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What’s Up Wednesday | August 2017

What’s Up Wednesday!

A lot! Haha, We are in our last week of Summer Break here in Wisconsin and then the kids are back to school! 

I love What’s Up Wednesday, It’s my favorite way to look back at the Month and to look ahead! As I’m writing this post, My Will is in the kitchen finishing the install of our kitchen floor! I tell you, he has just done such an amazing job with our kitchen renovation! #proudwife #blownaway

Today I will be sharing the following fun and random little bits of our life with you so, Enjoy!

WUWednesdayBlog

 

WHAT WERE EATING

Wednesday: Chili & Side Salad

(Super easy as we have a very busy night ahead of us with Open House, Tumbling & Cheer Practice as well as Haircuts for the Boys)

Thursday: Grilled Chicken RedPepper Swiss-Mayo Avocado Panini’s & Sweet Hawaiian Onion Chips (the kids have been loving these Krunchers – Mackenzie was with me at the grocer and said Mom you better buy two bags of these because you know Will Jr. can tear up an entire bag by himself! haha)

Friday: BBQ Chicken Taco’s 

Saturday: Burgers on the Grill along with Corn on the Cobb followed by S’mores

Sunday: Chicken Caesar Salad accompanied by ‘finger foods‘ per Mackenzie she would like to assist with the ‘finger food‘ aspect when I asked her ‘what’ she says ‘do you really need the specifics now’ haha! #mygirl 

 

WHAT IM REMINISCING ABOUT

My days in Elementary School. They were filled with adventure and so much life, so many fun experiences. The elementary years are not only foundational but also what I’d call fun experimental years. You get the chance to try things out that you are interested in. Such a fun-filled time of life looking back and seeing that for my kids now. 

I was thinking about the times when I was younger and I just wanted to be an Adult so I could be the boss. And now I have days where I’m just not up to being so Adultish but that’s not exactly a choice so I use it only to encourage my kids to be kids and to enjoy it because it goes oh so fast! 

Today I’m sharing two pics of Will & I in our Elementary School Years! Sorry they aren’t the best quality but Ahem, you just got to love the Old School Pics!!! #nostalgic

 

Why was I not smiling? I don’t know, does smirking count as a smile!?! This is that look I give when I want to burst into laughter but know I should be more serious.

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My Sweet Caramel Pie, The Love of my Life, always smiles more to the left than the right. He’s just so cute and I love that here and now I see so much purpose when I look into his eyes & can we have a moment of respect for these puff sleeves and the touch of pearls on my Velvet Dress! (haha) I love it and it’s so funny how Velvet & great Sleeve Details are still trending yet again here in 2017! 

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(Thinking about that I tend to smile more to my right than my left, I wonder if everyone has a preferred ‘smile’ side? Seriously wondering #random)

 

WHAT IM LOVING

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All of these items from my last BLOG Post, Fall staples to buy now! 

 

WHAT WEVE BEEN UP TO

Getting every thing in order, in Summer we seem to relax a bit because well you are just so busy enjoying summer. With the Back to School season, it’s like a new start to a new year and for me that just goes well with getting your life in order and things all extra organized. To go along with that we’ve also as of this week gotten back to our “school sleeping schedule”. So the kids are in bed at 830p. They actually have been loving it which was kind of surprising. My son is naturally a night owl like his dad so I thought he’d give me a little more push back but he hasn’t at all. I use our Young Living Cedarwood and apply just a bit to each side of their temples and then have them inhale for a few seconds before bed. It really seems to help with calming and getting them all ready for a Sweet Sleep.

Speaking of Young Living Essential Oils I have been using Young Living since July 2015 and I started using Essential Oils as a Hopeful Skeptic with a husband that was even more skeptical.

My son was really struggling with seasonal allergies and I just didn’t love the idea of him being on a daily medication aside from his daily vitamins so I thought this could be just what I’m looking for. So I did a little research, I found two friends that sold Essential Oils. One sold Doterra and the other Young Living. My friend who sold Young Living lives in Kansas so I took the time to call her and ask her every blunt and crazy question I could think of. She really didn’t have to sell me on them. She asked me what I was looking into them for and then sent me a sample of a few suggestive oils and the oils did all the work of selling me on it as I couldn’t deny the results or the love.

I spoke with my friend that sold Doterra and went to a Party that she was hosting with another distributor and I liked it but just felt more connected to Young Living (the original) after all my research so I invested and have been thankful and dedicated ever since.

There is one thing that I love from Doterra and that’s their Peppermint Beads. They work wonders when you are stuffed up and have a cold but you can get that same pay off with a touch of peppermint to the roof of your mouth, just nice to have them in a bead form. 

So I am totally all in with Young Living as they do not by any means compare to the oils you can purchase over the counter and/or Amazon or even places like your local Health & Wellness store. I ordered this stack of oils listed below here for ‘Back To School’ it just makes ‘KidScents’.

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If you are interested in Ordering it’s super easy simply add what You’d like to your cart, create an account enter Member ID Number 3048455 and proceed to check out. 

Adults can use the KidScents too! I love TummyGize whenever I have a stomach ache I’ll add a few drops to my tummy and rub it counter-clockwise while inhaling and I don’t know how but it soothes and unbinds! Sniffleease is one of the kids favorite go-to’s when they have a runny nose and I have yet to try Sleepyize or Geneyus. I just ordered this month so I’ll have to keep you all posted on that one.

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HOW TO REGISTER?

Simply Put . . .

Retail Customer can order at their leisure and discretion.

Member Customers obtain benefits of being a member like 24% off of retail prices however you will be signed up for monthly orders which can be altered each month for any of the Young Living products that you would like to purchase however it must be at minimum $50/month. 

If you are local here in Racine, WI you can direct message me about ways to save!

Well that was a lot more than what I planned on sharing but hey it works and I 100,000% love Young Living Essential Oils and can confidently say you’d be making a great investment into your life and the life of your families by investing in Young Living Essential Oils

Other than that we have just been up to getting this Back to School Checklist taken care of and getting back in the groove for a great new school year! And enjoying every last bit of summer as we should be! #thisisthelife

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(My gosh – I just love them so much! My heart could burst! #thankyouJESUS)

 

 

 

WHAT IM DREADING

 

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Yes, I said the “S” word! hahaha! I crack myself up!

So I know it’s a whiles a way but it’s really not that far and I just want my favorite, FALL to last as long as it possibly may because well, it’s lovely! And, when I think of the slush of Snow. . . I’m just not really ready for it quite yet – although I did have the urge to watch Home Alone yesterday! But no Snow, yup totally dreading it and just not ready for it yet or anytime soon for that matter. Actually if it didn’t mind coming until December 24th or so that would so be A-OK with me!

 

 

WHAT IM WORKING ON

Getting our home all prepped & purged for FALL and the FALL Decor that I will soon be putting up and on display! I have officially gone through each closet, nook and cranny on our main living level and purged all the old and irrelevant things to us and it feels so good. I’m kind of a dork when it comes to this.

We had our annual Yard Sale not that long ago and I kind of couldn’t believe all of the stuff we still had to purge! I kind of didn’t even want to keep it around for next years sale so I’ve found people to give it to along with a donation to the Goodwill so we are in the clear! #simplified 

I know many folks love a good Spring Cleaning Day as do I but I feel like I prep and clean more so for Fall & Winter than I do for for Spring. Maybe because we are cooped up more inside during the Winter than we are in the other seasons? IDK,  it just feels so good to have it all de-clutterized! (I kind of like to make up my own words!)

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WHAT IM READING WATCHING

WATCHING

We have officially finished the Good Wife. As the seasons carried on I can’t say she always stood as the ‘good wife’ but I really actually enjoyed the legal aspects (I used to want to be a lawyer when I grew up – so I was kind of loving all of that) and the Chicago references in the show are close to home so I liked it. We really liked that show and we are kind of bummed that it’s like officially over and never coming back! #doneanddone

So I have been kind of surfing around and found American Housewife with Katy Mixon who plays Katie Otto and I found this to be hilarious! Will called it corny but I actually thought it was like the new-aged Rosanne. You know the woman who says things that leave you flabbergasted while bursting into laughter…it could be just me but I laughed lots and I am looking forward to Season Two since I’m already through Season One.

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Lots of great shows come back on in the Fall, looking forward to a few like Grey’s Anatomy, Designated Survivor, black-ish, and I’m going to check out The Mayor. I guess I kind of like ABC a little -ay?

READING

I was out to dinner with the ladies this past Friday and we were talking about what books we have been reading or lack there of in my case because this summer has just been so busy and hasn’t fully afforded me the luxury of reading as much as I planned or would have liked so I don’t have any books to share that I am currently reading faithfully at this time But… Amy however brought her Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader that she recently got for her Birthday and when she mentioned it, I was like um, not sure that I would want to ‘give up’ my books and I purchased a Kindle last year in hopes to ‘read more’ on that but haven’t much as I really find that I LOVE the feel the smell and the whole part and process of just reading a book. . . but Ya’ll when she pulled this cute little white device out of her purse, I was like ‘Okay that’s cute. And then when I felt it and held it in my hand I was like this – I could do this!’ She mentioned also that you can rent books from your local library. I mean – how awesome is that? SUPER & AWESOME if you ask me. So I think I’m adding this Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader to my Christmas Wish List because it’s well Amazing. You can click here if you want to check it out yourself! 

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I do have about 7-8 books that are piled up and ready to go come fall  and I am really looking forward to my reading time in these next two seasons. #ilovereading

 

WHAT IM LISTENING TO

I have been playing & listening to “Covenant Worship” a lot lately and it’s just sparked my spirit to sing so much and a lot of old school Sunday School Songs actually. 

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WHAT IM EXCITED ABOUT

 

I booked our trip back to CALI and I am so múy múy excited about it!

 

 

WHAT IM WEARING

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This Lightweight BP V-Neck Pullover in Green Timber (sold out) but I see it’s currently 50% off in the Red Ochre (pictured above) so I just processed an order for one it! #score 

I love this sweater because it’s lightweight yet gives you just enough coverage and warmth and the slits are kind of edgy not to mention you’ll be able to layer this when temps drop further since it is so lightweight! (here is a chunky knit that I’m considering at the moment as it’s also on sale!)

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I’ve still been loving this Carly Crop from Articles of Society I love the fringe and the fit. These have been a Summer Favorite for certain! 

LUSH

I’ve been loving my LUSH Lightweight Tops, especially my criss-cross one (sold out) but this one is super cute and I love the open shoulders and ruffle details! 

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This Tartiest Liquid Matte Lippie is my every day lip lover right now!  I picked up the color FESTIVAL. I have really loved Taupe, Pinky Nude Lips this year which is quite a change for me. I also love my pops of color every once and while still!

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Speaking of Beauty Favorites, These Two Brush Purchases from Sigma, Total excite my make-up routine every morning now! Make the applications so wonderfully great!

 

WHAT IM DOING THIS WEEKEND

We are unplugging and E-N-J-O-Y-I-N-G family time!

Soaking it all up before the kids head back to school on Tuesday!

Wishing everyone a beautiful Labor Day. 

 

FUN FACT: What is Labor Day? 

Labor Day in the United States is a public holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws and well-being of the country.

So to all my Hard Working American Friends, Happy Labor Day TO YOU!

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Speaking of America, I know many of our hearts have been filled with sorrow and sadness when we have seen what has taken place in Texas this past week. My prayers are with the multitudes in Texas and all affected by this natural disaster. 

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graphic credit:  August Joffe (c/o Sheaffer)

 

WHAT IM LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH

CELEBRATING OUR SON’S BIRTHDAY!!! 

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(A pic of Will & Landon at Will’s Birthday last year, HE IS GROWING SO FAST!)

I’m also so excited that the Regular Football Season for the Greenbay Packers is going to Kick off for the Packers on my son’s 9th Birthyay!!  

P.S. Will Jr. is no longer a Panther’s Fan or a Bronco’s Fan – yes he has been both! He has officially declared himself to be a ‘true Packers fan’ #proudparents

I’ve done you a favor and linked the schedule for the Best Team in the NFL for you right here! #youareWelcome

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WHAT ELSE IS NEW

 

Life is NEW, every morning, accompanied with GOD’S Mercy! #Lamentations3:22

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Oh and I purchased some new towels – so I guess that’s new! Mackenzie came along and of course wanted to color coordinate for everyone So she picked Indigo Blue for her brother, Forest Green for Dad, Powder Pretty Pink for me and Bossy Ruby for her! I of course advised her that I could roll with her idea but the girls will share with girls and boys will share with boys and she was A-Ok with it! haha, not that she really had an option but it’s good to let them think it! 😉 And I actually like the vibrant color selections! 

Well that’s all for me ya’ll, have a great rest of the week and wonderful weekend!

XOXO,

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What’s Up Wednesday | July 2017

Today is What’s Up Wednesday!

What a great summer it’s turned out to be so far – right, and we still have a little over a month left of the goodness! #excited #ilovesummer

I hope you all are enjoying every bit of it and making the most of every day as it goes so, so fast. Today I will be sharing the following fun and random little bits of our life with you so, Enjoy!

WUWednesdayBlog

WHAT WERE EATING

Wednesday: Bacon Apricot & Roasted Red Pepper Panini’s

Thursday: Italian Sausage Kale Soup & Chef Salad

Friday: We are heading to the County Fair so we will grab some Fair Food Finds out there! #funnelcakes #creampuffs

Saturday: Lettuce Burgers & Corn on the Cobb 

Sunday: BBQ Chicken Taco’s

The kids have enjoyed dessert like every single night this week. Say What!!! 🙂 Just a few spoonfuls of their picks below gives their little tummies a sweet delight! Will was talking about why Sorbet is obviously the better choice over Ice-cream so he started to read the ingredients to back up his opinion and Mackenzie said ‘okay you can stop Will, there is no way my ice-cream is healthy it’s just delicious’ It cracks me up but hey isn’t that what summer is all about!  We also made homemade Strawberry Icecream earlier this month and it was actually pretty scrumptious!icecreamyouscream

And I just have to share the fact that this deliciousness launched at Starbucks this week. It’s a Teavana pineapple fruit botanical black tea blend with coconut milk – however I had my barista shake it with some heavy cream as well to make it just a little ‘richer’ tasting per her suggestion! It was super refreshing and enjoyable and it’s joining the permanent menu so if you like piña coladas and refreshing splashes of deliciousness you may want to try this but no rush because you can get this all year long!

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WHAT IM REMINISCING ABOUT

Our trip to California, I wanted to go back so bad and spoke to Will about going back yet still this year and he was thinking of taking us out there this year for My Birthday in October but it would be such a short trip that I thought it will be better to wait and make the most of it later!

We have tossed it back and forth over the last two years about moving out there and making California our HOME Sweet HOME and I do believe it will come to be as the whole family is on board so yes, Sweet Cali has been what I’ve been reminiscing about. 

Sunrises are divine. The resort we stayed at was amazing!

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The Oceanfront is so beautiful and powerful, Washed this little baby Dolphin ashore.

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We couldn’t keep this guy out of the Ocean – literally! He LOVES California!!!

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And Sweet Mackenzie feeling so Free on the Beach

This pose though & missing her two front teeth. My baby forever she’ll be!

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So needless to say I can’t wait to book our next trip!

 

WHAT IM LOVING

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! Seriously I legit have been shopping the Sale e-v-e-r-y single day! They are adding new items daily and re-stocking items that I am keeping my eye on and I actually have loved every single item purchased!  Heaven help me I really should stop after this. You can see my 1st post here and my 2nd round here. 

Click this picture if you want to shop some of my favorite picks from the sale so far!

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And these pajamas are so comfortable and cute! And this Sigma Beauty Brush Set #Score!

WHAT IVE BEEN UP TO

Our Weeks have been so busy, I would have to say this entire year has been the busiest and best year yet! Thankful for God’s presence in our lives today, forever and always and His amazing grace, guidance and, unmerited favor. He leads and we follow and I’m grateful every day that He guides us through so graciously. 

Will has enjoyed this season of baseball and I’m so glad! He is playing in the Semi-Final Championship for his baseball league tonight so we are all super excited about that!! This league has been a little intense with machine pitch and to say that he was so excited after winning his playoff game on Monday this week is an understatement, he was Stoked! He smiled so big and said ‘Momma this is the most excited I’ve ever been about playing in a baseball game’ I told him I am so proud of him and glad he is loving it! On the way home that night, I ‘interviewed‘ him and it was the cutest thing! #lovehim #myboy #chillwill

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Some of the parents on the sidelines though have had me much like “what is going on in the world!?!” #itsnotthatserious #3rdbasecoachproblems (pic from Milwaukee Zoo) lol

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Here is a picture of the 2017 Yankees!

(My little guy is the only guy not smiling but at least my Mr. is! )

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Mackenzie has been a busy bee with cheer and tumbling classes twice a week and she is totally loving it. It’s like her thing and it’s so exciting to see her in her element. She is excited to add a Hip-Hop class into the mix starting in August. These are the times of our lives and we have to enjoy every single moment of it! #loveher #mygirl

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WHAT IM DREADING

 

Currently nothing, thankfully! #alliswell

 

WHAT IM WORKING ON

I am working on figuring out the best way to manage it all. Aren’t we all!? Ha,ha! Seriously this year has been one of the busiest and best years of our lives yet and I’m so thankful for each opportunity the Lord has afforded to us and I just want to do the best I can in regards to setting us all up for success in all aspects of our priorities and that has proven to be a little more demanding and challenging than it has in years past. That scripture, Luke 12:48 comes to mind when I think of this year where it talks about To whom much is given, much is required and to who much has been entrusted, more will be asked! Can I get an #Amen! 

We just have a few new focuses added to all of our lives so I have been trying to find the new normal in our scheduling so we can manage and manage well, thrive not just survive. So getting that in order has thingbeen a main focus for me this month. I have used this planner here to get me through this year and I have depended on this amazing little thing for our scheduling needs this entire last year. I am looking forward to ordering my next one already actually for 2018!! I know – to even think that we are closer now to 2018 than 2016 is crazy indeed, time really does fly doesn’t it! #makethemostofit

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My Favorite Planner, here

 

WHAT IM READING WATCHING

WATCHING

I watched the movie love and basketball the weekend before last. It’s been so long since I’ve sat down and watched this one and it’s official I still love it.

We are still watching The Good Wife, I think we are on Season 3 finally, I like love it!

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And last but not least we are watching The Bachelorette, I wonder who she is going to pick! I have no favorites actually so wishing Rachel the best!

READING

I’ve been reading the BIBLE, that’s the book for me, I stand upon the word of God the B-I-B-L-E. Ha, don’t you love those Sunday School Songs we grew up with! I haven’t been reading as much as I’d like lately! Just the Bible along with my daily devotional. I have the Jesus Always by Sarah Young. I don’t love it as much as I loved Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. I can’t tell you how much I loved this devotional and how timely it was. So I think I’d still highly recommend Jesus Calling if you are looking for a devotional but I wouldn’t jump to recommend her Jesus Always. 

I have also been reading bits of the Unstuffed: Decluttering Your Home, Mind, and Soul book for the last month or so.

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 WHAT IM LISTENING TO

I want to be your man by Zapp & Roger. I think it’s because I watched love and basketball and…. I just had to go add this to my itunes library! #iloveoldschooljams seriously! 

 

I’ve also been listening to some older Alicia Keys and Beyonce faves and this song by Lecrae & Tori Kelly, I like the light and catchy melody. 

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WHAT IM EXCITED ABOUT

shark week

Ha,ha! I literally did get excited about #SharkWeek I love how they come up with all this stuff! It really is the making the most out of the littlest things that makes life so great and grand! So what was exciting about Shark Week this year? Well if you haven’t checked this out already and I’m sure you have but in case you haven’t click here on this link to watch what happens when Michael Phelps Races Great White Shark (technically and technically not live but still)

What is Shark Week? Shark Week is an annual week of honoring Sharks on the Discovery Channel. So in essence, it is educational, informative and, entertaining. Shark Week has been going on since July of 1988 so I thought that was pretty neat!

 

WHAT IM WEARING

bracelets

Personalized Bracelets with My Babies Names | Ani & Alex Bangle | Gorjana Gold Hoops

ASICS GEL

These Asics Gel’s are so amazing! They were a gift from my hubbs and well worth it! They are so breathable durable comfortable and oh so lively! Similar Asics Gel here. And aren’t Mackenzie’s little feet just so cute. I have been wearing these every M-F for my morning walk with my love!

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I have been loving this lip duo Too Faced Melted Long Wear Lip Stick | NYX Lip Liner

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Carly Crops | Lush Cross Top I purchased in three colors, I love the feel & fit so adorbs!

WHAT IM DOING THIS WEEKEND

Heading to the County Fair to watch the Demo Derby! The kids were intrigued when Dad was telling them all about it so that’s going to be fun along with seeing the horses and enjoying funnel cakes! #yum

Saturday I signed Mackenzie up for a special Dance Class Workshop so we may wake up early, workout on the beach then head over to that and then later that day I think I’ll get some painting done. 

Other than that, we are going to add some final touches to our kitchen and hopefully Go for a Bike Ride since the kids got new bikes this week! (They decided to sell their old bikes at the rummage this year so they could upgrade and they are both so excited about their new bikes!)

WHAT IM LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH

 

Enjoying the last month of Summer, Every single day of it + Back to School Shopping!!!

 

WHAT ELSE IS NEW

I am super duper excited about our kitchen remodel coming to a close! #thankyouJesus It’s almost done and it’s sooooo exciting. My husband is SUCH a handy man, I’m in awe! I have very few words that can do Will justice all around, he is legitimately beyond an amazing man and I’m eternally grateful for every bit of him. He’s been working so hard to get this done and done well and yeah, he’s really just a stellar person all around and I am so appreciative for him and all he does and for who he is and without him I don’t think this kitchen remodel would have gone so swell.

We have just a few more things to finalize and it will be DONE! I would not sign up for a kitchen remodel like ever again in my life while living in the home with smaller children. It’s just a lot more than I personally anticipated however I should have listened to Will. He certainly told me that it was a HUGE undertaking and indeed it has been.

Is it worth it you ask? Absolutely! So if I were to ever do this again which I don’t foresee ever happening but if I did, I’d have to set up a mock kitchen in another one of our living spaces because we just need our kitchen, it really is the heart of our home.

 

Well that’s what’s up with our Wednesday! Have a great rest of your day & night!

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