A Shout Out to My Home Girls!

I have some uber talented friends!  I love that some of them have blogs so I can keep up on every little thing they do! I'm kind of snoopy :) It's so much fun to see that side of people you are close to.  Here are a few of the blogs that my lovely lady friends own. Follow them.  Despite what your were taught, it is good to be a follower!

Crissy...

Miss Southern Belle.  Crissy is a Texas gal living in NASCAR country.  Her husband Mike made her do it.  She has an awesome blog about her family, friends, decorating, cooking, and her wonderful  photography. Her hubs and mine are great friends and Crissy and I have become great friends as well. She is beautiful inside and out, smart and funny! We are planning a trip to North Carolina in September to see them, I can not wait! Check out her site,  I think she's pretty fabulous!  http://smothersfaminnc.blogspot.com

Kelly Nicole...

This is my sister from another mister.  We are Missouri gals with a love for all things country.  We believe we are related.  Digging into some old family documents I discovered one of my relatives shared her last name and lived in the same area her family once lived.  We are cousins. There is no other explanation!  Kelly understands me and all my quirks. She is my sister in Christ and constantly helping me be a better me.  AND she's a fabuloso mother and 1st grade teacher!  Check her out! http://allinafirstgradeday.blogspot.com/

My (real) cousin Katie...

My beautiful cousin Katie and I didn't spend too much time growing up together, she lived in Iowa, I lived in Missouri. When I moved to Iowa, she moved away. I didn't take it personal.  She was always the cousin I looked up to, she is beautiful (I heart her hair), fun, adventurous, smart, funny, the list goes on and on.  She lives in Texas now with her wonderful husband and beautiful son Harper.  Through the powers of Facebook and some wonderful visits we've gotten to know each other a little better and have decided that we would be inseparable if we lived closer to each other!  She is a fabulous baker and all together awesome person! Check out her two blogs. ovenlovinbakery.blogspot.com 

http://everytomdickandharry.blogspot.com/

Cheryl...

Cheryl is a friend of Kelly Nicole and I have the privalge to know her. She now lives in St. Louis (Nelly songs are running through my head right now) and has started her own children's clothing line. She is amazingly talented!  Check out her stuff. http://lionsandlilypads.blogspot.com/

Hope you all enjoy these ladies as much as I do!

My Struggle Within

We are all human. We all have wants, and needs, and desires.  I struggle with being happy with what I have.  There is always someone with a bigger house, more money, better clothes or a nicer car.  Instead of asking "Why can't I have that?" I need to consider what I have instead.  So I did a little soul searching and jotted down a few things.  Just a few...my list of wants is long.  Not something I am proud of, and something that I am constantly working on!  Here goes it...
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I WANT a child who is disciplined, listens when I ask her to do something and polite.

I HAVE a child who is free spirited, has already mastered the art of selective hearing, polite when she wants something, independent, and beautiful!

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I WANT a body that is lean, chiseled, and stretch mark/scar free

I HAVE a body that soft, strong, healthy, and shows the signs of a beautiful and interesting life.
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I WANT a home that makes people talk. Beautiful decor, nice furniture, and smells of lavender and sunshine.

I HAVE a home that is perfect for my family, with room to grow and memories to make, decorated with things made by my own two hands, furniture that will last through children and pets, and smells of life, with a little black raspberry vanilla scent thrown in to cover up the sometimes not so good smell of life.
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I WANT money in my pocket to spend. To not worry about the price tag or always shop in the clearance section.

I HAVE an understanding of money and pride in knowing that the things I am able to spend my money on are needed and a satisfaction in being thrifty and creative.
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I WANT a husband who is romantic and spontaneous and sings to me.

I HAVE a husband who is practical, steady, provides for me, and loves me.  I have the radio to sing to me and as long as I don't watch too many romantic comedies, he is perfect.
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I WANT adult conversation and interaction. To feel needed and respected. To be good at a career.

I HAVE an amazing opportunity to stay home with my child. To feel her need for me and take in her love. I have a career that directly benefits my family in a most positive way.  I am fluent in toddler and an expert play dough artist.
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I WANT to not want all these things and to be happy with who I am and what I have.

I HAVE a Heavenly Father who is constantly seeking the good in me and in my talks with Him is helping me become the best version of me I can be.

I have everything. I just need to get my head out of my butt sometimes and realize it!

Enjoy what you have today!

Fun Family Fourth!

This year on the 4th of July we were invited by some very good family friends to their lake house in the Ozarks.  We had a fabulous time floating in the water, cruising around on a boat, and watching the amazing fireworks show put on by the neighbors across the lake.  The whole family was there and it was wonderful to see some old friends who I will always hold dear to my heart. Check out some pics!

Ours friends amazing lake home. 

Jon and I before heading out to float our cares away on the lake.  This is a rare glimpse of me without makeup and no tan.  You can open your eyes now.

Our wonderful hostess Jennifer!

Indulging in some snacks.  This isn't even half of who was there, 18 in total!

The kids watching the ice cream maker do it's magic

Such excitement!

A few sweet pics of my baby girl

Long busy day relaxing at the lake

Melissa and Nathan, hands down the sweetest people you will ever meet.  I heart them both.

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July and took time to remember our heroes past and present that make it possible for us to celebrate this wonderful holiday!