Happy New Year friends!
We are so excited what 2020 has to bring! From our little corner of the Internet, we want to wish you the happiest of New Years!
Magnolia Mamas
Showing posts with label New Year. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Year. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Tips For Helping Kids Achieve Their New Year's Goals
Although we still haven't shared our New Year's goals here on the blog, I have been thinking about it a lot and also wanted to get my kids involved. I love the New Year because it is a time to reset, reevaluate, and refresh. My kids are naturally pretty goal oriented so I talked with each of them about what they wanted to achieve in 2019.
My oldest daughter made a "vision board" by printing out images, cutting out pictures from magazines, and writing goals or things she wanted focus on this year. She came up with this idea on her own, which I just loved! She has it hanging in her room to serve as a reminder.
Although my younger two had no interested in a vision board, they did talk about what they wanted to achieve this year and I also interjected some things that I thought they needed to work on, too.
Towards the end of 2018 life just happened. We got busy, so I got a little lazy as a mom, and let things slide that I normally wouldn't. But, with the new year amongst us and the kids starting back to school this past Monday I wanted to do a hard reset. Things like the way technology is used, the way homework and studying is done, and the focus of our very precious and very little free time.
I thought I would share some of the tips I am doing to help support my kids in achieving their 2019 goals in hopes that someone else who is ready for a reset might find a little inspiration!
1. Take Away Technology - Yikes! I can't believe I even wrote those words. Now I'm not taking away their devices completely, but some big changes happened. I found that they were spending way too much time watching YouTube, scrolling Instagram and messaging with friends when they could be spending that time in a more productive way. Now, this is totally the pot calling the kettle black because I am also guilty of spending too much time on social media (Instagram Stories are my weakness). So the new rule in our house is that their phones, iPads, etc. are off limits when we are at home unless certain things are completed (see next tip below for the details).
We have plenty of time in the car getting to sports that they can use their devices and if they finish all their other responsibilities they can use it at home, but we are cutting back big time...especially during the school week. This wasn't a shock to the kids. I had been telling them all during the break that things were going to be changing a bit when school started back so they were ok with it.
2. Make It Visual - In order to keep up with their responsibilities and tasks that are going to be good uses of their time, I wanted to create something that would give them ownership. Not just me nagging at them to do something or saying "no phones." Instead, they helped me come up with things they needed to do each day in order to achieve their goals.
Obviously homework and studying will help with good grades at school, cleaning their rooms will help keep me off their backs and practicing their sports skills will help them get on the teams they are aspiring for. The reading part is for my own sanity because although they like to read at night in bed, I can't always be sure that we can squeeze that in. Usually we get home pretty late after sports stuff so getting it done earlier in the day makes sure that they get it done!
I just created these quick little charts and personalized them for each kid. I saved them so I can print off a copy each week. They are taking ownership by checking the boxes and keeping up with what they should be doing. After all the boxes are checked and they have truly completed everything without rushing through it they can use a phone or iPad, if they choose to.
3. Get Organized - I am an organized person by nature. I come by it honest because my mom is super organized so it rubbed off on me. I love making lists and I still keep an old-school paper planner that I swear keeps my life on track and keeps us going in the right direction each day.
My girls are starting to learn a lot of these organizational tasks and love keeping up with their schedules so I got them each planners for 2019 so they can keep up with what they have each day.
4. Get Involved - This one is on me as a mom. While my girls are both very organized and great and keeping up with homework and tests, I found they still need guidance. I'm getting involved by making sure they not only just looked over the information for a test, but actually know it inside and out. No more just taking their word for it.
Sports goals are going to be achieved with lots of practice and me actually getting out there and helping them with practicing is going to go a lot further to help them achieve their goals. Of course, I could always find something to do inside like laundry, cleaning or answering an email, but when they want my help, I'm going to do my best to get involved.
5. Find What Motivates Them - I am not above bribery. It works for some kids and mine are highly motivated by that carrot dangling in front of them. I'll never forget when my Blondie seemed to have lost her competitive drive during soccer games. She was four years old and used to score all the time then all of the sudden she just kind of ran along with all of the other kids. Next game I offered her a dollar if she scored a goal and she scored twice!
If there is something specific they want (within reason) we are making deals that as certain goals are achieved they will be rewarded. It might be as simple as a treat from the concession stand after a home run, a trip to get nails done after a new tumbling skill is accomplished or something bigger after a huge goal is met.
My oldest daughter made a "vision board" by printing out images, cutting out pictures from magazines, and writing goals or things she wanted focus on this year. She came up with this idea on her own, which I just loved! She has it hanging in her room to serve as a reminder.
Although my younger two had no interested in a vision board, they did talk about what they wanted to achieve this year and I also interjected some things that I thought they needed to work on, too.
Towards the end of 2018 life just happened. We got busy, so I got a little lazy as a mom, and let things slide that I normally wouldn't. But, with the new year amongst us and the kids starting back to school this past Monday I wanted to do a hard reset. Things like the way technology is used, the way homework and studying is done, and the focus of our very precious and very little free time.
I thought I would share some of the tips I am doing to help support my kids in achieving their 2019 goals in hopes that someone else who is ready for a reset might find a little inspiration!
5 Tips for Helping Kids Achieve Their New Year's Goals
1. Take Away Technology - Yikes! I can't believe I even wrote those words. Now I'm not taking away their devices completely, but some big changes happened. I found that they were spending way too much time watching YouTube, scrolling Instagram and messaging with friends when they could be spending that time in a more productive way. Now, this is totally the pot calling the kettle black because I am also guilty of spending too much time on social media (Instagram Stories are my weakness). So the new rule in our house is that their phones, iPads, etc. are off limits when we are at home unless certain things are completed (see next tip below for the details).
We have plenty of time in the car getting to sports that they can use their devices and if they finish all their other responsibilities they can use it at home, but we are cutting back big time...especially during the school week. This wasn't a shock to the kids. I had been telling them all during the break that things were going to be changing a bit when school started back so they were ok with it.
2. Make It Visual - In order to keep up with their responsibilities and tasks that are going to be good uses of their time, I wanted to create something that would give them ownership. Not just me nagging at them to do something or saying "no phones." Instead, they helped me come up with things they needed to do each day in order to achieve their goals.
Obviously homework and studying will help with good grades at school, cleaning their rooms will help keep me off their backs and practicing their sports skills will help them get on the teams they are aspiring for. The reading part is for my own sanity because although they like to read at night in bed, I can't always be sure that we can squeeze that in. Usually we get home pretty late after sports stuff so getting it done earlier in the day makes sure that they get it done!
I just created these quick little charts and personalized them for each kid. I saved them so I can print off a copy each week. They are taking ownership by checking the boxes and keeping up with what they should be doing. After all the boxes are checked and they have truly completed everything without rushing through it they can use a phone or iPad, if they choose to.
3. Get Organized - I am an organized person by nature. I come by it honest because my mom is super organized so it rubbed off on me. I love making lists and I still keep an old-school paper planner that I swear keeps my life on track and keeps us going in the right direction each day.
My girls are starting to learn a lot of these organizational tasks and love keeping up with their schedules so I got them each planners for 2019 so they can keep up with what they have each day.
Sports goals are going to be achieved with lots of practice and me actually getting out there and helping them with practicing is going to go a lot further to help them achieve their goals. Of course, I could always find something to do inside like laundry, cleaning or answering an email, but when they want my help, I'm going to do my best to get involved.
5. Find What Motivates Them - I am not above bribery. It works for some kids and mine are highly motivated by that carrot dangling in front of them. I'll never forget when my Blondie seemed to have lost her competitive drive during soccer games. She was four years old and used to score all the time then all of the sudden she just kind of ran along with all of the other kids. Next game I offered her a dollar if she scored a goal and she scored twice!
If there is something specific they want (within reason) we are making deals that as certain goals are achieved they will be rewarded. It might be as simple as a treat from the concession stand after a home run, a trip to get nails done after a new tumbling skill is accomplished or something bigger after a huge goal is met.
Do your kids set goals each New Year? What are some ways you help them achieve their goals?
Follow us on Pinterest HERE.
Follow us on Instagram HERE.
Friday, January 4, 2019
Favorite Moments of 2018
For the past few years we have shared our very favorites from the year. These are some of our favorite posts to look back on because it sort of shows an overview of what was going on at that time in our lives and gives a little snapshot of each year.
We're back again today sharing our favorites from 2018. It was a big, fun, exciting, and great year. We're so excited about what 2019 holds, but first a little look back at 2018!
We're back again today sharing our favorites from 2018. It was a big, fun, exciting, and great year. We're so excited about what 2019 holds, but first a little look back at 2018!
Our Favorite Place to Visit...
Carrie Beth
We didn't travel as much in 2018 as we did in years past. We were just really busy with the kids activities and didn't travel during every single school break like we had in the past. Our ski trip to Breckenridge, Colorado was probably my favorite of this past year. I have said this a ton of times, but I don't love skiing the way the rest of my family does. However, I do think it is the best family vacation. This trip almost didn't happen because we were going to take a year off of skiing, and I'm so glad we didn't.
Jen
Oh this is tough...
We tend to travel a lot and 2018 was no exception. Thinking back we went to some pretty fun places last year. We did Disney again with the kids. I did a mommy and me vacation to St. Augustine for our Spring Break. The hubby and I snuck away to Key West. There were some other trips too, but I think my favorite trip of 2018 was my Dad's 60th Birthday trip to New York City.
This was a surprise trip years in the making and I was so glad that we were all able to pull it off. My dad grew up in the city, and it isn't new to most of us. But it was fun experiencing it all together and getting the opportunity to let me dad do all his NYC favorites with his entire family. Poor guy...61's gift will be kind of lame.
Our Favorite Thing to Read...
We didn't travel as much in 2018 as we did in years past. We were just really busy with the kids activities and didn't travel during every single school break like we had in the past. Our ski trip to Breckenridge, Colorado was probably my favorite of this past year. I have said this a ton of times, but I don't love skiing the way the rest of my family does. However, I do think it is the best family vacation. This trip almost didn't happen because we were going to take a year off of skiing, and I'm so glad we didn't.
Jen
Oh this is tough...
We tend to travel a lot and 2018 was no exception. Thinking back we went to some pretty fun places last year. We did Disney again with the kids. I did a mommy and me vacation to St. Augustine for our Spring Break. The hubby and I snuck away to Key West. There were some other trips too, but I think my favorite trip of 2018 was my Dad's 60th Birthday trip to New York City.
Our Favorite Thing to Read...
Carrie Beth
My life was changed this year (see below under favorite finds), but listening to books instead of actually reading them was a total game changer for me. I listened to a bunch of really amazing books this year and narrowed it down to these two as my favorites.
Emily Giffin - All We Ever Wanted
Tijan - Ryan's Bed
Both were really heavy, focused on deep subjects and made me terrified of the teenage years with my kids. But, both really stuck with me, made me emotional, and I felt connected to the characters in such a way that I was constantly thinking about them, even when I wasn't listening to the stories.
Jen
This is a tough one every year, but we just put out our Book Club Favorites of 2018 post, and it's fresh on my brain what we read. I read something like 46 books last year, but out of them all my favorite was My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan.
It was fun, funny, heartbreaking, sad, frustrating, mysterious, and happy all rolled into one. I remember finishing it and not wanting it to end.
Our Favorite Thing to Wear...
My life was changed this year (see below under favorite finds), but listening to books instead of actually reading them was a total game changer for me. I listened to a bunch of really amazing books this year and narrowed it down to these two as my favorites.
Emily Giffin - All We Ever Wanted
Tijan - Ryan's Bed
Both were really heavy, focused on deep subjects and made me terrified of the teenage years with my kids. But, both really stuck with me, made me emotional, and I felt connected to the characters in such a way that I was constantly thinking about them, even when I wasn't listening to the stories.
Jen
This is a tough one every year, but we just put out our Book Club Favorites of 2018 post, and it's fresh on my brain what we read. I read something like 46 books last year, but out of them all my favorite was My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan.
It was fun, funny, heartbreaking, sad, frustrating, mysterious, and happy all rolled into one. I remember finishing it and not wanting it to end.
Our Favorite Thing to Wear...
Carrie Beth
This was a tough one because I found a lot of really amazing pieces this year. I was going to say these distressed denim shorts because they were on repeat ALL summer long.
But then I started thinking about that moment when I discovered jeans with elastic waist bands and felt like I heard the angels singing from the Heavens! I knew that these jeans had to be my number one.
I loved them so much I bought a pair in black...
These are just SO comfortable, fit amazing, and make me truly wonder why anyone would wear normal jeans again!
Jen
Hands down my favorite find of the year was this swimsuit!
It was the first one I would grab whether we were on the boat, at the pool, or headed to the beach. I told Carrie Beth she needed it her life, and the minute she wore it she was in love too.
I got so many compliments on it and it is super flattering on. I'm tempted to get another color this year (it's on sale here in limited sizing if you are thinking of getting it. Get it!). There's also another similar style I have my eye on by the same brand. We live in swimsuits for more than half the year here so it was by far my favorite thing to wear!
This was a tough one because I found a lot of really amazing pieces this year. I was going to say these distressed denim shorts because they were on repeat ALL summer long.
But then I started thinking about that moment when I discovered jeans with elastic waist bands and felt like I heard the angels singing from the Heavens! I knew that these jeans had to be my number one.
I loved them so much I bought a pair in black...
And another pair in black that I distressed because the black distressed ones only come in ankle length and were too short of me.
Jen
Hands down my favorite find of the year was this swimsuit!
It was the first one I would grab whether we were on the boat, at the pool, or headed to the beach. I told Carrie Beth she needed it her life, and the minute she wore it she was in love too.
I got so many compliments on it and it is super flattering on. I'm tempted to get another color this year (it's on sale here in limited sizing if you are thinking of getting it. Get it!). There's also another similar style I have my eye on by the same brand. We live in swimsuits for more than half the year here so it was by far my favorite thing to wear!
Our Favorite Finds...
Carrie Beth
So I mentioned this above, but my very favorite of all my finds this year was leaning about Audible.
It truly changed my life and the way I spend my days. Instead of listening to music in the car, I listen to books. Instead of listening to music while I walk my dog, I listen to music. Instead of listening to my kids fight while I fold laundry, I listen to books. You get it...I listen every chance I get and have no plans of slowing down anytime soon!
Jen
Hmm...Audible is a really really good one. I also love love love my new dishwasher. If I could marry a dishwasher this would be the one. It's whisper quiet and so functional. But even as much as I love my dishwasher (and I get how adult that makes me sound) I think my favorite find of the year is something I use every. single. day.
My skincare routine!
We chat a little bit about it here, but I came to the realization this past year I wasn't getting any younger. And the sleepless nights were starting to take their toll. In 2018, I was a little more proactive in my skincare and makeup routines. I am so happy to have found a good skincare regimen and a great clean beauty brand I feel that I feel actually works. My skin feels so much better, and my wrinkles and dark circles must have at least faded somewhat because at a holiday party I was asked if I was in my late 20's. Y'all 20's were a long time ago. But if you're willing to give it...I'll take it.
Honorable mention needs to go to the red lip of 2018 though. I snagged this red lip color to wear for the Taylor Swift concert and while I've never been a red lip fan for myself, it looks so good on! Not to mention so good on every skin tone (CB and I obviously have different skin tones and it "pops" so well on each of us!).
I wore it to several events and even on occasion just because and each and every time someone complimented me or asked what color it was. So long live the perfect red lip!
Our Favorite Kid Moments...
So I mentioned this above, but my very favorite of all my finds this year was leaning about Audible.
It truly changed my life and the way I spend my days. Instead of listening to music in the car, I listen to books. Instead of listening to music while I walk my dog, I listen to music. Instead of listening to my kids fight while I fold laundry, I listen to books. You get it...I listen every chance I get and have no plans of slowing down anytime soon!
Jen
Hmm...Audible is a really really good one. I also love love love my new dishwasher. If I could marry a dishwasher this would be the one. It's whisper quiet and so functional. But even as much as I love my dishwasher (and I get how adult that makes me sound) I think my favorite find of the year is something I use every. single. day.
My skincare routine!
We chat a little bit about it here, but I came to the realization this past year I wasn't getting any younger. And the sleepless nights were starting to take their toll. In 2018, I was a little more proactive in my skincare and makeup routines. I am so happy to have found a good skincare regimen and a great clean beauty brand I feel that I feel actually works. My skin feels so much better, and my wrinkles and dark circles must have at least faded somewhat because at a holiday party I was asked if I was in my late 20's. Y'all 20's were a long time ago. But if you're willing to give it...I'll take it.
Honorable mention needs to go to the red lip of 2018 though. I snagged this red lip color to wear for the Taylor Swift concert and while I've never been a red lip fan for myself, it looks so good on! Not to mention so good on every skin tone (CB and I obviously have different skin tones and it "pops" so well on each of us!).
I wore it to several events and even on occasion just because and each and every time someone complimented me or asked what color it was. So long live the perfect red lip!
Our Favorite Kid Moments...
Carrie Beth
We had a lot of amazing kid moments this year, but the top would have to be the entire season of summer all star baseball with my little guy.
His goal was to make this team and when he did we had no idea what we would be in for. We knew it would mean a lot of long days spent at ball parks, a lot of hours spent practicing, and a lot of hot, hot, hot days spent in the sun.
What we didn't prepare for was the amazing group of families that we would get to know (including some of the moms who have become some of my best friends).
We couldn't have imagined the way the girls would love spending their days at the fields as much as we would. How they would form the sweetest little friendships with some of the little sisters of the team and become the resident team babysitters, which they absolutely loved.
And I never could have guessed how close the boys on the team would become. My little guy always says he wishes he had a brother that loved baseball as much as him and that is just what these boys became to him. Brothers from other mothers, who loved baseball just as much as him!
Jen
I love my kids dearly, and from happy to frustrated and everywhere in between they continuously make me go through all the parental feels. My three seem to be on a level ten at all times, they don't sleep EVER, and love to live life to the fullest in any and all situations. It's hard to pick one moment out of millions from the year as most memorable, but I think maybe this small moment with Cute was my favorite.
It was his First Grade awards day. We came home and he read his awards he received from his teachers. He received a lot. And this isn't stated to be a moment to brag. It's about a moment when he, my husband and I realized how far Cute has come. Totally a different post for another day, but those who are closest to us know that for several years of Cute's life we worried everyday about his future: both academically and in everyday life. We went through year's of testing, evaluations, studies, counselors and therapy. On awards day we realized he's got this, and we have nothing to stress over about our Cute. Until the teenage years...
Our Favorite Moment of 2018...
We had a lot of amazing kid moments this year, but the top would have to be the entire season of summer all star baseball with my little guy.
His goal was to make this team and when he did we had no idea what we would be in for. We knew it would mean a lot of long days spent at ball parks, a lot of hours spent practicing, and a lot of hot, hot, hot days spent in the sun.
What we didn't prepare for was the amazing group of families that we would get to know (including some of the moms who have become some of my best friends).
We couldn't have imagined the way the girls would love spending their days at the fields as much as we would. How they would form the sweetest little friendships with some of the little sisters of the team and become the resident team babysitters, which they absolutely loved.
Jen
I love my kids dearly, and from happy to frustrated and everywhere in between they continuously make me go through all the parental feels. My three seem to be on a level ten at all times, they don't sleep EVER, and love to live life to the fullest in any and all situations. It's hard to pick one moment out of millions from the year as most memorable, but I think maybe this small moment with Cute was my favorite.
It was his First Grade awards day. We came home and he read his awards he received from his teachers. He received a lot. And this isn't stated to be a moment to brag. It's about a moment when he, my husband and I realized how far Cute has come. Totally a different post for another day, but those who are closest to us know that for several years of Cute's life we worried everyday about his future: both academically and in everyday life. We went through year's of testing, evaluations, studies, counselors and therapy. On awards day we realized he's got this, and we have nothing to stress over about our Cute. Until the teenage years...
Our Favorite Moment of 2018...
Carrie Beth
I really had a hard time with this one. We had a lot of great moments in 2018 and narrowing down to my favorite was really tough. I think that I would have to say that going to the Taylor Swift Reputation Tour concert had to be at the very top though.
The girls and I had been looking forward to it for months and the concert certainly lived up to its reputation. We were so happy to be there with my mom and with Jen and her Little Cute! We got all dolled up together, sang songs together all night long and danced the night away!
I really had a hard time with this one. We had a lot of great moments in 2018 and narrowing down to my favorite was really tough. I think that I would have to say that going to the Taylor Swift Reputation Tour concert had to be at the very top though.
The girls and I had been looking forward to it for months and the concert certainly lived up to its reputation. We were so happy to be there with my mom and with Jen and her Little Cute! We got all dolled up together, sang songs together all night long and danced the night away!
What were some of your favorite parts of 2018? What are you looking forward to most in 2019?
Follow us on Pinterest HERE.
Follow us on Instagram HERE.
Follow us on Facebook HERE.
Follow us on Twitter HERE.
Friday, January 5, 2018
New Year, New Goals {2018}
Every January I feel like it is a great time to set new goals and resolutions. I always love reading other peoples goals and seeing what is important for them to focus on as a new year begins. Last year I shared my goals and I'd say I nailed 3 out of 5 of them. Hoping to get a redo for the other two in 2018 so I'm just going to carry those over to this year!
2017 Goals
1. Complete little house projects. I got a lot of things checked off my list and feel pretty good about this one. From painting some furniture and almost completing Boo-Boo's baseball room (that I still need to share), this was a focus I was excited about.
2. Complete BIG house projects. We finished our basement this past year and did pretty big landscaping project. I still need to share the finished products of both of these here on the blog! They were time consuming and took a lot of effort and energy on our part, but we love the outcomes and have really enjoyed having these spaces for entertaining and for our own family to use.
3. Read more. FAIL!!!! I started off great, but just couldn't quite seem to find the time to keep up with this goal. Hoping for a redo of this one in 2018.
4. Host friends/family for dinner at our house. I didn't do this one as much as I would have liked, but a big part of it is that we just really stayed so busy that we weren't able to find the time. Our weekends are packed with sports and kids' activities, but with our new spaces I'm hoping to do more of this in 2018. We started the year off right with a New Year's Eve party with friends at our house!
5. Create meaningful moments with my kids. Of all the things I did this year, this has to have been my favorite. We traveled, we had local adventures, experienced the eclipse, celebrated when our teams did well and even just enjoyed little things like trips to Starbucks. I soaked up as much of those little meaningful moments as I could and as a result it was a really amazing year.
2. Host friends/family at our house. I'd love to have more people over. Our busy schedules make that kind of tricky, but I know we can find some time to squeeze in fun and use our new spaces!
3. Plan more playdates for the kids. One thing I used to be really good at is planning playdates for my kids. At least once a week (sometimes more often) they would have friends over and we all used to love that time. Now it's become harder because not only are we busier, but their friends are also. However, just like my goal above, I would love to find little pockets of time to have their friends over because it is so important for them to develop strong bonds and friendships with their friends outside of school and sports. Plus, with my oldest heading off to middle school next year, I know good girlfriends is going to be key!
4. Put my kids to bed earlier. I know they need good sleep, especially during the week, but when we get home late from sports and have to eat late it pushes everything back. Or, even if they are just having fun playing games or hanging out with the Mr., who they haven't seen all day, it is hard to make them stop the fun and go to bed. However, we all pay for it in the morning. I'm not a morning person and I have somehow passed that along to my kids. Yesterday was our first day back to school and when I woke up Boo-Boo he told me he just needed to sleep a few more hours. Poor kid...I felt the same way!
5. Pack lunches right after school. This may seem silly, but I despise packing lunches. I don't know what it is about it, but I really dread it every night. I think it is usually because I'm ready to unwind and relax or go to bed and then it hits me that I still have to pack lunches for the next day. SO, I've talked to a lot of friends and several of them say they pack their kids lunches as soon as they unpack the lunch boxes. SO, right after school when I'm emptying lunch boxes I'm going to repack while I'm helping with homework, etc.. We'll see how it goes and I'll keep y'all updated, but hoping this will help with me dreading this task.
2018 Goals
1. Read more. I think this might be the third year this goal has been on my list. I just can't ever seem to find much time, but I love to read so I am really hoping to do more of it in 2018.2. Host friends/family at our house. I'd love to have more people over. Our busy schedules make that kind of tricky, but I know we can find some time to squeeze in fun and use our new spaces!
3. Plan more playdates for the kids. One thing I used to be really good at is planning playdates for my kids. At least once a week (sometimes more often) they would have friends over and we all used to love that time. Now it's become harder because not only are we busier, but their friends are also. However, just like my goal above, I would love to find little pockets of time to have their friends over because it is so important for them to develop strong bonds and friendships with their friends outside of school and sports. Plus, with my oldest heading off to middle school next year, I know good girlfriends is going to be key!
4. Put my kids to bed earlier. I know they need good sleep, especially during the week, but when we get home late from sports and have to eat late it pushes everything back. Or, even if they are just having fun playing games or hanging out with the Mr., who they haven't seen all day, it is hard to make them stop the fun and go to bed. However, we all pay for it in the morning. I'm not a morning person and I have somehow passed that along to my kids. Yesterday was our first day back to school and when I woke up Boo-Boo he told me he just needed to sleep a few more hours. Poor kid...I felt the same way!
5. Pack lunches right after school. This may seem silly, but I despise packing lunches. I don't know what it is about it, but I really dread it every night. I think it is usually because I'm ready to unwind and relax or go to bed and then it hits me that I still have to pack lunches for the next day. SO, I've talked to a lot of friends and several of them say they pack their kids lunches as soon as they unpack the lunch boxes. SO, right after school when I'm emptying lunch boxes I'm going to repack while I'm helping with homework, etc.. We'll see how it goes and I'll keep y'all updated, but hoping this will help with me dreading this task.
What are some of your goals for 2018?
Follow us on Pinterest HERE.
Follow us on Instagram HERE.
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Favorite Moments of 2017
We can't believe another year has come to an end! 2017 will probably go down as one of our busiest years yet, but it was filled with so many wonderful memories and special moments. Before we start to look ahead for 2018, we wanted to do a little recap and say goodbye to 2017. Just like last year, we are sharing our favorite parts of 2017.
Our Favorite Place to Visit...
Jen
Oh, this is a tough one! We went to a lot of places last year. We took the kids on their first trip to Disney, we graced the beaches of Hilton Head Island, we took our first couples trip in a long time to Islamorada, and we frolicked around Chicago for a weekend, but I think my favorite trip of the year was our visit to...
...Jekyll Island! Our stay on Jekyll was so much fun, and it was just a great week of unwinding for our little family. It was just the five of us connecting, playing, and enjoying - and that's what travel is supposed to be all about.
...Jekyll Island! Our stay on Jekyll was so much fun, and it was just a great week of unwinding for our little family. It was just the five of us connecting, playing, and enjoying - and that's what travel is supposed to be all about.
Carrie Beth
We went on a lot of really fun trips this year and got to experience a lot of different things, but I think my favorite of this year was our trip to the ranch in Montana. It was so much fun to live like a cowgirl for a few days and being on the cattle drive was such a cool experience and something I'll always remember.
We went on a lot of really fun trips this year and got to experience a lot of different things, but I think my favorite of this year was our trip to the ranch in Montana. It was so much fun to live like a cowgirl for a few days and being on the cattle drive was such a cool experience and something I'll always remember.
Our Favorite Thing to Read...
Jen
Another tough one! Yesterday we shared our favorite books of the year, but if I had to choose just one it would be Class Mom by Laurie Gelman.
Class Mom was a light and easy read, touched on somethings that I can totally relate to (even though it is fiction), and is HILARIOUS!
Class Mom was a light and easy read, touched on somethings that I can totally relate to (even though it is fiction), and is HILARIOUS!
Carrie Beth
I did not get as much reading in this year as I had hoped to, but I read my very favorite book of the year at the very beginning of 2017. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover was my very favorite book that I read this year. It was SO good and I'm still thinking about it a year later. I wish I could find another one like this that really sucks me in and has me staying up late turning the pages to see how the story ends.
I did not get as much reading in this year as I had hoped to, but I read my very favorite book of the year at the very beginning of 2017. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover was my very favorite book that I read this year. It was SO good and I'm still thinking about it a year later. I wish I could find another one like this that really sucks me in and has me staying up late turning the pages to see how the story ends.
Our Favorite Thing to Wear...
Jen
Oh gosh, does athletic wear count? I mean I'm like the poster mom for #momlife and wear yoga pants like almost every single day.
Wait...I totally know what my favorite thing is to wear (besides my beloved yoga pants)! I wear it every. single. day!
Wait...I totally know what my favorite thing is to wear (besides my beloved yoga pants)! I wear it every. single. day!
It's my favorite accessory - my Apple iWatch! I purchased this in February and wear it every day. I love how it allows me to keep my phone out of my hands most of the day, and keeps me accountable in my workouts and health. I don't use it nearly to its full capability, but I love love love it!
Carrie Beth
The thing I wore the most and really loved this year were my DIY distressed denim shorts.
I had to laugh to myself every time someone mentioned to me that they had at the same shorts because I just knew they didn't have designer denim capris they found at Goodwill and turned into shorts.
The thing I wore the most and really loved this year were my DIY distressed denim shorts.
I had to laugh to myself every time someone mentioned to me that they had at the same shorts because I just knew they didn't have designer denim capris they found at Goodwill and turned into shorts.
Our Favorite Finds...
Jen
Okay, my favorite find of the year is a little random, but I am so glad I found it.
Sparkling water is my favorite find of 2017. I'm not a coffee drinker, and was relying on soda for my caffeine fix everyday. As we were leaving our Disney trip I decided I wanted to kick the soda habit for good. I tried going all water, but still craved flavor or something. I couldn't put my finger on it, and I didn't want to fall into old habits. A friend suggested sparkling water and I've been smitten ever since. I usually drink one a day, and have a few flavors/brands I like, but this Coconut Pineapple flavored one is my favorite! I order cases of it on Amazon each month.
Carrie Beth
So this year my favorite find were these knockoff Birkenstocks that I discovered at Target. I was having all sorts of painful issues with my feet as a result of living in flip-flops and these were the magic cure.
They are supportive, so comfortable and looked great with just about anything because of the fun metallic rose gold color. After I started wearing them the pain in my feet went away and I always get compliments on them anytime I wear them. I actually ordered some for my girls for Christmas and they still have some limited sizes available. I'm just hoping they bring them back this spring in a few other colors!
So this year my favorite find were these knockoff Birkenstocks that I discovered at Target. I was having all sorts of painful issues with my feet as a result of living in flip-flops and these were the magic cure.
They are supportive, so comfortable and looked great with just about anything because of the fun metallic rose gold color. After I started wearing them the pain in my feet went away and I always get compliments on them anytime I wear them. I actually ordered some for my girls for Christmas and they still have some limited sizes available. I'm just hoping they bring them back this spring in a few other colors!
Our Favorite Kid Moments...
Jen
My kids are full of personality (understatement of the year), and each are in a ton of activities. They've had some great moments personally this year, but I think as a mom one of my favorite looking back was this moment on our Disney trip...
Baby Cute was fan-girling like no other person has fan-girled before. All the kids, parents, princesses and photographers were dying laughing at her, and I am so glad that this moment was caught by one of the Disney photographers. The excitement over meeting all the characters was just too much for B.C. and as much as Disney isn't a vacation for parents (at least for these parents), it's moments like these that make it worth it.
Baby Cute was fan-girling like no other person has fan-girled before. All the kids, parents, princesses and photographers were dying laughing at her, and I am so glad that this moment was caught by one of the Disney photographers. The excitement over meeting all the characters was just too much for B.C. and as much as Disney isn't a vacation for parents (at least for these parents), it's moments like these that make it worth it.
Carrie Beth
There were so many great moments this year, but there are a couple that just really stick out in my mind for each kid. For Boo-Boo it was when he hit a home run in extra innings to win the playoff game for his team. I almost didn't make it to the end of his game because I was at an event with one of the girls, but I got there just in time to see him bat and make that amazing run!
Blondie had the opportunity to be on the field with the Kennesaw State University soccer players before one of their games and then watch the game with some of her teammates. It was SUCH a fun night for her and that giant smile just says it all. Pure JOY and a very special night for her!
Little Mama is still so excited about the fact that she won 1st place overall in her school's science fair! She's a great student and works really hard, but this was such a shock to all of us so we were so proud of her and it was a great confidence booster for her!
There were so many great moments this year, but there are a couple that just really stick out in my mind for each kid. For Boo-Boo it was when he hit a home run in extra innings to win the playoff game for his team. I almost didn't make it to the end of his game because I was at an event with one of the girls, but I got there just in time to see him bat and make that amazing run!
Blondie had the opportunity to be on the field with the Kennesaw State University soccer players before one of their games and then watch the game with some of her teammates. It was SUCH a fun night for her and that giant smile just says it all. Pure JOY and a very special night for her!
Little Mama is still so excited about the fact that she won 1st place overall in her school's science fair! She's a great student and works really hard, but this was such a shock to all of us so we were so proud of her and it was a great confidence booster for her!
Our Favorite Moment of 2017...
Jen
Listen, I can't just pick one. I just can't. The back half of 2016 was rough, so each and everyday of 2017 was a serious breath of fresh air. I know a lot of people complained about 2017, but for me personally it rocked. I loved every single second of it. Our little family, our trips, the late night soccer practices, fun moments with our friends, even this tiny little blog CB and I started three years ago - I loved 2017, and am even more excited for what 2018 holds!
Carrie Beth
I really had a hard time with this one because our family experienced a lot of really great moments this year and to be honest, there isn't one that just stands out far and above the rest. I think one thing that kept popping in my head though were the trips and experiences we got to enjoy as a family. I always look back and pictures and realize how very sad I am that my kids are not itty bitty anymore and how much I miss that phase. However, I'm always reminded that this phase is pretty amazing. We can travel and do so many things with them because they are just a bit older and independent. It makes traveling easy, it makes adventures more fun and it makes for some pretty spectacular memories as a family. From everyone being able to ski together, exploring tropical beaches and even just attending sporting events...its all pretty amazing and it is all my favorite!
I really had a hard time with this one because our family experienced a lot of really great moments this year and to be honest, there isn't one that just stands out far and above the rest. I think one thing that kept popping in my head though were the trips and experiences we got to enjoy as a family. I always look back and pictures and realize how very sad I am that my kids are not itty bitty anymore and how much I miss that phase. However, I'm always reminded that this phase is pretty amazing. We can travel and do so many things with them because they are just a bit older and independent. It makes traveling easy, it makes adventures more fun and it makes for some pretty spectacular memories as a family. From everyone being able to ski together, exploring tropical beaches and even just attending sporting events...its all pretty amazing and it is all my favorite!
What were some of your favorite parts of 2017? What are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Follow us on Pinterest HERE.
Follow us on Instagram HERE.
Follow us on Facebook HERE.
Follow us on Twitter HERE.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Related Posts
