Monday, June 4, 2018

Celebrate the Little Things With Me!

Do you have pain? Daily pain? Well, I do. And "good days" are few and far between. So I think the little moments when I can feel free of the struggle is when I shall do all I can. But I shall enjoy them too. Sure, I might be doing chores. But I will do them happily. Not every day that I can, you know. If you struggle too, let's celebrate together! Tell me what your little moment is. And I will celebrate it with you!

Friday, June 1, 2018

Staying Blindly in Love

They say love is blind. And usually when people make this comment, they mean it in a negative way. After all, it typically gets used when someone is so "in love" that they miss all the signs that it is a terrible relationship to be in. But did you know, there is another way that love is blind? Love is blind in a great way for my husband and I. 
Two days from now, we will have been married for a year. Some people see us and think we are still in the honeymoon stage. I say if that is the case, then may we never get out of that stage. I've known him for at least 4 years. We met as coworkers during our bondage to Target. At first, I couldn't stand him. No, really. I hated his guts. Here he was, another shining star among the drones that Target likes to hire. He could think. He could reason. Here was someone who was catching the eyes of the leaders and that I was afraid was going to take the leadership role I was working so hard to get. Then he spoke. And it was in a language I was very fluent in - sarcasm. Suddenly, I was in awe of him. Suddenly, I wanted to know more about this guy. He came in, kept quiet and worked furiously - better than every other guy on our team. I didn't have to hold his hand. I didn't have to keep reminding him to pick up the pace. He kept up with me just fine. It was not love at first sight. But boy did it grow. We became good friends. Hanging out with him was not awkward. Silence with him actually felt comfortable. We went from hanging out on lunch breaks to me inviting him to our "parties". A bunch of us cooler peeps got together to play video games, swap stories and yes, I cooked and baked. We were all just a bunch of nerds having fun. It was at these parties that I saw something in him that made me like him just a little more. He understood me. He was fun. We shared common hobbies and interests. That doesn't mean I jumped right into a relationship with him, however. Having just exited a terrible marriage, the fear was real that this wouldn't last. That happiness would not ever truly be mine. That didn't discouraged him. He pursued me. After a while, we started going out and eventually he met my kids. I did push him away. Okay, let me rephrase... I tried to push him away. But he was determined. Another trait I appreciated. I constantly voiced my insecurities and ideas on why we wouldn't work out. And he had reassurance for each one. Fast forward to today, we are married and even had a baby together. Though not in that order. He has become a strong role model to my sons. He became the father all my children needed. And he has loved me blindly the whole way.

It is said that we are our greatest critics. We magnify our flaws from an anthill to a mountain. But those who love us fully are blind to those "flaws". They love us regardless. Passionately. Fully. No holds barred. And he does just that. He stands strong by my side. Through the unplanned pregnancy, losing my job and the ever growing health concerns I have muddled through. He hasn't missed a single chance to tell me how much he loves me. He also doesn't hesitate to show me. I made it clear at the beginning that love is an action, not some gooey feeling and empty words. And he has taken that to heart. He lets me sleep in when I have had a particularly bad night. He randomly cleans things without me saying anything. He buys my pads... Talk about real love. This man will buy the right kind of pads when he knows I'm in need. Like this morning when my second period in less than a month took it up a notch... He doesn't shy away. We have even had conversations about my monthly flow. Doesn't cover his ears or squirm. I've gained weight - 40 pounds to be exact - since he fell in love with me. Yet, he still tells me that I'm beautiful. Not with the hope of getting something in return, but because he truly means it. 
Love is blind. In more than one way. And the blind love we have is beautiful.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

What Better Way to Spoil Her Than With Mama's Jewelry?

While Mother's Day was fast approaching, I was offered the chance to talk to you about a company that has amazing gift ideas for the Mom, Grandma, Nana or other motherly figures you have in your life. Mother's Day is the one day a year that we are supposed to dedicate to showing our 'Mom' just how much we love them. However, that doesn't mean that should be the only day in the year that you say and show them! But make this one day extra special. That is why I am suggesting Mama's Jewelry to you. Whether you want to hold them to memory for next Mother's Day, or if you are thinking about what to get for Christmas and birthdays, check them out and think outside the box for a change!
*Disclaimer: I was sent this product in exchange for my honest review. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed for my review. The words below are my own opinions based upon my experience with the company and product.*

Mama's Jewelry has some amazing selections. I was very impressed when I went searching through the options. Your order will be just as unique as you and your Mom. How so? Because they make the jewelry with your personalized choices. You pick the color - rose gold, gold and platinum silver plated, for instance. How many birthstones, which ones and then the size you need. A simple, yet elegant, reminder of each child she has had. Whether you get a pendant or a ring, you customize it just for her.  
I like that there are two options to every stone. Real and imitation. As much as we might all want to get Mom or Nana that real stone, we probably can't all afford to.
I found it interesting that a size 7 is the only one you don't have to pay an additional amount for. I'm assuming that is because that is the standard size. Like a size 8 is the median in women's clothing. 

Comfort and beauty that fits with perfection! 
 
I ordered this particular ring for one of the Nana's in our lives. It is the Nana Rope Mothers ring. I chose Platinum Plated Silver. You then choose from drop down options of ring size, how many birthstones and what each stone is to be.
From the day it shipped to the day I received it was only 5 days. I do want to warn you, that Mother's Day is their Black Friday. So if you are buying this for Mother's Day, get your order in early! They try to put it together and ship it as quickly as possible, but they are like any other company during their peak - they will be quite full in orders. I thought the box they shipped it in was really nice. The magnetic lid adds class and stability to it. Also added to the safety while being shipped.
Pleasing packaging!

Now for the ring itself, I was very pleased. I tried it on and liked how well it fit. Perfect sizing! And the workmanship was flawless as far as I could tell. Smooth in the roundness, each stone securely fastened and delicate in the design. It is definitely something to take pride in. I did get all imitation stones. Can't afford to go real at this time in my life. Especially not with this many stones! But the coloring for each is quite brilliant. 
My impression of Mama's Jewelry is that this is a company that I would trust to make something beautiful and lasting. Their jewelry is easy to make. It is well-crafted. Their intentions are to make things that are utilized as reminders of a Mother's greatest pride - having children! And for Nana's - not just children, but also grandchildren. As my Mom always told me, that is when you become a pro. When you can spoil the grandkids and send them back home!  
Mother's Day has passed us this year, but this is good for other events. Birthdays and anniversaries as well as Christmas time! Check them out. Let me know what you think and what your favorite product is in the comments below. I also highly suggest liking their Facebook page to keep up with current promotions and new products they may have!

Monday, May 21, 2018

Be The Observant Parent, Not the Passive One

Tonight I write of a frightening event that I found out about today. A boy in my sons class brought a knife to school. Second grade. Little boy. With a knife?! What is going on with today's kids?? Since when do kids do these types of things? What was he thinking? This comes right after the kids heard about the Houston high school shooting. And the school sent home a letter in all the kids' backpack that it has been taken care of. Which according to the little boy that is in my sons class and lives across from us, means that the boy was kicked out of school for the rest of the year. Which is a little under 2 weeks. The letter also stated that no one was in danger. Who do you think you are kidding?! A sharp kitchen knife can be just as dangerous as a gun in the wrong hands. Maybe even more so! After all, it's a far less noisy killer. How many kids could have been stabbed before someone realized what was going on?? 

I'm infuriated. I fear for my kids going to school. Maybe I'm overreacting to some parents. I admit to being overprotective. I love my babies and I do everything I can to protect them, while knowing I can't protect them all the time. 

After talking to the parent of the child who clued us in to more of what happened today, she was telling me of a game that is becoming quite popular. Bendy and the Ink Machine. At first glance, it looks a little weird, but okay. Then you read the description and it talks about the character facing his demons. Sounds a little more mature... Then I watched the game play with my husband of the first chapter. My impression? Not worthy of a child's eyes. One room has a cartoon character strapped to a movable table that looks like his chest cavity has been ripped open or something burst out of it. A scary apparition of some sort jumped out and you see this witches circle pentagram on the floor. Sadly, most parents that allow their kids to play this one probably don't even realize what is in it. It is a free download on Steam. Anyone can fake their age on there and get what they are wanting to download. 

I don't believe that video games are the reason there is more violence in the world. Not entirely. Take Minecraft. Yes, you have to kill zombies or creepers or even a giant spider from time to time. But I happily allow my kids to play it and join in their game. It's a building game. And so mild that anyone can play without fear of nightmares. They play Plants vs Zombies too. First person shooter, but it is really plants killing zombies or vice versa depending on which team you want to be on. Mario Kart is racing. Love it! So many games can be played without giving way to anger or hatred. It is the attitude and the upbringing that can lead to more violence than these games. My husband and I love playing Black Ops, 7 Days to Die and Battlefield. Don't see us raging and wanting to kill. 

Parents - pay attention. Don't be the parent that finds out their child has major issues. Not if you can help it. Play an active role in your kids life. You only have one shot. Make it count.