My 5 Biggest Time Savers...

The following are all mentioned in terms of parenting, because that's where I use them most, but they could all be applied to 'non-parent' lives as well...

Now that school is in session and we're all getting into routines again, I thought I would share five places in our everyday life where I save myself a few minutes...

Fold Laundry While Watching TV | I can't tell you the last time I sat down and watched TV without folding laundry {or editing, but since most of you aren't photographers, that wouldn't apply!} I pretty much do a load of laundry each night.  It works great for us, because I pretty much only stay up long enough to fold one load of laundry after the kids go to bed, before I go to bed.  :)

Clean The Bathroom While The Kids Are Taking Baths | We bathe our kids every other night, so one {or two} nights a week I use this time to clean the bathroom.  I usually have just enough time to clean the mirror, dust, and scrub the counter, toilet, & floors before one of them is ready to get out. On the rare occasion they're playing really nice together and behaving {not wrestling in the tub, taking toys from each other, or dumping cups of water onto the floor--true story!} I'll also use the time to tidy our room {which is connected to the bathroom}.  Also, now that they're a little older I use the other bath night {or two} to put clothes away or unpack bags from the weekend. {again, within eyesight of the bathtub}.  And I'm always listening for it to get quiet--quiet is rarely good in our house! :)

Book Appointments In The Car | Utilize car time!  I use Bluetooth {speaker} in the car to book appointments and reorder prescriptions while stuck in traffic {or at stoplights}.  With a family of four {plus a dog on several medications} we're constantly at appointments {eye, medical, dental, vet, specialists, etc.} and filling prescriptions.  Bonus for me, Adam drives 99% of the time when we're together, so I use that time to respond to emails and make phone calls.

Listen To Books While Working Out | I talked about this one here, but it had to make this list.  I would probably read 5 books a year if it weren't for listening to books on my kindle.  I listen to books while running {bonus::makes the time go by 462864286 times faster!} and also while I'm driving to and from work and photosessions {the kids aren't in the car}.  Also listen to books while editing client photos, but again that won't apply to most of you.  Because of this, I've read over 80 since January.  Best.invention.ever!

Prep The Kids Clothes For The Week | This one is so easy and is such a time saver for us!  Sunday night, when I would normally lay Monday's clothes out for the kids, I grab clothes for the whole week. Takes me like 5 minutes longer, but saves me at least 20 minutes a week.  I happen to have an old locker room wire basket that fits the weeks clothes just perfectly.  I was forgetting to lay clothes out some days and letting the kids {Jordyn} pick out their outfits each morning is a battle I don't have the energy to fight takes forever.  Doing this all on Sunday saves me {Adam} about 5 minutes each morning {& 5 extra minutes in the morning is a big deal!}.  *One suggestion is to have the weather forecast ready {especially this time of the year} or to have a bonus {warmer/cooler} outfit in the basket for the days the weather changes.


>>What advice do you guys have for making the weeks go by smoother?

A {Fri}day in our life...

I haven't done a day in the life post since before Cullyn was born, so I thought I would capture another one of our 'normal' Friday's.

5a I run to the gym for a quick workout before the kids are up and Adam has to leave for work

6a Jordy's Up!

She doesn't really sleep in the crib, she was just being silly

7a Cullyn's Up!

8a Breakfast for all

Usually eggs or pancakes

*On this day we ran to Target because we needed diapers and formula--oh and a snack for Jordyn {tell me my kid isn't the only one that eats her way through the store!}, but normally this time is filled with any appointments {doctor, dentist, vet, etc} or errands we have to run {grocery store, pharmacy, shopping, post office, etc.}

9a Target Run

Or the grocery store, or pharmacy, or an appointment, etc. 

10a Schooltime {lately we've been working on colors--We focus on one color each week, this was obviously red week}

On this day we were learning about the color red. :)

11a Lunchtime

12p Cullyn's Bottle

1p Nap

A rare afternoon where all three kids were sleeping in the nursery at the same time  

2p Jordyn's Up {we're lucky to get an hour nap from her}

3p Snack

*On this day we stayed home.  Normally, I like to get out of the house between nap time and when daddy gets home {this is by far our longest time of the day!}.  In the summer we live at the park, but lately we've been hitting up indoor play areas in the area.  If I'm exceptionally desperate, we will go to the gym for a bit! :)

4p Color {Jordyn is OBSESSED!}

5p Play 

6p Daddy's Home

We're all so excited about this, even Murdock wakes up for a bit! :)

7p Friend's House

8p Bedtime

Of course I also do fun stuff like laundry, dishes, & cleaning all day…

That time I judged... #RegrettingIt

In an effort to be more raw this year, I'm posting this.  I try to post positive things that are fun to look back on, but this time in our lives must be documented.  {Obviously  I am making the best of it, enjoying the snuggles, and know deep down that it really is 'just a {REALLY LONG} phase'. Someday I'll sleep again!} :) Don't send hate mail.
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I used to be one of those crazy organized, never late, remembered every special date kind of people.

And then I had Jordyn.

But I was still fairly on top of the things.  The major things at least.  The house was always picked up.   My kid was always bathed and dressed well, etc.  We had a good schedule.  We made time for friends.  The second she got into something or made a peep, I picked her up/redirected her/gave her my attention.

And then I had Cullyn.

And holy hell!

You guys, I'm sucking!  Both as a wife a mama and a friend.  We miss appointments.  I have to think back to the last day they had a bath.  I'm lucky if they're both clothed {forget the cute, matching outfits!}.  Half of the time people probably think we're homeless!  I live for days that we see family so they can 'take a turn.' {I NEVER pass up offers for help anymore--Just ask my mom!}.  And unless my kids are 'hurt crying' I don't even bother running over to them.

Why you ask?

Because my youngest kid hates sleep.  I know, I know.  It's all about good sleep habits.  A nightly routine.  A light napping schedule throughout the day.  Enough food/formula intake.  Swaddling. CIO.  White noise.  Yadda, yadda, yadda.  We have tried it all.  It's not that I'm a heartless mom. I still want the best for my kids.  I still love them with my everything.  The truth is, I just plain don't have energy for the little things anymore.  I would take a 10 minute nap over almost anything these days.

So, until my kid decides sleep isn't so bad, I'll just be rocking the bags under my eyes and homeless look wondering if there is any way I can take back all of those judgements I said about kids dictating parents.  And to all of my friends that I used to hang out with, I love you and hopefully we can connect again before our kids graduate high school.

-One Tired Mama

PS...It's a good thing you're really cute Cully! :)  I love you!

2013 {a recap}

I couldn't end the year without a little recap.  Looking back at this year has reminded me how much we are blessed.  We experienced so many wonderful things and made so many amazing memories this year.  We are blessed to have done most of these with our family and close friends.  I'm also thankful for this blog and happy I {try} to take a few minutes each week to write down the highlights of our life.  It goes by in the blink of an eye, but it's truly the little things that make the best memories.

On January 1st, we found out H2 was {is} a Boy!  And we held a Gender Reveal Party at Seven Oaks Ski Resort in Boone.  January 28th to February 2nd I spent in San Francisco, California.  The beginning of February, we played a fun game with friends during the SuperBowl.  I took my glucose test and failed, so I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. We celebrated Valentine's Day, we had a date night, we made Sushi at home, and Adam put his two weeks in at his job {which was a blessing!}  In preparation for Cullyn's arrival, we made the spare room a guest bedroom/toy room.  In March {at 15 months} Jordyn transitioned to a big girl bed, I learned to see who is pinning my things on Pinterest, and we celebrated St. Patrick's Day.  In April, we celebrated Easter. I {finally!} made photo books of J's 1st year! Most importantly, we welcomed a healthy Baby Boy, Cullyn Dean.  Jordyn Lynn turned 18 Months. The beginning of May, Cullyn turned 2 weeks and then 1 month before we knew it.  And we celebrated Memorial Weekend at the Lake House.  In June, Cullyn turned two months and Murdock turned 5 Years.  We celebrated Father's Day at the lake as well.  Jordyn got bit by a neighbor dog, we visited the Strawberry Patch, we vacationed in Michigan, and I went back to work.  July brought Independence Day and Cullyn turned 3 Months.  We spent many afternoons enjoying Summer Treats.  My siblings and our men went to Chicago. We celebrated my 27th Birthday in August.  Cullyn turned 4 Months, we found Free Little Libraries, and went to the Iowa State Fair.  September started at the Iowa Football Game over Labor Day and celebrating Dad's 50th Birthday on a pontoon.  Cullyn turned 5 months and we went to the Apple Orchard.  We cheered for the Minnesota Vikings and had a TON of photoshoots this Fall, too.  Jordyn turned TWO and we celebrated with an Ice Cream party in October and then got tubes.  We also visited the Pumpkin Patch and celebrated Halloween, lots.  Cullyn turned 6 months and we took our family photos.  We also took Koeff family photos.  Cullyn was sick most of November.  Murdock turned 5 1/2 and Cullyn turned 7 Months.  We celebrated Thanksgiving at my sister's new house and spent many days at the ENT clinic.   Adam and I snuck out for a date with friends to see the Keith Urban concert.  We started an Advent Calendar full of books and activities on the first of December.  Both kids got tubes.  We had Breakfast with Santa, cut down a Christmas tree, bought lots of Christmas gifts, did lots of Christmas activities, and celebrated four Christmases.

2013 Top 5's 
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Halloween 2013 | My Baby Zoo Animals

Okay, this is the last of the Halloween photos this year, I promise! :)  I just couldn't pass up a little photo op at this scary looking building near our lake house! :)  

Jordyn | Zebra | 2 Years :: Cullyn | Giraffe | 6 Months

Daycare Halloween & 'Trick or Treating' here

Are You Done? {having kids that is}

From the day I delivered Jordyn, I was asked 'so, when will you guys try for your second?'
And then the second we shared that H2 was a boy, people I started asking 'so is this your last?'

So…here is my attempt to answer the infamous question, 'Will you guys be having more children?' 

I'm always nervous to answer this question.  It's like if our plans change I will be called a lier or something!

The short answer, we don't know.  Maybe?  Hopefully not!

There are just so many factors that play into the answer of this question.  Would we love more? Yes!  Are we so very blessed to have two healthy, happy children when so many others struggle to have any at all? Yes.  Are we deathly afraid of losing the 'man to man defense' as we like to call it? Yes!  Sometimes there just isn't enough of us to go around as it is, so adding another one, two?  Three?! to the mix is a little scary.  And of course we have the practical factor which is the cost of children {daycare, college funds, monthly experiences}.  And lets not forget that we live in a little condo and drive a small SUV {which would require the purchase of a larger home and a minivan/large SUV}

If we're being 100% honest right now, Adam is perfectly content with the two wonderful children we have now.  He feels like they complete our family.  And we both feel like we will be able to provide them with everything we want.  Mainly time, but assets {car, college, etc.} & experiences {yearly vacations, sports camps, etc.} as well.  But me?  I would like to wait a couple {maybe three} more years and have two {or three?!} more {close together like Jordyn & Cullyn}.

So for everything I just mentioned {& more} we have decided to love and enjoy the two little blessings we have right now and discuss our options again in a few years.  I'm certain God will lead us in the right directions when the time comes.  Who knows?  Adoption my even be in our future.

This & That {Fall!}

Did this:
Joined a gym & worked out 4 times!
Took Jordyn to Zoo Tunes & Gymnastics.
Went back to the doctor with Cullyn for another {the same?} ear infection. {We have been referred to the ENT for him now too.} :(
Stayed home & enjoyed the cool, crisp weather.  Open windows, hoodies, & fall candles! :)
Took the kids to the Apple Orchard with my BFF and her boys
Watched the Iowa football game with Adam's coworkers {Many that I was just meeting for the first time}
Went to my first spin class {ugh!}
Wrapped Jordyn's 2nd Birthday presents.
Attempted to take the kids to a pumpkin patch.  5 locations later, we gave up!  We will try again another night!  :(
Watched World War Z
Shopped with my sister and Cullyn 

Instagrammed that:

Cooked this: 

Chili {okay, Adam made it!} :)

Brown...

1 lb. hamburger

1 lb. italian sausage

1 diced onion

5 cloves of diced garlic

Seasonings to taste {salt & pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin}

Add…

1 can Ro-tel {tomatoes, onions, chilis} 

2 cups Salsa {we use medium heat, but whatever you prefer}

1 can Mrs. Grimes Chili Beans {or whatever brand you prefer}

Tomato Juice {to desired thickness, we use 3/4 of a large can}

Let it simmer on the stove top all day.  Serve with sour creme, shredded cheese, & Fritos chips.

Hoping that:
..I get my fall decor put up this week {since I didn't get it done the entire month of September!} 
..Our family photos go good and I don't look huge in my outfit!
..We get to a pumpkin patch one night this week



Shot this:

Scheduled that:
M::This & That of the Weekend
T::
W::Family Photo Outfit Idea {Mustard + Navy}
T::
F::R&J 50th Anniversary Photoshoot

Your Husband Might Be In A Band If Your Daughter...

Your Husband Might Be In A Band If Your Daughter...

... requests 'tunes' in the car
...plays her keyboard while 'singing' into the attached mic
...claps and says 'yay' after every song {radio songs included}
...runs to grab her guitar so she can play it while daddy plays his
...loves family dance parties

*I really hope she gets my husband's musical talent, but even if this is just a phase, it's adorable & I'm loving it!  PS...anytime I start singing she says 'No Mama, No.'  I'm guessing she already knows I can't carry a tune...haha! :)

This & That

Did this:

Finally washed my car {next up?  Taking 10 minutes to vacuum it!}
Jordyn had her first gymnastics class
I had my first 'Ballet' Photoshoot
Stayed home {Oh it felt so good!  No packing, no driving--we hardly left the house!}
Baked all kinds of food
Went on a date with Adam 
Celebrated a friends new job
Watched the Iowa Hawkeyes beat the Iowa State Cyclones
Cheered for the Vikings through the nail biting {and very discouraging!} game.
Edited and uploaded {many!} photos
Caught up on lots of A Photo{graphy} work

Instagrammed that:

Ate this: 
Dorito Chicken & Cheese Bake {adapted from Facebook}
------------------------------------
3c. cooked chicken {I used a rotisserie chicken}
1c. sour cream
1 can cream of chicken
2c. shredded cheddar cheese
1c. shredded taco cheese
1/2tsp. pepper
1/2tsp. garlic powder
1/2tsp. onion powder
1 medium bag of Doritos chips {crushed}

Spread 1/2 the bag of crushed doritos in the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan.
Mix cooked chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken, 2c. shredded cheeses, pepper garlic powder, & onion powder together and spread over crushed doritos.  
Top with additional 1/2 bag of doritos and 1 c. shredded cheeses.
Bake for 30 minutes at 350* {until cheese is bubbly}

Edited that: 

Shot this:

Thankful that:
The weather is starting to feel like Fall.  Perhaps this will inspire me to get my decor out of the garage! :)

Baked this: 
Beer Bread {SO easy & super good!  I paired it with a Spinach & Artichoke Dip that Adam made}

Mix 3c. Self Rising Flour, 1/2c. Sugar, & a 12oz. beer {of choice}.  Spread into a greased loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes at 350*.  Then top with 2Tbsp. melted butter and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

...and Banana Bread & brownies!  :)

Scheduled that:
M::This & That of the Weekend
T::Your Husband Might Be In A Band If Your Daughter...
W::Go Iowa {Football photos!}
T::
F::Josh + Lacy's Engagement Photoshoot

If this world was designed for mamas...

Every single business that sells anything should have a drive through.  Not just the pharmacy and the liquor store {true story, we have a drive through liquor store a block from our house...holla!}.  The flowershop, the gas station, restaurants {real ones, not the greasy kind}, and most of all ...Panera Bread.  Do you know how many times I've wanted a bagel from Panera on a Friday morning and don't just because I'm too lazy to unload {& reload} the kids {again!}?

There would be no more squeeky doorknobs!  I don't know how many times I've woken my kids up when trying to peek in the room to check on them.  However, I think I have almost mastered opening the door with out them hearing me.  I've got it down to a science.  Gently get a firm grip with one hand, slowly turn the handle while pulling it toward yourself, make sure it's turned 100%, then lightly {and oh so slowly} push it forward with your other hand {that's holding your cell phone for light, obviously}.  Of course if the ceiling fan is on, or the window is open, or the heat is on it requires a whole new set of rules.  :)

There would be a daycare everywhere.  Not just at some gyms, but like everywhere.  Target, the grocery store, the tanning salon.  Since having children, do you know how much stuff I can get done in 15 minutes when someone else is watching my child?!  And how many times have you skipped a hair/mani/pedi appointment because you couldn't find a sitter for you kids?  For real!

Every parking spot would have a shopping cart withing 10 feet.  I know, pre-children I dodged those shopping cart corrals like the plague.  Now though?  I will park two miles {not really, but you know..} from the front door as long as I have a cart close.  I don't want to leave me {unattended} children while I take a five minute jog to find an empty cart.  And of course I don't even attempt to carry both children all the way to the front of the store by myself.  Did that once.  No less than seven strangers stopped to ask me if they could help me.  thank you, but no. 

{On an unrelated,--but related--note, those sweet, kind hearted souls that offer to take your cart back for you because they're headed inside anyways?  You people are my absolute favorite.  I vow to do that as much as possible!}

And for the love of all things holy...could someone please design a sippy cup that really doesn't leak?!  I'm so tired of buying {another} new cup that after two uses starts leaking just as bad as the 348428 others you've bought.  Thankfully we only give J milk or water, but seriously if I have to wash sheets again just because of spilled milk, I might hurt myself!  It can't be rocket science.  If we can design a car that reverses and parks itself, someone should be able to design a freaking piece of plastic that doesn't leak!

/ end rant! :)  

What drives you crazy?!

{all images taken from tumblr}

[pure] Michigan

At last...I've finally taken a few minutes to jot down the highlights of our Michigan trip.  Ya know, the one we took three months ago?!  Ya, that one! :)
-----------------------------
I've been to some pretty awesome places from California to Florida and Oregon to Texas, and I really want my family to see {a portion of} all 50 states {which is why I started Travel Journals for each of my kids}.  To make that happen, we {usually} aren't able to go to different states more than once.  So this summer, with a newborn and toddler, I knew I didn't want to go too far, or anywhere too crazy busy/touristy, or expensive for that matter, but I did want to take the kids to a new state.  So as I mentioned here, the opportunity came to go to Michigan.  The 'swap' ended up falling through {boo!} but we still rented her cottage for the week.  Here are snapshots of our week in Michigan...

We had to visit 'Hell, MI' just to say we had been there.  No worries...it was very brief!  :)

We spent the night at our lakehouse the night before we left, which took an hour off our trip.  With a 6 week and 18 month old, every hour counts! :)  Early {5a} June 4th, we packed up my in laws van and headed an hour East to pick up my sister.  She was our 'nanny' for the week, although she absolutely refused the title! :)  But she did come along to help us with the kiddos.  It ended up being perfect because we were running low on sleep so she came in very handy chasing Jordyn around.  Or soothing Cullyn so we could play with Jordyn.  She was a Godsend while traveling.  She was back there with them able to hand Jordyn snacks and stick Cullyn's paci back in, etc.  I think we've decided we might take a 'nanny' on every vacation from here on out! :) Kidding!  Sort of.

Our cottage was perfect for us.  It was two bedroom, one bath so Cullyn slept in a pack n play in our room and Jordyn slept in a pack n play {she still wont sleep in bed with anyone} in the 'bunk bed room' with Alicia.  It had a small kitchen and living room {no TV--YAY!!} with a large screened in porch.  It was just heavenly!  

 

Most of our days were spent lounging, playing outside {even though it wasn't terribly warm!}, canoeing, going for walks, fishing off the dock, and playing games on the porch.

One day we ventured to Ann Arbor {about an hour East I think} to go to the Children's Museum.  This was Jordyn's first time and she LOVED it!  She went from one thing to the next, to the next.  She was so tired by the time we left!  

 

  

 

After the Children's Museum we drove around Ann Arbor for a bit.  We saw the Michigan stadium.  

 

One evening we were invited over to Bernie's Tiki Bar {Bernie is the consultant I met at work who owns the cottage we rented}.  Her boyfriend, David, made everything in the backyard. I wish you could have seen this in person since the photos don't do justice.  

Someone was a bit confused how ice cream bars work! :)  She had SO MUCH FUN with Bernie's little grandson! 

The night before we left to come home we made s'mores.  Jordyn was IN LOVE with them.  She didn't however like sticky hands! :)