Stitch Fix #4 Review

Stitch Fix #4 

September 2015

This fix came just in time for me to get ready for the 2015-2016 school year. I was not able to do a lot of shopping over the summer for whatever reason and I had not gotten a lot of “teacher” clothes this year so I was ready for this box to arrive. This box had some AMAZING pieces in it and I liked all of them but once again the price tag for most of them was just too high.

Black Top ($48) 

This was a basic black top but dressed up a bit with burnout style sleeves and a longer short sleeve style. It fit very well and I was in need for a simple black top to wear with skirts and pants. This was an automatic keep!

I love this simple yet classy black top! I much needed item in my closet right now! 

Black Ankle Pants ($76) 

These pants were made of a very comfortable cotton material and were a wide leg fashion like I requested in my note to my stylist. Once again, the short person struggle became apparent as I was not sure if they were capri pants or actual pants. I tried them on several times and I felt like I would not be able to wear heels or any type of raised shoe with them in fear of looking like I had high waters on them. And even with sandals they just fell at a weird location. I did ask my stylist for a “petite” length this time and this was a disappointment because in this particular pair of pants I need them to be longer. This was my 1^st true frustration with the service as I really liked the pants. I sent them back!

It is hard to tell but look closely on the right leg (left screen) and you can see the pants are a little short! Maybe they were supposed to be capris but on me they just looked like high-waters! This was so very frustrating! 

Jade Open Cardigan ($54)

This cardigan was open and had a cap like feel to it. Even looking at it on the hanger before trying it on I knew it would be too big and look sloppy. I realize this style is very “in” right now but I just felt like I was wearing a moo-moo. I think if I would have tried it on with a large black belt I would have felt more comfortable. My stylist sent a matching 3 layer necklace as well and the entire ensemble (Pants, black shirt and cardigan/ necklace) would have been a fantastic buy but this piece in particular I was just not sold on it. I sent pictures to great friends who told me that I honestly looked larger than I am. I made a note to my stylist about maybe exchanging for a smaller size (She sent a medium) since it was a draped open cardigan. I like this look but I just felt larger than life, and not in a good way. I sent it back! 

So on the hanger it looks cute and not too big but as I wore it I felt like I had gained the 80 pounds I had lost back! I felt like it looks sloppy! 

3 Layer Jade Necklace ($38)

This necklace was very beautiful but I felt like it would only go with the cardigan they sent me. I looked through my closet and just didn’t see anything that it matched. I think if it was all silver or all black I would have gotten it because I liked the longer length and 3 layers but the jade color made it difficult to match. I sent it back.

The whole outfit with the matching Jade necklace... Cute Cute but not as versatile as I would have liked a jewelry piece to be!

Black and White Maxi ($68)

I liked this dress from the very beginning. It was exactly what I had requested on my Pinterest boards. I really liked the design and print of this dress and it was very versatile but I was not a fan of the fit. It fell right at the stomach line with an elastic band and this just made me feel pregnant! My husband, and fashion friend Jodi, say it did not make me look pregnant but I felt that way so I knew it wasn't for me. I sent it back! 

I did like this dress but just not enough to spend nearly $70! 

Fix #4 was heading in the right direction but I was not able to pull the trigger on all of the items with the high priced items and small discrepancies. I am hoping my 5th Fix coming in October will improve. 

Would you like to try Stitch Fix? Click on the link below to get started today! 

Stitch Fix Referral

Fix me up! 

God is good... ALL the time! 

Stitch Fix #3 Review

Stitch Fix #3 Review 

May 2015

I am now hooked on this awesome service of having my own personal shopper and stylist. My 2^nd fix in February was PERFECT and I loved every piece. In fact, I nearly kept all 5 pieces but sent 2 back because I just wasn’t ready to make “that” type of statement. See that blog HERE. This was fix #3 and I was ready for yet another cruise! Those of you that know me, know that cruising is MY THING and Chris and I are completely hooked. This time I asked my stylist for summer maxi dresses and specific pieces I could wear on the ship and at the beach. I was anxious to open my box and see what I got.

Cream Lace Top ($45) 

This was an awesome piece and both Chris and I liked but I just felt like I would only really wear it on the cruise ship. It was dressy and nice but I just felt like I was going “clubbing” and that is fine and dandy on the ship but not necessarily my everyday style. I sent it back after a LONG debate. Once again, looking back I wish I would have kept it! I sent it back!

I really liked this shirt but it just seemed out of my league. 

Could I pull this off? 

Olive Capris from Kut from the Kloth ($78) 

These capris were great and casual for not just wearing on the ship but for everyday life as well. However, I was not crazy about the color and despite the tops they sent me matching I assumed it would be hard to match these pants. I just kept picturing a black top every time I tried to piece together and outfit in my head. The most important reason that I sent these back was because I thought they were priced too high ($78) for common everyday khaki style capri pants. I can buy these at Kohl’s or Macy’s for $35-40 and still have money to spare to buy a shirt before reaching the $78 price tag. I sent them back because the price was too high.

They fit pretty well but the color and price tag combo made these capris hard to swallow! 

Animal Print Cross Tank ($40)

This was an AMAZING top and fit like a glove. It was a cross-body style which was nice because even with my “Less than endowed” top half, I was able to have a perfect fit. This was a summer top that I could wear on the ship, the rest of the summer and even put a cardigan over it for the fall and winter. I loved this top and wore it not only on the ship but also several times throughout the summer. I kept this top and love the style and fit!

I love this shirt! It can be wore in the dead heat of summer and layered in the winter! 

Very versatile. 

Grey Chevron Maxi ($74)

This maxi also fit like glove and really accentuated my weight loss and was incredibly comfortable. I really liked the style of the top half of the dress and it highlighted the neckline very well. It was a little long but it gave me an excuse to get new shoes to wear with it. I ended up wearing this dress as one of my formal dresses on our summer cruise. I love this dress and I ended up keeping it!

I LOVED this dress. The fit and style were absolutely perfect! 

I wore it on my cruise and LOVED it!

Silver Medallion Necklace ($34)

This was a beautiful necklace and I loved how it could be used casually or to dress up an outfit. I went back and forth about this one but in the end I kept it but ending up giving it to my mom. I now wish I would have kept it for myself. You cannot go wrong with a pretty silver necklace… they pretty much go with anything. I kept this piece of jewelry!

This fix was a great one and I enjoyed each of the pieces. The capri pants and the lace top were the only 2 things I sent back and that was because of price tag (pants) and the amount of confidence it would have taken to wear them (Lace top). I could have very well kept them all and got the 25% discount which would have practically paid for one of the items. My stylist is doing a FANTASTIC job at picking out styles for me and once again, I am completely satisfied with my fix! I scheduled Fix #4 for September and I hope to get “teacher wardrobe” pieces. We will see what September and Fix #4 hold! 

Would you like to try out Stitch Fix yourself? Click on the link to get your fix today! 

Stitch Fix Referral

Fix me up! 

God is good... ALL the time! 

Stitch Fix #2 Review

Stitch Fix #2 Review

March 2015

Fix #1 had come and gone, all of it, and I was ready to see what fix #2 would hold. I got the box and seemed to be even more excited this time to open the box and see what my awesome stylist had chosen for me. I find this whole system to be fascinating and uplifting honestly. There is someone that has never seen me a day in their life but observes what I like from social media and especially Pinterest and then chooses styles and outfits for me. To be honest, she has been SPOT ON with each and every fix.

Royal Tank Top ($34)

This was a lovely tank top featuring American colors and a great fit but I just wasn’t in love with it. It also would have needed a racer back style of bra in order to not look trashy with the bra strap showing (as you can plainly see from the picture) so I decided to send it back.

I did like this tank but the cost and fit I was not crazy about! 

White/ Black Lace Tank Tunic ($48)

This was a perfect tank top for roaming around a cruise ship and a regular spring day in the great city of Houston. My husband and I both liked it a lot and I kept it without even thinking twice. To this day, I wear it frequently. Even in the Fall/ Winter, I can throw a cardigan over it and it still look fresh and simple. The style and fit are exactly what I like. I kept it!

I LOVE this shirt! 

Black Ankle Pants ($78) 

These pants fit well, especially with my recent weight loss, but they still just made me feel like I was in tight pants. Chris and even my mom and sister said they did not look tight but I felt like they were tight. Also, they were at the weird stage of “too short pants” or “too long capris” and I was not comfortable with that. I sent them back.

Too Tight... I sent them back! 

Navy/ Cream Long Sleeve Dress ($68)

I fell in love with this dress and style almost immediately upon putting it on. The longer sleeves made it wearable into the early spring months and in fall/ winter. It was at a perfect length, just above the knees, which was perfect for me. I also found the pockets to be a great accessory. I may not have chosen this style for myself which made me love this process even more. I did keep this piece and wore it the following week on my Bahamas Cruise. I have worn it several times since then and each time I get multiple compliments on it! This was a perfect addition to my closet. I kept it and love it!

I love this dress so much! So comfy and even has pockets! 

Blue Sailor Dress ($64) 

This dress was very cute on the hanger and once I put it on I did feel beautiful in it. The price tag was just perfect for a dress and as my stylist said “It would be perfect to wear to dinner on my cruise”. However, it was a little too short for my comfort, even with my weight loss. My knees have ALWAYS been my worst part of my body and I am very unsure and not confident with them. To this day I have running and jogging for the sole reason of getting rid of my FAT knees. It is slowly but surely working. I sent this one back but honestly, I now wish I would have kept it!   

Looking back... I wish I would have kept this! 

Fix #2 proved to be much better than #1 and I was close to keep it all and getting that 25% discount. I really liked the styles of each of these pieces and each of them looked good on. I am now “Sold” on this whole process and have scheduled a 3^rd Fix for late May. I cannot wait to see what comes in my box! 

Fix me up! 

God is good...ALL the time! 

Stitch Fix #1 Review

Stitch Fix #1 Review 

January 2015 

I saw a friend of mine, Elisa, from college keep posting about this amazing service that SHOPS FOR YOU! I love to shop so at first I was like “Oh, I can do my own shopping. I do not need anyone’s help”. But then she kept posting SUPER cute stuff! I kept looking at her outfits and thinking “Wow, those are cute. I have not seen that style in Macy’s/ Dillard’s or the mall (The stores I frequent). I may just have to try it”. I did just that and signed up for my 1^st fix in January of this year. I got my 1^st box and I was SO EXCITED I could hardly contain myself. 

My 1st Stitch Fix! I cannot wait to see what is inside this box! 

I opened it and saw a complete array of adorable styles and each of them were perfect and unique in their own ways. I ended up all of the 5 items back but only a few small details kept me from keeping them all.

Floral Sheer Blouse ($48) 

This blouse was AWESOME and would be perfect for Houston weather that is 60* or higher in the dead of fall/ winter. I loved it but it was a little too big in the middle chest area and it just looked like my chest area should have been about 5 inches lower than where it actually was. I tried it on 2 different day and total of 5 times before deciding I would have to pass. I sent it back and requested a smaller size on my next fix.

It is hard to see in this picture but the chest area was too low cut and large!

Boyfriend Jeans from a Kut from the Kloth ($128)

The price tag immediately sent me into shock as this is NOWHERE near what I usually pay for jeans. I am a bargain shopper and hardly ever pay full price for anything and this was not only high but was high for even full price jeans I would usually buy. I really did like them and I was surprised to see they fit me well but I could not justify spending $128 on regular jeans, meaning not a brand name fancy “butt” style of jeans. I sent them back; solely because of the high price tag. If they were even half the price, I would have kept them for sure.

Navy Cloud Sheer Shirt ($54) 

This shirt looked great before I put it on… then once I put it on I looked like I was 7 months pregnant. This, obviously, is not a look anyone wants but I especially did not like it since I had just lost 70 pounds. This was an immediate “NO” from both me and my husband. I sent it back.

These jeans fit well, considering the style, but $128... yeah that high price tag is just not for me!
This shirt... yeah it was a definite "NO" from the very beginning! 

Navy Cardigan ($68)

This cardigan was adorable on and off the hanger and I really enjoyed it. It fit well and really played the part of fall layering. I paired it with a white tank top and the jeans they sent and it was a really cute outfit. But yet again, I just got sick looking at the $68 price tag. Now some of you might be thinking that is nothing for a top or blouse or even a layering cardigan but for me this was high and I just could not pull the trigger. I ended up sending it back too just because of the high price tag. 

I did like this cardigan but again, the cost was a little out of my league! 

For the life of me I cannot remember what the 5^th item was but I know I had to send it back because I ended up losing my $20 style fee for this fix. I didn’t like that but at the same time I was not going to waste more money on items that I was not 100% satisfied.

Overall I was satisfied with my first Stitch Fix experience and scheduled another fix for the end of February as I was headed to a cruise in March. Fix #1 may not have been a HUGE success but it was not a complete turn-off either. We will see what Fix #2 holds. 

Fix me up! 

God is good... All the time! 

School Days- September 2015

School Days- September 2015
"Just Keep the Faith"

It is now 5 full weeks into the school year and we are underway for what seems to be a very challenging year for us all. Lots of faith will be needed to make it to June but I know with God all things are possible.

Luke

Luke has started going to a ½ day Pre-K 3 program offered by my school district to teacher’s kids. This is a FANTASTIC program and we have been waiting to get into this program for years. The teacher, Mrs. Sharpen, is one of the absolute best teachers in the district and really has a heart of gold for these little ones, not to mention the patience of Job. Luke has learned SO much in these 5 short weeks. I know Chris and I worked all summer with him on his letters and numbers and it seemed like he had forgotten it all or not took any of it in; but now he comes home singing his “ABCs” and other learning songs and can even spell a few words. He LOVES Pre-K and Mrs. Sharpen thus far.

Luke is also going to a daycare in Willis during the afternoon time when he is finished with Pre-K and I also drop him off in the early morning time before I go to school. This daycare busses him over to his Pre-K campus around 8:15 and then picks him up when his school day is complete at 11:30. Luke does not mind the bus ride but I don’t think he likes the daycare very much. In the morning times, he is put into a “schoolers” room with all the other school aged kids who ride the bus to school from daycare. This puts him in with kids any age from 3-12 and I can tell he doesn’t have very many friends. There is only 1 other kid who rides the bus to his program with him and Luke and her try to hang out together but usually when I drop Luke off he goes straight to the teacher. He has always done this type of thing at church and other “nursery” locations but usually will find a friend and digress from that tactic. I can tell he does not like this part of his day and just this week he has started fussing and even crying as we turn into the daycare in the mornings. I am continuing to look for alternative childcare with no luck. I am hoping that if I could get him to school myself or by other means, not the daycare, then at least he might not be as upset in the mornings which in turn should improve his day.

He doesn’t seem to mind his afternoon daycare situation as much but that is in an actual 3 year old classroom with a teacher and all. In fact, it is a certified Pre-K program as well. However, there has not a consistent teacher in his room since August and that has proven to be difficult from a parent’s perspective and even Luke does know who he teacher is at daycare even after 5 weeks. There is also nearly 20 kids in that classroom with only 1 “teacher” and another “aide” of some kind, both of which are hardly the same person from day to day. For a child like Luke who thrives from routines, this has not been a good situation.

The daycare itself I have not been pleased with since the first week of school. Despite the non-consistent teacher, the staff seems to be not the brightest crayons in the box and very flippant about every situation I have brought to their attention. In addition, they seem to have a very liberal security program as both Chris and Jackie, my mother in-law, have been able to walk right in and pick Luke up without the workers even asking who they were or why they were there to pick Luke up instead of me. This scares me… I’m going to be honest! I do not like that! However, the thing that bothers me the most is how dirty this place seems to be. The smell alone can give me a migraine the minute I walk in the door. Not to mention the classroom where he is at is typically covered in dirt and paint and just 3 year old filth all the time. Those of you that know me know that I am OCD about cleanliness but this is just too much. He does not have his own cubby so therefore all of his nap supplies are shared with another kids nap supplies and that is just gross. The clientele of this place is also… well, not the best!

I am continuing to look for other childcare needs for the afternoons with no avail. I know there is a lesson in patience or something in this mess and I am praying daily for an answer but until then… it is what it is!

Kids World Fall Pictures 2015

My little handsome guy... He looks so adorable
(Well except for the ugly purple and gold :) )

His daddy is so proud of the LSU outfit and smile!

I like this one too! He looks SO BIG!

 

Natalie

Our precious Natalie is thriving once again in 1^st grade and despite all of the distractions and non-optimal situations she is just flourishing right along. We chose to put Natalie in a class with her friend Bella who is also a teacher’s kid and their teacher, Mrs. Spencer, is a great teacher who has a heart of gold and is very patient and loving which is just what Natalie needs.

During the 2^nd week of school the entire 1^st grade had a shift in teachers and classes as one of the 6 teachers had to be removed from our campus due to small class sizes and that teacher’s class had to be spread out amongst the remaining teachers. This teacher also happened to be the “inclusion” teacher so that meant that all of those Special Education kids also had to be moved to another classroom. Survey says… they are going to Mrs. Spencer’s class. This shift brought some turmoil to not only this class but all the classes and my school lost one of its best teachers. However, over the course of the next few weeks all of the kids and teachers adjusted and the grade level is running smoothly again.

Natalie is very bright and intelligent and is ahead of her class as far as academics go. Chris and I (but mainly Chris) worked VERY hard over the summer to keep her aligned with her grade level and hoped to have her above her grade level by August. We did just that as she is reading 2^nd grade level books and doing late 1^st grade to early 2^nd grade math. Of course, she still has several areas in which she can improve, like her hand writing (I swear she will become a doctor… I can barely read it at times), but she is doing very well. She does however, get distracted in class as some students required additional attention and needs from Mrs. Spencer. In fact, I went to observe her earlier last week and found Natalie’s desk to be at the front of the classroom near the board, almost as if she was in trouble.

I spoke with Mrs. Spencer and she said that Natalie requested to be by herself as she said “I can focus more by myself”. This led to a whole new discussion with both Natalie and Mrs. Spencer about her social behavior. I learned that Natalie has been playing a lot by herself at recess and while Mrs. Spencer says she is still a social butterfly she has moments where she just wants to be by herself. This is something new for us all as she has ALWAYS wanted to be with us or Luke or more often, friends. I am not really sure what to think.

Being a teacher at this school I am able to tell her which friends are good and which are not-so-good. In fact, I have told her “You can play with so-and-so but be careful when hanging out with so-and-so”. I did this last year in hopes that our 5 year old would make good friends and not get caught up with the wrong crowd. That worked wonders as she had a PERFECT year and did very well in Kindergarten. She is also doing very well this year following these guidelines but I can’t help but wonder if my influence of who to hang out with and who not to hang out with has brought her to her location of sitting in the front alone. For all I know she is thinking “Well, mommy said do not hang out with ____, so I might as well just be by myself”. This really saddens my heart but she assures me she just likes to be by herself sometimes. I have been lifting her and this specific situation up in prayers for the whole week. I am sure she is fine but I am a worrier!

Overall, her year is off to good but shaky start. These situations can and hopefully will improve… we just have to keep the faith!

She is ready for College Day and week 6!
Keep up the good work Natalie Grace!
Mommy and Daddy are PROUD of you!
 

Chris

Chris is in his 5^th year of teaching at Aldine and continues to love his job. This year he does not have the ESL classes like he did last year but he has mentioned that the load is still just as full. He is still the Academic Decathlon Club Chair and works with these students before and after school on occasion. Unfortunately, he was not able to get this club to be a class period for him which means more additional practices for that group and he also now has a “Grad-prep”, or lower academic, class that in general is the worst behaving group and needs additional tutoring and academic prep. This has seemed to take up most of his time. This also means a lot more “outside” or additional time. Chris mentioned to me just yesterday that he is “tired and worn out” and it is only September. There have been countless after school events like “open house” and “Meet the teacher” type of nights which are also wearing him out. I know that this comes with the gigue but it sure does make the job extra difficult. Chris has high hopes for this year and I know that with his amazing experience and passion for student learning he will end up having a great year… the road to the end just may be a little bumpy!

Kellie

I too have not had a great start to my year. I am in my 11^th year of teaching (wow, I feel REALLY old) and am in my 3^rd year at my current school. I teach K-5 music AND art. This has proven to be a challenge for me the past 2 years and this year will be no different as I have to teach even more art on a daily basis. I also have to take on a fuller load this year as I have to help with additional class time tutoring and other classroom help which in turn takes away from my teaching time.  I also have morning, lunch and afternoon duty, which is not uncommon but still makes for a long day. About 47% of my day is spent doing something other than teach music or art. And if I dug even further I would see that over 65% of my day is spent NOT teaching music. That is NOT ok with me… I almost feel burnt out and it is not because of the TEACHING! It is all the “other” stuff.  In addition, the lack of appreciation or gratitude makes me nearly dread going into work each morning. I have NEVER felt this in all of my years of teaching, at least not at this capacity. Sure there have been times where I have thought of doing something else, but nowadays I practically dream about it. This makes me so sad because that is NOT ME AT ALL!

My mother always told me to “Bloom where you are planted” and I feel like I am really trying but my roots are not growing at this time. Maybe I need some more water or sunshine or just a little TLC… I am not sure, but I know I am missing something! I am sure these things will all pan out and I know God not only has a plan but he KNOWS that plan so once again, I just have to keep the faith!

This year has only just begun and even though it seems like we can barely keep our heads above water, we are keeping our heads held high. We have high hopes and know that with God on our right side, it will all work out. Romans 8:28 says “All things work together for the good for those who are called according to his purpose”.  We know these things will all work out as they always do. God has truly blessed us with these jobs and opportunities and know he has a plan for us: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord”, Jeremiah 29:11. This is only the 1^st 5 weeks… I cannot wait to how things have come along in a month or two!

Thank you Lord for these and so many other blessings!

God is good… All the time!

SUMMER 2015

Summer 2015... The BEST YET! 

June 5, 2015- Official Start of Summer Dinner 

We went to one of our favorite restaurants, Guadalajara, to celebrate the beginning of summer.

Its SUMMER! Let's go have some FUN! 

June 6, 2015- Splash Birthday Fun

Time to celebrate Luke's 3rd birthday with family and friends! We had a party for him at our new splash pad in our neighborhood for him and his friends. After the party we came home to open some gifts, including Luke's very own baseball glove, bat, ball and even a baseball uniform! Then we continued an Auntie Allie tradition of taking the kids to Build-a-Bear for their birthday. We ended the night celebrating with both sets of parents and BBQ! It was a GREAT day of celebrating our precious baby boy, Luke!

Pizza and cupcake fun! 

Auntie Allie is so much fun... getting soaked with the kiddos! 

You're awesome ALLIE! 

Luke having fun at the Splash Pad! 

Gift time... Thank you Gigi Jackie and Grandpa for the books! 

Luke's very own baseball glove! He had been asking for one since November. 

This will forever be a favorite picture of mine! 

This kid REALLY knows his baseball! Look at that stance! 

Build-a-Bear time with Auntie Allie! 

Birthday dinner with the grandparents! 

June 8, 2015- South Montgomery County Library 

The 1st official workday of summer had come and we decided to start it off with a BANG... At the library (so it was a quiet bang for sure). The kids loved it and it became a ritual for us all summer!

I am so proud for and happy that Natalie is a READER!

June 9, 2015- Tour of Minute Maid Park

Luke loves baseball so much that we decided we would take him to Minute Maid Park for a behind-the-scenes tour. This was incredible as it was somewhere we have been to numerous times but never seen behind-the-scenes. It was even more special for me as this was a baseball stadium that I saw for the first time with Chris and now being able to tour it for the 1st time with Chris meant so much to me! We had a great time and I recommend this tour to anyone looking for a great time in Houston!

The family that "baseballs" together... STAYS together! 

This is where we usually sit when we go to the games! 

On the field at Minute Maid Park! I love my baseball lovin' family! 

June 12, 2015- Happy 3rd Birthday Luke

What a better way to spend your birthday than with the other monkeys at the Zoo? We asked Luke what he wanted to do and he said he wanted to go to the Zoo so off we went! It was HOT but we had a great time!

Family time at the ZOO! Happy Birthday Luke! 

At the snake house... one of our favorites! 

New Selfie-Stick... Gotta love it! 

Watching the elephants take a bath! 

The Birthday Boy being silly eating lunch at Fuddruckers! 

June 14-21, 2015- Do You Believe in Magic

This was a GLORIOUS week filled with tons of memories and once-in-a-lifetime experiences and Chris and I have put it toward the top of our cruise list! You can check out the entire review and blog post HERE!

On our balcony for the 1st time... Thank you Tropical Storm BILL! 

Fun at WaterWorks... The Carnival Magic Water Park! 

Montego Bay, Jamaica 

Hello from Grand Cayman 

Grand Cayman Kayak selfie!

Sea Trek Helmet Dive in Cozumel, Mexico!

We LOVE cruising! 

June 21-24, 2015- Kid-free "Stay"cation

Mine and Chris's parents usually take care of our kids while we cruise and it just so happened that the kids vacation with Gigi Shirley and Poppy (Kellie's parents) was still going on once we got home from our cruise so we had an additional 3 days by ourselves so we decided to make the most of it and do as many "Non kid-friendly" things as possible! We went to multiple movies, kayaked on Lake Woodlands, checked out TopGolf for the 1st time and even went indoor skydiving!

Kayaking on Lake Woodlands 

One of the many MANY mansions on the lake! This became our favorite one! 

Time for a 10+ mile bike ride! 

We are at 242/1314... CRAZY! 

Time for some TopGolf and Gringos! 

iFly Indoor Skydiving... WE LOVED IT! 

June 17-24, 2015- The Kids Baseball Adventure with Gigi Shirley and Poppy

Our kids traveled over 2,000 miles with my parents for their 4th "Baseball Adventure" with Gigi Shirley and Poppy to Minnesota including a stop in Kansas City for a Royal's game. They got to see the Mall of America, ride all the rides there and see 2 baseball stadiums and games! This sounded like a trip of a lifetime and even though I was on a cruise ship, I wanted to be there too!

June 26, 2015- Slip N Slide

Natalie got a graduation gift from Gigi Shirley of an old fashioned "slip n slide". The kids had a GREAT time trying to figure out how it worked and have fun!

They loved this! Thanks GiGI Shirley and Poppy! 

June 27-28, 2015- Sisters Yankee Baseball Weekend

This is always a true highlight of my summer as my sister, Allison, and I go to our annual Yankee game in Texas. Once again, this year we were in Houston and got to see the Yankees take on the Houston Astros. We took the whole family to the Saturday afternoon game and had a GREAT time! Allison and I made a whole day out of Sunday as we went to Niko Niko's, a Diners Drive-ins and Dives in Houston, and then went to the Sunday afternoon game! It was AWESOME! Thank you Allison for making this weekend so special! Until next year...

Game #1 (for the weekend)... A True Klingsick Tradition! 

We all LOVED this! 

My favorite picture of the summer! 

Time for some GREEK Niko Niko's! 

June 29-July 8, 2015- Potty Training Nightmare

Luke had been potty training since mid-April with Gigi Jackie with no success. He was about 80% at one point and then had an accident and the day-school where he attended forces him to go back to pull-ups at that point. Obviously, this made him regress, which was VERY frustrating. After his school was complete for the year in mid-May we tried again and had a little success but then my grandmother passed and we had to travel to Kansas which was not optimal for potty-training. Then, of course, he went on that 2,000 miles trip with my parents, which was also very hard to potty train. We knew he had to be trained by August for his new Pre-K experience so we had to get him back on track. We went "All in" and had him running around the house completely naked for several days but of course, as soon as I took him out of the house (in clothes) he had an accident. We went the next several days locked up in the house, literally, hoping he would have more success. After about a week we decided to get out and we had some accidents but overall he is at 90-95%. I am hoping by the end of summer he is 100%!

July 7, 2015- Natalie and Mrs. Roper Fun

Poor Natalie was so bored and restless during our 2 weeks of potty training and luckily Mrs, Roper, the Science teacher at our school, invited her over to help take care of her animals and have a day of fun! Natalie got to play with the animals, Mrs. Roper and even her friend Lily! It was awesome! Thank you so much Mrs. Roper for letting her come over and play!

July 8, 2015- Top Golf

After several days of only 1 accident we decided we could take Luke out of the house on a trial basis. We got up early and got to TopGolf before it got hot! Our kids LOVED it and each had a great time. Luke didn't hit the ball hard but he had a GREAT swing! He could really become a golfer. Natalie... on the other hand, did not have a great swing BUT she had fun and that is all that counts!

They both had a LOT of fun! 

Luke literally looks like a natural and pro with his swing! 

July 8, 2015- Painting with a Twist with friends

I LOVE painting, especially in the company of good friends! I am so lucky to have wonderful friends who share the same interests and enjoy the same hobbies as I do. This was a special summer painting called "Happy Hydrangeas" and it turned out beautiful! Thank you Nichole and Melanie for a great time!

I'm ready to paint the Happy Hydrangeas. 

Thank you Nichole for the invite! I had a BLAST! 

July 9, 2015- InSpire Rock Climbing the Kids

Luke and Natalie LOVE climbing all over EVERYTHING so we decided to take them to an indoor rock climbing place that Chris and I frequent. The kids LOVED it... especially Natalie! We were taken back by the lack of interest Luke showed but he is still young and it was pretty difficult!

Their faces are PRICELESS! 

They both did so well! 

GiGi and Grandpa came with us! 

July 11, 2015- Potty Training success and Manicure with Mommy 

Luke has now been completely accident free for nearly a week and we are all SO EXCITED! What a better way to celebrate than at the SPLASH PAD! Natalie had done so well during this whole process and so understanding with the extra attention that I decided she needed a special treat! I took her to get her nails done alongside me! She absolutely LOVED it!

Splash Pad FUN! 

July 13-17, 2015- "Journey off the Map" VBS 

This week consisted of lots of early mornings and wonderful lessons about the journey we are taking in life and how God helps us along the way! Natalie, Luke and I had a GREAT time and cannot wait until next year!

We all really loved this years' VBS! 

July 18-19, 2015- A Weekend with Aunt D'Ann 

Aunt D made her way down from Dallas to spend time with GiGi and Grandpa as well as the four of us! We spent the day together on Saturday and even went to an Astros game with the whole crew! It was a great way to spend a hot July weekend and we loved spending time with Aunt D!

Me and my baseball LOVING boy! 

Love Luke's face! 

Aunt D and Natalie! 

I love my beautiful family! 

July 21, 2015- Fun on the Farm 

Despite it being 94* with a heat index of 100*+ we decided to spend the day at Old MacDonald's Farm in Humble. We spent the day feeding farm animals, riding the acreage train, riding the horses and even playing on the playground! It was HOT... but we all LOVED every minute of it!

Riding the train! 

Family train selfie! 

My 2 little chickens! 

We LOVE Old Mac Donald's Farm! 

Coincidentally, this was the very 1st thing we did when we moved here in 2011! My how our lives have changed in 4 short years! God is good... ALL THE TIME! 

July 22, 2015- Jumping SKY HIGH

The heat was rising and so were we! We tried out a new indoor trampoline park in Spring called Sky Zone. The was a great place inside the AC and our kids loved it! We will be returning soon for sure!

My little cuties! 

Luke loved the "jump boards" as he called them! 

July 25, 2015- Painting with a Twist... and GiGi

Natalie, Gigi Jackie and I went on a Girls Only play date for lunch and Natalie and Jackie's 1st experience with Painting with a Twist. Natalie did an incredible job and I think we are all hooked!

Thank you GiGi Jackie for a wonderful GIRLS DAY! 

July 26-30, 2015- Deep in the Heart of Texas... Family Vacay 

We took the kids to San Antonio to Sea World and also made our way up to New Braunsfel and Austin for our summer vacation. It was a HUGE success and we made lifelong memories. You can find lots of pictures and details HERE!

We remember the Alamo! 

WE LOVE SAN ANTONIO! 

August 6, 2015- The Houston Galleria

After the kids talking ALL summer about their trip to the Mall of America with Gigi Shirley and Poppy, we decided we would take them to the closest thing... The Houston Galleria! It was a day full of fun and exploration. We even got to go to the American Girl store!  

August 8, 2015- Surprise visit from Gigi and Poppy 

We were all so busy this summer that we never made our annual Summer trip to Arp so Gigi and Poppy decided it had been too long since they had seen their babies so they came for a SURPRISE visit and Saturday afternoon with the kids! We spent a relaxing morning at home, went to Bouncing Bears (Where we ALL had fun on the bounce houses), got a snowcone from Bahama Bucks and spent the evening together at a new restaurant Razoos. 

Good Morning GiGi... Natalie reads a book from Grandma Juanita! 

Even Poppy had fun at Bouncing Bears! 

Fun with Gigi!

August 12/14, 2015- So Long Summer... Back to Reality 

The moment Chris and I had been dreading since June 6th had come and it was time to go back to work! BOOOOOOOO... That means that our summer is about to "OFFICIALLY" end! 

August 20, 2015- Meet the Teacher 

BOTH of my babies are in school and it was time to meet the teacher! Natalie and Luke are SO lucky to have some of the best teachers on their campuses and district. I am so blessed and happy to have them learning from such great ladies!

Natalie with Mrs. Davis... her Music Teacher! 

Natalie and her 1st Grade Teacher... Mrs. Spencer! 

Luke and Mrs. Sharpen! 

August 21-22, 2015- Natalie's Birthday Weekend with the Girls 

I took Natalie on a surprise trip to Dallas to see Gigi Shirley and Auntie Allie for her birthday! We spent the weekend shopping and eating but more importantly we had a surprise PRIVATE birthday party for Natalie Grace at American Girl Bistro! It was the most unique and awesome birthday experience and worth every penny! The shopping weekend is going to be an annual thing I'm sure! Thanks Auntie Allie and Gigi for an AMAZING weekend! 

Auntie Allie's 2nd Build-a-Bear this summer! We LOVE this tradition! 

Girls Weekend... The Cake Bar in Downtown Dallas! 

Time for American Girl Breakfast Party! 

This was a PRICELESS experience and memory! We ALL loved it! 

Happy Birthday Natalie Grace! 

August 24, 2015- The First Day of School 

This means the fun has to stop... At least for another 177 days! Natalie is in 1st grade and Luke is in a special Pre-K Experience for 3 year olds! I cannot believe they are growing up so fast! 

Where has the time gone? I want my babies back! 

Our summer was AMAZING and I can honestly say it was the best we have ever had! I know I say that ever year in my summer review blogs but this one had it all! We were busy all the time, yet still had a relaxing and much needed break! I cannot believe our summer is over ALREADY! Thank you Lord for an amazing summer... I cannot wait until Summer 2016! The countdown is officially on! 

God is good... ALL the time!