Happy 4th Birthday Saidey Bug

Saidey,

Today, you turn another year older. I just wanted to share a few things about you that I hope you will love to read about when you're older. I'm sure you may roll your eyes too, when I say that I just can't believe you are FOUR YEARS old. The last four years have FLOWN by and while my mama heart is so sad to see those baby years fly by, I know there are still SO many exciting firsts for you. Because, with every year you grow older, comes new firsts. First day of school, first loose tooth, first time you ride your bike without training wheels, first time you go to a sleepover all by yourself... I could go on and on. So, I will remember that as we celebrate your birthday this weekend.

Happy 7th Birthday Sophia Rose

Sophia,

You're turning 7 this year and I can hardly believe it ( I know, I know, I say this every year!) And like years before, you amaze me with your ability to turn me to mush with one look into those big, brown, almost black eyes of yours. As each year goes by, you are turning into one lovely, simply amazing young lady. You feel BIG and you love BIG. You do everything with such intention and grace and can get frustrated if you don't get something right away. This can be hard for you but you are working really hard to keep preserving, even if you get frustrated. 

Our Florida Adventure

We're back from Florida and what a fun time we all had! I thought a week would be too long but boy, was I wrong! The week absolutely FLEW by and we had the best time with our family!

I'll be sharing a post later in the week specifically about our Disney adventure, so be on the lookout for that!

A Magical Unicorn 4th Birthday Party

Happy Monday friends! I'm finally posting about Saidey's birthday party! It was a super fun day and my lack of pictures shows that. Some of the pictures aren't the best but the joy and happiness shows through. =)

February Goals

Hey friends! It's another Monday and of course, I'm behind on sharing my monthly goals with y'all! But- HELLOOOO February! So good to see you! January went by like a whirlwind.

We had a great weekend, no set plans so we did the usual- a trip to Target, HyVee, and did a few things around the house.

Friday night we headed up to Ames to the ISU gymnastics night. They had Daddy/Daughter princess night but we all decided to go. The girls loved it and got to walk in the "Princess Parade" before the meet. I love taking the girls to Ames and sharing my love for the Cyclones with them.

Saidey kept asking "Why that bird dancing, he supposed to be angry!" She thought he looked like an angry bird from the movie!

Sophia loves Cy-cones! =)

So does Saidey!

And then on Saturday we watched the Cyclones Men's bball team take down Kansas! WOO HOO!!

Let's take a look back at my January goals and how I did:

1. Get office furniture: SEMI check! I got a couch and some cute accent chairs. I still am on a hunt for a desk, desk chair, a shelf, and of course, some decor.

I got two of these chairs and am going to create a cozy, sitting spot in my office

After sending these to the wrong address, (just to the neighbors across the street) I got my business cards in the mail! Feeling official now! =)

2. Credentialing- I have my applications sent in for the companies I want to start with. One of them has progressed to the second step so that's good news.

3. Trips- No progress. We haven't even touched this subject yet... hopefully more to come on that in February!

4. Organize: This month, I decided to tackle the girls' bathroom vanity. It was a mess of lotions, bows and headbands. I picked up a few storage containers from the Container Store and got to work. I'm super happy with how it turned out and it's functionality.

An organizers dream come true! =)

We were in really poor shape under their vanity...

A mess of pony tail holders, headbands and bows

The angels are singing!

Everything has a place!

These storage containers can be found HERE

So, now for my FEBRUARY goals!

1. Valentine's- We decided on these for the girls school... super easy and they can help me assemble! The finger lights were SUPER cheap on Amazon as well as the self sealing envelopes. I just need to get the cards printed and we're good to go!

We have 5 teacher gifts to do and I'm thinking I'm going to do this:

I think this is super simple to put together and can be reasonable on the wallet, too. 

2. Organize- I'm going to tackle another area of our home this month- I just haven't decided which one! Our basement storage area is a HUGE goal but to be honest, I'm putting it off! Check back here next month to see which area I chose! ( I know, I know, I'm letting myself off the hook by not choosing a specific spot now #donttellonme)

3. Plan Saidey's birthday party- Saidey's birthday is towards the end of March, but I'll need to start putting some ideas together. We've decided on a magical unicorn party. You can see my Pinterest inspiration here:

4. Trip- We're thinking of an adult only trip to Chicago this Spring to celebrate Will's graduate program graduation. He is SO close to being done and will have his master's degree- so proud of him. We also want to start planning a family trip for the Summer, too. 

4. Get a trim! I've been growing my hair out for about 7-9 months now and I got it trimmed FOREVER ago and so I really need to just get an appointment scheduled to get it trimmed. 

This was a picture of me at this time, last year:

woah- hello close up! But look at that SHORT hair!! 

AND NOW! I can't believe the difference! My goal is to grow it out to right above my chest, maybe longer, we'll just have to wait and see. I've been THIS close to chopping it all off again several times throughout this process.

Alright, so there's my FEBRUARY goals! 

Happy Monday- I'll be back later in the week sharing my FIVE mama must haves! 

Thanks for visiting! 

PS. I'm linking up for the first time for Mom Life Mondays! Check out all the other amazing blogs and mamas! 

xoxo

Kids and Technology: KidloLand App

Love it or hate it, one thing is for sure: technology is here to stay. The way I've always dealt with technology and screen time is with a little bit of balance and knowing that there's a time and place for everything. Technology has a TON of advantages and with an IT nerd for a husband, fact is- our kids are around technology and will be for the unforeseen future.

We aren't super strict with screen time rules in our house- there are days that we all watch more TV or are on our Ipads more than others. Some days, especially a lazy Sunday- the girls will play games or watch movies, or worse- watch kids YouTube- you know the videos mamas- surprise eggs-for a few hours. But then, there are some days that the Ipads or screens are put up and aren't given a second thought. See? Balance!

With that, there is a balance of apps/games and what they watch as well. Some apps and videos are purely for entertainment purposes- I'm looking at you surprise egg videos- but one of the several advantages that technology has to offer us, are all the amazing educational apps that are now available. I believe a mixture of learning opportunities available to kiddos, in a variety of formats is important. So, I also believe that technology definitely has its place in education. One app in particular that I've recently discovered is KidloLand. With over 1,000 nursery rhymes, songs, stories and games it's just the thing that Saidey (3 years) loves to play. It's eye catching, rhythmic and colorful and there are so many things to choose from! It's also super easy to navigate and Saidey was able to move around with ease once I showed her where everything was. Even my oldest, Sophia, was into playing the games! I definitely recommend this app for your preschooler- and Saidey gives it a TWO THUMBS UP! =)

Here are just a few ways we manage technology in our home

1) Preview any games/apps 

Whenever we purchase an app/game, I always play with it first. I do this for a few reasons, the first being so that I can make sure it's appropriate and kid friendly- you just never know! The second reason is so that I can help the girls if they get stuck on something- I'll know my way around the app/game

2.) Ask first

We have a rule that if they would like screen time, that they ask first. My kiddos do really great with this. Usually, if they ask, I have no problem with them having some time on the Ipad- but if I do say no, I try to offer an alternative activity or at least tell them when they can have it next.

3.) Screen time last

This is a great rule of thumb- the girls know that if they ask for the Ipad, I usually will ask, "Have you done X yet?" If the answer is no, they know that they need to complete X before they get screen time. For example, usually in the mornings, we allow screen time for Sophia IF she is dressed and her teeth and hair are brushed. If those things are crossed off and we have time, she is allowed 10-15 minutes of screen time before we leave for the day.

4.) Engage in other play

A lot of times for us, screen time increases when I'm busy doing other stuff. There goes my idea of not using screens as a babysitter ;) There are days when I feel like they've had A LOT of extra screen time and I've been busy cleaning or doing laundry or whatever else needs to be done, that I will sort wave the flag and declare us ALL to do something together- usually a game or an art project. I've found that while I don't think they need entertained by me 24/7, screen time goes down considerably when I'm engaged in an activity with them or at least get them started in an activity.

Saidey LOVED the alphabet tracing!! 

Tell me, how do you manage screen time at your home? What educational apps do you love! Please share below! 

**This is a sponsored post, meaning that I was given a product in exchange for me to  review the product. Although this is a sponsored post, all opinions are my own. 

Top 16 Moments of 2016

Another year has flown by and when I reflected back on the year- so many memories came to mind that I truly will treasure forever. 2016 was a big year for us- full of celebrations and time spent with family. Sure, there were hard moments and sad moments but the memories that stick out are the ones that were full of laughter and love. And isn't that a great reminder? That even in the worst situation, just when you think you won't get out of it, God always has a way of getting you through and there is always a rainbow at the other side.

I don't remember the time when Saidey had a tantrum in Target and I had to carry her out to the car or the time that Sophia slammed her door and declared me the worst mommy ever because I wouldn't let her do something. No, I remember the hugs, the smiles, and the complete unconditional love that happened in 2016.

Check out my favorite memories from 2015! 

So, without further ado- here are my top 16 moments of 2016!

1.) In January, I joined an incredible group of mamas over at Des Moines Moms Blog and really stepped outside of my comfort zone. This was for sure a FAVORITE part of 2016 and I can't wait to continue this journey into 2017!

Here is my first post I wrote for DMMB

2.) Celebrating Saidey's 3rd birthday party was an absolute favorite! I love celebrations and love making the day special!

3.) I discovered a love for chalk paint. I did a makeover on our dining table and chairs. I was SOOOO scared to start but once I started, I was trying to think of all the things I could cover with chalk paint!

Before

After (first coat only)

Chairs

I have several projects I'd like to start in 2017 and can't wait to figure out which one I want to tackle first! 

4.) Mother's Day was a favorite moment! 

5.) My sister and I are 8 years apart. It was a favorite moment to see her walk across the stage and earn her Bachelor's degree from Drake University

6.) Memorial Day 2016 was a favorite moment

7.) Between swimming lessons and swimming at my mom's pool- Summer 2016 included goggles, lots of towel and swim suit washings and of course sunscreen. Pool time was a definite favorite this Summer!

8.) Our trip to Italy in July was an absolute FAVORITE!

You can see posts about our trip here, here, and here! 

9.) Celebrating this girl's SIXTH birthday flamingo style was a FAVORITE

10.) In July, we also decided to put our townhome of 7 years on the market! 

It sold in 7 days!

11.) As always, going to the Iowa State Fair (twice!) was a favorite 

12.) We decided to take a break from all the packing and took the girls to Adventureland, our local amusement park. This brought back so many memories from childhood for me and the best part?! I got to take Sophia on her first BIG rollercoaster! I was so proud of her and it was such a favorite moment! 

13.) Turning 30 brought some reservations but it turned out to be a pretty great day

14.) In September, we moved and settled into our new home. ALL of it was a FAVORITE! Well, except the packing and the unpacking =) 

One last picture in front of Unit 72

Saying goodbye to our sweet townhome 

And hello to our new home!

15.) With a new home, the outside work took some getting used to. But this moment was a favorite and I have a feeling we'll have a lot more favorite moments working outside together as a family!

16.) Christmas in a new home certainly was a FAVORITE 

Tell me, what were some of YOUR favorite moments from 2016?

Wishing you a very HAPPY NEW YEAR! Bring it on 2017! =)