THINGS I'M LOVING LATELY

I'm popping in this Wednesday evening to share a few of the things I've been loving lately - maybe you'll love some of them as well!

Life Tree Boutique Bag:  My sweet friend started a shop featuring goods made with Rwandan fabric and the proceeds go to support our dear Rwandan friends at Divine Destiny Ministries.  I have used my new bag almost everyday, as it is perfect for my laptop and bullet journal anytime I head out to a coffee shop or a trampoline park, which is actually much more likely.



Topo Chico: It's water that is doubly bubbly without any of the annoying flavor not flavors that La Croix usually brings to the table.



Individual Kid's Cups:  When we remodeled our kitchen, John had the brilliant idea of ordering plastic cups colorized by child and only having two per child.  So, each kid has a color, and then we know who has which drink and have MUCH fewer cups all over the kitchen and the house.  (ours are from Amazon)



Marco Polo:  My new favorite app that I never knew I needed.  When one of my friends mentioned that we could possibly leave "video texts" for each other, I needed a bit of convincing.  But guess what - I am HERE FOR IT.  I use it several times a day to talk to family and friends, and the functionality is so easy and often simpler than texting.  I'm obsessed.

Pickled Red Onions:  A while back I realized that I shockingly really loved the pickled red onions that came on restaurant tacos.  It didn't take long to get onto Pinterest, find a great recipe, make my own and then put them on EVERYTHING.

Air Fryer:  I use this several nights a week.  It makes vegetables tasty and without a lot of excess oil.  It also means either not turning on the stove or the oven, and I especially love sweet potatoes!

(Last night's dinner that featured sweet potatoes and pickled red onions.)

Backwards Planning:  I regularly assume that time will be on my side and can often be late when left to my own devices.  Something that John and I now use together is what we call "Backwards Planning," where we start with the time we need to be someplace, and then do a REALISTIC look at what each step will take to figure out when we need to leave.  It also gets us on the same leaving page which clears up frustration all around.  Boom.

Doodle:  Immerse AR has long used Doodle to help plan meetings for us all, but just recently, I had the lightbulb moment about using it myself.  Turns out, it really helps schedule stuff with friends who all have busy schedules.  Put some dates into Doodle, send that puppy out and then watch the responses roll in.  It's what we used to schedule our D-Group Lake Day so that everyone could make it, and I'm so excited!

AirPods:  I think I'm a little late to this party, but I got some AirPods for Mother's Day, and I am officially obsessed.  They are so convenient and intuitive.

So there you have it - hope you find something you can crush on!

THIS IS US ALL CRYING

Unless you've been under a rock, you've probably heard about the show, This Is Us.  You've probably watched it, and if you haven't - let me just say that this blog post will contain some spoilers - you've been warned.  Each week, John and I have curled together on the couch to watch the next installment.  Some weeks it's been uplifting and funny and heart warming and other weeks have been heartbreaking.  Usually its a mixture of both, and just about every week I found myself crying.

The cast does apologize for all the tears in this funny video, in case you missed it's rounds on Facebook.



The fact of the matter is - this show really does feel like US.
Here is the check-list of things we can relate to on this show.
 - a father who dies ✅ (it actually features two fathers who die for double the tears)
 - trans-racial adoptive family ✅
 - the stress of having multiples ✅ (though we only have twins, not triplets)
 - imperfect marriages ✅
 - anxiety/mental health issues ✅
 - child's birth-family drama ✅
 - kids who grew up in the 80s ✅ (the triplets are 36, and we are 35)
 - regular sibling highs and lows ✅
 - family who really truly loves each other and finds ways to make it through the tough issues that make up real, everyday life ✅

Obviously, we are not the Pearsons, and for that, I'm grateful.  We aren't quite as good-looking, and for the sake of TV world, they did get an extra helping on the drama front which we don't need. We also have God as our cornerstone, which I wouldn't trade for anything.  But we relate to enough of each episode to keep us hooked and hoping for more.  It's relatable and funny and has the crackle of reality to it.

During certain episodes, I have shed seemingly buckets of tears - please do not even get me started on William dying.  It was so beautifully written and poignant and tragic and stunning and heart-wrenching.  For me, the show has been a great outlet.  Real life is so full of ups and downs, and I don't always take the time to "feel" all of them.  This Is Us gives me a place to feel life, and for me, that has been helpful.  As a bonus, it's an entertaining show.

So - if you haven't watched it - take this as my recommendation.  It is by no means perfect - but it's good, and we thoroughly enjoy it.  I cry a lot and don't seem to be in the minority on that.  We are looking forward to season two!

THINGS I'M CRUSHING ON

Obviously, the world is a heavy place right now.  I broke down in sobs last night for lots of reasons - loss of life and racial tensions in our country, my own impending changes and the ways that I feel worn around the edges from the past couple of weeks.  It's been a lot, and thankfully, God is helping me get through it all, cause he is so good like that.

Here are a few other fun things that are brightening my day regularly.  I've blogged about changing our eating habits around here, and though I can barely believe I am writing these words, I've become someone that really loves Kale Chips.  I've started hoarding this variety from Kroger (especially since they were on sale last week), and I'm looking into making my own.  But also, it is easiest to buy them.

There's is a Kool Ranch flavor that I like as well, though I can't quite trick myself into thinking I'm eating Doritos - more's the pity.  Some of my kids will also eat these, and they do fit that snack hole in my life really well.

This is another "healthy" snack that I found recently at Sam's - it does have sugar, but it has a lot of other good stuff as well and helps satisfy the sweets craving.

CFA came out with a new Egg White Grill for breakfast that features egg whites, cheese and grilled chicken on an English muffin.  I tried it today, and it is SO. GOOD.  Packed with good protein and delicious.



I gave up Diet Dr. Pepper (🙌😔#mixedfeelings) months ago and needed some other options to fill that hole.  I started drinking coffee - this, cold and on ice, with a splash of Coconut/Almond milk and Skinny Girl Stevia.  Yummy.



Since I shouldn't drink coffee all day (bummer), I also found this tasty drink.  I am hesitant to tell you about it, because I am finding that my favorite flavor - the coconut - is regularly sold out in several local locations.  So maybe you should buy a little but leave the rest for me.

Another thing that I stalk at my local grocery store/Target are these press-on nails.  I still love my Jamberrys, but I haven't made an order recently, and it is very convenient to pick these up at Kroger.  They are hard and stay on in my life and come in fun colors, and they are a very reasonably priced option to have great looking nails that you do at home.  I usually just use the solid colors, but some of the designs are fun too.

John and I have been collectively crushing on the Tour De France like we do every July.  The scenery is everything, and the intricate race plotting and team dynamics keep us fascinated each year.

(photo cred to 20 Minutes site)

I imagine that you, like me, have heard of and enjoyed some of James Cordon's Carpool Karaoke with celebrities.  My favorites are Adele and the one with the Broadway stars - so good.  I really enjoy them all.  I also laughed a ton at this mash up with Anna Kendrick - not a carpool, but so fun.



This are a few of the things that have become my new favorites - maybe you'll find something you like too!

THINGS THAT ARE SAVING MY LIFE RIGHT NOW

You know, it's winter.  Winter winter winter.  Though the girls keep calling it Valentine's Day now that it is February.  Like the whole month is Valentine's Day.  I've mostly quit trying to explain the difference between a day and a season and major and minor holidays.  Whatever - we'll just celebrate all the things.

I regularly read the Modern Mrs. Darcy blog for her book recommendations and other musings on life, and she posed an interesting question - "What things are saving your life right now?"  As she points out, there are often things killing us, and they are easy to articulate.  (here are a few of mine)  But, I figured I'd take this opportunity to exercise some gratitude for the things big and small that are saving my life right here in the middle of winter.

1.  My Friends.  I know it may sound cheesy or cliche, but I get by with a little help from my friends.  I've got great friends near and far, and I'm so privileged to do life with women that I treasure.  This sun-drenched picnic lunch was one example of how life-giving friends are to me.  I would much rather do life and lunch with people I love.



2.  Awesome new magical sippy cups.  They don't spill - like, ever.  They seem so high-tech and fancy, and the twins love them.  I also feel like this helps them get a little closer to drinking out of regular cups - though I am in no hurry for that day to come, only because of the spills that come with it.  You can get them here on Amazon.  (just thought I should tell you that it's not an affiliate link, because I have never figured that out, so i really get nothing out of the deal if you order, but they really are that cool.)  If you have young kiddos, get the new cups - they are life-saving.  And sticky floor saving.

3.  Magical Tidying.  I keep talking about it, but it really is saving my life right now.  I'm finally actually putting all of the things in order, slowly, but surely.  And I love an organized rainbow.  Or two.  (Third rainbow of bows is in the littlest girl's room, and she was napping when the pictures were taken, and naps are always saving my life, so I decided not to interrupt that.)




4.  Hearts.  I unashamedly love Valentine's Day.  For me, it comes at just the right time - smack dab in the middle of winter when I need and want something pretty to celebrate.  The LOVE mantle just makes me happy, and doily hearts are magic.



5.  The gorgeous weather.  The last several days have truly been glorious, and I've been reveling in our high sixties and sun.  They are manna and salve and all of the good life-saving things.  And the kids can go outside.  Insert all the praise hand emojis.

6.  Reading books.  In the past year and a half or so, my love for reading has been rekindled at full force, and I'm devouring books that I've never read before.  I think for most of the early years of motherhood, I forgot that authors keep writing new material and that myriad worlds and people await just by turning pages - or more often in my case, by pressing play for the audio.  When much of my time is spent doing jobs that occupy my hands, listening to books keeps my mind so happy.

7.  Podcasts.  I jumped on the Serial bandwagon last year and realized that podcasts were an amazing untouched marketplace for me.  As a double bonus - they are FREE!  I'm still just scratching the surface, and I've lately been binge-listening to The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey.  She's had on so many fun people, and it really does feel like conversations I would want to have.  I find myself almost chiming in, and then I remember that I am not actually talking with them.  That's the only bummer about The Happy Hour.

Those are just a few of the things that are saving my life right now.  Some of them, like the weather, will probably change by next week.  Or tomorrow.  My heart is full of gratitude for these things that help fill me up or make me smile or make my life just a hint easier.

FYE APRIL

Today has already been a bit of a doozy.  It started with finding a tick attached to Bella's scalp and my subsequent freakout and over-googling, and I rounded off the morning with four trips to Sam's to get a new phone.  They made a mistake and managed to completely disconnect John's phone.  I wish it had been an April Fool's joke, but no such luck. Still getting that sorted out.  So - I needed a few laughs and decided to post another edition of For Your Entertainment.

-  There are these very awkward books to laugh at.

-  Sometimes picture of Cats in Tights will make you feel better about life.

-  I really like Tom Hanks, probably like most of America.  Here, he's starring in Carly Rae Jepson's new music video, and it is a ton of fun.



-  Apparently, I can't help but include Jimmy Fallon is every one of these.  Here he is interviewing Ben Stiller while they both use extra emotions.  So funny.



Tom Hanks is making two appearances on the blog today, and in this second clip, he and James Corden are acting out all of his movies in 7 minutes.  Pretty impressive.  Also - you have to admire his career.



In honor of the holiday this week, here's a hilarious take on Fiction vs. Reality of how Easter might go down if you have small children.  Thank you, Honest Toddler, for always keeping it real.

I hope your April is off to a great start, and I'm hoping mine will turn around starting now.

FYE: FEBRUARY

It's time for a little entertainment this week.  Here's my quick round up from this month.

Jimmy Fallon's post Superbowl lip-sync battle made me laugh so much.  Will Ferrel is pure joy.



Did you ever see this Downton Abbey parody starring George Clooney?  Watch both parts - they are so funny, especially if you're a fan of the show.




And - I may have shared this before - I can't remember.  This is an SNL sketch mocking the Atlanta snowstorm last year that shut down the road ways.  It makes me laugh every time.  It seems fitting to share today since the South has been inundated with snow this week.  We just don't handle it very well.

Ellen really does a great job at finding unique guests.  This little girl who loves the presidents is ADORABLE and so funny.



I really can't explain what makes me laugh at this video.  I don't even like chihuahuas, but this is pretty funny.  I may be punch drunk from all the time indoors and out of routine this week.  We'll blame it on that.



Obviously, Jimmy Fallon is my favorite.  I love how he gets people to do funny stuff.  Here's Christina Aguilera doing impressions, and she is so good at it.  Really.



This last clip is not funny, but it is just so good.  It's Carrie Underwood singing "There Must Be Something in the Water" at last year's CMAs.  She's just so talented, and the song is beautiful.  Also, I want to tell that unborn child how amazing it is to be able to hear that voice all the time.



Hope your February is wrapping up nicely.  Can you believe March is right around the corner?

THIS & THAT

The topsy turvy nature of the last couple of weeks has left me spinning a bit.  We are beyond out of routine and in unchartered territory.  I'm asking myself questions like, "If a child is screaming, but the mom is in the shower and can't really hear it, then is that child really screaming?"  Deep thoughts at our house.

Lots of things are rolling around my mind that I would love to write about, but I haven't found the wherewithal and mental energy to get those thoughts out.  It's about all I can do to keep things afloat around here, and I feel like I'm not doing great at that as I glance around my living room that is a bit disastrous.  I have my back turned to the kitchen, so I can sort of pretend its okay, though you and I both know that is not the case.  However, the laundry is all folded - so that feels like a victory.  Let's celebrate the small things, shall we?

Re-entry from trips is always a challenge.  We have gotten better at managing our expectations for the kind of "rest" or "recharge" that we will get when we go away.  This has helped us as we return still a bit tired.  Our life is so full of really wonderful things, truly.  We have nothing to complain about, and hear me say - I am not complaining.  I've come to grips with the fact that we will just be tired at this stage in life.  There are certain demands that we signed up for that make it like this.  As we keep saying to ourselves, "All of our dreams came true.  All at one time."

Since I can't formulate any real meaningful thoughts at this moment, I'm going to share pics of what the kiddos did while we were gone.  They had a blast with Grandma and Grandpa, and I'm so thankful that it seemed to be good for everyone!  The were here on actual Valentine's Day bearing Valentines with this photo.  How cute are they?



Those glasses also look pretty good on the twinsies.

There was cookie making fun and the first round of ice and playing with ponies and eating mac n' cheese.  All in all, a pretty great time.

I can't say enough how grateful I am to have parents that will care for our children when we are gone.  It is a huge blessing, and I do not take it for granted.

Today was a wild day, and it's sort of funny, because I decided this morning to document it on the hour, so I'll write that post tomorrow.  But - here are a few pictures with the big camera from the snow day.  It really is beautiful.

The girls lasted about five minutes at a time outside, since neither parent was willing/available to play with them today.  But, they loved it.  Hope that you are staying warm - wherever you are!

BIG VALENTINE'S SURPRISE

John and I are not big gift givers.  Most of the time, for most major events, we decide on something we want together, ahead of time - and often, that thing would be an experience.  Or, each of us picks out something very specific for the other one to purchase.  There's not often a lot of surprising going on.  So, let me just say, that yesterday brought a total shock to me.

We were headed to Dallas (more on that later), and John had said he wanted to take back roads to get there.  He wanted to "take our time," and "make it feel like when we were in college and used to drive around together when I had convinced him to skip a class."  Honestly, this totally seemed like something he would request, and it sounded fun (since we would have no children with us!), so I never questioned it.

I also never questioned his insistence that we leave our house by noon.  He kept saying that he was ready to get out of town without our precious littles, and I was too, so it never dawned on me that there would be any other reason to have a leave-by time.

I thought it was a bit odd that he seemed hurried at our Sonic Drive through lunch, but again, our life has been a sort of wild lately and anything is possible.  Here we are waiting for our food.  Does he look a little nervous?



About 45 minutes later, we pulled into Mena, AR.  I said, "Oh!  Mena!  This is where The Rage, that store that I really like online is actually located."  He said, "Which store?"  But, he was grinning.  At that point, I sort of figured out that something was up.  Flash back to a couple of weeks ago - John had been asking me about clothing and where I liked to shop.  He posed the question of where I would go if I could only go to one place.  It was an easy answer for me.  In the last year, I have done a good majority of my shopping at The Rage online.  I have the app.  I get the texts.  I love their style, and the prices are extremely reasonable for what you are getting.  I have even mentioned it in the blog before.

We pulled up to The Rage about 5 minutes later, because Mena is a very small town - think around 5,000 people small.

John told me to open the glove compartment, where I found a very sweet Valentine's card that was filled with cash.  As we walked into the store, I immediately spotted a bouquet of flowers with my name on it!

We met sweet Kailyn who had helped John set up this surprise.

And then, we got down to shopping.  John looked around and said, "I really like these clothes."  He then proceeded to help me shop, give opinions as I tried things on and narrow down my selection.  He also pulled out champagne glasses and my favorite champagne while we shopped.

I ended up with several really fun things, and it was such a treat to see the store in person.  It is so cute!  I felt totally at home there.

All in all, John pulled off a fabulous surprise that was such a treat.  I've made no secret of the fact that the last six months have held their fair share of challenges and intense moments.  Having a moment of all fun, all love was such a blessing and not one I take for granted.  He totally nailed it, and I am so grateful.

And, just so you don't think that every aspect of our day yesterday was the *most romantic ever*, please note that we ate dinner at a Panda Express in a mall food court.  We had our reasons, and since we don't have that restaurant in The Rock, we always enjoy it.  But, life is not all flowers and champagne.

FYE: CHRISTMAS EDITION (INCLUDES SANTA PIC)

I've been sitting on our Santa pic for almost a month.  We aren't a big Santa family, but this year, we've been to see him about five times.  Because he is at the same mall as Daddy.  This Santa and his elves have all been so sweet to us.  Because the picture deal included a digital photo and a $20 gift card to Shutterfly, I sprung for it.

Despite the fact that Violet has been saying "Ho, Ho, Ho" on cue all month, she was not into sitting on the jolly man's lap.  William seemed perfectly ambivalent.  Lily and Bella were genuinely delighted.  You just never know what you will get.  So - for everyone's entertainment, here's our Santa pic!

One slightly guilty pleasure I have is to watch videos of a cappella groups singing.  (I know, I'm so crazy.)  I loved the movie Pitch Perfect and the TV show the Sing Off.  Here are a couple of great tunes you have probably seen in your Facebook newsfeed that will help get you into the Christmas spirit.

Pentatonix, Mary Did You Know?  - this song is so gorgeous.  It's on their Christmas album which we have been listening to non-stop this year.



Pentatonix, Little Drummer Boy - This one's not on their current album, which is a shame.



Really, all of their Christmas videos are amazing.  Here's a different group - Home Free, Angels We Have Heard on High



As for videos that aren't a cappella groups singing, I loved this SNL mashup of The Office and Middle Earth.  Since I'm a huge fan of both and of Martin Freeman, I geeked out over this.  (Warning: there are some crass jokes.)



And, because it's my blog and I can do what I want, here are a few tidbits for my own entertainment.  Our kiddos have said some funny stuff recently - here are a few examples.

-  When Bella says she is excited, she says, "Ex-kited."  I've thought it was so cute that I haven't corrected her, but Lily wanted to take it into her own hands.  Lily said, "No, Bella - it's not ex-kited with a 'K', it's excited with an 'S'."  Bless it.
-  Bella also calls pistachios "trophies."  I think because she heard "statue" and then just made the leap to trophy.
- Bella refers to adults as "A Dolt."  As in, when I'm "A Dolt" I will do such and such.  I regularly think that I probably am a dolt at times.
-  Lily's Sunday School class is themed as Grandma's Garden.  A couple of weeks ago, one of the flower puppets wasn't there, and I mentioned that he must be on vacation.  She asked if he had gone to play at the Garden of Gethsemene.
-  Lily was doing her homework and having to write sentences with words that start with "Q."  That is actually a pretty hard feat.  As she was trying to think of a word, she said, "Instead of octopus, I could write about a 'quoctopus.'"  I think she should get points for thinking outside the box.
-  Bella has referred to all nativity sets in our house and in public as "activities."  This has persisted despite much correction from her older sister.

I hope that you are settling into your last few days before Christmas.  I am in Wichita and actually able to breathe a bit freer with lots of extra hands to help with little people!

CHRISTMAS COOKIE RECIPE ROUND-UP (LINKS)

Well, I've just about managed to give away all my teacher/therapist/neighbor gifts for the year.  It felt like a bit of a feat this year, because when all totaled, I ended up doing 16 boxes.  I *tried* to keep it simple, but that is not what I am known for.  The truth is, I really do love baking, and most of the time, this baking was a labor of love.

Sugar cookies are my very fav, mainly because of how pretty they can be.  Here's a blog post I wrote sometime last year with the recipes I use for cookies and various icings/glazes.  I have LOVED the set of Helvetica letter cutters I got earlier this year.  My other favorite cookie purchase of the year was an airbrush machine.  It makes stenciling a breeze and is so much fun to use.

If you are ever looking at a cookie cutter and wondering what you should put on that cookie, you can always google image search something like "Elf on the Shelf Sugar Cookies" and find more inspiration than you can handle.  There are so many fun options out there!




Last year, I wrote a long post with links to several good cookie recipes - check it out if you need some new ideas.  This year, I used this Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe (the pics aren't working - it seems I lost a few months worth of blog pics from 2011, and I just don't have the time to go back and put them back on, so you'll have to suffer through, but I think you'll manage just fine.) and stuffed a Rolo inside and sprinkled them with sea salt.  Very craveable.

Here's a great post on cookie decorating by Bridget of Bake at 350.  It has lots of fun pictures and some great ideas.  I wish I had time this year to compile and try more recipes, but it is not in the cards.  So - enjoy these links!  Happy baking!

FYE: THANKSGIVING EDITION

So, it's Thanksgiving Eve.  Family is all here, and we are getting ready to consume our feast tomorrow.  Things are good.  A couple of weeks ago I posted a few things that had made me laugh.  Here's a few more, Thanksgiving style.

John and I saw this commercial the other night and laughed so hard.  Scurvy is just that funny.



The family that did the X-Mas Jammies song last year came out with a Thanksgiving parody of All About That Bass.  I cannot get "Mo Butter" out of my head.



Here's a bit of Thanksgiving Art that mimics what Picasso, Van Gogh and other famous artists might have done with their plates.  It's pretty.

I do hope your holiday is going smoothly.  And that you are getting to take time to be grateful.  Intentional gratitude is really a blessing for us right now.  Happy Thanksgiving.

FYE: FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT

Sometimes sad things lurk around lots of corners.  And stress.  It's a creeper.  We all have our own coping mechanisms for these seasons, and I've realized that I appreciate beautiful things and funny things.  They both act as a bit of salve.  Here's a couple of things I've been crushing on recently.


This Anne of Green Gables wedding shoot.  I didn't know that setting up fake weddings just for pictures was a thing, and part of me wishes I lived in an alternate universe where this was my job.  Planning a party without having to worry about anything practical? - sign me up!  I adore Anne of Green Gables and have read the 8 books in the series more times than I could count.  I used to re-read them all at the start of each school year growing up.  The pictures of faux Anne and Gilbert and all the little details are stunning.

(P.S. - I just realized this blog post I linked to was from 2012, so I am clearly way behind the times on this.  But, I found it this week.  So can you.  P.P.S. - I started poking around this website and realized that making fake weddings is part of this blogger's job.  There are SO many fun things to look at and draw inspiration from.  I'm ever so thankful that I got married before the advent of Pinterest, because I was already a bit over the top, and the sheer amount of IDEAS available now would have been overwhelming then.  I do pity the bride with Pinterest at her fingertips and an itching for DIY.  I'm not sure I would have been able to use that power for good.)

And then there's this Little Mermaid wedding shoot that made its way around Facebook.  I was so intrigued and taken with the whole affair!  It's totally gorgeous, even though it took me a few minutes to realize it wasn't real.  It's the first fake wedding photo shoot I found.  I want all of the little treats to be mine immediately.

Another very entertaining thing this week is this picture of my awesome nephew True dressed as Bob Ross for Halloween.  He is rocking that painter's palette.

Since winter is on its way, I thought you might all enjoy this SNL sketch poking fun at the Atlanta snowstorm.  John and I have watched it many times since a friend from Atlanta introduced us to it. Living in the South during the winter certainly has its moments.

And while we're on the topic of funny videos, I loved this clip of Bradley Cooper and Jimmy Fallon when they can't stop laughing.  Their laughter is completely contagious, and I am pretty sure I smiled/laughed the entire time I watched this.

So funny.  Hope this brightens up your week!  Laughter is so good for the soul.