Subscription Boxes

I am absolutely loving subscription boxes; there are so many to choose from and such great surprises each month. My hubby always says he doesn't know what to get me; so this year for my birthday I told him I wanted to try several new boxes. I already subscribe to PopSugar Must Have, which is awesome! Loved last April's box with Chrissy Teigen's cookbook.  Based on reviews from the spring box of FabFitFun, I reactivated my subscription. I signed up for Lit-cube, The Book(ish) Box, and Stars Hollow Monthly. So excited for all the literary boxes, reading is one of the few hobbies I can still fit in with all my kiddos keeping me busy. I also decided to get my kids into subscription boxes and signed my two older ones up for NerdBlock Jr Boys and Girls.

Christmas is Coming

It seems like every time I want to write a post; I am too busy or tired. I can't help but make sure I share just how much I love the holidays!! This is my favorite time of the year; the music, the spirit, and the time with friends and family. The other day, I took the kids to Starbucks and of course had to use the drive thru because 4 kids would make it hard to carry my coffee. I bought the kids a treat and my coffee, I had to reload my card to pay for the order and when I got to the window, the woman ahead of us had paid for our order. Of course, I paid for the person behind me and hope they kept it going. It really is the small things that matter. The kids have fun looking for Jackson, our elf, every morning and watching as I add presents under the tree. I need to find some crafty ideas, think ill go look on pinterest, why the kids are sleeping.

Wow, so many changes!

So it is official the kids have been in school for a little over a month and we are finally getting a routine down. Homework is a little different than at their previous school; they are more in charge of time management but there seems to be less homework. The little ones are adjusting to their big brother and sister being gone; especially since they get more one-on-one time with mom. Austin had his evaluation with Early Intervention and meets his speech therapist next week, I can't wait for him to talk more and actually understand him. Ava is getting very feisty and independent. Alex is enjoying Boy Scouts. Dad and Alex had their first camping trip; it was fun watching them set up but also fun to leave the bugs, specifically, the daddy long legs who crawled on me. Addi starts Girl Scouts this week, hopefully she likes it. I am trying to cook a few new recipes and getting crafty for Halloween. Tonight was Chicken and Dumplings, pretty much just Dad was liking it. I am starting to get frustrated with the picky eaters or lackluster response to new foods. I definitely need help in the cooking dinner department.

Back to School!!

Can't believe we are parents of second-graders!! With the move, a new school this year and the kids seem to really like it. I can't believe summer is over and back to a school routine. The babies seem to be sad because the older siblings are gone; however, they seem to like more one on one time with each other and mom :) I can't wait to see the kids flourish and grow throughout this new school year. We had so much fun back-to-school shopping; clothes, school supplies, and learning books. So grateful for Target, made most of my shopping happen in one place, rather than several stores. Will have to post pics later. This week we start getting info on Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts; hope the new troops are as great as the new school.

Weekend Family Fun!

Last weekend was a busy weekend for the kids; packed with lots of fun. On Saturday, Nana came and took the two oldest to see the movie, Home, the kids loved it. Then playtime at the park with the three oldest, which meant Mom & Dad (&baby) had a lunch date grocery shopping and lunch at Chipotle. Then on Sunday April 12, we celebrated National Grilled Cheese Day at Tom + Chee in Lancaster, PA. Best grilled cheese ever, as was the grilled cheese donut! On the drive up we passed Hershey and decided to take the kids to Hershey's Chocolate World for a last minute celebration of Austin's 2nd birthday. So much to do and not enough time; 4D Mystery Show, decorating cookies and cupcakes, tour, shopping. It was such a needed break for the kids and wonderful family time. Picture to come! Of course, no trip can be complete for us without losing a baby bottle. Tommee Tipee has made a ton of money of off us losing bottles everywhere we go. Can't wait for the next adventure :)

Easter

It has been a busy week; Easter was a weekend celebration for us! We were able to see both Nana & Grammy and the kids were so excited to see what the Easter Bunny had left. A lovely egg trail from their beds to the baskets and lots of goodies with a little bit of candy! Our Easter Bunny is more focused on dental hygiene such as leaving toothpaste instead of tons of candy; love seeing their excited faces!

Breakfast was a hit; the day before I decided to splurge and buy a Waring waffle iron

so waffles and apple sausage with no leftovers! Then a day of family time and Easter dinner; even though we didn't go anyway the kids still got a little dressed up and loved when Mom did a pic of all the kids together!

Hello Again!

So it has been quite awhile, since I have written anything. Crazy how much has changed in the last 3 years. Two new babies and two stepdaughters, a husband, new home, and so much more. In 2013, we welcomed Austin (next week he will be 2!) and in 2014 we welcomed Ava! Two kids under the age of two has been very busy and demanding; not to mention Alex, 7 and Addison, 6 who have their own interests and activities . Our house appears to be in chaos but it is what I like to call a beautiful disaster. My goal this month is to get the house in order, especially since Ava's party is next month. Other goals this year are ways to make an income from home, more activities and fun times with the kids, moving to a new house, and hopefully find time for my own hobby. A great start would be to start working on all my Pinterest ideas I have been pinning.