Sum It Up Sunday

I have a bit of catching up to do since my last Sum It Up! So, let's begin!

The weekend after Christmas, Vann (my nephew) came to spend the night! He had been hoping to come over and with being so busy with the holidays, it was finally time. All I know is little boys sure can eat. I swear they ate about 6 eggs, half a pack of bacon, and about 6 cinnamon rolls for breakfast.

That Sunday, we headed out to West Village in Uptown, which I love, to head to Kendra Scott so that I could use my birthday discount before the month was over. The kids had fun just walking around. I told them it reminds me of New York City. Grayson said he hopes to visit there one day. It's right there on his list with going back to Disney World.

Monday, the kids and I met Nana, Lala, and my niece and nephew at Northpark for a little shopping. The mommies didn't do as much shopping as the kids! Ella and Sawyer are two girls who heart shopping like their mommies but they were exhausted. I love this picture that Lauren caught of them! Tough Life.

Grayson loved playing with the littles in the Nordstrom shoe department. I swear that's where I usually get the kids's shoes. #1 Because they have great sales and return policies and #2 They give your kids balloons to distract them.

While I was in the Lego store with Grayson, Joey's mom took pictures of the girls heading to the Disney store. They may have been a little excited!

This cutie came home and just wanted to cuddle

Tuesday, we headed to see Night at the Museum with sweet friends. It may have been the highlight of Grayson's week. I swear we are blessed that he has such sweet friends with amazing mommies!!!

That night, Ella and Sawyer tried out a ballet and tap class. They loved it!!! It was pretty cute watching them on the screen. Ella wants to wear her tap shoes ALL of the time. Ella loved the fact that you get candy after class!

Wednesday, my sweet cousin's wife, Tina, and my Shelby who was like my first baby came out. Ella and I showed them around and we headed to Crumbzz (which is amazing) and then Groovy's. It was so nice spending time with them!!!

That night, we were going to go to a party but we were worried we might be sick and weren't feeling up to it, so we spent our New Year's Eve staying in and resting which ended up being perfect. The kids filled out resolutions and a year in review. 2014 was a great year!

Thursday, we headed to my parents for a yummy New Year's lunch. Liv came home with us to play and then we were able to spend time with my sweet sister and her husband when they came to pick her up. It was a lot of fun until Ella started to feel sick. Broke.my.heart. Luckily, it was just a little 48 hour virus.

Friday, we stayed in and I went to get my "hair did." It was a rainy, cold day so it was nice to just lounge around the house. Saturday and Sunday, we stayed in and I cooked, cleaned, and we played and played which was absolutely perfect! The kids were able to play with their stuff from Christmas since we had been on the go.

Battleship is intense

First attempt at Kale chips

Battleship again...of course Grayson won!

We learned about choosing a good attitude!

I got in my car and saw this...haha! Love.

Who needs to be fashionable. I use my blanket scarf as a wrap with my Kermit tee and pj pants.

I love my little scientist.

Monday morning was tough for all of us. I may have set my alarm 3 times and way later than usual.

Luckily, part of our staff development was team building fun. It was a perfect way to start the 2nd semester.

The kids did great and went to bed earlier than usual Monday night. After school one day, Grayson was caught organizing his thoughts. #justlikemommy

This weekend, we noticed a common theme of cleaning, cooking, and cuddling. I used to never slow down on the weekends but I am learning how valuable it is. It almost gives me a better sense of clarity as I start the week. It has been a true blessing. Basketball started back up and Grayson had his first game. He was so happy Aunt Cindy and Nana came!! We ended today with a Starbucks trip and a homemade pizza. It was kind of just amazing.

Melts.my.heart.

Aunt Cindy and Nana

She took this serious

Someone wanted to make a birthday list. So proud of her sound spelling

How big does she look?

I am off to jot down my to do list and get on Pinterest! Valentine's is about a month away and so is my sister's baby shower!! Yikes! I hope you all have a week full of blessings, prayer, and sweet family time.

Friday Favorites

Hey y'all, I am linking up with Andrea, Narci, and Erika for Friday Favorites and it is a hot mess of randomness! I mean...it may also be Saturday so that is just adding to the craziness..haha!

It has been a fast and furious week and even though my heart was a little broken going back to work and not being with Joey, Grayson, and Ella I must say I was so happy to see my work family and students. The morning may have been a little rough....just a little.

So, now on to Friday Favorites!!!

#1 Proverbs 31 Ministries

I absolutely love this ministry. I swear, I feel like every post is speaking straight to my heart. I follow it on facebook and often share a lot of their posts because they are so amazing, uplifting, and convicting. You can find it HERE. Below are some of their graphics they post that are just...wow! Many times it is a bible verse that I just needed to see that day!

#2 Kendra Scott
I feel like everyone is loving some Kendra Scott right now and I am definitely not an exception because I am, too. I used my half off (bring your license on your birthday month) on a necklace and then got earrings. Most people like the big earrings and they are pretty cute but just way too heavy for me.
I got the Elisa necklace in clear iridescent. You can find it HERE

I got the Dee earrings in ivory pearl. You can find them HERE.

Here are some pieces I am crushin' on. I love this color (it's called chalcedony) and this is the only style of earrings I can wear from them but I think they are dainty and pretty! These would be great all year but especially in the Spring!

I also love this ring. It's fun and would be great on my index finger!

#3 Matilda Jane
After about a year of hearing Lauren rave over how much she loves Matilda Jane's clothes, I finally ordered Ella some dresses from them. I had always been a bit hesitant because they are a bit pricey for kids' clothes and I wasn't a big fan of all of the multi-pattern prints. Ella is also at the age where if she didn't pick it out, she won't wear it and it will just sit in her closet. I have about 4 outfits she won't wear with tags. Sheesh. Lauren had just told me about a week ago how they are made for kids to grow into and how they can wear them for a long time. She was also telling me how well they wash. Luckily, they were having a sale so I thought this would be a great time to buy some things and see how we like them!! They also had a lot of things that were more Ella's style and not as busy so that was exciting.

I tend to lean towards the simpler pieces but I do love how modest and innocent their clothing is which "Daddy" much approves of.

#4 Buckner Today

I love getting this in the mail. I am not even sure why or how we get it but the stories that fill it are absolutely touching. I don't cry a lot. Years of counseling can do that to you...because you learn to just control it but I swear every time I read this, I cry like a baby. Tonight, I read some of it with Grayson and Ella and talked with them about orphans, missions, and what life is like for others in countries around the world. They both ended their evenings full of prayers! Grayson told me, "Mom, we just have to adopt some of those kids." They both got a bit emotional but I think that compassion is so important to teach! You can find out more information about Buckner HERE. They are an absolutely amazing organizations that focuses on ministry in so many areas.

Now I am cozied up with a cup of hot tea and can't wait to read all of the other Friday Favorites, y'all have a great night!!!

Friday Favorites: Friends, Fashion, Food

The word Friday makes my heart skip a beat...it makes me think of Saturday mornings full of cuddles and a big breakfast in pj's. This Friday...not so much. Our lives will resume back to schedule Monday and I am not ready. Going to bed at 2:30 a.m. and waking up at 10:00 a.m. has all been a dream. Spending all day with the kids with no big plans or a huge to do list has been heaven. I know it will all be for the best for all of us to have our routine back, though. Pssshhh, I don't like to always admit logical things like that. Ha!

Today I am linking up with Andrea, Erika, and Narci for Friday Favorites. There are so many things I am loving right now, it was hard to narrow it down!!

#1  Lone Star Ginger Boutique

I have blogged about this super cute shop before but I swear I love it more and more. Melissa offers such neat shirts and jewelry. Most of Ella's cute chunky necklaces come from her and a lot of our shirts come from her. Here is a little glimpse of some of our fav things we have gotten from LSGB! I have already added some of her new tassel earrings to my next order and Ella is deciding what other necklaces she needs!!

Texas tank and matching necklace

necklace

My fav: Brother Bear and Sister Bear shirts

Necklace to match dress

School shirt

I love my You Go Glen Coco shirt (Joey took this of me when I was walking back from "going to the restroom" and ended up with shopping bags...Ha!

Ella's "Tis The Season To Sparkle" shirt and necklace

Here is a glimpse at some of the new stuff she is working on. I am beyond excited!!!!

To say I am a fan is to say the least!! Not only is Melissa awesome at running her business but she is a cute, fashionable little red hed mama to two that also has a speech pathology business!! Check out her Etsy store HERE. I love following her Facebook page to see all of the sneak peeks, you can follow it HERE.


#2 ESV Bible App

 

One of my New Year's Goals was to be in scripture everyday. Now I love my good ol' bible but things get crazy at times and I don't always have make the time to sit down and read. When I try at night, I usually fall asleep. Horrible, I know. I have been using my ESV Bible App on my phone to look up verses but the other day I realized I could listen to it being read. Life changing. Now, I listen to a chapter or more while I get ready and do my hair and makeup. Amazing. Oh and the best thing is...it's FREE!!!

#3 Crumbzz

Oh.my.word. If you are ever in the Dallas area, head on over to Forney. There you will find the yummiest, European bistro. It is all fair trade and also has a partnership with the Forney Arts Council. The atmosphere is relaxing and the food is amazing. Their Gamberaia Lemon Ricotta pankcakes are to die for and their Gaufres de Liege waffles are so yummy you don't even need syrup. I have been a couple of times and plan on making many more visits. I had the tomato basil soup and an alabacore tuna salad...the tuna salad was sweet and had cranberries and all type of goodness. Ella and I went with Shelby and Tina before running across the street to Groovy's on Wednesday. Perfect.day. You can check out their menu and information HERE.

#4 Friends on Netflix

This may have been the most excited I have been about t.v. in a looonnnnggg time. Joey and I don't watch much t.v. at all. I may have been binge watching like crazy but I swear I just love this show. Thank you, Netflix. I love you.

#5 Lazy Days

Thank the Lord above for Christmas break. I can't begin to describe how much I needed this time. Usually, I jam pack it with checking off my to do list and being super social. This is the first time in years that I have had more lazy, relaxing days than running around busy. It has been heaven sent and much needed. I think it's been good for the kids, too. Sweet Ella got sick Thursday night (probably just a little virus) and even that was nice to just take it easy even though it broke my mommy heart. This is also part of my New Year goals: to take time to enjoy the little things and slow it down a bit.

I hope you all have a great weekend and I am praying for my fellow educator friends waking up early Monday morning!!!

Goodbye 2014, Hello New Year!

Warning: Grab a cozy blanket and hot tea...this will be long, y'all.

As any year, 2014 has had it's ups and downs. I learned a lot about being a mom. I learned how precious every moment with your kids can be and how I need to be "present" in every moment with them...not on my phone or distracted...giving them all of me. I learned that marriage isn't always perfect and that's okay because it's always work and it is so worth it, you just may not see it on the bad days but sure will see it the next. I learned that I can reach goals that others didn't think I could or would do....and there's nothing I love more than a challenge.

Most importantly, I learned that we are never promised tomorrow and that my relationship with God should be my #1 priority each day. Without Him...I can't be the wife and mom I want to be. I can't provide Godly counsel as a friend or be a reflection of Christ every where I go without being in prayer each day and in His word. He provides me grace and mercy each day because I sure am far from perfect, y'all.

To sum it up, here is a little about 2014....

-One of my most favorite people ever passed away...my Granny. It was bittersweet. She was not herself anymore but at the same time it was so hard because she was pretty much in every memory I have growing up. She was a kind, amazingly strong, and humble woman.

-We finally moved into our new house! It was so exciting and we are loving it. We couldn't have asked for a more amazing neighborhood!

-I became an aunt twice more which brings the total to 6 and my sister is due with another in a couple of months!

-We spent many days at the pool over the summer.

-I drank half my weight in Starbucks...maybe more.

-We enjoyed wonderful times with family and friends.

-Grayson played basketball and golf for the first time.

Here is a little video that pretty much shows our year in pictures. It was a good one and we look forward to all that 2015 will bring!!!