We wish everyone a beautiful and safe Christmas! I’m looking forward to a lot of time with my family. I want to slow down, connect, enjoy and soak up this time of year!
Happy Monday!
Need I say more?!
Hello; A catch-up Blog
Well hello!!
I would title this “Tea with Me” but it doesn’t feel right since I am not currently drinking any tea. I’m chugging that water though! We’ve had a great time since the last time I blogged. #oops
We’ve been busy! I’m a moody creator and sometimes I just don’t have those creative juices flowing, or I get annoyed that I cannot control who can read my blog. I know that when you post your words on the WOLRD WIDE WEB anyone can read, however I find that sometimes my words are used against me and that just plain sucks. (To be honest.) But I cannot control others and inevitably, I find my fingers back to these keys. There is so much joy in looking back at our adventures and as always, hope to inspire other people in some way, shape or form.
First off, Joe had his yearly stay-cation. He and I had a date day and a work day, so we got a lot done! He also spent time in the woods with his only hobby, hunting. I got up with him so he could get out early. No big buck yet, but I’m sure he’ll get something soon. We also took the kids to a movie and saw The Addams Family and went out to eat one night. — again, no photos! #badblogger
Our work day did include a small helper.
I was trying to get him to smile–we were at one of our properties.
We also took that time to stack all the wood! It’s so nice to have it all ready to go for our fires.
In important news—RED cups are back! After dropping Brooke off at a “Books & Breakfast” at her school, I figured I’d just go and see if I could score a free reusable cup. I did get a holiday drink. I tried the Chestnut Praline–super sweet, but very tasty! Usually I don’t drink and coffee because it bothers my reflux, but I just had one and sipped it through the day. I didn’t die! I did however have a huge caffeine rush since I never drink that. I used my free rewards and felt like I won the lotto basically.
It got super cold, super quick so I had to take a photo documenting a cute fuzz ball hat.
My mom flew in later that day for the weekend and it was so nice! She flew in with the snow flying, a lovely greeting coming from South Carolina. We built a lot of fires to stay cozy and warm, as it has been a super cold November so far! (I knew Joe would be an icicle from hunting so I tried to have one going so he could thaw out.)
Friday we went to Panera for lunch and my sister joined us! It was a great day and we had a ball.
This little turkey had all of us cracking up. Seriously, I love this age.
He picked out some pretty Fall flowers to have. Mom made us all dinner Friday night, which was a family favorite growing up: Chicken and Dumplings. I didn’t take enough photos, but I was really present and in the moment and that is what matters most.
We took mom, my sister, the kids and my niece out to dinner Saturday night. We LOVE The Revelry and since my mom lives outside of Charleston, SC I wanted to take her here! The oysters are so good.
So good, the girls LOVED them!
We got to sit at the fun round table and it was a wonderful time. Their burgers are my favorite!
I finally took the Ennegram Quiz everyone talks about on Instagram. Turns out, I’m an 8.
Monday brought Veteran’s Day and the kiddos had no school, and we got SO much snow.
The snow makes me get giddy about the holidays! I am a firm #teamturkeyfirst and I won’t decorate until after Thanksgiving, then it’s GAME ON! I did however order this adorable PDF file from Kelle Hampton, Once Upon A Holiday. She has all of her favorite recipes, bucket list, things to enjoy during the holidays. She is such a true inspiration to remember to slow down and savor life. It’s $12 but with her code: HOLIDAYEARLYBIRD you can get the file for $9 until it launches 11/15.
I finished another book!! This was so good for my soul. I found it to speak to me on so many levels! She talked a lot about how we need to be creative, but so often we punish ourselves and take away all of the fun. In order to be a great writer, you don’t have to be miserable or have a tragic life, you just need to tap into your ideas and do the darn thing! She told stories of how the “big magic” can transfer to others…meaning, if you get an idea for something, run with it and do something with it or else it will leave you and someone else will get the idea and go. I listened to it for free on the Libby app, but I have had the hard copy for years–now I can go back and re-read parts that really hit me.
Random, but as I put back together the office (it became our guest room for my mom, as we don’t have extra bedrooms) I put things back in their place and this framed photo from my wedding day stopped me. It was truly the happiest day of my life and the way he looked at me, the way he still looks at me, makes my heart so full. I know we are all busy, but in moments like that I try to pause time and I even sent him a text message telling him so. Life does not have to be so hurried and so rushed. Sure it’s crazy and chaotic, but you can slow it down for a moment or so…and breathe.
Like taking the perfect photograph on helper day at Preschool. Moments don’t last, but memories do. He just sang about his blue feather, that he proudly placed on that turkey.
Speaking of Preschool, why are the crafts so darn cute?!
Currently finishing up this listen–it just came out and it’s so worth the read! Perfect timing Emily Ley…well done. It helps that my word for 2019 was “simplify” and as the end of the year nears, I think I have done a decent job of leaning into that word more and more.
Wednesday Quote Dump
I figured I would share some of the memes/quotes taking up storage on my phone. Enjoy!
Share yours with me!
Feel Good
I recently listened to Gabby’s latest book Super Attractor and it was fantastic. I took this quote from it and it truly resonated with me. I think sometimes as grown ups, we forget how to have fun, enjoy ourselves and allow ourselves to feel good. As mamas, we often take care of everyone and everything else before we think about ourselves. It’s so important that we remember!
For me, it was one of THE BIGGEST triggers or “bullet holes” I discovered when working with my life coach. What was? Oh, you know, allowing myself to feel good, or have fun, just for the heck of it. For some reason I create boundaries for myself (I’m still working on it) where I don’t really ‘let loose’ or ‘have fun’ unless others are having fun. Or my work is all done. I have gotten a lot better at letting the ‘guilt’ go and really just focusing on ME at the present time. I really do best when I get a workout in daily, write daily, and take time in the morning to reflect on my goals and dreams, as well as sit in quiet. I journal, spend time looking through devotionals or other inspiring reads. It really helps set my mind right.
What I am learning is that the universe attracts more of what you put out. I’ve always loved the quote, “what you think about, you bring about.” But it’s so true. The more you feel good, that good energy, happy vibe, the more you will attract. If you’re stuck in a sad, lonely, victim mentality–that everyone is out to get you, you’ll simply attract more of that. There’s a always a way out, and it’s to focus on yourself. Do baby steps. Cook a favorite recipe. Go on a walk by yourself. Journal. Figure out what would start those feelings of enjoyment, happiness and ultimately live into that. It will become your life.
I distinctly remember a wine tour my then boyfriend, now husband I and went on. I was so worried and uptight over everyone else enjoying themselves, that honestly I was not having a good time! I’ve done this a lot throughout my life. Part of it is yes, I am a control freak (working on it) and also very in tune with others’ around me and their emotions. (Hello, Empathy is my #1 strength.) Over time I am learning that my happiness has nothing to do with other people and it’s okay for me to feel good, even if others around me don’t, can’t or won’t. It is hard to watched loved ones and friends stew in their own misery, but Joe and I both work very hard at creating a calm, peaceful, happy and joyful life in our home. Sometimes it’s best to just focus on yourself, and pray that others will find ways to feel good too.
What do you do for yourself to feel good?