Let's Pretend it *Feels* Like Fall

What do you know, the temps around here have FINALLY started to cool off. By cool off I mean we are no longer staring 90-100º temps in the face. We are now sitting comfortably in the mid-80s range. So Fall-ish, wouldn't you say?

Thankfully the weekend is within our grasp, Scott has the day off today (Macke three-day weekend for the win!), and good things are to come.

To the Friday fives we go!

1. This may or may not actually be happening right now.

Day One is in the books. I don't want to get too excited about it, but I will be sharing our progress and details next week.

2. Hopefully I'm not jinxing this by talking about it… But, for the past few weeks Marcus has been going to bed relatively well on his own. He draws out the bed time processes as long as he can (one more story, sing another song, etc. etc.), and takes a few minutes to totally wind down. But, for the most part he's been sleeping through the night with very rare occurrences of middle of the night waking and crying. That's not to say, however, that the 4:30-5:30AM wake up calls are welcome. Because they're not.

The sweetest part of Marcus's sleeps? The fact that he insists on bringing his cars and trucks to bed with him. No stuffed toys for this kid (though we have about 26 stuffed Mickey's to choose), he'll snuggle up with his wheeled toys. Cozy, no?

One can never have too many pictures of their sleeping bebe, right? Right.

3. We have some very fun, very Fall activities lined up for the weekend. To say I'm pumped about it would be a gross understatement. Without sharing too many details - because I'm obviously going to blog about it next week - there may or may not be apples involved.

source

4. In keeping with the Fall spirit I've been Pinning fall foods like crazy. I hope our weekend family fun (see above) will get me into the kitchen and allow me to flex my baking muscles a bit before weekend's end.

All the things apple!

Obviously this neatly coincides with the Fall Bucket List link up I'm co-hosting with Stephanie and Elizabeth.

Be sure to join us Tuesday - the official start of Fall!!! - to share what items you're crossing off your fall bucket list.

5. Free PSLs anyone? Have you tried the Toffee Nut Lattes? What about a Caramel and Hazelnut Latte?! So, so, so good.
The $25 Starbucks giveaway is still open!
If you haven't entered be sure to do so. If you have entered you can continue to tweet about the giveaway until Tuesday for extra entries. The giveaway is open to bloggers and non-bloggers alike!
The winner will be randomly selected next Tuesday.

Have a fabulous Fall-like weekend!

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Momma to a Little Man

Back in August, Elizabeth from Chasin' Mason was so sweet and asked if I would partake in her Boy Mom Series. I kindly obliged. I'm hopeful you were able to check that post out, but if not, I'd love to share it today.

We'd like to expand our little family one of these days, and I don't want to forget the feelings of being a mommy to a boy, because what if some day I'm mommy to a girl, too?! (And, nope, not preggo…)

Beings as I'm mommy to a rambunctious, vivacious, temper tantrum-throwing little boy, I found it entirely fitting to share a few thoughts on life with my little man…

When we discovered we were pregnant it was quickly decided that we I wanted to find out whether Baby Macke was a boy or a girl. The true reality was I just wanted a healthy baby. But, that's not to say internally I didn't flip-flop on whether I was excited about pink and princesses and frills, or blue and dirt and trucks.

I'd be lying if I said I didn't dream of picking out all those adorable little girl clothes that seemed to occupy 99% of the baby aisles and baby stores. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't secretly planning a shabby chic nursery in my head. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to princesses and fairies and butterflies. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited about mommy-daughter days filled with manicures and pedicures, and day trips to the mall.

Then the announcement came that Baby M was a boy. I turned to my husband with tears of joy and said, "You're getting your boy!" And, while I was truly elated, a little piece of me was ever so slightly sad. I thought I might be missing out.

Marcus arrived on his own terms. He was breech, he was big, he was strong, and I was instantly over the moon in love with him.

We quickly adapted to life as a family of three. I quickly became acquainted with the world of boys; the sweet, silly, dirty, loud, crazy, exciting, trying, perfect moments that are only made possible with a little boy.

I'm amazed at what Marcus has taught me in just two and a half short years:

• Little boy clothing is irresistible, especially if there's a mini bow tie, hat, or suspenders involved.
• Nautical inspired rooms are as fun to create as any shabby chic one.
• Trucks, and trains, and cars are much more fun that I'd ever imagined.
• Mommy-son dates are full of energy, and ice cream.
• Bumps and scrapes are the norm. And kissing them to make them all better is one of the most rewarding parts of the mommy job.
• Some of the best hugs and kisses come from a face full of dirt.
• Days of endless outdoor play are the best.
• I have a pretty big job to fill if I want Marcus to understand honesty, loyalty, compassion, and empathy.
• If I want Marcus to be respectful and truthful I'd better lead with a good example.
• I couldn't possibly love him anymore than I already do.

There is so much I thought I was going to teach Marcus. In reality, I'm the one who is learning so much from my little man.

Being a boy mom is really pretty awesome. And, as it turns out, there isn't a single thing I'm missing out on. Life is full, and complete, and amazing. I'm so blessed to be a mommy to this little boy.

I hope you'll swing by the Elizabeth at Chasin' Mason to see what she, and other boy moms are up to!

The Capital

Vacation recaps are always difficult. While I want to gush and go on about every little detail, and post all 7,459,312,086 pictures I took, I know those posts are not necessarily favored by anyone but myself.

But, how do you go some place spectacular and totally overlook the trip completely?

I can't do that. So I won't. I will, however touch on the highlights, the things that truly made me go wow, took my breath away, or made me reflect.

D.C. is a remarkable city. The history that engulfs you, the monuments, tributes, and memorials that demand your attention, the goings-on of what makes our country run, are all within grasp. And, it all kind of blows my mind.

Running the Mall allowed me to see most of the memorials up close and personal.

It wasn't until we traveled to the top of the Washington Monument that we were really treated to the grandness of Mall.

The interior of the monument.
Top photo: Inscriptions in the stone from 1861.

500 feet up, the view from the top.
Top left: Looking east
Top right: Looking north
Bottom left: looking west
Bottom right: Looking south

In previous trips to D.C. I hadn't had the opportunity to actually go up into the Washington Monument. The tickets (which are free!) were always sold out. So, on the day we wanted to tour I went to the monument as soon as it opened to secure our spots at our desired time.
Travel tip: If you ever plan a trip to D.C. and want to get into the Washington Monument, either reserve your tickets well in advance online, or get to the ticket booth as soon as it opens.

***

D.C. also allowed for an evening of drinks with a high school friend and foreign exchange student, whom I hadn't seen in 14 years.
Alejandro!

Thanks for meeting up with me, Ale!

We picked up right where we'd left off. Fourteen years passed and we chatted and laughed as if no time had passed at all.

***

Scott and I were also lucky enough to secure and evening with my cousin, Chris, and his wife, Maria, who live in D.C. Chris and Maria gave us the grandest tour of the capital city.

Georgetown Cupcakes. Because, cupcakes. Duh. And, I just had to compare them to my beloved L.A. Sprinkles Cupcakes.

Who says one cupcakery is enough? We heard whispers of another cupcake shop that was up and coming, and a must try. So, try it we did.
Baked and Wired.

Confession: while the cupcakes at both places were good, delicious, actually. I have to admit Sprinkles still takes the cake in the quest for the best cupcake (see what I did there?).

A quick group selfie on the steps that were used in The Exorcist (my favorite horror movie of all time) was a must.
Anyone remember the scene where the priest falls down the stairs? These are the stairs!

The evening capped off with a dazzling display of the Capitol building.

Isn't the Capitol just gorgeous and night?
And, isn't my cousin SO TALL?!! I'm 5'7" and he towers above me!

***

The most emotional and reflective experience didn't take place in D.C., it took place in Virginia.

Here.

There are a few people who served our country, and paid the ultimate price for our freedoms, that I needed to stop by to say "hi," and "thank you."

James: I knew him primarily in college. He and two other guys were roommates with a really good high school friend of mine. My girl friends and I spent countless days, afternoons, and evenings with this group of guys. During my freshman year they were like big brothers. They were the best. And James was no exception.
Casey and Paul are brothers:
Casey: He was in the National Guard with a former boyfriend of mine. I knew him through Guard events and activities that I often attended.
Justin, or as we knew him, Paul: Paul and I went to high school together and were in the same seminar class (also known as homeroom). He was full of character. If Paul couldn't get a reaction out of you, or get you to smile and laugh no one could.

After placing my prayer rocks on both respective sites (the stones indicate to other visitors that someone else has visited) I meandered through the cemetery and let the tidal wave of emotions (as well as tears) ebb and flow through me.

If there is any place that must be visited in the D.C. area, Arlington is it. The grandeur of the place, the respect that is given at all times, the feelings and emotions that overcome you… It's an experience unlike any other. 

You were good to us, D.C. Until next time. 

All The Things Fall + SB Giveaway

September happens to be one of my favorite months. Scott, both my sisters-in-law, and I all celebrate birthdays. Football is in full swing. And, all the things pumpkin! September also kicks off one of the most glorious seasons of all, FALL!

Isn't September lovely?

Though the fall temps haven't quite reached Southern California that hasn't deterred the mood to get into the fall spirit. I mean, I've probably consumed at least 37 pumpkin spice lattes since their early release two weeks ago. So, let's go ahead and chalk that up to a successful start to the season.

I haven't pulled out the decorations, but that's coming. Like, this weekend.

To celebrate this fabulous season Stephanie from Wife Mommy Me, Elizabeth from Chasin' Mason, any myself are hosting a Fall Bucket List to share all the adventures and fun that only fall can lend.

Does that list not make you ache for weekends filled with family fun? Beginning next Tuesday, September 23 (which just happens to be the official first day of Fall), link up with us and showcase what Fall bucket list items you've checked off.

So pick an item, or create one of your own (!), start celebrating the goodness of Fall and come back this way next Tuesday and link up with us!

Grab our Fall Family Bucket List Button. Just right click the photo and add it to your post. Be sure to tell your readers how to find one of the 3 hosts: Stephanie, Elizabeth, or myself.

The Fall excitement doesn't quiet end there… To celebrate the unofficial start to fall, pumpkin spice lattes, and birthdays (mine is today!), I'm giving away a $25 Starbucks gift card. All you have to do is enter in the raffle below. Happy Fall to all!
Contest rules:

Contest runs Tuesday, September 16 (12:00AM) to Tuesday, September 23 (12:00AM).

Winner will be drawn, at random, by Rafflecopter.com.

Winner will be contacted via email, and has 24 hours to claim his/her prize.

Must be a US resident.

Must be 18 years or older to win.

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Happy Marcus Monday!

Perhaps the coolest and cutest dog walker in all the land?

I'd like to think so.

Happy Monday!

A Virtual Race #djv5k

Before going into a race recap, I want to take a quick minute to thank all the lovely ladies who participated in the Fall Virtual 5k hosted by Jenny and me. It was pretty awesome to periodically check InstaGram to see all the results and pictures of all the ladies participating! (If you participated, please be sure to link up your recaps at the bottom of this post.)

We had a total of 37 lovely ladies sign up. Not too shabby for our first go at this whole virtual race thing. If you ran the #djv5k but didn't post your pictures and results to InstaGram and/or Facebook, be sure to do so. We want to see how you did! 

It was awesome to see ladies from all over the country participating. Pictured above are runners who were pounding pavement in: California, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, South Dakota, and Texas. Temperatures ranged from 37 degrees to 70 + degrees. It was inspiring and amazing to see everyone get out and get after it, regardless the time of day or weather conditions. 

I have to say, personally this 5k was more fun and more challenging that I had expected. Essentially it was a race against myself, which I've never really done before. 

Earlier this summer I ran a 5k and hit a PR of 24:16, so I thought I might try to beat that time by a few seconds. In my mind I was shooting for 24:10.  Running solo doesn't always lend the most competitive vibe, so I was tying not to set myself up for a lot of hype, or disappointment.

When it was time to run I hit my favorite route, and I hit it hard. 

The first mile felt awesome. I hit a pace I rarely never clock. At the half way mark I could feel my pace slow a bit. And by mile three all I could think of was "one-tenth of a mile to go, one-tenth of a mile to go." Between the thought of finishing, and the fictitious man who was chasing me (not kidding, I imagined a man on my tail, chasing me, to help keep the pep in my step), I clocked my most recent PR.

23:27.54. 43 seconds better than my goal. I'll take it, please and thank you.

Competing against yourself, and no one else, is quite the mind game. But the gratification at the end and seeing the finish time was a very welcomed and pleasant surprise. 

Looks like more virtual races will be in my future! 

Did you run the race? How did it go? Let us know, the link-up is open through Sunday! 

Selfies, Sunsets, Purging, and Running

Thank goodness it's Friday. Am I right, or am I right? We don't really have weekend plans, which will lead us to watching football (Iowa State v. Iowa tomorrow -- GO CYCLONES!), drinking a few bevies, and likely a trip to the beach. Hello 100˚ temps, allllllll weekend long. Hey, Mother Nature, didn't you get the memo? It's Fall EVERYWHERE ELSE!

Without further ado, Fridays top five!

1. Grandmas
Marcus was lucky enough to spend a few days with just Grandma Kathy while Scott and I were (literally) running around D.C. Grandma was nice enough to keep up with the selfie-a-day with Marcus while Scott was gone.

2. Weddings
Our good friends were married this past weekend and we may have had a little fun with their photo booth.

Don't ask because I don't know.

My friend Barb. Isn't she absolutely gorgeous?!

3. Sunsets

It's not too often we treated to truly stunning sunsets. Most evenings our skies are either void of any clouds or completely overcast with the evening marine layer. This week a quick "storm" came in and left us with a masterpiece. When I saw the skies were going to give us a show I literally raced to the ocean to capture the beauty.

It really was that awesome.

4. Purging
I went through ALL of Marcus's clothes and sorted through what I loved and what I didn't. Those clothing items that didn't make the cut were sent to our local nuns, and the "keepers" were reorganized into bins. The amount of clothes this boy has -- mind blowing.

Not even kidding when I say the top photo does zero justice to the mountain of clothes I sorted through.
Bottom left: two years of clothing into two bins, not mad about that.
Bottom right: the donation pile.

5. #djv5k!
After what seems like eons of talking about it, the #djv5k is FINALLY HERE! This weekend the Fall Virtual 5k participants will lace up our shoes and pound out a 5k. Participants: please share your pics on InstaGram and/or Facebook using the hash tag #djv5k. Also, don't forget to link up with Jenny and me on *Monday* to share your race details. I'm pumped to see how everyone does!
If you signed up but didn't receive a bib like the one shown below, please message me right away and I'll get yours to you, stat!
Anyone want to sign up last minute? I wouldn't be mad if you shot me a message saying you wanted to run. :)

Have a great weekend!

Running DC

When it became apparent Scott was going to be gone on a six week work trip to D.C. I couldn't help but want to make the cross-country trip to visit.

Two weeks into playing solo parent I couldn't resist and booked a flight. For the last four days of Scott's work assignment I would join him. I'm pretty sure the first words I said to him once my flights were confirmed were, "I can't wait to run the Mall!…. And, see you too!"

Though I was still recovering from a cold Marcus was so kind to pass along, I couldn't help but wake up early on my first full day in the nation's capitol to run the National Mall.

I should also point out that I'm using the term "run" very loosely. I spent *most* of my run starting and stopping, as I couldn't resist taking about a hundred pictures in the 3.5 miles I ran.

A storm had blown through the night before and the skies were still scattered with clouds that made for the most unbelievable sunrise.

Just when I thought the skies couldn't produce anything more spectacular I would run a few feet and the colors and backdrop would render me breathless. 

Annnnnd, I took several shameless selfies along my route. For awhile I tried really hard to take the pictures discreetly, there were so many people out running! After about 30 seconds of pretending I gave up on sneaky selifes, said screw it, and snapped away like the tourist I was.

Between the sun rising, the countless photo ops, gawking at monuments, and selfies galore, my time wasn't exactly what I would call stellar… 

That pace is laughable at best (as was the insane humidity), but I wasn't even disappointed. Running the Mall was one of the most gratifying, beautiful, fulfilling 3.5 miles I've run in a very long time.

Speaking of miles, are you ready for the #djv5k this weekend?! Have any goals set: seeing spectacular sun rises, hitting PRs, running a new location? I can't wait to hear how everyone does!

A Birthday Wish

Scott,

There isn't a day that goes by that Marcus and I aren't reminded how blessed we are to have you in our lives.

We've shared an abundance of laughter, joy, and love.

 We can't thank you enough for the strength and support you provide our little family.

 So, on your day we wanted to take an minute and say thank you.

 And, we hope your day is just as amazing and wonderful as you.

Happy Birthday! We love you!