35th Birthday

I am a week into being 35.  The day after I got pulled over and got a speeding ticket- I hate this city we live in!  It’s notorious for cops and the ENTIRE city is 30 mph.  UGH.  Bye bye birthday money…. $$$ RIP.

For some reason I feel like an old fart.  Like, 30 didn’t seem too terrible, but for some reason 35 seems like I’m officially crossing the border of being “old”.  35 is half way to 40 aka a mid life crisis and you are now “high risk” if you ever want any more babies….I keep telling Terence this is IT….the door is closing and if you want more kids you better speak up!  I’m not even playing.  I think about it a lot and wonder if someday I’ll look back and wish we had more kids- and I probably will. So torn!

It all comes down to finances, lifestyle, and doing what we can for Connor….and we are incredibly indecisive.

I got to spend my 35th with none other than my other half and “womb mate” Bonnie 🙂

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Connor and I got to take our trip to Arkansas in this fabulous Mazda CX-5.  #drivemazda @mazdausa

I LOVED this car!  I’ve never really considered an SUV or a crossover before, but I like to be higher up off the road.  This car was perfect– including the in dash navigation system (because Lord knows I get lost finding my own socks), the lane sensors (every time I would get out of line it would buzz me and that was super cool.)  The security features were awesome too- like the backup camera and the cruise control speed sensor.   I felt incredibly safe while driving this car.  I felt like it protected ME!

I really WANT this car now 🙂

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My Mom, Dad, Nannie, Lindsey, and Aunt Karli came to my sister’s house and we all got to eat cake and visit.  I miss my family so much and get to see them way too little…..so these times are extra precious.  Of course Jarrett and Connor just adore seeing each other too!

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Thank you to my beloved family for the birthday celebration and to Mazda for getting us there safe and sound.  We had a great time and I’m counting down the days until our next visit.

Road Trippin with #PeterandtheWolfApp

This post is sponsored by MomSelect.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Connor and I just got home from a long road trip (short but sweet) to Arkansas and back! I turned 35 yesterday and my twin sister and I always enjoy spending our birthday together 🙂

I had the opportunity to drive a new Mazda CX-5 for my trip and y’all I am so in love with that car.  All the security features and bells and whistles made it so fun to road trip this time!  Thank you Drive Shop sooooo very much!  10314769_10154090831865125_3760512328367706791_n

If there is one thing that keeps me sane during a road trip it’s the iPad.  I know…I know…but seriously y’all.  Connor has such a better trip when he’s entertained and has something to do!  We downloaded the new Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood app and it was super cute! Connor really enjoyed it.  It was easy to follow along and he was very entertained!  I’d much rather him be listening to a book than playing a video game.  He’s learning how to read right now and loved following along with this story. This new, immersive storybook is available for iPhone and iPad.

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Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood is a revival of the classic Peter and the Wolf tale brought to you by acclaimed production company, Giants Are Small. This version brings Peter to Hollywood to meet his hippie grandfather while bringing classical music elements to life. Peter, along with all of the characters in the movie book, are narrated and brought to life by Rock n’ Roll legend, Alice Cooper. 

You can download the app HERE. You can follow along on  Facebook and Twitter too!

Spring is Here + Win a $100 Visa Gift Card! #BEGREATER #SK


FLONASE® compensated me in connection with statements made in this post.

Spring has officially sprung y’all.  It is the time when flowers are in bloom and the skies are more blue. It is also when our family loves to spend time outdoors. 

All three people under our roof are currently suffering from severe allergies and so we take precaution It stinks. We are all literally just walking around like zombies because something just hit our area. In Texas I can normally tell when my allergies flare up because I get a runny nose and itchy eyes.

I love being outdoors during this time of year because the weather is so wonderful! Connor just started soccer and Terence and I look forward to Saturdays and watching our kiddo play on his new team.

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The only thing I dread is being out in the “wilderness” where my allergies can flare up anytime.  I’ve tried everything under the sun to contain my allergy flare ups.  One of the best things I’ve tried and have used over the past couple of years is Flonase® Allergy Relief. I carry it in my purse and use it once a day when needed.  FLONASE is over the counter now and I personally can tell a difference within 24 hours of using it which may be different for some of you. The nasal spray provides relief from allergies but its most effective with regular, once-a-day use. Use 2 sprays in each nostril once daily the first week. Then you can use 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril as needed to treat symptoms for up to 6 months. After 6 months of daily use – ask your doctor if you can keep using.

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Also, can I just say that Flonase smells awesome?  It smells so good!  Ha!  

The tendency to develop allergies is often hereditary (source). So when Connor has a flair up we often give him the children’s version of Flonase to help him.  It’s worth every penny because I get to sit back and take in the moments instead of sneezing through them.

Like Connor’s first goal kick:

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Here are some things to know about Flonase if you are suffering from allergies this season:

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(I am not a Doctor or a Nurse, this is just something that works for me so I want to share the knowledge!)

Flonase outperforms the #1 non-drowsy allergy pill*, it helps block six allergic substances, not just one**, it’s the only over the counter nasal spray indicated to relieve both nasal congestion & itchy water eyes, it’s full prescription strength.

*Total nasal symptom relief vs. 10 mg single ingredient loratadine.

**Mechanism vs. most OTC allergy pills. Flonase® acts on multiple inflammatory substances (histamine, prostaglandins, cytokines, tryptases, chemokines, and leukotrienes). The exact number and precise mechanism are unknown.

Can I get an AMEN???

Thank the Heavens above for great allergy relief!  If you don’t suffer from allergies then I seriously envy you, but for the rest of us cotton ball heads….spring is here.

I want to enjoy these precious moments and not be congested.  Thankfully I can and I will 🙂

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You can earn points whenever you purchase FLONASE® Allergy Relief, watch videos and read articles, complete surveys, complete your member profile, and share content with friends.

Join today and you’ll immediately earn points and save up to $4 with a FLONASE® coupon

Keep up with Flonase news on FacebookTwitterInstagram, & YouTube.

Now to enter for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, tell me in the comments below, how do you like to spend time with your kids outside? 

 

Entry Instructions:

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You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

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4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 5/26/2016 – 6/30/2016

Be sure to visit the FLONASE® brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by FLONASE® or GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare

Tooth Brushing Made Fun!

The ProNamel® brand has compensated me in connection with statements made in this post.

Let’s talk about those pearly whites shall we?  Everyone deserves to shine

I have been a member of the no cavity club for almost 35 years now!  That’s right, I have NEVER had a cavity.  I feel extremely blessed because I see almost every day how a good smile and taking care of your oral health can affect someone’s daily life.  It affects self-esteem, as well as overall well-being.  

ProNamel® has compensated me in connection with statements made in this post.

Let’s talk about those pearly whites shall we?  Everyone deserves to shine

I have been a member of the no cavity club for almost 35 years now!  That’s right, I have NEVER had a cavity.  I feel extremely blessed because I see almost every day how a good smile and taking care of your oral health can affect someone’s daily life.  It affects self-esteem, as well as overall well-being.  

I work for a Dental Office and Implant Center here in Texas.  I cannot believe how much it is to replace teeth y’all!  Taking care of your teeth is something that we all need to instill in our children at a young age on a daily basis.  It’s something I truly believe in and I’m so thankful my parents made me brush my teeth every day.  I know every night it can be a struggle, but try to make it fun!

  • We have a timer I put on the counter and when Connor starts brushing we play beat the clock.
  • He has a tooth brush that plays music so he can dance while brushing his teeth.
  • Make a game out of it and have your child work on their numbers or ABC’s while brushing.

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Connor has lost a couple of bottom teeth and his top right tooth is about to fall out.  We will soon have a full blown snaggle tooth cutie pie around here 🙂  

We’ve been telling him how important it is now that his baby teeth are falling out that he needs to take EXTRA good care of his big boy teeth because he won’t get anymore of those.  They last forever!

ProNamel® 6-12 Years Toothpaste for Kids is a great toothpastes we’ve found.  At this age his enamel is soft and it takes time to harden as his big boy teeth grow in.  Connor says he likes the way ProNamel® for Kids tastes and that it helps protect his teeth against cavities. 

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ProNamel® is the #1 dentist recommended brand for strengthening and protecting enamel.  I want my son to grow up confident & not afraid to smile through life.  

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ProNamel® for Kids is easy to use with an easy twist cap.  It’s never too late to start instilling these habits in your children.  A healthy smile today means a healthy smile for the rest of their life.

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COUPONS ARE AVAILABLE HERE.

ProNamel® for Kids is available by March 1 at most major mass and drug retailers.

Follow along for all the latest on ProNamel® for Kids on PinterestTwitter, and YouTube.

How do you establish good dental hygiene habits with your kids? Tell me in the comments and you will be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card!

Entry Instructions:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 5/16/2016 – 6/30/2016

Be sure to visit the ProNamel® brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by the ProNamel® brand or GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare

Colorful Baby Transportation with #CYBEXDesign #IC

This post was sponsored by CYBEX as part of a Blog Blast Activation for Influence Central.

Gosh things have changed for babies in the past six years since I had Connor.  Check out these cool, colorful car seats and strollers by Cybex Gold Line available at BuyBuy Baby.

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These look super cool and stylish.  My favorite colors are of course the “coffee bean” and the “Hawaii”.  There is NOTHING I wouldn’t do to keep my baby safe.  If you are a Mom-to-be our a new Mom…please for goodness sakes don’t skimp on your baby’s car seat and stroller, they will be in these two items SO much.  Safety is so important, do your research, and a good investment can last you years!

Check out all the styles and features HERE.

Gosh I miss those days!

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Photos & Coca Cola Coffees…

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company. All opinions are mine alone. #SongsToShare #CollectiveBias

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Ya’ll I’ve been so busy lately it’s craziness!  It’s senior picture season and my weekends have been filled with cap and gowns and reminiscing.  Gosh I can’t believe I graduated almost 15 years ago…I feel so old!

ANYWAY.

That’s the joy in being a photographer and doing what I do.  Making memories 🙂

I’ve been…

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And…

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Aren’t these Coca-Cola™ bottles so cute for summer?  Speaking of reminiscing, that’s what these Coca-Cola cans remind me of.  If you know me… occasionally I like to break out into song.  Ha ha!   

You can find all the new Share a Coke® and a Song bottles at your local Brookshire’s. Use your Brookshire’s Yourpoints to save 10¢ per gallon on fuel & 5% off on groceries.  Download the Shazam App, available on iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android and other devices to get your Coca-Cola Share a Song.

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So you can be…

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Mother’s Day is this weekend and I wanted to take some photos of my son.  I love to come up with different ideas and make photo props.  I wanted something simple and springy for Mother’s Day.

I found a bunch of these paper flowers at the craft store and simply attached them to some twine and “oila” I had a cute little garland.  So delicate and pretty for spring.

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If you want something extra fold over some washi tape to make little tassels.
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Isn’t he the cutest EVER???

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He’s pretty much…

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And to quench your thirst one of my favorite boosters in the summer time is an iced Coca Cola with a shot of espresso!  I know what you are thinking…but TRUST it’s so good!

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GULP.

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For more information and to find your own Coca Cola Sing Along Bottles visit HERE. Also, check out Brookshire’s Facebook page HERE.

Being a Mom through the Storms #SickJustGotReal #AMomCanDream

The video and gift card have been provided by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. All thoughts and reviews are my own.

The years just keep on passing by so quickly!  I just shared how Connor boy turned 6 years old.  It seems like yesterday he was an itty bitty baby and now he’s in school.  I’ve heard once they get in school time passes even quicker.

I remember those sleepless nights & Doctor visits so well 🙂

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As a first time Mom there are so many things that run through your brain.  “Am I doing this right?” “What do I do with this little human I just brought home from the hospital?”  

And the WORST feeling is when your baby gets sick.

I remember one night so vividly.  Connor was an infant and he had a super high fever and it wasn’t breaking.  I was so nervous and it was late at night.  Terence and I were pacing the house trying to figure out what to do.  We had given him medicine and a bath and tried to lower the fever…nothing was happening.  I called 911 because I was so scared and didn’t know what to do.

The lady on the phone began to yell at me and tell me “What kind of Mother lets her son get a fever that high?”  “You need to go to the ER” and she continued to tell me horrible things and judging me for something that I just wanted help with.  I felt helpless and angry after that phone call.  I just started to cry and pray that everything would be okay.

Who was she to judge me?  I was a scared first time Mom and all she did was scold me!

Obviously everything worked out, but the situation could have been so much easier if the lady would have just shown a little bit of patience with me.

As Moms we love our kids beyond all reason and there is nothing we won’t do for them.  Check out this site for tips and support, because when the sick gets real that’s exactly what you’ll need—->>> support and advice!

So they can grow up healthy, happy, and enjoy a full childhood 🙂

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Check out this super cute and funny video below.  If you’re a Mom I know you can relate!

Check out the video HERE  & follow along on the Facebook page.

Share your story…what’s your worst sick story???  

Leave a comment below & enter to win a $25 gift card from Pfizer Consumer Healthcare & Sick Just Got Real ™.