Mama Needs Some R&R

My 3 year old is obsessed with tractors. Anything to do with tractors. What did he want for his birthday? Tractors. What kind of cake did he want? Tractor. What's his favorite color? John Deere green (and yes, he actually said that). So we had a tractor party! Now I am not a crafting person, nor do I cook or bake well, so simple is my thing. How do I create a tractor themed party, without doing (or spending) a lot? So I scoured the internet to see what I could find. Invitations are SO hard to find! At least free templates! All I wanted was to be able to find a template, and print off invites at like Walmart or Walgreen's. I couldn't find any that I liked! Solution? Create your own! I found a picture of a John Deere tractor that I liked and created my own invite on Walmart's website. Then I was able to add in our party details, and walah! Done! Next was the cake. Now, I don't like to bake and I'm not good at it, so I was looking for simple. Like defi

I want to share with you about this sanity saving baby item that will change your life! Both my boys have slept in a co-sleeper in our room until at least 6 months. It's so much easier for me to nurse them for those night feeds and it helps me fall back asleep faster. What I didn't know until recently was what a DockATot was. OMG such a life saver! It's this expensive, little snuggle bed for your baby. They have two sizes, the deluxe and the grand. The deluxe is for littles ages 0-9 months, and the grand is from months to 3 years. The deluxe starts at a whopping $175 and the grand at $275. Expensive right? I never like to pay full price for anything, so there are some GREAT ways to save a buck that I will share. Definitely a registery must have for those new mama's! Why is the DockATot so great you ask? It hugs your kiddo in a way where they feel comforted and almost like you are holding them while they sleep. Its made with a breathable tube and bottom cushion, so

Family. Friends. Food. Fireworks. The 4 "F's" of Independence Day. At least in our household. We loving have friends over for get-togethers; most are impromptu but when we can plan, we go all out. This year we had a quaint group of about 20 plus some kiddos and we sure had a blast! While the kids played in the pool, the adults were able to sit and relax and consume a few adult beverages. While I am particularly fond of the new crazed Hard Seltzer waters (my favorite here ), I do love when I am able to make sangria to enjoy. This year, I made a super easy patriotic themed sangria that was gone in under 30 minutes. What I love about this SUPER easy sangria recipe is how simple it is to make. It looks gorgeous, and with the density of the berries, it layers nicely. Not to mention it tastes great and it is really refreshing! We ended the evening with a spectacular fireworks show! We had purchased a slew of fireworks from a stand up in Indiana on our way back down

Motherhood. One of the greatest jobs a woman can have. Its also that one job that tests your patience the most. And then, your adorable little one says something or gives you that look and you forget why you were even frustrated in the first place. I have to admit, my kids are angels. Yup. They really are. My 3 year old was the best baby - nursed and slept great - and has been an awesome toddler so far. Sure, we have the occasional tantrums but that is to be expected. He's into helping mama with baby brother, loves anything to do with tractors, monster trucks, cars and the color green, and loves being outside most of all. My youngest has been just the same. Happy, smiley little guy who has been such a blessing as kiddo number 2. I thought after having one perfect child that our second was going to be a little hellion. Not saying that he, or either of them, wont be, but here's to hoping! I've learned a lot in these past 4 years through 2 pregnancies and delivering my b