WEEKEND WRAP-UP

     This Week: It feels like it's been a while since I've done one of these, so thank you for sharing in this special occasion with me:) This week was mostly filled with lots of work, with deadlines making me anxious while the piles of laundry got higher and higher. The kind of work week where my laptop was always close at hand and would be tucked under my arm when I went from room to room and outside and back in, following the kids around. It's been interesting having them all home from school and thinking of all the ways to keep them entertained and occupied and learning and not fighting.haha I really feeling like this is the first Summer that we're going to be able to go places and do things together, where they're old enough to actually hold onto some of the memories. I'm trying not to put pressure on us as a family by making big goal lists, so we're not planning specifics but definitely hoping for lots of hikes, road trips, swimming, camping, pizza, star-gazing, and sleeping in our hammocks. Richard hung a couple of them up in the shade trees in the yard and the kids were in heaven. They occupied themselves with them for hours, and it was so fun to look out the kitchen window and see Ellie and John swinging in one, and Sophie laying between Lydia and Evie in the other, and to hear their giggles through the open window. 

     There was real heat this week, and then a couple days that got wet and chilly, enough to make me light a fire and pass around some hot chocolate. I've had Ellie reading to the kids here and there to help her practice and to give me some calm so I can do some yoga. I've been doing it for 15 years or so, but I've never set goals for flexibility or kept any sort of schedule or consistency. I decided to try adding that to my daily routine to aid in meditation and to help calm my anxiety, and I've been blown away at how much it does for me mentally, I'm addicted now. I want to write a post specifically talking about this, so I'll stop here with the yoga talk:) Lets see what else,... 

- We bought a 'big boy bed' for John and now it's just sitting there in pieces and I have to put it together, but he's really excited and has been asking every day since it came when we can set it up. 

- Richard and I moved the picnic table onto the back porch, and we've been eating lots of meals out there. I also collected all my painting supplies and am ready to move my easel onto the porch as well. I painted out there a lot last Fall and it was so serene and peaceful.   

- We're making final plans to go on our big Summer road trip here shortly. We're not too sure of the itinerary (as I said to relieve pressure on ourselves, and also because we just love spontaneity), but we're going all the way across the states to visit Richard's family and to see lots of sites along the way. I've gone on many a road trip with these kids and growing up in a big family that was always on the road seemingly, I've picked up a lot of tricks and things that I'm excited about incorporating. Richard has taken on all the hard planning and logistics, and I'm just thinking about things like how I can make pizza over a campfire in the woods.haha

- Working on the gallery wall still. Thank you for all the helpful tips on Instagram!

- Digging through so many of my recipes books and wanting to cook all of the things, it's a problem. But I've been thinking about making some sort of goal in the future sometimes about cooking something new each week and then sharing it here with a little review for you guys on the recipe and the book. What do you think? 

To-dos and goals for the week:

- finish collecting all the camping gear

- buy the kids some water shoes

- keep juicing every day

- finish mending my shirts

- make a fruit smoothie out of that old tropical fruit blend in the freezer

- sort another box or two in the garage

- bag up the kids winter coats and store them in the basement

- go to the gym more

- find some proper hiking boots

- do more for other people

- have a couple naps

- clarify the clothes system better for Lydia

- try those foam curlers with all the girls sometimes

- catch up with some old friends

- take more family video

- sing out loud more

- take the load in the truck to D.I. 

- lots of deep breaths, always deep breaths

A few facts:

• I heard somewhere that 'silence is golden, unless you're a mom, then silence is a very very bad sign'. That's become very true in our house this week. We can't believe sometimes what we find out has been going on behind our backs.haha
• I've actually been hearing from a lot of you young girls out there who are struggling with feeling like you're good enough for those around you, that bullies pick you apart, and leave you feeling like no matter how hard you try they're never satisfied. I have a lot to say about that and I love writing one on one with you guys, but in general, I want to say that the people who are the most difficult to please are always the people least worth pleasing. They're also the people that will never be happy no matter what you do, so forget them:)
• A sweet mother of two girls and a great friend just had her first little boy and is letting me shoot some pictures of him tomorrow, and I can't wait! It's been ages since I've held a newborn and they just have such a magic about them. Maybe I'll have to share one if she's okay with it:)

Something to take away:

(thank you for those that kindly brought my attention to the situation behind the original quote.)

You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress, simultaneously.

- Sophia Bush

What is something you enjoyed last week, or something you're looking forward to next week? 

See you later friends!

Weekend Wrap-up

THIS WEEK: was the first whole week spent at home in a long while it seems. We've had so many little family outings and work thingies that I've always had something on the horizon that I was mentally and sometimes emotionally preparing for, so it was a nice little break. Richard took my laptop to get fixed by a good friend of his after it crashed mid-youtube upload, and it came back as good as new! So I'm writing from it now, and I have high hopes of progression in every aspect moving forward. 
     April was really a tough month, but I feel like it was also very needed and very important. There was wonderful time spent with family, and lots of happy days, but I also dwealt on pain more than usual. I felt more failure, more helplessness, more fear, and more burdening sorrow than I've had weigh on me in a while, so going into May and a new Monday at the same times seems like just the blessing I needed to reset myself a bit and move forward. Soaking all of that darkness into myself and using it to propel me onward and upward, letting it give me more depth of spirit and empathy in my soul. 
     I had some really good realizations about myself this past month, lots of parenting inspiration to further help each child with their current struggles, lots of strengthening talks with Richard, many mental notes of how I can be better. I accomplished a bunch of projects that have needed done for over a year some of them, so all in all, right now at least.haha I'm feeling good, breathing deep, and breathing in the last bits of April air while they last.

SNAPSHOTS OF THE WEEK: 

Follow along @thefreckledfox on Instagram 

TO-DO'S & GOALS FOR THE WEEK:

- write up a new little health and fitness plan for May
- organize my blogging schedule for May

- set a new YouTUbe posting goal
- sort the office once and for all
- work at finishing the gallery wall
- start teaching the girls piano weekly
-start trying yoga again
- work on my friendships
- set up the girl's chore charts
- set work hours for myself
- keep up with water drinking (I've been awful)
- try to get more sleep
- make more smoothies
- take each kiddie out on a date
- plan a family trip for after school ends
- keep up the good deed days with the kiddos
- give myself more grace 
- write a letter, on paper
- cook more
- spend as much time in the sun as I can

A FEW FACTS:

• Did you know that I can't snap my fingers? yeah, no. I've tried and tried for years. So many people have tried to teach me, but to no avail.haha I don't know anyone else who struggles with this on the planet, so please tell me if you do too! We can start a support group.haha
• I have a big thing for documentaries and especially ones related to nature and wildlife like Planet Earth. Oddly enough (or not surprising at all depending on how you look at it.haha) Richard loves it too! 
• My parents taught us growing up that chocolate was bad for you, so we weren't allowed to eat it. I didn't end up having a single chocolate thing until I was about 12. A friend gave me an oreo and I just couldn't withstand the peer-pressure! haha So really though, I'm not kidding.haha

SOMETHING TO TAKE AWAY:

"Strength doesn't come from what you can do easily, 
it comes from accomplishing the thing that you once thought you couldn't."
- Rikki Rogers

Cheers for the new week ahead my friends:)

So long April! 

xoxoxo

weekend wrap-up

THIS WEEK: This week was all California, all warm weather, all hotel sleeping, some classes, a few keynotes, a little bit of volleyball, lots of ice cream and burgers, a bunch of quiet time, some heart chats, some tears, many tight hugs, a couple bumpy flights, too much Dramamine, several late-night thinking/planning sessions, mood-swings, memories, a new audiobook obsession, endless wind in my hair, and a whole lotta smiles. If you didn't know, Richard and I got the opportunity to attend the Altitude Design Summit blogger conference and we were there all of this last week:) We were only able to go thanks to my sweet sister-in-law Robyn and her family, and my good friend Maria and her fam, and it was such a big deal to us. We weren't able to really afford the time or money for any sort of getaway since we've been hitched, and babysitters are really really hard to come by, so it was for sure a big treat, but we were so excited to come home again. We missed the kiddies after the first day, but knew they were having a blast with their sleepovers. It was just the perfect amount of time away, and I feel refreshed and calm and excited for another Monday:)

SNAPSHOTS OF THE WEEK: 

Follow along @thefreckledfox on Instagram 

Lets see what else from this last week... we came home to warmer weather and nearly melted snow, I cracked open a book for the first time in nearly a year, I didn't go to the gym once and ate a ton of junk so I feel like crap:( The kids are all doing really well. There's a great balance of teary heart-to-heart talks and really happy times and giggles, and we have lots of get-togethers with Martin's family and good local friends who have been through it all with us, which is great. Ellie decorated her Valentines box for school and is SO excited, Evie learned to say "you're welcome" and also "meow" when you ask her what kitties say (I about died), we started season 2 of Bones, my stress breakouts are still going strong *eye-roll*, I finally managed a headstand and am like 4 inches away from splits (!), John's hair is longer than ever at nearly past his ears (still trying to decide if I let it keep going or cut it?), Lydia decided that she wants braids "evvy day fo-evvor mama." haha Sophia says she wants to be a good cooker when she 'gwoes up' so she's writing lists of what food she wants me to teach her to make this week, Richard is getting really stoked about riding his motorcycle again once the snow is gone, and I've decided that Eppy gives the best welcome-home greetings ever.

TO-DO'S & GOALS FOR THE WEEK:

- organize my blogging schedule

- clean the basement carpets after the flooding *more eye-rolls*

- break out my sewing machine and finish a quilt

- publish a YouTube video

- point my face to the sun and breathe it in every day

- kids daily good deeds 

- delete my facebook app

- start on the gallery wall once and for all

- sort a couple more boxes from the garage

- practice more boldness and bravery

- more cooking classes with the older girls 

- keep up the family yoga

- make chore charts for the kiddos

- go to the gym six days this week

- remember to guard my time fiercely

- take more time to enjoy and invest in people 

A FEW FACTS:

• Don't sweat the petty things, and don't pet the sweaty things.
• Lately I'm trying to tell women when I see beauty in them, whether it's their smile, a cute outfit, great eyebrows, fun hair, etc, and if not I just give them a big smile. The worst that happens is I get funny looks.haha But it's wonderful when you see them melt a bit in embarrassment and give a shy "thank you." It's a good feeling, and it's helping my social anxiety a little too.
• I don't know the leading causes of heart attacks, but children suddenly appearing by the side of your bed and grabbing your arm is probably one of them. Can I get an amen. 

SOMETHING TO TAKE AWAY:

"Working out is a celebration of what your body can do, 

not a punishment for what you ate." -Women's Health UK

Thanks for hangin' in there with me guys, be back here soon, 

Weekend Wrap-up

Here's to a great new week my friends. Many of you have suggested that sharing more of my 'old' types of posts might help life feel a little more normal, and actually it did feel pretty good just typing up the words 'weekend wrap-up' in the title, so here goes:

THIS LAST WEEK: mostly involved lots of extra one-on-one kiddo time, many many laundry loads, lots of great new music playing around the house, and tons of dreaming and planning. I found myself curled up on the couch many times with my little ones reading and coloring or playing/arguing around me, while I scribbled up lists of Fall activities to do together, places we wanted to go, treats to make, things I want to write about here, etc. And did I already talk about the treats I want to make? :) Anyways, you guys know how much I love making lists. I've gotten used to feeling consumed by all that I have to do and am behind on, as I know many of us do, but through the daily pressures and stress about meeting every need, I can smile thinking about that growing list of happy goals sitting on the kitchen counter. Something about the new season always inspires changes though, don't you think? Especially with how much our life is evolving lately, I'm seeing such positive changes everywhere, for the kids especially. The future feels so bright, but every day holds so much enthusiasm for them. 

SNAPSHOTS OF THE WEEK: (I've not been super great at taking pictures, but I'm working at it:)

Follow along @thefreckledfox on Instagram

TO-DO'S & GOALS FOR THE WEEK:
- teach the girls how to french braid
- stack up the wood pile
- keep a consistent workout schedule
- try filming some family videos 
- try wearing more than shades of black and gray
- figure out what everyone wants to be for Halloween
- find the missing Harry Potter DVD so we can start our marathon
- finally hang up the photos and things stacked around the house
- sort more boxes out of the garage 
- practice more boldness and bravery
- use the big camera every day
- finish digging the firepit in the backyard

A FEW FACTS:
- The weather has been changing a lot around here in the last week, and suddenly our trees out back are dumping the rest of their orange leaves onto the still-bright-green grass. So it's officially that awkward phase between fake Fall and real Fall, but we're loving it anyways.
- Believe it or not, I'm still figuring out how snapchat works? but the kids and I love playing with the filters, and I only send clips to like three friends and my sister:)
- Moving forward I do wonder what type of posts I haven't shared in awhile that you'd personally like to see come back? 

SOMETHING TO TAKE AWAY:

"Always go with the choice that scares you the most, 
because that's the one that is going to help you grow the most." -Caroline Myss

How has October been treating you so far? Hope to see you guys back here tomorrow. 
So much love and appreciation,

Weekend Wrap-up || Life update

THIS WEEK: was about coming home from the hospital in Houston and finding my footing again. It was full of playdates for the kids, yummy treats and meals covered with plastic wrap delivered to our door, tight hugs from the sweetest friends, cherry blossoms outside the kitchen window, so many delicious baby giggles, and lots of contemplation.
On the other side of the spectrum, it was full of sleepless nights, sorting through too many pill bottles over and over, feelings of regret and fear and acceptance, trying to make sense of it all. There were swollen eyes in the morning, signing for his oxygen tank, pleading with him to 'take just one more bite', and making the first big decisions by myself since our marriage. Martin can't stay awake much at all because of his level of pain medication, and the valuable time he is awake is spent trying to get as much food and liquid in him as I can. He's so groggy that he can't keep people or objects or his surroundings straight, and his confusion makes it impossible(and dangerous) to leave him on his own for even a short time.

Last Wednesday was his birthday, as well as our sweet Sophia who turned 5, and I took her on her birthday date without Martin (a tradition that we always look forward to with our kids) while he stayed with family at the house sleeping. I had to hold her hands and try to explain to her why daddy couldn't be with us, but that I know he wanted to more than anything. My kind sisters-in-law threw her an Elsa birthday party per her request, and a sweet friend made her the best cake ever. She had a really wonderful day overall:)

SNAPSHOTS FROM THE WEEK: 

Follow along @thefreckledfox on Instagram for the latest updates on our life, etc:)

Moving forward I plan on writing a more in-depth post of what our experience was at the hospital in Texas, and what our plans are moving forward, so feel free to ask questions below that I can address. The short version though is that our main oncologist there recommended the immunotherapy combination that we were hoping for (that was just approved in the states several months ago), which is kind of the next step of what he's already been doing in Mexico. He wouldn't have many side effects at all from the immunotherapy, but the pain level from the growing tumors in his liver has been so severe, he has to be highly medicated until they shrink- which is the hope. He will be able to get his next infusion of treatment locally(such a blessing), and then every other treatment(they happen every 3 weeks now) will be done in Houston with a set of scans to go with it. The best part of this route I think though, is that results can sometimes be seen as easry as the 6 week scan- which is super dooper fast.

As far as my blog, this space of mine has been such good therapy for me, and such a great outlet for to share things that I love and things that I'm working on, trying out, striving for, and that inspire me to be better. As funny as it may sound for any none-bloggers, I really crave getting my hands on the keyboard and hearing the clack of the keys, but just as I was feeling like our world was flowing smoothly again, the rug really got pulled out from under us again, and this time I feel like it's going up in smoke. It has been a year now so I'm no stranger to all of this, but I'm still sorting out my emotions and feel very confused and broken at times. The rest of the time I'm so so humbled by the kindness and generosity of everyone around me who is pulling together to hold our family up and help us along, and that includes of course the amazing support from you guys:)

There's a fine line between explaining enough about my/our situation so I can move forward, while keeping my sweetheart on the pedestal where he belongs. So my hope is that in putting this information and photos, etc, out there that I can continue to find balance in sharing the right amount, satisfying all angles as best as I can, and

TO-DO's AND GOALS FOR THE WEEK:
- take more time to meditate and find daily peace
- have more patience with my girls
- do something anonymous to make someone else happy
- try to film more everyday moments at home

A FEW FACTS:
- I found in Houston that there wasn't anything quite so relaxing as driving down the road with the windows down, indie music on quietly, and the warm breeze in my face.
- I never thought that I would look forward to siliva on my shoulder and sticky fingerprints on my pants, but after getting home to my babies, those simple things made me so happy.
- I was sure that I made my favorite cinnamon roll, but I was wrong. One of our good friends makes the most amazing one I've ever had, and I'm going to see what I can do about getting it for you guys:)

SOMETHING TO TAKE AWAY:
The man on top of the mountain didn't fall there. 

                               - Vince Lombardi

Did you have a good week? Has your new week been better so far? Thanks so much for visiting, 

Weekend Wrap-up

THIS WEEK: was mostly spent doing housework, zipping up coats, preheating the oven, wiping little noses, braiding hair, taking temperatures, listening to old Coldplay, and clinging to my pillow as little hands tug excitedly on my foot each morning. Mentally I've been telling myself that Martin's about to leave again for his treatment program and that everything is going to go smoothly with the family while he's gone. In reality, it doesn't help my anxiety much.haha I've hidden a bit from the blog and social media this week, for the most part again because of the flu and cold bugs making their way through the whole family, but also, because whenever I want to cover over reality a bit I tend to just tuck into myself and turn into a hermit. Turning off the screens and getting into a quiet mindless rhythm of mommyhood. It feels good in the moment, but once I sort of wake up again I usually wish I hadn't checked out for so long.

Every time I sit down to blog I imagine that I'm writing to a great friend about what we've been up to lately, and then I think about how much I have to catch that friend up and I feel tired and deflated, so I just turn to emails and other deadlines. The longer I wait, of course, the more I have to catch up later. It's a vicious cycle:) I think I just really need it to be Spring. The cold weather has been a really great excuse to lock the doors and huddle up, but we all have cabin fever over here, and we need the sunshine on our faces again. My poor little babies need to run and yell and get dirty without having their tiny hands going numb with the bitter cold. Here's to warmer weather scheduled for this week! :)

SNAPSHOTS OF THE WEEK:

Follow along @thefreckledfox on Instagram for the latest updates on our life, etc:)

TO-DO'S & GOALS FOR THE WEEK:
- make sure Ellie gets her valentines ready for school
- send Martin off safely
- keep up with the laundry folding
- try making a new recipe
- film a family vlog
- publish a new post every day
- write with more open-ness
- write down a photo goal for the family
- load up the firewood
- keep chipping away at my over-loaded inbox
- get in touch with some friends
- teach Ellie how to crochet
- sing out loud
- do something anonymous to make someone happy

A FEW FACTS:
- I can't wait to sleep with the window open at night again, for iced drinks in the shade, to hear the laughter echo across the pasture while they play, for the sunshine on my face, for the smell of fresh cut grass.
- Struggling with self-doubt on the daily can be such a crippling thing. I feel like I am constantly standing in my own way, and I think back on our life a year ago and how much potential we really had and didn't even know it. It's amazing what we're capable of when our mind is clear and unclouded.
- I'm making a very conscious effort to type more straightforward from here on out. To just let my mind guide my fingers in the moment, and not erasing the paragraphs that maybe aren't as positive as the others. I've been trying to figure out how to share happy posts one day and 'real talk' posts the next (since that's my life currently) without giving everyone whip-lash, but I just think I need to stop worrying about that and publish whatever comes out. Sound okay to you? haha

SOMETHING TO TAKE AWAY:

Keep your face to the sun, and you will never see shadows.

                            - Helen Keller

How has February been treating you?? Thanks so much for visiting!

WEEKEND WRAP-UP

This week: was a blend of sweet triumph and utter failure.haha Martin and I sit together every Sunday night with our phones and calendars and plan out the week ahead, and since he only got back from completing his treatment last Saturday, we had soooo many things planned for this week. Way too many things.haha I felt frustrated a lot seeing so many goals go unfinished, but we really did accomplish a lot of projects too, a lot of happy laughs, a lot of satisfying scratches of pen on my pad. I may never come into a complete rhythm with running the house, keeping the kids healthy and happy, helping Martin as best I can, keeping up with all my work, and so on, but I do love the flexibility and spontaneity that results of that as well. Next week will be even better:)

Snapshots of the week: 

Follow along @thefreckledfox on Instagram for the latest updates on our life, etc:)

To-dos and goals for the week:

 - go the corn maze with the family

 - carve pumpkins

 - work off another chunk of my inbox

 - make a pie

 - make a couple 'just because' phone calls

 - start/finish the Halloween costumes

 - bag up all the leaves in the yard

 - try for exercise 5 days this week

 - keep up my water intake

 - unpack the rest of the office

 - try to get more sleep

 - play dress-up with the kids

 - do some more Fall/Halloween crafts with the kiddies

 - watch a really scary movie with Martin

 - watch hocus pocus with the kids

 - see how the fireplace works for the first time

 - have our first bonfire in the backyard

 - make sweet memories 

 - take as many pictures as I can manage

A few facts:

• In case you didn't see on Instagram, I finally discovered periscope? haha Am I the only one who had a busy Spring and Sumer and somehow missed the great launch? haha I like the idea of it a ton more than snap chat! Anyway's, I think I've finally worked up enough courage to start broadcasting, but I don't know where to start! So if you have any ideas on what type of stuff you'd be interested in seeing me 'scope' about, please share:)
• As part of my return to being more mindful when it comes to my diet and exercise this past week I decided to be brave and try hummus again (since the first and last time I tried it I was NOT a fan), and you know what? It rocked. The end.
• When I was making my playlist last week, I decided to look up Adele and see if she'd released anything new that we'd missed somehow, and she had! Well, a little sneak peek of her new album (25)that's just baaaaarely available for preorder as of... yesterday?Anyways, in case you fellow fans hadn't heard:) 

Something to take away:

"We have to choose joy, and keep choosing it."  - Henri J.M. Nouwen

What's something you're looking forward to this week? Thanks for visiting!

Weekend Wrap-up

This week: was mostly full of more unpacking craziness/fun and the first ever home-cooked meals in the new house, but the biggest event of all was the very late-night surprise of having Martin show up on the doorstep when I was expecting him to be gone for two more weeks! He got a few days off while the hospital did some neat things with his extracted blood, etc, and he hoped on a plane to be with us. He has to be back on Tuesday however, so we've worked it out for Ellie and I to go back with him for a a couple days and then come home. The results of his first round of treatment and home program came back, and I'm anxious to talk to the Doctors and ask them a million questions. I'm also nervous to be going back there not only because of having to return to that mindset so fully after pushing everything to the back-burner for the last few months, but also because my sweet little Evie doesn't have her passport and I've never been away from her for more than an hour or so. It breaks my heart to be so pulled around between my loves, but there's no way around it:( The younger kiddies will be staying with very close family and friends, and I'll just keep reminding myself that it's only two nights...only two nights.

Snapshots of the week: Saturday fun putting a wagon together for the family, a little collection of favorite cutting-boards, my littlest darling, and some big beauties that are renting out one of our pastures.

Follow along @thefreckledfox on Instagram 

To-dos and goals for the week:
 - unpack the rest of the basement
 - have a bonfire with the older girls
 - finally make it to the gym
 - break out the heavy comforters
 - wash the windows
 - drink more water
 - work at being a better listener
 - plan all the Halloween costumes
 - make some hot chocolate
 - have lots of extra snuggles with my kiddies


A few facts:

• The last time Ellie was on a plane was the last trip we ever went on together, when she was 6 months old. She is going to have so much fun:)
• We decided this week that caramel corn is just one of those rare things that are much better when you buy it and/or not worth the effort of trying to make it. 
• TMI nursing warning- I know that it's only a couple days, but I'm worried about my 'supply' taking a big hit as she's been growing so much lately, and it means so much to me to be able to keep it with this little girl especially, so any tips would be great if you have them:)
•  I think I'm finally getting to a place with a few of the rooms that I can start sharing tours. Exciting stuff:) 

Something to take away:

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"

                                                      - Wayne Gretzky

                                                    - Michael Scott

Thanks so much for visiting, 

Weekend Wrap-up

This Week: was full of list making, long night talks, cool breezes in the afternoon, and creamsicles. It was also full of nail painting parties (the joys of having lots of girls), cartoons, time-outs, fresh melon, and a dangerous trip to the carwash, so pretty average and good all around:) 
Side-note: Every time I think we're getting into a steady rhythm, something big comes up that could potentially throw everything off balance. Now that Evie is a month old (wahhh) and sleeping and eating right on schedule, it's time to potty-train John! This is the first little man that I've ever had to potty train and I confess that I was a little scared to get started, but there's no turning back now, and since I've been changing three kids diapers 5+ times a day for the last month, nobody is more motivated than me to get this thing done.haha

Weekly Snapshots: 

Follow along @thefreckledfox on Instagram 

To-do's and Goals for the Week:

- take the kids to the new park
- try breaking out the vlogging camera again
- write up a fitness/health plan for when I'm ready
- start a new book
- run that old laundry load again and actually dry it this time...
- juice every day
- potty-train John :)
- try doing my first make-up tutorial for my YouTube channel
- stick to the new family/house routine as best as possible
- keep after Martin to stay on top of his medication
- sort my sewing room once and for all
- whiten my teeth
- have a date with Marty
- call about piano lessons for the girlies
- work at answering my texts faster
- take lots of deep breaths :)

A Few Facts: 

•  I realized that I might just be the only person using RewardStyle that didn't get or share anything from Nordstrom in the past month.haha #bandwagonfail
• We have something super dooper exciting happening this week that I can't wait to share with you guys! And I'll just say right away that no it has nothing to do with Martin or pregnancy or short hair-cuts.haha
• I can't believe my sweet baby girl is already a month old:( Don't like it one bit.

Something To Take Away:

"Whatever makes you weird, is probably your greatest asset" - Joss Whedon via Pinterest

Thanks so much for visiting, and I appreciate you so so much! Have a great day,

Weekend Wrap-up

This Week: The weather started out chillier on Monday and funnily enough got progressively warmer by like 6 degrees as each day passed, which has made this weekend even better! Also it has been so awesome having Lydia walking everywhere this week because she's been so extra sweet and happy, John has decided that "nope" is a really great answer for every instruction I give him.haha Sophie has been drawing non-stop this week and her pictures are amazing! and miss Ellie had a dr's appointment this week to finally go after some little warts she has on her hand poor girly:( But she was brave and is happy to have them going away.
In other news I played laser tag for the first time ever this weekend on a date with Martin and some good friends which was So Fun! I also made my goal of going to the gym three times, but missed one of my cardio days, and lastly we've been trying to film some footage here and there for a weekend vlog! In case you missed the memo I'm going to be much more regular on YouTube, so definitely check that out if you're interested:)

Weekly Snapshots: amazing cherry blossoms around our neighborhood this week // some of my favorite shots from our family shoot with the incredible Justin Hackworth // a little taste of a big surprise that's coming to the blog very soon! (pic by Morgan < 3 ) // a lovely assembly of pastel goodies from Lulu's

Weekly Snapshots via @thefreckledfox on Instagram 

To-do's and Goals for the Week:

- have a family yard day
- plan our Easter dinner
- clean off my desk
- film another vlog! :)
- take the girls to Cinderella
- keep up the meal plan
- finish the laundry (story of my life)
- fix the kiddie pool
- keep up with my vitamins
- shave me legsies
- set more gym goals
- catch up on emails
- sort my sewing table off
- whiten my teeth
- do an Easter craft with the kiddos
- Have a great holiday weekend!

A Few Facts: 

• I still have empty walls in the Nursery, and I need advice as to your favorite shops for wall art or DIY's for what to decorate with!
• If I was a food this week, I would be Watermelon.. oh wait, that's every week when I'm pregnant!
• One thing that I'm really not a fan of this pregnancy is gum, or any kind.haha Which is funny because normally I love mint gum like 24/7! Poor people that have to be up close and personal with me.haha What's something you normally love that you disliked while pregnant?

Something To Take Away:

"You can never cross the ocean, unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore." - via Pinterest

I've Loved that this week! Because too often It's hard to let go of where we're comfortable in order to progress.

Thanks so much for visiting as usual, and I appreciate you so so much! Have a great day!

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Weekend Wrap-up

This Week: Martin and I have been working hard to get ahead, and it's been so nice to feel like we're not drowning in work anymore! We started having big planning/ calendering sessions on Sunday nights after the kiddies are asleep for the week ahead, mostly so we can coordinate our weeks and set goals, and then we can check up on each other throughout the day to see how our to-do lists are going. He usually gets loads more done in a day than I do, but it's all good- I have the kids to help me with my work so there's that! haha 

Ellie has been drawing the best pictures this week, I just want to frame them all! Sophie has been managing to get so much dirt in her hair we could start a mini garden, John seems to have developed this crazy appetite for cold cereal this week and can talk about nothing else, and Lydia has successfully unrolled exactly 5 rolls of toilet paper at different times and in different locations around the house.hahaha So yeah it's been a good one!

Weekly Snapshots: 

Weekly Snapshots via @thefreckledfox on Instagram 

To-do's and Goals for the Week:

- clean out the cars
- sell the old expedition
- drink my preggo tea every day!
- finish 'it starts with food'
- film more videos!
- take the kiddies swimming
- re-pot my cacti 
- keep up with instagram updates
- try eating meat again
- teach Ellie to braid
- work on Lydi's walking
- take a lush-bomb bath :):)
- do some yoga
- read to the kiddos every night
- break out the camera more
- plan the nursery!
- sort my nightstand once and for all

A Few Facts: 

• All I want for breakfast, lunch, and dinner lately is pan-fried zuchinni with salt and pepper. the end. 
• We haven't really had the chance to go the the theater lately, and there have been lots of movies that I really don't care to see now that they're out of theaters-is that funny?
• this little miss has been keeping me awake the last few nights, but I'm still too happy about so much activity from her that I can't be irritated.haha

Something To Take Away:

"Great Things Never Come From Comfort Zones" - via Pinterest

Thanks for stopping by, and as always I hope you have a great rest of your new week ahead!

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Weekend Wrap-up

This Week: was such a full and fun week! You already know a lot of these details if you follow on Instagram and/or Facebook (which I highly recommend *wink*), but this was my week to fly off into the clouds and visit The Grand America in SLC for Altitude Summit. Martin was a perfect angel in taking off work for my whole trip to watch the kids on his own! It was s huge spoiler for me and I'm so lucky to have such a patient and selfless guy by my side:)

The short version of Alt is that it was perfectly awesome:) The longer version will be coming in a blog post sometime this week after a bunch of you asked for my recap! haha Essentially though it's a big blogging conference where influencers and brands can connect, where people wear crazy outfits and stay up crazy hours, where the days are full of fantastic classes covering all aspects of personal branding, business marketing, social media, and so on, and the nights are full of themed parties (Downton Abbey dinner party anyone?) as far as the eye can see.haha I learned so much and met so many awesome people and brand representatives, and I'm feeling on top of the world:) 

Weekly Snapshots: 

Weekly Snapshots via @thefreckledfox on Instagram 

To-do's and Goals for the Week:

- be more patient

- clean out all the cars

- work more efficiently

- drink more water

- catch up on the laundry folding (story of my life)

- go to bed earlier

- jump on the trampoline with the kiddos

- clean out the chicken coup

- take my vitamins

- write out my cleanse plan
- try lifting weights
- bake a pie with the girls
- be more present
- plan a camping trip
- get the girls chore charts set up
- clean off my desk
- find new music

A Few Facts: 

• I'm currently addicted to the citrus and the coconut Lindt truffles. Soooo gooooood.
• We've been having pretty warm weather recently, but my toes are still always cold! Do you have that problem? 
• We went to the midwife this week to check on the little miss that kicks my guts all night, and she is measuring perfectly with a good strong heartbeat! People keep asking if I'm concerned that I'm not showing that much, but this is how all my pregnancies go really, and I pop out 10lb babies just about every time! haha

Something To Take Away:

"Great Things Never Come From Comfort Zones" - via Pinterest

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you have a great rest of your new week!

 

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Weekend Wrap-up

This Week: marks the first week of January and the first week of the new year! This is always my favorite month for diving in and getting a jumpstart on living life to the fullest. 

I know you're sick of hearing about my morning sickness, but I feel that I was a bit jipped these last couple months full of so many holidays because I felt so crummy for them. I LOVE blogging during the holidays normally but this year I missed out on sharing some of my favorite types of posts, I even slept through Black Friday and threw up through cyber Monday.haha (sorry tmi!) Its just been a really sad way to spend the holidays, but I was determined to jump in come January! 
Don't get me wrong, we had a great Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve in spite of my sickness, and I'm really glad for the opportunity to get so low so I can better appreciate rising up again so to speak.haha And I have been feeling better lately! So here's to a brand new start, and thank you so much for continuing to support and encourage, and follow along!! 

Weekly Snapshots: 

Weekly Snapshots via @thefreckledfox on Instagram 

To-do's and Goals for the Week:

- take the family on a little birthday trip
- find out the gender of the baby! 

- start my crazy house cleaning plan

- do a photo shoot of the cat

- keep up my planner

- start a brand new book!

- get rid of this cold :(

- catch up on all the laundry

- make a phone call each day just because

- start on the parlor curtains

- build a snowman with the girls!

- start their chore charts

- shar my big special exciting surprise project;)

- go to bed earlier

A Few Facts: 

• I'm getting kicked in the belly by the baby as I type this, and even though this is the 5th time it never ever gets any less magical... Even after those feet reach your rib cage.haha
• Lately I can't stand the noise in the car. Every time I turn it on the radio goes off and stays off:) I love driving in quiet. ... The kids are pretty quiet.haha
• I'm looking for a new comedy tv show to start watching with Martin! We just finished the office again and we've watched parks and rec too, so any ideas along those lines would be great!!
• Since I'd been reduced to eating such simple simple foods for the last few months, now that I can eat a bit more flavor again I keep forgetting to moderate and I go crazy.haha yesterday I made 6 slices of egg-in-the-hole and ate them all! Ugghhhh....
• Tomorrow is my birthday, and I have a big secret I'm sharing!!
• Also we could have found out the gender of the baby a few weeks ago, but since we use a midwife and have to go out of town for an ultrasound, that's happening tomorrow as well!! I can't wait to share!!

Something To Take Away:

12 months

52 weeks

360 days

8,760 hours

Make Them Count!!

I hope you have a great start to your new week, and avoid the Monday blues! Take care mah dears,

 

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