Finding Joy in the little things!

I haven't had coffee in three days and I couldn't wait to try out my new "Joy" coffee cup! This isn't the best picture of me ( no make-up, hair's a mess) but I honestly felt pure joy when this coffee cup touched my lips. I have two loads of laundry looking at me and a bathroom that is giving my OCD a run for it's money but I'm about to take a deep breath, do some work on the computer and enjoy this cup of Coffee before it's time to pick up my little ones.. finding joy in the midst of my chaos!!!

xo,
 jessica ann

While I was away...

personality shining through

 

I really haven't been able to blog lately but hopefully my hiatus is coming to an end. Although we found a house, it isn't available until July 1st! The tenant has been really good with trying to get out early so I'm keeping my fingers crossed in hopes that everything works out on her end so that we can move in sooner.

So my days have been filled with trying to referee two kids in a hotel room. Luckily, the weather has been gorgeous in Madison the past few days. A little bit of sun always helps my mood. Since I knew that we would be stuck in a hotel for a few months, I was on a serious hunt to find the boys a school. Finding a school has always been tricky because every state is different with their policy on school age start date. Both of my boys have late birthdays so I always have to find a daycare or private pre-school/pre-k for the boys. That's where cost comes in. I'm all for investing in my child's education but geez, people have to eat. Childcare is more than a mortgage payment! Thankfully I found a Christian school close by with great prices and space for the boys. Praise the Lord, mommy gets a break! Now, I can orchestrate laundry(that's a whole other story), grocery runs, making and returning phone calls and all that jazz. We've moved to a new hotel with larger rooms which is great but the on-site laundry isn't accommodating and there is no real kitchen.

Food has been such a mystery. What do you eat everyday when you're living in a hotel? Eating out becomes costly and unappealing after doing it for a month straight. So my friend suggested I get a griddle. That way I could buy groceries and cook it in the room. Although the room that we're in only has a mini fridge, I managed to grocery shop for two days at a time. That way I can fit what I need in the fridge without becoming overwhelmed with too much food or my food going bad. So far so good. I was able to make eggs and sausage for breakfast and burgers for dinner last night. I guess now I can research griddle food ideas. The griddle that I purchases also has a Panini press and a grill. So I can make almost anything, which is great. 

Anywho, That's a quick update on our move. I plan to post more often. Trying to get back into my rhythm and find a schedule that works. I need to dust off my camera and get out and capture some pictures for you guys. :) Madison is very pretty.

Hope you all have been well and enjoying the little glimpse of spring. I know I am!

 

 

puppet show goodies we found at a local toy store



I finally had time to breathe!! Kids were in school! Can't you see the joy in my cheeks.:)

Found these cuties at  Macy's for 20% off. So comfy. Got them in all black too.

After a scrimmage the boys raced daddy

Wine and a fire...perfect evening with the coaching staff

We are all in love with Coach Andersen's dogs. Orlando resting on Blue.:)

Spring Break Fun

 

 

 

Spring Break 2014 has come and gone. The boys and I got a chance to spend some extra time with daddy. Just one of the perks of working for a University (or any school system). The last two days before he had to head back to work, we took an impromptu trip to Chicago. It looks like this will become a regular thing since it's a hop, skip and a jump away! Because it's still cold out, getting a last minute hotel room in the city was easy. I'm guessing when the summer months roll around this won't be the case. We stayed at the Sheraton Downtown Chicago. I try to stay somewhere in walking distance to Michigan Avenue ( shopping heaven *wink, wink*). As much as I like to score a new pair of shoes or jeans, everyone did a little shopping except for little old me. I think I will wait until summer so I can stroll Michigan Avenue solo...I need to focus! So many beautiful stores! :)  I was glad that Thomas treated himself to a few things. Sometimes I worry that he's working too hard and not enjoying anything. The boys did their shopping at the Lego Store, which I'm regretting now. Too many small pieces. I'm glad that they are constantly building things but the tiny pieces are driving me nuts. I bet if we go to the Lego Store in the near future I will let them get a million pieces all over again. I'm a sucker for a child's imagination.

I think the best part of the trip was The Shedd Aquarium. It's probably one of the best Aquariums that we've been to. The aquatic show was great, as well as the 4D movie. Everything about it was nice. Before we left we made a stop at Homeslice for some pizza. Although it wasn't the famous Chicago deep dish pizza it was delicious. The slices were huge. Of course, Tyson was in heaven. First a visit to the aquarium to see his animal friends, then pizza!! He couldn't have asked for a better day.:)

Overall, we had a great time. It's out of our character to just jump in the car and take a trip but I'm glad we stepped out of our comfort zone and went for it!

I'm hoping to take a trip back in the summer - just in time for Taste of Chicago.:)

My First Love

My first love, without you life has no meaning. You loved me from the very beginning. Ever flaw, every mistake, every failure, you've been there. You have kept me away from harm and in the midst of every storm you have comforted me. Your kindness towards me I cannot fathom. Your mercy and grace I do not deserve. Your word is my daily bread, without it I am lost. Your forgiveness saves me. OH LORD, HOW I LOVE THEE!
I know that you are for me. Your unconditional love cleanses me. Thank you for keeping me, for saving me, for loving me, and for blessing me.
All that I am is because of you, all that I have belongs to you and all that I will become is because of your never-ending favor upon my life!
Who else can love me like you? No one. Who else can comfort me beyond my fears? No one.
Your peace is sweeter than honey and your faithfulness is everlasting.
Daily I desperately seek you. I'm eager to hear from you, to worship you and to sit at your feet. I delight myself in you. You are my heart's desire and your kingdom I serve.
OH LORD, HOW I LOVE THEE!
My first love, daily in your presence is where I want to be.

 xo,
jessica ann
(Thanking God for another year of life)

My Pure Barre Experience

So you've heard me complain about my struggle with getting to the gym and finding a fitness routine that will give me the results that I'm looking for (that I'm willing to stick to). Losing weight is great, but I've been off the scale for a while since,for me, it's never really helped. I can tell if a workout is working for me because I quickly lose inches and I just have more energy in general. Sunday afternoon I nervously strolled into the Pure Barre studio located about 10 minutes from the hotel. I've been eyeing this Pure Barre craze for a while. I first learned about it when we moved to Chattanooga almost two years ago but never found the time or courage to try it out. Well...I finally did it and let me tell you, if you ever decide to attend a class you will tone, burn, stretch, and lift body parts you didn't even know existed. I knew that it would be a good workout, but it kicked by butt! My body shook uncontrollably the entire time (they say that's a good thing, it means you're pushing your body to the max).
When the instructor started off, I was sure we would have a warm-up. The second we started I quickly realized that this workout was no joke. I couldn't tell the warm-up from rest of the workout. We jumped right into abs and arms. I wasn't ready! I thought my body was going to give out the first five minutes into the workout and it was too late to make a run for it. I would've had to grab my shoes, keys, and coat from my cubby. Things I just couldn't leave behind. I was stuck!
When I'm struggling in a workout I'm usually motivated by the women much older than me breezing right through it. It gets me every time. If they can do, then shot so can I.
I was so happy when the instructor said we only had five minutes left until I realized that those last five minutes were all abs. Can you say burn baby burn?! Ouch.
 After all that burn I'm happy to report that I purchased a one month pass. Crazy, huh?
 Usually when a workout gives me a burn like this one did I dread going back, but this workout is addictive. After looking at how toned and strong the women who attend Pure Barre regularly are, I feel like I'm missing out. They had toned arms, legs and were killing those ab routines like nobody's business. There is no way you can attend these classes 3-4 times a week and not see results in the first month or two (unless you're eating unreasonably).  I will continue to attend classes and update you on the progress. I go back today! :)

Weekend recap {Hotel Living Part II / Laundry}

 

  

Just when I thought that I figured this hotel living all out, laundry happened! If your family is anything like mine, then you know that laundry can be a nightmare. It continues to pile up with no end in sight. Thankfully, there is a laundry room on site here at the hotel. Laundry is one of those things that I would pay somebody to do if I could. Not only is it one of my least favorite chores, I'm terrible at folding. Sad but true. Thomas folds ten times better than I do so I'm happy when he's around to do it. I think he actually enjoys it. I cringe at the thought of it, but it has to get done. Although dragging your laundry basket to the laundry room here isn't ideal, I found something that is...three loads of clothes going all at once! Hallelujah!!! No waiting on one load to get done to load another. I can do all three loads at once. You know I had to find the silver lining in the situation.:) If I didn't I would go completely mad. Lol

Our weekend also consisted of us going to another movie (that's three in the past two week, I think we'll stop at that). The boys were counting down the days for the movie Mr. Peabody and Sherman to come out. It was a very cute movie. In my opinion it was one big history review. I'm all for learning and entertainment at the same time so it gets an A+ from me. We also did our usual bed cramming (at Orlando's request) to watch a basketball game.
The weather is also getting a little better. It was in the 30's which felt so good when you're comparing it to the single digits we were experiencing when we first arrived.
Lastly, I found and attended a workout class that could help whip me back into shape for those pool visits the boys are looking forward to. I will post details tomorrow!

How was your weekend?



 

UW- Madison Athletic Facility

 The weather was extremely cold but that didn't stop us from getting out for a little bit this past weekend. The boys and I finally got a tour of the UW athletic facility and it was pretty impressive! I absolutely love the view from Thomas' office. The boys really wanted to get out on the field but as you can see the snow prevented us from doing that.
Besides heading to church on Sunday, the cold weather kept us in for the remainder of the weekend.Let's just say,we've had plenty of take-out (finding a gym ASAP, I'll keep you posted)! Although it's been a nice break from cooking, I'm starting to miss my pots and pans.  I can cook simple things in the hotel with the small kitchen but trying not to have so many smells in such a tight space. Soon enough I will be back in my normal routine begging for a break from cooking so I think I will try to enjoy this time.
 On the other hand, games and movies have been a real life-saver. Despicable Me 2 was our spotlight movie of the weekend. I really enjoyed that little bit of family time.
Hope you all are enjoying your week so far. We're just trying to stay warm like the majority of the country.
Really looking forward to spring!...Oh I almost forgot, spring ball starts today! Woohoo! Let's get this show on the road - can you tell that I have totally bought into this lifestyle?!!!

Office View

 

Indoor facility

Doing their best Heisman pose in front of the Heisman trophy case

Yep, it's still cold.

 

Despicable Me 2