Coffee Date Friday: Soggy Edition

Hellooooo friends of mine! Let's have some (virtual) coffee and convo amidst the raindrops, shall we? Yep, this weekend is looking to be a soggy but warm one. So. I'd suggest we sit on my screened in porch and listen to the rain fall while sharing about the latest and greatest. 

First up, I'd want to know about YOU since we last chatted. How's the fam? How are your friends? How are the weekend plans? I would then share the following about my life over the last week:

...that I am so, so thankful for good friends. This month is a DOOZY as far as travel goes for my hub. Yet, I've had amazing girlfriends who have offered playdates for my kiddos, help with getting to/from teeball practices, and even a baby-share so that I could sneak in a Pure Barre workout or two. Ladies, you know who you are and I love you for it. It definitely takes a village, and I am so very grateful for mine. <3 And this includes you, my awesome Momma and Momma "in law," who both contacted me just hours apart offering to come up and help me with my little trio for a couple days during this crazy month. I am so, so appreciative to have such amazing women in my life. 

Harrison and his boo during my morning of momma-sharing 

...that we soaked up as much sun as we possibly could this week before the rain sets in today. Outside in the warm sun is our happy place. It was glorious.

...that, one week ago, Raleigh, Harrison, and I accompanied Banks on his last preschool field trip. Was that the last time I'll have all three of my kiddos on a field trip together?! We made the most of it at the Children's Museum in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and had a great time together and with sweet school buddies.

...Last Sunday, Raleigh asked that she and I wear matching dresses to church. And I gotta tell ya, when my only daughter still wants to (1) be seen with her momma [stay away, teenage years], and (2) let her momma help choose her clothes [stay away, teenage years], well, consider it done. And she was SO excited. :)

...that, well Harrison. Oh, sweet Harrison. I am beginning to become very sentimental over his last 1.5 months as a baby. I mean, he'll always be my baby. But. We are soon entering the toddler world, where he won't technically be considered a baby anymore. It is just so hard to believe that these photos are 45 weeks apart:

He's been a part of our lives for 45 weeks. And I am so thankful for every beautiful, exhausting, stressful, joyous second. But more on that next month...

For now, I'll conclude our coffee date by wishing you the happiest of weekends. Hopefully, your forecast looks friendlier than ours. Regardless, we have no school today and some very special visitors coming to stay with us this weekend, and we can't wait! We aren't letting the rain put a damper on our excitement. No sirree, Bob. And I've said it before and I'll say it again, when you visit us in the Mill, I'll always have made-from-scratch treats a-waitin' for ya, like these cookies I made to (1) welcome our guests, (2) practice a fun new hobby of mine, and (3) welcome in St. Patty's Day next week. 

I hope you have a great one with great people, too! See you next time!

Isms, Part 18

Back yet again with another round of Banksisms and Raleigh's Ramblings, which from here on out, I will simply be titling the "Ism" posts. My littles make me laugh out loud daily with their antics. Here are a few of my recent favorites:

I LOVE when kids try to sound like grown-ups but mess up the words. For example:

Raleigh: "It was amazeable."

And that is officially now my new favorite word. 

(When pretending to be a thief...)

Banks: "Am I a bad guy? Am I a robert?"

Bless it. And then, he kept referring to himself as a Robert (errr...I think you meant "robber," buddy) all night.

(When trying to ready his new Nerf gun...)

Banks: "It was already peacocked."

Hahaha. Ha. Cocked, little fella. I think you meant cocked. 

Raleigh: "Okay, we are done packing."

Momma: "Where are you going?"

Raleigh: "Somewhere we can be free."

Wow. Wise beyond her years.

Raleigh: "Mom, leave your distance."
Momma: "Huh? Why."
Raleigh: "Because I like distance."
If you say so, sista.

(A conversation that occurred following a President's Day lesson at school...)

Raleigh: "Ow!"

Momma: "What's the matter?"

Raleigh: "Banks pinched my leg."

Banks: "No, I didn't! (thoughtful pause). Actually, I don't want to tell a lie. I did."

Thanks for the help, President Washington. Banks cannot tell a lie.

Momma: "Raleigh, I need to tell you something."

Raleigh: "What?"

Momma: "I think you are so very special."

Raleigh: "I like Christmas."

Alrighty then. Good talk.

Oh, you funny little Lus. What will come out of those innocent little mouths next?! :) 

Coffee Date Friday: Hello, March! Edition

Hi, Hello, and How do you do? (Sisters of mine, do you remember our answering machine message that we made up that started like this back in the early 90s?? Ha!).

Anywho. 

Welcome to Coffee Date Friday, where we indulge in (virtual) caffeinated cuisine and share (virtual) conversation about our comings and goings from the week. Can I be totally honest? The primary reason I write this post is because I know it will be so fun to look back at all these Friday posts, years from now, and see what my little family was up to. So. Please forgive my selfishness. I also really do love my people, YOU people, who support me and follow along as we make our way through this chapter of life. That being said, I'd want to first hear what's going on with YOU. Each and every detail. Whatcha got? Spill those beans!

I would then share...

...that WE GOT TO PLAY OUTSIDE this week. In the sun. In the warmth. In the (hint of) Spring. Oh man. It was so awesome. If it isn't clear yet, our little family is an active one. We thrive on being outdoors. On running and playing and exercising and sport-ing and soaking up Vitamin D. Not to mention, I think winter is a TOUGH time to be a stay-at-home momma. You are trapped. Indoors. All the time. Now, this is fun for awhile. But by March February January? By that point, we are ready to BUST outdoors. And play, play, play. We got our first glimpse of what the next two seasons will hold for us, earlier this week. And it was GLORIOUS. Bring on the sunshine and warmer temps. We are ready. 

Alas, yesterday and today brought colder temps. So. We got creative and tried to make our fourth month of indoor play fun. Luckily, warmer temps are a'comin' over the next week. Yahoo! If you need us, we'll be outside for the next seven months. :)

  ...that first birthday prep is underway. The theme has been selected. The to-do list has been generated. But also, I must ask: How in the world am I planning my last baby's 1st birthday? Siiiiiiiigh. I'm not ready. But time doesn't slow down. So. I better get to prepping. 

...that this week was supposed to start our 2015 teeball season. Both Banks and Raleigh are playing this year! Banks is now old enough for coach's pitch (!!) which also means weekday practices. But. The yucky, rainy weather on Tuesday meant cancelled practice. So. We wait 'til next week. And Raleigh is all set for her first ever season of teeball (!!), although she doesn't start for another couple weeks. Whew! And so begins the mutli-extra-curricular life of practices, games, and life in between. Regardless, we are so excited that Banks and Rals both have friends on their teams. So. I'm thinking some Saturday game tailgates will be in order. :) 

...that this is what played out on my Instagram feed on Tuesday. While my hub was traveling: 

Tuesday morning: "I can feel God here, in the stillness of a nursery illuminated by a single lamp and filled with quiet as I nurse my baby. No matter what the rest of the day holds--the busy-ness, the crazy, the chaos, the tired--this moment right here was heaven sent.

Tuesday afternoon: Remember that still, quiet, Godly moment I so appreciated this morning? We just spent the last 2 hours in the Goodyear waiting room after I gashed a tire on the way to school pick-up. Those 120 minutes were not heaven sent. 

Hahaha! True dat.

...that my older two kiddos are each registered for two fun summer camps each, and they are SO excited: one they will do together; then, each of them will have their own special camp centered around their individual interests (Science! Dance! Hooray!). They are excited, and I am excited for them!

...that, if YOU haven't already, don't forget to order your Jellycat Bunny through Peekawhoo TODAY,  as the special code I gave you in my last post (LL15) ends this weekend. Again, I get no compensation for this offer. I just think they're adorable and think you will, too! 

And with that, I'd wish you a fun-filled weekend! My little trio and I are headed to a school field trip this morning. Other than that, plus a little Pure Barre sweating, kids consignment shopping, and birthday party-attending, we'll be hanging low, soaking up the sun, and welcoming Spring with open arms. Have a great one!
  

Peekawhoo!

Y'all! I am SO excited to finally share the news: 

I have been selected as one of the 2015 brand ambassadors for Peekawhoo. Say what? Say who? Peekawhoo!

Let me tell you a little bit about the company before I share why this is awesome news for YOU! 

Peekawhoo is a children's boutique (based out of Greenville, South Carolina) that specializes in personalized gifts and clothing for babies and children. Not only do they have a retail store in Greenville, but they also have a beautiful online boutique as well! It was created and is owned and operated by two amazing, hard-working mommas who love a good monogram and sell beautiful, high-quality (but not high-priced!) children's items. This is now my go-to place for gifts for all my momma friends. And did I mention that shipping is fast (and sometimes, free!, when discount codes are available)? Can you tell I'm a big ol' fan of Peekawhoo and that I am PUMPED to be one of their brand ambassadors? I am and I am!

Okay. So. Why is this good for YOU? Because, my dear family and friends, I am going to be offering lots of discount codes and hosting giveaways for YOU throughout 2015! I mean, what kind of a friend would I be if I didn't help YOU save money while owning beautiful things? Not a good one, that's for sure. And I want to be a good friend!

So. Let's get down to business. 

Here's what I would recommend that you do now. Just two simple things: 

FIRST, make sure to follow Peekawhoo on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. They will often post codes for free shipping as well as giveaways, so I would go ahead and start following them today. You don't want to miss out!

SECOND, make sure you read my little ol' blog regularly so that you can catch when I am offering y'all discount codes and hosting giveaways. If you don't already, I would recommend following me on Instagram, too, as I'll be posting ahhhhhdorable Peekawhoo products there as well. 

You know what? 

Let's get this party started right about.......NOW! 

Let me introduce you to the absolute softest, cuddliest, sweetest, snuggliest lil' stuffed bunny on the planet: the Jellycat Bunny. Ohmygoodness. Y'all. Do you already own a Jellycat stuffed animal? If you do, then you know what I'm talking about. These little snuggly friends are seriously the softest, most well-made stuffed animals you will ever come across. I am obsessed!

 

And I'm sorry, but can we also talk about the sweet, little monogrammed bunny ear? Be still my monogram-loving heart. Just divine. Oh, and did I mention that, MONOGRAMMING on all Peekawhoo products IS FREE. Yes, you read that right! F-R-E-E. Hard to beat that!

 

So, here's why this is good for YOU. I am offering all of my awesome readers a discount code for 10% off Jellycat Bunnies. And whatdoyaknow, it's just in time for Easter! Seriously. How precious would one of these sweet bunnies look peeking out from your little one's Easter basket? Not only that, but they make a soft and adorable keepsake that you (and they!) will treasure for years to come. 

Just make sure you use the code LL15 when you checkout and you'll get 10% off your order. If you order by March 23rd, your bunnies will arrive in time for Easter. Promise! Also, these are a hot commodity; so, if I were you, I would go ahead and order today before inventory runs out, especially since the LL15 discount code only lasts until March 8th. 

And in case you are wondering: 

(1) The medium bunnies are 12 inches, the large bunnies are 15 inches, and the huge bunnies are 21 inches. 

(2) As a brand ambassador, I was sent three bunnies to use and review. But. All opinions presented here are my own. I get absolutely no kick-back, no monetary benefits, no nuthin' for any purchases made from Peekawhoo, even if you use the LL15 code to save yourself money when checking out. Which means I'm promoting these adorable bunnies just because I think they are awesome and because I think your kiddos will absolutely love them. Seriously. I get a whole lotta nothin'. But I really love the bunnies and you will, too!

So. There you have it! Now, go on out there and order those bunnies! Use code LL15. And let me know what you think once they arrive. I promise you will love them as much as I do! <3 

Coffee Date Friday: Snow Bust Edition

Hi there! Welcome to (virtual) Coffee Date Friday! We had cancelled/delayed school every day last week. We had cancelled/delayed school two days this week. So. Yes. You could say I need some coffee this morning, and likely, with a little healthy splash of Bailey's. ;)

On that note, I would first ask about YOU. About what your weather has looked like the last two weeks. About what you've been up to since we last chatted. About what the weekend holds. After being properly saturated in all things you, I would share the following:

...that Monday was a good day. Monday was dinner out with girlfriends on a cold night. It does my heart GOOD to have Momma Nights Out, and we have now started a monthly MNO, where we dine out, drink wine, share advice, laugh a lot, and enjoy the joy that is great girlfriends. I'm already looking forward to our dinner next month.

...that we started the week with a little snow. Which is funny, because we had no snow all last week and yet the kids had cancelled/delayed school every day, yet we actually got snow this week but school was still in session...the first day at least. This meant that Harrison and I got to enjoy his first ever snow together, just the two of us, and then Banks and Raleigh joined in the fun and made grass snow angels as soon as we pulled in the driveway from preschool pick-up. I just love a (temporary) winter wonderland.

But then? Then Wednesday night happened. Then the BIG SNOW of 2015 was promised. Five to eight inches they said. Get your sleds ready they said. So. We did what an good Southerner would do: hit the liquor store and made plans for lots of snow fun with neighbors. And then woke up to this:

Womp Womp. I was seriously SO bummed. But. I wanted to make sure the kiddos still had a fun day at home with Momma. So. I busted out a couple new toys I had secretly confiscated immediately after they unwrapped them on Christmas morning. We logged lots of reading time and play time together. And then, while they napped/room-timed, I set up a little surprise in the playroom...their own streamer-beam obstacle course. It was a hit! Take that snow bust of 2015. 

...That I have a new obsession. I've mentioned it before but I'll say it again: Pure Barre. The absolute best workout I've ever had. I've been hitting it hard the last week and I can't get enough. I've never felt my muscles burn so much I want to cry. About mid-way through each class, I swear I'm never coming back, and then as soon as it's over, I can't wait for the next one. If you live in the vicinity of a Pure Barre, I HIGHLY recommend you give it a try. And it's even more fun when you go with a group of girlfriends! 

...That the super-duper fun and exciting news I keep annoyingly mentioning will be revealed by the end of the weekend. Make sure you check back here. It'll benefit YOU!

...And, last but not least, my baby boy, who stole what was left of my heart with the first breath he took, just so happened to turn 10 months this week. 

My sweet, sweet Harrison is just growing up before my eyes. He absolutely adores his big brother and sister. The feeling is mutual. Banks cannot WAIT to see his little brother each morning, and Raleigh wants to hug him first thing. In the last week, Harrison has done a great job of eating finger foods for every solid meal (mainly soft breads and muffins). HOWEVER, he will NOT feed it to himself. He sits back, relaxes, and insists on momma feeding it to him. He will play with the food. He will feed bits of the food to momma. But he will NOT feed himself. He also refuses to use a sippy still, despite multiple daily attempts to show him, model for him, teach him, etc. Oh, this boy. He does things at his own pace, which ultimately reminds me to chill out and stop putting pressure on him and myself. In other news, Harrison is making great strides with walking--he cruises like a champ and loves pushing his walker. He is also great at throwing a small ball! Seriously-it's pretty awesome! He loves to try and mimic what we say, too, and has that sweet, backwards-hand-clenching wave down pat. He is amazing, and we adore him.

And with that, I would wish you the happiest of weekends. This is the only weekend for awhile that we have ZERO plans on our calendar. And my hub has a good deal of travel coming up; so, I'm hoping we can relax and play and go wherever the weekend leads us. I hope your big plans, or no plans, weekend suits you just as well! Have a great one! And remember to check back over the weekend for the big, fun reveal!

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Me, A to Z

Hi all! From time to time, I have posted little tidbits about moi (here and here) as a way of saying, "Hi! This is me! Flaws and craziness and all!" Since you take the time out of your busy day to read and support my blog, I think it's only fair that I am honest about who I am, at this stage of life, even though it does feel a little silly and, honestly, somewhat egotistical. So. Feel free to stop reading...now. 

Still here? Okay then. A couple weeks ago, my sister "in law" posted this cute blog idea, which she originally saw from another blog (gotta love the blogging connections), and I thought I'd give it a whirl, too, as a different and fun way of re-introducing myself. So. Here's me, from A to Z:

A - Age - 34. I love my 30s. I feel more confident in who I am while recognizing there is still much to learn and many great ways I can grow. My favorite decade yet. ;)

B - Bed Size - King. We bought a new bed, and one of those super comfy mattresses, about a year ago, and I absolutely love being able to sprawl out and sink in, even with having a hub who is pretty tall. 

C - Chore you hate - Loading the dishwasher. My hub says, almost daily, "You're great at many things, but loading the dishwasher isn't one of them." Ha! 

D - Dogs - We have one dog, a miniature yorkie named Cooper. He was a wedding gift and will turn 11 on May 6th!

E - Essential to Start Your Day - Is this a joke? Coffee. I have a LARGE cup in the morning and, usually, another splash in the afternoon; however, I make sure not to drink any caffeine after 4:00 pm so that I can fall asleep easily and not toss and turn all night.

F - Favorite Color - Navy blue, with hot pink coming in a close second.

G - Gold or Silver - Gold.

H - Height - 5'7". Although I think I'm shrinking... ;)

I - Instruments You Play - None. Although I would LOVE to play the drums. Actually, my hub gifted me with a drum lesson for a wedding anniversary gift one year, and I loved it!

J - Job Title - For now, stay-at-home momma. We'll see what the future holds...

K - Kids - Three. The little loves of my life: Banks (age 5), Raleigh (age 3), and Harrison (almost 10 months). There are many times I think that I would love to have a fourth, but this shop is closed.

L - Live - In Fort Mill, South Carolina, where we intend to stay. We absolutely LOVE our new home town. We think it's an incredible place to raise our children and have made some very dear friends here. I am always recruiting (can you tell?) and could sing the Mill's praises over and over again. I was born and raised in South Carolina (with the exception of living in Toronto, Ontario for two years as a child) and lived in Atlanta, Georgia, for 9 years before relocating to Fort Mill 2.5 years ago.

M - Movie - Fried Green Tomatoes. Oh, how I love this movie!

N - Nickname - Linds, Lindser, Lu, Meek, Meekster.

O - Overnight Hospital Stays - Thank the good Lord, only my postpartum stays after having my babies. And I do love that newborn "hospital bubble." 

P - Pet Peeve - People who are habitually late. 

Q - Quote - "What doesn't kill us makes us stronger" has always rung true for me. But. I also saw this the other day and it made me giggle. My hub could attest to this one: "I'm not arguing. I'm explaining why I'm correct." Ha! 

R - Righty or Lefty - Righty.

S - Siblings - 3.5 and 2. Confused? Let me explain. I have three--biological siblings (an older brother and two younger sisters). We are extremely close. <3 I also have an older half-sister who is no longer in touch with myself nor my siblings. And I have two step-siblings (a younger brother and sister), who have been a close part of my family since my momma married their daddy over 13 years ago. 

T - Time You Wake Up - Most days, sometime between 5:00 and 6:00 am, on my own, with no alarm. I like to get up, eat my breakfast, drink some coffee, do my devotional, and get myself dressed and ready for the day before the rest of the house stirs. On the rare occasion I "sleep in," I'll wake up at 6:30 am and will have to forfeit much of that solitude and quiet time since my kiddos tend to be early risers.

U - University You Attended - Clemson. Woot! Woot! It's where my hub and I met and fell in love, and we are proud alumni.

V - Vegetable You Dislike - None, really. I could very easily be a vegetarian.

W - What Makes You Late - I try to very, very rarely be late (see above), but when I am, it's usually because a last-minute diaper change is needed for my littlest guy.

X - X-Rays - Just dental, although I had a CT scan of my brain last year to address some sinus/allergy stuff I had going on and make sure there want anything scary lurking. There wasn't. 

Y - Yummy Food - Mashed potatoes and gravy. Crab legs. Don't make me choose! 

Z  -  Zoo Animal - To be honest, I don't really like animals all that much. Maybe a Clemson Tiger? 

So. There you have it. Anything you want to share about YOU? :) 

Coffee Date Friday: Brrrrr Edition

Hi friends! Just a quick, virtual coffee date today, as I'm hitting the road bright and early to drop off Banks and Raleigh for a long weekend visit with their Nana and Pop and cousins. They are SO excited for all the fun that lies ahead, and I am SO excited to give my Harrison a little one-on-one attention after being away at Disney last week. 

Were we meeting for coffee, I'd want to hear about how you celebrated Valentine's Day last weekend and what you have planned for this weekend. I'd want to know if you had any of the FRIGID temps we have had this week and whether you capitalized on the cold weather by ice sledding or hibernating in front of a warm fire or both. I would then share the following tidbits about moi:

...That I just need to share a real God moment that I experienced this week: I was having a challenging day. While wrestling Harrison for the umpteenth time that day during our bajillionth diaper-and-clothes-changing and nose-wiping session (the kid is strong, fast, and persistent in his strong dislike for said sessions), I became frustrated. I was just physically exhausted from wrestling him all day. And I work very hard, every day, to be a hands-on, present, actively involved momma. This is my job. And I love it. I also spend a good deal of time most weeks helping other mommas out, trying to make this momma-ing journey easier and more enjoyable for them. Yes, I absolutely love it. But. My momma job can be thankless at times. And that's fine: I don't need a pat on the back for every boo-boo I kiss, every load of laundry I put away, every preschool social calendar I fill, every letter sound I teach, every momma I help. BUT. I had a moment of weakness the other day. I was sweating. I was tired. I was exasperated. I felt unappreciated. I felt like I was doing my best to help everyone around me but was selfishly wanting a little "Good job!" in return. Silly isn't it? I don't deserve applause for doing my job. I am paid in laughs and smiles and snuggles and joy. But, if I'm being honest, I wanted it in that moment. Without thinking, I pleaded, out loud, while sweating in the middle of yet another wrestling diaper changing session: "God, I just need someone to say thank you. I just want someone to appreciate all that I'm doing, every day, for everyone else that I can. 'Cause this is hard. I just need a little thank you." I literally said that out loud, in the middle of Harrison's nursery. Isn't that silly? Isn't that selfish? Superficial? But it was a tough day. And I was desperate for a little praise. And then. Guess what happened. Are you ready for this?

The next day, the VERY next day, after I selfishly pleaded for God for just a small little bit of completely undeserved gratitude, I received the most beautiful and completely unexpected letter in the mail, from someone who is very special and very, very important to me. It was a THANK YOU letter. Not only that, it was the best thank you letter I have ever received in my entire life. It was beautifully written and so genuine and just so lovely. There were tears. Followed by a fist pound to the Big Guy upstairs. You can't make this stuff up. God is listening. Even when requests may seem silly or small or selfish. He is listening. 

...That we had a fun Valentine's last weekend: We surprised the kiddos with some fun treats, festive decorations, and a special breakfast first thing in the morning. Raleigh and I then ventured right up the street to go to an adorable princess birthday party for one of her sweet friends, and Banks and his daddy went on a hike in the woods after that. Once they returned, several girlfriends and I hit up Pure Barre for an afternoon workout. OhmydearLord. I was sore for three days. It was the BEST workout, and I'll be hitting it hard over the next 4 weeks. If you've never been to PB but have one near you, go, go, go!!! It is so fun and the most amazing toning, burning workout! Anywho, we concluded our Valentine's with my sweet hub making me a full platter of crab legs while he and the kiddos dined on some scrumptious steak. I, being the wild party animal that I am, was asleep on the couch before 10:00 pm. You can take the girl out of the party... ;) Seriously, though, it was a great day, and we concluded the weekend by hosting some awesome friends and their kiddos for dinner. 

...That I was able to spend extra time with my kiddos this week, seeing as how we had President's Day holiday on Monday, no school due to ice on Tuesday, and delayed school opening (again, due to ice) on Wednesday AND Thursday (and today, as well, but the kids are skipping school today!). We basically hibernated and had so much fun doing it together: playing with this month's Kiwi Crate, reading lots of books, doing puzzles, practicing walking, playing marbles, having a special, non-Friday-night movie showing, playing Peter Pan, having dance parties, wearing princess dresses, etc. You name it, we did it. 

...That I have a SUPER-DUPER, fun, and exciting announcement coming soon! And it will benefit YOU, too, my dear friends and family, who are so kind to support me on my lil' 'ol blog. Stay tuned!

And that's it for me this week! We have plans to have dinner with friends tomorrow and keep the church nursery on Sunday, and I'll also be hitting up Pure Barre a couple times this weekend (have I yet mentioned I am in L.O.V.E. with this workout?! More on that in a future post). Above all, though, we'll be staying safe and cozy. And I hope you stay warm, enjoy that coffee, and I'll see you back next week!

Have a great weekend. <3