Reid's 5th!

We love the Bills around here!  You can find us all in front of the TV every Sunday, eating some dip I made and cheering on the Bills.  Last Sunday was Pizza Dip:) 

Anyway, I managed to find a Bills bounce house and cake from dairy Queen.  Everything else was football and red and blue.

Full disclaimer here I had to borrow my 10 year olds Bills shirt because mine was long sleeve.  And then it made me want to cry that it fit me.  Why do they grow up?

Not perfect but Reese Ice Cream Cake is delicious!

One more shot of our sweet little 5 year old looking just like his dad!

What am I?

In our society where everyone needs a label, I don't seem to fit into either category: sahm or working mom.

A stay-at-home mom would say I am not one of them because I get a break and go to work.

On my sons field trip

A working mom would say no way - you go to work 2 days a week.

From work to the ball field

And I get it.  I do. 

I love going to target around 9:30 or 10am and grabbing my starbucks, seeing all the stay at home moms with their babies shopping.  And I think those are my tribe.

But then I also know what its like to work 2 days in a row and come home to find the hampers full, homework didn't get done and someone's class needs 16 juice bags tomorrow.

But from the middle, ladies I can tell you we are all in the trenches, doing our best and kicking but at this mom thing. So whatever you are - rock it!

Me and My Boys

I found a new mom product I love! Now that my boys are all showering (tears) I hate the idea of using loofahs or poufs because they harbor bacteria.  And scratchy washcloths are out but they all use pump soap.  Well I found the perfect solution!  Baby Bum makes a foaming body soap with a pump.  They can get themselves all soapy and clean with their hands.  I love this brand for sunscreen and now for their wash.  And they still to get to smell like babies for just a little longer!

Mom Rush

Let me super clear: Mom Rush is a disease and an epidemic and I fu*&ing HATE it!

It is a thief of joy.  I never heard someone else refer to it until my fave moms mentioned it, Cat & Nat and it hit me over the head that it is real.

 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=13&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjmwvHA5cfdAhXDVN8KHQLuDbsQFjAMegQIABAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fcatandnat%2Fstatus%2F987360304723124224&usg=AOvVaw2YH8xmlRHwL4x1U6eDdxAQ

I remember being so overwhelmed with my first (what for I don't know) so it all started back then.  Mommin' aint easy and it sure as heck gets worse when you are doing it for tiny cranky humans.  So I was a nap Nazi - and I didn't let up when I had my third like everyone said I would.  But you start living life in these pockets of time.  I can remember rushing to get ready for the day during the morning nap.  And then the golden window of time between their morning and afternoon naps where you rush around and try and get everything done before they fall asleep in the car and screw everything up.  Even if it always meant eating lunch at 11:00am, waiting outside of restaurant for them to open the doors! I started rushing back then and can't seem to stop.  I have and NEED to slow down.  This rush is so tied with anxiety that all moms feel.

So, now that mine are in school I keep reminding myself to slow down.  I don't have to run around Target, I can eat my lunch hot and savor each bite and I can nap!!!  As long as I'm up by 3:30 for the bus :)

Kids in School

OK all my guys have been in school for almost 2 weeks now. 

And I still find myself trying to keep busy during the day and it seems like I can until 2:00.  Then I stare at the clock and think aaaaahhhh I still have an hour and 40 minutes till they get home.  The truth is yes, husband and I have been having fun going to lunch and shopping together and doing stuff around the house. 

Us at Carrabba's for my birthday lunch 

But we miss them!

I have had children at home for 10 years!  None of my kids have every went to Daycare.  I enjoyed the heck out of life with my first child and then when he went to preschool, I had a 4 month old.  And then when that child started kindergarten, I had a 1 year old and a newborn.  I loved spending the days with my children - is there anything better then napping with your children and snuggling all afternoon together?  And I loved always having a lunch date and someone to go to the store with.  So there is a definite hole in my heart!

And when someone suggests "work more" to me it just sounds stupid.  Work is not a substitute for spending time with your kids so CAN IT!  I don't have one of those jobs where you can just agree to take on 1 more day.  I work in an area of the hospital that most consider a great job so it is very hard to get into this unit. (I only did bc I am very part-time) I have been signing up for extra shifts to fill the days.  And you bet I volunteered for everything I could at their school! And I am also going to start scheduling those doctor appointments that I missed taking care of everyone else.

Anyway, enjoy your kiddos while they are home because it hurts when they leave :(  3:35 is my favorite time of the day!!! Come home babies

Packages

I'm sure you guys are like me with packages arriving all the time and a Husband with the side eye.  So I started showing mine what's actually in them.  But he actually thought they were all for me!  We do things diffeent then most couples, we have separate money.  (trust me we have never argued about money so we are doing something right)  He was so surprised to find out that the majority of the packages are for the kids!

And honestly the packages are so random.  Give the kids their last fiber gummie, have to order more from Amazon.  Get the kids dressed in jammies and realize they are floods, have to order pajamas from Carters.  We just had a cold snap here in B-lo, so ordered some cute zippie hoodies from Gap for the chilly mornings.  It is never ending I swear with three kids.  

Now I admit the Sephora packages are all MINE and Nordstrom (for the most part.) But we both feel so much better now knowing the truth.  Seriously, show them and maybe they will understand.

Birthday Post

I think I'm like every other girl - gift certificates to my favorite salons or medical spas always work for birthday presents!! I usually suggest this for my hubs because I like to make it easy on him :) I have started getting my hair done every 4 weeks instead of 5 - getting old sucks right?

I have been eyeing this necklace for a long time - it's from Accessory Concierge.  They have gorgeous necklaces.

I have been so good wearing a hat all Summer that I am kind of sick of the 2 fedora style ones I have and the 2 baseball ones I go between.  And then I found this cutie on sale at Kate!

Still obsessed with Nickel & Suede earrings and have now moved on to this "Gem" shape. I already own these in silver :)

Hair

I have missing in action from blogging.  We have been having one heck of a Summer over here!  But since my hair doesn't behave in the Summer I thought I would share my products for anyone else struggling!  I have naturally curly hair  and humidity is the devil.

But I have become obsessed with Moroccon oil hair oil, root spray and now their texture spray.  Aaaaaahhhhh the smell! I could basically huff it.

I put the oil and root spray on wet hair, round brush and then texture spray at the end to give it more body.  I like to wear my hair straight but have recently been going wavy with a curling iron.  And the texture spray helps hold the wave without making it too stiff.

And why am I just finding out about Kenra Platinum blow dry spray?  Seriously cuts down on drying time which is perfect for Summer and really adds some shine and sleekness!

Summer Plans

Today is our first day of Summer Vacation!  We went to the library and the playground and had a nice lunch as a family at Pasquale's.  (Italian husband will only eat their sauce)

We are in the thick of baseball season over here.  Games 3 days a week!  But I love watching them and cheering them on - I get to be a cheerleader again.

So what are our plans for Summer?  I have some lofty goals to have my soon-to-be 1st grader read a book every single day.  Reading is so important and good readers have an easy time in school.  We got our library cards ready because I would love to start reading again. The only reading I do now is charts at work and US weekly once a week.  I got our Kindergartner a book to work on writing letters.  And our oldest needs to keep up on those multiplication and division facts.

As far as where are we going? We have our July 4th picnic with Steve's family, Queen of Heaven carnival, Darien Lake, Great Wolf Lodge, Jellystone camping trip and of course the Fair planned.  And when that is all over Steve and I are getting away!  We need to make ourselves go because we hate inconveniencing family - 3 boys is a lot to handle.  We can't decide if we want to do Maine, Boston, Chicago or scope out Myrtle Beach in case we want to take the family in the future. I just want to lay by a pool and drink!    

Fave time

I hate Summer.  This is my favorite time of the year!  It's cool enough to wear jeans and sandals and you don't die from the heat.  I only wear designer denim because I'm a snob but I found Kut from the Kloth jeans from Nordstrom and they don't disappoint!  And seriously only $89!?! And yes they make your butt look nice.  I wear a size 6 in these jeans.

Why have I only just discovered Madewell the brand?  I ordered two of their tanks and they are so nice.  I read people with broad shoulders should wear V-neck tops.  And I could play for the Bills with my shoulders!  I got a stripe one (below) and a cute cranberry color.

I don't need to wear underwire anymore and have fallen in deep love with Coobie Bras. They have strappy ones, racerback and regular.  And they have teen tiny pads so when you are cold no one knows! And they have that tiny gathering in the front so you don't have one giant uni-boob.

If I don't have one of these on I get my others from Gap or Gap factory.  Those aren't lined but for $7 (when they go on sale) I will take it! 

Perfect for Moms

Since having 3 kids, my stomach will never be the way it used to.  I have accepted it but that doesn't mean I want it hanging out.  I named my mom gut Blanche and she needs to be contained in high waisted pants or jeans.  And now this new trend of shirts with a knot or gathering is perfect for us moms!  So let's hope it never goes out of style or I may just be rocking this trend forever.  It hides the not-so-existent waist these days. I got these tanks from Banana Republic and am loving them.

The 2nd one I literally wanted to sleep in when I wore it - that comfortable!  Throw on jeans, sandals and a necklace - Hello Spring uniform.

I just went to Nordstrom Rack for the first time.  It is kind of tj max-ish but way neater and less cluttered and better designers.  You can even use your nordi's card! I got a shirt and a necklace :)

My Boys

Pictures like this are my favorite!!!

Reid and Pierce are so close in age and in life.  God had a better plan than me apparently :)

I love my boys and I love shopping for them.  But boys clothes are never anything to write home about.  But how adorable is this shirt??  OMG those little spikes...

Carters - I had to get it!!

And my oldest - This stud that has to wear cologne everyday and is almost as tall as me.  Double digits this month!  Time can slow down now.

Baseball Mom

It's starting - baseball season!  I do love the tball games on Saturday mornings.  They get us up and out of the house, a quick stop at Timmy's and sit in the sun - whats not to love?  My oldest has games on Monday and Wednesday nights which can be tough with our schedules but we will make it work!
Has anyone checked out the adorable baseball wreaths on etsy?  OMG so cute.  I am ordering ASAP if I can decide!

Speaking of ordering I have been eyeing this Stella & Dot clutch for a while and was hoping like heck it would go on sale - no such luck!  And well I caved!

And I found these adorable tie shirts from Banana Republic.  They are knit and hide the mom belly - I am in love!

Jeans: C of H Sandals: Sam Edelman Necklace: Target Watch: Kate Spade Earrings: Nickel & Suede

Cruise Recap

Our week on the Disney Fantasy!  I will spare you a million pictures - they are on my facebook.  A vacation with 5 people I suppose can never really go without a few hiccups.  And we had some hiccups for sure.  Our flight was delayed out of Buffalo and I should have taken that as a sign of things to come.  Happy I decided to wear activewear after having to sit on the floor, buying more snacks and chasing kids around.  Buffalo airport has pickles in a bag for $1.99 in case you were wondering and those made everyone happy.  I always forget my husband becomes completely deaf on airplanes - cue the emoji with the eyes rolled.  

Dress: Kohl's Lauren Conrad

The cruise was great but the whole thing was not magical.  A gastrointestinal illness struck our son the 2nd night we were there.  He had it for 2 days.  Then our oldest got it, then the youngest and then since I spent the majority of the time in the bathroom with them - I was next!  It sucked.  I didn't eat for a day and on a cruise with all this food everywhere it ruined the day. 

The kids had their own beds - which means husband and I got our own bed :)

Stomach issues aside, we made the best of it, totally disconnected from the world, only taking our phones out to take pictures.  Husband and I shared a couple hours everyday without the kids and that is priceless.  We had drinks and talked, just the two of us and literally had to force ourselves to go get the kids.  We love spending time together even after 11 years.

Cover-up: J Crew Factory Hat: Kate Spade

Husband and I even tried to take pics of just us, but someone would usually sneak in.  Our smallest is stuck to my husbands butt!

Dress: J crew factory  Purse: Kate Spade Earrings: Nickel & Suede

Our youngest LOVED the characters and they really are everywhere on the cruise ship.  We would go and see one every night before dinner.    

Dresses: J. crew factory and Nordi's

And then this happened on the last day of the cruise!  His favorite Olaf :)

Overall, we did have fun and 7 days on a cruise ship is the perfect amount of time in my opinion.  We soaked up that sun - that's for sure!

Coverup: Becca 

I did an amazing job packing.  Even remembered sunglasses this time and to bring a small purse to carry instead of the "mom backpack".  Totally underestimated how much sunblock 5 people would need for 7 days.  Bringing our plastic Disney mugs was the best idea ever!  Kids loved the popcorn, the ice cream and the aqua duck.  Couldn't live without our hamper and laundry/wet bag - because you know I did laundry.  Clothespins were awesome - hang clothes, attach clothes to the chairs on balcony to dry, chip clips, etc.  Since our last cruise - Disney has put in alarm clocks complete with USB ports for phones - Holla!  And of course the food and drinks, accomodations and service was top notch!  

Pre vaca purchases

I shop a lot.  I tell myself just gas and groceries and then my kids jeans are floods or someone's sneakers don't fit, etc.  And doesn't everyone shop a lot before a vacation?  I planned on wearing dresses every night to dinner on the cruise.  I own a lot of dresses and never wear them.  I need to start but why not add another?  Anyway, J crew had this adorable white dress with ruffles!

I had to go and get new white jeans for the upcoming white jeans season :)  These are Citizens of Humanity Rocket Crop high rise skinny.  They are the perfect length for me, come up nice and high so I can hide the mom tummy and are bright white.  (haha for now I have 3 boys)

I never buy cheap shoes, like ever.  I ordered some adorable Sam Edelman's from Zappos and they were so tight in the toe area I had to send them back.  I joked they were for someone with 4 toes!  But then I saw these at Target - I tried them on and was very skeptical.  I never purchased shoes from Target before.  But perfect fit and so comfortable with the block heel and $30!!!

No Power

Our power went out Last Wednesday when I was at work.  My husband text me around 1pm it was out and he was taking the kids out to eat.  I was thankful I was at work if I'm being honest.  It is no fun to hear the kids complain there is no wifi, their batteries are dying, etc.  By the time I came home at 8:30 it was kind of fun.  All the kids were going to camp out in Brady's room with their flashlights, they were reading books and they were happy.  I snuggled up next to Hubs, read US weekly by flashlight and went to bed.  In the morning when we woke up we couldn't believe the power wasn't back on yet.  We went to Mcdonald's for breakfast with the playplace so the kids could burn off some energy.  Then we went to Mom's fave Target.  We needed some extra batteries and were trying to kill time.  We kept calling and chekcing the website with no word on how long it would be.  The power company finally said it would be days before it came back on.   I panicked!  Hubs got on the phone and booked us a hotel for the night.  Meatball for the win - Yay!

Aloft for the win!

I started packing as fast I could - our house was getting cold.  And even though I am the worst packer I didn't do too bad for only taking 15 minutes!  I should have remembered a cooler with some drinks but oh well!  We checked in around 2pm and the boys were happy.  I was happy bc I took a warm shower as soon as we got there and the hotel had Bliss spa products.  We all got dressed and went for dinner.  Texas Roadhouse was delish, the kids didn't like the rolls/butter (seriously who's children are they)  and then we went back to swim.  The kids had such a good time with our little adventure. The décor in the hotel had all my children thinking it was like minecraft!  Drinks poolside for the parents was nice.  The pool was saltwater which was good practice for our vacation - don't drink the water! And of course as soon as they jump in a child states "ew salty." We got a call from our neighbor around 7pm that the power was back on.  But we were staying put for the night.  Hotel had MTV so we got to watch Jersey Shore. Fist pump!

Deviled Eggs

Easter came and went!  We don't eat egg salad in this house but we still had to use up those hard boiled eggs right?  Well I have the most amazing recipe: Bacon Cheddar Deviled Eggs.  I got this recipe from Taste of Home which is where I get the majority of my recipes from.  I LOVE deviled eggs, so retro but fun.  And I put them in a deviled egg tray I got from Target for $5!  I even turned these little babies into pumpkins for Halloween a while back.  Tinted the eggs orange and put a little green onion on each one and made them look like pumpkins.  But seriously, they taste so amazing...


Bacon Cheddar Deviled Eggs

12 hard boiled eggs
1/2 cup mayonnaise
4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
2 tbsp. finely shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp. honey mustard
1/4 tsp. pepper

I put the "stuffing" in a ziplock bag and cut the tip off to pipe into eggs :)  Enjpy!

Packing with Kids

No I haven't started packing yet... And I usually do not make lists when I do pack.  But, there are things I forget every single trip that I have to remember on this trip - especially with kids!

1. Pump soap - I mean who can wash their hands with a bar soap and not get skeeved out?

2.  Nightlight - this is a must with kids.  Either they can't see when they try and go (and please by all means try and go) because the embarrassment and shame from your child peeing the bed on Vaca??  Or God forbid you have to pee and you CANNOT turn on a light for fear you will wake one of them up. Total need.

3.  Alarm Clock - I have to know what time it is when I wake up during the night!

4.  Laundry Detergent - It seems I can't make it on 1 trip without washing clothes.

5.  Stain Stick - My kids get their clothes so messy and leaving stains on shirts for 7 days?? No thanks!

The DiPalma's do not leave home without our pop-up hamper!  Too many people, too many clothes...

I have been on Pinterest a lot looking at tips for the Disney Cruise.  Even though we have been on 2 before I want to be prepared for the week. Antibacterial wipes for sure - no one is getting the norovirus on this trip.  I have been seeing a lot of pins suggesting a surge protector or outlet extender is a Must have for cruising.  Outlets are on short supply in a cruise cabin.  A lot of the pinners suggested clothes pins so we can full use of the clothes line in the bathroom for wet suits.  Gladware or Tupperware to bring fruit back to the cabin from the buffet.  And a yeti or some kind of cup for the fountain beverages on the ship. So yeah I better get started!