Vacation blur

It's so crazy how you can look forward to a vacation for so long, then it comes and in a blink of an eye, you are back to reality. Granted this was a quick trip, but we've been back for a week and it already seems a distant memory... boo! Anna was under the weather and so I was consumed with worrying about her and her meds, etc. However, the weather was beautiful, Madelyn literally didn't leave the pool, we had a few dates and had fun catching up with Gramma and Grandpa. Even though we jumped right back into our routine and I'm looking forward to our next break... it was short but SO sweet! And, now it's March :) So, that means warmer weather isn't too far away! 

Some pictures from our travels - Happy Hump Day! 

~ Finding Happy ~

So, we're back from our mini vacation. It was a nice trip, but I'd be lying if I said it was all the relaxation and rest we were hoping for. Anna came down with strep on Thurs/Fri and didn't really respond to the meds. So, after 4 full days of a fever over 103, and her demeanor at an all time low, we took her to the ER on Sunday night to be checked. Our first hospital visit, in the books. Thankfully, she is totally fine but the poor kid didn't really feel better and wake up happy, until yesterday when it was time to come home. We got little sleep, and only 2 hours at the beach the whole trip. We did go out to a movie (Lion - SO good!) lunch and dinner and even dragged the unhappy camper on a dolphin cruise - which was so fun :) So, we made the best of it.

One afternoon, I popped on Facebook and was immediately immersed in this post - finding happy. It literally had me at the first paragraph... she was describing ME, and instantly I felt a little more human for the inner struggle I'd been having over the last few months. I realized it recently one of our snow days, where, without intention, I put my phone aside and I just played with the girls all day. I laughed more than I had recently, they had a blast and it was a stress free day for all of us. Since that day, I've tried to be more present and hide my stress from them a bit and I honestly feel like their behavior has been better because of it. Even with the stress of Anna being so under the weather on vacation, we had a lot of laughs and fun with Madelyn. I joked we even had a 5 hour "date" with Anna at the hospital, where she fully enjoyed the full Mommy and Daddy attention.

We have a very, very busy month coming up, and I'm sure we'll be feeling the stress of it. I will definitely be keeping all this in mind and trying to find things daily to make me happy, and in turn a happy mom. And, when I can't keep it together, I'll know I'm not alone :)

Happy Thursday! XO

Happy Love Day!

My day was made, bright and early when I realized that we weren't sharing our bed with the girls this morning - they both slept through the night, soundly in their beds! And in turn, Madelyn came bounding down the stairs with the biggest grin, and threw herself on me in the BIGGEST hug ever, saying - Happy Valentine's Day Mommy. The girl literally has a heart of gold, as sweet as anything, but I can't tell you the last time I got such a sweet hug from her. Day, made. She seems to have decided this is her new favorite holiday, and she was ecstatic to get to school and celebrate with her friends. We don't go out to eat that often, and randomly Madelyn requested we do that tonight and get ice cream after... Brian didn't argue - so I'm thrilled about that too :)

Wishing you an extra special day of all good things and happy heart!

Bonita Springs, Florida

On Saturday, we're headed to Florida and I am beyond excited. The last vacation that I had was in August, a week after I had dislocated my shoulder, and the trip was shortened because of it. So, I'm feeling extra ready for this mini break! We'll get there Saturday night and come home Wednesday. Now that we're in the school system, our schedule revolves around their schedule :) We try to get down to visit my in laws once a winter.  We've gone over NYE and once over Thanksgiving but traditionally we go in early January after the holiday craziness. This year, we planned it during Madelyn's first winter break. Thankfully it still came up quickly, even though its much later than normal. I'm hoping that it'll be a little warmer than our normal visits, as we've been known to wear sweatshirts and slippers on our trips!

We fly in and out of Fort Myers, which is such a nice airport and only 15 minutes from their house. Two years ago, the girls were so bad on the flight I swore we would never.fly.again. This time they are good ages for sitting and movie watching (at least I'm praying that's the case!) Their development is close to everything - the mall for shopping, restaurants, movies and last but not least - coffee :) The beach is a short drive away, as is Brian's favorite - the beautiful golf course that they belong to - Calusa Pines. Naples is beautiful and also only a short drive from their house, so for a date day or day trip adventure, we like to go there too! It's just such a pretty area, and with an amazing Zoo and Children's Museum, it's so fun for the kiddos too! 

We have a very busy Spring, so this falls at a great time and I'm anxiously counting down the days. I haven't packed, tried on summer stuff or any of that. I don't even care if I put my bathing suit on while we're there. A few days catching up with family and having no schedule, will do this Mama good!!

Calusa Pines - One of the Top 100 courses in the US

Coconut Point Mall 

Bonita Beach

M + A on our 2016 trip... little babes!

Happy Monday and sunny, warm vibes to you! 

XO

Last weekend <<< sigh >>>

Last weekend was just one of those weekends that was so nice, and sort of unexpectedly relaxing and enjoyable. It was so nice, that it gave me a serious case of the Sunday blues because I didn't want it to end. We didn't have a lot going on and it was perfect that way. We did some stuff around the house, the girls played nicely all.weekend.long and we just sort of hung out. We went out on Saturday to this adorable little event in Stamford - where we took a horse drawn carriage ride around the park. There were fire pits, smores, music and the cutest little jaunt around the park. It was FREEZING but such a fun outing. Dinner out followed of course, and that's always a win in my book! I don't even think I left the house on Sunday - score! Top that all off, with an EPIC Super Bowl win by the Patriots, and the Gergi were a happy bunch!

We're expecting a decent snow storm tomorrow and I'm totally hoping for another day at home with my little crew! Jammies, hot cocoa, movies and snow angels - prettttty please!?

Happy Hump Day!

Painting

As I've gotten older and as a homeowner, I have a greater appreciation for the DIY projects my parents always did around the house when I was growing up. I can't remember a time that my Dad mowed the lawn himself ;) BUT they always did the painting, wallpaper and/or small electrical and plumbing things themselves. I wont dare attempt any minor plumbing or electrical things myself, and Brian - no way, but painting, you betcha!

Like my parents, I find it sort of relaxing and nothing beats the (instant) gratification of the finished product! My most recent project was our "master" bath, which I shared here. I have to admit since we've been living in it and using it, I really love how it came together (insert - pat on my back). So, fresh off that high, and after helping my sister at her new house over the weekend, I came home and started on another project I'd been contemplating! (cant.stop.wont.stop)

Our downstairs bath is a smallish 3-piece-bath. Neutral tile floor, and white walls, with a blah grey tile surround and tub. The small vanity and mirror were an oak, and in bad shape. I knew making them white would significantly improve the look of the room. Since painting the other vanity was a success, I had no hesitations do this one. The only thing I didn't expect, was how badly I'd feel the need to paint the walls once it was done. Aside from the grey, the space felt very sterile. So off to pinterest I went :) 

BEFORE

MID Project - vanity painted.... now what on the walls?!

And... AFTER:

Painting a dark color is no joke. I took my time and spread it out over a few nights and I'm pretty excited about the result. It's the first time in any home, I've done a dark color on the wall. Right before I started Brian said "mark my word, I am against this, I do not want navy." I said sorry, and got to painting. Sometimes, you just have to stick to your gut :) I need things on the wall and I'm debating adding a valance but I smile when I walk by my latest update. Now..... what's next?!

TGIF - all good vibes for a wonderful weekend! 

XO

Agida

I have agida. The urban dictionary defines as - Italian-American slang for heartburn but it can also mean mental aggravation. The word is Italian-American slang derived from the Italian "agitare" meaning "to agitate.  I don't know if this would be classified as impatience or what, but not having our house decorated, things on the walls or windows is giving me serious agida. It feels undone (because it is) and not quite homey (to me). Yet, my mom and mother-in-law recently commented on how much we've done since we moved in. HAHA! I'm not sure if its a criticism or compliment, although from my mom its followed up with a "you need to slow down, stop trying to do so much." But the blank walls and empty windows are almost at the point of making me lose sleep. Are you getting a kick out of how crazy I am?! So you know what I'm talking about, look at the big blank walls in these photos (AHHH!). No paint AND nothing hanging on them - double whammy.

Part of my hold up is that I need design help on what should go where, the other might be the budget (all new stuff = $$$$$), and the last - probably the time and energy to do the hanging late at night. The really interesting thing, is that I'm not that organized. I'm not even sure I know where the kids birth certificates and our passports are. There are toys everywhere, bills have  4 different "spots" that they get placed, so its nothing short of a miracle that we pay them all on time and have amazing credit. That said, blank walls and not being fully decorated, are enough to throw me over the edge. Go figure, right?? So, there is my confession and I hope you don't have a lot of mental aggravation, but if you do - use the word agida, it's more fun :) 

Here a few pictures of walls in our house that DO have something on them, and as you can imagine, make me very, very happy each time I'm near them :)