Lately...

My dad and sister met the boys and I for dinner the other night at Boston's. It was a perfect night for all of us, Julia and I got off at the same time and my dad was in the area. Boston's is one of our family's favorite places to eat. 

Silly Brax sat through the entire dinner with his jacket and hat on....

 How I got stuck on the other booth with the messy one while my dad and sister got to sit with the neat freak....

 The other day I had a late event I needed to be at....it was one of those moments where you realize just how hard being a single parent is. Thank goodness I work at a Fun Center right? Julia had Braxton spraying the shoes....

 While I had Carter putting away shoes...

 We have also been working on "teaching" each other reading techniques at night. Carter sits in his elmo chair and reads to Brax and I....

 Brax does the same...but the stories he tells are far more interesting than what's really in the book!

I'm loving being a mom right now....my boys are so fun!

Reflections.....A New Influence....

My life has changed so much in the last 6 months. I have moved with the boys into my mom's, began commuting everyday, learned to sleep alone, been forced to search deep in my soul to find the strength and desire to press forward in a positive way, and had to learn how to enter the dating world after 10 years. 

I have to admit, dating is FUN! Way more exciting and easier than I thought. I've done things I've always wanted to and had different people show me a new version of life I never knew existed. 

I've had the amazing opportunity of having one man in particular influence my life immensely. He has eased me out of my comfort zone, is teaching me to live in the moment and offers support in all of the right ways...not to mention we work so well together.  

The latest adventure he's taken me on was snowshoeing. I have to admit, for someone who had never done something like this, it was super fun. 

 The mountains were gorgeous, the day was so pretty and the peaceful quiet of being away from everyone was priceless. I had never taken the time to relax, and really take in the scenery. It was breath-taking.

 I've also been trying out some "camo" inspired attire lately. This really isn't my hat, but I have tried to enjoy other color schemes than my black work clothes. Think I pull off "hunter-wear?" :)

Zac is also super sweet with the boys. He is so positive with them, but also helps me when they're naughty. The support he gives me when I'm disciplining them is one of my favorite things about him. (I know that sounds bad, but it's a nice change for me) 

We play games, watch movies, cook dinner and hang out at his house on a regular basis....I keep wondering what single guy would want an instant family right? For some reason he kinda likes the three of us. 

Carter loves going over to Zac's and learning all about being a firefighter....

 Braxton thinks fighting fires is awesome, so he's always up for "helping" Zac. 

The positive environment, support and fun-loving attitude he provides for all of us has been just what we've needed. 

Thanks for being amazing to us, Zac. 

Superbowl.....Valentine's

This year the boys and I were lucky enough to watch the Superbowl at the fire station. Seriously, what could be better for two little boys...fire trucks and football?! It was really fun for all of us to hang out while the guys were on duty. 

What's not to love about junk food and TV right? The "theater room" (as Carter and Brax call it) was perfect to watch the game. The boys literally ran around the station with each other and completely wore each other out. This is how I found them when I realized how quiet they were being...

 Here's the little trouble-makers looking very sweet and innocent. Actually I do have to admit, it was actually super chill having all the boys run around and play so well with each other. 

 After the game was over, it was clean up time....and of course Brax was ALL over that! This kid cracks me up! It was a great way to spend the Superbowl, the boys haven't stopped talking about the day they spent at the fire station. 

 We have quite the drive now that I live in Clearfield every morning and evening. The other morning Brax was complaining about the sun in his eyes.....then he proceeded to ask for my sunglasses. Since he was doing such a great job problem-solving I gave in. This is how I found him at a stop light....

 Valentine's Day is tomorrow! I don't know about the rest of the world, but I'm so ready for this holiday. There have been so many little events I've missed out on because of working 50 hours a week, but this is one I'm going to be all over. 

I made red waffles, conversation heart cupcakes and "pink milk" Though I had to stay up late to do this so that it would be ready in the morning...it was way worth it. 

 Seriously, these mini cupcakes turned out better than I thought. I even got my laundry done while they were cooling. (Multi-tasking is a serious must now-a-days)

 About 2 weeks ago I got these cute guitar valentine's shipped to the house. I was so excited to see them...and they turned out just like I'd hoped. Carter and Brax wrote their names (well Brax mostly just drew on his guitars) and we stuffed each one. I did a few every night because there were 48 to do! But it was really fun to do these with the boys and have them write their names on them. 

 This is what the boys will get to wake up to in the morning. I can't wait to see their little faces. 

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!