Coen's 2nd Birthday

Happy Monday friends! I hope you all had a great weekend! 

Yesterday, we celebrated a sweet 2 year-old, Coen, with a construction-theme birthday party, complete with dirt pie pudding, a Tonka cake, and the cutest tool belt favors made by his crafty mama, Dawn. (Tinley has been wearing her's all morning!)

I didn't really take too many pictures, oops! But, here are a few from my iPhone:

I didn't get a pic before everyone dug in, but you get the idea!

The cake!

Happy Birthday Coen!

T was a HUGE fan of the party favors!

Her and Ash battling it out

She loves purses and babies, but she loves boy toys too!

So many kids!

A game of Musical Chairs

Fun with homemade bubbles!

A serious game of Cornhole is impossible with these two running around! 

Daddys

Tool belt Favors!

Hope you had a great Birthday Coen! Thanks Dawn & Drew for a fabulous evening and party!

5 on Friday

Happy Friday! Today I'm linking up with the beautiful ladies from The Good Life, Carolina Charm, A. Liz Adventures, and Hello Happiness for 5 on Friday.

{ONE}

 

If you're like me, you have a weakness for Red Velvet Cake. And ice cream. Basically, all things sweet. So, when hubs came home with a container of this stuff the other night, I was ecstatic! If you haven't tried it yet, you must! I might go have a bowl right now...

{TWO}

I am so happy Grey's is back! I didn't get a chance to watch the premiere last night, but you better believe I plan on watching it today sometime. So, no spoilers please! (And thank goodness for DVR!)

{THREE}

I am really starting to get into the fall mood! One of my favorite treats for fall is a Williams-Sonoma recipe, using their delicious Pecan Pumpkin Butter. I hope I can get a few jars this year! Not only can you use it to make the scrumptious pumpkin bars, but it's also fab on toast! Who doesn't love pumpkin?!

{FOUR}

T and I had some Halloween fun at the craft store one day, and enjoyed a great lunch at Panera one afternoon. I love our daily outings!

{FIVE}

Hubby got all the mums planted, and got the big pumpkin out. Our house is starting to look like fall! Now, we just need to get our fall wreath up and make a visit to the pumpkin patch for a few more pumpkins, and we'll be set!

Happy Friday everyone, have a great weekend!

SAHM v. Working Mom

Before Tinley was born, it was decided that I would take my short maternity leave and then return back to work 6 weeks later. We visited daycares and talked to numerous friends, before we finally found a babysitter we loved who watched children out of her home. We were all set to take Tinley to her in April, once I would go back to work. 

Well, the time came for me to take Tinley to her house and return to work. I dropped her off, and had to go home to touch up my makeup before heading into work. To say I was a wreck would be an understatement. I thought about Tinley all day long and must have checked my phone at least 3 dozen times before getting off work and rushing to pick her up. That night, Justin and I decided as a family that I would put in my two weeks notice the next day and become a stay at home mom. It was the best decision I have ever made. These last 20 months spent at home with our baby girl have been exhausting at times, but I wouldn't trade them for the world. 

For those of you who think being a SAHM is easy, just check this out...

And, I absolutely LOVED this...

Like I said, being a SAHM is no joke. It's a lot of work. So many jobs rolled into 1. It's not for everyone. And it has been as really tough decision. I have been so fortunate to be able to stay at home with Tinley for 20 months, and I have my wonderful, supportive, husband to thank for that. I've witnessed every milestone, enjoyed countless play dates, had way more cuddles that I could ever try to count, and changed one too many diapers. But, we have decided once again as a family that it's time for me to return to work. Now that Tinley is older, I feel comfortable leaving her with our sitter. I'm not afraid I will miss something, and I know it's not like someone else is raising my child. The extra time around other kids will only be an advantage to her. This will benefit our family, and although it will be a HUGE adjustment, I know that things will all work out. 

So, friends, pray for me and my family during these next few weeks as we make this big change. And, pray for my sanity. :o)

What do you mamas think? I know so many of you do stay at home; I'd love to hear your opinions!

Tinley's 2nd Birthday

I know, I know, Tinley doesn't technically turn 2 until January 24th. I have plenty of time, right?! Well, with the holidays quickly approaching, it always seems extra chaotic, so it's never too early to start planning. Last year, I had her entire 1st Birthday planned by New Year's. I may or may not have gone just a tad overboard. But, she only turned 1 once, right?!

This year, her birthday will be a lot more low-key. We're doing it at our house, and only inviting close friends and family. Since T loves Minnie Mouse so much, I'm thinking we'll do a Minnie theme. Here is a little inspiration I found via Pinterest:

What do ya'll think?

TTT: A Date With Mommy

Want to join the TTT link up? We'd love to have you! Follow Kelly, Megan, and  Lindsay, and link up your post! :o) 

It was a nasty day outside the other day, so we had a Mommy and Tinley outing. Now granted, everyday is a Mommy and Tinley day, but it's not every day that we do something fun! So, these days are extra special. I think I like them more than she does...

Anyway, we went to the mall, had some lunch, shopped a little, and played in the play area. Nothing too exciting, but Tinley had fun, and I sure enjoy every minute with my girl. 

Tinley looked adorable, as usual. Her entire outfit is from Gymboree. 

Hello Monday!

Happy Monday everyone! I'm linking up once again for Weekend Shenanigans with Sami! 

We had a busy, busy weekend! 

Saturday started out cold and rainy, so we spent the morning eating cereal, watching cartoons, and playing inside. After T's nap and the sunshine coming out, we loaded up the car and headed about an hour south to Lodi Station Outlets with the Lowe family for some shopping, snacking, and a fun train ride! We scored some great deals and I was so excited to find some of my favorite stores at the outlets. Of course, T got the most!

Bright and early Sunday morning, we participated in Goodwill's World Tour 5K with a bunch of girlfriends and their kiddos. It was a chilly (first!) fall morning but it warmed up by 11 and turned out to be a nice day. After the race, awards, snacks, and raffles, we headed home. T napped while I showered and watched the Browns' get their first win. Here we go Brownies! Justin spent the morning and afternoon fishing with a buddy. When he got home, we all headed over to our help our friends, Dawn and Drew, moved into their new house. T absolutely loves their little boys, Gray & Coen, and enjoyed playing with all the boy toys! We also finally met their newest addition, Baby Dempsey, born a short 6 days ago! What a cutie. It was a super long day, and I was so excited to just relax Sunday evening with my hubby and watch some football. (Did anyone see those Steelers?! What's up?!)

Overall, we had a great weekend, and are looking forward to another busy one again next week!