my girl, my girl, my girl

I forever want to remember the little empty spaces that fill that mouth. 
I forever want to remember the sound of her laugh. 
I forever want to remember her confidence-- 
and I hope and pray that she always carries that confidence, 
and forever she will be comfortable with the way she looks + and the way she feels
...despite what society may otherwise lead her to believe. 
Raising a daughter is a privilege, 
I am so grateful for the opportunity. 

garden lites: a new staple

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Garden Lites, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

I'm always looking for ways to incorporate veggies into meals and snacks throughout our day other then the traditional, with supper. We add veggies to our eggs, and a couple hand full of greens to our smoothies, but I still haven't quite figured out how to incorporate them into snacks, aside from eating them just as so with. So when Garden Lites reached out about partnering up with them, I instantly felt the need to inquire further.

Logan and I went to our local Shop Rite and decided on the Chocolate muffins and the Banana Chocolate Chip muffins. She instantly noticed the veggies on the box and was curious about them, but was easily distracted. Fortunately for us, she isn't really a picky eater so this didn't interfere with her sampling. For my nephews, (my other testers,) I had to be a little sneakier. I figured if the kids enjoyed these, then it would be a product worth buying again, and then sharing with family + friends.

I loved these muffins and their simplicity. They are easy to defrost and are just as delicious warm or cold. 

You can find Garden Lites products at their nearest Publix, Stop & Shop, Giant, Shop-Rite, HEB, Kroger or Costco. 

Use THIS exclusive $1 off coupon to stock up on your own to try, or to just check out other products they offer. 

You will not be disappointed. Especially if you go for the Chocolate muffins. Promise ;) 

If you do happen to try these out, let me know which you liked best. I know for sure we will be buying more, as Logan is already requesting them in her school lunch.

first snow day of the season

Lots of excitement over here for the first snow day of the season-- a sweet snowy Saturday! We were all home for the day with no place to be, so the timing could not have been better. The snow began to fall around the time we were waking, and since the weather was well below freezing; as it fell, it stuck. It didn't take very long for bare branches to be snow-covered, and shortly to follow, so was everything else in sight. It was a winter wonderland for sure. It was the coldest of days, which made gearing up for an outside adventure seem like a lot of work, but it was so worth it. Sco and Lo aren't exactly the biggest fans of the cold, and I'm not completely myself, but when we get a nice snow, I just can't deny getting outside (despite the chill.) We are a family of layers. I'm north east born and raised so we have all the essentials: hats, gloves, scarves, big winter coats, etc... but every year we have an issue with Logan's winter wear. Last year was the pants, this year the boots. One of these days I'll accept the fact that she's a growing weed and not count on the previous years gear to fit. Our first attempt out was a fail because the rain boots I put on her were too tight and she was miserable. It ended in tears. I tried bribing her to go back out with me in different boots, with no luck. It wasn't until we discovered an old vintage sled in the attic that she changed her mind and threw back on her layers of clothing. She had the best time letting daddy whip her around on the old sled. Daddy had the best time running that new snow blower. ;) We are looking forward to more snow days, preferably on a day where we have no where to be. 

beautiful boy

This little love is 7 months. He is sweet, and smart, and pretty much the best thing to happen to us as a family. We love him so much and are excited to see him grow in 2017.

feels

^ Thinking that maybe this clock should find itself wrapped and under my tree Christmas morning. 

^ I've been scouring the internet for the perfect bread recipe. I may have finally found one.

^ I'm finding myself drawn to non-traditional christmas vibes lately. Love this little x-mas print.

^ Forever drooling over Pinterest bedrooms. This is one of my faves.

^ It's been an embarrassingly long time since I last had my hair colored, and only now am I feeling like a change. Feeling like I need a little blonde in my hair and just some pampering in general. Maybe something like this.

four month old adler

Our sweet baby boy is four months old and though it's only been four months, 
I really can't imagine life before him. 

His favorite things include gnawing on his knuckles, blowing little crab bubbles, and making the cutest noises. 

He has the most laid back personality and is such a please to be with. 
All he wants from life right now, is milky, a dry diaper, and to be loved. 
He takes his bottle eating very seriously at this point, but he doesn't overeat. 
He knows what he wants, and since we've figured each other out, things have been great.

More favorites include a blanket to snuggle, folk music, his pacifier-- 
when his hands aren't in his mouth, and Mama. 

He  has already accumulated several nicknames like: Viche', ViVi, V-Boy, Addy, Wormy, and Gil. 
He brightens up any room, and is so generous wth the smiles. 
We couldn't love him any more than we do; and I'm pretty certain he feels the same about us. 

adler gillis

On June 3rd, a Friday morning, at 10:11, our sweet Adler Gillis entered the world weighing 7lbs 12oz. With lots of hair, soft squishy cheeks, and the chillest personality already; we couldn't have been any more pleased in meeting our boy. 

My sweet Adler, you are loved so much, and we are so incredibly lucky to call you ours.