Sweet Caroline

These past few weeks have brought about every emotion possible- and I am so very thankful that we are closing out 2018 on a high note. I got laid off on Friday December 7- talk about the WORST timing ever, right?! I was simply devastated and felt completely defeated. This was my first time ever being let go and I was caught completely off guard. To be honest, it freaking sucked and brought about a huge amount of stress and pain. I won’t even get into the details but my firm let 50 people go- ugh. Anyways, for two weeks - I was kinda “lost.” The kids were still in school so I took over all kid pick up/child care responsibilities- as we thankfully have an AMAZING childcare - our Weezie who keeps kids in her own home- without hesitation told us to do what was best for us and she’d have our kids spots when we were ready. I loved being able to have more time with the kids- but it was obvi stressful, Uncertainty is HARD. I was networking, trying to make contacts, interviewing, running the ki

Sooooo very much to catch up on- but had a quick second and wanted to post our 2018 Christmas card. My friend, who is an amazing photographer took some pics for us at a local tree farm - literally we were there less than 30 minutes (she was squeezing us in) and we got lots of good pics! I haven’t done a professional picture the last couple years so I figured we were due.  Merry Christmas everyone!

** I started drafting this post LAST Friday as a "the friday five" post...and well, you see how well that went. 1. I don't even know who I am with these fun holiday nails!  I am not really a super girly girl as far as I don't obsess over makeup, hair products, having my nails done, etc.  But, I had some free time at lunch yesterday and decided to treat myself to a manicure- I don't think I've ever had the hot paraffin wax on my hands, and wow!  It felt amazing.  I went with OPI "I'm not really a waitress" and i just love it, so festive! 2.  I'm seriously almost done with my Christmas shopping.  WHAT?!  And it's not even December yet!  We aren't doing a very big Christmas for our kids this year, gifts wise.  We are going to take them to Magic Kingdom for ONE day in early January instead.  They'll still get some toys and stuff, but we just have WAY TOO MUCH and i'm over it.  We are creating memories instead.  It's ab

Early Saturday morning we headed up to Lake Lure/Chimney Rock, NC for a quick mountain getaway with some friends.  I always love to try and squeeze in one mountain trip in the fall and we are so glad this worked out!  We ate an early lunch downtown Chimney Rock and then headed to the park to do some hiking and take on Chimney Rock.  Side note- I have pretty bad anxiety with heights/edges with my kids...  I was terrified, but Mikey kept Collins and I death gripped the boys on the top and we survived.  Yes, there's a fence, but still.  It makes me a nervous wreck.  We hiked about a 1.5 mile trail (total) that ended at a 404 ft tall waterfall, it was gorgeous.  It was a bit foggy that day so the views at the top weren't the best, but it was still pretty cool.  The kids had a blast and are definitely asking when we can go "hike a mountain" again.  Our cabin was so perfect and cozy and had a hot tub, which the kids AND adults took advantage of!  This area is such a short 2

Goodness, pure goodness. We had three full, wonderful days celebrating Thanksgiving (Wednesday- Friday) with no school, work, or extra curricular activities- just plenty of family time. It was my favorite. We actually started the festivities Tuesday night with a visit from my best friend and her little girl who live in LA and we never get to see, it was just a few hours, but so, so good to catch up in person.  We hosted Mikey’s family Wednesday afternoon and then headed to the zoo for the lights before Christmas and a special visit with Santa. We relaxed most of the day Thursday until it was time to head to my parents house to celebrate with my family. And Friday was spent playing, riding bikes, online shopping and going to see the Grinch! So fun and festive were we:-). I absolutely hated to see this holiday come to an end. I’m just so incredibly thankful for the many blessings in my life - days are long and sometimes hard, but life is short and I’m trying to remember that on a daily b