"My book just ran out of batteries"

We live in a society where everyone HAS to have the latest and greatest electronic items. It is as though everything these days run off of batteries. Computers, phones, iTouch, iPad and most of our children's learning gadgets... it is really sad in a way.

Now, we have stooped to our lowest, we had thrown out our books and replaced them with another battery dependent computer, the Kindle & Nook. There are so many small Mom & Pop book shops going out of business (even the big ones) because people are just "uploading" their books.

There is just something about curling up on the couch or in bed, holding that book in my hands and physically turing the page.... it is the best!! I love everything about an actual book... the cover, seeing how many pages that I have left to read and of course the satisfaction of finishing it. I know I can not get that from a handheld computer.

I understand that some people love the computer book, but I am going to stick with the real thing... this is one trend I am not going along with.

This is what happens when...

You let your 5 year old give you a make over!! lol

Bedtime Snack

After Brady and I watched a movie tonight (Brothers), we decided to have a snack... so, I pulled out a tray of fresh shrimp!! It was oh, so yummy :-)

I am not sure how normal it is to cuddle up on the couch with your hubby dipping shrimp into cocktail sauce and totally indulging in a pound of shrimpers, but we sure enjoyed it... oh and we are not quite normal ;-)

Random Car Pictures

I always see self taken pictures of people in their cars (gosh, I hope they are not driving!!) on different social networks... I really do not understand why people take pictures of themselves in the car... do they think they look their best, is that the only time they have to take a picture of them self, are they bored?? A lot of profile pictures on FB are of people in their cars.

Well, I feel kind of left out, since I don't have any pictures of myself in the car... SO, today while Brady ran into the store I decided to join the bandwagon and take a picture of myself in the car (with Landon behind me of course)!!

Am I cool now? ;-) LOL

Makeup at the Gym

Yes, I wear makeup to the gym. I always have ever since HS... insecure you ask? Absolutely!!

For some reason, family and friends have always had an issue with the fact that I put on makeup for the gym. I understand that it is not good for my skin, but beyond that, what is the problem? It is not like I look like I am about to go to prom or anything, just basic cover-up and eye makeup. I don't put enough on that when I am sweating like crazy it is running all over my face!! hehe

Now, going back to the insecurity issue... I admit it, I am completely insecure without makeup. I really look scary without it. I feel that it is a disrespect to society to go out with a bare face!! lol

Besides insecurity, what is wrong with wanting to look your best no matter where you are or what you are doing? I know I feel good when I look good and that is all that matters :-)

Does anyone else where makeup while working out or am I alone??

Ode to Minnesota!

It has been an awful winter here in Minnesota... it has been long, cold and very snowy. Three days ago a big rain storm came through and the next day, most of the horrible snow was gone!!! Yay, Spring is finally here. Though, in MN you never can celebrate too soon. Yesterday morning I woke up to a big snow storm, which lead to about 8" on the ground :-(

I am mad, sad, depressed and I just want to say how much I hate this state... but I am not. I am going to think happy thoughts and only good things about MN. This state is way too good to have the bad rep because of the cold/snowy winters (which can, at times be beautiful).

Here are some of my favorite things about living in the State of Minnesota!!

Beautiful North Shore

Dagenais Family Farm in Princeton

Up north at the cabin, right after a snow storm

Mall of America

We have the BEST seasons, I LOVE Fall in MN

Summit Avenue in St. Paul... our favorite place to go

View of the lake up north at the cabin

Great local lakes in the Twin Cities

Camping!!

MN has great museums

Oh, yeah... another snow storm!! lol

My Food Happiness...

Some people crave pizza, pasta, cheeseburgers, a yummy sweet dessert or even a good cup of coffee...

Me? I crave Jimmy John's Beach Club (no mayo of course!) on whole grain bread!! This is my food happiness :-)

Unexpected Day

My day definitely did not go as planned, as I woke up to 8" of snow outside... just when I think Spring may be here, I wake up and remember I live in Minnesota :-(

We were pretty much stuck in the house all day (snow was WAY too heavy for me to shovel the driveway & Brady was in Chicago still). I just wanted to go and workout or go and do an activity with the kids, but I couldn't!! The kids were sooooo stir crazy and were getting into trouble/fighting with each other all day. I was very happy when Brady finally got home tonight... my knight in shining armor :-)

Amazingly, both boys and Brady were all sleeping by 9pm tonight!! YAY... I was so happy and excited to have some much needed quiet time to read my book, which I am very happy to say I finished!! I love history and usually only read non-fiction or biographical books and after watching the entire Tudors Series on Showtime, I was very excited to read more on that time period. So, I read Six Wives of Henry VIII... Loved it!!

So excited I finally was able to finish my book!!

Also, the next best thing to two little boys fast asleep, is a 1 year old Weimaraner asleep... trust me, it is a wonderful site ;-)

Sky McMullen finally asleep!!

What a Tuesday!!

We had quite a busy day today!!

Started the day off by dropping Landon off at preschool. Then my Mom, Brock and I went Costco to stock up on the kid's snacks... and of course a bunch

of other stuff!! Brock LOVES going to Costco while Landon is at preschool. He is so good for me and shows me all the stuff he wants ;-)

We then picked Landon up and headed over to the cemetery to bring flowers to my grandparents. It was my Grandma's birthday today, she would have been 85 years old. She passed away a couple months ago, so it is still hard to believe she is gone :-(

Later tonight, we had Landon's Kindergarten orientation. I was completely overwhelmed with the amount of parents/children that were there!! I did not realize how big the school was (over 1,000 students). Their Kindergarten alone has over 150 students. I was not happy to hear that the classroom ratio is 1 to 25... really?! That seems just crazy to me... how can a teacher do a good job with that amount of students? We are in a newer community that keeps growing every year, so I guess I shouldn't be too surprised. Landon had a fun time and is really excited, so that is all that really matters.

Brady is in Chicago this week for work, so I am doing the single mom thing again... I wish he could have been there for the orientation tonight, but such is life.

Play Date Groups... blah

The other day while picking up the kids at our health club childcare center, I noticed a flyer on the wall advertising a local play date group. I grabbed a card, sat there awhile and then put it back... who am I kidding, I can not stand play date groups!!!!

I love getting together with my good friends & family members with their kids for play dates, but the organized play dates, where you get together with a bunch of unknowns and everyone is in hope of becoming besties is NOT for me.... trust me I have tried many times!!

First of all, I don't read parenting books... I go with my instincts as a mother and follow the way I was brought up. Most of these moms that go to the PD groups have read every book under the sun on "how to raise your child." Trust me, they KNOW EVERYTHING and they do everything "perfect"!!! haha- I have to sit there and listen to how "Timmy is not allowed to watch any TV, unless it is Disney or age appropriate educational shows," "We don't let Lily have any sweets," "Our kids have a strict bedtime at 7:00pm," "We sit down and do learning everyday for an hour." Um, all I can say is that is must suck to be your kid and someday you are going to have a major rebellion on your hands!!! ;-)

Second, they gossip about each other... they love to sit around and talk about those not there and how they are not up to par with their parenting (because, remember... they know everything). Oh, crap... now I have to come to everything, or they are going to have a whole lot to talk about with me!!

Getting into my last point... once you get sucked into one PD, they expect you to show up to every playground event, lunch event and cookie baking event. It seems as though they can't do anything with their kids by themselves. If you don't show up, you are now going to ostracize when you do, because this is a cult... Oh, I mean a really close PD group!!

This is my question: With the amount of time these moms put into the PD, when do they have time to do their work at home? I am not sure about them, but I have laundry, cooking, bathrooms to clean, vacuuming, mopping, taking my kids to events (all by myself... gasp), taking Landon to preschool and so on and so on.... how do they have time to do all of these things at home when they want to spend every other day together at the PD?

With these experiences, I choose not to be apart of play date groups... they are no good. Period.

If you are offended by any of this, most likely you are apart of one of these cults... I mean PD groups ;-) LOL

*Definition of Cult:

a pejorative term for a group whose beliefs or practices are considered strange.

Landon's First Sleepover!!

Landon has been begging me to have a sleepover with his friend, Evan for the past 5 months. We finally had a free weekend, so his friend came over tonight for a sleepover :-)

He got here at dinner time, so they ate dinner (super fast) and then played for a little bit. Later on, I brought out this new cardboard house I bought this week and they had SO much fun coloring it and playing inside!! Definitely worth the $19.99 I spent on it and it is HUGE :-)

We then did a movie with popcorn... that was a hit!! After the movie, they went off to bed... so far it has been a success :-D

Matching P.J's!!!

I can't help myself!! I am always buying matching clothes for the boys because I think it is so adorable and as of right now, both of the boys love it too :-)

Today, I bought them matching p.j's and they were super excited about it... I can't wait to pull these pictures out someday and embarrass them ;-) lol

Off the Board!!

Diving board that is!! Landon has been taking swimming lessons twice a week for the past month and they have moved to the diving board. On Monday, he got to the end of the board and turned around, refusing to jump. I know he can do it, I just had to figure out a way to get him to jump.

So, being the wonderful mom that I am (hehehe), I bribed him with a McDonald's ice cream cone and one iTunes song download... well, it worked!! He was the first one in line and got right on and jumped off!! We were so proud of him :-) And yes, he got his cone and song tonight ;-)

I took video, but it is not the best quality because I cropped it to see better... you get the idea!

Excusez-moi?!

Tonight after dinner, the boys and I ran over to Target to buy a new area rug. Brady was working late, so I figured this would be something to do to pass the time.

We got in the door and of course we had to get the big cart with the seats in the front... it makes the trip that much better! So, Brock wanted to take his jacket off before he got on the cart, so I turned to help him and I hear some lady say all snarky, "YOU NEED TO SIT DOWN ON THAT RIGHT NOW." I turn to see a woman Target employee quickly turn and walk away before I could make eye contact with her... then I looked at Landon and he was standing on the cart seat (not any different than he normally does). He was definitely not in any danger, as he is a 5 year old boy and WAIT... isn't that MY job to discipline MY kids??

I understand that children have a risk of getting hurt on "their" carts, but I feel that it was inappropriate to discipline him when I was standing right there. I would have appreciated it if she were to kindly come over and let me know that it would be safer for him to sit down.

I am the first one to call out my kids if they are behaving badly and I am not one to be over protective when they are in the wrong... but I have to say that I DO NOT like when other people step in and try to discipline my kids. I feel like it is a slap in the face to the parent and it is like them telling you that you are not doing your job!

Landon was not yelling, crying, throwing a fit, jumping, running... just stood up on the cart. Parent's have enough stress just taking their kids to the store, they definitely do not need other people getting involved over silly things.

Casino/Birthday Weekend

We got home this afternoon from a super fun overnight at the casino celebrating my brother-in-laws 21st birthday!! We stayed right at the casino and we had a really nice room situation with a huge parlor room with two connecting bedroom/bathrooms.

We started the night off with dinner downstairs and then went back upstairs for drinking games and of course, showing off our dance moves!!! The Witt boys LOVE to show off their MOVES ;-) At about 10pm we all went downstairs to the casino. I was up $43 within 5 min of sitting down at the .2 cents slot... I sat and ran it down for 2 hours while sitting next to my sister-in-law having great conversations... I only spend $2 the whole time!! I was very excited about my night :-) No one won big, but we were all there for the fun of it.

I woke up with the BIGGEST headache, which was my reminder that I am not 21 myself!! My in-laws were so nice to take the boys overnight... they always have so much fun sleeping over at grandma & grandpa's house :-)

Crazy Pics of Brady & I

The Witt guys showing off their moves!!

Awesome Flat Iron!!

I ran to Target yesterday while Landon was at preschool to get some stuff and I came across the clearance section. They had a whole bunch of flat irons on clearance for $9.98... I figured, this product must suck if it is on clearance 1/2 price. So, I put it back and walked away. I thought about it and decided to go back and grab it and if it was indeed a piece of junk, I would just throw it away.

So, this morning I tried it and... it worked AWESOME!!! Way better than my current one. My hair looks so purty now ;-)

If you are in need of a new flat iron, check out your Target ASAP and look for the Remington Design Flat Iron... for only $9.98!!! :-)

This is the one I got... of course purple!!!

Dressing Room Blues...

Oh, the dreaded dressing room...

When I was in high school and college I can honestly say, I looked good in anything. I loved to shop and I did it often. I worked out and ate what I wanted... life was great, my body was great and I had so much confidence in myself. I thought that this is how I was going to look forever and I promised myself I would never let myself go...

Fast forward 7 years later (& two kids later)... I hate shopping. I am a good 25 lbs heavier than I was in college (which I am working hard to get rid of) and I dread going shopping. Nothing seems to fit right, I feel like I look so big. And I SWEAR!!! The mirrors in the dressing room are messed up and make you look skinny!! I look totally different in the mirrors outside the dressing room than I do inside. Jerks!

I had to do it again today, I had to go shopping. We are going to Mille Lacs Casino this weekend for my brother-in-laws birthday and I seriously have NOTHING to wear. So, after we put the boys to bed, I headed out. When I got the store, I knew to get bag because I grab pretty much everything.... let's not lie, I have no idea what is going to look good on me. I was super excited because I found a super cute pair of jeans right off the bat... YAY!!! Now onto shirts. I tried on about 17 shirts before I narrowed it down to the last two. I ended up buying both to see which one Brady liked.

I need help!! Which shirt looks better??

I think my photographer did a great job... for a 5 year old :-)

My Kids HATE Girl Scout Cookies!!!

I have never heard of kids not liking Girl Scout cookies, but I just threw away two packages because my boys whine & cry every time I bring them out. Since Brady and I watch our sugar intake, we usually don't have a lot of sweets in the house and when we do it is usually sugar free... so, I am guessing that the GS cookies are just too sweet for them.

I always buy them from my little sister-in-law every year to be supportive and this year I thought it would be a treat for the boys after dinner... but every time I grab them, they both yell "NOOOO!" They then ask for the Sugar Free Oreos... they LOVE those so much!! I am happy that they choose better foods, but I think it is a little strange for such little kids not to like Girl Scout Cookies!!!

Sorry, Girl Scouts ;-)

Cookie Monster would be so disappointed ;-) lol

What Made Me Smile Today...

Today, Landon came over to show me he "wrote" a book!! I was so excited to hear and see what he had done. Being he is 5, he obviously can not not write any words beyond his first and last name, but it was the thought put behind it!! He wrote out four pages of "letters" and asked me to tape them together... then he read me his story!! It was about vampires... a cute vampire story!! I hope he continues to show interest in reading and writing :-)

Brock also made me smile today... he is just so darn cute!!! He is becoming such a big boy and I have seen so much of a change in him over the past couple weeks. He is always telling me, "I do it." Today he decided to lounge around in his diaper after dinner... LOVE IT :-)

40 Days & 40 Nights

So this year for Lent, I am going all out... I decided to give up Facebook... GASP!!! Being a SAHM, FB has been a great way to stay connected to other mommies and just people in general during the day. I usually get on while eating breakfast, a little during naptime and for about 30 mins when the kids go to bed at night. It has become pretty much my main form of communication with my family and friends, so this may be interesting!!

I am hoping I can use the extra time I spent on FB to: read more books, do more fun things with the boys and give this blog a little more attention!! This is definitely going to be a TRUE sacrifice :-)

Happy Lent!

Without a Daddy... but Special Day at School!!

Today, Brady flew out to Boston for a work trip. He is only going to be gone a few days, but we definitely miss him while he is away :-( The boys seem to act out a little more when he is gone for periods of time... either, this is how they deal with daddy being gone, or they are taking advantage of the situation. O'well, nothing Mama Jen can't handle ;-)

So, today Landon had preschool and it was his "special day." This means he gets to be the teacher's special helper during class and bring the class snack. He LOVES when it is his "day!" I was kind of sad today, because this was his last special day of his preschool career... he has been in preschool for almost two years and I have got pretty comfortable with his awesome teachers. NOOOOOOO... don't be almost over :-( I wish he could stay this age forever!! Okay, back on track... so, he had a great day and Brock and I stayed and watched him do the morning opening of class, where he gets up and helps the teacher... so fun :-)

I also registered Landon for kindergarten today... he is all set for the Fall!!! He is so excited, me... not so much :-/

Family Movie Night!!

Last night we had a family movie night!! It has been the first one we have had since Brock was born. We used to do them all the time when Landon was little and then when Brock was born, it was just too much with him being a baby and us trying to get them to bed at a regular routine. Now that Brock is two and can sit through a movie, we are very excited to start having movie nights again!!

So, we brought down all the blankets and pillows and placed them on the floor... so comfy! Then, we turned off all the lights and started the movie, The Last Airbender!! The boys LOVED it!! It was a super long movie and even Brock sat through it all, only getting up a couple times to walk around.

I can't wait for our next movie night!!

Cherish the one you love

I attended the funeral of my great-aunt today. She was 85 years old and a wonderful woman. I was fortunate enough to be brought up close to both of my parent's aunts & uncles and I am so thankful to have had them all in my life.

When I got to the funeral today I saw my great-uncle up by her casket greeting people. He looked so sad, weak and shaken... my heart sank. He had found his beloved wife passed away in the bed in the morning when he woke up... it was sudden and unexpected. After 65 years of marriage, he was now alone.

Imagine, being with the love of your life for 65 years. Have children together... grandchildren... great-grandchildren. Traveling the world together. Doing the things you love... together. Then you wake up one morning and they are gone forever. I don't think that it matters how old you are or how long you have been together with the love of your life, it has to be the hardest thing in the world to lose them.

When I got up to the casket, I gave him the biggest hug and told him how sorry I was about his loss... I told him what a wonderful woman she was. I didn't need to tell him that, he already knew, but it was the only thing that I could get out. I could feel his sadness from where I stood. The lost look in his eyes... I can't even begin to imagine the pain he was in.

Today made me really realize that life is so short and that you need to love your husband or wife to the fullest everyday!! Don't sweat the small stuff, let them know how much you love them and what you love about them. Enjoy your children together. Spend alone time together. Respect each other and be kind. Most of all, don't ever forget what made you fall in love with them.

I can only pray that Brady and I are as fortunate as my great-uncle and aunt and have another 60 years together.

I know Aunt Flow is coming to town...

WHEN: I start to get teary-eyed listening to a sad song while running on the treadmill at the gym... so EMBARRASSING!!!! I hope no one noticed ;-) LOL

Some woman get really bad cramps. Some get headaches. Me? I am the most emotional person ever... I admit it, stay away for a couple days while my hormones are crazy... you never know what I am going to get upset about or how I am going to express them :-/

Being that Brady and I have been together for 14 years now, he has learned to humor this time of month. He never gets mad or takes it personal, just waits until the storm has passed. Thank you, Hun!!

Haha... this is me at the gym!!!

Brock is Two!!!

He turned two on February 20th, but I just got all of his pictures together from his party and his actually b-day. The day of Brock's party my camera ran out of batteries and then my parents batteries ran out!!! O'well, we got it together and made the best of it :-)

We had a family birthday party at Davanni's Pizza and then the next day for his actual birthday, we took him to Ridgedale Mall for lunch and Build-a-Bear!! He had so much fun... WE LOVE YOU LITTLE B!!!

Video Clip: Family singing "Happy Birthday"

Video Clip: At Applebee's, the waiters came out to sing "Happy Birthday"