bybmg: 2020

 Hey All! I kind of got away from updating the blog, but I wanted to catch back up and share what we were up to over the summer! This post is all about June from when I left off back in June. I have future posts in the works for July and August. I hope to get. back to posting more often, but I still wanted to continue to use this a little bit like a family scrapbook for us, so I wanted to backtrack and share! Here goes June!

First off, we had made plans almost a year ago to go to Disney World in June of 2020. Well, the world shut down, and unfortunately Disney wasn't going to be open yet. We were big time bummed. We went back and forth about what to do, and we decided we would take a trip anyways. We only have so many summers with our kids, so we planned something pretty chill and went for it.

This post contains commissioned links.



We took a direct flight from Iowa to Punta Gorda, FL. My uncle has a rental house in Punta Gorda with a pool, so we figured we would do a little "staycation" style vacation there. Swim in a nicer pool, visit the beach, take it easy. 


This is a view from the back yard. My uncle's house is on a canal. It was fun to check out the water.


The pool at the house was a blast! It was perfect for the boys to splash in and they did that pretty much all day every day! 


My grandparents live just the next town over from my uncle's house. They're at that age and stage in life where they never know if they'll be around a year from now, so we made arrangements to see them. We kept everything pretty safe with eating outdoors and going for a ride on the their boat. My other uncle, aunt, cousin, and my cousin's son came to visit too. I totally lacked on the picture taking, but it was so great to see all of them. We hadn't seen them in years.


We also went to a local beach. It was fun to play in the water and the boys got to catch some creatures in their buckets! We really enjoyed the trip and are so glad we went.



I had been seeing all the people making all the clay earrings, so I had to try it. I ordered up a clay set from Amazon. It was really fun!


Here is a link to the clay set, cutters, earring posts, and glue if you want to try it out!



Henry played baseball this summer. It was so fun to see him play and he really enjoyed it. He hadn't played baseball in a few years because of soccer, but this spring he took off from soccer so he could do baseball. The season got a little delayed because of Covid, but he got to play and it was a blast!



We went camping. The boys LOVE camping. I am not a huge fan of camping bathrooms and sleeping in a tent, but I have decided that once a year I will stay over night. This was my once this year trip! 





We camped at Jester Park and it was beautiful. 


We used Strawberry Shortcake Stripe Cookies for our s'mores and they were so good!


We made crescent rolls and sausage gravy over the fire for breakfast!



We spent a whole day cleaning out our storage room! We found my childhood doll, Becky. I hadn't remembered where it was, so I actually bought Wesley one from eBay a year or so ago, but he was thrilled to meet the actual doll I had as a kid!


The boys spent so much time in the pool! Our local pool was closed this summer and we had purchased a pass. We got a refund and purchased this pool for the back yard. It was a hit!


We went on a family bike ride. It has been fun to see the boys grow in their biking abilities! 


We definitely struggled to balance screen time with non screen time for a while, but eventually we instituted a couple hours a day where the boys could have screens and the many non-screen hours were a struggle at first. But, they really turned a corner and let their creativity shine. This was a day where they set up a store in the basement.


That wraps up June! More to come!




Hey all! I know it's been a long while, but I have a to-do list of some posts I want to get on here. Today's the first one, and I'm sharing some of my recent Amazon purchases. And when I say recent, I really mean since June. Surprisingly I haven't bought a TON of things on Amazon, but definitely enough to share in a blog post! This post contains commissioned links.



1. Umbrellas: Since the boys are walking to school, we needed to stock up on some umbrellas. These were pretty cost effective ( I think about $8 each when I bought them), so I snagged a few. 

2. Dutch Oven: Crazy enough, we didn't have one of these after all these years. We have had some recipes lately from our meal subscription that require transitioning from the stove to oven, so this has been perfect.

3. Fedora: I'm starting to dig into wearing hats more, so this one was on lightening deal on Amazon one day. I think it goes on sale frequently, so keep an eye on it!

4. Sweatshirt: This cozy sweatshirt was a whim purchase. I sized up so I could wear it with leggings.

5. ACV Gummies: I started taking these this summer. Apple Cider Vinegar has a lot of health benefits and these taste pretty good!

6. Fall Top: I wanted a cute, new fall top. I ordered this in a couple sizes and colors. This is the color I kept and I love it.




7. Lace V Neck Top: This was another treat yourself purchase. I love the lace neck and it looks cute alone or layered with a blazer or cardigan

8. Paper Dot Garland: I bought this before school started to decorate my classroom. It just adds some cheer!

9. Kitchen Shears: We needed a new pair. I love that these come all the way apart so they are easy to wash.

10. Ankle Boots: These boots had a time when they were on sale for under $50. I don't have any like this, so I ordered them. If you snag them I recommend sizing up a half to a full size.

11. Silicone Shoe Laces: I bought these to use for laces on my white sneakers so I can slip them on and off. They work well.

12. Clothing Steamer: We have had a steamer for a few years, and the one we had stopped working. I hadd to replace it!


13. Cup Holder: I bought this for my moped and it works really well. It would also be great for a stroller or bike!

14. Garden Hose: This is one of those lovely adult purchases. Ours was super old and leaking, so I found this one. It seemed to be a great price and also had a discount on top of it.

15. Hanger: Let's be honest, I have a lot of clothes! This hanger saved some space in my closet with some of my tank tops.

16. Layered Necklace: I have a dainty necklace I love, but it is also special to me, so I didn't want to lose it when I traveled. I found this set for a great price and it's three necklaces in one, so if one breaks, no big deal, I have a couple back ups!


Well, that's a wrap! Have you purchased anything fun from Amazon lately?



Hey all! I wanted to pop on and share some outfits from lately! Some of the pieces are gifted from companies for me to share and this post also contains affiliate links. I hope your summer is going well! It's crazy it's already July!

You can use the code bybmgblog to get a 15% discount on your Shein order!


Hat: Target (similar)
Dress: c/o Shein
Bag: c/o Shein
Sandals: Tory Burch

I love just about anything leopard print, and I am so happy to have found this dress that is great for summer, too!
Hey all! It's been a while since I have done a life update on here. Honestly with everything that is going on, my brain has been scattered and the days get lost, but I wanted to make sure I recorded what we've been up to!

{Calvin's Preschool Finale}



Calvin hadn't attended preschool since March 13, but his school did a portfolio pick up where we could capture a cute photo. Honestly, I am sad he didn't get closure on his preschool time, but a lot of things are not as we had hoped right now.

{Camping}




Russ and the boys have been camping a few times. I went once to help them set up and eat dinner. The other time I wasn't able to go. but boy do they love camping!

{Biking}


Since we have been home, both Wesley and Calvin have learned how to ride their bikes on two wheels. We went on a family ride on a trail.

{Book Club}


I am a part of a book club and we have been reading one book a month. This title was very good!

{Air Fryer}


We have had an air fryer since before Christmas. I finally made some donuts in there and they were tasty and so easy!

{Helping}


My dad is retiring and I helped my parents move out of the home they have lived in for the past 20 years. I put this sign up in their kitchen way back when and it was funny to see if still there!

{Last Day of School}



We celebrated the last day of school. It was obviously very different than it has been in the past. The boys' school did a virtual end of the year "assembly" on Facebook live. We also take a first day/last day selfie each year, so here is our last day selfie. 

{Pool}


Since pools in our area are closed for the summer, we purchased one for our yard. Something I never thought I would do, but the boys love to swim and we wanted to make sure they had the chance to swim this summer. Everyday the weather has been great, they've been in it, and that has been so nice! I have learned a lot about taking care of it in the past weeks!

So, that's what we've been up to! Trying to keep going when life is abnormal right now. I'll share more as the summer goes on! We have a couple fun things planned!

Hey All! Shein is having their Summer Sale and I wanted to share some pieces they gifted me to share with you. You can use the code SUM405 for an extra 15% off your purchase. This post also contains affiliate links.


Earrings: Dawn Graham Designs Use code BYBMG for 30% off
Top: c/o Shein
Pants: Old Navy
Bag: c/o Shein
Sandals: Tory Burch



Hat: Target (similar)
Top: c/o Shein
Bag: c/o Shein
Sandals: Versona


Necklace: Noonday
Jumpsuit: c/o Shein
Sandals: Target


Hat: Target
Dress; c/o Shein
Bag c/o Shein
Sandals: Target

I love this dress! It can be worn as a dress or it would totally make a great swim cover up!




I love a classic stripe and this set is great for hanging around the house. You could also separate the pieces and wear them individually.





Tie dye is such a trend right now and you've probably been seeing ads for them all over the place. This set is just $20 and it's great for hanging around the house.

Which outfit is your favorite? Make sure you check out the Shein Summer Sale!




Today I'm over at Des Moines Mom sharing some recent purchases that are saving my sanity! Check it out here!

It's been a few weeks since I have been over here, but I wanted to pop on and say hello. Honestly with being home with the boys, it's been hard to find a solid routine. I forget what day of the week it is. My emotional state goes up and down. I am sure many of you can relate. Scrolling back through pictures of the last month, we have done a lot of things!


Russ and Henry stained our front porch and back deck. It's amazing how Henry has really stepped up some responsibility. I mean, money may be a tiny bit of a motivator, but he also learned how to mow the lawn!


Because the deck was freshly stained, I took the chance to order a new door mat. I love how it looks. 

Hi Friends! I hope you're doing well! I know not all of us have been getting dressed in anything besides lounge wear these days, but some days it's just nice to put on some other clothes! I wanted to share with you some cute tees I recently got from Shein. They're all so great for casual wear right now if you want to change up your routine a little. You can use the code T2ByBMGBlog to get an extra 15% off your orders at Shein!

This post contains affiliate links and gifted items.


Top c/o Shein
Jeans: Walmart
Sandals: Target

I love a good graphic tee, and the bright colors and cute message of this one are perfect. I paired it with flare jeans (yes, they're back!) and some fun accessories!

)

Top: c/o Shein
Necklace: Kendra Scott
Shorts: Target (similar)
Sandals: old (similar)

I love the embroidery on this top and the tie adds a little fun, too. 


Tee: c/o Shein
Shorts: Loft
Watch Band: Amazon
Sneakers: Rothys (use this link to get $20 off your first pair)

Striped tees are always a classic and I love that this one has a little floral pocket!


Top: c/o Shein
Bracelet: Touchstone
Jeans: c/o Fusion Boutique
Sandals: Tory Burch

Tie Dye is so fun right now, and I love the colors in this top along with the ruffle sleeve!


I hope you are all having a great week! 





Well, I can't say life has gotten busy, but it's been different. Some days I nail my to-do list and other days I can barely get off the couch. Last Friday I had all the intentions of blogging but just didn't, so this week you get highlights from the past two weeks.


{ONE}


Because we are a little crazy around here, one day Wesley and I went live in my Facebook Group and he did my make up. He got a little crazy at the end, but it was very fun!


{TWO}



Our boys' school did a teacher drive by parade and it was so sweet. The boys made signs and I definitely teared up a little bit.

{THREE}


We're still rocking the fire pit the boys made and one night we roasted hot dogs over it!

{FOUR}


We celebrated Wesley's birthday and I worked with Card My Yard, Des Moines for a fun surprise in our yard!


Russ's parents came over to drop off gifts (and stay at a distance). :)


I arranged to have our local fire department drove by to wish Wesley a happy day!


Wesley helped me decorate his cake!


And we zoom called with my family to sing Happy Birthday and blow out his candles.

{FIVE}


One of Russ's former students invited us out to check out their farm. They had horses and sheep and sheep dogs and it was nice to get out and away from our town for a little bit.

{SIX}


Easter Sunday the weather was cold and icky, but we enjoyed church from the couch in our jammies.


We also had an indoor egg hunt and got a little dressed up to eat take out for dinner.


This past week it has been pretty gloomy and cold. We have gone on some walks but spent a lot of time inside. As I type this, it's snowing, but next week is supposed to be nicer again so I can't wait to get outside more. 


Lots of love to you all in these stressful times. 

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