Today's Happy Moments

We have coughs and colds again.
So we had some tired/cranky/not so happy moments.
But we definitely had some fabulous ones too:

The boys and I returned some items to the store. I LOVE when I realize I don't need something. It's such a great feeling to make that choice. Now I have to start doing it before I take the item home!

While we were out and about we found a Christmas present. The Christmas present for a little niece. Oh I can't wait to see her scream with excitement when she opens it. It's that good. Check. Another one off the list. I absolutely LOVE Christmas shopping!!

Weston lost his Spiderman a few months ago. A really cool, not so cheap Spiderman. We (meaning I) have searched high and low and it is not to be found. He has been pretty good about it and has been saying for the past month that he will ask Santa for it again. So today, while out and about, I found a great deal on an awesome Spiderman. Hmm....Weston was with me. I tried to hide it, but anyone who has ever shopped with a 3 year old knows that they see all... and I mean ALL!!!
But I couldn't pass up on this deal. It was TJMaxx...which, when you find one you aren't finding it again. So I had to get it. And despite me hiding it under the niece's gift, he did indeed see. And he got excited and thrilled and kept saying how he wanted to save it for Christmas.
So he knows and i hate that. But I love that he's excited and okay with saving it and that I got a great deal.

Jeff's class was cancelled. Always a happy moment when that happens. Daddy was home early. LOVE that.

At the end of the day we danced.
We each picked up a kiddo and twirled and swayed and waltzed ourselves into a fantastic family moment.
I wish we had the camera out to capture Tave's delighted squeals and Weston's belly laugh.
It was the highlight of my day.

After our dancing, as we were tucking each sweet little boy into their beds we heard a knock on the door.
Our home teacher brought us cupcakes. Of the Cupcake Chic variety.
Mmmm...my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
A few minutes later another knock on the door came from a wonderful friend dropping off some tasty halloween treats.
Wow. We are spoiled.
You can bet we'll be spreading some love around soon...it's definitely our turn to give!

SYTYCD

We've been watching auditions but, for me, the real show begins now!

I love when they have it narrowed down to the top 20 and we get to really see the dancers learn and grow and perform!

Tonights show got me so excited for the Season 5 Tour...we are going in a week and half and I can't wait!!!!

Snow

It snowed today.

The boys stared out the window and watched as the flakes got bigger and bigger.
Seeing their wonder and awe turned a gray, snowy, freezing cold day into something magical.
I love how my children help remind me of my childhood.
Of the beauty in small and simple things.
Of the joy in eating snowflakes and stomping on leaves.

It was a beautiful day.

Just because

I received a special little something in the mail today.
It was a 'just because' gift that made me smile and made my day.
Living far away from people you love can be hard.
It can be hard to see all the things they do together that you wish you were there for.
And sometimes- a little something in the mail can make all the difference.
Thank you. It means so much.

Dirty dishes

Our dishwasher is broken.
I have really really enjoyed having one.
But tonight as I stood at the sink- washing, rinsing, and loading the dishes onto the drying racks (the broken dishwasher)- I couldn't help but smile.
I remembered the countless days of washing dishes with my siblings.
Even if we had started the chore fighting, by the end of it we were singing and laughing.
We would rotate partners each week.
I remember Shawn belting out songs at the top of his lungs. Chatting with Chelsea and how she was always the 'rinser'. And Shar and I choosing sheet music ahead of time so we could sing together.
A lot of good memories come from doing the dishes.

And tonight was no exception.

I was able to watch Jeff and the boys chase each other, play, wrestle, and laugh. There is something so special about seeing a dad with his boys. I love those few moments when I take a backseat to the goings-on in our home. When I get to observe and appreciate the amazing people that live here with me.

That is worth all the dirty dishes in the world.

Sing & Dance

I will never, ever get tired of hearing my boys singing.
They both love music and love to dance.
I am so glad because it is something I have to do every single day.
We're going to start having a regular time for dance parties.
That way I remember to do them and it gets us all in a good mood for the evening!
So lets hear it...what are some of your favorite songs to dance to? I need some suggestions!

Missing

My cute cousin called me today. She had good news she wanted to tell me. And then of course, we just had to chat away. I love that girl. Very much.

I hung up with her feeling a bit sad that I live so far from many of the people I love. Sad that my kiddos won't really know some of the people who mean the most to me.

But I am ever so grateful that these wonderful people are a part of my life. That they have helped me become the person that I am.

And no matter how far away we are, I can still call them up and pick up right where we left off.

Just missing you.

Sleep Tight

Tave hasn't made a peep since we laid him down.
I hope my sweet boy sleeps through the night because
last night was tough. On all of us.
Sleep tight, my little man, sleep tight.