2013 My Year in Review

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HI!  I’M BECKY.  WIFE, MOM, TWIN, DAUGHTER, SISTER, CHOCOHOLIC, COFFEE ADDICT, LOVER OF ALL THINGS BLING, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY A CHRISTIAN.  I AM FROM THE GOOD OL’ STATE OF ARKANSAS, MARRIED A TEXAN 12 YEARS AGO…NOW WE LIVE IN DFW.  I’VE BLOGGED HERE ON THE JAVA MAMA FOR 7 YEARS AND LOVED EVERY MINUTE!  HERE’S MY YEAR IN REVIEW:

What did you do in 2013 that you’d never done before?

I switched to WordPress from Blogger.com and I am LOVING it and highly recommend to all of you!
Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Well, at the beginning of the year I wanted to lose the 30lbs I’ve been packing on for the past couple of years.  I’ll probably make the SAME resolution this coming year….sigh.
Did anyone close to you give birth?

Two of my sister-in-laws did
Did anyone close to you die?

No, thank the good Lord!
What countries did you visit?

Stayed in the US this year. Last year we visited Paris & London. This next year we were hoping to go back to London and Scotland….we’ll see!
What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?

More confidence and less anxiety.
What date from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory?

No date in particular: Birthdays, anniversaries, special moments. Or maybe my memory is just getting bad?
What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I made some tough decisions professionally, but overall I’m much happier because I stood up for what I believe in.  I grew my photography (small business) a little bit & some amazing blogging opportunities came my way.  I was in school for graphic design years ago.  I’ve always loved art and creative things.  It’s my outlet….so it’s been fun to explore that a bit further.
What was your biggest failure?

Not being able to see my family in Arkansas as much as I should have. My heart aches from not being able to see them more.  My Papa died a few years ago and I wasn’t there during his last days.  My Nannie was diagnosed with cancer this past year. I feel like I’m missing out on precious years with my family in Arkansas. It’s bittersweet.
Did you suffer illness or injury?

No, just a car accident recently. Gaaaaaah!
What was the best thing you bought?

A new phone. I just got a Samsung Galaxy S4 and I am LOVING it!  Waiting in line for 45 mins on Black Friday was totally worth it. And it was FREE!
Whose behavior merited celebration?

Uhm mine? Ha ha! I have no idea.  Everyone has good days and bad days….just do the best you can!
 Where did most of your money go?

FOOD…Isn’t that sad?
What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Oh gosh.  Lots of things. Nothing incredibly huge happened this year.  It was just a nice, easy year.  But I’m excited over everything basically 🙂
What song will always remind you of 2013?

Blurred Lines.  And several Miley songs…that’s so unfortunate. UGH.
Compared to this time last year, are you:

Happy.  Content.  Connor is so much fun at the age he’s at.  He asks a lot of questions.  Each phase is so much fun!
Happier or sadder?

Happy
Thinner or fatter?

Fatter. Boo!
Richer or poorer?

I wouldn’t say richer.  More financially stable.
What do you wish you’d done more of?

I need to get better at video taping things.  I want those to look back on someday.
What do you wish you’d done less of?

Watching TV.  Although I love watching a good show I know I need to do less of it.
How will you be spending Christmas?

We are going home to the farm in Arkansas.  I’m excited about that!  Then we’ll be back home by Christmas day to celebrate with our Texas family.
Did you fall in love in 2013?

No.
How many one-night stands?

ZERO. EVER.
Who were your best friends?

The same ones I’ve always had. My sister, Ellen, Sara, and Kristin.
What thing did you do that was meaningful to others?

I paid it forward a few times. I try to help those in need when I see it.
What were your favorite TV programs?

The Goldbergs. I  just love this new comedy set in the 80’s. My favorite Era.  Castle, The Mentalist, Suits, Scandal…and many more.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

No.
What was the best book you read in 2013?

Fifty Shades of Grey. Gulp.
What was your greatest musical discovery?

I’m loving Pentatonix Little Drummer Boy right now.
What did you want and get?

Less hours at work
What did you want but did NOT get?

I didn’t win the lottery darn it!  I hope that in the future my husband can either find a job closer to where we live or we move so that we can have more time together as a family.
What was your favorite film of this year?

I haven’t been to the movies in ages.  I really liked “Now You See Me” & “World War Z”
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I was 32.  I think I went out to dinner…at this point I don’t even really celebrate birthdays!
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

If I could quit working.  Stay at home and enjoy these last couple years of Connor at this young age.  Also, I’m on the verge of wanting to add another baby….but everything is so undecided.  But it’s all in God’s hands!
What kept you sane?

medication
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Nobody really.  I have always like Isla Fisher and Rachel McAdams.
What political issue stirred you the most?

Obama. Enough Said.
Who did you miss?

My family back in Arkansas and friends too!
Who was the best new person you met this year?

I met some great blogging friends in person for the first time.  That is always super special.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013.

Do what you know is right in your heart.  Never change. God is always with you.
Quote that sums up your year:

“Your future is as bright as your faith’

LINK UP WITH THREE 31 FOR YEAR IN REVIEW.  CLICK THE PHOTO BELOW.

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Fun Weekend with Friends

It’s been a crazy busy week.  At work and at home.  Geesh….this is the time of year it doesn’t slow down I guess?  We have a cold front right now in Texas and I’m loving it.  We are taking full advantage of building fires in the evenings.  Connor loves to help build fires 🙂D7K_1281

This past weekend I went to a Christmas Etsy market with my good friend Sarah.  She brought along baby Ellie, whom I’ve been dying to see since the hospital.  She is just the cutest….like ever.  There were some really cute vendors there.  The market was located at the Shops at Park Lane and I’d never been there before.  It was outside basically along one main street.  There was an indoor area, and it was COLD!  I am hoping that as word catches on there will be more vendors and it will get bigger in the future.  Who would’nt love a HUGE Etsy paradise?

Cute little wooden ornaments
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Wooden teethersD7K_1302

The marketD7K_1305

Lots of paper goods and custom artworkD7K_1306

This little snuggle bunny.  Baby Ellie.D7K_1308

1001 reasons I need a girl.  So she can wear this shawl.  D7K_1310

We also put up our Christmas tree and nativity.  Connor’s been playing with it every day.D7K_1316

The treeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!D7K_1319

Sarah and I
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Connor holding baby E.  Love this.1476192_787530191799_884045006_n

Thank you Sarah for inviting us to tag along!  You are such a good Mama and we love you!

xo Becky

Friday Fives & Favorites

Happy Friday lovelies 🙂 I have a full weekend ahead of photos & a work event and going to squeeze some time in with my boys in there somewhere. After this weekend I’m planning on taking a break and then getting my Christmas decor out soon!!! Woohoo!

1. I’ve been looking for some cross earrings for a while. Something simple and pretty. I found a pair at Gorjana-Griffin and I just love them!IMG_20131105_084022
2. Some girls on Twitter were talking about their favorite makeup finds. One of them mentioned Loreal Butterfly Effect mascara. It has amazing YouTube reviews….and I have to say I agree. It works really well!IMG_20131105_124029
3. My little monster boy. I love this new store by North East Mall called Five Below. It’s definitely a great place to find gifts, party supplies, and stocking stuffers. We got this hat there for $4.IMG_20131107_145127
4. Doesn’t Starbucks have the cutest gift cards this season? It’s a little red cup. Adorbs.IMG_20131110_114326
5. I had this fishing game when I was little and LOVED it! I got it for Connor and he’s been playing it ever since. It also teaches good hand/eye coordination skills.IMG_20131112_173840
EXTRA: I found these pens at Target. They are $3 and something and there is nothing better than a fine point gel pen. I think the brand is The Write Dudes.  Getcha some….they are awesome!IMG_20131114_160341
And last, but not least I declare Friday red cup day! I’m playing Christmas music and drinking my holiday beverage…..bring it! I’m so ready 🙂 Happy weekend everyone!!!!IMG_20131115_102909
Be sure to link up with Lauren & Darci

Weekend Wrap-Up

We had a lot of fun trick-or-treating this year.  Each year as he gets older he understands a little bit more and he did really good at saying “Thank You” to all the neighbors.  I think he enjoys passing out candy just as much!  He would just run to the door and get so excited to see all the other kids.  Here’s me and my little fishy 🙂D7K_7094Terence bought a coconut at the grocery store the other day because Connor wanted to try that.  His favorite show is “Jake and the Neverland Pirates”.  They always talk about coconuts on there, so he wanted to try a real one…

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Yeah….not so much.  He didn’t quite understand what all the fuss was about coconuts!  Ha ha!D7K_6492

Thanks to everyone who participated in the fall mug swap!  I have another partner, Jessie, and I got her package on Saturday!  Jessie, yours is a coming too…I’ve just been super busy with photo shoots this time of year! Thank you so much!!!  I love the oversized “Coffee for ONE” mug and Starbucks coffee 🙂 So so so sweet of you! xoxo Becky

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Back to the grind tomorrow….Christmas count down is officially on!!!  Wahoo!!!!

Fall Mug Swap: Reveal

I had so much fun doing the fall mug swap with y’all!  Maybe we’ll do it again next year?  But please…PLEASE…if you sign up to do a swap follow through….mmmmmmkay?  So, I ended up getting emails from a few of you and swapped with ALL of yuns!  So I’ll share my mugs below and then be sure and share your link too 🙂  Thanks everyone for joining up and HAPPY FALL!!!

My first mug was from Amber.  She’s so precious!  I love me some Seattle’s Best coffee. Duh.  And the statement mug is super cute!  Thank you Amber!
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The second mug was from Kate.  She thought of everything!  She knew I LOVE owls, chocolate, and Starbucks!  YUM!  She even sent Connor some treats and stickers.  Thank you so much Kate- I love everything.D7K_6442

And last, but not least my sweet friend Tracy sent this adorable OWL mug and glitter “B” ornament.  Now that Halloween is over I’m gearing up for Christmas and girrrrrrrrl….I’m going to be sipping out of this mug during the season!  Thank you Tracy!D7K_6449Now it’s your turn to share.  Link up below with your mugs.  I can’t wait to see what everyone got 🙂  Yay!!!

 

Friday Fives & Funnies

1.  We signed up a couple of weeks ago with a new box to door company called FabKids. It’s a company started by a group of parents, including Christina Applegate.  Basically it styles your kid & for $39.95 you can receive an entire outfit delivered to your doorstep.  We got a great into offer & I paid $4.95 for this cute little outfit Connor is sporting below:

Not a bad deal if you ask me!
D7K_6472 D7K_6459D7K_6457 2. I love this saying below: zu2594279_main_tm1377284723
3.  I’m excited about the new show Dracula coming on tonight. I’m gonna check it out and see if it’s any good…any of you watching???2013_0924_Dracula_Hero_Template_04_970x400_SJ
4. I am LOVING Kendra Scott’s new Aurora line for fall. The stones are so pretty!Untitled
 5.  If you need a good laugh this Friday check out this hilarious video from the Ellen show….hilarious!!!

Don’t forget to link up with Darci & Lauren

(And read previous post regarding the mug swap, which has been postponed until next FRIDAY!)

Fall Mug Swap *An UPDATE*

image2993I’ve heard from a lot of you that you either haven’t been able to get in touch with your swap partner or you haven’t received your mug yet.  I’m going to postpone the coffee mug swap reveal link up until NEXT FRIDAY.  That should give you plenty of time.  Also, if you did sign up for the swap, but never heard from your partner leave your name and email address in the comments and we’ll find someone for you to swap with 🙂

xo Becky