Perspective

This last week, I got a little bit of perspective on what life is all about.  Last Thursday, my friend texted me and told me to look out my back window.  There was a huge cloud of smoke, and it seemed rather close.  After reading further, there was a wild fire that started due to some Target Practice.  I didn't think much of it at the time.  Friday morning, I woke up and the smell was overpowering.  I got a text message from another friend that there was a mandatory evacuation starting a half mile from us and going east.  I quickly called Sara, one of my BFF's who lived in the evacuation area.  She was trying to pull some things together to get her family out of her house.  We had plans to go to the zoo that day since my mother in law and brother in law were in town.  I drove up to Sandy to get her, and after talking about it, we decided it would be good to go home and gather some things just in case the wind shifted and we did have to be evacuated.  Marshall came home from work and met us there.  Besides essentials like you would find in a 72 hour kit, I was at a loss at what to pack.  I got a laundry basket and started to put some photo albums, our computers & external hard drive, camera, and some important documents in the basket.  I then looked at the basket and realized that everything in there I could live without.  Sure, it would be hard to lose some old photos and such, but the real things that I needed were the people in my life, my family.  I honestly realized that I could live without a lot of things as long as I have my husband and boys.

The fire was finally contained yesterday and everyone was able to go back to their homes within about 24 hours of being evacuated.  Thankfully, no homes were burned, but it's amazing what kind of perspective a situation like that can give you.

A Fathers Day to Remember - Mets Game & Eli Manning

This weekend the fam went to New York.  We left on Saturday morning and got back reeeally late on Sunday night.  That's about 10 hours of flying within one day. :)  About a week ago, Pampers put out an invitation to all that are on the baby board to be flown out to NYC to meet Eli Manning and go to the Mets Game.  They had partnered with him for a Most Valuable Dads event and we were going to get to go!  We got up bright and early and left on our flight at 8 am.

The boys did really good until about 3 hours in.  They started to get restless, but can you blame them?  We got to New York at about 3 pm and the 4 of us piled into the back of a cab.  Once we got there, we were so tired that we hung out in our hotel room until it was time for dinner.  We walked with some of the Pampers PR reps and some of the other board members and their families down to a fabulous Italian Restaurant.  We were in the penthouse with windows all around.  The view was fabulous and the food was great too.

 Since we hadn't really eaten all day, we all ate quite a bit.  After that, we decided to go see Times Square.  Times Square on a Saturday night is VERY VERY crowded and dirty.  So dirty.  Both Marshall and I held on to the boys tight and we actually carried Rowan most of the time.  We made a couple of stops, one which included the M&M factory and the Ferris Wheel in Toys R Us.  The boys were impressed with all of the lights but after those two little stops, we were all ready to head back.

The next morning, we headed out to CitiField where the Mets game was going to be.

 We had a special Meet & Greet with Eli Manning where he answered some questions and talked about his 14 month old daughter, Ava.  We then got a picture with him which was pretty cool.

Before we headed out to the game, we got a nice gift bag with Mets merchandise, treats, gift card and some other things.  We sat with some friends for lunch and then headed up to find our seats.

Going to a major league baseball game is FUN!  Eli Manning and his daughter threw the first pitch.  I loved the music and how interactive the crowd was.  The boys did really great.  We did have to get up once to go walk around and get ice cream but Chandler really liked it a lot.  Rowan ended up playing the ipad a lot, but at least he was happy. :)  I think it's probably at the top of the list for Fathers Days for Marshall.  He definitely deserves it.  He works so hard for our family and does so SO much for us.

After the game it was time to go back to the airport to fly out.  It was a fast trip but one that we all will remember!

Little Fishes

We are well into summer and a lot of our activities revolve around water.  Since I only go to school/work 2 days a week, it leaves lots of time for me to spend with the boys.  We went to Seven Peaks the other day for the first time.  Chandler can ride on the tube slides by himself which he was thrilled about.  It made it easier because I can hold Rowan on my lap and Chandler will just wait for us at the bottom.  Today we also went up to my sister Avry's pool to go swimming.  They have a neighborhood pool that they pay a small HOA for and I so SO wish that we had a pool included in our HOA.  The boys had a fabulous time and were like little fishes.  I'm sure we'll be up there a few more times before the summer was over.  If only she didn't live an hour away.

Chandler getting ready to go swimming.  The little floaty thing is actually supposed to go up much higher.  It's more of a small aid than a life vest and he did really well with it.

Rowan floating in the pool

Chandler jumping in the pool, his face is priceless

I LOOOVE this picture.  I want to hold onto this moment and his little 4 year old face forever.

Hanging out in the shade with my sis.

I was telling him to get down right here...while taking his picture. ;)  He just looked at me like he wasn't doing anything, or that he wouldn't fall. 

Trying to get a peek at what his cousins Sav & Maeli are reading.

Content

It seems like many times in my life I've either wished for the future or longed for the past.  Marshall and I are always saying: "When this happens."  Or "Next year..." Or "Remember when...?"  I almost forget to live in the moment.  Sitting here tonight, the boys are sleeping soundly, my house is pretty darn clean (which is amazing that it's clean,)  I got a good run in, and spent some time with my boys after work.  I can't help but think how content I am and how good life really is.

I have the two most handsome and wonderful boys.  I wish I could pause time as they are both in the cutest stages right now.
My husband is loving, supportive, helpful and just plain wonderful.
For the first time in my life, I am working a job that I really love and feel like I'm actually making a difference.  School is much less demanding and not so bad when you are getting paid.  (Not to mention my 2nd job the blog where I'm my own boss.  That's pretty amazing in and of itself.)
I've reflected on my testimony of the church this last month, only to realize just how strong and firm I am in my faith.  Such a comfort.
I'm in better shape than I've ever been and have exercised 4-6 times a week consistently for 7 months now.

Don't get me wrong, life isn't perfect and there are plenty of things I  *could* complain about.  But I won't.  Tonight I am content.

Living Room Redo

When we first moved into our house, we painted the living room walls a sage green.  I'm the type of person that buys two gallons of paint and then just comes home to paint.  I never really loved the color and decided that I wanted to paint and kind of revamp the room.  My sister Avry is amazing when it comes to decorating, being crafty, etc.  She has great taste and offered to come help me with it. I did the painting beforehand and I am so so sick of painting.  The whole living room took me about 10 hours and the striped wall was another 4 1/2.  Avry did so much - spray painted frames, made me a canvas and subway art, put together a mirror, made curtains, and came and helped me paint, spray paint and everything else you can imagine last week.  She was here until 1 am the day of and I am so so grateful to have her.  There are still things that I need to do, touch up paint and antique the end tables, get throw pillows, some candle holders for the striped wall and more but I was too excited not to share.  My poor carpet needs a serious cleaning or to just be replaced.  We are thinking of tiling and getting some new furniture, but it may be a while before that happens.  Best of all, we redid this entire room for under $100. 

Before

After