First Day of School

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve seen the girls’ first day of school pictures, but if not – no fear! – I have them right here for you!  We made sure to pack lunches and pick out outfits the night before, just in case we were feeling a little rushed.  That morning was great – everyone got up fairly easy, got dressed, and headed out the door without some bribing (which is what goes on some mornings.)

Hadleigh started Kindergarten and was very adamant about riding the bus.  She did amazing – no tears were shed at all.   We let her ride the bus, but Daniel and I met her up at the school to see her walk in.  If she wanted us to walk her to her class we would have, but she caught up with a friend from preschool and was 100% fine.  I walked away proud, but still shed a few tears. 

Hayden started her 3 year old preschool class.  She will be in there for the next 6 months before they move her to her next class.  She has amazing teachers and it is a familiar place to us, so I wasn’t worried too much.  It was a little bit of an adjustment being in a new class and now going to school every day versus three.  Hayden still gets upset in the morning when I drop her off, but she has great days.  I’m sure she forgets about me 2 minutes after I walk out of the door!

We started Harper in the 18 month classroom 3 days a week.  I was so worried about Hadleighs transition, that it didn’t really give me time to think about Harpers.  Plus, Harper is a social butterfly so I knew she would adjust well.  I was right.  I sat her breakfast down at the table and she immediately walked over to sit at the “big girl” table to eat.  I gave kisses and told her bye and she looked at me and waved!!  Totally different than Hadleigh & Hayden!  She loves it which makes for a happy mama!

Linking up here today!

Fall Bucket List

You know I have a Fall bucket list! This is the time of year when I want to do ALL.THE.THINGS!  My husband is going to love all of my ideas, I’m sure of it ;)

Check out past Bucket Lists here

Virginia State Fair // We’ve actually crossed this off our list already, but I still need to include it!  Anyone else have to write it, just so they have the joy of crossing it off?! 

Pumpkin Fun // We have to go get some pumpkins for decorating and for outside décor.  It’s a must when you have kids and need a fun activity to do!  We’ve done stickers, paint,  and making them into witches – who knows what we will end up doing this year!  Any ideas?

Apple Festival // I’m not sure this will happen, but I love going apple picking.  We’ve been to Carter Mountain & Graves Mountain in the past, but I personally like Graves much better.  Picking apples, hay mazes, great food, and just walking around make for a great day.

Weekend Getaway // I’ve been struggling for some balance in my life.  As much as I love my kids, Daniel and I need to get away!  I’m sure the weekend will go by quick, but hopefully it recharges us (at least until the next weekend away or date night ;)

Halloween // I’ve already bought the girls’ Halloween costumes, so they are ready to go!  We will have an Anna, Elsa, and Ariel  this year.

Fall Festivals // Our neighborhood has a Fall Festival this coming weekend and the girls’ school also has a Fall Festival at the end of the month.  The girls always enjoy themselves and the activities each festival has.

Fall CookOut // We’ve been getting our deck re-built, so I cannot wait for it to be completed to have a cookout!  Our entire vision for the area will not be finished, but the deck part will be.  More to come on that another day.  I love hosting parties and events, so I’m excited to get things planned!

Christmas Mini Session // I’ve signed us up for another mini session with the great Nikki Santerre again this year and I cannot wait!  She is amazing, so go check her out!

What's on your list to do this Fall?

New Year New Goals

This year has already had me thinking a lot. I can’t figure out if it’s because I read a lot of blogs or this year just feels like a good time to start changing some things.  Both maybe?  Who knows. I’ve written down goals in the past, but really haven’t ever been one to really dwell on them throughout the year.  I’m not even sure I will this year, but I’ve been trying.  Here’s my list for this year:

1// be intentional with my time // I really want to enjoy the time spent with everyone. My kids, my husband, my family, my friends.  Playing with my girls, doing fun activities and crafts, and just having fun is on the list this year.  Those are the moments they’re going to cherish growing up.  Daniel and I need date nights, a vacation just the two of us, and some fun.  We work hard both at work and at home and we really need to remember to take time for us.  I need to be better at reaching out to my friends – I get caught up in my own daily routines, that even those phone calls to catch up aren't made enough as they should be.  Spending time with family – laughing, talking, eating, drinking. Time – and being intentional with it.  A side thought to this is less phone time.  Not scrolling through Facebook or Instagram as much. I mentioned the other day maybe even leaving the phones at a charging station somewhere in the house?

2// yell less // honestly, we don’t yell all the time, but it’s still too much. I’m so tired after coming home from work that my frustration level is high and I immediately feel guilty. I don’t want the girls to think we yell all the time – either directly to them or between Daniel and I. I just need to be patient on certain things and letting the girls do things their own way or on their own time (when it’s appropriate of course).  

3//  be more positive and less negative // I’m an anxious person, so I can be pretty negative in some situations.  I really want to focus on being more positive.

4// save money // Cliché, I know. BUT, I’m horrible with saving money.  I really want to try and stick to a budget this year – wish me luck!

5// tackle house renovations // Daniel and I have so many things we want to do in this house!  I mean, the bathroom we gutted back in July (when I was on maternity leave) is STILL sitting there gutted. Yeah, so there’s that.  Here’s the list in full – definitely not going to get to all this year!

-  ½ bath that’s gutted already

-  Refinishing the back deck and adding a sunroom

-  Knock down the wall between our den & formal dining room to make one big den

-  turn our {empty} formal living room into the dining room

-  paint the foyer and add gallery wall up the stairs

That was just a list within a list. This post is done.

Any goals or lists for your 2015?