Christmas Giveaway

It has been a while since I've blogged. 

I just need the break I guess... but wanted to share this giveaway on here. 

I'm not doing the series, but I am part of the giveaway with my Keep Collective.

Check out the other bloggers who are participating and enter this amazing giveaway! 

You could win some amazing goodies for yourself or give them as gifts! 

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

$130 Target Gift Card  ||  $25 World Market Gift Card  ||  Lace Arm Warmers - Forgotten Cotton  ||  Personalized Cutting Board (9x12") - Laserworkz  ||  Gypsy Dreamcatcher Necklace - Gypsies Box Jewelry  ||  $30 Credit for Keep Collective with Kassie  ||  Adult Coloring Book - This Girl's Doodles

Pete Scobell Band + Walkin A Wire CD Giveaway

I grew up listening to country music 

and even though my music taste has changed as I've grown, 

I always come back to country music every now and then. 

To me, often country music is raw and real. 

There are certain songs where you truly feel as if you are right there along side the person singing, 

songs where you feel their pain and can relate to their words and experiences. 

Hearing Pete Scobell's hit WILD is definitely one of those songs that I found myself relating to. 

He sings...
I went wild, tried to kill to kill a bottle of crown
Then I tried to wash it down with something I knew wasn't good
And I went wild screaming out my pain
On my knees all prayed out, cursing God for what he took.

Those lyrics hit close to home for me because I can relate to the pain.
I can relate to hurting so much that I kind of go crazy and drink to feel better.
I can relate to being on my knees all prayed and cried out because life was just painful.
I spent a few years that way and it gives me comfort knowing that
I'm not the only one whose struggled in that way,
not the only one who has gone wild because of the pain.

I also relate to Pete Scobell because he didn't just take his pain and carry it around. 

He was a Navy Seal who served our country for 17 years and of course, doing so 

often means carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders and in your heart. 

He suffered a traumatic brain injury on one of his many tours 

and while he was seeking his doctors urged him to pick up his guitar and play. 

It's something he had done all his life and it helped bring a lot of healing. 

I love the story of how the Pete Scobell Band came from that

because writing out your pain and heartache is something I understand. 

Writing out words, prayers, and sometimes sharing them with others can make the healing come. 

It can bring healing to you and often can help others as well. 

That's why I enjoy Walkin' A Wire so much, 

because it's relatable and helped bring healing to someone who needed it. 

The Pete Scobell Band cd is available today on iTunes 

and I also have a chance for you to win a signed copy!

Along with that Pete Scobell is giving away an Orca Cooler valued at $239.99!

You can enter here for a chance to win that.
Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Braden's First Day of Preschool

Well, it's official, my baby boy is in preschool!
Isn't it weird being a mom? I'm all like, "how am I old enough for this?"
Sometimes (or maybe many times) I don't feel old enough
to be doing this whole adult thing,
but here I am and we're all alive and he made it to his first day!

He's been pretty excited about school for a while now. 

I think it definitely helps that I've left him when others while I've done Bible study. 

I'm not sure he would have been as thrilled if I've never left him. 

Whenever I would ask him if he was excited about school his eyes would get really big

and he would say, "YES! I'm going to play with toys!" 

Apparently, we just don't have enough toys at home and that's all school is about. 

Definitely going to be a bit of an eye opener for him, but of course, that will be good!

I took him school supply shopping last week, 

which included picking out this new "spiderman" shirt 

and he got these shoes when he was with daddy. 

They too, are spiderman and make him run so fast!

His great grandma got him the backpack, which I think started off the whole spiderman theme. 

Can't you tell how excited he was?

Maeva, of course, thought she was going and it about broke her heart. 

No worries my dear... you are going somewhere next year! HA.

This photo about kills me. 

If there ever was a picture where he looked like his daddy... THIS is it! 

He's so much like his daddy it isn't even funny (I LOVE THAT).

"I'm so excited about school!" 

"It's gonna be fun!" 

"It's gonna be a great day!" 

So glad that he was thrilled about it. That was until we got there...

He was very excited as we were driving to school and walking up to the front. 

Then I think all the people and him realizing I wasn't staying freaked him out a bit. 

He stayed closing to me, holding my hand, and hugging me lots. 

I could tell he wasn't sure about staying, especially when he tried to get out of a line 

and was standing there all tense with his shoulders hunched. 

I hugged him, told him it'd be fun, said I'd see him later and watched him go. 

Left me with my stomach in knots knowing he was nervous 

because of course I wish I could have been there besides him, 

but it's good for him to venture out on his own and it's good for me too!

I knew it would change soon enough and he'd be more than happy to leave me! 

So, the couple hours passed and I was nervous the whole time;

hoping and praying that he was having fun and obeying, that he would want to go back tomorrow.

As I pulled up to pick him up I saw him notice the car and point. 

He was excited to see me and I was relieved he had a good day. 

His teacher said he had a first great day and when I asked him what he did at school, 

he responded with, "I don't know!" That starts so early, doesn't it? 

I nudged him some more. Did you go to music class? Did you play outside? Did you have a snack?

Yes, they played outside and had music. He played with fire trucks and blocks.

He had chocolate milk and crackers. He made some friends and he wants to go back! 

All in all I would say it was a great first day and I look forward to seeing what the year holds!

I know we're all going to grow so much!

^^^ My favorite picture from today!^^^

I love you Braden. 

It's going to be a great year for you! 

I can't wait to see you grow and learn. 

I know it's going to be amazing!

Mae is three

Our Maeva girl is three today. 

I can't believe how big she is and how quickly the years have flown by. 

Time really does pass by in a blink of an eye once you have kids. 

This girl, she's our wild one.
The one who loves like crazy and fights just the same.
She came out crying and screaming
and that hasn't really changed as she's grown.
She's the emotional one, who feels deeply and shows it!
She loves to smother her siblings with affection and if it doesn't done
by her standards she gets very upset about it!
Maeva, I'm so glad you have such a big heart that is willing to love!
I hope you know how much we love you!
Happy Birthday wild one!

We had a party for her a couple weekends ago, so all grandparents could attend. 

It was Hello Kitty themed because she loves the "kitty show" as she calls it. 

She thinks it's just a television show, but loves all things Hello Kitty! 

She wasn't in the mood for pictures, until I tickled her, that is! =)

Those two are such goof balls together. 

Being so silly! 

I love them! 

Siblings really are the best! 

There's no one she rather party with even if you can't read it on her face!

I didn't get a ton of pictures. 

Some of them didn't turn out 

and we were just having more fun than worrying about it. 

I really like how her cake turned out. 

She has told me months ago she wanted a Hello Kitty cake. 

I actually ended up making two at 1am because 

I was positive a bug ended up in the first one 

and I couldn't even think about someone eating a bug. 

I'm glad this one turned out the way it did and it was delicious! 

Now, Braden is counting down to his birthday and reminding me about it 

everyday until November comes around. Oye. 

GIrlfriends, take care of yourself!

Did you know that today is National Girlfriends day?!

I didn't know there was such a day until somebody told me! 

So, Happy National Girlfriends to my girlfriends, new and old, near and far! 

I love and appreciate each and every one of you!

I wish we could get together for coffee today, as that would be

the best way to celebrate, but since I have a wait a few more months, 

I'll instead pass on some wisdom about health and wellness. 

It's been over a year since my husband and I started on our wellness journey

and without a doubt we both agree that it's one of the best things we've done for ourselves.

We are healthier and happier because of the changes we've made

and there's no going back! 

I wish everyone could experience what we did this past year when it came to 

bettering ourselves and our bodies. It truly has been amazing. 

Do you want to be healthier? Are you tired of feeling sick? 

Are you sick of feeling moody and just downright unhealthy? 

Then here are a few things I suggest:

Try Whole30 

And by try, I mean do one round. 

As they say you can do anything for 30 days. 

It will be hard. You probably won't enjoy it, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. 

If I can do it, you can do it! You can do far more than you give yourself credit for. 

Don't know what whole30 is? Check out my posts about it here. 

This was the most life changing thing for my husband and I. 

That might seem extreme, but I don't say it lightly. 

It changed our eating habits and inturn changed how we feel. 

Eat your vegetables

I know, I know... you may not like your vegetables, but eat them ANYWAY. 

Did you know that half of your plate is suppose to be full of veggies 

for your three meals a day? That's a lot of veggies, but your body needs them! 

I promise you that you can find veggies that you like. 

You might just have to cook them a different way or use different spices. 

For example, I thought sweet potatoes were gross, 

but now I eat them with a little garlic, tarragon, and and some mustard. Delicious!

Just do it! 

Skip the Starbucks drive-thru 

Yes, I am aware that my profile says I LOVE Starbucks, 

but the truth is I haven't had it much this past year after doing whole30. 

Any time I drank Starbucks before I felt terribly ill right after. 

My stomach felt as if it was going to destroy itself. 

Why?! The sugar and all the chemicals. 

Giving up Starbucks was another one of the best things we've done. 

That may seem silly to most, but considering we were going 2-3 times a day, 

it's not that crazy! 

Instead I make this best iced coffee recipe at home. 

Give it a try... you'll thank me and your wallet will thank you! 

Quit the sugar

You shuddered when you read that, didn't you?

That was something I never EVER thought I would be able to do. 

It tastes good. It makes me feel good. I'm a mom, I NEED IT. 

Actually, I don't need it and I no longer want it

because any time I do have it I feel horribly sick and want to eat it all. 

I believe sugar is one of the worst things to eat and can have such an affect 

on you physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

Just give it a try. I'm not saying forever... maybe just 30 days! 

You may be happy you did!

Follow the dirty dozen

I know, you're probably wondering what that even means. 

That's okay, I didn't know either! 

The dirty dozen is a list of foods you eat organically 

to avoid the highest amounts of pesticides. 

Maybe you are thinking you just don't care about organic food 

or what pesticides can do to the body, 

but I really encourage you to do some research before you shrug it off! 

Exercise

It doesn't matter what you do, just do it! 

Even a walk can be good for getting your heart rate up, 

enjoying some sun (or a cool evening breeze), and improving your mood. 

Find an exercise you enjoy... I promise there is one out there for you! 

Those are my tips for getting healthier! 

I'm not perfect. Sometimes I still eat sugar (and usually regret it). 

I don't always work out every single day 

and I still have more baby weight to lose than I want to admit.

I'm okay with all that though... it's not about being perfect, it's about making progress

and feeling better! With these things I do feel better and I'm sure you will too! 

Want to chat more about health? Reach out to me! I'm always willing to chat! 

Also, check out the graphic below by Oscar Insurance that shows what women need to do 

(by age) to keep themselves healthy! They are raising awareness because they use their tech-based health insurance to help members and believe in preventive measure when it comes to your health!

Remember, it's never too late to start making healthy choices! You can do it! 

Huggies Snug and Dry $2K campaign

Today I'm excited to share with you a great oppurtunity with Huggies
where you're given a chance to win a $2K grant for a project in your very own community!
Sounds amazing doesn't it? First, let's talk about these diapers!

I have three kids under the age of 4. 

One is potty trained during the day and two are still in diapers. 

Since this little one just turned 16 months I have a ways to go 

before I can kiss them goodbye! 

This is why I am so thankful for Huggies Snug and Dry because they allow me 

to be the mom my kiddos need me to be (always on the go!) 

without having to worry that they are staying dry!

Huggies Snug N Dry

- have a unique quilted liner to really lock wetness in

- are conforming, with a gap free fit, so your baby can keep on keeping on! 

- include a Leak Lock® System that has quick-absorbing layers 

for up to 12 hours of protection

- sizes 1 and 2 have a indicator that turns blue to let you know 

when your baby needs to be changed

All good things right? No worries for mommy here and baby is happily dry!

Now onto this amazing campaign!

It's so simple that there's no reason you shouldn't enter! 

Huggies #UltraHug Campaign

1) Snap a selfie of you and your little one.

2) Share on twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #UltraHug 

nominating your community project in the caption. 

3) From now until June 25th Huggies will feature 20 community projects here for voting! 

Be sure to check back to see if your featured and to vote.

4) Check out all the details for the campaign ----> here. 

5) The top 10 will receive $2k for the community project they nominated! 

There are so many wonderful places that would benefit from this campaign! 

I would like to nominate Mission Southside for this grant. 

It's an organization that helps physical and spiritual needs be met to those 

who have a hard time having those needs met otherwise.

I have no doubt that this grant would go to good use!

What project in your community are going to nominate? 

Let me know in the comments and be sure to check out all the other nominations!

^^^And incase you are wondering the diapers are really comfy^^^ 

;)

The Best Iced Coffee

If you know me even just a little bit you know I love coffee. 

I still laugh at how much I love it because I thought it was disgusting 

until after I had my first born.

Never would I have thought I'd love it as much as I do, 

but I cannot make it through my day without a cup (or two...or three...). 

For the longest time my husband and I were addicted to Starbucks, 

which we thankfully conquered by doing whole30. 

However, after doing whole30 I didn't necessarily jump for joy

at the thought of drinking my coffee black.

I found myself getting addicted to vanilla iced coffees from Chick-Fila, 

which I didn't want to start because I knew it was just a bad habit. 

Then, I finally figured out the best iced coffee recipe ever and I'm never going back! 

I wanted to share this goodness with you today

because I truly do believe it's the best iced coffee I've ever had! 

Here is how I make my coffee from start to finish:

We use a perculator and brew our coffee on the stove. 

I pour two bottles of water in the percolator, put it together, 

add my grounds in, and then sprinkle cinnamon on top.

We use peace coffee because we believe it has a less bitter taste

and honestly I can actually drink my coffee black, but only because of this contraption. 

I left the coffee cool and then put it in this glass bottle. 

I then leave it in the fridge over night so it's ready for me in the morning! 

I don't like to wait for my coffee, so this is perfect for me. 

Sometimes my husband buys cold brew at the store 

(which is where this glass bottle is from), but I'm trying to brew more 

and in order to keep up with how much coffee we drink,

I have to do this everyday because we'll drink this bad boy in one day. 

Now this is the yummy part! 

I add two tablespoons of maple syrup over ice. 

I'm sure any type of maple syrup with work. 

I'm currently using simply balanced from Target.

Then, I add one teaspoon of vanilla extract. 

Again, I'm sure any will do. 

After the vanilla I add 1/2 cup of the cold coffee. 

Lastly, I add 1/2 cup of almond milk. 

Now, let me tell you when I was first making these iced coffees

I was using 2% milk because that's what I've always had. 

However, I know that almond milk is the healthier option for me

and I want to be healthy, so I gave it a try! 

I didn't expect it to be good, but it's delicious 

and now I'm all about almond milk in my coffee!

Doesn't it just look delicious?

This is my favorite part sees all the goodness swirl together. 

Probably makes me more happy than it should - ha ha. 

Stir and enjoy. 

Then repeat as many times as you would like ;) 

Are you obsessed with coffee like I am? 

What's your favorite?

Please let me know if you try this and what you think! 

Now, off to make more....