Motivate Me Monday- Lets Play

Where has this summer gone? I honestly can't believe that June is already over. At the first of the month i made a goal to work on pre-school type activities with the girls everyday. Well that hasn't worked out like i planned. We kind of fell into a funk of lounging a lot and watching too many movies when we are at home. Last week I watched Leighton play with her cousins and she was so involved in everything. She wants to be exploring and making messes and just learning. So we are going to play. We are going to run through the water, dig in the dirt, and paint with our fingers.  

Heres to being motivated to get out and play!

A Not So Normal Sleep Routine

Before Leighton was born i had a list of do's and don'ts for raising children. At the top of my list. Do establish routines for bed and do follow it to a T. I had watched as people around me figured out what worked best and what didn't with their kids, I read several books on sleep and sleep routines. My favorite book? Healthy Sleep Habbits, Happy Child. It made perfect sense to me. It described all of the differences in babies with colic or not, babies who breast or bottle fed and that every baby is just different in some way. I stuck to this books plan and life was good until life got very very busy. I stressed myself out way to much trying to make sure Leighton got 3 naps a day at least 45 minutes long and got to bed at the right time. I am not quite exactly sure when this happened but at some point, I gave up. I decided that my baby was happy and healthy and that she would sleep when she needed to. Guess what!? It works. Not every day is a dream but honestly when Leighton is tired she goes to sleep. If she only has 1 nap a day instead of 2 she goes to bed earlier that night. We are constantly on the move and my girls adapt so much better to traveling and a change of plans when they aren't held to a strict schedule, and so do i. I know this is not the norm. Everyone says put your babes on a set schedule. Children love routine! And its true, they really do and with all of my schooling in education I know how importnant routine is. I just don't keep a strict one. I know that an hour after Em first wakes up she will go down for a nap. Then she naps between 12-2 and again around 5-6 then goes to sleep at 830-9. Leighton is down to 1 long nap or 2 short ones. When i know she is need of a long nap i plan all of our outings for the day out so that we will head home around 1 and that is when she falls asleep. If she falls asleep in the car, she will be out for a couple of hours. Still all very different than how most moms handle naps but it is what works. It works not only for my babes but me as well. Fighting the sleep battles is not fun or easy, but finding what works for you is so different with every family. You need to establish the routine that works not only for your kids, or is what the best book every suggests, but what works for you as well. 

This is the last of the Toddler Topics link up. To read others take on sleep click here.

Summer Favorites- Red, White and Blue!

The 4th of July is right around the corner and we are feeling patriotic. Really, I look forward to this day every summer. A day dedicated to celebrating our country should be done right. We always dress up,  attend a parade, have a lunch party and end the night with fireworks. This year I really want to have a bbq full of  festive food and red, white and blue decor. I went shopping for our outfits today and here is what I found.

This recipe looks heavenly.

These candles are on sale and how perfectly patriotic are they?!

This banner is too cute not to hang.

What will you be doing this Independence day?

Motivate Me Monday- Quit Robbing Yourself

Confession, I have a huge problem. I compare myself to almost everyone and everything. It is something that for what seems like most of my life i have struggled with. I honestly can remember comparing myself to kids in elementary school and getting so nervous because i couldn't run as fast as other kids or i thought there was no way i could hit the tether ball as hard as someone else. I don't know why i started this game, i wish i never had. I think that life would have been a lot easier this far if i wasn't always so worried about what other people had, or thought or what i didn't have or how i looked. This is something i have been trying to work on constantly and something that is really embarrassing to come out with, but i figure if i feel this way i can not be the only one. Since the day i decided i didn't need to keep up with the "Joneses" of the world I have found myself immensely more grateful for what i do have. It has given me perspective and helped me to be happy with where i am in life, what i can afford and what i can offer my family. It is frustrating to think of how long i went with feeling like i wasn't as good as another person or that my home wasn't as pretty as a bloggers that i follow or that my children didn't have as cute of clothes or nice of toys. I truly had been robbing myself of joy. I had been letting something that is unobtainable control me, and for what? Nothing good ever came from it or ever will. Over the weekend i found myself frustrated again with somethings and had to  step back and realize I am blessed, i am happy and i have enough. 

This week i challenge you to quit comparing. To be yourself. To find joy in all you have and know it is enough, and you are more than enough. 

Who Has Time These Days?

I blog and I love it. I love writing down my thoughts and feelings, the adventures my family goes on, the sweet things that Leighton says or looks that Emersyn gives me. I also like writing all of the mundane things in between. This is where i record our story. It is my journal where one day my daughters can read all the ups and downs i went through and maybe they'll see as human. It is where i post pictures for distant relatives to look at and to keep up on how big the girls are and what they are doing now. I blog because i find peace in it, writing is calming and allows me to find perspective in the day to day. Blogging is time consuming and can be stressful but it is a priority so i find the time to write. Like anything in life it is easy to say "who has time these days?" We live in a world that glorifies busy and busy can be an understatement for a mom, working, self employed in school or staying home. How does anyone find the time? It is a priority so you make it. Personally it is easier for me to stay up at night and work during nap time. After i put my girls to bed and enjoy a little pillow talk with the hubby i head down stairs, turn the TV on really low and go over my list of things to get done online. It usually reads like this

- return emails

- make business cards

- write post - things to write about

-read blogs

- edit photos

Then i proceed with the list. Doing this keeps me organized and using my time wisely. If i didn't keep a list i would wander pinterest for hours, its like a black hole that sucks me in and next thing i know my girls are waking up for the day. So not only do i make time to write, but i make sure i write with that time. If blogging is a priority you will find the time to do it. 

I am linking up with Courtney and a bunch of other lovely ladies. You can read how they find the time to blog here.

Dear Babies

Dear Leighton and Emersyn,

                You two have been sick the past few days and I am about ready for you to be over it. I am also about ready to punch a mom from the park in the face. I really am not a violent person, i promise. My mother bear instincts just come out when you are harmed in anyway and in this case it was getting sick. Since i am so upset she took her sick kids to the park who got you two sick, we have not left the house for a while. I am use to being gone almost all day long between the gym, errands, and the park. Being home the past few days has not been easy but in some ways it has been great. You both have been so sad and tired and whiny but all you have wanted was for me to hold you, love you and make everything better. You have fought over who gets to sit on my lap and who gets to rock with me first. You take turns having fevers, runny noses, and the saddest little coughs. Im sorry you have both been upset but i have loved all of your loving. Leighton you have been cuddling with me on the couch all day and want me to hold your hand or carry you in the kitchen so you can look at your fish. Emersyn you cry when you are left alone but smile when i hold you and kiss your hands. You touch my face and look at me with so much trust while i cradle you. When you two are sad and can't feel better unless i cuddle you or rub your back i suddenly feel needed more than ever. Making sure you are happy and healthy and safe is my job and when you aren't that way i have to work extra hard to get you feeling good again. I hope that you always need me this way. That when you aren't feeling great, you will come to me and want to cuddle and have me make it better. I love both of you more than you will ever know.

Love
Mom

Summer Favorites- Runnin Runnin

Since the Utah Summer Games are officially underway i figured now was a good time to introduce our favorite work out gear. I try to be a runner. I love running, it gives me a feeling of accomplishment and a visible goal to aim towards. I ran during both of my pregnancies to stay sane and in shape and have been trying to get back into it after having Emersyn. Saturday was my first big race of the year. I run with Courtney and we help keep each other going. It was only fitting that we ran the summer games 5k together. She seriously encouraged me through the entire thing and was so great! At one point near the end i thought to myself, why in the world do i think running is fun!? Well i don't, it is hard and it totally kicks my butt. But it is sooo worth it and the gold medal at the end of the race reminded me of that. I can't wait for the rest of the races we have lined up this summer and for our regular runs up the canyon with the girls. So anyways here is our favorite gear right now. Enjoy! Oh and I would love to hear what you are doing to get some exercise this summer?

My outfit- Gap Fit and Nike Shoes. Leighton's Outfit- Under Armor and Target Shoes. Water bottle- Target. Stroller- Bob Duallie. 

Motivate Me Monday- Sick Days

This past week was eventful and fun and very very draining. Emersyn got sick on Thursday and as much as i tried to convince myself that she was doing fine, she wasn't. She hasn't slept at night since Wednesday and i mean really hasn't slept. Like when the baby can only sleep being held and the second you lay her down she starts screaming or once you do get her to lay down she just coughs herself awake. This has been awesome! Im full of sarcasm right now (due to my lack of sleep) so bare with me. 

Last night sat down to write this post and thought what in the world is going to motivate me this week, what do i need?! All i can think? Sleeeeep. So i gave up on this until this morning. Hope all of you have slept much much more than i have the past few days and i hope all the littles are way healthier. It is summer, life is supposed to be a dream and no one is supposed to be sick. But here is real life and here is what is motivating me today. 

Fathers

In our home the girls know that dad is their go to guy. They have adored him since the minute they were born and he has loved them with more heart than they will ever know. Our daughters are Kaden's world. One day out of no where Kaden said it was dangerous how much he loved Leighton (this was before Em was born), that she could ask for anything and he would give it to her. All he wants for his daughters is the world. Is that too much to ask? Kaden works so hard to support them and wants them to experience everything. He lights up when Leighton and him find new rocks to collect and she says a new word he has been trying to teach her. He is so gentle with Emersyn and cuddles with her at night. Our daughters are so blessed to have a father like Kaden. Someone who wants to be a part of every second of their lives. A man that finds joy in teaching them how to be kind and loving and is a great example for them to look up to. 

Growing up both Kaden and I felt like the worst thing we could do was disappoint our fathers. Kaden may just have been afraid of his dads wrath, but i think i was afraid of knowing that my dad expected so much of me and i might let him down. Both our fathers are amazing men. Smart, kind, serving, religious, hard working men. I honestly don't know if there is anyone better for us to look up to and now for our daughters to. Our dads have instantly became the best Papa's ever! Both men turn into huge teddy bears around our girls and their bonds only grow as they get older. 

Happy Fathers Day Dad's!

 Thank you for being so amazing! 

We love and appreciate you all!

Summer Favorites- Little Swimmers

Want to know what we are doing all summer long?! Swimming. Leighton started swim lessons today and of course she loved it! There were a lot of old women, think grey hair can barely lift their water weights old, in the water. When it was time to leave i grabbed her, wrapped her in a towel and headed for the locker room. As dramatically as she could Leighton reached longingly towards the pool and yelled "Grandma help me!" Obviously my daughter has a thing for grandmas lately. Good thing she gets to see all her new grandma swimmers twice a week.

Alright, here are some of our swimming faves so far this summer. What swimming gear are you loving?

Old Navy- heart swim suit, turquoise swim suits, and hats. Target- navy and red swim suits, swim floaty, and swim diaper. Amazon- swim toys. 

Don't worry i didn't forget the giveaway. Actually i am so excited to announce who won. Thank you so much to everyone who entered! The winner is...

Allyson M.

Email me your address to claim your prize! Congrats girly!

Motivate Me Monday- Give Me Some Loving!

Last week the girls and I took a trip to Logandale to visit one of my oldest and dearest friends and her new baby girl, Quincy. All three of us were in LOVE. Like honestly Leighton kept looking at her and saying baby in awe and Emersyn, well she clearly just wanted to eat her up. I have a 7 month old and she made me baby hungry. To go through another pregnancy just to hold a new born again? Maybe. 

We also got to spend an entire day with Leighton's favorite cousins and Jessica. I think it was honestly the first time Jessica and I got to hang out all day together. It was amazing to watch all of the kids swim and us just get to lay out in the sun and talk forever! Emersyn lights up every time she is with Jessica too, it is seriously the sweetest thing. We loved our day with them and hopefully we will start to have more.

While we were in town my Grandma stopped by for a visit. Everyone seems to have a crazy grandma, well i do have a C R A Z Y grandma. She means well and is usually very loving but when your G Ma is not too much older than your parents, single, and 6 foot something with hair that changes between shades of purple and pink you cant help but tell the world that she is crazy. So while she is visiting Leighton comes in the room tired and shy, kind of hiding behind me. (I am going to explain this in the best possible way) Grandma leans over (remember 6 foot something and pinkish hair) shakes her entire body (thats a lot of shaking) with her arms out for a hug (thats a huge wing span) and says come give grandma some love. Leighton did not hesitate to give an OH SHIZ face and yell RUN as she bolted  down the hall in true sprinting fashion. Really, she could give some serious advice on form. Chest up, head up and arms trailing behind her. She would have flew away if she could. Luckily Grandma realizes Leighton is too, and was totally oblivious that the mumu she was wearing probably scared the girl half to death to begin with. 

Being back at my parents for a few days really made we feel loved and made me realize i need some more of that spread through out everything in my life. Sometimes i can be total downer and I am sure that person you avoid talking to because they only talk about themselves. For now on I plan on making things about others and showing some loving.

P.S. If you havent entered the giveaway yet, it is not too late. Go now and enter on instagram!

Dear Leighton

Dear Leighton, 

Today you have been so sweet. I am amazed everyday by your crazy spirit but today i was in awe with your sensitive personality. You asked me to hold you while we were shopping and wanted to help pick out a present for Quincy baby. We went to Logandale today and on our way we stopped by grandmas. You asked me not to leave you but cried for 10 minutes because you didn't get to see grandma. You love her so much and she loves you too.  On our way we stopped in Saint George to go shopping, in the first store you stripped down and put on a brand new dress. You always know what you want and obviously exactly how to get it. I hope you always know how to accomplish what you set your mind to. Driving into Logandale you got so excited. You started reaching to the window yelling May May! If only she was here. You miss her so much, i miss her too and she misses you so. When we got to Grandma and Papas you got a hold of Katie's kitten and carried it around like a doll. At one point you grabbed a picture of May May and held it in front of the kitten and told the kitten May May mission. 

Right now you are so in love with repeating words. You say tink bell, elmo, bear, cinderella, and just about any other word i ask you to say, those just happen to be your favorite shows. You love taking care of your baby dolls, reading books and cooking up some yummy meals on your play kitchen. Every  morning when you wake up you climb into bed with me and ask one of two things, gym or dudu. Today i could barely open my eyes so i rolled over and handed you my phone with elmo on and you tucked me back into bed. You are such a big helper. Just before we left the house today i went to get your sister out of her crib and you were already half way down the hall with her. I  still have no idea how you got her out of her crib but she sure was laughing when i found you two. 

You like to be the baby still. I wish you could be a baby forever. You ask me to hold you and you cuddle up in my lap. I am so proud to be your mom though and I love watching you grow. You are always asking questions, you really are so curious. You are learning to count and say your abc's. You are afraid of snakes and bugs. I am always amazed at how girly you can be. You love rocks and the moon. Tonight when we were walking in the house you saw the moon and said "hello moon, I love moon, hold hands?" You put your hand out and reached for it and then said good night. This melted my heart. How are you so caring that you want to hold hands with the moon? You are genuinely so sweet and sensitive. 

Today we met baby Quincy, Whitney and Braden's new baby girl and you had fun exploring the Bowerman home with Whitney's nephews. While we were there you went out side, sat on their porch swing and said swing too and patted next to you. Thank you so much for always including me in your experiences. I love being by your side when you have a smile on your face from something new. You showed off your baby sister today and would point out both babies every time you were near one. You called Emersyn Emma for the first time this week. I hope you always do. It is one of the sweetest words you have ever said. 

Before going into the house tonight i held your hand while you walked along the little brick wall. You wanted to balance on your own so badly. As i held your perfect little hand in mine i thought about how quickly you are trying to grow. If you must grow up just slow down. I want to remember every moment i spend with you, every hug you give me and every kiss i steal. You definitely drive me crazy sometimes but i want to be able to take in every new moment we spend together and i want you to always know how much i love you.

Love, 

You'r Mom

Tips For Traveling With Littles From A Pro

This weeks Link Up just might be the only one i feel like i am an expert on. Traveling with toddlers? Heck I have been traveling with my babies since they were born. Having kids was not about to slow me down. Granted traveling with babies may be easier than a toddler, they can't run away and they don't scream crazy things like your hurting me when you are holding them on a plane, but you can totally kick butt at it, i promise!

Make sure your trip is littles approved-

Basically we have yet to take a trip we couldn't include our babes on but we did plan things to do with them. When we go to vegas we aren't out walking the strip at midnight or staying at hotels with party pools. On our cruise we didn't go to any of the late night shows but that was fine with us. Where ever we go we try to find things to do outside or that are new experiences for the girls. One of our favorites is finding beautiful parks or places to explore. We almost always visit a park at least once to give Leighton time to play.

Be organized and know what you are packing for-

No matter where we go I plan out outfits, how many days will be gone? I double the outfits. A set for the first of the day, half a set in case of accidents and half a set in case of crazy weather. Then I plan wether or not i need to take the essentials with me. (diapers, food, etc.) When we went on a cruise i took jar food, pouches, diapers, snacks everything. When we go to cities, Seattle, San Diego, and Nashville I pack the bare minimum. Only enough diapers to last getting there and the first night, same goes for food. A great trick i learned to get me organized for our first few trips, put each day into its own ziploc baggy, outfit with backup and accessories. 

Carrier, stroller, car seat or all of the above-

I do not travel with out both my wrap and the stroller. So far we haven't had to fly with our double stroller but i wouldn't hesitate to take it at all. We have always dragged along the car seat as well. Luckily we don't rent cars very often but we need it in case we take a taxi (only use carrier styled seat) or borrow a car from a friend. Airlines will allow you to check both a car seat and a stroller for free when a baby (under 2) is flying with you. I check the car seat with my bags and the stroller at the gate. This is the tricky part and where my wrap comes in handy. I wrap baby/ toddler on, throw on a backpack. (I always use a back pack as my carry on/ diaper bag when traveling.) Push the stroller down to the plane and that way i have 2 hands to fold it up and your babe isn't running away from you. Ta Da genius right? 

Dont fret schedules and bring entertainment-

So this one time Leighton watched Pocohantas about a billion times in one week. I am not proud of it, but i was opening the Nashville store and I did not have time to worry about forcing her to sleep. Kids do not sleep well outside of their environment, its just how it is. They will survive a week with an upset schedule. I promise. When we go to Disneyland the girls nap if they fall asleep in the stroller. No way are we going to skip out on hours at the happiest place on earth so they can get a nap in. Same goes with all of our vacation they do get their sleep, believe me when they are tired enough it will happen. Just be sure to keep other forms of entertainment on hand. Movies via phone or iPad, books, coloring, small toys, snacks,whatever will keep them happy. This way you can plan your vacation activities and not be stressing what times to do what because you need to take a 2 hour break in between or be back to the room by 7 for bed time. 

Hope these tips were helpful! Traveling with our girls is one of our favorite things, really. We have trips planned for years to come. Getting out of your normal surroundings and experiencing new things is one of the best ways your children can learn. There is so much culture and life out there to explore and there is no reason to not include your littles while you do. 

Read other bloggers advice on traveling with littles here.

P.S. Go enter my summer go t's giveaway in yesterdays post.

Kicking Off Summer With A Giveaway

Since it is the first week of June i feel like Summer is really here. I don't know why but Summer is my favorite season, especially here in Cedar City. The weather is beautiful, the sun shines every day, there is always something to do and everything just feels happy. I have had my mind set on a huge summer vacation for awhile now, but instead we have decided to spend the summer close to home and you know what i am totally okay with that. So here is our list of things to do this summer and I can't wait to start checking it off! Do you have any fun plans for summer?

Summer Time List

play at the park// go on picnics in the mountains// take weekend trips to the cabin// hike all of the Utah national parks// teach Leighton how to swim// plant a vegetable garden// pick raspberries// run in the sprinklers// play in canyon creek// go to the beach// get a tan// go to disneyland// take our first trip to the zoo// host game and grill nights// run with the sunsets// enjoy the sunrise// go to all the town festivals// run in several races// watch fireworks// eat at the tiki shack// go camping// 

and most importantly... spend lots of time as a family!

Giveaway

Now for what you have all been waiting for! Lets kick summer off with a giveaway! 

Entering is easy, you can enter here on the blog or on Instagram, or both. The more ways you enter the better your chances of winning will be. 

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Summer Favorites

Summer is in full swing around here. FINALLY!

I feel like i have been waiting on these beautiful sunshiny days for far too long. 

Each week i will be posting our favorite summer "go to's" along with a few fun giveaways.
(check back tomorrow for the details on our first giveaway ever)

Enjoy!

All of the above items are found at GAP

P.S. They are having an awesome sale right now! Up to 50% off women and men's favorites as well as 40% off kids faves. Oh and there is an additional 30% off with code SUNFUN.

I am dying over the canvas totes, I feel like they are perfect for days we head to the park or pool and want to throw a bunch of randomness into one big bag. I also prefer wearing my shorts a little longer and it is so hard to find a stylish pair, well hello boyfriend color block shorts, and lets not forget these two adorable dresses. My two year old is in the dress her self stage and guess what she wants to wear everyday? Dresses!