I'm Back?

It's been a really long time since I've blogged. It's been a long time since I've even opened blogger to look at my blog. Since I'm working from home, all my old blogging time has been taken up with work, and when I do have a spare minute, it's hard to want to open my computer again. I write for one of my jobs, so writing is almost the last thing I want to do in my down time.

Also, I started to question the reasons behind my blogging. I began to realize that I don't care so much about how many people are following me, or how many comments I get on each post. I stopped looking at my blogger stats and sort of lost interest in the blogging "game." I realized that this blog is really for me most of all, as an outlet for me to talk about my life and my family and let out the thoughts that twirl around my head all day. So instead of just changing things up, I gave up on it all together.

Also, I don't always have a lot to say. Now that I'm staying home with Emmett, our life is so much less complicated. Sometimes, we stay at home for weeks at a time. We don't go out much, so I don't often feel like I have anything exciting to share. I have my daily anxieties, but our day to day is simple, and very laid back. In the very best way for us. I started to feel like my weekly Currently posts were the same each week- nothing had changed from Monday to Monday, so I felt silly writing those posts (and making you read them!)

So, those are the reasons I've been M.I.A. the last few months. Why am I back now? I'm not sure. I've had things on my mind that I want to get out, and I have new things to share and process. I received some encouragement from family and friends over the last few weeks to start up again, so I thought I would give it a try. I can't promise regular posts, certainly not scheduled recipe posts or link-ups, but I'll write when I have something to write about and if no one ever reads, that'll be okay.

This summer has been a crazy one. After lots of anxiety and a couple of tough months financially, our house finally sold. We spent three weeks in Georgia in July and August, where Emmett soaked up all the attention from my family and I did a lot of relaxing. We had an awesome week at the beach, where I spent every waking moment searching for shark's teeth and Emmett spent every waking moment asking to go in the water. Ray got to come too, which was so nice. It's great for all of us to spend time with my family, and we miss them an awful lot when we leave again. Now we're back in the desert, Emmett is back in school in a new classroom with a new teacher, and he's taking the changes like a champ.

Speaking of Emmett.. I am just so proud of that boy. He's so good! Ray and I talk all the time about how good he is, how sweet he is, and how smart he is. He blows me away with the way he adapts to new situations, the way he learns and grows all the time. I love him so much, and feel so lucky to be able to spend all my time with him. I'm the luckiest mama.

More later, I'm sure. ;)

P.S. If you think about it, say a prayer for us tomorrow afternoon. More on that later, too.

Currently.

Hi there! Welcome to Currently, where we share with each other what we are Currently up to and let you share your post through the link-up below. We love this link-up, where we can make new friends and build community. Join us.

Watching: I binge-watched my way through Suits, so I'm on the look-out for new shows to watch during nap times while I work. I'm catching up on Pretty Little Liars but it's shameful so I'd love suggestions! Ray and I watched the Game of Thrones finale last night and all I can say is YES! Team Tyrion all the way. And Jaime- way to redeem yourself you creepy weirdo! 

Also, we started Hannibal. It's so creepy, I wouldn't even recommend it to you unless you like crime dramas and detective stories like I do. Beware, there's so much blood and guts and insane serial killers. Not for the faint of heart, friends.

Listening to: Sylvan Esso. Allllll day long.

Thinking about: Faith. And having it, and needing it. We accepted an offer on our house this week. It's a great offer, and if all goes well it will close next month. The offer came at the height of my stress about money and worry about how we're going to get through this. I had a bit of an anxiety attack while we were going back and forth about whether or not to take the offer. But I should have seen it right away. Here I was full of worry and anxiety, letting the stress affect every part of my life, but I should have let go and let God take care of us. When the offer came, I should have known right away that this was our way out, that this was all part of His plan. I know it now, and I'm working hard to relax into faith in that plan. I believe in my heart that this deal will go through, and by the time summer is over, we will be down to one house. Woohooooooooo!

So thankful for: My baby boy, who's not a baby any more. He's talking so much, repeating everything. We call him a parrot and he repeats that too. He's giggly and happy and so much fun. We bought him a little potty over the weekend and he used it successfully on his first try, then stood right up and dumped it out on the carpet. He's wild and messy but I'm so proud of him! I get worn down from being in the house day in and day out with no one but Emmett for company, but when I get right down to it, I'm so grateful for all the time we spend together. I love that boy so much, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Also, for friends who trusted me enough to ask me to take their engagement photos. We spend Friday afternoon and evening together in downtown Phoenix, and after a while Ray came and met us for drinks and dinner. It was so nice to get out, explore a little, and spend time with Ray and our friends. And it was really great to push myself outside my comfort zone and take photographs of someone who's not.. well, Emmett. It was scary and fun and stressful, and I think I love the result! Once I'm done editing maybe I'll share them here. :)

Also, pizza:

Wishing: 
1. Still dieting, so I'm hoping to keep up with that this week. I'd like to lose a little weight and get in shape for our beach trip in a few weeks.
2. Work out! At least 3 times this week.
3. Take Emmett somewhere new one morning. We need to get out of the house and find new places to hang out!

I hope you had a lovely weekend!

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1. Link your Currently post below! Entries unrelated to the theme will be deleted.

2. Link back to this site so others can join on this adventure with us. You can grab the button below:

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4. *THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE* We are each here to encourage each other and build a community of women and friends. Comment on the blog post directly before yours to help support and get to know each other. If you do not do this, your post will be deleted from the link-up.

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Here’s the template for you to copy and paste and do a post as well — link up with us below!

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20, 21 & 22/52

Welp, I'm way behind so here's a three in one. :)

"A portrait of my Emmett boy, once a week, every week in 2014."

This was just two weeks ago but the weather was so much cooler. We spent our late afternoons and evenings in the back yard, soaking up the last bits of spring before the heat hit us like a ton of bricks. When I took this photo, Emmett was telling me about the very hungry caterpillar and all the "nummy" things he eats. He's starting to understand stories. He picks up a book and when I start to read he surprises me by reciting a few words on a page. Like "eat three plums!" or "sun, pop!" He's so smart, and holds on to knowledge to surprise me with it later. I love his little mind!

"A portrait of my Emmett, once a week, every week in 2014."

This week, we went swimming for the first time at his grandparents this year. He was nervous at first, but after watching his friend Paul (Ray's best friend) swimming, he lost all fear and started jumping off the stairs all by himself. That's when these arm floaties came in. We're swimming most days now, since that's the only thing we can really do outside now that it's so hot, and he's really taking to it. I love watching him learn new things and his fearlessness.

"A portrait of my Emmett, once a week, every week in 2014."

More swimming. I picked him up from his crib after his nap today and surprised him with a trip to the pool. His little smile whenever I mention swimming.. I'd do anything for that smile. He sits on the steps to play in the shallow water, and I just watch his little mind working. Out of nowhere he shouts "be whayel" and jumps off into the water, away from me because he wants to do it by himself. He is still for a few moments, watching the little waves, and then he turns and kicks his feet. "Dolphin kick! Whayel kick! Shark kick!!" he squeals as he tries to squirm his way back to the stairs. It's then that he remembers he needs me. "Up stairs," he says quietly, allowing me to help him. I love that spirit of independence. I want to foster that in him. But oh, how I love it when he needs me.

Currently: Memorial Day

Hi there! Welcome to Currently, where we share with each other what we are Currently up to and let you share your post through the link-up below. We love this link-up, where we can make new friends and build community. Join us.

Thinking about: How busy life is! I am just not in blogging mode these days. Obviously, since I'm a day late to my own party (sorry ladies!) Life is so full, with working two jobs, the holiday weekend, and little Emmett's non-stop chatter. I haven't had it in me to sit down and document things. I think things around here are going to be a bit sporadic in the weeks to come, but who knows! Inspiration hits when it wants to. :)

Thankful for: Emmett. That boy is so special. His little personality is bounding out of him these days and Ray and I are so happy to be along for the ride. Wether he's mistaking my underwear for "tank shirts" and putting every pair over his head until he can't see anymore, walking around with a laundry basket over his head for entire afternoons, or just chatting about nonsense and airplanes literally all day every day, we are over the moon in love with him. He's a mess, and we can't get enough.

Dreaming about: Our weekend. It was pure bliss, from start to finish. It started with a girls' night in at our house Friday night with the lovely ladies from A Mama Collective and Corinna from Track 8. We had margaritas and ate kettle corn from the bag, and just caught up with each other. I think we all needed that and it was such a fun way to start the long weekend.

Saturday we had an open house at our condo, which went really well. That night we sent Emmett to his grandparents for a spend over and Ray and I went to a party to celebrate the engagement of our dear friends. We stayed up late and got to sleep in until 9 (!!). But then we rushed over to get Emmett because we missed him like crazy! 

Sunday was the best day. After Emmett's nap, we headed over to Mary of A Mama Collective's house for a BBQ. Her daughter greeted us with a huge grin and said "happy swim party!" We ate amazing food, swam in the pool, and ended the night with the kiddos snuggled on blankets watching a movie outside. It was the best night and we can't wait to do it again! 

We kept Emmett up until 9:30 for the first time ever. He did so great, and slept until after 9 Monday morning! I can't remember the last time I slept in that late two days in a row, much less on a Monday morning! It was amazing and he is such a good boy. We hosted a BBQ for family in the afternoon to finish off a wonderful weekend.

Wishing (goals for the week): 

1. Decorate my house! I've done almost no decorating since living here. I have a million things I want to do but I've been holding off until I have money to do them. But I'm tired of waiting so I want to jump in and use what I've got.

2. Work. I have a lot of work to get caught up on. Making that a big goal.

3. Cook. I want to make something I've never made before this week.

4. Spend some quality time with Ray, sans Emmett, and not just on the couch watching TV. Maybe even a date night out!

I hope you had a lovely weekend as well! As always, I am joining with A Mama Collective to bring you this week's installment of Currently. Use our template below to join in!

Thinking about:

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Thankful for:

Wishing: (goals for the week)

CURRENTLY LINK-UP RULES

1. Link your Currently post below! Entries unrelated to the theme will be deleted.

2. Link back to this site so others can join on this adventure with us. You can grab the button below:

3. The link up starts on Mondays, but you can join any day of the week!

4. *THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE* We are each here to encourage each other and build a community of women and friends. :) Comment on the blog post directly before yours to help support and get to know each other. If you do not do this, your post will be deleted from the link-up.

If you are interested in co-hosting, please email Jenna at info(at)amamacollective(dot)com to get on the list!

Here’s the template for you to copy and paste and do a post as well — link up with us below!

Thinking about:

Reading:

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Watching:

Thankful for:

An InLinkz Link-up

19/52

"A portrait of my Emmett boy, once a week, every week in 2014."

Our boy is developing quite the personality these days. He's asserting himself, even beginning to dress himself, and his little imagination has started to show. He wears tutus when we visit his little girl friend, and isn't afraid to don a pretty pink tiara either. He loves socks, and is happy to wear them with sandals, even when we can only find one of the pair. He's silly, and funny, and smart. He surprises me every day with new words I had no idea he could say, like penguin and hummingbird and "God bless you" when I sneeze.

The other day I asked him to stand by that white wall so that I could take his picture. Instead, he did this. If he was going to pose, he was going to do it his way. I can respect that! He really is quite a character, and I can't wait to see what silly things he does next. This week, I want to remember his funny personality, and that silly look on his face as he poses for a photo. I love that little kid so much.

18/52

"A portrait of my Emmett boy, once a week, every week in 2014."

This week, Emmett loves socks. He noticed his little sock basket in his room the other day and asks to wear socks with his sandals every morning. (I'm raising a 70 year old man!) He especially loves this green sock, and after a couple days of asking to wear it, I finally let him, even though I could only find the one. It made him so happy. He proudly wore that one sock under that one sandal all afternoon. We rode our bike to the store, and ran around the back yard, and he giggled every time he saw that sock on his foot.

He's the sweetest, silliest little boy, and I love him so much it hurts my little heart. I can't imagine my life without him. This week, I want to remember those sweet, silly little knees. Those chubby, soft hands. And that one foot in that one sock. So perfect.

17/52

"A portrait of my baby boy, once a week, every week in 2014."

While Emmett was sick the last week +, we spent a lot of time finding creative ways to cheer him up. Water was the biggest hit. We took baths, ran through sprinklers, and turned the hose on and off and on and off again as many times as he wanted to keep a smile on his face. Sometimes he wore pants, other times he didn't. ;)

This week, I want to remember my Emmett happy, turning the hose on and smiling when he saw water. It was a rough, sick, croupy week, so the smiles, though rare, were really special.




P.S. Did you know Emmett is related to Abe, through his daddy's side? Honest! ;)

Currently.

Watching: "Whale moomie! Airpane moomie! Too too tain moomie! Meemo moomie!"Emmett has been pretty sick with croup-turned-awful cold since Thursday, so we've done a lot of snuggling up on the couch watching "moomies." He has a whale documentary on Netflix that he's obsessed with, so we watch that a lot. Then there's Airplanes, Thomas the Train (sooo annoying!), and Finding Nemo. I always ask for Nemo because it's the only one I can tolerate, but his favorite is always the whales. Poor little guy, he's been through a rough few days.

Listening to: Emmett's little cough, as he lays his head on my lap. He woke up with a croupy cough on Thursday, which lasted through Saturday. He's had pretty high fevers each night, topping out at 103 on Saturday night, and now he's got a bad chest cough and cold symptoms. He's a sad little boy today, tired of being sick. And Ray and I are worn out from being up in the night worrying about his fevers all weekend. We're heading to the doctor in an hour or so just to make sure his ears are clear and he's on the mend. We're all ready to get back to normal around here.

Thankful for: Good friends. The kind who send you a text out of the blue just to check on you when they know you're having a hard day. The kind who build you up and remind you that you're doing a good job when you're feeling low. The kind who share their homes and their dinner tables. Who stop by with a six-pack at the end of a long day to share a drink and listen to your troubles. We have really good friends.

And our hose. I'm thankful for our hose, for cheering up my sad sick little boy countless times this weekend. It's amazing what a little water can do to brighten a little boy's day.

I hope you had a beautiful weekend! As always, I'm linking up with the lovely ladies at A Mama Collective to bring you this week's Currently. I hope you'll join us!

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Home Away from Home's Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | bloglovin'

If you are interested in co-hosting, please email Jenna at info(at)amamacollective(dot)com to get on the list!

Grab our button below:

Here’s the template for you to copy and paste and do a post as well — link up with us below!

Thinking about:

Reading:

Listening to:

Watching:

Thankful for:

An InLinkz Link-up