(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Happy 4th Birthday, Grayson!

 

10 Things I'm Looking Forward to in 2018

Rather than making resolutions, I enjoy putting together this annual list and also looking back to review the previous year. 

But first, OPRAH...

Talking to Your Kids About God & Science

Disclosure: I received a copy of Indescribable to facilitate this review; all opinions expressed are my own. 

I have a secret that causes Mr. Lovebird to poke fun at me: I am a space travel nerd. It used to be one of my main interests when I was in elementary school up until I saw the movie Space Camp which scared me SO bad that I decided that I'd rather be an archaeologist. I still have a hankering for Star Trek and all things outer space related! Once I had kids I wondered if their interests would mirror mine, and it's been a cautious path allowing them to find their own way. 

Then it happened.

March: I See You, Lion!

My new tablet case from Ballard Designs (more on that below!)

My sister Ariane was in town for a long weekend, and it was such a whirlwind of fun that I totally missed properly welcoming March! 

The month has really has bowled me over already, and I'll admit I haven't fully unpacked from our Disney cruise. I'm basking in some good news I shared recently, and it appears that blog conference season is officially in full swing so I have lots to prep for in that regard. 

Here's what's going on...

::cue the list post::

Our (Picture Heavy!) Patchwork Christmas Break

Happy New Year! We still have a couple more days of official Christmas break over here so I thought it'd be fun to recap what we've been up to during the past couple weeks in mostly pics.

The day before Nia's break her school had their annual Christmas concert - Nia was the sweetest angel! 

What We All Want

Early voting with my Lovebirds on October 26!

I returned from Blogalicious this past Saturday night in Atlanta, and two weeks before that I returned from W.E.L.L. Summit in New York City. These were repeat conferences for me, the former touching on blogging, and the latter touching on wellness (recaps forthcoming...). Driving home from W.E.L.L. Summit I suddenly got very emotional and started crying thinking of all the wonderful women I met and how, in the midst of so much hatred this election season (THANK GOD it's almost over), we all really want the same thing:

To live our best lives. 

Our Spring's Got Jokes

I just knew we were going to get another dumping of snow and lo an behold it arrived on the first day of spring. How fitting, right? It was actually quite pretty, and the kids enjoyed Nia's subsequent 2 hour snow delay today doing a bit of window coloring and piano practice. 

Faith Without Works

I know there are many details still forthcoming so I won't attempt to delve into them until we know more, but we've been here before. I wrote it about here 3 years ago in the aftermath of Newtown. 

When Mr. Lovebird showed me this when I returned home from my PTO meeting last night my eyes widened:

And I understood where the copywriter was coming from. 

I am a Christian and I pray, but that is not all I do in the face of what's going on in our country. 

For those who are offended by the Daily News cover you are missing the point. Jesus himself was a man of action, and I refuse to become the type of Christian that simply plasters a "Jesus band-aid" over any worldly situation of despair and violence like what just happened and will continue to happen unless...

We take action. 

As a believer in Christ I refuse to stand by and say, "Well it's not just about this life anyway, but the afterlife." No, no,  just no. If that's the case why even live? 

Instead there are things we can do right here, right now on this side of Heaven. While I recently wrote about the history of atrocities that have been carried out worldwide in the name of Christianity, there is also so much good that has been done. Our country's history with the church has been complicated but there has been a legacy of activism and counter-culturalness within the church as well. 

I see it as an opportunity for the church to revisit that legacy. Whether a Christian or not, if you haven't already please start by taking action and writing to your state representatives, and demanding that laws change.

I still believe in the power of prayer AND I believe in action. For me, they are not mutually exclusive but while for some it may be heartfelt, we cannot simply rattle off "thoughts and prayers" responses without DOING something. 

Unless you just want to wait until next time. 

 

Tis the (Stressful?) Season

What I feel like doing lately!

Every weekend I have such lofty goals of scheduling out my blog posts like I used to do when things were simpler, but as usual I get caught up in real life (SHOCK!) family things, and it never quite happens. Of course it's worth it though especially when there's pie involved! 

This weekend we focused on cleaning and Thanksgiving grocery shopping (why is it so hard to find plain Colby cheese???). It seems unreal that this time last year some of our 20 guests from 6 states had already started arriving for Thanksgiving. It was epic, remember? Although it's just the 4 of us this year I still feel a bit bowled over, but I'm trying to remain calm. Doing simple things like picking up a fresh bouquet of Trader Joe's flowers for my desk, listening to Miles Davis while I'm working and getting my PiYo workouts in are all making a difference on how I'm coping this season.

I don't weigh myself often, but when I started Shakeology a little over a month ago I really used it to start taking better care of myself. Doing that (I'm *this* close to my pre-pregnancy weight!), along with my new cut and color and refreshing my closet with the help of my friend and fellow mompreneur Courtney have been baby steps towards me feeling more like myself. It's all about Kaizen. 

Nia's out of school starting Wednesday and it's not nearly as cold (yet!) as it was last year. I'm thankful for how gorgeous it is here, our improved quality of life and that we are all well. Part of that wellness involves our church. We were blessed to participate in our first Thanksgiving dinner with the congregation yesterday and we had a great time. The sense of community means so much to us, and I'm thankful for our spiritual family. 

This week we'll get to see our extended family just outside Boston, and while I've discussed diversity (or lack of it) here in New Hampshire, being up here does put us closer to the kids' little cousins on Uka's side of the family. Nia is bursting at the seams to be able to see them this weekend! It makes me happy to see how excited she is as I remember the same feeling as a kid knowing I'd get to see my cousins. 

Community is definitely what you make it. 

Speaking of which regardless of the vitriol spewed in the past couple weeks there is still hope. This post is proof of that. Please take the time to read it and share.

A few other things worth sharing:

• Glenn AND Jon Snow?! How is it possible for fictional good news to make me feel so uplifted???

• Master of None's social commentary is everything (and Asiz Ansari's recent interview on NPR is a must listen)

• Have you heard of the Green Book? This NPR story sheds light on it and how it really wasn't that long ago that something like this was a must-have for black people traveling throughout the country, especially in the south  

• Anyone else ever put vodka in their pie crust? I'm giving it a try 

• Speaking of America's Test Kitchen I'm saddened by Chris Kimball's departure 

• This Instagram clip really made me laugh til I cried - even Nia was concerned!

Wishing you a stress-less week as you prepare for Thanksgiving! 

 

One Weekend Down Two to Go!

I'd say we're making the most of it . . .

We did it!

Revisit Nia's dedication here!

P.S. I've extended my LifeLock 6-month subscription giveaway. It now ends this Thursday night. Odds are good so click here to enter!

Weekend Flow

I can get quite obsessive about the weather forecast once warmer temperatures hit and plans for enjoying all the city has to offer pick up (our summer calendar is nearly booked including a just-added ticket to Blogging While Brown!) and gearing up for this past weekend was no different. We had so much on deck, and as I checked the hourly forecast as Tropical Storm Andrea was slated to roll through I knew there was going to be a lot of shifting going on. Despite being a self-diagnosed Type A planner I'm getting pretty good at learning to go with the flow and so that's what I did this weekend and it was well with my soul...

Friday

If you missed my big announcement Friday, check it out here!

The rain just wouldn't stop so I stayed in and had an old school laundry night

Saturday

Naomi and her family are truly as sweet in real life as they are on their blog, and this made me smile (hooray for meeting fellow bloggers IRL!): 

Our 4 year anniversary is approaching and since we're not returning to Puerto Rico until next year to celebrate, this was the next best thing . . .

A quick snippet of the performance . . .

Sunday

A little retail therapy after church at Old Navy (all women's wear was 20% off!); the dress on the left was sold out but alas, the app had it (I ordered the belt too!)

Speaking of church, this is my meditation this week:

Sisters (and a silly monkey!)

Rescheduled from Saturday and all for the better - it was PERFECT yesterday!

BFFs

Perfect day for Coolibar

Mr. Love Bird's away on business so I was bummed he didn't get to enjoy the BBQ with us, but before heading to bed I saw this, and it cheered me up a bit:

What's making you smile lately?

 

P.S. Any Game of Thrones and Mad Men watchers out there??? Are you reeling like I am? WOW!

P.P.S Don't forget to enter my Thyme Maternity skincare line giveaway!

Pre-Mother's Day Stream of Consciousness

So Mother's Day weekend is coming up and I have a love/hate relationship with the holiday. My fail-safe method is to have low expectations so I don't set myself up for disappointment. So far it's working. Here's what I'm thinking about Mother's Day this year in a bulleted/stream of consciousness format . . .
 

Vegas 2005 (or 2006 I think!)

• Mr. Love Bird pretty much already won in the gift department when he booked tickets for us a couple days ago on Virgin America (my favorite airline!) for a getaway to Las Vegas this fall (you can read my epic guide to Vegas here)

• Concerning the actual Mother's Day holiday, sadly Mr. Love Bird departs that day for his monthly week away on business so I entered to win evening tickets to the NYC edition of Listen to Your Mother and I won! Just this fact alone lets me know it's going to be a good Mother's Day regardless of whatever else happens/doesn't happen - I've been hearing such great things about the show and I look forward to going with another mom friend

• My church is continuing their annual celebration on Mother's Day by doing family portraits and having a special gift for moms; we're attending the earliest service so we can participate before Mr. Love Bird leaves (check out our previous years' photos: 2010, 2011, 2012) 

• Thyme Maternity, one of the fab brands I met at Getting Gorgeous 2013, is sponsoring an awesome Mother's Day giveaway on their Facebook page with the grand prize being 2 winners receiving $500 shopping sprees; you can enter here

 

• Speaking of maternity, questions about baby #2 still keep popping up especially because our new place is waaaay bigger than our last and the nursery could comfortably hold 3 kids however this post reconfirmed why I'm not quite ready yet for more

• Ever wondered what moms really want for Mother's Day? Check out this hilarious post to find out

• Won't you consider a charitable donation this Mother's Day? SHE, the non-profit I mentioned a few months ago, is doing amazing work in Rwanda bringing a sustainable business model to the communities there through creation of menstrual pads made from banana leaves. Women in developing countries often miss up to a month of work because traditional menstrual supplies are so expensive. Could you imagine that? You can donate to the cause here 

• *UPDATE* - I had to come back and include this cute Mother's Day video from Kid President (I can't get enough of him!):

 

What's on your mind as we head into Mother's Day 2013? Any special plans this weekend? 
 
    

P.S. Stay tuned Monday: a new episode of Hi Virginia! will be posted

Best May EVER!

Only 2 days into May and already this is turning into an amazing month!

First off, cause the weather here in NYC is finally cooperating - no more faux spring (and not a bad view either from our new place!):

Why hello Empire State Building - I've missed you!

I can't believe the move went off pretty seamlessly; if you had told me a couple weeks ago I'd be moving in a week I'd have laughed at you and called you crazy! I'm now on the other side of the move still in shock but elated and feeling blessed.

Yesterday I was up bright and early at 4:30a.m. for preschool registration - only a 3 minute walk from our new place! If you follow me on Instagram you saw how intense the line was already at 5:45a.m. I received a coveted ticket to come back at 10a.m. (at that point Nia was with me) and we successfully completed registration at 1:30p.m. 

This is my Lil All Grows Up* Love Bird once we were done (*yes, I used a Swingers reference):

Nia will be attending school this fall Monday-Friday 8:30a.m.-2:30p.m. - she was the most popular preschool registrant among her future girl classmates in line due to her princess tin ;-)

We did hit a little snafu with our electric and gas being delayed in the new place, but I was able to get it connected a day earlier than they originally said AND they even came an hour earlier on top of that. Thankfully our previous landlord (who's a dream) let us keep our stuff there in the fridge/freezer til we were all set at our new place.

Today, I'm just unpacking and trying to fit in some work (SO excited for a mompreneur event tonight which involves a dessert potluck!). We love our new place, the view, the walkability (it has a score of 87 - the best of any place we've lived!), the affordability...ALL OF IT!

When I think back to the end of '12 when I was attempting to map out '13 I had put Mom 2.0 down on my calendar which started today. I really, really wanted to go, but didn't publish that desire here or talk to anyone else much about it, but once registration came and went I was a bit bummed, but now seeing how things worked out with our move (which is much better IMO!) I'm glad I didn't get to go to the conference and will now try again for '14 (still super excited for Blogalicious '13 though annnnd for those of you who keep asking about BlogHer '13 I hopefully will have an answer soon ::crosses fingers and toes::).

Time and time again things like this happen and as I've written before I've learned not to get worked up when stuff falls through and plans change. Who knows what's waiting around the corner? While it sounds cliche and while what's waiting around the corner could be bad I've learned more often than not it's good, and if it's bad it sure is a lesson and training in endurance, faith and patience. So be encouraged and hang in there! 

Have you had an trial of endurance? How do you stay encouraged?

     

P.S. Please bear with me while I get back on schedule - I have some fun event recaps and giveaways coming up!

Love Birds' Easter 2013

Good Friday

A visit with fellow blogger Carol aka Girl Gone Travel

Hair disclaimer: she made her dad take out her poofs O_o

"The Face" applies to Easter eggs too

 Saturday

Making America's Test Kitchen's Cream Biscuits (the ONLY ones we allow in the house!)

 

 

 

First Peep

Easter Sunday

Modeling the dress my mom originally made for me and altered for her

  

{You can revisit our previous Easters here, here and here}


How was your Easter? It seemed like the holiday has now kicked off some sunny weather at last in our area - what about yours? 
 
   

P.S. Don't forget to enter my Myrtle&Flossie Essentials for Mom giveaway!