The Little Things

2017 is in full swing, with one month under the belt and the second racing towards the end.

While the rest of the country seems to have lost their ever loving mind, the Fedell house is just quietly plugging away.

And that is is not a bad thing.

Because it is in the little things that grow to be the big things, the most important things, the most influencing things.

So here are a few of my favorite little things of late....

We took the kids to a dog show. It was...interesting. Apparently you can bring your own dog to the dog show. When you bring said dog to the dog show and you are wondering what it is thinking about, you can actual find out. Pet pysics, who talk to dogs (and other animals, of course) can communicate with your pup. Quite miraculous.

We did manage to come away unscathed and puppy free, so it was all in all, not a bad way to spend an afternoon.

This handsome man celebrated another circle around the sun and we celebrated with Thai food, as any proper celebration should be done.

This year, the first grade class at the boys' school partnered up with a school in Detroit that was in need of some warm winter supplies. The kids had to pick a product or a service that could be offered in exchange for hats, mittens, socks and toothbrushes. They were divided into groups of 3 with one person being the project manager. They did everything on their own and decided what they could do or sell.

Colin was the project manager for his group and they decided to offer the service of joke telling, because jokes are funny and people will like it.

And like it they did.

Both of Colin's partners were sick, so my brave little guy had to man his joke booth all alone. In exchange for one of the items listed above, Colin would tell them a joke.

And he had some great jokes!

Here is the thing. Colin spent 2 years in speech therapy. His preschool teacher could not understand some of his stories. His kindergarten teacher had to ask for him to repeat himself often. He would not speak up in front of adults, especially if he did not know them. He would mumble and barely be audible. He would just hide behind me when we were in public.

But Colin worked hard and he tested out of speech in first grade.

Here is he, telling jokes all alone, jokes that he researched, studied and practiced the perfect punch line delivery. The whole night he delivered his jokes, picking out new ones all the time, to adults and children alike. He was clear, he spoke loudly and he was confident.

I stood back and watched him work hard, raised supplies and never shirked from his responsibilities. I was so proud of him. He blew me away. 

Soccer fields, basketball courts and Disney princesses fill our days and nights and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Life really is filled with all those lovely little things.

Friday Favorites

I didn't plan on not posting for well over a month. But after a computer crash, Easter, the start of soccer and daily life, the days slipped into weeks and all of a sudden, another month is upon us.


But on this extra warm 80 degree Friday, these are a few of my favorite things.


1. Macy's nicknames.

 Our little lady is 19 months old now and talking up a storm. She has called Ryan "Daddin" for awhile now. She knows how to say Dad, Daddy and Dadda...but she prefers to call him Daddin.

Her latest nickname is for Colin. Once again, she has called him "Colin" for quite awhile now, but one day, she just started calling him Boo Boo. It may have been transitioned from Brother...but now, 80% of the time, she will only refer to Colin as Boo Boo. It is hilarious. Colin, however, is not so pleased. He is pretty patient with her, but will tell us to not call him Boo Boo, only Macy can do that.

2. Watching the boys play soccer.  

Both boys are back on their old team, which is great for the undefeated Colin and bad for the have yet to win a game or score a goal Jack. They both love it and except for one freak cold snap, we have had perfect outdoor soccer weather!

3. Kid-free trips.

Ryan and I were lucky enough to be able to take a quick trip to Chicago without the kids. It was the first kid free trip that we have had since long before Macy was born. We did a lot of eating, walking and shopping. It was a much needed, relaxing trip. I hope we can sneak away again soon!

4. Movie dates with my boys!

I was able to take Jack and Colin to see the movie Home during Spreak Break. It was a surprisingly sweet movie and I loved spending time with the boys. Now if I could just find a sitter for the Avengers movie with the biggest boy...

Colin and Oh, the main character of Home.

5. Kissing (and sometimes pushing) Cousins

We had my nephew and niece over for a few days and it was fun chaos. One thing that was constant was the great love that Macy has for her little cousin, Elliot, or as Macy calls him, Eyener. He was given many, many kisses and a few hugs that may have looked more like body slams. While the love between Macy and her 2 yr old cousin Audrey wavers with the toys involved, the love of Eyener remains true...until he can reach and take those toys.

Happy Friday!

Friday Favorites: Easter!

Some of my favorites on this Good Friday:

Spending the day at the Detroit Zoo with my little family. We were given a membership for Christmas and this was the first nice weekend to go check it out. The boys are already plotting what we will do the next time!

Capturing a sweet moment when Daddy rocked his girl (and himself) to sleep.

Colin pulling a Joey and putting on 5 different shirts..and wearing them for the remainder of the afternoon.

A contemplative baby bunny with her little baby bunny.

And, of course, Good Friday.
There is something so powerful about it. The pain, the great suffering, the injustice and the betrayal that lead to death..and yet. And yet, it leads us to the Resurrection!

The heaviness of the Cross and the debt that was paid for me is a constant thought with me today, but those thoughts are always followed with a profound anticipation. Anticipation for what is to come. Anticipation for Easter morning.

I can hardly wait!

Friday Favorites: First, Seconds and Silly

Happy Friday! 

After two weekends of traveling in a row, I am looking forward to being at home this weekend. 

Here are a few of my favorite happenings lately:

My baby lost his first tooth!  I was away on a work trip in Virginia and got a call from a VERY excited boy. He was at my grandparent's, eating a popsicle, and it just came out! I was a little bummed to miss out on that, but was happy that my mom and grandpa got be there for the big moment. We had to negotiate a deal with the Tooth Fairy, as Jack insisted that the Tooth Fairy was going to give him $25 for his tooth! We brought the price down to $5 for the first tooth and a $1 for the rest. Apparently, teeth cost a lot of money these days...

Last weekend, Macy and I flew back to Virginia Beach for a work trip. Macy was absolutely fantastic. She was the best little traveler, who charmed everyone with in eyesight with giggles and smiles. We were blessed with open seats next to us for both flights and she slept decently for being in a hotel. I was able to accomplish everything at work and we had time to meet with some friends. Macy and her bestie Wynter had a nice reunion:)

Baby is on the move. She is not sitting up yet, because that would mean she has to sit still. She is rolling ALL over the place and can get her little hands onto anything. I put her ON top of her play mat and returned 2 minutes later to find her UNDER her play mat, happy as a clam, eating the tags. Life just got a whole lot more interesting!

While there has been some good moments in the last few weeks, it has been tinged with a deep sadness at the loss of my Grandma.

Overall, I would say that my family is doing well, considering.  We all came together and celebrated my Grandma and she would have loved it. There is a great solidarity in my family that seemed to strengthen instead of weaken during this hard time.

This little boy wanted to make people smile. He did not like people being sad, so he tried his hardest to bring a lightness and silliness to some of the situations.

His smiling face and cute little voice brought many a smile, when it was easier to not.

I am so thankful for him.

I hope you have a great, relaxing weekend!

I am hoping to get some sleep and get my house back in order!

Oh, and Happy Spring.

(It feels like 24 degree right now, so not feeling the spring time just yet,but at least there is hope!)

Friday Favorites: These Guys

 Little superhero taking a break, watching big brother ride his bike.

Rocking a shiner, courtesy of big bro.

 Jack was suppose to be in time out.

Little brother does not help the situation.

Most time outs turn out like this. Not so successful these days.

I love this little fox, even if he interrupts and initiates most of the time outs.

Happy Friday! What you are some of your favorites today?

Friday Favorites: Those boys

This might be one of my favorite picture of the boys.

Classic Jack.

Classic Colin.

One is making silly faces, the other is trying to throw himself off of the play set.

Ya know, typical day.

Another favorite?

This blog post by my Husband.

It is the perfect little look into the night and nap time routines at our house.

Happy Weekend!

Friday Favorites: Colin and his nose

Oh, Colin.

I could just eat you up.

I love your little baby belly, thrust forward at all times. You stomp around the house like a herd of elephants, walking with such purpose and noise.

You like to make people laugh, especially your brother. Usually that means saying naughty words that you know you are not suppose to say. It is a toss up of "poopy butt, pee pee and shut up". You do not understand the context of "shut up!", but you know you are not suppose to say it...so you do. It sounds like a little valley girl with attitude when you say it though. More like "Shuuu UHhhh" than the distinct "Shut Up".

Your nose has been running  a lot lately. Probably some allergy going on outside. With that little nose just a runnin', it become the battle a speed. Who can reach it first. Mom, with her clean, white, soft kleenex or you, with the entire inside of your palm.

You usually win. It  usually goes something like this: Nose starts to run. One sniffle. Mom jumps up to get the kleenex and yells, " Colin. Let Mommy wipe it!" You immediately take the inside of your palm, and rub your nose and entire face as fast and as hard as your can. It effectively spreads the snot all over your entire face in a thin layer. Problem solved. No more runny nose.

Than, if Mom doesn't catch it, it dries. In a nice, scale-like pattern all over your face.

It is quite disgusting actually.

But I can't help but love that kid for it.

It is just so unashamedly, unabashedly BOY. ALL BOY.

Why stop playing to wipe your nose with a kleenex when you have a perfectly useful palm?

So, Colin and his cute, although somewhat runny, nose is my favorite.

I hope you have a spectacular LONG weekend. I am just happy to have Ryan for an extra day!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Friday Favorites

 These are a few of my favorite things this sunny Friday.

A surprise package in the mail from a good friend.

For no special reason.

It included: my absolute favorite coffee, her favorite candy, some lip balm, baby strips and loads of notes on everything.

It made my heart happy.

 My new favorite accessory.

Made special just for me.

Jack did it all on his own.

It is pretty perfect.

Play dates at the park.

3 little boys riding sharks.

Loads of running and chasing.

Perfect sun shining weather to use up some of that energy.

Date night.

Any reason to break out a fun dress.

Groupons.

 Lobster ravioli or glazed salmon.

The only important decision to make in an evening.

Happy Friday!
 I hope you get to enjoy some of your favorite things this weekend!

Frivolous Friday: Hodgepodge

 I had some very handsome lunch dates today.

A smattering of thoughts for your Friday, because it is Friday. And frivolous.

~ Instagram finally came to Android. I now feel .05% cooler, even though I am still i-phone less. I may not tote the hipster phone, but gosh darn it, I can take pictures like one.

~ Jillian Micheal's Yoga Blast is like doing Yoga on speed. I should have known. She definitely takes any "relaxation" out of any yoga that you do.

~ Colin runs around the house and yells "Got you!" as he grabs your legs and pushes with his whole little body weight. This will happen all day, at random times and without warning.

~ I need all this Easter candy to be gone from the stores. I may have eaten 4 bags of jelly beans over the last month. I say may, because I did give a few beans to my boys. A few.

~ My family is coming to visit next week. Cue frantic Spring cleaning.

~ Ryan and I are leaving the babes with family for a few days and heading south to the Raleigh-Durham area. Anyone have any suggestions on what to do/see/stay?

~ I want to buy and wear this necklace everyday. No one in my family would be very surprised.

~ A jar of dill pickles tipped over in the back of my fridge and spilled pickle juice ALL over the fridge. It smells super awesome in there now. Cue frantic cleaning.

 ~ The weather is cool, the sky is blue and I get my Husband all weekend long.  I love Fridays!

Today is Good Friday. A Navy F-18 crashed into an apartment complex in Virginia Beach today. As of this writing, not a single life was lost. The Lord was truly watching over Virgina Beach today and what a beautiful Good Friday it is.

Have a wonderful Easter weekend. My family will be celebrating the Risen Lord this Sunday. We hope you have a truly Blessed Easter.

Frivolous Friday

  Babe in a box. Frivolity for your Friday

10 Frivolous Facts for your Friday

1. The best way to wake Colin up is to pour a cup of freshly grounded, freshly brewed coffee. The second that last drop fills the cup, Colin is up and yelling for me. It's his gift.

2.  I wear bright red lipstick during the day. It goes nicely with my messy bun and sweatpants. However, I do feel more prepared in case someone shows up unexpected with it on. No make-up? Baggy sweatpants? Messy house and hair? No problem. I have red lipstick on.

3. We are recovering and repainting and varnishing our dining room chairs. This has been going on for the last 3 weeks. Let's pray it is finished this weekend!

4. I am re-reading the Anne of Green Gables series. Still love it.

5. We are still waiting to hear some news. At this point, it is fairly certain that we are just staying put here...but it is super annoying to still have to wait for the 100% assurance.

6. I like that it is cool and raining. I am not ready for a blazing hot summer just yet.

7. I have a gym buddy now. I have now doubled my gym attendance. So that means I have gone twice in one week, two weeks in a row! Now, let's hope my weight/inches loss is going to double!

8. I would prefer to kiss and cuddle my boys on the couch all day today. They prefer to wrestle.

9. I washed not one, but two pull-ups today. Have you ever seen an exploded diaper? Yep. That was a fun treat.

10. I am just so glad it is Friday. I am ready for the weekend. I am ready to have my Husband home.

Happy Weekend, everyone!

Friday Favorites: Snapshots of Love

Just a few snapshots from our day of Love...or Valentine's Day.

Happy Friday!

Colin bringing in flowers for Mommy.

Some lovely goodies.

Flowers from the boys and a hand-made card from Ryan. It was my favorite part!



It's a good thing Jack can't read. ;)

Valentine's dessert. No bake Nutella cheesecake with from scratch whipped cream.

Enjoy your weekend!

We are going shopping for a dishwasher and recovering our dining room chairs.

That is some domestic bliss right there.

Friday Favorites: Weekends!

We have had a very busy week. Everyone is tired.

The plans this weekend include a family movie night with some gourmet doughnuts, some little man jeans shopping and lots of relaxing. And hopefully loads of cuddling. Let's be honest here. There will also be a lot Pinterest in pjs going on.

Weekends are my favorite.

Friday Favorites: October!

pinterest

Tomorrow it is October.

I love October. It is my favorite month.

Fall is my favorite season and October is the peak. In Michigan (where I grew up) the colors are at their peak. In Virginia, it is just beginning to cool down past 80 degrees.

Other top reasons to love October?

1. My anniversary~ 5 years!

2. My birthday~ The BIG 30 this year. Eek!

3. My entire family is coming to visit! Grandparents, parents and siblings, all staying with us, for a week!

4. Pumpkin anything~ pies, cupcakes, pancakes, lattes....

5. Boots and scarves!

6. Football! (But really, it is kinda depressing this year. I miss Peyton...desperately) On the upside, my Hubby is pumped about his Lions this year.

7.Weekend getaway with just the husband!

8. Birthday discounts ;)

Oh man, so many great things to look forward to in October. What is your favorite month? Why?

October is my favorite.

Friday Favorites: Family Outings

On Labor Day, we ventured out to the Children's Museum of Virginia in Portsmouth for a day of family fun. The museum was filled with everything a little boy could want. Trains, fire engines, motorcycles, cars, buses, banks, stores...you name, it was there to be touched and explored.

Little boys loved to drive and touch big engines and play on police motorcycles.

Giant chairs waited in the entry way with a little library next door if you wanted to get a book to read.



Jack's favorite part was fishing with his dad. They would catch the fish via magnets, and than have to identify the fish and place it in a box. Once they found the right section and dropped it in, the fish would shoot out the front of the boat to be "caught" again.



Giant bubbles and electricity were discovered.

The adults seemed to love this push pin type display. That is Ryan. You can see everything. His phone in his pocket, the outline of his tank that was under his button-down shirt, his bicep outline. Kinda creepy. Pretty much every adult male was playing with this thing. Lots of "butt" imprints were made...

 They had a great little kid play area with lots of soft flooring and padded toys. My little turtle loved it.

Getting chased by daddy is always a favorite for this little man.

All in all, it was a great experience. I think the older the boys get, the more they will enjoy all of the aspects that the museum offers. The planetarium will be opening soon and we want to take Jack back to see it. If you are in the area and have young kids, I would recommend a trip the the Children's Museum.

Family outings are my favorite.