Overwhelmed

I need to post this to remember this time of my life when I felt the most overwhelmed I have ever felt in my life. It's so crazy being a control person but not having any control over situations. God has that control and I am learning each and every day to just pray and trust his path for myself and my family.

Last weekend was a great weekend. We enjoyed visiting our WI family and watching Tate play in the annual Neenah Streetball 3 on 3 Basketball tournament. It's something he has done since I have known him and it's an annual event we go back for every June if our schedule allows. It's in his hometown and he's played with his friends since high school (heck may even be middle school) but it's something he truly enjoys. It's one of those things I could see them playing until they were 50 (they have different leagues for age and level of competition).

Best friends reunited with their minis

Well..this year, they won. They got first play in their bracket and we were all so excited for the guys! Tate's won before, but never with these other 3 he played with so it was fun since they guys have played together the last few years. 

The bad news...Tate tore his Achilles during the championship game. Me not being a medical person I thought this was in his knee, not his ankle so I was thinking it was strange that the medical person was wrapping his ankle. haha. But then I learned what it was, the recovery and rehab needed and started to panic. Insert 'OVERWHELMING' feeling. (For others that don't know what the Achilles is...it's those tendons on the back of your ankle...OUCH).

Tate saw a doctor yesterday and sure enough, it is torn. Surgery is set for this Thursday. He really wants to be in a walking boot by the time this baby is born. I'm trying really hard to stay positive through all of this. It's difficult but I do NOT plan to sulk and feel sorry for myself. I not only now have a toddler to take care of by myself, I have to tend to Tate's needs and still take care of myself and continue to grow a healthy baby inside of me. 

The to do list is still never ending and now I have a laid up husband who can't do much to help. We did figure out some ways for him to help last night until his leg fell asleep. I just plan to let a lot of things go and know that everything can't be done. I am thankful that it's only a torn tendon and not anything that took him from me. I still have my husband, just a handicap version for a while.

So if you could say a lil' prayer that Tate has a great surgery on Thursday, that God gives me the strength to get through this overwhelming time and patience that I will need...I would be forever grateful. I know we will be fine...If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Weekends are F-U-N

This weekend was a busy one and my body felt it. I woke up this morning feeling so sore and I can tell I just did too much. At 30 weeks pregnant tomorrow (31 if you want to use the doctors measurement that I am 1 week bigger), you would think there would be some slowing down, but slowing down is for the old :) There is just too much to get done before this baby comes.

Saturday was a day of all sorts of fun. It started with the first birthday of this cutie...Mr. Lofton. It was so fun getting together with all our friends and see all the kids interact because they are now getting to that age where they don't just sit and stare...they actually play together!

After having so much fun at the birthday party, I parted ways with my boys and headed down to Dodge Center to attend a fundraiser for an awesome friend! Lauren and her husband Jesse are a couple I adore and will do whatever to support them to achieve their goal of starting a family of their own. I had lots of fun, won 1 of my silent auction items, purchased some headbands from the store just in case we have a girl and ate delicious pizza and fat Linda bars :) 

Upstairs of Coops Event Barn where the fundraiser took place (owned by Lauren's parents)

Downstairs. So beautiful! I loved it!!!!

After hanging out for a bit, I then headed over to my bestie's home to meet the newest addition to her family, Crosby James. He was born on 5/6 and is the first boy for the couple (they have 3 girls). I forget how small newborns are so holding him felt so nerve wrecking because he was so small compared to my 30lb almost 2 year old. 

Rylee is one proud big sister!!!

I finally got home around 10 and hit the sack soon after. Sunday I knew I wanted to get lots of stuff done around the house. The list of things to get done before baby #2 arrives is getting smaller, but will continue to only get smaller if we actually get stuff done. First Turner and I went to church while Tate ran to work for a bit and then I had him stop at Ikea to pick up a piece of furniture for the nursery. After I put Turner down for nap, I started priming the closet doors that were a golden oak for our entry way and priming trim pieces. It was a day of off and on rain so it was perfect to stay inside and get things done. Tate caulked the upstairs window and after Turner woke up, we did more cleaning of the office since that will become Turner's room in a couple weeks. Turner helps us my playing with the closet doors (he's obsessed with doors) and moving items around that we asked of him (he's at the age where he loves helping us). 

After Turner went to bed...I got to painting the first coat on the closet doors and trim and Tate took Mya for a run. I got the first coat all done by 9:15 and I decided instead of hitting up the gym in the morning, I was going to wake up and paint instead because I really want to get it done. So I was up at 5:30 painting the 2nd coat on the doors and some trim. I didn't get the 2nd coat all done so I will be doing the rest tonight after Turner goes to bed. 

And this is why my weekend was F-U-N....time spent with my family and friends and getting house stuff done....total win win!!!

Ed's Engagement Weekend

What a weekend.

We knew this weekend was going to happen since August and to have it finally be here and now over with...is so surreal.

Tate's best friend shared with us back in August he wanted to propose to his girlfriend...and he wanted it to be in MN with all of us there (he lives in Milwaukee)!! I didn't believe the  news @ first because I honestly thought it would take Ed forever to find 'the one'! Well...he found his one and true love and she said YES!!!

Ed had Tate help him plan the evening along with Ed's good friend that lives in MN, Amy. He rented a private room @ The Prohibition. He asked Jennessa's best friends (4 of them) to come to MN for the event. They all did which was awesome. 1 from LA, 1 from Texas, 1 from Chicago and the other from Milwaukee. All of Ed's good friends came to town for the proposal also...South Dakota, Illinois and then the rest of us already lived in MN.

Jennessa (in red) and her best friends

Ed and his boys!

Ed and Jennessa flew in Friday afternoon and had a fun night catching up with friends. Saturday afternoon they came to our house to hang out with us and Turner. In Jennessa's mind this was the only time she was going to see us until the Vikings vs Packers game on Sunday. They left and it was time for Tate and I to get ready. My mom was here to watch Turner so we decided to have ourselves a little date night before the celebration! 

We enjoyed sushi at Crave before the party. We got to The Prohibition and enjoyed seeing everyone before the couple arrived. Ed and Jennessa went to dinner before and Ed kept texting Tate that he couldn't eat or drink because he was so nervous.

The couple finally arrived. We had her best friends standing right @ the entrance of the private room so that she would see them right away, hug them and that would give Ed a chance to get down on one knee. She was so excited to see her friends and Ed nervously got down on one knee. He was shaking, it was adorable.

She was SO SURPRISED. She was not expecting this at all...which it makes it so much better. We celebrated the night away. So much fun!!!

The happy and super adorable couple!

We partied the night away. Stayed out longer than I have in a really long time! Didn't get to bed until past 2 am and I knew we had to wake early in the morning not only because of our lil' guy....but also because we were planning on going to the Vikings vs Packers football game.

We met up in the morning for some good breakfast and bloody's. Then cheered on the Vikings (Tate, Ed & Jennessa cheered on the Packers) on the beautiful day. So perfect for an outdoor football game. 

Even though I was disappointed that the Vikings lost, it was a good game that really came down to the end. 

It was such a fun weekend and now we can't wait for the wedding! So so so happy for Ed that God brought Jennessa into his life! These 2 are perfect for each other and I am so happy for them! 

After the game...we went back to our house where every one was a bit tuckered out (including Mya)! Turner just wanted to play play play. Ed and Jennessa actually fell asleep and I caught Turner trying to wake them up to play. It was so cute!!!!

I hope you all had a good weekend also! Cheers to a short work week and a few days of celebrating with family and friends!

MN Family Weekend

This weekend was a FUN one. I threw my sister a bridal shower with all her friends and we celebrated Thanksgiving with my Dad's side of the family tree. I love spending time with family and Turner sure loves all the attention!

My sisters wedding shower was 'Jamaica' theme since she's getting married there in February. I had fun planning this with her best friend and it went off with a bang! 

We enjoyed mimosas, brunch and one fun game of 'How well do you know the Bride...'

Hannah got many great gifts and many ladies had great suggestions for the 'date night jar' I made for her. 

Then on Sunday, my Grandma hosted Thanksgiving for my Dad's side of the family since most of us were busy this weekend coming up. (She alternates having holidays on the actually holiday day every other year). We will be attending the Viking vs Packer game this weekend and will be in WI on Thanksgiving celebrating with our WI family.

My brother reading Turner his bedtime story...so adorable!

I love everything about spending time with family and counting my blessings. I am so grateful for my family and Turner to have such special people to love on him. He was one tired boy Sunday evening...practically asking to have his bath so he could go to bed. 

I long for the weekends but never wish away time. I cherish each and every minute of every day...each day is a blessing and I will always be thankful that I get to live this life that God blessed me with!

October Fall Fun - part 2

Seriously...this month is the BEST month ever and I will do everything in my power to fit as much 'fun' stuff in as I can. It's been a busy month but I wouldn't have it any other way...when it's busy, it's joyous!!!

Another beautiful weekend in October, we hit up the Apple Orchard right by our house for some fun with my sister and mom.

Turner was scared of the lil' tractor ride. We were seated right behind the tractor so I think that's why. He did smile big and screech with excitement when a couple walked by with a dog...he wanted to climb out to get the dog. He sure does love puppies!

We also explored the barn where all the apple items were. My sister ordered cider and an apple turnover and Turner & I shared ice cream with caramel on it!!!

On another weekend...we were still having beautiful fall weather so we raked leaves and Turner loved playing in them.

Turner loved almost everything about playing in the leaves....he hated when we put him in the leaves!

Next on the fall fun agenda was pumpkin painting. I love carving pumpkins but don't have the patience for it. Tate also hates how long it takes and the mess it makes. So next best thing for us is painting...which equally makes a big mess with a toddler!

Had to remove the pants since he started painting them...

It's more fun painting myself mom!!!

Finished products! We are certainly not Picasso. I of course had a better vision in my head of what I wanted to do...but with limited time...this is what came about and it was fun! Turner loved it and memories were made!

I still can't believe October is already over. It came and went in a flash. I'll miss it and look forward to next October!!!

O'Neil Wedding

Tate and I got to celebrate the nuptials of our friends, Tim & Tanya this weekend. It was very special since this was our wedding weekend 3 years ago. I love celebrating love.

My mom was up watching Turner which we were so thankful for. Turner sure does love his Grandma and spending time with her. 

Tim & Tanya were married in a Lutheran Church and I though the Pastor did such a good job and gave a great message. I love when a great, unique message is given!!

Tanya's dress was gorgeous!!  Lace, sparkle and fit her like a glove!!!

(photo stolen off Facebook)

The reception was held @ the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre.

A few of my college friends!

My crazy half :) Molly came home to MN for the wedding from CA and is 6 months preggo...she's due with a boy in February 2015. Can't wait to meet the lil' guy!!!

We clean up pretty good :) xoxo

The girls with the bride!

Congrats to Tim & Tanya! So happy for you 2! 

This wedding was our last of the season! We actually didn't have very many which is kind of nice...I guess it's more baby showers these days!

I hope to be back blogging a few days a week since I miss this space of mine and the memories I have documented. Turner is growing so fast and I feel like I should set aside time when he goes to bed to record these memories so that I have them to look back at.

3 day weekends are the BEST

I loved that Thursday was a work Friday but Friday was still Friday. Those are pretty much the best kind of weekends! Love me some extra family time!!!

Thursday night...Tate was working late which will somewhat be the norm in the coming months as he's opening a new fitness center and in order to be successful, he works his tail off to make it that way. I'm at home trying to balance 20,000 things it seems like. Entertain a 1 year old, make dinner, feed the dog, wash the dishes, etc. Turner got a minor diaper rash when we went camping a few weeks back and there was one lil' tiny open sore left over that would not go away no matter how much coconut oil I used (one of the few items you can use with cloth diapers). I decided to let him go diaper less this evening in hopes of 'airing it out'. Well...while sitting on the kitchen floor, playing with pots and pan...he decided to go #1 and #2. SO GROSS!!! Then....as I'm trying to clean that up, he crawl over to Mya's water dish and dumps the whole thing all over the floor. It was wonderful! ;) Let's just say I was happy to go to bed this evening in one piece!!!

Friday we had plans to attend a get together at a friends in the evening for a cookout and fireworks to celebrate July 4th. I made a yummy patriotic dessert and it was the easiest thing to make.

Patriotic layered dessert:
Vanilla cake
Cool Whip
Strawberries
Vanilla cake
Cool Whip
Strawberries & Blueberries

Turner enjoyed getting dirty in the sandbox and flirting with his friend Briar.

Another great 4th spent with my 2 favorite boys!!!


On Saturday we enjoyed soup, salad and bread sticks lunch @ Olive Garden as a family. We also went and got Tate's golf clubs re-gripped. That was his Father's Day gift so he was happy to finally go get it done. That afternoon, we had a birthday party to attend for our lil' 3 year old neighbor! It was 'water park' themed party and it was so fun! Turner loved splashing in the water!

And can we just talk about how cute my boys are?!?!

Sunday was a true day of relaxation. My parents stopped by on their way back from up north. We enjoyed 2 visits to the park. I promised Turner we could go back after dinner as he threw a tantrum (that lasted 10 seconds) when we had to leave the first time (he's one...does this really happen this early?!?!)

Also...Turner has this nice big water station to play with...but what does he want to play with, Mya's water dish! This makes ZERO sense!!!

Another great and fun weekend in the books. Each day I feel more and more blessed for my life! I hope you all had just as great of a weekend celebrating the 4th of July with family and friends!

An active weekend

This was the first weekend this summer that we actually had nothing planned and it was wonderful. I don't mind being busy and going places...but I love weekends at home to break up those super busy times.

On Friday evening, Turner got his first golf lesson from Tate. It was the cutest thing ever. Turner thought it was HILARIOUS!!!!

Saturday we woke up and hit 2 farmer markets close to home. Got some great veggies for the week.

Tate went to work for a bit so after Turner napped, we went to the park with our neighbors. Turner once again loved being in the swing. He also enjoyed the slide and trying to walking on sand.

After a fun and eventful day...we enjoyed making homemade pizza as a family. I also enjoyed my go to healthy shake for my sweet tooth. I just had to share in case anyone wants to enjoy it also.

1 frozen banana
1c of unsweetened almond milk
1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon honey
1 handful of ice

It's delicious and fulfills my sweet tooth for ice cream :)

Sunday we went to church in what seemed like forever! We've been so busy lately...it was nice to get there and have our dedicated morning to God.

We spend the rest of Sunday at a friends pool. Turner was OBSESSED!! Only was happy if he was in the pool...well unless he was eating!!!

As if swimming wasn't enough for this lil' guy...we got home and as we made dinner...he had fun with his new water station he got from Grandma & Grandpa Brown for his birthday!!

It was a perfect weekend!!! Looking forward to this 4 day work week and then a nice long weekend :)

Happy Monday!!!