Currently

Y'all know I can't pass up a good currently post! Linking up with ANNE today to let you know what's currently happening in my world! 

Ordering...  School supplies! Did you know Target has a little gem called the school list assist? Get on the app, choose your school and grade, and your supply list automatically populates into your shopping cart! Awesome, awesome, awesome! I was so not looking forward to going into the store and fighting over Marble composition notebooks, pencils, crayons and glue sticks with all the other crazed moms! Instead, with a few clicks of my mouse, all my supplies were ready and waiting for me within an hour!  Find it HERE.

Pinning...  Chicken and zucchini recipes! Found THIS little gem the other day and made it for dinner. Delicious! 

Watching...Castle Rock on hulu. If you're a fan of LOST or any Stephen King books/movies, this is the show for you! I'm so excited to have something interesting to watch again! 

Counting...The days until we leave for vacation! Today makes 10. WOO HOO!  We are headed to the Southern Jersey Shore for a week and I cannot wait! 

Following...My stats to see if anyone is reading my blog!  As you can see I am back blogging at Life As I Know it. Manning the Middle is no more.  Hoping some of my readers come back to where it all began! 

Happy Wednesday friends!

In case you were wondering...

Let's just get into it, shall we?

The past 3 months have been shit.  My mom broke her arm.  My father in law had a stroke and is still in rehab.  My mother in law was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor and is currently receiving chemo and radiation.  My husband's grandmother died (while my mother in law was in the hospital recovering from brain surgery), and 3 weeks later his grandfather died.  We've spent more time at hospitals, rehabs and funerals in the past 3 months than we have in our entire 16 years of marriage.

It's been stressful.  It's still stressful but for the moment, things have settled down.  Or maybe we've just gotten used to the new normal.   Either way, we're doing OK.

So that's the shit.

Now for some good stuff. 😊

We put in a pool!  It's taking forever and it's still not finished, but we're in the home stretch!  

My little guy was born with an accessory tragus (aka ear tag), and his actual tragus was slighly misformed.  The plan has always been to have it removed the summer before he starts school.  Well, today was the day!  He had the accessory tragus removed, and his actual tragus reshaped to match his other ear.  This was his first time being put under anesthesia and his first hospital experience, so although it was a simple surgery, we were nervous!  Everything went well though and Alec did great!  Such a brave guy!  And we are so relieved to have the surgery done and behind us!

We are less than 2 weeks away from vacation!!  We are headed to Cape May for a week this year and although I'll miss Maine, I can't wait for some warmer weather and water!

Well friends, that about sums things up.  I hope to be back here a little more often and catch up with you all!  I've got a Friday Favorites post planned, so be sure to stop by!

xo,

K

TBB Vacation Edition!

1. Will you my go on a summer vacation this year?   

Yes!  We are headed back to Cape May (southern Jersey shore) for a week this August.  Can't wait to relax on the beach! 

2. Relax or pack it all in?

  If the kids are with us, pack it all in!  The more activities, the better!  When it's just me and hubby, I like to just relax (and take lots of naps!).

3.  What month do you like to vacation?

Ideally I would like to vacation EVERY month, but we usually end up taking our big summer vacation in August.

4. CRUISE?

I've never been on a cruise but really want to try one!

5. Favorite vacation tradition?  

Although we aren't going to Maine this year (we've been going every summer for about 15 years now) my favorite vacation tradition is stopping at the Bread & Roses bakery in Ogunquit, ME for a sweet treat!  We also ALWAYS stop at Bob's Clam Hut on our first day of vaca for fried clams.

6. Most memorable vacation? 

 My most memorable vacation would have to be Disney.  But not for the usual reasons people find a Disney vacation memorable.  Mine was memorable because my kids were sick and miserable, security was called to our room, and I was vomited on not once but twice!  You can see how sick my little Alec was in these pics :(

7.  Pack light or pack it all?

Pack it all of course! 

8.  House, condo or hotel?

House with the kids, hotel with just the hubby.

9.  Favorite thing to eat on vacation ?Umm, everything??  Vacation is time to splurge!

10.  Warm or cold destinations?

Both!  I love me some snow!

Yup, it's me!

I'm back!  I'm back!
I'm leaving Manning the Middle behind and coming back to my roots!
New posts coming soon!
In the meantime, be sure to follow me on IG @ 518nymammaof2

Can't wait to pick up where we left off...
See ya soon!

K

Don't forget!

Don't forget!
If you were following me here at Life As I Know it, you can now follow me over at my new blog, Manning the Middle!
www.manningthemiddle.com

Hope to see you over there!!

An Announcement!!

You may have noticed my posts have been rather sparse for the past few months.
Why is that, you ask?  Well, life is busy is the first reason, and the second reason is, I just wasn't feeling Life As I Know it anymore.  I still wanted to blog, I still wanted to connect with my blogger friends and readers. But at this point in my life, Life as I Know it didn't seem like the right place to do it anymore.
So here comes the announcement.

After much thought and deliberation, I decided to start a new big girl blog!
You can now find me at Manning the Middle!
My website is easy to remember...  www.manningthemiddle.com


Why Manning the Middle?  What exactly am I manning??
Well, middle age (even though 40 is the new 20!), middle class living, my ever expanding middle (waistline), the mid point between sanity and insanity where I currently reside (I joke, kind of).
We'll also talk getting physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy, the ups and downs of motherhood and marriage, and of course, lots of fun stuff like Friday Favorites!

So, I hope you will join me at my new home on the internet!
Subscribe, follow me on bloglovin, or just stop by every once in a while!
I can't wait to see you over there!

www.manningthemiddle.com

Friday Favorites..The busy time

I'm officially deeming the next 2 months as "the busy time."  We've got 1 kid in travel soccer, another in Tball, Mother's and Father's day activities, Memorial Day, field trips, and the end of the school year.   We are busy little bees here!  Thank goodness for my planner or I'd be lost!

Although we're super busy, we're also having lots of FUN!  Here are a few favorites from the past couple weeks.

1.  4 year olds playing Tball
The cuteness is rivaled only by 4 year olds playing soccer!

2. Soccer
Indoor soccer is fine, but I'm glad the outdoor season has started up.  There's just something that excites me about outdoor games!  My son has made so much progress in the last few months.  It's a joy to watch his games!

3.  Anniversary trip
Remember how I said it's the busy time? Well, we were able to squeeze in a quick overnight to Lake Placid to celebrate our 15 year anniversary .  And when I say squeeze, I mean it!  We left from a T ball game on Saturday and stopped along the way home for a soccer game on Sunday.  Even though it was a brief get away, we still had a great time and got some much needed R&R.

4.  Anniversary flowers
How gorgeous are these?  I didn't even know they could write on flowers!  Hubby did good :)

5. Wonderful Luciana
So I've considered getting a house cleaner several times, but never pulled the trigger.  I didn't really know if it was worth the money, and honestly the thought of it made me feel like a bit of a failure (why can't I stay on top of cleaning my own home??).  Well, I got over all that and hired Luciana and I'm so glad I did!  We are only having her come once a month, but she does all the deep cleaning I never get around to (couldn't even tell you the last time my baseboards and blinds were cleaned before we had Luciana!) which allows me to just "maintain" our home between her visits.  It has been wonderful and has actually relieved some of my stress!  100% worth the money!  So if you've been on the fence about hiring a house cleaner, I encourage you to DO IT!  We all deserve a Luciana in our lives!

I hope you all have a super weekend and some gorgeous weather!  We've got Tball on Friday followed by a fun Cinco de Mayo dinner with friends, some outdoor home projects on Saturday and soccer on Sunday. That is, if the rain holds out!  Fingers crossed!

Linking up with Andrea, Erika and Narci!

Friday Favorites!

It's been a while since I've linked up with Andrea, Erika and Narci for Friday Favorites, so I'm extra excited to be here today!  I would also like to say that a Friday UNFAVORITE is that we are supposed to get 3-5 inches of snow today!  All the snow from the last storm hasn't even melted yet!  You know I love winter, but I am soo over it right now.  It's almost April and I am ready for spring!

But on to the favorites!

Number 1:  Girls weekend!
My friend Amy and I took a little trip to Newport, RI this past weekend.  We shopped, got massages, relaxed, and ate way too much delicious food.  It was perfect!   We also enjoyed "high tea" which is something I've always wanted to do!

Number 2: A good book (or 2)

I have read some good books this week!  I stayed up way too late finishing them and almost fell asleep at my desk, but it was worth it!  Tuesday night I read Everything We Keep and Wednesday it was After I Do.  When I get into a good book, I just can't put it down!

Number 3: This.  

Number 4:  And this.
Because FOR REAL Y'ALL.

Number 5: These Easy USA flip flops

Who doesn't like rhinestones and flowers?!  I think these are super cute!  If you love 'em too, check out the Amazon link RIGHT HERE.

Number 6:  A new wreath

I just love this Easter wreath I got from At Home.  It looks much better and brighter in person than it does in the picture.  And speaking of At Home, how have I lived without this store for 40 years??  And how did I not know they opened one 20 minutes from me??  

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my favorites of the week!  I hope your weekend is fabulous!   We've got soccer games, some home organization projects, and then a date night planned for my hubby's birthday...a couples massage and dinner at a Brazilian restaurant!

xo

What's up Wednesday!

Linking with Shay, Shaeffer, and Mel today for What's up Wednesday!!

What I'm.....

Eating:  Do you love skinnytaste.com as much as I do?  This week I made the skillet chicken cordon bleu and OH MY it was delish! 

http://www.skinnytaste.com/skillet-chicken-cordon-bleu/

Loving:  That Nick is reading in bed at night.  I love that my boy is finding joy in reading!

Dreading: The potential snow we may be getting on Friday.

Working On:  Hiring a cleaning person.  I’m pulling the trigger!  

Excited About:  Some fun girls’ nights in the works.  We’ve got a casino night planned, and a day trip to NYC to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!

Reading:  Last night I read Everything We Keep and I LOVED it.  I’ve seen mixed reviews...it seems like you either love it or hate it.  This book kept me interested right from the first sentence (which is a rarity)!  If you haven’t read it, I suggest you pick it up!

Next up on my list is After I Do.  Anyone read it??

via http://www.kerrylonsdale.com

  

Watching:  Well, we are all caught up on the Walking Dead, so now we are watching old Twin Peaks episodes in preparation for the re-boot coming out!  And next week, Better Call Saul starts back up.  Woo hoo!!

Doing this weekend:  Soccer games, then a night out with the hubby for his birthday.  We’re doing a couples’ massage and dinner at a Brazilian restaurant.

Looking forward to next month:  Easter!  And hopefully some warmer weather.  I know I said I love winter, but I am ready for it to be over!  No more snow please!!!

Royally Waiting!

Today I am super excited to be linking up Shelly, Holly and Katy for their ROYALLY WAITING link up!

 Currently, I am....

Waiting on:  My husband to paint the upstairs!  I’ve only been waiting 5 years, but he says he’s going to do it in the next couple of weeks (because I threatened to hire a painter).  We shall see!  I’m getting real tired of my master bedroom being boring white.

Thinking about:  All the snow out there.  Holy cow.  We got about 18 inches yesterday, but that’s nothing compared to what my parents got... over 30 inches!!  That’s a lot of snow, people!

Also... about hiring a cleaner.  Once the upstairs finally gets painted, I’m doing it.  I just can’t keep up with it.  I work full time, have 2 young kids, and much of our weekends are taken up with sports.  There just isn’t enough time in the day for me to do that deep cleaning that needs to get done.  NOW... to find someone reliable and trustworthy!

Going:  To Rhode Island next weekend with my girlfriend!  No hubbys, no kids.  Just relaxation, massages, eating, drinking, and shopping!

Reading:  Getting ready to read And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer.  Just gotta get my tissues ready!

Planning:  An overnight trip for our anniversary in May.  15 years!!

Wearing:  Boots and scarves!!  It’s been cold here!

Loving:  The extra hour of daylight in the evening!  Not loving:  Getting up an hour earlier than I was a week ago! 

Drinking:  Water.  Yup, I’m trying.  Also Starbucks Chai Tea Latte.

Watching:  Walking Dead!  We are finally current and now I am sad there are no more episodes to binge watch!  We actually have to WAIT until Sunday for a new episode! 

Thanks for stopping by!  Come back soon! 

What's up Wednesday!

Linking up with Mel, Shay and Shaeffer today for their What's Up Wednesday series!

Here's what we're.....

EATING:  I'm finishing up my Home Chef box.  So far, it's been a winner!  I've tried Hello Fresh and Home Chef, and I think I prefer Home Chef.  The meal selections are just more in line with what I like.
Want $30 off your first box??  Just use my referral link!
https://www.homechef.com/invite/jp8B2towQ40E

REMINISCING ABOUT:  Our trip to Disney.   A few of my friends are at Disney right now for winter break, and I have to admit, I am jealous!

LOVING:  These warmer temps.  It's going to be 61 here tomorrow!  I've had my snow, now bring on spring!

BEEN UP TO:  Lots of soccer tournaments, birthday parties, and pinning!

DREADING:  Cleaning.  The boys' rooms are disasters!

WORKING ON:  My Happiness Lists journal.  If you don't have one, grab one!

EXCITED ABOUT:  Going to the movies with Nick today to see Lego Batman.

WATCHING/READING:  Watching- lots and lots of Walking Dead!  We've been binge watching on Netflix and are on Season 6.  What a great show!    Reading- Getting ready to read "The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper."    

LISTENING TO:  80's and 90's tunes.  Nothing current on the radio is striking my fancy right now.

WEARING:  Some new Lularoe pieces I picked up, and Old Navy.  I go in phases with Old Navy.  As in, I don't like a thing they have for several years, and then I love them.  Right now, I'm loving them again.

DOING THIS WEEKEND:  Soccer (of course), cleaning, dinner out, and maybe a day trip to see the in-laws.  

LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:  Trip to Newport, RI with one of my besties!  We are staying at an awesome hotel and will be hitting the spa, shopping, and eating our faces off!  I can't wait!

www.hotelviking.com

WHAT ELSE IS NEW:  I've got our spring and summer family trips planned.  We'll be heading to Great Wolf Lodge, Wildwood, and Maine this year.  Can't wait!