Crazy "Keyword" Searches

Have you ever checked to see what keywords lead people to your blog?  It's really quite fun, really.  And sometimes, rather humorous.  I thought I'd share a few of my favorites...

"Eat spaghetti with hand."

"Guy wearing eyeshadow." [I'd really like to know which post of mine this search pulls up!]

"Elderly care." Hmm...

"Hot diggity dog invitation"

"Wild & crazy bedding." [perhaps Christian Grey came across my blog?!]

"German Shepherd with sunglasses"

"Ice Age Meltdown Letters"

"Zoology wipe"  {what even IS this?!}

So there you have it.  And.  My most popular post is about sippy cups.  Who woulda thought?!

I Love Being a Boy Mom.

Never would I ever have imagined how much I enjoy being a boy momma.  Last week, Lincoln and I had a complete Mommy/Lincoln day.  Jared was at a hockey tournament all day and then went to work from there.  I wasn't sure what we were going to do.  I had a million ideas, and then just decided to stay home.  Because sometimes all a little boy needs is to play in his own yard.

He seriously looks way too big on that ride on toy.  His grandparents only just bought it for him this past Christmas!  But he still had fun.  We played ball.  Lots of ball.

When Lincoln turns three years old, he's eligible to play soccer and I really think I'm going to sign him up!  I know I probably sound like a biased Mom and all, and maybe I am, but I think he has some serious skills!  The way he kicks the ball, and moves his arms and head, seriously...he looks like a little professional!  Yeah yeah, laugh at me all you want...I don't care :) 

 He's my very own little superhero.  I look at him sometimes and just think to myself, "what did I ever do to deserve this beautiful boy?" He seriously takes my breath away.

He wanted me to join him in the matching chair to his right, and didn't understand that I wouldn't fit.

We played outside for three hours.  When it was time to come inside, I knew my boy desperately needed a bath.  I think Evy would have got in there with him if she could have!

 Although it may seem like we didn't do much, we had a very special day.  Just Momma and Son.  And let me tell you, I look forward to many, many more.

5 years...

It's hard to believe it's been 5 whole years.  Five years since I married my best friend.  It seems like just yesterday.  Where has the time gone?! 

I can still remember every moment of our special day.  I remember waking up that morning thinking to myself, "Today, I'm getting married.  Today, I will become Mrs. Allen.  Today, the next chapter of my life begins." 

While I was certainly a bit nervous, all of those nerves seemed to disappear once I walked down the aisle and met my soon to be husband's eyes.  The way he looked at me.  Wow.  That moment I will remember forever. 

Writing our own vows was so very special.  Saying my vows and declaring my love for this man, in front of everyone, yet it feeling like we were the only two people there, all at the same time.  Listening to him say his vows to me.  His eyes never leaving mine.  His hands gently caressing mine the whole time.  It was pure magic.

Our day was perfect.  Our wedding day was certainly one of the happiest days of my life. 

And I think that was clear to anyone.  We were both so happy.  I love how many photos we have, and I especially love having our day on video so we can one day share our joy with our children. 

 Blissfully happy is exactly how I was that day.

Five years.  How is that even possible?  But when I think about it, we have been through so much in just five years time.  This really is just the beginning of our life together.  And while there has been sadness, tragedy, and heartache throughout these years, there has been so much joy.  And to me, the joy always triumphs, because it just has to.  We have so much more joy to look forward to.  A whole lifetime of joy, love, and happiness, creating memories with each other and our family.

Happy 5th anniversary to my loving, supportive, amazing husband.  Together, we can do anything.  And just like I said 5 years ago, "I promise to love you with all that I am, all that I have, and the only way I know how...completely, and forever."  You are my happily ever after.

Beachin' It!

It's that time of the year again!  Every year we spend this coming week at our timeshare/beach house in Rhode Island.

It used to be my parents, however last year they signed it over to us! This will be Lincoln's third time there, and I just cannot wait!  He is going to have SO much fun!  To see our previous years vacationing, here you can check out 2010 and 2011.

Although I'm away for the week, I actually have a few scheduled posts!  I'm quite proud of myself ;)

Hope you all have a fantastic Friday!!

May Birchbox

Have you heard of Birchbox?  To sum it up, you pay $10 per month and receive a little box delivered to your door.  The box is loaded with beauty samples!  You fill out a profile when you register, and they'll send you items tailored to your needs. 

I love me some beauty supplies!  And to be honest, I hardly ever buy myself anything since having Lincoln.  I decided I wanted to splurge a little on me! 

This was my first Birchbox, so needless to say I was very excited when the little black and pink box arrived.

This month's box was inspired by the show "Gossip Girl." While I never seen the show, I was pretty excited!!

So, what did they pack into this little box, you ask?  Here's what was included in my Birchbox.

*Kerastase shampoo and conditioner for fine hair--I'm REALLY looking forward to trying this out.  You see, prior to my thyroidectomy I used to have super thick hair that I cursed every day.  Now... I have super fine hair.  I hope this works some magic!

*Color Club nail polish--Get this.  The shade is "Disco Nap."  LOVE.  I really like this color and think it's perfect for summer. 

*Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm--It's basically a moisturizer, sunscreen, and serum all in one.  What's not to love? 

*Stila Waterproof Sparkle Liquid Eye Liner--Umm, holy heck this is a FULL SIZE eye liner that retails for $22!!!  Did I mention this only cost me $10?!  I hope I'm brave enough to test it out. It's a sparkly blue color.  I sorta wish it was in black, but maybe I'm just getting old.  Regardless, great product, and I love Stila.

*Kerastase Cristalliste Lumiere Liquide--This stuff is pretty amazing.  It's specifically designed for longer hair.  It's a leave in treatment that adds high definition shine, and prevents split ends.  To sum it up...long tousled waves.  LOVE.  I just wish it came in a bigger bottle because this stuff is going to go FAST. 

*Birchbox Notecards--Hmm. Not gonna lie, this did nothing for me.  It was one notecard and an envelope.  Maybe it's just me, but I dont' see the "beauty" in that. 

All in all, I was quite happy with my first Birchbox.  Do you get Birchbox?  If you do, I'd love to hear what goodies you received this month!  If not, click here...you know you wanna!!

Wordless Wednesday: For the love of baby boys.

I was going through some of Lincoln's baby clothes the other day and came across this...

And if that wasn't enough to make me want to jump on the baby making train, I then came across his take home outfit from the hospital...

And now I'd love to have another wee boy.

My take on "Are You Mom Enough."

If you're involved with social media, then you probably saw your twitter/facebook feeds blow up with this cover from Time magazine last week.

First I'd like to say, I think Time accomplished exactly what it wanted.  The world in yet another battle of "Mommy Wars." However, this time the source is coming from their magazine, hence giving them recognition.  Whether it being positive or negative recognition, it really doesn't matter.  The fact is, they're getting noticed.  It's a simple, yet unfortunate, clever way of marketing. 

And you know what?  By me writing this post, I'm in a way giving them what they want, which is why I contemplated even writing this post.  But, I'm a blogger.  Writing is what I do, so I felt like I had to. 

For starters, if you don't know, I'm a proud formula feeder.  Why we decided to use formula for Lincoln, really doesn't matter.  The bottom line is, it's what worked for our family.  Plain and simple.  My baby was getting fed, and he was 100% healthy and thriving. 

Although I chose to feed Lincoln formula, I absolutely no doubt EQUALLY support breastfeeding Momma's.  They did exactly what I did for my baby.  They chose what worked for their family.  That's the bottom line. 

There is no, "but this one is better than the next." We are all mother's doing what is best for our family.  There's no ifs, ands or buts about it.  That's it.  Plain and simple. 

So, what is wrong with this cover of Time magazine?

For starters, who the heck has their child stand on a chair to feed them?  I think the posing of this photo is seriously asking for trouble. 

Also, the caption reads, "Why attachment parenting drives some mothers to extremes - And how Dr. Bill Sears became their guru." 

If that's not implying negativity, and asking to unleash a huge debate, then I don't know what is. It is putting a negative tone on breastfeeding, as well as attachment parenting.  I'm sure Dr. Sears isn't too fond of the connotation either. 

What do I think should have been on the cover? 

How about two mothers.  One mother breastfeeding her child, and the other feeding her child with a bottle....with the mother's shaking hands!!  Heart warming smiles on their faces.  Putting an end to the never ending mommy wars battle. 

Unfortunately, I don't think in today's society that marketing strategy would have accomplished what Time was looking for. 

Enough is enough.  And really, we are all just doing our best.