LUVS NightLock

I was recently lucky enough to test out the new LUV NightLock diapers and oh my gosh, you guys! I had my doubts, I truly did but these things are awesome!
These babies don't hit the shelves until September 16th, but you will definitely want to snag them up when they do!
You can head over to Luvs.com and get the print at home coupon beginning the same day!

Anyway, Owen tends to wake up wet.  It's annoying when I'm attempting to rush out the door & wake him up last minute to avoid any grumpy-woke him up too early- mess only to discover he needs bathed like now.
These diapers though, they've prevented that.  You'd better believe that when they hit the shelf, I'll be purchasing some for us! They really protected him from leaks!  I was truly in shock.... and so thankful to not have to bathe a child SUPER fast and then change his bedding for the umteenth time.

Plus, they're just really freakin' cute!

Be sure to head over and follow them on twitter and facebook. Luvs Twitter  Luvs Facebook

• Luvs with Night Lock isn't available on retailer shelves nationwide until September 16th, but they're being provided with an exclusive sneak peak at the product, even before it becomes available!

• New Luvs with NightLock offers our largest absorbency area EVER to lock away wetness, even overnight. So baby has a restful night of sleep and mom has a more peaceful night to take care of - well, Mom!

• Luvs with NightLock offers the ultimate in overnight protection for baby AND a good night ahead for Mom with:

• Our largest absorbency area EVER to help lock wetness away, even overnight, and locks away wetness better than Huggies Snug & Dry** - meaning less leaks at night for baby and more time for mom to enjoy those nighttime hours, however she sees fit

• Leak Barrier Leg Gathers to ensure leaks are kept away from PJs and in our diaper - where they belong!

• Two new diaper designs per box - same funky Luvs monkey, new fun designs

• The Luvs Money Back Guarantee (we feel so strongly about our diapers, we’ve guaranteed them!)

Plus, beginning September 16, 2020, to coincide with Luvs with Night Lock appearing on shelves, for the first time EVER, Luvs will be offering print-at-home coupons Luvs.com.

September 16th will also see Luvs releasing a new series of our beloved "First Kid/Second Kid" commercials on our YouTube page.             


Don't believe me?!
You can enter to win some for yourself!
Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway




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This review was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Luvs. I was provided the featured product free of charge to facilitate my review, but all opinions are 100% mine.

Friday, Friday....

Happy Friday!
I'm posting a short sweet little thing today because it's the day before Fin's birthday party and I have a bajillion things to do. 

This week's kindness:

letting people in front of me in the car lines, letting people cross or pull in in the school parking lot.
Being nice to strangers.
          
And if you follow me on instagram you probably saw this already

I also tipped his waiter.
I left before he was even close to done eating so I have no idea his reaction but I was happy to do it and happy picturing him a bit shocked and thankful.
Plus, he looked pretty grumptastic sitting there all by his lonesome and just looked like he needed a pick me up.

I hope you guys have a great weekend planned out!  I can't wait to share with you the pictures from Fin's party! If it turns out half as good as I think it will, it's gonna be awesome!!

Also, please don't forget to vote.  There are like 6 days left or so.  You can vote daily and I would VERY much appreciate it!
Thank you!!
Click HERE if you can't get past that pin-it button.

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What I wear.

Happy Hump Day, friends.

When my shop owning friend, Rachel offered to send me a dress from her store, Country Couture, I was BEYOND thrilled!  I already owned one dress from her and seriously loved it so I just knew this second one would be absolutely wonderful!
I anxiously stalked my mailman like I do most days (ah, the life of a blogger) and when this bad boy finally came, I tore into it like a kid at Christmas!  I pulled it out, held it up to me and twirled back and forth in the kitchen while David starred at me like I'd gone off the deep end.

Now before you go and look at these photos, you should know that I am NO fashion blogger. 
I have a simple camera and a clicker that I only sometimes get to work with me cooperatively.
Also, you should know that I sidestepped 3 piles of dog poop and a puddle of pee to take these first few photos....
Then I looked over (while trying to pose) only to see my neighbor's legs in a chair.  CRAP.

So I stealthily moved to over in front of the AC thing.  It doesn't make for a pretty background but it keeps me from looking slightly insane to our neighbor that I talk to daily.  (Her kid is in Fin's class so we see em at pick up, we see em at drop off, we see em randomly throughout the day and I'm pretty sure she already questions my sanity just by talking to me).

September is going to ROCK!

This is a picture from last fall.  My bad for never sharing.  David's quite the photographer, huh?!

Anyway, let's talk about September, shall we?!  I think we shall!

September is probably THE BEST MONTH to be a sponsor of My Three Bittles!!
It's my BIRTHDAY MONTH!!
And just like last year and the year before, I plan on doing a Birthday Week Extravaganza! -- that is an ENTIRE week of giveaways, guys!  Do you know how much traffic that would bring you?! Yeah... it's a lot. If you'd like to sign up for the giveaways, fill out THIS FORM. All sponsors get an extra link!

I just updated my sponsorship page the other day.

As if that alone isn't enough to convince you to come hang out on my sidebar, I've got a promo code to share with you!


HappyBirthday

That code will get you 15% off ANY ad.
Seriously- join me! September is going to be AMAZING!

You can go HERE to read my stats, some testimonials and see who I'm sponsoring currently!

(All ads bought before Sept won't start until Sept 1st)


Also, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take a second to vote for me!  I was nominated Top 25 Southern Moms.  Just click VOTE!
Thank you thank you thank you!!                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Watermelon Juice.

Hey guys!  I hope your weekend was wonderful!

Ours was a weekend.  I spent the majority of it lying on the couch feeling like I was dying.  I have a cold,  Maddie does too.  We're pitiful.  Thankfully David made dinner Saturday night and the kids crashed out pretty early.  Sunday the kids rode bikes up and down the sidewalk.  Fin's getting pretty dang good at it!  We took his training wheels off to try that, he got a bit (a lot) scared so we called it a day.
They then spent the afternoon drinking Watermelon Juice & catching Rollie Pollies and building ant piles out of the grass that David had just cut. Their imaginations crack me up!

I have a busy week happening this week!
Fin's birthday and party is this Saturday.  I have to finish up some DIY decorations, head to the store and buy a few things, then to the grocery store for a few things and try to call back the bounce house lady to make sure they do actually deliver to Fort Benning before I order it. (Thank you Groupon for the $50 bounce house as opposed to the $200+ bounce house)

The kids have school all week and since Maddie get outs at 11:15, I figure it's best to wait until I pick her up to actually go shopping. Plus I know she'll be happy to get to be in on the birthday party decorating fun!

I've decided that Wednesday will be my Feel Good Wednesday.  It'll be my "take a break from the week" day.  What a better way to celebrate Hump Day than by taking a break from your to-do list?!  I think I'll take Owen and Maddie down to the park and enjoy some to Deer Park ® while they play.  Hopefully the weather is as gorgeous as it was on Sunday (72 and sunny with a nice breeze).  That would just equal some great Happy moments.

A quick little did you know:
Deer Park® Sparkling Natural/Mountain Spring Water is comprised of just three natural ingredients—spring water, natural fruit essence, and bubbles! And, with no sugar or calories, Deer Park® Sparkling Natural/Mountain Spring Water is a good alternative to soda.


Anyway, I'm a classic water drinker but the kids, they love what they refer to as, "Watermelon Juice".


You quite literally chop up some watermelon (try not to eat it all or let your smallest child eat it all).
Drop some into your Deer Park® water and call it a day!
I've done this with Deer Park® Brand Sparkling water and they LOVE it! They think it's soda. 
It's definitely a mom-win.  We drink it every summer.

Wanna win a $100 Target giftcard?!

Welcome to the A Night Owl August Sponsor Giveaway!

Today the sponsors and friends of A Night Owl are joining up to bring you an amazing $100 Target Gift Card Giveaway! And we all KNOW you love Target, so what are you waiting for? Enter today via the Rafflecopter form below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


TERMS & CONDITIONS: Giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents ages 18 and over and ends at 11:59pm EST on September 1, 2020. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness. Number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Approximate retail value is $100.00. One winner will be selected. This is a giveaway sponsored as a group buy, which means the bloggers pooled their money together to purchase this product for you. All liabilities and responsibilities with product is directly responsible by Target. Winner will drawn by random.org from all verified entries, contacted by email provided, and announced on this page at the end of the contest. Winner has 48 hours to respond or prize will be redrawn. Entrant is responsible for the email address they provide, whether through typing it directly or through the Facebook entry method. A Night Owl is not responsible for lost or misdirected emails. All prizes will be awarded. No prize substitutions allowed. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook and we hereby release Facebook of any liability. Information is provided to A Night Owl, not to Facebook and your information is never sold or shared. Facebook and Target are not a sponsor of this giveaway. Prize is mailed or emailed directly by Kimberly Sneed of A Night Owl and requires confirmation of delivery. Protected tweets do not count as an entry method for tweeting. Tweets must come from a public account. Bloggers in this group giveaway and their immediate family members in their household cannot enter or win the giveaway. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.

Good deeds, good days.

Happy Friday everyone!

This picture is completely irrelevant.

I'm actually excited that it's Friday!
Maddie made it into school today WITHOUT TEARS!!! If you read yesterdays post, you know what I'm talking about.  If not, you should probably go read it so that you understand how HUGE of a deal that is!
She walked into the school no problem but once she got closer to her classroom, she slowed down. 
She hesitated but SLOWLY went in!  Fingers crossed she not only eats her snack today, but also actually participates in something! 
I walked away today feeling SO relieved!
And thank you all for your wonderful comments & suggestions.       You guys are amazing!

I attended the kids' open house last night at their school. 
Fin's teacher is just THE CUTEST!! She was late getting here because she came from overseas (#milspouseproblems haha).  But she seems absolutely wonderful already.  And she's talkative, so I like that. 

While in Maddie's room, another parent said to me, "oh! your little girl is the one that cries at drop off and pick up?!".  She had a nice tone about it so I laughed and said, "guilty!".  She was so kind when we talked about it.  Her little girl is the exact opposite of Maddie & she offered to talk to her little girl and see if she'd reach out to Maddie and try to befriend her and include her.  I was amazed and quickly thanked her for it.  I'm excited to hear Maddie talk about Lily now!  I was so incredibly grateful for her offer because really, would you wanna be friends with the little girl that just cries?! I wouldn't! So fingers crossed for that. 

In other news,  David's first week or Airborne school is over! He survived and didn't get kicked out!
He had some issues at first with the jumps (he's terrified of heights)! We knew he'd have problems with it but he figured he'd be able to just talk himself into it.  "If these girls can do it, I can do it" and "Come on! Your basic training privates are here! SHOW THEM THAT YOU HAVE NO FEAR"!-- it didn't work!  He froze!  He came home and told me about it and I laughed while he demonstrated how bad it was.  He laughed too and finally made that zipline and those jumps his bitch!
He's excited about being Airborne because that means we might go back to Alaska!  Fort Richardson though next time (if we go)- it's closer to Anchorage and less cut off from the world and less cold.  (I just typed "down" instead of "cold" because I was yelling at Bo to get down while typing).

Moving on.....
It's that time of the month again!  Sponsorship!
Head here, check out my options!   I'd absolutely love to have you!

I'm bringing back the group giveaway in September and that alone is GREAT exposure!
My past sponsors swear that my tweets are amazing! My promotion is amazing!  My pins get repinned like no others.  I need to update my stats and will probably do that today but again, I'd love to have you on my sidebar!


This weeks good deeds weren't anything major.  I let people in during the lines,  I was extra polite and smiled at everyone.  I took the time to reply to emails that normally you don't need to reply to just to let them know that they were doing a great job and that I appreciated them. 
I feel like I'm forgetting something but eh well.
Have you done kind things?
Trying to do at least ONE kind thing a week really has been more of a challenge than I thought just because I don't really go out & about every day/week.  Days that I'm at wits end end up being the days that I do something kind and it completely turns my day around.  So for real, try it.  Try to be kind to someone today just because you can.  It won't change the world or anything, but it'll make you feel better and brighten their day a bit. 

I think that's about all I've got today.
It's a rambley post but that's just what I do best. 
Have a great weekend, guys.


Oh and before you go, PLEASE PLEASE go click vote for me!  I was nominated for Circle of Moms Top Southern Moms of 2013! (I'm like #6 or 7)!  Thank you thank you thank you!! (just click that button below-if the pin it pops up, click to the bottom right of the pic and it'll take you to it.... or just click HERE)

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Maddie vs PreK

               
*sigh*

See this cutie?!  She started PreK on Monday.
It's not been so great.

She has cried EVERY SINGLE DAY at drop off and then again when I pick her up.

At pick up day 1 she was crying because she wanted her jacket that she thought was in the room.
It was at home.  I assured her it was.  She still cried a lot and was then mad that it wasn't in her backpack to keep at school. 

Day 2 pick up, they had a fire drill just as I got there.  She was happy as she walked past me.  She was happy when she passed by me to go back inside.  She was crying when she came out to me. There was a folder mix up with a little girl named Madison.  She accidentally grabbed Madelyn's folder but it was fixed right away.  Maddie still cried. 

Day 3... She was crying because she didn't get a snack.  Know why she didn't get a snack?!
Because she stood up and just stood there instead of sitting down to eat it!! SHE JUST STOOD THERE!!
She told me she didn't dance during the songs because she just stood there.  She told me that she didn't get to play because she just stood there. 
It's not like she's trying to hide it from me, she told me herself that she just stands there.
Her teacher assured me that it was fine like they'd done daily and even said, "it's ONLY day 3.  It'll be okay".  I already love her teachers because they DO understand.  They've had students act like this.
The first day they tried to talk to her and calm her down.  They QUICKLY learned to just leave her to herself and she'd get over it; that talking to her just made matters worse.

This morning on our way out the door she complained that her bottom hurt. 
She's had this issue before- she tried to hard to use the bathroom therefore causing herself pain.
She completely freaked out.
I lost my cool and yelled, a lot more than I'd like to admit.
Something about Maddie's screaming just causes me to lose it so SO fast.
I think she freaked so much as a way to get out of going to school today.  I mean I don't doubt that it hurt a bit but this freak out was bigger than the last time she had this issue.
I calmed her down, hugged her, we got back in the car and tried to leave again.  No more tears were shed until we got to school.  We walked around back to where I drop her off and her teacher actually had to pick her up and carry her in.

I just don't get it.  It's only 2 hours a day.  She's gone to preschool before and it wasn't THIS bad.  She was shy there but eventually came around & played & had a decent time. 

She is so excited in the morning to get up and ready!
On the first day, she dropped her blankie (big deal!!) 1/2 way down the stairs because she was THAT excited to get dressed & ready!

I went out and bought her a little bracelet and told her that it'd make her brave.  She told me it was fake because she still cried.
Yesterday we ran to the PX (it's like the walmart on post) for diapers and while there she saw a little Hello Kitty doll she wanted.  I bought it (it was less than $2 so SCORE!) but told her she couldn't have it until she was good at PreK!  She whined a bit lot about it but eventually understood.
So she woke up this morning before the bum mess and swore she was going to be good and brave and not cry (Like she'd one EVERY morning now) and said she was excited to get her Hello Kitty doll. 
Then the bum thing happened....
Then her teacher had to carry her in....

I just don't know what to do. 
Fin walks in with her.  She met the teachers before school started.  They came to the house to meet her.
She tells me all about what they do everyday in an excited tone once she gets over the crying.
She does homework at the table with Fin everyday so it's not like she doesn't like to learn.

I just don't get it.  I don't know what to do.  I mean I get that it's only the first week but going through this twice a day with her is just exhausting. 

I know she'll eventually get over it but today...today I am stressed.  Today I am exhausted.  Today I'm embarrassed that it's my child every single day throwing fits like this.  I'm confused because she says she liked it.  She likes her teachers, the school, her friends.  Today I'm just drained. 
Here's to hoping tomorrow is better.

I pick her up in a bit, wish me luck!


Also, while you're here: I was nominated for Circle of Moms Top 24 Southern Moms of 2013.
Please take a second and go vote for me!  You literally just have to click "vote"!
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5 Easy Ways to Expose Kids to Music

 5 Easy Ways to Expose Kids to Music

Image from www.dreamch2.wordpress.com

Many parents would love to expose their little ones to the benefit of an early music education. But most don’t have the time or funds for special classes and private lessons on top of already full schedules. Luckily, incorporating music into your children’s growth and development can be a lot simpler than it might sound. Whether your kids like to learn online or prefer games and crafts, here are some fun and simple ways to add music appreciation straight into your everyday.

1. Add Music to Playtime

One of the simplest ways to incorporate music into your child’s activities is to simply add instruments or song recordings to playtime. Most children are already drawn to singing along and dancing to their own tunes. Provide toy maracas, tambourines and other percussion instruments and watch your kids’ creativity explode.

2. Play Music at Home

Some families naturally put music on as they wash the dishes or hang out at home. For others, this is less of a habit. But bringing out a small boom box or finding an internet radio station are easy ways to provide musical exposure for children. This is also an easy way to show kids the different time periods and genres of music which exist. Find a classical album or pull out some of your own records from your generation. While the tunes are playing, this can become an excellent opportunity to teach little ones how to clap in time with the beat and count notice the rhythm of a song.

3. Instrument Craft Time

A fun way to combine music education with craft time is helping your children create their very own instruments from recycled materials around the house. Empty paper towel tubes or left over pieces of PVC pipe can be transformed into flutes and piccolos. Emptied and washed paint cans and tin cans can be decorated to form the basis of a bongo drum set. Many more ideas can be found online. And as an added bonus, children can learn practical steps to having fun while practicing sustainability.

4. Learning Online

For older kids, the internet offers a numerous methods of music education. Many music schools offer online classes for students to take advantage of right from home. If you have a high schooler in your brood, he or she might even enjoy enrolling in a music course from an online university. And if you are looking for a free education, check out the library of instrument and song tutorials available on YouTube.

5. Find Live Music Playing in the Community

Many cities have their own symphonies. While concert tickets might be pricy, a surprising number of orchestras host children’s shows. If a trip to the symphony isn’t quite up your family’s alley, there may very well be a number of other opportunities for live music right in your own town. From jazz concerts in the park to children’s programs at the public library, finding live music can provide a fantastic excuse for getting out of the house every so often.

If private lessons or extracurricular classes do not work for your family at this stage, there remain some easy and downright fun ways to mix music into children’s lives so that they can still reap the benefits of a musical education.

Author Bio:  Author Abby Evans is a mother and freelance journalist currently reviewing health options for her family.


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How to install google analytics. {The EASIEST way}

If you're ANYTHING like me, HTML code gives you a giant headache.

Google analytics gives you a headache.

I'm here today to show you the EASIEST way to install Google Analytics. PIECE OF CAKE!

NO HTML code needed.

First, find your tracking code.

Here's how!

Sign in to Google Analytics.

Click Admin.

Click Tracking info

BAM! There's your code.

Copy that.

Go to your blogger dashboard.

Click the two little pieces of paper and then settings.

Scroll down and click on "other"

Scroll down to where you'll see "Google Analytics"

And DONE!

Save your profile and go about your day headache free!

If you don't know how to find your GA code, click here.

Tada!

               

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It's a recap...

Hello Monday!

My sister sent me a bunch of old pictures that I'd lost forever ago when my laptop crashed.  I laughed. A lot.  That first picture was fresh out of high school, hanging out in Jenny G and Ken's apartment getting ready to go to a club.

      
The second picture is of me and David. We were BABIES!!

Anyway, Happy Monday, guys!  I hope the weekend was kind to you.  Ours wasn't.  A nasty cold has swept our house.  Poor David's got it, Fin's not far behind him.  Owen I think has a touch of it, hopefully it skips me and Maddie.

Speaking of Maddie,  she's off to PreK this morning and super excited about it!  She woke up, dropped her blankie halfway down the stairs and ran down the rest of the way to get dressed.  We had a fight about her hair but she quickly got over that and was happy as a clam.  Let's just hope it stays that way.

Since her school is only two hours a day, I'm still completely clueless as to what to do with for that two hours.  It's such an odd amount of time.

Other than that, here's a few pics from the weekend.
We did a whole lot of nothing really.
Our newest order of LUVs came in. 

On the blog recap:

I talked about feeling like a failure as a mother.

I shared a recipe for potato soup and bread bowls.



I talked about some amazing military spouses.

And I shared a SUPER easy salsa recipe.



Oh and if you have a second, please go vote for me!  I was nominated for Top Southern Mom! SO exciting!!
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R. Riveter

I received no form of compensation for this post.

Every once in a while while browsing the internet, I come across the most amazing sites/stores/pictures/etc etc.
This case is no different.  I had tears in my eyes when I discovered R. Riveter.  I spent way too long browsing their shop and their blog.  Their work is gorgeous, the fact that they're military spouses just blew me away, their stories are wonderful, just everything about this sucked me in.
I immediately emailed them telling them that I loved them and asking if I could blog about them.
Just look how stunning their bags are!
 

The founders of R. Riveter have firsthand experienced the same difficulty that so many other military spouses of today deal with on a daily basis- finding flexible and mobile employment while attached to the military. Military families are relocated every 2.9 years, making it difficult for the spouse to pursue a single career or gain work experience. Many spouses of service members need flexibility in their employment opportunities as they are independently managing their households while their partners are deployed or on long training missions. It was these unique challenges that inspired Lisa Bradley and Cameron Cruse in 2011.

These two women are the founders, Lisa Bradley and Cameron Cruse:

Their mission: 
R. Riveter entirely exists to provide mobile and flexible income to military spouses.  Our goal is to foster self-identity and purpose that we often feel are missing as military spouses without a career outlet.  Our company is entirely run by military spouses; from the making of the smallest purse part to the models on our advertisements.  The larger R. Riveter story has been created chapter by chapter by each individual military spouse involved in the company.  Purse parts come from all over the country, making each R. Riveter bag a symbol of the American way of life and our connection as a military community.  It is our mission at R. Riveter to inspire pride and patriotism into the hearts of each customer.  We delight in the fact that we are completely homegrown and produce high quality, well-crafted items.   Our R. Riveter collection of handbags is the foundation of a company dedicated to serving the spouses of our service members.

Their bags:
We are inspired by the challenges of our day and innovations that evolve as a result. Old military materials like duffle bags, wool blankets, and shelter halves are up-cycled, and combined with real, hand dyed leather to make each R. riveter bag-- producing a kind of character that is totally unique and full of history. Each bag is handmade by a military spouse; starting from the dying of the leather and canvas, to the assembly of the bag. On the interior of the bag an edition tab displays the name & number of the individual bag, where it was made and when.

At R. Riveter, we are inspired by the women who have come before us and truly exemplify the ‘We Can Do It’ attitude. Military spouses are a special group of women who take on the challenges of daily life and have a heart to serve in their community. As a special way to honor these women, all of our bags are named after famous military spouses. Made by hand to a strict quality standard, R. Riveter hand bags are a statement of pride and support for all military spouses and families.

Come September they're debuting their mens line! I CAN NOT WAIT TO SEE HOW AWESOME THEY'LL BE!!

Seriously, take two seconds to go tell these amazing women how awesome they are and how gorgeous their bags are!

As a military spouse myself, they truly inspire me more than I can even put into words!

You can find them here:  Facebook, twitter, their blog, their shop, their page.



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Potato soup & bread bowls.

If you follow my Facebook page or my Instagram account, you've seen this picture

This was the start of it.
I actually forgot to take an after picture because well, I was hungry & it was good. Sorry guys!

Some days I feel like a failure as a mother.

So often I see all these great things on Pinterest or make all these great plans to be the most amazing mother in the entire world, you know- dinner on the table at the same time every night, a full/real meal, after school activities, healthy all the way, water only, homemade play dough, spray chalk, baths every night, matching cute pajamas, etc etc only to realize that I don't have regular flour or that I don't have enough corn starch to fill a while bottle of spray chalk or that I'm just too tired to make a real dinner or, "yes. sure. eat that as a snack! OWEN, NO!!!"

During moments like that, I feel like a sucky mother, I really do!  I had the greatest summer bucket list ever made up and ready to tackle them all only to be surprised by a summer of rain followed by failure after failure. 
As I tried to make puff paint with whole wheat flour, David reminded me that they still loved it even if it didn't turn out like it was supposed to.
Time after time, I try to copy this or make that and I need to just throw in the towel on being that perfect mother.  It's just not ME.  I love the idea of it more than anything. 

In reality, I'm a mess.  I'm unorganized no matter how hard I try,  I'm terrible at sticking to schedules,  I'm usually running late,  I'm a procrastinator,  I'm a last minute person. 
My kids aren't always in perfectly clean outfits.
Maddie doesn't always have giant matching bows in her hair.
Owen doesn't even wear shoes.
Fin's usually mismatched with messy hair.

Some days I worry that I'm a failure as a mom.  Some days I ache so much to look like the perfect mom and to have my shit all together but it's not me. 

In reality I'm the flustered mom that just rushed one dog outside, one dog in a cage while trying to keep the toddler from running outside with the first dog while making sure the oldest has his lunch while throwing on a bra and attempting to fix my mess of a hairstyle while trying to explain to my dearest Maddie that she shouldn't wear long sleeve shirts when it's 96 degrees outside on 1/3 a cup of coffee and about 5 hours of sleep a night. 

David reminding me that they don't care, that they loved the attempted puff paint anyway was just what I needed to hear.  No matter how much of a mom failure I feel like, the hugs I get and the love I get from them is the perfect reminder that I am enough for them.  I'm their mom and they love me and my sad attempts at being awesome no matter what. 
And that is okay with me. 
Now if only I actually could be a little more organized or at least stick to a laundry schedule we'd be good.

A SUPER easy salsa recipe!

Have you seen these in the stores?!  I hadn't, but I'd seen people talking about them and I was super excited to get to try these! They just looked so delicious!

I’ve always enjoyed veggie chips. So when Green Giant sent me these two varieties of their new Veggie Tortilla Chips and Multigrain Sweet Potato Chips, I was happy to give them a try!

Even the kids loved them! Maddie & Owen and I ate the BBQ ones with their sandwiches for lunch.

David and I ate the Garden Ranch with salsa while movie watching! SO good!!
I even managed to sneak some into Fin's lunchbox before they were all gone- he was happy about that after Maddie told him all about her lunch and how good the "new chips mom gotted us" were.

Also, I wanted to share a super easy and tasty salsa recipe with you- my mom makes it all the time, so really you should be thanking her for it.

Handling Your Family’s Various Health Needs

Handling Your Family’s Various Health Needs

(Image source: freedigitalphotos.net)

When you have kids, you may suddenly find yourself juggling a wide variety of health concerns, worries, and needs. One kid may have a penchant for skateboarding and showing off; another may have asthma and environmental allergies; meanwhile, your spouse’s snoring may require a sleep test and CPAP machine.

Here are some tips on how you can keep yourself less frazzled - and possibly even sane - while you juggle the health care needs of your family.

Happy list.

I came across this post from Cara's blog the other day and thought,  "oh! Cute! So going to do this" so here we are!

1. Sunshine.  It's bright & sunny while I type this sitting at my kitchen table.  I have the backdoor open for the dogs and it's SO nice to hear birds chirping and feel the warm air. 
2. Long weekends.   David had a 4 day weekend and it was just nice to have him here.  Handy really,  he stayed home with Maddie & Owen while I'd take Fin to school or pick Fin up from school, we stayed up late having Supernatural marathons and eating frozen treats.
3. Naptime.  Oh my goodness, Owen woke up at 6:30 this morning and thankfully napped for three hours and then had an afternoon nap as well.  I managed to clean the house and do laundry (it's rare both get done the same day).  It was amazing.
4. Sweet tea makes me happy.  REAL sweet tea.  None of that Northern nonsweet sweet tea. 
5. Maddie's outfit choices.  Today she's rocking leopard print leggings and a green long sleeve shirt with a panda face on it.
   

She wore the skirt in the morning and later changed into the leggings.  I just cracked up at both.  She's a fashionista in case you didn't know. 

   6.   Running into Fin's teacher from Kindergarten at Target and seeing his face light up and seeing her face light up!  She was so happy to see him and he was so happy to see her, it was just so sweet.
   7.   Listening to Fin talk about how the bathroom in his classroom was messed up so he had to go ask another teacher if he could use theirs and theirs was messed up too so he had to ask Mrs Shinault (teacher from #6) if he could use hers and seeing his face light up that he got to hug her then too!
   8.   Watching David pick out a birthday present for a 9 year old little girl.  Ha.  He does so good each time.  He's totally the present picker outer in our house. And he's REALLY good at it.
   9.   These pictures.

  
   10. And this:

What makes you guys happy today?!