Tuesday Talk...

Happy Tuesday Girls!

 

Hope you all had a great weekend!  I have got to get my act together and start being more consistent about blogging!  Life has been so crazy lately!

 

 

We have just been plain busy over here lately!  So much going on, and just not enough hours in the day some days, to get it all done!  Mark has been SLAMMED at work lately...he is in his "busy season" right now, and we are pretty darn excited for that to all come to an end later this month.  It will be nice to have him home a little more! 

 

AJ has been KILLING it with fishing lately...if he isn't sleeping or at school, he is out back in a chair, fishing poles lined up, fishing away!  This kid was made to live on the water.

 

 

We have yet to keep any of the fish he has caught, he just catches them and releases them!  I am sure at some point we will keep and eat them!

 

In addition to normal day to day life, we have some other things going on too!  If you read my blog regularly, or follow me on social media, then you know that when we moved back in October, Harrison decided to stay back in Charlotte.  It was no secret that this was TOUGH for me!  It killed me leaving him there, but it was what he really wanted to do.  He loved his job, his life and his friends, and as much as I wanted him to come, I completely understood and supported him in his decision.  I have been so proud of him...he goes to work everyday pays his bills, and for the most part has been pretty responsible.  But...he is only 20, and though he works full time and makes a decent salary, it is tough to make it on your own and still be able to have fun and do the things he wants to do.  We can lecture our kids on the importance of saving for a rainy day, how important it is to save as much money as possible, and well 9 times out of ten, they all have to learn the hard way!  Ha!  Well last week I got that phone call that I knew sooner or later I would get..."mom my car just broke down...what should I do"....mind you I am 700 miles away!  Long story short...Harrison was making it on his own...paying his bills, being able to survive...but that was it.  Instead of saving for a rainy day, he had a TON of fun.  Many people may think I am mean or harsh, for not sending him a check to rescue him from this and make it all better, but I truly don't think we would be helping him.  Sometimes tough love is the best love.  He realized, after 8 months, that he wants more than to just get by.  He knows coming home for a few years, working, and saving all that he can will benefit him so much down the road.  So long story short....on April 23 Harrison is flying "home".  Him and Mark will be once again working together...and can I just say how awesome my husband is taking care of my boy!  Harrison of course is disappointed and a bit sad about leaving so much behind in Charlotte, but he will thrive here and no doubt will be super successful.  As a mother, I don't want to see any of my children struggle.  Now, I would be lying if I said I wasn't completely THRILLED to have all my kiddos here with me together again!  I know it will only be temporary, as he is anxious to get to work, save his money and get out on his own...but I am going to SOAK UP the time he is here!  AJ is so excited have him coming back.  The boys have missed him so much, and Olivia said, "Mommy I am so glad Harrison is going to be a part of our family again".

 

So that is all that is going on over here!  I will be busy over the next week and a half, getting things ready for Harrison...our house here isn't super big, so it is definitely going to take some creativity to make it all work!

 

See you guys back here tomorrow for a super fun link up with Erika and Shay!

 

 





Friday Favorites

Happy Friday Ladies!

 

Today I am linking up with Andrea , Erika and Narci and sharing my Friday Favorites.  Be sure you grab the graphic and link up too!

 

ONE

I love a cute tshirt, and I love supporting small businesses...this little pineapple tee is pretty much my favorite little shirt to throw on lately.  You can find my tee and other super cute stuff here . 

 

 

TWO

Tulips are a favorite around here for sure.  I have them all over my house...and never get tired of them!  Pretty fresh flowers are a for sure favorite!

 

 

THREE

A green thumb is something I wish I had, but sadly do not.  However we have a few pineapple trees in our yard and we are pretty excited that they seem to be doing well.  I am hoping we don't ruin these and we are able to enjoy them!  If anyone has pineapple trees and can give me any pointers, I would be appreciative:)

 

 

FOUR

This little jar of amazingness is probably my most used and most favorite product ever.  We have A LOT of humid days here in Florida, and this really keeps my hair somewhat under control.  And the smell...I just love it!  If you have never used it, you should definitely try it!

 

 

FIVE

So I know I am really late to this game, but back in December I joined Amazon Prime, and I am wondering how I ever lived without it before then. It is for sure my favorite!  Free two-day shipping...yes please!

 

So there are my favorites for this week.  I am not sure what we have going on this weekend...Mark has to work...BOO:(.  We are hoping for some great weather and spending lots of time outside for sure!  Hope you all have a great weekend!  See you back here Monday!

 





Words For Wednesday

Happy Wednesday Ladies!

 

Hope you are all having a great week so far! 

 

I saw this quote the other day, and it really resonated with me.  Isn't it so true, doesn't it feel like sometimes the worst things happen to the best people. 

 

Lately I find myself constantly asking the same question over and over again....why????  I feel like I can't even turn on the TV anymore without hearing about some awful tragedy, another innocent life being taken by the hand of some crazy person.  I mean it can really get super depressing.  I have learned that as crappy as these things are, focusing on all the bad and evil of this world is simply no way to go through life.  It definitely makes me so sad, and as a mom it is pretty scary raising children is this pretty messed up world.  But I do really try and focus on all the positive things, well because living in a bubble is just simply not an option...but seriously it should be right??!!

 

I try not focus on the ugliness of the world, I try and steer clear of the ugly people that have nothing better to do than cut others up, and I try and live my life the best that I can and provide as much happiness to my husband and kids as possible.  I listen to tragedy after tragedy on the news, and I don't allow myself to get consumed in it.  But that is so much harder to do when awful things happen to people who are close to you.  When we turn on the TV and hear these awful stories, we get sad, and think how awful it is, but when tragedy strikes close to home, for me anyway, it becomes so much more real.  Like holy cow, that could so easily happen to me, or one of my loved ones. 

 

I told you guys about my dear friend Talia last week, if you missed that post you can read it here .  Her husband was diagnosed with cancer about 5 years ago, and though he was sick, never did she expect to lose him so soon, it was definitely sudden and definitely unexpected.  It really hit me hard, someone my age losing their husband.  I have never known anyone that I was close to that has lost a spouse, I mean my heart breaks for my friend and her children.  We all just assume, we will live until we are old and gray, that we will retire, enjoy life with our spouse, watch our children grow up, get married, have a family of their own...that is how life is supposed to be.  People commit murder, are child molesters, yet they walk the streets and good people, like Brad get cancer, and are taken way too soon...to me gosh life is just so unfair!

 

This past weekend Mark and I were sitting outside and Jack came outside to let us know that one of his friends from back in Charlotte was killed earlier Saturday morning in a car accident.  I was so completely devastated.  14 years old...a young, brilliant life taken way too soon.  My heart breaks for the family, no parent should ever have to bury a child.  I was sad for Jack and his friends back home in Charlotte...to be so young, and to have to deal with a friend dying.  I mean why is life just so unfair sometimes. 

 

I am not a super religious person by any means, but I do believe in God, and they say God always has a plan, but man, lately I really question what exactly that plan is. 

 

This past week has once again shown me that life is short, and making the most of each day, making sure your loved ones know you love them, is just so important. 

 

Thanks for stopping by today!  See you back here tomorrow!

 



Show & Tell Tuesday

Happy Tuesday Ladies!

 

I feel like it has been FOREVER since I last blogged!  That first week back after a long break is always rough for us! 

 

Today I am linking up with Andrea for "Show & Tell Tuesday"...today we are talking about if we had our own talk show and who we would love to have on and interview!

 

Be sure you guys link up too!

 



I have been known to be somewhat of a "Chatty Cathy", I absolutely LOVE talking to people, and I think having my own talk show would be fantastic!  And I admit, I love watching talk shows, I have even loved an episode or two of Jerry Springer...ha!

 

If I was to have my very own talk show, it would be some type of NFL talk show...I know weird right!!!  I am a HUGE football fan, I get super sad when football season ends, and well my favorite day of the year is the very first NFL game of the season.  I have my favorite teams...love the JETS and the Panthers, but I really do love everything about the NFL and have lots of different players, from various teams that I just love. 

 

I would love the chance to interview players and coaches, and I would also love to interview the wives and families of the players and coaches. 

 

Often times we look at athletes and think they have such an amazing life, and I am sure for the most part they do, however I would imagine it is so hard on not only the players and coaches, but their wives and children when they are away from home so much.  I am sure the sacrifices are huge, and I would love the chance to talk to them and see how they make it all work. 

 

I also love hearing the stories, of the players, who had nothing more than a dream growing up, and I love hearing how their hard work paid off for them. 

 

So if I could have a talk show, you would see me on ESPN , the NFL Network or Sports Center, interviewing football players....to me that would be just awesome!

 

Can't wait to read about everyone else's talk shows:) 

 

Hoping to get my butt in gear this week and stay consistent with blogging!  Thanks for stopping by today!

 

Tuesday Talk

Happy Tuesday Girls!

 

It is ROUGH getting back into the groove of things after a two week spring break! 

 

 

The last few days I have been feeling pretty sad and heartbroken.  One of my dearest friends lost her husband over the weekend, and I am just completely heartbroken. 

 

When I moved to Charlotte 10 years ago, I was excited about what it was going to be like for our family, but I worried about making new friends, adjusting to a new place, you know all those things.  Well shortly after we moved into our house in Charlotte we got some new neighbors.  I remember peering through the windows checking them out, hoping it was a family with kids moving in.  I remember going outside, they were unloading their moving truck, and I introduced myself and I knew instantly Talia and I would become fast friends.  They had just moved from New York (I always love a fellow northerner)!  Her and her husband Brad were great people, and they had two children, and Brooke and her daughter were the same age and became fast friends also!  We eventually moved from that house, I went through a divorce, and our friendship never changed.  We would talk and text all the time, met for lunch, I could vent to her about what was going on in my life, and she was just always there for me.  She never judged, she was just my friend.  She was the first real, true friend I met in Charlotte and 10 years later, she is still one of my DEAREST friends.

 

I remember getting a phone call from her about 5 years ago, and she told me Brad was diagnosed with a very rare, terminal cancer, Myelofibrosis.  She was of course devastated, but she remained so positive and upbeat, they were going to fight this and win.  Over the last year or so, things got a little tougher, lots of doctor visits, ER visits, visits with specialists, and with that brought lots of stress, lots of medical bills, and even on the really tough days, she was still her witty, sarcastic self.  Her attitude, even when times were BAD, was so inspiring to me.  She always remained strong for Brad and her children. 

 

They were looking forward to leaving Charlotte early this summer and moving to Florida, they had always wanted to live here, (they are some pretty big Disney lovers)  and well I was super excited that we would share the same state again! 

 

Last week, like any other day, we were just texting like we pretty much do everyday, and she told me that Brad was having some headaches, bad ones, and they were heading to the ER, and she would keep me posted.  I really wasn't too worried for her, he had been to the ER a few times, and always was OK, so I just assumed that would be the case again, they would run a few tests, he would come home and all would be good....Oh God how I wish that is what happened.  She sent me a text saying he had a sub dural hematoma and was being transported to a different hospital...a procedure would be done within the next two days to drain and relieve the pressure.  It sounded bad, I was scared for her, but truly believed they would do this procedure and he would be OK.  They did the procedure, she once again texted me that it went well.  She was tired, worried and exhausted, but still kept her wittiness about her.  She really is a strong woman!  On Friday she told me there was more bleeding and it was pretty serious, a miracle was needed.  Saturday morning he was non responsive and taken to surgery, the bleed got worse.  I spoke with her after the surgery, and she told me their opinion was the surgery went well, they cleaned everything out, and they were just waiting for him to wake up.  Later that afternoon I received a text message from her that the bleeding didn't stop, and there was no more they could do, it was time to let him go.  I just stared at my phone, tears streaming down my face, why is life so unfair, and why do such horrible things happen to the best people?  My heart broke for her, I cannot even begin to imagine how she was feeling, having to say goodbye to her husband, her sweet children having to say goodbye to their father, I mean it sucks, it just really freaking sucks.  I spent the rest of the day feeling mad, angry, sad, such a mix of emotions.  Talia is strong, and I know she is going to get through this and be ok...that is just who she is.  The days are hard right now for her, her and her husband truly had an amazing love, they had a marriage and commitment to each other and to their children, that sadly you just don't see enough of these days.  I wish I could take some of her pain away, but I know that I can't. 

 

His cancer was terminal, but they never expected to lose him this soon.  With illness always comes huge expenses, and it truly does make me sick everything that is going on with healthcare these days (that rant can't wait for another day), and its awful that families have to worry about all this during such a trying time.  A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help with the funeral costs for Brad, feel free to share it if you would like, you can find it here . 

 

Please keep Talia, and her children, Angie and Matt in your prayers over the next few days as they prepare to say their final good byes to the man they loved with all they had. 

 

Life is really so short, and tomorrow is never guaranteed for any of us.  I remember back when my mother in law was battling cancer, she had a sign in her kitchen that simply read "live for today...hope for tomorrow"...and that is really all we can do.  Make every day count, make sure your loved ones know you love them...never get too busy to forget to say I love you.

 

Thanks for stopping by today! 



Let's Talk

  

Happy Monday Ladies!

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter!  Ours was low key, and nice.  We are still learning to adjust to the holidays and not having any family around!

Today I am linking up with Andrea and Erika for their monthly "Let's Talk" link-up.  Be sure to grab the graphic and link up too!

And below is the list for the rest of them!

Today it's all about Moms...and what I love most about my life is being a mom.  Ever since I was little girl, all I ever wanted was to grow up, get married and be a mom.  I guess I can say my dreams came true.  As I am sure any mom out there would agree, being a mom is the hardest, yet most rewarding job ever.  I have been a mom for 24 years, and I have definitely had my share of bad days, but I wouldn't trade a single second, not even the really tough times, being a mother has brought me so much happiness. 

Sometimes I still can't believe I have adult children, I feel like just yesterday they were born!  I was a very young mom, I was 18 when Brooke was born.  People would, and still do, ask me if I regretted having a child so young, if I feel like I missed out on things because I had a child so young.  I never once ever thought I had missed out on anything, honestly I felt the exact opposite.  I would never recommend to anyone to have a baby at 18, because it just isn't easy, but I wouldn't change a thing.  I never once felt I missed out on anything...I had a perfect little baby, who filled my life with so much meaning and love.  Yes I was forced to grow up quickly, I had real responsibilities, and though my family was extremely supportive of me, my mom made it VERY clear to me that this was my child, my responsibility.  Kenny and I had to figure out a way to make it all work, pay for diapers, formula, childcare, doctor visits...I was forced to grow up REAL quick, but I wouldn't change a thing.  Yes our friends were going out, taking vacations, spending their money on all sorts of fun stuff, and there we were, two young kids, I was 18 and Kenny was 23, working our butts off to have just enough money for the baby's necessities.  Some days were really tough, but we stuck together, and did what we needed to do to provide for this new little family that we chose to have.  For us, it worked out, we got married and went on to have 4 more children. 

Motherhood has been everything I thought it would be and more, and then so much that I never expected.  I remember when I had Brooke, my heart seriously could have exploded, I was so in love with my daughter, and I remember when I found out I was pregnant with Harrison I was scared, scared I wouldn't be able to love him near as much as I loved Brooke, I mean how could I???  It really is true what they say, you don't have to divide the love, it just multiplies...and I have seen it happen 5times.  A mother always has enough love!  It really is amazing! 

Being a mom is TOUGH, and I always find myself questioning if I am doing a good job, and then I quickly remember, there is no such thing as a "perfect mom", everyday I just do the best that I can, and hope and pray that I am raising my children to be good people.  That is really all we can do right?  Over the years I have questioned a lot of my parenting, but as a mother with two adult children, I can look at them and know that no I was never a "perfect" mom, I definitely did something right.  All those times I thought they weren't listening to me, they were, there is truly no greater joy than looking at your adult child knowing they turned out great.

I am so fortunate to have been blessed with an amazing mother, and a grandmother that was simply the BEST!

My mom....my biggest supporter, my biggest critic and my best friend.  My mother is an amazing woman, and one of the strongest women I know.  If I can be half the mother to my children that she was to me, I will be lucky.  My mother instilled in me from a very young age how truly important family is.  She showed me that nothing is given, it must be earned.  She taught me that hard work is the only way to succeed.  She taught me that sitting around complaining about things doesn't do a damn bit of good, you get out there and you make the changes you need to, in order to find happiness.  She taught me that money doesn't buy happiness, but being a good person, having morals, values and standards and always doing the right thing, even when it's easier not to, brings the truest of happiness. 

This woman....my grandmother...how lucky am I that I got to have her in my life for 40 years!  My grandmother, one of a kind!  She was always the life of the party, she was opinionated and always spoke her mind, no matter what!  She was the leader of our family, no one loved her family like my granny did.  She amazed me!  She had 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, I can't tell you what it means to me knowing that all my 5 children knew her and have a memory of her.  Family was all that mattered to my grandmother, she passed that on to my mother, who passed it on to me, and I am so thankful for that! 

So that is my story of motherhood, what being a mom is to me, and the two amazing women who I am fortunate enough to call mom and grandma!

Hope you guys have a great day!  See you back here tomorrow!



Friday Favorites

Hooray it's Friday!!!

 

Today I am linking up with Andrea , Erika and Narci and sharing my Friday Favorites.  Be sure you grab the graphic and link up too!

 

ONE

Sweet treats are always a favorite for me....my hubby brought me home some apple turnovers the other night, and well super yummy!  And that book on the ottoman...it is quickly becoming a favorite too!  And I am still LOVING my sneakers from J Crew.  I wear them a TON, and they are pretty comfortable.  I sized down a half size in these and they fit great!  If you are looking for a great, cute pair of sneakers, definitely check them out!

 

 

TWO

I have a strong love for anything pineapple...this little pineapple pencil holder arrived this week, and well, it is now my favorite little vase! 

 

 

THREE

Every year I get a Shamrock Shake, just one, and well I had it this past week, and it is just so delicious!  Sweet treats...always always a favorite for me!

 

 

FOUR

Spending time outside is a favorite for all of us over here!  I know I post way too many pics of our backyard, but guys....the view is seriously just breathtaking...it never ever gets old!

 

 

FIVE

My candle arrived this week from Anthropologie and I am LOVING it!  This has been my favorite candle for a while now, and as part of my birthday gift, my mom got me the giant size one, and it is awesome!  A great smelling house and a pretty candle are always a favorite for me!

 

 

SIX

Chico loves his dog bed...he picks it up in his mouth, drags it all over the house, plops it down and jumps in and goes to sleep.  This puppy and all his craziness is definitely a favorite!

 

 

SEVEN

This was my favorite outfit from this week, and I am wearing my favorite new earrings , they are the perfect little every day earring..super lightweight and not too big, but large enough to be noticed!  I have had this chambray shirt FOREVER and I got it at Target for like $15!  My shorts are new this season and I am LOVING them!  I love Old Navy...super cute and inexpensive!  Definitely a favorite for me!  My fun necklace is from Anthro from the fall and sadly I couldn't find it online:(

 

 

Those are my favorites for the week!  I am looking forward to enjoying the three day weekend with the kiddos.  It's back to reality next week!  Olivia has been home for the past two weeks on spring break, I have loved having her home with me, but I am looking forward a bit to having some routine back in our days!  Hope you all have a wonderful Easter!  See you back here Monday!