Living Life

Some people are fortunate enough in life to find THAT group. We are so blessed to have a group. Our people. The people we can do life with. The people who love our children and us. The people that see the beauty in the broken. The people that can laugh with us. The people that support us. The people that do life with us.

When I was growing up, my parents were in a Supper Club that was like twelve families or something. Over the years, people moved. People had more and more kids. Those kids got older. Life happened and the group eventually dissolved. You know what didn't....the relationships. Rarely do they all see one another, but you know who checked on my dad when he had heart surgery? Those people. They are at weddings, funerals, and everything in between. Some of these people I go years without seeing and when I do, it is like we have seen each other everyday. These are friendships that left a lasting impression.

Some people have a once a month supper club. Some people see each other occasionally with out spouses. Some people are lonely and long for a friend. Some people have their group, and they do life. That is us.

We are fortunate enough to have a group of six that I wouldn't trade for the world. We have been together through heartache, births, deaths, happy times, embarrassing times, failures, and successes. We have filled in for each other in the mom/dad world. Our kids think they are more of family than friends.

We have celebrated lots of birthdays, anniversaries, births,graduations and other holidays.

We have cried together and had hard discussions. We have steered each other in the other direction.  We have had hard conversations about faults. We have cried together and for each other.

We have been on vacations together. Our kids want to know every Saturday morning if they are coming over because we are always together.

We have seen each other at our lowest and loved each other through it. We have had talks and maybe some heated conversations about life and decisions. We have scolded each other and come out of it stronger.

There have been burned dinners (Holly can't cook), take-out, pajama wearing back porch conversations that are some of my favorite adult life memories. We don't cook elegant meals and most are centered around five boys making weird bodily function sounds with their mouths and referencing the "wieners" we are eating. Life is real with these people and we hope our kids gain table manners before the littlest lady starts sitting with them.

We have theological debates(usually between David and Brandon) that are healthy for us all and make us all more aware of the Jesus who saved us. We are filthy, broken people, but we were all redeemed by a faithful God.

We challenge each other to be better husbands/wives (usually with sarcastic comments or mocking each others argument patterns David/Jae Holly/Brandon), moms/dads, friends, family and Christians. We usually find out things from Nick and Ashley because they apparently talk alot. They only have one child. They have time to talk.

Our group texts should never be released to the general public. We get each other! We love each other. We make each other better. We know each other better than we know ourselves at times. We know each others parents. We know extended families and have been to family functions of the others. We know the quirks and ins and outs of it all.

We discipline each others children if need be and have been known to clean their vomit.We have watched time-outs take place, spankings happen and children intentionally barf medicine. When one member goes down sick, more than likely a few more follow. We share all even germs.

We can't play games without fighting like siblings. It doesn't matter if the rules are spelled out in pictures with a detailed description...we have six different opinions of what it really means. One where discretion must be used always ends in someone getting butt hurt and endless jokes for a few months. Game three always goes to the females because the males self-destruct by that point. You ALWAYS play two out of three unless you are worried, then three out of five. Brandon and Jae are hotheads.

Can I tell you how much I love these people? I am so thankful that God crossed all of our paths and brought us together. We love our people and what they bring. We have a rating system of meanness and we know where each other stands. We have three type A and three type B people and we balance each other well.

In today's fast-paced world, it is rare to have these relationships. We lock our doors and guard our lives. We don't let people in. The vast majority of the world is missing out. If you don't have these friends, let your guard down and find you some. Do life with these people. Really know them. Sit around a table together and love each other through the good and bad.

Mother's Day

We love you SUE SUE!

Happy Mother's Day and thank you for being you.

Because you are one of the few that actually love to laugh like I do at the funnies of life.....

Our Boys

There is this thing in life called parenting. You don't get it right everyday. Some days, you are just thankful everyone survived. Then there are days you would give yourself an A+. I figure they all balance out. Days turn into years. We only have these people for about 18 years. Y'all, that seemed like an eternity when the little people were two. When they rubbed Butt Paste all over the house I am pretty sure I wanted to slap people telling me "It will be over before you know it."  Now, in a few short weeks, they will be six. We are a third of the way there with the two oldest. 

At the end of that 18 years, I only hope they are productive members of society who love Jesus with their whole hearts. I don't want failure to be a surprise to them. I do not want the world to shock them once they get outside of our little town. I don't want unkindness to rock their world at 18 for the first time. I don't want someone else introducing them to "another way." So, we have about 12 more years to instill into them core values and to teach them to be successful, God-fearing men. You know, to be a boyfriend, a husband, a father, a son-in-law. Only 12 years. Yall, that is a lot to learn in a little time. We are ultimately, as their parents, going to set two young men out into the world in 12 years. 

So, for the next twelve years, they will fall but we will be there to help them pick up the pieces. They are going to know the importance of good grades, but they will also make a few bad ones. They are not going to ace every test, but they will study harder. They will know how to vacuum. They will know about laundry. They will strike out. They will get hurt. They will be shown how to respect women. Above all else, I pray that they truly KNOW God. I don't want them to just know of God, but to truly KNOW Him. 

We don't get it right everyday, but I pray there are glimpses of grace woven through our days. I pray that they know how to love people well. I pray that they include the one who is different into their circles. I want them to be kind. Sarcasm is good too and witty and funny. Let's face it, they have sarcasm nailed at almost six. I pray they can laugh at themselves. I want them to know failure and success. I want them to face hard challenges knowing they may or may not succeed. All of these things will build their character and develop them into men that will not be taken by surprise when they enter the world. 

Asa is hilarious. I hope he never loses his innocent and clueless regard for all things. I hope his curiosity never fades.  He is the one that will have a mishap no matter what. He is such a good sport about it. For instance, last night I was painting some furniture. I was letting them help. About 1,435 times I said, "Do not lean up against this side anymore it is wet." About three minutes later, Asa runs to the kitchen to get a drink and comes be-bopping back to where we were. I look at him. His entire front is covered in white paint. I said, "Asa, I told you not to lean on the paint." He seriously had no idea and looks down. He looks back up with a shrug of his shoulders and says, "How in the world did that get there?" You just have to laugh. Saturday, Jude let him hold the Aldi quarter and I immediately looked to make sure I had another one. Sure enough, five seconds later, I look and Asa has a scared look. I asked him why. He said, "Um, I used the quarter to unlock the seatbelt and it fell into the crack." He explores our backyard every afternoon. He can always be found with a stick. He is usually poking, prodding, digging, or in some way getting filthy in the trees and grass. He loves our little backyard forest. He has a love for baseball. The weather turns him into a worry wort. He always wants to know, "Whats the time?" He likes a schedule and wants to know what comes next.  He loves all things artsy. He is always making some sort of creation. I often call him Dennis. He reminds me so much of Dennis the Menace. He is mischievous, but he always means well. I hope he never loses any of those characteristics. I hope that smile that he smiles with his whole face never goes away. He loves life!

Jude is our tender hearted one. He cried watching the people who died scroll across the screen on the Emmy's when he was four. He is always taking up for Titus. He will fight for his brothers. Don't get me wrong, he is not always innocent, but nobody else is messing with them. He is momma's boy. He is always picking me flowers, giving random kisses and hugs, and making me pictures at school. He loves music and can "drum" to just about anything. He is silly and quirky. He is not going to smile for a camera so I have given up. He has that shy side smile that is going to melt someone else's heart one day. He LOVES baseball. We call him "punk" alot because he looks and acts like a teenager sometimes. When he is waltzing around shirtless and spouts out sarcasm with his side swoop it gives us a harsh glimpse into high school. He loves with his whole heart. He blows my mind with his memory. He can memorize anything and never forgets anything. He is our sports guy. He watches ESPN with B and daddy. He runs to tell us what is happening if he catches a glimpse of something good. He can't wait to tell secrets or presents. It literally eats him from the inside to hold it in. He belly laughs like nobody else. He likes to have fun, but is our more serious one. He likes things to go as planned. I pray that he never loses his love for others and that his heart always loves and loves big. 

They bring so much joy to our lives and I can't believe we are a third through this time we have them in our house. They are such a blessing to us. I pray that we are able to parent them well for the next twelve years. I pray they know grace, kindness and Jesus. I know that with those three things, they will make it in this world. They will be successful. they will be able to endure what the world throws at them. They will always have a Father who loves them more than we do. They will never be alone. They will always have a guide. I hope we are preparing them well for the path of life. I don't want to lay the stones down for them to carefully walk on without stumbling. I want them to endure whatever is needed NOW to prepare them for the future! 

I don't fit in the Mom world

I was in this Facebook group for moms.

The moms got in a fight.

They started a new group for even "realer" moms.

Yall, I can't even. I've had to leave. They are like the mean girls in high school. The clique that thinks they have good friends, but then they go their separate ways and have no people because they burned all their bridges. Then, they turn to Facebook to find friends....literally.

In these groups for the few weeks I paid attention, I couldn't help but feel like an outcast and I must not be in the top percentage of parents. One of them has nicer people and some really good feedback on topics. I have stayed their for now only because there are some pretty funny memes at times. If you know me in real life, I can't pass them up.

Yall, I am not normal (according to other moms).

I.....

• feed my kids breakfast sandwiches (donut sticks, oatmeal creme pies....)
• we don't have chickens in our yard, we buy it from Sam's
• I don't know what gluten is really and we probably eat a ton of it
• We drink water, but we also drink Coke, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper
• I took my kids to the doctor and  (gasp) held them down to be vaccinated
• they got breast milk, but I pumped it into a bottle and when I went back to work, they got formula and you know what....they are FINE 
• I don't hate my husband
• I work, at a job, outside of the home
• I am a Christian
• I get along with my parents
• I don't want to pee in the bathroom with men, I have to share a bathroom with 4 at home and men and boys PEE EVERYWHERE
• We play in mud
• We play without shoes on in the yard and the dog craps out there
• Cloth diapers, are you kidding me? I had the Amazon shipment for four and half years for Luvs
• My children had their butts wiped with cold wipes
• We used bottles with disposable bags
• I pack their lunch in ziploc bags
• We eat lunchables
• We eat chips, corndogs, hotdogs, hamburgers, cheese dip..... BUT we also make them have things of nutritous value and they are not overweight
• I don't cook every meal and never do I make things from scratch
• They eat granola bars....we are that "crunchy" if you will. I am pretty sure the Great Value brand is rolled in sugar and pressed together, but they LOVE them.
• None of my kids have worn boutique anything and putting a Jon-Jon on my boy would have been in our divorce papers I am sure of it
• I use essential oils but because they are amazing and smell good and help my asthmatic allergy children breathe
• I don't like anybody running for president
• I don't have spa days, nail days....if I am not working, I like to be with my family
• I don't shop at Whole Foods, we hit up Walmart and Sam's
• We wear hand-me-downs
• We have spanking spoons galore
• They get Flintstone vitamins
• We use Paw Patrol and Superhero toothpaste
• We don't have the most expensive carseats
• We don't have all access membership passes to have something to do every afternoon, we play outside

You know what though? I have friends that do it all different then me. You know what else? That is ok. It is perfectly fine. The best part....Our kids are healthy, secure and know we love them. 

I could go on and on about what makes me not normal. You know what? People argue about this. I realize there are always opinions, but guess what? Everybody has one. Can you believe there are like knock down drag out behind the computer screen FIGHTS from GROWN women on FACEBOOK about this stuff?

Moms, let's pull it together. Your way is not always better. People have their own reasoning for the way they raise THEIR children. Your way is not the better or best always. There is room for discussion on hot topics, but can it not be done in a respectful manner?

You know what matters??? That kids are healthy, nurtured, and not neglected. It matters that kids have their basic needs met everyday. It matters that they know love. It matters that they have security. Those are examples of things that matter. The other? It is trivial.

Do what works for your family. Love your people and love them well. 

Stop with the judgement. 

Stop with the ridiculing and fighting and bashing. 

Stop with the hatred.

Stop being the Mean Girl who has no friends. 

Get you a good group and surround yourself with those you love and that love you in return. Get support from REAL RELATIONSHIPS and not the unreal world of Facebook. People behind a screen are not reality. Let's stop ripping each other apart. Let's work to build positive relationships. Be transparent. Stop striving to be someone you are not to fit in. 

Show Us Your Life-Cleaning/Organizing

Oh, cleaning. Oh, organizing. Holy Pinterest Fail!

Kelly is hosting a link up featuring the topics above. I am really excited to see the ideas.

I am an organizing freak. The other teachers at my school are always harassing me. I never keep papers, but I am organized. So, if it is time for a meeting and I am supposed to have a past paper, I don't, but my calendar looks fabulous.

I teach school. I have twin five year olds in kindergarten. I have a three year old that has just recently started a real daycare (my dad got sick), 2 dogs and a husband. We are very involved in our church. I have a TPT store. I have an ITWORKS side business. Our twins play baseball. Our life is quite hectic most of the time. Organization is a must.

1. The Book.
This thing is the holy grail of keeping my life together. I just cant do electronic calendars. I need paper and colorful pens and markers. If it isn't in here, it isn't happening because I will NOT remember. I absolutely love this planner.

2. The Board and Grocery List
This board gets done every month. Major activities are written here as well as the BOOK. Not all things make it here. This is also my dinner board. I write our meals out based on what is happening that day. Then, I search the pantry and make my grocery list accordingly.

3.Laundry.
Each child has a basket for their clean clothes that I fold. I fold laundry as it comes out of the drier. Eventually, when I can't reach the top of the piles of said baskets, it makes it to the drawers and closets. I can stretch pretty far:)

4. Kitchen.
I just did a major overhaul of all cabinets and drawers. If I have an organized kitchen, breakfast, dinner, and life seems to flow much more smooth.

5.TOYS.
Every toy has a home. There are buckets and bins in the boys rooms. Now, they don't always stay there, but there is a home for them when it comes time to clean. If I step on a lego, it goes in the box in my closet and I eventually give them back. Nothing infuriates me more than legos in my foot.

6. Cleaning.
I do one load of laundry every night and if I am feeling great, I do more. One COMPLETE load gets done daily though. I also clean one room per night (most of the time). If I can keep the main level clean, I am happy. The boys rooms are on the top level and so are all the toys. Nobody is ever up there except us and I choose not to make myself crazy with it.  I dust and keep the bathrooms clean up there once a week. We sweep regularly, but whatever happens up there stays up therex.  I have a love of air fresheners, candles, and wax burners.

Show Us Your Life-Beauty Products

Kelly, over at Kelly's Korner is hosting link ups again. I love these!

So, favorite beauty products.

1. This mascara. It is amazing. Several people thought I bought Younique. Nope, Walmart special.

The link it Target, but you get the point. 

2. Lip and Eye from ITWORKS. I live in Alabama. Your whole entire body gets covered in pollen every time you walk outside. Every morning when I wake up I have black, like I was punched in my sleep eyes and bags that look worse than my 102 year old great grandmother. Anyway, this stuff is black circle/baggy eye gold. I use it daily!

3. One day back in September, I got really hot and I was doing flowers for my cousins wedding. In a moment of weakness, I went and chopped about 8 inches off of my hair. I was a lot cooler, but my messy bun was gone. With summer approaching, I knew that was not an option. So, I started taking Hair Skin and Nails. My hair has grown right at 2.5" in 30 days and it goes off my neck now. 

4. This is a little strange I am sure.....Apple Cider Vinegar. Y'all, my face feels so smooth. It stings a little, but after washing my face every night, I wipe it down with apple cider vinegar. It is so soft. My pores are not visible and my sun spots are lightening. I don't even remember where I read this, but it is wonderful. 

5. Tea Tree Oil Shampoo. So, I use whatever shampoo we have. I add about 20 drops to a bottle and stir it well. I love that tingle of tea tree shampoo, plus my hair smells great, and the head lice letters from school don't terrify me AS bad.
I get all my oils from this place. I do not ingest them. Their prices are amazing. They work wonderfully, and they have ALL kinds of great information online. A nurse practitioner pointed me to them. She has used them for years. I am in no way affiliated with this company, I just love their oils, free shipping, and fast turn around.

I could go on for days with things I love and why. These are my top favorites right now though!