Prime Purchases

IT'S PRIME PURCHASES TUESDAY!

I didn't participate in Prime Purchases last month due to it being the Tuesday after the Fourth of July, but mostly all of our purchases were FOR the Fourth of July so most items really wouldn't have been worth grabbing since the holiday had passed, but I'm back today with some goodies!

I'm still continuing my decluttering process over here and with that has come the getting rid of lots of clothes.  It feels nice to not have as much, BUT I really don't have many options for shirts.  I plan to sloooowly get a few new items here and there and I'm starting with this cute shirt!  I do a lot of blacks, blues and grey, but I hope to add some color here and there, too. 

GREY SHIRT

 

Jane's been waking up at all hours of the night lately.  I thought perhaps it'd pass on its own, but she's continued to wake up at 2:30 a.m., or 4:00 a.m. or 5:00 a.m.... *sigh*

That's a no for me, Dawg.

Haha!

I found this wake clock for her on Amazon.  It's on sale and you guys, GAME CHANGER!

Jane now knows that when the unicorn is sleeping the clock will be pink, but when the unicorn wakes up and it's green then it's time to officially wake up and then Jane's allowed to come up into our room.  

We're only on our second night using it, but Jane hasn't climbed out of bed once for the last two nights.  It's actually quite funny to us how we're pretty positive she's probably just in her room staring at it waiting for it to turn green.  It's absolutely amazing and I'll forever suggest this to any parent going through the same struggle!

UNICORN WAKE/SLEEP ALARM CLOCK

Henry wants to play games all day, every day.  He currently loves Stratego, Risk and Catan.  He was thrilled when Jon ordered him this Catan Seafarers Expansion set.  

I've been having fun playing with him, too.  Most of our games last well into the next day and while I'm terrible at most games, it's been fun to bond with him over what he loves to play.

CATAN SEAFARERS

We purchased this book for Eliza.  We're about five chapters in and so far, so good.  There aren't any mean characters or snooty "mermaid" girls, which is big for me.  I'll keep you posted on the rest of the book.

A MERMAID IN MIDDLE GRADE

I plan to decoupage some craft pumpkins with these napkins for fall.  I thought I'd give it a try and maybe make an IG Reel about it, but we shall see.  I have the idea in my head, but sometimes that doesn't always go as planned.  Haha!  ;)

BLUE AND WHITE NAPKINS

I've always used lunch box notes for the kiddos.  I wouldn't use them every day, since they took a cold lunch almost every single day for all the years they've been in school, and that would've been a lot of work for this Mama, but I do love to surprise them with the occasional note.  I love these sweet unicorn lunch box notes for Eliza...

UNICORN LUNCH BOX NOTES

...and these Facts and Funnies for Henry!

Lindsay posted about these and they just look so cute!

LUNCH BOX FACTS

AI've found that I don't have much jewelry and since Jane is getting a little older and not grabbing or pulling at things, I'd love to start to accessorize, but easy does it and I'm starting with black and gold.  These bracelets are a little funky, but classy.  There are some blue and gold ones that I'd love too, but I'm waiting for them to drop in price. ;)

BRACELETS

Lastly, I don't know about you guys, but since 2020, the kids' wardrobe has suffered.  The kids were only going to school two days a week back in 2020 and into 2021, sot hey got away with wearing the same things all the time, then they grew, then last year we managed to get a few items, but I was still so busy with Jane, so the kids truly didn't have much.  I think Eliza was down to just three shirts that she'd wear on repeat and Henry had maybe two long shirts for winter.  Shoes were rough, too.  I've been slowly investing in new and affordable clothes and shoes for each kiddo.  Taking them out of town isn't easy around here, so I've taken advantage of any opportunity that we venture to an area with more stores and making sure the kids are able to try on clothes and shoes.  It feels good that they feel good.

With all that said, look at this adorable cardigan for Jane!  I purchased the stripes with more pinks and purples to match her itty bitty "capsule wardrobe," if you will, BUT I absolutely adore this rainbow one, as well!

GIRLS CARDIGAN

Woohoo!  That was fun to share!

What have you guys been buying?  Any favorite purchases I need to know about?

Thanks, as always, for scrolling through.  It means so much!

Marie :)

I'm linking up with Tanya for Prime Purchases.

*This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a commission based on purchases.

Hello Monday

Hey there, friends!

We had a suuuuuper busy week last week!  I spent the majority of our time driving Henry to and fro to LEGO Robotics Camp in Indiana all week last week.  Add in laundry, dishes, chasing a toddler, cooking dinner, running of errands and attempting to stay on a nap time schedule and that left me with zero time for blogging.

I also went to see my Dad on Friday and then again yesterday (Sunday) - it's a four hour roundtrip drive.  I'm so happy we went to see him.  I went alone on Friday and Jon held down the fort on Friday.  Jon wanted to see him yesterday so we plopped the kids in the car and, boy, they were troopers.  The kids were also able to see my Dad.  Before heading in I was sure to inform them that Grandpa is still Grandpa...he's just sick.  I'm so grateful a nurse let us all go in.  We had exactly 15 minutes to say, "Hello," and to love on him.  

With all that heaviness on my heart (our hearts), we've been making memories and Jon and I have really been trying to be truly present with our kids.

I took the kids to the zoo about two weeks ago and my heart was so full of joy spending time with the kids.  I've already posted here and there about our little zoo trip, but this simple trip made me so very happy that I felt it deserved a place here on the blog.

Our last time visiting the zoo was in 2020.  Things were still very strange and Jane was not quite 11/2.  I remember the zoo being fun, but rather stressful...for a multitude of reasons.  We never made it to the zoo last summer, so I was determined to get there this year.

We had the best time and my favorite, the train, was up and running.  I love riding the train with the kids.  Henry and Eliza were still very much into it, too!  We started our day with pictures on some sculptures...

All three kids were trying to figure out where to sit on the big bear.  It was entire ordeal, but they eventually figured it out.

We loved this chalk wall and music garden.

That smile!

Love these kiddos so much...

FINALLY!!!!  THE TRAIN!!!!

This panda was the cutest.

The kids were all about the carousel, too!

Well, sort of...  Bahahahahaha!!!

We headed over to the giraffes and made sure to feed them.  I was, at this point, giving the kids the entire zoo experience.  We had the fed goats, rode the train, rode the carousel, ate lunch, fed the giraffes and ice cream was on the horizon.

This was so much fun!

Off we went to find the lions...

...and find them we did!!!!

Talk about up close.  We had even left the exhibit because the lions weren't out but rushed back to be this close when they finally appeared!

Seriously, so cool!

This was THE closest we have EVER been to a lion!

The kids took turns "driving" the school bus in Africa!

I received two points for the "Golden Apple" (AKA parent of the week)!  LOL!

Leaving Africa...

Completely exhausted...

This was the longest we've ever stayed at a zoo and while the kids were tired, I had to fulfill my promise of ice cream!

Eliza's so funny!

We stopped to see an owl and then another sculpture picture...

We were misted on our way out!  It felt great!

This pretty girl.  

We had the most lovely time.

I love taking these kids in...and slowing down...and being in the moment.  We had the most beautiful zoo day.

I hope you and yours are enjoying these last days of summer before school begins.

Thanks, as always, for stopping by!

Marie :)

I'm linking up with Sarah and Holly for Hello Monday.

Friday Favorites

It's Friday!

I'm linking up with Andrea from Momfessionals and Erika from A Little Bit of Everything for Friday Favorites!

I'm so excited for the weekend!  We have absolutely nothing planned and it's sooooo needed.  Rumor has it we may head out to dinner at some point and it seems lots of ice cream is also on the agenda.  WooHoo!

ONE

Last summer Henry and Eliza handed out a "Golden Apple" for the parent who did the most with them throughout the week - one must give accordingly:  Action, Activity, Education and Fun.

Well, the "Golden Apple" competition is back and I won on Sunday night!  Ha!  The kids gave me a golden banana because the apples we had were all rotting, so instead, I was given a "Golden Banana!"  I won by one point because I want a dog.  Bahaha!

So funny!

Eliza drew a picture of me with said hypothetical dog.  

TWO

On Monday I took the kids to the pool.

It reminded me of how far I've come and how much Jane has grown.  One of the last times I took them to the pool by myself, which was moooonths ago, I ended up in tears because it was so overwhelming to have three kids, trying to watch all three in a pool, changing of a diaper and attempting to help three kids get dry.

It was a hot mess and honestly, I've been reluctant to go back unless Jon is with me, BUT - we went and all went extremely well!!!  In fact, it was sooooo easy!  Henry and Eliza are great swimmers these days and they enjoyed playing together.  Jane made a friend and she's learning to swim with her life jacket on.  It wasn't too long ago that she refused to even let go of us.  All this to say, I'm proud of how far we've come!  It only took three years...but here we are.  ;) Ha!

THREE

Speaking of Jane - I purchased Jane's preschool dress from Stitchy Fish!

I'm so excited for her to go to preschool!!!  Jane's such a little social butterfly and I just know she'll love it.  She'll be attending the same preschool as Henry and Eliza attended, but she'll have a new preschool teacher and I'm just praying that all goes well.

One thing's for sure, she sure will look adorable in this little dress!

FOUR

Like I mentioned above, we also headed to the zoo and I'll be doing a full recap of our little trip next week.

 You guys, this little moment right here - of us getting on the little zoo train had my heart bursting!

I used to take Henry and Eliza to the zoo way back when they were Jane's age and we'd sing certain little train songs as we rode along.  My heart almost burst that we were finally able to get back on the train as it had been closed since 2020 and once again the fact that we were all having the best time and I was managing the three kids alone made me feel almost empowered and beyond thrilled to have the energy to be so happy with and around the kids. 

FIVE

Bear Spray

ALL. THE. WIDE-EYED EMOJIS.

We're heading up to Michigan's Upper Peninsula in two weeks and Jon wants to walk some trails.

The last time we were in the U.P. (which was probably about 12 years ago), we visited a lot of places but we didn't really go on any trails...aaaaaand we didn't have kids.  With three kids in tow this time around and the potential for bear, I'm taking this bear spray with me and nobody's going to stop me.  I linked it just in case you're also thinking about walking amongst the bears.  Bahaha!!!

Okay, that's about it for me this week!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Marie :)

This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a commission based on purchases.

Hello Monday on a Wednesday!

It's Hello Monday on a Wednesday!

Today I'm recapping the last week and a half and for some reason it's been taking me foooooorever to post.  Well, I suppose I know the reason...my wee little children.  LOL!  We've been busy and having fun, so it seems blogging and Marie-time are still currently on the backburner - but we've been making the best memories.  

Thursday - July 7th

Jane had her Nature Class and they painted dragonflies.  I thought it was one of the cutest crafts ever!

Jane explored the river...

She found all sorts of finds for her nature bucket...

Eliza loved joining in on the fun!

The teacher gave Henry and Eliza clipboards for another nature hunt and Jane finished her dragonfly...

Once Jon was out of work we headed to his parents' house.  We checked out their new patio and enjoyed visiting outside.

Friday - July 8th

July 8th was my Dad's Birthday.  We had originally planned to have a gathering at my parents' house, but my Dad landed himself in the hospital.  He's currently in the rehab part of the hospital and so the celebration we thought we were going to have didn't occur, so we celebrated in his comfy hospital room instead.

It was so nice to visit him.  I just wish we lived closer so that I could get over and see him more often. 

My sister, Kim, fixing my Dad's curly hair.  He was already tired, but I think this felt really good to him.  Oh my heart.

We headed home and got some Chick Fil A for dinner.

Saturday - July 9th

We headed to a friends' house for a visit.  It was nice catching up and letting the kids play.  

Sunday - July 10th

The kids and I put together our old PVC pipe car wash.  They had a blast and played with this for hours!

On Sunday evening, Henry and Eliza started Theatre Camp!  They were a little hesitant as I dropped them off, but luckily one of my best friends, Holly, dropped off her daughter, Adeline, so they knew at least one other person...

Monday (this past week)

The kids were dropped off at Theatre Camp - camp lasted every day from 9-12.  Jane and I ran some errands, colored and then got ready to meet our friend, Holly, at the splash pad.

No sass whatsoever with this one....  Haha!  I just love her!!!

We had another errand to run before meeting up and while en route, Jane drew this rainbow!

Splash pad time!

Tuesday

On Tuesday, the kids went to camp, Jane and I went for a run and then we visited a new cafe/coffee shop in town!

Anytime throughout the week this is how I'd find Eliza.  We're always waiting for her to get in the car...ALWAYS.  Girlfriend brings EVERYTHING with her and yes, those are socks, clean socks, hanging from her mouth...

She said, and I quote, "I was getting water and snacks because I'm the responsible one."  Bahahaha!

Truth she did grab things, but again, she didn't tell me she needed them as they provide water and snacks at the camp.  *shrugs shoulders*

Sometime during the week

Jane is finally getting more comfortable with swimming in the water.  This is a season of life (being 3) of living on a lake that can be difficult.  We've always wanted the kids to be comfortable with and around the water, but also to understand the dangers, too.  

Thursday

The kids had another day of camp and Jane and I went for another jog...

Friday

Henry and Eliza had one more day of Theatre Camp on Friday morning and then in the afternoon they had rehearsal from 1-5.  I went with some friends to dinner at 6 and then headed home around 9:30 for some much needed rest.

Janie was looking super cute!

Saturday

On Saturday morning, Henry and Eliza attended our local Popcorn Theater show as part of their camp.  I made sure to buy tickets for Jon, myself and Jane.  It was weird not sitting next to them.

Intermission.

The show was so cute - The Jungle Book.  The actors are part of the Professional Theater held in the evenings and on the weekends - I'm so grateful Popcorn Theater is back!

Henry and Eliza found us and joined us in eating popcorn!

After the show Jon and I grabbed some lattes, we headed home to get Jane down for an early nap, our friend, Josh, stopped by super fast as he was driving through Michigan to grab some leftover items they had left at the 4th party and then before we knew it, it was time to meet back up at the theater.

The kids were excited!!!

Everyone did a spectacular job!  The group was made up of fourth through eight graders.  The director mentioned that when the program started they basically had to beg for 8 kids to join back in 2018/2019.  Now it had grown to 44 kids and many had never been on stage before, including Henry.  The kiddos learned 11 songs - lyrics and choreography over the course of a week.  The audience really supported them and applauded their every effort!

Henry was upset at one point because he had to say, "Goodnight love," he's very much into not wanting to have crushes.  It was almost comical to me how much he despised having to say that small sentence to another girl.  I ensured him that it's acting and all pretend, so it wasn't a big deal.  He said the sentence with confidence and nailed it!  Ha!

Proud of these two!

Grandma and Grandpa came to watch the show!

We then went to dinner at a lake to the south of us.

After dinner we went back to our house and George and Terri went kayaking.  Eliza made brownies and then the kids crashed.  They were exhausted!!!

Phew!  Okay, I'm feeling all caught up!

Thanks as always for stopping by!

Marie :)

I'm linking up with Sarah and Holly for Hello Monday.