Entry Level Wife

Big Brother Started Pre-K!

2014-09-26T11:02:00.000-04:00

Big brother turned 4 in April so we knew he was going to start Pre-K this year, I was just not prepared for the emotional mess I would be.

I am so proud of him! He was so excited to start "big boy school", as he calls it. He feels like such a big boy with his school uniform and book bag.

Obligatory "First Day of Pre-K" Shot

Happy to meet his teachers

That day's Schedule

His Cubby!

Hard at work with Pre-Writing Exercises

It was so nice to take my pics and stay with him for a little while. He was not sad that I was leaving, he was eager to get the day started and learn. I was very happy and excited. But then I got to the car and started thinking about how I have a school kid now, and how he was just a baby!!!! and I lost it!!! My baby is growing up!

4 or 5 months old
Where has the time gone???

Beach Mode

2014-07-02T13:19:00.002-04:00

The boys enjoyed a lovely day at Assateague on Sunday. The weather was perfect and there was not a cloud in the sky. Can't wait for the next trip!

Crabs in Baltimore

2014-06-12T12:00:00.000-04:00

If you are a Marylander, this is what you do! This is what your childhood memories entail! Crabs!!!

I am so happy to start passing down these traditions to my boys. I recently spent the day with my oldest, my sister and cousins by the water eating crabs.

This is what we call Bliss here in Maryland.

How to eat a crab.

Hello, you beautiful crab, you!

He gets it!

We ate at Captain James Crabhouse.

Art Jamz

2014-06-11T13:04:00.002-04:00

We spent last Saturday at Art Jamz in DC. Art Jamz is a public art studio in Dupont Circle where you can go create your art while having a drink with friends. I loved the laid back yet creative atmosphere. It is perfect spot to visit for a date night, birthday party or just to hang out with friends. We were there for our little cousin's 10th birthday party! We all enjoyed.

A Day With My Oldest

2014-05-27T11:50:00.001-04:00

Aaron had a school field trip last week at the National Zoo in DC. My husband and I both decided to take the day and go with him. We realized when we left that we didn't take any pics of the animals but only of Aaron. He is 4 and we still look and him and can't believe he is ours! He is growing so much and too fast.

Shorts are from old Navy. Shirt is from H&M. Shoes are Chucks.

I Can't Get No (Job) Satisfaction: Stephen Kellogg

2014-05-23T15:39:00.002-04:00

Like many of you, I struggle daily with creating/maintaining my ideal "work-life balance". I have two young children and due to high cost of living in my area, I am not in a position where I can stay home. I am also not willing to move because my entire family is here and that support system is what keeps me sane.

When my kids are sick, or have school events, etc... those feelings of unhappiness with my job start to creep in. A friend sent me this video that was a great motivation to change my mindset while at work. I love the strategies that he presents. Take a look!

My favorite quote from his presentation:

"Climb Ladders Worth Climbing"

Scholastic's Summer Reading Challenge

2014-05-15T12:28:00.000-04:00

I thought I would share this fun summer reading challenge launched by Scholastic!

Since our oldest just turned 4, we are starting thinking of ways we can prepare him for kindergarten. We have already experienced some hot and muggy weather, so this is great indoor activity to begin with when it gets too hot to go out.

The older Aaron gets, the more engaged he is with us in reading. His favorite book right now is Corduroy by Don Freeman, which is on the Summer Reading Book List.

We are going to start by following step 1 of Scholastic's recommended steps to prepare for a successful summer reading adventure. We are going to do an inventory of our current library and donate any books our kids may have outgrown to make room for new favorites.

For more information:

2014 Summer Reading Book List

Scholastic Parents on Facebook

Summer Reading Challenge Page

Boy Outfit of the Day: My One Year Old

2014-05-09T12:00:00.000-04:00

My little guy looking like a gentleman and a scholar (my Office reference).

Jeans with suspended (SOLD out) Similiar -> Jeans / Onesie

Car Organization

2014-05-08T12:00:00.000-04:00

My car is always a mess and with 2 small kids, spills and messes are just out of my control at times. I could implement a rule of no snacks and drinks in the car but with our commute sometimes snacks and drink are my life savers and I am in survival mode right now so I can care less about practicality.

Car organization is a skill I lack and the mess in my car is one my husband's pet peeve.

I was so happy to find this video from WhatsUpMoms, if you are not following her, you should! She is hilarious! Her Mom's Car video motivated to attempt to do something about the mess in my car. I also sent to my husband with the subject reading: SEE! I am not the only one! ha! :)

My Boys Outfit of the Day

2014-05-07T12:10:00.000-04:00

The never ending struggle for boy moms, is when you go to the stores and see so many isles and racks of gorgeous options for girl clothes and accessories and then when you hit the boys section, you find a limited selection and its all in boring colors.

I get that most boys are not into fashion like some girls are do but US moms of these boys, WE care! And for moms of boys, its not only about putting them in a cute outfit but its also about teaching them self-care, teaching them to take the time to care about how they look and how to look presentable. I am hoping that my son seeing the time and care I put into selecting his clothes, is a skill he picks up on and takes with him when he leaves us one day (hopefully never).

I am always on a mission to find nice, trendy clothes on a budget. Boys will be boys and will get dirty no matter what you do, so not spending lots of money on clothes allows me to give him the freedom to still be him but look cute in the process!

Here is an outfit from this past weekend.

Shirt and Pants are both Old Navy. Shoes are Nike and sold out.
similar shirt / pants / shoes on ebay

A Brothers Bond

2014-05-06T11:02:00.000-04:00

We have done a lot of celebrating over the last couple of weeks. Our first born just turned 4! I still can not believe it! It feels like we hit a milestone! Next year he will be in kindergarten! Then, the little one turned the big ole O-N-E! With that big birthday came the accomplishment of sleeping through the night. We got to experience a glorious week of sleep and got the chance to feel well rested and wake up from our zombie haze, only to go back to waking 2-3 times a night because of teething. :) C'est la vie!

What has been amazing to witness is the bond these two are forming. They know they are brothers!
They have begun fighting over toys, and for our attention but they have also realized they are part of the same unit, they are in this together and it's the two of them against the world! It's marvelous.

My prayer is that this bond, that will only grow stronger, will never leave them. No matter how old they get, and what life may bring them, that they know they will always have each other and that is the best gift their daddy and I could have ever given them!

xoxo

Mom Conference - FREE Registration

2014-04-07T11:00:00.005-04:00

I will be attending this virtual conference all week, hope you all join me!

The conference starts today and is FREE!!!

I plan to watch during my breaks and lunch hour and catch up during the evenings at home. The conference will inspire us to:

Enjoy being a mother by learning how to stop comparing, judging, or feeling guilty
Put dinner on the table with a few simple tricks when you create 30 days worth of meals in just a few hours (you’re going to LOVE this!)
Get your kids to listen without yelling, nagging, or reminding (this will change your life)
Organize any space and keep it that way (what?!)
Maintain (or re-light) the spark in your relationship
Reclaim your rockin’ bod’ after childbirth without DIEting
Take simple steps to define your time and balance being a mom with other projects/work

Click on the images to register!

Hope to see you there!

Blessed

2014-03-19T12:30:00.003-04:00

There are days when I feel run down. When the husband is out of town. There are days when I feel like me working full time really gets in the way of me being a good mom. The are days when I am just tired. But even in those days, I know I am blessed. I am so blessed to have my little family.

They are healthy and happy! a handful but oh so cute!!!

The little one is will be 1 soon! It's a little bitter sweet. I remember the high we were all on when we first brought him home, then it got "real". Going back to work was a huge adjustment. Getting a home routine was hard, we are finally ALMOST there. It's getting easier and easier to manage. We are finally getting to really enjoy these two!

The older one is something else! He is just the silliest boy ! i love his personality so much! He is very much into superheroes right now.

I am just blessed.

Waiting on Spring

2014-03-13T12:00:00.000-04:00

We have had about 4 snow storms in the DC area and I am over it!!! We have also have also been battling a couple rounds of a nasty cold we can't seem to shake off.

I am dreaming of SPRING! I can not wait. I am ready to put away sweaters and coats and bring out my sandals!

I have a mini bucket list that has me anticipating 70 degree weather and sunshine.

1. Wear hats.

I don't have time to style my hair every day. On my bad hair days, I can throw on a hat and create a signature look while I'm at it!

via

2. Rock Blazers

You can do anything with a blazer now. Blazer and a pair of jeans. Easy! I can do that!

via

3. Do something with lace

What girl doesn't like lace!

via

Kicks.

2014-03-12T16:12:00.001-04:00

My husband is a sneakerhead. He has been collecting sneakers since his early teens and it used to just drive me crazy. Lately, however, I have been gravitating to sneakers myself more than usual. Maybe it is because I am a mom of 2 and just want to be comfy 24/7 or that my office is pretty casual so I can get away with wearing sneakers every day if I wanted to. My only issue is the price! Geez, sneakers have gone up in price. Not Cool at all! BUT I am in love with my latest "cop's".

Nike Dunk Sky Hi
Nike Dunk Sky Hi
Nike Kobe IX - sold out. Similar

Quick Tips for the Sleep Deprived Mom

2014-02-24T09:16:00.000-05:00

My first child did not sleep through the night until he was almost 2 and my second child is 10 months old and its not looking like he will be sleeping through the night anytime soon. Since I am a full time working mom, getting through the workday and the evenings is not always easy. There are days I am dragging. A couple of things that have finally started working for me are:

source

1. Getting a solid 4-5 hours of sleep
I gave up on hoping and wishing for eight hours. I found I function of a good 4-5 hours and that is what I aim for. Of course, that baby doesn't always cooperate but that is why my husband is there.

2. Coffee
I love Coffee and Coffee loves me. Coffee is my best friend.

3. Get all the chores out the way as early as you can
I do not wait for the kids to go sleep to get things done. My husband and I take turns playing with the boys or doing certain chores while they are awake. We try to prepare for the next day as much as we can during this time too.

4. Go to bed when they go to bed
I go to bed as soon as the little is asleep so I can get as much sleep as possible. That is why I try to knock out everything I need to do while they are awake, so I can go to sleep and not think about what I need to do.

5. Let the house be messy sometimes
Sometimes you just have to accept that your house will be a mess. The only thing I worry about is dishes in the sink and everything else can wait until I am well rested and the weekend. Kids needs and your sanity are first and foremost. Those who love do not care about my mess, just like I wouldn't care about theirs.

Other tips:

Exercise: I am lucky if I have the time to get exercise in, but I do know that exercising can give you the energy you need.

Unplug: I do not get on my ipad or computer 30 minutes before bedtime. I find I have a harder time falling asleep if I am pinning stuff on pinterest before going to sleep. ;)

Halloween 2013

2013-11-01T15:39:00.001-04:00

This is the fun stage. Aaron understood the fun of dressing up and trick or treating. He is still talking about his costume. This morning he woke up and asked if it was still Halloween. This is the fun stage. They make me happy.

Cunningham Falls State Park

2013-07-12T10:44:00.003-04:00

This past 4th of July was memorable for my family. There are tons of little ones in the family so while it is a lot of work packing and prepping, it is a lot of fun creating these memories for them.

We went to Cunningham Falls State Park, which is a Maryland State Park about an hour and a half from DC. There is fishing, swimming, kayaking, boat paddling and hiking. You do have to get there early to get a good picnic spot and the park is a trash free park, so bring plenty of trash bags and remember to take your trash with you.

After hours of swimming the highlight of the day was the falls.

The scenic drive is relaxing also, so I am sure we will back soon! Especially when it gets too hot to hit up the beaches!

New Addition

2013-06-27T14:37:00.000-04:00

It's been quiet on the blog since life has been so busy lately.

We welcomed a new little guy to our family. He was born a couple weeks early but is an amazing, amazing guy! We are so in love.

Aaron did need a little time adjusting to this new life but he is now just head over heels for his little brother.

We feel so blessed and so lucky to have these two. Life is just too perfect right now! It just makes me want another one! ;)

He really is our little superhero!

-XoXo

Happy New Year

2013-01-08T13:49:00.000-05:00

I have taken a much needed break from many Social Media channels over the last year and it was just what I needed! After a death in the family, that shook my family to the core, it was nice to unplug and devote my time and energy where it mattered. My family.

There have also been many blessing and joys over the past year and I miss documenting memories we have created, so I think I am ready to jump back into blogging.

I will start by sharing some happy new news

We are expecting baby #2! Aaron isn't too keen on the idea yet but I know once he meets his sibling, they will be inseparable! :)

Any-who, I'm back!

2012-06-01T20:51:00.003-04:00

Taking a Blogging Break

2011-12-09T12:15:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posts the past couple of months! I am still here, just setting time apart to take care of home! I'll be back in the new year with new layout & updates! :)

Have a Happy Holidays!

The Anatomy of a Toddler’s Tantrum

2011-10-13T09:49:00.000-04:00

Pissed off one minute...
Happy the next ...

I just wish I would have known, how soon these start! He’s 17 month for goodness sakes!

He's still cute though! :)

Milestone: First Haircut

2011-10-06T12:06:00.001-04:00

The baby ain't a baby no more!

At 17 1/2 months old we took the bug for his first haircut! He did great, I didn't. He sat in the chair as if he was in spa getting a massage and I cried watching my boy go from baby to toddler!

It also looks as if he loves his new look, he loves to go look at himself in the mirror and is just being a little show off.

Here is a quick before shot:

and here is his after:

sniff sniff. My Big Boy!

Household Duties

2011-09-30T10:00:00.000-04:00

How do you guys go about getting household duties done in your house?

Jason & I waited until we were married to live together, and I'd like to think that after 3.5 years we have a pretty good rhythm going. It's not perfect & sometimes we have to change it up but it’s working for us & we've been able to learn about each other's habits & needs when it comes to cleanliness in the home.

I thought I would give a snapshot on who does what & when; I thought the "when" would be helpful because it's coming from a household of 2 full time working parents.

HIS "CHORES"	TIME OF DAY	HER "CHORES"	TIME OF DAY
Take out the trash	Daily around 7pm	Cook Meals	Daily
Wash Clothes	Once a week	Kitchen	Daily - leave dishwasher machine running in the a.m.
Dishes (sometimes)	Whenever I'm too tired	Wash clothes	When hubby's out of town
Quick Pick up	Daily. Picking up toys, magazines etc…	Baseboard	Monthly
Make the Bed	Daily	Quick Pick up	Daily
Vacuum	A couple times a week	Going through mail & random Papers	Monthly
other	Anything I ask :)	Vacuum	A couple times a week

I put the word chores because I couldn't come up with a better term. I will say in the beginning of our marriage it did think of it as a chore because it wasn't fun (yes, I have the mentality of a 2 yr. old), but now I have changed my outlook and I like doing these things to make our home a HOME.

Yes, there are days when we're tired and we don't feel like doing anything but it helps that there are two of us, and I am lucky that my guy is so willing to help, maybe it's because he's the clean freak in the relationship but I am not complaining!

Would love to see to hear how other households work when it comes to maintaining a clean home, especially with full time working parents & children.