hours of fun. End. Of. Story. 

 

• Sophie the Giraffe. I didn't know about Sophie until Lincoln. I wish I had known about her when Gabe was teething... she's been a lifesaver. Lincoln just loves to play and chew on Sophie. I must admit though, Gabe does like to sneak her away from Lincoln and play with her too. 

• Aden and Anais Swaddle Blankets. My sister in law, Kara, got these for her baby shower and I fell in love with their softness and how big they were. I finally cracked down and got them with a gift card that we had. I'm so happy I did. They've turned out to be the best lightweight blankets for the boys... they both love them. Plus, I don't have to worry about Lincoln covering his face with them since they're breathable...he thinks it's funny to pull his blanket over his face. Mommy and Daddy aren't amused. However, we are planning on getting the Dream Blankets soon. I hear great things about them and I think they'll be perfect for the boys to sleep with- especially Gabe. 

• Soft, fluffy blankets. I love the big, soft blankets for laying the boys down on the floor with them. Gabriel also loves to cuddle up with his soft blankies during nap and bedtime. 

• Boppy Pillow. Must have for all breastfeeding moms. But they're also great for laying Lincoln in as well.

 

• Water Bottle. Every Mom needs a nice water bottle to keep her hydrated and going throughout the day. Especially breastfeeding momma's! :) 

Happy 6 Months, Lincoln Alexander!

My Sweet Baby Boy, 

Today you are 6 months old...that's half a year! I can not believe how fast time has flown. You are getting SO SO big already! At your checkup this week you were just over 15 pounds. You are rolling over like it's going out of style. And when I say rolling... I mean you're rolling EVERYWHERE! Last month you got a helmet to help fix your little head. Apparently, it's a little misshapen- but honestly, no one can tell unless they're looking real hard! :) I must say that with that helmet on- you think you are BIG stuff. You've learned that you can roll into things and not get hurt. The other day you were rolling into the bookshelf and laughing! Now, I'm just worried about what you're going to do when that helmet comes off for good. The doctor says that you should only have to wear it for 3-6 months. I think it'll be more like 3 months simply because your little head was already correcting itself before you even started wearing the helmet! Oh- by the way- you're helmet is pretty awesome! Mommy even decorated it with your name- so you definitely look like a stylish boy! You have started laughing out loud and "Talking" more and more. Those little toes of yours... My Goodness how you love those toes. You're always pulling them into your mouth! Bathtime is still one of your favorite times of day! You just splash and splash and eat those toes of yours the entire time. You also enjoy spending lots of time in your walker and exersaucer and Sophie the Giraffe is your favorite toy! :) Watching your big brother play is also something you have grown quite fond of. I look forward to when you get to start playing with him. These past few weeks have been exhausting. You see, Mommy left you in your rock-n-play a little too long. And now, Mommy has the fun task of transitioning you to your crib. Believe me child when I say that I've tried everything!! Nothing was working. Luckily, I read online where other mother's suggested using a changing pad wedge in the crib - it's supposed to remind you of the rock-n-play. So, you know what!? I got one tonight and right now you are all snug and sound asleep in your crib! AHA! Truth be told, I liked having you close to me- which is why you were still in your rock-n-play. But, little man, you like to roll around while you sleep and that rock-n-play just wasn't made for that. I swear you almost tried to jump out of it this morning! 

Baby Boy, you are growing too fast. We are starting you on foods and so far you like applesauce and potatoes. You're not too fond of bananas just yet! :) We just celebrated your first Halloween and I must say that you were the cutest Mickey Mouse Ever! You are so much fun to be around. You are loving just like your brother. And you love to give big, slobbery kisses too! I wish we could freeze time so you would stop growing up! 

Happy 6 months! 

Love, 

Mommy