We're Pregnant!

Yes, we're pregnant!!!

 

 

 

We're so excited to share that we are pregnant with Baby #3! It has been such a journey to get here. For those of you who kept up with my school thing, you know that after having Easton I went that route and planned to take it as far as I could. I struggled with that decision only b/c I knew how the timing would be...I would have started my 2 years this January and Easton would be 5 by the time I finished. I knew that I probably wouldn't have another one at that point. The struggle came in because we wanted another baby, both of us. We just felt like God was giving us an opportunity with school and felt like He was confirming that for us along the way. Once I had applied and interviewed, I told Heath that I truly would be happy with being accepted or denied- because if denied we'd start trying. Well, I never planned on being accepted and denied (they shut the program down), but I still was excited about trying to conceive. So we tried....and nothing....and nothing....and nothing. I wish I could say I was a bright, positive ball of light during this time, but I wasn't. I was worried, I was angry, I was confused, and then I started to wonder if something was wrong. It was such a lonely feeling, will probably write a post on that in the future. Finally....

 

 

 

 

7 positive pregnancy tests later........ our baby!!

 

 

 

 

So EXTREMELY glad school was cancelled. I know I would have went that route, and I'm so thankful for this addition to our family. This baby almost didn't happen.

 

I'm due at the end of February, and with me being only 8 weeks, I hadn't planned on sharing the news just yet, BUT, my body on the other hand had other plans....



Not pregnant                                  Pregnant!



I couldn't hide that bump! It just came from nowhere?! I was like, either I share the news or people are going to wonder. I felt so self-conscience at church for awhile, and now I'm glad it's out there- that is not chips & salsa, it is our baby!!!

The ultrasound confirmed it's just one baby (whew), we can confirm that it will be our last, and I 100%, without a doubt, do not care what the sex of this baby is. I've had SOOOOO many ask, "but you secretly want a girl, right?" No, actually, I don't secretly want anything. I have 2 awesome, sweet  boys who loooooove their Mama and I'm in no hurry to give up the princess title here. ;) I've only had one negative comment that "it would just be weird if I had another boy." Ha- sorry that I don't feel the same!! I'd be honored to raise all boys, as long as they know they come home to me for Christmas!!



Zumba!

My soul has found it's true love..........Zumba!!!!!!!!!

I was hesitant to go, and now I'm so glad Rachel asked me. It's finally the one form of exercise I LOVE. We tear up the floor every week, don't we girl?

 

Some of the benefits of Zumba-

 

I can testify that it does burn some major calories- you'll leave there feeling it! My first night I came home starving and ate 3 helpings of dinner, ha ha. Paired with AdvoCare it helped tone things that needed toning.

 



We had 80's night back in March and just had 90's night last week. An excuse to crimp my hair? I was so excited to try it- although I had NO idea what a process it would be! I didn't have a crimper (or know anyone with one), so I braided it while it was damp, let it dry, sprayed it with hairspray, and that was some BIG hair!! I did love the body it gave me, but don't think I'll make it an everyday look. ;) Heath kept saying, "You just....look....different." Ha ha!

Before:

 

 

After:

 My hair was BIG!!!

 

 

80's night was fun, but I didn't know most of the music. 90's night, however, was the time of my life! We threw it back to Britney, Christina, MC, Spice Girls, "Macarana", "Barbie Girl", "Jump Jump", it was SO fun! Here's some pics they took on their phone- some are crazy angles!

 





That last one kind of makes me look like I have a halo...!

This is our instructor Danielle (on the left), who is an amazing dancer. I've never been to another Zumba class before, but I've heard it's a lot of salsa/reggae- not so with Danielle. Most of the routines she makes up to current music and it's just a blast dancing to them. After the hour I'm dripping with sweat...y'all wanted to know that, right?



80's Night
Danielle and Lacey

 

 

 

If you want to try it, first class is free at the Rec Dept!!!

Mon., Wed., Thur., 6:25-7:25pm



Saturday's Mixer

Hosting and attending events is probably one of the things I enjoy most about working for a company like AdvoCare. I like talking and meeting new people, I love the products and sharing my results (hello 24 day challenge), and something I've just recently tapped more into is the income opportunity. I started out for the discount, worked my way to Advisor level, and was happy there for the past two years. My products were paid for, we were bringing in extra income, and I was good.

Watching Danielle and her husband, Jonathan, really take off with the company is what made me want to know more. I watched Danielle go from being a full-time teacher, to being able to supplement her teaching income within one year. She came home from work to be with Baby Jase May of 2013. Their next goal? To bring her husband home from work too. What?! Sounded crazy- I had heard of stay at home Mom's, sure, but a stay at home family? I don't know one....not one. This past May they brought Jonathan home from work. They are the first stay at home family I know. Their friend who got them started? He just paid off his mortgage- in 6 years. WHAT?! Now I was listening.

Danielle came over Sat morning around 10am and stayed until almost noon, sharing with us her incredible testimony: how many families she's been able to help since she's started, the people she meets while traveling, the trips she earned, Success School in August. I already know why I enjoy doing what I do, but it was so refreshing to have her come and give me encouragement. She speaks at many events all over the country and I was very thankful for her time here!

 

 

In a nutshell, Advocare does two things- helps people get in the best shape of their life, and offer income opportunity. Whether it's to pay off debt, save for retirement, pay for college, get out of a dead-end job, or even just the small things- gas, groceries, gifts, etc. We're on one income and just having extra gas money sometimes is a big help- I'd love to be able to help add to our household, or even cover our next car payment so it's less stress on Heath to provide everything. I've met some sweet families and connected with people that I otherwise probably wouldn't have met.

 

One of the biggest perks is picking your own team: I get to choose who I work with- not just ensuring people of good, moral character, but also those with integrity who want to better their families lives too. You can tell the difference!

Thanks again for coming out Danielle. We had a great time!!

AdvoCare

I can't believe my 2-year anniversary is coming up with Advocare this fall. It's truly impacted our household so much more than I thought it would. I started their products only for weight loss, joined their company only for a discount, and have learned about what an amazing company they are over the past two years.

I've gotta blow the biggest myth out of the water right off: Advocare is NOT a magic anything. I often hear, "Please tell me what to eat....please share with me your recipes...but don't push Advocare on me." Advocare IS a healthy lifestyle. It IS a health wake-up call. So often I see people buy a 24 day challenge, tell me they can do it on their own, and I don't hear from them again. So often Advocare is underutilized, and the free tools they give you to succeed are looked over.

Advocare has a 24 day challenge- yes. It helped me lose the baby weight- yes. But it also taught me the "why's". Why was I doing what I was doing for 24 days? What were my long-term goals? Just to lose weight now? How about not gain in back after 24 days? How about to not gain so much next pregnancy? What about my energy levels- did I want to wake up tired, drink caffeine through my morning to catch up with the day, and crash again after lunch? Over time, my long term goals got bigger. I wanted debt freedom, I wanted time freedom! I wanted my husband home more so we could actually see him for longer than three hours day (half hour in am, and 2 1/2 in evening before boys went to bed). I wanted to work for a company who let me do my thing from home! Love this excerpt from Danielle's blog:

"Categories that describe the majority of families in today’s culture:

1. Both parents work to provide for the family, and the children spend a large chunk of the time each day with caregivers other than mom and dad. Family time is often rushed with homework, school projects, meals on the go, practices, television, etc.,

2. Dad makes good money so mom can stay home, but he works lots of hours and/or travels a lot, missing quality time with the children. Or vice versa. (Honestly, we’d rather struggle financially.)

3. The family lives on one-income, but struggles financially to make ends meet. This often leads to stress, worry, more debt, and marital strife."


We were #3. Advocare gave us a solution.

I want to open up my home to those who are seriously interested in hearing more about this incredible company. Bring your spouse, get all your questions answered at once.

Danielle has offered to lead this information-packed meeting in my living room, this Saturday morning, the 21st, at 10am.

Please text me or respond here if you are interested in attending. We'll have your Spark ready. :)

Sonography

Today is deadline day. It's the day that majority of the medical programs at ATC set their deadline to apply to be in the next graduating class. If accepted, you begin your two year program in August. It's hard to believe one year has passed now, that this was my interview time last year and I was planning my future as a DMS student.

Heath and I discussed it, and didn't really have to pray long over it. We knew that June would come and go, and I would not apply for another medical program. I reread what I wrote last year, how strongly I felt that this is God's answer- not right now. I still don't understand the "why", but I feel the same- God is crystal clear with that shut door. Over the past few months I've wrestled with applying anyways, thinking- hey, I'd probably get in, considering what happened. I could start school doing something I didn't really want to do, take a lot of time away from my family doing something I wasn't truly interested in, and pay a lot of money for someone to teach me something I don't feel called to do. After all, the world would encourage that. "Go make a name for yourself. Go make a lot of money. Go be somebody."

I'm so glad I'm a daughter of the King who's love letter tells me,

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6: 33-34

"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'" 1 Samuel 16:7

"You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." 1 Peter 3:4

So June's deadline will pass without me chasing another program. I feel that if I went after something now, it would be because of a sense of entitlement, or worse, for the money. For me, sonography was something I've been passionate about since I've had Cory. It was something I could see myself doing and loving. It's easy for others to say, "Just be a vet tech. You could do it. Or clean teeth- be a hygienist. Don't waste the work you just did." It's not wasted- God will use it. No thanks to chasing other programs. I have no desire for that race either. I'm still getting to do what I love, everyday!

 

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

                                                and do not lean on your own understanding.
                                                                           In all your ways acknowledge him,
                                                   and he will make straight your paths."

Proverbs 3: 5-6

 

FREE- $10 of Summer Fun for the Family

Last year this particular blog post was such a hit, I decided to repeat it again this summer!

I've compiled a small list of some local events that my kids have loved, and I'm so excited that I can write them all down here and have them to look back on. Feel free to try them out too, share your experiences here, or add to my list. We'd love to try out something new!

Go to the zoo FREE. All you need to do is go to your local library, watch a video about the Atlanta Zoo, and they give you 4 free passes (2 adults, 2 kids) to be used within 7 days. It was AWESOME.

North Georgia Zoo, Cleveland. $8 Adult, $6 Child (2-11), Under 2 is free! http://www.northgeorgiazoo.com/

NEW Splash pad in Athens! The fee is $1 per person and operating hours are Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

Gwinnett Braves in Buford! Their lawn seats are only $6/person. http://www.milb.com/tickets/singlegame.jsp?sid=t431

FREE bowling! Yep, go to www.kidsbowlfree.com, sign up for your children, and pick your location. It emails you passes weekly that allows your child to bowl 2 free games per day.

Here's the website for Mall of Ga's free kids movies and concerts all summer long: http://www.regmovies.com/Movies/Summer-Movie-Express#Georgia

Stone Mountain! Only $10 to get in. We pack a lunch, eat on the lawn, climb the mountain, and the laser show starts at 8:30 or 9:30- check the times before you go!

Athens: University 16 Kids Summer Movies: http://mommyoctopus.com/2014/05/athens-university-16-kids-summer-movies/

Funopolis, Commerce- be very careful with this one. Their individual attractions are priced affordably, it's when you combine ALL of them is when it becomes expensive. We tell our children beforehand, we are here ONLY for the inflatables ($5) and/or mini-golf/mini-bowling ($3), and when the time is up, we will be leaving....to eat at Chick-fil-a of course.

The Pottery Palette, Commerce- choose your pottery piece to paint, make it your own. Prices range up to $10.

Home Depot Kids Workshop- review the schedule for the next Sat near you, but it's free projects for the kids.

Jefferson Library- Storytime on Tue and Thur at 10:30am. Review their schedule for their Civic Center shows, Thursdays at 2pm. Upcoming events include a puppeteer, petting zoo, science lab, reptile man, and a juggler, all free.

Splash Zone, Gainesville- Water park! Under 2 is free, and ages 3-59 are $8.

Everland, Buford- Indoor playground! Under 10 months are free, 10 months-2 years $6, 3-12 years $10.

Tubing- Helen, up to $5/tube. Dahlonega, up to $6/tube.

Website for Athens parents, full of local events, some free, some cheap: http://athensparent.com/calendar/

Parks:

• Duncan Creek Park, Hamilton Mill- huge playground!!! Both my boys love it and it's hard to find something they both enjoy with the age gap.

Sandy Creek Park, Athens- they have a beach! $2 for anyone aged 4-64.

Hurricane Shoals Park, Commerce- free and bring a tube for the water!

Memorial Park, Athens- playground, lake, and small zoo, all free.

World of Wonder Playground, Athens: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g29209-d2343136-Reviews-World_of_Wonder_Playground-Athens_Georgia.html

Yellow River Game Ranch, Lilburn- it's a drive, yes, but my kids love to see all the animals! The deer will literally walk right up to you. $7 for ages 2-11, $8 for above 11.

Local Festivals (free) :

June:
City Lights Festival, Commerce. Last Sat of the month.
Freedom Festival, Jefferson. Last Sat of the month.

July:
Celebrate Braselton, Braselton Park. July 4th.
July 4th Festival, Nicholson. First weekend in July. The past few years they've had inflatables, games, pony rides, and vendors selling food/drinks and other assorted items. It's HOT, but they have a great time.

Maysville Baptist Church

Join us on Wed. nights! It's free for everyone. Men's study in the Refuge, Women's study in the choir room, Youth games and missions, and nursery for those under 4. I LOVE it, the women that I have met on Wed. nights have been fantastic. It is a place where I can go and know my kids are safe, happy, and I can have my "me" time. These Wed. nights have made a huge impact on me. They serve dinner beforehand, oh...and I don't know how much it is....sorry guys, someone help me. But if you work and feel like you couldn't handle picking up the kids after work, making dinner, cleaning up and driving to church, then don't. Let Maysville cook it for you, easy clean-up, and you'll leave full in more ways than one.

Upcoming: VBS, June 22nd-26th, here's the site for the free week of fun:
http://maysvillebaptist.net/#/upcoming/vbs-2014

and new to MBC is Terrific Tuesdays! Here's the link for that: http://maysvillebaptist.net/#/upcoming/terrific-tuesday




                                            ...........and...........




KIDS EAT FREE

Buffalo's, Athens.                                                                                   All day Sunday

 

Mama's Boy, Athens                                                                                Sunday nights

Cici's Pizza, Athens.                                                                        Monday 4pm-close

Barberitos, Athens.                                                                          Monday 4pm-close

Your Pie, Athens                                                                   Monday w/adult purchase

Beef O' Brady's, Jefferson.                                                                     Tuesday 4-8pm

DePalma's, Athens.                                                                             Tuesday evenings

Joe's Crab Shack                                                                  Tuesday kids eat for $0.99

Stevie B's Pizza, Athens                                   Wednesday kids eat for $0.99 after 5pm

Zaxby's                                                                                                      Wed after 4pm

Captain D's, Commerce                  Thursday, 2 free kids meals with an adult purchase

IHOP                                                                 Daily 4-10pm (or should I say nightly?)




I hope your family can get some good use out of this list! I like to plan fun activities for my kids at home, but this is my go-to, last minute list for fun things to do that are within 30 minutes or less.

Please, please do not get upset with me if a business changed their prices or hours, I would never purposely try to mislead you. Always call before you go to make sure the prices/days are still valid, and if something's changed, please let me know and I'll change it on here!

 

Mothers Day

Totally stole Emily Parker's fabulous idea for Mother's Day crafts! She made these cute cookie plates with handprints for Father's Day, and we just changed the wording to make it fit for Mother's Day. I thought it'd be a great gift for grandparents!

 

I painted each boy's hand and they were able to make the print themselves. We actually did this for 4 women in our lives and we just did all the plates at once. I might not recommend that with younger ones though! I wrote the year and "Happy Mother's Day" on it with Sharpie, and then I was supposed to bake them at 350 for 30 minutes....but they started smoking after a few minutes and I pulled them out before anything caught fire. Oh my- the house STUNK. Emily, I have no idea if I got a different plate than you, or if I did something else wrong, but please feel free to share with me what in the world I did, ha ha! Luckily, they still turned out cute!

 

 

Of course everyone got cookies to go with their cookie plate!!

 

And a little something else just because:

 

 

 

My husband is super crafty, and I love that he made me such a thoughtful gift for Mother's Day! It shows he didn't wait until the day before to think about it either, I love it! I can't remember if I've mentioned wanting a chalkboard, or if he just knows me that well, but I love a to-do list on a cute chalkboard! Painted in my favorite color right now- mint! It's not pictured, but there was also a hot Starbucks waiting on me when I woke up that morning- is he good, or what?

 

Easton had gotten me some smaller, yellow flowers and Cory made me THE.SWEETEST.CARD.EVER. Like, literally was beyond anything I would have expected. It's absolutely precious and dear to my heart, and I don't even think I'm going to share it here. It's just the sweetest little letter of love.

 

If I didn't love our church or wasn't a daughter of the King, I still think I'd attend church for those precious Mother's Day crafts. Sunday School teachers- I looooooooooove them!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for helping my children make them!!!!!!!!!!!!! I keep them year after year. Easton hand painted an "I love you" picture, and Cory decorated a vase for me (in GA colors!!) with some purple flowers in them. P-recious!

 

Some candid shots before going to Grandma's for dinner:

 

 

 

Happy Mother's Day!