They Take Turns

If it's not one, it's the other.
They take turns being the "challenging" one for the day.

I just know they conspire against us.

"JoJo! I'll be super defiant one today if you promise to be the over sensitive whiner tomorrow. We know that Ella pooped on the floor all day yesterday, so she's going to be so adorable the next two days."

We can usually have 2 out of the 3 kids behaving awesome, on any given day. There's always that one. That one who is just plain naughty.

James and I always joke in the mornings, "Looks like we have our winner today". It's always first thing in the morning too. We just know it by the way they roll out of bed. We've even been so lucky to have children complaining about blankets, lucky charms, and cartoons. You know those days.

But hey, we can't have our cake and eat it too.
We can't have super adorable children who behave perfectly I suppose.
(Not that that was ever an option in the first place)

But gosh…I sure do love them.
Every. Single. Day.

And there's always wine.

What My Old Car Taught Me (and a car cleaning tip)

It's a 15 year old Toyota Corolla.
I've driven her since I was 17.
She has been with me though high school, college, marriage, and new babies.
And…it's weird I'm calling a car "she".

The wear and tear on that car is super noticeable. I've run into walls, driven through snow storms, lost hubcaps and side view mirrors. She has countless scratches, dings, and dents. A broken windshield and a broken rearview mirror. Yeah…I have been rough on that little car.

She's not pretty, fancy, or "cool" by any means.
But….she's loyal. I've never had a problem with that car. Not one. It is still getting around 38 miles to the gallon. She's running great.

And I catch myself hating this car. Every time I crawled into it, I wanted a new one. It's not even the car I drive. James takes it to work and I'll use it for errands. But I have had such a bad attitude about it.

It was disgusting inside. In college a can of OJ concentrate exploded (don't judge me!) inside and I could never clean it out fully. It's just grimy and gross. I had enough…it was time to clean it out! God was telling me to get over it and be grateful for what I had.

So I got a bottle of Turtle Wax Oxy Interior Cleaner and starting scrubbing, and scrubbing, and scrubbing.

AMAZING. Seriously, why didn't I do this years ago?!?!

I told you not to judge me. The car was nasty. Just wretched. But with about an hour of my time, some elbow grease, and a great cleaner it's like a new car.

Lets be honest, it's still not the prettiest car.
I mean I'm still missing a hubcap folks.

But the fact of the matter is I was not content with what God has given our family. He takes care of us. He provides everything and MORE than what we need. He's good to us. He's so good, and all I can do is sit in that car and complain.

I like to think of myself as a content person, but the truth is I'm a coveter. I covet all sorts of things that aren't mine. Things that God didn't intend for me. God has called us to be content with what he has given us. He knows what we need and what we don't need.

When I choose contentment, life is so much better. To choose to be happy with what you have can even make the ugliest car seem perfect. After all, she's perfect for us.

Father's Day 2013

James' Father's Day started with a date night.

Yes, an entire night without the children. 

Date night at Benihana. De-Lic-Ious!

We even got to sleep in….yes….sleep in. Blissful. 

It's tradition that each year we celebrate at a park near the mountains that has a creek. So we continued the tradition. 

I don't think this little lady is smitten with her daddy. No, not at all.

I know a lot of women say this, but I really do think he's the best father.
He's amazing with the kids. He understands them, has compassion for them. He knows how to make them laugh, have fun, and stay active.

I love him.
I'm so blessed to have him as my partner.

OutDoor ToyBox MakeOver

I've been searching and searching for an outdoor toy box for all my kids junk.

All the balls, squirt guns, and shovels were driving me batty. I used an old laundry basket last summer, but I'd had it this summer.

I made it my mission to find one. Then I realized they are so expensive. I mean really…$100 for something that's going to get trashed?! I don't think so.

Then yesterday I found one at a garage sale for $15. $15.oo people! I was so excited because it was in awesome condition (probably because she never kept it outdoors). I wasn't crazy about the colors so I bought a couple of cans of spray paint and, VOILA! 

I chose Rust-Oleum's Nutmeg and Espresso.  To be honest with you I'm not totally sure that the paint will hold up very well. I know that it states that it "Also Bonds To Plastic!"…but…I'm doubtful. We'll see how time goes by.

As soon as I put it against the wall I noticed I may have a slight obsession with brown.

Hmmm…I can't even help myself I guess.

I love the colors and I'm loving the lack of junk on my lawn!

I'd say it was the best $20 I've spent it a while!

Pst! I'm on BlogLovin. See you there!

Color Block & A Cutie

Monday was our anniversary and so I wore this t-shirt for James. 

He says he loves it. It's his favorite. I don't always understand what he sees in me, but I am more than happy to wear something he likes.

T-shirt, shorts, and sandals. 

My man is easy to please. 

Shirt- $5 Wal-Mart (can you believe it!)

Shorts- Upcycled capri pants
Sandals- Target

They have all of these awesome v-neck t-shirts at wal-mart for under $5. I have three of them in different solid colors. Like I said…James liked it. How can I resist?

Okay…how cute is she?
Work it Ella, work it!

And don't forget I'm over on BlogLovin. Make sure to follow me there!

7 Years Ago

Today is our 7th wedding anniversary.

When James pulled away this morning for camp he rolled the window down and said "I have an itch". What a sweetheart.
Honestly, I still adore the man.

This morning I thought I'd share some of my favorite pictures from our big day.
It was such a happy day.

We were so fortunate to get married at my parents home in the mountains. What a gorgeous setting it is.

I had to include this pic, because it made me laugh out loud. That's my mom…smooching my groom on the mouth. Ha! 

This moment. When my dad gave me away, and gave James my purity ring. 

This moment. When it was just us at the alter. Untied.

This moment. I became his wife.

This moment. Looking at his new ring. You know, he never takes it off. Never. 

I used James grandmother's clutch. She took it to the military ball when she was dating James' grandfather. So special.

My mom made the cake. I loved it. I was DELICIOUS.

I remember laughing so much that day. I had so much fun.
Today, we still laugh together.
I am so blessed.

Thanks babe for the best 7 years.
You still take my breath away.