January Resolutions

This year it has been very important for me to work on my life in small ways. I have been trying to stay focused on my resolutions and re-establishing a good family life - even though it's just Blake and I now. It's so hard for me to see this year as a "time of growth" because I am just not a patient person. I always want to be perfect and to have control of life, but it's been a tough lesson to learn that life just doesn't work that way. I am trying to embrace the uncontrollable, forgive myself for my imperfections, and embrace the small things in life.

Even though the year started with a few stumbles and falls, I still kept up with my resolutions!!!

Travel/Bucket List things:

• Blake and I traveled to Pilot Mountain 
• I started teach a brand new course at school (Honors English II)
• Enjoyed 4th row seats at a Canes game
• Blake went to his first friends birthday party at Monkey Joe's (Emma turned 4)

1 craft for the month:
I painted this canvas for my classroom. It has my favorite Gatsby quote on it! :)

1 craft for the book:
I am technically still reading this one... but it will be done within a few days! Me Before You is supposed to be turned into a movie sometime this year and I can't wait! It has sucked me in and has proven to be a great book that fits perfectly in my life right now. Read it!! 

I am so excited about February. I have lots of fun things planned for us.

Granny Turns 80

Wow... this week turned into a CRAZY busy week! I almost forgot to blog about our adventures from last weekend! Let's catch up a little...

Last weekend Blake and I got to return to Pilot Mountain for my Granny's 80th birthday party!! First of all, it is so cute that Blake understands "going to the mountains" now. He is an awesome travel buddy and will sleep the majority of the ride there. This past time, specifically, he woke up just as we could finally see Pilot Mountain in the distance. He got so excited about seeing the mountain! :)

Granny's bday party was a hit, thanks to my mom and my Aunt Dana. She was so cute and sassy at her little party. She loved having her friends and family there to celebrate. I have to say she was quiet the social butterfly for being 80! I hope I have that kind of party when I turn 80! Blake of course stole the show. He was all over the place and getting into all kids of things. Luckily he had a partner in crime - little miss Chloe. They two of them played with tinker toys, danced, played on ipads and more. Although I was running around everywhere, I was very grateful that Blake was having such a good time with his new friend (ahem...somehow distant cousin. I think!?).

After the party was over, Blake and I spent the night with Granny and Papa. It was nice being able to spend time with them away from the chaos. I love to see how they both try to keep up with Blake. Blake had Papa outside swinging and playing in the car. He also had Granny playing hide and seek with him around the house. It truly warms my heart that both sets of my grandparents are able to see Blake grow and are healthy enough to play with him. It's a fun thing to watch. We are very grateful!!!

That about wraps up our month of January too! 2015 has provided its little challenges already, but we are still finding the joy in the journey!! Now the fun begins with Blake's birthday rapidly approaching!! Lot's of surprises ahead!!

Go Canes

For Christmas, I got my dad tickets to a Carolina Hurricanes hockey game. It has been a long time since my dad and I have done something just the two of us, and I am so glad we had this chance. By the way.... did I mention that we had 4th road seats?!?!!? Super cool!!!

Growing up, my dad and I always went on little adventures. Sometimes we would travel to new places (like New York, Florida Keys, and the Bahamas) and other times we would just try new places to eat. I remember all of these adventures and how much fun the two of us had. I am so grateful that even though I am an "adult" now, I can still have these adventures with my dad.

It has also given me the inspiration and goal to do the same thing with Blake. I never intended to be a single mom to Blake, but at the same time I am determined to have wonderful adventures with him! I used to feel very insecure that Blake was a little boy. I worried about how I would bond with him because I wasn't his dad and possibly would not be able to relate to him on some levels. However, my dad and I created an amazing bond, and I plan on doing that with Blake. We will have an amazing time on this journey. I can't wait to see what adventures we can conquer this year! :)

Life with Boys

Life with a little boy is one of the best things in the world. Our days are filled with superheroes, cars, action, imagination, and more! Blake, specifically, has one of the best little personalities. He absolutely amazes me on a daily basis. I have a feeling that he will be a class clown, an extrovert, and the life of the party.

He loves selfies.... and look at his personality. What 2 year old can make these expressions?!?! Haha.

We also spent our time running from dinosours and playing hide and seek. We found a fort under the kitchen table to protect us. :)

Sometimes we don't always have these huge and extravagant adventures. Sometimes we just enjoy our time together and laughing at the small moments. I love every second of it!!!

Blake turns 3 soon.... already in full prep for his little party! No matter what age he is, he will always be my baby!

Happy New Year 2015

Happy New Year!!!

2014 was a year that totally shattered my whole life. Ryan leaving was something that literally broke my heart and my world on a number of levels... I must say I have never been so happy to close a phase/chapter of my life. Time to let it go.

2015 is going to be a special year. First of all, this is going to be MY year! A year for me to learn about myself and grow in ways I need to develop. I am looking forward, for the first time, to see what life brings to ME. I have always chased things. I have always been a go getter. Now I am curious to see what life gives me back in return. Secondly, 2015 will be a great year for Blake. With everything that has happened, it is my top priority to make sure that Blake has the best life possible. I am so excited for a new year to bring new experiences to my little man. I already have several surprises for him and I can't wait until we can knock some stuff off our bucket list. :)

Here are some of our resolutions....

• Bucket List it up - Blake and I are going to try a bunch of new things this year.
• Travel - I want us to explore some new places together! 
• 1 book a month - I am going to read at least 1 book a month.
• 1 craft a month - I am going to complete one DIY craft per month.
• Learn and grow - Blake and I are going to both learn and grow in ways we never have. Exciting!

Some of Blake's newest phrases fit into this new phase. I am so glad I have that little guy to share them with! Here we go!

• "Perfect!"
• "I not believe it!"
• "Mommy, you're my best friend"

Thanks for joining us for 2015 and we can't wait to share our fun adventures with you!! :)