Mommy Musings

Here's a little catch-up for your Friday! - It's been three weeks since I sprained my ankle and I'm still rocking this air cast.  It's about as much fun as it sounds.  It sounds silly, but not being able to run has been SO hard for me.  It's my one break, the one thing I do for me every day.  And it's been GORGEOUS out.  I slaved away for months on the treadmill, just waiting for the day I could run outside.  It's absolute torture not to be out there.  There also seems no end in sight for my injury.  So if you'll need me I'll be in the corner crying and eating my feelings. - We recently had a very busy day of birthday parties, zoo visits, and college graduations....and the best party was that Skip was home for it!  How often does that happen?!  It was so great to spend that time with my family and friends! - With school winding down, my days are numbered with Charlie at home with me.  I'm soaking up every last moment before BOTH my girls are in s

How to Make Your Home Look More Expensive Than It Is Wondering how you can make your home more chic without spending your savings? It’s easier than you think. Follow these tips for creating a stylish interior that your friends won’t even know is budget-friendly. 1. De-clutter, because less really is more. Aim for a minimalist look and fill space without crowding it. Use objects of varying heights, colors and shapes to create personality, but don’t add too many knick knacks to any one surface or shelf. Get rid of unwanted decor items by holding a garage sale or selling them online. 2. Add a focal point to each room. The easiest way to do this, especially if you’re working with limited space, is by putting up wall art and then planning the rest of the room around it. If you’re artistic, get a big blank canvas and make your own art. Otherwise, purchase a great looking, inexpensive piece online or at a flea market. 3. If you have a lot of sunlight in one room, let the rays speak for th

Emmy has been in the Daisy's all year.  It's a new experience for me, because I never was a Girl Scout or anything when I was younger.  It's been a learning experience for sure.  But we were all very excited when we learned Emmy would be walking in the local Memorial Day parade. It took some figuring out because Skip was supposed to ride with the VFW, but my ankle is still so bad I didn't think I could make it for the whole parade. In the end, he walked with Emmy, and Charlie and I set ourselves up along the route to watch. It was so great to see Emmy marching along with her friends.  And Charlie really enjoyed the whole experience as well.  We had a wonderful morning as a family, though it was not lost on me how different this day would look if Skip hadn't come home to us. I noticed something as well this weekend.  There is a lot of misinformation about Memorial Day.  I'd like to quickly clear some of that up.  - Memorial Day is a day to honor those that died w

Today is already feeling very Monday-ish, but at least the sunshine and hot weather are helping!  I am absolutely loving this early summer feel. Skip has been working normal hours the past few weeks...home for dinner, off on weekends.  It's AMAZING!!  This is what you're all treated to every day?!?  It really is the greatest thing ever, and I've been soaking up all the family time we've gotten.  Sadly, it all ends this week, but it was nice while it lasted. School pictures came in this week.  I absolutely love my big girl's sweet face! It's carnival time around here in New Jersey.  For the next few weeks all the local schools seem to have carnivals to raise money.  It's a little pricey, but fantastic.  We've been taking Emmy for years, but never brought Charlie before.  Last Tuesday we all went as a family.  The girls had such a fabulous time!  I loved watching their little excited faces on each of the rides. Looks like we're going to be busy the nex

#weseeyou Thinking of our NYPD family as they lay Brian Moore to rest today. #bluelivesmatter

Thank you to all free clear for sponsoring today’s post and inspiring me to try all free clear! It's springtime in New Jersey!!   Finally!!  In fact some days recently have felt more like summer than spring...which I have absolutely no problem with.  After the loooooooooooong winter we had, we're spending every free second we have outside.   This past weekend Skip was off and we all trekked out as a family to go fishing.  Rainbow trout fishing to be exact...or maybe it was large mouth bass...I don't remember.  What I do know is that my six year old was attempting to teach me to cast.   Attempting  being the key word.  I might not have been any good, but it was a hot day and Skip found the most beautiful spot for us, so I was happy.   With all that family fun comes lots and lots of dirt.  Who ever said that only boys are messy have never met my girls before.  I swear they came home with half the river bottom caked on their clothes. I refuse to stress over how messy they get,

Last night was a special night that I'll hold dear to me forever.  I had the opportunity to attend a speaking event with Taya Kyle....widow of American Sniper Chris Kyle.  To say I was excited was a complete understatement.  Taya has given a voice to military wives, in a way that was never done before.  Her story is all of our story.  I wanted to stand up in the middle of American Sniper and yell, "Yes!  Thank you. I have said those exact things.  Finally I'm not alone." I loved her additions to American Sniper, and I was looking forward to reading an entire book of her own words. I got there as soon as the doors opened and was lucky enough to get a front row seat.  I read about a third of the book while I waited, in awe of the grace and strength she showed throughout the book.  At 7:00 she came in, and with tears in her eyes, graciously received the standing ovation we gave her.  The co-author of the book, Jim DeFelice was there as well. Taya spoke for about half an