Life | Beauty and The Boys

2 things I need to help me stay active

March 14, 2015 - 24 Comments

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FitToPlay #CollectiveBias

Staying active is something I have to do. I am a wife, I have four little ones, I’m a full time blogger, a full time stay at home mom, a writer, a picture taker, and so much more. My kids alone keep me pretty darn busy throughout the day and lets not even begin to get into everything I do inbetween taking care of them, playing with the, diapers, bottles, schoolwork, etc. If you are new to my blog, a little something you may not know is that I have a bad bag. I found out almost two years ago that I have two herniated discs in my back and one of them is pushing down on a nerve in my leg. Despite living with daily pain, I have to keep going every day because that’s what happens when you are a mom of multiples, have a house to run, and a job to do. When my monthly friend decided to play a visit, it hurts my back so bad. I don’t get normal front cramps, I get back cramps so, you can imagine the toll it takes on my back when I’m on it. Even still, I have too much to do to slow down.

I have so many things in the past to help out and keep me going, but it wasn’t until I discovered two things that I now can’t live without!

1. Playtex® Sport® Combo Packs. As an active momma, I am constatly moving, running, bending, and playing throughout the day. Before I found these, I was always worried about not being fully protected and lets face it ladies, that is the worst thing ever, can I get an amen?! Thankfully, I now have the confidence I need to go about my normal routine and not have to worry if things are going to get messy! The NEW! Playtex® Sport® now available in Pads, Liners and Combo Packs at Walmart! Now Sport Level Protection™ pads, liners and combo packs with Flexfit™ design to twist and turn with your body. Don’t let your period get in the way. PlayOn!

2. My Essential Oils! Not only do they help with my mood during my period, but they also help with the pain! I know since I started using these, my kids are a lot happier that I’m not having to tell them to “hold on” or “I can’t right now.” I use Joy + Valor to boost my mood and I create a rub of Valor + Lavender + Panaway to rub on my back and it helps so much!!

I love being an active mom and I’m glad I can continue to be one! What is your favorite acitivity? Besides playing with my kids, I’m currently into yoga!

Do you think you will give Playtex® Sport® combo packs a try?! You can find the at Walmart by the shampoo/bodywash aisles! Be sure to check them out on Facebook and Instagram as well!

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Weekend Wrap Up

March 8, 2015 - Leave a Comment

Happy Sunday! It’s raining here today so, we are staying warm inside with lots of cuddles, baking, and movie watching! I should probably use this time to catch up on laundry too, but with a family of six, I kind of hate laundry so, I’ll just cuddle instead! Welcome to my new weekly weekend wrap up post! Each Sunday I’ll be featuring blog posts from the week, some IG accounts I’m loving, pix from the week that I never posted, and more!

Posts from this week.

1. I made these delicious Jolly Rancher Popsicles. They were a huge hit with Jay & Kage and they are already begging me to make more! I can guarantee your kids will love them! 2. I shared my February Ipsy Glam Bag a little late, but I really liked everything I got and I can’t wait to try out all of the new products! 3. Another thing my kids loved this week was the yummy Big Hero 6 treats I made. They devoured them while we watched the movie! Have you seen the movie yet? I thought it was so cute! 4. I shared a story I’ve never lived down and why I’ve already started thinking of prepaid phone plans for Jay.

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5 Must Have Items I Use For Planning Our Week

February 17, 2015 - 30 Comments

The wine mentioned in this post was sent to me as part of a review I am doing. All opinions are 100% my own.
Beauty & The Boys // 5 Must Have Items I Use When Planning Our Week

Every Sunday, I take the time to plan out our week. I wasn’t always a planner, but with the blog and when Jay started school, I began planning a little bit because there was new things happening with our schedules. School parties, fun little projects due, posts that needed to be wrote, pictures that needed to be taken, and more. Well, when we became a family of six, my planning went into overdrive. There is absolutely no way I would be able to remember everything between my husband, four kids, myself, our home, and blogging. So, every Sunday night after all the little ones are in bed, I sit down and glance at our month and plan out our week. Here is a few things that help me get through this planning phase at night.

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Life can change so fast

October 21, 2014 - 1 Comment

It’s amazing how quickly life can chance. On Friday I decided I wanted to bust out my camera and take a few pictures of little moments in our day for a couple of days. I’m really happy I did because little did I know Sunday I would be having contractions and Monday I would be put on strict bed rest. I love that I have these moments of the last couple of days when life was “normal.”

1. My favorite breakfast. Toast with butter, sugar, and cinnamon. // 2. Writing blog posts and yes, sometimes my blog posts start out with pen and paper. // 3. Kage playing with his toys while Jay was at school.

4. Dishes. // 5. Laundry. // 6. Crocheting baby blankets for the twins.

7 and 8. Hubby working on the truck. He’s fixing it and it’s been a pain in the ass for him. // 9. A delicious cherry slurpee.

10. A Saturday afternoon nap. // 11. Kage being silly while we waited to pick up Jay from school on Friday. {He was not riding in the front, we were parked and he climbed upfront and decided to buckle in.}

12 and 13. The boys playing outside. Can you tell Jay hates having his picture taken lately? He basically refuses unless he asks to have it taken or unless he tells me I can, otherwise the face turn is what I get lol. // 14. Kage fell asleep in our bed. He looked so comfy.

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4 ways monday was a no good, very bad day

October 9, 2014 - Leave a Comment

Monday’s have never really been my friend. There is just always something that happens on Monday, that reminds me of why I dislike Mondays. Who’s with me?! Well, last Monday decided to rear it’s ugly face and remind me exactly why we weren’t friends. It decided to show me why I should have just stayed in bed and gone back to sleep, instead of getting up and being the responsible adult I am. Here is a little glimpse into my no good, very bad day!

1. Jay has always been really good about waking up and getting ready for school. He’s always been a morning person and it’s something I haven’t taken for granted because I know plenty of little kids who hate getting up and getting ready for school. Well, on this particular Monday, he woke up and threw his cranky pants on. He was whining about everything. I didn’t have the right kind of cereal. He wanted to take a shower. He was tired. He didn’t want to go to school. The list went on and I was mentally beating my head against the wall.

2. I blame this one on our unusual morning. When I take Jay to school, I park a little bit away that way we can walk into the school together. This day was no different, I did just that and after I dropped him off, I got back into the car, started it, and threw it in drive. Only to have the engine rev and the car not move. I muttered wtf, put it in reverse and tried to back up instead of going forward. Again, nothing. I even got out of the damn car to see if my tire was stuck on something, nope. I climbed back in and tried again, again I wasn’t moving. I sat there for a moment wondering what in the hell could possibly be wrong, I even called my husband completely frustrated and explained to him that the suv wasn’t moving & that I wasn’t stuck on anything, then I looked down at my dash and saw my break light on. Yep, my husband is never going to let me live that one down.

3. My mom had a doctor’s appoint and I had told her I was taking her. She was having some pain near her lungs/ribs and I didn’t want her driving herself to the doctor just incase the pain became too much. On the way back home, I completely missed the turn that led to her house. She looked at me and was like, “Ummm where are you going?” Sigh, I was apparently just taking the long way to her house.

4. Even though my day wasn’t going as well as I had hoped, I decided to start working on my Halloween wreath. I really wanted to get it done and get it hung on the front door because the boys kept asking me when it would be done. As I was gluing the pretty little orange and black pieces onto the wreath, I reached my arm into the bag to get another one and stupidly didn’t realize how close I had come to the glue gun I was holding in my other hand because, “OWWWWWW” was the next thing I said. I now have a nice little burn mark on my arm from the hot glue gun.

All of this happened before 1pm and the rest of the day wasn’t much better. When it was finally bedtime, I couldn’t wait to go to sleep and hope and pray that Tuesday would be a better day!

Have you had any bad moments in your day lately? Something that you can look back on and laugh, even if it made you mad at the time?! Share it with me!

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I was reminded how lucky I am to have my husband

August 25, 2014 - 2 Comments

This weekend was pure bliss. Hubby has been working a lot lately so, I’ve been doing this “solo parenting” thing for a few weeks. Well, he had the whole weekend off and it was wonderful. My back has really been bothering me as my stomach continues to get bigger, which is expected, but it doesn’t make it easier. Saturday night, Hubby told me he was going to make dinner, anything I wanted. I told him I wanted Meatloaf so that’s what he made, along with baked potatoes, green beans, and rolls. While dinner was in the oven he also cleaned the kitchen and did dishes. The whole time he was doing that and the boys were playing, I got to sit on the couch and read. It was nice to just relax.

Then Sunday morning, I woke up to the smell of something delicious. I stumbled my way out of bed and into the kitchen to see what it was and there Hubby was, making breakfast for us. To say I was shocked was a complete understatement. After breakfast he helped me out with the boys so much and continued to clean up the house. I had a smile on my face as I asked him, “What did I do to deserve this?” He looked at me, gave me a kiss, and said, “What did you do? Well, you put up with me working a lot, you take care of our kids, and your run our household. That’s why you deserve this.” With my pregnancy hormones I was fighting back tears.

He also made dinner again Sunday night. It was seriously such a relaxing weekend and I felt completely spoiled with all the help. The boys were pretty darn good all weekend and by Sunday night, we were rested, and ready for school to start today. This weekend I was reminded of how truly blessed I am to have the husband I do. He blew me away this weekend and I couldn’t stop thanking God for the wonderful man I married.

What has your Husband done lately that just made you stop and go, “Wow, I’m so lucky to have him.”?

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A few truths

August 15, 2014 - Leave a Comment

As I sit down and write tonight, I wanted to share a few truths with y’all. It can be hard to tell what’s real that a blogger posts, what’s not real, who they really are vs who they portray themselves to be. It can be hard to share real things in fear of criticism or having something you write about be taken the wrong way.

Truth:
It’s hard for me to write about everything I want to write about. I’m a sensitive person by nature, my feelings get hurt easy, and I don’t like to offend people if I can avoid it. Does that make me real on here though? If I’m too scared to share a certain topic I want to write about or talk about certain things? I do think it makes me real, it just means I hold back a bit more, but I’m working on this because I always want my readers to know me. To know what I stand for or against, what I believe or what I don’t, etc.

Truth:
You don’t often realize how much you baby the youngest in your family until you start trying to break certain habits. I’ve been trying to implement new things in my house and get my youngest to be a little more independent and it’s really hit me hard just how much I babied him, when I thought that I didn’t baby him very much. Talk about an eye opener.

Truth:
I don’t go to church as much as I should, but I have a close relationship with God and I am no stranger to talking to my kids about Jesus and reading them bible stories.

Truth:
I am so worried about the amount of pain I’m going to be in as my belly continues to grow. Having a messed up back while your pregnant is no joke and the pain is already starting to intensify and I’m only 18 weeks. On that note, I am also worried about more than likely being put on bed rest towards the end of my pregnancy. Just thinking about all I need to get done in a short amount of time and then the idea of being put on bed rest while trying to take care of two boys, it scares the hell out of me.

Truth:
I know with twins, it’s not uncommon to go into labor early, as in earlier than 36 weeks, and I’m deathly afraid of that. I watched what my little sister went through when my nephew was born three months early and I saw him in the NICU and that is not something I don’t want to experience at all. I’m hoping and praying that it doesn’t happen, I really don’t think it will because I’ve never had problems with my other two pregnancies, but it is in the back of my mind since I’m pregnant with twins.

Truth:
My house is messy as I type this. Although, I hope it will be clean by the time I publish it. I”m just not one of those moms who has a super clean house all the time and I’ve learned for the most part, to be okay with this, but I do like it to be semi-clean {or almost all the way clean} and I try to do what I can when I can without overdoing it on my back.

Truth:
I am beyond grateful for my family and the few close friends that I have. Our a.c. unit has been out for two weeks and last week it was hot as shit in our house and my mom and step-dad gladly opened up their home to us for a few days and I couldn’t be more thankful. I’m also grateful to the family who checks in on me every once in awhile to see how I’m doing. I’m also grateful for this girl who takes the time out of her busy day to chat with me and to make plans to come see me after the babies arrive.

Truth:
I don’t know where I would be without my husband. He is seriously my rock and is such a good husband and father. I can’t thank him enough for being who he is and doing what he does. I know he doesn’t have to do certain things, but the fact that he’s willing to, makes me appreciate him even more. I also love that he makes me laugh all the time, that after almost 9 years we are still going strong, and that we have a healthy marriage.

Truth:
I’m a little worried about having twins since we already have two boys! After talking with a couple of twin mommas, I know I’ll get the hang of it in no time, it’s just a little crazy to think about!

Truth:
Speaking of twins, I really can’t wait to start decorating their nursery! With the boys, I never got to do that since we were living in apartments, but this time, I’m totally going to go all out and have fun with it!

Truth:
I haven’t worn makeup in almost two weeks. Our a.c. has been out for the past two weeks and there has been no point in putting any on because I’ll likely just sweat it off! I can’t wait to get our a.c. fixed tomorrow!

Truth:
This pregnancy, I’ve been drinking more water than I ever have in my life. I know that’s bad, but I was not a fan of water at all, but during the first trimester I threw up quite a bit of soda and now I can barely drink soda! I take that as a good thing.

Truth:
I am so NOT ready for school to start back up. I missed Jay like crazy last year during the day while he was at school and I’m not ready for that again. Call me crazy, but I’m one of those moms who absolutely loves having her kids home with her. He loves school though and while I might miss him, It makes me really happy to see him love school.

Your turn. Share a few truths with me in the comments below!

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Let love spread like fire

July 23, 2014 - 2 Comments

I was down and out with food poisoning for a few days and recovering from it has not been easy! Especially when I have two kids to take care of and house that needs some serious cleaning! I came across this quote on pinterest while I was stuck on the couch one of the days I was sick and it really hit home with me and inspired today’s post.

There is a place inside all of us that is beautiful. A place where beauty, peace, love, and hope radiate out of us. Sometime it’s hard to find that place, especially when life is just crazy and chaotic and it seems like the world is working against you. It’s there though and if you search hard enough during those chaotic times, you’ll find it. When you find it, let it grow and flourish. Let that beautiful fire spread inside of you and consume you. Let it push away the bad. After you let it warm you, spread that love and beauty around to others.

Live.Laugh.L0ve. // Let love spread like fire

Quote via Live.Laugh.L0ve. on Pinterest.

This world is so full of hate, sadness, and pain. Everyone has a place inside of them that hurts. A place that they struggle with. Some people take that hurt and pain and lash out with it, they spread that pain to others and unfortunately it catches and keeps going. We have the power to change that. We have that love and hope and we need to spread it around. Smile at every stranger you pass, open a door for someone unexpectedly, strike up a conversation while you’re waiting in line with the cashier or the person behind you at the store or the bank.

Why you might ask? Why should I go out of my way to engage with others, when they don’t do it with me? My answer, it’s because people need people. People need interaction, they need a friendly smile or open love. People need to know their not alone. Your smile could change a persons day, that one smile could catch and spread like fire. That is what this world needs if it’s ever going to change, it needs people who want to make other peoples day, even if it’s in a small way. Change starts with you, with us. Change starts with a smile or a warm conversation.

So, spread it and let that love flow out of you, let it catch and spread like a beautiful fire.

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I’m not a convenient friend

June 30, 2014 - 1 Comment

On Friday in my coffee date post, I talked about how friendship has been on my mind lately. Friendship is something I’ve struggled with since becoming a mother. I lost quite a few friends when I found out I was pregnant and I tried not to let it get to me because I was 18, almost 19 at the time. Most of my friends were partying and I couldn’t, but it was still hard to accept that my “friends” left me when I needed them the most. As time went on, I found best friends through family members and the memories I created with them were amazing, but things happened. Some things I’ve opened up about on here and some things I haven’t. For the other friendships that didn’t end for a reason, life just got busy and we just kind of went our separate ways. Then I found wonderful friends through blogging. I never expected to connect on such a level with people I didn’t personally know, but it wasn’t long before most of those friendships faded as well.
It also wasn’t long before I began questioning certain friendships falling through the cracks because of me. I know not all of it is my fault, but I can take responsibility for alot of it. The thing is since my back got messed up, I am no longer a convenient friend. My life changed in a very drastic way when my back decided to go and eff up, but I try to deal with it the best I can. I’m still trying to do all the normal things mothers & stay at home moms do on a daily bases while trying to maintain relationships with family and friends, but I get it…

Live.Laugh.L0ve. // I'm not a convenient friend

I get that it’s not convenient to have to text or call me first. There are days that I just have quite a bit going on, especially days where I am hurting alot, that I just don’t think to pick up the phone and say, “Hey, how are you?”
I get it that it’s not convenient to ask me to lunch last minute or invite me over and I can’t just drop everything I’m doing anymore to be right over. There are quite a few days where it takes so much out of me just to keep my house somewhat in order, take care of my kids, our new puppy, my husband, and doing things that I like to do, that I have to have an advanced notice because there are just days where the pain stops me from being able to do anything.

I get that it’s not convenient to read my blog and comment on it, when I’m not doing the same to yours all the time anymore. Especially lately, between everything above and now being pregnant, I barely have time/energy to blog, let alone do everything that comes with blogging.
I get that it not convenient to be my friend right now and I’m sorry for that, but I try to make an effort with those I care about. Whether it’s a text message, answering a phone call when I don’t really want to talk, sending a quick tweet, or leaving a little comment on IG. I put in the effort in even with all I struggle with so, it always baffles me that my friends can’t do the same. It’s not everyone and I know every one’s busy. I have friends who take the time to text me or call me and it’s always nice and I always make the time to respond or talk.
It would just be nice to know that the people I thought would be here when it’s not convenient, to actually be here. Ya know?
I truly appreciate all the friends and family who have stuck by me during this hard time in my life.———————————
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A little coffee date

June 26, 2014 - 11 Comments

Happy Friday friends. Who’s ready for the weekend?! I’m hoping it doesn’t rain this weekend that way we can spend it outside, playing in the water.

I haven’t joined in for Coffee in a long time and I would love to just sit down and chat because we haven’t just chatted in awhile. Amirite?

So, grab a cup of coffee, a glass of tea, or some wine and lets get to it.

If we were meeting for coffee… I would tell you that my house is a bit of a disaster right now. This stupid weather we’ve been having is hard on my back and it makes it to where I can do next to nothing and since it’s been raining/storming for way too many days now, I’ve barely gotten anything done. I have a mountain of laundry to wash, dry, and put away. Dishes are in the sink from yesterday, my floor needs a good vacuuming, and everything just needs to be picked up and put where it belongs. I plan on getting most of that done today. Have you ever just gotten so busy or things have happened where you can’t maintain your house and then you look at your house like, what in the world happened in here?! That’s how I’m feeling right about now! Who wants to come help me with laundry?

If we were meeting for coffee… I would tell you I had a bit of a scare on Wednesday. I woke up on Wednesday morning with a really strange feeling. I climbed out of bed, went pee, and when I wiped there was some blood on the toilet paper. Not alot, but enough to make me panic and panic is what I did. I called my doctor and I was assured that it was normal as long as the spotting didn’t get worse or I didn’t start cramping. My husband held me as I cried and I muttered, “I don’t want to lose my babies.” Thankfully it never got worse and the spotting finally stopped about four pm, but that seemed like the longest day of my life. I never dealt with that with either of the boys and I know quite a few family members and friends who have miscarried and it just shook me up really bad. I am so beyond thankful that didn’t happen. Did you spot when you pregnant?

If we were meeting for coffee… I would tell you that I am beyond looking forward to 4th of July weekend. Hubby has four days off and not only are we going on a date that weekend for the first time in forever, we will be watching fireworks on the river this year and I am beyond stoked. We are also going shopping because I am need of clothes since everything is starting to get tight on me. I don’t really care for maternity pants, but I love maternity tops… any shops you recommend that sell cute maternity tops? Or any favorite store for maternity tops? It’s been so long since I’ve had to shop for maternity clothes that I don’t know what place has what anymore.

If we were meeting for coffee… I would tell you I miss caffeine something fierce and if you are drinking coffee, drink one for me. I’ve cut back a ton on my soda intake, I used to drink soda like crazy and now I have maybe once a day, otherwise I’m drinking water or my new favorite crystal light flavored water. What’s your favorite non caffeine drink? I would also tell you that this stage in pregnancy has never been my favorite. I’m at the “fat” stage. You can’t really tell if I might be pregnant or if I’m just gaining weight and when I sit down there isn’t a cute little bump, there is a nice roll of chunk. It’s annoying! I can’t wait to get to the actual bump stage.

If we were meeting for coffee… I would tell you my boys have been driving me CRAZY on the days we are stuck inside. Especially Kage, he has been whining and throwing fits like crazy. We are in the full swing of freighting fours and I’m about to lose my mind. I think it’s just my patience has gone down, pregnancy tends to do that to me, but I can’t take whining for no reason and I’m running out of options on what to do about it. Soooo… on that note, HELP!

If we were meeting for coffee… I would tell you I miss having friends and I have a whole post about this topic coming soon. I would tell you I am chopping my hair off today and I am excited and nervous about it. I don’t have the energy to straighten my hair right now, it’s summer, and I normally just throw it up in a pony tail. I miss wearing it down, therefore, I’m cutting it short so it’s easier to deal with. Have you ever drastically cut your locks off? Did you wind up loving it or hating it?

If we were meeting for coffee… I would ask you, How are you? How’s the family? How is your summer going? Do you have any fun plans this summer or anything exciting coming up? It’s our first coffee date in awhile so… chat away in the comments!

Thanks for joining me for coffee!

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