Day 2 of 31 Things: Morning Routine

I am not a morning person, AT ALL! 

No matter how much sleep I get, I wake in the morning wishing I could go back to sleep for the rest of the day. Now that I am unemployed there really is no rush for me to get up in the morning (which is glorious!). Of course Mike is still on his normal work schedule so I usually get waken by him around 7ish but in and out of sleep until about 9am. 

My routine now-a-days is to be awake no later than 9am, even if that means getting a bowl of cereal and sitting in bed watching Regis & Kelly or cuddling with my little animals. I’ll make the bed, fold some laundry, feed Addie and Kitty, watch the View, treadmill for at 30-45 minutes, take a shower…HUNT FOR A JOB!

But before I was unemployed I didn’t have to be in the office until 8:45am which meant my alarm would go off at 7:30 and I have about 50 minutes to get ready and be out the door by 8:20. First thing I do is brush my teeth and wash my face. Next I turn on Rob Arnie and Dawn, grab my make-up bag, hop on my bed and put on my face!

Putting on make-up while sitting in bed gives me a little bit more time to savor the warm comfy-ness of my soft squishy bed! Also, Rob Arnie and Dawn are a must! Their topics either make me laugh (which I need to get me going in the morning) or make me think (which also gets me going in the morning). Rob Arnie and Dawn are a morning MUST!

Once my make-up is on, it’s time to tackle my hair. I flip my head upside down and blow dry for a few minutes to get all the kinks out. Then I run a curling iron or flat iron through my hair, tease the crap out of the top for that wonderful volume I LOVE and voila! Hair is ready to go!

Next I pick out an outfit. I’m more of a jeans-and- tshirt kind of girl but I work in an office so I have to be a little bit more creative than that. Luckily jeans were aloud so for that I was grateful. By this time it’s almost 8:20 and I really need to light a fire under my behind or I’m going to be late! I put on some Arbonne Shea Butter lotion, of course deodorant, grab my purse and head out the garage. No coffee for me, instead a coke. It’s much more mild than coffee but enough caffeine to perk me up a bit. 

Right now all I have to do is take care of myself in the mornings. I know some day this will all change when the little babes come into the picture. And to be honest, sacrificing my sleep is one of the main reasons why I’m not in a rush to have kiddos. Sleep is a precious thing that I will continue to savor! (probably for only one more year ;-))

Day 1 of 31 Things: Jewelry

My favorite piece of jewelry is my wedding ring! This is the first piece of super fancy jewelry I've ever had! Most of my jewelry is a cute necklace or pair of earrings I found at Target.  My wedding ring puts all those other pieces of jewelry to shame, lol! While I love my fun Target jewelry, it doesn’t have the meaning attached to it like my wedding ring.

My wedding ring is so incredibly precious to me! When I look down at it I see my husband and our love. Not to get all lovey-dovey on you but I stinking love my husband! And I love the way he loves me. I love his humor and passion. I love how important his family and friends are to him. I love how playful he is with me. And even though it’s annoying sometimes, I love his sarcasm! But most of all, I love watching him grow and develop into an even better person than he was when we first met.

And when I see my ring I’m reminded of that love. I think of all the years we’ve been together and the ups and downs! Let me tell you, there were a lot of ups and downs. But after all this time, we still have each others back! My ring is a reminder I get to see every day that I have someone who completely knows me, the good, the bad and the ugly, and stills loves me. 

My start to 31 things!

A couple of my friends are big bloggers and they started a blogging challenge called 31 Things. Everyday for 31 days you're provided with a simple topic to blog about and along with your words you insert a picture of the topic. I've been wanting to get back into blogging and thought this would be the perfect start! I've also been wanting to improve my writing skills, so here's my chance!

Wish my luck, day 1 of 31 Things is coming shortly!

Poem For Grandma Tudor's Service

There’s a special place in my childhood
That felt so far away.
The drive was about 3 hours,
But always worth the wait.

This place was tucked away,
In the mountains full of snow.
One of my favorite dogs was there,
We called him Mo!

We were always greeted,
With kisses and hugs.
At bedtime we were tucked in,
With the warmth of hugs.

There was a special closet,
Filled with all our toys.
Puzzles, games and coloring books,
We made lots of noise.

The morning smell of cinnamon,
Filled the air in the house.
My favorite stuffed animal was there,
It was the cotton stuffed mouse.

We’d sneak a piece of gum,
From the secret kitchen drawer.
There was never a dull moment;
This place was not a bore.

Outside on the deck,
The humming birds were near.
The feeder was sweet and red,
They fluttered with such cheer.

During Christmas,
There was magic in the air.
I remember the Christmas tree and village,
Nothing could compare.

The house was filled
With warmth and love.
A wonderfully special place,
We never got sick of.

This safe place exists,
Without any flaws.

It’s one of my favorite places,
I call it grandmas.

Poem For Grandma Cameron's Service

HEAVEN

I took a trip to heaven I hope you all don’t mind.
It was time for me to go, so I left the world behind.

I closed my eyes and began to see,
Just how beautiful heaven can be.

I could see the pearly gates, they were so white,
and behind them was a brilliant light.

I saw an angel as she was passing by.
So beautiful I couldn’t believe my eyes.

Everything was perfect, there’s nothing you can bring.
There are no words to describe these beautiful things.

I sat with the Lord on a bench in a garden.
God is so good, my sins He pardoned.

I took a look at the beauty around.
But most of all, it was peace I found.

There is nothing here to cause me fear,

So please don’t cry for me my dear.

Please know I am happy now.

I’ll ask the Lord to comfort you somehow.

Believe when I tell you, my loving family/friends,
You cannot die, life never ends!

Coincidence/Devine

My husband and I were driving in the car one day having a casual conversation. We were discussing our plans for Memorial Day and agreed that we would go with my family to visit my grandpa. My grandma recently passed away so our pan is to clean out their house to help my grandpa move on. Not only did I lose my grandma on my dad’s side this year, but I also lost my grandma on my mom side. Its been a tough start to the year. 

My birthday was this past Friday and I can expect like clockwork to receive a birthday card from both my grandmothers. It made me sad to realize that I would never receive a birthday card from either of them again. It made me sad to know certain traditions are over. There’s something special about grandmothers and as the months pass little things happen that make me sad. I try to be grateful that I was able to have 2 of the most wonderful grandmothers and some people never get that experience.

Just as I was feeling sorry for myself and wondering “why”… a car switched lanes right in front of us and in big bold letters the words “TRUST GOD” was on the back of the window. Tears immediately well up in my eyes. I began crying not tears of sadness but tears of peace and joy. Call it a coincidence if you will, but I truly believe this was Gods way of comforting me. How blessed are we to have a God who comforts us in such unique ways! My heart is full!

Thrive 2012

If your looking for growth, energy, inspiration, knowledge, faith, love, compassion, hope, confidence, truth, belief, conviction, encouragement, motivation, vision...I found it!

 However, sometimes we need support to keep it alive in our lives.

 Mike and I attended our first ever Christian conference called THRIVE! A life changing experience that not only supported our relationship with the all mighty, but also with each other!

 A truly indescribable impact was made on our marriage and we are forever changed!

 If you every have the opportunity to attend I would highly suggest it!

 Here's a little bit of what you can expect!