My Paul Guy

My Paul guy is really motivated by something simple.  Skittles.  He told me about this game at school where his teachers play a song and if they clean up the whole classroom by the time the song is over, they "win."  Well as soon as I heard about this genius idea, I implemented the same game at our house with the disaster of the playroom.  It is awesome.  Paul likes it too although he informed me at school when they beat the song then they get a skittle.  Ah.

Also at school they have adopted two children in India who the students can bring extra change or money to help donate to the family.  Paul is always asking us for quarters and change so he can make a donation. He even came home one day to tell Ryan about these kids.  He reported that they don't have a table, or shoes, or food.  Ryan thought it was really nice that Paul was "getting it" and wanting to help these kids that were less fortunate.  Then Paul informed us that every time he donates, he receives a skittle.  Ah.

So really the important lesson here is that we need to get a giant bag of skittles at my house and we probably will have the most thoughtful well behaved kids in the neighborhood.

Friday Favorites

It's Friday y'all!  Here are my favorites from the week! 

#1) 

Paul had the letter basket this week at school and of we were assigned the letter "U."  We had to find things around the house that started with that letter.  He was so excited to bring UNDERWEAR to school.  He just knew his friends would think that was hilarious.  And they did.  

#2) 

I think these mantra bracelets are so sweet.  A friend gave them to another friend, and they look especially nice stacked on top of one another! 

#3) 

This next thing is actually not my favorite, but hilarious.  It is no secret that every Monday night Ryan and I have a date with the Bachelor.  We have watched this show together for YEARS and it's dumb and ridiculous but it is just what we do.  One of the things that kills me every year is the sound of SMACKING lips when people kiss on the show.  It is as if they turn up the microphones so you can really hear it.  Gross.  Disgusting.  Nails on a chalkboard.  And here is a little video that highlights my biggest cringe moments.

#4)
Now I like Christina Aguilera. 

#5) 

And if you are wondering what I will be doing all day, all night this weekend.. it is this: 

Have a wonderful Friday and fabulous weekend! 

Paul's Valentine's

Yesterday Paul had his Valentine's Day Party at school and I whipped up these beauties.  Basically, I am pretty proud of myself.  I even printed Paul's name on them so I didn't have to convince him to write neatly on 14 valentines.  #winning.  

I feel pretty amazing.  But I am not that creative and got all ideas from this blog right here!! 

Any big Valentine's Day plans for you??

A Tuesday Day Off.

Yesterday I was off with both boys.  I worked out before Ryan left and then got the boys breakfast and every other mandatory need.  When things calmed down, I hopped in the shower.  I took my time and even had time to put on mascara.  I was thinking that it was really quiet and I should really check on the boys making sure they were still in the house.  But that "checking" is always a mistake because they spot you and only one eye has mascara on and you will go your entire day without realizing it.  Anyway,  I snuck down the stairs to see they were still alive but the playroom destroyed.  I just turned around and didn't worry about it.  At least they didn't harm themselves.  

After mascara was applied to both eyes, we took a little field trip to the University of Denver to visit mom's old college campus and G of course.  G took us on a little tour and bought the boys cookies and brownies.  Paul was really interested in the gold tower but confused that it was part of the same school.  He thought every building must represent a different university.  4 year old logic.  

Then the boys convinced G to chase them in the grass outside the frat houses.  I am sure those frat boys were amused as it was 10:30 and Paul's screeching probably woke them up.  Side note here.  I am old.  When I think about myself I don't think I am that old.  I think college was just a few years ago.  That is not true.  I saw these little babes walking across campus.  We are not in the same age range.  We couldn't even check the same box in an age survey.  This was very humbling for me.  But I bet I could still kick some ass in flip cup.  

G showed us the hockey rink, basketball court, swimming pool and we watched some people work out.  It was very exciting day.  

G bought the boys new DU tee-shirts and the woman at the bookstore called Charlie a girl.  Is it the hair?  How do I get that kind of long surfer look without him looking like a girl?  Do I have to put product in there?  I am not above it.  

We ended the day with a little drive by my old house I lived in with 3 other girls.  A lot of stories went down here that Paul will never be ready to hear.  

It was a really fun day and I had to wake up Paul from his nap because he was so tired.  Win, win.  

A Thankful Thursday!

Yesterday Paul had his Thanksgiving program at school and I played hooky from work to watch him perform!  Nothing makes me laugh more than preschoolers singing songs about fat turkeys!  Enjoy!

They Want Lunch EVERYDAY???

Paul is now in school three days a week!  And that is wonderful and everything, but that means I have to make him lunch THREE days.  THREE.  I just went on Pinterest and found these sorts of things:

Oh my gosh!  Are you guys making these incredible lunches for your kids??  Are you really cutting up cucumbers AND carrots AND strawberries?  Or making star shaped cheese?  I feel horrible.  I make Paul the same thing for lunch everyday.  A jelly sandwich (nut free school), a Capri roaring water, fruit snacks, cantaloupe or strawberries and goldfish crackers.  The only variety is the fruit. Everyday this is what he gets.  I'm feeling he perhaps need some more variety, but these look like a lot of work! :) 

What are you making for lunch?

Random Friday Post!

It is Friday.  FRIDAY.  And we have a 3 day weekend.  Life can't get much better!!  Here is the most random Friday ever:   

I forgot to mention that Paul and I made apple cupcakes for his first day of school.  Paul loved the frosting and I think the final product mostly looked like an apple! :) Maybe I need red cupcake liners.  

#momoftheyear

Did you know pumpkin spice lattes are back?  I am sure you did.  I feel like I should wait until the calendar clicks over to September to have one, but maybe I'll sneak it in this weekend.

This blog post was hilarious.  I know from experience how competitive UNO can get.  Bitches.

This post made me cry.  I just love this message.  "It is what it is and it is what you make it."  I think we all could learn a little something from this article.  

I have some fall fashion crushes.  Elbow patches?  I'm into it.  

Are Converse cool again?  Am I too old?  The high school kids are wearing them which always makes me nervous.  But I love them.  

My best gal-pal Maureen has three fur vests.  I am obsessed with them.  I can't even tell you the measures I went to last year to try and find one.  I couldn't.  If I don't get my hands on one this season, I am flying to Texas and stealing one of Maureens'.  #yesimthisobsessedaboutavest.  

Lets be honest.  This is seriously the cutest thing in the world.  

Happy Friday my Blog Friends!! 

First Day of School!

My favorite four year old started his second year of preschool Monday.  I made my dad squeeze in a quick photo shoot before he had to go to work.  How handsome is this sweet thing?

Please notice the different color socks.  That is Paul's thing.  He thinks it is really cool to have crazy socks like this.  I'm just happy I can still get him in a shirt with a collar.

I didn't think I was going to be sad because this is our 2nd year of preschool.  He is going three days this year instead of two, but it is at the same school.  However,  when I hugged him goodbye my heart felt a little heavy.  He hugged me a little tighter than usual, but was ready to get started in the classroom. He did come back to find me after we said goodbye and I thought he was a little sad, but he just wanted to ask where his friend Kipton was.  Super.

When I picked him up he reported his day was AWESOME!
He said he learned a lot of things, but he couldn't remember them all.  He played outside twice.  His teachers were nice.  There were new kids in his class but he didn't know their names.  He took a nap.  He ate most of his lunch.  He went to the bathroom twice and washed his hands one of those times (super).  And then the thanked me for taking him to school.

I seriously hope that he always loves school and learning this much!  To many more four year old adventures!

Weekend Recap!

As school starts back up, I remember how much we have to cherish the weekends.  And if we want to get anything done then it is in our best interest to do activities that make little boys tired.  Then they will nap.  And we can vacuum, read, do school work, make dinner, fold laundry, wash sheets, and get.a.grip.  There is a lot to do at nap time.

I was off on Friday so I had big plans for the pool since it is only open for a bit longer, but of course it was rainy and cloudy and in no way shape or form appropriate pool weather.  So we packed up in the car and headed out to do the weekly grocery shopping.  Real exciting, I know.

Snapped these cuties checking out the toys at Target.  Paul is pretty good at just looking and knowing that we are not going to purchase.  Charlie on the other hand...

When Ry got home from work, I met my yoga girlfriends out for a little wine walk.  Basically you walk around Main street and hop into different vendors and they give you wine.  And maybe a cracker if you are lucky.  It was really fun and there was A LOT of laughter and it was a perfect way to end the first week of school.  Wine heals.  

We combine yoga and wine.  Don't you?  All of these friends are from me just going to yoga over and over again.  They are all so funny and smart and are the kind of women that only want to support other women.  The world needs more of that.  #girlpower.

I returned home exhausted because it was 9:30.  Super.  Saturday morning I headed off to yoga to detox and twist all the wine out (that was painful) and as I left I captured our Saturday morning routine.  Paul hoarding his planes and cars while Charlie tries to steal them.

After yoga, we packed up and headed out for a Saturday hike.  Charlie rode in the backpack and Paul was a real trooper, walking the entire way! It was beautiful and nice to be outside before the weather shifts.  

And all our dreams came true when I turned around in the car after the hike and saw this.  He fell asleep in about 3.5 seconds.  Poor guy was TIRED.  

While the boys continued to rest at home, I did some work.  On a Saturday afternoon.  I mean, isn't that sad? The hardest part about this job is that there is ALWAYS something to do.  But it felt good to get a few things checked off my todo list!!

Then I don't know if you knew this, but the Broncos played Saturday night.  So Ryan required everyone in the house to put on their Bronco gear.  And he was serious.  We take football season VERY seriously.  The boys happily obliged.

 How cute is Charlie Vaughn?

Sunday we hit up the pool and Charlie giggled, while Paul practiced his swimming!  

Paul is doing such a great job swimming and has come SO far since the beginning of the summer.  He is understanding kicking and moving his arms outside of the water, however we need to continue to work on actually MOVING from place to place.  Ha! 

So excited for next weekend, especially since it is a LONG one!! What did you do this weekend?

This Is Why You Should Teach High School...

So they show you funny things such as this video!  Enjoy!