Be Grateful.

These last few weeks that I have been home have been a learning experience to say the LEAST. 

Being at home 24/7 can definitely feel smothering and get boring at times. That's when I turn to Pinterest for craft ideas, games, preschool prep activities, etc. I have a headache that starts every day, usually just before NAP time. Hopefully I will get used to this chaos soon. Even though it's chaotic, crazy, messy and lonely from not being around adults anymore, I am so grateful. I  do love seeing my daughter grow, learn and play on a daily basis while staying in our comfy clothes ALLLLL DAYYYY LONG. Luke loves it too and I couldn't imagine keeping him locked up all day without anyone to play with. 

I am grateful for my husband that works so many long hours to help out and I am definitely grateful when he finally gets home at night so we can actually have an adult chat and relax! It's so hard on us being on one income right now but we are doing our best. I am (and always have been) hands down a supporter of moms being the ones raising their children. I just don't know how, in todays economy they do it. I have always been the working mom and now, I stay home. It's a huge change on our lives! I hope, wish and pray something changes that allows me to stay home daily forever but... it doesn't look promising. So, I am cherishing every moment of being home with Lennon and Luke. (Seriously, it's too bad that we named our puppy Luke because that's such a cute name for a second child and goes great with the name Lennon!) Anyway, does anyone know of any AMAZING paying jobs that my hubs can have like right this second? :) 

I am grateful for my BIFF (& her daughter that Lennon adores and doesn't ever stop talking about!) for many, many, MANY reasons but for two really important ones right about now. 1. She is amazing at making a house a home and this past Holiday week she came to see my new home, gave me some great tips and now my bedroom and L's playroom look amazing. Her Feng Shui tips ROCKED. Who knew a bed should always be across from the opening of the door? Not I. But, now that my room is rearranged and we could FaceTime to arrange the rest of my room, my room looks great and I can't wait to hang pictures once I make up my mind on what to do! 2. She recommended Coconut Oil and I have to say, I don't know how I lived without it for my entire life. This stuff ROCKS! I found this Blog on Pinterest for more AWESOME ways to use Coconut Oil. Check it out -- 50 Uses for Coconut Oil. 3. She gave me the ideas for my signs that are starting to sell great. I just love my BIFF. Thanks for being awesome, mama!

I am definitely grateful for nap time (when and if it happens... TODAY it didn't!) or "down time". Right now, Lennon is hyper, inconsolable  when she cries and will whine about EVERY little thing if she doesn't get her way. I am literally taking deep breaths to not lose it at the moment. I am so thankful that L is relaxing with me and Luke is asleep on my lap while I am typing this. I need my husband to have a 9-5. That would be perfect.

I went to Target with L today and got some little stocking stuffers for her and Luke. Luckily she got to pick out her favorite things like a new Munchkin brand sippy cup with a STRAW - WOOT!, big girl undies (for when I start Potty Training) and a new E.O.S - pink of course and then I got her some things she didn't see that I just know she will LOVE! When we were shopping of course, Lennon was sitting in the cart and not paying much attention to me telling her to behave, keep her limbs and head IN the cart, and stay facing me... so all of a sudden this OLD lady says to me, "Ma'am she's licking the cart and that's gross and germ infested". I snapped! First of all, I know that's the wrong way to react, I get it... but come on. I was a. in a hurry b. frustrated with L already c. in a freakin' hurry and d. I DONT NEED TO BE TOLD BY YOU WHAT MY KID IS DOING AND HOW GROSS IT IS. So, the first thing out of my frustrated little mouth was, "Mind your own business!" and kept walking. Bad karma may be headed my way but hey, like I don't already have bad juju... what's a little more? 

I am going to start Potty Training soon since I am home with Lennon all day. Any recommendations are welcome. I have heard sooooooooooo many good and bad and in between stories, rules, myths, things peoples Grandma's swear by, etc. So if you have something that has actually worked for YOU and your little one, let me know!!! :)

At the end of the crazy, chaotic, messy, no nap day... I am feeling tired, exhausted and seriously ready to throw in the towel on dishes and laundry (no pun intended...) but I am looking at my pup on the couch sleeping, Lennon resting her head on my leg and holding her blankey, and I am watching Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood and singing the silly songs with L. I am full with a belly full of nachos - that were amazing, and my house is warm and snuggly. At the end of it all, I am grateful for what I have and who I share it with... even if some crazy old lady things my kid is gross and germ infested!

<3 XO