These are my confessions…
Castelvetrano olives are my favorite kind of olive. Might as well start with a riveting admission right off the back huh? I packed our lunches for a park picnic this week and shoved as many as I could into that little compartment, knowing the girls would steal some from me (they did).
More solid olive recommendations can be found here. Don’t despair kalamatas, I still love you too- especially in this dish.
I asked David the other night if I’m as good of a mom to Kaitlyn as I was to Hailey at this age. I feel sometimes she gets the shaft as the second kid, being dragged to big sister’s commitments and always being forced to keep up. I worry sometimes I expect too much out of her.
My kids are not the kind that fall asleep in places other than their beds so when I saw Kaitlyn curled up and fell asleep (after an early bath day), my heart just ached a little. I promise I’ll do better at just letting you be two sweet girl.
Public speaking makes my palms sweat like no other. I wouldn’t consider myself shy and doing TV never made me that nervous, but put me in front of a group and my nerves explode. I spoke to women’s group yesterday about family meal planning and food rules for smoother family dinners.
It must have taken me a solid 15 rambling minutes before I finally started to relax. I’m so grateful the group of ladies was so kind and interactive. It helped so much!
I had to say no to a few projects this week and it sucked. I really hate saying no and often forget it’s a complete sentence and instead offer an over explanation. But the truth is, I am running at capacity right now. I’m good with my priorities but it still doesn’t make saying no any more fun.
These messy morning scenes are where my heart wants to be right now.
Red lentil pasta may be my new jam. Explore Cuisine sent me some pasta made from pulses to try and honestly I did not have high expectations. Though you have to really watch the cooking time because even slightly overcooking it will cause it to stick or turn to mush, the texture is the exact same as regular pasta but offers more protein (11g versus 7g).
It worked well for this garlic lemon lobster pasta I made earlier this week and the ingredient list reads nicely: organic red lentil flour (73%) and organic brown rice flour.
I no longer feel guilty about buying a bounce house. I remember feeling sheepish about spending so much on a toy for Hailey’s 4th birthday, but no more. We’ve definitely gotten our money’s worth (and then some) and that’s just in this week alone.
I’d recommend this one because it’s reasonably priced and I have friends that own and love it. We have the one with the big slide and the girls are crazy about it but check your ceilings first because the slide is over 9 feet tall.
I bought a tomato in off season. Somehow I lucked out that it was actually decent.
I can’t wait for farmers market tomatoes!
Kaitlyn is obsessed with “lips” – what she calls chapstick. It’s made me look a little closer at what kind of lip stuff I use since she is always stealing and using (eating) it. I love this peppermint one from EarthWildGoods on Etsy that is made with organic beeswax, organic coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils.
I realize I probably was (am?) addicted to my phone. Since committing to keeping my phone in another room, I’ve become aware of how often I would reach for it. Now for a solid week (wow, so long- LOL) I’ve stuck to the physical separation and I’m so glad.
I’ve left it behind for meals, for walks, and anytime I’m with the girls which has made me start to retrain my brain to be in the moment. I could go on and on, but it feels like a really positive change for me.
Some weeks it feels like David and I are ships passing in the night. It’s been such a busy week for both of us so we booked a sitter and went out last night. On our recently revised household budget we allocated some cash to do more date nights and I’m so grateful we did; making time to reconnect is so important.
We chatted about all our upcoming commitments for the year, homeschool specifics (my researching and planning has kicked into HIGH gear), our long term family plans/goals, and ate the heck out of some sushi.
Thursday night dates are my favorite because now we still have a whole weekend ahead for projects and family time.
We’re thinking about getting out for a hike, but the weatherman has mentioned snow on Sunday? Only time will tell!
Do you have anything you want to confess?
Big plans/date nights for the weekend?
Karen says
Excited to see where you hike….make sure to blog about it if you have time.
Nadia North says
You have really inspired me to get away from my phone. I have deleted the FB app, and I leave the phone in another room. So much so that I have forgotten to take it with me when we leave the house! Which is fine, but I do like to have it on me in case of emergency.
Kathryn says
Brittany,
Thank you for being so real. Having a tough morning, and reading and relating to what you wrote about helped me put things into perspective already. None of us are alone in this motherhood, finances, spouse thing – we all have our ups and downs! Keep being you – you are a gem in a blogging world that I often wonder why I read at times. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you so much for leaving such a genuine and kind comment. It truly touched my heart the second I read it and I wanted to come back and let you know how much it meant. I hope you had a wonderful weekend <3
Heather says
Yay for weekday date nights! Good for you guys. This weekend I am heading to Virginia with my son to visit some college girlfriends. Should be a great time!
Have a great weekend!
John J. says
Glad more “date nights” are in the budget and on the calendar = one of the big pieces to keep that wonderful marriage of yours ( and mine) going. I like that you continually re-check your priorities and are able to “confess” when you have done astray i.e. picking up that phone when it’s kids time!
P.S. I understand the initial “sweaty palms”. I’m sure you were awesome in your talk. You have that talent.
Heather says
I feel you on the second child guilt. I have an almost 5 and just turned 2 year old. The morning nap was very short lived for the little due to our busy schedules. We still carve out a large afternoon nap period though for both. Now the guilt of not giving the big enough attention is settling in though! It will always be something!
Heather says
I confess to also having a phone addiction, and it’s something I’m working on as well. I think the idea of leaving it in another room is a sound one. I do use it for quick photos now and then, but I need to keep it at just that instead of then casually checking social media afterwards.
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
My big confession is that since it was so difficult getting pregnant I had this expectation that I would kick butt at being pregnant and some how be the “healthiest pregnant woman” out there. Turns out I’m not immune to all the normal pregnancy symptoms. I barely ate anything green during the 1st trimester and I still go up to bed at 8:30 almost every night and still have bouts of nausea here and there.
I’m so glad you and David are making date night more of a priority. It seems like such a busy time in your lives but it’s so important to make time for each other to communicate and connect. Good for you guys! 🙂 Oh, and those olives looked really delicious. haha.
Brittany Dixon says
Hope you turn the corner soon! I think no matter how grateful we are to get pregnant, it still doesn’t make the physical realities all that much easier to handle. Of course it’s more than worth it but I remember having several moments of frustration while I figured out my new pregnant identity (and my 8pm bedtime ;))
Carrie This Fit Chick says
Haha oh my gosh tomatoes in the off season is risky. I love a good, ripe tomato, but let’s be real– when they are not fresh and ripe, they taste horrible and the texture is BLAH. I haven’t really been washing my workout bras lately– that’s my confession. EW. I know!
Annie says
I just got contacted to speak at a healthy living seminar and I am PETRIFIED! I haven’t done one yet as a blogger and I’m worried I’ll ramble on but I hope the group is as supportive as yours was! I also need to take a break from my phone, typing this as my son rests on my lap… I should be enjoying his snuggles! Your date night looks like a blast!!
Brittany Dixon says
You will do great! I combed over my notes out loud more than once and that really seemed to help me, despite my nerves 🙂 Good luck!!
Briana Lucas says
1. I LOVE that black top you are wearing in your third photo of this post. Is it a recent purchase? If so, where from 🙂
2. My 2 Year old calls chapstick “lips” too. SO cute!
3. I def. want to start to leave my phone behind more, and hearing you talk about it is inspiring.
Thanks!
🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you! The top is actually a handmedown from my mush more fashionable friend. I don’t even know where it is from. Sorry, I ‘m no help!
Alyssa says
I love the honesty of this post. I can relate to so many of the things you say. After battling with my 3 year-old twin girls this morning about what was “appropriate” for picture day, I just let them wear whatever they wanted. I now feel bad that I was making it a big deal. All three year olds are cute…no matter what they wear. Sparkly pink top, sneakers, and purple socks for the win!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh I’ve done that so many times myself! Now I’ve mostly given up the battle. I love how proud they feel of the outfits they pick out. I’m sure you will smile at those pictures for years to come 🙂
Lauren @ Oh Hey! I Like That! says
I’ve definitely felt as though my husband and I have been ships passing in the night during the past couple of weeks, especially since he gets home from work late, and being pregnant makes me want to hit the hay at 9:00.
montessoriishmom says
Oh my goodness, I HATE public speaking. People always told me it would get easier, but I had to give tons of presentations in college (business major = group projects and presentations) and back when I worked in an office and I honestly never thought it got easier. It is one of my least favorite things in all the world lol.
I only have one child so far, but as the “little sister” in my family growing up, I think there are definitely advantages to both roles. I loved having a big sister who was (is) always there for me and who paved the way. They both look so happy in all of your photos 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
You have a great point! I’m a little sister myself so you think I wouldn’t be so sensitive to it but viewing it from the mom side feels so different. You are so right though- advantages to both roles!
Laura says
I love those olives! Though I think my favourite are those salty, black, wrinkly ones. Hard to believe I spent most of my life as an olive hater. Now I love em.
Definitely feel the second kid mom guilt over here, too. My second is 6 months old and has absolutely no nap schedule or routine at all since we are always on the go with his big sister’s activities.
I often put my phone on airplane mode when I’m playing with the kids. The other day I was nursing my son and looking at my phone while my daughter was talking to me and she said “Mom, you’re not even looking at me”. Since then I’ve really tried to make an effort to put the phone down and be more present. There’s my confession!
Hubby and I went on our first post baby date the other day and it was such a treat.
Brittany Dixon says
Hailey napped until she was 4 I think? And Kaitlyn has been done with regular naps since she turned two-ish. Major mom guilt! But that’s life, right?
So glad you and your hubs got a special night out! <3
lauren says
I love Kalamatas! I never tried anything other than black olives until the age of…20? I was missing out. I love that briney flavor! I’ve had some giant green olives with garlic inside and those were pretty great too.
Saying NO is so hard. I work full time and I’m coming off a big project that called for a lot of long hours, putting in time after hours and on the weekend when necessary…and now that it is over I’m really trying to get my things in order and figure out what to do with myself. It’s time for a change, but change is as hard as saying no.
I’ve got one kiddo and I’m always reassessing how I’m doing. Sometimes I put my phone in airplane mode or leave it in the other room. Other times, he’s playing and I just want to do some reading/browsing. I think that’s ok too. Balance is what’s important and making sure everyone gets the attention they/we deserve!
I’ve bought a handful of greenhouse vine tomatoes this winter and have been getting the grape tomatoes weekly, which I never did pre-kid hah, but they’re my 3yo favorite. I always smell them first to make sure they smell like tomatoes. I know some people don’t love hydroponics, but they work for me. I’ve sent several emails to sunset (is that an confession lol) and they were helpful.
Love that you’re scheduling date nights. It’s tough. Sometimes we plan ahead and then hardly feel like going out, other times we wish we could get out RIGHT now…but can’t, because we need a sitter.
Feeling long winded today 😉
Brittany Dixon says
Loved reading your thoughts on your life right now; thanks for sharing Lauren and good luck sorting out everything now that you’re done with your big project!
Christina says
lips! that’s too cute. and now i need to put on some chapstick. castelvetrano olives are THE BEST.
Brynn says
As always, a breath of fresh air! I am a huge fan of date nights – they’re so important. My husband and I are going away for the first time since having our son and I’m thrilled for time with him and time to sleep. Ha!
Brittany Dixon says
I hope you two had a wonderful getaway! … and a lot of extra sleep 😉
Katie @ Live Half Full says
My husband typically works weekends and he’s off this week! I can’t wait for lots of family time and “date nights” at home after bedtime. 🙂
Julia @ Drops of Jules says
Brittany, I know I don’t *know* you, but I DO know that you are a fantastic mom to your daughters. Both of them. You are probably a different type of fantastic to each daughter, but that is because they are unique individuals with different needs. You satisfy them all because you are a caring, compassionate, mindful mother who does everything with loving intentions. Don’t forget that. It’s easy to see through this blog how much you adore them both. I’ve never once thought that it was lopsided in any way. Granted, I’m a 20 year old college student who is far from motherhood, but I truly believe what I’m writing. You’re an amazing mom. I look up to you as I will one day (hopefully) be a mother myself. I read your blog as you are a huge role model for me.
Brittany Dixon says
I smile every time I read one of your comments. You have a beautiful way with words, Julia! I hope you always keep writing and sharing your life <3 Thanks for taking the time to leave such a kind comment!