Sephora Love

This darn store - I swear every month I spend at least $50!  Online sephora is waaaayyy better than going to the store.  First, its free shipping (if you spend $50) which hello is so easy to do.  Next they have weekly specials, which is usually like a really big sample of something nice.  Then the 3 free samples you get to try and you can cash in your beauty insider points and it arrives in 2 days!

So what did I buy this month?

I got a sample of this Almond melting cream from L'Occitane and fell in love.  I am obsessed with almond smelling everything and Philosophy discontinued my fave.  I had to have it!

I can't get enough of the beauty blender to apply my makeup.  I was using a cheap generic version before and since I got the real one - wow!  So much better, sometimes you do get what you pay for.  This cute little set comes with a beauty blender, an adorable highlighter duo and a blotterazzi which I have been wanting to try!  It is supposed to take the place of blotting papers which for me is a must in the summer.  

I am so excited for Christmas.  I have a few more things arriving today and tomorrow that will need to be wrapped but I am ready.  Last stop at the bakery for goodies on Christmas Eve and a small wegmans run - then some preparing and we are set.  Christmas brunch this year we are having oven baked German pancakes with strawberry compote and a tater tot/egg/bacon casserole along with an almond ring, ricotta log, placzak bread and mimosas.   Mmmmm!

What's in your carousel?

Keurig carousel that is!  I was cleaning the kitchen and putting away groceries and realized our keurig represents all the people we love that come to our house.  And I actually like filling it too.  It reminds me that everyone has been here and getting their coffee fix and who doesn't love a cup of that!  Because seriously....

Plus when it's all full it makes me feel all accomplished!  Here's our little coffee nook:

Anyway, Papa likes his plain ole' Folger's with a touch of cream, my dad likes Dunkin Donuts, Steve and I both need our Twinings Irish Breakfast Tea, my sister likes Donut House Decaf, I drink the Donut Shop sweet n creamy regular, Swiss Miss Hot chocolate for the kids (and us) and some McDonald's coffee in case my dad wants to switch it up!  I can tell what kind of a day Papa had with kids by how many k-cups are missing.  Well there you have it - stop over for a cup :)

A Third?

Some of you may be sitting there thinking should we have a third child?  Well for us - We didn't give it much thought.  We were in baby bliss, heck I was breastfeeding! and we were all over joyed because it was Christmas time.  So...along came Reid.  I just knew he would be a boy, our 3rd boy and I loved every second of it.  I knew he would be my last pregnancy so I soaked it up.

But I'm going to be honest.  Sometimes having a third is hard.  The jump from 2 to 3 can feel like a lot!  I find myself saying 3 kids is like 30.  But then again our last 2 were back to back.  We are definitely outnumbered and we know it :)

I'm a nurse and spend a lot of my time educating my patients - about post-op instructions, their disease, how to take care of their drain, etc.  And then are times your patient teaches you - and those are the moments I love.  I was pregnant with my second child and this male patient told me he wished he had more children, they had 3 wanted 4 and stopped.  Stopped because it was too hectic and expensive and he really regretted it.  He said "people never wish they could give a child back, but they sure do spend time wishing they had another."  So I guess there is your answer: Go for it !

Truth is the cost of the third child you don't even feel initially.  We had all the "stuff" and I breastfed anyway.  And since we had another boy - you get the point.  But there will come a time you "feel it". doing things as a family of 5 gets pricey quick.  The last time we went bowling it cost $55 and we only bowled 2 games and it lasted an hour and a half.  5 movie tickets and food - $85.  And then there's traveling.  Most rooms at hotels aren't big enough for 5 or they won't let you put 5 in a room so most often we get a suite or a nicer hotel all together.  Which I will just go ahead and admit - I LOVE!  Being a hotel snob this really works out for me.  Bigger, nicer room and my husband can't complain we had to upgrade?  Yes Please!  Oh I will just go ahead and say it - that 5th plane ticket - hurts.

But I wouldn't trade my third for anything in this world!!  He made our family complete.  And knowing he's the youngest and our last, when he climbs into our bed in the middle of the night all you can do is smile. I start off my prayers every night with "Thank you times 3"

And would you just Look at that little face <3

Tis the Season

I love this time of year!  But can we get a little snow over here :)

I'm busier than usual but in a good way.  And errands are better when there is Christmas music playing right?  We got our tree :)  Family pictures are done!  Still need to wrap presents and purchase a few more presents for parents and the husband.  Steve finishes school Dec. 12th and then I will really be in an exceptional Festive mood. He hasn't been home every day after work since August!!  We will be finalizing our Spring vacation after his final exam.  It basically has to involve Mickey if you ask my three children.  So either a cruise or the parks.

I organized a work Cookie Exchange and Friday is the day.  I kept the sign-up to 9 people and everyone brings a dozen cookie for every person on the list.  People signed up with their "cookie" so we didn't have duplicates.  I opened it up to include a goodie, some people couldn't decide on a cookie.  I made White Trash for everyone with Holiday M & M's.  This stuff is like Crack-Cocaine!  I have my 8 dozen containers all ready to go. Can't wait to see the variety of goodies I get back.  And then I will probably make cut-outs with the kiddos.  I give some to our favorite neighbor and send some in with hubby to work for the "guys".  They usually aren't too pretty for anyone else!

My mom got me hooked on Ibotta.  Haha like I need another app in addition to Cartwheel - I am addicted.  But I guess being addicted to saving money isn't a bad thing right?  It is so fun and I am saving money on groceries in addition to my coupons.  Buying orange juice? - save 50 cents.  Literally, it feels like some weeks that's all I do is buy groceries for these boys so this app is right up my alley.  I just started and I already "earned" a $20 gift card to Brady's fave place - Olive Garden.

I wanted to include an update on my dad and say that I am truly grateful and appreciative of everyone who reached out to us and prayed for him.  He completed Cardiac Rehab but unfortunately his ejection fraction didn't improve.  He is now in need of an ICD because of the high risk of developing an arrythmia.  Another hurdle he has to go through but he's here and our Holidays will be special.  I'm trying not to get too down about it and hopefully it will never "fire".  We are lucky to have the GVI downtown and he is in great hands.  Thank you again for your prayers!

My Christmas List

There are some years it is really hard to come up with gift ideas for myself.  Probably because I figure I work hard and if I want something I usually buy it.  But this year I have a long list!  And I'm basically 90% done for the kids.  Still need teacher gifts, Parents, etc.  But I'm big on the gift cards so that's easy.  I pair them with a candle and I got an amazing deal at Bath & Body Works.  They had their big candle sale and I had coupons!  But back to me right?

First I would love a new ring for my right hand.  Pandora has an adorable one like this that I have been eyeing up!

And I have been wanting this perfume for a while and I missed using a 20% off coupon from Sephora and just getting it.  But it is at the top of the list!  

I would love a certificate to get my truck detailed!  I know - boring right?  But its a mess on the inside and Steve just doesn't have the time to do it.

I really need a new pair of slippers.  These are adorable from Boden.

Alright I admit I already bought the next gift for myself.  Haha but I had been wanting them for so long and decided to just buy them. They are just so classic and I should have owned a pair a million years ago.  I had these in regular eyeglasses but since I don't need them anymore...thank you LASIK!

I almost forgot I really, really want this brush set from it cosmetics.  I have 2 brushes of theirs and they are amazing.  This set is only $50!

And lastly, I need a weekender bag.  I was trying to explain this to the hubs, yes I have a bunch pf bags but none of them are a weekender.  He didn't get it!  Anyway, this is perfect for our trips to Great Wolf or would make a great carry on too.  And that Kate Spade sale 75% off - I was basically saving him money.  He should thank me :)

Happy Shopping!!!

What's for Dinner?

So one positive thing about Steve being in school all the time is not having to plan dinner.  My kids love chicken nuggets or soup.  And mom loves having cereal for dinner.  However, I do plan at least one meal for the weekend and I love to look at Pinterest for ideas like everyone else.  And pretty soon he will be home every night so I need to come up with some winner recipes and fast!  The hubs LOVES Beef Stroganoff so much he buys it from the cafeteria at work :( I found a recipe that is super simple.  Tweaked it a bit and it is so good.
Here's the original pin:

http://thecrockstar.blogspot.com/2009/01/absolute-best-crockpot-beef-stroganoff.html?m=1

The comments made it sound like this Golden Mushroom soup was going to be hard to find and it totally wasn't.  And I LOVE worcestershire sauce.  Apparently not that much though as mine was from 2014 - Whoops!  I thought it was weird there were no mushrooms in this recipe so I only used 1 pound of stew meat and added 8oz. of sliced mushrooms.  Any recipe you can throw in a crockpot and have it come out delicious in a few hours - sign me up!!  I served it over No Yolks brand egg noddles (for my dad) but you could also do mashed potatoes.  Enjoy!

Boys Room

Time to purchase some new beds and bedding for the boys.  So I purchased a toddler bed a long time ago and NO ONE has ever slept in it.  Pierce decided he wanted to sleep in bed with Brady.  Brady said he didn't care and the rest has been history.  They love it!  And seeing them walk up the stairs hand in hand will melt your heart!  And Reid LOVES his crib.  He climbs in and out and will not go near that toddler bed.  It makes me sad to think we are taking down the crib forever - but the time has come.  Reid needs to get tucked into a bed (my kids refuse sleeper pj's) and I would love to read books to him at night and lay next to him anyway.  Especially since he gets up once an night for a hug!  SO, his crib turns into a full and he will be all set. Actually he was helping me the other day change sheets and he said "mommy I like Blue" and was loving curling up into Brady's bed.  I mean clearly hes asking for a hand me down - I will have to oblige.   Now the other boys are so different. Pierce wants spiderman (of course) and Brady is obsessed with football.

I am ordering 2 twin beds and they will have matching sheets (white and red stars) to tie it together.  New paint (Steve will be thrilled) and getting the carpets cleaned.

Ok so have I mentioned my love for Paige denim? I swear the last 4 pairs of jeans I have purchased have been by her.   She used to be a fitness model so she gets it.  Her jeans will make your butt look awesome.  And (hallelujah) they have high rise!!!  Which is what my mom tummy needs these days. Just got a pair from nordi's too on sale!

And why have I waited so long to try the actual Beauty Blender?

I have always had some generic ones from ulta.  But decided to buy the real deal and it is amazing.  Especially since I learned they should be wet and rung out.  Now the makeup actually goes on my face instead of inside the sponge.  Seriously, amazing!!

Halloween

Halloween is over so it's time for my favorite Holidays!!!  I wasn't that into Halloween this year.  We knew Steve wouldn't be home and I had a hard time getting in the spirit.  We didn't even carve pumpkins or buy a mum.  Although I killed the mum last year in record in time anyway.  It's tradition we have a pizza party and invite over both sets of grandparents and Aunt Kara and Uncle Pete.  We did and Kara helped me take the kids around the block.  The kids had fun - especially Pierce when he got to spray webs!  And now he's pretty much obsessed with silly string :)

Funny moments that Steve missed: One house asked Reid what he was and he said "I a cow!" Ummmm he wasn't - he was a dog.  And Pierce said a tree hit him when in actuality he walked right into it.  Guess my kids aren't used to being in the dark - hahaha.  What can I say I love early bedtimes.

Alright so onto my 2 favorite Holidays!!!  Which will be SUPER special because my dad came so close to not being here at all.  Coconut cream or banana cream pie? I mean that is the question folks!!!  I already ordered matching pajamas for the kids on Christmas morning and have a list started for each one.  Pierce is going to freak when he opens this gotham city.

Reid wants a razor scooter like big brother!

And Brady wants nerf footballs, guns and a ramp.

Happy Shopping!

Papa

This post is going to be all about Papa.  He IS basically the 3rd parent around here :)

Papa for those that don't know is Steve's father, so my father-in-law.  He became our hero when Brady was 5 months old.  Brady had been in daycare for all of 2 months, of which I hated every single second.  Papa got hurt at work and called Steve to say he wouldn't be returning and said I will watch Brady.  Steve told me...to which I said "can your dad watch a baby?"  And Steve said I think so???  So he was hired (on the spot).  Haha no references or resume needed.

He used to drive all the way from West Seneca to Tonawanda to pick Brady up everyday at like 5:30am.  I used to leave for work 6:15.  He did this twice a week.  And then Steve would pick up Brady at 3:30.  We finally decided to move to West Seneca to be closer to Steve's parents.  Our house is exactly 1.5 miles from theirs.  This made it a little easier on Papa.  Brady started pre-school and I popped out another one.  Papa said "if I can take care of 1, I can take care of 2"  Seriously BLESS THIS MAN.  And so he did, and then I got pregnant when Pierce was 7 months old.  And then in all honesty, papa freaked out a little.

He was scared of 3...and I was scared he was gonna give up.  He said he would give it a try.  We hoped he would give it the old college try because seriously, daycare for 2??  But here we are.  Who knew he would be taking care of kids 8 years later.  I tell him all the time to tell me if it gets too hard.  But he just keeps on trucking!!  It helps now that he knows we are officially done having kids and that we are pretty close to them all being in school.  

So let me just tell you about our papa.  His entire family is shocked that he does this: takes such good care of our boys, is so in love with them, will not let 5 days go by without seeing them.  That's right his brothers and sisters never thought they would see the day!  But these boys have melted him.  Yes he still smokes and drinks and rides his motorcycle...but I have seen this man cry real tears when the kids get hurt.  I think he aged about 10 years when Reid had his first seizure and he still didn't give up.  I can't take him with us when the boys get shots, he is the one crying and then I can't cry.  Last time he had to "step out."  But His love for them amazes me.  When I tell him he only has 1 day this week, he calls me by Friday and stops over just to see them.  Or he will call Steve and tell him to take me to dinner so we can bring the boys over.

He even does the dishes!!!  Yes that's right - by hand.  And I love their lazy pajama days!!  I love when Reid asks "papa come home?" Like this child of mine DOES know he doesn't live here right?  Geez you would think I worked all the time!  And being able to tell Papa usually as I walk out the door because I take it for granted (being able to go to work when the kids are sick) oh by the way P has diarrhea or Reid has croup is seriously a GODSEND.

On Mondays and Fridays, our children are taken care of by Papa.  If you see them with their pajamas on, or in non-matching clothes at McDonald's, rainboots in the summer, etc.  - they are being cared for by him.  And we are incredibly blessed to have him!!!  

Remodel

It's almost done.  I say almost because there are some things I want to take my time with.  And I'm sure things will evolve when the time is right.  I am obsessed with my mantle and tv over it.  I am SO happy the kids cant go behind the tv and pull out wires (no more watching tv in black n white till daddy gets home to fix it) and no more fingerprints - can I get a hell yeah? Frames are from Target and those candle holders are Pottery Barn.  I wanted the entire fireplace area to be white and simple.  It's hard to tell in this pic but the tile has a wave pattern to it that I love.  

One of the smarter things I did was float our furniture in the family room and give the kids their own space behind the couch between the windows.  It hides the mess!  Curtains from Target and rug and furniture from Pottery Barn Kids.  Some day when I don't need to have a ton of toys in my family room I would love to build a big long window seat!

We got rid of our kitchen table to add an island with seating and storage.  I now have my mixer in my kitchen instead of downstairs!  And the kids love to sit at the island.  Our island top is a quartz called Coarse Corrara.  But I forgot how much light countertops show everything!!

Helloooo Big Giant table for this big giant family.  (not really but it feels like it) I love that we all sit together.  Table is from Wayfair and curtains from Target.

Sconces are Pottery Barn, mirror Pottery Barn Kids, Buffet is Home Goods, lamp JC Penney and that picture was done by ME!

Settled In

Ok we have finally! settled in to our new schedule.

It is weird having 2 in school in the morning. Sometimes I catch myself "like wait I only have 1 child" but thats how many I am supposed to have. Reid has gotten so much better about the gym now.  He tells me "no tears" and goes in and plays with the other kids.  It is nice to spend time with just him.  He is my cleaning buddy and the kid could go to Target everyday - my kind of guy :) It will be totally bizarre next year when I have mornings to myself - but let's not rush that.

Halloween is almost here!  The oldest Brady wants to be a Bills player.  I honestly think he just wants the cool helmet the costume comes with but I will go along.  Pierce the middle child wants to be Spiderman, his favorite superhero.  And Reid, the little guy, is getting a hand me down of course. But actually Reid LOVES cats and dogs.  He wanted a dog birthday party and the costume is adorable!  I got 3 uses out of that costume.  (thanks pottery barn)  This will be the last year I have any say in their costumes so I'm going to enjoy the heck out of that little puppy dog!        

And is anyone else in the mood to make soup like everyday!  If it has Mexican in the name, calls for black beans and gets topped with sour cream - I"M IN!!!! Today I am making Chicken Parm Soup - for the hubs.  Who is actually home for dinner tonight.

This mama has to work tomorrow but I have a date with my Sweetheart for Sweetest Day that may include some margaritas - so work better go fast!!!

Me

I thought I would do something fun with this post and make it about me.  Let's face it once you have kids it is NEVER about you again.

So, 10 things about Me

1.  I can eat Crunch N Munch until my teeth hurt.
2.  I always said I would never have 3 kids.
3.  I think Bison Chip Dip is the best thing EVER.
4.  I regret all those years spent waxing my eyebrows and laying in the tanning bed.
5.  I drink Iced Coffee every day at 3:00pm.
6.  I LOVE nap time!
7.  I hate pickles.
8.  I am a burn survivor.
9.  I am horrible at math, last week I couldn't add 37.5 + 37.5
10.  My first car: silver camaro

And speaking of me, I am so impressed with Kat Von D lipsticks I ordered another 2 pack! It took me a while to get used to the matte feel, probably because I have been wearing gloss for so long, but I love it now!  

My kids are camping with my sister this weekend so hubs and I are in the middle of a kid-free weekend over here.  We are headed up to the outlet mall to do some shopping for the kids and us!  We deserve it!!

A day in my Life

I read a funny parenting meme that said if you aren't crazed as a parent, you aren't doing it right!

I was supposed to have ALL this time working 2 days per week.  Time to keep my house as clean as I want to, time to give each child individual attention, time to go to the gym, take care of me, etc.  Well I decided there isn't enough of it.

Here we are again in the thick of nursing school for the hubs, and I feel like my life is a tad out of control.  I did a blog a long time ago about what my days looked like with new babies.  It was fun (and frightening) to see it in print.  So I thought I would do a new one so I can look back on all the chaos - so here's a glance at my life now!

Let me start by saying School has thrown a huge wrench in the works and we all need to time to adjust.  And I work Monday and Fridays so this typical day is all papa's on those days.  But the other days of the week: If I have an appt. I wake up at 6:30 to shower and straighten hair but if not Wake up at 7am, do breakfast, clean up breakfast, brush tiny teeth and dress children for the day.  I brush my own teeth, put hair in a pony and throw on gym clothes.  I am adjusting to putting my oldest on the bus at 8:15, then I  buckle them in their car seats  and drop off the middle child at 9:00 for preschool, head to the gym with the youngest in tow to work out from 9:30-10:30, then I try and squeeze in a Target or a Wegmans run for groceries and back to get the middle child at 11:30.  Home to feed them lunch, put them down for naps at 1:00.  Back up at 3:00, Iced coffee for me, get the oldest off the bus at 3:30, homework, dinner and then off to gymnastics.  Little boys go on Tuesdays and oldest goes on Thursday.  Home for a bath depending on the night (this mama doesn't do daily baths) I let them watch their ipads while I clean and then brush teeth again, read books,lay out clothes for tomorrow and pack lunch and then bedtimes.  Little dude goes down at 7:30 and bigger boys at 8:15. Just thinking of the amount of times I buckle kids into car seats and brush tiny teeth is exhausting!!!

If I am honest - most days this mom takes a nap too!!!  Hell yeah I do from 2-3.  If I don't nap I might take a quick shower and do my hair.  And yes I still have 2 in car seats.  My 4 year old weighs 33 pounds - who knows when he will hit 40 lbs. and be able to be in a booster??  I try and watch some bad reality television, do laundry and try not to fall asleep on the couch.  Husband is back in school so Monday-Thursday he gets home at 8:30 or 11:00pm.  Weekends are the BEST around here and we cherish them!!  Snuggling, dinner out, shopping and watching football.

Birthday Post

It's that time again - what do I want for my birthday? My 2nd 35th Birthday that is!

I think Sorel's make the list AGAIN this year because no one has purchased them for me.  Although, these exact blue ones have been sold out in my size 6.5 till now..... Hubs is on it!!

My perfume exploded in my makeup bag I carry in my purse so a new Kate Spade cosmetic bag is making the list.  I don't even care what it looks like as long as its small!  This is the one I had:

The green military jacket is everywhere this season and I NEEEEEEED one asap!

Maybe a new Pandora ring or some Kendra Scott Earrings and I will be one happy lady.  Although let's not forget some chocolate covered something for my belly!!!

Not so Favorite Time

So Here I am potty training #3 over here and I realize there is nothing enjoyable about this time!  I am so sick of saying "do you have to go potty?" 500 hundred times a day I COULD SCREAM.  He's honestly doing really well, about 1 accident a day but I just think I have run "out of gas and patience with this last one".  Anyway. buying 1 box of diapers per month sounds nice (they both still wear them at night).  None of my children have ever mastered potty training and staying dry at night until they are about 5.  This meme sums up my true feelings.

I am not so slightly obsessed with the bralette. Ever since I got the girls put back where they belong I said a huge FU and goodbye to underwire.  I find all I need is a little bralette and they are so darn cute I cant seem to stop buying them.  ALL OF THEM!
 

I have been dabbling in Younique makeup lately.  Everyone has tried their 3D Fiber mascara and I did a while back.  But now I got some of their liquid foundation, primer and concealer.  I am not blown away but giving it some more time to see if it grows on me.

Throwing a 3rd Birthday party, Daddy starting back at school, school shopping for Brady and Pierce - the fun never ends.  But I may have made some apple crisp this weekend because I am so over this heat!  Fall hurry up and get here!!   :)

Fall is coming

It is almost my favorite time of year - eeeeekkkkk!!!  Football and chili season and pumpkin spice everything.

Who isn't excited for these???

I have been obsessed with this Habanero Salsa

and cotton candy grapes.  Have you heard of these things?  OMG they are so good.

And I may have snacked on both at the same time.  Thank goodness for Wegman's.  I must be hugry this post is all about food!

Back to school shopping over here big time!  New sneakers for everybody and school supplies for the big boy.  Little P is headed to pre-k for the am session 9-11:30 now that he is 4.  Let's just wait and see how that goes...

Potty training little man.  And can I just tell you - he twisted my arm into doing it.  But I guess when he takes off his diaper and pees in the potty you have to get on board.  So here we are a week in and he's killing it!!  So thankful for that.  I mean by the time you get to #3 - ain't nobody got energy for that.  Hahaha.

Husband of the year surprised me last night by lining up a sitter and taking me to see Lee Brice.  Aaaahh my other love for Country Music.  He was amazing, such a small venue and sounded so good.  Beers, a chicken pita and a motorcycle ride and this mom is SO happy.

Camping

We went to Jellystone again this year and had a blast!  The kids loved cooking the marshmallows and swimming.  We went with my sister and brother in law and a good friend from HS.  My parents were supposed to go too but Dad is still in the hospital (thats a whole other blog post) and we missed him for sure.  Mom was able to come down for a day.  Camping is a lot of work.  Basically doing what you do at home with unfamiliar surroundings and not as much room.  Cook and Clean and repeat.  But when the kids were asleep, the adults got to play cards, drink and hang out - and us moms actually got to finish our sentences!  Here are some pics:

Speaking of camp and all those kiddos - I purchased this from Amazon and I'm not really sure how I have lived without it for 8 years. It's also available from Bed Bath & Beyond and way cheaper and you can use a coupon!

Its called a Squatchi and I can now measure my kids feet myself and shop online - Yay!  And Stride Rite is having their BOGO sale right now with free shipping. Whatever makes life easier, I will buy.