Summer Fun List!

To further my love of lists, the kids and I have been completing seasonal "Fun Things To Do This Season Lists" for the last few years.  At the beginning of a new season, we will sit down together (the selection committee - Myles, Jillian, and I) and create our list of fun things to do in the new season.

Myles and Jillian reviewing our list from last summer.  The funniest entry for them, "Potty train Jillian."  Not sure if it constituted fun...but it had to be done last year!

Today, we finally got around to completing our summer fun list.  We used last summer's list as a reference to make sure we got all of the fun things we needed to hit again this year.  How could anyone forget to have a water balloon toss?  Or a campfire with s'mores?  Not sure, but we have it covered - it's on the list!

The kids love coming up with all of the fun things they want to do.  No need for the list items to be expensive.  They just need to be things we will all enjoy doing together as a family.  This year Jillian's most passionate addition was, "To watch the sunset!"  Not sure if it is just a ploy to stay up late one night, or the beginnings of a budding romantic.  Either way, we'll do it...it's on the list.

Some other fun things on our list this year...

#4   Go to the beach.
#12  Kayak in the channel.

Our final list for this summer.

#16  Slip 'n Slide!
#22  Play outside in the rain in our rainboots.
#25  Walk the pier in South Haven, MI.


We proudly display all of our final selections on the wall in our kitchen.  The kids will frequently reference it and see if we can do something today to cross another off the list.  Actually, we use checkmarks.  Just like their Momma, they LOVE checking things off the list.

What would be on your list of fun things to do this summer?  Think of it as a mini bucket list and get them done.  Your summer will be that much more amazing.

Speaking of lists...I better get back to the one calling my name.  The shower planning list for tomorrow has a lot crossed off, but I gotta get the rest of it done!

Happy Thursday Friends!

Tuesday's Love and I'm Better Off Without Lists...

 Love List...

• My new baskets for my bench area.  I have been waiting for the perfect find.  Baskets that were unique and screamed my name.  I finally found them.  Take a look.  Those amazing flowers are up-cycled baseballs.  How awesome is that?  My favorite is this old school picnic basket with a similar cored baseball.  I'm in love with it.  They will hold our hats and mittens perfectly.  
• Bella Patina.  The amazing new store in downtown Kalamazoo that has too cool refurbished furniture, up-cycled items, and awesome unique accessories.  I loved every single item in the store.  The only reason I walked out with just the three baskets is that we walked in ten minutes before closing on Saturday night.  I. Must. Go. Back.
• Jillian has been referring to Myles as "My Myles" all week.  I love it.
• Despite the fact that Myles was sick from Thursday to Sunday, he was in amazing spirits.  He tried so hard to stay in a good mood, even though my poor baby was shivering from his fever.
• Jillian, in her pure innocence, accepts compliments with grace and happiness.  So many women (myself included) have trouble accepting compliments.  I could learn from her ease and self confidence (in moderation).  She can handle any compliment without refuting the validity of the compliment, like I so often do (and was told so by a very smart woman today).  Although, sometimes maybe she is a little too confident than would be socially acceptable by an age over three.  In complimenting her, "You are so cute, Jillian,"  once in a while you will receive an, "I know" response.  I guess modestly and humbleness is a learned trait?
• Myles is so excited about his half birthday next week.  He is planning an elaborate putt-putt family outing for this weekend.  The countdown has begun.
• Anytime Jillian finds an article of clothing that is too small, she wants to save it for her new (in utero) baby cousin, Josephine.

I'm Better Off Without List...

• Running too soon after dinner.  I never knew I could belch like a man that had too much beer.  I can.  Guess that old wives tale to wait an hour after eating rings true...
• Sleepless nights.
• Riding Myles' Razor Scooter.  Let's be honest...I'm just not coordinated enough for it.
• That Subway yeasty smell that sticks with you all day long.  No need to ask where I went to lunch today...you can smell it.

Spring Showers Bring Bridal and Baby Flowers!

I have been to so many showers lately, I am soaking wet!  Within the last month I have attended three bridal showers, one baby shower, thrown a baby shower, I'm throwing a bridal shower this Friday, and have two more pending invitations for bridal showers this June.   Let the parties begin!!  All eight of them!

Showers are so fun.  It is wonderful to see the excitement in the bride or the momma-to-be.  They have a wonderful adventure ahead of them, that is for sure.  It seems that showers take on a whole new meaning after you have experienced the grand life change that the guest of honor is about to embark upon.

A new bride with her rosy cheeks in anticipation for her big day...so in love.  She has amazing adventures, both the wonderful and the not so wonderful, ahead of her.  In the end, it is about the fact that she will have a partner for life to encounter and share all of those life experiences - both the good and the bad.  I remember before I got married, imagining how it would be to live together, make decisions together, and create a life together.  At the bridal showers, I love to think of all the bride has ahead of her.  Not just the wedding day with the big dress, gorgeous hair, and perfectly painted nails...but the life she is about to begin.  The family she may someday create.

Annnnddd, on to baby showers.  How could you not love to see the latest and greatest baby gadgets, tiny flip-flops, sun hats, and handmade sweaters?  Motherhood is such a wonderful treat.  Most days, I feel it's truly the greatest gift.  (I won't lie and say that I think this everyday...because that's impossible.  Especially on those days you just can't get them to bed soon enough.   On those wonderful days...how could you think anything other than, thank goodness I survived!)  The mother-to-be, with her glowing skin and round belly, is about to become the newest member of this cool club called motherhood.  She will find herself so in love with this tiny baby that coos, cuddles, screams, and poops.  Her patience and sanity will be tested...but all worth it for that little smile he gives you, that hug that embraces you, or that tiny voice that says, "I love you, Mommy."  What a wonderful adventure.

Here are some pictures from the baby shower for my sister, Sarah, last week.

Mini cupcake tower.  Drink table in the background.  I love my big glass water dispenser.  I use it all the time!  This time, it was filled with ice water with lemon.

Dinner was a big salad bar.  Chicken and the toppings of your choice.  Don't like salad?  There were sandwiches, pasta salad, and other "salads".  Still not your fancy?  See dessert table.  All kidding aside, the salad bar seemed to be a hit with the ladies (all 45 of them).  See the bunny trees?  I loved them.  They were silver decorative trees with pink and white bunnies hanging from the branches.  Guests took bunnies off the trees on their way out.

This Friday, I will have a shower for Brooke (my sister-in-law) who is getting married in July.  It should be an amazing time and a great way for me to try some of my Pinterest recipes and decoration ideas!  It will be a busy and exciting week!

On the menu for Friday night...

• Baked Brie (Brie topped with raspberry jam decoratively enveloped in crescent rolls, topped with brown sugar and maple syrup.  Served with crackers and apple slices.)

• Kiss Pies

• Caprese Salad Skewers (Mini skewers staking cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella marinated in olive oil and Italian spices.)

• Mini Fruit Cups

• Cake (Hello, it isn't a party without cake, right?)

• AND Mixed Drinks of course!

It will be a young crowd.  I'm prepared to feel like an old maid.

Pounding the Pavement.

The rural streets around Gull Lake took a beating today...a pounding actually.

 
From fifth grade jogging club to road therapy at 31 years old, running has always been my outlet.  I have come and gone in training throughout the years, but there is always a happy home in my running shoes and the great outdoors.
I think we all need an outlet.  A place to put our frustrations, anger, sadness, or just a plain old bad day.  Over the years, I have run with tears blurring my vision of the road I run along in sadness over loss.  I have run so happy that I felt like I was skipping like a third grader through the streets.  Emotions are free to flow.  It is just me, the trees, and the road.

Today I ran.  I ran hard.  I left it all on the road.  I have no idea how far I went, how many cars I saw, or if there were any animals along the way.  I just ran.  In fact, I think the first mile was more like stomping my feet like a three year old that can't have a popsicle.  It felt good.

My pavement weapons.  I have earned both of those holes.  I bet there are 400 miles on these shoes.  Time for some new ones.

Every time I go running, no matter what the distance, I sprint the finish.  I do it for two reasons...  One is the obvious reason that I want to have that last kick at the end for the next race I run.  The other reason?  I want to push through whatever I was working on in my head through the whole run.  Leave it all out on the road.

What is your outlet?  Do you have one?  I hope so.  We all need one.  We all have those days that we are frustrated with our children, or had a bad day at work, or fought with our husband.  How are you gonna deal with it?  I'm going to run.

Tuesday's Love and I'm Better Off Without Lists...

Love List...

• I caught Jillian practicing mad faces in the mirror on Monday.  It was serious business for her.  My opinion...she really doesn't need the practice.  She has mastered that skill quite some time ago.
• Myles: "I hope I have a boy and a girl baby when I grow up, just like us.  I would name my boy after myself.  Me: "What would you name your girl?"  Myles: "That would be up to my wife of course!!  These great ideas just keep swirling in my head, Mom!"
• Saugatuck, Michigan.  I love walking the boardwalk looking at the boats, meandering through the quaint little shops, stopping at the playground to run around, and grabbing ice cream for the kids to enjoy on the lawn of the park.
• I am rocking a toe ring again.  White with yellow designs.  It has been at least five years, but why the heck not?
• Jillian made her first career proclamation this weekend.  She said, "Mom, I  might want to be an ice cream maker when I grow up."  As long as she is happy...
• The Letter "J" I made for baby Josephine's shower this week.  Once I got over it needing to be perfect, it turned out just fine!  Actually, it probably looks better messy.
• The money we dropped on private swimming lessons for Myles was worth every penny.  He proved it on Monday.
• I wore a dress to work today that I bought ten years ago.  TEN!  I had five compliments on it.  Hilarious!  Guess some things truly never go out of style?
• Myles had his last day of preschool last week.  Not sure which list this belongs on because I can't believe how big he is!  He is so excited about Kindergarten.  I think he would love to fast forward the summer, so he could go to school now. 

Better Off Without List...

• The illusion that everyone's life is perfect.  We all have our own problems that we are dealing with, right?
• Heavy food in the summer.  No wonder we all look our best in the summer...sun-kissed cheeks and the winter-five cushion...gone!  Who can slam a big serving of lasagna when it's 95 degrees?  Please pass the salad!
• Stronger by Kelly Clarkson.  You know, the cool video the Seattle Children's Hospital put together was awesome and I loved it...but I hate that song.  I'm not sure it is even true.  What doesn't kill you makes you stronger?  Says who?  Kelly?  The "From Justin to Kelly," Kelly?  Hmmm.  I can't change the channel fast enough.
• Sick babies.  It gets me every time.  I can honestly say, THAT is WHY I am a germophobe.

Tuesday’s Love and I’m Better Off Without Lists…

 Love List…

Erica, my baby sister.

• My baby sister is 21 today!  The tiny preemie baby that could fit in the palm of my Dad’s hand is all grown up (she is still short though).  From baby bottles to beer, I’m so lucky to be her big sis.
• After the kids were in bed Saturday night, I painted my toenails.  Jillian was whimpering, so I went up to see what was wrong.  As soon as I walked in her fairly dark room she immediately said, “Did you just paint your toes?  I LOVE them.  That is a great color pink.”  Of course, we did hers to match the next day.
• Myles loves fishing.  It is so adorable to watch him cast like a fishing champ and patiently wait for a bite.  He prefers to fish in the channel, where he can quickly catch a dozen bluegill.  Out on the lake, it takes a bit too much time for him.
• I worked on my tan this weekend.  I just love floating along on the lake.  Packed lunches, sunscreen scented children (despite the new sunscreen causes cancer also craze – I figure sunscreen is less painful than sunburn!), and the rays just beating down on us.  I love summer.
• Jamming on the radio, singing to myself and the rest of the cars on I80 on the way home to my babies from Cleveland last week.  Good tunes can always make the miles go faster.
• My DVR.  I can’t tell you the last time I watched a show with commercials!
• Spree candy.  No, I haven't had them in forever, but I love them!  Not the chewy ones.  Original all the way.  The best colors...green and red.
• Ben actually wrote the words (in an email), "I wouldn't mind a third baby."  I love that statement!  Too bad he followed it up with, "We can start trying as soon as you go back to work full time."  Darn it.
• My followers.  Thank you, friends!  Do you regularly read my blog and enjoy it?  Please show your love by following my blog.  What is following?  Following is just a nice way to pat a blogger on the back and say, “I enjoy reading your posts!"

I’m Better Off Without List…

• The patch of grey hair that formerly resided on the right side of my bangs.  Screw that old wives tale that if you pull them out three will come in their place.  BUT, if that happens to be true…I’m in trouble.  They have officially been evacuated.  Now I know why blondes have more fun…they don’t find seven grey hairs on a Saturday night and spend five minutes on a hunt with tweezers.
• A lecture from the Walgreens lady about why I can’t run my debit card as credit.  She was literally yelling at me as I entered my pin, grabbed my stuff, and walked out the door.  Smile, people.  If you hate your job, just quit.  Oh – she was wrong anyway.  Somehow I highly doubt that Walgreens is losing just SO MUCH MONEY from people running debit cards as credit and never paying.  Isn’t that the credit card company’s problem?  Whatever, lady.
• Laryngitis.  Thank goodness I can write to all of you to express my words...since I can't talk!

A Boat Load of Fun

What a gorgeous weekend here in West Michigan.  We spent the entire weekend (other than nap time - like right now!) on the boat.  Gull Lake is beautiful and is just the perfect combination of peacefulness and fun.  Blue skies, crystal clear water, and smiling faces make for a great time.  The water is still pretty chilly to jump into, so water guns sufficed for our water fun for this weekend.  Here are some pictures of the fun!

Picnic lunch.  Of course Myles wants to eat his lunch from the Captain's Chair.  Wouldn't you?

Jillian claimed that I made "the best sandwich EVER!"

Myles reflecting on his life.  Just kidding.

On the lookout for pirates is more likely.

Pouty Jillian.  Not really sure why she is pouting in this picture.  Maybe it was the wind.  Or, sometimes at three, she just wants to pout.  Sometimes, I want to too I guess...and I'm 31.

There's a smile attempt!

Silly brother!

There's my guy.  Can't believe that this week is his last week of preschool.

Today, Papa and the kids.

Sailing competition.  Beautiful, isn't it?

The pirate flag is officially hung.  It's summer, people!

We are planning to squeeze as much as we can out of this weekend.  As soon as nap is over, we are headed back onto the boat for ice cream.  What can possibly be more fun when you are five and three that driving on a boat to get ice cream at the ice cream shoppe? (It seems more fun to spell shoppe this way.)  I can't think of many!

Hope your weekend was awesome!  On to Monday!