Love Love Love You

Traveling with a wild one year old

We just went on our annual trip to Florida and honestly we were pumped for EVERY part of it except for the flight. Monty is WILD and he only really hates one thing, being help in one spot. At 14 months he is strong willed and he has a serious issue with volume control.

 

We went the route of a "Bag of Tricks" and it worked great for us. That's not to say there weren't outbursts and a few screams let out but for the most part it worked great. Now don't get me wrong... a good baby on the plane does not equal you reading a book and coming out feeling like a million bucks. Dane and I came off the plane looking like a freaking hot mess. Sweaty, stinky, hair completely destroyed and clothes so out of place... but people told us later that our baby was good and really that's all that matter right? 

 

 

 

Keep in mind most activities lasted at the MOST 10 - 15 minutes.So here are the winners and the flops!

Winners

Sophie - Monty LOVES Sophie. we pretty much don't leave without her.

Favorite book - We had two books with us- we didn't want to weight down the bag but once the boy got a little more sleepy these were crucial. We might have read each of them ten times.

Crayons and a coloring book - We didn't bring this along but a random lady on the flight had one and she passed it to us and it ended up being a lifesaver!  

Feathers - Total hit. he loved playing with these. We would tickle him and then he loved tickling us back.

Fake phone - not really even kind of a phone but it totally worked. we would just make fake calls through out the trip.

Tape measure was super fun. It's a retractable one so it had an element of surprise.

Car - he just learned how cars move. once tray tables were down it was a go. bought us 10-15 minutes!

Kids meal toy and dollar store toys - I brought these along because Monty loves to throw things and I didn't feel bad about losing ANY of these.

Slinky - also a dollar store purchase. but this one brought at least 10 minutes of entertainment.

Ribbon - pretty dang simple, just grabbed one end and let it roll. Total hit!

Pinwheel - this was entertainment at it's finest! Loved it.

Teething toys - while these weren't a huge hit they were still necessary because of his molars coming in. 

Foam stacking shapes - These are amazing, go get them now from target. These bought us 20 minutes or more. Stacking on the tray and pulling out of the bag and putting back in. 

Owl Hand puppet - This was the winner of the flight! we also had a squishy soccer ball and we had the owl hand the ball back and forth between Monty Dane and I. We also got to work on his please and thank yous! 

Flops

Play sharks - We were headed to the beach so we thought it would be fitting. not to mention it was Shark Week! These entertained for a few minutes but not as long as I had hoped.

Play doh - I wanted this to be a hit and it just wasn't. He liked it for literally 2 seconds then was bored.

Pipe cleaners - Blah - he couldn't have cared less about these. Just wanted to eat them. NAST.

Snacks

One of my favorite ideas was getting a pencil case and putting snacks in it. it kept things clean. 

Snacks that were hits for us:

Lil crunchies Puffs

Goldfish

Fruit snacks

Dried fruit: strawberries, blueberries, apples

DIY Lunchable : meat, cheese, crackers

Squeeze pouches were lifesavers.

This is what worked for us! But we have more flights coming up! What works for you?!

Monty's 1st Birthday - A Badger Bash

     I would love to say that this came together super easily and that I was completely composed the entire time. However, I felt like I should be honest and not just share the adorable photos of the event.

Monty loves his badger, Kevin, more than anything or person. So when coming up with a party theme, Kevin made it a pretty easy pick. A Badger Bash it was!

The bad news, NO ONE does badger themed parties. The good news, I wouldn't be copying anyone!

I worked for a couple weeks planning every detail. Badgers are tough, they never give up and they don't care. Badgers eat mice and snakes and worms and berries and really what ever they want. Because they are Bad A like that.

(huge thanks to my sissy for making his adorable cake)

All week we watched the weather. From blue skies and sunny to slightly cloudy to a guaranteed downpour and then back to no rain at all.

That morning weather was gloomy but not awful so we went up and claimed our spot. Grocery shopping, food preparing, decoration making. We worked like crazy from 6:40 am (Monty's wake up time) till an hour before the party. Then we watched as a MASSIVE downpour came through the canyon. I wish I could tell you that I was like the badger in this situation and didn't care. But I DID care, and call it hormones or whatever, I freaking lost it.(we forgot tongs so handy man Dane found another solution)

No matter how hard Dane tried to reason with me that all would be well, Monty didn't care if his party was perfect, and people wouldn't care if we canceled nothing helped because I cared. I was devastated, all this hard work I planned and put in and it was all for naught? I know what you are saying, I do because I have said it before,why do you care about a party for a 1 year old? I don't! But social media told me that it has to be the best damn party of all time or you are a failure of a mom! How lame is that, I preach to young girls all the time about how they should stop comparing their lives to social media and they don't know what happens behind the scenes and here I am doing the exact same thing. I cried like a teenager with broken heart. The time to either call it or head up the canyon came and with a little hesitation but determination (a badger-like quality) we pressed forward with our plans.

Let me tell, you when you act like a crazy person who gets devastated and can't be reasoned with over a one year old's birthday it doesn't exactly set a good mood with the husband. So he watched the Mont while I started setting up (all while crying and pleading with my Heavenly Father to stop the rain for just the party) It sounded so silly to me. There is storm headed this way, Heavenly father wouldn't just change a storm for this party, but I kept praying and praying.

My family arrived and got straight to work, I don't know why they thought I needed help... (Ok it might have been my tear stained face) My dad climbed up as far as he could on the mountain to try and see what the storm was doing and came down with bad news that the storm was headed right over us. (insert tears- I'm not joking you guys, I was a mess)

 I went to the car to get the last box and then all the sudden the sky completely cleared. It could not be explained. This tender mercy was proof to me that even though my prayers seem silly to me and let's be honest would the whole world be devastated if we had to cancel the party? No. Nonetheless, my Heavenly Father heard my prayers and somehow that storm was gone within minutes and did not return until we finished packing up our stuff and got in our car. 

Moral of the story

This is a small testimony to you that heavenly father hears our prayers no matter how small and pathetic they may be.

I felt like I should be transparent in this. The party came together great. Everyone came and we laughed and celebrated the best thing that has ever happened to us. Photos capture the perfect moments. But it didn't capture all the other stuff behind the scenes and I don't want anyone to think that it was perfect. Monty was sick, I was an emotional mess and lost all control of reasoning, Dane and I got into it over my craziness and I forgot essential items for the party.

It is possible that no one else feels the need to be perfect because of social media and honestly I didn't even realize it had gotten to me. I hope that even if only one mama reads this and IS feeling the pressure of social media, where you see the perfect clip of someones life but don't get the behind the scenes story, I hope that maybe this clears things up a little and you take a little pressure off. Because it would be been so much better if I didn't care.

Monty's party was so much fun. He had a blast seeing all his favorite people and trying new things, hot dogs, cake and Oreos. But I wish I could have been a little more like the badger. Fearless and determined and in the end not give a crap about everything. It is Monty's day anyway.

 

You need this granola in your life

A long time friend of mine made this granola for my baby shower and I can not fully express with words how heavenly it is. If I could, I would do a dance to show you how happy it makes me. If only we could arrange that... 

There is no need to have a long post about this. Just get what you need and make it now.

I promise you will thank me for sharing this with you. 

Homemade Granola

3 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 c. dry powdered milk (I use non-fat)
1/2 to 1 c. almonds
1/2 to 1 c. pecans
1/2 c. coconut
1 T. cinnamon
1 1/4 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. water
3/4 c. oil
2 t. vanilla
1 t. coconut extract

Heat sugar and water to a full boil. Cool slightly and stir in oil, vanilla, and coconut extract. Combine oats, coconut, milk, nuts, and cinnamon in a large bowl and mix. Add the wet mixture to the dry and stir. Place mixture on a sprayed cookie sheet lined with tin foil. Bake @ 200 for 2 hours stirring every 1/2 hour. This is when you watch movie of your choice. (Newsies anyone?)

Cool and place in airtight container and hide it from everyone especially the husband.

Eat it by the fistful. Or if you are more dignified than my cavelady like ways top it on your yogurt, fruit (over peaches is amazing). Almond milk and strawberries and this granola will blow your mind. Whoopacchhh (that's my blow your mind sound effect)

You're welcome.

7 "Must-Haves" for a night in

1 ~ 2 ~ 3~ 4 ~ 5 ~ 6 ~ 7 

Yesterday:

• Monty was an angel baby all day
• I had the day off and got everything I needed done
• I got a super frustrating email from someone making excuses of why they can't help Drill
• I spent time with The Pal
• I sang Mariah Carey super loud in the car.  

So why, when I got home tonight did I feel like it was a loser of a day? Because I chose to focus on the one bad thing ... like a dummy. Sometimes I wish I could drop kick myself in the face when I do that because I know I am a blessed lady. Still I couldn't seem to get out of the funk today. So I did what any smart person does. I called mom. Mother suggested a bath, a candle and calming music and I didn't argue that idea for a second.

Once I got Monty Man down for bed, (he is actually sleeping full nights now with only one feeding! Hallelujah! Praise the heavens. I give all credit to this!) I drew a bath and tossed my electronics in the other room and settled in for some much needed "me" time. Something I now, too often neglect.

My mom has always taught me that music has the ability to have influence not only your mood but the mood in your home. She has always said, "Play the music to match your desired atmosphere" Tonight I choose elevator/spa music. 

So as I was settling down I tried to clear my brain but I kept thinking that there have to be other people/moms who have these days. So I thought I would share the things that made my night a million times better.

1. Hydrea London Dry Brush-  I just recently decided to try "dry brushing". It has a ton of benefits (see them here)... reducing cellulite and stress relief were what caught my attention. It's incredibly relaxing in a, rub-a-cactus-all-over-your-body, sort of way. But in all seriousness, I really would suggest it, especially before a nice warm bath. (Also this brush I got from TJ Maxx detaches which is surprisingly useful)

2. Bath and Body Works Body Scrub- This is some special stuff. I  felt the stress roll off my shoulders and I melted into the bath when I massaged the exfoliating body scrub into my super dry (neglected) skin.

3. Bath and Body Works Lotion- My Pal calls this my grandma lotion. When I heard they might discontinue my favorite scent, Sandalwood Rose, I bought 5. I use it VERY sparingly. But tonight was a special occasion. 

4. Chris Botti Pandora Station- Mother introduced me to this station. She uses it to clean her house. I use it for everything... it's pretty much playing all the time lately. Seriously so calming. (Do I sound like an insane person with how much calming I need?)

5. Treat of your choice- Sour candy is my pick. What is your treat of choice?

6. Riles and Co Lavender Soy Candle- I won this right before I had monty and it's dwindling. I need to order a new one stat. The smell is unreal and it brings so much peace to a room.

7. Burt's Bees Facial Towelettes- Every night I wipe my face with these. They are so rejuvenating. They make me feel like a teenager. 

I'm calm, clean and fresh faced. This is exactly what I needed. Mother knows best. (go ahead and try to tell me you aren't singing this now... liar.)

So now I'm curious, what are your favorite ways to clear the bad juju out of your head? What was your mom's advice for this?

Winner of Tinybeans Giveaway

 

 

Congratulations to According to Kait! Email me at [email protected] to claim your prize! 

 

Thank you to everyone who entered! Watch for the next giveaway!

 

 

Tinybeans review + Giveaway

When I first found the Tinybeans App I wasn't looking for love... but as it turns out, I am hopelessly devoted to my Tinybeans journal. I am addicted to this easy to add, easy to share app and website. Which is saying a lot coming from some one who has a total of like... 5 apps.

A brief description of Tinybeans: Tinybeans is your family's own personal photo journal. There is a mobile app and a website where you can upload photos, record memories and milestones daily. You can keep the photos private or share it with select family and friends. 

Here is my problem with most social media. I have used Instagram as my main source of "journaling" for a very long time but if you are like me you feel limited to how many time you can post a week (who are we kidding I would post several a day.) My #1 favorite thing about Tinybeans is I can finally post the five photos of Monty trying a new food and keep a journal of it. I can keep it private or share it with my family and friends, who I select.  

I am a visual person so bear with me as I walk you through the coolest features of this App. If you stick around to the very end I have a special giveaway for you troopers! 

I absolutely love how the photo journal is displayed in a calendar format, I can easily view growth and changes quickly. You start by adding your moment. (I know you are digging my fancy arrow)

                                 

You can scroll through dates easily and select the moment you want to feature or add multiple! I tend to have 1-4 moments added to a single day.

                                   

Add Text and give details to the moment captured. 

If it is one of a couple photos on that day you can pin it as the featured photo on that calendar day.

                                   

One feature I love, I am able to share my journal with my family. Those who dont get to see Monty as often as we would like. They get emails of photos I upload and milestones and have the option to comment on those. It's perfect for keeping family in the loop. (If we're being totally honest, if my mom and my mother could, they would want know what Monty is up to 24/7.)

You can add in special milestones and add a photo/video to document specific "Firsts".

                                 

 

 Now that you have endured my lengthy (but oh-so-informational) review guess what you get?!?!

A chance to win a Photo Book from Tinybeans! Whats that you say? You didn't realize that while you are adding all of these photos you can get them easily compiled and made in to a custom Photo Book? It's true. You can.

To be eligible to win:

1. Comment on this post for a chance to win.

2. Follow both Tinybeans and Ali Lewis on Instagram

3. Remain awesome, cross your fingers, say a prayer, wear lucky socks or whatever you do.

Winner will be announced on October 10th at 11am MST. This giveaway is open to readers with a US shipping address only.

Good Luck!

Go To Lullabies

Growing up our family would have Monday Family Nights. We would gather everyone together and pray for the spirit to be with us as we learned, and then... we would sing and drive whatever good spirits that might have wanted to come in RIGHT out of our house. 

Needless to say, we have never been a family that is known for our vocal capabilities. So to be honest, when I was pregnant and they said you should sing to your belly and your baby will remember your voice. All I could think about was what a terrible idea that was. Monty might have vetoed this whole coming to earth thing and just stayed in there. 

The closer it got to Little Man's due date the more stressed I became about singing to him. I was more nervous about singing than I was about actual birth.

So there I sat the first night home with Monty Man at 3am. Sitting in my favorite green chair. I mustered up the courage to sing to my baby. I didn't know the words to any of the staples, Twinkle Twinkle, Hush Little Baby, Rock A Bye Baby. So I just sang what came to me... I was raised on Elvis by my sweet Grandma Gwen and she loved him more than anyone I knew. I sang Can't Help Falling in Love and of course, cried my eyes out.

 Now 4 months in, I have a good collection of my favorites and they all seem to be special to me in some way or another. It is surprising how natural it is to sing to my Monty and how easy it is to make up songs about doing the dishes just to keep him happy.

The links below will send you to my favorites. I'm curious, what are you favorites?

The night he proposed

The theme of our nights lately

A classic tune from Jaws Farewell and Adieu

One of My Pal's favorites

Our Wedding Song

Now our house is one contant musical and thess are a few we just sing pretty much all day.

The song that you will never get out of your head

Our favorite frog singing his classic tune Rainbow connection

Greece + Giveaway with Rustico Leather CLOSED

 It feel like forever ago that I was wondering the streets of Chania Greece.

People ask me what prompted this solo trip to Greece at the age of 19. Sometimes I like to pretend that it was something real deep down in me that needed to go, or that I was going to find myself, mature stuff you know.

But if I'm being totally honest (this is a no judgement zone) I saw the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movies and that guy, Kostas, he was like, mega hot... and that is why I went. I went looking for him, or at least a close second. I saved up all my monies and said Sayonara to the folks and I was off!

When I came home I had learned a lot about myself but there were a couple things that I learned that were way more important like:

• It IS possible to consume only Nutella and Strawberry Crepes for almost three months straight and not die. (I know some of your were wondering this for real and you're saying, "Man I am so glad she told me that because I have been wanting to try it but I was worried I was going to die." I'm here to tell you you wont!)

• Kostas. I'm calling Bull on that one. He's not real. At least definitely not in Greece. 

• Lastly and most importantly. Having a good, sturdy journal to tote around and not be afraid of dropping, bending, putting in the bottom of your bag is crucial. I have toted mine ALL around with me ever since greece and it is SOLID. Not to mention my new one is like Monty proof. It's amazing.

I have been a super fan of this company for over 10 years now. Their products are so genuine and real. Which is why I am majorly excited to be announcing this awesome giveaway today with Rustico Leather!

They are giving one lucky winner a Hand Sewn Leather Journal in the color of their choice AND a leather wristband (I wear mine everyday)! If you haven't ever owned a Rustico Leather product you are f'real missing out, the quality and craftsmanship is amazing. Make sure to follow the steps below to enter, it's super simple. You don't want to miss out on this!  

1. Follow me  and Rustico on Instagram

2. Like the giveaway photo on Instagram

4. Comment on the Instagram photo with Where you would take this amazing journal.

Good Luck!

This giveaway is open to readers with a US shipping address only. Winner will be announced on Instagram Wednesday at 10 AM MST

Can I Get an Amen

Late night #disasterbehindthelens

I knew when I took a job working with teenagers it was sure to be a thankless job. I just didn't realize how thankless.

You should know I never do anything half ass. (That's not swearing mom that's a real term) I was raised that you put everything you have into every second of the day from 6:00 am - 11:00 pm. You make goals monthly and you achieve them and you never make excuses. This way of life has really pushed me to succeed in so many ways of my life. It also might be part of the reason I tend take on too much.

If you haven't heard I am the new Head Coach of a drill team. I have put countless hours into trying to make this Drill Team successful and build this program from nothing to something special. Not only that though, I am trying make sure these girls are confident at the end of the year. I just want this to be a great experience for them.

But lately it feels all for naught.

Taking this on with a new baby, another job, attempting to maintain my blog and still trying to maintain a functioning house (and budget) AND most important make sure my pal knows he's still number 1, has been more than I can handle lately. I feel like I'm failing in all areas.

But I got great advice today.

Do all you can and at the end of the day turn it over to to The Lord. I just keep thinking of Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

So I'm just letting you in on my little secret that sometimes I do feel lousy and inadequate and helpless but after my nightly prayers and some rest I'll be good to go tomorrow. I know The Lord will make up for my inadequacies.

That is all. Rant over.

Boco Baby Swaddle Blanket

Monty is pretty vain. I mean super vain... like he will spend an hour just smiling at himself in the mirror, talks just so he can hear himself and he LOVES selfies (that might be my fault)... so I thought I would support him in his narcissistic ways and get him a Personalized Boco Baby Swaddle blanket. 

I was pretty jazzed about the whole idea, Organic fabric, Monty's name all over it... what could be better?

  And then it came... I did the happy dance at the mailbox for a good 5 minutes. I ripped open the package and pulled it out and I have never felt such softness in my entire life not even when I would hug my grandma and accidentally grab the back of her arm.

Guys.. for real the softest material ever.

They aren't paying me to write this I just think when you get amazing customer service and a product is amazing, it should be known to the world. We got it this morning and we haven't stopped snuggling in it.

If you have a baby coming, or a family or friend having a little brat, this is the blanket to get them. Definitely one of my favorites. I love it so much that I talked them into giving my pals the opportunity for a discount! 

Go to their newly designed and oh so sleek website and use the code Lovelovelove and you will get 15% off your order. You guys! 15% off!! Hurry over and pick one up for your little person, for a friend with one on the way or maybe just order one for yourself!