Thanksgiving 2014

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We had a great Thanksgiving.  Honestly, I can’t believe it’s already Christmas time!  Where has this year gone?  I’m hoping and praying God leads us through this next year no matter what changes may come.  Connor will start Kindergarten next year and we are possibly moving…so lots of things to think about!

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Anyway, I just want to enjoy each day and savor it.  My parents drove in from Arkansas to celebrate Thanksgiving.  That meant so much that they would come HERE to be with us.  All of my family is in Arkansas and I was so happy to have a piece of home with me.

On Thanksgiving day Mom and I rocked it in the kitchen and busted out a great Thanksgiving meal for the five of us.  Afterwards we went and took some family photos and then ordered our Christmas cards to put in the mail.

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We looked at all the Black Friday ads and just relaxed the rest of the day.  We contemplated going out Thursday night….but didn’t get out there with all the crazies.  I felt a cold coming on and I had a wedding to shoot the next day on Friday.  queue lots of Emergen C and cold meds!  It was a beautiful wedding!!!

I’ve been super busy (and so thankful) for all the photography business this season.  Each year this little hobby/side business has grown and grown and I’m so THANKFUL to all of you for your support!  Maybe one day I can quit my job and do what I love full time…but that’s wishful thinking right now 🙂  Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives and capture your precious memories.  I love it so much!  Check out my work HERE.

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Saturday morning Mom and I went out to check out the sales.  We went to the mall, World Market, Carters, DSW Shoes….and some more places.  We shopped until we dropped!

Sunday my folks went home.  I was sad to see them go, but excited I’ll see them again in just a few short weeks for Christmas.

If you haven’t seen this video, you have to watch it.  HILARIOUS!  I’m not going to deny it and say I never act this way….ha ha!

MetLife TRICARE Dental: Military Appreciation Month #MetLifeTDP

I participated in an Ambassador program on behalf of Influence Central for the MetLife TRICARE Detal Program. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

We just celebrated National Military Family Appreciation Month in November.  What a better month to celebrate the Military than with the month of Thanksgiving.  When Terence and I first started our married life together we were in the Air Force.  We lived on base for over five years.  Our military memories are some of the best times.

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Being a newly married couple and not having much money it was hard to make ends meet sometimes.  We had our struggles just like everyone else does.  One thing we could rely on was that we had full medical and dental care with TRICARE.  Health care is expensive and when we got out of the service that was HUGE realization for us!

I remember visiting the dentist one day and he said I would need a retainer.  Thankfully I had TRICARE Dental and my retainer was completely covered.  I think it would have been around $400-$500 if I hadn’t been ensured with TRICARE.

TRICARE Dental Program offered by MetLife is a great program that provides dental benefits to spouses and children of Active Duty personnel and National Guard and Reserve members and their families.  The TRICARE Dental Program is ideal for military families because it is a convenient and cost-effective way for families to have continuous dental coverage despite changes in life events, geographical locations, or military status.

Now that we have a son healthy teeth are very important to us.  I actually took him to the Dentist yesterday and he did so good!  It’s important for us to teach him good dental habits now so that he doesn’t have issues with his teeth later.  I’m in my 30’s now and I’m happy to say I’ve never had a cavity in my life thanks to great dental care!  *Knock on wood!*

My Dad was also in the Army for 11 years, so I basically grew up on military bases and I always remember getting great dental care.  I’m so thankful for all that TRICARE has done for us and other military families.  If you are currently in the military & have TRICARE Dental I’d love to hear what you think about it.

The TRICARE Dental Program is part of the TRICARE Health Plan for military families. However, you must enroll separately in the TRICARE Dental Program to obtain dental coverage for your family.

For more information check out MetLife TDP Facebook page, Twitter, and Fact Sheet.

 

Giving, Love, & Support with CaringBridge

 “I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for CaringBridge. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.”

The nonprofit organization CaringBridge is kicking-off its WonderFull themed year-end giving campaign to raise $1.2 million. CaringBridge was launched in 1997 so people–for any reason or length of time–could start a free website, remain connected to their family and friends and receive support when they need it most.

That’s what the Steinback family did when their daughter Julia was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. During her nearly three years of treatment, Julia and her family could count on one constant: the emotional and physical support they received from friends and relatives who followed Julia’s story on her CaringBridge website. Now in remission, Joy continues to stay connected with loved ones through CaringBridge as Julia undergoes monthly checkups. For the Steinbacks, seeing their daughter happy and healthy is the greatest gift they could ask for this holiday season. julia

As a nonprofit, CaringBridge relies on donations to allow anyone facing a health journey the ability to rally support. Nearly 95 percent of all funding comes from people who use CaringBridge. The campaign features match contributions from three generous donors ranging from 10K to 25K. Humankind excels at human kindness when it’s needed most. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation so that families like the Steinbacks can always get the support they need.

For more information, visit https://www.caringbridge.org/give.  

It’s Christmas time and it’s also a time when you can bless others.  When giving a gift to someone in need, please keep CaringBridge in mind.

Count your blessing everyday- health and happiness is such a GIFT!

Sparkle, Sparkle, Shine…It’s Almost Christmas Time!

Today’s post is sponsored by Bona, but my love for their hardwood floor mop is all my own!

My parents are on their way here to visit this weekend.  I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this on the blog before…probably have…but I am a CLEAN FREAK!!!  When people come over to visit I go into my crazy cleaning mode.  I love having hardwoods and I’ve been using a Bona Hardwood Floor Mop for the last 3 years. bona

Bona is a non-toxic and no residue product. The Bona Hardwood Floor Mop takes easy cleaning to the next level. This ultimate hardwood floor mop combines Bona’s high quality, no residue professional cleaner with a durable, premium spray mop (with washable microfiber pad).  Bona Hardwood Floor cleaners are non-toxic and GREENGUARD certified.

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I’ve always been pleased with how Bona has cleaned my hardwoods and now they have a new product for quick and easy clean ups.  These Bona Hardwood Floor Wet cleaning pads are awesome when you need to clean something in a hurry or run out of cleaner.

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I am so excited for the holidays and having a sparkly & clean home makes me feel even better!  I also LOVE the way Bona cleaner smells.  I hate over powering scents and Bona makes my home smell fresh and clean.

Go HERE to sign up for the BonaFide Fanatics mailing list and download the $3.00 off coupon!

Check out @BonaBuzz for some ways to make your floors really shine. #BonaHolidayShine on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Tis The Season to GIVE!

It’s that time of year and black Friday is approaching and I wanted to share some great items you can give (or receive) this holiday.

1.  Shave MOB is a great company where you can get razors and accessories for up to 70% off!  Razors aren’t cheap and at these prices you can get everyone in your family a set.  Shave MOB sets make great stocking stuffers.

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2.  One of my favorite things to do is give to local charities.  It reminds me what Christmas is truly about and that Christ gave His life so that we might live!  We can give to others who are in so much need this season too.  The Giving for Good Card is a great program offered by The Dallas Foundation. The program was designed to introduce charitable giving in a way that is unique, meaningful and fun.

Giving for Good cards work like retail gift cards, only the value is redeemed as a donation to the recipient’s favorite charity: any 501(c)(3) public charity in the United States, including schools, churches and synagogues. Order Giving for Good cards to celebrate holidays and special occasions, to thank clients or to recognized employees. No more searching for the perfect gift, and you get the tax deduction!

Recipients of a Giving for Good card may redeem the card on our website by clicking on the Redeem button below. Or, they may give the cards directly to any nonprofit (by mail or in person) or dropped in a church collection basket.

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3.  My good friend Sarah makes some of the cutest shirts for friends and family.  If you are looking for something cute and original, visit Wake Me Up Designs.

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 4.   If you do not have the money to give to a charity, consider donating some old items that you have around the house. An increasing number of people are now doing Texas boat donations, because of the state’s generous tax credits.

The process is simple, as you contact the charity and tell them that you want to make a boat donation, they will then sell your boat at auction and give the proceeds to an organization that benefits children. As an added bonus, you receive a tax deduction in the amount for which the boat sold.

The Holidays are Here & Don’t Forget to Enjoy a Little ME Time!

“This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Weave Made Media®, PEOPLE® Magazine, and The Hershey Company®, but all my opinions are my own. #weavemade #HolidayMeTimeMags Full disclosure

I can’t believe it’s already the week of Thanksgiving!!!  It’s crazy how fast this year has flown by.  My parents are coming to visit this week and I’m so excited.  I haven’t seen them in about 6 months, so I’m anxiously awaiting their arrival.  Mom and I plan on cooking Thanksgiving dinner at my house this year.  It’s just going to be a small, family get together with lots of relaxing and lounging around.

I love to start the morning off watching the Thanksgiving parade and read a People magazine or two.  My Mom usually brings me all her old People magazines to read when she visits 🙂

I could just lay on the sofa with my magazine and a chocolate bar for hours.  That’s my definition of Heaven!  Ha ha!

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After all the holiday cooking Mom and I usually chill out by reading our People magazines and enjoying some CHOCOLATE while the guys watch a football game.

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I know everyone is headed to the grocery store this week for last minute Thanksgiving items.  Save $1.00 with purchase of ONE (1) PEOPLE® or Sunset® magazine and ONE (1) REESE’S®, HERSHEY’S® or other selected King Size bar (2.1 to 5.0 oz.)

DOWNLOAD YOUR COUPON HERE

The digital coupon is available through the Safeway Just4U online portal 11/21/14 – 12/19/14 (while supplies last) You have to register for Just4U to get access to the digital coupon.  I shopped at my local Tom Thumb.

This is going to be a great week to reconnect with family, EAT, and relax!  I can’t wait for the Christmas rush to begin…and as I do I’m also going to remember to enjoy the little things.  This is the season for joy and fellowship!

Amongst all the hustle and bustle don’t forget to take out a little “ME” time along the way!

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How are you enjoying some“ME time” this holiday season?

I’ll be checking out the latest issue of People with the sexiest men alive…oh yeah girls….go get your “eye” candy, then go get some chocolate candy to indulge yourself.

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