Friday Things
1. Joseph started preschool this week! While this is the first year of “official” preschool, we did send him last year to the program for 2.5 year olds, so he already has a year under his belt. This year he goes three days instead of two and for an additional half hour. His first day this week was just one hour and a parent stayed the whole time, as a way for the kids to get acclimated. There are seven kids from his class last year in this class, so I was thrilled that he would have old friends that are familiar. When it was time to sit on the carpet for a story, the group of them all clustered together in one corner like old buddies, it was so cute :) He did SO much growing and maturing last year, so I’m excited to see all of the things he’ll learn and experience in school this year!
2. Yesterday Isabelle turned 5 months old! I have no words for how insanely fast the time has gone since she was born. I mean, I feel like I was just waddling around with a baby squirming inside of my belly no less than two weeks ago. And yet, it feels like she has always been a part of our family. So crazy how that feels, isn’t it? She is babbling and giggling, rocking her activity jumper, working on sitting up (still assisted), and seems to be working on a first tooth – so much drool and smacking gums and trying to eat both of her hands at the same time lol. She continues to be such a sweet and easy going baby. She goes to sleep most nights by 7/7:30 and some nights she wakes up somewhere in the 2-5am window, and other nights will sleep a solid 11-12 hours straight through.
3. Dominic seems so grown up lately, talking and understanding so much. Also, I think we’ve officially landed in terrible two territory. I vividly remember Joseph’s 15-month or 18-month checkup (not sure which!) and my husband and I gushed to the pediatrician about what a wonderfully happy toddler he was, just constant smiling, giggling and sheer joy. He told us to hold on to our hats because he predicted that by the time we returned for his 2-year checkup things would likely be different. We scoffed at it because of course our wonderfully happy child would stay that way. HA. Joke was on us. Our pediatrician was so right. In marched whining and tantrums before his second birthday. We’re less than a month away from Dominic’s 2nd birthday and we’re having some serious deja vu right now, haaaaaaaaaa.
(Also, why do my boys now look like teenagers in pictures??!)
4. I still have a lot of Joseph’s artwork and school projects from last year hanging up in the kitchen and stashed in the office, and I’d like to find a permanent home for them. I’m eyeing up these storage boxes; do you have any awesome storage recommendations for things that you can’t possibly get rid of?
5. And on the flip side of long-term storage, I am still trying to purge, purge, purge! I read somewhere recently that a woman’s stress levels are directly proportional to the amount of clutter in the home. AMEN. I just cannot stand STUFF. It’s been a couple of years since I first did a major purge with the Konmari method, and I’ve started to go back through some areas of the house, and have found tons more stuff to sift away that does not get used. It feels so great to clear out space!
6. Football season is officially upon us, so whip up a batch of buffalo chicken dip for watching the game!
7. The site update is underway and should be live in a couple of months. I can’t wait to share all of the new and improved functionality with you!
8. Does anyone use a curling wand? I’ve been so tempted to get one but wonder if it’s as great as every tutorial I’ve seen make them out to be??
9. Who’s watching Jack Ryan? Would I love it? We haven’t started yet because we’re still binging Justified!
10. TGIF! I hope you have a ridiculously happy weekend!
I purchased one of the Lange curling wands that were all over FB last year, and it really does work well! My two biggest tips are to: 1. Use a curl setting spray through your hair beforehand (Lange offers a nice one, but others would work, also, I’m sure), and 2. WEAR the glove provided for your vulnerable hand, at least until you’re a pro at the technique! Once you burn yourself a couple of times with these wands at 425 degrees F. it kinda takes the joy out of it, and then your learning curve suffers! After experiencing this the hard way, I didn’t use my wand for months! Recently I got over myself, resumed using the wand & started using the glove EVERY time, even though it seems like a hassle, and my technique has improved, and I’m loving the curls!
We finished Jack Ryan last week and enjoyed every minute.
My husband and I binge-watched Jack Ryan last weekend. We just couldn’t stop watching after the first couple of episodes! 😀. Looking forward to the second season, whenever it comes out!
Take pictures of the things you love…artwork, favorite outfits, favorite pictures of your kiddos doing the cutest things and make them into a “home movie”
Your kids are gorgeous and your right, time seems to fly by.
If you like suspense filled shows you will like Jack Ryan.
I didn’t think I’d watch after the first one because it is gory and does have violence, but, the story draws you in
Love your blog! Thanks.
Am way past keeping childhood things. My daughter is almost 25 and a college graduate. There are a few things we kept like hand painted plate, hand print in clay, etc. What I did with the rest is take a picture of here holding the item and put them in a photo book with a caption under it. through the years there were many things and /or projects. Awards, Science Fair boards. The list goes on. I had only one child and can only imagine the amount you will accumulate with three. It’s really neat to look back on everything. You get a picture of your child and the item they made at the age they made it. Your babies are growing up so quickly it seems.
Just finished Jack Ryan and we loved it! Binge worthy. Can’t wait until next season.
I might miss a post any other day, but always check out Friday Things with your beautiful family. They all are growing so fast. Thanks for sharing them with us.
I had to laugh, when I saw the look inDominic’s eyes. I vividly remember the same glance from my 14 yr old son. LOL. Terrible twos are nothing against the first teenage angst and rebellion.
Wishing you and your wonderful family all the best.
Your kids are so adorable and growing so fast! Isabelle is such a sweetheart! I hope Dominic’s terrible twos don’t last too long. I do plan to watch Jack Ryan, right now I’m watching Top of the Lake on Hulu. I need to declutter!
Joseph looked so handsome for his first day back at preschool! I can’t believe how grownup Isabelle looks, she looks like such a sweet and happy baby. Dominic is too cute! Hopefully his terrible two’s don’t last too long.
I am watching Top of the Lake on Hulu but am planning to watch Jack Ryan next. I will also watch Absentia? I need to do a purge of stuff
Thanks for another great read! I am going to check out the Konmari declutter method – we are busy decluttering and packing up our home snd storage.
Jack Ryan is really good – we have just finished watching it ! Worth it
We binged Jack Ryan and loved it–and we watch a lot of the stuff you do!
My daughter has a wand and loves it, I’m so horrible at it, I’m better off with my chi curling iron that rotates itself. I think it’s called the Chi Arc.
I used to keep all my kids stuff in shirt boxes but then I started saving stuff in binders. Each school year got a binder until middle school because there just wasn’t as much for middle school or high school, so middle school got a binder and high school got a binder. Anything that wouldn’t fit in the binder because it was too long or bulky goes into a box that their school supplies came in one year. The page protectors keep everything nice and safe and if we want to look at anything, it’s super easy to do so.
The new Jack Ryan is a thumbs up! I haven’t really liked any of the actors who played the character other than Harrison Ford, but John Krasinski is a good fit. Definitely worth watching!
Re storage boxes: I have found that craft stores like Michaels has various sizes & really pretty designs.
Re Jack Ryan: it’s definitely worth watching. My husband put it on one night & we ended up finishing it in 3 days.
Have a great weekend!
When it comes to all the school projects the kids bring home. I frame the ones I love and hang them on the wall. Some in the front room and some in their room. Then I have a separate bin for each child. Sometimes I go through the bin and toss a few. My oldest is 16 and we have gone through the bin a few times. It brings back so many memories. Happy Friday.
I recall my aunt bought a plastic storage box for each of her children. Every school year, that’s where projects went. At the start of summer, she would go through each box and pick a few to save – the rest got tossed I think. The idea was that each child would have one tub for elementary school and I think a second for junior high and high school.
I like the idea that Bonnie had though – take a picture of each as you go along and have them printed into a book at the end of the school year, or or set of school years. A smaller footprint to save and easier to then send with the kid when they are grown (which is what my dad did as we moved out). And even if you take a picture, you could choose to save a small number (5 or less I’d think) from each year. Also, depending on the child’s temperament, you could always include them in picking which pieces to save.
First off, your kids are all adorable! Second, Justified is a great show. I love Boyd and Raylan!
Moreover, I think you would really enjoy Jack Ryan. I have one episode left and it is thrilling and engaging.
I absolutely LOVE my curling wand! Once I practiced a few times, I figured out how to get my hair to look great in under 10 mins. I have a different one than you linked to (I have this one: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Remington-Pro-1-2-1-Curling-Wand-with-Pearl-Ceramic-Technology-Pink-Black-CI95AC4/14978530) but as someone who has always had to use hot rollers because I couldn’t figure out a curling iron, the wand has changed my life !! (You’d think I’m exaggerating, but that’s how much I love it :) )
We have binged Jack Ryan and give it two thumbs up. Looking forward to the second season.
Take a picture of his art work. At the end of the school year (or when he finished up at that school level), have the photographs made into a photo book. Way less to keep track of!
Michelle… your children are A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E.!!
But such changes in Joseph….Wow! Seems so grown up….how does that happen.
Thanks for sharing!
Your boys do look so grown up! Isabelle is a cutie pie! My son skipped the terrible two’s but when he hit 3….oh man, I wasn’t sure we would survive it. Hang in there, you’re a great mamma!
I’m starting to purge too, my closet. I had some emergency surgery and because of it I can no longer wear high heels, so I am transitioning to flats or low heels. It’s hard to get rid of my shoes, they’ve been my friends. lol. Last year I did my clothes, and it was really hard to admit I need to stop buying new things and wear ones I have and love. I have finally trained myself that if I buy a new top one has to go. So far, it’s been working and I have only bought 2 new tops this past year.
Have a great weekend!
I love the Konmari method. I have used it for several years. Life is so much easier with having only the items/clothes that bring me joy.
Hi Michelle,
Can I ask how old Isabelle was when you first put her in the Baby Einstein Neighborhood Friends Activity Jumper?
My little boy is 4 months (born May 4th) and I’d love to buy it for him but I’m unsure if he’s too young yet?
Thank you!
Hi Geraldine, I think she was around 4.5 months, that’s about the same age Dominic was when we put him in it. I think Joseph was more like 5 months. With Joseph we had to stack books underneath it because his feet wouldn’t touch the ground even on the lowest setting, ha!
Your kiddos are getting so big! Thanks for sharing with us! I have plastic tubs that are accumulating for in our garage of art projects from three of our kids. When our youngest starts, we’ll have another explosion of keepsakes. I’ve been actually tossing around the idea of a digital scrapbook for each one of them. That way we get to keep everything but without the clutter. I can see it making a nice graduation gift. I’m sure I’ll still have a handful of “can’t part with” pieces though, too.
I LOVE my curling wand. I have the Bed Head 1″ one with the orange handle, and it was the best hair purchase ever. I could never get the waves/type of loose curl I wanted with a regular curling iron (although some people do), but the wand never fails.
We just finished watching Jack Ryan…OMG! The best show we have watched in YEARS! Reminded me of the 1st couple of seasons of Homeland.
I agree completely. This was exactly what I was going to say. The actor who plays Jack Ryan was on the Office and this is such a different role for him. I was very impressed!
I completely agree. John Krasinski is awesome as Jack Ryan. Just watched the first two episodes and can’t wait to watch the rest!!!
I have a beachwaver S1 and love it. My stylist recommended it a few years ago. It’s very easy to use and the curls last all day.
Regarding getting a curling wand. I definitely would not get one. It really is horrible for the condition of your hair. If you did get one and liked the way your hair looked after using it. You would end up frying–especially the ends of your hair. There are many heat free options to make pretty curls that would be a better choice in the long run and you wouldn’t get stuck in a bad beauty habit……My sister is addicted to her curling iron, uses it every morning. After years of doing this her hair looks crispy dry and somewhat green from using the hot curling iron on here highlighted hair, even though she trys to use carefully and conditions her hair……
https://www.amazon.com/Beachwaver-Co-S1-Curling-Iron/dp/B00S28DKO0?SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-osx-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00S28DKO0
Oh my goodness, solidarity on the terrible twos! Our Joey turned 2 in June, and a few months before that, tantrums got REALFORREAL. I’m terrified for the threenager next year!
Also, we are right behind you with another little one. Jonathan is about 6 weeks younger than Isabelle. This time is going one billion times faster, so I can only imagine what it feels like to be on kiddo #3!
The boys look so grown up!!! Isabelle is so cute, glad she’s such a good baby!!! I have been decluttering too! There’s a blog I have been reading called Becoming Minimalists that I recommend! Have a great weekend!