♥ 9 Week Pregnancy Update ♥ Video

Hello everyone! I hope you are having a great day. I am back sharing a new pregnancy update going over week 9. I love being able to record these videos with all the symptoms and everything going to have to look back on one day. I also love being able to share this experience with you too. Here is how week 9 has been going. Hope you enjoy! 

This is such an exciting time in my life. I know some think I am crazy having a baby at 41 and even talking about having more afterwards. You never know right!? I am excited about adding to our family. I think Ryan and the kids feel exactly the same. Life is ever changing...ever growing and full of surprises. Thanks so much for stopping by. I'll see ya soon plus have another update for you next week! xx

Growth & Change

Hi everyone. It's been a long while since we were together. It's been almost a month and a half since I have been here on this blog. So much has happened. So much has changed. First off there are a few updates on my youtube channel plus a little food haul that you can check out if you haven't already. Subscribe while you are there as well! ;)

I don't really even know where to start. At this point I am fully divorced. It certainly happened fast. It wasn't as painful as I thought it would be. I think anger carried me through that process. I still think that he single handedly destroyed our family without a second thought. I found out that I am stronger than I thought I was. I am doing just fine. And I am actually happier without all the drama and problems that came with being married to him. I really don't want him, my divorce, our past and or present issues to be in the forefront of everything. Its been over a month since I have opened this laptop. I have thought a hundred times how I wanted to handle my blog...youtube...all the social media. Well, I love this blog. I always have. Unlike my ex husband is has never left or hurt me. It's been a place of peace and pleasure both. I am not giving it up. I thought I would remove everything with him in but thinking about it now, its more of a public service to any woman that happens to google him. Maybe it will help/save someone else from the pain I have went through.

Through the pain, there has been a few shining lights helping lead the way for me. My best friend Shanna, my first love, Russell, my kids, my cousins, Laura, my mom have all been there for me. They have helped me figure out so many things. Life hasn't been all gloomy and sad because of them. They all have been amazing. But as I have been trying to figure out this new transition, my grandmother's health went down super fast and we lost her just a couple days ago. I honestly thought she might get better. Tomorrow is the viewing and while it will probably be one of the hardest days of my life I plan on standing strong and honoring her life. Our family will miss her so much. She was one of my best friends. We use to talk 4 or 5 times a day until she got sick. Then it all changed. But she is one of the reasons I came home as well. I just thought we would all have more time with her. Its truly heart breaking.


So a divorce and a death for me this month. While laying in bed crying seems like a reasonable thing to do, life isn't allowing that. I have so much going on. There is so much I want to share with you. Thank you to everyone that has stuck by me and not given up. Things are going in a new direction and I am excited about the future. I truly am. I haven't acted the best. I am upset by the constant bullshit of my sister in law. Not even Scott. But I think it reflects on who she is. I need to work on myself. Ask forgiveness for the mean thoughts and words I have spoken against that family and pray for them. I am done giving them any kind of power over me. Life is so much better; that my focus needs to be only moving forward. I have taken lots of deep breaths, trying to center myself and see things in a different way. I am angry at the entire planned out act of betrayal from Scott and her included. And that anger has gotten me pretty far in this divorce process. But now it's time to climb the mountain instead of carry the mountain. I need to let it all go and focus on all the good still in my life. All the blessings that have been sent my way. All the love given to me from family and friends.

As for youtube, I am keeping all the videos up and I hope to get back on schedule sometime in the very near future. I don't know exactly what direction it will go in but I think it will just be a hodgepodge of videos from vlogs, hauls, reviews, planner videos... just random stuff that I do.

I have a bunch of things coming up....

:: Get through Grandma's Service these next few days.
:: Find an apartment. I am currently living out in the country in a large RV. Grateful but ready to find a little apartment or house.
:: Apply for other jobs in area. Want to find a better job with better insurance.
:: Bath Gabby
:: Start working on reviews. Need to take lots of photos and just do it.
:: Clean up files on this laptop.
:: Take kids on a picnic sometime over the weekend.
:: Call about SUV I'm interested in. Who knows...I might just be able to make it happen. But I also have to take a drivers test to get my license back. Study...study...study.
:: Make a video really soon and get it uploaded. I think it will just be another update kind of video. However, I also want to film a planner update soon too.
:: Buy some kind of plant for the RV. It needs some plants around here.
:: Continue evening walks with Russell. They are great for clearing the mind and relaxing.
:: Order new fitbit charger. I have no idea where mine went...and I am going crazy without it. All those steps NOT COUNTED. Grrrrrrrrrrr!
:: Buy new phone. I dropped and shattered my phone. Its working but barely. This time I will get the case that will help protect it. Lesson learned.
:: Drink more water. Something I suck at.
:: Finally upload photos from all phones to laptop. Start working on a vlog.
:: Get to PO Box and check mail.
:: Do a load of laundry...towels.
:: Flat iron hair tonight so it's easier in the morning.

I know this post has been long. There are a ton of questions I know you guys want answered. I will start working on a blog post answering the more basic ones and then maybe do a video later. Thankyou guys for coming back...being patient with me. Your support has meant so much. There have been so many emails, comments, messages that I will never be able to respond to. I have really tried but at this point we are starting fresh. I don't want to feel overwhelmed. So even with all the hard things going on this September, we are moving forward. There is no other way. I am growing everyday from all these experiences. Even the hardest of times are teaching me the strongest lessons. Life is beautiful. I need to start honoring it more. And getting rid of the negative is a good start. I love new beginnings....fresh starts.....new weeks. So here I go and I hope you come with me.I love you guys. Thanks for stopping by. I promise to see you soon. xx

Unbelievable.....in TOTAL Shock → Day in the Life Vlog June 4, 2015

Hello friends. I hope you are having a wonderful day. I am back with a new Day in the Life Vlog. Our lives kinda switched up overnight, so I will probably be sharing vlogs daily until we are to the point where I can really sit down and make a video. I might record hauls separate....not sure yet, but until things calm down, these are the videos you can expect. Well, not videos of me having a breakdown but more day in the life vlogs! Check out the video below to check out what's going on...

So now you can maybe understand why I feel so overwhelmed and stressed out. I am trying to just go on with today as any normal day...getting tasks done, laundry tossed around basically in disbelief. But we will get through this and we will find a better place...I hope. ♥

Get subscribed..

 

Week in Review: Day in the Life Vlog x2 w/ Weekly To Do's & Blessings

Hello friends! I hope you are having a wonderful Monday. As many of you know... I post a week in review recapping what happened over the week & weekend. Its something that I have been doing off and on for years. Its just a simple way to give you guys a glimpse into our week. I have changed up the vlogging schedule where I will be uploading a Day in the life vlog Monday...as always and then another on Thursday. Monday's vlog will cover Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the previous week and Thursdays vlog will be for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Actually I might be adding more vlogs in during the week...depending on how much I vlog. This time there is 2 ditl vlogs! :)

Here is a look in the first part of our week. For the most part things have been pretty calm and easy going around here. If you haven't seen it yet, here's the first vlog of the week: 

I tend to talk and ramble on a lot so I like to break up the vlogs sharing the weekend separately ....most of the time! Anyway, here is our latest ditl vlog from the weekend:

The beginning of the week was a total mess. My Sony laptop was giving up making life harder on me. I tried fixing it myself for a few days...but I finally sucked it up and bought one. I spent wayyyy to much of my time in front of the computer Monday and Tuesday. I was able to upload in safe mode but it was such a hassle. It's amazing that a computer can screw up an entire schedule when it acts up. Doesn't it understand I am on a schedule!? Once I got the new one, it was still in front of the computer( 's ) transferring files and trying to get everything transferred. Another pain in the butt however it was necessary.

Once we were back up and running, I was actually able to enjoy a few more things like....the flowers blooming all around the neighborhood, playing outside with Jackson and Cooper, and so much more without stressing over electronics. I even got to the social security office and finally got a new social security card with my married name on it. I was just not one of those brides who switched everything over as soon as we said I do. So far, life has been running smoothly with what I had but it was way past time to get it done. All the while through the computer problems and everyday life, Romeo sure wasn't bothered. His naps carried on of course.

The weekend was a hodgepodge of everyday life events. Things aren't always exciting around here. We are all homebodies and actually like being here so it's never been a problem for us not having anything busy or exciting going on. Life carries on...Friday night I came around the corner and saw Scott holding Romeo up to the fish tank. Ha! How's that for exciting.. NOT! Romeo sure enjoyed it though. That cat is a King in his own right. He is so gentle and loving..the kids have made him the family mascot and he gets carried more than he walks on his own. S-P-O-I-L-E-D! 

The weather has been beautiful here in South Carolina. God has blessed us with such amazing summer days. We have been hanging clothes out, cloud watched, listened to the beautiful birds to sing to us and even grilling out. The sunshine does amazing things for us all. Saturday I woke up a bit early and headed out to a large farmers market. I left my good camera at my home and my basket was so full it was hard to video with my phone but its the same place where we got the strawberries. They even have a refrigerated part where you can buy fresh chickens and eggs. Its such a nice place. I came home with bags full of yummy fresh ingredients for a early summer farm stand dinner. It almost turned into a disaster when the legs of our grill broke off and left me hanging on to a hot grill trying to figure out what to do. It was actually scary because I had it on the wood deck and it could have started a big fire. Thankfully Scott walked through the door a couple minutes later and saw me holding on to it with kitchen mittens with a fire raging inside scared to death. He helped move into the grass and now I am totally happy with it. I'm cheap in some ways. When I love something I want to hold on to it forever. :) It was crazy but I guess its time to suck it up and buy another one. 

Sunday Scott was up early and out the door to get in 18 holes. I didn't mind because he was home pretty early in the afternoon. It actually gave me time to get a work out in and even Cooper got to work out some too. Once he got home it was time for errands. It seemed like we were in the car forever. I was wore out by time we got back home. We had fun shopping though! Jackson stayed home and inside all week. He hasn't been feeling good which worries me but he seemed to be comfortable and content up in his room. The night was easy and I actually got to bed at a decent time. Yea for that! Since this post is up early.. I hope to get a few more things done today! 

This weeks to do’s 

• I need to clean the ceiling fans still.... I didn't get it done last week. 
• Respond to facebook messages. I have over 15 that need replied to. I would love an assistant. 
• Clean the animals bowls and add more water to the automatic water dish. 
• Continue drinking more and more water. 
• Sort through at least one box in the garage and de clutter. 
• Wash windows by sink in the kitchen. 
• Paint nails. 
• Try to stay head with the video schedule. 
• Figure out the summer schedule with my ex husband. And he doesn't particularly care for schedules. 
• Organize new car and maybe film it. 
• Get more time in on the treadmill. 
• Clean up shelf in the bedroom....it tends to get cluttered quick. 
• Bake some cookies. I have some homemade chocolate chip cookie dough in the freezer...the boys will be happy with that sweet snack this week. 
• Call Marjorie about her upcoming wedding.. And Scott is walking her down the isle! Ha...she's in her 70's. 
• Dig up an area out back for an herb garden. I think the back yard would be best. Maybe for some tomatoes too. 
•  Get giveaway prizes packaged up to go to the post office. 
• Put out social media call for blogger questions for a upcoming video. 
• Go through the house and figure out what we need for the next time household shopping haul. 
• Organize the pantry before filming it. 
• Find a new prayer book for the mornings. I love starting my day with an inspirational prayer or scripture reading. 
• Put away the basket of clothes in the bedroom waiting on me. 
• Refill Bird Feeder. 
• Erase the kids art work from the chalkboard wall and get it updated. 
• File loose papers away. 
• Get things ready to fax to Louisiana. Something I need to get working on asap. 
• Work on Trader Joes grocery list. 
• Scoop cat boxes....yuck!

Little Blessings

♥ My mom is no little blessing, she is a huge blessing. She has been there for my sister and I every step of the way. Today is her birthday.....happy birthday mom!! She is such a happy fun loving spirit... much more social than myself. I have watched her change with the times and I wish more than anything that I could be celebrating with her today. Guess it will just have to wait until the cruise! Happy Happy Birthday mom... I love you.

♥ Finally getting that social security card was for sure a blessing. I am waiting on it to arrive in the mail but its the start of getting everything switched over. 

♥ Fresh Clean Sheets are such a blessing. Nothing makes me happier other than new socks! :) Climbing into a clean soft cozy bed is also a blessing within itself. 

♥ Finishing the book → The 5 love Languages ← and it was a blessing to get through an entire book and also learning other ways to express my love to my family. Maybe I will do a book review soon. 

♥ Having a husband who doesn't mind working hard for us so we don't have to. As I look around our home, none of it would be possible without Scott. Our family would just not be the same. 

♥  Good coffee has for sure been a blessing these last few days. I bought some new coffee which turned out awful but we didn't waste it. When I bought a new bag of our favorite coffee, it made all the difference. When you find something you love....don't switch! 

♥ Having such loving subscribers has been a blessing from the start. You guys touch my heart each day. Thank you for all you do. 

Here's some inspiration to take with you through your week...

I hope you guys have a wonderful week. We are loving all the spring weather and everything that comes because of it. After winter, all the colorful blooms are a refreshing change. I'll be back on Thursday with another DITL Vlog...stay tuned! If you are new here, I'd love it you took a second to subscribe!

 

Sunday Inspiration...You are enough.

Hello friends. I hope you guys are having a great day. It's a slow start in our house. Scott is out playing golf so Jackson and myself are just enjoying the beauty of doing nothing. It is actually amazing to be sitting outside right now blogging, enjoying coffee and listening to the birds sing....with no big plans. It's a beautiful day and we are soaking it up as much as possible.

I received one of the most touching emails last night from a subscriber who has been reading this blog and watching my videos for a long time without commenting. She felt embarrassed almost to leave a comment on a strangers video. Yet her email was so sweet letting me know that she did not consider me just " someone " she tunes into occasionally. She considered me a friend and wasn't sure how to approach me. She went on to tell me about her life and her children. She is in a big city with a husband who works a lot and I have helped ease the pain of being in a new unfamiliar place. By time I was finished reading her email, I had tears flowing down my face. It totally touched my ♥. First off to her or anyone of you guys....you can ALWAYS comment or get a hold of me through email or social media like instagram or facebook. I might sometimes get backed up but I always try my hardest to respond quickly. As I thought about that email all evening long it made me wonder how anyone could see me as a role model besides my kids. I have received a lot of emails through out the years with touching stories but I still have not accepted the impact of being a blogger/youtube. I guess you never really know who is watching. I have found through out the years that the women in my life are the biggest by far support group that I will ever have. From my mom and sister, to Scott family and lifetime best friends I am loved, cared for and supported each and every day. Even on the days I am not so nice, they are still loving and supportive. But in reading that email, I realized that not everyone has that. Some people are alone in this world without a big support system in place to help during the hard time....or even to celebrate the good times. To some, this blog and my videos are a soft place to fall. It's still hard understanding the impact on some, but I am here for you guys in any situation. I am just an email away. You are not alone. Even if we have never met, that doesn't mean I don't care. I will always care about the people reading this blog and watching our videos.  You will be validated, affirmed and heard.. You have a friend in me. ♥

Even for me yesterday I had my own moment. 10 hours after giving birth the Duchess of Cambridge stepped out looking so amazing. I seriously thought somoene else had that baby. She is stunning no doubt, but I have never seen a woman look like that 10 hours after having a baby. It was kinda weird becuase just for a moment it made me feel less than because I never looked so amazing 10 hours after having a baby. I found I was not the only one feeling that way. Lots of friends were saying and feeling the same. However,  those wonderful woman in my life were quick to point out that we don't have the teams of people cleaning us up and making us look good.  We simply cannot compare our lives with anyone else. It is totally normal to leave the hospital with a new baby looking like crap. Its ok that you are not the picture perfect wife or mom. The true test is over time. Our journeys are unique to each one of us. Being jealous and envious is all ego based. Being your true self is transforming. God made us each unique and we all have something to share and contribute. I try to be a kind person, a good wife and mother but there are days when I fall flat on my face. My family and close friends are always there to be a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and they are strong enough to run the world. That's what we need....more women supporting each other. I don't think you have to like everyone...there are a lot of people I am not so fond of but you can still handle yourself with grace and dignity when dealing with them. Still a lesson I am trying to learn.

Some how along the way, with us sharing our lives with you...it has left an impression with some. There are times when it's not the best impression....maybe I overshared but for the most part, it has been helpful, inspiring, funny, and motivating....so you tell me. :) I am honored that you come back and visit us, learn about our family and even share things about yourselves. This blog and my youtube channel are blessings in disguise and we thank you for coming and visiting and getting to know us. I think God put this in my life not only to help me but to somehow help others. I have been blogging from 2008 starting off in myspace and then moving here to blogger in 2011. WOW..7 years!! And then a few years ago, I started really making youtube videos. Sometimes I get fed up over something and feel like quitting but clearly it's a passion of mine. I am not sure why God wants me doing this but I have prayed about it for years... and I am still here. So as you take this ride with us, remember if you need a friend...we are here. And believe me, you have been there for us too in some of our hardest of times. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

I hope you guys have a beautiful and blessed Sunday. xx

Happy Birthday Dad

DITL Vlog | Beautiful Spring | March 23-26, 2015

Afternoon friends! I am back sharing another Day in the Life Vlog. :) I know that sometime my vlogs can be pretty long so I am making more of an effort to break them up a little more. I was breaking them up one on Monday and one on Thursday but then tried to go back to my once a week vlog....and it's just too long that way. So here is how the beginning of our week went...hope you enjoy!

It's been a raining day around here but I have gotten a ton of desk work and already filmed and edited tomorrow's video. It's a book haul...actually one of my favorite kind of videos that can't wait to share it with you! Be sure to come back tomorrow or even late tonight to check it out! If you are new here, I'd love it you took a second to subscribe!

 

Happy Spring! | Catching Up |

Hello friends! Happy Saturday to you all. I hope you are having a great afternoon. I thought I would drop in for a few minutes and say hello! This past week has been a week of craziness. Really, its been one thing after another. Very little has went according to schedule. We have dealt with no feeling well. headaches that turned into migraines, big pet issues, schedules going out the window, spats with Scott, and a never ending field trip. Sounds fun huh!?

This past week went by so fast. It was a fury of appointments, conversations, homekeeping and kids. I have had a problem trying to get everything fit into the day. And while I use to work into the late hours of night...things have changed. Instead of typing away working on blog post or editing videos at night, I am actually sleeping. My days and nights have been so out of whack but this past week, I have really worked hard at actually sleeping instead of working in bed. With spring here T -O- D- A - Y, I hope to wake up early on more mornings to hear the birds sing, be more productive when the sun is actually out, and not worry as much about schedules as such. Don't get me wrong.... a schedule really does help me to accomplish more but if I can't fit them into the daytime or evening hours, it will just have to wait until the next day.


Monday was just a trial run for how the week would go. We were off early to the Dr. office. I was tired and didn't accomplish much else. It was just a very somber kind of day. Then we moved back into Tuesday when we took all the female kitty cats and Cooper to the Vet to get fixed. 3 cats and a big dog to and from the Vet was a lot and we have had to be so careful nursing them back to health. It's being more difficult on the cats. They can't jump and when they do, its painful to watch... imagine being them. We are 4 days in at this point, and they are slowly getting better. It's bitter sweet....no more kittens for a long time. It was time though. I'll have another kitten in the house eventually but now we have our hands full.

Wednesday I woke up with a headache that lasted all day long and because I was scared to inject myself with a needle so as evening set in, so did a migraine. It was awful. I just went straight to bed around 10pm and was all done. Thursday was the only resemblance of a normal day. Yesterday presented itself with a bunch of problems and complications. Nothing was really going the way I wanted so I took a break and just let things happen naturally. Of course that meant that no video went up. Instead of being upset about it, I just went with the flow. But problems kept popping up and I just kept knocking them down one by one! :) But it didn't stop until after 1am. Jackson had a big field trip to Atlanta yesterday. We were suppose to pick him up at 8pm which turned into 10pm ... 11 pm and finally at 12:30 am the buses rolled in and we finally picked up our child. It was after 1am before we got home and in bed. Scott and I didn't have the best day either. It was complicated and nothing I want to speak of but it was nice waking up today...the first day of spring, to a better day. Well, so far it's been better. I can only hope it stays good. :)

So once again, emails have pilled up..voicemail is full and I have a house that needs cleaned up but that stuff will all have to wait. We have a beautiful spring day and I am going to enjoy some outside time with Jackson! I do plan on recording a quick video in a bit but I want to soak up some of the fresh air and sunshine first. Hopefully I will have it up later this afternoon. I hope you guys are getting some sunshine of your own today in one way or another. I'll talk to you soon!

Week in Review | January 29 - February , 2015 | Vlog & To Do's :)

Hello friends! I hope you are having a wonderful Monday. As many of you know... I post a week in review recapping what happened over the week & weekend. Its something that I have been doing off and on for years. Its just a simple way to give you guys a glimpse into our week. I have changed up the vlogging schedule where I will be uploading a Day in the life vlog Monday...as always and then another on Thursday. Monday's vlog will cover Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the previous week and Thursdays vlog will be for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Actually I might be adding more vlogs in during the week...depending on how much I vlog. 

Here's how things went around here the last few days:

This past week has been full of a lot of everyday stuff.  I tend to spend a lot of time at my desk sorting through emails, writing blog posts and editing videos. I am also always answering comments and engaging with you guys each day. I could seriously be at the computer for a week straight and I probably wouldn't be caught up. But I am just doing one thing at a time and oddly enough, I have been getting more done than what I even expected.

In my other " spare time " I have been doing my best to keep caught up on laundry and cleaning. I have been doing a massive amount of decluttering which really does make the weekly cleaning easier. I have just got rid of so much stuff. I honestly haven't been donating much. Instead, I have Scott haul it right off to the dump. Goodbye. I don't have to think about it from that point on. And that's exactly what is about to happen in the garage. I can't wait to get out there and get rid of so much stuff. I just want it gone.

Over the weekend my main job was heading out to the grocery store and getting the things we needed. I tried hard to stay in budget and only went up by a few dollars. If you haven't checked out the haul yet, you can click right here to see it!

Saturday night the boys were asleep so early. I ended up watching a really good movie ↓ with Nicole kidman that kept me watching like nothing else. 

It's not a movie to watch with the kids. But it's good..it flipped me out a bunch of times. If you need a more adult movie for movie night... don't miss this one! 

Sunday rolled around and we had a quiet day. Scott was not feeling very good so he laid around a lot and Jackson played xbox. Once the super bowl started, I headed upstairs with a delicious cup of tea and made my favorites videos. 

Once half time rolled around, I was back downstairs watching with my husband. I could really care less but I enjoyed watching Katy Perry. :) There have been years when our house was filled up with a bunch boys screaming and shouting but having it calm last night was a bit of a blessing. I actually fell to sleep early and woke up feeling pretty good today! ;) Sleep does a body well.

This weeks to do’s

• Clean garage...and it's at the top of the list so lets hope I get it done this week.
• Get Jackson's field trip money and form together. 
• Go have nails done...they really need it. 
• Purge clothes from closet that I don't want any longer. 
• Continue to go to bed earlier. Just shut the laptop and go to bed at a reasonable hour. 
• Still need to bathe the cats. Just waiting on a really warm day so they don't freeze. 
• Clean out first floor desk
• Be more forgiving. 
• Set up new cell phones that will start working in 2 days! Gotta get that job done soon. 
• Go to bed earlier
• Continue to organize the pantry. Its a big job and I am still trying to figure out how I want it. What a slow process. 
• Have Jackson find the scripture from the chalkboard into this bible and update main chalkboard wall. 
• Figure out Valentines Day dinner and gifts. ♥
• Stop forgetting morning prayer. 
• Wash bedding Tuesday...which means I have to catch up all our laundry today. Yikes!
• Work on grocery list. 
• Clean out purse..actually looking for a new purse at the moment but the one I am currently using needs cleaned out. 
• Remember to work Cooper out on the treadmill to help with getting rid of the energy. 
• Clear up space on the laptop.
• Try to prep some food for dinners this week. 
• Meal plan for February. 
• Sit down and work in family calendar. 
• Clean out the 31 Bag I use daily. It's plum full! 

Here's some inspiration to take with you along through your week.

I am sorry that I didn't get a Sunday Inspiration blog post up. I was just enjoying the day with the boys and time passed so fast. I really feel blessed in so many ways. I have such a beautiful family with smart caring children, a husband who I know loves me.  I have a wonderful mom and sisters and I have you guys. Even through all the ups and downs, you have been there to lift us up and put us in your prayers. I know how important all that is. I take nothing for granted. The older I get, the more I understand the importance of everything that surrounds me. My faith in God is as strong as ever and I know that no matter what happens in this life, it will be ok. Thank you guys for all your love and support.

If you are new here, I'd love it if you used the button below to subscribe so you don't miss any new videos!

Day in the Life Vlog: January 26-29, 2015 | Family Fun! |

Hello friends! I hope you are having a great Thursday. I am back with another vlog for you guys from the past few days. To be honest, there hasn't been a ton going on around here which I am happy about actually. We did however, last night was a fun family night out to see the circus. We know that it's not politically correct for us to go but it looked like so much fun and I have no memories of going when I was a kid. Jackson also wanted to go so Scott us tickets and we had a great time. I did cut down the footage of the circus a lot because it was long enough already! Hope you enjoy.

Thanks so much for watching. We have so much fun sharing with you guys....and we love getting to know you so be sure to leave a comment anytime... and say hi! If you are new here, I'd love it if you subscribed by clicking below so you don't miss any new videos!

 

Day in the Life Vlog January 19 & 20, 2015 | Travel Preparations |

Good morning friends. I hope you are waking up and getting a good start to your day. I am not up by choice...God knows that but never the less, I am out of bed. We leave in just a little while to head south for the court hearing over one of our children. It's not going to be a fun time by any stretch of the imagination but we are the adults and have to lead the way. We love all our children and have to be there to support them in good times and bad. I have been working super hard to get us all packed and ready to go. I think I have everything together.... I think! I am sharing a vlog today because there was a lot of footage and it works out better to share more vlogs instead of super long ones.

If you want to see how the past couple of days have gone, enjoy the video.

Our friendly housesitter will here soon and we have to pack up the car and get going. I have pre recorded some videos that should be popping up, along with some blog posts while were away... so check back often! Also feel free to follow me on instagram if you want to keep up with us while we are away. ♥ If you are new here, I'd love it if you used the button below to subscribe so you don't miss any new videos!

Sunday Inspiration: Let Go & Let God ♥

Happy Sunday friends! I hope your having a great afternoon. The boys just to go fishing and do some boy stuff that I am not so fond of. :) It's great for them to get to spend some time together since Scott works so much. It also gives me some free time to write this blog post! 

I thought that picture quote above so right on point. So many times we all get tired and grumpy with this worlds problems and such but the more we let God in, the less we experience those feelings. It's been a journey for me trying to understand that. The more light you let in, the less anything else can fill the space. It's hard to remember that sometimes right? We are all going on with everyday life... good times and bad and its so easy to forget to let God in when you are stressed out or upset. But if you just take a few seconds in those times, its amazing how the issues will flow through you and not get stuck in your head or heart.

This next week, is going to be extremely stressful for our family. We have to travel south to go to a court hearing about Zane. In case you are new here, my husband has a son by a previous marriage and that child has been taken from his mothers care and put in foster care. We are making the long car trip for a court hearing that I am not too happy about. While I would like things to happen in a much different way, it's really out of my control. Giving it to God was our only option. I've had some light bulb moments in the past week but none so bright as realizing that maybe I am just a visitor in Zanes journey. Maybe I am not here to fix anything. Maybe I am here just to be a witness to his life. So much is totally out of my control which drives me crazy. When you really think about it, most things in life are out of our control. I think you have to surrender to that alone. All we can really do is let God do his will and try to see the blessings in disguise.



Since this next week is going to be pretty stressful, I know I will have to redirect my heart more towards God and let go. I am just going to allow the situation to flow through me instead of living within me. God lives in me. Someone cleverly once said to me that I should let life's problems flow through me but don't allow them to take up residence in my heart and body. Let their stay be short. 

We are all on our own separate journeys. In case you are going through something stressful yourself, I thought these reminders might make you feel a little better. ♥

Matthew 6:27 

" And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" 

Romans 8:18

" The pain that you've been feeling, can't compare to the joy that's coming," 

Proverbs 12:25

" Anxiety is a man's heart weighs him down but a good word makes him glad."

Psalm 94:19

 When anxiety was great within me, our consolation brought me joy. " 

I hope you have a beautiful and blessed week.

Checkin' in! :)

Happy Saturday friends! I hope you are having a great weekend. I  have been at the desk today working working working. . I still have a lot of boxes to check off.  I don't really have any plans outside the house today. I have been at the desk since I crawled out of bed. I swear, I could be glued to this laptop for a week and probably never get everything done that I need to do. But I am doing my best to simply, declutter, and organize even on the computer. I think if I could get the emails under control, that would be good enough. I made some additional folders to sort the mail for me and hopefully it will help me stay on top of things better. We'll see.

Yesterday was a busy day for me. I got a lot done along with running a bunch of errands. It's so easy for me to get distracted. A lot of times I will start one thing, see something else that needs done and it goes on and on. However, yesterday I stuck with just one task at a time. I almost strayed a few times but I remember the importance of not getting distracted and didn't allow myself to wonder off on random things. It helped a lot too. I had a ton of mail to deal with...which can be overwhelming but I sorted it all out and went through it one envelope at a time. I still have a lot of replies to do but at least its not in a larges stack on my desk. My new home keeping book has been working wonders on keeping the clutter down. I can't wait to show it to you guys but I wanted to use it for a month or so to make sure it really is working for our family. Stay tuned!

I really need to be getting up to do other stuff too.  I have a ton of things on my to do list.↓ But my motivation is lost and I can't find it. I had the thought to get my hair cut but that sure isn't happen this evening so maybe tomorrow or Monday. I still want to try to get a lot done tonight. My husband always says I am the most busy person who does not work outside the home that he knows. Ha! I am not feeling that way today but it's still kinda early for me. Scott won't be home for a while so its all good! Plus I stay up late anyway. Here's basically a copy of this weekends to do list that is in our home keeping book. I'm serious... I really can't wait to share it with you! :)

Do you have any interesting plans for this weekend? I find this time of year so confining. I wish we could open up the windows, grill out and enjoy some sunshine. But right now its cozy nights in and lots of tv, board games, and housework. Also I have a new vlog saving right now. I will be going live tonight sometime so be sure to check back. If you are new here, I would love it if you subscribed so you don't miss any new videos!

I will be back later tonight with a new vlog. xx

Sunday Inspiration

Hello friends! Happy Sunday to you all. My family is going in a ton of different directions today. Scott just headed out to play golf and I am enjoying starting my day super slow. I didn't even fall asleep until around 5am and eventually dragging my butt out until 11am. Jackson got up about the same time. We don't start weekends in a hurry around here unless we have something going on. :) I am kinda shocked Scott is heading out to play golf in this kinda of weather. They better play fast otherwise they might just get rained on. I guess he just wanted to get out there with the boys and try to hope some spring like weather will allow them to get in 18 holes. In just a little while, Jackson and I are heading out to paint ceramics. We made some Christmas gifts last month but Jackson wanted to go back today and actually make something for himself.  And I too thought it would be fun. We love painting! 

So on Thursday, we got some bad news on Zane. He is mad at everyone...hates everyone and doesn't want to come here. The social worker told us she cannot move any child who feels that way. It was like being crushed. It totally changed the day and even the days following, we have been going on with broken hearts. For a while I even thought about not going to the court hearing....thinking that it would make no difference. I kinda lost faith on that Thursday that we would ever even see Zane again. I know I am an adult and he is a child. A child who has been through a lot but it just didn't make sense to me that we are not the ones who abused him but we are being punished like we did it. It really doesn't make sense to our family. All the kids don't understand it either because we know we can give him such a better life that what he has been living. It wouldn't be perfect around here but we don't abuse kids and we love him. All of us love him which again...tested my faith in everything. I prayed for weeks that he would come here. Many nights I fell asleep while praying and still thought God knew what was in my head and heart. So I didn't think it really mattered. Now I'm thinking it does. 

I made was vlogging on Thursday. I planned on just putting it in Monday's DITL vlog but it was too long. I was so upset that I just talked and talked to you guys about what happened. I expressed all my feelings, right or wrong to you guys. I really think that you're a huge part of my village. For years I had made not well thought out, rash, decisions that were emotion based more than anything. So now as I get older, I still take help from my village. My family, close friends, and you guys help me now to make better decisions. I normally run all my bad ideas past you guys  before I do it. This time I poured my heart out in a very honest vlog and you guys responded. You reminded me of so many things that I was forgetting in the moment. Most of all you guys told me to not give up and have faith. Not just in the system but in God and more importantly Zane. Thank you guys for that. I mean it. Reading your comments, kinda helped bring me out of so much emotion into a little more reason. 

I am going to the hearing. After thinking about it, reading your comments and praying I am going. I was being selfish. I was thinking of my own pain and hurt instead of keeping my thoughts on Zane. It took a day after the initial shock to think clearly. I also need to keep my faith in God. Maybe it's less about my path and more about Zanes. Maybe we are just the collateral damage. My husband is still upset as well but we are going to go together and show Zane we will respect his wishes but also to show him that we love him. I don't think we will even get to talk to him but we are going as a family for a young family member. Its been heart breaking to say the least but its about more than the adults broken heart. I know Zane is probably really angry and scared. So thank you guys for the sweet reminders. You guys were so loving and caring and I am so thankful to each of you for reminding me what is important.

As a family we are worried about Zane and what is happening with him. However, I feel defeated and I feel hurt. But God is in control and I have to believe that he will bring us all peace. Especially Zane. All I can do at this point, is pray and hope that what is going to happen, its the right thing for everyone. God has a plan, I guess and who am I to mess with it. I just hate this entire situation and wish more than anything we all had peace of mind that our child is safe and happy. Right now he might be safe from abuse but he is not happy. Neither are we. I wish we could get him here and wrap him up in our love. Until then I am putting it in Gods hands and letting go. What is meant to be will be and there is nothing I can do about any of it. Prayers still needed. xx