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Bachelorette JoJo Finale

The finale was this week. I wasn’t really into it, but when you put in this much time you have to see it to the end.

  • JoJo admitting loving both. It is a bit concerning that she thinks about the other guy with each one. So is that really love?
  • Her mom has a really good point about both of JoJo and Jordan being the center of attention and them being too alike.
  • Jordan said “me” a lot and not in the right way grammatically.
  • Why do we still put so much emphasis on asking for permission to marry the girl? While it is nice in theory to feel like you have their blessing, but why isn’t it both ways with the woman being expected to do the same with the in-laws? I say that, and I didn’t ask Tom’s family…
  • Do you think they pick out the gifts for the families on their own? How real is that part?
  • Wait Robbie, you wanted to marry her on your first date? How is that real?
  • There was not as much emphasis on the brothers this time as with Ben. And still nothing from her sister…
  • When Robbie and JoJo were talking about being in love, you could see the skeptisism on her family’s faces.
  • I think her family is spot on with Jordan being a good NYE date.
  • Robbie’s speech to JoJo’s parents was very sweet.
  • I still think she is going to pick Jordan because the heart and lust sometimes get confused.
  • JoJo gets her bluntness questioning honestly. Her family is so straightforward.
  • JoJo’s sister is just there for a free ride. She has said nothing…
  • Robbie is so forward. They are cute, but there is something that is just dinging that something fake here.
  • That boat with Jordan…That seems so romantic and special.
  • Jordan seems to talk football announcer play by play when he is doing his interviews..
  • I do think Jordan has a point that it wasn’t right to ask JoJo’s parents when he doesn’t actually know how she feels. This is so weird.
  • Why is she pushing so hard for Jordan when she has all these doubts?
  • JoJo reading Jordan’s letter…I don’t know how to read her.
  • I thought she was going to pick Robbie before Jordan’s letter now.
  • Um they both have really nice handwriting.
  • I have NO IDEA WHAT SHE IS GOING TO DO!
  • Well part of this process is that someone has to feel the pain. Remember you last season?
  • AHHHH Robbie is first!
  • Why do they let them talk first…she needs to stop Robbie.
  • She has said that to everyone that she wanted it to be them…Luke, Chase, Robbie…
  • It has been Jordan since day one, and we all know it.
  • Robbie was a gentlemen wishing her happiness and good luck.
  • No telling him you loved him does not help!
  • I do love watching proposals. Somebody get proposed in front of me please!
  • Well I wish the best for them and apparently they are moving in together but they have some hurdles to overcome.

 Did you watch the finale? What do you think of this season?

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A Book Lovers Dream

It’s no secret that I love books. One of the most important things I am trying to pass on is that love of reading to George.

I am excited to be sharing about Usborne and all the book greatness that it has to offer. They have been part of our journey to make George a reader for over a year now. I was super excited when my sister-in-law became a consultant so we could ride this addiction together! And I love supporting her small business endeavors. So here I am hosting a party to share the goodness!

But books…this is all about them books!

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Are you familiar with Usborne? They are the 2014 Children’s Publisher of the Year – widely respected in the industry, but more importantly, widely loved by KIDS! Their books are also backed by a lifetime half-price replacement guarantee, for whatever reason. If your kids are anything like George, books tend to get well loved (aka destroyed) so I really love that I can replace his favorites easily and cost-effectively.

Did you know that growing up in a home with a large collection of books has a huge impact on educational attainment? A child in a home with 500 books will complete an additional 3.2 years of college and earn nearly $1 million more in their lifetime. Isn’t that crazy? Usborne has really motivated us to have books EVERYWHERE. We have a bag full in the car, he has a reading tent in the living room, a whole bookcase full in his room, and we even have about 10 in his bed. We are well on our way to helping George in that million more earned.

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Did you know that reading imaginative and relatable fiction helps children learn to read for comprehension? Not only that, but by taking an objective look at how characters relate to others, it actually helps children develop empathy. Check out Usborne’s selection of fiction here! (We love the Dirty Dinosaur!)

I love how these books make it fun to LEARN! Peter Usborne, the founder of Usborne Publishing, has said that books should be magnetic, stylish, and promote wondering…and they DO! George has learned body parts and animal sounds and how to say things like “tractor” from these books. I am attempting to collect all the Big Book series!

Want to know the secret to keeping your kids occupied while you make a phone call? These books will keep your kids occupied and happy while they PLAY all day long. We have gotten the Wipe Clean books for our nieces who just started school. Super fun!

Our personal favorite books for George are the “That’s Not My Series” and the “Noisy” sound books. He has learned so much from these books, and I honestly attest his obsession to tractors/construction vehicles to these books. George even sleeps with the “That’s Not My” books. We love the phonics book series-they are fun for me to read with their sing songy rhymes. We use the Muddle Match books in the car because they are more interactive, and they have taken George a lot longer to beat up. We are also going to be going after all the astronaut/space stuff here soon because Tom loves space and that is a great way for them to bond. There is a lot of research out there about the importance of the father reading to their sons, so having a subject that Tom loves encourages that more.

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They do some really cool things with books. I recommend looking at the shine a light books, busy books, and the ones where you build stuff. I am constantly amazed at the ridiculously cool things that they do with books! It is making me relive childhood all over again through George.

If you want to see our wishlist for ideas, here are the books we are interested in.

Ready to shop? I have a party running for the next week so I hope you get as excited about the books as I do! Be sure to think ahead to any upcoming gifts you might need for birthdays, homework helpers, or boredom busters too! I love stocking up on books to save for presents all year round. There is really something for everyone!

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Have you seen stuff that you would love in your kid’s hands? You can shop my party here until August 14th.

Once payment is received, the books will be on their way to you within 48 hours!

Let me know how I can help! I LOVE giving personalized recommendations, and I could speak about Usborne for days!

In addition to these videos, here’s a mini catalog you can flip through to get ideas. Every time I go through the catalog, my wishlist gets longer and longer…

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 Thanks for your interest! If you’d like to host your own party via Facebook to earn FREE BOOKS or would like information about working with Usborne Books & More, contact Emily (my awesome sister-in-law) by clicking here. She’s a teacher so she knows a lot about how to prepare students for reading. She’d be happy to answer any questions you have about specific books or offer recommendations!
Thanks for reading about Usborne and consider supporting my party. You wont be disappointed!
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August Goals

This last month was crazy busy and wonderfully summery. It was a great month filled with memories for us.

But I will be honest, I did not get much done from my goals for the month. However, I think I nailed the one for me which I think dictated not getting anything else done.

But for giggles, let’s see how I ranked up.

  • Fitness-
    • Do BodyPump once a weekend. I didn’t do this one. We had so much going on during the weekends that I just couldn’t find an hour that I was able to do this realistically. In taking my last goal to heart, this took a backseat to reading a book on our patio every weekend. I do want to do this though because I think it will help with my running. 
    • Start 10K training. I did this, and it has been going really well. My weekend workouts were more focused on this than the BodyPump.
  • House Tasks-We did nothing on this list. What can I say, we enjoyed our lives this month.

    • Finish Living Room Wall
    • Fix the flower beds around the trees
    • Clean the craft room
  • Something with George-Introduce him to sidewalk chalk. I honestly forgot about this until this weekend. He had a lot of fun at swim lessons though! And we took him to a tractor pull which I think can replace the chalk experience.

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  • Something with Tom-go to dinner and a movie. We were going to go this last weekend, but the movie times never worked out for us. The downside of living in a small town.
  • Something for me–permission to be lazy. We did have a lot of plans this month, but anytime we had a free afternoon, I spent it out on our porch reading books. Our house is barely clean (I just did laundry and dishes…) but it has been so great to just enjoy myself and give myself some me time that isn’t at 9pm in the evening.

 

 

  • Fitness-
    • Do cross-training a couple times a week.
    • Keep up with my 10K training.
  • House Tasks-

    • Organize George’s toys-its time to go through them again. We just have too many out, and so many that he doesn’t play with. We need to pair it down.
    • Build a new porch-We want to get this done before fall and before we have a pit of leaves in the trench.
    • Stain the deck-Once the porch extension is done, we need to stain the whole thing.
  • Something with George
    • Introduce him to sidewalk chalk. Trying this again…
    • Celebrate him turning TWO!
  • Something with Tom-We had a great month last month, but maybe this will be the month for a dinner and a movie? This rotating schedule is the pits in the way of making plans. When Tom has a free weekend it’s like we are trying to make up all the lost time and pack everything in for George and Tom to bond, which leaves our bonding out on the limb. Not this month! (Right?)
  • Something for me–do some research to purchase more natural make-up. I use a tinted moisturizer right now, and I am wanting something with a little more coverage. I have been super cheap about my facial care. I think it is time for me to splurge a little with what goes on my face. I haven’t purchased foundation in a looonnng time since I have been using just tinted moisturizer for probably the last decade so I don’t even know where to start. I do know that I want a little more than drugstore and something natural, but also easy to do. I am not into any of that contouring business.  Any suggestions?

 

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Bachelorette JoJo Week 8

We are rounding out this journey with JoJo. This was a two episode week so here are my thoughts on the Fantasy Dates and the Men Tell All.

  • I’m impressed JoJo can look so put together and fabulous after crying like that. I am a spotchy hot mess after a good cry.
  • Jordan gets the first rose. After this Luke hesitation, I think she is going to pick Jordan to go all the way.
  • My heart just dropped for Luke. He looks so lost.
  • Why is she holding his hand after she just ripped his heart out?
  • I don’t understand this goodbye…she seems so heartbroken. I don’t understand how she didn’t know how he felt. He made a freaking heart rose trail for her?!?!?
  • Luke for the next bachelor!!!
  • So what do  you think happens to their individual rooms that they forgo for the fantasy suites? I am sure one of the staffers then uses it right?
  • Robbie is calling her Joelle. That is sweet.
  • How does Robbie have esthetician quality hair when he wakes up? And JoJo’s too. Mine looks like frizzy dookie.
  • I would not really call JoJo’s outfit on Jordan’s date sporty. Tennis shoes don’t make it sporty.
  • We would love that hike.
  • Yes Jordan is too good to be true. He is not ready for a serious relationship.
  • JoJo likes to grill Jordan.
  • Is she going to say “This is our first breakfast together.” to every one?
  • It can’t get better than this” said you 24 hours ago on your last date.
  • I want to be upset about people who sneak up for extra time like Robbie did, but at the same time, if I was in his position I wouldn’t want to be away from the person I love either.
  • Country Clubs and Coloring Books?
  • Chase blowing up at JoJo…He should press her. He was blindsighted.
  • He looks so angry…Don’t tell him that you all would have a great relationship if they had met outside the other relationships. That’s gross to tell someone you are everything I ever wanted.
  • BAHHHH Chase came back to the rose ceremony. She shouldn’t let him stay…I like him, but he shouldn’t come back.
  • Chase just redeemed himself, and opened it up for her to pull a Mesnick or for him to be the next bachelor.

Men Tell All

  • These men are just ridiculous.
  • I do think Alex was really immature and very confrontational. I think Luke’s explanation of how military training is ingrained in you is very spot on. (clarification I don’t think that all military are immature. It can jut be hard for them to reintegrate into normal social situations that aren’t military related.)
  • Evan talking about Chad’s steroids is so weird.
  • Bahaha they are all going nuts about Chad.
  • I feel like they are making a big production about Chad…getting his own trailer and the security walk. Come on?
  • Chad dating other contestants ex-gf. “We aren’t all bad guys?” Wow they are getting personal with the intimate.
  • Nick getting up to fight Chad…why is that necessary? But Daniel’s comment about Americans resorting to violence-wow. Because that is helpful.
  • Is Chad drunk?
  • I agree with Chad that Jordan is using this to get famous.
  • Hmm that video of Evan and Chad…it does kind of look like Evan pushed him a little. But Chad’s reaction is ridiculous. Hitting a wall is better than cursing?
  • I really like Wells. I hope he finds love in Paradise. He made some intelligent comments. But I do think by his comments to Chad that some things went down in Paradise.
  • Luke is an adorable hopeless romantic. I didn’t expect you to go home either. Luke as the next bachelor!!!
  • JoJo seriously could be a model. She is always so perfectly put together.
  • Luke is such a gentleman.
  • Chase was also very gracious about the experience.
  • I think either Luke or Chase will be the next Bachelor.
  • CHAD IS EATING FOOD!
  • Wow Chad’s comments about Robbie and Jordan (while maybe some truth) was a pretty low blow.
  • Good for you JoJo saying that she shouldn’t waste her breath on Chad. He is stirring the pot, and she was spot on that he was soaking all the attention up.
  • Oh sweet Vinny’s mom. She loves her son. I love the embarrassment!
  • JoJo was hard to read about how this all ends.
  • Taking a look at the finale clips…all the guys are like why am I watching this.
My favorites: I have none. I don’t like either Jordan or Robbie. However, I do think she is going to pick Jordan.
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Saying Goodbye to My Baby

I no longer have a baby. You almost forget how little they were.

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It seems over night, George has grown into a little boy.

Gone are the days where he sits in one spot, now he is like flash across the room.

Gone are the days were he just coos, now he is speaking in sentences.

Gone are the days where I am the one doling out kisses, now he is giving some of his own.

Gone are the days where we lead him on wild adventures, now he takes our hands and pulls us where we need to go.

Gone are the days where his curiosity is just following us with his eyes, now his curiosity gets him in cabinets and on counter tops.

Gone are the days where we laid him in Grace’s lap to sleep, now he tries to ride her like a pony.

Gone are the days where we can complete a task without a shadow, now he attempts to do everything we do (including the dishes and watering flowers).

Gone are the days where I read him books, now he picks out his own and reads to himself.

Gone are the days where I was confident he was getting all his nutrition from me or his formula, now we have to make sure we have a balanced diet for a toddler appetite and he feeds himself with utensils.

Gone are the days of the sweet soft baby skin, now he has scraped knees, bruises, and mosquito bites from exploring the great outdoors.

Gone are the days where he sleeps soundly in my arms, now he climbs all over me expecting a piggy back ride.

Gone are the days of my baby, now he is building his personality and living it up as a toddler.

In a MONTH, George will be two, which he can count to now btw. Every day, I learn a little bit more about being a mom. We are growing together.

I love being his mom, but it is going too fast. However, I need to not spend too much time in the past and enjoy where he is now. Because soon he will be in school, and I will be missing his toddler sticky goodness and unruly hair.

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