Month: April 2024

Birthday date with Hadley #3.

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It can be hard to plan one on one time with your kiddos, so we are doing “birthday dates”, to ensure our daughter gets quality alone time once a month with either Mom or Dad. A birthday date is, on our daughter’s birthday date of each month, (her birthday is the 21st, so on or around the 21st of each month), she gets to have a “date” with just Mom or Dad. Having it around the same date each month, makes it easy to plan. Plus, it lets Hadley have something to look forward to each month that is special to her!

We first started this tradition last year, in 2023 (you can check last year’s posts out at the end of this post). We were only able to do ten out of the twelve months, November and December were pretty busy! Hadley enjoyed it so much, we are continuing it this year, and I’m sure many many more years to come!

For the month of March (we are a month behind), we went to The Brickery Cafe & Play, which is located at the Newport on the Levee. Before we made our way to the actual place, we looked around at some of the shops. Hadley is obsessed with the Nike Dunk’s, she found a pair she liked for only $160.00! I cannot justify spending that much on shoes for my kids when they will outgrow them in a minute. They had some cute shops!

After we looked at the shops, they had a playground in the middle of the levee so she played for a little bit. She loves playgrounds, she could play on them all day! They even had a little train that is actually driven by someone, and they drove it around the entire place. Hadley said she would’ve taken a ride on the train if Huxley were with us!

The Brickery Cafe & Play is a Lego themed cafe, where you can build Legos and have some drinks and light snacks! When you arrive, you can choose from a variety of different Lego sets. The sets are categorized by length of time it takes to complete. Hadley picked the middle range, thirty minutes to an hour long. She picked a beach house!

It was such a fun day date with my Hadley. She loves the one on one time, and she still likes Legos from time to time. At the end, we looked around at all the different Lego sets. Hadley wanted to make a mini Lego person, so she picked out different parts to build her person.

They have plenty of tables, and on each table is a metal bin full of Legos. You can choose to build whatever you’d like out of the random Legos they have in the bin. Or you can pick a set that has all the pieces and instruction booklet!

After our Lego adventure we went out to eat at one of her favorites, which is any place with white cheese! We sat outside, it was a little chilly but it was nice. Besides taking photos, I make it a point to not have my phone out and give her my undivided attention. We had a great day!

She loves the idea of having special one on one time with her parents each month. We take turns each month so we both get a chance to have our time with her throughout the year. I’m not saying we don’t get one on one time with her; I get a lot of time with her with my husband’s work schedule, but there is something special about planning something each month with her. It can be as simple as playing board games in the basement, coloring for an hour, going to a playground and eating dinner, just simple things. The point is, to be with just her and give her our undivided attention.

Previous birthday dates:
2023 Birthday Date #1
2023 Birthday Date #2
2023 Birthday Date #3
2023 Birthday Date #4
2023 Birthday Date #5
2023 Birthday Date #6
2023 Birthday Date #7
2023 Birthday Date #8
2023 Birthday Date #9
2023 Birthday Date #10
2024 Birthday Date #1
2024 Birthday Date #2

Weekly Recap.

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Recapping the week on the blog! Some me time, softball practice, field trip, sickness, and a bad encounter with the fireplace.

Monday April 22
Started out the week with a few hours to myself, and did a little retail therapy. First stop was the Dollar Tree, bought some birthday cards and some summer stuff for Hadley. Next was Target, I tried the new spicy strawberry lemonade, it was just okay. It was something different to try though! Next was TJ Maxx, nothing much there. Came home, played outside with the kids for a little while. Played around with the AI feature on Instagram, took a picture of Huxley in our driveway and then did AI with a beach background. Scary how real it looks!

Tuesday April 23
Started the morning off with a walking workout on YouTube. Dropped off Hadley at softball practice, and then when we got home the kids played around on the couch after dinner. Hadley has this thing where she asks Huxley if he wants to play on the couch and he runs over and they just play. It’s so cute!

Wednesday April 24
Kroger delivery first thing in the morning after we dropped Hadley off at school. Huxley loves to help me bring in groceries, it’s so darn cute! Had breakfast which consisted of eggs and a smoothie. After we picked up Hadley at school, she was sent home with some forms to be filled out for the next school year already! Had an afternoon snack of protein chips and string cheese. Hadley had softball practice, so Huxley and I walked around the grounds a few times and got some steps in! After Huxley takes a bath, he stands at the top of the stairs and calls for Hadley and gives her hugs and just talks to her in his own way.

Thursday April 25
Bananas for breakfast! While Hadley was at softball practice, we just hung out outside and played. Huxley got these toy bugs for his birthday and he loves to play with them, occasionally I’ll find one around the house on the carpet and it freaks me out like it’s real!

Friday April 26
Started the morning off with a walking workout. Kevin was a chaperone for Hadleys school field trip to the ballpark! She had so much fun and was excited her Dad was able to go. After the school day, we met my parents and brother at a park for dinner and to talk about a vacation later this summer.

Saturday April 27
Started the morning off by driving to the firehouse, but Kevin was stuck on a few runs and we weren’t able to see him. So we drove around for a few, hoping he’d be done soon, but no luck. Headed home to meet the internet guy, we needed a new modem or router. I can never remember which one is which. Being without internet with four days is not fun! We do have unlimited data on our phones which is nice, but still! Since we had zero plans for once on a Saturday, Hadley invited a friend over! They played outside, and was super cute to include Huxley while they played. A neighbor friend came over and asked her to come over her house down the street, so they played for a little bit. And then we had pizza delivered, and shortly after that Hadley started to feel bad and Huxley fell into the edge of our fireplace! My goodness was it a day. Hadley is nine, and we never had any issues with her and the fire place. Huxley is two, and he was the one to break it in. He hit his face good, it was pretty puffy the rest of the night. When it was bedtime for Hadley, she felt even worse so I put a cold washcloth on her head and she fell asleep finally.

Sunday April 28
Started the morning off with a walking workout. Huxley’s face was way less puffy, he was eating and drinking like his normal. I felt so bad for him, throughout the day parts of his cheek started turning black and blue. Hadley felt pretty bad most of the day, she was in bed all day long. Huxley and I ate lunch outside on the back deck. While he napped, I did some stuff on the computer and then took a shower. After his nap, we had an afternoon snack outside in the garage. I cleaned out my car, used some armor-all, and put a new Life in Lilac air freshener in the van. Huxley could play in a car all day long, with all the doors opened he’ll get in and out constantly. Had dinner, hung out on the couch, took a bath, and then Huxley went to bed. Kevin got home after Huxley was in bed, he brought Hadley home some rainbow sherbet, she had a little bit and then went to bed. Poor thing feels miserable.

Linking up with Holly and Sarah.

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Friday Favorites.

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Hi friends! Here are my favorites this week!

AUTOMATIC SOAP DISPENSER
This soap dispenser would be great for helping kids wash their hands, or just a fun way to wash hands! I know my kids would love it, but I don’t know how fast the batteries go out or how the actual adding the soap works. It looks easy, but never know. Anyway, it’s still a cute product for kids. Dispenser can be found here.

GRADUAL TAN LOTION
In the beginning of summer, I usually use Jergens tanning lotion and it works pretty good if I use it diligently. I wonder how this lotion works, I bet it smells great! Lotion can be found here.

CREST WHITENING EMULSIONS LEAVE-ON TEETH WHITENING GEL PEN KIT
I would love to try this! You don’t have to rinse or brush it off! Whitening kit can be found here.

SHAVING STICK
A travel shaving stick? How cool does this sound? I’d be curious to try this, but on the other hand, what’s wrong with a bar of soap on vacation? I’m not picky about shaving. Shaving stick can be found here.

SOMEWHERE ON A BOAT SWEATSHIRT
This color is so pretty, I don’t wear blue very often but always get compliments when I do. Cute saying for a sweatshirt too. Sweatshirt can be found here.

Happy Friday everyone, have a great weekend! And as always, thanks for reading!

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means at no additional cost to you, I will earn a very small commission if you click through or make a purchase.

Linking up with Erika.

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My Favorite Crime Movies.

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I’m starting a movie series each month this year, by doing different genres! Next up, my favorite crime movies! 

DOUBLE JEOPARDY.
I have seen this movie soo many times, I just love Ashley Judd in this one. Movie can be found here.

THELMA & LOUISE.
Such a classic movie, I’ve only seen it a handful of times but it is a good one. Love these two together. Movie can be found here.

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN.
An FBI agent, played by Tom Hanks tracks down and catches a young con artist played by Leonardo DiCaprio who successfully impersonated an airline pilot, doctor, assistant attorney general and history professor. Movie can be found here.

FAST AND THE FURIOUS.
I love cars, and Paul Walker in this movie! He was so cute! Movie can be found here.

OCEAN’S ELEVEN.
With all of those a-list actors, how can you not like this one? Movie can be found here.

SPENSER CONFIDENTIAL.
Mark Wahlberg is one of my favorite actors, he is funny in this one even though it is a crime movie. You can’t buy this movie, it is on Netflix. Movie can be found here.

THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS.
A scary one, but definitely a crime movie. A psychopath nicknamed Buffalo Bill is murdering women across the Midwest. Jodie Foster is great in this movie. It can be found here.

THE SIXTH SENSE.
I think this is a crime movie, and I’ve only seen it maybe twice? But I put it on the list because I have seen it and it was pretty good. Movie can be found here.

THE ITALIAN JOB.
Another Mark Wahlberg movie! I’ve seen this one quite a few times, I love it so much! If you haven’t seen it, I’d recommend it. Movie can be found here.

SET IT OFF.
I barely remember this one, but it was pretty good. Love Queen Latifah. Movie can be found here.

THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN.
This movie was a shocker! It’s about a divorcee that sees something shocking happen from her daily commute and becomes entangled in a mystery that unfolds. Movie can be found here.

GONE GIRL.
A man is suspected of wrongdoing when his wife goes missing. Another shocker of a plot! Movie can be found here.

SNEAKERS.
A team of hackers are routinely hired to test security systems. Robert Redford’s past comes back to haunt him when government agents blackmail the “sneakers” into carrying out a covert operation: tracking down an elusive black box. Movie can be found here.

GAME NIGHT.
Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams, whose weekly couples game night gets kicked up a notch when the brother arranges a murder mystery party. Have to watch it to find out what happens! Movie can be found here.

What are your favorite crime movies?

Movie series posts:
My Favorite Non Scary Halloween Movies
My Favorite scary Halloween Movies
My Favorite animated Halloween Movies
My Favorite Family Christmas Movie
My Favorite rom com Christmas Movies
My Favorite Action Movies
My Favorite Animated Movies
My Favorite Comedy Movies

Weekly Recap.

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Recapping the week on the blog! Softball season still has me whopped, but it’s getting better!

Monday April 15
After a long weekend of Hadley’s first softball tournament, I pretty much chilled off and on all day. But I keep saying, Hadley just loves it. After school, Hadley had pottery for an hour. A two week class was offered, and she wanted to sign up. She loves to do those types of things. Around dinner time, she had softball practice for her school team. I took the stroller with me, so Huxley and I walked around the school and fields for thirty minutes while she practiced. For the last thirty minutes of practice, we hungout at the picnic tables. After about fifteen minutes of Huxley not listening, we went to the van and let him go back and forth inside, he loves to play around in the car.

Tuesday April 16
Started the morning off with a YouTube workout. At Hadley’s school, it was grandparents day! So glad my dad was able to make it! Hadley had a rescheduled softball game, and Kevin was the umpire because they didn’t have one. Hadley loved catching with him as the umpire, and she pitched for the first time and loved it! She didn’t do too bad. Huxley was pretty good the first half of the game, and then he went downhill. He wanted to run around, in places where he shouldn’t go by himself. I was super frustrated because it’s just hard you know? We went to the van, and just sat inside until the game was over. This night of all nights, the game goes into double overtime or something like that? It was a long night.

Wednesday April 17
Started the morning off with a YouTube workout. I love the ones where the people don’t talk, and it’s just music. Our hostas are blooming, and they look great! Hadley had won an out of uniform pass the day before, and she used it the next day. She almost always does that, she can never wait to use it. When she got home, she worked on her biography project for school. The person she chose was Michael Jackson, so we bought a shimmery jacket, hat, white glove, and white socks for part of her project. She did great! After she finished her homework, we went outside and just played! No softball practice tonight, so we had a free night. Hadley was trying to show Huxley how to bump her volleyball, it was super cute! And then we ate dinner outside on the back deck, it was beautiful outside!

Thursday April 18
Worked out in the morning! It always cracks me up how Huxley gets in the photo with me. After school, we brought one of Hadley’s friends home with us to help out her Mom. She picked her up shortly after they had time to start their homework, and play outside for a few. Huxley loved it! And then we trucked it out to Indiana for softball practice for her select team, it was our turn to drive the carpool. Huxley loves having the girls in the car, they all try and get him to talk and just interact with him. It’s super cute. I found a funny eye mask, and ended up falling asleep with them on!

Friday April 19
Started the morning off with a YouTube workout. And the day went by so fast, we headed to the ballpark for softball. Hadley had two games this night, one at 6pm and one at 10pm. I think a 10pm game for 3rd/4th/5th graders is a little late, but oh well! Brady and my parents came for the 6pm game, and Hadley was super excited. After the first game, Brady went out to eat with Hadley and I to McDonald’s. It is soo hard to eat healthy with sports going on during dinner time. I don’t know how parents eat good on sports nights. I need to start meal prepping again, and planning out meals and snacks. Kevin and Huxley headed home after the first game, while I stayed for the 10pm game. We try and take turns with Huxley.

Saturday April 20
Started the morning off with a YouTube workout! I am on a roll with workouts, it makes me feel great the rest of the day. Kevin went to umpire a game at 9am, and Hadley went with him. After being up super late from her 10pm game the night before, she still wanted to go and watch the game her dad was umpiring. Huxley was a little jealous, he wanted to go badly. Hadley had a softball tournament, so Kevin took her for the early game while I stayed home for Huxley to nap. And then Huxley and I went to the game after he woke up. We had a break in between the next game, so we went out to eat for a late lunch / early dinner. The last game was a little rough, it was cold, windy, and Huxley was done. Hadley won the first bracket play game! And trust me, I’m still confused about all the terms for softball tournaments.

Sunday April 21
I did not workout today, took a day off. Kevin took Hadley to her first tournament game, I stayed home with Huxley. She lost the first game, and the second game was shortly after. They lost both, and were out of the tournament. I didn’t get to see her play, but Kevin was updating me throughout! Kevin and Hadley came home, and then left again so Kevin could umpire a game. Huxley was a little bummed, since they had been gone all day but he was ok. After Huxley woke up from his nap, we went through the car wash. He loves the car wash, every time we pass it on the road he will point to it and try to say car wash! And then we went into Meijers, I was trying to find a cheapie spray bottle for him. He has managed to break two of the three spray bottles the Easter bunny brought Hadley. I forgot Meijers has fish, so we stopped and looked at them and he was in awe of the fish! Kevin and Hadley went out to dinner after the game he umpired, and Huxley and I ate dinner at home. We had chicken with tomato sauce and pasta, and garlic bread, one of Huxleys favorite meals he’ll eat every time. Another busy weekend, but it was good!

Linking up with Holly and Sarah.

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Friday Favorites.

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Hi friends! Here are my favorites this week!

CROSSBODY HYDROBAG
How stinkin cute is this crossbody? For someone who drinks a ton of water, this bag is soo cute and to be able to put some stuff inside like a purse. Crossbody bag can be found here.

IRIDESCENT SWIM BAG
I’m not sure how big this bag is, but it looks fun for Hadley and swim team season! Bag can be found here.

DREAM CLOUD FAUX-SUEDE EMBELLISHED SLIP-ON SANDAL
Aren’t these sandals goregous? I love the embellishment added to it, makes them look super fancy! Sandals can be found here.

HOMIES CHILD SHIRT
Huxley is going to be attending lots of softball games the next few months, so I’ve been on the hunt for some cute shirts for him to wear. Most teams don’t have spirit wear in his size just yet. Shirts can be found here.

BIG BOYS STACKED FADEAWAY SWIM TRUNKS
I wish these came in Huxleys size, oh my gosh how cute!!! I could still buy them in the smallest size and save them for when he is that size right? But almost $40? Not sure I can do it haha. Swim trunks can be found here.

Happy Friday everyone, have a great weekend! And as always, thanks for reading!

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means at no additional cost to you, I will earn a very small commission if you click through or make a purchase.

Linking up with Erika.

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Dad’s 70th Birthday Party.

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We celebrated my Dad turning 70! Here is how the party went!

Hadley and Huxley wore “I love my Grandad” shirts for the party!

In the living room area, we had tables set up. Black and gold was the theme. Black tablecloths, with a gold runner. And gold candies in plastic cups. For the bar cart, I covered it with a themed 70th birthday tablecloth, along with water bottles, peanuts, goldfish, and Crown Royal.

I had some family members send me some photos, and I made a giant 70 in photos. It was fun looking through all of the different photos of my Dad’s younger years. And also growing up with my brother, and seeing all those photos.

As you entered the office area in the dining room, I put tons of photos all along the wooden border. And some more photos on the wall underneath the 70th banner.

My dad’s favorite place to go out to that is sort of fast food, is Jimmy John’s. So we catered Jimmy John sandwiches, pretzels, chips, and I made a fruit salad. My dad loved it! It was the perfect idea for a party. If you ever want to have Jimmy John’s cater a party, they were great to work with!

We had our patio table set up on the back deck, and I put a few photos back there also.

The front porch was super simple, just drew a quote on the chalkboard.

In the garage, had the drink table set up. Pop, and ice in the cooler. Beer in the fridge. Hung a few photos in the garage too! I made a huge photo of my dad, and had the kids play a game of pin the hat on Grandad. It was cute!

My dad isn’t a fan of surprises, so he knew about this party. But what he didn’t know, was that I had arranged for his out of town brother and sister-in-law to come and surprise him for his party! I got the whole thing on video, my Uncle Hank had parked behind a car where my dad couldn’t see and he walked up the driveway and said to my dad, “I heard you are having a party?” It was the best surprise entrance!

We all stayed outside for a long time and just hungout, it was the best weather!

We came inside to eat, and hangout. We played one game for the adults, who knows the birthday guy the best. My aunt Amy won! I had a little prize bag of sweet and sour candy, and a lottery ticket! And then he opened presents, and had cheesecake!

I made this coloring sheet for the kids to color, but totally forgot to give it to them! I still had to share it on here. I googled the anatomy of our body, and then used photoshop to put my dad’s head on the bones!

The kids loved being outside, it was so nice out! They played a game of baseball in the front yard. A police officer was back in our neighborhood delivering a lost wallet to someone, and he stopped and gave all the kids stickers! He was super nice.

For favors, I made tiny pill bottles filled with M&M’s! I made this label, and taped it on each bottle. Everyone thought it was hilarious! Such an easy favor to do!

It was a great party, celebrating my dad turning 70! Such a big milestone! I hope I look as young as he does when I turn 70. Fun fact, when I was in high school my dad and I went to the boat show just he and I. One of the salesman there thought I was his wife! It was funny.

Happy Birthday dad!

Weekly Recap.

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Recapping the week on the blog, a few days late! Softball season has me whopped!

Monday April 8
Started the morning off with a walk around the neighborhood. Hadley had the day off of school for the solar eclipse! I’ll admit, I wasn’t too excited about this eclipse thing in the beginning but toward the middle of the day it was really exciting. Hadley had a cool science box that she took home from school, that included a pair of glasses to see the eclipse with. Mid-day, we headed outside to see if we could see it and it was so cool! We all took turns looking through the glasses. The sky got a little dark at one point, and the ground looked like it was shimmering like a pool reflection almost. It was really neat! After the eclipse, Hadley had softball practice with her school team. She is the only third grader, on a fourth grade team. She was a little nervous for the first practice, but she did great!

Tuesday April 9
Started our morning out with a walk around the neighborhood. We have a couple private drives in our neighborhood, so it’s nice to walk down those areas, it’s like walking at a trail. During the morning after breakfast, that is when I’ll shower somedays. Huxley has his spot on his Dad’s side of the bed and he’ll watch his iPad, or Frozen on the tv. Hadley had softball practice for her select team, and then we ate dinner, and read some books before bedtime.

Wednesday April 10
Did a walking workout on YouTube, I found this guy who doesn’t talk during his videos and it’s just music. I love it! Hadley had softball practice for her school team. Huxley and I stayed home, while her and Kevin went to practice. After dinner, I went to the sports meeting up at Hadleys school. Pretty ho hum day.

Thursday April 11
It’s scary how fast Huxley learns how to use electronics, even the little stand it comes with on Hadley’s phone. She has an old phone that doesn’t work for calls or texts, we just use it for games and watching videos. After OJ Simpson passed away the day before, all of the jokes that came out were pretty funny. It’s sad, but that man was crazy. Huxley and I went to Kroger after we dropped off Hadley at school, it was pouring down rain but I needed to go to get some last minute items in preparation for my dad’s birthday party this weekend. Going to the grocery store with a toddler in the rain is a workout in itself! Softball practice got rained out, so Hadley was home with us for dinner! Her bookmark cracks me up, she loves chips so she picked out a chip bookmark at her bookfair a few weeks back. Huxley helping Hadley make lemonade in the big pitcher.

Friday April 12
Did a walking workout on YouTube, and then started getting ready for the party on Saturday. I was blowing up balloons, and one of the balloons that had confetti inside decided to pop! So fun. I’m glad it happened while Huxley was taking a nap. I hit 10k steps before dinner this day, all of that walking around party prepping!

Saturday April 13
Party day! My dad turned 70 last week, so we decided to throw him a birthday party to celebrate the milestone at our house! My two kiddos wore “I love my grandad” shirts, it was too cute! I made a giant number 70 out of photos. I had a few family members send me some pictures of my dad when he was younger. I’ll share more details on the party soon here on the blog. It was a great time!

Sunday April 14
After barely recovering from the party, and all of the preparation, we jumped right into softball season full force! Hadleys select softball team had their first tournament. It was a day full of games! I am still tired from the weekend, and we get to do it all over again this weekend. I don’t know how people do it with little ones, but Huxley was soo good for all of the games. We even managed to get a nap in between the games for him! I need to bring a giant thing of water for myself at all these games, it’s only going to get hotter!

Linking up with Holly and Sarah.

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