Nobody's Gonna Steal My Sunshine

:)

That's all.

Status Quo

Is that how you even spell "quo"?

I haven't written in here for quite some time. Probably because I feel that there isn't anything to write about!

I've been spending the last few weeks trying not to stress out.

I've been making sure to clean the house every morning (instead of only on Sundays)

...and I don't know about you, but a clean house makes for a stress-free Kayla. 

Cleaning house has literally been all I've had going on.

I've pretty much realized that things don't always go according to plan - not everything can be on MY time. Don't get me wrong... I'll give it my all, but I realize that doing so doesn't always make things happen when you'd like. I think I've learned to be okay with that.

I've gotten caught up in the "now-now-now", and I'm pretty sure I've driven my husband nuts over it. This is where the cleaning-the-house-every-day comes into play... It makes me appreciate what we do have even more, instead of worrying about what we don't.

This post was bo-ring. But honestly, this is what is going on right now. Minimal stress, minimal plans, just enjoying the beautiful weather and the time I get to spend with my fam.

Plans

Mia loves her daddy. A whole bunch.

And her daddy sure loves her!

It's no secret that I married a very sensitive man.

And it kinda sorta warms my heart that he and Mia are so close.

(Although I'd like a little momma's boy, too..please)

I'm having a thankful day/week.

It's unfortunate that sometimes life throws you curveballs 

and you feel unable to be so positive.

A good friend told me recently, "You think too much."

Truer words could not be spoken!

It's always good to have a plan, but you can never plan enough.

I've always been an over-planner, and life still surprises me.

I think it's time for me to stop "thinking" so much, 

and start appreciating everything around me!

Like this sweet little photo up top.

Things will happen when they're meant to happen!  

Are you there, Fall? It's me, Kayla.

Okay, I know it's been about 95 degrees outside this last week...
So I thought if maybe I took the initiative and brought in some fall decor...

fall weather would soon come. 

Lo and behold, it is 75 and breezy today! 

I love fall. I love it so much. 

Football, leaves, the smells of pumpkin and cider...

I could go on for days! 

I am looking forward to cozy-homeness 

(I realize this is not a word...I appreciate the red squiggly underlining, though)

this fall and winter! 

Lions, Tigers, and Bears!

This is my little angel. Sitting on a statue of a manatee. Having a blast.

  

  This year for Mother's Day, my gift was a zoo membership. (The zoo is one of my all-time favorite places). We've tried to take advantage of the membership as much as possible by going to the zoo when we can, but when we're usually free to go to the zoo, it's super hot outside and also very crowded - making it nearly impossible for a sweaty little toddler to see any exhibit without being on her daddy's shoulders.  

   Cory had the day off Thursday, so we decided to make the drive to the zoo. Best decision ever! Being the middle of the week, there was hardly anyone there. And, it was only 75 degrees outside! For the first time ever, Mia was able to walk to each exhibit on her own, and see the animals up close! Needless to say, this resulted in one happy kid (and two pleased parents). Mia said that her favorite animals at the zoo were the "koadas", "elfants", and "fishies". I can't wait to go back!

Happiness

   Okay...last night it was finally cool enough to take Mia out in the backyard to play. Also, around 6pm the entire backyard is shaded by our big tree, creating perfect lighting for these adorable photos :)

   

    I am so entirely blessed to be a stay-at-home-mom whose husband gets home by lunchtime every day. It makes me so happy that Mia gets to spend that much time with both her mom and her dad, and I know that it's a privilege. 

  Last night, while we were outside playing in the backyard, Mia said, "I'm happy!". I could have cried. This is my purpose in life! This is what we're meant to do! I think I'll have about 10 kids. Just kidding. I love my family!

Things I don't need to know

  Such as my mother-in-law telling me that she's doing a "colon cleanse" while I'm eating lunch. Yep, unnecessary.

 My mother-in-law needs a hobby - one that keeps her SUPER busy. Like, too busy to text. I think I've received nearly 100 text messages a day for the last week from my upset, frustrated, loony-tunes mother-in-law. It's starting to drive me a bit batty.
 
  As of right now, they don't have jobs back in Columbus, so they aren't sure when they're moving back to Ohio. But, I've been told that they will be moving back eventually. I'm sure she'll keep me updated on the situation...haha.
 
  I'm not feeling well. I think I'll eat a brownie and break out the ol' heating pad. Yep, don't mind if I do.