Friday Things
1. Today is the very last “mommy and me” swim class that Joseph and I have together, and I am feeling ridiculously sad about it (pregnancy hormones perhaps?). After the kids turn three, they graduate to the independent swimming lessons on their own, which is awesome, and Joseph has improved SO MUCH in the water over the last year, and he’s totally ready. But, we’ve been doing this together since he was 8 months old (with the exception of a four month break after Dominic was born), and we have so much fun, so I’m kind of bummed, ugh.
2. He did have a great 3-year checkup this week, though! And apparently Dominic was totally scarred by his 15-month appointment a few weeks ago, because he was fine while we were in the waiting room. Then, we got called back and stopped in the hallway so Joseph could get weighed and measured, and Dominic LOST.IT. Finally got him calmed down, then we went into an exam room and he flipped out again. He did calm down and was fine the rest of the time, but hoo-boy, I guess those shots left an impression on him!
(I took this picture over Christmas when we were at my mom’s and it’s one of my very favorites of him!)
3. The amount of batteries that we’ve gone through in this house since Christmas is absolutely astonishing. We use rechargeables so at least we’re not BUYING new batteries every other day, but still. It’s insane, and I should probably just buy stock in all the battery companies.
4. Is it sad that I feel a crazy wild sense of accomplishment if I can get laundry done, folded and put away within 24-36 hours? It makes me deliriously happy and I feel like I’ve won the day if it happens.
5. On that note, I’ve seen tips on keeping a clear email inbox (which I’ve been really good about over the last 6 months or so!), which often includes replying to any emails that will take you less than a couple of minutes instead of letting them back up. I’ve started to try the same approach with chores and odds and ends around the house… will it take 5 to 10 minutes? DO IT NOW instead of putting it off for later. I’ve kept on top of things much better using that method!
6. I’ve been cleaning out the guest room closet since that will be the new baby’s room and it’s currently a catch-all for a lot of random stuff. It’s a walk-in closet so things have sort of amassed there, and I use it for all of my gift wrap-related stuff. The amount of gift bags that I have saved is borderline insane. Do you save gift bags? We do get a lot of mileage out of the Christmas ones, I don’t think I’ve had to purchase new ones for years, but all of the other ones (birthday, baby, random, etc.) just sit there. I’m on the verge of just pitching whatever our family doesn’t want. I also have a massive stack of tissue paper that will never, ever be used. I’m planning to get one of these gift wrap organizers from The Container Store, but I want my massive stash pared down first!
7. One of my best friends from high school has three girls, and she re-shares this article every time it pops up in her Facebook memories; definitely saving it now! >> Raising a Kind Daughter
8. It’s Super Bowl weekend! Are you having a party? Going to a party? Making food? I haven’t nailed down our menu yet (previous favorites include slow cooker kielbasa and sauerkraut, guacamole, spinach artichoke dip, jalapeno poppers, warm black bean dip, and slow cooker spicy beef queso dip), but we’ll definitely be rooting for the Eagles!
9. Do you have a hand soap dispenser that you love? I need a new one for both our kitchen and powder room. Share your recs below please!
10. TGIF!
Regarding your collection of gift bags. Â Donate them to your local food shelf. Â Most food shelves have a party shelf for birthday, etc. Â they are always happy to get any kind of gift bags.
I had to laugh when you posted about going through wrapping paper and gift bags. Because recently I went through my wrapping paper, gift bags, etc. I could not believe how many gift bags I had. I forget to look at the bags I have before buying a new one. So I can relate. There were some good suggestions to donate wrapping paper and gift bags to different organizations.
The boys are growing so fast and cute. I do not have kids but I think I can understand that you are sad not to able to spend time with your child when he is going on to do different things. I am sure that you will be busy when the baby comes. Keep blogging. Love to hear about the family and how you are doing.
Take care.
I made a soap dispenser for my kitchen using a small Mason jar & a pump I bought at the craft store. The lid has started to rust so I’ll be looking for a replacement, but I love it. With your little ones, a glass jar wouldn’t work for the bathroom.
I don’t enjoy football so I won’t be watching the Super Bowl, but I might have to make your black bean dip just because.
In December, we were moving from a home we had lived in for 40 years, to our beach home of five years. Needless to say, there were a lot of duplicates accumulated. I donated all wrapping paper, gift bags, tape and greeting cards to the women’s shelter. They were very appreciative.Â
Hi Sharon, Great idea, thank you so much! And congratulations on moving to your beach home, sounds fantastic!
Love the kind daughters post! I’d never seen it before.
I can’t wait until my kid is old enough for swim lessons! Baby swimsuits are SO stinking cute
Hahaha! They are cute! Where I take the boys, you can start as long young as 4 months!
I have two Simple Human sensor pump soap dispensers, one in the kitchen and one in the powder room. I love that I don’t have to touch anything when I have raw meat on my hands. It is also helpful with little ones — they don’t get too much or too little because you can set how much soap comes out each time. Keeps the powder room a little less messy.Â
Did you pick out a new car?
Thanks for the suggestion Erica! Definitely sounds perfect for the kitchen (and for little hands!).
Boys=batteries! I’ve got 3 boys and if I could get all that money back…….:) (even the rechargeables eventually go bad)
Seriously! And such a bummer about the rechargeables, we learned that about a month ago too, womp womp.
Hello!! Hey if you ever wanna use sprinkles in one of your posts id gladly send some to you! Check me out on instagram @stbakeshop Im hearing you on the LAUNDRY!!! I have 5 kids an ky husband is jow in a wheelchair so out house is disaster sometimes 😊😊 Good luck on baby #3 nothing like that sweet newborn stage! Take care
Don’t your extra gift bags or tissue paper to Purple Heart or the Salvation Army.
How is Duke? Is he still doing doggie day care?
For heaven’s sake, meant to say “Donate”
Hi Michele, thanks for the suggestion, looks like there are many places I can offload my extra gift accessories!
Pottery Barn has a great soap dispenser. I love it’s classic style and that it dispenses the perfect amount of soap. https://www.potterybarn.com/products/pb-classic-glass-bath-accessories/?pkey=e%7Csoap%2Bdispenser%7C54%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C48%7C%7C3&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH
Going to check it out, thank you!
I have 3 kiddos 7,6 & 4….I TOTALLY relate to your laundry accomplishments 😂😊🙌
Haha! Such a struggle!
I absolutely love the Simple Human automatic soap dispenser. It is fantastic!
Thanks Laura, totally looking into this after seeing all the recommendations!
I have a Simple Human no touch one that I love. Â Have it in the kitchen so if my hands are gooey I idon’thave to touch anything. It is great.
Awesome suggestion, I may definitely go that route in the kitchen!
All those extra gift bags that you don’t need can be donated at a Goodwill. Â I did that when I needed to reduce my stash. Â I had a similar situation where we re-used the Christmas ones but rarely any of the other ones. Â I donated my extras since I hate to throw away something that still has good use – just by someone else. Â Ha!
I just have the  Method foam soap in my bathrooms.  I do have a cute one in my kitchen from Target, but I’ve had it a long time.  Target usually has a good selection, in my opinion.
Thanks for the suggestion Jenn!
Our guest room closet is also used as a gift wrap station!! But don’t throw those items always- local daycares will gladly take them (at least mine does but we live in State College!) and use them for arts and crafts for the kiddos.Â
Great idea! Would have never thought of that, thank you!
I totally get being a little sad about the last mommy and me swimming class with Joseph…he is looking so grown up these days. I almost laughed about Dominic losing it at the doctor’s office because sometimes I feel that way….hah…I need to do more cleaning and letting go in my bedroom so I know what you mean about just stuffing things in the closet…well at least you are getting it done. Any housework you get done with 2 kids, a dog and being pregnant….is a huge accomplishment! No big Superbowl plans – might not even watch this year….lol…
Have a great weekend!
You too, Maria, thank you! :)
I like this soap dispenser, they have a matching dishwashing bottle too:
https://www.worldmarket.com/product/deruta+orange+blossom+hand+soap.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search
Thanks for sharing!