Tuesday's Topics: 7 Things I Do Everyday

Happy Tuesday everyone!  We survived Monday, although I still have a little bit of Monday's hangover I think.  Why does Monday drift into other days of the week?

Anyways, on for a short fun link up with Life, Love, Lauren and Austin Family Diary.

7 Things I Do Everyday

1. Skin Care- I can't believe I ever used to not take care of my skin! I wish I had started younger, but am thankful I found Mary Kay to help repair some of the damage I've done.  
   
   
   
   
   
2. Check Facebook- I'm a busy mom, and I care about my friends and am thankful for Facebook, as ridiculous as it can be and sounds, to help keep me in touch with my friends and their families.  
   
   
   
   
   
3. Weekly Goal/Plan Sheet- I have goals with Mary Kay, plans with kids, family and friends.  There is no way I could get this done without prioritizing, lists, and some sort of plan. 
   
   
   
   
   
4. Love my children- I tell my children everyday I love them 'way up to the sky,' they are special, they are smart, and we are best friends forever.  They need to know everyday day, and several times.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Spoil my cats- I am a crazy cat lady.  Cats are beautiful unique animals and they are also perfect for someone who is lazy and busy at the same time!  They are a huge part of my soul.
   
   
   
   
   
6. Vacuum- Sometimes twice a day if I'm home.  I have pets, I have kids, and I have the house the size of a breadbox.  My house gets messy fast, and there's nothing that irritates me more than dirty floors.
   
   
   
   
   
7. Day Dream-  It's my sanity and my drive.  Nothings perfect, but I'll continue to strive to make our lives happy each day.  If you can dream it, you can do it!
   

Miss Lucy is Here!

If there is one in thing life, that makes me feel alive, it's animal rescue. It's something I have so much passion for. I don't feel that I'm truly living, serving a purpose, changing a life, unless I am saving one.

 In the past 6 years of my life, I would estimate I have touched over 1000 lives fur and human combined through fostering and adoption. I have fostered well over 200 animals that have been adopted to well deserving families who's lives are then benefited and changed. I have helped dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, and even snakes and lizards find homes or rescues who have the knowledge to safely place them.

 I have seen the cruelty and astonishing effects of hoarding situations, abuse, neglect and abandonment. I've have learned more than I have ever wanted to know about what goes on in backyards and homes around you, that you think does not go on. I have also learned not to shut my eyes, turn my head, or close my mouth when it comes to these lives. If you don't stand up for them, no one will. I have amazing lives I will share some day.

 But tonight, I want to share my new little foster baby who just arrived. This is Lucy, a 5 year old schnauzer/poodle mix(some would call her a schnoodle- a fancy word for this mix breed mutt).

 Lucy was living neglected for 5 years when an elderly woman rescued her off of a flier she saw in the store. Her rescuer became ill and couldn't care for her like she needed. She was spending a lot of time in crate and not getting the practice she needed for housetraining and the care and attention she wanted.

 She called one of my favorite rescues, PETS out of Panora, Iowa and now she's here hogging my husband's lap, much to the dismay of Smudge, another foster kitty in the home.

I'm so blessed to have her.  Tonight is her first night, she's not sure about sharing the attention with the dogs and the cats yet, but she's doing beautifully.  No accidents so far, listens well, and is being just an all around great girl!

To follow the great things that PETS rescue group is up to, check our their Facebook Page!

It's OK Thursday!

Cannot wait for this weekend!  The first one in a long time, and last one for about a month where I have nothing else scheduled but kid time!

Let's hop to it!

Linking up:



It's OK....

- I haven't gotten anything ready for Easter yet, I have some ideas and work best under pressure!

- I am so busy with Mary Kay lately, my head kind of spins, in a good way!  I have built momentum for myself, and want to keep it going!  Sales Director suite, I'm coming after you!

- Kaden wanted his fingernails painted pink like Aeri's.  He's three, I tell him it's for girls, but let his creativity run!

- I signed up for a 20K with a friend even though I've never run more than 3 miles in my life.  GULP.

- I've spoiled myself lately, it's been a very long time since I've been able to.


Happy Easter everyone!  And remember, you wouldn't buy your children a reindeer for Christmas, so don't buy them a bunny for Easter!

A Fabulous You- Model #1

Everyone loves to look beautiful and feel beautiful but what makes a person feel even better?  Helping someone else feel great about who they are inside and out!

I love doing this everyday, whether it be a sincere compliment, a quick note in the mail, of a little post on Facebook telling someone how I appreciate them.  Another way I get to do this with women, is through my work as a Mary Kay Independent Consultant.  My motto with Mary Kay is 'A Fabulous You!"  Both inside, outside, and within your life, Mary Kay changes lives for the better.

Right now I am having a ton of fun doing makeovers on women.  I am participating in the Mary Kay Makeover contest and working to make as many women feel and look beautiful as I can.  They have a great opportunity to win a $5000 dream vacation and 50 winners will win a $5000 donation to the charity of their choice!

So let's look at our first of these beautiful women who was happy to share her look!

This is Cindy, we've been friends since I started volunteering with the local rescue about 7 years ago.  We are bonded by heart through our love for cats.  Cindy works as manger of our law enforcement dispatch department in Carroll.  She also has several furbabies and volunteers for various rescues transporting animals and fostering.

What did we do for Cindy?

Foundation: TimeWise Luminous Foundation in Ivory 6 
I love how it evens out her skin tone and calms the natural rosiness in her cheeks. 

Highlighting Powder:  Pink Stardust
Highlighting powder can be used to create space and to highlight important features on your face such as brow bones and cheek bones.  We did a 'V' shape around the outer edge of her eye to highlight the brow and cheek bones.

Blush: Sparkling Cider
This color has some red hint to it that compliments Cindy's hair and skin tone.  It looks very natural on her cheeks and show them off beautifully.

Mineral Eye Color: Crystalline, Sienna, Granite
Cindy has what we call a 'hooded' eye shape and smaller eyes so I didn't want to use very dark colors on her or it would make them look smaller.  I used lighter colors using crystalline all over, sienna in crease area and granite towards the outside.  Then I blended.  I also highlighted under her eyebrow which gives a more lifted appearance.

Eyeliner: Mary Kay Bronze Eyeliner
We couldn't go wrong with this color, it matched her hair color and eyebrows perfectly.  A black also would have closed her eyes more and brown just wanted have been quit right.  We did her outer edges on the top and the full bottom.

Mascara: Ultimate in Black/Brown
The Ultimate Mascara is a number one seller.  It has great staying power and creates volume.  We used the black/brown to compliment Cindy's liner and hair color.  

Eyebrows: Cinnibar Mineral Eye Color
As you can see, Cindy has very light and thinner eyebrows before.  Creating eyebrows or filling in what you have can really change your look and your eyes.  We had a few laughs while I created Cindy's, but they turned out perfect!  

Lips: Mary Kay True Dimensions in Sienne Brulee highlighted with Cream and Sugar Nourishine Lip gloss
The Sienne Brulee has a great undertone to compliment her blush and other colors, but by itself it was too much with her ivory skin tone. We softened the look by using the Cream and Sugar Nourishine lip gloss.  She has smaller lips so I used a darker color to bring them out more.  

Finish: Mary Kay Mineral Powder in Ivory 2
We finished Cindy's look off with blending some mineral powder all over.

And I am no hairstylist, but we had some fun adding some curls and back combing for some body before her after picture.

How great does she look?

Mommy Confessions: I'm Scared of School

So let's just put it out there.  Kaden is almost school age and I am dreading the idea of him going to school. It's not the education I'm scared of, it's the social education one can get while in school.

Why?

For a number of reasons:

1. The biggest reason, kids are mean.  Let's face it, some parents really don't care what their kids do.  Some parents are about as mature as their kids, so their children have not so nice attitudes.  I'm scared of the mean kids, that will hurt my kids feelings.  We respect each other in my house, my children learn respect in their daycare setting, we respect all walks of life.  I don't want them to see that others don't, I'm going to cry every time their feelings are hurt.

2. That mean teacher.  I was always blessed to not be one of the kids that a teacher didn't like and picked on.  I know, I know, teachers aren't supposed to do that but they do.  But some do, I hear it everyday from my friends with school age kids.  I saw it for myself growing up.  Will my kid be one of them?

3. Creativity squashed.  Kaden and Aeri are so open and have beautiful large imaginations.  I don't want that to go away.  I want my children to learn but I also want those imaginations, big dreams, and wild ideas to continue.

4. Influence of others.  Let's face it, kids will be kids.  Kids may be influenced by others to try new things.  Kids are having sex younger, trying their first drink at younger ages, and so much more.  I am working hard to instill good habits and behaviors in my children, but as I see things start happening at younger years, I'm scared that what I do might not be enough.

5. Disappointments/failures and classifications.  I remember what it was like not to be picked for dance squad, not to get on the 'A Team' in basketball.  The classifications start at young ages.  It starts with your last name, your social and financial status, versus your talents in that sport and the coaches willingness to help that child develop.  These things squash kids dreams and self esteem.  I've watched it happen growing up and been on that side at times myself.

So there ya have it, I'm scared of school for my children.  It can be the best years of a child's life, or it can be the worst and unfortunately, I have no control of that.  I'm crazy I know!

Linking up for Mommy Confessions!

Weekend Recap- Super Heros!

I loved, loved, loved my weekend! 

Friday night I had drinks with friends and co-workers and ended up listening to a fun band.  I got to have drinks with Beth and introduce her to a few friends of mine. 

Saturday my Mary Kay director drove up from Kansas City.  We facialed an amazing young woman who has just moved to our area from Minnesota.  She used to live on a hobby farm that sadly burnt to the ground.  She lost all her animals in this fire except for her horses and one dog that made it out.  It was sad to meet her, but I feel lucky to meet her.  She has an amazing story and is overcoming so much! Truly an inspiration!

We also had a shower for one of my friends who is getting married!  We did makeup for several ladies.  It's so fun to make women feel better and do colors on them they normally wouldn't try but end up loving!  

Sunday was my same lazy Sunday with the kids.  Kaden has been wanting me to tie his blanket like a super hero cape.  We cut apart old t-shirts instead and made our own super hero capes!  Kaden has a cracker, violin, hawkeye's helmet, and a trampoline with a chair next to it(you know, so you can climb up on the trampoline).  Aeri drew her own!

My super heroes everyday!!

And just for fun and because I love him, here's a picture of my deaf baby boy, who still has no name!!

Linking up with Sami today!  How was your weekend?

Sunday Social

Happy St. Patty's Day everyone!  

This Weeks Questions:

1. Favorite thing to do on a rainy day? Movies, snuggle, make hamburger veggie soup, stay inside!

2. Favorite thing to do on a Summer weekend? With friends I like to hang out on the boat in the middle of the link with drinks.  With my kids, I like to go to the lake and just hang out.  

3. Favorite Spring accessory?  Fun earrings

4. Favorite way to spend a Winter day? With friends and the kids making dinner and having drinks- snow storms in our small town are fun!

5. What is your favorite season and why? Summer: if I could live in a swimsuit I would.  Love the feeling of soaking up the sun. 

6. Best birthday you ever had? My 16th was memorable!   

Enjoy your Sunday everyone!  

It's OK Thursday!

It's OK it's Thursday, it's been a crazy week for me!  I'm looking forward to the weekend, but all my weekends are filled for the next 6 weeks too!

So let's get to it!

It's OK.....

^ that I have a new foster dog.  One can never have too much fur...that's a lie.  It makes black hard to wear BUT it makes life so much more enjoy able and filling.  More on him tomorrow!  Stay tuned!

^ I'm having trouble making a career choice right now.  It's my family's income and means of survival.  What to do?  What to do?

^ I fell behind in my blogs this week.  My mind has been preoccupied with major decisions and I've felt exhausted by them.

^ I went to bed at 8:15 last night.  I needed to shut the world out.

^ I decided to check out this Candy Crush Saga game and now I'm addicted!

^ I'm thinking about totally ditching ever wear normal jeans again.  I'm addicted to cute skinny pants, skirts, and dressier outfits.

^ I check the "Where's My Refund" site everyday, sometimes twice!  I am going to save the majority but plan getting the kids quality car seats and paying a couple major bills off.

^ I have a huge box of Mary Kay being delivered today!  Love it!  Can't wait to deliver it to special ladies!

^ I've gotten several online orders recently.  I love shipping Mary Kay to people (free shipping on orders over $20).  It comes in a fun box and makes them feel special.

^ I'm totally loving Yoga and now am going to get a pretty mat, case, my own cleaner, and maybe Yoga socks.  Any suggestions on cute mats and socks?

^ I'm noticing already I am more flexible during Yoga after 3 weeks.  I wonder if I'll be able to do the splits again??


Okay I'm going to check out!  What are you OK with this Thursday?

Linking up with Brunch with Amber and A Complete Waste of Makeup.

Mommy Confessions: Sometimes It's Just Easier

I know, I know, we all want to come across as wonder mom.  I did this today, cleaned this, cooked this, washed this, yadiyadiya.  But I mean really, how many of us ALWAYS have that energy to be wonder woman everyday.  I mean, I'm exhausted!!  Aren't you?

Yes I always want my kids to eat wholesome, healthy, square meals for each meal seven days a week.  But sometimes I get home with them at 430 after working nine hours and it's all I can do to even get us all out of the car.  If the heat is on and they are happy, can't we just sleep in it?  OK, maybe not.  So I get them out and inside and then it's "What's for supper?"

Do you know what was for supper the other night?  Frozen pizza.  My kids were sooo excited!  But here's the kicker...it was a smaller one so we were still hungry.  So then do you know what we had for dessert?  Fruit Loops and pop tarts!  My kids were so excited!  You don't know how many giggles and "I love you mommy"'s I got!  I was their hero and the coolest person they knew!

I don't do that often, but it was one helluva a day at work, I didn't sleep well the night before, nothing was thawed out, and my brain wasn't focused enough to read the instructions on the Kraft Mac 'n' Cheese box.  Sometimes it's just easier. 

Some Saturdays, when we are feeling really lazy, we pajama it all day long.  Cuts back on the water bill, energy bill, laundry soap, and my energy spent.  The kids love the lazy Saturday's of snuggling in pajamas, watching cartoons.  I love it because sometimes it's just easier.

And let's talk about sibling bickering!  I can't believe they are two and three and I've already been dealing with it for almost a year!  I feel like a referee, like I have to pick sides, like I'm going insane.  BUT sometimes, it's just easier to let them fight about it- they eventually figure it out.  Sometimes it's just easier to take it away from both of them.  Sometimes it's just easier to put them both in time out.  Sometimes it's just easier to pretend I'm deaf, and my name isn't 'Mom,' and I'm on a tropical island with a pina colada and dark bronze foreign language speaking man attending to me every need and want.

I do want to be a wonder mom.  I want to be the shiny pretty polished patient lady whose hair is always perfect, can run around and never be overwhelmed, handle every mess and fight with grace and love.  But let's face it, I'm not.  And sometimes it's just easier to be a good mom and settle for that.

What have you found is easier as a mom?

Linking up with Cookies for Breakfast and Memoirs of Megan!

H54F!

Auuughhhhhhh!  I'm so glad it's Friday! TGIF! TGIF!  So let's dig through this week and find 5 positive things in it.

1. I'm alive and well as are my children, family, and fur-babies.  I have a house, a job (even if it's been grueling), a functional car (despite the malfunctions, warning lights, messed up guages), food in my belly, clothes on my back.  These are the biggest things I have to high five about this week- sometimes you just have to take a deep breath and be thankful you have the basics.

2. I have added a beautiful lady to my team in Mary Kay.  She offers a lot with her great personality, drive for success, cosmetology background, and is a very relatable person.  She's going to be a great asset to our team and is going to be so successful.  I can't wait to work with her! My goal is to build a fun team of ladies and implement a studio setting in our area and offer how to's, skin care, and fun events for women and men in our surrounding areas.

3. My mom hosted a friend over to try some products quick- no class, facial, etc.  Just to try some bronzers and powders quick.  This 30 minute visit resulted in $100 dollar night in sales.  Thank you mom for that, every bit helps and I'm really trying to reach my goal this quarter!

4. I work for a chiropractic doing tech support for a software he developed.  Big bonus because my clumsy self missed the patch of ice hiding under the beautiful dusting of snow today and completely wiped out hard.  I mean hard.  Really hard.  Do you like how I talk about the snow and make it sound pretty when really I have a lot of dark mean negative things in my head?  Anyways, free adjustment today and another coming Monday.  High Five to that!

5. It's Friday, I made it to Friday.  High Five to me on that.  It's been a helluva a week and I'm doing my best to be a positive little butterfly.  I feel like Jekyll and Hyde with multiple personalities. 


I hope my blog made you smile a little.  It's been a grueling week for me so I can only take it with sarcasm and try to make it funny.  Hope your weekend is amazing!

Linking up with Lauren:

It's OK Thursday

I'm linking up with Neely and Amber again for It's Okay Thursday! And doubling with Toby's Tails and Simple Southern Ways for Thursday Thoughts!

So here goes...

It's okay that......

Our programmer put an update in the wrong folder, resulting in a ton of calls, angry customers, day after day.  I've had my ass beat at work for 2 days going on three....but it's job security right??

I didn't get up early enough for two days now, because I've been so mentally and physically exhausted from work, that I've used waterless shampoo on my hair.  Reduces on the damage from product and excessive blow drying and straightening...right? 

I miss my six foster kitties that I bottle fed, my heart hurts and I want to cry each time I think of them.  But they are off to get their vet work and then to be adopted.  I can't keep them all, but I can love each one individually, and will miss them everyday.

I was so excited to make seared scallops last night, but despite the fact the recipe was rated 5 stars, and it had detailed instructions, they flopped.  First they were raw, then we cooked them some more, and then it was like chewing rubber.  

I ate fruit loops after my scallops were a flop.

I cried at the end of  "Brother Bear," even though I've seen it a million times, and never have before, something was different this time when Kenai turns back into a bear.  Weird?

I watch "Teen Mom" because it makes me feel so much better about my life choices and parenting skills and I find it mind numbing after a crappy day at work.  Inspiration to keep going?

I am bored by this season of  "The Bachelor."

I'm having date night with my sister and her fiance this Saturday- Sushi and drinks- cannot wait after the week it's been.

I have done 8 Mary Kay makeovers in the past weeks, have one schedule for Friday, and my goal is do as many as I can until May 8th.

I have gained a new team member this week who will be fabulous, and I have had 3 great practice interviews with three women I really look up to and admire. Love sharing the best opportunity I have ever taken!

Aeri has needed her momma more, and has woken up in the middle of the night crying for me.  It's nice to be needed by such a strong willed little girl.  She's not as independent as she likes to act.  

I love today is Thursday!! It means tomorrow is Friday and I got through this week okay.  How was your week?

Wednesday Review: Extra Emollient Night Cream

So winter came, and this product was literally flying out of my hands.  I'll be honest, I hadn't tried it.  I got curious when I was ordering 10 to 12 tubes at a time, sending 2 and 3 tubes to each customer by their request.

So what's the big deal about this pink tube of goop? 

Here's what the company tells you, this pink substance will do:

Helps maintain the natural moisture of the skin and replenishes hydration in very dry areas.

• Excellent for dry patches, especially on hands, elbows and feet.
• Suitable for all skin types.
• Clinically tested for skin irritancy and allergy.
• Non-comedogenic (will not clog pores).
• Hypoallergenic.

Here's what my customers tell me, this goo will do:

• Put it on your feet and put socks on when you sleep= soft, soft feet
• Use on your hands for frequent hand washers, especially at night
• Great for your face in that dry winter air, a little goes a long ways!
• Great for those rough, cracked, man hands that you don't want touching your soft skin- smooth those man hands ladies!
• Chaffed baby cheeks (real babies here)- it is great because it's thick, soaks in, won't get in their eyes/mouth, and does the trick almost overnight!
• In the summer time, one client puts it in her fridge.  After a long day outside in the heat, she puts it all over to cool and moisturize her skin.

Here's a couple things I found I love about it

• Really chapped lips?  You got it!  I use a little bit of this, especially over night!  Works instantly, great for little ones too!
• Dry scalp areas- use a tiny tiny bit and massage it in those areas where that dry winter air has caused irritation

It is a fabulous product and now I understand why people don't want to run out!  

A little product special for my readers, by 2 tubes, get a third half off!  Use GOO as your promo code.  

This also qualifies you for free shipping.  (Shipping is always free on orders of $20 or more)  Orders must be paid with debit or credit to ship.

Get some of this great goo for yourself, friends, or family by clicking HERE!

Wordless Wednesday: Caring- Never Too Young to Start

Say My Name: Why I'm 100 Pretty Broken Pieces

I'm linking up with Amber, Amanda, and Stephanie for this fun link up explaining our blog names!

My blog name stems from my life experiences, choices, losses, wins, achievements, failures, which all brought me to who I am today. My original intentions with my blog were to share my poetry but I've found so much in the blogging community, I haven't done that yet...but I will be so stay tuned!

It doesn't matter how broken we are, what matters is how we piece those broken pieces together to make something beautiful.

Every experience has something to learn from it.  Our experiences are designed to make us stronger, better, and wiser.

Sometimes the lesson is hard to see, or it may be something we figure out later on down the road.  I am also a firm believer that sometimes what happens to others, isn't necessarily a lesson for them.  Their experience can teach someone else something.

A family who loses a child will teach us to hold our own more dearly.  When someone loses a job, it will teach us to be grateful that we have our's, no matter how frustrating it can be.  When a poor hardworking man wins the lotto, it teaches us that everyone can be blessed.

While sometimes we are pretty broken, those pieces may be beautifully broken and pieced back together into something more stunning, beautiful, inspiring, and stronger than before.

Remember When... #1

There are things I want to remember about my children, things they say or have done.  I'll be honest, I've slacked on the baby books, so I will use my blog to periodically record these moments.

Kaden when he was little to age three....

Swimming Soup - swimming soup

Kaffy Renney-  Kathy Renze

Kaden reading the whole "Bear At Breakfast"

"Me and Daddy are boys, and you and Aeri are princesses"

His 'HEY' during jingle bells!

Ask him to sing "Twinkle Twinkle" and he'll end it with 'Now I know my ABC's....'

When he first learned to count, he found a picture of him, Aeri, and his two cousins.  He counted each person, "one, two, three, four....four friends!"

Hearing him recite the local radio station tag line along with the radio broadcaster.

His favorite song right now is "Sky scraper"- he does lips, facial expressions, and everything

He also recites Lady Gaga and "I Feel Again"

Talking about the baby kittens and adult cats, "Those are big titties, and those are little titties."

The first time he saw Lake View, "WOW, look at that big swimming pool!"

Talking to me about a ball of his I put outside(and forgot about) because he was throwing it inside-
K) Mom, I need to water my flower garden.
M) What flower garden?
K) The one where my pig ball is at.
M) What pig ball?
K) The one you put outside so I couldn't play with it anymore, my green pig ball

How we used to tell him, if you're happy and you know it wiggle your knees!  A sight to see coming from an uncoordinated two year old.

How he has to dance on the big rocks outside of Target on 141 near Des Moines.

Kaden telling me he is going to get big, and I am going to get little, and then he can carry me and hold me.

Kaden telling me we are going to be snuggly bears and best friends forever.

Aerington little to age two......

Taden- Kaden

"I NOT a woman"

Eating dinner one night, "I not talkin to mom, I talkin to daddy"

"Thanks momma"

When Aeri bumped her toe and then sat down and pulled her foot up to kiss her own toe.

"God damn it my tummy's sick"

"Have a good damn day"

Aeri talking to the kittens and cats, "Hi kitty, hi kitty"

Aeri as a 1 year old standing in the cart, going through Target, waving both hands and smiling at people like she's in a parade.

Aeri telling me "You so pitty"- something I tell her each night.

When Aeri wakes up and gives me a kiss randomly in the middle of the night.

Aeri's little hands patting my back.

Aeri's first friend she talks about at home, John from daycare.

More memories to come!  

Mommy Confessions: We Don't Have Everything

Linking up again for Mommy Confessions!

So here it is, my kids don't have everything and they probably won't growing up.  But we make the best of everything we do have.

My kids don't have their own swing set in their yard.  It is a goal of mine and my husband's.  But my kids do have a park in town, and plenty that we stop at on the way home.  

My kids don't have the latest toys or a ton of toys but the toys we do have are rarely played with.  Right now my children prefer puzzles, books, and play-doh over toys.  Let their imagination and creativity grow!  And they are so much more appreciative when there is the surprise of a toy, a new movie, at their birthday and at Christmas. 

We don't have a big house, or the best house, but it's a house that is lived in.  Do I want to live here another year?  No.  But while I'm here, we make the best of it.  It's full of love, comfort, and happiness.  

My kids don't have brand new name brand clothes, but what they do have are named brand clothes I got at a second hand store.  Second hand stores are amazing.  In the three years since Kaden has been alive, I have spent less than $100 total on 'new' clothes, and gotten a ton of great used clothes for way cheap.  

My kids won't be given their first car.  They will know work to earn that, just as I have.  It is far more appreciated if their is some personal elbow grease involved. 

My children will pay for some or all of their college...unless I win the lotto.  I worked hard to pay for my college and am paying for it now.  At one point I messed up, I would feel terrible if my parents were paying for that portion.  I am proud that I have paid for my college education.  

My children may not have it all when it comes to material things, but they have it all when it comes to love, respect, and learning how to make a great life out of what you are given, and to work for a better life through the talents and gift God has given you.  

Weekends Go TOO Fast!

I'm linking up with Sami for Weekend Shenanigan's!


Here's a quick recap of my weekend!
Friday night I hung out with the kids.  We watched movies, ate popcorn, and were just plain lazy.
Saturday my director came up from Kansas City and my teammates and I held an awesome smokey eye class!  We had 18 ladies attend and have some potential new teammates!  
We held our class at a local Mexican restaurant.  We all had a nice surprise at the end when all the drinks and food were free!  It was very generous of Fiesta Cancun and the service was amazing!!
Saturday night we went out to eat and went bowling with a friend's family!  It was an awesome night and did wreak too much havoc on my nails.

Sunday I took my usual weekend nap with the kids- I LOVE napping with my kids.  Then we played outside and the snow was perfect to make our snowman!

I loved my weekend, how was your's?  

H54F!

"I always give a 100% at work- 10% Monday, 23% Tuesday, 40% Wednesday, 22% Thursday, 5% Friday"

 

Ahhhh....I'm sooo happy it's Friday!  It's been a beautiful week for me.  Some ups, some downs, but a positive week!

I'm linking up with                     for 'High Five For Friday!'

1. Found myself the perfect pair of black heels at JcPenney's!  Comfy, cute, and only $30- I'm so in love with these.  You can get your own pair here. 

2.I  ate a whole box of Do-si-dos Girl Scout cookies myself this week!  But don't worry, I know where I can get more!  Love these little cookies and the girls are working hard to sell them, so check out your local Girl Scouts.

3.  I got my commission check for the last month for Mary Kay.  I'm a Star Recruiter Independent Beauty Consultant so I'm just starting with my commission checks.  I'm pretty proud of this one- it helped pay for my car(broken), web site, Propay, Career Conference, and my Red Jacket!  

4. I am holding my first Smokey Eye class with fellow teammates this weekend!  We have about  15 guests tentatively.  I'm really pumped to see how great everyone looks!

5. I started doing Yoga this week and am absolutely in love with it!  I used to be a gymnast but one wouldn't guess that if you see me stretching.  Ain't no rubber in this rubberband--but soon I'll have that flexibility back!

 
Enjoy your weekend!  Love Friday!

Meeze the Squeeze

“My name is Skippito Friskito. (clap-clap)
I fear not a single bandito. (clap-clap)
My manners are mellow,
I'm sweet like the Jell-o,
I get the job done, yes indeed-o. (clap-clap)” 
― Judy Schachner, Skippyjon Jones

Lazy Thursday, so let's introduce Meezy McSqueezy my siamesey!  If you are familiar with the Skippyjon Jones children's book, I think the quote describes Mr. Meeze to a T.  

Meezy is another rescue of mine.  Mom and six siblings were surrendered and when I picked them up, they said, "Mom might I have fleas."  UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE YEAR!  All 7 were completely infested, so infested that when I dawn bathed them, the water was red from blood as why my shirt.  So infested that I sadly lost 4 out of 6 babies.  I was able to save two, Meezy and his brother I named Sketch.  Sketch was adopted to a wonderful family.

Meeze has got thumbs, another poly dactyl of mine.  He has the personality of a mother hen.  He is lover of all guests in the house.  From a new foster kitty or cat, to someone who just stopped by for a visit.  He loves to bless them by leaving his gorgeous fur all over their clothes.  He's a power shedder and a power lover, and when you are sitting, he welcomes you by lots of rubbing and somersaults in your lap.  

Below he's politely waiting for me to remove the box he tried to fit into....

One of my favorite stories I like to share of Meezy is when we got a new foster dog, Oscar.  He was a timid little schnauzer who had never been around cats.  I brought him home and he stood by the front door trembling and wouldn't move.  Meeze walked up, wrapped his legs around Oscar's front leg(think of a Koala or bear hugging a tree trunk), and acted like he was biting him and trying to get him to wrestle.  Oscar was baffled, then relaxed, and Meezy was his snuggle buddy and safe haven for the rest of his stay.

When I was pregnant, both times, Meezy would bring me things: hair ties, socks, t-shirts.  I could hear him chirping on his way to me.  He come dragging or carrying whatever my gift was and lay it at my feet.

Such a gentle soul, a caretaker, so open-hearted  and non-judgemental, not your typical Siamese personality at all. Love my Squeezers! 

Tell me about the cat that is the caretaker in your life!