Twosday 32

My very favorite picture of me and my girls, taken on my birthday last year.

It's hard for me to believe I'm turning 32 today.  In the past week I've caught myself thinking I was turning both 31 and 33.  Apparently I've reached an age where I can no longer remember exactly how old I am.  For today, I want to reflect a little on the past year and plan for the coming year.

Two highlights from 31...
1.  Going to Germany.  It was really good for E and I to get away.  To have some time together.  Last school year was rough on me.  The whole summer was refreshing, but especially our trip.  And it was good for the kids too.  The girls got to spend some quality time with my family.  Miss A still talks about some of their little adventures with Nana, Papa, Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle B and Aunt S.
2.  I got to see Heather and go to HLS13.  It had been far too long since I'd seen Heather.  It made my heart feel good to have some quality time with my BFF while she was here last month.

Two things I'm loving right now...
1.  BAMR Bands.  I came home from HLS13 with one, and already ordered (and received!) the All Dressed Up: Black Glitzy Band.  I exercise a lot in the middle of the day, and I love having these to cute bands to help keep my hair under control for the afternoon.
2.  Thirty One Bags.  I currently only have one, and I'm resisting the urge to buy anything else... for now.  I have the Organizing Utility Tote (in Party Punch) and I use it every day.  It was perfect for taking with on our adventures this summer, and now that I'm back to work I use it to carry my lunch, workout clothes and other essentials to school every day.  I love all the pockets.  And they have great customer service.  I had a small issue with my first bag, and my consultant took care of everything.  I had my new bag quickly, and returning the first one was really easy.

Two things I'm looking forward to this month...
1.  Free to Breathe 5K.  My grandma died of lung cancer about a year and a half ago.  I was really hard on my family to loose her.  In memory of Grandma, and to celebrate my aunt's 50th birthday, my family is doing the walk/run together.  E and I are both doing the run, and someone who is walking is going to push the girls.  If you're interested, you can donate here.
2.  Halloween.  Halloween might be my favorite holiday.  I love the costumes.  I love candy.  I love not having to worry about gifts.  I love Halloween parties with lots of cute little ones.  Miss A has decided she is going to be a witch this year, and I'm thinking Little J might be a lion.  I'll be practicing my no-sew version of DIY costumes.  Wish me luck.

Two things to work on at 32...
1.  Patience.  I live with two small children.  Baby J turns 2 next month, and for 4 months I will have a 2 year old and a 3 year old.  Both girls are wonderful, of course, but I think to get through the winter I will need large reserves of patience.
2.  Simplify.  Sometimes I feel like our house is overflowing with stuff.  I read this article by a mom who took all of her kids' toys away, and while I know I won't do anything as extreme, it did motivate me to go through the toys we have and reorganize them a bit.  It makes me feel more calm.  There are many more areas of the house that need a good clean out.

Two blog projects...
1.  House tour.  E and I have talked about moving, and while it's not going to happen immediately, it's in our future plans.  This is our first house, where we were living when we got married and brought our babies home.  E would probably point out that I've painted most rooms twice, so I'm behind on documenting, but I'd like to remember what our home looks like now, and all we've put in to it.
2.  Snapshots.  Jenna has been posting a One Quick Take series on her blog.  I like the idea.  I'm going to try to take time to post the stories that go along with photos from time to time.  Especially some of the funny moments I catch on my phone.  Our house feels crazy sometimes, so I want to slow down and remember some of the small moments (so I can read them and remember my sweet little girls when they turn in to teenagers).