Things that help me keep my sanity

If you're like me, there are often times you look around at all the toys and chaos and think, "why do we have so much stuff? Do we really need all this?" Well, after going two weeks with the bare minimum and then getting a portion of our stuff back, I have come to realize all that stuff is what keeps me sane.
Here are my top examples at the moment

1. A high chair



Feeding a baby without a high chair is nearly impossible. It takes more time, it makes a big mess...I don't recommend it. Now that we have a high chair again, Beckett can once again be more independent in feeding himself and he's happy and out of trouble with less of a mess. Not to mention it's great to keep him happy and contained while I'm cooking.

2. Childproofing!

Baby proofing may seem annoying, but in the end it's a sanity saver! When the kids are happily playing in a safe, contained area, I can actually get stuff done! Now I don't have to hold the baby all day, or constantly follow the kids around. (Side note: this includes dog proofing, very important)

3. A Variety of Toys
Toys keep the kids occupied. Sometimes it's okay to just have a few out; we kept it minimal when selling the house. But now, I'm seeing how important it is to have a variety for the boys. Sure there is a big mess to clean up at the end of the day, but they kids are happy and can play independently. Yay! I never realized how great our toys are until the came back after 2 weeks and I suddenly was able to relax as I did housework again. Of course, Barker still finds random things to play with such as 20 hangers (no, 3 is not enough!) and empty tissue boxes (Beckett prefers them full).

4. Books/ Me time
When hubby is out of town and the boys don't have overlapping naps for awhile, this Mommy is STRESSED OUT! But last week I got a quick, enjoyable read from my favorite author's daughter (their styles are the same, it's awesome) and I actually read the whole thing in a week! I haven't finished a free reading book since January. My friends, it feels good to do something for me. And if you're looking for a light and happy summer read, I highly recommend Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch. (Eating ice cream while reading isn't a necessity, but it highly enhances the experience.) Ps. It takes place in Italy! ;)

5. Exercise!
I have officially signed up to run the Disney Princess Half Marathon with my sister. Time to really get moving. I may not always feel like it, but on days I actually get myself running, I feel SO much better. (I tried running with the dog for awhile, but her attention span is too much for me to manage seeing as her breed is meant for pulling and sled--oh look a bunny! Let's sprint for it in the wooooooods! *yikes*)

I could got on all day with all the stuff keeping me sane right now, but for the moment, here are some honorable mentions:
- working video monitors
- my own van
- stocked kitchen
- stocked diapers and wipes throughout the house
- potty seats
- coffee
- help from family
- full wardrobe for whole family
- baskets for everything
- Sleep Schedules

And in the end what is also needed is a sense of humor and time to just enjoy the littles.

Moving and the 4th

The past few days have been packed!

We managed to survive packing up the rest of the house with a only a few glitches...

For example: I was packing upstairs with Beckett when Barker ran into the room looking like this--

That would be sharpie. 

Yup.

We couldn't get it all off before flying out, but we at least got him presentable so he wouldn't be stared at while walking through the airport. :P

Then the house was empty and it was time to go.

Bye-bye house

Then a quick stop to say goodbye to our niece. :'(

At the airport and while flying I was very impressed with Barker! At 2.5yrs he is following directions much better and his attention span is amazing! After just a little difficulty getting him to buckle his seatbelt, he amused himself by looking out the window, reading the safety instructions, taking a nap (=O), having a drink and doing puzzles. 

Beckett did a nice job flying too and even managed a little nap; but by the end of the flight he was restless and wanted down. I got poked in the eye as our wheels touched the ground. (I'd share a picture but naturally, I couldn't get one that wasn't a blur.)

Then we met up with my parents and continued the journey! Brett left with his Mom for a fishing trip and I took the boys with my parents to get settled in Cincinnati (our home for the next 2 months.)

We of course made a little stop to visit our house in the makings though. 

Barker hadn't seen it yet but he was a huge fan. He pulled his Papaw and later Aunt Sierra all over the house and he explored and pointed things out. 

Did you know you can see rocks and dirt out of every window?

The rest of the weekend was spent exploring my parents' house and neighborhood

and celebrating our country with family.

I even got to see my own grandma. :)

I'm still working on sleep recovery ;) but it's good to be back in Ohio.

Moving Day No. 1

Today is the day!

After the final craziness and insanity of pack up the house and the PODS we will be on our way!

We have remained busy this week as we said goodbye to amazing friends and family.

And going on some hot, sweaty park adventures just to escape the packing and get out of the way sometimes.

Of course Barker also got his cast off!

He was intrigued and didn't cry until he realized his Ironman arm was gone. He immediately wanted it back saying, "I want red. I want red. Firemaaaan." (He says Fireman instead of Ironman ;))

Poor guy 

Tub time of course helped. Last bath at our house in Florida! 

Let's compare that to their first baths in that tub and tear up a little...

(With the aforementioned craziness that is moving day, this is as far as I got with my blog and I'm only now--the next morning-- able to hit publish. Details about the travels will come later!)