Fall Flashback - Mother Nature's Farm

While I was on my blogging break, I missed posting some really cute pics of Simone.  Here's a little flashback to our trip to Mother Nature's Farm.

We visited Mother Nature's Farm in Gilbert, Arizona for some fall fun and cute pictures.  Simone had such a great time on the hayride (although, I was paranoid something would happen the whole time), and looking at the animals.  It's a sweet little place.  Which is perfect for younger kids who can make the trek around bigger farms like Schnepf Farms.  Plus the price of $3.00 for adults & kids over three can't be beat!  

We had fun hanging with our friends  in the piles of pumpkins, got some really cute pics, and packed our lunches for a quick snack while we enjoyed the day.  Simone sure loves giving Logan kisses!

They also have a deal on Friday's where all pumpkins (any size) are $5.  So even the gigantic pumpkins can be hauled away for really cheap!  This is great if you are doing a cute pumpkin set up by your front door.  But, beware if you live in Arizona, or more accurately Ahwatukee right off the mountain ... a pack of javelinas ate EVERY pumpkin off of our doorstep.  They literally ate everything except for the stem.  Crazy, right?  

Such a great day... Fall in AZ... we wear shorts!

Another great bonus, this adventure wiped out Simone (who has energy for days), and she slept two & a half hours after leaving.  Fall in Arizona isn't really fall... it's more like spring, hence why she's not wearing leggings, a hat, or socks & shoes. 

We will have a few more flashbacks coming your way, soon!

I'm that Mom...an honestly honest post

That Mom... the one with the screaming child.  When I say screaming, I mean EAR PIERCING SQUAWKING that can be heard from a mile away.  Hi, that's me!

I can't have your iPhone?  Shits about to go down...

Many people can't believe that sweet and happy Simone could be so challenging.  For our friends at Gymboree and swim lessons... it's not so hard to imagine.  Simone has entered a phase where she demands to get her way.  Now, I was ALWAYS the first to say the common "it's the parent's fault", before we had her.  So, I guess this is kind of my kid-karma coming back to BITE me directly in the ass. 

Max aint got NOTHING on Simone...

I swear to you, we do try to lay down the law with her (and also swear we miss the mark, often), but with a one year old you are pretty limited on punishments.  However, at our home we have now initiated TIME OUT.  But, time out at this age feels like trying to play fetch with a six week old puppy. 

Simone is all peaches and cream when she's doing something she is comfortable with, when no other kids are touching her toys (for some reason it only matters when it's other toddlers), and when she is in a great mood.  Throw in needing a nap.... throw in teething... throw in someone else having her car, ball, or letters... and THROW OUT THE TOWEL.  She loses her noodle.  Lately, it's been losing it to the point of throwing her body on the ground and screaming. 


As I look on in horror, I try to be patient and firm.  Explaining to her that "this is not how we behave", or "would you like to go to time out", or "we need to share with other kids".  In my mind (don't tell her until she's older) I'm thinking HOLY SHIT KID, GET IT TOGETHER, NOW!!!

Crazy Mommy eyes...

I keep being reminded by friends, family, and those BRAVE enough to approach this disaster, that this is a PHASE.  That she is in between baby and toddler, and when she's better at communicating and understanding things will improve.  We're hopeful (maybe ignorantly so) that having a punishment that is consistent will help curb this behavior.


I'm not writing this blog post with any answers if you are going through this yourself.  Honestly, it's just to vent, or so that other Mom's know you're not alone.  I'm currently researching ways to handle this with love, understanding, and care.  In the mean time, I'll be pulling out my hair (hopefully the grey ones), and just trying to hang on for dear life.  If you have tips I would LOVE to hear them!

It's tough being a wild thing...

Remind me, what was so hard about a newborn?!

Making a Difference

In early December I started feeling the hard sting of missing my Mom.  It's always a challenge for me around the holidays to deal with the fact that we don't have her around, and December 17th was the two year anniversary of her death.  

During this time I always try my best to stay busy.  Which, is pretty easy when you have a one year old.... but this year (2013) seemed to be extremely hard on me.  The weeks leading up to the 17th were filled with a roller coaster of emotions.  I would be totally fine during the day, but by evening I would be welling up with tears at the thoughts running through my own mind.  I tried desperately to hide my emotions from Todd and Simone... and everyone else around me.  

Then I saw a quote.  You know when people say "it spoke to me"... well it really did.  It spoke to something deep inside of me that said DO SOMETHING WITH YOURSELF.  The quote was...

"When I do good, I feel good.  When I do bad... I feel bad.  That is my religion."  - Abraham Lincoln 

I decided that I wanted to do some good, and moreover... I wanted to take all of this energy that my mind and body were creating and make a difference.  Even though my Mom will never be at another Christmas gathering, I had the power to put her spirit into someones Christmas.

At this point, I decided that I would collect up a bunch of Simone's baby stuff, toys, and a few things that were just sitting around not being used.  Someone with a baby could put all of it to good use, and even wrap a few of the new items as a Christmas gift.  It wasn't much, but it was what I could do.

I posted on one of the resale websites on Facebook where people sell baby items.  I listed one item as free to someone who needed it.  There were many responses.  I gave the item to a sweet lady who had a daughter a little older than Simone.  

From there, I was contacted by a social worker who had several families that needed help.  She told me their stories and said that ANYTHING I could give them would help.  These families were truly in need... many of them with no pots or pans to cook in, they needed basic necessities like shampoo & conditioner, and they did not have any means to give their children Christmas gifts. 

I put the word out on my Facebook, to my friends, to complete strangers on the resale sites.  Then, something amazing happened, the response was nothing short of overwhelming.  Day after day I received donations for these families.  Simone and I were all over the valley filling up our car with everything from brand new toys, to bath towels, pots & pans, toothpaste, body wash, and gently used clothing and toys.  People were beyond generous.  People were supportive, and extremely HAPPY to be helping someone they didn't even know.  

By the end of the first day we had collected a ton of donations!

Simone enjoyed sorting through everything!

We also received emails from people who needed help, and from others who knew of families who needed help.  In all, we were able to help ten families!  All it took was one person connecting those who wanted to give and those who were in need.  Without the support, donations, and kindness of people I know (and most I had never met) we wouldn't have been able to accomplish this.

 After everything had been picked up, we sorted out based on ages of the children, and the needs of that family.  We were able to give more than just toys... we were able to supply people with items that also met their NEEDS.

Just part of the donations in my garage!

Loaded up on delivery day - Part 1!

Simone surrounded by donations! 

I wanted to share this... because I want other people to know that you can take energy from something that is draining you, and use it for good.  You can give to someone and make them smile... and in turn you will feel better than you could have ever imagined.  And, how appropriate... on the two year anniversary of my Mom's passing, I was living in a way that she could be proud of, and I actually felt better than I had all month. 

This is something that I would like to make a tradition with our family.  Todd & I have also talked about starting up a non-for profit company in my Mom's honor to go along with this tradition.  If you would like to help or be a part of this please do not hesitate to contact me at amyleedeehart@gmail.com.  

I hope that you will join me in your own way to help those who are struggling.

Simone's First Birthday

In October we celebrated Simone's first BIRTHDAY!  

This was a crazy day for us.  I couldn't believe it had been a year since Simone came into the world.  It's so cliche', but for good reason, time does fly.  

Our little ham enjoyed every second of her owl themed birthday celebration.  Snacks included cake pops, Oreo truffles, brownies, cup cakes, animal crackers, gold fish crackers, and apple juice.  She also had her very first taste of anything sugar-y.  And, of course.... freakin' loved every second of it.

She has now perfected the art of opening gifts.  She knows exactly what to do, and goes crazy for tissue paper.  

Simone & I sported matching necklaces from Tori with Sassafrass.  They are adorable, unique, and she can do custom orders for you!  Check it out!

I did some simple decorations... a few printables & pictures of Simone in frames, mason jars with baby's breath, toilet paper roll owls, and some paper bag owls for our party favors.  These were all so much fun to put together in the weeks leading up to her party.  Although, I'm pretty sure my husband thinks I'm insane.... and has renamed me Amy "Ouch, I Burnt My Finger on the Hot Glue Gun" Hart.  That damn glue gun should be banned from our house... but it sure is a workhorse.

I ordered a custom banner from Vista Print for the party.  I ordered it without any age, so that this can be a staple at her birthday parties for years to come.  It was actually really affordable, and made of durable vinyl... they have many different print options, too!

My friend Heather helped me make the cake pops (thank goodness...), and other sweets the night before.  It was a crazy day of baking and trying to keep up with our kids, but we got it done!  The minute we sat down after finishing frosting everything, Simone decided she would take her first steps.  It was a perfect end to a wild day!

We found owls at the Dollar Store, the striped straws at Hobby Lobby, & the teal S at Michael's to complete the look of our treats table!

Here's my little BIG girl & her Daddy after opening gifts.  The monkey she's kissing is Emily and she's now the top banana in our house!

I wish to thank ALL of our family & friends (near & far) for making Simone's first birthday an epic success.  She had such a great time, and is truly surrounded by a VILLAGE of wonderful people.  

For that, I'm incredibly grateful.

End Break

One of my top goals of 2014 is to get back to blogging!

Getting back to recording things that are happening in our life, as they happen.  It's been a long break, but I'm not sad about taking some time.  Simone started walking and things got insanely busy!

But, I'm back to try and catch myself up here.  Big things in store for 2014, and I can't wait to reach (and hopefully exceed) all of my personal goals.  Goals ARE personal.  Goals ARE important.  Goals remind us of who we WANT to be.

Here's part of my simple (yet, meaningful) list of goals for this year, along with a little of my reasoning for each one.

1.  Spend more TIME with Todd & Simone.

This one is pretty simple.  When I say TIME, I mean.... quality time.  Not cooking or cleaning while rushing Simone out of the cabinets.  Not half listening to my Husband about his day... but REAL TIME where I stop what I'm doing, put my damn phone down, shut out the mind spinning distractions I fill my head with, and BEING with the two people who need me most.  This tops my list.

2.  Making money to bring into our household.

Last year saw us through some HUGE changes.  Changes that meant our budget changed... that it got stretched out so thin we were struggling.  Personally, it was eating away at me that I wasn't contributing financially.  Now, Todd always reassured me that I'm doing the worlds most important job (trust me, I agree).  But, something about being home while my Husband toiled away at work made me feel... well... to put it in the ugly way it ran through my head... like a leach.  I decided to do something about it, and that leads to my next goal.

3.  Market and grow our Notary business.

I'd love to grow our business and make it something that I can be proud of.  I'm taking it one step at a time, but if you're interested in learning more about it you can check out our Facebook page or our website.

4.  Get back to blogging!

Because, I miss it.  I love being able to read through my thoughts (no matter how scattered, mellow-dramatic, or goofy they may be).  I feel like it's extremely therapeutic for me.  And, I love connecting with people this way.

5.  Read 5 books.

I love reading.  This is something that I lost complete touch with over the past two years.  Mostly, because I was busy.  However, I've managed to watch a MILLION episodes of Breaking Bad, Dexter, House of Cards, Curb Your Enthusiasm, etc....  Clearly, I'm not that busy.  I've already devoured Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.  AMAZING.  This one is about feeding myself (a common theme in this year's goals).

6.  Exercise (SOMETHING) every single day.

This one has become ridiculously easy recently.  Chasing Simone (who skipped walking and went straight to sprinting & hurdles) has caused my weight to drop.  But, toning is my new focus.  Do you have any great exercises you can share with me?  By great, I mean incredibly easy, that will make my ass look like I'm 20!!

7.  Speaking kinder words, and giving forgiveness.

I found myself spitting venom last year.  Passively making horrible comments (true or not so true) about people.  Being judgmental.  Feeling like a victim.... a lot.  Don't worry friends, it was mostly about random people... someone who cut me off, was rude, or made me feel bad.  I've made a strong effort in the past few months to STOP being such a hater.  Realizing that everyone has their own crap going on... and learning to let negative things roll of my back.  All this, while holding tight to the compliments, the positivity, and generosity others have shown me.  Forgiving others and myself for having moments that we're not proud of.

8.  LESS Facebook and Pintrest (Oh, and Twitter, Instagram, texting....).

Now, there are so many reasons I love these two, but my relationship with both have bordered on obsessive.  Need a million projects you will never finish, or never feel like are good enough?!  Check out Pintrest.  I've backed off on needing every idea, quote, and outfit idea.... and let go of "checking in" every where I go.  I'm not saying I don't still indulge... I do.  Overall I just need to back away from the iPhone and refer to item #1.

9.  Be more accountable.

For me this hits on everything.  With money, with my time, with my thoughts, words, with being on time, in making phone calls, in building my friendships.  I just want an overall feeling of being a more accountable person.

FINALLY....

10.  Plant something in that DAMN flower bed out back.

We've worked really hard on our backyard.  We have grass, we have a built in grill, and a newly refinished pool.... but we still have an empty flower bed.  If it kills me... I promised myself before 2015 starts, that flower bed will be beautiful.

This is where I'm at.  These things (along with another 30 billion....) are just simple goals that I feel could change the course of my year.  Not to mention my families well being, financial standings, and sanity.

Welcome to the new year.  What are you going to do with it?

Simone's Nine Month Favorites

Tomorrow Simone will be TEN months old.  How are we already in the double digit months?!  That seems all out crazy to me.  And, everyone was right.  The first year is FLYING by.  Since she's hitting the big 1-0 tomorrow I figured I better post her nine month favorites.  Of course, it's all about the toys right now, or the things she WANTS to be toys.  Here are her top dogs.

 

Leap Frog Music Table - Chatter Telephone - Mega Blocks Wagon

 

I will say the blocks top everything.  While we were on vacation in late July Grandma in Michigan had this set & Simone would carry a block everywhere she went.  That meant when I got home, I was on the hunt for the same wagon & blocks.  Luckily, I found it quickly and now we have our very own set up here.

 

Simone's crawling has turned from cute little army crawls around a small area, into a little speed demon tearing ass across our house.  She is wicked fast (said in a Boston accent) & I can usually be found just trying to keep up.  She's also in full on "pull up and walk around the couches, end tables, coffee tables, cabinets, whatever she can grab" phase, too.  I'm not sure exactly what this is called... but I call it "give Mom a heart attack every five minutes or so". 

 

I've had to remove all of my cute decorations from end & coffee tables.  She will literally throw anything she gets her sweet little mittens onto across the house.  It was turning into a shit show of me picking it all up and trying to teach her "no".  Clearly, she doesn't get it yet... or doesn't want to.  Either way we've packed away most of the decorative items for a later date.

 

We recently started Simone in gym classes & swim lessons.  I'm going to dedicate posts to both and where we've decided to join soon.  She is absolutely LOVING being around other kids and I'm LOVING her getting out some of her endless energy. 

 

More soon.  I'm off to get a facial at a spa right now.  Wait, WHAT?!  No, seriously... this Mom needs some "ME" time in the worst way today.  Make sure you're taking some for yourself, too!

 

xo

Time to Blog? Most Days I'm Not Even in Clean Clothes...

Seriously that's how I feel right now....

Between chasing Simone around, feeding her three squares (while I nibble off of her tray), & trying to keep my house in at least somewhat of a managed chaos, I'm having a hard time finding... Time.

I feel like so many moments are flying by and I really want to record them all.  Simone, sweet older & reading this (hopefully) Simone... When your baby becomes mobile your ability to get anything done in a timely fashion goes right out the door. 

But, the great part is, it's so much fun to watch her grow & change.  Watch her doing things that I used to think were so far off.  

Like standing!  And walking around the furniture... She's getting so strong.  She's knows how to set herself down gently so she doesn't fall backwards.  Every day I'm blown away by her progress.  I know that walking on her own isn't far off.

 

So I'll end here.  While she's still nursing in my lap.  Because these days aren't going to last forever.  And I really need to be fully in the moment to cherish every single one.