A Case of the Mondays

I need to stop looking at Zulily.  That site is super addictive.  I’ve been told by my husband I’m banned from shopping there….they have EVERYTHING!  My only issue is their shipping time is a bit looooooong.

Like this cute sweater from one of my favorite Christmas movies 🙂

I love this.  We have ugly Christmas sweater day at work so this is simmering in the corner of my mind today!

zu12874658_main_tm1408129454

We had a great weekend!  Friday night we went out to a birthday party for my good friend Bree’s little girl Millie.  She turned 2 and had the cutest Sophia the First party.

Isn’t this cake amazing y’all?

gdruydt

The next day I had a shower to attend for our good friend Christa and my “future daughter in law” Carlisle.  Christa is the most gorgeous pregnant woman ever!  I was a bloated mess…but she was truly glowing.

Capture

The onesie says “Connors future wife” ha ha!
Capture1 Capture3 twrt

It was such a pretty shower.

Connor’s been having some tummy issues. I had already taken him to the doctor earlier in the week, but we had to take him back Saturday because he was still having bad poops. That sounds awful, but it’s true. I don’t know what is causing this but we are watching his diet really carefully and staying up on probiotics.  Poor kiddo.

Yesterday we just chilled out and went grocery shopping.  I watched the rest of The Killing – season 4 on Netflix.  I’m going to miss that show!!!

Happy Monday friends 🙂

adfafd

Life Changes: How do you Manage the Every Day?

Right now everything in my life seems up in the air.  I’m a planner by nature, so it’s hard for me not to have everything all laid out and know what’s coming.

I do know there is a time and place for everything and I shouldn’t worry….but I do.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I don’t know where we’ll be a few months from now or even a year from now.  What I do know is that I need to have trust in the Lord that things will go according to his plan.

Terence and I both work full-time.  Terence has a LONG commute every day (about 45 mins each way)  We are trying to find a middle ground that makes us both happy.  What that middle ground is??? I don’t know yet.  I know it probably means moving in the near future and making some changes.  I’m not a big fan of moving or change.

At the end of the day what’s most important is family & I want us all to be happy.  As of late our daily schedules have taken a toll on both of us and effected our attitudes and happiness.  I want to bring joy back into our every day lives.  How that will happen?  I don’t know yet…

I just know that something has to change and we have to take a leap of faith.

Terence and I are total opposites in the way we plan.  He’s a financial planner- I say penny pincher.  He’s constantly spread sheeting and planning for the future and retirement.  I’m more of a live for today sort of person and it’s only money….blah blah blah.  You can’t take it with you.  I think we work hard, so it’s okay to have a balance and buy a shirt or dine out occasionally.

Doing what’s best for Connor as he gets ready to start Kindergarten next year.  I’d like to be settled before then….no matter where that is.  My mind is always torn in two different directions.  I feel like I’m living in a temporary time frame and it makes me nervous. I want to please everyone….but sometimes you just can’t.

How do you deal with every day stress?  Being a Mom, Wife, and working full-time is rough sometimes…but I’m so thankful for all these rolls.

How do you juggle your every day?

Happy Thursday friends….and thanks for reading and prayers!

20140814_073550

 

I’m Guilty of Feeding my Kid Junk Food

I know raising little kids is tough.  Getting a kid who only wants to eat macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, and sweets to eat something healthy is ROUGH.  We’ve struggled with that and Connor still eats veggies using pouches most of the time.  I know I struggle with feeding him and wondering if he’s getting enough to eat.  It’s time to enforce the rules and say “NO”.  If he’s hungry he’ll eat…..no matter what’s on his plate.

Here’s a video Terence showed me yesterday that really struck a chord with me.

Food for thought?

Protect Your Eyes With These Simple Steps #AOA #MC

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Mom Central for the American Optometric Association.  I received a promotional item as a thank you for my participation.

glasses

For as long as I can remember…6th grade to be exact…I’ve been wearing glasses.  I wore glasses until I got high school and then my Mom & Dad FINALLY let me try contacts.  Wearing glasses and contacts has always been a part of my life and I’m thankful, because without them I’d be literally blind.  I actually enjoy wearing glasses now that I’m older and trying out different styles.  I knew growing up it was likely I was going to need glasses because both of my parents had them.  It’s hard to know if someone else needs glasses, some children will show signs and symptoms, while others may not.

I remember coming home from school one day and telling my Mom it was hard to see at a distance.  We booked an eye exam, and sure enough the verdict was glasses.  Now that I’m a Mom of my own I want to make sure Connor can do the best he can while he’s at school.  When a child can’t see it can affect the way they learn and cause frustration.  The best way to deal with this is to communicate with your child and ask them if everything is okay?  Early eye exams are also a good idea.  If you suspect your child is having vision problems don’t wait to see an optometrist.

D7K_1563

The use of technology among children both at home and in the classroom is on the rise, and a new survey from the American Optometric Association (AOA) shows that parents drastically underestimate the time their children spend on digital devices.  This is so true!  I know I let Connor spend way to much time on the iPad.  Even though we do limit his time on electronics it’s what he gravitates towards and wants to do every single day!

AOA Infographic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • An AOA survey reports that 83 percent of children between the ages of 10 and 17 estimate they use an electronic device for three or more hours each day.

  • A separate AOA survey of parents revealed that only 40 percent of parents believe their children use an electronic device for that same amount of time. Most parents believe the time their kids spend using technology is far less than what it is.

  • Eighty percent of children surveyed report experiencing burning, itchy or tired eyes after using electronic devices for long periods of time.

Digital eye strain, a temporary vision condition caused by prolonged use of technology. Additional symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, loss of focus, blurred vision, double vision or head and neck pain.  I totally agree with this because I sit in front of a computer all day and have almost all of these symptoms.  I get up and walk around for a bit or read a book for a while.  Just do something to take your eyes off the screen for a while and you’ll feel much better!

IMG_20130112_222040

This little guy’s eyes are important to me.  By following these simple steps below you can help prevent digital eye strain:

Children should make sure they practice the 20-20-20 rule: when using technology or doing near work, take a 20-second break, every 20 minutes and view something 20 feet away.

To help prevent or reduce eye and vision problems associated with digital eye strain and exposure to blue light, the AOA recommends:

  • Checking the height and position of the device. Computer screens should be four to five inches below eye level and 20 to 28 inches away from the eyes. Digital devices should be held a safe distance away from eyes and slightly below eye level.

  • Checking for glare on the screen. Windows or other light sources should not be directly visible when sitting in front of a computer monitor. If this happens, turn the desk or computer to prevent glare on the screen. Also consider adjusting the brightness of the screen on your digital device or changing its background color.

  • Reducing the amount of lighting in the room to match the computer screen. A lower-wattage light can be substituted for a bright overhead light or a dimmer switch may be installed to give flexible control of room lighting.

  • Adjusting font size. Increase the size of text on the screen of the device to make it easier on your eyes when reading.

  • Keep blinking. Frequent blinking reduces the chances for developing dry eye by keeping the front surface of the eye moist.

The AOA recommends every child have an eye exam by an optometrist soon after six months of age, before age three and every year thereafter.

Children now have the benefit of yearly comprehensive eye exams thanks to the Pediatric Essential Health Benefit in the Affordable Act, through age 18.

Please click here for a press release with additional information

For more information and updates from the American Optometric Association follow along on Twitter & Facebook.

Back to School: Weekend Wrap Up

Well, I definitely noticed a slight difference in traffic today as school is back in session most places.  They are doing so much construction where I live that it’s driving me nuts!  One day our exit will be open, then the next it’s closed again!

Terence and I are on a mission to get healthy.  I went to my Doctor last Tuesday and he told me I had gained 20 lbs. from this time last year!!!  I just sat that dumb struck because I avoid the scale like the plague and I couldn’t believe I had gained THAT much weight.

We joined Simply Fit Meals here in the DFW area to help us with portion control.  So I’m hoping that by the next time I see my Doctor I’ll have lost at least 15 lbs.  My problem is sweets, and I’ve been doing really well at staying away from candy at work.  It’s late at night that is my issue or when I get home from work. Ugh.

It’s so much easier putting it on than taking it off right?  But I’m determined!  I know I’ll falter every so often, but that’s okay as long as I keep on track.

Saturday we met up with our good friends Hyung, Sarah, and baby Ellie.  She’s just the cutest little dumpling you ever did see!  Sarah has the cutest Etsy store called Wake Me Up Designs you all should go check it out.

Me and baby Ellie

IMG_20140809_143913

Sarah with Connor & Ellie
IMG_20140809_144156

Connor got mad and he put himself in the corner at the restaurant.  This is hilarious…when get gets upset he just walks to a corner and stands there! Ha ha!
IMG_20140809_144027

Next we headed to the cutest outdoor store. There was this vintage camera bag that was adorbs. Totally not needed (and I didn’t get it) but oh so cute! It’s by a company called BlueQ.

IMG_20140810_142429

My little Crocodile Dundee boys 🙂
IMG_20140810_142552

This is the Purple Rain smoothie from Simply Fit Meals.  I liked it, but it was SUPER thick and hard to swallow!  Maybe water it down a bit or put some more liquid in….other than that is was pretty good!
IMG_20140810_141952

IMG_20140811_083430

HAPPY MONDAY PEEPS!

Twinkie Tues-Wednesday?

My sister and I….sigh

We love and fight with each other like nobody’s business! Starting with clothes from each other’s closets, sharing a car growing up, starting our first job together.  We’ve been through it all TOGETHER.

I’m so BEYOND happy for her that she’s finally found happiness with Vinny and Jarrett has a great Daddy.  God truly answered prayers.

Some people ask us what it’s like to be a twin, but it’s hard to describe.  It’s especially hard living so far from each other.  But absence makes the heart grow fonder right?  So when we see each other we get so excited….then we fight again…then we make up!  Ha ha!  It’s a vicious cycle!

As we grow older things have changed, and it’s definitely hard to be separated.  No matter what I know we can always pick up where we left off.  We disagree a LOT….but it’s crazy how similar we are on other things.

Growing up a twin is having someone to do everything with.  We started school together ( you have a friend for every grade you start so you aren’t alone)  That makes it harder for you to stand on your own when the time comes to grow up.  We had our first job together, shared a car, never shared boyfriends….we did date brothers for a hot second.  Ha ha!

Everything is always “equal” and “fair” because if one of us got something the other liked better then queue the CRAZY crying!

Anyway, it’s a relationship like none other.  But it’s one I’d never mess with or change.

I love being a twin 🙂

DSC_0082 IMG_0048 IMG_00501 scan0044 scn0011 scn0020 sistas

We always said if our husbands die first we’ll move in together and hot roll our hair. I guess we came into the world together and if we have to we can go out the same way!  At least I have a place to go right?

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER THIS FABULOUS SUMMER OF CASH GIVEAWAY BELOW WOOHOO!:

Welcome to the $500 Summer Dreams Cash Giveaway!

We have joined forces with an amazing group of bloggers to bring you this great giveaway. One lucky person will win $500 cash.


Enter to win $500 cash via PayPal.

Complete the tasks below to earn entries into this giveaway.

Refer your friends using your unique link to earn even more chances to win.

Open Worldwide.

Ends at 11:59pm ET on August 19th, 2014.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway was coordinated by Giveaway Promote.
If you love entering giveaways, visit Giveaway Promote to find the greatest giveaways listed in one place.

The Moo Moo: Not Just for Grandma

When I get home from work the first thing I usually do is run to my room and take off all my clothes and put on my “Moo Moo”.

For as long as I can remember my Grandma and my Mom have worn things like this:

9114

This is usually referred to as a housecoat or “duster”.

Whelp.  I’m slowly morphing into that….

I bought this swim cover at Lands End earlier this year and have never actually worn it AS a swim cover…but let me tell you it makes the perfect Moo Moo!

D7K_1574 D7K_1585

My child loves to be in every single photo 🙂   He’s legit.  I love him.  And that mirror is DIRTY!  I posted my Moo Moo on Instagram last night and I loved hearing that I’m not the only one who is morphing into granny wear.

Give me my “duster” and my Moscato and I’m a happy girl!