Instagram and a little about where we're at...

I guess I write this post not really knowing what to say, I know a "thank you" is in order for all of those that have helped us over the last month and my heart is full of gratitude for those that have shown us so much love. This past month's roller coaster of emotions felt like the carnival ride that would never end. And between the sickness and pain and sometimes the most somber moments of sadness I've been reminded that being strong is never skin deep. 

Lately, it feels like we've been living in this perpetual state of repetitive questioning, the questions and concerns haven't bothered me and the unceasing love for my family has been a reminder that people are good. Mostly I've been asked  "How are you doing?" at first my reaction was simple and direct about the pain but as time passed I began to realize more and more that I wasn't quite sure how I was doing. So in the most matter-of-fact way I don't really know where my emotions are at these days and I'm fine with not knowing or even understanding them completely. 

Two weeks ago or so John and I decided as a united front that it was time to sell off all our baby items (I know it may seem a bit rash)--basically the whole gamut of swings, clothes, shoes, bouncers, you name it, it's now gone. When it came to finally get rid of it all I had a small panic attack at the years of memories that were filled within each box, but as I went through each item one-by-one only trying to only keep the most precious and memorable pieces a weight slowly lifted off my shoulders. And it wasn't until the last thing finally sold that John and I realized we had made the right decision for our family. It seemed that holding onto each article of clothing and every morsel of babyhood had taken it's toll on us, it was like a small army of baby items had bogged us down in trench that could only be escaped by purging it all. And when it was all gone I cried out of relief and a bit out of guiltiness.

And as with all fresh starts I'm trying to find one for myself as well. We've been steam rolled over the last five years in terms of pregnancies and realizing the burden that each one has placed on our marriage made us realize even more that a break was in order. A break from babies, a break from worrying about the inevitable, a break from dreading the worst, and a break from feeling completely helpless. So we're breaking. I don't know if it's a permanent one or not and while I'm so sad, a sadness that seems so hard to even describe, I know my focus needs to be on being a wife and a mother to the people that I already have in my life.  

And I finished Whole30 yesterday, which has been a small victory for me and big victory for my pants. More on that later. Happy Easter, friends!

Instagram + Three Things+Winna Winna

So I started the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred about two weeks ago and my arms are still like jell-o. And I mean jell-ooo. Even typing requires effort, and doing dishes, and laundry, and the million other things that Moms use their arms for every single day. And my abs, oh my gosh, don't make me laugh because I may simultaneously cry and pee (which would be horrifying if it hasn't already happened like 10 times...but who's counting).

Yeah, so that's the skinny (no pun intended).

Now for the three things. Let me preface this with saying that I am usually just a Facebook stalker. I don't hash out my life's drama through a keyboard, and I rarely comment on posts, but I like to stalk and occasionally read some of the fun links that get posted by friends. And lucky for you two of them were really cool.

one// This article discusses how our language (as in a global sense) influences everything from our spending to saving habits as well as how we perceive our world. TOTALLY worth the read. promise.

two// This article entitled 12 Steps to Gentle Parenting was so what I needed this week. Especially the section of turning your "no's" into "yes's." I can't believe how many times a day I say "no" to Brecken, it's astounding to say the least. Six months ago or so I started to try a more "re-directive method" that required suggesting other options to bad behaviors versus just saying "no" and it was hard (especially for me). I mean really, really hard, saying "no" is just so easy (and lazy) than the alternative of trying to train my children to other behavioral patterns. 

It was hard to do and I slacked off overtime. So this was the kick in the rear I needed to start being a more positive influence (again). Funny game we play as parents of finding the right balance between teaching and loving while also disciplining with a tender hard. oi'.

three//Okay, I'm sure you've all seen the video of the guy waking up for anesthesia and he totally hits on a lady not aware that she's actually his wife. I mean, come on. Priceless.

And we have a Jamberry winner, congrats #6 Nichole Green. You're one lucky lady. Email at spunkyjunkyblog at gmail.com for the deets. 

Thanks everyone for playing along and even though you may not have won remember you can still purchase three sheets of Jamberry nails and get the fourth free! Enjoy. 

Instagram+Three Things

Oh Hump Day, you've been rather good to us. I mean really good. Two visits to the park, one was blasted hot and a bit humid and for a place that is bone dry the five percent humidity that we encountered was kind of like the end of the world to two mommas pushing strollers. And then good ole' Mother Nature decided to shake it up for our second park visit of the day (we really like the park if you can't tell) where we were graced with blustery clouds itching to pour rain down, which didn't happen, but it would have been nice because we so need the rain. Like bad! We also kicked Wednesday is the butt  by having one of my all time besties come over for one of those nice long girl talks. You know what I mean? So we decided to have celebratory root beer floats, because when you don't drink wine you have to substitute with root beer floats, it's only natural. And can we all have a little party celebrating the blossoms on the trees? I've seen picture after picture of blossoms for the last two months and our little area of the world has finally caught up! YAY!

And what better way to end the night then with a few good laughs. I can't really decide which one is my favorite. You be the judge!

Enjoy.

The last video, well, I about peed my pants. It was worth it.

Instagram+Three Things

One//I'm sure you've already seen the newest beauty campaign video released by Dove. But if you haven't please watch it. John will attest to the fact that I am not a crier, really, it takes a lot for me to shed tears. Prepare yourself for a tear-jerker with this video however. Whenever I watch this video I become a blubbering basket case. 

Two//One of my favorite shops is having a 50% off sale. And they are discontinuing some of my all time fave t-shirts. Run fast and get one or two or three...

Three//It may still be snowing here but we brought out the kick/balance bike. This weather will not stop us from "imagining" that it is Spring (and bike weather). And so far Brecken is loving his "new" bike (I prematurely got it for his second birthday). He is still learning how to balance, but his speed is kind of getting scary (yikes). The frame is metal (crash-proof), there is a foot rest for balancing, and an adjustable seat (great for my short stack). It really is an amazing bike, find it here.

See you tomorrow!

Instagram+Three Things

I've decided to quarantine this contaminated house of ours for the next 24 hours. Addison caught a flu-like bug and I suppose no great detail is required on how my night went down--I'll leave that to the imagination.  There is something to be said about sick babies, their constant neediness and  no direct way to communicate how they feel, it always seems to wear on me like no other form of torture. I've boasted for months how healthy I've kept my kids and myself (John, of course, is the exception) and little-by-little it finally caught up to us. A sniffle here, a runny nose there, a small ear ache, and then, WAH-Bam! a full blown explosion of sorts! This sickness came in with a vengeance, I might add. I'll venture to say that today will be chock-full of cuddling time, brothy chicken noodle soup, and a few misplaced placed hours watching Blues Clues.

And don't mind me, I just realized this post has a whole lot of selfies. I promise I'm really not that into myself. It's this whole new "no shampoo" experiment that I've been chronicling on Instagram.

 Three Things I'm Loving About Easter:

See Jane Blog//Easter Egg Coloring Party

The Alison Show//Painted Easter Eggs

World Market//Ceramic egg crate

*bought a few and they are love.ly!

Cheers.

Instagram+Three Things

If you're new here, every week or so I do a fun little post entitled "Instagram+Three Things," in it I highlight a few of my favorite pictures from the week that have been posted on Instagram. If you want to follow us we would love to meet you @spunkyjunky. Beware though, I post a lot of pictures of my kids. I also showcase three things as well--sometimes it's my favorite youtube videos, places you should shop, articles you should read. It basically is my storage box for highlighting my favorite things I find on the web (pinterest?). 

Here are a few of my favorite blogs//

creativity: Dana Made It// fashion: The Daybook// kid-friendly: Small Fry// Inspiration: NieNie Dialogues

Thanks for stopping by.

Instagram+Three Things

I finally caved to the world of Downton Abbey yesterday morning. I had attempted it in the past and got bored then someone told me to just get through the first three episodes and then I would be hooked. Save me now. So, while I would like to make my three things about Downton Abbey I'll spare you (for today at least):

one//The Bachelor. *If you don't watch The Bachelor you can skip my tirade. Has this season started off with more awkward moments than normal? Fifty Shades of Grey chick? Wedding dress chick? Chick trying to do back handsprings? A chick named Tiara, really? And hands down the most awkward moment was Arie trying to teach Sean how to kiss? Seriously, watching Arie kiss Emily was like watching a dog drink water. His suggestion was little-to-no tongue--Hello! all he used was tongue. Blehk. Anyway here is a funny Tumblr full of awkward quotes from the show.

two//Ordered the littles some cute stuff from this hip store.  I also ordered myself a tee and I was pleasantly surprised with the length, I usually hate buying cotton jersey because of the shrinkage, but this shirt is long enough if it does shrink up a bit it won't turn into a belly shirt.  

three//Sometimes being a parent is challenging and lonely this blog post was beautifully written and made me realize that we are all awesome no matter how little or how much we do.

Instagram+Three Things

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I imagine this week has served as an emotional roller coaster for everyone. The Christmas season seems so trivial compared to the bigger questions that are being asked right now. I know in our small little family we've begun to reevaluate our reality and what is really important to us. I'm sure it's a discussion that has taken place in many homes in the wake of such devastating loss.

This week I found a few things that made me smile. I am sure we could all use that right now. 

one//Photographer Francois Brunelle took a series of photos of individuals who might as well be siblings, but yet are not related. Totally ca-razy!

two//this is by far one of my favorite Youtube videos of all time. This week required a good overdose of laughter and the "Kid History" series was just what the doctor ordered. 

three//Such a sweet blog, with an even sweeter post on how to strengthen your marriage. Love it.

three-and-a-half//If you haven't read this article please do. I initially found it via The Huffington Post, but then redirected myself to this woman's blog, where she gives a portrayal of her son and the need for a drastic overhaul of our nation's mental health system. In light of the Connecticut shooting it is truly an eye-opener and a must read for everyone. 

God Bless.

Instagram+Three Things

Certainly my husband can't hold out much longer on depriving us of a Christmas tree, right? My Instagram feed is chuck full of ornaments, beautiful trees, stockings, and neatly wrapped gifts--John said until December 1st hits our house will remain Christmas-free. #dreamkiller It just means that during my down time I will be DIYing myself into a Christmas spirit frenzy. 

what's your opinion on real vs. fake tree? Farm bought vs. cut from the mountains tree? Any inspiration on what direction I should take this year would be helpful. Keep in mind I have Brecken who is prone to climbing/grabbing/ripping/pulling/tugging. You know--the "usual" for a three-year-old.

Three things I am loving about winter:

one//I just bought this beanie {in white} and a cowl similar to this one. Definitely worth every stinking penny

two//as soon as this lovely comes back in stock I am getting it for the little miss.

three//Brecken may be getting this boy-ish cardigan in every color

Instagram+Three Things...

Well, potty training is complete, Brecken was a rockstar and powered through it like a champ. Unfortunately, the little guy still needs up getting his pants up n' down. Have you ever seen a little boy running around white tighties?  holy cuteness. 

Here are a three things you may love this week:

one//Do you need some new cool and hip fonts? Check out pixelpixelpixel lots of fun stuff...that's free!

two//Have you ever noticed the cool arrows and paint brush water marks everyone seems to be adding to their pictures? Here are some Photoshop brushes for free as well.

three//Want to add washi tape to your photos? Check out Pugly Pixel.

Happy Hump Day!

Instagram+Three Things...

We made it through another week, without a huge disaster--well, if you don't count Brecken finding not one, but three permanent. black. markers. Holy Hosanna, kid. You're going to make me gray.

Anyway, here are three things on the web you should check out this week

one//Here is a .gif comparison of Hurricane Irene to Hurricane Sandy. Seriously, crazy. I am sending out prayers to everyone, especially our friends in family in the wake of the storm. Hunker down ya'll. 

two//Have you heard of the blog Wave at the Bus. This Dad deserves an award. Every morning he dresses up in a different costume and waves at his son as his school bus goes by the house. Hilarious, right?

three//Read this man's account of sixteen ways he could have improved his marriage(s). I know I could work on a few of these things as well.