May and June Recap

I normally try to post monthly recaps, but the beginning of June was just so busy for us that I didn't get around to thinking about a recap until about halfway through the month. So this month you get a little extra bonus two for one special! To be honest, it's been nice to take a bit of a blogging break as we go through our summer. I've needed to relax, unwind, and unplug a bit. But that being said, it just feel good to get on here and write again. Here's what we've been up to the last two months!

MAY

In May, I finished up my 7th year of teaching. Where has the time gone?! I had lots of excellent, fun kiddos in class this year- many of whom I've had in class for the last three years. It will be weird to go back to school in the fall and not see their smiling faces in my room anymore. I'm definitely blessed with the best of the best when it comes to students. Aaron finished up his 5th year of teaching and will be tenured when he returns in the fall. We are both still teaching in the same school district, and having summers off together is the best!!

Year Seven: Last Day vs. First Day. This year was incredibly different and challenging. For 186 school days, I had to battle mom guilt, missing my boy, and pumping at work 😐. There were days I didn't know if I could make it. But I also got to teach all AP Lang and gifted kiddos, who were the absolute best. They made me laugh and helped me stretch my brain each day. I got to see my sweet boy every afternoon with a renewed appreciation for each second with him. We had snow days and breaks. I cut my hair. I ran four half marathons. I learned how to leave work at work for a change. When I look back on year 7, I may not see my best year of teaching. I may have had days I just had to make it through. But I will see a year where I was refined and shaped, where I learned just as much (or more) than my students did. And I hope and pray that I made a difference for at least one kid. Year 7, you were a good one. If you need me, I'll be sipping lemonade poolside and adventuring with my boys for the next two and a half months 🏝🎉💕! #summerbreak

A post shared by Kelsie Kleinmeyer (@currentlykelsie) on May 24, 2018 at 6:28am PDT

My Brother's Wedding 

Our biggest highlight of May came over Memorial Day weekend, right after school got out. My youngest brother, Kirk, married his gorgeous bride, Anna! It's crazy to think that there's another Blakley girl running around now- my mom was the only one ever since I got married and changed my name. Kirk and Anna had a beautiful wedding, and they are so perfect for each other. I definitely gained an awesome sister in law. Eli had a fabulous time staying up all the way until 10 pm and dancing the night away. We even brought along his little walker and he just worked the reception and dance floor all night. It was so much fun!

For the rest of May, we enjoyed taking Eli on his first swims of the summer, hitting up the park, and settling into the slower rhythm of this season. Eli also turned 15 months old, and I shared alllll the fun things about what he's up to these days in this post. Check it out if you haven't already (especially if you like seeing all the baby cuteness like I know I do!)

JUNE

June started off with a bang! On the 2nd, I ran my fourth half marathon, the Hospital Hill Half. The weather was predicted to be incredibly hot and muggy, and I was cautioned that I likely wouldn't be able to go for a new personal record (PR) on this difficult course. But the training and my competitive spirit paid off, and I was able to chase down a new personal best! 

I'm just crazy enough to chase down my new PR on the @hospitalhillrun today! 😂 It may have only been by ten seconds, but I'll take it on this challenging course. 👍🏼After a 30 min delay, the rain broke, which made for an overall pleasant and much cooler run! I had the best fans and cheering squad to motivate me on that last big hill, and I felt good about a strong finish. 🏃🏽‍♀️Half marathon number four is in the books! 🙌🏼🎉

A post shared by Kelsie Kleinmeyer (@currentlykelsie) on Jun 2, 2018 at 10:50am PDT

5th Anniversary Trip

The morning after my half marathon, Aaron and I jetted off on a five day kid-free trip to the beautiful Puerto Vallarta in celebration of our fifth wedding anniversary. We slept in late, ate and drank anything we wanted any time we wanted, took low quality selfies, turned off our phones, ate fancy dinners without having to worry about anyone throwing food, and soaked up some serious Mexican sunshine. I let fish nibble on my toes, read four books, and had the best spa massage of my life. We played board games, walked the beach, and had long talks about our future goals. Boy oh boy am I grateful for the incredible time of relaxation and rejuvenation with my main man. We never want to forgot how this all started, with just the two of us. 

My parents watched Eli for us while we were gone, and I didn't have to worry one bit. He had so much fun he didn't even really want to come home! 

 Since our anniversary trip was a week before our actual anniversary, we ended up going out in downtown KC to celebrate that night. Highlights included our first visit to Repeal 18th, Gram and Dun, and also the Waffle Bar! We always try to go new places in KC that we've never been, and none of these disappointed! 

Highlights for the rest of June included a wonderful Father's Day, a family reunion, celebrating my mom's upcoming retirement, more pool time, playing outside, and having the best time with our sweet little man. He is such a good sport and he honestly makes everything that much more fun.

Eli's 16th Month

Eli has continued to talk up a storm, learning all sorts of new words. He has a new found love for turning light switches on and off around our house, and he begs me to hold him up so he can do so over and over again. Some sweet church friends of our passed on their cozy coupe and race car toy to us, and Eli loves sitting in his "car" and turning his steering wheel back and forth over and over again. He got in the race car cart at the grocery store and screamed bloody murder when we pulled him out to leave- kids loves steering! He also loves banging on the keyboard when I sit it on the floor for him, and he really boogies to the music as it plays. He's walking flawlessly now, and especially loves toddling around the splash park- this kid has no fear! He also has his mama's sweet tooth, and he loves ice cream (and pretty much any of the food Mama may have to offer). 

We finally put up his swing in the backyard, and he loves swinging in there and looking around while Mama and Daddy hang out on the deck. He had his first story time visit and parachute experience, and we are getting ready to make our first trip of the year to the zoo. He's so inquisitive, and loves trying to figure out how things works and watching Daddy work on cars. Eli is the best baby and he brings us so so much joy. I'm not sure how I'll ever be able to go back to work in August, so for now I'm just soaking it all in (and reading lots of books or taking naps during Eli's three hour afternoon nap). What a life! 

I hope you all are having a fantastic summer. If you made it this far in the post, congrats. I feel like you are truly my friend and maybe I should put a secret phrase here that you can text or message me just to show me how committed you are to reading- ha! (Secret phrase: no diggity. I look forward to hearing from you ;) But for real, I hope that you are finding lots of joyful moments to enjoy the sweet sun and beautiful memories that come along with this time of the year. Cheers to July! 

Currently,

Kelsie

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New York City for Couples

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Traveling as a couple is one of my very favorite things to do. You've got a built-in travel buddy, a chance for thousands of memories, and a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and adventure together. Though there are so many types of vacations you could take, big city vacations are without a doubt some of the most jam-packed vacations you can enjoy. When it comes to cities, there’s one that appears on more bucket lists than the rest of the US combined: New York, New York. Here are just a few of the options that New York City has to offer couples!

See a Show Together

One thing that I've always wanted to do with Aaron is to see a Broadway show together. I went to two when I was in New York City with my High School Choir (we sang at Carnegie Hall!), but I've never been with Aaron! Aaron was actually up for it, we just didn't plan ahead enough and the shows didn't work with our schedule. If your guy is a little reluctant to visit the theater, maybe find a show that’s a little more gender neutral, like A Bronx Tale at the Longacre Theatre. Most guys enjoy a show as much as any girl, sometimes it’s just about convincing them to get in.

Listen to Some Music (And Maybe Even Dance)

What better way to cap off the evening after a show than to take a night on the town? Enjoy a cocktail and hit the dance floor together. I'm a huge sucker for dancing, and I love when Aaron twirls me around and we share a good laugh. Side note- I knew I would marry him when we danced at my friend's wedding just one month into dating. Anyways, there are plenty of places to get your groove on in New York, but an extra unique experience can be found at Dizzy’s Jazz Club. Overlooking Central Park, this speakeasy is in one of the most picturesque neighborhoods of the whole city, and always has fantastic live music from some of the country’s very best jazz artists. I'd love to check it out the next time we're in the Big Apple!

Take a Stroll Around Town

The city is absolutely overloaded with fantastic places for a romantic stroll. A lot of them can be found in or near Brooklyn, which was a really fun place to visit the last time we went to New York City. Take a boat out to Coney Island for a day of sand, sea, and old-school fun in what was once known as the "Playground of the World". There are few things more romantic than imagining a walk hand-in-hand along the boardwalk, listening to distant sounds of fun as they meet the tranquil waves of the coast. Sign me up for that now, am I right??

Breathe in the Beauty of the Outdoors

For as crowded and truly modern of a city as it might be, New York is not without its quiet places of beauty, either. Central Park might be a little crowded, but the New York Botanical Gardens offer a more tranquil experience. But don't assume that tranquil means boring: this place has flashes of color and fragrance that can make each individual garden thoroughly worth taking the time to explore. There are exhibits of all kinds, too, from music and poetry to farmers' markets. There’s always something happening around the city, so plan your visit well to catch your favorite kind of event.

Jump into culture, see sights like never before, and enjoy the high life together in New York. Crowded as it might be, few places truly capture the spirit of exploring a true metropolis quite like it does. What's on your list for you next visit to the Big Apple?

Currently,

Kelsie

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Eli's 15 Month Update

Normally I post some fun Eli updates in my monthly recap post, but I'm a bit behind this month and Eli is already nearing 16th months, so I figured I'd pop up in and give a more lengthly recap. Sure, some of this is simply for this Mama to remember, but I also love sharing with all of you who have watched him grow right along side us. So, without further ado, here's Eli's 15 month recap!

Little man continues to be on the little side, but he's always followed the curve for his age so everything's fine. He's weighing in at 20.6 pounds (18th percentile) and is 31.25 inches long (50th percentile). His big ole noggin has an 18.75 inch circumference, which puts him in the 75th percentile. So basically he's got a tiny waist, is decently long, and has a big head. This can make clothes a challenge sometimes. He typically wears 18 month clothes, but he still fits into some 12 month clothes. If we do two piece outfits I have to put him in 18 month tops and 12 month bottoms. Jammies and rompers are fine. Who knew that I should have never bought any clearance shorts last year without drawstrings?? The 12-18 and 18-24 month clothing jumps seem so huge that it's so hard to guess sizing! He's still got his beautiful big blue eyes and I hope they never change!

Eli is a great eater! We made it 15 months nursing, which surpassed my goal of one year. I am thankful for that sweet time and what it did for our bonding, my health, and our wallets. I'll miss some of those snuggles since Eli is wiggly these days, but he drinks whole milk like a champ and will usually cuddle with me while he drinks his morning sippy cup of milk. He enjoys cereal pieces or rice cereal with his breakfast, but will also totally eat eggs, hashbrowns, and even bacon if Mama and Daddy are making a big meal. He usually eats some sort of fruit and yogurt for lunch, and his favorite is bananas- which he's learned to eat on his own as long as I peel it for him. He sometimes gets so excited about his bananas that he forgets to chew, which has led to a few banana-vomit-nap-wakeups (momming is glamorous, folks). Dinner is usually his biggest meal, and he is all about bread, peanut butter, most veggies, rice rusks, strawberries, and the occasional pouch. He also loves anything he can find on Mama and Daddy's plates, and recently tried pulled pork, pizza, and enchiladas. He has seven teeth, with an eighth on the way. Generally, teething doesn't give him much trouble. The boy can eat!

Eli continues to be a great sleeper, and I'll continue to pray that this doesn't change. With school ending and without having to get up so early to get to work and daycare, we've been letting Eli sleep in a little, and he totally will. He generally goes to bed around 8 and wakes up around 8 or 8:30, but if he wakes up sooner he'll just lay in his crib quietly and hang until we go get him. (What a champ, am I right?) He took two two-hour naps all the way through the end of the school year, but I decided to try to transition him to one nap this summer. After letting him sleep in a little later in the morning, he pretty effortlessly could stay up from 8 until 1 pm, and then go down for one three-ish hour nap. This means mama can get some stuff done...or go to the pool while Daddy is home and E is napping. What a dream!  If E has any early cranky moments, we just go outside or have a snack and then he's good. It's been so nice to have a good chunk of the morning free to go to the park, the pool, etc, and not have to worry about coming back or a morning nap. And I generally try to get up and work out before he's awake, so I'm basically in love with this schedule and have no idea how I'm going to get myself back to work in a couple of months. Ugh! Who wants to leave a sweet face like this??

I have genuinely loved every single stage with Eli. He's so great, and I really find more and more to love about him as the days pass. I had no idea how much fun this new toddler stage would be! Eli is talking up a STORM! His new words and phrases (in addition to his previous words) include the following: tree, flower, bubbles, car, shoes, bug, pool, puh (which he says when he poops), bye bye, wow!, bath, and (my new personal fave) "See ya"- which he says at completely appropriate times. He is a huge mimicker and it is the sweetest thing ever. He is FINALLY walking, after taking his sweet time and just preferring to crawl everywhere at breakneck speed. He isn't completely flawless, but generally he'll take 12-16 fluid steps, pause to catch himself, push back up, and then get after it again. I'm so excited for this new progress, and all that it means when it comes to less crawling in awkward/dirty public places, less carrying, and more exploring together, hand in hand. I have a feeling he'll be running before we know it! He's so full of wonder and discovery and it's incredible to watch his brain at work.

Other fun things Eli does: dances and tilts his head side to side whenever he hears music (see video above of him tearing up the dance floor at my brother's wedding), pauses to pick up twigs and carry them in one hand while holding my hand with the other, tries to put any shoe in the house (including my heels) on while saying "shoes" over and over again, loves going outside to watch Daddy do man things, begs to go down the slide in my lap again and again (and how could I deny him?), shoves way too many "fishies" in his mouth at once, giggles and blows bubbles in the pool, gives mama kisses on the lips, LOVES his finger toothbrush and tries to brush on his own, tries to put my sunglasses on backwards and upside down, loves pushing anything with wheels, giggles with glee anytime I tickle him or point out his belly. I could keep going. This boy is the best!

All in all, Eli is a joy and I couldn't ask for a better baby. I know that there are lots of days ahead, and that not all of them will be easy or fun or wonderful. We will have our moments, but I'm cherishing the ones we do have now. Eli is the greatest gift that I never knew I was so desperately missing. I never knew I could love someone so much. My love for him is fierce and he loves right back. My heart could burst into a million pieces when he looks up at me with raised arms and a cheesy, toothy smile, and says, "Mama!". Sweet Eli, you are prized and precious, liked and loved, chosen and cherished, blessed to be a blessing. You're a child of God, and a treasure in our family. We love you so much, no matter what, and we always will!

Currently,
Kelsie

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5 Secrets to Being a Happy Mom

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Over the past year and a half as a new mama, I've learned countless lessons- all ranging from the need to "tuck" little boys into their diapers to the life changes that happen with friendships once you're a mom and your friends aren't. Being a mom is the best thing ever, but it's also incredibly challenging and can be lonely, frustrating, and emotional at times. Here are five life lessons or "secrets" that I've learned that can help make your experience as a mama the best it can be!

1. It’s Okay To Focus On You.

As a loving mom and wife, I can relate to the desires to put the family first. This is often innate and is what makes mamas so awesome and sacrificial. On the other hand, learning to create some "me time" is absolutely essential. In fact, failure to do this can actually lead to health issues and general unhappiness, which is the last thing anyone in the family needs. A happy and healthy you is a better you for everyone! Establishing a sense of balance in life is the key, even though it can be oh so hard!  If there’s only one change that is incorporated immediately, this should be it. Figure out how to create a little me time for yourself, and then do it!

2. It’s Okay To Accept Outside Help.

I absolutely would not have made it through my maternity leave and my son's first year of life without the help of an incredible "village" of folks: family, friends, church family, and more. It can be humbling, but leaning on others for help and being willing to ask them for it is so freeing. It's so easy in life to let pride get in the way of seeking support. In truth, though, there are dozens of situations where grabbing a helping hand can make a world of difference. Maybe it's having someone watch your baby for a couple of hours so you can get a mama break, asking a friend to watch your little one for a much needed date night, or hiring a local mover to help you move rather than tackling it all on your own. Trust me, someday you'll be super willing to help other moms out too because you get how much it is needed. Just ask, and don't feel bad about it!

3. Experience the Moments Fully While You're in Them.

I know this sounds so cliche, but it's so true!! Life goes by so quickly, and even those difficult nights of helping your newborn fall asleep will soon be distant memories. So cherish the moments, good and bad. Take pictures and videos as much as you can to capture these days, but don't be afraid to unplug and be present as well. Take vacations and days off for special occasions and experiences, or simply spend time together. These days will be gone before you know it, and you don't want to look back and regret not spending enough time with your family just enjoying the positives of this stage of life. (This is the entire heart of my blog mission statement, which you can read here!)

4. Remember that Money Matters, But Isn’t Everything.

Money is an inevitable part of life. You've got to have it to pay the bills, feed your family, and care for yourself and your little ones. Some people go to the extremes, either having almost unhealthy obsession with money, or going through life without being financially responsible at all. The best answer is to find the happy medium. Achieving financial stability should absolutely be a priority, but you also need to realize that the reason for achieving this goal is to spend time with loved ones. Every family has to work through the dynamic of moms working or staying at home, and money has to be a factor, but shouldn't be the end all. Remember what's most important, while also being responsible.

5. Stay patient, even when it seems impossible. 

Again, this statement seems cliche, but it rings so true. While good organization and planning are key, realistically you have to acknowledge the fact that things can and will go differently than you've planned. Blowouts in the car seat will happen right before you need to leave. Cheerios will get thrown all over the kitchen moments before guests arrive. Just remember,  your kids will be better off when you handle the unexpected in a calm and patient manner. Don't lose your cool so that they won't lose theirs. There are times where you’ll have to delay a chore until tomorrow, or change your plans, but it’s not the end of the world. Life is tough enough without creating problems that aren’t really there. Let things go, and just relax.

These are just a few of the biggest lessons I've learned over my first year as a mama. I hope they're helpful for those of you just entering this stage of life. What life lessons have you learned from being a mom? What are your secrets?

Currently,
Kelsie

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Ideas for Your Home Bucket List

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Lots of people have a bucket list of some sorts. Many bucket lists (like my travel bucket list) include far and exciting destinations to go see or events to witness at some point in your life. Your list may be full of things like experiences and food you want to try, or maybe you even have a bucket list for the year and the summer where you include self improvement goals you want to accomplish and achieve. What if we gave this same level of thought to our homes?

Hang in there with me for a moment. A bucket list can be anything that you want to achieve and experience, and so you can create your own bucket list for your home. It may be long term goals for your home, it may be thoughts and desires for future homes, or it could simply involve the type of home lifestyle you want to create someday. Here are some ideas to create your own Home Bucket List!

Change the interior decor with the seasons.

A simple place to start is by changing things up on the inside of your home each season. This way, you don't take on a big investment or massive jobs that need to be done. To freshen up your new look, try out websites like Deconovo, which are full of different interior decorating pieces you can get to help you feel inspired by the seasons. Some great places to start are floral patterns for cushions, new colors to embrace and add to your living spaces, and greenery- especially succulents.

Decorate your home with your favorite colors.

Another really easy place to begin your bucket list is by changing up color. Color is one of those things that's really a personal taste issue. It's one of the best ways to inject personality into your home. You can add color to the walls or you can add it subtly through your choice of home furnishings and accessories. Feature walls can give you the confidence to inject a brighter color into a space without it feeling too overwhelming, and you can even use color to give more effect of light or an open space. Be clever with your choices while ensuring you embrace what you love.

Change the way you use some of the rooms.

Another idea, especially if you aren't ready to tackle a big build job, would be to simply repurpose some of the rooms in your own home. We often feel like we have to conform to a certain way of a living, but a living room doesn't have to necessarily be that if it would suit you and your family to be something else, like a dining room or even an at home office for your small business. Changing the use of a room could help you make your current living space work better for you.

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Add on to or renovate your home.

If you're willing to dream a little bigger, but love a lot about your current home, you could start by adding on or renovating your current space! This could really change the way your home looks and feels. Renovation is a popular way to make your current home work for you. It might give you the extra space you need, the living arrangements you like (such as a gorgeous open floor plan), or it could give you the extra push you need to make as much money as you can by selling this home so that you can move on to your next. An addition might feel like a big job, and depending on what you are doing, it could take some time to complete. But the finished product will be worth the wait.

Build your own home.

Here's the big bucket list dream- building your own home. This is a goal for us! If money was no object and the perfect plot of land became available, building your own home is the absolute dream. Yes it may sound drastic, but actually building your own home isn’t as complicated, or probably even as expensive as you imagine. Sure, it is pricey, there is no question of that, but you may find that building the home you want (exactly as you want, not settling for something) will be a fraction of what it would be to actually purchase one- especially if you can subcontract it yourselves. It could be a legitimate possibility for your future and certainly isn’t a dream to disregard! Dream big, y'all!

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Move to the country.

Everyone has different preferences on ideal living location. Maybe it's your dream to live in the country, so you may want to add it to your home bucket list because you'd love living in wide open spaces some day. We definitely love the idea of owning land and having some space. There are definitely some great advantages to living in the countryside, especially the open aspect and the fields. You could even have the opportunity to have more animals and try things like having your own garden, chickens, or even livestock. You might spend more time outdoors and embrace a slower paced life.

Move to the city.

On the flip side, you may be someone who dreams of living in the city, and again this could give you a totally different lifestyle. You may want to be close to where all the action is happening, and being in the city puts you a matter of minutes (or even a short walk or metro ride) from fine dining, shopping, and tons of entertainment and nightlife options). City life isn’t for everyone, but I think most people would like to experience it at least once in their lives.

Add on a pool, gym, or whatever your dream is.

Finally, what is the dream for your ultimate house? Is it a pool in the backyard? (I grew up with one and it is the BEST.) Is it a home gym, a tennis court, or just lots of land so that you can have animals, grow your own food or even start your very own small farm? Like any bucket list, it's good to have a dream, a dream where you can feel like you have something to work towards. It can be as elaborate or as big as you want it to be. But remember every scenario is a possibility. Start with big dreams, and put your plan into action.


I hope that this gives you the home improvement inspiration you need for this year! We're definitely taking strides towards our own home bucket list this summer. There is exciting stuff ahead, which I'll be sharing more about later! What's on your home bucket list?

Currently,
Kelsie

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Five Great Places for a Couples Vacation in Italy

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If you'd like to find a country with natural beauty, warmth, friendly people, and loads of history, Italy should be on your bucket list. When we went on our 16 day adventure around Europe, I totally fell in love with this country, and I was incredibly jealous when my husband got to go without me last summer (mom probs). There's such a wide range of activities to enjoy in all of its major cities. Whether you’re a wine lover or are interested in the latest creations of Italian designers, you'll find great places to explore, even on a budget. Regardless, Italy’s cities are also some of the most romantic, and are perfect for a couples’ trip. Here are five Italian places you should consider for your next getaway!

Venice

Venice is seriously one of my favorite places I've ever been. Ever. In case you haven’t been down the canal on a gondola with your other half yet, this might be your time to experience romance on the next level. Visit the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge’s Palace, and be sure to sign up for a walking tour so you can fully appreciate everything this great city has to offer. We had an amazing experience on our walking tour, and it was so fun to ride the water taxis and navigate the maze of streets (where no cars are allowed)! When in Venice, you shouldn’t be on a tight travel schedule; simply soak in and enjoy the atmosphere and make memories that last. 

Florence

Those who love beautiful things and architecture could spend months in this amazing city: the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence has breathtaking scenes and buildings, as well as modern department stores and vibrant nightlife. The museums are amazing too! You can find great boutique hotels to suit every budget. Admire the rooftop terraces or the private gardens, take a trip to the countryside, and go on a wine tasting tour. We loved our evening trip out to Tuscany, even though it briefly rained and hailed. Tuscany is incredibly gorgeous and perfect for a couple's trip.

Rome

Rome is the eternal city, and is lives up to all the expectations by being full of history, character, and culture. Whether you want to see the usual attractions or explore the seven hills that surround the downtown, you won't have any trouble finding something to do. Roam the churches and cathedrals, visit the Baroque fountains, and - of course - make time to see Pantheon and the Acropolis. We loved staying a little off of the beaten path and finding the less touristy spots. We also went on some self-guided tours that were great and saved us money on public transportation.

Milan 

We were only in Milan for a brief train stop, but fashionistas and young couples will love it. Milan is a modern city with a lot of history. There are designer stores all over the city, and you're sure to find something to learn from those living here when it comes to sophisticated style. With plenty of galleries and museums, you can enjoy the great hospitality of the city- no matter what time of year. To see some stunning architecture, be sure to check out the Sforza Castle and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. And by the way, they don't mess around with their pizza over there! 

Naples

Naples is less known among couples, but is another fantastic destination for a romantic getaway. Try a traditional pizza, check out the shopping district, and find your next favorite designer. From Naples, you can book a Pompeii tour or a trip to Herculaneum as well, so you get in a little history too. There are several sites providing recommendations on the best things to do in Naples, so be sure to create a list so you don’t run out of time.

Italy is a perfect destination for couples looking to spend a few romantic days together in an incredible place. The locals really are kind, and the Italian cities are full of character, charm, and history. I will definitely be back again soon! Enjoy!

Currently,

Kelsie

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Teachers: Get Your Work Done More Easily

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If you ask people who don't know much about teaching, they'll say that teachers only work for a few hours each day, and get all summer off. But, as any teacher knows, there's a lot more work to do when you're not actually in your classroom. Teachers spend time preparing lessons, grading and planning work, and attending meetings and training sessions. Though they might only be in front of students for a few hours each day, there is literally always work that can be done. In fact, the workload can get overwhelming and require tons of extra (unpaid) hours from your free time. If you're a teacher who is struggling under a pile of work, try these solutions to get it done more easily!

Speed Up Your Grading

Grading student work can be extremely time-consuming, whether it's a pop quiz or essays. Reducing the number of assignments you hand out is one option, and I've done it, but it isn't always the best choice. Some teachers spend too long grading papers and tests. I know I've been guilty (which is miserable when you've got hundreds of essays to grade). Long comments often aren't necessary, and you might not even need to correct obvious mistakes on some assignments- especially if it's their final draft! Give the feedback earlier in the process, when they can still make changes. Fortunately, there are ways you might be able to change your habits, so you can speed through everything more quickly. There are great tools to use like Quia, Turnitin.com, and Noredink to also help you provide formative, electronic feedback in a hurry. Some of these options even grade things for you!

Learn to Let Go

Some teachers spend an unnecessary amount of time preparing for their lessons. It's easy to get sucked in and even to become obsessed with getting things just right. I get it- I'm a perfectionist too. Although you want to do your best for your students, sometimes enough is enough, especially when this extra (unpaid) work is taking away from your life with your spouse, children, and friends. You don't need to spend half an hour searching for the perfect picture to use in your presentation or selecting the ideal font for your new worksheets. Learn when it's time to put your work aside- or even try not to take it home at all!

Source

Have the Necessary Tools at Home

Although I'd recommend trying to leave work at work, there may be times when you do need to take some of your work home. Why stay at school when you could be sat at home with a drink and some snacks? If you do have to take your work home with you, make sure you have all the tools you need to do it effectively.  I always bring my laptop and charger home with me, just in case. If things aren't submitted electronically, I stick a stack of papers in my school bag, just in case I'm in a situation where I could have gotten some easy grading done. That way I'm not kicking myself over a lost opportunity! One thing that might be helpful is to take a look at optimum.com/ to see if you can improve your internet connection. Speedier internet can remove a lot of your frustrations and help you get things done faster. It also means that if others at home are online, they won't slow you down.

Get Support from Others

Teaching is wonderful, but also so draining. It's not always easy to get the support you need. Some teachers are luckier than others when it comes to having supportive superiors and colleagues. I know I have some really amazing work friends. However, you often don't know how helpful people can be until you ask. Many are happy to help you get your work done more easily or maintain your work-life balance in any way that they can. Reach out to other teachers, friends, and others to help you emotionally and mentally, or even so you can get a little physical activity in to relieve stress.

You're always going to have a lot of work to do as a teacher. That's just the nature of the game. However, you can take some steps to get your work finished more quickly, so you have more free time. Try to work hard when you work, but then also build in time for some much needed rest. I won't be doing any work this summer, and I'm so excited for that time to just unwind and recharge before doing it all again next year.

Currently,

Kelsie

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April Recap

As a teacher, April can be a long month. There are literally no days off, which is a hard transition when coming from March (when there's spring break), and February (when there were snow days and government holidays). Not to mention, there's state testing, squirrly kiddos, and just the overall readiness of everyone for school to be over for the year. But this year, April actually went pretty quickly. This could be because I've finally learned a little more work/life balance (funny how that happened after I had a kiddo). All in all, May is here, and this past month has brought me more joy and taught me more than the months before. Here's what we've been up to.

Loving our Not So Little Man

I've loved every stage of life with Eli, but man oh man is he fun right now!! He is curious, and has the biggest personality. He is still easygoing overall, and is still a great sleeper and eater. We made it over a year nursing, and are still doing so at morning and night. He has another tooth, and is standing on his own, but not quite walking- he prefers the speedy power crawl. He is speaking more and more each day, and his newest fun words are "Yay", "Eli" (which sounds like E-I), and "Baby". He can shoot hoops in his Grow to Pro basket, stack blocks, and point and call out every dog-gie he sees (or sometimes cats). I hope I never forget his strange obsession with my large bendy straw, the way he army crawls under the chair rungs, or the way he kicks in glee every time I go in to get him out of his crib. This little man has my whole heart, and I honestly don't know how I could love him any more than I do. Counting down the days (less than 17!) until I'm home all summer with him!

Learning to Rest 

I have always been a "get a lot done" kind of person. I still do like to pick up a little bit each night and get laundry and dishes done when I can. But lately, I've been working on really intentionally resting. This means taking "off days" from working out on Sundays, skipping housework in favor of playing with my boys, and giving myself the grace to go ahead and nap or just hang with friends rather than worrying about my to do list. This is SO important for my sanity, especially now that my time at home is even more special with little man (and big man too!). I am trying to be strategic about my time these days: see Finding Me Time as a Working Mom,  How to Survive and Thrive as a Working Mom, and How to Balance Work and Motherhood for more on that! 

My Third Half Marathon

On a completely different note from the whole "resting" thing- I ran my third half marathon this month! I was so excited to set a new goal and to beat it by a minute and a half! My old PR was 1:53, and I wanted to run a 1:50, but I ended up running a 1:48. My pacer was so awesome, and I even wrote a blog post about the experience (check it out here). I have another half up in June, the Hospital Hill Half in KC. I'm a little nervous that hill is in the title, but I know it will be okay and I hope for another PR. I'll probably go ahead and sign up for the KC half again too- that will mean I've completed 5 half marathons in a year! They are kind of addicting, and I also like how they've helped me stay fit!

Third half marathon ✅ Shiny new PR (by 5 min! Eek!) ✅ Favorite new course (with almost zero hills) ✅ Enjoyed rocking the Parkway today! 💕@rocktheparkwayhalf (My sweet boys braved the cold too to cheer me on, but we skipped the outdoor pic.) Next up, @hospitalhillrun ! 🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️

A post shared by Kelsie Kleinmeyer (@currentlykelsie) on Apr 14, 2018 at 1:05pm PDT

Intentional Friends

Lastly, this month has made me really appreciative of the intentional friends that I have in my life. Finding and maintaining friendships in your 20s can be really hard, and if I'm honest, I've felt lonely and rejected in some friendships (and attempted friendships) these days. Once you have kiddos, it's a whole different season as well, which can make things complicated. All that to say, I'm even more grateful for the good, dependable, intentional friends that I do have. In the true spirit of my word for the year, I'm working to cultivate the good friendships I have, and not feel like a failure or rejected if I have to prune out those that aren't life-giving.

In Case You Missed Them:

The Pacer

Secrets to a Great Night's Sleep

Reasons Your Home Decor Isn't Working

What I'm Clinging To

Eli's First Birthday ONEsie Party

That's all I've got! We've got some exciting things on the horizon, friends! I'm excited to tell you more about that in the coming months. Love to you all!

Currently,
Kelsie

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I Can Only Imagine: Bible Study Review

I received a complimentary copy of the I Can Only Imagine Bible Study from City on a Hill in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own! Be sure to scroll down to enter the giveaway, or use the code at the bottom of this post for a discount! 

If you've been to the movies lately, you've heard the chatter about the popular worship song- turned- movie, I Can Only Imagine. This song was released in 2001, but has gained recently renewed popularity because of the movie, which tells the story of Mercy Me lead vocalist Bart Millard's rocky relationship with his father, along with the real meaning behind the song. If you haven't seen the movie yet, it's worth checking out!

Right about the time I was contacted to review the I Can Only Imagine study, my weekly women's Bible study finished up our previous book. The timing was perfect, and I was excited to work through the beautiful 28 day Bible study journal, which is meant to take the reader on a "journey through Jesus' encounters with broken people, found throughout the Gospels", Gospels that are personal and powerful. The journal includes questions, scripture, and prayer, and when combined with the short video clips offered in the small group study, it's the perfect content for any group Bible study. The study journal can stand alone for personal study just fine!

Each week of the study focuses on "imagining": imagine a loving father, imagine forgiveness, imagine redemption, and imagine going home. The weeks all follow a pattern, asking the reader to recall, reorient, and reimagine. It mentions that we read and reflect in order to experience, rather than to simply learn.

Although the study is intended to take you 28 days, I could definitely see chatty Bible study groups (like my own lovely Tuesday night ladies) taking a lot longer to go through it. There is a lot of depth and great content for discussion, and I always err on the side of not rushing through studies in an effort to simply "get through them". This study hits hard on learning to see ourselves as God does: completely forgiven and eternally restored.

The study journal is beautiful, and I truly feel like it is something that anyone could discuss with other believers, or just reflect on individually if you're more of a personal Bible study person. Watching the actual film before doing the study isn't required. It is recommended, but is not a hindrance from completing the study if you haven't yet seen it. The content is easy to relate to, and the scriptural focus makes for a solid foundation. My son, Eli, even wanted to help me get in my study one day. Start 'em young! 

All in all, I give two thumbs up for the study. I appreciate its Biblical foundation, but also feel it is relatable and not so over your head that it becomes inaccessible to most readers. I'm excited to help lead my own Bible study ladies through it. Click this link to purchase your own I Can Only Imagine study materials, and use the code frontgate10 for 10% off of the series or journal!

Be sure to enter the giveaway here to win your own copy of the 28 day study journal! The giveaway ends on 5/25/2018, and the winner will be notified by email! Good luck, friends!

Currently,
Kelsie

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The Pacer

The vast majority of our world will never run a half marathon (or farther) simply because they believe they can't. It feels daunting. The training seems endless (and feels that way sometimes). It seems like a chore. Lonely. Boring. But I have found running to be much more relational than I expected. Every Saturday, after I put my son down for a nap, I run alongside a friend. We share our life updates, our hopes, and our fears as the miles tick by- and they truly do tick by. Sure, we're a little out of breath, but we fall into a comfortable and familiar rhythm.

Source

For this last race, my goal time required me to stretch and push a bit harder. This meant foregoing racing alongside my running buddy, and instead striving to stay up with the pacer. If you've done any longer races, you know that the pacer exists to help bring you in at or below your overall goal finish time. They run each mile at a specific time, based upon the elevation of the course (slower on the ups and faster on the downs) and help you succeed by literally running right alongside you, with a pacing sign high in the air. As long as you follow them, you'll meet your goal- a shiny new personal record and a race well done.

Another beautiful thing about the pacer is this: one of their main goals is to keep you from going too fast too quickly. Many runners make the race day mistake of shooting out of the starting line like a light, and then regretting it miles down the road. Pacing is all about actually taking the first few miles slower, so that you have more to give once your body is warmed up and you're a little farther along. The pacer is constant and steady, consistent without being controlling. Ultimately looking out for your best.

For this particular chilly April morning race, my 1:50 pacer was a woman named Kelly. I told Kelly about two miles in that she was my temporary running buddy for the day, and apologized in advance for how much I'd be talking to her. I needed that positive distraction. One other female runner fell into step with us, and together we spent the next hour and 48 minutes talking about a little of everything. We strategized, we laughed, and we grew to develop a relationship of sorts- grateful for the company of one another during this huge race.

Kelly was constant. She reassured us that we would indeed meet our goal time. She told us how great we were doing, and that we had this- easily. She distracted us in the best of ways, chatting and answering our questions while checking our pace. And she was there- running this race right alongside us.

As I took the hot shower I so desperately needed later that afternoon, I couldn't help but think of the beautiful picture this pacing story gave me. An image of faith. Of empathy and relational pursuit, a small representation of the love of our creator himself. That every day, as I run the race quite literally laid out for me, God is there, cheering me on, encouraging me, and helping me push through the pain, as mile by mile I draw nearer to the finish. And most impressively, he is right there beside me the entire time. Just as my pacer had run this race before, and knew how to help me navigate it, He's lived through the heartache, the sadness, and the joy of this world too. He gets it.

I can see him doing just what Kelly did that day- only on a broader scale. Helping me remember that slower and steadier truly is the best approach, even when I'm discontent in a season of waiting. Showing me how to navigate the ups and downs of life, and giving me the energy to chase my dreams. Telling me that, though it may not be comfortable, there are times I have to kick it and give it all as I near the finish. That he'd stay back for now and I'd go on ahead and be just fine. To trust. Staying the course with me, and then letting me fly to the finish all on my own when the time came: challenging and cheering me on with each step I took.

Third half marathon ✅ Shiny new PR (by 5 min! Eek!) ✅ Favorite new course (with almost zero hills) ✅ Enjoyed rocking the Parkway today! 💕@rocktheparkwayhalf (My sweet boys braved the cold too to cheer me on, but we skipped the outdoor pic.) Next up, @hospitalhillrun ! 🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️

A post shared by Kelsie Kleinmeyer (@currentlykelsie) on Apr 14, 2018 at 1:05pm PDT

I saw Kelly a little later, when we were picking up our sweats from the bag check. She asked me how the finish went. When I told her of my new PR, she gave me a huge hug and celebrated right along with me: sweat, shivers, and all. This woman, who I literally had never met before this day, and likley will never see again, had just become such a great picture of the Lord's love for me.

When I'm unsure, scared, and anxious, he's there- right beside me. When I'm doubting, yet finding strength to trust as each mile of this "race" ticks away, he's there. When I'm starting to believe that I can really do this, he's there- assuring me that I will indeed. And then, when I finish, he watches me fly on ahead, then comes alongside me again to celebrate with me. He is strong and steady, comforting and caring. And in this race of life, there is no one I'd rather have pacing me, each and every mile.

Currently,
Kelsie

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