Currently

Loving: The Christmas season (!!) there's nothing like big family gatherings, homemade meals, presents under the tree, lights twinkling around the neighborhoods, and all the joy in my littles eyes when we talk about Santa. I've said it before -and I'll say it again- being on this side of the season is so magical! 

Cooking: Rice, rice, rice -- our entire household is on a white rice kick, and we eat it with about anything. 

Anticipating: The boys' birthdays...Toby will be 1 on 12/31 and Jaxon will be 2 on 01/09 (!!) we're planning a small double-birthday party after the New Year. I feel bad for the boys having birthdays so close to Christmas -and so close together- but we'll make the best of it while they're still little and pull double duty. 

Listening to: I think we're with the rest of the world right now listening to the new Taylor Swift "1989" -- if you can't beat 'em, join 'em (!!)

Working on: "Grown up stuff" - being responsible, paying bills on time, trying to save money, following through on promises, that sort of thing. Sometimes I look around and surprise myself with being an adult. Just the other day, in our weekend travels, I looked at Justin and said, "who let us leave the state with four kids?!" Being an adult is a surreal experience, I still feel like such a kid at heart most of the time!

Watching: We joined in with the other (disappointed) people last night and watched #EatenAlive - what did we watch, exactly? Why did we watch it? I'm so confused, and I'd like those two hours of my life back, please.

Appreciating: My sweet husband surprised me with the new iPhone 6 -and even though it's such a materialistic thing- I am in love with a stupid, albeit awesome, phone. I've wanted one for years, so I'm really appreciating/loving that I finally have one of my own (!!) 

Currently series inspired by Danielle.

Currently

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Loving: The fist-bumping affirmation pictured above. I'm all about feminism and finding my voice as a feminist, as an equalist -which isn't really a word, but I'm doing it, so there- and all around supporter of human rights. I'm not the loudest activist or the biggest voice to rally troops, but I feel like I'm among a wonderful generation of open-minded, loving, compassionate, goal-oriented individuals. And I know I'm raising children who will be full of love and, I hope, an openness to embracing people from all walks of life, from different backgrounds with different views and beliefs, with kind words and love. 

Cooking: The last of the fresh veggies from the farmer's market -- we've really stepped up our game this year and finally took advantage of the small -but abundant- weekly farmer's market. I've made plenty of mistakes along the way, but we've been taste testing new food, and even the kids have been open to trying new things. It's been a very productive summer of eating! :) 

Anticipating: Our trip to DISNEY! We leave on the 18th of this month, and I am so excited, I can barely contain myself -- the only thing Justin and I are dreading is the long haul with all four kids in tow. The girls are excellent travelers; the boys, not so much. I'm hoping by breaking it up over two days time and having Gran and Pops in another car to help swap out and provide relief, it'll be easier than we're expecting.  

Listening to: If Birds Could Fly >> I'm so ashamed of myself for not falling in love with this band sooner (they're local! and amazing!) I have spent countless hours on YouTube just listening to song after song. The one below is a personal favorite :) Even Sidney likes it!

Working on: Potty-training Rhealen (slowly making progress!) is the biggest hurdle right now. I'm also working on myself, which is a deep subject and too lengthy to get into here. Aaand I've started Christmas shopping (I know, who am I?) 

Watching: Like the majority of AHS lovers out there, I'm now completely devoted to Freak Show -- how amazing was last night's premiere? This season is going to be mind blowing, I can feel it! Also, you know what a huge TWD fan I am -- this weekend, all my dreams come true! 

Currently series inspired by Danielle.

Currently

Memorial Day ice-cream with our big three tots!

Loving: Summer is officially here, and I am *so* excited >> now it's officially time for late nights spent running around the yard, catching fireflies, roasting marshmallows, swimming at the lake, and bright, warm days! My heart belongs to the fall season, but summer is a close second (remind me of this when I'm whining from the sweltering heat come mid-July!)  

Cooking: Every weekend I make our traditional breakfast hash; it's become a staple of our weekends, and so far, we've not even begun to get burnt out (see previous Currently post for recipe, if you'd like!) >> I've also been trying different desserts using the plethora of fresh fruit from this season: strawberries have become the #1 fruit of our house! When they're not being gobbled whole fresh out of the bin, I've been using them on cakes and ice-creams. 

Anticipating: Rhealen Jo will be 3 on June 6th, so we're busy planning her little birthday party! We've been talking with her about presents and cake and teaching her how many fingers to hold up when someone asks her how old she is. It's the sweetest!  

Listening to: "Fancy"//Iggy Azalea (as if you didn't already know)  

Working on: Our yard: little by little we're adding some outdoors pieces to our yard. The creek that runs in front of our house is, by far, the greatest thing about our property (just ask our girls!) but there's so much more I'd like to do in our yard. I have no green thumb AT ALL, but I do love my bird-feeders. Eventually I dream about building a little deck over part of the creek, setting up an outdoors movie projector system, and maybe even adding a water wheel! Oh, and a koi pond. And a pergola! (Obviously my "wants" don't match my "budget")  

Crafting: I've been practicing on my hand-stitching techniques after *years* of telling myself I was going to get started >> I am so very, very amateur at it, but I love it! I bought a whole new bunch of supplies this past weekend at Michael's, and I try to spend a little time in the evenings to work on it. It's fun, stress-relieving, and lately, even Sidney has been working on pieces with me. Best thing I've done for myself in a long time! 

Currently series inspired by Danielle.

Currently

Loving: How wonderful our Easter weekend was! Justin and I both had a full three-day-weekend, and we made a little pact Thursday night to do our best to enjoy *every* minute of it. Something always tends to go wrong or pop up in the middle of a good weekend to put a damper on things, but we were determined this weekend! We had a wonderful time with family and food, and I can't wait to spend more warm weekends together. 

Reading: So FINALLY after nearly 2 years, I finished the last book in the 50 Shades trilogy. Seriously, I started the first book on vacation in 2012 - it's not like those books are difficult to read. And it's not like I really even enjoyed reading them (after about the third "naughty" scene it just gets kind of redundant, plus there's better BDSM reads online, for free no less) but I was determined to finish what I had started. And at least now that ordeal is over with! 

I read a snippet of Asylum/Madeleine Roux on my Kindle the other night, and it was really good right up front - I need to download the full version and get on it! 

Watching: Now that our Sunday nights are void of The Walking Dead, Justin and I have taken to watching Bar Rescue - not even sure how that happened, but we watched a marathon on Spike one day, and that was it! We're hooked - seriously though, I think I love Jon Taffer! 

I meant to record/watch Salem last night which (witch?) premiered on WGN, but completely forgot! Hopefully I can start that series, too, if it's any count - I love me some Salem witch-trial stories! 

Eating: Breakfast hash! I made it twice this weekend, and both times, it was just the best thing ever. 

Crisp bacon in cast iron skillet > set aside to drain > fry cubed and peeled potatoes in bacon grease > set aside to drain > strain (most) the grease > add a little butter to bottom of the the skillet to scrape up the yummy bits > add potatoes and bacon back in along with anything else you want > we add onions and tomatoes > top with cheese and chives or whatever you like (Justin uses ketchup, I put a little sour cream on mine) 

This recipe is the easiest thing ever, I feel bad even calling it a recipe! And it's so versatile, you just make it how you want it, adding in whatever you like best! I will say, though, it's not in the least bit diet friendly - but that's how we like it at our house! 

Anticipating: Summer! The weather has been phenomenal lately (only a few bouts of rain or cold here and there) and it's got me totally jonesing for the lake and watermelon and flip flops and ice cream and long nights and all those wonderful summer things in life! I can't wait for field trips with Sidney and Rhealen's second birthday party and the 4th of July and taking the boys swimming and maybe even some fishing with my husband! 

Listening to: The Frozen soundtrack - that movie has kind of taken over our lives. For better or worse! 

Working on: Our *big* vacation plans - we're taking the kiddos to Disney this fall (along with Gran & Pops - or is it, they're taking us?) and we're all very excited! Every time Sid sees a commercial or advertisement for Disney, she screams "IS IT TIME FOR DISNEY YET?!" *SO* excited! 

Wishing: We had a money tree - I know "they" say money doesn't solve all your problems, but I can think of about 99 problems it'd pay for. Pffft. 

Currently series inspired by Danielle.

Currently

Loving: When I started writing this post, my first thought was "this warm weather!" but now it's cold again this week - we had a lovely weekend. We spent nearly every possible second we could outside both afternoons trying to soak up that summer-like sunshine. But alas, winter is not yet done with us, and I have a feeling spring is going to be a real weather roller coaster, too! 

Reading: Who has time to read?! Seriously, though, I'm on the hunt for a good read (preferably something I can try out on the Kindle for free!) so hopefully soon I'll be back to my old ways.

Watching: Sidney has been dominating our TV time with one kid movie after another: The Croods, Despicable Me 2, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2, and Epic -- on full repeat. (Rhealen splits her time watching Brave, Finding Nemo, Hotel Transylvania and Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas)

Eating: Cheesecake bites! Sidney talked her Gran into buying a box at Sam's for our house, and we've all been eating them non-stop. I love those little things, but man, I'll be glad to see them go. We don't shop at Sam's, so they're a rare treat and not a regular thing!

Anticipating: Justin's birthday is at the end of March, and we always do a little cook-out/shoot-out up at the cabin. I'm hoping the weather just happens to be nice that weekend (sometimes it's awesome and sometimes it sucks!) - hard to believe my man will be 27 this year!

Listening to: Bastille, Lorde, MKTO, Aviicii and a bunch more "pop"ular bands that are totally guilty pleasures! 

Working on: Toby's sleep habits - the boy's nighttime sleep is pretty much non-existent in my eyes. By the time I fall back asleep he wakes back up - one and two hour stretches are just not good enough! Now that he's passed the six-week mark I really hope we can get in a good routine with him. Good sleep habits start young, don't forget! 

Wishing: I am back at work now, and loving it, but sometimes I wish we'd hit the lottery so I could just be a full-time SAHM! I miss my babies during the day! But I know work is where I'm meant to be - if I had to stay home with the kiddies all the time I might really go insane :)

Currently series inspired by Danielle.

Currently

33 weeks and "rocking" the bathroom selfie! This is the same bathroom that I took this pregnant-selfie with RJ back in 2011 :)

Loving: How "infected" Sidney is with Christmas spirit -- we try to do something Christmas-y every day, either listen to a few holiday jingles or (our favorite!) watch a Christmas movie together in the evenings. Sometimes we go wild and even bake sugar cookies -- just because! Christmas with your kids is one of THE MOST magical things on earth....unless your kid is like a certain two-year-old of ours and a total Scrooge! But I digress...

Reading: NOTHING. I'm a total failure at the moment and reading nothing. Wait, do other blogs count?! I totally do that. 

Watching: Well, The Walking Dead aired the mid-season premiere last Sunday, so there's nothing to live for between now and February. I'm kidding, I'm kidding (sort of) -- actually, the last few episodes leading up to last Sunday were so dull and dreary, I was thiiiiis close to crying foul. Luckily, that all changed! The Governor is dead! Daryl got to show off his badass skills! Rick came full circle and made Hershel proud (poor H)! Now there are a million and one questions and lots of new avenues to explore -- I'm excited once again! 

Eating: Frosted Flakes -- I know I'm nearing the end, I can't get enough of my beloved cereal. It's the one consistent craving/love I've had all four pregnancies.  

Anticipating: I won't say BIRTH or CHRISTMAS, so let's go with Jaxon's first birthday! It's hard to believe our little dude will be ONE next month -- he's just the bee's knees, and I'm so in love with having a son. I can't wait to celebrate his first year with (hopefully) fanfare!

Listening to: Timber - Pitbull/Ke$ha I HAVE NO SHAME, DON'T BOTHER JUDGING ME! 

Working on: Not biting my nails! I'm about 3-4 weeks into it, and so good so far. I've got nails for the first time ever in my life. Seriously, I can't remember a time when I didn't bite them, so to be 25 and finally overcoming this trivial little habit of mine feels like a major accomplishment!  

Wishing: For you all to have a warm and wonderful holiday season -- this time of year is precious and meant to be cherished, and I know that I'm doing my personal best to enjoy every second of it! I hope you do, too :)

Currently series inspired by Danielle.

Currently

Halloween 2012

Loving: How excited Sidney is for Halloween -- she's finally got the whole spirit of Halloween down to a "T"! She loves the thought of dressing up and trick-or-treating. She has a little dance at school this week, and she's just been so into all things Halloween related. I love that she shares an appreciation for such a fun holiday with me :) 

Reading: "The Accursed" by Joyce Carol Oates -- it's been slow starting out, but I'm getting into it slowly but surely. I've been trying to carve out some time late in the evenings for a little "me" time with a bath and a book. It'll probably take me six months to finish this book (if I only read while bathing!) but it's enjoyable thus far. 

Watching: I've got three shows I'm following right now (thank goodness for the DVR!) and so far, they're all going really good! Sunday nights are for The Walking Dead (of course!) at 9pm and then Masters of Sex at 10pm -- two totally opposite shows but both are so, so good. I just happened into watching Masters of Sex, but so far, it's been really good! And of course, Wednesday nights belong to AHS: Coven -- I watched AHS: Murder House on Netflix in two days, and I still need to catch up on AHS: Asylum. I'm a big Ryan Murhpy fan, the man can do no wrong in my book! 

Eating: Blueberry shredded wheat cereal, blueberry bagels, blueberry cream cheese. These past couple of weeks have been nothing but blueberry! blueberry! blueberry! 

Anticipating: I know we haven't even technically made it to Halloween yet, but I am SO (recently) EXCITED for Christmas. Being on the parent side of the parent/child equation of Christmas is such a joy, it's hard not to be excited about such a magical time of year. The kids make Christmas the most wonderful time of the year, and while I refuse to wish time away and skip over these next two autumnal/winter holidays, I do look forward to Christmas with my family. 

Listening to: NPR -- who is this person I've become??

Working on: Mentally preparing for a fourth baby -- I feel like I just now got the hang of three kiddos (and I guess I really just did) so throwing a wrench into our routine feels like a bit of a looming cloud overhead. I know it'll work out, and I'll figure out my groove eventually, but when you're the parent responsible for the weekday morning routine (solo!) it can be intimidating. The kids and I do it 99% of the time -- we manage to get up and dressed and out the door on-time almost every single M-F morning, but I just don't know how we're going to do it with five of us. But, the show must go on -- c'est la vie! Bring it on! 

Wishing: The winter months weren't so dreary -- I've tried to teach myself that the winter months don't have to be so dreadful. Happiness and warmth and sunshine can come from within. I can surround myself in warm thoughts, scenes of summer, and things will instantly feel better. One of the greatest and warmest pictures I keep in my mind is soaking up the sun through closed eyes -- that wonderful, warm feeling of closing your eyes but "looking" up towards the sun. The light pours through your closed eyes and just envelopes your face and body -- it's the dreamiest, warmest summer memory I keep to get me through the cold, dark days of winter. 

Currently series inspired by Danielle.

Currently

Loving: How nice and peaceful things feel right now -- I know you might think there's never a moment of peace in the chaos of our lives (three kids, two parents that work full-time, school activities, etc.) but honestly, there's a certain feeling of serenity among us right now. I don't know if it's this time of year or just a freak moment in time, but all feels right in our world, and I'm loving it. 

Reading: Justin likes to make fun of the fact that I still enjoy reading my copy of What to Expect When You're Expecting -- I think my best cousin/buddy Dobby got it for me when I was pregnant with Sidney. I've treasured it, dog-eared so many pages, and basically kept it by my bedside like a bible during each of my pregnancies. I know the information inside like the back of my hand, but there's just something so reassuring about seeing answers to my questions in black-and-white anytime I need to calm my mind (or worrisome husband). 

Watching: I'm sure I've admitted to it on the blog before, but I'm a real sucker for reality TV cooking shows. Chopped is my all-time favorite, and now that we have that fancy-pants DVR, I never miss a show! And I love it! Chopped episodes for everyone :) 

Eating: Still in love with chocolate milk like there's no tomorrow (it's this baby girl who's really in love with it, I should say) but recently, I've been downing Starbucks' Salted Caramel Mocha hand over fist! They are just SO GOOD. Confession: a couple weeks ago, I had two in one day. I'm so ashamed. 

Anticipating: Halloween! I know, I know -- if you're one of those people who fall into the "stop anticipating and rushing each upcoming holiday" file, I understand, believe me! I am so appalled that there are already Christmas layaway commercials on TV, you just don't even know -- but I am excited for Halloween and just as excited for all the days leading up to Halloween. Honestly, I hope the days go by slowly -- I enjoy getting to enjoy our decorations and that countdown feeling that comes with the holidays. 

Listening to: Halestorm - and lots of it. It's such a random thing, not sure how it happened, but I blame my hormonal self. Here's to Us makes me weepy ::cue eye rolls:: and I'm just in love with Lzzy Hale's voice. Ah-mazing. 

Working on: Rearranging bedrooms and figuring out sleeping situations for everyone. The girls will now have to share a room for awhile, so it's been interesting trying to figure out how to get them sleeping comfortably in the same space. Sidney would still sleep with us if we let her -- she prefers to have the TV on as she falls asleep, plus her night-light (and sometimes a DreamLite pillow, too) and the door wide open with no chance of closing (read: a giant plush horse in front of her door so it can't budge an inch). Rhealen likes the room pitch black with the door closed and zero noise/light. So.....yeah. It's going to be interesting merging the two of them. Plus? What kind of beds do we get? Sidney has a twin-sized bed and Rhealen still sleeps in her crib. We're thinking bunk beds will be the way to go -- or maybe a day bed? So confused....

Wishing: I knew how to knit. Or crochet. Or anything like that -- I guess I could do something really strange like learn to do it. But I haven't yet and lord knows if I ever will. Sigh. 

Currently series inspired by Danielle.

Currently

My baby boy -- going to be a big brother soon! 

Loving: This weather -- I know each time the temperature drops a degree, people get a little more excited for fall! and lattes! and pumpkins! and believe me, I'm right there with you -- but this in between weather of summer and fall is so nice. Cool mornings, warm sunny days and crisp evenings. What's not to love?!

Reading: Elephant Girl: A Human Story by Jane Devin -- this is one of those free Amazon Prime books I picked up randomly, but I'm loving it so far. It's bittersweet, honest, and beautiful. I'm only about 1/3 of the way through it, but I'm really liking it and would give it "two thumbs up" so far! 

Watching: Porter Ridge -- what has to be THE DUMBEST show ever, but my husband is obsessed with it for some reason, and I can't turn away. I love that almost 90% of the dialogue is captioned for those who aren't used to poor hillbilly slang, yet I can understand every. single. word. 

Eating: Well...it's more of drinking: choclate milk! Can't get enough of the stuff, and I usually have to drink at least two full glasses before bedtime!

Anticipating: The arrival of BABY NO. 4! I didn't post any type of official "announcement" here (which is just further proof that this isn't a real blog anymore) but, yeah, I'm pregnant. Again! We're adding to our family +1 -- a little lady will be here by Jan. 22 :)

Listening to: Randomness, as usual -- right now I love Katy Perry's "Roar", Jason Aldean's "Night Train", Halestorm's "Here's to Us", and more. It's all random, all the time. 

Working on: Unpacking and arranging the last of the things from the old house. We finally, FINALLY! got the last of our stuff hauled over and now our new house looks like a hurricane blew through. I still can't wrap my head around how we accumulated so much stuff over the course of four years living together! 

Wishing: I had better answers for some of the questions Sidney throws my way -- she thinks so deeply sometimes, she completely throws me off my game with these heavy questions about life and death and family and love. I don't always feel like I'm doing her justice with the answers I give -- I just try to speak from the heart and be honest with her. I don't think a parent can go too wrong just being open with their children, and while I want to give her my real answers, I also try to remind her that she can make up her own mind about everything in life. Her opinion is her own! 

Currently series inspired by Danielle.

Currently

Loving: Sidney's haircut -- Justin's mom cut it off for her a couple weekends ago, and it's made taking care of her hair so much easier! I also get "she's your twin!" comments 10x more than before, which I don't mind one stinking bit :)

Reading: Mortal Instruments: City of Bones -- y'all know I love me some YA Fiction, and this book is right up my alley. I admit, I only heard about this series because of the movie soon to be released. No judgment! 

Watching: The Sound of Music -- or rather, I intend to this weekend. (Library score!) 

Eating: Dorito Casserole - seriously so easy and so amazingly delicious! Finally Pinterest paid off: chicken breast (boiled and shredded). Add to a mix of 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 packet of Taco seasoning, sour cream and shredded cheese (I add a little milk just to make it more creamy). Place on top of Doritos and sprinkle with cheese, then bake in the oven on 350 deg. for about 30-40 minutes 'til everything is melted and bubbly. It's SO GOOD.

Anticipating: Our Memorial Day trip to Tweetsie Railroad with my mom's third grade class -- Sidney has been before, but this'll be mine and Rhealen's first trip! Woohoo!

Listening to: A bunch of old mixed CDs I found from high-school. And I'm so excited that 94.9 is doing a throwback weekend coming up!  

Working on: Packing my lunch to work everyday -- I know that sounds kind of silly, but it really does save money in the long run. Bonus: it forces me to get creative with my lunches instead of the "same old, same old". 

Wishing: There was more I could do about the death and destruction in Oklahoma -- I've been keeping up with the aftermath of the tornado, but it's more than I handle most of the time. My heart just breaks for those poor children lost and the ones left behind. I'm very grateful that I live in a particular area where our most severe weather is an occasional thunderstorm in spring or a snowstorm in winter. Our weather usually ins't extreme to any degree, and I can't imagine the fear of knowing you live in an area where tornadoes like the F5 that ripped through Moore, OK can happen every year. 

Currently series inspired by Danielle. 

Currently

Loving: Being in our new house! It's crazy how much more room we have, even though we didn't really upgrade that much in regards to square footage. But, I love my kitchen. And I love that he kids all have their own rooms. And I love our big, soaker tub! All of it, it's just amazing, and I'm one lucky lady for sure. 

Reading: Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood -- I love the movie, and while the book has same the tone as the movie, it's really different. I'm one of these people that enjoys watching a movie first, then reading the book second. I am not good at imagining up my own characters, and I much rather have all that imagery taken care of for me!

Watching: Nothing on TV because we still have no cable at the new house! But we are watching a ton of kiddie movies (Rhealen is stuck on a huge Shrek phase at the moment!) - over the weekend, we watched Wreck-It Ralph (which I enjoyed!) and Puss in Boots (which I didn't!)...thank heavens for Redbox! 

Thinking about: Rhealen's second birthday party! Our little gal will be turning 2 on June 6th, and already, both the weekend before and after her birthday is full of family functions. We're going to have to squeeze in a little party for her somewhere in there, somehow! 

Anticipating: The end of school, the start of summer, and all those wonderful memories that come from warm, sunshine-filled days and big-moon nights. 

Listening to: anything Travis Tritt - I'm on a huge kick right now! 

Working on: Myself, and what's important to me in this life....

Wishing: I could slow things down a little - it's all flying by so quickly, and while I wait with anticipation for what's ahead, I still want to treasure these little moments and days that tick by. This is such a fun and precious little time with our family, I'm really trying to be in the moment as much as I can and focus on the joy I have abundant in my life. 

Currently series inspired by Danielle. 

Currently

Someone has been such a happy little fella lately, he smiles so quickly I can barely catch him in the act! But here's a half-smile :)

Watching: I really need to find another show to watch, because the only show I'm faithful to is The Walking Dead. There are only two episodes left, and it's literally going to be the end of me when season three is over. October seems light-years away when we're talking about the season four premiere! I have plans to watch all over American Horror Story: Asylum when it comes available on Netflix (that was how I watched AHS: Murder House, and I can't imagine not doing it that way from now on!) 

Thinking about: Summer! Today is officially the first day of Spring, which is nice and all, but it means we're one step closer to summer '13! I cannot wait, I have so many plans to go to the lake, stay up late by a fire-pit and just soak up every second of that warm weather. 

Anticipating: Moving into our new place! Our house is finally, FINALLY almost ready for us to move in to, and we can't wait. It's going to be so much nicer with everyone having their own bedroom and more space for us to just spread out a little (not a lot, but a little!) - we're so excited!  

Listening to: I have two songs on repeat lately: Next to Me/Emeli Sande & Lay 'Em Down/Needtobreathe

Working on: Writing letters to my kids (you can find the link up above) - recently I decided to sit down and write my kids some letters just in case, and then I thought there's no way I could ever say everything I wanted to in one letter at one time. And I know I'll never have the time to actually sit down and write, so I started a little blog just for them. It's been nice to just write openly and honestly to my kids and know that someday, when they're old enough, they'll have these words to remember me by. 

Wishing: The stomach bug would leave my family alone! Sidney's had it three times. Rhealen, Jaxon and I have had it twice. And Justin once (lucky!) We are so over this thing, but can't seem to stop passing it back and forth. It's the devil! 

Currently series inspired by Danielle.

Currently

Sorry for my pathetic sense of blogging lately, but it's been hard with this little guy taking up all my time. I have the want to, believe me, it just hasn't clicked yet. Schedules will happen, sooner rather than later I hope, and I can continue blogging more regularly...'cause I miss it so much!

Watching: I just finished American Horror Story: Murder House on Netflix, and it was AMAZING. I can't wait to watch Aslyum but I'm definitely going to wait until it's available for instant streaming. Watching TV shows on Netflix is the only way to do it, in my humble little opinion. I finished AHS in two days, and it was awesome. Just awesome!

Thinking about: Life as a family of five. It's so crazy to be living this life of mine, with these children of mine, married to that husband of mine. I'm lucky and slightly crazy and doing my best to just soak it all in!

Anticipating: Warmer weather. All this snow and ice and yuck is making me pine for sunnier days and nights - summer cannot get here fast enough for me.

Listening to: Calvin Harris feat. Florence Welch - "Sweet Nothing". The jam of my life!

Working on: Getting my body back. Pregnancy is hard on a old girl, and I'm ready to be out of the fresh post-partum stage and back to my old self. I'm tired of leaking all the time, feeling mushy and tired. I just want to feel like me again, if that's not too much to ask.

Wishing: Jaxon would start sleeping through the night! He'll turn four weeks old this Wednesday, so I know we've still got more than our share of sleepless nights ahead of us, but I look forward to getting on some sort of schedule with him. Getting up every two to three hours at night is getting old quick (although it's much better than the getting up every hour thing we were doing!)

Currently series inspired by Danielle.

Currently

Breakfast at Gran's house 

Watching: I aim to watch all of the Harry Potter movies consecutively as soon as I go on maternity leave - Justin got me the full DVD set for Christmas, and I can't wait to dive into them! I'd start now, but I know there's no way I'd be able to focus on the movies with Justin and the girls running around. I'll save them for those late nights with the baby boy. 

Thinking about: How incredibly lucky I am (and so thankful) to have had three wonderful pregnancies and two easy deliveries thus far; I can only hope that this time around will be just as enjoyable and easy and that both brother and I come out on the other side safe and happy. 

Anticipating: Everything this month: moving into our new house (fingers crossed!) and baby boy's arrival, as well as all the other wonderful things that pop up in between the month of January! I might even say I'm anticipating a little snow for the kids to play in :) 

Listening to: Whatever Sidney chooses lately - she's got such an eclectic taste in music (she comes by it honest!) so we listen to everything from Nicki Minaj to Gary Glitter to Luke Bryan to The Fresh Beat Band. Her current favorite? "It's Tricky" by Run DMC. 

Working on: Mentally preparing myself for labor and delivery, and having a newborn in the house. I'm trying not to over-think it all and instead focus on the joy of the moments to come. This precious newborn time goes by so fast (thankfully) and before I know it, we'll be into the thick of three growing kids! 

Wishing: I could slow things down a little! Time goes by so fast, I just can't believe it's 2013. I can't believe it's January and this baby will be here soon! I can't believe how big the girls are! I could go on and on, but it's kind of redundant. Time marches on and the pace is alarming...slow down, please! 

Currently series inspired by Danielle.

Currently

It's half of baby brother's little face! Can't wait to meet him in person, oh-so soon! 

Eating: More cereal than should be legal - although I am proud to admit I finally did branch away from Frosted Flakes for the moment (Frosted Flakes and watermelon are the two consistent cravings I've had with all three of my pregnancies...)

Watching: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, per Sidney's request - she has fallen in love with the new cartoon series, so Justin and I have been introducing her to the original movies (1990, holla!)...

Thinking about: This sweet baby and how excited I am to meet him! I have no idea how he'll fit into our family's crazy life, but I know he's so wanted and so anticipated, it'll all fall into place. Now, if only he'd make his big debut! 

Anticipating: Closing on our house (finally!) and moving in - we're definitely cutting it close with the baby's due date, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed we're (mostly) settled in by the time he arrives...next month!

Listening to: Ted Nugent - "Stanglehold" even though it kills me a little inside. I've become obsessed with this song lately! 

Working on: Learning to balance better and really divide up simple tasks around the house. Automatically I find myself attempting to "do it all, all by myself" at the house, and nowadays especially, it just doesn't happen. Normally I don't ask Justin to help me out with my end of the housework/mommy duties, but the other night I had to - and you know what? It was so easy. He didn't mind (duh!) and I loved having an extra set of hands helping me out with simple tasks (like getting the girls bathed and dressed for bed) - I'm not sure why I try to adopt this Wonderwoman-mentality of "I can do it! Yes, I can!" when clearly, I can't - not right now at least, not by myself! 

Wishing: I would feel better - the last few weeks of this pregnancy have really kicked my butt, and I'm nearing the end mentally (and physically). My back kills me constantly, sleep is non-existent and my poor bladder is never going to recover. Ever. I'm grateful for my body and the amazing job it's done carrying all three of my kids, but believe me, I'm over it. D-o-n-e, done. Couple that with the butt-kicking cold I've had all week, and I feel like I've reached the end of my rope. 

Currently series inspired by Danielle.

Currently

I'm trying to squeeze in one more book before the end of the year! I started out with a bang, reading like wildfire, but I've definitely slacked the last few months.

Loving: The hustle and bustle of the Christmas season approaching! Now that Thanksgiving is over, I can officially get into the "Christmas spirit"! We put up our tree over the long weekend and listened to lots of holiday tunes - the house felt warm and wonderful! I swear, it's ten times more fun having children going through the holiday seasons than it ever was being a kid! 

Watching: More episodes of Spongebob Squarepants than should be legal - of all the cartoons in the world, Rhealen has fallen in love with the yellow fellow. It's adorable in a way and then totally mind-boggling in another; at least it's more tolerable than Dora or The Wonder Pets.

Thinking about: How incredibly lucky I am, how happy I feel overall right now. There are times when I feel kind of mediocre and stale in my day-to-day life. But right now, I feel good. Excited for the holidays, excited for time with family, excited for baby boy's arrival. There's a buzz in the air and in my heart right now, and though it might change tomorrow, I'm appreciating that today is a good day. 

Anticipating: Everything the next two months will bring :)  

Listening to: Christmas music, of course! My favorite song? "Step Into Christmas" - Elton John

Working on: Doing more with the girls and really soaking up these last few weeks of "just us girls". Justin always greets us with a "hey girls!" or a "how are you girls?" but pretty soon, "the girls" will become "the kids". I've spent a lot of time trying to enjoy Rhealen as my baby and really appreciate just how big my big girl Sidney is. 

Wishing: For a safe, wonderful, magical holiday season for the girls. We've made ornaments, and this weekend we're going to work on letters to Santa. 'Tis the season! 

Currently series inspired by Danielle. 

Currently

My pretty girl - it's been fun talking about the election process with her and discussing candidates, although I hate that she's already given in to peer pressure twice and changed her mind based on what other kids in her class told her :)

Loving: The results of last night's election - I headed to bed when the critical swing states were still being tallied, but during one of my many nightly "pee trips" I checked CNN and saw that Virginia and Ohio were both blue, and Obama had clenched the electoral votes needed. Such an amazing moment in our history, and I cannot wait to see how far we can go in the next four years! 

Watching: The Walking Dead as faithfully as a human possibly can - I just have to keep reminding myself "it's just a TV show"! 

Thinking about: Baby boy names, all the time. Still nothing. 

Anticipating: Thanksgiving with the families - I'm so lucky to have such an amazing family around me and to be so close to my in-laws. The holidays help remind me that family truly is everything in life, and I'm so grateful to be a part of my heritage, my family's living story. 

Listening to: Tyrone Davis - Turn Back The Hands of Time (best song ever at the moment!) 

Working on: Being positive, keeping my opinions to myself, or at least sharing them in a positive way, and accepting others for their different beliefs and values. This election has really brought out the best and worst of people, as elections are apt to do, and I have a knee-jerk reaction to jump in on the social media blasting, but I try to always stop myself. Everyone has an opinion, everyone has a right to share their opinion, and while I hate seeing my news-feeds flooded with opinions that are far different than my own, I'm doing my best to stay neutral. I don't mind discussing my beliefs or the issues, but I'd much rather do it face-to-face with people than hide behind my computer screen where it's so much easier to be brave. 

Wishing: For a better tomorrow, always. 

Currently series inspired by Danielle. 

Currently

Sidney Morgan lost her first tooth Saturday!!! That awfully sweet "tooth fairy" brought her $3, and now she's ready to lose some more teeth :)

Loving: The fact that The Walking Dead is finally back on my TV! Even though last night's episode didn't show my beloved Daryl Dixon once, it's still so nice to have a regular series to watch and look forward to. It's the little things, I guess! 

Watching: Netflix, again. Yesterday we re-activated our account and watched some random, old movies (Small Soldiers, True Grit, Rat Race) - we usually get bored with Netflix really quickly, but it's been awhile since we were active, so there might be enough stuff to keep us interested for awhile. Plus, it saves money running to the Redbox two or three times a weekend! 

Thinking about: How quickly time is flying these days! It's so hard to believe Halloween is Wednesday, and then we're straight on into the month of November. It's just crazy to think we're so close to 2013! 

Anticipating: Trick-or-treating with the girls - I'm pretty sure it's going to be sub-zero conditions, but we're determined to hit up a few houses and get some candy, cold weather be damned! 

Listening to: Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, Diana Ross and more! It's been a "Motown" kind of mood for me lately! 

Working on: My "Christmas" shopping list - I'm not one to jump ahead of the holidays and get all excited about them completely out of order (and it totally kills me that stores already have out their Christmas stuff before the end of October!), but Justin and I are seriously trying to get a jump-start on buying gifts, or at least figuring out what to buy.

Wishing: For the rainy/snowy weather to pass by quickly this week. It's the first time snow has been in the forecast 'round these parts, and people are losing their minds. It's going to snow/rain/ice many times between now and spring, but it always seems like the first time each year is the first time ever for most people. 

Currently series inspired by Danielle. 

Currently

My butch sent me flowers for my 24th birthday Friday! 

Loving: That my husband is finally off of the night shift and back to regular days! Even though he only gets one day off a week right now, it's still so nice to have him home in the evenings and all night. Having both rowdy girls to myself, handling the bedtime routine and mornings all alone (sometimes he made it home in time to help me) was exhausting! My hat's off to those single parents who do it all, all on their own. Kudos. 

Watching: To celebrate our anniversary (that was on the 19th), Justin and I went out yesterday and bought a ton of new/old movies. We've got enough to keep our evenings occupied for a few weeks, and I'm so excited to start watching them all (although someone's going to have come down and watch the scary ones with me, Justin won't do it!) 

Thinking about: Baby boy names - they consume me. Justin is so slow picking out a name for this little guy, it's slowly driving me crazy! We've tossed around what feels like 1,000 names to no avail. Hopefully soon we'll have a moniker matched to this little man, and I can relax. 

Anticipating: The amazing holidays that are rapidly approaching! Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas back-to-back-to back! What in the world could be better? Oh yeah, after that baby boy should make his big debut! 

Listening to: My N*SYNC/Celine Dion Pandora station that is full of 90s goodies. I'm in middle-school flashback heaven! 

Working on: My parenting skills. I feel like I'm constantly evolving as a parent (which I think is a good thing) and with the holidays forthcoming, I've really tried to re-focus my energy into working with Sidney on what it means to be thankful and giving. She's so lucky to be such a spoiled little girl (spoiled by everyone, not just me and Justin), so I'm really working hard to make sure she understands what it means to "give back" and to care for those around her who are less fortunate. She's been so young in the past, I didn't really think she'd be able to grasp the full concept; but I think she's ready now, so we're going to kick it up a notch this year! 

Wishing: For Fall to hang around a little longer before it gets too cold. I've been looking forward to this season for so long, I'm really hoping it doesn't take a turn for the nasty quick. It'd bought break my heart if we didn't get at least a few good weeks of wonderful fall weather! 

Currently series inspired by Danielle.