The Finnegans Lately

I snapped this pic of G at the park yesterday and as I was taking it I couldn't get over how big she looks. Next month she will be 3. 3!  Where did my baby go?

It seems like just yesterday I brought her home from hospital. In fact some days I wish we were back at those first few months of newborness. How I miss this days. But in reality she will be starting preschool in 2 and will no longer be at home with me 24/7. Good thing I'm teaching at the school she will be attending preschool right!

I can't imagine life without this crazy kid of mine. She is sassy, stubborn, strong willed, yet sensitive, sweet, warm hearted and generous. And she is smart. So smart. She picks things up easily and loves to learn. 

She loves ballet, princesses, swimming in the pool like a mermaid, going to the beach, and playing dress up. She has a slew of 8 dolls and stuffed animals that have to go everywhere with us and at night she sleeps with all those animals along with multiple blankets. Oh and she still sleeps with me. She will not sleep in her room. And in fact can't sleep unless she's snuggled as close to me as she can get. 

But don't let the princess stage fool you. She loves playing cars and dragons with her brother and she is fearless when it comes to the sport of furniture climbing and diving. 

Then there's Ethan.

I forgot how much I love this stage of toddlerhood. At 20 months we aren't quite to the terrible 2's and we are over the hardest parts of babyhood. Every day this kid learns and does something new. He's my go with the flow child. A little more sensitive than Gianna although he's starting to stand up for himself more and more. He probably listens and follows instructions better than Gianna does. He is a mommy's boy though that may change once daddy gets home.

He's my little goof ball. Always laughing and smiling. Right now he may be pouring a juice box over his sister's head and laughing hysterically. It's only payback for all the million things she had done to him

He loves playing with cars and dinosaurs. His favorite show is super why and he loves dancing to the music. He could spend all day outside and when it comes to the pool or beach he is fearless around water. Walks right in and tries to swim. Such a water baby

Life with these two can be tiring, frustrating and stressful but most days it is so fun and rewarding. Lets he honest. I'm not one of those parents who can't wait for her kids to grow up and leave the nest. I think I will always want them home with me. So time please slow down. My kids are growing up way to fast for my liking

What I'm Loving

I'm Loving

1. This Florida weather. My parents always try to get me to move back home to Wi. They fail to forget that we are stationed here for the next few years! But even if we could move I don't know if I could give up this amazing weather. In fact I think we will stay permanent floridians even after the hubby retires. And here's why

Impromptu beach days. It's like a vacation every day around here.

2. Planning my classroom!

I can't believe I will be going back to work in a few short months. I've been spending lots and lots of time on Pinterest planning activities and themes for my soon to be classroom. This camping theme is adorable

3. AdvoCare

My parents and brother are all doing the AdvoCare cleanse and sent me the kit so I can join in. I'm on day 3 of the ten day cleanse and have lost 3 pounds. 

Operation get fit for the hubby and our vacation is in full swing

4. The library

I've been devouring books lately and we all know books can be expensive. Sure having a book cuts down on the costs but I'm weird and prefer the feel of a book over the nook. Plus I can't use my nook outside. So the kids and I have been hitting up the library a lot. Tomm starts the summer program for the kids and Gianna is moving on up to the story time/craft group for 3 year olds! No more mom and me lap sit for her :(

5. Summer days

What is it about summer that just screams fun. Even if it's just stopping to enjoy cupcakes and ice cream after a day at the beach. 

6. These goofy kids

He's really coming into his own lately. He is talking more and more and is starting to show interest in more things. He's def not a baby anymore. He loves to make me laugh and yet is more sensitive than his sister. He is so easy going and go with the flow. I love this boy of mine

And when did this one get so big. Swimming lessons, dance camp, preschool in the fall. I still remember her newborn days. Did I mention she turns 3 in a month. Please stop growing up! 

7. The final countdown

We are weeks away from the hubby coming home. It can't come fast enough!

What are you loving these days?

Refreshed

This past weekend was just what I needed to recharge my batteries. I've always said that the last month of deployments are the hardest. For us at least. It's when shit really starts to hit the fan and you barely have the energy to deal with it.

If you read my post last week ranting and raving about this deployment I'm sure you'll understand. After I posted it my husband emailed me to say it sounded a little harsh. I laughed and responded that it was meant to be. I'm done when it comes to this deployment. I'm stressed and tired. The kids are too and just wan their daddy home. Plus if I have to do one more thing to the yard I'm going to scream. Luckily I did hire a lawn service to help out this deployment. Such a life saver. 

I also told my husband I got a lot of private emails from fellow milspouse bloggers who said they were able to relate. It's sad that as a milspouse you always have to put on a good front. And when you do let loose and vent people respond negatively. Well, you knew what you signed up for. Or your looked upon as complaining about your spouse. Unless your calling to ask me how you can help than you should keep your opinions to yourself!! I've always used my blog as a online journal and as a place to vent. I'm not going to change now. Ok end rant. I'm getting way off topic

Back to this weekend. It was so good for the soul. Earlier in the week I had signed the kids up for Parents night out. A local church puts this on once a month and for 15 bucks a kid you get four hours of free time. The kids are provided with dinner and they have lots of activities to keep the kids entertained. After paying a few bills I hadn't expected I debated about canceling the kids spot at PNO. However as I went through the mail one day I accidentally opened my husbands Father's Day card from my parents. And inside was a check. So I treated myself to that money. Technically I've been playing both mom and dad these past few months right!! (Don't worry I told my hubby I took his check) anyway I dropped the kids off and didn't look back. 

Two friends who also had their kids in PNO and I went out for a nice dinner and then we went to see my boyfriend in his latest movie

2 hours of non-stop laughing. I literally had tears rolling down my face through most of the movie. Now it may not have been that funny of a movie or a good one for that matter. All I know is that I needed to laugh. And that movie delivered. We did miss the ending though since we had to go pick up our kids but we all agreed that that movie was just what we needed. And who doesn't want to spend two hoes staring at Channing Tatum

Saturday Gianna had swimming lessons. Afterwards we ran errands, went to a Mary Kay party and then came home where we all took a 4 hour nap. We woke up to a friend asking us over for dinner and off we went. We spent the night at our friends pool, where the kids enjoyed swimming and us mommies enjoyed a few drinks. My friends husband is gone too and she has three little ones. It's always nice to talk with someone whose in the same situation as you and who is just as stressed or frustrated. You can pour out your feelings without being judged. We both ended up texting the other after I had left saying that that night was much needed.

Sunday was low key. We went to church and headed home. The mood was somber in our house as we all really missed the hubby. Gianna especially kept asking for him to come home. After nap I tried to clean out my car but Murphy stuck it to me once again. Neither extension cord worked, nor did the shop vac or vacuum. So I gave up and the kids and I headed inside where we popped popcorn and had movie night.

Now that's it's Monday I feel ready to do quiet the week after such a relaxing weekend!!