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My Weekend – Insert Sadface & Last Weekend In Pictures (5/26)

June 3, 2014June 3, 2014 JenLeave a comment

This weekend was supposed to be really was awesome. I woke up Saturday morning so happy I thought I could fly. My husband had told me he was going to get Sunday off (Whaoo!!) and I was all set at 7 a.m. to get my day started with FARMER’S MARKET! One of my all-time favorite places to go. It is honestly such an awesome way to start the weekend. Fresh veggies, flowers… the works. I was especially looking forward to grabbing some herbs and a strawberry plant for Evan’s very own lil garden (a couple pots this year! next year a whole little bed!! If we don’t get to it this year). I called my mom and was off! Had a great talk with the hubs and stepped out the front door at 7:30 sharp.

Then BAM! Major accident. I was walking down my front steps with my lulu bag and flip flops and hit an uneven piece of concrete and my loose ligaments in my right ankle gave way! It was such a scary moment. I knew immediately that my day was taking a dramatic turn and BOY did it HURT! I immediately yelled out for Hector in short gasps “Hector. Help. Please hurry.” It was honestly so terrifying. Thank God he was home. As someone who plays sports and has had aches, pains and sprains I knew I needed to get it up and iced as fast as possible. The pain was so intense I thought I was going to pass out. I got inside, asked Hector to get me some I ice and give me a phone, I needed to call my mom. Naturally, I called my mom in tears, likely frightened her and thank God she lives like 3 minutes away because she was there in a flash because within minutes it looked like this:

A half hour later (with icing and elevating):

I was over the moon in pain. I never want to go to the hospital with things like this because I knew it wasn’t broken but my mom talked me into it. I knew the doctor would tell me “It isn’t broken, ice, elevate and take Tylenol” (because I can’t take NSAIDs). Still around 3’clock because the pain was at an 8 if it wasn’t elevated (and even then the throbbing was awful)… I broke down and went.

To Elmhurst ER we went haha. They said it wasn’t broken, and to ice, elevate and take Tylenol. They gave me a fancy aircast and crutches since I really couldn’t put any weight on it whatsoever. The hardest part of this all was the fact that I had so much planned. It is tough to watch my weekend fly by when I was literally daydreaming about long walks and sunkissed cheeks and instead I was elevated and icing. My sweet son had a nice time with Grandma though!!

I spent my Saturday and Sunday pretty much in bed or on a couch because the minute my foot hit the floor major major pain.

Ah well. Some weekends just don’t work out the way you planned. Today it is still painful and turning a lovely shade of purple but I’m hobbling around and hope to be gently hobbling around tomorrow. As this is my right leg with my crappy knee to begin with the hobbling will likely cause other strange pains so I’m trying to gently stretch in all ways that feel good and aren’t terribly painful. I’m praying that this heals quickly because my almost two-year-old… as sweet as he is isn’t easy to keep up with on crutches or hobbling.

Here are some pictures of LAST weekend, the weekend I was looking to semi-recreate:

It is Mommy’s Day!

May 11, 2014May 11, 2014 JenLeave a comment

Two days of blogging in a row. I must be feeling better! This morning is absolutely perfect. I’ve had a hard time sleeping lately so last night I heard a welcomed little rain shower sneak in around 12 a.m. and fell comfortably back to sleep. I LOVE rainstorms and rain. Not all the time because I NEED my sunshine, but there is something soothing about the sound of falling rain – had I heard thunder, I would have thought God sent the small storm just for me.

Anyway, I’m an early riser. I haven’t always been and I love sleep (so I go to bed as early as I can) but I love waking up before the sun and watching the awesome colors in the sky. Friday morning I woke up way before the sun and it was raining I felt warm and safe in my home but the sound of the falling rain was so peaceful (told you, I love rain). This morning though, my little sidekick who typically wakes early too withing 15-20 minutes of me being up is still sleeping! So I went downstairs grabbed a cup of coffee (Nicole! I can drink it again!!! 😉 ) took the dog out and enjoyed smelling fresh air and taking in the beauty of my yard.

Hector and I dropped Evan at Grandma Debbie’s yesterday so we could do a few things outside without having to keep an eye on our little guy, he is FAST! We planted some planters and just enjoyed some time cleaning up some stuff together in our yard. I also realized I’ve gone a little crazy on the lavender (maybe it isn’t possible, I LOVE LAVENDER) but I have now about 5 different pots with some sort of lavender including this cute pot from Trader Joe’s that is already flowering:

and took more pictures of our stunning perennials:

I’m so grateful for what we have, friends, family, a home (with flowers, haha)… Weekends always remind me I am doing exactly what I should be because my life is so filled with love and joy. Which brings me to today: Mother’s Day. A day I just like to reflect on what I know: Motherhood, hands down, is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I should say that I have had a lot of awesome things happen to me, but this definitely takes the cake. Loving, nurturing and caring for another human being on this level cannot do anything BUT make you a better person. I’m more efficient and effective, I’m more dedicated (as if that was possible), I weed out the BS because you recognize time is the most precious thing and you do not want to waste it… NOTHING makes you realize how fast time flies more than a walking time stamp. I do not just manage my life and co-manage Hector’s, I am universe CEO – RESPONSIBLE for another human’s well-being. It is a full-time job whether you are a stay at home mom, or a working mom we all do it differently. Each has its own challenges, and I respect every single mother who works to make her child a healthy, loving addition to society.

My mother has been a shining example of everything I want to be to Evan and any future children I may have (:) ) – With that: I LOVE YOU MOM!! You are my rock and my hero. Until I had Evan, I never understood the depth of your love, it is amazing how our bond has grown now that we share this special title. I also am proud to be surrounded by my beautiful mommy friends! Too many to name but I must say: Joanna! Happy first Mother’s Day with a baby in your arms, being a mother looks amazing on you and it is a beautiful thing to watch – we love you so much. Nicole, my other half, happy Mother’s Day with your second little baby happily bouncing in your belly – I’m excited for the upcoming months for so many reasons ;-). You both are inspiring and I LOVE LOVE LOVE sharing this journey with you. Jenny, thank you for literally being the person I go though the motions with as our dudes are so close in age, I pray for the day you move closer. Anita! He’s beautiful!! Happy First Mom’s Day with your little guy!! Jaz, another!! Miggie ❤ PS we are like the Boy’s Club right now, all our little gentleman… To the mom’s in my mommy group ❤ sending light and love – watching the support all you wonderful ladies share each day makes me want to hug you all and warms my insides to know just how many amazing moms there are out there.

I hope everyone takes some time to just take in all the beauty around us and has a peaceful moment today. XOXO

Evan, yesterday, at our favorite spot:

Spring.

May 8, 2014 JenLeave a comment

All sorts of things are blooming around here!! Spring is FINALLY in the air.

My Daffodils are flowering, and weathering our unseasonable cold. Evan is my little man now… Has long ago shed his baby face and is a full on little human:

He sings, laughs, plays tricks, runs, talks and blows my mind everyday. He is just the happiest little guy anyone can imagine and he is the light of our lives.

This winter was a rough one! We have had maybe 2 or 3 beautiful days since our first freeze. Yesterday being one of them:

And Easter being another:

I’m getting out of my rut (which I’ll blog more about later!) and finally have some energy. I’m telling you things are really growing and changing around here!

We are looking to change up some home stuff, change up some life stuff and change up some garden stuff. It is amazing what a little sunshine can bring to your life.

Happy Spring!

What we are up to in JUNE!

June 15, 2013 JenLeave a comment

Hello blog world!

What are we up to as of late?!

Lots! – New Nephew!!! – Gardening madhouse – work, work, work – running after baby – running on that tredmill – enjoying life… You know the norm.

I’ve mentioned before that the previous owner of our home was an avid gardner. She has some awesome plants… and amazing roses. Last week I took a bunch of shots of the amazing flowers in my yard and was going to write a post on how I have been you-tubing how to take care of these things (I’m doing well in some areas, not so well in others) – and I was going to share our farmer’s market trip then BAM I misplaced my memory card *cue sad trombone, and worlds smallest violin* I’m hoping to find and share those pics, but who knows! Darn SD card, you have no idea how hard it is for me to loose pictures… it is like losing a piece of me. So today I ventured out to find a few cute things, and a bunch of upkeep I need to get to…

My orgeno, lemon balm and thyme is just insanely happy. Can’t you tell? Here is a before and after:

😀 *happy dance*

This weekend is father’s day – Hector’s first since our amazing little man has blessed us with his precense. What is Evan up to lately?

Growing like a weed, standing on his own and taking baby steps… YEP! Baby. Steps. Walking is right around the corner maybe for is 11 month birthday.

I cannot believe that I took the picture above almost 6 months ago, where has my itty bitty baby gone?

Today we are going to try to get too many things done… so wish us luck.

Be back with more pictures of my love bugs and some workout updates!

xoxo

Finding my “Zen”

June 2, 2013 JenLeave a comment

I love weekends. It is safe to say I live for them. I get 24 of this little dude:

and time at home with the puppy, hubs and our home which is still fairly new to us. Lately I have had a chance to really absorb things around me. I’m finding more time to workout, more time to relax (ha, 5 minutes or so) and more time to read. The hubs got me this awesome gift for mother’s day:

I broke my other kindle somehow, and was devastated so this was a welcomed addition and I am really enjoying it pretty much everyday. I am almost finished Relic and recently finished The Wolf of Wallstreet and I downloaded a book on meditation as one of my goals is to start to meditate as I hear it works wonders and I need to find that calm. Lately anxiety has been getting the best of me (probably why the surge in gym-goings)… So this is something I really am stoked about. Other ways I’m looking to find my zen?

1. At home quiet “me” time. Getting in a bath, painting my nails, and figuring out new natural scrubs and beauty regimens. Loving this and this right now. <— Another one of my favorite bloggers, Maria is hysterical.

2. Thinking about at home projects – making lists. Hector and I are a family on a budget 🙂 – Not crazy, but enough of a budget that I cannot go out and purchase everything I want (wouldn’t that be nice! Not sure I know anyone like this… but I can dream haha). So I have a long list of at home projects that we are working on or attempting to work on for our new home.

3. Getting and staying organized. Even the little improvements in this department make me feel so much better. I love when someone says “hey do you have this…” I can go straight to it. My new obsession is mason jars. I love the look of them and I really wish I would have taken a before and after picture of this “after”:

4. Getting my craft on. Well although I have dabbled in craftiness and have a creative side finding the time to stay on top of it is difficult; but – this fun machine is going to help me turn Evan’s party paper into cool decor:

I did a lot of research before purchasing including hopping into my local Paper Source who swears by it (it is what they use!!) – This helps me find my Zen for the simple fact that there is an immediate tangible end product. After the awesome decor at my baby shower, I need to be able to make a solid effort to make Evan’s big 1st birthday bash a success even with decor.

5. Sounds, Sights and smells – nothing beats an awesome smelling candle, fresh air, clean home, flowers from the garden and my favorite music station (an awesome playlist or fav pandora station):

6. Remembering the things I do right… The hard work I do put in like still nursing Evan:

There have been countless times where I have thought to myself “why am I still doing this” as I hear the “whomp whomp whomp” in the background. But looking back at my 10 + month nursing journey… I can honestly say I am so proud. Evan’s first year of life has flown and I’m proud I put in the effort and am lucky it was so easy for me. Sure I missed some nights out because I rather be home to nurse then make time for another pumping sesh, but it has all been worth it for me and I need to give myself credit instead of feeling annoyed at its inconveniences.

Each day I work towards letting the positive in and the negative out. It is a daily battle. Just remember you aren’t the only one who has bad days but you are the ninja in your life. Get moving, let toxic things go and sweat it out.

Treat yourself to something special. Do things just for you. Just because you are a mom, or have other crazy commitments doesn’t mean you can’t do things for yourself. With that said… Some shopping, some yoga, and some cleaning.

Last night's awesome sunset from our bedroom. xoxox — Last night’s awesome sunset from our bedroom. xoxox

Stay happy, friends.

June 1. Catch Up. Saturday’s Start

June 1, 2013 JenLeave a comment

Hey hey! It has been a while and I’m super behind! I’ll catch you up with our 10 month old sometime this weekend, promise!

In the meantime, a few things going on over here today – enjoying some of our favorite things:

Coffee and bananas, Evan (of course), sunshine, clean counter tops, sippy cups & my very own essential oil blend burning away.

I also stepped into my garden (which needs some TLC, it is looking like a jungle) to admire some INSANE flowers:

The only thing I had anything to do with was my herbs, which are doing awesome 🙂

My favorite blogger’s summer shape up starts Monday – superrrr excited about that! She gave us a bunch of info to have a successful head start so I’m going to cover my bases for that this weekend.

My May’s smoothie challenge was a hit:

My detox blend above with mint from my very own garden! 😀

And I will be treating myself to a vitamix in the very near future!!

So all is well over here, just busy – you know how that happens – life!

Be back later with some more updates from today, and some refreshed goals and my little dude’s 10 month update!

Keeping it fresh

May 5, 2013 Jen1 Comment

Hello beautiful weather! I’ve missed you so! All of the rain has really turned my yard from brown and drab to green and [sorta] fab!

I’m also totally THRILLED about my potted herbs. The previous owner was an AVID gardener and she told us DON’T RIP ANYTHING UP and although we will make alterations in back because we currently have no green grass space whatsoever – we would like a little for a play space for Evan and Hector *gasp* would even like to do a raised vegetable garden! MY VERY OWN GREENS! This man, he has a way with words to make me swoon 😉

I’m so excited for summertime bbqs with friends and fam. I’m so crazy blessed.

Someone super special to me is having a shower today – so back later for picks of the day!

Saturday Starts

March 30, 2013 JenLeave a comment

Continuing with my “S” theme (well, it is just a coincidence, actually) – Saturday hast started off productive:

A quick Easter project:

😀 – Evan’s first Easter basket ❤ A little bit of Ribbon goes a long way!

We also are doing the normal Saturday clean up, Hector’s working on the fish tank (a monthly project):

A project he doesn’t like to do but we gotta take care of those little guys! 🙂

I’m enjoying my new playlist, blogging, thinking of new recipes for Evan (Spinach, peas and pear tonight), and picking out today’s outfit for running around. It is going to be such a beautiful day here in Chicago so I’m definitely pulling out and dusting off the Bob and wearing some bright new lulu gear. I’m still coughing quiet a bit so I’m praying fresh air will help.

We will also be doing a family tradition, Easter egg coloring and I will be taking a bagillion pictures of Evan in various “Easter” outfits. He is going to be so happy about it 😀

We went to Tj’s last night and I finally picked up some fresh flowers, nothing more homey then lighting a sweet smelling candle and looking at freshly cut flowers (that lived through the night without water! lol):

Keeping things happy and healthy over here and wishing you a productive Saturday! ❤