Three Sisters and Us is back!

I honestly didn't know what to title this blog post. So that is as good as it will get, "WE'RE BACK!"

I don't even know where to begin. Just over a year ago I decided to take a break from blogging and focus mainly on m Daughters and myself. There has been many big changes in our lives. I will be speaking and opening up about these changes on the blog. So what have we been up to this past year? Well....Let me give you a short recap. More details to come as I blog.

In August 2016 my divorce was finalized. Yes that's right, I have been going through the process of divorce during this past year. Divorce is not something I wish upon on anyone. It has given me a whole new outlook on life. You will learn that my divorce was not that simple and a lot of pain in the beginning. I will touch on this subject on the blog.

In April of 2016 I found God in a whole new perspective and professed my faith. It was the first time I spoke out about my journey in front of the church congregation let alone anyone. I learned in that moment I don't need to hide my battles and fears. There are many other people just like us going through similar situations and only God can judge.

In August of 2016 My Daughters and I moved out of the suburbs into the country. Yeah.....it was a whole new world to us. I learned that I am not so much a country gal.

In February 2017 My Daughters and I moved back to the city. This time the big city, here in the heart of Grand Rapids. It was a big change getting use to living in a bigger city. The only downfall is the traffic. Other than that we are slowly adapting to it and loving it. We live close by a big park that we have found to enjoy.

In the midst of all of this beautiful chaos I have met an amazing Man. He didn't have to endure my beautiful chaos but he did and I am forever grateful! He is amazing with my daughters. I didn't let them meet till we were serious for seven months.  How long do you think a parent should wait before introducing them to their significant other?  I felt very strong about this topic. I'd love to hear your input in a comment below!

During the past year I have been learning a lot about co-parenting. I have researched and borrowed books based on co-parenting from the local library. Therefore this will be one of my main topics on the blog now. Co-parenting is a topic I feel that needs to be addressed. There are many positives to co-parenting than we realize. It's all about the kids in reality. Putting our needs second and our children's needs before ours. I have learned myself that resentment does not go in hand with co-parenting.

I am now a working Mom as a CNA. I also have been in the progress of starting college again this coming fall. I am very excited for this journey and to also show my Daughters you can do anything you put my heart and mind to. I'm going into Human resource management for my bachelors and associates in business management.

After the past year we have grown as a family and are stronger than ever. We appreciate the love and support from our family and friends.

Oven Bakes Red Potatoes- Recipe

Today's dish seems so fitting with the weather. When did fall come knocking on our front door here in pure Michigan? Our summer has jumped all over the place temperature wise. Make up your mind Mother Nature! It really has me craving for a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks right about now. Or even these oven bakes red potatoes I am sharing with you below. 

These are a must make. I love playing around in my kitchen and adding fresh herbs together with meat and our vegetables. When this one turned out fabulous I just couldn't wait to share. You will notice I didn't tell you exactly how much herbs to use. That is because everyone has different taste pallets. Therefore add in however much you would like and enjoy. 

Oven Baked Red Potatoes

All you need is a bag of organic small red potatoes and 

a package of organic celery stalks. 

• Preheat your oven at 375 degrees while you begin your prep. 
• Always wash/ scrub your fruits and vegetables before slicing and chopping.
• Dice your red potatoes and cut your celery into thirds. 
• Combine in bowl.
• Drizzle 1-2 Tablespoons of organic EVOO oil and mix around. 
• Now add in the herb mixture. Sea salt, black pepper, basil, parsley, splash of garlic. 
• cook for about 20-30 minutes. Or until they start to look wrinkled and your can poke semi softly with a fork. 

The First Week Of Summer Break Chaos

Is it just me or does the first week of summer break with the kids feel like utter chaos? As the school year lingers on in the last few months we all anticipate summer break. We prepare and plan our family vacation along with other fun summer activities. Although little do I always tend to remember the utter chaos during the first week of summer break.

What chaos is it that I am speaking of? Some of you may be sitting her nodding your heads with me. I think a lot of us go through this at first until we get back into swing of summer routine.

During the school year our oldest two Daughters attend full time. Our youngest is still home with me during the day with me while I home school her preschool.

Now onto the first week of that chaos that stormed through our house.

Bedtimes were lifted. Warm weather and sunshine anchored in. The sandbox was built. Sleeping in for the girls was not yet a thing. Days turned into nights making us lose track of time. Though really who cared because it was summer break and we just wanted to be free from strict structure. Before we knew it....it would be 9:00PM and the girls would be playing on their swing set while we sat on the patio enjoying the fresh summer breeze....

All turning into the first week of summer break chaos. The ever so moody Daughters from staying up later than usual. The dirt and sand on the floors tracked through out the house from the girls running in and out all day long. Neighborhood friends hanging out. Dirt faces and muddy feet bare feet because whatever happened to shoes during the summer? Toys scattered through out the house as if it is the girls new make shift toy room during the day hours. Lu
nch time is on the go as they run out the door. The craziness of summer has officially arrived.

Well that was what I encountered our first week of summer. It felt like chaos until our summer routine finally settled in. Now we are officially adjusted to summer break....yay!

We are all sleeping in with our lifted nightly bedtimes. I am once again reminded that summer break and my OCD don't mix well and I just learn to cope sit back and relax myself as a Mother. After all summer break is a great way to learn to deal with OCD....Ha ha! And when we get stir crazy or I do...we head out to my parents and visit the cows.

Pinch Me- Is It Already Summer Break?

As I lay in bed this morning listening to the wild turkeys gobbling, the sun shinning in the window and all three girls snuggled in bed with me I thought to myself..." pinch me is it already summer break?!"

You mean I don't have to rush and hear myself repeat the phrase three times every morning..." girls hurry you have 10 minutes before we have to walk out the door or we'll be late!" I can actually get a break from the UN so thrilling school drop-off and pick-up lanes? I don't have to be the strict warrior Mom about bedtimes for a few months?!

Here is to summer break with dirt covered toes, Popsicle covered faces and the neighborhood filled with the sound of children's voices coming from every which direction. Ah summer have I ever so missed you.

Here is to being able to enjoy my first hot cup of coffee on the comfort of my own front porch in the mornings. Along with late night bedtimes and hopes of sleeping in. That is if the early morning riser doesn't wake everyone up.

Lastly...here is to no schedule and to saying no less often and yes more often. Hello summer!

Don't get my wrong I enjoy the school year and think school is great for our Daughters...but I sure do love them being home with me and being able to spend quality time with our girls. 

What do you look forward to about summer break as a Mom, Dad or maybe not even as a parent? 

The Great BLog Train Hop

 This is the last week of school for our two oldest Daughters. All the exciting end of year field trips are happening, Kindergarten graduation is this Friday, and then we start our summer break. Our Daughters have already started the "I'm going to miss my teachers syndrome" and quit frankly I am too. Do you ever feel sad as a parent at the end of the year? I do and I am not afraid to admit it. We have been blessed with amazing teachers this school year for both our Daughters. As parents we couldn't have been happier. 

And even though this week started out on a chilly note it sure is beginning to warm up outside. Who is working in their garden? I will be for sure. We will be extending out raised garden for fresh veggies and fruits. 

Now head below and link-up with us. Ever first Wednesday we host The Great Blog Train with seven amazing bloggers who host and one destination cohost! 

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The Great Blog Train

A monthly blog hop departing from your online train station on the first Wednesday of every month!

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The Great Blog Train has 7 Engineers

plus a "Destination Co-host"!!

If you link up that means your blog will be seen on 8 different blogs!!!

Please meet our Destination Co-host:

LuAnn from "Back Porchervations"

This month we will be travelling to Somerset, KENTUCKY!

Also, remember to visit the DINING CAR on one of the Engineer's blogs!

If you are interested in being a Co-host for the Great Blog Train then please click HERE and fill out the form (THANK YOU!!)

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The Great Blog Train's Great Giveaway!!!

1 Lucky winner will win the following:

- $10 Paypal Cash from Heidi

- 1 Monthly Ad Space from Angie ($15 value)

- 1 Bar of Handmade soap from Laura

- 1 Recipe ebook - "My Cookie Creation Countdown" by Angie Ouellette-Tower

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Remember to join the fun even if you are running a little late.  The last entry will receive the Caboose Feature! 

May's Caboose and featured blog happens to be:

"Jolee Studio" Congratulations!
Beth & Trisha are sisters & co-founders of this lovely blog!  They are Children's Party experts!  This is how they describe their blog: "Jolee comes from combining our middle names (Jolene and Bree).  Later we found that it’s also a word in the online Urban Dictionary.  It means a girl who’s beautiful inside and out.  That’s what we would like to strive for and we’d love it if others shared in our journey"

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Linking up to the Train is as easy as

1, 2, 3!

After the Great Blog Train has arrived to it's destination we will be featuring 3 boxcars with the most "clicks".  By linking up you agree to allow us to promote your blog through Twitter, Google+, facebook & Pinterest

Sign up to receive emails about The Great Blog Train

Two Children's Book Reviews: "Leelo to the Zoo" and "Teapot and the Dragon"

If you don't know already we love love love reading in our home. We have our own mini library spread throughout the house. I always tell my Husband our next house is going to have "this and that" and one of those are own little library. Yes a room dedicated to just all of our books. Happily not sadly I believe it can be done. Speaking of keep an eye out! I'm currently creating a post how to create your own library of books on a budget. I started ours when our oldest was a baby and I was a young Mom and we had little money. It can be done! Now onto the book reviews. 

I am blessed to be able work with a great company who sometimes sends books for us to review. My Daughters love these reviews and get over joyed with the mail on these days. I do too. Reading before bed is a great time to relax and spend that quality time with your child/ children. Trust me children love to snuggle up with a good book too. Whether they may be able to ready yet, just learning, or can just listen and awe at the beautiful pages. It's a great way to get our littlest lady to fall asleep on my lap. It's been a nightly struggle to put her in bed. 

The first book is: "Leelo to the Zoo"

 Written by: Gaetane

Illustrated by: Simon Goodway

Now I don't want to go into to much detail and spoil the whole book for you because of course I believe you should purchase it to read to your own child. This children's book is great for both boys and girls. Leelo the little Angelus and one of his old friends went on a field trip to the zoo. This children's book is a great nature adventure book with bright colored intriguing pictures. Better yet you and your child will learn a lesson behind the story and can make a week out of this book with each chapter a night. You will enjoy this book! 

The second book: "Teapot and the Dragon" 

Written by: Nick Jordan 

Illustrated by: Nick Jordan 

My Daughters loved this book of course since its about tea parties and princesses. This children's book is very uniquely written and I just love the way the author thought it out the story and use his wording. Again I don't want to ruin the whole book for you because I really could easily do with this one! The islands are named after teapots and accessories from a tea party. At first Princess Rosehip thinks being a princess is boring until you start reading into the story. You will read about Prince spoon, a dragon and a king and queen. 

Disclosure: I received some sort of payment (product, gift card, affiliated link) in exchange for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

                                        

Decor Ideas & Tips For A Little Girls Room

It sure has been a while since I have shown some sort of sneak peaks of inside my home. let me tell ya we have been busy.

1. We installed no tile in the bathroom. Literally a whole new floor.
2. We installed a new toilet.
3. We have been busy fixing leaking pipes. Ugh those are not my favorite. They get on my nerves. Although to be honest I am not the one fixing those. I just have to be the annoying one breaking the bad news. 
4. lastly my favorite part. I have started working on the inside home decor once again. I finally have figured out after seven long years what I wanted to do with our master bedroom. Along with our two little Daughters bedroom. If I contemplate back and fourth...I do not do a thing until I know for sure what I want. 

Decor Idea and Tips For A Little Girls Room

1. Pick a theme or a color scheme and stick with it. 

2. Hit the thrift stores and clearance racks at your local stores and boutique's. 

3. Save money by doing a few DIY projects. (My Daughters love when I add in some DIY art that I have created myself.) 

4. Shop on on Esty and your local boutiques to find those unique bedroom finds, decor, and/ or storage that you won't find at your big conglomerate stores. Your also helping out small shops. 

5. Do not spend a ton of money. A little money can go a long way. 

Valentines Day & A Little Love Juice

Valentines day is one of our favorite holidays. When I say ours I mean my Daughters and I of course. MY husband has never really been involved too much in Valentines day and that's okay. Holidays become about your children when you become a parent anyways right? 

I think my Daughters enjoy the hallmark holiday so much because it's full of pinks, reds and some purple...and lastly hearts. Lots of hearts.  

We spent our Valentines weekend spending quality time reading in the mornings, the new book, "I Like You" from Anthropologie. The perfect book for all ages.

I truly feel Valentines day is geared towards a holiday around girls and women. I hope you didn't forget to do something special for that guy in your life. Whether it may be your Husband, Boyfriend, Fiance, Brother or even your Dad.

 Did you do  something special? What was it? 

I wouldn't have been Valentines weekend without some "Love Juice" now would it? Did you have love juice this past weekend? Ours turned into "Silly Juice" with tons of giggles in the end. That's okay I love seeing my Daughters full of laughter. It's the best medicine for this Mom right here. 

lastly- of course our weekend ended brutally cold leaving sounds in middle of the night I have never heard. I mean wind chills up to -30. Leaving our -8 temperature feeling almost near -20 I believe. That's what happens when you live in Michigan though. I try not to complain...but I cannot guarantee I won't. ha! 

How did you spend your Valentines day?!

DIY Simple Jewelry Organization

Let me start off with a back in the day....

Back in the day before I became a wife and had three little princesses I had a beautiful vanity that also made as a large jewelry box. Once I married I had to leave it behind in my bedroom at my parents home. Then it later became in storage in their attack. Even later as the seven years have passed and my parents have moved this past summer it is now collecting dust in my own basement because I just cannot part from it. Why is it not being useful in my master bedroom? Well...sadly I have no room for it.

In the mean time my jewelry has been all thrown in one drawer from my vanity. All while gaining knots and breaking. Shame on me.


Until I had this brilliant idea. I had an unused key chain holder laying around. I hung it up on the hall and it sure makes for a great necklace or even bracelet holder. For now that us where my necklaces and bracelets will reside.

Our Christmas Recap 2014

Christmas has come and gone. Now all the holiday cheer is packed and tucked away until we meet again in 2015. Wow does that sound strange to say. Are you like me where you still forget and end up writing the previous year on papers? 

All in all this year was a great Christmas well spent with immediate family as well as some of our extended family. Also this year was Betsey's first Christmas with our family. I'd say she fit in pretty well. 

Lastly of course the big jolly of Santa made I believe his last pit stop at our home. I don't think there will be no more convincing my little smarty pants no longer. Does your child still believe in Santa?

Hope you all enjoyed your Christmas!

                                         

Old Factory Candle Gift Set GIVEAWAY!

Thanksgiving has passed and our stomachs are stuffed. Christmas trees are starting to go up in the windows of homes. Christmas music is playing on the radio stations. It sure is starting to feel a lot like Christmas around here. 

What is a better way to decoraite the holiday season with a touch of  holiday candles. I sure enjoy the aroma of a holiday candle. Pictured below you have a chance to win a gift set of Old Factory Candle Gift Set just in time for this holiday season. They sure do smell wonderful and exceed their standards. I personally love a good candle I can actually smell. Don't you? If so, you better enter to win your FREE gift set below. Who wouldn't want a free well deserved gift after all your shopping for others this time of year. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Happy 3RD Birthday To Our Littlest!

I could start out saying the typical, "I can't believe she's three." Or, "Wow time sure fly by" just like all the other birthday post I write. But this one is a little special. I want to start this Birthday post shout out differently for out littlest Helen who is turning the big three.

First off a Happy Birthday shout out to our sweet caring and sensitive Daughter Helen. This past year was not easy for you. I sit back and say it was not easy for myself as your Mother having to watch you go through everything, but you were the one going through it. You my darling are so brave and you are still to young to understand that yet. Someday you will...someday.

You have made it to a fresh start. Right now we just have to focus on wearing your pretties. After all you do look so pretty in your glasses and get to be just like Mommy. And most importantly you get to focus on just being a three year old having fun and learning. By learning I mean I am homeschooling you in pre-school while your big sisters and in school. I wasn't ready to part with you officially yet...sorry. After all you are my last baby.

Although now that you are three years old I guess you are no longer an actual baby. You hit that last mile stone and have now jumped over to the official toddler years. But deep downside you will always be my baby in heart.

And little did you know the day you were born that you were going to have two older Sisters to take you under their wing.

Happy Birthday!!