Texas is Not the Midwest

I've been here a whole three weeks now, and one thing is for sure - Texas is nothing like Chicago, or Iowa, where I grew up.  Besides the very obvious "at least twenty five degrees warmer" aspect, I have noticed other things that throw me off every day.

In the spirit of documenting this journey, and because I like lists, I present the nuances of Texas (from a non-Texan point of view):

|| When you are able to turn left, yielding to oncoming traffic, people here don't put themselves into the intersection, waiting for a clear turn.  Nope - they wait behind the pedestrian line and wait.  It leaves you less room to turn and revs up my road rage!

|| In Chicago, there is a McDonald's on just about every corner.  #notkidding.  Here?  Donut shops.

|| There are no on ramps to the tollways.  Instead, there are highways that run perpendicular to said tollways.  You have to turn on those, go a few feet/miles, then merge on to the tollway.

|| There is also always a turn around section on above mentioned highways.  It's basically like a U-turn, but you have your own lane and don't need to yield to any oncoming traffic.

|| There is two year old preschool.  In Chicago, it starts at three, and even then is optional.  Some kids don't go to school until Kindergarten (which is also optional in the state of Illinois), but here it seems like everyone goes to two year old preschool.  And I'm not going to lie, I love having Tuesdays and Thursdays to myself.

|| Every mother wears Kendra Scott earrings and carries a Louis Vuitton bag.  Slight exaggeration, but still.

|| There are more CVS than Walgreens.  Quite the opposite in Chicago, but probably because Wags is headquartered there.

|| I have seen multiple restaurant dedicated solely to wings.  #notcomplaining

|| No basements.  So weird.

Even with all of these new things to get used to, I am still so grateful to have this opportunity.  Even if my driving and eating skills have had to develop a bit, we are settling well in to our new Texan lives.

Have you moved to a new-to-you region?  What sort of things threw you off?  Please share - this is fascinating to me!

~Linking up with Emily for Grateful Heart Monday.

Just a Mom

Major life changes are never an easy transition.  Getting engaged, having a baby, changing jobs, or moving, among so many others, always comes with a series of emotions.  Everyone deals differently, and not everyone will react the same way to these changes.  With our upcoming move to Dallas, we are inevitably facing a lot of new things.  By now, I have a good handle on my feelings towards this new life of ours, but I what I wasn't ready to encounter were other people's reactions.

When we (finally) get there, I won't be looking for a job.  That doesn't mean I won't ever work out of the home again, but we are fortunate enough to not have to rely on my income.  While telling coworkers and colleagues about our upcoming move, they of course want to know where I will be working in Dallas.  The shock, and yes, sometimes horror on some of their faces when I say I won't be working has been nothing less than offensive.

Why is it so wrong to be a stay at home mom?  Why shouldn't I be the sole caretaker of my children if we can afford to do so?  E and A are little, and are going through a huge change as well.  We both feel that if I am home it might help with the transition.  And really, isn't this what I have always wanted?

But even more...

Why do I feel like I have to defend myself?  As women, we should each be able to define ourselves.  And we should never be limited in those definitions.  I will never be "just a mom", no mother is.  I am a wife, a friend, a daughter, a professional, and so so much more.  We all are.

Throughout this whole crazy month, I have learned a lot about myself, and those around me.  But the number one lesson is that I can't control others reactions, but I can control how I react to them.  And to those negative reactions - being "just a mom" is the best job I've ever had, and I'm more than grateful for that label.

Linking up with Emily for Grateful Heart Monday.

When "Thank You" Isn't Enough

"Thank You."

It's a phrase that we all use, every day.  When?  Probably more than you think.

"Thank you" for calling.
"Thank you" for holding the door.
"Thank you" when receiving the lunch you ordered.
"Thank you" for pouring me a delicious glass of wine.

I never gave much thought to the phrase.  That is until this past weekend, when I literally said "thank you" for saving my daughter's life and making me comfortable while doing so.

It all started like any other weekend - my Blogger Love post went up, I played with the girls all day, and even did some laundry.  That night we had our friends over to discuss our upcoming vacation, and the girls went to bed like any other night.

My littlest, A, woke up around 2am and wouldn't go back to sleep.  She was coughing a bit and just all around cranky.  By 7am she was breathing quicker than normal, which warranted a trip to Urgent Care.  We were given a diagnosis of RSV and prescriptions for a nebulizer and treatments.

By 6pm, I counted 78 breaths per minute.  Seventy eight.  The average toddler takes 20-30 breaths per minute.  Somehow, I manged to not completely freak out, but instead bundled her up and rushed to the Emergency Room.

After waiting two hours and not seeing a doctor (more on that another time), we left and went to another hospital where she was taken in right away.  She was given three back to back nebulizer treatments, steroids and motrin for the fever.  She was then admitted.  The doctor apologized for having to admit her, and I said "Thank You", as I was terrified of taking her home for the night.  We are still dealing with it, but we are home.

We stayed overnight.  She had treatments every two hours.  I didn't sleep, she didn't sleep, but I was so relieved to have the amazing medical staff watching over her.  We were later told that her breathing rate was close to being very dangerous, and any longer we might not have had the outcome we did. 

How do you say "Thank You" to the Pediatric E.R. staff for getting in her right away?

To the Respatory Therapist that sat with us and explained everything?

To the E.R. Pediatrician that saw her within 5 minutes of getting there?

To the fantastic Pediatric nurses that were so caring and gentle with everything?

To the charity, Becca's LEGacy, who had a soft, cuddly bear ready for A to hold all night?

To the Ronald McDonald Family Room that gave A puzzles and books to keep her occupied, and provided me a warm shower with all    of the toiletries I needed?  You have no idea how much that helped me, mentally.

To my inlaws, who got a phone call that one granddaughter was going to the hospital and that the other was being dropped off?

To my fabulous friends and family that checked up on us and made sure that we were ok, at all hours of the night?

To God, who blessed our medical team and kept a loving hand over A?

Quite simply, "Thank You" doesn't begin to be enough.  My feeling of thanks goes beyond that.  Is there a phrase for that?  Much greater than "thank you"?  That's what I'm feeling.

Being in this situation was so scary, but when I think about all of the amazing things that happened during this ordeal, I can't help but to be grateful for good medical care, friends and family, and above all else, A's improving health.

Next time you say "thank you" to someone, I urge you to really think about what you are saying.  Be thankful for the amazing things in your life, and give thanks wherever you can.

Linking up with Emily for Grateful Heart Monday. (Tuesday?)

The Meal that Decided Our Future

I realize that the title of this post is a little dramatic, but our future really was decided over one meal.  But before I get to that, let's back up a bit to last weekend when my husband and I went to Austin, Texas.  If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you saw that we went for the weekend, just the two of us.  But the trip wasn't just to get away.

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My husband's work recently opened another office in Austin.  Everyone has the option of moving there, but it is not mandatory.  We knew that we needed to move somewhere this Spring, as we are just outgrowing our current home.  Neither of us had ever been to Austin, and we just didn't feel comfortable house hunting in our current location without even seeing what that part of Texas was like.  I can't lie - the thought of warm weather year round, a pool in the backyard and a new adventure sounded really appealing.  Not to mention we know a few people already living there.

Saturday we decided to drive around neighborhoods that were recommended to us and explore.  After seeing what the real estate market had to offer, we drove to Salt Lick - which is a local (somewhat famous) barbeque joint.  The pit was intense, just look at all of that meat and fire!

Needless to say, Tim was excited.  It smelled so good, I was excited.  While we waited for our food, we discussed how we felt so far.  Neither of us have either lived somewhere other than in the Midwest, so the terrain was different.  The styles of homes was completely different.  I had a hard time getting over the fact that all the houses we saw online had tile floors, no carpet.  And no basements?  Completely different for us.  Not to mention the fact that we were a plane ride away from any of our family - whereas in Chicago, the farthest anyone is away is a four hour drive.  Would we fit in in Texas?  Were we "Texas people?"  How could we take E away from her little friends?  Then there were our friends - all in Chicago.  Then our food arrived.

It was just ok.  All of the anticipation leading up to what we thought would be amazing, and it was just ok.  We looked at each other, and in that moment, we both knew.  We'd be staying in Chicago.

To say that a meal changed our future might be over the top - but for us, it was the defining moment.  It's a meal that I will always remember - I'll remember the smell, the taste of the food, the people sitting next to us.  I feel very relieved that we know which direction (quite literally) we will be taking this Spring.

Have you ever had a moment that defined the next step in your life?  I'd love to hear about it!

Today I'm linking up with Emily for Grateful Heart Monday.  I'm grateful that we have the option to stay in Chicago, and Tim can keep his current job that he loves so much.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to explore Austin, but even more grateful to come home. 

Home Sweet Home + Adspace Giveaway!

"Home Sweet Home" has never sounded better.  If you follow me on Twitter you probably saw that my husband and I were stuck in Austin while Chicago got 20 inches of snow over night.  We made it home, and it has never felt better.  I will share more about our trip soon, but wanted to share some Awesome things about being home!

|| The long sleepy hug I got from A this morning.

|| The huge smile on E's face when she saw us.

|| Sleeping in my bed.

|| Puppy kisses as soon as I walked in the door, and cuddling with him all night.

|| Changing my clothes and taking a shower. 

|| Coming home to three packages in the mail was fun!

|| Realizing that my amazing neighbors had not only shoveled for us, but cleared my car and shoveled a spot in back for Charlie!

|| Although this was snow's fault, it is truly beautiful outside.

|| A very full DVR.

|| All new makeup.  (We still don't have our bags, so I had to go shopping!)

I am so, so grateful for my wonderful neighbors, their daughter for taking care of Charlie, and my in-laws for having the girls stay with them while we were gone.  I honestly don't know how the weekend would have been without them.  It really takes a village, and this was the perfect example of that!  I wish that you all have neighbors, family and friends nearby and are able to help each other out.  Community is a true blessing!

Linking up with Anne and Emily.

See below for the giveaway!

This giveaway is always a lot of fun, but this time it's even more fun because instead of one winner taking all the spots, we are going to have SEVENTEEN winners! That's right, 17 of you lucky ladies are going to walk away from this giveaway with a free ad spot. That means your odds of winning are much, much, higher than on most giveaways. Here's the list of ad spots up for grabs (unless otherwise noted, each of these spots is for one month).
That's a pretty significant list of spots, amiright?! It's a bunch of bloggers who are AWESOME to sponsor, and I guarantee you'll see a jump in your stats from joining with them! Here are the ladies providing these prizes.

All the Joys//Atlanta Area Moms Blog//HappyPrettyBlog//Hey Kerri Blog Hey Sabrina Faith//How to Make a Life//Keeping Up with Ashley and Cody//Love the Here and Now Re-Solve//Route Bliss//Sage//Seriously, Sarah? Southern Hope//Treats and Travels//Wife Mommy Me//The So-Called Homemaker

Now here are the rules: 

 -ALL entries will be verified. Although we are saving you some time by not asking for your usernames for the Bloglovin' and Instagram, your entries must be verified before you can officially be designated a winner.  

 -When notified of your winning entry, you must claim your prize (and if necessary, verify the entry) within 24 hours or we will choose a new winner. 

 -Giveaway open to everyone everywhere!

Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Day of Yes

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 Back in July, I got an email inviting to pre-order tickets to Disney on Ice: Frozen.  E was (and still is) obsessed - isn't every child?  I purchased 10 tickets - my girlfriends and I were each going to take our oldest.  Time went by, I sort of forgot about it, then started seeing commercials and billboards all around Chicago for the upcoming show.  I hadn't told E about it yet, so I decided to make it a surprise.

On Friday, I gave her hints after she was convinced that the surprise was a balloon (if only I had known it would be so easy!) - "We are going somewhere!" and "Your friends will be there!".  I bought her the cutest little Anna and Elsa dress at Target, but didn't show her until we were about to leave.  At that point I also explained that we were going to see Frozen, with live characters.

She was so excited in the car, even though she didn't fully understand what we were doing.  The joy on her face once we got there is something I'll never forget.  She sat in her seat, staring at the ice in such amazement that it really made me take a step back and enjoy things through the eyes of a preschooler.  The best part was when she leaned over, cupped my face in her hands and said "Thanks for bringing me here, mommy!".  Pure bliss.

I decided to make the day all about us - mommy and daughter.  She wanted gummy bears, so I got her gummy bears.  I wanted a pretzel, so I got the pretzel.  While walking back to our seats from intermission, she saw the guy selling the ridiculously overpriced pieces of plastic Elsa wands and asked if she could have one.  I said yes.  Afterwards we went out to dinner and I didn't make her eat fruits or vegetables first.  You would think she had won the lottery!

The next day she couldn't stop talking about how she went to "Disney World" (again, if only I knew it was that easy!) or how she got to eat candy and hot dogs and not one vegetable, all while sharing her new wand with her little sister.  Although it has never happened before, and will be far and few between, our Day of Yes was exactly what we both needed.

I am so grateful for the time we spent together, I know that someday she will much more "important" things to do than to hang out with me, and although I like to think it's forever away, I know it isn't.  I wish all of you, whether you have littles or not, to just spend the day with someone that means everything to you, doing whatever comes your way.  Cherish your time together!

Although when she is grown, she might only remember "the really cool Elsa wand that lit up", I will forever remember watching her, watching Frozen on Ice.

Linking up with Emily for Grateful Heart Monday and Anne for Wednesday Wishes.

2015: The Year of ME

I don't like resolutions.  I've never stuck to them.  Also, why pick one day to change your entire way of life?  I do like reflecting on all aspects of my life and picking places that can be improved, but I like gradual change.  So, while I was thinking about how I wanted 2015 to look, I pinpointed things here and there and made a list.  And after looking at the list, I came to one conclusion:  all of my items pertained to others.  Not me.

2015 needs to be all about ME.

Ever since I can remember, I've made decisions based on other people.  How will this affect so-and-so?  Will anyone's feelings get hurt?  Once I became a wife and mother, making myself a priority really went out the window.  The happiness of Tim and the girls (and Charlie!) is most important to me.  But I've been missing years of doing things for myself.  So, 2015 is my year.

Personal.  
I want to be healthy.  I want to look great and be confident in my clothes.  If I need to take thirty minutes to myself while my girls are awake to work out, I'm going to.  But along with that, I will not be so hard on myself if I slip up here and there.

I will make reading more of a priority.  I love getting lost in books, and just haven't made time for it, since high school really.

I will not feel guilty for going on a quick trip with Tim at the end of the month.  Or for a week to St. Thomas in March.  This will take some convincing, but we deserve it!


Blog.
I will continue to explore in my writing, and continue to post 3-6 times/week.

I will sponsor more blogs and grow my blogging tribe.

I would love to meet another blogger in person - but that's not entirely up to me :)


Marriage.
I will take time out of each day to really talk to Tim.  Ask about his day, and listen to his replies.  Too often we are caught up in the "business" side of marriage - kids, bills, household things - but I will make communication a priority.

We will plan a date at least once a month, even if they are at home dates.

I will be more patient - even when I feel my patience wavering.


The Girls.
I will continue to turn off all electronics on the mornings I am home with them.

We will read every night - no excuses!

Every night, I lay in E's bed and we talk about her day.  I will continue to do this, and start with A. (Even if she doesn't talk back too much!)

 What are your goals for 2015?  Does anyone else have the issue of not putting themselves first?  I might need some reminding throughout the year, but I can't wait to look back and see how different this year was for me. 

Today is Monday so I am linking up with Emily for Grateful Heart Monday.  I'm so grateful to even have the opportunity to be able to make changes for a new year.  Each day is a gift, and cherished deeply.  What are you grateful for today?

Ramble On

And now I will write a blog post that has no real direction.  I apologize in advance, because this is going to be a jumble of thoughts all put together.  I guess that's what happens when you don't blog for six days and have random thoughts to share with the world!

|| I had a wonderful time in Iowa for Christmas.  Four days at home with family.  My girls got a big fix of their grandparents, we had a lot of great food, played really fun games, and I even snuck a nap or two!

|| One of my good friends moved to Texas on Christmas Day.  I will miss her, but am so excited for their new adventures - she deserves it more than anyone else I know.  Plus, Tim and I are going in January, so I'll see her soon.

|| I got some great gifts.  Money for a furniture in a new house (hopefully this Spring), clothes, makeup, and then there was this combo that my sister got me.  Perfection!  BUT, the best part for me was watching my loved ones open their gifts.  Giving trumps getting, hands down.

|| I found a new favorite drink - vodka and Lime LaCroix water.  Like a vodka and soda with lime, but you don't need to cut up the lime.  AKA easier to make at home!

|| I am incredibly thankful that Cedar Rapids has a 24 hour emergency vet.  Poor Charlie had to go yesterday.  We think he got in to something in my Dad's backyard (he lives in the country so who knows what!).  My baby was sick for 24 hrs, not even keeping water down.  A shot, some pills, and fluids made him bounce right back.

|| I absolutely loved seeing all of the Christmas cards that my bloggy friends sent.  I never expected to make "real" friends doing this, but I have and couldn't imagine not having them in my life.

|| Last but certainly not least, I am grateful for a new year to begin.  I will write more about this later this week, but a new year for me means new beginnings, changes, and reflection.

Today is Grateful Heart (Tuesday) Monday, so I am linking up with Emily.  This one is probably a given, but I am grateful for time with my family.  Grateful for friends, and for all of you.

I've Chosen Oils

I first started reading about essential oils months ago.  I was intrigued by the fact that people were using all natural ways to combat sickness and improve general health.  Whenever I saw an article, I would read it, and tuck the information back in my mind to "explore later".

When Amanda and Kate began their "Go Natural" Series - I dived a little deeper.  Each one of their topics - beauty, household products, pets, clean eating - all started getting me to really think about what I was putting on and in my body, and in the bodies of my children and husband.  I started to go back through all of the information out there about essential oils.  I reached out to Amy, as I knew she was using and loving oils.  After some discussion, I decided to purchase the Premium Starter Kit.

With the kit, I received a diffuser, samples, Stress-Away oil roll on and ten oils: Peace & Calming, Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Valor, Purification, Thieves, Joy, PanAway and Peppermint.

Of those, there are six that I use on pretty much a daily basis.  And the others I use as needed.

Thieves: Thieves is known for it's germ-busting qualities.  I put it on our feet each morning to boost our immunity and prevent sickies from getting the best of us.  I also diffuse this - it smells really yummy, cinnimon-y.  (that's a new term, by the way.)

Purification: I diffuse this to fight germs and purify the air.  It's also very handy if you'd made a bunch of bacon and want the smell gone - clears it right up!

Peppermint:  I used to be the Queen of Tums - popping them almost daily for heartburn and general upset tummy.  Once I started rubbing peppermint with a carrier oil over my chest or tummy when needed, I haven't had any Tums.  In months.

Lavender: My girls have sensitive, dry skin.  Lavender has cleared up rough patches on their backs, arms and torso.  Plus they smell yummy after I've put it on.  Lavender is a calming oil, so I always put it on them right before bed.

Lemon: Lemon is tied as my favorite oil.  I put 2-3 drops in my water every morning and don't need any caffeine the rest of the day.  This is huge for a recovering Diet Coke addict as myself.  It also gives me all of the benefits of citrus.

Stress Away:  This is also tied for favorite.  I love the way it smells.  If I'm feeling overwhelmed I'll rub this on my wrists and almost instantly feel calmer.  It goes in my purse so I always have access to it!

In addition to those - someone very close to me has been able to use Cedarwood and Peace & Calming with a quarter Ambien instead of a whole pill every day for sleep.  The goal is to just use oils, but we are going slow and steady.

There are SO many other ways to use oils and I am sincerely loving learning about all of them.  I love that I can share my new passion with friends and family.  I'm a believer!  I also must say that I do not use oils to take the place of modern medicine.  Of course, if myself or loved ones are sick, the doctor is our first course of action.  If antibiotics are needed, I am not against using them.  We also will always get a flu shot, each year.  This isn't meant to start a debate - to each his own - but I am only using oils for general discomforts, aches and pains.  I am grateful that I have found a natural way to protect and help my family, but I will still turn to the professionals when needed!

Do you use essential oils?  What are your favorite uses?  What oils are your must haves?  Please share!

Disclaimer:All of this information is based on my own opinion and experience. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.  Please use common sense and the advice of your health care professional when making your health care decisions. 

Linking up with Amanda and Kate for their Go Natural Series.

Also linking up with Emily for Grateful Heart Monday.

Isn't She Lovely...

Imagine my surprise when I was nominated not once, but three times for the One Lovely Blog award!  I feel so loved.  A big, big thank you to Anne, Melissa and Ash for the nominations, you gals are the best!

With every blog award, there are some rules to follow.  I am supposed to share seven random facts and nominate seven other bloggers.  The truth is, the blogs I would have nominated have already done this - so I'm breaking the rules a bit.  I'm such a rebel.

Here are my seven random (?) facts:

// I could eat pizza for every meal for the rest of my life.

// I go between having really long hair, getting sick of it, chopping it, getting sick of short hair, and growing it out again.

// My older sister is way smarter than me - she has a PhD, is a professor, teaches online classes and is a Behavior Therapist for children with Austism. 

// I love love love winter for Christmas and snow, but often find myself feeling blue from November - April.  Dark at 4pm?  No.  This girls needs sunshine!

// E is becoming my little shopping buddy, which is really fun... but I'm afraid I am creating a monster.

// Some days I don't feel like blogging.  There, I said it! 

// I am trying to save every extra penny so that we can sell our house and move in the Spring.  My husband is spending every said penny!  Who needs custom made suits and work shirts?  Apparently he does.

So there you have it - seven random facts that you probably didn't need or care to know, but know them now anyway!  Again, thank you to the wonderful ladies that nominated me!

Today is Monday so I am linking up with Emily for Grateful Heart Monday.  Today I'm grateful for blogging.  Never did I think, eight months ago, that this little whim of mine would become such a big part of my life.  The people I have met are inspiring, thoughtful, and caring.  I'm also grateful to those of you who have made this a happy place for me!

PS.  All ad spots are still 25% off until midnight tonight!  Use code THANKFUL. :)


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Family, Friends and the Hawkeyes

I told you Friday that I was going to Iowa to tailgate, watch the Hawks, and relive my college days.  I did just that... and more.  As promised, I did make it back for Monday, even if I am feeling quite old today.

Tim's best friend and his wife went with us and we made the best of our weekend together!  Saturday started early, as all Iowa tailgating days do.  We bundled up, made hot chocolate with Bailey's, and remembered life as teenagers as my Dad drove us to our tailgating destination. 

In case you don't know, we played Wisconsin.  Tim is the oldest of twenty three grandchildren.  23.  Including spouses, seven of us are Hawkeyes and five are Badgers - so far.  It's a family rivalry and we love to give each other a hard time.  Some of us met for the day, and it was so much fun.  I love spending time with our families - there is so much love, fun and memories made each time.

Today I'm thankful for my parents - who drove us to Iowa City, watched the girls all day, and then made the trip back to pick us up later that night.  I'm grateful for Tim and his family and all of the love there.  I'm grateful for friends that feel like family.  Most of all, I'm thankful that both Tim and I chose to go to school at Iowa.  If we hadn't, we never would have met - and none of this past weekend would have happened.

Being in Iowa City reminded me just how old I am - but we still managed to have a great time.  I finished the day with a Marco's grilled cheese, and for that, I will never be too old!

Linking up with Emily.

Tour Through Blogland + Giveaway!

A few weeks ago, I was asked by Amy to participate in the Tour Through Blogland.  I immediately said yes and was so flattered that Amy asked me to participate.  I "met" Amy through blogging over the summer, but our relationship went to another level when I learned about essential oils from her, and eventually began using them myself.  She is caring, thoughtful, a wonderful mother and someone I am happy to call a friend!

So, here we go on our little tour through All the Joys.  (Note: I wanted to add a fun picture of where I blog, but I don't have a dedicated space.  I blog on the couch, in bed, sometimes at work, and none of those places are picture worthy!)

What am I working on?
I have a long list of blog post ideas that I am constantly adding to.  I also have a series I'm working on.  I have about three posts written, but want to have them all ready to go before publishing.  It's a long process and hard to work on when I'm doing regular posts as well.  There are also some things I need from home (home-home, as in it is packed in my mother's basement) so I need to collect those before publishing as well. 

How does my work differ from others in its genre?
Honestly, I think every blog and blogger is different.  Writing from your heart automatically makes you different.  Not that others haven't experienced the same things, or have the same thoughts, but the way you relay them and connect with others is what makes you different from others.  So, in that sense, I am the same.  I write freely and I (hope!) that that comes through.

Why do I write/create what I do?
I've always been a writer.  When I was little, I would write chaper books for fun.  English and Creative Writing classes were always my favorite.  I can tell a story so much better with pen and paper.  At this point, All the Joys is for me.  I write for myself.  But I also love when I get an email from a reader saying that they know exactly how I am feeling!

How does your writing/creative process work?
To be honest, I don't put a lot of time in to my posts.  I write freely, re-read to find errors, and hit publish.  I begin writing when I feel inspired by something - usually a thought, or something I've seen or felt.  If I'm not feeling inspired one day, I won't write.  There is nothing worse than reading a blog post that was published without any feeling behind it.

Your next stops on the Tour:

 

You've seen Anne around here a few times.  She is one of the first bloggers I "met", and I truly believe that was on purpose.  Anne is an inspiration to me - she's a wonderful mom to three girls, so I look up to her and how well she has raised them.  Her blogging style is genuine and refreshing!

 



Amanda is one of those people that you could meet, and feel like you've known forever.  Her blog is fun and uplifting.  She recently moved from Georgia to Missouri to be with her now husband.  I love their love story!  Amanda is a busy girl - going to school, keeping up with her blog and all of the fun adventures she and her husband have!

 

Thanks for stopping by my piece of the internet!  I am so grateful for this space and the people that come back week after week.  Don't go yet, I have a fun giveaway for you...

 

Enter to WIN a $120 Target Giftcard!

I've teamed up with all of these wonderful ladies to bring you a chance to win $120 Target giftcard!

Heavens to Betsy // Glitz & Gritz // Wetherills Say I Do // This Crazy Cass Life // A Savory Feast

Life Behind the Lens // Set Free // The Truelife of KMK // Arroway // According to Laura Jean

TaniaKnowsBest // Two Miracles // Seven Graces // My Little Sunshines

Life with the Casterlines // All the Joys // Simple Moments Stick // The Bitsy Button // Butcher's Niche

Simply Love // Little Things + Big Stuff // Annabel & Alice // The Beauty Section // Life w/ Mrs. G. & the Artist

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Currently... Round Two

It's been awhile since I've done a Currently post.  Whenever another blogger posts one of these, they are the first I read.  I love getting a small glimpse in to their lives.  Creepy?  Maybe, but it makes me feel like I really know them.

Reading: The Storyteller by Jodi Piccoult.  I love all of her books, and this one has not disappointed.  I need to kick up my reading if I'm going to get through all 20 books on my 101 in 1001 list!

Writing: In my last Currently post, I said I was working on a series.  This is still true - I just hit some major writer's block.  I also write every day for work, so I have a lot of writing going on!

Listening: To Sunday Night Football - not by choice.  Football rules our home on Sundays.

Thinking: About Christmas, more specifically, Christmas shopping.  I love giving gifts and already have my lists made.

Wishing: It wasn't getting cold.  I thrive on extreme temperatures - really hot or really cold.  This in between business is not my favorite.  Snow already!

Hoping: That we have a great time at the pumpkin patch this weekend.  Ever since E was a baby, it's been a tradition to go with my sister and her now husband.  I hope the girls cooperate and we have a good time!

Loving:  That my husband bought cowboy boots this week while in Texas for work!  He usually goes once a month, and has been talking about getting some for years.  He finally came home this time with some.  And I'm loving it.

Wanting: Still wanting a house.  And a Diet Coke.  But since I can't have either, I'd love some ankle boots.  I'm still on the hunt for the perfect pair.

Needing:  E to feel better.  A trip to Urgent Care Saturday gave us chest xrays, a little girl that wouldn't wear the required face mask, two hours of waiting, and finally some cough medicine and an antibiotic.  I also need A to not catch this yuck!

Eating/Drinking: Tim is making a frozen Home Run Inn pizza - if you've never had it, you are missing out.  I'm drinking water with my Lemon essential oil.

Today is Grateful Heart Monday.  Today I'm grateful for good friends.  Tim was gone for work and my good friend stayed with A so I could take E to get checked out.  She stayed for three hours - with her own daughter - so I wouldn't have to take A and risk her getting sick at Urgent Care.  I've said it before, and I'll say it always - good friends are one of life's biggest blessings.

What are you grateful for?

Nashville Livin'

This past weekend, four of my besties and I were lucky enough to spend three days on a fabulous Girls Weekend.  Our husbands were left with the children and we took off.  We do a short weekend every year, but this was the first that we all were able to go.  And it did not disappoint!

We left early Friday morning, because somewhere along the planning process we decided it would be a good idea to drive.  Not that it wasn't - any roadtrip without screaming children is fine by me - but it was a long drive.  It provided for a lot of fun conversations though!  At our first gas stop, this happened:

 

A large bottle of Costco vodka.  Shattered.  Very tragic - but don't worry, it was quickly replaced.  Once we got there we checked in to the amazing condo we rented.  I found it on HouseAway, and it did not disappoint. 

 

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Upon check in, we were given lists of restaurants and bars to check out, including National Underground, which had "the best burgers in town.", and we were told was owned by the owner of the condo we were renting.  We added it to our mental list of places to check out.

 

Friday night we drove to Martin's BBQ for dinner, suggested by Samantha.  It did not disappoint!  I had a beef brisket sandwich, mac and cheese and hushpuppies.  #yumdoesntdescribeit

 

After that, we had tickets to the Grand Ole Opry.  It poured on us, and by the time we got inside we were drenched.  But, #yolo, so off to our seats we went.  We originally went because Lady Antebellum was there.  I've said before that I'm not a fan of country music, so basically I agreed to go because my friends wanted to.  And because they served booze.  Well imagine to my surprise when I actually enjoyed the music, and even cried during one of the songs!  My perspective has changed.  I now like country music.



 

After the show, we went out.  We hit up Honky Tonk and stayed there for the night.  So much fun!  I love how every bar has live music.  

Saturday morning we nursed our headaches a little, bought some umbrellas, hit up The Frothy Monkey for breakfast and headed out for our Bike Tavern tour.  This was so much fun!  It's basically a bar with bikes all around it.  You bike around town, drink, and stop at bars.  We had a blast but were sore for the rest of the trip.  Definitely worth it though!

My fave picture of the weekend!

At our second stop, our guide was telling us some bars to check out.  He mentioned the National Underground - remember that from above?  Imagine our surprise when he told us that Gavin DeGraw owned it.  I blurted out - "That's weird, we were told the owner of our unit owns it!".  Then it all clicked.... we were staying in Gavin DeGraw's condo.  #starstruck.  (We knew this to be true because we investigated when we got back - the person I had been corresponding with is related to him!)

Saturday night we went to dinner at Puckett's, which was right across the street from where we were staying.  I had the best cocktail - a spiked peach tea, along with fried green tomatoes as an appetizer.  My entree was Piggy Mac - pulled pork topped with gouda mac and cheese and roasted peppers.  A-ma-zing.

Sunday we left for Louisville to break up the trip home.  We shopped at the outlets, went out for a great dinner (Martini's Italian Grille) and saw Gone Girl.

We had the best time - doing all of the things we like best.  Eating, drinking, shopping, movies, and just being together.  I officially need a food and booze detox, but I am incredibly grateful for these girls and so lucky to have them.  I wish we could do this more often!  Until next year, ladies!  (Suggestions on where to go welcomed!)

Linking up with Emily for Grateful Heart Monday and Anne for Wednesday Wishes.

A Little Help From My Friends

Last week, it felt like everything that could go wrong, did.  All of a sudden I needed a new nanny, I had to work after Tim got home every night, I lost a 23 page document I had written for work, a loved one went through a tough time, all on top of normal every day stresses.

Thankfully, my wonderful friends were there for me.

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My nanny issues have been temporarily solved by my good friend Jess!  She has a friend, whom I have met before, that is a stay at home mom.  She came over last week and agreed to stay with my girls twice a week.  A-ma-zing.  I'm forever indebted to Jess and my new, temporary nanny!

I wasn't able to recover the document I lost, but since I spent so much time on it, I am finding myself remembering pieces of it.  That's better than nothing, right?  I have to find the good in every situation, so although small, at least I remember some of the document.

Through it all, my friends were there for me.  Texts to see how I was doing, driving me out to dinner so I could enjoy cocktails, staying with the girls so I could attend a very important meeting, and retail therapy all lifted my spirits. 

For this Grateful Heart Monday, I am more than grateful for my friends - all of which are more like family.  These girls have seen me at worst and celebrated with me at my finest.  They get me.  And for that I will be forever grateful.

This upcoming weekend is perfect timing - as five of us are off to Nashville!  Girls Weekend without kids or husbands.  I can't even wait to shop, sleep in, go out, and maybe learn a country song or two. ;)

Today I'm Grateful for YOU! (+ Giveaway!)

Today marks my 100th post.  This might not sound significant to some of you, but for me, it's huge.  When I first started this blog, I didn't expect to love it as much as I do.  I have a tendency to start projects and kind of let them fade away, if I'm being completely honest.  Creatively, my mind is always moving on to the next creation in my head. 

But I guess that's why I have enjoyed blogging so much.  I can make it what I want to.  I can write about that recipe I tried, the DIY I did, or whatever is on my mind.  I love that this piece of the internet is completely mine, and that I've made it to reflect me.  It is constantly evolving and it keeps my creativity flowing.  I love the details that go in to writing a post, the pictures (even if they are taken on my iPhone), reading other blogs, and my number one love: connecting with my readers. 

The relationships that I've made, simple comments turned in to email conversations, have blown me away.  I really never thought it was possible - but I'm so grateful for the friendships I've made through this.  On this Grateful Heart Monday, I'm grateful for each of you, coming back each week, commenting, sharing and being some of the best supporters out there.

So I thought it was only appropriate to celebrate YOU with a giveaway!  Enter below and good luck!


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