Sanity-Saving Lunch System and Podcasts I Love.

Bryan came by for lunch (hallelujah!) and is currently playing Sonic with Hayes so I said to myself, "HEY, I should use this time to write a blog post!" 

I thought it might be fun to share a couple of things that have been saving my ever-loving-sanity lately. The first has to do with my "lunch-packing system" and the second is a list of my current favorite podcasts. Yes, these are the exciting things in my life. ;) 

A very, very big part of my day consists of walking in and out and around the kitchen---cooking, cleaning, wiping, refilling, doing dishes, more cleaning, making grocery lists, complaining about cleaning, and PACKING LUNCHES. When you pack at least 14 lunches a week (I just counted--that is a minimum and will only get worse), it gets old quick, but thanks to a good ole' Instagram creep, I have adopted a nice little system that makes my mornings so much easier (and me a lot less grumpy!)

I make about 3 weeks worth of sandwiches at once and then bag and freeze them in their own little bin in the freezer. I do PB&J (with the peanut butter on both sides to keep it from getting soggy---literally how did it take me 30 years to figure this out), PB& Nutella (or "chocolate sandwich" as Hayes would say), and then turkey and cheese sandwiches on Hawaiian rolls. I love making that last one because it is super quick! I just slice the whole loaf of Hawaiian rolls in half, layer on turkey and cheese, place the top back on, and then cut them into individual squares. I ordered the "hoarders box" of Miracle Whip packets from Amazon so that the sandwich-eater can grab one to add later.  

I know none of this is rocket science and is probably pretty obvious but it literally makes me SO happy to finally be in on the secret and not be so rushed in the mornings. Thank you, Super Moms of Instagram!

For the "sides", I designated different boxes and drawers in the pantry and fridge to hold everything, and then grouped them by fresh fruit, dried fruit/ applesauce, dairy, salty, and sweet. I numbered them from 1-7 so Parker could pack his own lunch in the morning and just follow the numbers (he rarely does this but it works when we need it!)

ALSO: Our fridge is NEVER this clean--I had just cleaned it out because a coke got too cold and exploded. 

To get everything in our (very fancy cardboard) bins, I either buy prepackaged lunch snacks (like the little bags of chips or string cheese), or separate a big bag or box of something into little baggies. I also have a bin for straws (for yogurt smoothies), juice boxes, and those little lidded condiment cups (also from Amazon) for dips/dressing, if needed. 

The foods currently on rotation in the bins:

Fresh fruit/veggies: bananas, apples, grapes, broccoli 

Dried fruit/applesauce: dried mangos from Costco, raisins, applesauce pouches (Lily could live off these....so could Bryan ;)

Dairy: string cheese, go-gurt, drinkable yogurt smoothies

Salty: Chips, pretzels, Goldfish

Sweet: Famous Amos snack cookie bags, cheap-o striped fudge or oatmeal cookies, fruit snacks

I grab one from most every bin for each lunch (according to what each person prefers) and then we are good to go!

I've done this for two months now and IT WORKS. It's so weird that things actually happen when you plan in advance! Who knew?!

Other things that are giving me life:

These memes. 

Don't deny it!! I served my time! (I'm kidding! Usually.)

Literally every summer from 2002-2009. 

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And last but certainly not least: my current favorite (new to me) podcasts. They make me laugh and think about hard things and talk to myself and probably look even more like a crazy person than I already am! I love them.

First up is the Journey Women Podcast. I love the host and wish I could be her friend! The "When The Holidays Are Hard" episode was eye opening and so good for many reasons. 

That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs. Yet another girl I want to be friends with! I just listened to her episodes with Banning Leibsher (I'm sure I butchered that last name) who is the lead pastor at the Jesus Culture church, and with John Crist (basically my fave instagram comedian) and was obsessed with both.

Coffee and Crumbs Podcast (have I mentioned this before?) A few weeks ago a friend texted the link to the "This Is How We Don't" epidsode and it made me feel like I am not alone in the world after all! It also made me laugh. Highly recommend that one and all of the "This Is How We Do" episodes (I've listened to every single one!)

The Rise Podcast with Rachel Hollis. I've read a bunch of controversy on her book but went ahead and  listened to part of it and think she has some great advice on pulling yourself up by your bootstraps and not feeling sorry for yourself. Her podcast is the same and while I maybe want to roll my eyes at some parts (probably because I'm envious of her and her drive!), I do think there are A LOT of takeaways!

And that's all I've got! Byyyyyyye. 

Friday Favorites

I thought I would link up with some of my favorite blogs for Friday Favorites today! Yes?


Without further ago...a few things I'm loving lately....

1. The new Kendra Scott candle line. (BEWARE: You may get sucked into the website if you click the link.) I was in J. Hoffman today buying a gift and they had these babies on display and every single one smelled amazing. I think my favorite was the Rose Quartz. The jars are so pretty, too.

2. I managed to snag the cutest, CUTEST pair of scalloped espadrille's from DSW for $25 with a coupon. They are sold out now, but they look very similar to the above wedges, which are also from DSW. They are my fancy summer shoes and I can't wait to wear them to church and on date nights.

3. Beach Body On Demand/Alexia Clark. I am finally able to say (for the first time since high school) that I have consistently worked out for the the last two months! Yep. It's a big deal. But no like for real. One of my new years resolutions this year (and every year...but this year I took it seriously) was to take better care of myself. It look me a couple of months, but on March 1st, I downloaded the Beach Body app on my Amazon Fire stick and purchased the year membership for $99 and have been loving the ease of getting in a tough workout. I do Alexia Clark's workouts from my computer a few times a week as well and they are HARD. As much as I want to just lay down and die while I'm working out, I must admit that it has become a sort of therapeutic way to end my day because I don't exercise until after the kids go to bed and then once that is done it prompts more good choices--like showering, washing my makeup off (because that never happened before, wah-wah) and NOT SNACKING late into the night (alright I still snack every once in a while, just not as much ha!). I'm not 20 any more, guys. My thighs can't handle nachos at 12:00am (quite unfortunately).

4. Another favorite in the realm of self-care is the Tula Probiotic Exfoliating Treatment Mask. As previously stated, I'm not 20 anymore (in fact, I am freshly 3-0!), so the last year was spent searching for new face potions as my skin is starting to show some wear and tear (waaaaaahhh). I love this mask. It is awesome.

There was going to be a #5, but I must go. Hayes is trying to play with play-doh and most of the cups are dried out. This should be fun. ;)

We are headed to my friend's 28th birthday party tonight (Quattro de Mayo!), a 7-year-old birthday party tomorrow, and then TWO little league baseball games. And all within 24 hours. Bless. It's all busy and it's all fun! Hope y'all have a great weekend.

The Week That Was.

We had a good, normal week these last five days and I liked it a lot.

I forget a lot of the time how much I like to be at home with the kids when I'm actually sitting and playing(ish) with them. Most days, I'm like "LET US LEAVE THIS HOUSE" because all the laundry and cleaning and constant snack-getting can become a drag real quick, but on the days that I decide to sit down for a bit and get out toys and watch them play, it's really fun. We had several of those days this week so it was awesome!

Hayes is full on talking in complete sentences now, which is my favorite but also breaks my heart a little bit. Good thing those big, kissy lips make it hard for him to say words correctly or I would be 100% devastated. So dang cute.

My Haysie-speak favorites:

"Thas MINES."
"Where's WIWY? (Or Lily, because he is ALWAYS looking for her.)
"Let's watch a moobie and can I has some mogurt?"

Alright that's all I can think of at the moment but there are many more that I will remember as soon as I post this thing.

I still have my leftover shower flowers and they are going strong. This fresh flower thing may become a constant on the coffee table.

On Monday night I went to Dove Group (aka Bible Study/friend time) and left Bryan and the kids to their own devices. I was out WAY late (I like to talk) but when I got home Parker was waiting to read his Magic Treehouse book which was super sweet. We are on book #3 "Mummies in the Morning" now and I just ordered the next four books in the series, plus Indian in the Cupboard which was a favorite when I was growing up!

As always, Parker (the watch-wearing boy--I can't) and me got our lunch date in on Tuesday and Thursday and went out to run errands. (The people at Pie Five know my name for my order. Is that bad?) Parker is never excited to run errands but is always so helpful. I always think about how much easier it will be when my youngest (Lily?) is five. Someone PLEASE confirm? I'm so tired! Although I will miss the baby snuggles and laughs (oh, the baby laughs...)

After school on Thursday, we ran over to the flip house to make a final list of what needs to be done and/or purchased. I meant to take photos darn it, but it's looking a million times better. Cabinets are getting installed on Monday and I can hardly wait.

After that Parker and I went to Target to pick out his Valentine's for school and he was so not into it until he saw some monster truck erasers and then life was A-Okay again. I LOVE picking out Valentine's and definitely wanted to browse longer than he allowed. (Party pooper.)

After the little kids finished with KDO on Thursday, we found some weirdo color changing videos that all three were mesmerized by. It's hilarious. I don't understand it. These are Hayes' absolute FAVORITE thing to watch on YouTube when he gets my phone and now they are on Amazon so I see many moments of complete silence in my future which makes me happy!

My photos are kind of all over the place today. On Wednesday, I snuck to Marketstreet all alone (!) and a little baby orchid hopped into my cart. I don't know how it happened but I found a home for it in a sunny corner and please please please, I would love to be able to keep it alive! Cross your fingers for me! The care card said two ice cubes a week. I can do that.

I would say the big triumph of this week was that we got Hayes officially potty-trained! It was was past about-time but we have been so busy that I never had a full free day to stay at home and get it done. We decided to skipped church on Wednesday so we could be at home all day and now he is in BIG BOY UNDIES. You have to say that all proud or they keep peeing in their pants. Just an insider tip for y'all.

Look at that cute big boy!! Bryan says I baby him more than the other two which is probably true. I really have no clue why because he is such a stinker but I think it has something to do with his big ole kissy lips.

Last night Bryan and I very last minute cleaned up the house, folded laundry and got out date night! We drove around and looked at new neighborhoods/lots and then went to eat at Chuy's and then since he loves me so much (or maybe since he loves Zac Effron so much--no seriously) he took me to see The Greatest Showman again! I've had the songs in my head all week and really wanted to see the "Rewrite the Stars" scene again. It was even more awesome than the first time! 

And a few Friday Favorites on Saturday because I'm SO punctual at life:

1. I just ordered the TULA skincare line because every blogger in my life is using it and my skin is ridiculously soft!  Miracles!

2. I also ordered these mules from Target.

3. Obviously, The Greatest Showman gets a nod. We had a googling fest last night when we got home  and I watched an embarrassing amount of YouTube clips. It's like Twilight all over again. 

4. Tonight I'm going out with girlfriends and tomorrow is the Super Bowl! Yay.

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Our Week In Photos

I have managed to figure out to how to automatically upload my photos to my computer from my phone so maybe all this blogging that I've committed myself to will be easier.

Here is our week in photos!

It was a good and busy one minus me being sick early on.

The children and Bryan went to church on Sunday morning while I was feeling gross but I couldn't resist getting a few photos of my boys in matching shirts. Hayes' face is the sweetest.

We watched the final two playoff games on Sunday afternoon/evening and eased our way out of vacation mode which was good because by Monday morning we were definitely feeling the swing of usual life.

I also ordered THIS GUY:

I'm a little behind on the planner train but I can't wait especially after Plum Paper started offering their new customizations. 

And I finished the book Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah. 

I really enjoyed it, as is the case with every book I've read of hers. I love that all of her books are about the relationships between women. This was a mother/daughter book and also went very in depth with the siege of Leningrad in WWII. It was really sad but had a wonderful ending and I do recommend the read!

This baby girl has been walking everywhere everywhere everywhere and thinks she's about 15. She's also hilarious. 

On Tuesday, Parker and I suckered Bryan into coming to lunch with us at One Guy's. YUM. I know people always appreciate my mid-bite eating shots. ;)

Parker helped me pick out tile for our flip house on Tuesday. I'm really starting to think that this thing will never be done but Bryan assures me that the light at the end of that dumb tunnel is getting bigger. In all honesty though, I've barely had anything to do with the house other than when Bryan asks me to pick out paint or whatnot which has been really fun (especially since I'm not having to live there while the construction is happening!)

Also: PARKER LOST ANOTHER TOOTH. That's #3. Like, where is my baby? He just cut that dang tooth with the aid of 500 teething tablets. Our tooth fairy is maybe not so awesome because she keeps spoiling him with large $ bills. This time it was a $10 but I have an inkling that was all she had on her at the time. 

Anyways, Parker and me went to pick out a toy with all of his piggy bank money at Target after school and I cannot even tell you how excited he has been to buy something with his own money.

I also took the boys to get haircuts and for some strange reason thought it was a good idea for Lily to accompany us as well. It wasn't. She had man hair and sucker juice all over her hands by the time we left and I was exhausted. The boys look very dapper though!

And I FINALLY took down Christmas! Hallelujah. No seriously, it was a momentous occasion on my part and I was so thankful when I was done. I rewarded myself by catching up with my BFF's Trixie, Shelagh, Barbara, and the whole gang with the Christmas special of Call the Midwife.

Special shoutout to their red dots they used in the Christmas pageant. My social club does this for Master Follies (like greek sing/spring sing) and I always thought it was a random tradition. Guess not. Apparently it makes your eyes pop!

Me and Mr. Toothless went to the newest Chick-fil-a on Thursday. He was disappointed because there weren't any kids to play with. Total bummer!

We also ventured to Target for the 45th time in two days and experienced Hayes' usual life of extreme highs and extreme (extreme) lows. He went from happily yelling "THIS IS SOOOOOO FUUUN!" over and over to crying because I ran over his finger with the cart. So #momoftheyear right here! (No fingers were seriously harmed.)

Oh! We also read our first ever chapter book with Parker and....it was hit! Thank goodness. Hayes was even laying in my lap listening by the end which me made all kind of happy. I chose the Magic Treehouse books based off of reviews. We read the dinosaur one this week and it was the perfect length to read 2 chapters a night and keep Parker interested the whole time. 

On Friday morning I had MOPS which was really good and then my MIL kindly took Hayes and me and Lilybug ran some errands while Bryan got Parker from school. Lily is (currently) a very good shopper and loves to sit in the cart and look around wherever we go. Like, I don't know what makes me more happy, that she is a funny girl (Praise!), or that she likes to shop. Both qualities are pretty invaluable to me! 

I was stroking her sweet little hand while we walked around Hobby Lobby but got distracted and stopped and she quickly communicated to me that this was not okay by grabbing my hand, patting it, and rubbing it with her fingers so I would know what I was supposed to be doing. It was the cutest thing! 

On Friday night, we somehow were able to leave our kids at Bryan's parents (still not sure how this happened since they just watched them for a week) and went out on a date. It was so fun and as I always say to Bryan, "I just love date night!" I really prefer him to all other people and do not feel bad about it at all.

We went and saw The Great Showman which was great aside from the commentators sitting behind us. (PSA: Don't be those people.)

 After we got home I stayed up WAY too late getting the house picked up and ready for a baby shower for our sweet friend, Shelbi!

 We had a small brunch and were able to get her some goodies for the precious baby girl that will be here in a few short weeks. We love her already!

I also made my first ever diaper cake and thoroughly enjoyed that whole process. I am predicting more of those in my crafting/gift future.

My friends went all out with the delicious brunch and drinks, I am so thankful for them! We had a fabulous time and talked for too long (as usual).

I also picked up some macaroons for favors from The Ruffled Cup and OH MY we loved them so much that my family had to make an emergency trip  in our pajamas for a fun treat on Saturday night. 

We enjoyed all that sugar right before bedtime while listening to a combination of old Brad Paisley soungs and N'Sync. I think it's safe to say I've found a new favorite place.