It's a...

I couldn't wait until 20 weeks to find out what I'm having, so we scheduled a 16 week ultrasound.  And drum roll...it is...
A BOY!

The Vicars Family is definitely Team Blue all the way!  And yes I am TOTALLY outnumbered! 
This is definitely the last one so no we will NOT be trying for a girl, ha.   I must admit I was kinda hoping for a girl and was a little upset when I found out, but am totally OK with it now.   I am excited for another little man in my life.  The boys will be great big brothers to the little guy.
So y'all can go ahead and write me off as a true Soccer Mom.  Now all I need is a minivan...NOT!!!!  Sorry folks that one's never gonna happen.  I don't care if I have to tie one of the kids to the roof, it ain't happening.  Those of y'all with 3, how did you do car seats?  I am really hoping I can fit 3 across in the middle row.  
We are very blessed to have 3 little guys in our lives!

Blondie Thoughts: My Nose (Part I)

I am all about some good scents!  I guess since my nose is extra sensitive right now I have scents on the brain so for today's "Blondie Thoughts" I thought I'd share about one of my little obesssions...
I have a very sensitive nose even not pregnant.  I credit my obsession with things that smell good to my sensitive nose.  My house, my car, me, etc have to smell good at all times.  You get the picture.  Nothing makes me happier than smelling a yummy scent.  I have to divide this post up into 2 parts because I can't fit all my "smells" into one post. Let's start with my home.  Every home has its own smell.  I guess you get used to your home's smell, and I try my best to keep mine smelling good!  Since I spend a lot of time at home these days, it lifts my spirits to smell a yummy scent...   ~Candles~  Let's just say I have several.  I use them by season and burn them almost every day.
My favorite brands are:
Yankee Candle

Some of my favorite Yankee Candle scents:

Summertime: Black Coconut, Pineapple Cilantro, Coconut Bay, Island Spa Fall Scents: Harvest, and Apple Pumpkin Christmas Scents: Gingerbread and Christmas Cookie Everyday: Buttercream

Bath and Body Works  I have been enjoying Bath and Body Works candles the past year or so.  They have some really yummy smelling scents and they give off a good fragrance.

Circle E Candles  I recently discovered these through a blog I follow, Mix and Match Family. I have only scratched the surface with this brand but have a feeling we are going to get real close.  I have ordered a few and they are absolutely amazing!! 

My faves so far... Country Morning Apple Strudel Hawaiian Pineapple

Anthropologie Pretty much any candle from Anthropologie is delicious, but my fave fave fave is the Capri Blue Jar Candle  in Volcano.

~Plug Ins~ The jury is still out on whether or not these are the best to be breathing in all the time, but I still use them every now and then.  I just try not to have them plugged in all the time.  My favorite plug-ins are the Bath and Body Works Wallflowers.  I also enjoy the seasonal Glade scents.

~Hand Soap~ Guess what?!  Bath and Body Works wins again on this one.  I promise I'm not getting paid by them to plug their products.  I'm just a Bath and Body Works hoarder I guess.  I stock up on these whenever they go on sale.

~Kitchen~ I love my kitchen scents!  I recently discovered these at Target and am obsessed! 1) J.R. Watkins Lemon Hand Soap 2) J.R. Watkins Lemon All Purpose Cleaner  3)  Mrs. Meyers Lemon Verbena Dish Soap 4) Mrs. Meyers Lemon Verbena Countertop Spray
As you can see, I'm pretty serious about my household scents.  Just one of the ways I try to make our home a little homier and appeal to my sensitive nose.

Pregnancy Style: Second Trimester

Y'all know I'm a little bit of a clothes horse, so it's important to me to have some cute pieces even though I'm pregnant.  It's also important to NOT to have to buy a bunch of "maternity" clothes because a) they are ridiculously expensive and b) they aren't even that cute if you ask me.  I want pieces that can be worn (with a few exceptions) after pregnancy as well and aren't super pricey.
Here are a few items I have found that work with a growing belly to get me through the rest of Summer and hopefully through most of Fall.  I have to admit I broke down and bought some "maternity" bottoms.  A pair of shorts to get me through Summer and some jeans to get me through Fall and Winter.  The key is that I didn't break the bank.  I checked out Jessica Simpson's maternity line which is at a good price point.  Of course I've always loved all things J. Simps, so why would her maternity line be any different?  I honestly was really surprised when I tried on some of her jeans and they fit me perfectly!  
1) Jessica Simpson Cuffed Jeans 2) Cuffed Maternity Shorts 3) Jessica Simpson Skinny Jeans
Right now I'm still able to get into some of my shorts that ride low, so I'm hoping I can make it through without having to buy any more "maternity" shorts.  

I will admit I broke down and put on the maternity jeans the other day.   I let comfort win out on that one.

Tops and dresses are another story.  Between my large bust and growing waistline, I am all about the loose, flowy top/dress right now.  Luckily it's very easy to find non-maternity styles that fit loosely.  I found all of these on a killer sale.
  1) Knit Halter Maxi Dress 2) Tie Back Dress 3) A-Line Mini Dress 4) Irina Top (the print I got is sold out but this one is just as adorable)  5) Chevron Blouse
I wore the Irina Top the other day and I absolutely love it!

Blondie Thoughts: Our Typical Day Summer Style

I have to start off by talking about our wonderful weekend.  It's amazing how much you can get done without little ones around.  Adam has become quite the handyman, and I was actually really impressed at all we accomplished this weekend.  Since it rained literally all weekend we worked on the inside of the house.  We basically did projects around the house and went out to eat a lot and that was just fine with me.  I just love productive weekends!  Of course we missed our little ones terribly and we were ready to see them Sunday afternoon.  So thankful for a weekend of freedom!  Now..."Blondie Thoughts" for today...
I'm entering my second trimester and am feeling a whole lot better, so I'm trying to get back to a normal summertime routine.    I get up most days between 6-6:30, so I can have a few quiet minutes to myself.  In this time I have my coffee, read a quick devotional, and get a little work done.  I cherish this quiet time in the morning before the chaos of the day begins.



The boys normally (of course there are the days they are awake earlier) get up around 7-7:30.  Thankfully they will play in their room for a little bit which gives me time to wrap up my work, get their breakfast ready, and myself ready (which means putting my contacts in and washing my face). I get them up, change diapers, dress them and we have breakfast while watching cartoons.

   We normally get out every morning either to go to the gym, run errands, or if I'm feeling really brave head to the pool.  I have to say though the last few times I took them to the pool I swore I was never taking them back by myself.  I physically cannot chase them both around the pool going in different directions.  We are working on listening and obeying, and until we can listen to what Mommy says, no more pool.  That's mean but it's how it has to be.  I'm sure I will attempt it again this week though, ha.

An attempted pool day (it didn't last long) We do have to get out and do something even if it's driving around.  I can't stand sitting in the house all day with them running around looking for trouble.  Depending on our activities, which most days is the gym, we leave the house between 8-9.   The boys love to play at the gym nursery so that makes us all happy campers!     After the gym we may run a few other errands or head on home.   The boys fave thing to do is ride through the car wash and get Chick Fil A.  I try to limit our eating out to once or twice a week for lunch.   

We normally get home around 11-11:30 and will eat lunch then we prepare for naps, which is a complicated process.  Another diaper change (please God let them be potty trained soon), time to drink "milkies" and fight them to sit down and read a book before saying prayers and tucking in for naps.  I have recently started bribing them (oops) to sit down and read and then get in bed.  An M&M treat sure does the trick! 

Can you tell what Momma was craving?   I never get Wendy's normally but baby (that's who I blame it on) wanted a hamburger. ;)     As soon as I close the door to their room, I breathe a sigh of relief and run to the shower.  Nap time is scared around here.  Lately they've been playing destroying their rooms for an hour before going down.  As I write this I hear them banging their dresser drawers.  I tell you what!  I have NEVER in my life seen such destruction as these boys can create.  I think I have the room baby proofed and they find something else to destroy.  We had to remove most everything from their dresser drawers and lock it all in the closet.  We have taken all pictures off the walls.  Now they are ripping the pages out of all their books, so any paper books have been removed.  I'm tempted to take their toy basket out too since that seems to distract them from sleep.  I am still struggling with figuring out the whole toddler bed thing.  How do you make them stay in it and sleep?  

This was when we decided it was time to lock everything up in the closet.

Anyway, I digress...nap time...oh sweet nap time!  If they are really tired, they can sleep a good 2 1/2-3 hours.  :)  It really varies day to day but no matter what they have to go in their rooms around 12-12:30 to 2:30-3.    This is when I work or lately it's been watching Housewives or my new old fave Friday Night Lights re-runs and maybe sneak a nap in.  Come on, I'm pregnant.  That's my excuse anyway.   After nap time we play and watch cartoons until Daddy gets home.  Sometimes I teach in the evenings so we head to the gym if so.  I am normally wiped in the evenings so it's rare (unless I'm teaching) that we get out again.  

After nap selfie

Afternoon snack time with a few Mickey flash cards thrown in. ;)

Daddy gets home at 6 and from 6 until bedtime which is 7:30-8ish now, it's a whirlwind.  Cook dinner, fight the boys to eat, clean up, baths, jammies, milkies, fight them again to settle down and read books before tucking in and saying prayers.  Thankfully Adam helps me out a lot in the evenings.  He gives them baths and reads them books before bed.  Such a good Daddy!



Bear likes bedtime stories too.

After that I'm absolutely worn out!  I feel Adam gets the short end of the stick because I'm so tired at the end of the day.  This is why it's so important we plan date nights, so we have uninterrupted time to talk.   We do watch a little TV together before getting in bed.  I'm in bed at 9 almost every night.  I normally watch a little more TV in the bedroom or read to help put me to sleep.  My current fave bedtime shows are Seinfield re-runs, Everybody Loves Raymond re-runs, Aerial America, or Mysteries at the Museum.   And that's my typical day.  Routine and not very exciting, but I feel very blessed to be able to be at home with my little monkeys.  

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

I am slightly addicted to Nordstrom.  Free shipping and free returns anytime?  How can you beat that?  Well this is my favorite time of year to shop at Nordstrom.  Why?!  Read on my friends...

Click here to shop now!

This is a great time to stock up on pieces for Fall.

How fabulous is this print?  LOVE!

Nike 'Free' TR Connect

An UGG (most comfortable shoe ever) in a wedge bootie?  Hello friend!  Did I mention these are waterproof too?  They come in 2 colors and you can't go wrong with either. UGG Wedge Bootie This cross body messenger bag is perfect for Fall.  You can't beat the price at $65!

Messenger Bag

How about this sweater for those chilly Fall mornings?  It will work well with a growing belly too. ;)

Hooded Cardigan


And because I will be wearing a lot of "stretchy" pants and leggings this Fall...

These feel absolutely amazing!  Love the fabric.

Hue Leggings


I bought a pair of these last year and wore them to death.  I went up a size so I could wear them this Fall pregnant.  They are the best leggings you can buy for the money!

Zella Live-In Leggings

I added the capri version too.  Again you can't beat the price for the quality you get.

Zella Live-In Capris

I got boring old black but they come in a lot of fun colors too!
I can't leave my 2 little monkeys out.  Back-to-school shoes...check!
I couldn't pass up these Pumas for $25!  How cute are these?


Puma Whirlwind


There are so many great deals right now.  I have only scratched the surface.
What are your favorite finds from the sale?  Comment below to let me know.

Fit Pregnancy: Week 14

I am now 14 weeks, and I am feeling a lot better!  Praise the Lord!!!  My energy has returned somewhat and the nausea has subsided a lot.    ~Diet~ Since I am not as nauseous as I had been, I can eat a little better balanced diet.  I have been trying to eat a lot of veggies and salads, but of course I may have a day where that bag of Cheetos (baked makes them healthy, right?) or Chick Fil A win out.  I actually broke down and had a Wendy's hamburger the other day.  I normally try to stay away from fast food burgers but the craving was calling and boy was it good!  I do find that I get full pretty quickly.  I remember this from my last pregnancy, but it seemed like it was a lot later on.  Trust me, I'm not complaining at all.  It's just different this time around.  
~Exercise~ I have been teaching a lot of Pump lately (3 times a week), so I haven't done much cardio lately.  Eek!  I find that it's all I can do to get through teaching a Pump class without falling on the floor.  I do have to admit I haven't gone down in weight much so it may be time to do that.  :(  It's very frustrating when a 10 lb dumbbell for a kickback seems like 100 lbs.  It's so weird that it seems so much heavier when a few weeks ago it was no problem for me.  Maybe it's because my muscles are already starting to atrophy or may be due to the lack of cardio?  Who knows?  Overall I'm still averaging 3-4 times a week at the gym.  This week I am focusing more on cardio since I've been doing a lot of weights lately.  My goal is 4-5 workouts this week but that is a lofty goal.  I'm honestly just taking it day by day, and I'm trying to be better about listening to my body.  I find that if I don't, I pay for it later. 
I have gained some weight but am holding steady right now.  I do have a little bump.  It seems to grow throughout the day.  By the time I go to bed I feel fully pregnant.
~13 Weeks~

~14 Weeks~

A Free Weekend

I am super excited!  I am packing up the boys tomorrow and meeting my in-laws in Asheville to hand the boys off.  They are going to spend a long weekend with Grammy and Poppy in Kingsport, and Grandma is going to make the quick drive up to help.  This is the first time we've done this so I can't wait!  Woo hoo!  Party at the Vicars this weekend!  Yeah our party is going to consist of major housework (impossible to get things done with the boys around).  Adam and I already have a Lowe's date set up for tomorrow night...romantic, right?  No seriously I am anxious to get some deep down cleaning done and do some minor repairs and sprucing up on our house.  We may even sneak in a birthday dinner downtown for Adam.  ;)

 I will leave y'all with some pics of my cuties.  Even though I'm excited for some free time, I know I will miss them terribly.

 Typical

Van is absolutely enthralled by any lotions, sprays, cleaning supplies or tools that I use.  I rinsed out this old conditioner container for him.  The best toys are things like that...amazing.

Van selfie

Eli selfie

Cherish the times they still want to be held.

Blondie Thoughts

I am introducing a new series called "Blondie Thoughts".  I will highlight a new topic about me each week whether it be a random thought or something about my life I want to share.  It may be something deep or as silly as my favorite kind lip gloss.  So if y'all have anything about me you would like to know, ask away.  I would love to hear from you!