September Goals Recap + October Goals

1. Read two books. Fail! I still haven't finished The Energy Bus. I use Overdrive to check out ebooks and I'm in line for several books I'm dying to read. 

2. Cook more. I won't say I've been cooking up a storm but I've cooked more in September than I have in awhile. So yay for progress!

3. Work on potty training Jack. You can read about that here. 

4. Putting together some fun work outfits. I have really upped my work outfit game. I'm getting up a little earlier and buying myself new clothing regularly. Just this weekend I purchased two new shirts and a pair of pants. Now, to find some new booties that don't kill my feet. 

5. Make our fall bucket list. You can see my list here.

6. Have fun at the beach. I had an amazing time and leaving Jack wasn't as bad as I thought. I was so ready to see him and even tried to get the others to leave a day early, but it all worked out. On the second day they put him on FaceTime and he said "hey mama, you at the beach" and then he ran to play. I then knew all was well and I could really enjoy myself. 

7. Make my decision about Weight Watchers. I've joined. Things are going well. I could do better. I did actually exercise yesterday so that is good. I'm making progress!

8. Get into a happy after school rhythm. This area of my life is soooo much better. I have gotten use to going to work and now have more energy after school. The key is to not get home and sit. I knew to stay upright. The more I move, the more I want to move. Once 8 o'clock hits, I'm done. 

October Goals

1. Do all the fall bucket list items. 

2. Send out wedding gifts to two friends.

3. Purchase a few Christmas gifts.

4. Put together Halloween treat for Jack's classmates, my co-workers, and my Secret Pal.

I'm keeping it super simple this month because my fall bucket list is a lot in itself. I'm excited about October. It is always busy but in the best way. 

I Have Said Goodbye to Diapers

You may notice that I titled this post "I" Said Goodbye to Diapers. This was my choice, not Jack's. He's been ready and all the signs are there but he is just lazy. He doesn't want to stop during ipad time, or watching Paw Patrol, or playing to stop and go to the bathroom. 

Saturday morning I put him in underwear and we haven't turned back. I nag him to death and often force him to use the potty. We've had a few accidents but none on my watch because I'm very infested in seeing him succeed. He had one accident on Sunday while my mom was watching him while I went to Rhea Lana's and another accident at daycare yesterday. I call that success. Daycare has been exceptional about staying on him to go to the bathroom so I hope that after a few more days of all of us working together we will have this child potty trained. 

Jack has begged and even cried for a diaper, and although it is hard not to just give in, I'm staying strong. We had a battle last night. He was watching Paw Patrol but I knew he needed to go. I paused it and I wouldn't turn it back on until he went. He cried screamed for 30 minutes and then finally said "I gotta potty", went and used it, and I turned on Paw Patrol. 

Being this intentional takes real effort. My afternoons are so busy trying to get it all done that it makes it easy to want to give up. However, we have made it this far and I believe in a few more days this will become the norm for him. Today he and I are going to Wal-Mart to let him pick out new underwear and possibly a prize for doing so well (we will see what daycare says this afternoon). 

Wish me luck that I keep my sanity. When this child gets potty trained I'm giving myself a prize in the form of a large margarita. Let's hope by this weekend I'm saying cheers!

My Favorite Halloween Pins

I love fall and with fall comes Halloween. It hasn't always been a holiday I really celebrated but having Jack has gotten me in the Halloween spirit. Now that it is offically October it is time to celebrate. I'm not the type of mom who has the ability to do all the stuff but I enjoy doing small things throughout the month to make October a little more special. Today I wanted to share a few of my favorite pins that we actually do or will do this month.

Scary Pancakes

These are super duper simple. Last year I didn't do ghosts but instead did pumpkins. I even quickly colored the pancake mix and were able to whip them up. I then used the chocolate chips to make different pumpkin faces. I'm not big into making food too cutesy but this is so simple that anyone can do it.

Halloween Color By Numbers

I've already printed a set of these. I use them with my students and this year I'll be able to use them with my nephew. Jack isn't ready for this just yet because he pretty much scribbles but it is nice to have these to use with my young students.

Trick or Treat Printable

I printed this one off a few years ago and I still bring it out every October. I actually have it at my work because it matches my other decor and the vibe. I love the font and the colors. 

Footprint Ghost Footprint

We did this last year and put them in cheap, yet cute black frames. I even did this project with my nephew and gave the framed result to my sister. She loved it and the boys had fun.

Candy Corn Pay Day Mix

I made this for a work week once and it was a HUGE hit. It is super easy to throw together and it tastes so yummy. I for one love sugar and salty together. This is my kind of mix!

What is your favorite Halloween pin?