The Guys Behind the Blog // May Edition.

A couple months ago, I found out through Crystal that Betsy from Heavens to Betsy has this super cool series called The Guys Behind the Blog. Unfortunately it was a little too late to join for March but  I joined in April and have been ever since! While I do talk about Seth often, I don't really know if you all know him very well. Enter : this series. Every month Betsy has different prompts that the guys behind the blog answer.

So, here we go! Here are May's questions.

1 // What is your favorite family tradition?

BBQ-ing with family.


2 // Who's your male celebrity crush?

Seth : MALE celebrity crush??? (thinking... thinking... thinking...) A few minutes later... I've got it! Celebrity Chef Curtis Stone. He's dreamy and he can cook for me. Him or Michael Simon.

Me : Not bad, not bad. I would agree with that one!


3 // What song best sums you up?

"Take Me Out to the Ball Game". I love baseball. I love going to the games. I love playing it. I love watching it on TV.


4 // What three things do you think of the most each day?

Mason, Liz, Work.


5 // What is your most embarrassing memory?

Seth : Growing up, I was a total klutz so I always seemed to get hurt a lot. A LOT. As someone who performed in musical theater and in choir, I wasn't afraid of being in front of an audience. But I always seemed to hurt myself in front of an audience, which I found to be embarrassing. I hurt myself so much so that my mom was on a first name basis with the school nurse and I'm pretty sure the nurse might have even had her number on speed dial. 

I once popped my hip out while running on a treadmill. While it was healing, I was at school one day in PE class. Since I hurt my hip, I couldn't sit down while they were taking role, so I was standing. Then all of a sudden a fight broke out in front of me. There was a lot of pushing and since I couldn't move very fast, all of a sudden, the next thing I knew, a guy being pushed into me and I fell to the ground and my hip popped out again.

Me : That's not funny! That's sad!

Seth : That might be sad, but I seriously got hurt A LOT. I was playing baseball one day and got hit in the face by the baseball and busted my nose open. I was walking on the black top during recess and I didn't see a ball rolling and I stepped on it and fell face first on the ground and busted my nose open. We lived on a huge hill when I was in elementary school and I was riding my bike down the hill to school one day when these two huge dogs started barking and running down someone's driveway straight at me and scared the cr*p out of me. I took my eyes off the rode and ran my bike into a light pole and I flew over the handle bars...

Me : (insert me laughing hysterically and feeling bad for laughing so hard) You ran into a pole? You should have started with that story!

Seth : Like I said... I got hurt a lot.

And there you have it!

You can find April's post here

Thanks for playing along again, Seth!

C U R R E N T L Y // What's Up Wednesday!

I had so much fun with my last C U R R E N T L Y post that I wanted to do another (I don't know why it took me so long to jump on the bandwagon the first time!). But for this one, I thought I would switch it up a bit and join Sheaffer and Shay and link up with their What's Up Wednesday series.

What we're eating this week...

A wide variety of things! Sunday we had Panini Cafe for dinner with family. Monday we had a BBQ for Memorial Day at Papa's house. Tuesday - Friday I work late. Tuesday we bought a pizza from our local pizza joint called 'The Pizza Shack' since I was at work and Seth went to the 4th class in an autism series that we're going to and Papa watched Mason. Wednesday (today) we're having an Adell's sausage stir fry with veggies and rice. Thursday is chicken tacos with rice and beans. Friday is a new recipe I found on Pinterest for orzo pasta with asparagus. And Saturday is still TBD.

We don't usually eat out so much... that's just how this week fell.

What I'm reminiscing about...

My BOY MOMS series! I was writing a guest post for someone last weekend and mentioned the series and couldn't believe that it was over a year that I started that series. Even though I'm not actively posting guest posts every week anymore, I'd still definitely love to feature more boy moms! So if you, or someone you know, is a boy mom and would like to guest post, please contact me! You don't solely have to be a boy mom either, but the post will focus on the boy mom aspect of motherhood.

What I'm loving...

The fact that I gave myself a free manicure the other day. On the flip side, what I'm not loving... the fact that I am HORRIBLE at giving myself a manicure and nail polish ends up ALL OVER my fingers and hands. Anyone else? I always wonder how people give themselves the perfect manicure at home while mine looks like a 3 year old painted my nails... (ps I was thisclose to taking a picture of my messy nails to share but then chickened out, but trust me, it was BAD)

What we've been up to...

Honestly, a whole lot of nothing. Or at least that's how it feels. Last weekend was relatively uneventful, which is not always a bad thing, but I just felt so lazy. The weather has been kinda crummy lately and it just makes me feel like staying home and being cozy inside. I always love a weekend with no plans, a weekend to hang around the house, but this past weekend just kinda felt like a waste. And I HATE that. My summer goal is to do something fun at least one day a weekend (even if it just means going to the park - doesn't have to cost money) especially since the other day is usually spent running errands.

What I'm dreading...

(source)

Saying good bye to some people who I've known and worked with for the past six years...

see : what I'm doing this weekend.

What I'm working on...

I feel like about 800 things at once! Isn't that how it always is with moms? I read something somewhere that said a moms brain is like having your computer with 20 tabs open at once. Whoever said that... ain't that the truth!

What I'm excited about...

(source)

My new job!

see : what I'm doing this weekend.

What I'm watching/reading...

Totally loving The Bachelorette and Master Chef!

What I'm listening to...

I'm currently loving Blake Shelton's song "Sangria"!

What I'm wearing...

The weather has been crazy here lately! I thought this was California and it was supposed to be sunny and 75 all the time, but apparently California decided to change it up a bit. It's been cold (for us) and kinda dreary and kind of depressing lately. I'm ready for the sun to come back this weekend!

So, long story short, I've been wearing lots of pants, long sleeve sweaters and scarves. Mason's been wearing jeans, a t-shirt, and a sweatshirt/sweater. And Seth... has been wearing his go-to outfit of jeans and a short sleeve work shirt. Things are getting crazy up in here! :)

What I'm doing this weekend...

Saturday, May 30th is my last day at the bookstore! Crazy and bittersweet. A couple weeks ago, I found a new job and instead of putting in the typical two week notice, I gave three, since the semester was ending and buyback/rental check-in was coming as well as graduation. I've worked at the bookstore for six years so it's super bittersweet to be leaving. I'm going to miss so many of my co-workers but know this is the right opportunity for our family right now. Without giving away too many details (because this is the internet after all), I will be a vendor relations/customer service manager for a family run business. Job responsibilities will include vendor relations and customer service (obviously) as well as some sales and marketing. I'm really excited! This new job will give me more flexibility, a raise, and a better work environment. I start next Monday and am excited to see where this job can take me!

What I'm looking forward to next month...

Starting my new job. Father's Day. Celebrating my friend Vickie's birthday. Celebrating my brother-in-law and sister-in-law's anniversary. Hopefully actually going on a date night (where did May go and how did we not plan better??). And much more!

What else is new...

Not too much going on here, but I did want to mention that if you missed my announcement for our summer reading challenge as well as a really fun giveaway from Monday, pop on over and check it out!

Happy Wednesday!

Mason's IKEA Picture Ledge Book Shelves

Speaking of reading yesterday, I've been meaning to post about these books shelves for F.O.R.E.V.E.R. I'm ashamed to say I started this post MONTHS ago and just now got around to posting it. #bloggerfail

Anyway, here we are!

I got lots of questions back at Christmas time when I posted this picture of Mason's 25 Days of Christmas Books.

So I wanted to share a little bit about Mason's book shelf.

Honestly, it was SO easy and I LOVE the way it looks! It is my favorite thing in Mason's room. I love that the books are at his height and he can get down whatever book he wants to look at/read. An added plus is that it also it makes for nice decoration and fills the wall.

The ledges are from IKEA and they come in black and white. Each color comes in two sizes. The ones we have hanging in Mason's room are the longer ones and are no longer available at the store or online (boo!). We bought them a good four or five years ago and it looks like they discontinued that size. BUT I will tell you that we also have many of each of the other sizes (the long and the short) and we LOVE them. So I think you can make any size work.

My sister-in-law recently bought some of the longer size of the white ones and hung them in my niece's play room and they look amazing. So I definitely think no matter what size or color you get, they will look great and be fully functional.

So, without further ado, here is how his room looks during non-holiday times, or 11 months out of the year.

And just for fun, in case you think my kid is super neat and the photos above are how his room usually looks...

I actually witnessed this happening the other day. I put the books up and just as I was almost done... Mason sticks his arm behind the top row and knocks 10 books off. Then a few more and a few more and does the same to the bottom row. Oh, Mason, it's a good thing you're so cute... =P

Announcing... a Summer Reading Challenge + 2 Giveaways!

We are big fans of reading around here. The whole family - although mom is more fond of reading magazines and blogs rather than books - oops! It is also something we want to continuously nourish in Mason. In the past few weeks even, I've noticed him gravitating more towards picking up a book and "reading" it more than he did in the past. He has his favorite little spot on the stairs to read. He grabs his book, heads on up, sits down, and starts flipping through the book. It's the sweetest thing.

That being said Stephanie, Courtney and I came up with a Summer Reading Challenge for the kiddos. Nothing high maintenance, but a fun way to mimic summer reading programs that start up once you get in school. Sometimes we could all use a little motivation to go out and find new books.




The challenge is 12 weeks long with the goal being a new book every week - it runs from June 1st to August 20th. Every three weeks there will be a link up to share how the challenge is going, which new books you've been reading, how you've liked them, and any activities you came up with to go along with them, etc etc - the options are endless! The link up dates are: June 18th, July 9th, July 30th, and August 20th.

You can snag the graphic below to keep track of your progress or brainstorm what books you and your child might want to read. I mean, who doesn't enjoy checking off things from a list?

We've even come up with some themes that you can pick from to add a little bit more fun to the challenge each week. You absolutely do not have to pick books based on these themes or any themes at all. It is just an extra little something to add to your reading goals if you so choose.

And, at the end of it all there will be a 'hooray you've completed the challenge' giveaway! A little something for mom and a little something for the kiddo - you just need to have joined in on the Summer Reading Challenge and linked up at least once to be eligible. Easy peasy!

And that's all there is to it. We'd love for you to read with us this summer!

Happy reading!

***

Now I know I mentioned in the title of this post that there were 2 giveaways, so you're probably wondering where the other one is. Well look no further!

The first giveaway is the one I mentioned above. That is the one that I am hosting with Courtney (from Sweet Turtle Soup) and Stephanie that you can enter into at the end of the summer after the summer reading challenge is over. Only criteria is that you must have linked up with us at least once during the challenge. Super easy!

The second giveaway is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT and is being hosted by me, Courtney (from A+ Life) and Whitney and has nothing to do at all with reading. Have I confused you yet?

Enter below for a chance to win a $30 gift card to Target! And who doesn't love a gift card to Target? Giveaway runs from 7am Central time on Monday, May 25, 2015 to midnight Central time on May 31, 2015 and the winner will be contacted by Courtney (A+ Life).

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Five on Friday!

Last Friday's post was quite heavy for a Friday. But it was something I've been wanting to share for a while, I just didn't know when. And then was perfect. I'm seriously still blown away by the amazing, wonderful, caring, loving comments that everyone left. This community never ceases to amaze me. And while that letter to Mason was important and I am so glad I shared it, I wanted to come back today with my regular, light hearted, Five on Friday fun.


ONE.
Food Holidays Calendar.

An American Food Holiday Calendar. I mean, really, who knew such a thing existed? Apparently there is a different food holiday for every day of the year. I mean, I'm not mad, any excuse to celebrate and eat is a good reason in my book! I might have spent wayyyyy too much time going through all the days and making note in my calendar so I don't forget good ones like National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day from last Friday.


TWO.
LaCroix water.



I've been OBSESSED with this stuff lately! My old favorite was cran-raspberry but my new favorite is this one : orange! I get bored with plain water and love that this water is flavored and fizzy (and whole30 approved!). I wish it was on sale more often because I want to try all the flavors!


THREE.
The Bachelorette.

(source)

Every season I say that I'm not going to watch anymore and every season I'm sucked back in. It's a totally guilty pleasure and I just can't help myself! Makes Mondays that much more bearable :)

Anyone else watching??

FOUR.

New Clothes.

I've been in the market for some new clothes lately but I'm having the hardest time finding anything I like. I want something fitted but not too tight. Something loose but not too boxy. Something reasonably priced (or on sale!) and not too expensive. Something nice but not too fancy (and toddler proof). Something short sleeve and good for summer. I've literally had the same outfits on repeat for the past couple weeks (and someone said something yesterday - oops!) so I thought I would add a couple new items to the rotation. I'm kinda liking this tank top from Loft. It's simple but fun and looks perfect for summer but I don't know!

Help! Mamas, where do you like to shop?

FIVE.

Natives.

(source)

My mother-in-law got Mason come of these shoes last week and I was skeptical. I'd heard about how they were so awesome, but I was worried Mr. Big Foot's foot wouldn't fit into them as his feet are kind of wide. BUT lo and behold, they fit! I think my search for the perfect sandal for summer might be over. Though these aren't really sandals so I think I may still be able to justify a sandal purchase...

Happy Friday and happy long weekend!

[It's the Little Things] Exploring in Your Own Backyard

I use the term 'backyard' loosely seeing as how we don't really have a backyard, but we do have a nice patch of grass off to the side kinda near our carport... it's hard to explain, so hopefully you get the idea.

Anyway, we came home from running errands and Costco the other day and were unloading the car when Mason decided he wanted to go exploring. Usually I am wanting to go inside and sit down and relax when we get home (or have lunch on this particular day) and whenever Mason runs off (in the wrong direction), I just go grab him and bring him inside. And he's usually fine with it.

But on this day, I decided to let him be and see what he would do. So I let Seth do the heavy lifting and bring all the groceries inside and I wandered off to follow Mason. We literally were out there for almost 30 minutes when Seth texted me to find out where we went.

There really are no words needed when you are watching your kids explore so I will let the pictures do the talking for themselves.

Sometimes you just need to let your kids be kids and let them explore the great outdoors.

#letthembelittle

[Autism Diagnosis] Thoughts and Feelings from a Mother with a Child with Autism

First off, before I say anything else, I just want to THANK EVERYONE for their overwhelming love and support and encouragement for our family. The overwhelming outpouring of love was, well, overwhelming. I cannot thank you all enough and I can't even find the right words to say, but THANK YOU. Seriously, it means the world to know that you all are in our corner, fighting right along side with us to find the best for Mason.

***

I'll be honest. I cried my eyes out while I wrote Friday's post. I cried and I typed and I wiped the tears so I could type some more. I didn't really know what I was writing, but I wanted to get my thoughts on 'paper'. Writing helps me. I have the hardest time expressing myself verbally sometimes and am so much better writing it down. When I initially sat down to write the post, I just wanted to get my ideas down and then I figured I would go back and alter it and proof read. But when I proof read it, I thought it was perfect. There wasn't one thing I wanted to add or change.

So, how am I really doing? I'm not sure. Like I said. This diagnosis doesn't define Mason. He is the same sweet, caring, loving boy that he was the day before he was diagnosed. We don't treat him any differently (as we should). On that day, we were given a piece to the 'Mason puzzle' and a tool to help us help him. I know this isn't a death sentence. He is not sick. But, I'm only human and I'll be brutally honest, I can't help but think "why me?" "why us?" "why Mason?". I'm sure someone somewhere thinks we can handle this and I know we can, but I still wonder, why. I think that is a normal question to ask. I mean it can be applicable for anything. It is common for people to wonder why.

When I was pregnant, everything was great. Everyday was rainbows and unicorns and I was in heaven knowing that come July 2012, I was welcoming a beautiful baby boy. Mason was born and I was instantly in love. My motherly instincts came in right away and I knew what he needed and what to do. I was in love. He was perfect.

He had silent reflux and it was hard. I couldn't breastfeed. Things weren't going quite how I imagined.  I'd read books, blogs, and magazines and the way things were going wasn't how I pictured my maternity leave going. It was harder than I thought. But things got better, I eventually went back to work, and we fell into a routine. Milestones were met, milestones weren't met, but we didn't think anything was wrong. Boys are just slower, right?

But time proved that that's not totally true. Sometimes boys aren't just slow, sometimes kids need help. And here we are. Many tests and evaluations later and we have determined that Mason has autism. I struggle with how much of our story I want to share on the internet, for all to read. How much is too much? BUT at the same time, finding blogs with moms with kid's with autism, moms who are honest and who share about their story have been SO helpful to me. I've found two (one with help! Thank you Laureen!) that hit so, so close to home. I cried while reading their stories. How did they know how I feel? Are they in my head?

Day to day, I am fine. I am ok with the diagnosis, I had already thought it was coming. But in all reality, I was hoping I was wrong. Nobody wants anything to be wrong with their child, no matter how big or small. Nobody wants to be told, by a doctor, that their kid will need extra help.

Now I know I am skipping from steps 1-100 to step 101 but I can't help but think of the future. Will Mason need to be in special education classes? Can he be in mainstream classes? How will that effect him? How will that effect the others? Will he need an aide to be with him? How will others react? How will others treat him? (<-- that's the BIGGEST question for me. and the one that makes me cry the most when I think about it.)

I would give ANYTHING to be there to be able to protect him. ANYTHING. But I know he will need to stand up for himself.

Like I said, I've skipped way past steps 1-100 and have gone straight to 101 and don't even know if any of this will happen. Only time will tell. And I know I need to let time run it's course, but it's SO hard not to think of all the 'what ifs' and what will happen to your child. I want to protect him so bad. I want to make it ok. I want to make it good. I know it will crush me to my core if he comes home from school one day to tell me that a mean kid made fun of him.

Parenting. All the emotions. All of the time.