Mother's Day Exchange Reveal

I have decided to come out of my blogging break/non-blogger status just long enough to tell you how Laureen at Chateau Deveau (as part of a Mother's Day Blog Exchange) helped me celebrate my first Mother's Day!

It was obvious to me that Laureen is a fabulous mom (to T and Homegirl!) who has been through this pregnancy rollercoaster before! These days the fastest way to my heart are things that taste good, smell good, and make me feel good - she included all three! AND it was so sweet of her to read my ancient blog posts and choose things I would really enjoy. 

Consider me spoiled!

If we are being totally honest here, the Fit Pregnancy magazine and the chocolates were the first to go! After taking pictures, both joined me on the couch for a much needed end-of-the-day rest! The box also included mascara and lip balm (two of my beauty basics - I might even save them for my hospital bag); a cute stationary set of notecards, pens, and colorful magnets; a golden vanilla candle (the good smelling part of the gift); and two flower seed packets for my garden. 

Can I say again how sweet it was of Laureen to 'get to know' me through my old blog posts and Instagram feed?!

My absolute favorite part was the super sweet card she sent. I know that thousands (millions?)of women have rocked pregnancy and motherhood -- but one of the most comforting things I've found is when I can connect one on one with other moms. I love that I am not alone.

Finally, I had so much fun putting together a package to send to Sarah at Seeing All Sides. I was definitely paired with the two best mommas out there - but Sarah and I made so many fun connections through our getting-to-know-you emails. Sarah (and her husband, kids, and dog Kinnick) live in KC BUT she is originally from Southeastern Iowa and is a Hawkeye fan! (Did the Kinnick part give it away?!) She is also a high school teacher and is pretty much rocking it at life! I have so loved getting to know her through her blog posts!

Happy Mothers Day to all the wonderful mommas of the world!

High Five for Friday 5.29

Linking up with Lauren Elizabeth for High Five for Friday! 

My first four exciting things that happened this week are all from my fantastic Memorial Day weekend (official start of summer - even though we still have another week of school. boo!) And, while I am the first to admit that I am NOT an outdoors/camping person, I got a lot of sun and fresh air and loved it!

1. Friday night Kasey and I went on a date night to watch the Burlington Bees get a big win against Peoria. The weather was beautiful!

2. We have almost lived a whole month in our new house. And we spent quite a bit of the weekend doing house chores - mowing, weeding, cleaning, and yard work at the old lot. Unfortunately, now that we've started it seems like new weeks pop up every few minutes!

3. On Saturday night we joined friends on a Cedar River sandbar. Their family was camping on the sandbar (tent and everything) for the weekend. It was so relaxing - and their young girls were having a blast running in and out of the water. 

4. We had extra family time at the cabin on Sunday. Lots of good food. And lots and lots of bug spray!

5. My coworkers and I threw a bridal shower for a teammate who is getting married this summer. The theme was adorable -- and I can't wait to share details with you next week!

I hope everyone else is having a wonderful week!

Currently...

Thinking…of the many tasks that will accompany the many changes that we are anticipating in the coming weeks and months. I am thinking of ways to organize and maintain my sanity. I am thinking of ways to prepare for the future without forgetting to live in the moment. 

Feeling…renewed and refreshed. Spring cleaning and moving have been a great time for me to declutter our home and Lent was an excellent opportunity for me to declutter my life and focus on what matters most. 

Watching… Extreme Couponing -- and any other TLC show that I can stream on Netflix.

Excited…about moving and all the redecorating I am going to get to do - I can not wait for my house to no longer be a disastrous moving zone (although that might take a few months!). 

Reading…a lot of graduate school notes and articles... and The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan and This Star Won't Go Out by Ester Grace Earl (recommended by John Green, so it's a must read!)

Wondering…what God has planned for our family next. There are so many unknowns and questions that I am anxious to have answers for. 

Working…on lesson planning for the rest of the year. I only have a unit and a half left as a classroom teacher, and I want to make sure that I give it my all. There are a lot of fun things coming up - including book spine poetry to celebrate Poetry Month and a field trip to the National Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque. 

Stressed…about finishing up my semester of graduate school. I only have two weeks left and a LONG to do list. A test, a disposition, a reflection paper, and a final revision of my thesis proposal are still setting half-finished on my desktop. 

Proud…of my husband. He is so confident when making decisions that will better our lives for the future.

Wanting…for myself and those around me to be content with a calm life. We are so blessed with wonderful family and friends I need to remind myself that we have enough and to be content.

Wishing…I would have gotten this Crystal Faye sweatshirt sooner. I'm worried that it's just getting warm enough that I won't need to wear it anymore. And this Erin Condren planner sooner. It took me until April to get a 2014 planner. And that I made more time to be active.

Eating…Easter candy, Easter candy, and more Easter candy. Honeycrisp apples. Triscuits and string cheese. Anything that can be grilled.

Drinking…Diet Coke, Smart Water, and this year's first batch of sun tea. 

Loving…online shopping, Pinterest, and how inspirational all my favorite blogs have been. My family for helping us move. My husband for putting up with the many changes in our life (and my hesitation with each and every one of them). The sunshine and the rain. New babies. Spending time with friends.