What's Up Wednesday: October 2017 Edition

So apparently, this blog is basically now only for checking in on the last Wednesday of every month to recap you on everything we've done for the past 30 days. Geesh! I've got so much going on these days and this poor little blog just hasn't made it in my top 10 list even though I so desperately want it to. My goal is to work a little from bed each night, but by the time I crawl into the covers I'm either so ready to turn my brain off and watch mindless TV or I'm asleep before I begin typing - there seems to be no in between.

We are full force immersed into "the blur" phase of life (side note, if you're emotional today, I warn you do not click that link and read about that dear momma's sweet spot. But if you're up for it - read on, because it is a healthy dose of reality for us momma's that are 100% IN THE BLUR) and there are many of days I'm just out here on my island looking inland yelling S.O.S., but the waves seem to loud for anyone to hear. However, in that blur is a big heaping messy pile of life and we continue to dive in head first. Constantly curating new memories, adding things to an overly crowded schedule, all the while balancing a good home life balance and working side by side with my hubby to enjoy our children. It's a tall order, but I'm used to snagging the Venti at Starbucks ... so I'm getting along just fine.

Anywhoodles, without veering too far off course, let's get right down to it shall we? Here's What's Up Wednesday where I write about these topics:

What We're Eating This Week: Soup! Fall is in the air full force, brisk breezes, a cool chill - all the things. So we've busted out the big ole' soup pot and are adding all the yummy things to it! We also were munching on the leftover Caramel Apple Dip recipe I shared earlier this week too :) YUM!

What I'm reminiscing about: Last year's Halloween :) I've said it before, but I LOVE making my kiddos Halloween costumes. Last year was so special because Bennett was simply HUMPTY DUMPTY obsessed, and this year that phase is WAYYY long gone and it makes my heart ache a little. He was so big and so small at the same time. It was a great Halloween memory and I can't wait to have another one in the archives this year. Time to get to burning my fingertips with hot glue! HA!

What I'm loving: Family photo season! I love love love fall family photo sessions. Yes, the outfit search is daunting. Yes, the "smile like you love me" threats are real. Yes, you're full on sweating by the end of it. Yes, most of the time they are a hot mess and close to zero of the images turn out ... HOWEVER - I still love it. I love having the photos to look back on year after year. I love watching our styles change. I love seeing the kiddos change. I love the time together and the laughs we have at breakfast or dinner afterward. I opted to take photos of my littles myself this year and booked a simple mini session to get the "one" shot for the Christmas card :) and if all else fails - I took a selfie of us all before the shoot!

And bonus - I'm getting to photograph a bunch of other families this year too -- and sharing their photos is also something I love. <3

What we've been up to: More like what have we NOT been up to. Gosh, EVERYTHING! Pumpkin patches, birthday parties, family gatherings, sports games, play dates, school open houses, all of the above! ... To name a few ...
The kiddos had their 6th month check up at the dentist and both passed with flying colors!

I took them to Target to let them pick out a treat for being so awesome and they landed on robes and slippers and it made me laugh hysterically that this was their choice.

When Papaw has extra time at lunch he pops in for a quick treat drop off and Mario Kart race and the kids are LOVING having them so close.

 We seem to find ourselves in the car a lot lately.

 And we've been celebrating our boys in Purple! They clinched the Eastern Conference Title and we're now in the quarter finals of the playoffs. We had a huge celebration on the field after last week's game and it was such a fun time.

The birthday brigade rolls on and this little fella makes his rounds to all of the parties.

And Shane's cousin Mary came in from Seattle and stayed with us this past weekend and it was so good to catch up!

What I'm dreading: Still November. November is going to be a HUGE visit (PET scan, CT scan, MRI of the abdomen, MRI of the brain, blood work, derm visit) THE WORKS. And there are a couple of really subtle spots they've been watching for a long time and we think this visit will kind of determine a decision one way or another (if they've changed). Sooo ... while it's still a while away - I'm dreading it. It's been heavy on my heart. We actually had to visit Nash just this week because they found a couple of other things we had to deal with before the scans (WOMP) - but all is looking to be a-ok at the moment. Plus, while we're away and receive pictures like this is makes it seem a little better :) I promise I know everyone an update on this topic - and plan to do a full write up post the November visit.

What I'm working on: Halloween costumes and Lainey's birthday party! The kiddos helped me mail the invites last week and Lainey was so excited to see a party piece all her own!

What I'm excited about: More fireside chats! We built our inaugural fire last week and everyone LOVED it! Hubs and I sat outside and chatted with a cool breeze in the air while the kiddos played. It was the best family night and I look forward to many many more before the first snowfall lands.

What I'm watching/reading: I actually just wrapped up GirlBoss on Netflix. It's the loose retelling of the gal behind the web retailer: NastyGal and I really enjoyed it. It was super light hearted and really easy to watch, plus I think the actress is super cute. I'm a little stuck on Game of Thrones right now and need to push through - but see above intro for my TV thoughts ... so there's that.

What I'm listening to: I'm still trying to finish my audible book, China Rich Girlfriend. I think I'm really close to being done, but I just can't seem to finish it. I really really like it - but devoting time to finally check it off the list has been a challenge this month.

What I'm wearing: FALL CLOTHES! Hoodies, booties, and fall galore. YAYYY! My uniform is back in action. Lainey also busted out a new wardrobe and has officially hit the "I need all new clothes" phase because she is growing like a weed!

What I'm doing this weekend: We've got a fun weekend planned! Our niece and nephew are staying with us Friday night while their parents jet set to California. Saturday we're toying with a quick trip to Lexington and making a Keeneland stop and if we feel crazy even going to the UK/UT game. Or, we may find something to do during the day at home on Saturday and go to the LCFC tourney game here in Louisville - so many options :)

What I'm looking forward to next month: Lainey's 2nd birthday party, all the Thanksgiving feasts and a quick trip to Chi-town, some plans to get underway at the studio (more to come at 11), and the kickoff to the holidays! I love this time of year!

What else is new: The kiddos really seem to be settling in. School is in full swing and they are right in the middle of the action. Our besties brought a new baby into the world, LEO, and we had some fun times with our man Charlie while his momma and daddy were at the hospital.

 Bennett showed us around his school at their fall open house and we meet with his teachers for conferences in a few weeks. Most notably, he's one of the smallest in the class :) hah!

 And speaking of his school - we had a super fun play date with his buddies at the park this passed weekend and while the dirt and chocolate wouldn't come out of our clothes - the kids had a blast.

And that's what's up around here this Wednesday - see ya next month!

What's Up Wednesday ~ August 2017 Edition

Hey gang! It's September!! Did ya know that? I sure didn't, until my mother in law sent me an email trying to find a date to celebrate my birthday and I was all "uhm wait, does that mean it's September already?!" Like what in the actual heck. How did that happen so quickly?!

I'm back today to share another round of What's Up Wednesday -- the bloggers that host the linkup moved it to this week due to a Hurricane Harvey donation drive ... and I'm not complaining because I certainly didn't have it all together last Wednesday to make a post. Moreover, I obviously haven't had to together since March which was the last time I participated. Sheesh. But anywhoodles, we catch up and answer these questions ....

What We're Eating This Week: Gosh, I'm really trying hard to get back to routine. Cooking meals, less summer snacking, getting the kids on a "normal" schedule now that we're back to school, but I'm not gonna lie I'm having a hard time sticking to it. We've gotten into this awful pattern of eating out (thanks to the move, the renovation, and summer) so I'm trying to cut back on that as much as possible. We actually sat down at the dinner table last night for the first time in weeks (our quick and easy dinners we always eat at the island), said grace, talked about the highs and lows of our day, the whole to do. And honestly it was really refreshing. The kids are back to school so they have things they want to share, and it's just good QT with the fam. We're also working really hard to develop little man's palate (and it is SUCH a battle). So we've made a deal that when we sit down to dinner as a family he's required to try one new item. Last night's requirement (we actually snuck in two) corn and mashed potatoes. He didn't LOVE the corn but tolerated it - which I count as a win - and he legit gagged when he ate mashed potatoes. His sweet sister that had been loving them all dinner then proceeded to follow suit (for attention) and it ended in the entire family laughing until we couldn't breathe. Ha! Seriously though - mama's of the world - HELPPPPP. Give me ideas for dinner, lunch, snacks, all the things to get my kiddo to eat. #HopelessMama

What I'm reminiscing about: Some recent fun date nights with my hubs. We've had a lot of fun events lined up lately and it's been good to spend some time together. We've hit up concerts, nights out with friends, simple wine nights in the kitchen, a neighborhood party, some fun drinks before dinner, etc. Nothing over the top, but fun nonetheless.

What I'm loving: THIS WEATHER! Fall is in full swing here in the Bluegrass and I couldn't be happier. The cooler evenings make our neighborhood walks a breeze ~ I'm rocking my jeans and not the slightest bit uncomfortable ~ I'm wearing sweatshirts like it's my job. There have been some gloomy days but the kids are loving stomping in puddles in their rain boots and I'm loving snuggling up after school in a big ole' blanket with them. Ahhh, all of the greatness. Fall is the best. Ever. Ever. Ever. 

What we've been up to: Mostly just end of summer, back to school business and some Labor Day fun. We went to the Kentucky state fair and ate all the food and rode all the rides. 

We had a viewing party for the Solar Eclipse:

And just some fun back to routine days. 

What I'm dreading: Honestly, I'm already dreading November. We went to Nashville last week for the my 3 month check-ups - but got off easy this round because we didn't have any scans. They did take one mole from my chest, but that's pretty much par for the course these days. November is going to be a HUGE visit (PET scan, CT scan, MRI of the abdomen, MRI of the brain, blood work, derm visit) THE WORKS. And there are a couple of really subtle spots they've been watching for a long time and we think this visit will kind of determine a decision one way or another (if they've changed). Sooo ... while it's still a while away - I'm dreading it. But here's a look from last week - my teammate came with me and we had good reports :) 

What I'm working on: The house ... STILL. We're actually doing the landscape right now and they should be wrapping up this week - YAY! The landscape was gorgeous in it's day I'm certain, but it was A LOT and looked like a LOT of work - so I wanted to bring it back down and make it a bit simpler. More grass, less landscape beds, etc. So we're almost there. Furthermore I'm finally feeling the itch to decorate this home (sort of ). I'm honestly still kind of maxed out from the renovation, so I simply have just avoided all things decor focused (which is usually my favorite part). But, last Friday I had a little itch to decorate a wall, so I climbed Shane's shoulders (really though) and finished a gallery wall. :) yay! I hope to share some photos soon.

What I'm excited about: This weekend! It's our anniversary and the Bengals opening home game of the season - and let's be honest football season in general. I live for a good tailgate, fun watch party with all the dips, all of it. Mister Bennett's first soccer game of the season is this weekend too! So much fun packed into a couple of short days! The boys are excited it's football season too - they headed to Indy last weekend to watch their Cards bring home the W over Purdue. 

What I'm watching/reading: Game of Thrones. I did it. I jumped on the band wagon. And I'm binging it. I'll be honest, it's not as great as I was hoping. I really really like it and I'm going to keep watching - but for all of the hype I am a teensy tiny bit disappointed. However - I'm super into the Mother of the Dragons! Haha! I think she's so great.

What I'm listening to: I'm listening to China Rich Girlfriend on audible and Trolls. Will my kids EVER not want to listen to Trolls? Shane came home last week and couldn't stop talking about the new T. Swift song and I'm looking at him going - Taylor Swift has a new song? HA! 

What I'm wearing: MY FALL CLOTHES. No more needs to be said. And blankets! We love snuggling under good blanket!

Mister Bennett is wearing cowboys gear and any and all other costumes because he totally loves dressing up and getting into character right now. 

Lainey is wearing nail polish  and loves to show it off to just about anyone that will look at her "fingah" and she also rocks perfectly tousled tendril curls everyday fresh out of the bathtub #hairenvy

What I'm doing this weekend: Like I said, soccer, football, anniversary celebration, Cincinnati - all great things. Trying to decide where we should make reservations Saturday. 

What I'm looking forward to next month: Ahh September, I've got a birthday coming up, our anniversary, Bennett's soccer begins, I've got some fun family sessions on the books, and I'm hoping to score some tickets to a few shows in town! I'm also going to start thinking about this little lady's count down to two celebration. We've got a while, but I've got some ideas swirling and I'm excited to host her little party. I think second birthday's are so fun because they start to really understand it's all about them. 

What else is new: That's about it really. Back to school mainly and starting into our new groove. This little guy has also grown out of nearly all of this clothes so we went last week and got his some new threads. 

And that's about it gang! Hopefully I'll see ya back here at the end of next month - same time, same place, K?