My Three Things

Hello readers!

I hope all of you had a wonderful Easter weekend! 

This week I want to share three things with you that I have been working to improve on. 

Self-improvement is something that I always strive for. It is important to me that I don't remain stagnant in my life and that I become a better version of myself year after year. I know that if I push myself to improve in the things I care about or is needed of me most, I (and my family) will benefit from this.  I will say that It's in a healthy form and not something I think about too much, but in the back of my head it's usually there. 

Here's an example. When my husband and I were dating, I would say that I was a pretty bad cook. I had very little confidence in cooking and, for some reason, I didn't think it was necessary to read the directions word for word. I would even get anxiety about making pasta.

Since I have been a wife and mom, I (thankfully) have had many opportunities to cook many meals. I have learned quite a bit along the way about cooking, but of course there is still much more to learn. I am no great cook, but I will say that I am much better than I was pre-Kiel and Edward! 

Here are some of the ways I am working on improving myself this week. 

1. Lowering my carb/sugar intake and eating more veggies!

After this past weekend, my body is angry at me for the cupcakes, sister shubert rolls, jelly beans, and beignets I had. Last night I was determined to have a detox dinner, so I cooked some Publix Greenwise chicken sausages, cut them up, threw them in with some cabbage and onions and served that with some fresh butter beans on the side. Slap yo' momma good! 

 Notice that empty muffin pan sitting there on the stove. I was SO tempted to make some cornbread until I saw the calorie content and the word "LARD" on three different ingredients on the cornbread mix. Sadly, I had to pass! 

At the end of the day, I was proud to say I had eaten 7 different vegetables! 

2. Using my Cell Phone Less. 

This is a difficult one too! Why? Well, We can do EVERYTHING on our phones now and it is so convenient and sometimes relaxing to use them. I could write a whole blog post (or several) about technology and why we all shouldn't use it as much.  The other day, my friend and I were talking about the topic of substance abuse and she said "Yeah, my husband says it's never good to be dependent on anything." 

I never want my child to think I am dependent on my phone. I can accept that he will think that about coffee (ha!), but not my phone. When my son looks at me, I don't want him to often see mommy's head down looking at that device. I want him to have my full attention most of the time!  I also don't want to be a bad influence. Am I going to use my phone around him? Yes! But, I definitely need to have more limits. 

 

3. Living in the Present.

Without a doubt, this is the most important improvement I must make! This week I have heard some amazing music, seen some beautiful sunsets, tasted some delicious food, smelled some divine scents, and touched very very soft skin. I have been working on just enjoying the moment as it is happening. Taking mental pictures of the precious moments. 

Who knows what the future holds for us?  We need to take it in now before it's too late!

Whether it was watching Edward watch his daddy throw a castnet off of a pier, eating popcorn and watching Shrek Forever After with Edward in bed, (I put the phone down shortly thereafter I swear!)

Easter eggs hunts, listening to a man at our church with no arms or legs talk about how "God doesn't make mistakes", or having meaningful conversations with my family, I made it a point to soak it in more than usual. I hope to always work on this. 

What are you currently working to improve in your life? 

Are you putting the work into improving what matters to you or do you procrastinate these things?

Help Yourself by becoming aware of how you'd like to improve yourself. Make sure it's healthy self-improvement. Think about how this improvement could (I.e) help your family, boost your self-esteem, change your attitude or even make you a happier person! Then DO THE WORK and have lots of self control along the way.  Have a great week everyone! 

 

 

Clear Vision

"Is everyone seeing what I am seeing?" I wondered to myself while driving down a road in Fairhope, Al. I was mesmerized. 

It was a beautiful day in May. Low humidity. Temperature was in the low 70's. Just a few tiny clouds floated in the sky. On this street, heading to the dentist, were the most beautiful trees I had ever seen. They were bright green and glowed as they moved along with the wind. I turned my eyes to the right and then to the left. "Have I even noticed these before?" I also thought as I was nearly  hypnotized by them. They were just pecan or oak trees. Trees that I have seen all of my life in my hometown. Trees on probably every road or highway I have ever been on. 

What made them SO much more noticeable and striking this time? Was it the fact that the sun was shining to its max and the trees reflected that? Maybe. 

It has been years since I have had an eye exam.  The last exam I had I was told I had 10/20 vision.  This means that I could see at 20 feet what most people could see at 10.  I would guess that my vision is no longer 10/20 just because I am 10 years older now, but nonetheless, I am grateful I overall have pretty clear vision. 

Was it my decent vision that was allowing me to see such beauty in nature?  Possibly. 

About a week ago, I started taking a few different vitamins to strengthen my immune system. One of the vitamins I was recommended was Spirulina. I had never heard of it until I visited the health food store. "Spiru-what?" I said to myself as the lady told me about its benefits and how she takes it. One of the many benefits of this super food algae is its high concentration of beta-carotene. It has 10 times the amount of beta-carotene than in one carrot. And we all know what beta-carotene does. So, I wondered while looking at these stunning trees...

"Are these vitamins enhancing my vision?".   Hard to tell. 

If you know me well, you know how much I love flowers. If I was rich, I would have the most beautifully landscaped yard you have ever seen. I heard once when I was in sales that people tend to do things that make them feel good. Well, this is definitely very true for me. My flowers make me feel happy because of their colors they exude and how much they can dress up my front porch. I thought as I saw those trees...

"Am I noticing this because of my love for flowers and plants?" (Because, really, I don't obsess over trees). 

Yes, it is quite possible that these trees grabbed my attention for the above reasons. It was a gorgeous, sunny day. I was on some good vitamins, and I can appreciate some pretty flowers and plants. 

Or what if it was something even bigger than that? 

God is more creative than we could ever imagine. He designed me and you with five senses: sight, touch, smell, taste, and hearing. He also created different things just to satisfy all of our senses. Think about it...what is something that really stimulates your senses that makes you happy and is naturally occurring? Here are some of mine...

• Seeing Edward's smile, Troy chasing lizards and bumblebees, my porch plants, Bouganvilla's (I'm obsessed), and the water sparking on Mobile bay. 

• The taste of pineapples, eggs, avocados, almonds, salsa, and grilled chicken. 

•  The smell of Gardenia's, onions/garlic, bacon cooking, puppies. 

• Feeling Edward's soft skin, a warm bath, holding Edward and my husband's hands. 

• Hearing the dryer and the dishwasher running, Kiel and Edward's laughs, hearing "I love you" completely out of the blue from Edward, songs from 1,000,000 different artists and bands, and waves crashing at the beach. 

I had an epiphany a few weeks ago as I was enjoying watching some Pelicans flying. I realized that He had to have put those birds in that blue sky for me to notice. He could have made the sky grey, filled it with floating black rocks, and made it constantly dreary looking. But instead, he didn't. I know that He created those birds and the bright blue sky for me to have pleasure seeing. Yes, those birds have many purposes, but I know one purpose has to be to make us enjoy life a little more. 

Those trees are just an example of what God did for us when he designed us. He wants us to enjoy life on earth and get a little piece of heaven while we are here. He wants us to embrace his creations and be less distracted by worldly things (Internet, material items, harmful substances, etc.) I also think he uses beauty in things and in people to remind us of Him and his love for us. 

What's the biggest way God has shown He loves us and wants the best for us?

By sending his ONLY son, a perfect man, to earth to die on a cross---which came from a TREE---for the sole purpose of giving whoever believes in Him (for generations and generations to come) eternal life in heaven!

Now that's something to make us happy!

5 Simple Saving Tips

1. If you will regret it, don't buy it! 

 

Practice self control this week by waiting until the right time to make that purchase you've been wanting to. Ask yourself "Do I/we really need this?"
 

 

2. Be sure to download the RetailMeNot app on your smart phone! 

In the past few weeks, I have saved $ at retail stores and restaurants by utilizing this app. I have even sent my husband pictures of the coupons so he can show the cashiers. It is so easy.  Download it now!
 

 

3.  Deposit money in your savings account once you get paid!

Putting money away into our savings account is not easy is it?! I have found that transferring money right after pay day is the best way to go.  Why? Well, the longer we leave that money in the account, the more likely we are to spend it on something we really don't need.  Try it! Even $50 a month saved is a great accomplishment! That's $600/year!

 

4.  Don't forget the clearance section!

When grocery or shopping retail, remember to go to the clearance section of your store before checking out. Whether it be TJ Maxx, CVS, Target, Publix, or anywhere else, the clearance sections are worth browsing through.  My mother-in-law is a pro at scoring some great deals in the clearance sections! Most people don't realize this, but a lot of times you can still use coupons on clearance items.  Just make sure to read the fine detail on the coupon. Also, shopping clearance after the holidays is the way to go!

 

5. Buy a coupon Fundraiser book!

 

These books are easy to find and are so worth buying! They cost anywhere between $10-$20 and have at least $1,000 worth of savings in them! You will save money on activities for the kids, golf,  great restaurants, and more.  I can't wait to see what coupons are in this next one!

 

Have a great week everyone!! 

Less is More: Tips on Limiting our Device use

Hello readers! I hope you are enjoying your week. I'm happy to finally see a little sunshine after all of this rain. I don't know about you, but my yard is flooded!

If I had to describe this past week in one word, I would say it has been 'refreshing'. If you read my last blog post, you read that one of the things I've been trying to work on is limiting my phone use. This past week I significantly decreased my time on my phone about 75%. Writing that blog post was a blessing because it helped me hold myself accountable for the week. I didn't get on the internet for the entire weekend and the past few days I have been online less as well. I have noticed that just in this short period of time of doing this that I am experiencing and soaking in life more than before. 

Beside feeling refreshed, I have noticed other changes from using my phone less this past week: 

• I have been more clear-minded. 
• I am sleeping more AND sleeping better. 
• Edward and I have bonded more because I have been able to give him more attention. 
• I have been more patient. 
• I have been more on top of my housework. 
• More cuddle time with my hubby.

And this is just what I noticed in ONE week.

Think about it. How much of our daily lives do we waste on our phone? 

 

Between checking Facebook, our email, checking our trashy websites, checking the news, Twitter, Snap Chat, Zulily, etc. it can get out of hand quick. I can't count how many times at night before bed, at lunch, or in the morning with my coffee I have spent on Facebook for at least 30 minutes at a time.  Then there's that feeling of "crap, I just wasted the last 30 minutes."

 

Don't get me wrong friends.

There are some great benefits to using our phones/internet/devices that I will always take advantage of. Like, Pinterest for example. It has made my life so much easier! I don't ever see myself not using Pinterest. We can also find some great (free) workouts on the internet.  We can get directions, get definitions, check the weather, play music, and so much more thanks to the internet.

Some of you reading this may say to yourself "I rarely use my phone or check the Internet.  This blog post doesn't apply to me." If this is you, then pat yourself on the back! That is wonderful. I was talking to a lady from church a few weeks ago that told me she checked FB once a week. I was thinking to myself how I needed to do the same!

For me, the biggest blessing of being a Stay-At-Home-Mom is getting more time with my child. It's up to me how I spend that time.  Browsing the internet more than I should takes away from that precious time I have with my child. For you working mothers who want to cut back too, this will benefit you greatly as well.  I know your time with your children is very very valuable. For any individual-man, woman, teenager, married, single, etc- using social media  less will probably benefit us all.

 

Yesterday my mother and I were chatting and I mentioned to her about how loud the Flash Flood Warning was that went off on my husband's phone at 2am (TWICE!) the previous morning. Her response was "You keep your phones by your bed?"  To her, that made no sense, but for my generation, using our phone or other device before bed (I would assume) is the norm. 

What about our children's generation? How much more will they rely on their phones and other devices than we do? What will be the consequences of them using our devices too much? Their social skills? What about divorce rate? Will it increase? Obesity rate? How much of their lives will they miss out on? 

If you are wondering how you can minimize your use and want to do this as well, here are a few things that have worked for me this past week. 

1. Be aware of how long you will be on your phone.

For example, If you are on FB, look at the clock and maybe use your device for a smaller increment of time that you would normally be on. 8:00am-8:15am instead of 8:00-8:45 for example. If you find yourself texting or getting texts a lot, try to cut out sending some of the texts that can wait.  When we receive texts, we don't have to reply right then unless it is an emergency of course. 

 

2. Pick a time or times during the day that are best to designate for device use.  

For me, it's when Edward is watching his morning cartoon or before I go to sleep. Pick times that work out best for you and your family.

What if we check our phones and see notifications on our apps? It's so tempting to check them isn't it?! Let's do our best to wait until our designated times to check.

 

3. Don't take pictures of everything! 

 

Yes, there will be some awesome moments in our lives that just need to be documented. The problem with taking pictures too often is that we are in constant use of our phone. We are more likely to check our App notifications when we are using our phone for something else. We also owe it to our loved ones to give them OUR FULL ATTENTION. 

 

4. Leave your phone inside, in the car, or put it on silent if you have to. 

 

A lot of times to avoid phone use, I leave my phone inside when I take Edward outside to play.  If you can't leave your phone and have to have it on you, than putting it on silent will help. It's also good to let people know that you won't be available to talk during that period of time. 

 

5. Find something worthy of your time to replace the device.

 

Sometimes we have downtime. Times when we want to relax on the weekend. Time when the household chores are as good as it's going to get for the day. Times when we are back home from an outing. Times when our child is napping and we can't leave the house. This is a great opportunity for us to...

 

• Read that magazine that's been sitting on our counter for months.

• Reading that book our mother recommended.

• Planting some seeds or flowers.

• CALLING a friend or relative. (Yes, I said calling)

• Exercise.

• Revisit a hobby we enjoy.

• Cleaning the baseboards (Kidding)

• Doing a hands-on activity with your child.

• Baking your favorite cookies.

• Curling up and watching a new movie with your spouse/boyfriend.  

Just don't do this...

Or this...

There are so many more options we have than using our phones! There are so many more activities that we can do that doesn't waste our time, but yet helps us experience life. 

 

6. Don't be too hard on yourself.

Once again, let's be realistic with this. With any improvements or goals we have in our lives, we must know we aren't going to do them perfectly. There are going to be days when we didn't exhibit the self control we would have liked to. This is normal. The key to success with many goals is to keep going and getting back on track. Give yourself credit for making any change for the better even if it's just a teeny tiny bit.

Have a great week everyone!

 

 

Bumble Bees, Cockroaches & The Beatles

Hello readers! I hope you all had a great weekend. This week I thought I'd share with you some realizations I have made from the past few days. 

I realized...

* Fanny packs are kind of "in" (or socially acceptable now) for college students. I have not fully wrapped my brain around this. 

* That I absolutely HATE feeling fearful. There is no other feeling that makes me feel more vulnerable and out of control. Last week on 2 separate occasions (one involving a giant cockroach and the other involving 2 boys hiding in a closet) I was fearful for two different reasons. Thank goodness that roach didn't crawl on my face and the boys came out from hiding! 

*That if I get in the mood to clean, then I MUST seize that opportunity. 

* That some business owners have courage to share their faith despite the possibility of turning away customers. 

* I am a sweeter and more patient mom if I get my "me time". 

* There is NOT one Beatles song that I don't love.

* That I could never be a preschool or a kindergarten teacher.  So much respect for them!! 

* How much I LOVE having deep conversations with friends. I'm so thankful to have friends who think (and analyze) like me. 

* That Edward prefers chocolate over any other candy. He also prefers Cheetos over any other chip. Hmm...wonder where he gets that from?

* Retail Me Not is my go-to retail $ saver now. Such an awesome app. Try it!

* If I am going to resent doing something, I won't do it. Saying no can be a good thing. 

* That watching Troy chase and bark at bumble bees never gets old. Always entertaining. 

* It only takes 9 minutes to reorganize a very messy and nagging drawer. 9. 

* That a problem becomes less of a problem after venting to someone. 

* Next month will make 12 years that I have been driving my car. 12. She's been a good car and looks good for her age though ;)

* That I have only just begun to experience life.

Take a minute to reflect on your past week. 

What is something you have realized about your life or about yourself?

What worked and what didn't work for you this past week?

Help Yourself by learning about yourself from your experiences. We need to apply what we learn.  Do what works best for you and don't do what doesn't work for you. Simple as that. 

 

Have a great week everyone! 

 

Struck Match

Today starts a new week for all of us. I hope this weekend was re-energizing and as enjoyable for you as it was for me.  I did turn 30 though. Yuck!

A few weeks ago I discussed the topic of balance and how many of us work towards creating balance in our lives. I mentioned the areas of Mental, Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual health that some of us strive for balance in. I also stated that I would be sharing in a future post about how my relationship with God grew in a major way a few years ago. 

Today, I will be sharing with you something very intimate and personal about myself...My Faith.  This is a post that may upset some people or just lose attention from others from the get go. That is completely okay. We have the freedom to view or not view whatever we want when it comes to social media. I am prepared for negative feedback. However, I will say that if you are drawn to reading this because of the content, then that means something. I share a piece of my testimony with a humble and ever growing heart. I have very few answers in life and have so much to learn. Why do I feel the need to share my story with you?  Here are the reasons why…
 

• I want everyone to experience the peace, love, and joy that comes with the decision of following Christ.
• It is my Christian duty.

Why was I afraid to share my testimony before? If you've ever read a story about God, Angels, Christianity, etc. on Yahoo news and read the comments on it from the public, you'll see what I mean. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but some people can be brutal and hurtful on social media. To me (and I could be completely wrong), it seems like Christianity is targeted more than any other religion. Just watch South Park, R-Rated Movies, or even pay attention to our every day explicit language and you'll notice the hatred, mockery, and rejection of the Holy Trinity.


Before I share about my life changing experience, I want to briefly talk about my faith up until that point. I was brought up Baptist and attended the same church for the first 18+ years of my life. It was important to my parents that we attended church together as a family and believed in God. Nothing was ever forced on us and I am thankful for that. Between the age of 18-25, my church attendance dramatically decreased and became less of a priority. God and I weren't close and it was because of me.  However, I do recall getting emotional on the rare occasion that I would talk out loud about God. It was like there was a little flame in my heart with the potential to burn out or become ignited. 

 

Over three years ago I watched an episode of a popular talk show with a special guest.  The guest, Dr. Mary C. Neal, shared her account of her kayak accident and what took place while she was pinned underwater for close to 30 minutes. Dr. Neal talked with the host in incredible details about her trip to heaven where she experienced God’s peace, joy, and angels. Then, she shared about her return back to life. I had heard about her story prior to this interview, but once I watched her speak about it my skeptical nature cleared. There was something about the way she described heaven and the angels she met. I could sense that she was speaking from her heart. This interview with the host peaked my interest so much that I decided to get her book “To Heaven and Back.”
 

That same year for Christmas I got this book as a gift from my husband. It was even more fascinating than I had imagined. I initially read it because of simply how incredible the story was, not thinking it would restore my faith!

One night while reading this book, I experienced something that I will never forget. I couldn't tell you exactly what page or chapter I was reading, but I can tell you what I felt in my room that night. Something in her story ignited my faith like a struck match.  I remember looking up from the book and then around the room. All of a sudden, I realized I was not alone. I felt a presence, almost as if there was an intruder.  That wasn't the case. I realized that the Holy Spirit had permeated himself in that room. I felt it. My heart was racing. I was afraid at first, but then I thought OR God spoke to me through my thoughts with the words  "Do not be afraid for I am with you." I sat there in my room quietly for some time before continuing to read. I remember walking into the kitchen feeling that same presence. 

I shared with my husband and a few other people about what I encountered that night. I was very excited and motivated to learn more, worship more, and serve Him more. Shortly after reading the book, I started my first bible study at church and began attending church with a much different perspective.  My relationship with Him was restored, but it was because I sought and accepted Him.
 

Scripture speaks quite a bit about seeking God. Why? He wants that relationship with all of us. I think of it as a Father/Daughter or Father/Son relationship, but on a much more intimate & closer level.  It is difficult to comprehend how MUCH God loves us, but boy does he! In Jeremiah 31:3, the Lord says "I have loved you with an everlasting love." 
 

If you are searching and seeking growth in your spiritual life and are feeling lost, confused, or disconnected like I have been, you can Help Yourself by simply following your heart. Break down those walls and open your heart to Him. He loves you more than you can imagine.

Oh How I Love...

Hello readers!

I am so glad to be writing another blog post after this past week. This post will be a little lighter than usual and will focus on my observations in the past few days.

One observation or recent realization I have made is that life gets much sweeter after getting past a hurdle. Have you ever noticed that? I don’t know about you, but life seems more exciting and more enjoyable after I have overcome adversity!

The majority of this past week I was sick with THE stomach virus. I capitalized “the” because it is well known and feared in our surrounding counties. For me, the worst part about being sick (besides feeling sick) is how much I could NOT do. The feeling of being unproductive or behind is never a good one. On top of being a total slacker, I could not even touch my family for two days.

Thankfully, I finally feel like myself again and can appreciate even MORE the life God has given me. Here are some things I have enjoyed even more since my virus (and the weather) cleared.


Oh How I Love…
　

• The first feeling of sunshine on my skin after a very rainy week

• A cup of coffee with a little too much creamer

• The ability to eat food outside of the B.R.A.T. diet

• The sound of birds chirping

• Seeing pure joy on other peoples faces

• Dancing when Edward randomly tells me to

• Conversations with new and old friends

• A good ole Waffle House trip

• Modern Family & The Carbonarro Effect

• Watching a Bride walk the aisle

• Live music

• Fried chicken, French fries, Blue Bell & Cookie cake

• Making new friends

• Being able to kiss Edward’s bobo

• Great conversations with my husband

• Hearing children praying and seeing teens willingly serving the Lord

• TOMS Heels

• Watching Troy man soak in the sun

• Watching my husband doing their Magic Carpet Ride chant

• Taquitos, Starbursts, & Doritos

• Fresh painted nails

• Getting to know someone new

• Hearing “I love you Momma” out of the blue

• Grandma visiting for the weekend

• That 2 teenage girls told me yesterday that 30 isn’t old

So, if you are getting past a difficult or stressful week or are enduring one as you are reading this, you can Help Yourself by:

　

• Being mindful that there will come a time whether it be tomorrow or a year from now that you will feel yourself again.

• Being mindful that life will be much sweeter once you overcome your short or long term hurdle.

• Being mindful of all the things in life that you love and appreciate. :) 

     Have a great week everyone!