Summer Shenanigans

Every summer is different. Obviously each year my kids are older, they have different ideas of what is fun and what is not. I try to be the "fun" mom but fun mom can be expensive. 😂Especially with 4 kids.

We don't leave the house every day, cause sometimes just thinking about getting in the van makes me want to curl up into a ball and hide forever. It's so hot. BUT I still do try to let my kids experience new things along with the same ol' summer stuff. 

Obviously #1 summer activity is anything that involves water. Swimming, splash pads, backyard sprinkler, whatever has water we try and do. 

#2 anything inside.

Like a said if we can avoid not leaving the house we don't and if we do its to a water hole or somewhere else inside. 

I surprised the kids and took them to a super fun indoor play park. Slides, trampolines, rock walls, etc. I was a little worried about Leonard, only being 2 how he would do. He was freaking out when we got there and didn't want to wear the grippy socks but when our hour play time was up he was freaking out cause he didn't want to leave. Totally worth the trip and the expense! 

We're planning on taking the kids again, and trying out a couple of the other indoor places we have in the valley. 

#3 Everything else😉 card games, video games, Lego building, movies, sending my kids to friends houses, and having friends over.

One great thing about older kids is they have friends that invite them over, and want to come over. It doesn't happen all the time, but its a nice change for everyone.  

With only a couple week left of summer break, 3 out of 4 kids are in school this year and it starts July 18th, we are making the best of spending time together. 

I'm linking this post with Mommy Style Monday. Check out the other posts 

Kiana at Glitter&Donuts

Madeline at CaseyLand

Alexis at Witt Family Happenings

If you'd like to join in the next Mommy Style Monday head on over to Kiana or Madeline's blogs 

Fun things that I hope we get around to doing AKA a bucket list

Raise your hand if you attempt some sort of bucket/family activity list during the winter.

Now who crosses off items on that list?

That'd be a yes to the first and a nay to the latter from me. DOH!

I have every intention when creating a list of family activities, to do every single one, but gosh darn it, its hard for me.  I try every year and we never complete our list. Something I often struggle with is finding the balance of, having fun adventures/experiences with my kids but keeping their expectations low.  That may sound bad, but I'm just not the mom that's taking their kids to do something every weekend. I just can't do that. So when we do something its like SUPER exciting, but then I feel bad we don't do things like that more often...then the cycle just keeping going and going. Its madness, but creating a silly bucket list can be so stressful. 

So, in order to keep my self-confidence up & stress levels down this year I've decided instead of making some grand list, I'm going to try and just enjoy and make the things we are already doing this winter/holiday our family bucket list. I'm hopeful that this will help the time we spend together as a family more meaningful. 

• attend a family Christmas party
• have one date night & day date
• attend Evelyn's orchestra concert. get treats after.
• watch Amelia be baptized
• sing Christmas songs
• hug my children and tell them I love them
• pay for someones meal at a restaurant/drive thru
• send a letter in the mail
• send a gift in the mail
• make treats for neighbors
• read Christmas stories
• serve our friends & neighbors

Whatever we do, small or big, I know I just want my family by my side enjoying the holidays. 

 

Thanks for stopping by! 

I'm linking up this post with the Mommy Style Monday ladies. Click the links below to see the different bucket lists they've got going on. 

Kiana // Glitter&Donuts

Madeline // CaseyLand

Monica //  It's All About

If you'd like to sign up and join us in the next Mommy Style Monday link up visit Kiana at Glitter&Donuts or Madeline at CaseyLand

Cold Weather Momiform

Today's Mommy Style Monday topic made me lol a little. Being in Arizona, it's just finally starting to feel like fall. We've been flirtin with low 80's finally. 😂So cold weather is still about a month or so away, but even when it gets cold, my wardrobe doesn't change much from fall to winter.

I'm kidding, well right now that's true, only a light jacket needed but come end of December & January you'll find me huddled in the corner wishing I had purchased a snuggy. 

One thing i'm always super excited about with my cold weather momiform is wearing jeans, and not getting heat stroke wearing them. Weird I know, but you learn to appreciate the little things like that. In addition to that you'll see me sporting just a simple shirt, mostly short sleeve but I'll wear a cardigan or jacket with them, or I'll wear quarter length sleeve shirts, so no extra is needed.

On my feet I'm wearing some kind of flip flop most days, otherwise closed toe flats. The second I get home shoes off and socks on. I have an easier time staying warm if my feet aren't cold, anyone else? 

This is my new favorite shirt, I found it on clearance at Walmart for $7 and then went back and bought another one in black. I would have a 3rd but the plum color was sold out in my size. I knew I should have snagged them all. Never again. 

See look jeans! I found these stretchy skinny jeans at Target. They were a size down from what I would have bought a few months ago, that was exciting. The legs are a little long and a little loose though, but I'll be sewing them up shortly for a perfect fit.

Mr. Link came to visit after taking photos. My momiform also doubles as a cat mom too. 😉 When I find something I love and am comfortable I run with it!

What does your cold weather wardrobe look like? What's your favorite winter accessory?

Thank you for stopping by today and checking out my mom style! Click on over and see the other's momiforms.

Kiana // Glitter&Donuts

Madeline //  CaseyLand

If you'd like to sign up and join us in the next Mommy Style Monday link up visit Kiana at Glitter&Donuts or Madeline at CaseyLand

I got dressed and put on makeup today!

Today for Mommy Style Monday its all about getting ready.  Which was convenient cause I had something to actually get ready for.  

A young women in my ward asked to take our family pictures for a school project for her photography class, and of course I was happy to volunteer our family to help. 

I like to keep my make up neutral as possible. I'm not a fan of going crazy with colors or weirdness. 

For me the most important part of my getting ready is my brows.  Its all about the brows baby. 

So here we go. Get ready with me! 

BEFORE

If you want to skip the video, that's okay. I took pictures of everything I used below. :) 

Here are the products I use in my video to get my face ready.

Covergirl BB Cream 810-Light to Medium
NYC Bronzer Color Wheel
Wet n' Wild Blush - Rose Champange

ELF Volume Plumping Mascara
ELF Mad for Matte Eyeshadow Palette
Flower Take A Brow Eyebrow Kit

Mary Kay Powder Brush
Mary Kay Eyeliner/Eyebrow Brush
ELF Blending brush (right white brush)
ELF Defining brush

AFTER

AT FAMILY PICTURES ALL DRESSED AND READY

Thank you for stopping by today and checking out me getting ready! See how the other Mommy Style Monday ladies get themselves ready!

Kiana // Glitter&Donuts

Madeline //  CaseyLand

Britt //  My Little Sunshines

Monica //  It's All About

Jessica //  Mason Jars and Lemon Bars

If you'd like to sign up and join us in the next Mommy Style Monday link up visit Kiana at Glitter&Donuts or Madeline at CaseyLand

It's kinda, sorta, not really yet, fall y'all!

The second September 1st rolls around...

I know first day of fall is officially September 22nd, but doesn't actually feel like fall until about late October around here, but I can't help but get super excited!! Just the thought of it cooling off is the best! 

Today I'm linking of with the ladies of Mommy Style Monday talking about fall activities I'm looking forward to. 

I enjoy the simple things about fall, going outside in the afternoon and not sweating profusely after 2 minutes. I'm ready for layering clothes, cardigans, leggings, sweat pants galore.

I can't wait to make soups! Oh my goodness I love soup, and I make a mean homemade creamy potato soup with bread bowls every year the instant it cools down. Y'all are invited over to have some, i'll let you know when I the first batch it ready

Pumpkin, pumpkin, whose got the pumpkin???  I've never had a PSL, which is totally find with me, but that doesn't mean I'm not a basic white girl and love all things pumpkin.  Chris isn't a fan of pumpkin though so I don't make many pumpkin flavored things but when I do I make the most simple cookies on the planet. 

• 1 box spice cake mix
• 1 15oz can of pumpkin
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate chips

That's it! Seriously, that's all. scoop 2 tablespoon of cookie mix on baking sheet. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes (or until the top is springy, bounces back to the touch). These are soft and fluffy, delicious cookies when you want a simple quick fix of some pumpkin!! 

Can't wait to see what all the other ladies linking up are dreaming up for fall!  Go check out their sites: 

Kiana // Glitter&Donuts
Madeline // CaseyLand
Monica // It's All About

Want to join the Mommy Style Monday link up? 

Visit: Kiana // Glitter & Donuts or Madeline // CaseyLand and sign up!

An afternoon at the park

Parks are great for free entertainment, tiring your kids out, and bringing home buckets of sand in shoes. I'm not much of a park person though, but my kids are super fans. 

In Arizona perfect park season is from about October-April so right now is not the time to spend afternoons at our neighborhood park with the burning hot lava slides and I ain't about to take the kids to the park at 5am for reasonable play temperature. 😉 Thankfully a lot of parks here have water features to keep us cool.

I tend to stay inside as often as possible during the summer, I thrive as a summer hermit, but the kids get a little cabin fever so off to the splash parks we go.

When it comes to going out with the kids I don't like to over complicate things.  Less is more. If I brought everything I could possibly think we might need when we're summer splash park hopping i'd better just throw a dresser in the back of the van and call it good.

What I lug around:
I make sure we have plenty of snacks and water for the never ending summer hunger. Mostly fruits cause vegetables are the worst. Kidding, but some are though. Sunscreen galore, cap stick, hats & sunglasses, anything to keep our skin as white as possible through the summer.

But seriously though, the best part about a trip to a park of any kind in the summer is the drink pit stops. We always end up at either Sodarush, or sonic for a cool drink.

The kids get excited to spend an afternoon out and I get excited for the early bedtimes that usually follow the day. 😉

I'm linking up this post today with Mommy Style Monday. Want to join the Mommy Style Monday link up? 

Visit: Kiana // Glitter & Donuts or Madeline // CaseyLand and sign up!

Kiana // Glitter&Donuts

Madeline //at CaseyLand

Alexis // Witt Family Happenings

Monica // It's All About

Summertime Sanity Savers

Summer,
The End.

Kidding, but sometimes it can feel like that. Summer is the end.
The whole heat thing, then add no school on top of that. It can be hectic and busy, but we always make the best of the time together. In order to save my sanity though, I have to have at least a few things planned to keep the heard entertained.

Before the school year ends and the summer begins, I always like to attempt to make a summer bucket list with my kids. Well, we make the list, but the attempt is in actually checking off things on our list. We try our best to do as many things on the list as we can.

The List:

• Sleep over at grandma & papa Crandell
• Go to Cabin
• Visit at least 3 different splash parks
• Visit at least 3 different pools
• One designated craft day a week
• Sign up for summer reading program at the library
• Go to library once a week
• Take a day trip: Tucson, Tombstone, Prescott, Snowflake, Petrified Forest 
• Movie Nights
• Back to school party
• Ice cream party
• Get a sitter at least 4 times
• Personal quiet/meditation time 
• Go to the Mesa Temple Visitor Center story time

June 1st is the last day of school for us and my girls are eagerly looking forward to that day. I'm excited too, but in order for me to be able to keep myself sane i'll have to be extra organized this summer. Hopefully our list will help. 

I'm linking up this post today with Mommy Style Monday. Want to join the Mommy Style Monday link up? Visit Kiana // Glitter & Donuts or Madeline // CaseyLand and sign up! 

Check out what everyone else is up to this summer! 

Kiana // Glitter&Donuts

Madeline // CaseyLand

Alexis // Witt Family Happenings

Monica // It's All About

Mommy Style Monday: Time Management

Time is such a weird thing.

I want it to pass quickly but be slow simultaneously, somehow.

The topic for Mommy Style Monday is Time, specifically how I manage my time.

Honestly, I am not a time manager for my personal life. Probably a tiny pinky nail size of time management is in me. It's not much, but its enough. There are dates and events that I need to remember, that I write on my big calendar for myself and my family, and that works.

When it comes to time management and being organized for other people though, that is a whole different ball game.

I would love to give you an amazing post about how I wake up early and get things done before the kids wake up (they wake up so flippin early right now, this could only happen when they are sleepy teenagers) or how I'm consistent with nap times for Leonard, or work outs( or more like work nots), but I can't.

It's taken me time for me to let go and stop feeling like because I'm not doing something on a schedule, or I don't have a magical chore chart for my kids, or what not then I'm doing it wrong. I've tried many times to do these things, and its not a passion of mine. I know it won't stick till I have that.

If you are a time manager, more power to you, some days I wish I could but, that's just not me. :)

You do you.

How are you with time management? Is there something that works for you? 

Want to join the Mommy Style Monday link up?
Visit Kiana // Glitter & Donuts or Madeline // CaseyLand and sign up! 

If you're wanting actual awesome with tips and more about by his topic,
Check out the other ladies that are linking up today! 

Kiana // Glitter&Donuts

Madeline // CaseyLand

Juli // Enjoying the Journey

Cayli // Nightchayde

Alexis // Witt Family Happenings

Rachel // Tutus and Heels

Monica // It's All About

Mommy Style Monday: Spring Box Swap

Happy Monday. Today is a very special Mommy Style Monday. This last month the creaters Kiana & Madeline decided it would be fun to send boxes filled with fun springy items to another MSM lady. 

Now, I was hesitant at first cause the last time I did something like this for a Christmas secret santa with other blog sisters, I got burned. I'm over it now, mostly, but at the time I was pretty ticked about it, obviously.

I obviously went for it, because the mommy style Monday ladies that participate are absolutely amazing and I feel like I know them, even though I've never met them in person. :) 

The theme for the box was SPRING! It would be anything that reminds you about spring.  I sent a box to the adorable and fabulous Chandler at Life as a Larsen.  

My box came from the ever so sweet Kiana at Glitter&Donuts. Have you seen the things she does? Amazing. She's real, honest, and a wonderful mother and I adore her. 

I was excited to see the cute things she would send to me. 

I don't check the mail often, oops, so I ended up seeing the package in the mail on my birthday! So it was ever sweeter! 

So lets dig in and see whats inside. 

I immediately smiled at all the donuts, I mean she is Glitter and Donuts after all. :) 

I may have eaten the donut rice krispie, the second photos were done, and it was delicious! I've already used the cute bright pink nail polish, its the perfect spring color. I can't wait to find time to color, its such a great stress reliever for me. Kiana must have known that me being all old and 30 now i'd need some extra help in the tightening and toning of my face, cause I can't wait to use the treatment mask! 

I was seriously love, love, loved every single thing that came in my spring box! It brings me so much joy when people spend the time to give and think about others and let a lone send a box filled with goodies cross country to bring love and a smile. 

Thank you so much Kiana for my box! It was everything and also so much more than I expected. Perfectly capsuled you, and perfect for me! 

Check out what the other ladies in our Mommy Style Monday group received in their spring box swaps! I know I can't wait to see! Want to participate in a Favorite Things Box in June/July? Go here to sign up! 

Kiana // Glitter&Donuts

Madeline // CaseyLand

Melissa // The Frolics of Mama Llama

Shani // Sunshine & Munchkins

Cayli at Nightchayde

Rachel // Tutus and Heels

Juli // Enjoying the Journey

Chandler // Life as a Larsen

Britt // My Little Sunshine

Jessica // Mason Jars and Lemon Bars

Want to join the Mommy Style Monday link up?
Visit Kiana // Glitter & Donuts or Madeline // CaseyLand and sign up! 

Day to Night: An attempt at fashion

Good morning! Good Monday!

Its Mommy Style Monday once again, and the topic this time around is a day to night look.

Lets be real this is gonna be a short and sweet post.  When it comes to making a look I'd be wearing during the day to the potential of going out at night has little to no change. 😭🙈

Number one in anything I wear is comfort, then, is it clean, then, I think about the fashion part.

Some of my favorite clothes for comfort is no surprise, Lularoe.  Dang it to heck, they make some cute comfy clothes.

For this post I'm wearing one of my favorite Lularoe shirts.

DAY LOOK

Shirt: Lularoe Perfect Tee

Black Leggings: Walmart

Sandals: Thrifted american eagle knock-off berks

Bracelet: goody hair tie

I'll happily run quick errands, drive to sonic, clean, and lounge on the couch watching Hulu in my comfy day look. Bonus, is i'll look put together is anyone randomly pops by, which happens frequently. :) 

On to bring my day look to night... don't blink or you'll miss the difference. ;) 

NIGHT LOOK

Shirt: Lularoe Perfect Tee

Jeans: Walmart

Sandals: Thrifted american eagle knock-off berks

Bracelet: goody hair tie

I told ya.  I really don't change much when I'm going out and need to fancy myself up.  I just throw on a pair of jeans and call it good, if i'm lucky and no big spills happened on my shirt during the day of course. If you remember my past Mommy Style Post about accessories, I normally don't. Comfy and plain. Just the way I like it. :) 

Don't forget to check out my way more fashionable Mommy Style Mommy friends day to night looks. 

Kiana // Glitter & Donuts

Madeline // CaseyLand

Rachel // Tutus and Heels

Monica // It's All About

Want to join the Mommy Style Monday link up?
Visit Kiana // Glitter & Donuts or Madeline // CaseyLand and sign up! 

4 Ways to Stay Connected to Your Spouse

I know I'm not the first to admit that when it comes to staying connected to my spouse its not the easiest.. Chris and I both have busy schedules, work hard, and honestly are just tired. 4 kids can really wear you out. When we're feeling distant and out of wack we step back and focus on a few simple things to keep us connected.

We've been married for 10 years and we're still trying to figure it all out, but there are 4 ways that help us stay connected and keep our marriage alive and well.

• laugh together: 
  
  One of the first things that attracted me to Chris was that he made me laugh. I'm a simple gal and laughing with me is the way to my heart. We've been laughing with and at each other ever since the night we met. Funny movies, silly memes, crazy situations you're in, you name it, laugh about it. Laughter is the cure to a cranky spouse.

• talk: 
  It doesn't have to be deep, thought provoking conversations (those are important to have some times too though). Talk about your day, something you saw, how work is going, ideas you have for something, anything. Share. Most importantly, respect and listen to what the other person is saying. Even if its something you have absolutely no interest in (like guns, and airplanes), be present in the conversation. Nobody likes talking to a wall. 💗

• surprise each other:  
  If you see something they might like, even if its just a small item, like a diet dp from QT. Its a sweet gesture to show you are thinking of them. Surprise them with a flirty playful text, or a note where they will see when they are away from you. Fun and spontaneity are a great way to keep your interest piqued and also can lead to the last thing..

• have sex: 
  Yep, I went there. I mean come on, how could I not mention it?! Sex, sex, sex, sex ,sex sex-sex. If talking about sex is wrong then I don't want to be right. It's by far one of the best and most fun ways to connect. Sex is a huge factor in a marriage and its the bomb. Feel more confidence, love and trust in your relationship and it straight up makes you happy. 

Honestly, if you are respectful, honest, loving and generous.  You'll still have issues for sure, no marriage is perfect, but it sure will help keep you happier with the person you've chosen to share your life together with. 

I'm linking up these extremely wise and helpful tips of staying connected to your spouse with the Mommy Style Monday ladies. Check out what others had to say about connecting with their spouses. How do you stay connected with your spouse? 

Want to join the Mommy Style Monday link up?
Visit Kiana // Glitter & Donuts or Madeline // CaseyLand and sign up! 

Kiana // Glitter & Donuts
Madeline // CaseyLand

Chandler // Life as a Larsen

Rachel // Tutus and Heels
Kahana // A Beautiful Life
Monica // It's All About
Andrea // Snow by Heart
Melissa // The Frolics of Mama LlamaCayli // Nightchayde
Juli // Enjoying the Journey

Happy Humping 

Traditioooooooooon, tradition!

Oh Christmas traditions.

We don't really have set traditions. Maybe someday we will have something more concrete. We mostly just have things we would like to do, but not a big deal if you don't get to it.

• Put up tree before Thanksgiving and decorate after 
• Visit Santa
• Decorate gingerbread houses
• Visit Mesa Temple lights
• Decorate cookies

• deliver treats to neighbors
• fires in the backyard 
• drinking hot chocolate

The kids and I have enjoyed thinking about and doing simple services with the  Light the World campaign for the LDS Church this year.

I have been over booked and over stressed out the last couple months.  So, I've been trying to keep things fun for my kids but also keep their expectations super low.  I hate to disappoint them with big promises and small deliveries.  We've skipped many parties and activities to just spend time and enjoy each others company.  I know Christmas time is a time for families gatherings, but this year I'm more focused on little family, at home. 

Do you enjoy traditions or do you like to keep it low key?  I'm not a planner in general so the lowest key possible for me, please. 

I'm liking this post up today with Mommy Style Monday ladies. 

Check out what traditions are happening in their homes. 

Kiana // Glitter & Donuts

Madeline // CaseyLand

Cayli // Nightchayde

Britt // My Little Sunshine

Juli // Enjoying the Journey

Chelsea // Naturally Chels

Sue // Sue's News

If you'd like to join in the next Mommy Style Monday head on over to 

Kiana // Glitter & Donuts or Madeline // CaseyLand 

FYI: I also recently wrote a blog post about a winter bucket list for EVMB if you're interested in that. :)