Day in the life {5.10.2016}

Up and at em at 6:00 am!  I sat in bed for 15 minutes and check my email,

Facebook, and snapchat.  Then I headed to the kitchen and made coffee.  I usually use a tumbler since I will be taking it with me to the bus stop with the kids.

While I'm in the kitchen I filled up the kids water bottles for the day and made lunches.  Well, I make Amelia a lunch and Nolan a snack since he is only half day.  This was a super simple bento.  Amelia hasn't been too into sandwiches these days so this is my version of a lunchable.

After I packed lunches and snacks I packed the kids backpacks.  I make sure they have their assignments and anything else they need depending on what activities they have that day. 

Then around 6:45 I woke up the kids. I feed them breakfast. Today it was waffles and bananas.  I got them ready and we head out the door at 7:30 am to get to the bus stop.

Sometimes we walk to the bus stop,

takes about 10 min, but the summer heat is already upon us so we drove!

On Tuesdays I go to the grocery store.  I went there right after the bus left.  I'm one of those crazies that is there when the doors open.  I like being there early because there are less people and it's cooler out.  So by the time I'm done and I get home it's not scorching when I have to bring in all the grocery bags. 

After the grocery store I headed home.  I put all the groceries away immediately.  This afternoon Nolan and I had a play date with my friend and her son so I packed up some things for the afternoon.   

I picked up Nolan from school then we met up with our friends at an indoor parked called Mihama kids park.

We love going to this indoor park.  It gets so hot and humid in Okinawa that indoor parks are a must.  The prices are reasonable and you are able to pick how long you want to play. We opted for the 2 hour play time since it was already noon. Another convenience is that this kids park has a little cafe.  So us mamas got some iced coffee and we were able to order lunch for the boys. We had a great time there, it was a chance for the boys to play and us moms to chit chat. 

After a couple hours of playing the boys were good and sweaty.  But before we headed home we walked around the  corner to Blue Seal for "big dip day ", you get 2 extra scoops for the price of 1.

Around 3pm we headed home.  Nolan immediately knocked out in the car.  It was perfect timing because we were able to pick up Amelia at the bus stop right before we got home.

When we got home I put Nolan in his bed because he was still asleep.  I fixed Amelia an afternoon snack and we got started with her home work.  

Around 5pm I started prepping dinner.  It was Tuesday,  I generally keep it Mexican inspired on this day.  So I made shrimp

tacos, refried black beans, and a side of chips.  Not pictured was my margarita on the side lol.

Morgan works late on Tuesdays so we started eating dinner without him.

After dinner I put on Kung Fu Panda 3 (it's been on repeat in our house for the past month) for the kids while I clean up the kitchen.  

7 pm I started showers. Morgan got home around then too.  He was starving and immediately devoured dinner.  After showers we finished up the movie.  

8 pm the kids brush their teeth and its story time then bed time.  The kids are in bed and lights are out at 8:30 pm.

After that Morgan and I caught a couple shows and we were in bed by 10.  That was kind of a late night for us...we are such oldies! Lol

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

The Nordstrom anniversary sale is going on now!  Well, actually its going on now for  Nordstrom cardholders, who get early access {July 9-16}, then it opens up to the public after.  Since I've been cooped up indoors due to the typhoon I've had lots of time to browse online and fill up my cart to an astronomical amount!  I love Nordstrom and I love their sales.  They offer great products and have impeccable customer service.  I live an ocean away, I get my orders shipped for free, I get my returns shipped for free and they usually arrive less then a week after I place my order.  What's not to love?!  The anniversary sale happens to be my favorite sale, I usually stock up for fall during this sale.  Annnnnnnd I love fall clothing.  It doesn't cool down in Okinawa until about November, so I'll be saving these items for awhile but the sales are just too good to pass up!  I've got my top 12 picks for the sale, all cute, great additions to a fall wardrobe, and nothing over $80

Going from Left to Right, Top then Bottom

M.A.C Look in a box in "Fashion Lover":: $29.50 originally $47
Lip liner, lipstick, and lip gloss in a fabulous color all for under $30 that is a steal!  This color is gorgeous for fall and will go great with any fall outfit!

Street Level Bucket Bag:: $31.90 originally $38
Vegan leather bucket bag.  Comes in brown or black.  I opted for the brown one this time but I could really have both of them!  Every gal needs a 'go to' bucket bag in their wardrobe, not just for fall, for always!  So easy breezy and cute, it adds a lil boho!  This one looks big enough to carry my own stuff and a few onsie, twosies that the kids hand me to hold for them.

Emperia "Maiken" Satchel:: $33.90 originally $52
Another vegan leather bag.  This one more structured and edgy.  I love the details of this bag.  The gold, the perforated sides, the handles, and the strap.  This bag reminds me of a Rebecca Minkoff but at only a fraction of the cost.

BP "Trott" Bootie:: $79.90 originally $119.95
This is the most expensive item on my list.  These booties are perfection.  You can wear them with shorts, a dress, jeans, a maxi skirt, you can wear them with anything.  I love the worn look and I love this color.  Its very versatile and can go with most color combos easily.

Sam Edelman "Alaine" Scalloped Topline Flat:: $64.90 originally $99.95
These are so pretty!!! I scalloped detail is everything, that will set them apart from the plain Jane ballet flats.  These come in array of colors, but how could you not get them in gold glitter?!  They are a must, easily wearable for daytime and night time festivities.

Halogen "Olson" Pointy Toe Studded T-strap Fats:: $59.90 originally $89.95
These flats come in a number of colors also.  I pick the black and gunmetal studs.  They look edgy but have a classic touch.  These flats are my spirit animal.  Love them!

Vigoss "Tomboy" distressed skinny jeans:: $44.90 originally $68
I'm obsessed with distressed skinnies!  These are no exception.  Buuuuuut I'm not a fan of the distressed denim that is too distress, like hanging on by a tread {pun intended}! I just like a lil bit here and there.  This pair has a great wash and has a good amount of distress.

BP long textured open cardigan:: $31.90 originally $48
I love a good chunky knit cardigan in the fall.  They are a perfect layer for those summer tanks you were living in recently over the summer.  This one looks so comfy and cozy and can turn any outfit to  instant fall, especially in this olive green color.  Put it over a summer tank, a plane white tee, or even a floral dress, comfy and cute...perfect for the brisk fall weather.

Lush "Karly" shift dress:: $31.90 originally $48
Love this crimson color and love this dress.  Wear this to the office, to church, to a coffee date with your girlfriends....its so wearable.  The shape is simple and chic.  I could go to a buffet and be fine, no need to suck it in! Hahaha  OMG, perfect for Thanksgiving dinner!!! To wear this in the winter, I would throw on some black tights, ridding boots, and a cute scarf, done and done!

Socialite High Neck Dress:: $24.90 originally $38
The LBD for my fall wardrobe

Treasure&Bond High Rise Flare Jeans:: $64.90 originally $98
I love me some skinnies, but I love big flared jeans even more.  Unfortunately I have short legs, but big flared jeans elongate my stubs and I love them for that.  Plus the fit is so flattering, to any size woman.  Add a great chunky wedge shoe and you are golden with these babes!

BLANKNYC quilted faux leather moto jacket:: $63.90 originally $98
Another staple piece for any closet would be a great leather jacket. But not some brown leather jacket, black is where its at when it comes to leather jackets.  Its classic and edgy {there I go again}. This piece is not just for fall, but also for winter.  This jacket is a steal and is super cute.  I mean, the model is literally wearing a tshirt dress and it still looks hot!

Hopefully you found somethings that you liked.  I try to pick items that have longevity for my closet, fashion forward, and affordable.   I really love them all but will probably edit my cart again. I gotta look for my kiddos too, there are great deals for kids!  Hello school shopping!

Date Night {Military Life Style}

Everyone says it, every book, every article, every talk show, radio show, blog, etc. etc......

Everyone says you gotta have date night!

Sooooo easy to say, way harder to get done!  

Morgan and I have been married for 12 years, the first 6 years were childless. Easy peasy, every night out is date night! Lol  The last 6 years with child we have lived away from family and 5 of the six have been overseas. So date nights have been few and far between!

Just last week Morgan and I went on a date!  It was even last minute!  Something that never happens!  Most of our date nights are planned like a month in advance!  Come to think of it, I don't even remember when we had a date before that?! It's not that we don't have time it's that we can't really find a babysitter.  

For instance if we were in our hometown we would have an abundance of babysitters! Grandparents, uncles, aunts, and family friends.  But when you live far from your family that just isn't the case.  Sure we have friends that have offered,  but I feel kinda bad.  All our friends over here are in the same boat, away from family and husband is in the military.  Our husbands work a lot, some are deployed, some are TDY, and some are on duty.  So when they get home lots of the time spent is family time, I feel bad dropping off my kids on THEIR family time.    Sure they assure me it's not big deal,  but I just don't want to be a burden.  Amelia is no problem, but Nolan he is younger and needs more watching plus diaper changing! Sooooo he needs some supervision lol

Option 2, hire a babysitter.  Sure we can do that but first and foremost I'm scared to death leaving my kids with a stranger.  I wouldn't even know where to start with hiring a complete stranger. Well, we could hire a babysitter a friend recommends and uses.  Let's go with that scenario because it's more likely to happen.  The going rate on island is about $5 an hour per kid,  we have 2 so that is $10.  $10 an hour for date night can really get to be a pricey date night.  For example, Morgan and I get a sitter for dinner and a movie, movie starting at 8pm.  We have the sitter come  at 6pm.  We go to dinner before, let's says that's $60. Movie tickets, popcorn, and a drink, $30.  Get home 11pm, 5 hours of babysitting $50. So all together that's $140 for just dinner and a movie! If we want to go have some drinks and catch a cab home that could easily add another $100 { I also think I may be low balling the numbers a tad lol} We only have 1 paycheck for a family of 4 and $240 for one night on a regular basis is out of the question!  $140 would work maybe monthly....but then I just think of what a fun family date $140 could buy us.....or just putting that in our savings!  Hahaha it always comes down to that! 

Now a days we mostly do day dates!  That has been working for us.  We pick a day both kids are in school and Morgan takes a day of leave. He surely can't take a day off weekly or even monthly!  We try to fit it in when we can.  He's taken off our anniversary and a day here and there.   We go out to eat and do something,  it's nice and it gets the job done! Couples time during the day not a bad deal, no babysitter fee {not if you don't count the school tuition} , and way less crowded since it's daytime and most people are at work!

I know someone out there could totally refute me all day!  Give me a million ways to go on a date.  Give me a million reasons why we should go on dates.  The fact of the matter is, it's hard with young kids, being away from family, and being a military family.  So for now,  I'm happy with our day dates.  I'm happy with whatever night dates get get.  We will make it a regular thing when the kids are older and we live closer to family!  I can't wait for sleepovers at their grandparents house! Hahaha 

{on our date}

{some food pics from our date}

We tried Kami Sushi on our date.  We have heard a lot about it.  We weren't big fans of it.  We are so used to eating sashimi and nigiri that all the rolls here kinda seem "overdressed".  We have become sushi snobs! Actually Morgan was always like that,  he just pulled me over to the dark side! Haha

Spring Break 2015

This year only Amelia had spring break since she goes to a DOD school.  Nolan goes to preschool out in town and they don't have a spring break.

It was really nice getting to spend alone days with Amelia. Must of the time it's me and Nolan or me and both of the kids.  It was a nice chance to get in some girl time with my favorite girl.  

Unfortunately most of the days were not great weather wise,  but we were still able to go out and do stuff.

Easter Sunday::

The kids woke up to overflowing Easter baskets and we had an egg hunt inside because it was drizzling outside.

Then we headed to church and enjoyed lunch there after service.

Okinawa Zoo & Wonder Museum::

We spent one day at the zoo and museum with our friends the Dimasaca family .  It was the perfect day since it was warm but not sunny.  I've never gone to the zoo with the kids without M.  Good think I had my friend with me!  It was a team effort. The zoo here is small and quaint.  Can easily be done in a couple hours.  However the wonder museum is where it's at!!  My kids could spend hours there.  They change the exhibits every so often so it's not the same stuff year after year.  There is stuff for kids of all ages there.  Our group of kids ranged from 2 to 9, all of them enjoyed thoroughly!

Starbucks::

There was definitely a Starbucks date or 2 that occurred this week! Amelia, a girl after my own heart, loves herself some Starbucks! After we dropped Nolan at school we headed there and got our drink fix!  Coffee for me and usually a hot chocolate and pastry for her.  It's our thang!

Beach::

Luckily we got one day at the beach!  It wasn't the sunniest of days, but it was nice!  Another thing I've never done without M.  I've always been scared to go with the kids to the beach alone, just cause they might not want to do the same things and I can't be two places.  But they were total Angels and listened really well.  We looked for sea glass, built sand castles and played in the waves!  

All in the spring break was great!  I was happy to do some sleeping in and spending one on one time with my baby girl!  Maybe next year we'll plan a trip!

Read Across America

In most schools across America, March is read across America month.  Celebrating reading and the almighty Dr. Seuss. Just because we live overseas doesn't mean we can't participate. haha We'll Amelia goes to a DODEA school so lots of stuff is just like being in the states. Unfortunately Amelia wont get to participate with most the activities since we'll be on vacay for half the month.  But, we're gunna make the most out of the time we are here.

M is already on leave so we decided to volunteer at Amelia's class to decorate their door for the Read Across America door contest.  So happy that he came with me because we were the only parents that volunteered.  Plus Amelia was so excited to see us in her class and her teacher was super grateful!  We were more then happy to help!

 M and I were able to tackle most of the door ourselves.  We picked Dr. Seuss' Oh, the places you'll go as our theme.  I LOVE this book.  Its' been a favorite of mine ever since I was a lil girl.  I was more then happy with this theme.  It was a fun task to do together for our lil sweet pea and her class.  Her teacher was so stoked, she just wants to personalize it with a lil something for the kids.  I can't wait to see the finished product!  Fun times

Got my badge!  The bathrooms are so small and cute!

Couples that volunteer together, stay together!

LOVE it, turned out soo good!

Sunday's Best

This year, I really wanted to grow spiritually.  I've struggled with my faith for awhile now and every year it weighs more on my heart.  So that's why I've made it a point to focus on my religion this year.  M and I have struggled  with it too.  I grew up catholic, he bounced around a few churches and religions.  We couldn't really find a happy medium.  Well, I wasn't really willing to budge.  {I know such a B} I was scared, Catholicism was all I knew, for a long time I thought he would convert.  Change is very hard on me, especially when I was younger.  We got married in a Catholic church and baptized both of our kids in the Catholic church, because that's all I knew....it was a safe bet.  But here was always a part of me that felt like it wasn't the right fit for our family.  I know how the church can be and how intimidating it can be , M was always such a good sport and very supportive.   I knew I wanted something different for our family, to be comfortable in a church and to have religion in our household. 

For the first time in a long time, I agreed to go to a church that wasn't catholic.  This was a BIG {huge, gigantic,ginormous}  Truth be told, I was always so scared.  The catholic church is so intimidating, I thought that's how most churches were going to be like.  So I asked a friend {who grew up catholic too} about where she goes and she told me of this church that was so friendly and welcoming. 

The first Sunday of 2015 we went to Calvary Church.  It was like a breath of fresh air.  It was so different.  When we left, I felt like I understood what the pastor was talking about.  I understood the passage in the bible in a whole new way.  I was able to understand the passage and I could relate to it in my everyday life.  After the service we went out to eat and M and I were talking about the church.  We talked about how much we liked it there,   I was so happy to have found a place that fits our family. 

We've gone every Sunday since, and every time I'm more convinced that this church is great for us.  I'm definitely not knocking the catholic church, it was really great for me growing up.   I've learned a lot from it and its word.  It got me through a lot in my life.  It was great for my mom, dad, brother , sister and myself before I was married.  But once you get married and have a family sometimes what worked for you growing up with your family, doesn't always work the family you've made.  As of right now, its still very new for us.  Its still the same bible and the same teachings, just in a different way.    I feel so terrible about waiting so long to find a church for our family.  I guess, its better late then never.  I'm just so happy for myself and my family.  2015 you are so awesome so far!!!

Our Sunday routine now consist of church a lunch out.  Last Sunday we went to one of our favorite sushi spots!! Yuuuum

Quick Reflection for 2014 and Quick Resolution for 2015...

2014

My favorite experience of 2014 was our staycation with our friends to celebrate Morgan’s Birthday and Memorial Day weekend!  It was such a fun weekend of family and friends!  Made memories for a lifetime!

My biggest accomplishment was all the cooking I did this year!  I’ve always been so terrible and scared of cooking.  When I did cook it was very easy recipes with minimal skill needed.  This year I’ve learned more recipes and even took a couple classes to help me out.   I pushed myself more because I wanted to cook for my family.   I think that I’m finally getting the hang of cooking.

My favorite place to visit was South Korea!  We only went on one vacation this year out of the country and it was Seoul, South Korea.  We had an awesome time!  I was actually a little skeptical because it had never been one of those places I cared for seeing, but Morgan kept saying I would love it.  And he was absolutely right!  We had a great time, I would go again!

The best meal is……. sushi!  I love sushi so much that I took a class in how to make it.  Since being here I’ve branched out more and tried different and exotic kinds!  I am always in the mood for sushi 365 24/7

If I have a free day, I like to relax with the family!  Nothing beats a day of hangin in our jammies , snacking, curling up on the couch and watching movies.

My favorite book, I feel terrible, but I don’t think I finished a book at all this year.  I did read lots of cook books though! lol

My favorite movie this year would have to be Lone Survivor.  I’m actually not sure when it came out, but I know I saw it in 2014.  It was so good and very sad. 

One way I’d like to grow in 2015 is in my faith.  I haven’t been religious in a very long time.  I think that’s why I feel empty sometimes.  I’m going to make it a point to get more in touch with my faith.

2015

I want to continue to strive to be a better mom!

I want to try to learn more about cooking and baking!

I want to stop being impatient.

I’d like to visit the Philippines, Tokyo, and Osaka.

My goals for this year are to be a super mom/wife, eat better, drink more water, pay off debt, read more, and get out more.

Side Gigs

Being a SAHM, its important to have your own thing.  I practically work at home all day every day, 24-7.  There needs to be some away time to recharge your batteries, get your mind away off the chores, the babies, the bills, the house.   Morgan is always encouraging me to get into something , go out with the girls, go to the gym, go shopping, go do something.  He totally understands!  He likes to go to the gym and play basketball.  He goes to the gym weekly and is in a basketball league.  So I did it, my friend and I signed up for cake decorating classes.  I always loved baking, but totally sucked at decorating.  To be fair, I haven't put much effort in trying to decorate.  I've always used fairly easy methods to decorate my cakes and cupcakes.

The class was a Wilton cake decorating class.  There are 4 courses and 4 sessions per course.  One, two and a half hour class a week. Course 1 is building butter cream skills.  First week we decorated cookies, second week we decorated our first cake, third week we learned how to pipe flowers and decorated cupcakes, the fourth week we decorated tall cakes all on our own from start to finish.  Our last sessions ended last night.  After all is said and done I'd have to say that its a lot harder then it looks.  I watch all those cake decorating shows on TV and they make it look super easy.  I was fooled.  Its no joke.  There are a lot of components that go into making a nicely decorated cake.   I'd have to say tho that I loved it, it was very informational, challenging, and fun.  Its a great beginner class and the tips I learned I'll probably use for the rest of my days.  I liked this class so much that I'm planning on taking all 4 courses.   I'm definitely not opening up my own bakery anytime soon, but you never know. lol

Pulling the Plug

We did it!  We got bubs off his pacifier!

I've actually tried a couple times in the past, but have been unsuccessful.  This time we're done!  Thank the Lord!

This was a bit of a struggle for us both.  Not only was the paci a comfort for bubs, but it was a comfort for us too.  It was the one thing we knew that we could  use to comfort our lil guy.  Nolan took to a paci right away.  The first time I couldn't comfort him with by feeding or holding, I just stuck a paci in his mouth and it was a hit. {No judgement}.  He was really paci obsessed, he carried multiple pacis with him at a time and would switch them out.  We wouldn't dare leave the house without a pacifier.  I had them everywhere, the car, my bedroom, his bedroom, my purse, my diaper bag...everywhere.  The thought of not having one handy and him losing one would strike fear in my heart.  We knew that he needed to be off of it by his 2nd bday.  It was the same thing we did with Amelia.  M and I both agreed that 2 was the right age, we did't want them to go to college with pacifiers. lol

It was surprisingly quick for us.  A habit of 2 years we felt like we just needed to take it away quickly, like a band aid. So we cut a few of his pacifiers in half and gave him one.  His face when we gave him the paci was priceless.  He looked so confused! lol We told him that it was broken.  So he asked for another one, it too was broken.  He tried and tried to suck on them, but he looked so unsatisfied.  I told him they were broken and to throw them in the trash.  That was a bad idea, he kept going back to the trash and looking at them. it was the course of a day and he had gone through all the broken ones and thrown them in the trash.  Then it was cold turkey  He just went about his day and played, there were times where I could tell he was was searching for one.   He seemed almost a little lost.

Sleeping was a big struggle.  I didn't even want to put him down for a nap, I just let him tire out and he fell asleep on his own, no pacifier needed.  The first night was terrible.  He kept waking up and crying for it.  Poor lil guy.  He ended up sleeping with us because he was waking up so often.  it was a rough night for all of us.  In the morning he looked for a pacifier for a good 15 minutes then went on with his day.

Since then we haven't looked back.  Well, to be honest there have been a few breakdowns of his where I wish I could have just stuck a paci in his mouth.  Trust me, I was super close to doing that.  I did get my self control and just power through.  This wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.  I totally feared it for nothing.  I should have just put more faith in Nolan.  He is doing fine a week later, like nothing ever happened.  I see more of his facials expressions.  He seems to be communicating more and hopefully we didn't mess up his teeth. lol

Pacifier Lover

                                   

Before pulling the plug

                                 

After :)

                                 

So handsome without his Pacifier :)