Just be okay

Lately life has been hectic! I am guilty of not being fully present in the moment. I've just been the 'okay' mom, and today, that's alright!

This boy...

How is it possible that this little man is 2 years old already!? I can't believe how time flies. Baby stay little just a little bit longer for mama! So this kid, oh this kid keeps me on my toes. He's made sure that I don't ever forget he's there!

We celebrated his 2nd birthday on Monday after work. It was just Bri and I with Lincoln and was simply perfect. He loved his Woody Doll and Little People Racetrack! We made pizza (which he actually eats) and finished with a special little blue cupcake for Linc! We'll call him Gramps JR...he only wanted the frosting!

As often as this boy may drive me freaking insane, I am so overjoyed with the love I have for him and his personality. :)

...when your daughter is your comfort

I had a really good day today, however, I was struck with intense anxiety that kept me from being "present" in the moment. I hate that. My heart was racing, hands shaking, and couldn't get my mind off of the issues causing my anxiety.

Briahna is always so comforting when she knows I am just not feeling normal. So tonight, she caught me crying and her first instinct was to crawl over and give me a giant hug! She asked if I was okay and why I was crying. She continued to rub my hair back and pat my shoulder. How could I possibly explain to her why I am just feeling so blah today that it made me cry? We had a mini chat about how hard it can be to be a grownup sometimes. I even slipped up and said that I get lonely when I don't have anyone else to talk to or help. Her response "You can always talk to me!" I love how open minded she can be and how her heart so desires for me to feel good. It does sweet girl, it does.

I don't have these anxious days too often anymore, but when I do, it never ends well. As I do have these days, I have realized that when I get anxiety like so, it is usually because their is a problem or issue that needs to be addressed. ...and today's issue...has been addressed. :(

Where can I stick this chopstick?

I don't take the littles out to dinner very often because Lincoln can be quite the handful. Tonight, after I picked up Bri from dance, we were both craving pho (Vietnamese soup). I contemplated hitting the drive-thru to grab something quick but I opted to take them out to eat at a small Asian place called Noodle Teahouse.

I secretly dread taking Lincoln because I never know how he is going to act. However, tonight, he amazed me! He was so well behaved...for the most part, but we'll get to that later. He actually sat in his booster seat the whole time. I did a parenting no-no and had Mickey Mouse playing on my phone, but he was pretty distracted with other things at the table. You know how those boys are, they have to touch EVERYTHING! This is where those chopsticks come in. At first he was just holding them, then turned into tapping them, and eventually he NEEDED to see where he could stick that damn chopstick. It started with my pho, then my water, then his ear, and then my ear. I may or may not have seen him stick it in his nose and then his mouth...as well as his ketchup and then attempted to share with me. Gosh, so sweet of him!

Bri just looks at him and rolls her eyes...brothers!

We are totally still here...

Oh my gosh! I can't believe I haven't written since July! I am totally sucking at this blog as of late...err the last year or more!

So I now live in Wisconsin working full time for the Army. It was a huge change for the kids and I, but I love it so far! I really enjoy my job, the daycare we have is amazing, and Briahna loves her school. We've met some pretty legit people and are finally settled in. I know we've only been here since August, but I could see us staying here and/or coming back here...all depending on where the Army takes us!

I would have to say my favorite thing about Eau Claire is the food! I tend to go out to eat more than I would like to admit, but by doing so, I have had the pleasure of trying so many new places, hole in the walls, and dainty cafes. If you are in the area, I WILL be taking you out to enjoy the deliciousness!

My top 5 dining establishments as of right now (in no particular order):
1. The Nucleus (café that offers phenomenal breakfast food)
2. Bug Eyed Betty's (not sure exactly but I'd say a twist to food from the bayou)
3. Rice Palace (Thai restaurant with amazing pho)
4. Shanghai Bistro (super cheap place for Asian dishes and sushi)
5. Tacos Juanita (best hole in the wall Mexican place I've been to yet)

Side note on the babies: Briahna is doing extremely well at her new school as well as her dance school! She's my little nerd, loves math, science, and reading! Linc will be 2 in just one week! I can't believe how fast the time has gone. We're still dealing with him and being sick more often than we'd like. I am hoping for tubes in his ears to help with the ear infections, they are never ending! Although he can be quite the little stinker, he truly brings me so much joy (they both do) and makes me smile. I mean this kid can count to ten already, courtesy of KinderCare! :)



Well ladies and gents, I will ease back into this slowly as to not overwhelm you all with all the happenings!

To be continued...

Oh and if you were wondering, the answer is yes. I am still single and still don't know how to mingle :-)