tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48418606111310253942024-11-05T21:53:35.150-05:00Perfectly Imperfect MomBrennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.comBlogger832125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-26879778158614771192020-08-01T11:21:00.001-04:002020-08-01T12:43:41.894-04:00<content type="html"><center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga19jZh2-huMz0SDveHWbXkHujZ3DefRIuhKrTPL0zQ9DVb18eDQXKYFPxqj_DBaLVig_Ia3CpeT2LFXUzQvQpmVoI6aE98TQC4KDbIHJJ1IEmUQZs3hftTs1WZSWolTxpcDYessgTYZQ/s960/93412104_10110736768476751_5471145872421027840_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga19jZh2-huMz0SDveHWbXkHujZ3DefRIuhKrTPL0zQ9DVb18eDQXKYFPxqj_DBaLVig_Ia3CpeT2LFXUzQvQpmVoI6aE98TQC4KDbIHJJ1IEmUQZs3hftTs1WZSWolTxpcDYessgTYZQ/s640/93412104_10110736768476751_5471145872421027840_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></center><center><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: helvetica; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></center><center><font size="5"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: helvetica; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;">I remember sitting on my parents patio on the anniversary of my grandpa’s death and seeing my&nbsp;</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: helvetica; text-align: start;">Dad cry. I tried to make him feel better and he told me “Brenna, it’s ok, I am ok. I just need to be sad today.” And I get it.&nbsp;</span></font></center><center><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: helvetica; text-align: start;"><font size="5"><br /></font></span></center><center><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: helvetica; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><font size="5">Today would have been mine and my ex-husband’s 11 year anniversary. And I can’t help but feel sad. Not because I want to be with him or because I am still struggling with accepting that loss. But because it is something I fought so hard for, something I worked so hard at and it still failed. I brought 3 children into a family that failed. I know with all my heart I gave every single ounce of myself to that marriage, to trying to put the pieces back together, to trying to understand what went wrong or what I did wrong. I know parts of it will never make sense to me. I know there is a part of that loss that will always effect me. And overall I am grateful for the loss. I am grateful that it pushed me into changing behaviors that would have probably put me into another doomed relationship (people pleasing, not speaking up for myself, not truly knowing what I deserved). It also made me more independent than I ever knew I could be. I know that no matter what happens in this life I can survive it. I can do what I have to in order to cope and deal. It isn’t easy being a single Mom. In fact, it is one of the hardest things I have ever done. The guilt that goes with only being with your children part time is probably the most unnatural and difficult things I have ever had to accept in my life. Which is why I understand why so many people wait to divorce till their children are grown and moved out. It is not easy being away from them.&nbsp;</font></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: helvetica; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: helvetica; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><font size="5">So, even though I know I am ok. I am fortunate to have an amazing support system and have worked my ass off this past year and 4 months to be in this place where I feel whole, happy and confident in my life. Something that was really hard to start and stick with but I did it and it took the ending of my marriage to get here. It took reaching a terrifying rock bottom mentally and emotionally. It took writing letters I never thought I would ever write and having my sister beg me to make a different decision. It took my cousins telling me how much I mean to them. It took every ounce of strength to pull myself out of a dark place but it was so worth it. It is worth it to see my precious children grow from this. It is worth it to have a better relationship with my ex-husband even if we still struggle at times. It is worth it to set boundaries and take care of myself. It is all so worth it.&nbsp;</font></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: helvetica; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: helvetica; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><font size="5">Today, I am sad and feel a little bit like a failure in one part of my life. I am sad because I didn’t get the family I dreamed of and I only get my kids part- time. I am sad because I do still struggle at being overwhelmed at doing this alone. I am sad because I wish I didn’t have to do it alone. I am sad because no matter what I will probably always have a part of me that will never trust everything will be completely ok. I am sad that because of that I still have the urge to push good things away but thankfully have learned to not sabotage it even though it’s what feels safe.&nbsp;</font></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: helvetica; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: helvetica; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><font size="5">For any women out there going through a divorce I see you and I feel your pain. I wish I could magically take it away. I know the work I had to do to get where I am at now and it was not easy but I have seen the other side where there are women who are still hurt and struggling and damaging their lives because of their pain. I promise the work is worth it and you can come out the other side happier and more whole than you can ever imagine.&nbsp;</font></div></center></content><link rel="replies" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://marriednowbabytime.blogspot.com/feeds/2687977815861477119/comments/default" title="Post Comments"/><link rel="replies" type="text/html" href="http://marriednowbabytime.blogspot.com/2020/08/i-remember-sitting-on-my-parents-patio.html#comment-form" title="0 Comments"/><link rel="edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4841860611131025394/posts/default/2687977815861477119"/><link rel="self" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4841860611131025394/posts/default/2687977815861477119"/><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://marriednowbabytime.blogspot.com/2020/08/i-remember-sitting-on-my-parents-patio.html" title=""/><author><name>Brenna</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel="http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail" width="16" height="16" src="https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif"/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga19jZh2-huMz0SDveHWbXkHujZ3DefRIuhKrTPL0zQ9DVb18eDQXKYFPxqj_DBaLVig_Ia3CpeT2LFXUzQvQpmVoI6aE98TQC4KDbIHJJ1IEmUQZs3hftTs1WZSWolTxpcDYessgTYZQ/s72-c/93412104_10110736768476751_5471145872421027840_n.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-5215099716919537891</id><published>2017-06-15T15:02:00.003-04:00</published><updated>2017-06-26T10:57:10.951-04:00</updated><title type="text">FREE Summer Reading Reward Chart Printable!<center> &nbsp; Hey guys! Hope everyone's Summer has been going well. So far ours has been a blast. I had lined up activities everyday for the kids so we wouldn't be stuck at home all day. So far we have been to the fire station, Chick-fil-A and Park Avenue Gymnastics for open play. It has been nice being able to spend time with our friends before we move. It's definitely been hard thinking about leaving everyone.&nbsp;</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPX4SA2_O8gCXU4NnK74C4ueHzKBv-U2ldZ3-5syBcVhuVUhSWS_EAfR9zZ9EvY58ioeMU0NpKQMC8zasPDZwJSLBvUbtKZ0rmil8RmiT85VpaK-Gd9Pk9-Fma_K-lqSgwx6EIMOdES7w/s1600/19225909_10106566260578011_5087357051123410060_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPX4SA2_O8gCXU4NnK74C4ueHzKBv-U2ldZ3-5syBcVhuVUhSWS_EAfR9zZ9EvY58ioeMU0NpKQMC8zasPDZwJSLBvUbtKZ0rmil8RmiT85VpaK-Gd9Pk9-Fma_K-lqSgwx6EIMOdES7w/s640/19225909_10106566260578011_5087357051123410060_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <center> </center> <center> So back to these Reading Charts. I wanted to make some type of reward chart for the kids so they would be motivated to read each day. In Summer it can sometimes be hard getting them to sit down, relax and read. I made these printables so you can easily hang them up and keep track of your child's reading progress. Just print and you can have your child color the squares in, put stickers in them or punch holes. Super easy!&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> To get the printables just go <b><a href="http://jmp.sh/bnpDSxP" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a></b> for the pink and <b><a href="http://jmp.sh/7NxfwJl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a></b> for the blue. I hope you all like them!&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/waitingandwishing">facebook</a> ♥ <a href="http://instagram.com/perfectly.imperfect.mom.blog">instagram</a> ♥ <a href="http://twitter.com/love_bren">twitter</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/PerfectlyImperfectMomBlog/">pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051">bloglovin</a> </center> Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-7991773033922694262017-06-12T14:27:00.000-04:002017-06-12T15:07:38.750-04:00How to Plan an Epic Summer on a Budget<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/269793833910449501/" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/269793833910449501/" border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="696" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKsxU8QRuxv4jQ76vqFKtP2g_2hyphenhyphenE5d2G1n6Gzd395PnXKcjsMaAUC1MNELrvU5H5FmWQRZsRO2VKzs7l4XIH_AZXFjNcKd_tPJpWRV9v3Yvz2gUv80ujJh3WEZIzB9ZX8dc5Nv1RdMs/s640/summer_on_a_budget.png" width="640" /></a></div> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> Summer break has officially started!&nbsp; My best friend, Kat, and I made a huge list of all the fun things we want to do with our kids this Summer and tried to keep everything under $10. </center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> But how do you plan an epic Summer when you have three young children and don't want to spend a lot of money?&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> <span style="font-size: large;">Here is a list of activities that are either free or under $10</span></center> <center> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>*This post contains affiliate links which means I may make a small income from the company. This in no way affects you so no worries on your end!&nbsp; </b></span></center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> 1. Go to free or dollar movies at your local theater. <b><a href="http://regmovi.es/2sc1NVf" target="_blank">Regal Cinema</a></b> and other theaters have Summer Movie Programs where they show movies on specific mornings for only a dollar. You can't beat that!&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> 2. Picnics in the park. </center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> 3. Get a frozen treat. When I was pregnant with Ace and I was nearing the end of my pregnancy with him it was disgustingly hot and humid out. Anytime I had to leave the house I stopped at Burger King for an Icee. They were only $1 and they were the perfect treat for a hot day. Seven-11 has <span style="color: magenta;"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/2rirPd9" target="_blank">slurpees</a></b></span> as well and they are under $2.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> 4. Have a glow in the dark party. We love to buy <b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/Gi8" target="_blank">glow in the dark jewelry</a></b> for the kids, turn out the lights and put music on. They love this. It is probably the easiest way to entertain them at night. If you live near the beach you can make it even more fun and have a glow in the dark party on the beach at night. You can get glow in the dark party packs for less than $10 <b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/Gja" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a></b>.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> 5. Have a scavenger hunt. You can make this as easy as getting a sheet of paper, getting crayons and coloring squares and telling your child to go find items with the color of each square. Something fun my best friend and I do is use our <b><a href="https://app.shopkick.com/r/3ojbHz" target="_blank">Shopkicks app</a></b> and have our kids scan items on the app at different stores. It's actually fun and you earn points towards gift cards, ha! And no this isn't sponsored, we just actually like doing this and it's out of the heat.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> 6. Check out your local library. Many libraries have story times and activities for children of a variety of ages in the Summer. They also may have a Summer reading program, a great way to get your child reading more. If your library doesn't have any of these it's still a great way to spend time indoors, out of the heat, and read some new books.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> 7. Watch the Sunrise.</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> 8. Watch the Sunset.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> 9. Make your own bagel pizzas. You have to buy food for lunch anyway so make it fun!</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> 10. Make S'mores.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> 11. Explore new areas in your town.</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> 12. Visit the local museums. Ours has free admission the first Tuesday of every month! Check to see if yours has any free days.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> 13.Make your own popsicles. Go <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2riEuxb" target="_blank">here</a></b> for over 70 recipes!</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> 14. Play hopscotch using <b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/0Oz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sidewalk chalk</a></b>.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> 15. Go for a bike ride.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> 16. Feed the ducks.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> 17. Play freeze tag.</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> 18. Make <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2rSGhr6" target="_blank">fluffy slime</a></b>.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> 19. Have a water balloon fight. We love <b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/0Oh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">these</a> </b>water balloons because they are easy to fill, have 3 sets of different colors (one per kid) and are under $10. If you want to spend less you can go with a more simple set like <b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/0Ou" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this one</a></b>.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> 20. Make forts out of sheets and furniture.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> 21. Get ice cream from Chick-fil-A. The kid cones are under a dollar and your children can enjoy the air conditioned play area! Check your <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2rb1zOd" target="_blank">local Chick-fil-A</a> </b>for other events like Cow Appreciation Day on July 11th. Dress like a cow and you get free food!&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77j5u5ftB8Dcqth-xtauevLdVylbO9HKHsmxRIKi__gaPbxuVT1hF2Qcuich9UZfJdVJ0ylhS0v5kCM-MusvrL2lOr5ZxS8O7Cmqe0YCMHDdYHKAxhntHObFMq45b_oBVHrgNGz5v2Zw/s1600/fortune3-pin-it-pinterest-button-300x189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="189" data-original-width="300" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77j5u5ftB8Dcqth-xtauevLdVylbO9HKHsmxRIKi__gaPbxuVT1hF2Qcuich9UZfJdVJ0ylhS0v5kCM-MusvrL2lOr5ZxS8O7Cmqe0YCMHDdYHKAxhntHObFMq45b_oBVHrgNGz5v2Zw/s200/fortune3-pin-it-pinterest-button-300x189.jpg" width="200" />&nbsp;</a></div> <center> &nbsp;<b> Don't forget to pin this for later! </b></center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> &nbsp;</div> <center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqOrZZudfgaCOkrqxkQEwRA2bTJlwigg2NjMs1Nki0M6zITZeeXWZFzQAhqBY8PMyN1GB16ihY9D-0Y2DW7X3WPde_ro-gBarvFEsbrqdRrd_6h7WKvREpUrFOG21uQ4tUmZy8ThT0ns/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-06-12+at+3.05.26+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="351" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqOrZZudfgaCOkrqxkQEwRA2bTJlwigg2NjMs1Nki0M6zITZeeXWZFzQAhqBY8PMyN1GB16ihY9D-0Y2DW7X3WPde_ro-gBarvFEsbrqdRrd_6h7WKvREpUrFOG21uQ4tUmZy8ThT0ns/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-06-12+at+3.05.26+PM.png" width="318" /></a></div> </center> <center> <b>What are some of your free or inexpensive activities for Summer?&nbsp;</b></center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> Want to write for Perfectly Imperfect Mom? Email your submission <a href="mailto:PIMomsubmissions@gmail.com" target="_blank">HERE </a></center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/waitingandwishing">facebook</a> ♥ <a href="http://instagram.com/perfectly.imperfect.mom.blog">instagram</a> ♥ <a href="http://twitter.com/love_bren">twitter</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/PerfectlyImperfectMomBlog/" target="_blank">pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051">bloglovin</a> </center> Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-30683524148909123812017-06-10T08:54:00.002-04:002017-06-12T15:03:12.241-04:00Summer: Fun Weekly Themes by Fallan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Thank you Fallan for giving some fun weekly themes to keep our kids busy this Summer!&nbsp;</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/269793833910449508/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="757" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHA6nDouzJ4XaGx2zyXxhPX0WoWKzIpW6XAr-UcPaY0VRKV7S-rzbcgi9SdJNTKFJpFli8yffpTaRQ36TdVbVHuq6lVS5vg6X2V40XHz5nNuy4npMyZqSMaICPbIjsFSaJ0HU8w7y26w/s1600/SummerThemes.png" /></a></div> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> Summertime is upon us and if you’re like me, you must be wondering how to occupy the kiddos to curb summer boredom (trust me, it’s coming) and save your own sanity. <br /><br />The plan? <b>Weekly summer themes.</b> <br /><br />Hear me out. <br /><br />I’m a planner. I work better with a schedule and so do my children. My children have never attended camp because I make summer both fun and educational (I can’t help it! I’m a teacher!). <br /><br />Weekly summer themes can be incorporated anywhere, even with vacations. It works for children of all ages and with both free and expensive activities. All you need is a bit of planning and some research.&nbsp;</center> <center> <br />Let me break it down:<br /><br />These are the weekly themes I came up with for this summer, with some help from my kids: Zachary, 8, and Oakley, 4:</center> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/269793833910449510/" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/269793833910449510/" border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="431" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLlKRaHGt-YJhTNLPcha99RyQWP_QahCPLadL53N8GfgM50Tchl1TRbTFftvtqoRMbow4n2E-D3BBEfsPBRma_3dEWsfOMwVogLxbWjzaE5l-cOp8BfN9Y4N-0YhP2oCOTWW89-izetg/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-06-02+at+11.25.48+AM.png" width="464" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <center> You can be as specific or vague as you want with your themes. When my daughter was younger, I was broader with the themes to incorporate activities for both age groups. For example, last summer we had a week of transportation so my son could read up on submarines and space shuttles while my daughter learned about the different types of transportation we use in the air, on land, and to sail the seas. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWwqa80r0noepFVcLSDxduIzRUx8KvfPybAjaeFYk62RCSY7qdSmAveCb8XNj6gfFJ93udyaE7WvvH4SO-HZrKQbdkFVe2hs4qs-R_XrdtqxNgVoxBlb5R8TTMFGv8F_3dklHW9Bkvac/s1600/IMG_1773.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWwqa80r0noepFVcLSDxduIzRUx8KvfPybAjaeFYk62RCSY7qdSmAveCb8XNj6gfFJ93udyaE7WvvH4SO-HZrKQbdkFVe2hs4qs-R_XrdtqxNgVoxBlb5R8TTMFGv8F_3dklHW9Bkvac/s640/IMG_1773.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />Once you have your themes, now comes the research. With every theme, we go to the library once a week. It allows for quiet time, it’s free, it’s in the air conditioning, and it lets us chose books that help us learn about that week’s theme. We look for both fiction and non-fiction books. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHdipe8nN96fYhRrCOV4egYXbSTbVOj3ZdfUwdLu155Xa8hD66y3Qnwxwltz8wxDvhftd8zVjmEKhkdgt72IZ-6rOYbr5vMAXysqQV1zboC5SkMrY8ILDE9CfpMY6HitOwDPXGujtSeU/s1600/IMG_1777.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHdipe8nN96fYhRrCOV4egYXbSTbVOj3ZdfUwdLu155Xa8hD66y3Qnwxwltz8wxDvhftd8zVjmEKhkdgt72IZ-6rOYbr5vMAXysqQV1zboC5SkMrY8ILDE9CfpMY6HitOwDPXGujtSeU/s640/IMG_1777.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />Next, I think about local attractions and events that may accommodate our theme. Some of these are easy, like going to the science museum for science week or seeing the fireworks for the Fourth of July for the week focusing on America.&nbsp; <br /><br />But it helps to think outside the box here. You don’t want to necessarily go to the same attractions your family would go to on a regular weekend. I like to find something we rarely do or even something we’ve never tried before. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oY8K7xsLEmoPoXqz6qgeeJTX4IBezFpOOt4F4SRWvh4ZGnCJ3hiIRzmJBM_WCD43rD05wmHsFEUhivQaQ-5q1VV7JDCPzJxLiMJSvM8gxtne6AZAdZGA9axOS5UIZjggyeYxZNWzdr8/s1600/IMG_1778.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oY8K7xsLEmoPoXqz6qgeeJTX4IBezFpOOt4F4SRWvh4ZGnCJ3hiIRzmJBM_WCD43rD05wmHsFEUhivQaQ-5q1VV7JDCPzJxLiMJSvM8gxtne6AZAdZGA9axOS5UIZjggyeYxZNWzdr8/s640/IMG_1778.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />For example, we plan to try the glass blowing demonstration in Hollywood, as it’s something they’ve never seen and we’ve wanted to try.&nbsp; <br /><br />Summer is known for being kid-friendly so flipping through a local parenting magazine, such as <a href="http://bit.ly/2rjEGub" target="_blank"><b>South Florida Parenting</b>,</a> or searching online for a few keywords or even on <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2s1Ovy3" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></b>, can give you a multitude of ideas for your themes. <br /><br />I like to look up free or cheap options to help keep costs down so we can often be found free museum days or at local parks with a magnifying glass. You could choose to just do a few weeks this summer. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59F4da6NdtDK7ybi8XCC8MZEarHDDirVnDiljVtyybDDUp1HevGLG6MgMC2YgtrKoBJbaFSR0Cx2_VT9rXLX4sEguN8bQb98CnhNh0QezS-L7dHAkPwm_zB7CiYRpLUuiNITV8OxF3Tc/s1600/IMG_1781.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59F4da6NdtDK7ybi8XCC8MZEarHDDirVnDiljVtyybDDUp1HevGLG6MgMC2YgtrKoBJbaFSR0Cx2_VT9rXLX4sEguN8bQb98CnhNh0QezS-L7dHAkPwm_zB7CiYRpLUuiNITV8OxF3Tc/s640/IMG_1781.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />Weekly summer themes can be as detailed as you want them to be. Have fun and happy summer!<br />&nbsp;Want to save these ideas for later? Pin it!&nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/269793833910449510/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="393" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6sz6FkIOYjj5E2QszTxnF7F96SkUH82SQ1yNUH-hKvO_1ms5idCoVgNDRwUFehe-BcbDbiHbJ7I0fvnNnG9JiFdgOd_ab4Uc4w5d8ucTQqwUD_LxB27DXh6SAUAzKz_KDX61qBw975A/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-06-02+at+11.24.43+AM.png" width="265" /></a></center> <center> </center> <center> &nbsp; Want to be published on Perfectly Imperfect Mom? Email your submission <a href="mailto:pimomsubmissions@gmail.com" target="_blank">HERE</a></center> <center> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/waitingandwishing">facebook</a> ♥ <a href="http://instagram.com/perfectly.imperfect.mom.blog">instagram</a> ♥ <a href="http://twitter.com/love_bren">twitter</a> ♥ <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bren3784">pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051">bloglovin</a> </center> Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-63451554640760913152017-06-02T09:47:00.001-04:002017-06-02T09:47:55.510-04:00An Adoption Story: Kelly's Mocha Beauty<center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I am so excited for you all to read about my friend Kelly's family. Kelly played a huge role in my decision to adopt <a href="http://www.perfectlyimperfectmom.com/2013/10/ashlyn-is-here.html" target="_blank">Ashlyn</a>. She had recently just adopted her daughter and was back in town while waiting for her <a href="http://bit.ly/2qd4bNV" target="_blank">ICPC</a> to clear. She reassured me and answered my questions. I am eternally grateful for that day...</div> </center> <center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNeLF3qiVydL0uf49ts3gawweVQBan8VkzL4fFROly0HEE0QckCSqkYZBkufEeVISpUrXg7GwVwBroqTOC38EwcZQYp9z-5hP-8Lmg1CEOrBIXmmCMOSoG7NlWXEzGL5g9qZZOLFlJYw/s1600/AdoptionStory.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="700" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNeLF3qiVydL0uf49ts3gawweVQBan8VkzL4fFROly0HEE0QckCSqkYZBkufEeVISpUrXg7GwVwBroqTOC38EwcZQYp9z-5hP-8Lmg1CEOrBIXmmCMOSoG7NlWXEzGL5g9qZZOLFlJYw/s640/AdoptionStory.png" width="640" /></a></div> </center> <br /> <center> I have this great memory of our lovely Perfectly Imperfect mama, Brenna- we were about eight years old, eating the old-school Funfetti icing straight out of the plastic can, and sitting on the floor watching Power Rangers. Basically we were elementary school spirit animals. (Can that icing come back? Did it? I just moved back from three years in Europe so I am behind on a few American things.) We have stayed in touch through the years and I still think she is so fabulous.<br /><br />Our family is made up of myself, my husband and our three adorable, sweet girls. We have eight year old twins and a three year old. We are grateful to have grown our family through pregnancy and <a href="http://www.perfectlyimperfectmom.com/search/label/Adoption" target="_blank">adoption</a>- which often leads to some <a href="http://www.perfectlyimperfectmom.com/2015/05/what-adoptive-families-want-you-to-know.html" target="_blank">crazy questions and interesting comments</a>. I usually share that we wanted to adopt first but most agencies don’t take a 22 year old seriously when they call. Also to note we are mere mortals and not Hollywood celebrities- so finances were a bit of a factor. <br /><br /><a href="http://wb.md/2qg7bqL" target="_blank">Polycystic ovarian syndrome</a> made conception difficult: but thankfully not impossible. We celebrated when our <a href="http://wb.md/2rbHRRP" target="_blank">IUI</a> (or intra-uterine insemination) was successful and our sweet girls were born that following spring. When the twins were four, we decided the timing was right to pursue an adoption. Initially we wanted to try for an international adoption but our military life made that a little too difficult. I scoured blog posts, adoptive parent forums, and family magazines- basically praying my guts out the entire time that this would work before Uncle Sam moved our little crew again.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCcDPLESZkUQSIAvHLDePHO8n1QskNStAXNGDR5GLpSvZqqcA6qkh0GF9MK991PyfHQznh86Xghc9Tm2PAGWI8jMrTMt-162Z-T9XWQgUM8CkVGrz2hH3WFaTgT5aIl3YOB8J01Ajn0w/s1600/Image.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="622" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCcDPLESZkUQSIAvHLDePHO8n1QskNStAXNGDR5GLpSvZqqcA6qkh0GF9MK991PyfHQznh86Xghc9Tm2PAGWI8jMrTMt-162Z-T9XWQgUM8CkVGrz2hH3WFaTgT5aIl3YOB8J01Ajn0w/s640/Image.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />I stumbled upon an adoption consultant and had a gut feeling this is who we needed. We completed our home study and paperwork- and worked with her as she connected us to different birth mothers through various agencies and private adoption attorneys. My husband and I had such a strong connection to one woman in particular and she ended up choosing us to parent her baby girl. We spoke in July and our peanut was born in August. Yes, four weeks later! What an answer to years of prayers!<br /><br />It was incredibly difficult to watch her make the decision not to parent our little Star: a selfless choice made wholly from love. We were able to be there when our youngest was born and I am so grateful to have been there to see her take her first breath. Every adoption begins with loss and that is not lost on our family. There is a woman who loves our little peanut so much and she misses her every day. We honor the choice that she made and are so grateful to her for this incredible gift.<br /><br />Many have asked us about birth parent contact after an adoption. I think that is what scares people the most- what does that look like, what will be our relationship be, how much will he/she know about our family? Every adoption is unique. Our adoption is totally final- our names are on Star’s birth certificate; we are her parents. Her birth mom receives an update and pictures every year. We also like to send a Christmas update. These are the terms we agreed upon and we honor those. Some families have no contact, some Facetime or call. It just depends. Do not let this stop you from pursuing an adoption, if that is where your heart is leading you. It has shaped our lives so beautifully and can’t imagine being without this experience.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41AgFfXMoVxVmJQ02lgvNV8BGgb4roRy32pF95q9PGktE7Yk4dik9ix5-R1yKMAgS4TMGd2NjQ2Y7HCx5ZLiGu8TkXuA45CnOxkGAIHScqJQcyuJP9ZCidpUVKrFY4Yr6TNU6MIlW2DI/s1600/Image+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="424" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41AgFfXMoVxVmJQ02lgvNV8BGgb4roRy32pF95q9PGktE7Yk4dik9ix5-R1yKMAgS4TMGd2NjQ2Y7HCx5ZLiGu8TkXuA45CnOxkGAIHScqJQcyuJP9ZCidpUVKrFY4Yr6TNU6MIlW2DI/s400/Image+2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />Our youngest is our mocha beauty- and I am super proud of my acquired hair skills. It is so beautiful to see our girls together- each unique in skin tone, hair, personality. We are a family knit together with this incredible love and I am grateful every day to be their mama.<br />&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp; For more adoption related articles click <a href="http://www.perfectlyimperfectmom.com/search/label/Adoption" target="_blank">HERE</a></center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/waitingandwishing">facebook</a> ♥ <a href="http://instagram.com/perfectly.imperfect.mom.blog">instagram</a> ♥ <a href="http://twitter.com/love_bren">twitter</a> ♥ <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bren3784">pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051">bloglovin</a> </center> Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-65022062451412067432017-05-31T20:18:00.002-04:002017-05-31T20:20:52.880-04:00What's in my...Mommy Purse<center> &nbsp; A couple years ago I did a <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2qsj00i" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">similar post</a></b> but now that my little ones are older I no longer have a diaper bag. I must say, not having to carry around diapers, ointments, wipes, bottles and formula for now one but two babies has made getting out of the house much easier.&nbsp;</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This post contains affiliate links.&nbsp;</span></i></b></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></b></div> <center> </center> <center> So what do I keep in my <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/KWK" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Mommy purse</b></a> with three children 5 and under? Lets take a look…</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji45u82chSxcXhq-xloT1LHx82u7jP_6D5kxL2TA8WUtmAQHsOAiYKVFyX06TCQga7PjGCUK2tNdl9HFHzYCfoah_0Q2CU7FqWYhDQSMRsSb_mAWokoQMVVZfVXzIjPRuwyps7IEXVc3Y/s1600/IMG_6938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji45u82chSxcXhq-xloT1LHx82u7jP_6D5kxL2TA8WUtmAQHsOAiYKVFyX06TCQga7PjGCUK2tNdl9HFHzYCfoah_0Q2CU7FqWYhDQSMRsSb_mAWokoQMVVZfVXzIjPRuwyps7IEXVc3Y/s640/IMG_6938.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> 1. <b>Wallet. </b>Yep, this will be forever a staple. I actually just got this wallet a couple weeks ago at WalMart, I don't usually go there often because we don't have one super close and when I did go I was shocked to see such a cute wallet. Can't be that it was under $10 as well, but will it last? Only time will tell. I also found <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/KW0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>this</b></a> similar one that is really pretty.</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> 2. <b>Water.</b> Depending on where we are going I usually will just throw a water bottle in my bag in case anyone gets thirsty. If we are going to the park or beach I will pack individual thermoses for each of them since I know for sure they will use them. <b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/GHU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">These</a> </b>are my absolute favorite. They last forever and keep drinks cold.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> 3. <b>Snacks.</b> Another one that will probably always be a staple in my bag. It never fails that we will be out and someone gets hungry. A quick and healthy snack is a bonus. We recently were sent these snacks from Beech Nut and my kids love them. Their favorites are the <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/KV0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>fruit &amp; veggie melties</b></a>&nbsp; and <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/KXv" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>blueberry cereal puffs</b></a> and you probably will be stealing their <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/KXh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>quinoa crispies</b></a> and <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/KXn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>fruity oat bars</b></a>. If you have smaller ones these <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/K2v" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>oatmeal pouches</b></a> are a perfect way to feed your baby on the go.&nbsp;</center> <center> <br /></center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> 4. Pens and notebooks. I try to remember to bring these because all of my children love to draw. It keeps them busy and preoccupied when I need them to calm down and chill out. It is also great for when you are at a restaurant and they are over coloring.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> 5. <b>Bandaids</b> because my children are always getting some kind of boo boo at the park or outside. I love being able to have character ones but my children think of them as stickers and end up crying wolf on boo boos so I had to switch to the skin colored ones.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> 6. <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ALBZXUO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B01ALBZXUO&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=perfimpemom-20&amp;linkId=6015c56651c19dd05134a7908fb8418f" target="_blank">Benadryl Itch Relief Spray</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=perfimpemom-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B01ALBZXUO" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b>. Ace and Ashlyn are both allergic to mosquitos so this is a huge life saver when they are freaking out over their monstrous mosquito bites and being crazy itchy.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> 7. <b>Starbucks Gift Card</b>. A sweet gift from one of my students. These kids know the way to my heart. I am seriously going to miss them when they graduate.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> 8. <b>Random socks and toys</b>. Because it would't be a Mommy purse without something random of your children's. There was also a random silver flashlight keychain my kids play with in there.</center> <center> </center> <center> 9. <b>iPhone charger</b>. I got this teeny charger awhile ago and it charges super quick.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> As you can see my <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/KWK" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Mommy purse</b></a> has a lot less than my old diaper bag days. I definitely don't miss having to make sure my bag is stocked every night.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> <b>What are some of your must haves for your purse or diaper bag? </b></center> <center> <!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <div class="shopsense-widget" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%22592f5d252391f3b0a284ceb2%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1604-22949598-96%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D"> <script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1496271692028?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe height="275px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%22592f5d252391f3b0a284ceb2%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1604-22949598-96%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="border: 0;" width="705px"> </iframe> </div> <!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE END --> &nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/waitingandwishing">facebook</a> ♥ <a href="http://instagram.com/perfectly.imperfect.mom.blog">instagram</a> ♥ <a href="http://twitter.com/love_bren">twitter</a> ♥ <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bren3784">pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051">bloglovin</a> </center> Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-82476688778078127892017-05-06T10:30:00.000-04:002017-05-06T17:24:53.905-04:00What Kind of Mom Are You?<center> </center> <center> </center> <center> <i><b>Originally published May 6, 2016 </b></i></center> <center> &nbsp;<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>This post may contain affiliate links</i></b></span></center> <center> In honor of Mother's Day this year I decided to talk about the different types of Moms I have come across. Now, this obviously is not all types of Moms but overall it is some of the most common ones I have come in contact with. Which Mom are you?</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyg0Ql-xt4EXLdh8Ps_075JpAY-qVaQ_aw-oMFiAIy4rIt4jI0lBc-d4bw-nDPqG0BHY-DXWnytcTZ0PtcigyjFk7nFAuQ3VXRXw9f0VrtG1KPi_P-NFbrdc5tE-8PCOlDxRWOSG_aE_M/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-05-06+at+5.02.07+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyg0Ql-xt4EXLdh8Ps_075JpAY-qVaQ_aw-oMFiAIy4rIt4jI0lBc-d4bw-nDPqG0BHY-DXWnytcTZ0PtcigyjFk7nFAuQ3VXRXw9f0VrtG1KPi_P-NFbrdc5tE-8PCOlDxRWOSG_aE_M/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-05-06+at+5.02.07+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> <center> <b>The First Time Mom</b></center> <center> <b>&nbsp;</b></center> <center> </center> <center> All of us Moms have been there. You get pregnant, envision this perfect cherub faced child who will nurse every few hours, sleep in between and you will sleep when baby sleeps, piece of cake…</center> <center> &nbsp;Then reality hits and you are crying over your cheerios and breast pump. You haven't slept more than an hour at a time, your baby nurses for eternity, passes out at the boob, wakes up the second you put him down and you kind of want to strangle your husband because baby only wants you and he gets to sleep. You might hover over the baby while he sleeps or stress about which organic formula is the best. Is he eating, sleeping, and pooping enough? You are your own breed and we love you for it. Don't worry it gets better, I promise! Then you can your second baby and realize how fun it is to have a first time Mom as a friend. I mean it really is entertaining.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <b>The Fun Mom</b></center> <center> <b><br /></b></center> <center> </center> <center> This Mom is the one who is running around the playground with her kids, pretending to be Captain Hook while your kids are the lost boys. She isn't afraid to get dirty or look silly. You love her for her free spirit and energy. Your kids love going to her house for play dates because she has the best <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/cgO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dress up clothes</a> and games. It's never a dull moment with her. She is also awesome when it's a Mom's night out and can party with the best of them. You can always have a guaranteed fun time with her.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> <b>The Perfect Mom</b></center> <center> <b><br /></b></center> <center> </center> <center> She is always dressed in a comfy cute outfit, her child is dressed to the nines and she is the nicest person. &nbsp;And let's not forget her house is perfection. Does a child live there? Who knows! You would hate her for all her perfection if she wasn't so sweet and threw a wicked awesome party. Lets be real though, she seems perfect but as we all know no Mom actually is but she comes pretty close.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> <b>The Hot Mess Mom</b></center> <center> <b><br /></b></center> <center> </center> <center> She is the Mom who is running into play dates with her kids running in all directions, probably forgot to brush her teeth and needs a drink. She has a heart of gold and makes you feel better for not exactly having your shit together. She is the Mom who will help you when you need someone to watch your child and they will have the best time because even though she's kind of a hot mess, she is also the Mom who makes everyone's child feel like they are special. She also is the best Mom to go to when you are having a rough day, life is crazy or you just are miserable because she is empathetic and gets it. She somehow knows exactly what to say to make you feel better.</center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> <b>The "Expert" Mom</b></center> <center> <b><br /></b></center> <center> </center> <center> This is the Mom who you turn to when you are busy crying over your cheerios and breast pump and your baby baby won't sleep. She reminds you how hard the first couple months are and promises it will get better. She offers any and all support to help you through. She seems to have some kind of powers over getting your baby to sleep and calming down. She has been there and you can count on her to help you through the toughest parts of Motherhood. She is probably your own Mother, Aunt, Cousin, Sister or Friend and you love her!</center> <center> </center> <center> <b>The Overprotective Mom</b></center> <center> </center> <center> The Mom who knows how to baby proof a house in 2.5 seconds and can see a safety hazard a mile away. She might even be there the whole first day of kindergarten because let's face it that day is harder for Mom than child. Her child will never see a bruise from falling off their bike or skates because you better believe they are covered in knee, elbow, shin and any other kind of pads on the market and of course a <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/cgV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">helmet</a>. These Moms are serious about safety and you can count on them to know what kind of scary sh*t is out there. Stuff you didn't even know you should worry about or things that seemed small are a bit more scary because this Mom knows what is up. She is the WebMD of your Mom group and you probably would have a broken child without all her knowledge.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> <b>The Drama Mom</b></center> <center> </center> <center> There's always one, right? This is the Mom who you try to get to know or include but it just doesn't work. Nothing seems to make her happy or she finds issues with other Moms. You can't quite figure her out and what the problem is. She constantly has problems with someone in her life and it doesn't seem to matter who but it's a constant. You realize that maybe it's not everyone else but her, common denominator if you will. After your best efforts you learn to steer clear of her. Hey, at least you tried!</center> <center> </center> <center> <b><span style="font-size: large;">The Best Friend Mom</span></b></center> <center> </center> <center> Does it get any better than the best friend Mom? The one who you either met when you became a Mom or your best friend who also has children. She is the person who you rely on for support in all aspects of life but having that bond over being mothers at the same time makes everything better. She gets what you are going through and knows that all you need is an ear to talk to or someone to say "I get it! I've been there." You've cried together, you've laughed together, you've been there for each others' child's milestones and it's the best thing ever! Your kids grow up as best friends or even like cousins. You are fiercely protective over their child as if they were your own and you would do anything to make Mommy hood easier for one another. If your lucky you have more than one of these like me! I wouldn't survive motherhood without these girls. They know who they are and this post (except for the drama Mom) was based on all of you. You are all a mix of these Moms and have made my life as a Mom amazing.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> <b><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Mother's Day to all you amazing Moms out there!&nbsp;</span></b></center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> <b>So…which Mom are you? Which Mom is your favorite to hang out with?</b><br /> <!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <div class="shopsense-widget" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%22590e3f00be7a447152e96426%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1604-22949598-96%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D"> <script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1494104758814?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe height="275px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%22590e3f00be7a447152e96426%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1604-22949598-96%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="border: 0;" width="705px"> </iframe> </div> <!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE END --> <br /><a href="javascript:void(run_pinmarklet1())"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglu3L9quRl9RRfAYp4fVZB954THSHqG8pJVWcLr3e9NFaVd9WuTDRzJSx2jwQJkS2bOcDx4lSCDfWx1I5W7dO8BG84yPJGe4vG_IXYqeKjIuCUfHDgDXRwBFr3kg6eAScndTGbc6Kz98RJ/s1600/pinmask2.png" style="border: none; margin: 0; padding: 0;" /></a> <script type="text/javascript"> function run_pinmarklet1() { var e=document.createElement('script'); e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript'); e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8'); e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999); document.body.appendChild(e); } </script><br /><iframe border="0" frameborder="0" height="60" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=perfimpemom-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=13&amp;l=ur1&amp;category=sss&amp;banner=0RH3RXX3AS9J8YGKQER2&amp;f=ifr" style="border: none;" width="468"></iframe> </center> Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-45644489771637595702017-04-26T22:29:00.001-04:002017-05-09T20:05:41.616-04:00Talking about Adoption to our Children<center> &nbsp; Since <a href="http://www.perfectlyimperfectmom.com/p/the-story-of-our-girls.html" target="_blank">Ashlyn is adopted</a> we talk about adoption randomly and are very open with the children. Now that Ashlyn is getting older I try to talk about it a little more than before because I know she is going to start understanding things.&nbsp;</center> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFeZLn6aTK4K1lSCYd_jZwkmDy_C_d0yGgHSod2wEXQ8tnJElajoHiL4oSOGaf0gfQv8TXxmnoupAfvHlEZRA_x8NhaqIi4lKP_gWTiVJxwXLaTV9lPLe3vaOWRnlDn_RgQEYlZukvGM/s1600/IMG_1635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFeZLn6aTK4K1lSCYd_jZwkmDy_C_d0yGgHSod2wEXQ8tnJElajoHiL4oSOGaf0gfQv8TXxmnoupAfvHlEZRA_x8NhaqIi4lKP_gWTiVJxwXLaTV9lPLe3vaOWRnlDn_RgQEYlZukvGM/s640/IMG_1635.jpg" width="612" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashlyn and YaYa in October 2016</td></tr> </tbody></table> <center> </center> <center> Tonight we were reading a book from her first mommy called <b><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1250017971/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1250017971&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=perfimpemom-20&amp;linkId=93c6e15c0288f7dc51541348d83e444a" target="_blank">Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You</a></span></b><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=perfimpemom-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1250017971" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. I love this book so much. It is seriously such a great book for children who are adopted. The book is read by her YaYa so in the beginning she says this is a book for you Ashlyn from your Mama YaYa. It's a great way to remind her that she has two mommies and how lucky she is to also have two sisters.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> Tonight I told Ashlyn that she was in YaYa's tummy. When I asked her whose tummy she was she goes JoJo's. I was like no you were in YaYa's. She laughed and said no JoJo's, Gavin's Mommy. She thought it was so funny.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> This is the interesting thing about an adoption. We are learning how to talk to our children about it and when is the right time to tell them certain things because we aren't quite sure they will get it. This was a time when I realized I really needed to make Ashlyn a book about her adoption and family so it's less confusing.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> Another funny thing the girls do is when we talk about Ashlyn's sisters she will then ask who are Everly's sisters and I will tell her you are. She doesn't get yet that she has two extra sisters so then they both just say they have two more sisters. I know as time goes on things will make more sense to them but it is funny to see how they process things. Ace gets everything way more than the girls and seemed to understand it a lot earlier too. I think the girls have a harder time because they don't understand why one has something the other doesn't. They don't really know how to separate themselves from each other in that way yet.&nbsp;</center> <center> <b><br /></b></center> <center> <b> I am curious how other families talk about adoption with their toddlers.</b> I never want it to be a shock to Ashlyn so we have always talked about it, talked and met up with her first mom so hopefully it will just be her norm. </center> <center> <!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <div class="shopsense-widget" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%22591258af4df128260e9d698c%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1604-22949598-96%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D"> <script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1494373794910?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%22591258af4df128260e9d698c%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1604-22949598-96%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" height="275px" width="705px" seamless style="border: 0;"> </iframe> </div> <!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE END --> &nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/waitingandwishing">facebook</a> ♥ <a href="http://instagram.com/perfectly.imperfect.mom.blog">instagram</a> ♥ <a href="http://twitter.com/love_bren">twitter</a> ♥ <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bren3784">pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051">bloglovin</a> </center> <center> </center> <center> </center>Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-76367916163918927822017-04-23T11:17:00.001-04:002017-04-23T11:17:48.383-04:00Your Favorite Crazy Mom<center> You know when you start a diet and you're up late and can't get your cravings off your mind? &nbsp; </center> <center> I had to share this video of one of my best friends', Erin, other wise known as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/yourfavoritecrazymom/" target="_blank">Your Favorite Crazy Mom</a>.&nbsp; She is seriously so hilarious. Check out this video of what we are all like on a diet...</center> <center> </center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tZ4iJecjAAo" width="560"></iframe> &nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/waitingandwishing">facebook</a> ♥ <a href="http://instagram.com/perfectly.imperfect.mom.blog">instagram</a> ♥ <a href="http://twitter.com/love_bren">twitter</a> ♥ <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bren3784">pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051">bloglovin</a> </center> Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-30825841164369150592017-04-12T12:03:00.002-04:002017-04-12T12:27:53.632-04:005 Must Have Spring Outdoor Toys! <center> &nbsp; <span style="font-size: large;">Hello Spring!</span> I love this time of year. It hasn't hit that sweltering heat that Florida gets in the Summer so we really try to get outside as much as possible.&nbsp;</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rZbQdPI-htt5wjxmgbP_EF7XqaHDH67FKu7nyZkjTb-DPwFku_pmIueXOHmHCkpaKIisjIb21fbvb3-_swxOpR3NgYDPBxE-duj144OVTQrm6KPckieI0ieymmTCtEzpdndqmdSxvOQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-04-12+at+11.50.39+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rZbQdPI-htt5wjxmgbP_EF7XqaHDH67FKu7nyZkjTb-DPwFku_pmIueXOHmHCkpaKIisjIb21fbvb3-_swxOpR3NgYDPBxE-duj144OVTQrm6KPckieI0ieymmTCtEzpdndqmdSxvOQ/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-04-12+at+11.50.39+AM.png" width="640" /> </a><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This post contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase an item from one of the links you click on from my site I will receive a small portion of that sale. This in no way affects you.&nbsp; </span></i></b></div> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> Some of my favorite items for Spring (and Summer for those who haven't gotten a break from the cold yet) usually have to do with being outside. We spent majority of our time in the pool or running around the neighborhood till dinner time when I was a child. Since times have changed we really can't expect our kids to be outside alone for hours on end. Here are some fun must haves to make hanging with your kids outside a little easier and a whole lot of fun. </center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Re0T_5s0eo-al1ka5pnjDDwTb9_W4QLzmEZGySbNWp33XE9mL3kSvPhrcb8TSxTOik2RNmEm6XsE9tA_71UBsDwsgn2vWofNpo2mNsUXhfX3eiJBJvdup8cqwkWOESBzSrGwWBsgMnw/s1600/13501804_358353054288814_2965710944396063251_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Re0T_5s0eo-al1ka5pnjDDwTb9_W4QLzmEZGySbNWp33XE9mL3kSvPhrcb8TSxTOik2RNmEm6XsE9tA_71UBsDwsgn2vWofNpo2mNsUXhfX3eiJBJvdup8cqwkWOESBzSrGwWBsgMnw/s640/13501804_358353054288814_2965710944396063251_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <center> </center> <center> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01897IKBQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B01897IKBQ&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=perfimpemom-20&amp;linkId=000252116e7830b0753a6d161fbb4cd9" target="_blank">Water Balloons</a></span>. Yep, I said it, water balloons are so much fun. I love getting into this with the kids. <a href="http://www.perfectlyimperfectmom.com/2016/07/a-summer-update.html" target="_blank">Last Summer</a> my best friend introduced me to <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01897IKBQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B01897IKBQ&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=perfimpemom-20&amp;linkId=000252116e7830b0753a6d161fbb4cd9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">these</a></b> easy to fill water balloons and we have been hooked ever since. Just make sure to clean up the balloon debri afterwards. We told the kids prior to playing that if they wanted to play they had to clean up the water balloon pieces and they were good with it. We made that into a game of who could clean up the fastest, whatever works, right? Follow it up with a popsicle and it makes for the perfect cool off activity.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJxlyYsYw-eaqormCrrUNwcEeVIbnfh2wrwO1Uzdd7CCJk9WBXG93j-PrjDgHqiWpqXnnv5ZVuKycQCJNIFHyMgTgTD8N9XcavgKa-vVV1weJ_lPUVpyevAlSPiX3JJweAyBO0V7FenY/s1600/17309116_479383872185731_2693434882842654953_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJxlyYsYw-eaqormCrrUNwcEeVIbnfh2wrwO1Uzdd7CCJk9WBXG93j-PrjDgHqiWpqXnnv5ZVuKycQCJNIFHyMgTgTD8N9XcavgKa-vVV1weJ_lPUVpyevAlSPiX3JJweAyBO0V7FenY/s640/17309116_479383872185731_2693434882842654953_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <center> </center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JQSXT5K/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00JQSXT5K&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=perfimpemom-20&amp;linkId=2731d1ce1b6eb04201820dfa80bb7027" target="_blank">Bubble Machine</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=perfimpemom-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00JQSXT5K" style="border: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />.</span> Just t<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=perfimpemom-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00JQSXT5K" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />urn it on and they will run around chasing bubbles till you are ready for them to stop. I bought this one because it had great reviews and I must say I am impressed with it. Even I was mesmerized by the amount of bubbles that come out at a time. We had <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OZECKFK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00OZECKFK&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=perfimpemom-20&amp;linkId=4c56b36e03ffaffc27ab4e311ed92f95" target="_blank">this Gazillion Bubble Hurricane Machine</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=perfimpemom-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00OZECKFK" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> one awhile back and it works great, similar style to the other one but the piece that holds the bubble liquid comes off to make it easier to refill, which is nice, but made is easily breakable. Both work great though. If you get the second one just make sure you have kids old enough to not take it off and accidentally break it.</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=486293542&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Slip N' Slide</a>.</span> One of my favorite activities from childhood. If you want a good old fashion one you can get it <b><a href="https://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=486293542&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> </b>but now they have so many fun ones you really can't go wrong with any option you pick. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GDD2JD8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B01GDD2JD8&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=perfimpemom-20&amp;linkId=f22e527183c3e1b5efd85e3bfc4326e4" target="_blank">This one</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=perfimpemom-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B01GDD2JD8" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> might looks super fun. Kids love being able to slide down these slippery slides that you might actually get a little time to sit back and relax.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWK13uyeVFXucoOHi7Gxc1NDs9UH5zcvOrkMXn2Z4R00GbYv4Tm-oQm-141CRmDQ_tACa8y9Ajpwzy6R-GIdhomReSXDoO1p3HN06HNo4EBN49G3XcRVCF4rmUeer3n58ArOHboWBB_k/s1600/16938768_468841413239977_2331287878067635490_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWK13uyeVFXucoOHi7Gxc1NDs9UH5zcvOrkMXn2Z4R00GbYv4Tm-oQm-141CRmDQ_tACa8y9Ajpwzy6R-GIdhomReSXDoO1p3HN06HNo4EBN49G3XcRVCF4rmUeer3n58ArOHboWBB_k/s640/16938768_468841413239977_2331287878067635490_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <center> </center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PY47F50/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00PY47F50&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=perfimpemom-20&amp;linkId=9adfa7d63d0d7ba50675f35fc8c7a1e3" target="_blank">Sidewalk Chalk</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=perfimpemom-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00PY47F50" style="border: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />.</span> This is the one thing that is a staple in our house year round. The minute I am running low I go buy more. My kids are obsessed and I love that it is a creative outlet as well. The girls got these awesome <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DDXYVTG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B01DDXYVTG&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=perfimpemom-20&amp;linkId=4462a9475cc54f03e828363486946423" target="_blank">Walkie Chalk "Stand Up" Sidewalk Chalk Holders</a> for their birthdays and they love them. We also love these sidewalk holders to make them a bit less messy.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=506177338&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sidewalk Chalk Paint</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=perfimpemom-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00J4TJFU4" style="border: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />.</span> So this one is a favorite but not something we take out often. I love this because the kids have so much fun with it but it is messy. <a href="https://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=631052061&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This</a> is a good one to take out when you are doing something with water right after. Have them play with this in their bathing suits as well. It's definitely a must have though because it is so fun.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> And I highly suggest becoming an <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DBYBNEE?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ref=HVA_Prime_Deals_4&amp;_encoding=UTF8&amp;tag=perfimpemom-20&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;linkId=8c743bb4d3b7ccaf11044b8576eaad3f&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325" target="_blank">Amazon Prime</a></b><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=perfimpemom-20&amp;l=ur2&amp;o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (try if for 30 days free!) Member. We have it and ordering all of these items is super easy and inexpensive. Free 2 day shipping isn't bad either!&nbsp;<b> </b></center> <center> <b>What are some of your Spring or Summer must haves for playing outdoors? We love getting new ideas.&nbsp; </b></center> <center> <!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <div class="shopsense-widget" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%2258d7e8e92391f37d653780f6%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1604-22949598-96%22%2C%22size%22%3A180%2C%22columns%22%3A4%2C%22rows%22%3A3%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A645%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A840%7D"> <script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1490543296622?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe height="645px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%2258d7e8e92391f37d653780f6%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1604-22949598-96%22%2C%22size%22%3A180%2C%22columns%22%3A4%2C%22rows%22%3A3%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A645%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A840%7D" style="border: 0;" width="840px"> </iframe> </div> <!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE END --> </center> <center> </center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/waitingandwishing">facebook</a> ♥ <a href="http://instagram.com/perfectly.imperfect.mom.blog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">instagram</a> ♥ <a href="http://twitter.com/love_bren">twitter</a> ♥ <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bren3784">pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051">bloglovin</a> </center> Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-32253704151961794772017-04-06T14:50:00.000-04:002017-04-14T12:56:31.310-04:00The Girls Unicorn & Donut Birthday<center> Better late than never right? We did a joint party again for the girls this year. Originally I thought I wouldn't get around to doing one because things had been so crazy but Ashlyn kept talking about having a birthday party so I threw one together last minute. I called my best friend Kat and told her to come help me (because I don't do parties without her) and she was more than happy to help with the festivities. I planned it during her girls Spring Break and St. Patrick's Day. So perfect!&nbsp;</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJlztPAlr1SNPhmZo-erMON8kwWNaj8AspQpHRdTWM2mIBINbuwNSF_ocDpt66XPVqdH_yBlSyTXCghCjLhyOZ3TGfhwlEVHw2z0Rir8G1EtUcfPL17woIO0qq77JkPLgwvO7hMHQjvs/s1600/IMG_3471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJlztPAlr1SNPhmZo-erMON8kwWNaj8AspQpHRdTWM2mIBINbuwNSF_ocDpt66XPVqdH_yBlSyTXCghCjLhyOZ3TGfhwlEVHw2z0Rir8G1EtUcfPL17woIO0qq77JkPLgwvO7hMHQjvs/s640/IMG_3471.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> <center> I wanted to do an early party because that is when my kids are at their best. This also made food easier and more difficult because it wasn't really breakfast or lunch time. We decided on donuts, muffins, cupcakes, confetti popcorn and fruit. Drinks we easy since we had water and juice.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxuoDL-EFR2YOohpJpvRAHYH8fzO2TIZYJpPBz74YzTGmLLc1QD6OnIGoTD0-RnUmb9whNcIgv1ckO5wdWGcUOPnANc41URXQxWv4ZrWqpwKNY9MMnP55OcGsdXRiFN7HzCswJ1XbLAk/s1600/IMG_3466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxuoDL-EFR2YOohpJpvRAHYH8fzO2TIZYJpPBz74YzTGmLLc1QD6OnIGoTD0-RnUmb9whNcIgv1ckO5wdWGcUOPnANc41URXQxWv4ZrWqpwKNY9MMnP55OcGsdXRiFN7HzCswJ1XbLAk/s640/IMG_3466.JPG" width="640" /></a></center> <center> &nbsp;Since we have a large front yard on a cul de sac we put everything out front for the kids.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> I wanted to have a bunch of activities for them to do so I knew for sure we would have our <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=532141438&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Little Tikes bounce house</b></a> out (seriously best purchase we ever made when Ace was a toddler). I also bought a bunch of crayons from Amazon, <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=532141438&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>this</b></a> bubble machine, sidewalk chalk and a big unicorn coloring poster.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1WNHrVTlPpdAm-pod7I7KXDYVFY9FCFoFtlbRkPGJrYU-lvaWUs6obGrloezE6bwtdZ5RqBFUVBE0Kk4S-jMUZej0iubkEyo3L2CIbidPxNukBbmmD17O7GzPBZWK63M7CzWer2ygyo/s1600/IMG_3516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1WNHrVTlPpdAm-pod7I7KXDYVFY9FCFoFtlbRkPGJrYU-lvaWUs6obGrloezE6bwtdZ5RqBFUVBE0Kk4S-jMUZej0iubkEyo3L2CIbidPxNukBbmmD17O7GzPBZWK63M7CzWer2ygyo/s640/IMG_3516.JPG" width="640" /></a></center> <center> Kat and her oldest daughter made the cupcakes. I bought little unicorns from Target's dollar spot. They worked out perfect as little toppers.&nbsp; I also got the favors from there too. They had wood unicorn and robot painting kits. Seriously, I love Target's dollar spot. I also got unicorn stamps and sunglasses for the girls there.&nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZK2uT42PgPVqamK6X1rDm8Zhtw6sTJs7WMi4yZYjDgVeVZnUakrHHks_hIWSkfGiCMLiFTD4Xs1_0XRlxo8tN0ZjxLiLylX6AW9yv617QMgugQnd-pez36Nf3SB9q01-KUgRCrh0R9GE/s1600/IMG_3452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZK2uT42PgPVqamK6X1rDm8Zhtw6sTJs7WMi4yZYjDgVeVZnUakrHHks_hIWSkfGiCMLiFTD4Xs1_0XRlxo8tN0ZjxLiLylX6AW9yv617QMgugQnd-pez36Nf3SB9q01-KUgRCrh0R9GE/s640/IMG_3452.JPG" width="640" /></a></center> <center> I picked out <a href="http://I wanted to do an early party because that is when my kids are at their best. This also made food easier and more difficult because it wasn't really breakfast or lunch time. We decided on donuts, muffins, cupcakes, confetti popcorn and fruit. Drinks we easy since we had water and juice. Since we have a large front yard on a cul de sac we put everything out front for the kids. I wanted to have a bunch of activities for them to do so I knew for sure we would have our Little Tikes bounce house out (seriously best purchase we ever made when Ace was a toddler). I also bought a bunch of crayons from Amazon, this bubble machine, sidewalk chalk and a big unicorn coloring poster. Kat and her oldest daughter made the cupcakes. I bought little unicorns from Target's dollar spot. They worked out perfect as little toppers. I also got the favors from there too. They had wood unicorn and robot painting kits. Seriously, I love Target's dollar spot. I also got unicorn stamps and sunglasses for the girls there." rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>these</b></a> dresses in purple and aqua for the girls to wear for the party. Then she put on<b> <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=532141438&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this</a> </b>dress and then Everly decided it wasn't happening so she wear some random pair of shorts and t-shirt. I finally got her to agree to put her dress on for cake pictures and she put a Mickey zip up on over it. Such a stinker. I also realized I didn't get any great pictures of the girls together but I did at school for <a href="http://www.perfectlyimperfectmom.com/2017/03/my-letter-to-3-year-old-everly.html" target="_blank">Everly's actual birthday</a> so you get what you get, right?&nbsp;</center> </center> <center> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hRP_is1A3RBawZApK2ebhm-bSvdz-8wJaK5ohwOGVWwMXZmqg3neOT7HlKe_nYhspmVO5jlPQ3Wnq_YFQJP7VoAjPiL5GaWo1PhIG6kq5Vsb5t6-AN07b022HFNEIQzMlhynvvMJs3A/s1600/IMG_3462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hRP_is1A3RBawZApK2ebhm-bSvdz-8wJaK5ohwOGVWwMXZmqg3neOT7HlKe_nYhspmVO5jlPQ3Wnq_YFQJP7VoAjPiL5GaWo1PhIG6kq5Vsb5t6-AN07b022HFNEIQzMlhynvvMJs3A/s640/IMG_3462.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=532141438&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Everly's Dress</a></td></tr> </tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmMU9Hlsmq69w3j7Bf2_lOQKA_J0Cz68hODNf8VEFfDAybmnrRoYnooTwKfm5Ba_jPXTp8nTJ346ZdOM4LaJw67FUr2kYmkqOgSVHOfoJj_CwuZwsG-BapRtwlJrTBZFe_B_Hm5nEAas/s1600/IMG_3498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmMU9Hlsmq69w3j7Bf2_lOQKA_J0Cz68hODNf8VEFfDAybmnrRoYnooTwKfm5Ba_jPXTp8nTJ346ZdOM4LaJw67FUr2kYmkqOgSVHOfoJj_CwuZwsG-BapRtwlJrTBZFe_B_Hm5nEAas/s640/IMG_3498.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=532141438&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Cart</b></a></td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwQfyj30mATSS0NVXe-UWbjcLfBCL5vDFPEdhBz8ccxZPn4Tst5nJ5icZoQbH-axGQkcD3PzBAR7FsgmWyca9flQQJTllSI3l4ITI22_OdL7-Tfdt2HANeljTgLRrPxgTw_bzQipx93g/s1600/IMG_3505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwQfyj30mATSS0NVXe-UWbjcLfBCL5vDFPEdhBz8ccxZPn4Tst5nJ5icZoQbH-axGQkcD3PzBAR7FsgmWyca9flQQJTllSI3l4ITI22_OdL7-Tfdt2HANeljTgLRrPxgTw_bzQipx93g/s640/IMG_3505.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafYNaK6zQUa3YT5Mk2619XkHefUqOIM3yg3NAbn00FRtWxJLb25G4g3DnjT1h2Lny1xGNc-HcFFUhlfFn8Ulu2wXW1ED8dAJpEpLw0fqWh7daipaLxEqcsND_M9KlDbDvlX8Te6rHtkM/s1600/IMG_3514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafYNaK6zQUa3YT5Mk2619XkHefUqOIM3yg3NAbn00FRtWxJLb25G4g3DnjT1h2Lny1xGNc-HcFFUhlfFn8Ulu2wXW1ED8dAJpEpLw0fqWh7daipaLxEqcsND_M9KlDbDvlX8Te6rHtkM/s640/IMG_3514.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCB-YyCAPBPF_1mLGw_zO3rxAfERqK21y7Bxb42VQ7xFmYGDpzI6nIUkwCe5ZQUZt6U4TgSlmZZnLSvv_UTMm1TXZNFwMCxiUBqKEsDL0EAVKbK5K2hiVvXuadhIhwZRCeIyRl5fPWkEE/s1600/IMG_3541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCB-YyCAPBPF_1mLGw_zO3rxAfERqK21y7Bxb42VQ7xFmYGDpzI6nIUkwCe5ZQUZt6U4TgSlmZZnLSvv_UTMm1TXZNFwMCxiUBqKEsDL0EAVKbK5K2hiVvXuadhIhwZRCeIyRl5fPWkEE/s640/IMG_3541.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;">!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZe76rCSo4BEN_fXDrwo9puj4Zs0C6ZwqHGKTH7BjhQ5N6uELyLmUUGyZgdig3QyNSWZoAZZhOlseBhBbKkQ2dWTg0ORYrPapnUVPphzggrlg0nwB_f2lga2GkXCiYMuSLj4NdBoUFy8/s1600/IMG_3542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZe76rCSo4BEN_fXDrwo9puj4Zs0C6ZwqHGKTH7BjhQ5N6uELyLmUUGyZgdig3QyNSWZoAZZhOlseBhBbKkQ2dWTg0ORYrPapnUVPphzggrlg0nwB_f2lga2GkXCiYMuSLj4NdBoUFy8/s640/IMG_3542.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This picture cracks me up. They were waiting for us to sing to them and were like hurry up!</span></td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nfvmfLrKnd_DVkwTKCJgyOlWg0Xo5FYwlqgJeiu_mfkv2kdXRMiX3hKq6p1tDnX17yYmK2xZLsVoi_hfaBprqkDb7YDruv_DOUNGIQCXouqIDD-B9_s2GTYqgXJdhaDK7am0PNbxmQM/s1600/IMG_3549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nfvmfLrKnd_DVkwTKCJgyOlWg0Xo5FYwlqgJeiu_mfkv2kdXRMiX3hKq6p1tDnX17yYmK2xZLsVoi_hfaBprqkDb7YDruv_DOUNGIQCXouqIDD-B9_s2GTYqgXJdhaDK7am0PNbxmQM/s640/IMG_3549.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIy-t_9vXn0HwcnIJ5HARAabQy8SmogHjLICm6z2yYvLirq2-3pSM6ApFbBD7H5PSZsoqXrw5kLpkXJqx-izlCIdUGsTLWNz0pJDpJchjWD7pKFs3PRgEgP01iO-bMCVNMwaoHw3VMJU/s1600/IMG_3553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIy-t_9vXn0HwcnIJ5HARAabQy8SmogHjLICm6z2yYvLirq2-3pSM6ApFbBD7H5PSZsoqXrw5kLpkXJqx-izlCIdUGsTLWNz0pJDpJchjWD7pKFs3PRgEgP01iO-bMCVNMwaoHw3VMJU/s640/IMG_3553.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=532141438&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bubble Machine</a>&nbsp;/ <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=532141438&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ashlyn's Dress</a></td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_nfzIoIJTr-nHBzdRJVXNJQjS_H0E_9kU_MrwfvAz3goIuwmf_uFmckXzwXKigIIDvbLFwHsMxIqjkWqqPxyqFqPItX_3WvMzGiEzHyrWNoFxDW8xeN-z79O-DXYQJO295auM6L_a50/s1600/IMG_3554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_nfzIoIJTr-nHBzdRJVXNJQjS_H0E_9kU_MrwfvAz3goIuwmf_uFmckXzwXKigIIDvbLFwHsMxIqjkWqqPxyqFqPItX_3WvMzGiEzHyrWNoFxDW8xeN-z79O-DXYQJO295auM6L_a50/s640/IMG_3554.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=532141438&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bounce House</a></td></tr> </tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> </center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <br /> <div class="shopsense-widget" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%2258e68ab0be7a44d07989bcd2%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1604-22949598-96%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D"> <script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1491503410398?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe height="275px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%2258e68ab0be7a44d07989bcd2%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1604-22949598-96%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="border: 0;" width="705px"> </iframe> </div> <!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE END --> <br /> <center> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/waitingandwishing">facebook</a> ♥ <a href="http://instagram.com/perfectly.imperfect.mom.blog">instagram</a> ♥ <a href="http://twitter.com/love_bren">twitter</a> ♥ <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bren3784">pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051">bloglovin</a> </center> Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-79035099290957725292017-04-04T16:27:00.002-04:002017-04-11T13:09:36.246-04:00Our 5 Favorite Bedtime Books<center> Bedtime is one of those times you want to make peaceful and sweet. You want your child to go off to dreamland feeling cozy and calm. One way to do that is creating a bedtime routine and finishing it off with a book or two (or three or four). My children look forward to that bedtime story every single night. Here are some of our all time favorites.&nbsp;</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHKFazShiMHjTz-NGgTQ5KXHJDWwpfhLSTLrNkFjajomAeG-MmoENWhj7CHDb2dQC5xr26I4LNByD0zH5180QBJHrzHKjjm_FlfOHWhUCN7ezvw9SFlrXFGNg5hI6Uf0_b6rreWEXp7c/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-04-04+at+9.54.43+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHKFazShiMHjTz-NGgTQ5KXHJDWwpfhLSTLrNkFjajomAeG-MmoENWhj7CHDb2dQC5xr26I4LNByD0zH5180QBJHrzHKjjm_FlfOHWhUCN7ezvw9SFlrXFGNg5hI6Uf0_b6rreWEXp7c/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-04-04+at+9.54.43+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> 1. <span style="color: purple;"><b><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=297462202&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goodnight Moon</a>.</b></span> This is probably not a shocker for most parents but I have to put it out there for any new or expecting Moms. This is a book I began reading when Ace was a baby and my kids still love it to this day. The rhyming, repetitive nature is reassuring and calming for them. I always end it with a whisper "Goodnight noises everywhere." to help keep the mood calm and peaceful.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> 2. <b><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=532966225&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Little Blue Truck</a></b>. This has got to be one of the cutest books with a great message. We are huge fans of all the Little Blue Truck books (my favorite is Little Blue Truck in the city). This is a story about a truck who helps a rude dump truck and sets an example everyone begins to follow.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> 3. <b><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=456468145&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">That's Not My Bunny</a></b>. Short, cute and colorful. These books are always fun to read because my kids can easily remember the words, they are textured so they love feeling the animals and they are short. If you have a night where you need to get through a book quickly this is a must.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> 4. <b><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=532986574&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You</a></b>. This is probably my all time favorite book for my children to listen to before bedtime. This is actually a book we got from Ashlyn's biological mother and she recorded her voice reading it. It is a very sweet reminder that a Mother's love is always there no matter what. If you are an adoptive Mom and have an open relationship with your child's biological mother I highly recommend this book. It ends with I love and I think that is a great way to end a book.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> 5. <b><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=532984466&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pajama Time</a></b>. Fun and silly! This book is another one I have been reading to my kids since Ace was a baby. It's just such a fun read and it's silly too. I love books that send my children to bed with a smile.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> <b>What are your favorite bedtime stories for your little ones?&nbsp;</b></center> <center> <b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlAsAqJJaVtn5Gzs7J4YKE101Gb45VxYsnZHmgatUGrp_jkCiND1zfgLuUB4TUaV5sjkgLsa3KhinGUFokKvx1eqbwvTZJwXGy5ZGLAdXhY-tzNMhpsY7bTRXc2TjkhjrVGz6j6lSAZE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-04-02+at+9.27.55+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlAsAqJJaVtn5Gzs7J4YKE101Gb45VxYsnZHmgatUGrp_jkCiND1zfgLuUB4TUaV5sjkgLsa3KhinGUFokKvx1eqbwvTZJwXGy5ZGLAdXhY-tzNMhpsY7bTRXc2TjkhjrVGz6j6lSAZE/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-04-02+at+9.27.55+PM.png" width="504" /></a></div> </b></center> <center> <b>Want to save these book titles for later? Pin this image to make it easier to find! </b></center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/waitingandwishing">facebook</a> ♥ <a href="http://instagram.com/love_bren">instagram</a> ♥ <a href="http://twitter.com/love_bren">twitter</a> ♥ <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bren3784">pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051">bloglovin</a> </center> Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-87756177943087478302017-03-25T20:23:00.000-04:002017-03-25T20:24:10.818-04:00My letter to 3 year old Everly! <center> Happy Birthday my little Gertie Trudie! We love you so so much.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoN0cv61LN1t5fF-E1Fj_j-uEdXVTXR3kgcnPXnP5HEZCJBvrdornAPRY0ynjTrbBHESReFwg9_fsMqjbhr0Csm1s-LyL6UhvZ7PSo8_433gBkGjqrmMbVKOdTTekl47efAf1z_q-CVko/s1600/17309888_480551902068928_8971629203324415631_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoN0cv61LN1t5fF-E1Fj_j-uEdXVTXR3kgcnPXnP5HEZCJBvrdornAPRY0ynjTrbBHESReFwg9_fsMqjbhr0Csm1s-LyL6UhvZ7PSo8_433gBkGjqrmMbVKOdTTekl47efAf1z_q-CVko/s640/17309888_480551902068928_8971629203324415631_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2n5Euu7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Outfit</b></a></td></tr> </tbody></table> </center> <center> You are our spunky, goofy, raspy voiced sweet pea.&nbsp;</center> <center> You are the girl who makes everyone laugh by making goofy faces and being super silly and cute. You have no shame. You finally love the water, thank God! You are obsessed with "baby shorts" which are just shorts but for some reason you like anything to do with babies. You are hardcore in love with babies and baby dolls and being a mommy. You often carry around two dolls or stuffed animals on your hips. It reminds me of the good old (crazy) days when I was carrying around you and your sister all the time.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OL3e6sx1MxhX64rgyfTy7e-8CNPsYZ6YbjlqS5kwvizS3v1f1B_TZKGgaR4m297jNkvW4B7j5BMcgQsG7DYParE4IT97zCNIXhoJIvrdlATapV76tZPy2pAS_GkiL_cTorxGVGDeSmk/s1600/14203208_382581541865965_1544315730665861565_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OL3e6sx1MxhX64rgyfTy7e-8CNPsYZ6YbjlqS5kwvizS3v1f1B_TZKGgaR4m297jNkvW4B7j5BMcgQsG7DYParE4IT97zCNIXhoJIvrdlATapV76tZPy2pAS_GkiL_cTorxGVGDeSmk/s640/14203208_382581541865965_1544315730665861565_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></center> <center> You absolutely love school. Your teacher Miss Monique is probably one of your most favorite people. You also gravitate to guys, always have. I think because you are such a spunky, crazy girl you love the energy guys put out. You are very similar to Ace and you two are very wild together and will wrestle.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWMhwtAOPWS4y-rjzV7NamNfmpPRbiCluqj4AefWOxOOaD63DV4dhuzK_o5Ee1sOkwfsjww6HE_jCD1YlNNlk6lkMjwM53s3Rwy9eyKnES38SJ5wVWQBRMWmYXyy2zuEBTK3nh4ZZVfg/s1600/15439771_434426873348098_6668847269250534197_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWMhwtAOPWS4y-rjzV7NamNfmpPRbiCluqj4AefWOxOOaD63DV4dhuzK_o5Ee1sOkwfsjww6HE_jCD1YlNNlk6lkMjwM53s3Rwy9eyKnES38SJ5wVWQBRMWmYXyy2zuEBTK3nh4ZZVfg/s640/15439771_434426873348098_6668847269250534197_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></center> <center> My favorite thing you say is "I love you so much!" it's not just I love you but you always add that last part. It's precious. You also say "I swear to God!" Which you really shouldn't but it's funny and you know it. Your goal in life is to make people laugh.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> You are also my helper and cleaner upper. You take after your Dad a lot in this way. You take after me with your tantrums and dramatics. Very similar to me as a little girl, whoops.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0dW5AJWhcFU5idP7bffL73umimmPob_4JlXFLX5P-pu6XzYdY0fr93-ZmRyzO1d0aa31EwdyLYUglBJHLvJiGtyGksMX0Yz9RMmCn9PfIUez7sSmc-qH97S1Cu5WXelPyQxbnIhjir4/s1600/13882661_367260040064782_5349137986769038113_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0dW5AJWhcFU5idP7bffL73umimmPob_4JlXFLX5P-pu6XzYdY0fr93-ZmRyzO1d0aa31EwdyLYUglBJHLvJiGtyGksMX0Yz9RMmCn9PfIUez7sSmc-qH97S1Cu5WXelPyQxbnIhjir4/s640/13882661_367260040064782_5349137986769038113_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></center> <center> You are very quick and athletic still. You pick things up quickly and are very physical. You love running around, riding bikes and playing outside.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> You color inside the lines which I find so cool for a child under 3. You were never taught or told to do this by us you just did it.&nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPDUQk7GocbHgIvuGtdrs4cHGPCCvLWrdb4bCFHckcYlsK8WjAiRg8uiEkUT_W0OPtY8N05rv3TyWFiINtWv_lM65h_1MR_WKXNL_MaROd5i1GHWo62AnTy410afrS_vVcJMDEDGDoEo/s1600/16999108_471418312982287_7818785088046117006_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPDUQk7GocbHgIvuGtdrs4cHGPCCvLWrdb4bCFHckcYlsK8WjAiRg8uiEkUT_W0OPtY8N05rv3TyWFiINtWv_lM65h_1MR_WKXNL_MaROd5i1GHWo62AnTy410afrS_vVcJMDEDGDoEo/s640/16999108_471418312982287_7818785088046117006_n.jpg" width="640" /></a>&nbsp;</center> <center> You are also so generous. You don't mind sharing (unless it's one of your babies) and often will bend to Ashlyn because she is much more stubborn than you. Your best friend is your sister. I didn't realize how connected you two really were till I saw another child try to come play with you two and you two just had this way with one another that no one else really got till a set of twins came along and for some reason the 4 of you worked. It was super cool to see.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBkfMtjpbq9ljGBEDpXev5bjWqddkjh_xo2ZrdAIbUuw2c758YBDnOdRSDu57caOpKJOjFmjVSXyfghLDeMjFHFsvIcpLCYvwWaBJ1haeOSkYonXfnE0j8TZrBaKofXtHribDpXR3nsE/s1600/17361976_478778775579574_5787940694674492904_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBkfMtjpbq9ljGBEDpXev5bjWqddkjh_xo2ZrdAIbUuw2c758YBDnOdRSDu57caOpKJOjFmjVSXyfghLDeMjFHFsvIcpLCYvwWaBJ1haeOSkYonXfnE0j8TZrBaKofXtHribDpXR3nsE/s640/17361976_478778775579574_5787940694674492904_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></center> <center> My sweet girl you have grown into such a magnificent person. Whenever I look at you I think of the song "Here Comes the Sun" because your smile is so bright and beautiful. Your eyes shine. You just have this way about you that can make anyone smile. I love you so much my little Gert Gert.&nbsp; </center> <center> &nbsp;Love,&nbsp;</center> <center> Mommy</center> <center> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQcB3BKJuL8P5iCfNnu2IOw5oNgfd-AvINl7A6C7wa7MMPIj-pHOWuBABaGl8_FFe4mWuMvlQFLpWdS19XuvTL4vvBwNGSsN25hiezwBRL8d6cz_I_e8QMO41PaSKKtEX5NuHZQpropk/s1600/13312723_353070884817031_832338027927867339_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQcB3BKJuL8P5iCfNnu2IOw5oNgfd-AvINl7A6C7wa7MMPIj-pHOWuBABaGl8_FFe4mWuMvlQFLpWdS19XuvTL4vvBwNGSsN25hiezwBRL8d6cz_I_e8QMO41PaSKKtEX5NuHZQpropk/s640/13312723_353070884817031_832338027927867339_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/waitingandwishing">facebook</a> ♥ <a href="http://instagram.com/love_bren">instagram</a> ♥ <a href="http://twitter.com/love_bren">twitter</a> ♥ <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bren3784">pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051">bloglovin</a> </center> Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-56260735929843854852017-02-20T09:52:00.000-05:002017-04-12T12:29:43.100-04:00When Schools Take the Day Off & Everyone is Sick<center> Happy Monday, everyone! We are all home because it is Presidents' Day and there is no school. Well, the girls could have gone to school since their preschool does daycare on holidays and teacher work days. I was going to bring the girls but Ashlyn woke up with a fever and completely miserable so I figured it was pointless to bring Everly to school when she could just stay home and play with Ace.&nbsp;</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkZBltbIUfMkhWv1C5pgd8SA-rmYHlNsXthBIdsIvRx0D7CkP7uDfp1BpCfA6wfoy0jSFjIKNJ5uHJSWlH8WFGPsGbN_TXpEr68LELoyG2ArowNA4RT5MaxCxptoRE1t8Y2NlUat1Cr8/s1600/IMG_2091.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkZBltbIUfMkhWv1C5pgd8SA-rmYHlNsXthBIdsIvRx0D7CkP7uDfp1BpCfA6wfoy0jSFjIKNJ5uHJSWlH8WFGPsGbN_TXpEr68LELoyG2ArowNA4RT5MaxCxptoRE1t8Y2NlUat1Cr8/s640/IMG_2091.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> The past week all of my kids have gotten sick so I am sure it is just a matter of time before I get it. First it was Everly on Monday. She woke me up at 5am throwing up on me. Super fun. Then Ashlyn had a fever on Thursday but seemed fine later in the day. Ace had a fever on Friday and after getting medicine before bed he woke up all refreshed and ready for his lacrosse games on Saturday. He played both games and when we got home still seemed good. Well by 3 he was fading fast. He was hot and miserable.&nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY59yGaFyzKpeDh-ze2yoXrJBZdndgV1EmdNxal6lwyBte14ULo8GKL1ytrp4TlrFVuIk6r2WBjCurSVgJL8CNlzCg0zT_LKk13O6GHzvOQ_U76Ro07lfmEK_mgdUvtc53Nh99s_Z05hw/s1600/IMG_2079.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY59yGaFyzKpeDh-ze2yoXrJBZdndgV1EmdNxal6lwyBte14ULo8GKL1ytrp4TlrFVuIk6r2WBjCurSVgJL8CNlzCg0zT_LKk13O6GHzvOQ_U76Ro07lfmEK_mgdUvtc53Nh99s_Z05hw/s640/IMG_2079.JPG" width="640" /></a></center> <center> Sunday Ace was laying around and sleeping all day. His fever had spiked so he just felt super icky. I was glad today was a no school day in case he needed an extra day to rest. He seems good today but Ashlyn came in my bed this morning and was burning up. Poor girl just wanted to be held and lay around.&nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkZBltbIUfMkhWv1C5pgd8SA-rmYHlNsXthBIdsIvRx0D7CkP7uDfp1BpCfA6wfoy0jSFjIKNJ5uHJSWlH8WFGPsGbN_TXpEr68LELoyG2ArowNA4RT5MaxCxptoRE1t8Y2NlUat1Cr8/s1600/IMG_2091.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkZBltbIUfMkhWv1C5pgd8SA-rmYHlNsXthBIdsIvRx0D7CkP7uDfp1BpCfA6wfoy0jSFjIKNJ5uHJSWlH8WFGPsGbN_TXpEr68LELoyG2ArowNA4RT5MaxCxptoRE1t8Y2NlUat1Cr8/s640/IMG_2091.JPG" width="640" /></a> </center> <center> I hate seeing my children sick. I think as parents we just want to take it away and make them smile. It sucks seeing them weak and not eating and sleeping.&nbsp;&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> I really wanted to do something fun with Ace today since the girls were supposed to be in school but it looks like we will be hanging at home. No biggie. I think we can find something fun to do for the non sickies.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> <b>Anyone else home with their children today? What are you all up to? </b></center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/waitingandwishing">facebook</a> ♥ <a href="http://instagram.com/love_bren">instagram</a> ♥ <a href="http://twitter.com/love_bren">twitter</a> ♥ <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bren3784">pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051">bloglovin</a> </center> Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-61243761402396989302017-02-16T14:23:00.005-05:002017-02-16T14:23:56.680-05:00Happy Thursday! <center> Hi there! Hope everyone is having a nice week. Ours has been really good. The weather is perfect so we are really enjoying it before it gets swelteringly (is that even a word) hot.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> I feel like I don't get to update what we do on the weekends anymore and I need to keep up with that so I can look back on <a href="http://bit.ly/2lQ7F43" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>our memories</b></span></a>. I looked at an <a href="http://bit.ly/2lLZHw9" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>old post</b></span></a> the other day and it made me really wish I was writing more posts about what we have been up to but with work it has been hard so here is what we did over the weekend.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuxJw_94miMAjI-46pSJ6k5f6KHXSvo95Uvk64PVUvvwI6wyzW0uAiPhybtWzePU9qoRHqyb3A9FeySz33Y85yViReaNqx0U6YE5xJ_mcCx8l_JYhlcO2MszclpCxXIN6UrBzRjBEwPk/s640/IMG_1676.JPG" width="640" /></a></center> <center> Saturday Ace had a scrimmage game to get his team ready for their first game next weekend. The sun was brutal so I am in the market for a chair with a cover. I feel bad for the kids running around in all their Lacrosse gear but as long as they are having fun and taking regular water breaks they seem to be fine.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> After that we headed home and the kids played in the pool and with water toys. Ace was so excited to finally be able to get in our new pool. Watching them play got me really excited for Summer time. I love how relaxing Summer is. Long, slow days are just around the corner.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> The rest of the day the kids colored and played around the house. I was finally able to clean out their playroom and get rid of a bunch of random toys. It feels good to purge unused items.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> The kids and I made cookies and watched a movie and called it a night around 8:30.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> Sunday Branden and I went on a date! I was so excited since that is super rare for us. Usually when we have a babysitter it is so we can run errands or grab a quick bite to eat because we are so tired by the time we go out. It's terrible. Maybe that should have been my New Years Resolution? Date the husband more, ha! Poor guy. One day it will be easier to get out so I try not to stress it because I know this time with little ones is going to go so quickly. Every day it is on my mind how fast it goes so I try to just sit and watch them like I am taking mental pictures of them at this age.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> Anyone else do that? I am sure it's a Mom thing to constantly try to hold on to those moments and memories.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> <br /></center> <center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lVAIW3snZIhkJtIgRWq4WvqJoW8kykx2x0HaF-q7de9AjJxMw7grXNvSJtn07x4fWD30fHH_6O65UAVuX8A9nyRs44c6FNF2zLDATEUqHyunNdd9aaif1r5TQhXh5FoDQN5zUlTNs44/s640/IMG_1687.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoE4tkrCbxLgV228iCsp2avPnB8D1QsNQONW6OUWbpVnYPRw3EKYZQaqWwYyLl-TWiu_tki8u1wH2ED7mKD0-nShm0bon_kIosgs0qLeR5oh9fzdfXSqkYiK37UCy6hYZZXAHP4r_ZgRc/s640/IMG_1825.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlNROerIxT9qKTD1vrOeNS9bq18EyAgYz-aqAGj0LFOlUzkDz0pL44gayP4XnnyjDSRt127rQHhy5G2av6z6XvJ6RcHYPUa2EE8pmEf8OBRXCWx1X8040J0Q0nIYdIzmYj9a8vbkk5ZY/s640/IMG_1827.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsS__iYuRopyLvqveYgcWwJ_-oHcZk0UpYz09-iP4TyhAGZoLqyyrjOacYZscM8rKnMpYJHr103Brk1R3rQ9nYOpw6Wpd-Izk2ycqRqyNiTUillxIo9C8uVZEyjIaq9G606Mg1iwOckk/s640/IMG_1829.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div> <center> That is all for now but I hope you all have a great rest of the week and don't forget to&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/2kr44ML" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: magenta;">enter my giveaway</span></b></a>&nbsp;I have going on right now!&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/waitingandwishing">facebook</a>&nbsp;♥&nbsp;<a href="http://instagram.com/love_bren">instagram</a>&nbsp;♥&nbsp;<a href="http://twitter.com/love_bren">twitter</a>&nbsp;♥&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bren3784">pinterest</a>&nbsp;♥&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051">bloglovin</a></center> </center> Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-5640035521822400302017-02-11T15:37:00.003-05:002017-03-06T13:46:09.545-05:00Premier Protein Review and Giveaway (CLOSED)<center> <b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This post is sponsored by Premier Protein. All thoughts are my own.&nbsp;</span></i></b></center> <center> <b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></b></center> <center> </center> <center> Hey guys! I am so excited to offer a giveaway for you all. <a href="http://www.premierprotein.com./" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Premier Protein</a> sent me some of their delicious shakes and <a href="http://www.premierprotein.com./" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">protein bars</a> to try out for the New Year and now will be giving some freebies away to one of you.&nbsp;</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxp__96NxcuMeAGv41ZBX8N4bv5g33ZWnLbEFhk-gRzhOSZPT1bsMavWRyrtaU11TjY2CrFkhVnes-rX6RDeKbQDa2OUfSO6rpGxTq-Xf_58sY_h8rI_OmKpNruhBlcsZtZkdnI4Stg4/s1600/IMG_1343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxp__96NxcuMeAGv41ZBX8N4bv5g33ZWnLbEFhk-gRzhOSZPT1bsMavWRyrtaU11TjY2CrFkhVnes-rX6RDeKbQDa2OUfSO6rpGxTq-Xf_58sY_h8rI_OmKpNruhBlcsZtZkdnI4Stg4/s640/IMG_1343.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> The fun thing about these shakes is they have really <a href="http://www.premierprotein.com./recipes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">yummy recipes</a> to make them even better.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> My favorite is the Sugar Cookie Shake. It is a must try!</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0naROU2aMhadQWHS21FtqFfuF3ipTyvDQaQ_Zt-XRFRNS1Dh71YgqgAyj0VatfedIuQE_Pe2LsWCuJNLBrVy8J3DwBCDwmii4k482L4NPwOIqtN182nmusfqpKC4xfnN_63I2Ue2xcs/s1600/Sugar+Cookie+Shake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0naROU2aMhadQWHS21FtqFfuF3ipTyvDQaQ_Zt-XRFRNS1Dh71YgqgAyj0VatfedIuQE_Pe2LsWCuJNLBrVy8J3DwBCDwmii4k482L4NPwOIqtN182nmusfqpKC4xfnN_63I2Ue2xcs/s640/Sugar+Cookie+Shake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> When we got the box of goodies in the mail my kids went nuts over all the protein bars. We all decided to try them and we were hooked. Since I am super rushed in the mornings (I have to be out the door by 6:30AM the latest) the shakes and bars are an easy way to get something fast. It also makes a really easy go to on nights when Ace has Lacrosse practice or games. You can't beat it.&nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvuxPOBoVXIhgGsqumsqEXGuHsgmDMlCyjd5_nV9UPHh-xGJhovxBlZCqJl30AbEY-ZqLXo_DsspLaGJnVb-L-T5FsSPApK98XXvEmaozae9RtWiuSv2lm3h4_WLfnNJ-a3MyC60mHZM/s1600/IMG_1344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvuxPOBoVXIhgGsqumsqEXGuHsgmDMlCyjd5_nV9UPHh-xGJhovxBlZCqJl30AbEY-ZqLXo_DsspLaGJnVb-L-T5FsSPApK98XXvEmaozae9RtWiuSv2lm3h4_WLfnNJ-a3MyC60mHZM/s640/IMG_1344.JPG" width="640" /></a></center> <center> </center> <center> Now you can try their shakes for FREE. Just enter to win a Premier Protein package! It's so easy.&nbsp;</center> <center> <a class="rcptr" data-raflid="eba138e872" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/eba138e872/" id="rcwidget_cmimb9lw" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> <script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script> </center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/waitingandwishing">facebook</a> ♥ <a href="http://instagram.com/love_bren">instagram</a> ♥ <a href="http://twitter.com/love_bren">twitter</a> ♥ <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bren3784">pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051">bloglovin</a> </center> Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-77147105365462502512017-01-23T11:00:00.000-05:002017-01-23T11:00:51.904-05:00Dance, Girl!<center> Friday after school I took Ashlyn for a trial dance class at our local My Gym. I was so excited to get her all dressed up in a <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=516389384&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tutu</a> and <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=531124648&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ballet slippers</a> and see her little moves. She has always loved music and dance so I thought this was a no brainer.&nbsp;</center> <center> <br /></center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfOsawIfPWQE1h4_X_Im2kdgmI5iVsuj12d38OTvYh9pKEVSGQzaVw0vLKd3p09xAW5n85v7uSwN2qf4ubs9ViJ9-G_q1LElHT7LO6Vj2jfUT8JIuO1OKCBInWalIugUOUxqP8um4zbc/s1600/IMG_1335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfOsawIfPWQE1h4_X_Im2kdgmI5iVsuj12d38OTvYh9pKEVSGQzaVw0vLKd3p09xAW5n85v7uSwN2qf4ubs9ViJ9-G_q1LElHT7LO6Vj2jfUT8JIuO1OKCBInWalIugUOUxqP8um4zbc/s640/IMG_1335.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <center> <br /></center> <center> </center> <center> Since Everly isn't 3 yet she wasn't old enough to do the trial class with Ashlyn so I figured it was the perfect time to have some one on one time as well.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> Once we got in the car Ashlyn said "Where's my sister?" I thought it was so sweet and funny that she didn't say Everly but my sister. I actually asked her to repeat herself because I didn't think that was what she said. Love their sweet little bond.&nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnZQilNvJqPMhJ14pzpSpvAREiABgyLruUwicrGoP7N6tEi7oBy2_uWXoXl3t7XcAwwH6VTCdrBjlaEAoffjx26ow1JOaxQVnqOlwXTBrbeDBAtX9FblP_iAKb07jqyMT-RSahMygWXE/s1600/IMG_1322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnZQilNvJqPMhJ14pzpSpvAREiABgyLruUwicrGoP7N6tEi7oBy2_uWXoXl3t7XcAwwH6VTCdrBjlaEAoffjx26ow1JOaxQVnqOlwXTBrbeDBAtX9FblP_iAKb07jqyMT-RSahMygWXE/s640/IMG_1322.JPG" width="480" /></a></center> <center> </center> <center> We got to My Gym a bit early so the dance teachers played with her. It was a good way for her to warm up to the place.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> Once dance started she seemed to really enjoy herself. They did simple positions and dance moves then had a play and water break. After that it was back to simple dancing. Ashlyn actually wanted to leave at one point because I think she got a bit bored but then went back to the class.&nbsp;</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGObikfGjoKhVOrEwz6MGUvoQ8BnT9ZKXJ1Zf7g6NCyLfNuXcgWiAx8I0nxaaHDrk-W4u7slrX9xyTjyVmQ5z9wodQkA7lvfkXEmwlLzByDMUZqLA1Ytw2GYNIXWJRVCh_9z4GZEJZas/s1600/IMG_1327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGObikfGjoKhVOrEwz6MGUvoQ8BnT9ZKXJ1Zf7g6NCyLfNuXcgWiAx8I0nxaaHDrk-W4u7slrX9xyTjyVmQ5z9wodQkA7lvfkXEmwlLzByDMUZqLA1Ytw2GYNIXWJRVCh_9z4GZEJZas/s640/IMG_1327.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <center> <br /></center> <center> </center> <center> I didn't really feel like it was the dance class we were looking for but I did think it was a good class for children who are more energetic and need that break in between. Ashlyn is my much calmer child and I think she was kind of over it after that.&nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AwLm2G7talogJ7Yn9lKAizVDCxrAD95jDmzbhyphenhyphen7IimOoQFjHsONsK0vmt4u1OMh8_G5qsa3gRw3_rUI35X2eeKPsR6-2IStod_4OsyNiLLlBEm5QEE10QeYSrKesPs78Dbw0b4IkrNw/s1600/IMG_1328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AwLm2G7talogJ7Yn9lKAizVDCxrAD95jDmzbhyphenhyphen7IimOoQFjHsONsK0vmt4u1OMh8_G5qsa3gRw3_rUI35X2eeKPsR6-2IStod_4OsyNiLLlBEm5QEE10QeYSrKesPs78Dbw0b4IkrNw/s640/IMG_1328.JPG" width="626" /></a></center> <center> </center> <center> When we left I asked Ashlyn if she liked dance class and she said "that's not dance class". I was like well, there you go. In the car, though, she did ask to go to dance class again so obviously she is confused.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> I am going to see if I can try out some more places around here. I really loved Ace's old dance studio but it's not close by so there is no way that would work for us right now.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> <b>Did any of your little ones take dance? If so what was their favorite dance class? What other classes would be good for a more mellow child?&nbsp;</b></center> <center> <!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <div class="shopsense-widget" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225882aa42be7a44c24f613e64%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1604-22949598-96%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A2%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A490%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D"> <script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1484869820671?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe height="490px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225882aa42be7a44c24f613e64%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1604-22949598-96%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A2%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A490%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="border: 0;" width="705px"> </iframe> </div> <!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE END --> </center> <center> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/waitingandwishing">facebook</a> ♥ <a href="http://instagram.com/love_bren">instagram</a> ♥ <a href="http://twitter.com/love_bren">twitter</a> ♥ <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bren3784">pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051">bloglovin</a> </center> Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-55364978665760873562017-01-20T10:30:00.000-05:002017-01-20T10:30:03.935-05:00Friday Favorites<center> It's Friday and it couldn't have come soon enough for me this week! This week was a short week of work and the week prior I only was at work one day since I went on a workshop at the Marine Corps Recruiting Center so I came back to work with a full work load. I am hardcore ready for this weekend.</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmE7Vy68Yfv-qWi1cTvokAlbLkT4res5Ce-gpqzTOpWvMy4fFX0-ILsqTNaeGIDU9zjD_gCqzLU_lyzV3TrY0ylu9E-En4eI3-nHNlpKyipOJjLLs8FLApQ_2EeOOjBbBkbGF9YEC_U5c/s1600/ClJTbc_UsAAJNS_+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmE7Vy68Yfv-qWi1cTvokAlbLkT4res5Ce-gpqzTOpWvMy4fFX0-ILsqTNaeGIDU9zjD_gCqzLU_lyzV3TrY0ylu9E-En4eI3-nHNlpKyipOJjLLs8FLApQ_2EeOOjBbBkbGF9YEC_U5c/s400/ClJTbc_UsAAJNS_+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> This weekend I am really hoping for some time to get things done around the house but also do fun things with the kids this weekend. We will obviously be attending the <a href="http://www.perfectlyimperfectmom.com/2017/01/sesame-street-k-is-for-kindness-tour-is.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sesame Street: K is for Kindness</a> event which I am super excited about. My kids are going to just love it.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> As for what I am loving right now I saw another blogger post these and am in seriuos need of them, <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=606391326&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>copper straws</b></a>! Ashlyn bites all of my straws and either brakes them or they have bite marks on them. <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=606391326&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">These</a> would definitely stand the test of time.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> With Valentine's day coming out there are a bunch of cute valentine's ideas on Pinterest but <a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/non-candy-valentine-ideas/" target="_blank">these</a> have got to be the cutest one. Also if anyone needs cute ones that you don't have to make Target has a bunch of them in the dollar spot section. They also have a lot of cute decor right now as well.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> When I was at the store they also had the <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=519173496&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>cutest romper</b></a>. I want to get it for the girls but haven't really put them in rompers since they became potty trained. Would this be too much of a pain? I think Everly would probably be fine since she is very quick with getting changed but Ashlyn might have accidents. <b>Anyone have any experience with rompers after potty training? Leave a comment and let me know what you think.</b></center> <center> </center> <center> I am just in the beginning process of planning the girls join birthday party. Last year we did <a href="http://www.perfectlyimperfectmom.com/2016/03/the-girls-2nd-tutu-birthday-party.html" target="_blank"><b>tutu </b></a>theme since it was two of them turning two, cute right? This year I want to do unicorns and donuts. The party will start at 10 and go till noon so I figured that is the perfect time to have donuts. Anyway I am loving all the unicorn ideas on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bren3784" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> (I may be slightly obsessed). I guess unicorn party ideas are popular right now because Target and <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/unicorn-party-collection/f19693" target="_blank">Land of Nod</a> had some cute party supplies. I really love these <a href="http://www.target.com/p/happy-birthday-unicorn-disposable-plates-10-count-spritz/-/A-51131220" target="_blank">plates</a> and <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/unicorn-party-bags-set-of-8/s166283" target="_blank">goodie bags</a>.&nbsp;</center> <center> That's about it for now but I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!</center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/waitingandwishing">facebook</a> ♥ <a href="http://instagram.com/love_bren">instagram</a> ♥ <a href="http://twitter.com/love_bren">twitter</a> ♥ <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bren3784">pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051">bloglovin</a> </center> Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-17741133433733076152017-01-19T09:53:00.000-05:002017-04-12T11:08:35.749-04:00The Story of Our Girls: Traveling to California<center> <b style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;josefin sans&quot;;">If you are just reading The Story of Our Girls you might want to go&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.perfectlyimperfectmom.com/2015/07/story-story-of-our-girls-beginning.html" style="color: #580058; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">HERE</span></a><span style="font-family: &quot;josefin sans&quot;;">&nbsp;to catch up.</span></b></center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaI9voNtIjevcWIvIjRgaQq3890CvIJrkMzakZ5DoztXuFdk0rPIGOIB4JxcMExtDRjQ6T7zRLISRJMBoKo9BIHGua-eoEJoEp7RgH1-_ogePYstKKqf_fY9w3USu4Eyb9XwtJgDgRSFA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-04-12+at+11.06.14+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaI9voNtIjevcWIvIjRgaQq3890CvIJrkMzakZ5DoztXuFdk0rPIGOIB4JxcMExtDRjQ6T7zRLISRJMBoKo9BIHGua-eoEJoEp7RgH1-_ogePYstKKqf_fY9w3USu4Eyb9XwtJgDgRSFA/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-04-12+at+11.06.14+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div> <center> <b style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;josefin sans&quot;;">&nbsp;</span></b></center> <center> </center> <center> After announcing we were having two babies, one by adoption and one through pregnancy we had a lot to get done. Ashlyn was due in less than a month. We still had to complete our home study which is a very in depth process, book our flights, hotels and car for the trip, find someone to watch Ace for an undetermined amount of time and tie up any loose ends here. To say it was overwhelming was an understatement.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> As the month went on we met with our social worker who was absolutely amazing. She made us feel so comfortable and encouraged. I was very nervous by this home visit because she would be the person determine if we were fit to adopt our baby. I remember the night before making sure our house was super clean, every single fire alarm worked and running to the store to find a fire extinguisher because we had no clue where ours was.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> The home visit ended up feeling like we were talking to a friend. She asked us questions about our families, childhoods, school life, friends, how we met and our relationship. She also asked about our parenting style with Ace and how we discipline him. She really loved Ace which was awesome. Overall she said she thought we were good to go. She just had to finish her report and would rush it since Ashlyn was due very soon.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> Branden's Mom came down to stay with Ace. I remember the night before our flight I was so overwhelmed. I was worried about my friend who was going to make the biggest decision of her life, I was worried about leaving Ace for so long and I was just scared to take this huge step. It's something I can't explain. I remember there was an issue with our friends doctor, who treated her horribly and we didn't know if we should change our plans and come later. I felt helpless, she felt helpless. We decided to still go and hopefully at her next appointment with a new doctor in that practice we would get answers.</center> <center> </center> <center> We flew to California and got there I believe around 9 something in the morning. We met up with my friend and we both got to see each other with our big bellies for the first time. We had lunch and hung out for a bit looking at family pictures and talking some more. Later in the day Branden and I checked into our hotel and passed out super early. The time change killed us.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> A couple days into our trip out there I went to her doctor appointment with her. Her new doctor was amazing. He said he understood the situation and decided if she hadn't gone into labor by her due date he would have them set up an induction date, something the other doctor wouldn't even consider at all. He said he didn't think we would make it to induction so that made us all feel better. We headed out and waited for our baby. The next day our other friend flew in and that was the best, all of us together. Poor Branden had to be the odd man out.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> The next two days were weird, I wanted to give my friend space and be with our other friend. I also was feeling very stressed about being away from Ace. I wish I could have enjoyed my time in California before Ashlyn's birth because we did have a good amount of time we could have been doing more. We did drive out to a pier and see the ocean there but I felt like I was in this anxious state because I didn't know when Ashlyn would come, I felt super out of control.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> The Thursday before Ashlyn's birth Branden took me out to a pier and we walked around it was nice to just get out and walk around in the fresh air and do something fun. After the pier though I got extremely emotional and started crying. I missed Ace, who ended up getting sick, I felt so guilty. I even told Branden maybe I should fly back to be with him and take a last minute flight when my friend went into labor. The idea of being there another weekend (induction date was that Monday) without her being born and Ace being home really upset me. I didn't even sleep that night.</center> <center> </center> <center> At about 5AM the next morning I get a call from my friend saying her water broke! I literally jumped out of bed and was rushing to get ready despite my friend saying not to feel like I needed to rush because she would need to get checked in and everything. Yeah, I didn't really listen and was all over the place getting ready. Branden got up and got ready. I remember walking to the elevator and looking at him with a huge smile saying "<b>we are about to have a baby girl!"&nbsp;</b></center> <center> <b><br /></b></center> <center> <b>It was one of the most exciting and terrifying moments of my life...</b></center> <center> <b>&nbsp;</b></center> <center> </center> <center> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/waitingandwishing">facebook</a> ♥ <a href="http://instagram.com/love_bren">instagram</a> ♥ <a href="http://twitter.com/love_bren">twitter</a> ♥ <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bren3784">pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051">bloglovin</a> </center> Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-76297037101054890542017-01-16T13:21:00.000-05:002017-01-17T13:24:08.197-05:00Sesame Street: K is for Kindness Tour is coming to town! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtc2ipmUnRWfmju1obLpXJkViD5BJBW9fjwNPIcQT2RzLIpCJ2OOq-WUdceNJBq_cAKMHtsqvGa44adjtdf7eqOsc_8KFAxmZKgR8Pu-dpCOb4m48f-oZ-Z2EKr2kEHv55QY4ghlSNA24/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtc2ipmUnRWfmju1obLpXJkViD5BJBW9fjwNPIcQT2RzLIpCJ2OOq-WUdceNJBq_cAKMHtsqvGa44adjtdf7eqOsc_8KFAxmZKgR8Pu-dpCOb4m48f-oZ-Z2EKr2kEHv55QY4ghlSNA24/s400/unnamed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <b><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">This post is sponsored by&nbsp;<span class="m_653909076041910317caps" style="background-color: white;">GGP-</span><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;Pem­broke Lakes Mall- K is for Kid­ness&nbsp;Pop Up&nbsp;Tour</span>.&nbsp;</span></i></b></div> <center> <br /></center> <center> Ok South Florida people Sesame Street: K is for Kindness tour will be here on January 21st at 11:30am at the Pembroke Lakes Mall. I am so excited about this event. Sesame Street was my favorite show growing up and my kids love it too. I thought this was the perfect show to bring the kids to with our New Years Resolution in place.&nbsp;</center> <center> <br /></center> <center> Here are the details!&nbsp;</center> <center> <br /></center> <center> <div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Sesame Street: K is for Kind­ness Tour</strong>, a free, mul­ti-city expe­ri­en­tial tour timed to and inspired by the new, 47th&nbsp;sea­son of&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=http://www.sesamestreet.org/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1484762964500000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHT-Nng-ZOMEjYYmuzmfYPdmoVkHg" href="http://www.sesamestreet.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Sesame Street</a>, the gold stan­dard in children’s tele­vi­sion. Cre­at­ed espe­cial­ly for preschool fans and their fam­i­lies, this immer­sive, lim­it­ed-engage­ment tour fea­tures hands-on dig­i­tal learn­ing fun, par­tic­i­pa­tion from local libraries in our com­mu­ni­ty includ­ing bilin­gual Eng­lish / Span­ish books and activ­i­ties, “meet and greets” with the cos­tumed char­ac­ters, a 15-min­ute inter­ac­tive live stage show star­ring walk-around ver­sions of the series’ beloved char­ac­ters Elmo and Abby Cad­ab­by, and oth­er spe­cial sur­pris­es!</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The tour will be stop­ping at the Pem­broke Lakes Mall on&nbsp;<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2099057872" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sat­ur­day, Jan­u­ary 21st</span></span>&nbsp;between&nbsp;<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2099057873" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">11am and 4pm</span></span>. More details <a href="https://www.pembrokelakesmall.com/en/events/sesame-street-pop-up-tour-k-is-for-kindness-10177.html?intcmp=home;promotile;featured-event-sesame-street-popup-tour-k-is-for-kindness" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></div> </center> <center> <br /></center> <center> Make sure to say hi if you are at the event! I would love to meet some of my readers.</center> <center> <br /></center> <center> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/waitingandwishing">facebook</a> ♥ <a href="http://instagram.com/love_bren">instagram</a> ♥ <a href="http://twitter.com/love_bren">twitter</a> ♥ <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bren3784">pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051">bloglovin</a> </center> Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-62429509317032086432017-01-14T07:42:00.000-05:002017-01-14T15:34:13.430-05:0010 Reasons Why Moana Might be the Best Disney "Princess" Movie<center> &nbsp; Last week Ace and I had a Mommy Son day and went to see Moana. I honestly didn't know much about her because I had been so busy with moving then the holidays that I never really knew what movies were even coming out. After seeing Moana today I can say she is probably the best Disney princess ever and here's why.</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsVdOszSQaG6R5Pi2AywV3wo38tZoubPkUbmOA4xwYkDHnnpefrBMNpbEO6sxgw18q4g8KZsm3WOaCcGuwmWHh8bbVcgeDKyhT7M8Pz9NuwQqW_ETdxKf_p36zj3uHUaf-KZJN1ItkiQ/s1600/moana-fallback_fde4d101.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsVdOszSQaG6R5Pi2AywV3wo38tZoubPkUbmOA4xwYkDHnnpefrBMNpbEO6sxgw18q4g8KZsm3WOaCcGuwmWHh8bbVcgeDKyhT7M8Pz9NuwQqW_ETdxKf_p36zj3uHUaf-KZJN1ItkiQ/s640/moana-fallback_fde4d101.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> <i>This post containts affiliate links. </i></center> <center> </center> <center> <b>She's is fearless. </b>I love that the first time Moana is on screen as a toddler she is so enthralled with her grandmother telling the story of Maui stealing <b><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=603528170&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Te Fiti's heart</a></b>. A story the other toddlers begin to fear and cry over. Moana begins to clap and is excited. She later sails the ocean to save her island without a second thought. She doesn't let the unknown scare her and instead takes that challenge head on.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABYQbualO9ZnQYxZX_4UpgA1OizM_jQOxg2YZ3iaastQzPJpAjOFsQa89QclRHibP6lZDSHleEgzZAo-kaAdPr2Xy9goMoRvmiY17tMhzmrkNvEAyQUS9wnDS4yzA70Cme3qR3NuHnGo/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABYQbualO9ZnQYxZX_4UpgA1OizM_jQOxg2YZ3iaastQzPJpAjOFsQa89QclRHibP6lZDSHleEgzZAo-kaAdPr2Xy9goMoRvmiY17tMhzmrkNvEAyQUS9wnDS4yzA70Cme3qR3NuHnGo/s640/maxresdefault.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> </center> <center> </center> <center> <b>She is determined and curious.</b> Another thing we see from her as a toddler. After her grandmother is finished with the story Moana runs towards the ocean and sees a conch shell. She goes towards it only for the ocean to part and she continues to walk towards another and another. The ocean then plays a game with her and she is excited over this. As she grows you see her curiousity and determination grow. She wants to explore beyond the reefs, she isn't satisfied just staying put. As the story continues and she meets Maui she pushes herself to return Te Fiti's heart even though Maui tells her it will be hard and dangerous.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> &nbsp; <b>She has a heart of gold.</b> Something else we see right from the beginning. She helps a little baby turtle make it's way to the ocean so the birds don't eat him. She also loves her family and tribe hard. The whole premise of the movie is her saving her island and the people on it. She takes this on herself despite what might be out there.</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> &nbsp; <b>She isn't perfect.</b> This is something that I totally loved about Frozen's Anna. She didn't come off as being or trying to be perfect but clumsy and silly. She was relatable. She aslo wants to help others, save her people, save her land and find out who she really is. I love that her character has so many strong qualities but is also silly and who she is despite how she needs to be to be chief.&nbsp;</center> <center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6boOVJJ76p5C5DXx2silSmNQe9iI9G4vs6_hBwJymNwuG6a_zwiJHEzaMCtjcYiekh0OAtaTmhyVAwXE7RhNSMN0MDMMUCMgNYaU54ZHRKcd-QjEjWWkqn30gzmLb-ShAax4LNN8z0RM/s1600/Moana-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6boOVJJ76p5C5DXx2silSmNQe9iI9G4vs6_hBwJymNwuG6a_zwiJHEzaMCtjcYiekh0OAtaTmhyVAwXE7RhNSMN0MDMMUCMgNYaU54ZHRKcd-QjEjWWkqn30gzmLb-ShAax4LNN8z0RM/s640/Moana-0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> <b>She is strong! </b>Moana is physically and mentally strong. Qualities that not many other princesses have had. I think only <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=534181774&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Pocahontas</b></a> and <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=520707220&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Mulan</b></a> come close. I think previous princess stories have been so caught up in running from a villain and falling in love that you miss seeing how strong these characters really are.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> <b>There isn't a love story.</b> At this point I am over the love story in Disney princess movies. I like that Moana is younger and her focus is on her family and island. You get to see a lot of situations where she has to do a lot of the work herself and not rely on anyone else. She isn't always running from some crazy villain or falling for a guy. She is learning and growing through the whole movie. And I am totally not knocking princesses that fall in love because I do love a good love story but this was just so much more fun and entertaining without there being a drama love story on the side.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> <b>She has beach hair.</b> Need I say more? This could just be the Florida girl in me but I love beachy hair and hers was gorgeous. I also loved Maui's too, ha!&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEccyJNLq6A6rnR-VGC90GWpGhfb0Ne1K7zdOUvIY88VUVHPvl5iKWtC2BuQEy0yZB_ciypD9NDBixqpyywqtdnpADEpqOCZT8U5J9XJeh9DF5S1mtou9NsCMGoKmHwDN788UTR0l8Pzk/s1600/tamatoa+the+hermit+crab+moana+disney.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEccyJNLq6A6rnR-VGC90GWpGhfb0Ne1K7zdOUvIY88VUVHPvl5iKWtC2BuQEy0yZB_ciypD9NDBixqpyywqtdnpADEpqOCZT8U5J9XJeh9DF5S1mtou9NsCMGoKmHwDN788UTR0l8Pzk/s640/tamatoa+the+hermit+crab+moana+disney.png" width="640" /></a></div> </center> <center> </center> <center> <b>&nbsp;There is a singing crab.</b> This is just something you will have to see to understand but he is fabulous.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmM02E2QAXpu5617QC_gQFLwwKBpooSqb-fNc85qaBBrsoumXkfC91xpM0vHBRb_o1-BzI_BoRzZA0E3lz6khjJS_nN74WgpX3LBlyKLYMlKZ4WYnGxVbDN4bfS3wyXZFKe3m2wXRygJg/s1600/maui-moana-1024x429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmM02E2QAXpu5617QC_gQFLwwKBpooSqb-fNc85qaBBrsoumXkfC91xpM0vHBRb_o1-BzI_BoRzZA0E3lz6khjJS_nN74WgpX3LBlyKLYMlKZ4WYnGxVbDN4bfS3wyXZFKe3m2wXRygJg/s640/maui-moana-1024x429.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> </center> <center> </center> <center> <b>Maui.</b> The Rock is the voice of Maui and he is hilarious. He reminds me a bit of Flynn from Tangled with the sarcasm and humor. He also has this cool fishhook that gives him the ability to change forms. I thought it was cool and then I saw you could <span style="color: magenta;"><b><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=610637423&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">buy it</a></b></span> so that is a great toy from the movie my son can have since he loved it too. It's sometimes hard to find toys from princess movies little boys like too.</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> <b>Adults love it too.</b> Some kid movies are just not that great. This one was just so funny and inspiring that I fell completely in love with it. It isn't a movie you will be disappointed in spending money on to see in the theater because you will really love the story and characters. </center> <center> <br /></center> <center> <b>So tell me, have you seen Moana? Did you love it as much as I did?&nbsp;</b></center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> <!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <div class="shopsense-widget" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%22587a1b51dd4edbc81c7a3636%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1604-22949598-96%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A3%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A705%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D"> <script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1484396322822?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe height="705px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%22587a1b51dd4edbc81c7a3636%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid1604-22949598-96%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A3%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A705%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="border: 0;" width="705px"> </iframe> </div> <!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE END --></center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/waitingandwishing">facebook</a> ♥ <a href="http://instagram.com/love_bren">instagram</a> ♥ <a href="http://twitter.com/love_bren">twitter</a> ♥ <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bren3784">pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051">bloglovin</a> </center> Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-10073866760996439672017-01-02T23:04:00.000-05:002017-06-12T14:52:28.101-04:00How to Earn Extra Money from your Phone<center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> If you are like me you are always looking for little ways to <b><a href="http://www.perfectlyimperfectmom.com/2016/12/how-to-maximize-your-savings-while.html" target="_blank">save money</a></b> or bring in money to your household. I like to use this extra money on things like Starbucks or a trip to Target. Here are some apps I use on my phone to earn extra cash, gift cards and freebies.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjoC1a3eg4ITtnG0fK9TC4DV7jSSPVnlbsE0aLHjVILS9O6ou7oRGX9k4ugL8Uz81pTkjMRIvX475Eei2544ORJue8XNuZbtNZud5Hvw6tP0dwp4oHZHvPzUZHu_RTHxlFYBtOHIw-uaI/s640/earnmoneyfromapps.png" width="640" /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This post contains affiliate links</span></i></b></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br /> </center> <center> </center> <center> 1.&nbsp;<b><a href="http://bit.ly/2hIvGdi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Inbox Dollars.</a>&nbsp;The name says it all. You get paid to read the emails they send you. You can also <a href="http://bit.ly/2hIvGdi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earn money</a> through videos, surveys, searches and <a href="http://bit.ly/2hIvGdi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">referrals</a>.</b>&nbsp; Right when you sign up you get $5.00 (make sure you confirm your email address) and you can earn $10.00 very quickly with all the extra tasks they want you to do when you sign up. I earned $20.00 with in a week through their surveys and videos. The videos are actually really entertaining too so they are easy to let play and watch or listen to.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> 2. <b><a href="https://app.shopkick.com/r/3ojbHz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ShopKicks</a>.</b> This app is super easy to use. You basically open it while shopping and you can see what stores earn you "kicks". Kicks are points towards gift cards. You can also scan items, buy items and scan your receipt to earn extra kicks. I have earned the most freebies on this one so far. <b>I use this app to earn <a href="https://app.shopkick.com/r/3ojbHz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">free Starbucks</a> gift cards but they have a large variety of rewards.&nbsp;</b></center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> 3. <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2hzrx8n" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ebates</a>.</b> This app and website is great to shop through to earn money. If you shop online you can earn money pretty easily you just have to open up their website and click on the store to shop. You earn a percentage of the amount you spend and it goes right into your <a href="http://bit.ly/2hzrx8n" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ebates</a> account. They can send you a check or transfer the money to your PayPal account. Very simple and straight forward. If you sign up using my <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2hzrx8n" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">referral link</a> </b>you will get $10 too! </center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> 4. <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2h23G18" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Swagbucks</a>.</b> This app and website is very similar to <a href="http://bit.ly/2hzrx8n" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ebates</a>. I like to check out both sites to see which one has the higher percentage back and use that one to shop. <a href="http://bit.ly/2h23G18" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Swagbucks</a> is different though because you can earn <a href="http://bit.ly/2h23G18" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Swagbucks</a> through more than just shopping. You can complete tasks, check out websites, watch videos, take surveys, download coupons, etc. There is a ton of ways to earn on this one if you don't want to spend money to make money. Get $3.00 from signing up using my <a href="http://bit.ly/2h23G18" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">referral link</a> and $2.00 after you spend $25. You can also check out my post on using Swagbucks <a href="http://www.perfectlyimperfectmom.com/2016/12/how-to-maximize-your-savings-while.html" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.</center> <center> </center> <center> <a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/?cmd=sb-register&amp;rb=32290332&amp;cmp=72&amp;cxid=1440-htmlembed" target="_blank"><img alt="Join Swagbucks!" border="0" height="252" src="//app2-cdn2.sbx-cdn.com/content/pages/promote-and-earn/swagbucks-share-1440-v2.png" width="484" /></a></center> <center> </center> <center> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/269793833907852019/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypWtb97K-u_XME2psi8GChe3puSBzpd_X08yMgWv3__sJWfFSJ7F6sNyrwGhHofA8PpUlWRxNkCHOeLisOKfHxZHmqdryHY4RxqWud5fLC-XMZDBjK5rNcVXdcRbCnECwHh88TuKOmrU/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-01-01+at+9.08.45+AM.png" width="308" /></a> </center> <center> </center> <center> If you liked this post please <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/269793833907852019/" target="_blank"><b>Pin it</b> </a>to share with others!&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/waitingandwishing">facebook</a> ♥ <a href="http://instagram.com/love_bren">instagram</a> ♥ <a href="http://twitter.com/love_bren">twitter</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/PerfectlyImperfectMomBlog/" target="_blank">pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051">bloglovin</a> </center> Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-86455090418512566052016-12-30T13:15:00.000-05:002016-12-30T13:15:49.371-05:00New Year's Resolutions!<center> Can you believe 2016 is almost over? This year truly flew by. I can't believe Ace is halfway through his first year of elementary school and the girls are half way through their first year of preschool. It has been nice seeing them grow and learn so much these past few months.&nbsp;</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Spg7DkhpWqo-6yyWRImyPlBTjhor3oINjNM-Ti8L0IL8Wq3KvrdHPxwtRgJfFXqM__0Bdv1FN6ncCdn4pGSmX9Rk4iyTHJo66gz4M3MGJw1-o2yG1dhc6O5u03KuSxlKr2K29V38pEg/s1600/IMG_2974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Spg7DkhpWqo-6yyWRImyPlBTjhor3oINjNM-Ti8L0IL8Wq3KvrdHPxwtRgJfFXqM__0Bdv1FN6ncCdn4pGSmX9Rk4iyTHJo66gz4M3MGJw1-o2yG1dhc6O5u03KuSxlKr2K29V38pEg/s640/IMG_2974.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <center> </center> <center> With the new year right around the corner I want to make resolutions that matter. Not ones that are the typical lose 10lbs, go to the gym for a week and forget about it after that.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> After my parents passed away 4 years ago I decided I wasn't going to let the little things bother me. I wasn't going to allow minor annoyances get the better of me. I have done pretty well with that. I hate when people complain about things that are truly minor in the grand scheme of things. A car cut you off? Great, move on, you can't change that person but you can change your reaction to it.&nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7QvLDqL9plwGt_TvKorjVvIDKai9DQz7ASgUyGQVQWUAbP8uYXeXH-_dU2j_SyxOhdj9JgppWdjFKaVCd4CgDrX6E3KoPeNJ87iN1CJ_whOwlo-jNjxPv_dCaS44DY_6WiaLaukYEtM/s1600/IMG_3010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7QvLDqL9plwGt_TvKorjVvIDKai9DQz7ASgUyGQVQWUAbP8uYXeXH-_dU2j_SyxOhdj9JgppWdjFKaVCd4CgDrX6E3KoPeNJ87iN1CJ_whOwlo-jNjxPv_dCaS44DY_6WiaLaukYEtM/s640/IMG_3010.jpg" width="640" /></a></center> <center> That being said I want to continue to better myself and help my children continue to be positive little people. I was talking to Branden one day about bringing PB&amp;J sandwiches to the homeless. I am not sure where to go exactly but we do see some off the main highway near our new house. It breaks my heart. I know many homeless people are mentally ill or have fallen on hard times and majority of the time it is out of their control. I sometimes give them a dollar if I have one but I want my children to also appreciate their lives and be people who want to help others. I don't want them to just ignore the problems of the world.</center> <center> </center> <center> I have noticed over the past 2 years how sensitive Ace is to others' feelings. He has a very compassionate heart and I want to make sure I encourage that kindness in him. I also love this about him because it reminds me a lot of my Mom. She felt others pain and hurt so strongly that she always wanted to help others. I have that too and sometimes I think it can be a bit of a blessing and a curse. I want to teach Ace that it is ok to feel for others and empathize with them and help them. I want him to know boundaries with it too. My Mom gave a lot and sometimes I think it was too much for her own good. She wanted to help those who needed to help themselves first. </center> <center> </center> <center> With all that being said my New Year's Resolution is for myself and children to give back and help. This world seems to be going through a very scary time and I want my children to be the good in it. I don't want them to be jaded by all that bad that is happening. I want them to know that they can make a difference. So here is hoping I can help these precious little people give back to those less fortunate than them.&nbsp;</center> <center> <br /></center> <center> <b>What is your New Years Resolution?</b></center> <center> </center> <center> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/waitingandwishing">facebook</a> ♥ <a href="http://instagram.com/love_bren">instagram</a> ♥ <a href="http://twitter.com/love_bren">twitter</a> ♥ <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bren3784">pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051">bloglovin</a> </center> Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-50548575279199704742016-12-28T15:17:00.001-05:002016-12-28T15:17:10.031-05:00Christmas Eve Recap<center> First I am happy to announce the winner of the Blue Frog Apparel $100 Gift Card giveaway, Jamie B!&nbsp;</center> <center> Check your email for more information.</center> <center> <br /></center> <center> It is winter break and it has been wonderful. I am seriously loving this time off. We had a really nice Christmas with family and now the kids have been playing with all their new toys and we have been busy getting the house in order. We still have so much to do since the move so I really needed this break.&nbsp;</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNay-d00_UGl_8XKuQK41zZkWW1RiLh14AB-kW_5tVQAAFlIDnUFJX9UAWybR4s-Sr_kcMRAbFiDJeFFNc4WsDjL8-WNNepXao9fFKBztD7DsgEYBsN3cM0ZaqlSQcN3hZEWvrYK5fqyk/s1600/IMG_0309-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNay-d00_UGl_8XKuQK41zZkWW1RiLh14AB-kW_5tVQAAFlIDnUFJX9UAWybR4s-Sr_kcMRAbFiDJeFFNc4WsDjL8-WNNepXao9fFKBztD7DsgEYBsN3cM0ZaqlSQcN3hZEWvrYK5fqyk/s640/IMG_0309-1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhER-AQYaqW_NEvR5Eqm6FPDh5KGpTIMPODOdD0SaHLRU53LibqKIhEhETgnBIHwC_Mtp4t25woLJCAhEUQpVNi56ZbitBDl6_lplGIkB5jFk0n2aqKZnzH7iyhlLflbcRbdps599ojjEU/s1600/IMG_0314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhER-AQYaqW_NEvR5Eqm6FPDh5KGpTIMPODOdD0SaHLRU53LibqKIhEhETgnBIHwC_Mtp4t25woLJCAhEUQpVNi56ZbitBDl6_lplGIkB5jFk0n2aqKZnzH7iyhlLflbcRbdps599ojjEU/s640/IMG_0314.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> <center> <br /></center> <center> It was kind of a cluster having the last day of work being the 23rd since we were having a party on Christmas Eve. I left work super early to go to the girls' Christmas party then had a hair appointment. I spent the rest of the night getting the house ready for the party.</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_weftKkXpaFzOrnrtgFEUehy2ykvMIJpWUWact9JBFqNjnxS7MASSzWtJ_PweAPhGHY6XWFLfyaNF2vLzFM16QjhwHzaXL56_adVjSnWpA6KuLal1LITNmzs-zHVjeTiHusUN0BR_Zdg/s1600/IMG_0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_weftKkXpaFzOrnrtgFEUehy2ykvMIJpWUWact9JBFqNjnxS7MASSzWtJ_PweAPhGHY6XWFLfyaNF2vLzFM16QjhwHzaXL56_adVjSnWpA6KuLal1LITNmzs-zHVjeTiHusUN0BR_Zdg/s640/IMG_0322.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <center> <br /></center> <center> Christmas Eve was actually a really fun day. Since we had done most of the cleaning and decorating done prior to that day I was able to really enjoy doing things with the kids. We did some baking, since I am not a great baker we went with the bagged stuff, I'm super classy like that. I used <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/sugar-cookie-mms-bars/3e143dd9-04af-4cf8-80d9-980fb2a57867?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=pinterest&amp;utm_campaign=11_2016_standard&amp;crlt.pid=camp.dl8PE1tu569P" target="_blank">this recipe</a> to make some Sugar Cookie M&amp;M bars. We also made some chocolate chip cookies. It was really fun watching the kids get excited about helping. They are seriously so sweet.&nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMEDXT4r88dUKSCPy9XrvQLoeFAEa_kTZwWBVRNnfDdrUjdxJhu2BFPEU_B2ZnS8kMURpLbmt1aFLm5kvHf8XNWLfu9DeycdXr6fHiOD4n7E_DBlRaaXmp85LAZfwHaOaaVHmiww0xM0/s1600/IMG_0311-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMEDXT4r88dUKSCPy9XrvQLoeFAEa_kTZwWBVRNnfDdrUjdxJhu2BFPEU_B2ZnS8kMURpLbmt1aFLm5kvHf8XNWLfu9DeycdXr6fHiOD4n7E_DBlRaaXmp85LAZfwHaOaaVHmiww0xM0/s640/IMG_0311-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></center> <center> I also made ziti like my Mom always did for her Christmas Eve parties. I actually got really sad while making it. I just kept thinking about how much she would have loved helping me get ready for the party and if I needed her to help she would have been right there. This year was the first year where it hit me hard on Christmas Eve that my parents were gone. The past 4 years since they passed away have been so crazy and now things have really calmed down enough to make me see the void in a lot of what we do. I try to use that to make these moments more meaningful but it can still be really hard. Ever since they died I have tried to look at how good things are for me despite losing them 9 days apart 4 years ago. I know that there are so many little things in life that aren't worth getting upset about or complaining about because in the end they don't matter. What matters are these precious moments with my kids and my husband. The moments with the people who matter most. I just always want holidays to be meaningful to my kids and memorable like they were for me when my parents were here. I always remember helping my Mom get ready for our Christmas Eve party and she would be cooking like crazy and going overboard. She would stress herself out so much but in the end everything turned out perfect. So all this to say that a simple moment of making ziti really brought me back to my parents and for whatever reason those moments make me feel like they are with me.&nbsp;</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgg3Dj4wKk9TBGt2Pq9gZdUYkfKc9gCZEGOcS7MNl-Nvo0fAFsm1iIW6ksIduk9omR9u5RXh9ARAaH_3flTddZ93Ch2XtQtfyL1x98MZQC7J8069ug_1K3zN7CBTxvoH6_gYc-GfQCR18/s1600/IMG_0321-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgg3Dj4wKk9TBGt2Pq9gZdUYkfKc9gCZEGOcS7MNl-Nvo0fAFsm1iIW6ksIduk9omR9u5RXh9ARAaH_3flTddZ93Ch2XtQtfyL1x98MZQC7J8069ug_1K3zN7CBTxvoH6_gYc-GfQCR18/s640/IMG_0321-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <center> So after getting my ziti prepared for later and the kitchen cleaned up I got the kids bathed and I got ready. Ashlyn wanted to wear make up like mommy which I thought was so cute so I put a little eye shadow and lip stick on her. After her and Everly go to play in their room they come back in with lotion all over their faces. Little stinkers said they were putting more make up on. At least I could just rub it in.&nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5bi_m0ccnNUL9nbm0MwfL1WAaZVC7DyIfBsxNgPhHp2QV1gGijTIajdoOd7zCfsY_D3XTwIRaz9tsGLKxKRPONfLLwbnPXspjA5GtZt2lPnkQyNlWuSGd4I84hjBp5B_cVPS7cQpGLc/s1600/IMG_0326-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5bi_m0ccnNUL9nbm0MwfL1WAaZVC7DyIfBsxNgPhHp2QV1gGijTIajdoOd7zCfsY_D3XTwIRaz9tsGLKxKRPONfLLwbnPXspjA5GtZt2lPnkQyNlWuSGd4I84hjBp5B_cVPS7cQpGLc/s640/IMG_0326-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0METoJUQTVQq6P8m2Otoih_uq8oqXr8vC5Z0qv5XJL2291ywMq2ro8Z1grpQa4I30rOyS3dgaqmL1vI4A2CO5dMx6K_lI5BX6Aj_DPA-pZMqwllradGV6aLE2Tg9vSFNNlJsFdxVWFU/s1600/IMG_0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0METoJUQTVQq6P8m2Otoih_uq8oqXr8vC5Z0qv5XJL2291ywMq2ro8Z1grpQa4I30rOyS3dgaqmL1vI4A2CO5dMx6K_lI5BX6Aj_DPA-pZMqwllradGV6aLE2Tg9vSFNNlJsFdxVWFU/s640/IMG_0325.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <center> <br /></center> <center> Once it hit 5:30 we were all ready for our guests to arrive. My cousins from Ohio came with their adorably bald toddler Carter. I love seeing her because she reminds me of Everly with her bald little head. His parents, my Aunt Lillie and Uncle Dave, came too. Then the rest of the family came in. It was so nice seeing all the little cousins together. Ace was excited to see his cousin Colton who moved away last year. They are only about 6 months apart so they love when they get to play together. They were inseparable all night.&nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjfFgjU0fUk-k4R1zIcVzzPM7TSkYRzjJNklJNiyy4KwARJDBub6CLxqVI1zC2x8mqYDHX4Gfjj_ClbJe2iCcteTOQXp_EEY4Xiz0iEdyzjIKv8khqcp9dwI_6D0E00ZoUVkQCLkkz_4/s1600/IMG_0339-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjfFgjU0fUk-k4R1zIcVzzPM7TSkYRzjJNklJNiyy4KwARJDBub6CLxqVI1zC2x8mqYDHX4Gfjj_ClbJe2iCcteTOQXp_EEY4Xiz0iEdyzjIKv8khqcp9dwI_6D0E00ZoUVkQCLkkz_4/s640/IMG_0339-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></center> <center> Most of the night Ashlyn wasn't feeling well (which is why she doesn't have a shirt on, I wasn't fighting that battle). She laid on the couch watching a movie and was very tired. I felt so bad for her. After my niece Valentina came over all the girls decided it was time to throw tantrums. That was super fun. We had reindeer food from the girls Christmas party at school so I got all the kids to go outside to throw that in the grass. It was a nice distraction for the moment but then the whining began so I had the kids decorate ugly sweater cookies from Trader Joes. They were pretty ugly and no one ate them but after that the night went much better. The kids opened presents and played the rest of the night. &nbsp;I love having family over for holidays so it was definitely a success.</center> <center> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZURugwqxlzatPUt94L3UHqjUfPUxCCpEFvK2y-8tq1HSNahyphenhyphenfhWUOm01jZ77brKvou-zZaIDJIBc3VT4jFCP2d3o4L_-q7Z9WGXX9A67UuVs8oY3CkdbhaejoF55lVUWsM_OyIe6hrU/s1600/IMG_0333-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZURugwqxlzatPUt94L3UHqjUfPUxCCpEFvK2y-8tq1HSNahyphenhyphenfhWUOm01jZ77brKvou-zZaIDJIBc3VT4jFCP2d3o4L_-q7Z9WGXX9A67UuVs8oY3CkdbhaejoF55lVUWsM_OyIe6hrU/s640/IMG_0333-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSm2wcNMovQ_5bMhWB92D9ujfMIJuHPY8ZTkTtOOEmORmoVt3wgy1ZbWxnC4hEQaOVZNcpgjp5NItU3keS-Tknmu9JAna_fCaz0ykdHyQLaxBz5vXC0t8pIhyphenhyphenh4zhQ28cjbKnebu4XbMY/s1600/IMG_0337-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSm2wcNMovQ_5bMhWB92D9ujfMIJuHPY8ZTkTtOOEmORmoVt3wgy1ZbWxnC4hEQaOVZNcpgjp5NItU3keS-Tknmu9JAna_fCaz0ykdHyQLaxBz5vXC0t8pIhyphenhyphenh4zhQ28cjbKnebu4XbMY/s640/IMG_0337-1.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrZSrAlL-GBP_DrpZDFVcJZgMybOqRnHFjDDaZUNQN3rmQLScJXoDyW-PBhobl5Ml39SnDmlFkyBF3FaeI8SXbp1MNDjZmnhgDB3DcRuA_Y3aLgJKkbjoxQPMu5sVn7bKvxcQ0f1pgNs/s1600/IMG_0335-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrZSrAlL-GBP_DrpZDFVcJZgMybOqRnHFjDDaZUNQN3rmQLScJXoDyW-PBhobl5Ml39SnDmlFkyBF3FaeI8SXbp1MNDjZmnhgDB3DcRuA_Y3aLgJKkbjoxQPMu5sVn7bKvxcQ0f1pgNs/s640/IMG_0335-1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> <center> After everyone left Branden and I got to work on putting the presents under the tree. It was a fun Christmas to buy for because they are each really into their own things. Everly is obsessed with baby dolls, Ashlyn loves Barbies and Ace is into Lego Dimensions. We also got Ace a bike and scooter since he outgrew his old bike. Ashlyn got a doll house and Everly a wooden baby carriage which she decided to carry all around the house.&nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2D3G4R5OMGXyNNs0k-kTzhhKS_Aj5U_0OZ7y1_PYxapnAifEAROKVWVlFeKcySpPnphLXxOVs41IH104nOtkigPKzYE4T_vD9WTVUfOIWNmaPwfETx3O6nMuIQcVypeYHs0TzvEvQhM/s1600/IMG_0330-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2D3G4R5OMGXyNNs0k-kTzhhKS_Aj5U_0OZ7y1_PYxapnAifEAROKVWVlFeKcySpPnphLXxOVs41IH104nOtkigPKzYE4T_vD9WTVUfOIWNmaPwfETx3O6nMuIQcVypeYHs0TzvEvQhM/s640/IMG_0330-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></center> <center> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdXnqk8OnzQeUA6EXK7VtMFo3jVB1KXQwQ9Fu9MkzgfxJmJOhuQ30HA5L8dIMxxcYqMb8aU-VS0JUOQcI-2mX8GTvvgW7-pttJxE0-u-3FLkMXATbGpBU8F1KEgJinqpXcjf3kACxbKE/s1600/IMG_0364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdXnqk8OnzQeUA6EXK7VtMFo3jVB1KXQwQ9Fu9MkzgfxJmJOhuQ30HA5L8dIMxxcYqMb8aU-VS0JUOQcI-2mX8GTvvgW7-pttJxE0-u-3FLkMXATbGpBU8F1KEgJinqpXcjf3kACxbKE/s640/IMG_0364.JPG" width="640" /></a></center> <center> Overall Christmas Eve was a really nice night. I will recap Christmas day later since this post is a lot longer than I expected.&nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/waitingandwishing">facebook</a> ♥ <a href="http://instagram.com/love_bren">instagram</a> ♥ <a href="http://twitter.com/love_bren">twitter</a> ♥ <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bren3784">pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051">bloglovin</a> </center> Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841860611131025394.post-84523911061428516732016-12-17T11:50:00.000-05:002017-01-06T14:18:47.595-05:00Friday Favorites on Saturday<center> Of course I wrote this yesterday and had to finish it today. Whatever I have is no joke. Being sick stinks...</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMKd5pwq9O7DJtyxfwjfI33T0ysZD1oeK0P0wF9Df1LzNjXIr3dVvhnMHfKfvM682OISWvpTAQVvDW5XaJ1M350vTv9yZ-w_ZSmzBuc2f0W7b5hpPzfS5JkHYGOL-XJLe5TSTBS3YDX0/s1600/957120866f50026fec82f6437a0ab5c1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMKd5pwq9O7DJtyxfwjfI33T0ysZD1oeK0P0wF9Df1LzNjXIr3dVvhnMHfKfvM682OISWvpTAQVvDW5XaJ1M350vTv9yZ-w_ZSmzBuc2f0W7b5hpPzfS5JkHYGOL-XJLe5TSTBS3YDX0/s400/957120866f50026fec82f6437a0ab5c1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <center> </center> <center> It's Friday! Not so exciting for me though because I was up all night with Everly while she cried and coughed and I had chills and a sore throat. Seriously I am exhausted and miserable. I just want to go to sleep but Miss Everly is home with me today and even though she is sick she is the energizer bunny. I don't get it. I am hoping we can both take a nap in an hour or two.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> Now back to some of my favorite things. Since it is so close to Christmas I can't help but talk about some of my favorite items for the holidays. I got this <b><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=538951601&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">adorable dress</a> </b>from Target before Thanksgiving and plan to wear it on Christmas Eve. It's super comfy and flowy so if you plan on going to town on some yummy dessert you are good to go. Speaking of yumminess I am dying to try this <a href="http://bit.ly/2hGoHQA" target="_blank"><b>Christmas cookie dough dip</b></a> recipe from <a href="http://bit.ly/2gMl4qd" target="_blank"><b>Dinner at the Zoo</b></a>.</center> <center> </center> <center> This beautiful <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=461445112&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>gold silverware se</b>t</a>. I would love to get these for our new house. They are to die for. &nbsp;They also come in <b><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=497936441&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rose Gold</a> </b>as well.</center> <center> </center> <center> I am also a little obsessed with this <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=605479922&amp;pid=uid1604-22949598-96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>gold bar cart</b></a>. I really want one for our new dining room. I would love to decorate it for holidays. Loving&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/2hWmEqk" target="_blank"><b>this</b></a>&nbsp;look from Garvin &amp; Co. Seriously her home is my dream house.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> Saturday…</center> <center> </center> <center> So I didn't get to finish my post yesterday because I just felt too awful. I still feel horrible today but I got to sleep in till 9:30am, thanks Branden, because last night I had a rough night of sleep as did Everly. Her fever final broke though.&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> Last night we ended up going to a live nativity with my cousins with the kids. Poor Everly wanted to be held the whole time and I was really tired but we couldn't break tradition of a night of Christmas fun then Chick-fil-A peppermint shakes. We tried to get a picture of all the kids together and this truly shows how Everly felt the entire night.</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0no2tq66FsdMQCKo-VdhyBx9nN6YN6fBKsbAGDZRKakxivnAKYBrpBeQmt6CKrysF-TF-hfBU9_dN8XQE7Wd30eYLPt8R06bz-hUkGrXks5ea7DvqLatxO1MJcNcET620gwVIpBZYoM/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0no2tq66FsdMQCKo-VdhyBx9nN6YN6fBKsbAGDZRKakxivnAKYBrpBeQmt6CKrysF-TF-hfBU9_dN8XQE7Wd30eYLPt8R06bz-hUkGrXks5ea7DvqLatxO1MJcNcET620gwVIpBZYoM/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <center> But a peppermint shake always helps…</center> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RINQ7PffhIIajL1nNOA-KoFGkf3N7kzP71inIejOlO5JuzxOdeoDPc5cjyjRKzQy6HDv9k9v75YL5It2FH7j4opdZbrdj7Dldcr7RGAhWiqAgQKrLxFElS1UxhrL6RlrRuTwLuT8tD4/s1600/IMG_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RINQ7PffhIIajL1nNOA-KoFGkf3N7kzP71inIejOlO5JuzxOdeoDPc5cjyjRKzQy6HDv9k9v75YL5It2FH7j4opdZbrdj7Dldcr7RGAhWiqAgQKrLxFElS1UxhrL6RlrRuTwLuT8tD4/s640/IMG_0058.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <center> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJg-V-VVUuZiYrJSbyiPifVnwitPfE-AOkRbRT-vXr-rYZQ5odoQhXdznLm2KH2LfjsbP7y3CDWhph4m_fwdWjK5lM02uKGb9G7EIgPnxyY6v80vhXfRecC0NvlptZSG56KNG-tw7i8Y/s1600/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJg-V-VVUuZiYrJSbyiPifVnwitPfE-AOkRbRT-vXr-rYZQ5odoQhXdznLm2KH2LfjsbP7y3CDWhph4m_fwdWjK5lM02uKGb9G7EIgPnxyY6v80vhXfRecC0NvlptZSG56KNG-tw7i8Y/s640/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" width="422" /></a></center> <center> Today she is still feeling terrible and now Ashlyn is coughing which is how Everly and mine started. Branden is stuffy so Ace is so far the only one who isn't showing signs of being sick. I hope he doesn't catch it.&nbsp;</center> <center> Hope everyone has a great weekend. I am hoping everyone around here starts feeling better by Monday so we can get ready for Christmas!&nbsp;</center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/waitingandwishing">facebook</a> ♥ <a href="http://instagram.com/love_bren">instagram</a> ♥ <a href="http://twitter.com/love_bren">twitter</a> ♥ <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bren3784">pinterest</a> ♥ <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/perfectly-imperfect-mom-3982051">bloglovin</a> </center> Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533966145809697542noreply@blogger.com2