Charisa Darling

Last weekend we were out of town for one of Vance's baseball tournaments. After being seated in the hotel restaurant for breakfast one morning, the waitress came over, looked directly at me, and kept saying, "Are you?...Are you?...Are you?" until I interrupted and said, "Am I what"? She stammered around for a bit before saying, "Are you their mom or their sister?" referring to the kids. Turns out she didn't know whether to offer me coffee or juice (because adults only drink coffee and kids only drink juice) and that's how she chose to go about it, not just ask what we'd like to drink. 

I know I look young, but I'm feeling pretty O L D right now because as of yesterday, I'm officially the mom of a 7th and a 4th grader. Next thing I know I'll be planning a high school graduation party and that scares the bejesus out of me. They're getting older, yes, but the fact that they still can't seem to remember to brush their teeth and are at times scared to go to the basement alone, keeps them young in my heart and mind. I'm looking forward to not over booking them with camps this summer and to just enjoy time together. Party on, Wayne!

L O V E this new shirt. 

I bought this hat to keep the sun off my face (because I'm old and have been noticing more sun spots), but turns out he keeps the rain off just as well. (See below)

Vance's tournament last weekend saw more rain than it did sun, but we made the best out of it!

I'm on a mad hunt for rugs and chairs! Let me know if you have a great source for either!

A friend from the bus stop made these awesome last day treats for all the mom's. (Thanks again, Jen!)  On top is a shower bomb, which I can't wait to try out! Up to this point, I had only heard of bath bombs. Have you heard of them before???

Just like last year, we silly stringed the kids when they got off the bus, which is always fun. Thinking we need to switch it up next year with water balloons and squirt guns!

Vance's birthday is this weekend and I'm looking forward to celebrating, watching him play some baseball, and especially spending time with family over the holiday weekend. Hope you have a great weekend as well.

Cheers!

The house has been buzzing with workers, so I've been trying to stay out during the day. I've basically been splitting time between running random errands (like having my wedding rings polished) and going to the gym. My arms are just now feeling normal after big ball day in Pilates on Monday, which I'm taking as a sign I need to keep it up at the gym even after construction is over.

What a difference bigger trim makes! Floors are mostly done and now trim and door casings are starting to go up.

Counters are in and look great! Waiting on backsplashes and cabinet painting now.

Construction isn't the only thing keeping us busy - the kids have had a full week of activities and games too. Vance was inducted to the National Junior Honors Society! There were only 23 kids inducted this year at his school and we couldn't be prouder of his hard work! 

Numerous trips to Home Depot

To add to everything, the kids have been off of school all week due to flooding in nearby areas. This has been the worst week to have the kids home because of the construction and not being able to move freely throughout the house. Things are looking up though - the water is beginning to recede, no more rain in the forecast, the sun is shining, and it's Cinco de Mayo! Gonna be a great weekend! 

Cheers!

Another busy week with house and kid stuff! The kid's had a half day of school yesterday and no school today, and I'm looking forward to some downtime this weekend with the fam. What else has been going on? Well, picking a white paint color is always harder than it sounds, had to take back Vaughn's jersey to have it fixed since they forgot the 'n', Muffins with Mom at Vaughn's school yesterday morning, prepping eggs for dyeing, and looking forward to Easter celebrations including more cascarones. Messy but so fun! Hope you all enjoy the weekend too. 

Cheers!

 - 5 things from the week - 

First things first, Happy Oscars to everyone! It's my favorite award show, and even though I'll miss most of the red carpet this year, you better believe I'll be right on time for the opening act with a glass of bubbly in my hand! Here's a printable ballot if you'd like to play along too.

I made Living with Landyn's Avocado Chicken Salad this week for a quick dinner and it was so good. Will definitely make it again!  

I was happy to find this all white candle, with a light citrusy scent, at Target. It's exactly what my coffee table needed. 

Allergy medicine and eye drops have been my lifeline this week. I'm loving the warmer temps, but my allergies are definitely paying a price for the trees starting to do their thang. 

In an effort to declutter, I'm finally throwing the kids baby bedding out and it's definitely pulling at my heart strings. Oh, how I loved these Dwell polka dots, but it's time, and they need the closet space. 

We celebrated Vance and his induction to his school's National Honor Society this week. So proud of him and his hard work! (Kicking myself now because I didn't take a better picture that night!)

Happy weekend! Cheers!

: 5 things from the week :

Loving this picture by George Steinmetz, that was voted the best of National Geographic. Zoom on in.

I normally don't wear maroon, but this shirt grabbed my attention and it was a win. Bonus is that it'll be warm enough to wear short sleeves this weekend!

Anyone else fed up with Nike Free's? They never last long for Vance, but his pair wore out in record time - less than 3 weeks. ☹️

My traveling hubby missed Valentine's Day, so I'm looking forward to a re-do this weekend. I picked up bundtlet's for us, but hid Justin's in the fridge for when he gets home. Here's hoping the kids haven't found it and eaten it yet! 

Hope you all have a great weekend! Cheers!!

Been battling a cold this week, so here's to a healthier next week!

cheers!

Happy Friday! I officially finished my holiday shopping yesterday, so my mind is clear and I'm ready to start enjoying the season! Here's a couple things I'm looking forward to doing with the kids this weekend and some awesome finds too good not to share.

It's getting cold outside, but these adorable spa socks will keep your tootsies cozy. I picked up two pairs, so Vaughn and I can be twinsies. 

5 things from the week

Eucalyptus has been keeping the house smelling spa-like lately. Aaaahhhh......

Fall-ish clay bowls with Vaughn and a friend. Once they're dry, we'll give them a coat of paint. 

I always buy too much Halloween candy. Hopefully this handy formula will help out. 

Cheers to a great weekend!!

I'm happy to report that Justin is back from the land down under. Life is always crazier when I'm one-man-banding it. Thankful to have him back at home!

Contractors started working on our basement last week, which is really a brilliant way to add more stress on top of a stressful "husband out of the country" situation. I survived and am happy that they could get started early because I was over the baby blue walls and painted star floor the minute we moved into the house. Which was over 4 years ago. 

I used to have a collection of Architectural Digests from the 70's and 80's, which is why I probably found this article on awesome 80's bathrooms thoroughly entertaining.

Have a great weekend! Cheers!