The View From 510

Ch.Ch.Checking in.

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Am I the only mama struggling to believe it's just Wednesday?
I mean, for real? How is it not Friday already?!

Ahem, no glass half-full business today.

In case you were wondering, we're still drowning in Terrible Two tantrums.

Dear mamas who've survived to tell about this season of life: does it last all year?

Lord, I hope not.

My insane self will be packing up this unruly toddler, my handy husband, both dogs and half our house for our first family trip to Edisto in two days. Just!Two!More!Sleeps!

I'm vowing not to stress.
I'm praying for toddler happiness.
And I'm making sure there is a babysitter and a fresh drink ready upon arrival.

What are your Memorial Day plans? Getting away for the long weekend?

One last thing on this mishmash of a Wednesday....

Are you following The View From 510 on Bloglovin' or another RSS feed, Google Reader will be closing their doors this Summer! It's as easy as clicking the icon below!

Linking up with Shannon for So What Wednesday

Toddlerhood Will Tear You Down

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:30:00 +0000

Flailing himself around the room post-nap, it resembled a scene from the exorcist. But no, just our toddler raging from what was clearly a far too early wake-up from nap-time.

Our attempts to tame the beast went unsuccessful time and time again. Tension began to run high as both parents held only a small threshold of patience due to the toddler's enraged attitude for five days straight. Five. Days. Straight. Even a night with Sulli (Grandma) hadn't helped.

The emotions in our home fluctuate more frequently than those of a full-term mama-to-be. And the effects of Jackson's emotions have reached into the minds of both mom and dad.

Man your battle stations, people.

Stock the caffeine, creamer and sauvignon blanc.

We are officially at a state of war in the 510 residence.

I believe this war is typically referenced as The Terrible Two's.

Well, news flash: we are in the trenches.

I'm trying my best to keep calm, carry on and all that bull-nanny. But really?

I've had to physically wrestle my child out of his pj's, into a diaper, a new shirt, shorts and shoes each day. I've had to pin him down to brush his teeth in fear they're getting cavities due to his ongoing refusal to brush. I've repeated 'no, sweety not everything is yours' and 'we're going to share' more times than I can mentally handle in this moment.

I have researched. I have prayed. And I have broken down.

Unfortunately, we're no where near seeing the light.

Jackson is determined, independent and searches for the technicalities in every action. All qualities he's pulled from his mom and dad. In the throws of toddlerhood, I'm desperate to mold these characteristsics into shining qualities rather than potential faults.

There will be days his attitude will win though, but that's just the battle. That's one single day amongst a sea of others. We will win this war.

Toddlerhood may tear us down, but we will not be defeated. And years from now, I hope to look back on this salted season seeing the toddler he was and the gentleman he's become.

Don't forget to send the wine.

***

Be sure to follow The View From 510 on Bloglovin' or another RSS feed, Google Reader will be closing their doors this Summer!

Spicy Baked Ziti

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

The original pin read: Olive Garden's Baked Ziti Copycat Recipe.

Clearly, no more persuasions were needed to send this recipe straight to the top of my menu plan! After a few rounds through our weekly plans, we decided the recipe was missing something though.

So enters spicy sausage. And now? This is one our our family favorites! Toddler approved. Husband Approved. And with just a handful of ingredients, Mom approved.

Spicy Baked Ziti

Ingredients:

1 lb spicy sausage

1 box Penne pasta

1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce

1 (15 oz) jar alfredo sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Boil pasta, set aside. Then brown the sausage and drain.

3. Mix together the pasta, sausage, marinara sauce, alfredo sauce and mozzarella cheese. Pour into 9x13 inch baking dish and Bake for 20-25 minutes.

4. Remove from oven and top with parmesan cheese; return to oven for 5 minutes.

Recipe adapted from Pearls, Handcuffs and Happy Hour

Linking up with Tatertots and Jello, Buns in my Oven, A Night Owl Blog, The 36th Avenue

***

Be sure to follow The View From 510 on Bloglovin' or another RSS feed, Google Reader will be closing their doors this Summer!

May 15. Eight Years

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:30:00 +0000

My fingers tapped away at the keyboard working away on my latest recipe post. That is until photoshop presented me with this old photo of me with my G-Pa and a cousin.

This is one of the few remaining baby photos of me after our house burned down a few years ago. Thankful to find this gem from family on Facebook {of all places}. And while I've had this photo hanging on my desktop for a few weeks now as I debated where its home should be, last night was different. Something struck a chord with my heart.

I realized in that moment, it's May. The month he passed. And wouldn't you know, today marks eight years since our family lost a great man.

Eight years.

My Dad told me he'd passed as I was leaving the house to meet friends one afternoon. It was eight days before my high school graduation. I briskly walked to my car breathing deeper in every step. Thankful for sunglasses. I made it 6 of the 12 minute drive before losing the dam of tears. I had in fact just driven by my best friends who were hanging out the windows honking and waving to me. All that joy they had! It released my sadness.

Tears drowned the last six minutes of the drive to my friends house to which I got out of the car and collapsed in her driveway. His loss was the first I'd ever known so personally. Seventeen years old, eight days before high school graduation. I will always be indebted to that friend for her support that day. And even more so to the handful of amazing friends who appeared at his memorial mass later that week.

I'm thankful each day that I've not lost the memory of him, the way I remember him. He taught me to play Majong and Shanghai. He had a little medal we played "hide the medal" with for years. At one point that medal even fell off its spindle it'd passed through so many grandchildren (or one of us broke it, whatever). He loved Braves baseball and earned a Purple Heart in the Battle of the Bulge. He had eight children, 14 grandchildren and was happily married for 57 years.

He's always been a bit of a hero to me. Always will be. Today and fifty years from today.

Motherhood is Messy

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:30:00 +0000

It's been clear to me that Jackson needs more structured activities during the weekend. So, I've taken to my Pinterest boards to actually use some of the items I've pinned.

Seeing as Mother's Day was approaching and my go-to gift for Grandparents has been a handprint craft, I knew exactly what we'd do. My nerves run wild when talking myself into letting Jackson purposefully plant his hands into puddles of paint. But? He loves it. Every. Single. Time.

So?

We crafted.

At this point we've pretty much perfected the Grandparents line-up. And as the holidays pass, each Grandparent expands their collection of Jackson prints. Ok, so maybe I do these crafts just a little bit for my collection too :)

Printable via The Crafting Chicks

Mother's Day this year was a bit different. We spent the day driving back home from our weekend visiting family in Middle Tennessee. To say that the weekend presented many challenges would be an understatement.

Many times over the last 72 hours I caught myself whining over, well, a plethora of unimportant things. Jackson's lack of sleep, our lack of schedule, the overall lack of intelligent drivers on the road. This was supposed to be Mother's Day weekend for goodness sake?! I should've been walking on rainbows while tossing glitter or something as equally cheery.

That was not the reality of {most} of my Mother's Day weekend.

But as we mothers know, motherhood is not all rainbows. In fact, many days are scattered with showers. It's those moments of sunshine though that keep up moving in motherhood.

For these moments I am grateful.

Motherhood may be messy, but it's worth every rainbow and every shower.

linking up for Wordless Wednesday here: That Suburban Momma, My Organized Chaos

***

Be sure to follow our blog on Bloglovin' or another RSS feed, Google Reader will be closing soon!

Choosing a 'Good Enough' Life

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Yet another wave of feminist leaders are taking a public stance on the current status of American women in and out of the work force. I've seen #leanin appear in my twitter feed more than not in the last months, as women nationwide are analyzing how much they should be 'leaning in' and what that may mean for our individual lives.

Truth be told, I hadn't thought much of Sandberg's 'lean in' theory or the rest of the current feminist movement until coming across Elsa Walsh's article "Why women should embrace a 'good enough' life."

Walsh's elongated view of a woman's life hit close to home, as her ambitions much resembled those that I've had for myself at one point or another.

Before meeting my husband I was all "who needs marriage or kids so long as I love my career?!" This "I am woman, hear me roar" perspective was instilled many years ago as I sat reading letters from the editor in the pages of any glossy magazine my mom would let into the house. These women, these editors? This was the career path I wanted for myself come hell or high water.

And then I became a mother and priorities shifted, they had to. Ready or not, life was changing.

I'd not yet had time to earn my masters degree, obtain that editorial position or get a foot in any sort of door at the time I became pregnant. My plans had yet again been trampled by the Big Guy. This sliver of reality ate me alive during my first trimester, but I trusted in Him and forged on.

I (almost) didn't skip a beat in redirecting my career path after embracing the idea of our new reality (parenting). But to this day, I battle to balance following professional ambitions, finding the flexibility needed in mothering and maintaining a minimum level of 'mom guilt' along the way.

As Walsh says, "there is no real safety net for working mothers."

This, friends, is the reality of my every single day. There is no safety net.

You see, even if I really wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, that's not in the cards for my family. I work not just to pursue personal goals, but to ensure we can put food on the table, pay our student loans and still have some spare change to get Jackson to the children's museum every now and then.

I work in the hopes of being able to give myself, my family and my community all that they deserve.

But now? Now we're being told we're not doing enough, that we (American women) need to lean in more, that men are still running the show and women need to step up their game. Simultaneously, others are proclaiming that as women we can't have it all, end of story.

We're being openly judged by feminist leaders whom in all respects have made it to the top positions within their niche. They've seemingly managed to have it all in their professional and personal life. As a working mom often overcome with 'mom guilt', these women have me questioning everything I hold true.

Walsh advises, "search for work you love that allows flexibility if you want to have children." I'm blessed to have had this flexibility in both of my jobs since becoming a mom. My bosses hardly blink an eye when I postpone our deadlines because daycare has called with the dreaded sick child report. We make it work because at the end of the day, we each know it's family not professions that make our world go round.

But while I've made it work, I have certainly been tempted to drop it all and stay home with Jackson. And then I wonder, what will I do I five years when I'm ready to re-join the work force. How will I ever explain that the last job on my résumé was ages ago, that I chose my children over following a mentorship with the best attorneys in our state?

This doubt nagged my spirit for some time as I contemplated staying home to which Walsh says, "...don’t quit completely because, as wonderful as parenthood is, it cannot and will not be your whole life. Learn how to manage conflict, because the greater the level you can tolerate, the more freedom you will retain."

With this statement, Walsh shifts my view of being a working mom and I can delve back into the confidence I held in being a working mom.

Goals I once had are mere memories. They've morphed into a blend of education, parenting, marriage and all around personal growth. Rather than the dreams of my 16, 20, or even 23-year-old self, I'm learning to find comfort in knowing plans change and career paths will present themselves so long as I keep working on myself and my family.

Days are hectic. Drop-off at daycare comes far too early, the kitchen is typically hit by Tornado Erin every morning, I require 2-3 cups of coffee a day, some weeks dinner comes from the freezer every night, sometimes holiday-specific crafts are done far after the holiday has come and gone, Jackson does not get baths every night, my hardwood floors have needed to be steamed for weeks and my dogs both need baths.

But at the end of the day, when I step back I see all I've accomplished: a college degree, a beautiful home, a loving husband and child, a job with bosses whom I adore learning from and friends who keep us laughing. In these moments of reflection I can see that I our ordinary life is good. In fact, it's a great.

And in that emotion, I dare these feminist leaders to tell any woman they need to lean in more, or that they can't have it all because I'm not buying it.

Thanks to Elsa Walsh for reminding me that a 'good enough' life is precisely what I'm blessed to experience each day.

Read Walsh's article "Why women should embrace a 'good enough' life" for yourself.

Sorry, Mom Brain.

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:58:00 +0000

We made the long haul from South Carolina to Tennessee last night with a toddler who refused to sleep and in fact is somehow still going. How he is managing off only 4 hours of sleep I have no idea. This mama? Already has one venti mocha down and is seriously contemplating another.

So, as we wave the white flag of parenthood, I'd like to introduce you to a dear blog friend of mine, Sarah. She's kind of the best, so be sure to show her some loving!
****

Hey y'all! I'm Sarah and I'm the sometimes sweet, but mostly sarcastic, author and owner of It's a Vol! a blog dedicated to our life raising up our little Southern belle, Evie. I'm a tiny bit hippie and a tiny bit not (I love cloth diapers, but if you try to take my hair products away and go no 'poo then you'd best be a 8th degree ninja black belt because that isn't going to work). I'm passionate about every thing I do. If I'm not passionate about it I don't do it (see also: crafting of any kind). I enjoy baking, cooking and loving on the handsomest guy in the world. You'll rarely find me without my Nikon in hand. I love photography which is convenient because I just happen to be in possession of the world's cutest little girl. I am a front line fighter in the war against the momma wars, a passionate advocate for women suffering from post-partum mental illness and refuse to define myself as any type of parent other than good. I hope you will stop on by and say hi! I love making new friends!

You know that time before you had kids when you'd look at a harried mother juggling a shopping cart, a whining toddler, purse and diaper bag and thought to yourself, "If I ever have kids, that won't be. I'll keep my shizz together!"? Come on admit it. We've ALL been there. Then we had kids and at some point looked back at our smug self with her pre-baby body and wanted to smack her upside the head.

Because y'all, mom brain is a real thing, caused by juggling 873,654 things in our brains all at the same time.

Coffee sounds nice, wait, when are school picture dates again?, creative play ideas moon sand, play kitchen, sensory bins, mystery matter, toy dinosaurs and trains, I wonder if I can demonstrate the three states of being, science is so important, what were the three states of being again?, Solids, liquids and gas, OH! must remember: car needs gas, I wonder how many cents off we have on the kroger card, hmmm time to check the grocery and pantry status (must NOT run out of avocados), PINTEREST, I really need a hair cut, does Evie need more bows?, I want some coffee, those dishes really need to be washed, are we out of olive oil again?, ugh must get oil changed in car, I wonder if Chris can pick Evie up from school so I can go to the gym, wait. when is the next swimming lesson?, REMINDER TO SELF: buy new bathing suits before going to Destin, oh crap also order samples of soft rock, call the kennel and reserve spots for the dogs, is it raining again?, what should we have for dinner tonight?, Ok now I need coffee!, why the heck is the Xbox remote in the kitchen? why did I come in here again? was I hungry? ::opens refrigerator::, nope not hungry but what is the cereal doing in here?, am I going insane?, did Evie's teacher tell me today that she needed wipes or was that last week?, have I already done that?, guess I'll send some just in case, the laundry needs washing and folding, dog! why are you ALWAYS in my way, the dogs need a bath, wait, is bath night tonight or tomorrow? let's see we gave her a bath on Sunday so that means Tuesday and yep tonight is bath night, I'd really like to take a bath, it would be so relaxing and I'm so so ::yawn:: dang tired today, oh! now I remember why I went in the kitchen! coffee!

That? That's about a minute of my day, and it's like that all.day.long. I bet yours is much the same, and that's only the inner monologue never mind that I might have been dressing myself or Evie, feeding the dogs/cats, planning a meal, cooking a meal or cleaning all at the same time.

No wonder I put the cereal in the fridge, forgot to make the coffee and fed the cat dog food.

{What about you? Do you suffer from mom brain too?}

She Believed She Could, So She Did {Printable}

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Wed, 08 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

My sister-in-law graduates from college this weekend. So, we're packing up and headed out of here Thursday night. Few things are worth the seven-hour drive to Tennessee, but this must be one of the most worthy road trips of all.

There are some students who go to school and leave still naive to the real world. She is not that student. I could not be prouder of the person she's proven to be during her college years. I know all too well the bleak economy she's entering, especially in her profession, but I know she'll persevere.

She's a believer and a doer, through and through. The goals she has for her career are deserving of admiration, and the efforts she's put forth to earn this degree are worthy of so much celebration this weekend.

In honor of this milestone, I whipped up this printable to frame along with her graduation gift.

Download your own copy of the printable (5x7) here or email me for more details on getting this with custom coloring (erin@theviewfromfiveten.com)!

***

Be sure to follow our blog on Bloglovin' or another RSS feed, Google Reader will be closing soon!

Community: It's Why I Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Tue, 07 May 2013 10:30:00 +0000

Maternity leave is a funny season of life. The days that filled the ten weeks following Jackson's arrival were like nothing I could've imagined. The range of emotions experienced during those first postpartum weeks are only comprehensible through first-person experience.

Feed. Play. Sleep. Repeat.
Feed Play. Sleep. Repeat.

In the midst of our three hour routine, I found myself on my macbook discovering mom blogs. Day after day, naptime after naptime, I settled in for my hour of blog reading before Jackson's next feeding. The more blogs I found, the more posts I felt compelled to comment on, the more I began to wonder if they (the bloggers) knew I was commenting. If they (these awesome bloggers) ever checked my Google Profile that blogger comments link to.

At the time, this was actually how I found many bloggers: through the comments and Google Profiles. But clicking my profile wouldn't lead you anywhere because I didn't have it linked to a blog.

The journalist in me already created a little blog to keep family updated and while that was fun, the writer in me needed a place for unsupervised documentation of our days. No old friends peeking in to read, no mother-in-law hearing my latest rant, no one to consider in censoring my writing. It would, in fact, be a place to just write and share our story from my heart.

And these bloggers? They seemed so in tune to my every thought.
In those weeks, I needed to be a part of this community.

Two years ago, I created this blog. I opened my heart, and I began to weave my story within this community May 2011.

I sit here today a stronger woman, a better mother, a more confident writer. I return to this space each week to share my life with the women who cheer me through my happiest of happy and my lowest of low.

The mommy wars wage on; however, the majority of this community continues to finds solace in friendship. I attempt to keep my attention from any of the mommy war hoopla because I know. I get it.

I'm seeing this revolution in mom blogging from this inside and let me tell you: it's beautiful. Not one day passes that I am not encouraging or encouraged by a member of this blog community. In the trenches of modern parenting, life is a mess of gadgets, smart phones, social media and one over-crowded fast lane.

Often society forgets that mothers are also women. Let me say again: mothers are also women. We are not just the person wiping snot from noses, menu planning and attempting to keep our family from drowning in laundry. We are also aspiring to be the individuals we were before adding mom to the resume.

Generations of women have attempted to find balance in the titles of woman and mother. In pursuing this balance for my life, I found blogging. I found a community to lift me up, laugh with me, guide me and pray with me. And I contribute just the same to this community.

So, I'll let the mommy wars continue to wage as I bask in the grace of my mom blog community. I, for one, would not trade this season in blogging and motherhood for anything.

Linking up with Neely and Samantha in their Why Did You Start Blogging linkup!

***

Be sure to follow our blog on Bloglovin' or another RSS feed, Google Reader will be closing soon!

Menu Planning How To's

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Mon, 06 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

As a newly-wed, I had what seemed all the time in the world. I was still a student at the time while Brandon had just graduated and was working full time. On any given day, I had far more spare time than him and in turn tended to most of the house upkeep, including the cooking and shopping.

I was such a newbie to grocery shopping when we first married. Honestly, Brandon was much more efficient at getting in and out of the grocery back in the day. But I managed to find my own confidence in the aisle of the grocery and soon had my trip running like clock-work. One hour in and out of the door to our house and the budget under $100 every week.

In challenging myself each week to stay on budget and get through the doors of the grocery quickly, I've found that menu planning makes all the difference. The weeks I waiver from menu planning prior to grocery shopping, I'm not only over budget but also looking at a good hour and half wandering through the aisles. Ain't nobody got time for that, mama or otherwise.

For many months, menu planning seemed a bit silly to me. Why take that extra step? I used to be able to plan as I shopped, but things change, mama brain takes over and now I rely on lists and plans.

Attempted menu planning before? Fell off the wagon? Yeah, I've been there.

Here are my best tips to getting your menu planning routine set:

1. Be consistent in planning. Find the day, time, and routine that fit your schedule. For me, menu planning happens Sunday mornings. You'll want at least 30 minutes to plan your meals.

2. Have reliable recipe sources. A few months back, I decided to dedicate a routine to our menu planning and a big part of this has been creating a menu planning pin board. This space holds only items that we'd eat on a week-day basis, quick snacks for the toddler, 30-minute meals and crockpot recipes. 80% of my grocery list will come from choosing our weekly meals from this board.

3. Reference your grocery store's website. We shop either at BiLo or Kroger; each of these stores keep updated discounts listed on their sites. Coordinating these sales and your menu will inevitably keep your bill smaller. Who doesn't want that?

4. Keep track of your recipes. If you buy a bunch of meals but can't remember what they were when 5:00 p.m. rolls around then all your work was for nothing. So, keep the list of your meals in a couple of places each week. Once making my grocery list, I transfer the meal plan over to my life planner. I also, try to keep hold of my grocery list as a second reference throughout the week. Hint, hint: keeping every week creates a go-by menu plan!!

5. Take advantage of printables. Every Sunday I sit down and use my Clean Mama Printables Weekly Menu Plan & Shopping List printable. Of Becky's entire Menu Planning set, this Weekly Menu Plan list has been my favorite! Pinterest is painted with its fair share of menu planning printables and lists as well. And because I couldn't pass up the chance to share my favorites...

A Typical English Home // Little Corbin Hill // Believing Boldly

Fab 'n Free // Kamley Lane // Eat at Home

Menu planning doesn't have to be complicated, it just has to be done! The five (+) dollars you'll have to spare is begging to be spent at Starbucks on the way home.

Do you menu plan? What keeps you on track?

***

Be sure to follow our blog on Bloglovin' or another RSS feed, Google Reader will be closing soon!

Baked Tacos: A Cinco de Mayo Recipe!

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Fri, 03 May 2013 11:30:00 +0000

Our household tends to love a good Taco Tuesday. In fact, we love almost any Mexican dish you want to serve up. But tacos and guac? Well, they hold a special place in our hearts. You should see how much guacamole Jackson gets down. It's embarrassing, really.

That being said, tacos are a meal I can count on actually being consumed by my toddler. So, it's a go-to. However, a few weeks of any good recipe will also bring need to mix it up a bit.

Now enters oven baked tacos.

Simple. Quick. Delicious. Oh, yes, the motto of my kitchen.

It's a simple twist on a taco. By adding refried beans to your taco meat mixture, topping with cheese and popping these bad boys in the oven to bake your usual Taco Tuesday, ahem Cinco de Mayo, is morphed into something much tastier.

Baked Tacos
recipe adapted from Mommy? I'm Hungry!

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 taco seasoning packet
1 8 oz. Rotel tomato and green chili sauce
2 cups shredded cheese {colby-jack or Mexican mix}
lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes for topping

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Brown the beef and add in taco seasoning as directed on packet.
3. Add rotel chili sauce and refried beans to beef mixture and let simmer.*
4. Spoon taco meat into shells, top with cheese and line in 9x13 baking dish. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until shells begin to brown.

*It's important to make sure your meat simmers down so that there is little to no liquid. Leaving too much liquid in the meat will create soggy tacos, and no one wants that!

Do you have a favorite Cinco de Mayo recipe? I'd love to check it out, share a link in the comments!

*linking up with Tatertots & Jello, A Night Owl, This Gal Cooks, Uncommon Designs,

Mother's Day Gift Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Wed, 01 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

1. Better Life Bags. I've been admiring this brand for months now. And? The more I learn about creator Rebecca, her cause and her business, the more I love these bags!

2. Coffee mug. Because fancy coffee makes the house feel cleaner. Trust me.

3. Lisa Leonard Stamped Jewelry. I've been smitten over the Teenie Tiny Initials Necklace and the You are Loved Necklace for some time now, and they're quite fitting for this holiday and so timeless!

4. Shari's Berries. Yes, for real. Brandon got be a dozen of these yummies for Valentine's Day and, well, life will never be the same.

5. Target & Starbucks. To say you wouldn't give just about anything for an hour {or two} at Target sans Toddler, would be a lie. Your husband gets it. Your child, will one day, get it. Take advantage.

6. Jack Rogers. Summer is all of a few weeks away. I know we could all use a new pair of sandals; now is not the time to be bashful about needing to restock your closets ladies!

I can't be the only one scheming these and other gifts for this Mother's Day. And, I know you all deserve this day more than any gift could ever say. But, the gifts don't hurt. Right?!

Go now and share this post with your kids and spouses. Or hey, go ahead and order that special something you've been wanting for yourself! Time is ticking!
***
Google Reader is shutting down as of July, be sure you're following us on Bloglovin'!

Rachel Ray. Not Sure I Could Say No.

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Wed, 01 May 2013 03:30:00 +0000

Kiss the Cook Event
Organized by: Mom Powered Media
Prize: Rachael Ray Cookware Prize Package
Event dates: 6/3 - 6/24
SIGN-UP HERE!

New Design, BlogLovin, BlogHer, Oh My!

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:30:00 +0000

Oh hai there. Yes, it's me coming to you with two posts in one day. I mean business, y'all.

Typically I'd tell you to jump out of Google Reader and take a look around my new blog design. However, we all received the life-altering news that Google Reader will be shutting down come July 2013. So, I guess that little saying is out the window and creates more business to tend to.

If you're still in Google Reader, I recommend heading to Bloglovin' immediately and setting up a profile. I tried Feedly first and just didn't take to it as quickly as Bloglovin'. So, yeah, I'm jumping on the bandwagon.

Follow me? Ahem, just click the icon...I'll wait while you add me to your feeds.

Now that we've gotten that out of the way: Are you seeing my new design?! This has been many moons in the making. For far too many months this design has been sitting in pieces. Thanks to some help from my dear friend Tiffany, I finished things up and managed a fresh look for our Spring season.

You'll see some updated topics in my sidebar as I'm hoping to make things a little more user-friendly.
Looking for a recipe? printable? parenting tips & disasters? It's all there!

Last, but certainly not least, I'm attending BlogHer 13 this summer. I've made this announcement once or twice before on the ole blog but now? Now, it's just a few months away and things are getting real. Between now and July 25 I have lists galore, plans aplenty and excitement building.

It should go without saying, there are some great things in the works for The View From 510.

Have you switched to Bloglovin, Feedly, whatever other option and I'm not seeing your blog? I'd hate to miss out on your blogs just as much as I'd miss you reading mine. So, leave me a comment if you've moved as well!

Missed my posts lately? Be sure you're caught up:

Teacher Appreciation Gift Card Printables
Thin Mint Truffles {recipe}
Cleaning: Toddler Style
Our Fear of Infertility

Teacher Appreciation Gift Card Printables

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-10, has been marked in my calendar for months. I've been back and forth on what exactly to do for Jackson's teachers and have finally landed on gift cards. It's as convenient to my wallet as baking and saves my kitchen a round {or two} of dishes.

To spruce up my cards, I've scouted some of the best free gift card printables! Because even though I have zero guilt going the convenient (aka non-crafty) route, I do love a good printable. I hope you'll find one to use for your teachers!

Pinterest Inspired Free Printable via Chikabug and Skip to my Lou

Helping us Grow via Plumb Adorable

Thanks a Latte via eighteen25

Creative Juices via Tater Tots & Jello

Thanks for Keeping my Learning on Target via g*rated

Munchkins via Happy Home Fairy

Don't forget to share a little extra appreciation for your teachers next week whether through a gift card, craft or baked good or even just an extra thank you.

For more Teacher Appreciation Ideas visit my board on Pinterest.

***

Be sure to follow our blog on Bloglovin' or another RSS feed. Soon Google Reader will be gone!

My Husband does laundry, like a boss.

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:30:00 +0000

Prior to becoming parents, Brandon and I lived together for four years. And in those four years, I could count on one, okay maybe two, hands how many loads of laundry Brandon did in that time.

Now, for a shocking confession: I liked doing laundry.

Gasp!

I know!

When it was just me and him with maybe a load or two of laundry each week it was no biggie. Plus, he worked full-time and went to school full-time during most of those years. I, on the other hand, had more flexible school and work schedules. So, it just worked out.

Over the last two years though, I've been singing a much different tune when it comes to laundry. Working full-time, mom-ing full-time, wife-ing full-time (husband may disagree) and blogging part-time (?), my plate is overflowing.

It was during the first few months following maternity leave that I noticed Brandon did not one but two loads of laundry. I remained mum, high-fiving myself for that unrequested awesomeness.

And wouldn't you know, the laundry trend continued. Here we are two years later and laundry has officially become his chore along with many others. Some days my jaw still hits the floor when I see how many loads of laundry he cycles through the house in a day. In this sense, he'd make one damn good SAHD.

He's done so well lately keeping our house in order and Jackson smiling that I left him and Jack for a day together while I attended an out-of-town wedding shower this weekend.

I'm not going to lie, I had full confidence in Brandon until just hours before leaving. Jackson was throwing one of his worst fits to date and my mama and wife guilt was coming on heavy. Brandon thankfully assured me things would be fine and pushed me out the door.

To have been a fly on the wall during their day together would've been priceless. The few moments Brandon managed to capture for me were enough to show that their day together was one for the books.

In true toddler tantrum fashion, Jackson woke up with an attitude. I was sent the "he's standing in the corner crying" text. Thankfully, a handful of minutes later I recieved the "we're getting out of the house" text. And? They even remembered his sunglasses (Jackson's current must-have item). Hours passed as I mingled at the shower and headed to the outlet mall with my mom.

I began to worry, things had been too quiet. But alas, I received the "we're at McDonald's because he kept asking for fries" text. And in that moment I knew: they were good. Just wait though, this toddler's life got even better, he got an ice cream cone on the way out. Say what?! Someone sure was trying to sneak in as the favorite!

Missing bedtime that night by just thirty minutes, I returned to a husband who was calm, cool and collected.

My heart grew three sizes that day hearing Brandon sum up his day with Jackson. Their father/son relationship blossomed that day, in those few hours. And then, when questioning Jackson the following day, my heart beamed with happiness hearing his happy recollection of his outings with Dad.

Brandon and I both underestimate his innate ability to be a top notch husband and dad some days.

So, husband, if you're reading this, you rocked this weekend. Truly, every notion I've ever had for you as a partner was fullfilled in the last 48 hours. From laundry, to yard work, to bonding with our wild child you're the best.

Our fear of infertility

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:00:00 +0000

In one longwinded, run-on sentence text to my best friend I detailed the potential timeline for Brandon and I getting pregnant with Baby #2. No detail had gone overlooked. Not a single one; trust me.

From the three month span of our potential trying-to-conceive time to the spacial planning between other national holidays, birthdays and anniversaries {& football season}. This was it: pregnancy planning. Something I've never done before.

Medical science was said to be essentially the only way I'd have a biological child. At least, that's what the doctor said when I was just 18. As the years passed, this fact soaked further into my soul, enabling the greatest fear we have as women.

Infertility.

For years, I convinced myself motherhood was not for me. I just wasn't born for it, clearly. And then, at the ripe age of 22, God stepped in and swiped away that fear in one manic meeting at a walk-in clinic. That stomach bug? Yeah, not so much.

While the miraculous manner in which Jackson became a little being reaffirms my faith, I find myself wavering on the brink of Baby #2. And that brink is no small matter.

Baby fever has certainly not stopped me from dreaming of adding one more baby to our family. We have gone back and forth for months regarding budgets, timing and whether or not it's what's best for our family. The debate continues; however, it's clear where our hearts lie.

Our friends and family are set on: if you've got one then what's two?

For them, two is an exciting addition, another little to spoil. For me though? It's an intimidating journey, one which may not be as miraculous as the first.What if it's not as easy? What if pregnancy doesn't just happen? What if the infertility the doctor's predicted the first time becomes our reality this time?

Infertility: what if it's meant to be part of our story?

For months, I've kept this sliver of fear close to my heart. That is, until Brandon said in conversation: what if it doesn't just happen? There it was; he has thought it too. He knows this fear of mine; he sees the potential blessing and just the same, the potential tribulations.

We cannot know for certain what lies ahead, and that terrifies me to the core.

Infertility is synonymous with depression, in my book. A harsh statement, I know, but it's the truth that's burned into my heart. Over the last four years, we've managed to see me out of my darkest and into my brightest. I fear if we pursue another child, infertility may be in store. My emotions? They.Can't.Handle.It.

And now, I know Brandon can sense this fear himself. Sure, he'd probably say this post is out of proportion to his comment that day. Typical man. But I know it's more. I know budgets and patience set aside he too has this fear of infertility, and rightfully so.

I've supported others through battles of infertility, praying restlessly through their journey. And, if infertility becomes part of our story, I will have to forgive this part of myself, this part of our story. An act that is so much easier said than done in the preceding sentence. It's something I have a hard time wrapping my head around. So, I bury this fear of infertility in the miracle that is our first child; our greatest blessing and beacon of my faith.

*linking up with Amanda to share the message of National Infertility Awareness Week. Find more information about NIAW here.

Cleaning: Toddler Style

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 01:52:00 +0000

For the life of me I could not find the right lighting in our house to capture the perfection of my most recent recipe. So, I headed to the back deck for some natural lighting.

I could've sworn Jackson was right at my heels as usual, but somewhere along the way I began snapping photos of my truffles as he'd shut himself in for some cleaning.

Or, you know, a toddler's version of cleaning: spitting on the door then proceeding to wipe said spit with an already used paper-towel.

The hilarious face makes up for every germ he spread and acquired in those few minutes.
Oh, and so did these truffles.

Toddlers, can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em. Am I right?!

linking up with Jenni From the Blog, Project Alicia, In the Moment With

Thin Mint Truffles {Recipe}

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:30:00 +0000

Every year, my mom set back one box of Thin Mints. In fact, she'd put them in the freezer saving them for that moment of Thin Mint weakness between Cookie Seasons. It is a genius idea, one that I highly recommend.

And now, I'm going to recommend you pull that box of Thin Mints out of the freezer to make these delicious truffles. No. Really. Go get your Thin Mints. Call your MIL if you have to; these truffles are worth it!

Ingredients:
1 box Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookies (or other mint cookie)
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 package green chocolate melts

Directions:
1. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper; set aside.
2. Blend the Thin Mints until they're a fine texture (you may prefer to use a food processor). Then mix them with the cream cheese.
3. Roll into one inch balls and place onto the cookie sheet. Place them into the freezer for 30 minutes.
4. Melt the green chocolate as directed. You'll want it to be well melted for maximum truffle dipping! Then dip each truffle in the green chocolate. I prefer to use a cake pop stick to dip the truffles, but a couple of forks will do as well.
5. Optional: Allow the green layer to set, and add white chocolate drizzle. I simply melted 1/4 cup white chocolate, cut a small slit in the corner of a plastic bag and drizzled over the truffles.
6. Once the chocolate has set, serve the Thin Mint Truffles at room temperature.

You will be so thankful for that box Thin Mints you've stowed away!

Recipe adapted from Six Sisters Stuff

linking up with Semi Homemade Mom, Lil Luna, Tatertots and Jello, Southern Lovely, Mostly Homemade Mom, Somewhat Simple,

Times Like These

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:08:00 +0000

Toddlerhood seems tragic enough most days, top that off with actual national tragedy and well, you'll find most mothers carrying a heavy heart. But as I was glued to the live-stream of the Boston Manhunt on my computer while simultaneously drafting motions for work Friday, the lines of life begin to blur together: the reality of our fallen world and the protective bubble we enclose ourselves in with our children.

Sunny days, park trips, finger painting and cake-pops fill the lives of the children in these parental bubbles. But the reality of our fallen world shows a darker picture of a child. One who, despite his apparent traditional upbringing, has seen moments in his life no mother could ever dream.

We're drawn to every step of breaking news during these moments. From the outside looking in, a picture of Brandon and I would be the pair anxiously on the edge of the couch debating tactical preparations of the FBI, comparing reasoning logistics behind the Boston bombings and checking social media for the latest 140 character update.

And then there's Jackson. Our innocent child, whom I by all means want to shield from this reality.

At this moment in life I'm so thankful I can turn the television off, open the blinds and hold my child tight knowing he's none the wiser. He's still too young to see, to understand, to comprehend the trials our nation has seen in the last week.

The days of our innocence are much more appreciated in our later years, this is no secret. My initial reaction is to shield Jackson completely from such tragedy, but to shield him completely in life would be a disservice to him. How will he ever know or see the need for help, if he does not witness any hurt?

And so, I thank the Lord he's still too young to understand and brace myself for the years ahead of us. For now, I'll turn off CNN switch the DVR to Little Einsteins and skip around singing the latest Fresh Beat Band song.

Jackson will be far more aware of our reality and much less aware of his innocence, in the blink of an eye. How we handle these moments of tragedy in the presence of our children now will have every impact on their actions in the future. Sometimes the lines blur, our bubbles burst and we must readjust our vision of a perfect life, an American life.

In times like these, we must remember it's not just about the here and now; it's about the innocence of our children and how we work to preserve and prepare them for all occasions of life. In times like these, we hold them closer, we pray for them harder and we hope their hearts are humbled when the time comes that the fallen world enters their sunny bubbles.

Marriage is a choice, everyday.

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:57:00 +0000

It's a choice to share your days, good and bad, every one of them.

It's a choice to look past the imperfections of your loved one.

It's a choice to pick your battles.

It's a choice to go to bed mad if that's what's best for your relationship.

It's a choice to watch your words and respect your spouse.

It's a choice to have faith in the person walking the road of marriage beside you.

***

Brandon and I tend to be a couple who bicker. Some days I wonder if it's because we are too similar or is it we're too different? All I know, is our relationship is colored with highs and lows.

We are not that subtle couple in the corner who can share a whisper and poof any tension has faded. No, we are each much too vocal, indecisive and passionate to just let it go.

Many times in life I've wished were that couple. You know the one I'm talking about. In fact, I think my best friend has this relationship. I'm not certain they even ever bicker. Life just is; And that's good for them. Our relationship cannot be compared to theirs, though, or anyone else's for that matter. I must remember, we're each making our own path in marriage.

***

It's a choice to see the sunshine through the rain.

It's a choice to find the middle ground when we've moved too far apart.

It's a choice to love the other for their growth, change and aspirations.

It's a choice to commit a friendship to one another despite all obstacles of life.

It's a choice whose abundance of blessings far outweighs any bicker-filled, bad day.

***

The beginning, middle and ending may vary, but each day we make these choices in marriage to keep up us growing forward. Yes, growing forward. Because really that's what each choice boils down to, growing together in our future.

The Future of Music

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 20:29:00 +0000

As the Toddler and I rode to school this morning, I cranked up the music for some early morning sing-alongs. My ~~loud~~ signing quickly drowned out the tiny voice coming from the backseat. Though, once I heard his voice I turned the radio down a bit, praying Jack wouldn't catch onto me listening into his jam session.

Boooonngggg, Boooonnnggg, Boooong. Beh-dong, he sang with so much heart.

Our crazy kid was back there not signing the song on the radio, but once again humming the tune to the beginning of his favorite Eric Church song, Creepin.

This determined singer did not stop at just one round of this prelude. No, he repeated it over and over and over. Right on beat and always a bit off tune. Jamming nonetheless.

My mommy heart was bursting as my smile spread from ear to ear. Through the rearview mirror, I could see the slight nod of his head and the expressions of his sweet brows as he belted out his favorite little diddy.

I couldn't help but think, here he is: my future musician. Just like his daddy, never singing the words but focusing on the beat. Perhaps this is the drummer in him. Or guitar player. No matter the instrument, I just adore seeing his love for music already blossoming.

He surprises me everyday, and I'm so thankful for this morning sing-along reminder.

Happy, but heavy hearts.

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:33:00 +0000

Life lately? Well, it's been busy; it's been full; it's been demanding; it's been cherished.

Amidst the DIY projects, the onset of big work things and Jackson's birthday, I've taken some time to step back. This step has allowed me the opportunity to soak up every possible second, not just of my wild toddler but also of my husband and my work.

From the silly enunciations of Jackson's words, to the many lovely gestures from my husband to the thriving career I'm paving for myself with Firm B, I've opened myself to the opportunity of embracing these moments more readily.

Little did I know, this finite change in my social routine would affect my sprit so strongly. By disconnecting just a few extra moments each day, I've found so much more enjoyment in the bustle that has become our everyday. The stressors aren't so stressful, the planning isn't so structured and the moments are more meaningful.

We're quickly cruising through the April calendar and I've found myself so lost in documenting the moments, in finding that post topic, and capturing the photo that I lost touch with life, with what we are really doing.

I was losing my ever-loving-mind that my toddler won't pose for a single.picture.ever. My Pinterest projects were epic fails, with the exception of the husband's book shelves. Work has been the calm before the storm, and now, we're officially in the heart of the storm. All this as I battled case 53,203 of writer's block.

2013 is not showing any signs of slowing down; in fact, we are just getting going. And with each email, Facebook and crazy app alert we're adding more to our calendar every day. Anniversaries, weddings, vacations, oh my!

And this? This is what matters. These blessing we see in our lives. These moments of joy and sorrow. This is what my blog is about, er, supposed to be about. Sharing our story, our view from 510. Expect to find a bit more of me, our family and the raw situations life is presenting to us within my posts.

****

Special Announcements:

As of today, I've owned this domain name for a year. Yep, one year ago we became The View From 510 and I couldn't be more excited to get back to the basics!

Over the next seven days, I will be approaching some big events at work and we (Brandon and our friends) also hope to find some closure in regards to our friend and brother Jimmy. I hope to be back to regular posting from here on out, but only my heart will know when it's right to come back. Prayers for our friends and family are much appreciated as we approach some life-altering milestones in the next weeks.

Unsolicited Advice from Suze

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:30:00 +0000

Hi, everybody! Erin is such a sweet and real blogger- don't you just love her?! I sure do, and that's why I am so excited to have the privilege of guest posting on her wonderful piece of blogland today.

I'm Suze from straight on the ground. I'm a working mom with a sweet eight month old baby. As the first of my friends to have a baby, I was a little clueless as to what to do. And you know, you get lots of unsolicited advice as a pregnant lady- or really, when starting any new stage of life. Can I get a what what from the engaged ladies who know what I'm sayin'?

Anyway, so here's a bit of unsolicited advice from me.

Three things I'm really glad I did as a pregnant lady and three things I wish I could have told myself before labor day, as we lovingly refer to it.

Things I'm really [glad] I did

[one] Took weekly bump photos: At first, I thought this might be a dumb idea. But at the end, I was glad I did. It was fun to see all the progress we had made!
[two] Took bubble baths: and just generally made time for myself. Before pregnancy, I was a big "yes" girl and was addicted to overcommitment. Being super pregz took care of that! I had to put myself first as my baby was in there, and he became my number one priority. Lots of life lessons learned.
[three] Refrained from Google: Google is not a doctor and Google is not your friend. Okay, Google is your friend. That one friend that when you say something like, does this skirt make my hips look huge? totally gives you a sideways glance, like yup. And you possibly have an incurable disease. So did my friend's mom's dog's groomer's aunt and her skirt was that EXACT same skirt.

Things I [wish] I could have told myself

[one] A lot of people secretly just want to scare you. Including people on the Internet. Not me of course, but others. Anyway, don't listen.: So you know that thing I said earlier about unsolicited advice? Sometimes, people are it it just to scare you. I guess because they were scared and think it's a rite of passage? I don't know, but I know that lots of stuff people tell you is not as bad as they make it sound. In fact, it has been way, way better than anybody made it sound.
[two] Nobody knows it all.: You might see someone who seems like they have it all together, but just remember- don't compare your behind the scenes with everybody else's highlight reel. Find some people in your life who will support you and love you- you got a friend, a mom, a husband, somebody like that? That will be very helpful.
[three] You will learn a whole lot, but the greatest lesson will be love.: So I thought I knew what love was, but this is a whole new sort of love. I can never put into words the feeling of love I felt as that baby was growing inside of me and when they placed him in my arms that day. The closest I can get is the feeling of heaven kissing Earth. It's beautiful and wonderful, and I know it's just going to get more so.

So those are my lessons to share with you. I learned a lot about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness throughout my baby experience (Thomas Jefferson would be so proud!) and I hope that you could take a little something away from this. Have a happy day and come visit me over at straight on the ground sometime!

Friday, Friday, Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 18:23:00 +0000

Dear Friday, thank you for being you. Stay classy.

Dear Good Friday, I extra appreciate you for getting me out of work today. Yes, I said it. And I have no shame. This mama needed to take her baby to the doctor and get packed for a weekend away.

Dear Doctors offices, my child totally rocked the waiting rooms this week with the patience of a cheetah. Or whatever animal is suppose to be patient {while simultaneously running wild, but only in a cute manner}.

Dear Jackson, I can't stop thinking about your 2nd Birthday Party with Emma. It was beyond words. {cake photos and party detail posts are already up}

Dear Chi Omega Active, we met yesterday to plan for next year and you used the word "Salty" as an adjective for someone acting in a sketchy manner. Is "salty" the new "sketchy"?

Dear Easter Weekend, all of the Easter Egg hunts I found for the weekend run from noon to 2 p.m. What's that about?! Clearly parents didn't plan this as 80% of kids NAP from noon to 2 p.m. Here's to hoping we can work this out somehow.

Dear Work, we did my first annual review yesterday. Still can't believe it's been a year. Oh and? Thanks for the raise, my budget appreciates it lots! More on this milestone next week :)

Dear Readers, next week I'll be sharing some unsolicited advice with a guest post, perhaps a little DIY, a little weekend recap from the mountain trip and birthday weekend outtakes!

Here's a little taste of a Birthday Blooper to hold you over for the weekend.

Happy Easter Weekend, lovely friends!

*linking up for Friday Letters