Let's talk communication

Are there ever times when you feel like you cannot figure out why your message is not getting across to someone? Why maybe what you said has been taken out of context? How someone's childhood can really affect their communication and trust levels? Why it is so important to communicate your feelings to others? How being cool, calm, and collected really can make a difference? This section of my blog is to help with all of these questions, concerns, and more!

There are so many resources out there that I love and totally incorporate into my life to help me become a better person and more effective communicator. We are only in control of ourselves. However, we have the ability to understand and communicate with others to create an open, loving, and healthy relationship. I can't wait to share some of these great resources I use and continue to find to throughout life!!

When a mess just happens to pull at my heartstrings

Who has ever woken up to a huge mess in their kids room!?! ME. THIS GIRL RIGHT HERE! Normally I am not too happy about it and the kids spend the morning cleaning it up. Now if they wake up and they are playing in their room, totally fine. My kiddos, however, were sound asleep when I saw that a hurricane must have swept through their room. 

Who has ever woken up to a huge mess in their kids room!?! ME. THIS GIRL RIGHT HERE! Normally I am not too happy about it and the kids spend the morning cleaning it up. Now if they wake up and they are playing in their room, totally fine. My kiddos, however, were sound asleep when I saw that a hurricane must have swept through their room.

After we woke them up I just calmly said "boys, what happened in here?" Lynn said "Oh mom, Stephen made the book mess because he was trying to find The BFG." Most any other book would have made me say, "alright boys, clean it up before you can do anything else." But nope, this book is special right now.

Ever since my husband's brain surgeries he has been reading chapter books to our boys every night. This may seem like not such a big deal, but to us it is! It has been a huge part of his recovery. Reading does not come easy for him, and this has been such a fun activity that the boys absolutely cherish with their dad! Not only does it serve a purpose for David, these boys have been able to lay down and relish in the words from each page, letting their imaginations run wild! We got the Roald Dahl book collection from Costco and have been going through it one book at a time. Each time they start a new book, David writes the date on the inside of the cover. Whenever they finish he then writes the date they finished. The boys have LOVED this special time with daddy each night!! I love that they are into chapter books at such a young age too!! Major mommy excitement over here!! WOOT WOOT!

Costco Roald Dahl Collection

What are some special activities that you hold near and dear to your heart?? I want to hear about them in the comments below!

Oahu, Hawaii

We are so excited to announce an upcoming trip to Oahu, Hawaii!!! I will be sure to post all about our favorite sites, eateries, snorkel spots, and resources planning the trip. Until then...

PNW Local

Cannot wait to share some amazing Pacific Northwest locations, eats, and fun! Growing up in the PNW has been a dream. No matter where I travel to or how far I go, I could never give up the lush green tree, beautiful landscape, gorgeous mountains, and simple weather. There are so many places to explore...let's check them out together! 

A Plan

Prepare for a great awakening. A blog facelife, if you will. A year full of inspiration. As my oldest went off to Kindergarten this year, I realized time is really ticking. Like full on hyper-speed.

My days have changed. I only have my two littles with me at home during the day now. Did you know that Kindergarten in our area is a FULL DAY? Is that nationwide? I have know idea. I thought I was going to bawl like a baby when my oldest trotted off like a big boy with his Batman vs. Superman backpack on and velcro shoes ready for some serious recess time. However, I didn't. I was so excited for him. He is mister social and was so ready to learn and grow that the transition went a little more like "bye mom, love you! Oh can I take the bus home?" When did he get so big!?!

I am harboring my time with my other two littles because soon enough they will be bouncing out the door with their brother ready to make Pokemon trades on the bus, go on amazing field trips, learn how to read in the blink of an eye, and count to infinity and beyond!

As time keeps going, I am quickly learning that I need to have a plan. A plan for when ALL THREE of my kids go to school. WILL I EVEN BE ABLE TO EMOTIONALLY GET THROUGH THAT TIME? Yes, because I have a plan. Right?!? That should help, right?? We will test those emotions when the time comes, but as for now. Let's get this blogging started!!