Wedding Fever

Friends, I am in total wedding mode! There are only two days left until my beautiful cousin's wedding and I have so much I have to get done! With this crazy busy work week, I almost forgot all about table centers (which I am hand making and putting together all by myself) and getting M&M's tux!! Good grief where has the time gone? 

Thank goodness I am taking a half day off tomorrow so that I can start preparation on the flowers and vases for the 15 table centers that need to be completed by Saturday! I can't believe time went so quickly and her big day is almost here! Thank goodness for Costco and Safeway floral for coming to my rescue when I found out the florist who I had originally picked out to order the flowers had fallen through! Also, thank goodness my cousin's wedding colors and flower choice was somewhat popular in order to get the flowers last minute! Other than time, I am feeling pretty good about the table centers. I just hope that I am not up all night tomorrow getting them completed!

To add to my wedding chaos, my darling husband has decided to have his fantasy football draft tomorrow night and host it at our house! SO, on top of doing the 15 table centers, I have to clean my house, prepare for guests and participate in the fantasy draft all tomorrow night. All I've got to say, is bring it on. Bring.it.on!!

T-48hrs to wedding day...LETS DO THIS!

CHEERS and have a happy Friday :)

Back to School

Even though the official start to the school year for students doesn't begin until next week, the teachers and staff members are back in full swing preparing the building for the students' return. Supplies are being ordered, classrooms are being organized, materials are being printed and stocked...and I am feeling overwhelmed already.

I love my job, I love our staff and I love our students. However, I don't love cleaning, preparing and looking at the huge piles of summer paperwork I have laying on my desk. The feeling is overwhelming, makes me panic and causes me to stress. This happens every year and after six years, one would think I'd be used to it. Unfortunately, such is not the case. Good news, though, it is only a temporary feeling and I know that it will pass.

So here I go...one week until students start flooding the halls and the phones start ringing off the hook. I can do this, I know I can! My plan of attack -start from the top, organize and knock out one pile at a time! Ready.Set.GO!

Happy last week before "Back-to-school" chaos, friends!
I leave you with my very funny friend, Billy Madison. Enjoy!

Soccer Jam

What a busy (but fun) Saturday! Started the day off right with my coffee, packed up the kiddos and headed over to the high school for the official start to Kit Kat's soccer season!  The Red and White Jam is the season opener and it was a blast!

Kit Kat has played soccer since he was in Kindergarten and of all the sports he's tried and played so far, soccer is his favorite. This year he is playing on a fairly new team, most of the kids have never played before and well, quite frankly, I don't expect them to win very many games...but he is having a BLAST and that's all that matters! (unless you ask my highly competitive husband...)

Yes, today was a great day!  The sun was shining, the team had a great first game and we got team photos taken! Today was also our day for team snacks and thanks to Kit Kat for helping me pick them out, they were a big hit with his teammates! I love the fact that I get to be apart of these fun times...I like being a "soccer mom!"

I hope that you all had a fabulous Saturday as well! Catch you on the flip side!
CHEERS!

Can it really be?

Today I woke up and started my day as usual. Same morning routine getting into the "back to school" mode. Dropped the kiddos off at daycare, stopped for my morning coffee at Starbucks and was on my way into work when it hit me...my baby is almost a year old. Today, in fact, is her 11 month birthday.

My baby girl, my beautiful Almond Joy, is growing up way too fast. I am not ready for this. I'm not ready for all of her "firsts" to be my "lasts". I'm not ready for her to get bigger, smarter, stronger...I'm not ready for her baby days to be over. I'm not ready for her to grow up...I want her to stay little awhile longer! I want to watch her sleep in her crib, like a porcelain doll, hugging her lovie blanket and sucking on her paci. I want to hold her in my arms, cuddle with her and kiss her chubby cheeks while holding her chubby fingers in my hands. I want to watch her crawl around and explore the world before taking off running and chasing her around it. I want my baby to be my baby....forever!

They grow up too fast. I've been here with both the boys and for some reason, it's just a lot harder this time. Maybe it's because my heart knows that these moments wont ever happen again. Maybe it's because these last 11 months have been a whirlwind of emotions and challenges for me. Or maybe it's because she is my princess. No matter the reason, I just can't believe my baby is almost one.

Happy 11 month birthday, baby girl! Mommy loves you SO MUCH!

Happy Notes!

What a great weekend! My heart is happy after all the fun and excitement that this weekend brought me. I love being happy...its a GREAT feeling!

AdvoCare ~ Thank you for making my body feel and look great! Thank you for bringing friends, old and new, together for me to share your wonderfulness with them! Thank you for giving me the AMAZING opportunity to change my families life! We will become great friends. It's fact!

Friends ~ Thank you for coming to my very first AdvoCare mixer! Thank you for supporting me and loving me and believing in me! Thank you for buying AdvoCare, helping me reach my goal and allowing me the chance to coach you to reach your own health and fitness goals! Thank you for everything you do each and everyday to encourage me and inspire me. I APPRECIATE YOU!

Adidas Employee Store ~ Thank you for having cleats in my sons size at an excellent price! Soccer will be much better for him now that he officially has shoes to play! However, we must have a talk about your choice of colors for shoes these days...electric yellow and striking orange are a bit TOO MUCH craziness for this momma to handle. (Not to mention they are hideous together as a color combo. Hideous.)

Mom and Dad's house ~ Dad, thank you for being a football coach and collecting all the random leftover water bottles. As crazy as one would think, that pile of water jugs actually worked awesome for Kit Kat to have for soccer to stay hydrated. Those suckers are expensive and you saved my pocketbook! Also, thank you for M&M's new bug catcher. He LOVES it! A happy 4yr old makes for a happy momma! Thank you!

Weather ~ Thank you SO MUCH for cooling down just ever so slightly. Ten degrees makes a huge difference in my non-air conditioned house. I was actually able to sleep last night and it was fantastic! I know we've had this talk before, but I really like 78 degrees. Lets hover there, yes?? Thanks for understanding! ;)

Friends, how were your weekends? I hope that you did something fun or at least something that made you happy! Have a great week!

CHEERS!

Goodbye Summer

High temp for today....102.

High temp for tomorrow....100.

High average temp for the last week....97.

Summer weather is very much here to stay but unfortunately, my summer break is officially over.

 

It's a bittersweet day friends.

 

Back to work I go. Back to the craziness of getting the school ready for a 1000+ students in less than two weeks. Back to the mad scramble of office supply ordering and filling for the teachers. Back to the daily chaos that I call my job...(a job I truly love!)

 

Goodbye to the sleeping in. Goodbye to the fun and random outings with my kiddos. Goodbye to the lazy days of hanging out with my husband and late nights of watching the Olympics. Goodbye to sleeping in the living room because our bedroom is so darn hot we would melt. Goodbye comfy clothes.

 

Goodbye Summer. It was nice while it lasted! Let's meet again soon...OK!?!

Life

Some of us are born into this world and breathe the air of life without a destination or plan; lost, unhappy, alone or scared.

Some of us are born into this world and create life along the way; day to day, happy, and satisfied.

Then there are those of us who are not just born, but rather come bounding into this world with a life full of determination and purpose; setting goals, spreading love and living each day to the fullest!!

I have experienced my fair share of hardships in my life but I completely and honestly believe that every piece of the puzzle is what makes me who I am today. All of the challenges, all of the heartache, all of the pain and glory...every lesson or chapter of my life is what completes my life story.

Ten years ago my life changed in the blink of an eye. Someone took something that wasn't theirs to take. They forced their way into an innocent life; creating everlasting scars. This selfish act has impacted everyday of my life, but it does not define me. It has no power over me. I am stronger, wiser, and more determined than before. I am a fighter. This is me, my life and I am in control now!

My husband, my kids, my family, my friends, my accomplishments and achievements are things that define my life! I live with purpose and determination! I will shoot for the stars and settle for nothing less!

The life that I live, the people who are a part of it and with all the love my heart has, I would not change a thing! My life is not "perfect", but it's perfect for me!!

Friends, what about you? What is your story? Life is happening, here and now. Don't let it pass you by!!

Wedding Season

Most of you may not know that I have a degree in Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management as well as a Certificate in Professional Bridal Consulting and Wedding Planning. Yes, it's fact! Ever since I can remember, I've wanted to be a Wedding Planner when I grew up. I went to school, put in the hard work but never landed my dream job...or at least not yet! ;) Call me crazy, but I love everything about weddings!

Tonight was the beginning of wedding season for me! My beautiful friend, Sofie, married her best friend and the love of her life, Mark, in a stunning evening wedding. As the sun started to set, a new marriage and life chapter began! It was an absolutely gorgeous day for a beautiful outdoor wedding! I could not be happier for the new Mr. and Mrs. Laymon! Love you guys :)

Next up, is my cousins wedding on September 1st and a long time family friends on September 9th! I am so excited for these two weddings because they will be unique and SO different from each other. I am also really excited for my cousins wedding because my very own M&M's will be her ring bearer...best one ever! ;)

Friends, what are your thoughts about weddings? Are you a lover or a hater? (of weddings that is!)

CHEERS!

Happy Notes - Thankful Thursday

Hello friends!! Today has been a great day...this week has been a great week!! For today's Happy Notes, I am linking up with my beautiful friend Cami @ First Day of My Life for Thankful Thursday.

www.firstdayofmylife.org

Today I am thankful for...

...My Health...

...My Family...

...My Friends...

...My House...

...My Job...

I am also thankful for each and everyone of you who follow/read my blog! Without you, I have no reason to write.  So I ask, what are YOU thankful for?

 

 

CHEERS!!!

(and happy blogging!)

PS. Go check out Cami!! She is AWESOME and she has ALOT to be thankful for this week.

Love you Cami, and congrats again :)

Our Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to the most wonderful husband and my best friend in the whole world! I couldn't have chosen a better life partner or father for our children...I am so lucky!! Thank you for everything you do for our family and for making me feel like the most loved woman on earth! I love you more than words and will continue for many more years to come!

Our wedding cake :)

Today is MY day

For the past month, I have been working toward a very personal goal. I joined this AMAZING company called AdvoCare back on July 5th and it has changed my life! I've dedicated myself to a lifelong change...one of health, strength, and personal growth! Today my friends, one month later, I am now an ADVISOR and part of one of the most AMAZING teams ever!!! Today is MY day. :)

I am a business owner and it feels amazing I say that!! I am on my way to making a better life for my family...a better future for my children. I am in control and nobody can stand in my way!

Friends, if I can do this, YOU CAN DO THIS!!!! I want to help you change your life :)

CHEERS!!

Cancer sucks

Everyone we know has been touched by cancer in some way. My life has personally been touched by not only my own battle with cervical cancer but by friends and family who have battled different cancers, some won and some lost. Its such a terrible disease and reality is that it can happen to anyone at anytime. Today I share with you another story of a loved one who recieved his diagnosis this morning. He is my 19yr old cousin, Hayden.

After several months of not feeling well and several trips to the doctor, this last trip is the one that we will remember forever. Feeling weak and dizzy, he arrived at the doctor with blood levels far lower than any human should have. He was then rushed by ambulance to the hospital emergency room and underwent multiple blood transfusions and tests. He spent the night in the hospital with more tests in the morning as family stood by his side waiting for answers. As doctors closed in on the cause, stress and heartache set in. Prayers were said, hugs were given and tears were flowing. Once they had a diagnosis, a teenage boys life changed forever. This morning he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). 

My heart is broken. His sister is supposed to get married September 1st, with her brother walking her down the aisle. As of right now, we don't know what will happen. So many questions, so little answers. He is undergoing ultrasounds to determine where it started and how fast it's progressed. He is being transferred to the cancer ward and has to undergo a year of aggressive chemo therapy. He has to stay at the hospital...he won't be coming home.

Although he may not read this, I need to get it out there. I heal with words. Hayden, this is for you:

There are no words that can take away your pain. There are not enough tissues that can dry your tears. I have no powers that can heal you or make life fair. But I have a heart that will love you forever. I have hands that you can hold, shoulders that you can cry on and strength that you can lean on for comfort and support. I will lend an ear you can talk to, a presence to sit with you, tears that will cry with you and arms that will hug you. YOU are a strong, stubborn, loving person who has enough fight to kick this cancers butt. WE believe in you. I believe in you. You have the biggest, strongest, most supportive family of anyone out there and we stand behind you the entire way. You will never be alone. We love you. Keep your chin up, stay strong and fight with everything you've got! You are in my prayers... I love you and I will forever!

Friends, hug your family a little tighter and a little longer today. Tell them you love them everyday. Life is too short.

I know who I am

Look in the mirror,
Who do you see?
Through that broken smile,
Can you see the real me?
Once a little girl,
With a field of endless dreams,
Who now has become a women,
Torn and tearing at the seams.
Do you know anything about me,
More than just my name,
I know everything about you,
Because I know who I am.
~Anonymous

I believe that every person who walks I to my life is there for two reasons...They need my help or they are teaching me a lesson. Whatever it is, I am ready and waiting. So bring on life's game.