Tuesday, August 23, 2016

25 Things I've Learned Before I Turned 25

25 Things I Learned Before I Turned 251. Life does not get easier with age.
2. Adult-ing is a class that I wish they would have taught in high school... The important things like what to make for dinner, how to balance a budget, how to handle a sh*tload of laundry, how to get poop/vomit out of every surface in your house and how to not vomit when you see poop/vomit on every surface in your house.
3. Once I had kids, I didn't realize (that people were serious) I would never go to the bathroom alone again. It's like my tush hits that ivory throne, and everyone has something to ask/tell me.

4. People make mistakes. I've always believed that it's the decisions you make going forward that define you.


5. I cannot change anyone. I can only change myself. I can be the change I want to see in my household.
6. I like to think that my children are the reason that we can’t have nice things, but without fail, every time that I say, “Don’t spill that”; “Don’t drop that”; “Watch out!”. I end up breaking, spilling, running into, said object. I am the reason we can’t have nice things.
7. I really did marry my best friend. Austin drives me crazy, always knows how to make me laugh, knows how to make me cry, isn’t afraid to tell me when I have cheese on my face and is the best person I could grow up with.

8. I’m really glad that I got married earlier in life. I think that my husband and I got to grow up together. I didn’t get a chance to live on my own, create my own bad habits, get used to being by myself and I’m okay with that. I went from living with my parents, to taking care of my own family and figuring out how that works. I had to put my selfish mindset aside (it didn’t happen easily at first) and really focus on my family. 

9. I didn’t know that once I had kids, I was also signing an agreement to be farted on daily for the next 18 years. Oh and that my husband would think this was hilarious as well.
10. BOOBS. Enjoy them while they are YOURS. Once I got married/had kids, they became other people’s playthings/source of food. I miss when I could go a whole day without my boobs being touched. Just enjoy it. Enjoy your boobs while they are yours
11. Everything I ever did to my parents, I regret daily. I see the attitude and the rebellion that they had to deal with growing up. I thought that maybe I would know how to talk to my kid, because I remember being a kid (it wasn’t that long ago). I thought wrong. I don’t know how to get anyone to listen to me.
12. FREE should be my middle name. Seriously. Anything at all that I could get for free, I will attempt to get. I will go to events strictly because there is free food/object/activity. If gas wasn’t an issue, I would drive to get free things all over town. It’s not because I’m cheap, I just like the idea of not spending money.

13. I cannot wait to be an empty nester. I love my kids, and I MIGHT have more (OMG NOT FOR LIKE THREE YEARS). But the thought of becoming an empty nester is exhilarating to me. I’ve never gotten an opportunity to just live with Austin. We will have time where it’s just the two of us. I could count on my hand the times we’ve had where it’s just us (one of those being our honeymoon). I have all these plans for all the crazy things we are going to do in a house without kids, but knowing us, we will probably just end up doing the same things we already do. OR we will be trying to hang out with our kids as much as possible. 
14. I don’t need as many things as I want. This sentence is a little confusing, but I’ve realized that sometimes I think that I need to watch 4 episodes of a TV show before I do “x”… but really, I’m just procrastinating. I have been working towards being less of a procrastinator, I want to be someone who gets things done BEFORE they are due. (This is something I’ve struggled with all of my life).
15. Just because it isn’t socially acceptable, doesn’t mean I’m doing something wrong. There are several things in my life that have happened that aren’t “socially acceptable”. I won’t go through and name them all here. I just know that I am doing what is best for my family. If I went through my life trying to collect stars and make my black dots fall off, I would miss the point of trying to define myself through God’s eyes. Finding my true worth in God has helped me every step of the way. There are so many people in my life who have helped me remember that your true worth is found through looking at yourself through God’s eyes.
16. Community. As much as I’d like to apply the saying, “It’s Us Against the World” to my life, it couldn’t be more wrong. I need help. I don’t think that we were meant to live without community. I need people to speak wisdom into my life. I need people to come and jump my car battery when it dies. I need some butter when I run out and decided to make brownies (before checking and AFTER running to the store already). I think that there is a reason for church. I think church is the place to connect with others. I have met so many amazing people through church activities. I cannot thank them enough for their influence and help in my life. I aspire to get a point in my life where I can give back to others, like I have been given to in the past.
17. Money doesn’t buy happiness; it just adds stress. At the end of the day, I’m not looking at my bank account, I’m looking at my family. I know that money adds to your financial stability, and it’s nice to be sitting under a roof that’s paid for. I would still be happy if we were all living in a tent in someone’s backyard. I don’t think my children and husband would be happy, but I would still make the best of the situation. I think that’s something else I’ve learned too. 
18. I always choose to see the silver lining. There are very few times in my life where I see all the negative. I always try to approach the situation in a positive light. I am hopeful about the future. God gives me that hope. I know that there is no definite, and I don’t know anything for sure about the future. I know that God knows. I have hope in God. I have great comfort about the future. 
19. You can never have enough pictures. I love how in society today it is so easy to capture a moment. I love taking pictures of life with my family. Even just pictures of us all hanging out in the morning in bed. They aren’t professional, my house is a mess and they aren’t going on Facebook. BUT I love to look back on them and remember. I know that my kids will have these pictures to look back on as well. This is also why I’m going to make my husband take as many pictures as possible on my birthday.
20. I love my birthday. It is usually celebrated during the whole month of August. I don’t think that it’s silly or childish or immature to enjoy your birthday. I like being the center of attention (around my loved ones) and I like feeling the love. Receiving gifts is my love language, and it’s one of the days of the year where I get a ton of gifts.  I love it when people give me cards filled with words of encouragement. I love handmade gifts that I can use throughout the year. I love thoughtful gifts that remind me that people around me really do pay attention to me.

21. I am a huge hypocrite. I don’t think there is anything that I can do to change it. I reserve the right to change my mind. Sometimes I learn things that make me have a different opinion than what I had previously. Sometimes I say that I will never play such a stupid game like Pokémon Go, and then two months later we are pulling over at the three Poke Stops on Browns Bridge because they are on the way home and WE DON’T HAVE ANY POKEBALLS. I think that this okay though. I am a constantly changing and growing human being. My word can change sometimes, I think that just means I’m human (and contrary to what my husband/kids believe, I DON’T know EVERYTHING.)
22. I must take care of myself before I take care of my children. When I had Madelynn, she was extremely harder than Brayden was. I was thrown for a loop (especially since it was around Christmastime and there was a ton of unneeded stress). I had been planning for nine months to do the same things I had done with my previous son, and those were all thrown out the window at the hospital. It took me a few weeks to realize (well, my mother told me), that I am useless if I am a crying, dirty, mess. If I don’t take the time to feed myself, take my vitamins, clean myself then what good am I going to be to the kids? I have really learned to make sure that I have that time to myself, before I take care of the kids. Yes, this means that I have to get up earlier in the morning, after staying up late because I want MORE time without the kids and with my husband. But learning on how to function on little sleep is just another thing you learn as an adult. Maybe I’ll be like my friend one day and I’ll go to bed at 3 AM!! 
23. I am socially awkward. I have gotten more and more socially inept, by being a stay at home mom. A lot of my conversation throughout the day, is when I am talking back to the TV. No, I’m not joking. I can see why people watch shows like “The View” because I get to feel like I’m a part of an important discussion with adults. When really I’m just feeding the baby for the umpteenth time today, or steam cleaning my floor. I’m okay being socially awkward. I leave parties when I feel uncomfortable (and I regret it for months later). I say things that people wouldn’t say behind closed doors, and I say them WAYY too loud in a grocery store. I laugh too loud (but not as loud as my mother). I mess my up words; I tell my kids to put their shoes in the trash can. I’m okay with all these things. I have accepted that I am this way, and people can take it or leave it. 

24. On Fridays, we eat pizza. Doesn’t matter what kind of pizza, but if we don’t have it for dinner, it doesn’t feel like a Friday.
25. I have really struggled with turning 25. All I ever wanted in life was to be married, with kids, and carry the daily struggles of life. Welp, here I am! I did it. Way sooner than I expected. So what is next in life? What is the direction that I am going (with myself)? Is there more for me? Those are questions I’ve been asking all year. All I have discovered is that God has a plan. I don’t know that plan, but I will follow it, whatever it may be. I am willing to be willing to do what God has in store for my life. I am willing to be his instrument in this life. He has entrusted me with a family, who needs me. They not only need me to function, but their emotional states need my presence as well. I have never been so needed in my life. I have a purpose right now, and it’s to be me. I can continue to work on being the best me there is.




Monday, August 1, 2016

Hope Unfolding: Grace-filled Truth For The Momma's Heart by Becky Thompson Review

Title: Hope Unfolding: Grace-Filled Truth For The Momma's Heart
Author: Becky Thompson
Back Cover:
God’s love, plans, and promises for you are forever unfolding.
I get it, Momma. I totally get it.Every day you wake up and try your very best. You love, give, and pour out your life for the ones who call you Momma. But no matter how much you offer, there are still days you feel as though you come up short. You worry, Am I loving these babies enough? Is this ever going to get easier? Why does it seem like I am the only one who cannot balance it all? 
Sometimes, we just need hope (and maybe a long uninterrupted nap). We need someone to help tune our hearts to the voice of the Father and to remind us that He has not forgotten about us.In Hope Unfolding, Becky Thompson is a friend who reminds you that you aren’t alone, and that God is still writing your story. She guides you to encounter the Truth of God’s presence that not only fuels you with strength, but also a fresh confidence. And beyond gaining faith that tomorrow could be different, you find hope and purpose where you are standing today.

Review:
Talk about diving into a novel where you meet your new best friend.... Hope Unfolding by Becky Thompson is just that! I don't know if it's just because the season of my life right now, or if it's like this for everyone... but I have to say I LOVED this book. I was hooked from the first chapter. Now, I have never heard of Becky Thompson or her blog Scissortail Silk before. From reading the book, you find out that she started out as a mommy fashion blogger! How cool is that. I love the community of bloggers out there, especcially if it brings a person like Becky who has such a great message to share!

She speaks to moms right where we are. She has been there before and has gotten through it! I started reading this book right before going to see the movie Bad Moms. I have say that this book put the message from Bad Moms into a better "package". I say it this way to point out that we need to extend the grace and the hope that God gives us to other mother's around us. This book is the tool to extend that grace and hope to you. Becky goes through her personal life and situations, relates them back to God and shows you how to apply it to your life.
At the end of each chapter are "Let's Talk" sections. I loved these because they opened up a channel for journaling, which is a new thing for me. I was able to really delve into myself, and take that time to discover a new facet of me. Then she would pray in "Let's Pray", and I loved these because she was praying with you. The whole book is like a private journal from Becky Thompson, that she wrote just for you. I love it when books feel so personalized.

It really spoke to me where I am in my life right now (with my 5 year old starting kindergarten and my 7 month old destroying my house!). She inspired me and kept me in the word of God. I would highly recommend this to any mom who feels like a "Bad Mom". This book really lays out the kind of hope and grace that God extends to us.
READ THE FIRST CHAPTER FOR FREE.
Go to this page, click on "Click here to download Chapter One"
About the Author:

Becky Thompson began blogging under the name Scissortail SILK, quickly drawing a global audience of millions. A self-professed city girl, Becky is a recent transplant to northwest Oklahoma, where she lives with her husband, Jared, their three young children, and whatever critters wander in from the wheat field behind their house. You can connect with Becky online at www.BeckyThompson.com or join her and the thousands of other grace-filled moms who are a part of the Scissortail SILK community on Facebook.

Video:
Other books:

I just saw (when I was publishing this review around) that she will have a new book coming out on January 3rd 2017!! I am SO STOKED! I cannot wait to read a book about marriage! <3
                 

Disclaimer: I received this book free as part of their Blogging for Books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Daily Wisdom for Women 2017 Devotional Collection Review


Title: Daily Wisdom for Women - 2017 Devotional Collection
Author: Barbour Publishing
Back Cover: Experience an intimate connection to your heavenly Father with the Daily Wisdom for Women devotional collection. Featuring a powerful devotional reading and prayer for every day of 2017, this beautiful volume provides inspiration and encouragement for your soul. Enhance your spiritual journey with the refreshing readings—and come to know just how deeply and tenderly God loves you.
Review:
As stated in my previous review, I have a collection of devotionals. I get new ones every year, so that I'm never reading devotionals that I've read before. My lovely mother makes sure I'm never out of stock. This devotional is set to come out for the 2017 year! It starts on January 1st. What a way to start the new year with a new devotional made for that day.
Each day starts with a scripture, a theme, a devotional and a prayer. I love having a theme to focus on for the day. A simple phrase that I can come back to, and remind myself of the verse. The verses are all in NLT so that they are easy to understand and comprehend. This is important, usually when I can't understand a version I look it up on the computer so that I can put it into a different version. Saving the time to look up different translations is key!
This is a devotional that I can use on the go for the busy mornings! I can start my day off right with these uplifting and thought provoking devotionals. If you are looking for something to expand your mind, but won't take up all of your morning. I would look no further than this devotional right here! Can't wait to incorporate it into my daily devotionals in 2017!! 

Disclaimer: I received this book free as part of their Blogging for Books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

365 Encouraging Verses of the Bible for Women A Hope-Filled Reading for Every Day of the Year Review


Title: 365 Encouraging Verses of the Bible for Women A Hope-Filled Reading for Every Day of the Year
Author: Barbour Publishing
Back Cover:
The Bible is filled with thousands of fascinating verses that describe God, people (including ourselves), and the world we live in. Some of them make us confident in our faith, while others puzzle us.
The Old and New Testament scriptures in these pages may be favorite verses you learned as a child or those you've wondered about for a long time. Some you may have never noticed before. Whatever the case, 365 Encouraging Verses of the Bible for Women is designed to help you appreciate the World and walk more deeply in it. Here you can daily share the authors delight in well-known scriptures, come to know some elusive verses better and feel encouraged to make each one part of your own life, and meditate on the soul-stirring prayers.
The Bible is the most wonderful book on earth. As these verses challenge your faith, encourage your soul, and help you understand more about the God who loves you, His words will touch your heart and soul-and you'll be encouraged to make them an everyday part of your vibrant spiritual life. 

Review: I have to say, I am a huge fan of devotionals. I'm not sure if anyone else does this, but I usually have about two-to-three devotionals at a time that I am reading. I just feel like there is a message out there for the day, and I want to be exposed to it. I like to read different books with different unrelated things each day. Some days they all line up and they have a profound meaning on my day. Doesn't happen often, but when it does it's a nice treat. This book is one of those books that I can use. It has 365 verses paired with a small paragraph about the verse and a prayer at the end. They take less than 15 minutes to read, and they are very engaging.
They are written by several different authors, who are named in the back of the book. All of the authors are eloquent, and really have a heart for God. These devotionals really encourage you on your walk with Jesus. They are affirming and uplifting.
One that really touched my heart was about Colossians 3:16. I don't want to put the whole devotional in the review, but one line that really stuck with me was this: "When we spend time in God's Word, we find peace, wisdom and contentment that we get from no other place. This is a peace we love to have!"
I find that starting my morning in the Word, even if it's just a short devotional like this, refocuses my mind for the day. If I get up in the morning, and turn on the news, I find that I am in a negative and downward mindset. Starting the day off right is important! 
I am thrilled to add this devotional to my collection. I would recommend it to anyone who needs a little hope in their life. 

Disclaimer: I received this book free through Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255