2019

New Years marks a “fresh start.” A reset button. 

A year to do over and do better. 

As I start this post, I am playing Black Eyed Peas on repeat in my head. I’ve got a feeling....oooh oooh! 

For some reason, 2019 seems so much more exciting and full of possibitiy. It has a beautiful feeling. 

This year, instead of making a list of resolutions, I chose a word...or mantra to live by. 

This year, I chose YES. 

2019 is my YES year...

Yes...to new opportunities. 

Yes...to new energies. 

Yes...to new challenges. 

Yes...to new adventures. 

Yes...to forgetting the to do list and playing with my babies. 

Yes...to loving my husband wholeheartedly. 

Yes...to myself. Despite whatever fears or doubts I may have (I’m an over thinker), I am determined to say Yes and not worry about the rest. I am going to believe in myself and enjoy this life. After all, you only get one. 

Cheers to a new year, new adventures, and lots of love & laughter. 

That's a Wrap...Christmas 2018 Recap!

Christmas 2018...that’s a wrap!

This was definitely a December to remember and my favorite Christmas yet...The magic. The excitement. The fun. Even the chaos. 

BEST. CHRISTMAS. EVER!

My little sugar plums love this season as much as their momma and it melts my heart. 

My favorite moments:

-Watching my littles look for Elfie each morning.

-Making Tamales with my family.

-Watching Christmas Movies!

-Reading Christmas Books!

-Peppermint Hot Cocoa with the kids. 

-Making Gingerbread Cookies with my littles. 

-Singing Christmas Songs...and dancing our hearts out.

-Seeing the Christmas lights. 

-Drew’s Obsession with his Yeti Beanie. 😂

-Amina & Drew’s Preschool Holiday Programs 😍😍😍

-Bea singing “Happy Birthday to Bobby (Baby) Jesus!”

-The look on the kids' faces when Santa actually came!

Was all calm, merry, and bright?! 

HECK NO! 

Is that even possible with three little ones? Not in our family.  It was chaos but the best possible kind! 😉

"I used to think being a kid on Christmas was the best thing ever but it turns out having kids on Christmas is..."

I don't think there is anything can beat being a mom during Christmas. 

❤️

Stocking Stuffers for Little Sugar Plums!

Christmas is ONE week away!

If you are not finished shopping, don’t get your tinsel in a tangle....I’ve got you covered! 

In our home, Santa brings one BIG gift and fills the stockings. 

Nothing crazy. Nothing big. Just a few things we need, themes they’ll love, and something fun!

Stocking stuffer ideas...all under $10!

•Toothbrushes (Super Hero & Princess)

•Bandaids (Spider Man & Little Mermaid)

•Lip Smackers (Spider Man & Princess)

•Hair Bows & Hat

•Small Toy (Spider Man, Elsa, & Anna)

A few other ideas:

•Play-doh

•Coloring Books

•Crayons

•Chalk

•Paint

•Sticker

Happy Shopping, Mommas!

Here’s to you and the hard work you put in every year to make this season magical ❤️❤️❤️

Gift Guide for HER

Today, I've rounded up a few of my favorite gift ideas for the special gals on your Christmas list....wife, gf, mom, bff...I’ve got you covered!

1. Coffee Mug

No explanation needed. Duh....Coffee done in style. Anything better?! Nope. 

The cutest mug and the absolute cutest shop! 

For those of you shopping...Save 20% off this shop with code SANTABABY ❤️❤️

2. Candles

These candles are delicious, hand poured, and natural....Seriously, they’re good! The perfect gift that keeps on giving. 

3. Nena & Co. Bag 

The most beautiful and unique handmade bags. Literally a work of art. 

4. Daniel Wellington Watches 

The most timeless watches...beautiful, classic, and a must have every day staple. 

Use code JUSTINEV for 15% off your purchase!

5. Cozy Sweatshirt 

Everyone loves a cozy sweatshirt and this one is a favorite on my weekly rotation. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Hashtag Mom Life! 😉

It's the absolute coziest while still being super cute and it’s from the sweetest shop. 

Hope this helps you make someone’s day a little extra merry and oh so bright!! ❤️

Winter Bucket List

Winter isn't officially here but tomorrow is the 1st of December!  

A day that marks the change in season and spirits!

Just writing this gets me feeling all holly & jolly. 

The lights. The music. The smells. And...the magic of the season. 

So grab your peppermint mocha, a candy cane, and print out this bucket list to help you make the most of the season!

Our Family Bucket List to help us squeeze every ounce of fun out of this magical time of year.

Enjoy this special time making spirits bright! ❤️

Want, Need, Wear, Read

Lights are being hung, halls are being decked, and Mommas (& dadas) are working like elves to make this season merry and oh so bright!

To help you with your list this year, I thought I’d share how we Gift in our home....

In our home, we do the 4 Gift Method Of Giving to our little sugarplums!

Each little receives 4 presents from Mom & Dad on Christmas morning...something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.

AND...Santa brings each child a large gift and fills their stockings (stocking post coming later)!

It’s simple and meaningful and it works for us.

1. Something they WANT: this is a fun gift. Something they asked for...or something you know will bring a HUGE smile to their face. For us...it’s a glow in the dark race track, princess dresses, and shimmeez because who doesn’t love two-toned color changing plushies that are covered in sequin!

2. Something they NEED: this is something practical...whatever that may be. It could be anything your little one needs! For us....it’s undies  Don’t think it can get more practical than that. 😉

3. Something to WEAR: this can be clothing, accessories, hats, shoes, backpack, etc. For us....it’s Rainboots! 

4. Something to READ: this is always my favorite...books! I try to find interactive books that go with what they are into right now. Usborne has a FABULOUS selection of interactive and engaging books and the Dino Sports Series are favorites in our home!

I love this method of gift giving. For us, it brings a sense of intention...each gift has to be thoughtful, since you are only giving 4! 

Hope you all have yourselves a merry little Christmas!!!

***Santa always brings an unwrapped big gift and fills the stockings. This year he is bring Drew a bike and the girls are getting bitty baby dolls! 

Thankful. Grateful. Blessed

I wish I was better at remembering to be thankful more than just when Thanksgiving is near. 

I think I get caught up in the laundry, picking up, wiping little tushies, and handling the mood swings of toddlers....that I forget to stop and remember that I am very blessed. 

This year, I thought I'd share just what I am most thankful for....

Motherhood. Being a momma is a gift. I am thankful for the little boy and little girls who fill our home with laughter, screams, roars, and even tears. I am thankful for the early mornings and up all nights. I am thankful for the messy meals, dirty dishes, loads of laundry, dirty diapers, and crayon on the walls. I am thankful for little voices who fill our home with stories of Lightning McQueen, Dinosaurs, Elsa, and Ninjas! I am thankful for the meltdowns and cuddles. I am thankful for the hard days so I can appreciate the good ones. I am thankful for these little people who fill our arms and hearts. 

Marriage. You don't see much of Andrew on my little "squares." He hates pictures. 🤷🏻‍♀️😂 But he is always there. On the sidelines. Refusing to take another photo. Making dinner. Mowing the lawn. Pouring the wine. Playing with the kids. Making smart ass remarks. Making me laugh while rolling my eyes. He is a damn good husband and even better dad. He puts up with my crap...there’s a lot of crap and a little bit of attitude. And, he works hard so that I can stay home with our babies. 

I know I don't tell him enough but I am thankful for my husband. I could not do this thing called life without this man...or the wine. 😘

Family. I am thankful for our family. Thank you for loving us, helping us, and giving so selflessly. Thank you for being here even when you are driving me crazy. 😉 I don’t know what we’d do without you....all of you. 

Friends. I am so thankful for my friendships. My best friends. Thank you for continuing to be there for me through all the good, exciting, mundane, and hard. Thank you for continuing to love me, no matter how bad I am at texting back. 

You. I am truly thankful for all of you and this cozy place on the internet. Thank you for reading along and supporting me. Thank you for every like, comment, and every single message when a link is not working! Thank you for the love and encouragement. 

My little space on the internet would not be possible without all of you. 

Wishing you all the Happiest of Thanksgivings! 🧡