Spreading Kindess

Ready to lend our helping hands! 

I knew keeping up with this blog would be tough, but I'm only four days behind so progress, right? This last week has been nothing short of crazy and busy but we managed to get in our act of kindness and a bit of fun girl time while doing it.

Let's start off with some food for thought:

Did you know that 15.3 million children lived in food-insecure households in 2014?

The USDA defines "food insecurity" as the lack of access, at times, to enough food for all household members. In 2011, households with children reported a significantly higher food insecurity rate than households without children: 20.6% vs. 12.2%.

According to The Galveston County Food Bank's website, Feeding America estimates that roughly 53,660 Galveston County residents are in need of emergency food assistance in a single year. That is 1 in 5 of our neighbors in Galveston County, compared to the national average of 1 in 6.

Breaking apart toothbrushes for our care packages.

These are peoples babies, y'all. Yes, I get it, get a job. Do better for yourself and your family.

Ok, actually, no, I don't get it. THESE ARE PEOPLE'S BABIES! We don't know everyone's life circumstances. We don't know what people have been through. Sure people make bad decisions, but why can't we sometimes choose to look beyond those decisions...or to realize that those precious, perfect babies are victims of circumstance? Can't we choose to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

This household lives a comfortable life. We are privilege beyond measure. Maybe even a bit entitled and often in need of a reality check.

And that's why this week's project was so perfect for Lainey and I to participate in for our Summer of Kindness Act 2.

Last week, we volunteered with an organization I love and have been a member of for 6 years. The program works to provide food for children in food-insufficient homes. There so many aspects to this program, including tutoring, book distribution and more, but we participated in a one-night stuffing event. I took the mini-me down to our building to fill bags with toiletries and snacks to send home with kids to help them get through their weekend.

Can you imagine not knowing where your next meal is going to come from? Worse, can you imagine not knowing where your BABY'S next meal will come from?

Lainey and I helped stuff 65 bags to send home with kids who live in food-insufficient homes. On the way down there, she had no interest in helping. She was concerned that the kids will want to take her toys or her own food -- we are doing this project for a reason, y'all -- but once we got there, she was ready to work!

She stuffed and stuffed until she broke a sweat. I don't think she truly understood what we were doing, this act may have been above her maturity level a bit, but she did it. She worked hard and she was proud of herself. And that's a lesson, too.

Kindness is something I have to work on every second of every day. I am short-tempered and I lack patience entirely. If I want to teach my daughter to be kind, genuine, compassionate woman, it starts with me. So maybe this project is to teach me to be kind and to think of others first just so she can be witness to it.

Week 2, that's a wrap.

Catching a quick rest -- on the Pilates Reformer -- post volunteer bath.

Give Kindness, Receive Kindness

Today the babies and I went to lunch at some of the new restaurants that were part of our awesome new mall expansion. We headed out with some sweet friends to let the kids play and enjoy some mommy time. I've been thinking a lot about how our actions are contagious. I notice that when I am frantic and stressed, so are my kids. But when I am agreeable and relaxed, they are as well.

This Summer of Kindness that we are embarking on is something that I hope will become a habit more than a summer-long venture.

Today I was so aware of my reactions to people. When a lady literally ran me down with her motorized scooter at Walmart, I wanted to pounce on her with every vile word I could come up with. Instead, I simply said, excuse me and went about my business. Guess what? Lainey noticed. She even asked if it made me mad.

Of course it did, but I explained to her that we had no idea what that lady's day was like or what life was dealing her. Did she truly not see me? I don't know. But our reactions are everything.

I was reminded that some people can be mean. Some people are oblivious to others.

Then we went to lunch and I was reminded how great people are.

When I went to the restroom to change a VERY frustrated almost 2 year old, I found this little gem in the changing table. Someone who thought that another mom may need a little help.

You never know how big or little of an impact a small gesture can make. We can truly never know what others are experiencing, so why not try to be the joy in someone else's day?

Be kind, friends. Let's see where this takes us.

A Summer of Kindness

This blog has never had my full attention. It just hasn't. No reason in particular. I love to write but I am scattered by nature and having to plan something out -- like a blog -- takes a lot out of me. Yesterday my daughter and I did something pretty cool and a random lady suggested I blog about it. She looked at me and said:

"Write this down somewhere, somewhere you won't forget about it and somewhere she will have the opportunity to remember it. You're doing a good thing, momma."

So here I am. I keep a journal to each of my kids that I started when I was pregnant with each but this seemed worthy of blogging. I mean, I'm not promising you will ever get a follow up, but it's a start.

This summer, my 4-year-old daughter Lainey and and I are setting out to have a Summer of Kindness. As humans, as sinners, we are, by nature, selfish people. I am selfish. My kids are selfish and it's a trait I refuse to let run my home. So we are setting out to change that culture in our home. Each week, Lainey and I -- with sweet Hudson in tow -- will set out to do a random (or planned) act of kindness. We are searching for ways to serve other people. We want to think of them first, not ourselves.

To be honest, when I first brought this up to her, her response was "WHY?".

And that's when and how I knew I was doing the right thing. Lainey is a sweet kid. She is genuinely funny and she is not mean. She is brave and wise beyond her age. She is sensitive and she feels emotions so big. I truly admire her spirit. But as Christians and people striving to be better than we are, it's important that I instill the need to serve and to provide a better example to my kids. We are too blessed to not serve others well.

Yesterday we woke up early -- that's a trend with my kids -- and we decided to try our hand at baking some dairy free cupcakes to practice for my son's upcoming second birthday and it came up that all of our first responders were spending the holiday working instead of with their family. We decided that this was the perfect first duty in our Summer of Kindness.

My sweet girl mixing her batter. Homemade, dairy free vanilla cupcakes. 

Adding her icing. It came out a bit runny but, hey, we are new to
 this diary free lifestyle so whatevs.

From start to finish, except for the oven parts, Lainey did it all! She mixed the batter, poured the cupcakes, iced and decorated them. I was so proud of her. I have such fond memories of baking with my grandma and to see her truly enjoy and take her time doing this was so special for me.

We delivered a dozen cupcakes to our local police station to thank them for keeping us safe this holiday weekend and always. I truly feel our police force is under appreciated. It's a hard job that puts their life on the line daily and keeps them away from their families. If you don't know an officer, I really don't think you truly see what it takes. We love our officers and were so happy to present them with a fun, yummy little snack to get them through the day and I was so proud of my girl for making the delivery! She was a tad shy but the officer was kind and thankful and as soon as we got in the car, she was so proud of herself! I am always proud of my girl and she truly does leave a little sparkle wherever she goes but I am hoping that our Summer of Kindness will bring out something in her that makes her radiate kindness wherever she goes.

Each week we will set out to do something that serves another. Be it small or large, we are on mission this summer. The best way to tell others you love them, are thinking about them and the best way to tell people about Jesus is to show them. So join us this summer as we make it a Summer of Kindness.

Take the Leap

Friends, I am officially a business owner. Small and online, but officially nonetheless. Meet Hudson Lane Boutique. Pop in and take a look.

Tonight is date night. For the hubby and the little one. I am home with our sweet guy. We just finished snuggling and he's tucked tight into bed and I am here, avoiding laundry and the messy kitchen awaiting me. 

Because balance. 

The shop has taken on a life of it's own and I am so pleased that it has! This has been a modified dream of mine for years and I'm so happy to see it come to fruition.

Between birthday parties, preschool, little gym classes, tumbling and my volunteer efforts, I have no idea where I found the time to do it but where there is a will, there is a way. And will is something the girls in this house have plenty of!

So, tell me...it seems a lot of my blogger friends have been absent nearly as long as I have. Send me to your favorite blogs. Who should I be reading?

xo

And There It Is.

Tonight, as she does most nights, my almost four year is upstairs calling out my name over...and over...and over again. And then once more. After my head spun around a few times, I hear her yelling:

"Mama! I need to kiss you!"

How could I resist? I head on up to that doll's room, snuggle in her bed and she says:

"Did you bring me one? I said I need a tissue."

There it was. Reality check. Just like that. 

Sometimes I feel so needed the tension just creeps up my back. My head feels so heavy I can hardly hold it up. But is there a better feeling in this world. The overwhelming joy. The physical exhaustion and depletion of everything pales in comparison. 

I will fetch you tissues all the live long day, princess.

Finding Mommy Time

This baby business is hard, y'all. I often times feel myself trying to do everything right that I overlook what's really important. 


Yesterday, I was in the midst of a breakdown all day. I love my kids, they are the best thing to ever happen to me. I relish in my time with them; but I am a closeted introvert and I need time by myself. I need quiet. I crave it. Taking time for myself just doesn't happen. I'm either playing with kids, running errands, spending time with my husband, volunteering or hanging out with my family. All things that top the priority list but for my kids sake, time for myself has got to be on that list.

Last night B came home and put the girl to bed while I wrestled the boy. He then came in, took the boy and told me to go. But you know what, I didn't know what to do. I've entangled myself so much in being momma that I literally could not think of what to do. I can't remember the last time I read or even bought a book, I had no shows dvr-ed, I was in such a funk I didn't want to work out, I couldn't think of a thing. 

So I put in my headphones and hopped in the bath. I so needed it! 

The boy kept me all night last night and when we woke up...he had cut his first tooth! My sweet boy is growing up way too fast. 

B took the kids again this morning so I could go try on a bridesmaid dress. Again, I realized how important it is for me to have that.

I came home, after 2 hours!, and felt refreshed. With no sleep, I came in the door and made my little's lunch, went for a run and put the boy down for a nap. It was a breath of fresh air. In order to be the best mom I can, I have got to start making myself a priority. I have to find time for myself, even if it's a run. I mean, has 30 minutes of independent play or tv time ever hurt a kid. I think not. 

Thinking about it, there are so many things I would love to do but put on the back burner because I don't have the time. I want to cook more, read more, find consistent time to work out, and let's face it, watch some trashy TV. Can you say Real Housewives of ANYTHING?! 

This is my resolution, take care of myself so I can take better care of my family. So tell me, how do you find your time? What do you enjoy doing? 

15 Months

That is how long I've been away from my blog. FIFTEEN MONTHS. That is life. So much has happened in that time and I honestly didn't think I'd ever come back. But I do this for me. I am, by nature, scattered. So it is natural that my blog reflects that, I guess.

Well, let me introduce you to the newest "thing" in my life. Thing 2.

He is the sweetst, best, most cuddly little guy ever. He is such an even tempered baby, always happy, so funny, rarely cries and is just joy. He is JOY!! He makes me think I could have 5 kids.

And y'all, the girl. The girl! She's so smart, so sassy, so strong willed, so fun, so imaginative, all of it! I know parents aren't supposed to say this but she is my best friend. I so look forward to our chats. She confides in me, she trusts me. She sure hates me at times, but she is my mini me and I adore her, fits and all!

  

Things have started to settle and we've fallin' into a bit of a routine so I'm getting back to things I love. Taking on more for Junior League, blogging and I've even opened up a few contracts to do some freelance PR work.

So this is it, my attempt to be "back". Let's see how this goes...

My Sassy Pants

This blog has seriously take a back seat to...well...life. But this week I randomly had two people ask me where I have been! After FIVE months of being away, I hate to tell you all that I've been right here. Silently stalking your blogs, raising a TWO YEAR OLD, Junior League-ing and moving into my new home. 

Yup. That's all folks. I haven't gotten more interesting, I haven't jet-setted around the globe. I've been right here all along. 

My sweet girl turned two last week and she is quite consuming, I must say. Hilarious as all get out, smart, sassy and too much to keep up with. And when I say sassy...y'all, I mean SAS-SY! She's a mess and I'm certain I'm going to have my hands full for a long time with this one.

Just last week, I asked her lay in my bed while I started my bedtime routine of washing my face and all that mess, when I was in my closet and I hear banging coming from my room.

I called from my closet "Are you being a good girl or a bad girl, Lainey?"
She said, "I being a bad girl mommy!"
"Why?!" I asked.
"Because it's much fun!"

Yikes. Like I said...Hands. Full. 

Here are a few pics from her two year pictures I took. 

But the girl is cute. What can I say?! 

We are also settled into our new home that we signed contracts on at the end of last winter and I can post some pics another day (maybe five months from now, I promise nothing). It was a process though, let me tell ya. Moving and building a house are no joke. I'm so happy to be home and settled though!

So, there is my update...I shall return to stalk you all...

NYC Vacation

My favorite place is New York. I have been six times and can't get enough. We went this past month to visit my best friend from college and just hang out. We had such a good trip and Lainey did SO well.

Here is the story of this trip: We randomly stumbled upon the flagship American Girl Place -- the American Girl store, in other words. It's amazing. Four stories of babies and accessories. So, we decided to go in. We had our hearts set to buy lainey a new American Girl doll so we strolled up to the fourth floor where the Bitty Babies are to pick out a new one. Well, as soon as we got up there, she found "her" baby. She has the Bitty Baby with blue eyes and light brown hair. So she proceeded to grab "her" baby off the shelf and play with the stroller they had set out. In all of this, I realized I stupidly left her Bitty Baby at the apartment where we were staying. We decided to get an outfit and the stroller and in the process, went to take the doll she had claimed away from her....and that's when it happened. My child, for the first time ever, threw herself on the ground in a fit of desperation.
Here is what I try to explain to B...She was not crying because she wanted us to buy her anything. She was perfectly content with "her" baby and didn't care to even get a new toy. She was heartbroken, and it was gut wrenching to watch, because she had to leave "her" baby with the store clerk. For the first time ever, we carried her out of the store kicking and screaming "No, my baby, my baby! Please, my baby, daddy, please!"

It was one of the saddest things I've seen. How do you eplain to a 19 month old that that wasn't "her" baby. It looked the same and even had on the same clothes. It was horrible!

So, as of course I would, we went back to the apartment and I called American Girl, made a reservation for lunch and we went back the next day, this time, with her baby, named Chloe, in hand. We had an amazing time! We shopped, had lunch, and dressed the Lainey to match her Bitty Baby. It was a perfect day and exactly the experience I had hoped she would have. She loves her baby, stroller and new pup, Coconut.

Here is Lainey and Bitty Baby Chloe after lunch, ready to hit the NYC streets!

The rest of our trip was pretty relaxing, and we took Chloe with us everywhere we went, just in case.

 

This is on the ferris wheel in Toys R Us. She couldn't take her eyes off the sights long enough to get a picture but she LOVED it.

Trying to enjoy the cab ride! This was about 3 minutes before our cab drive flipped off a cop and we got pulled over. We got a free cab ride in exchange for his "aggressive behavior in the presence of a baby".

We figured she was on vacation, too. Doughnuts and chocolate milk for breakfast!

Another highlight, the Naked Cowboy. My kid liked him waaay too much. Waaaaay too much!

Time Passes....

Time passes so quickly. Having this little baby girl makes it go even quicker! So much has happend in the last couple of months since I've been on here.

Our house is coming along and I am thrilled! We have our electircal walk through on Friday and I am so excited to see the house. The rent house is really starting to bum me out. It's so small, the neighbors are horrible and I am sick of living out of boxes and not feeling like I'm at "home". Just a few more months!!!

My due date for Baby #2 has come and gone and the day seemed to be a slap in the face. Two weeks before my due date I found out I was pregnant again. On April 13, I went to the ER because I started bleeding very heavily. I lost Baby #3 on what should have been my due date with Baby #2.

I'm still numb. I don't understand why or how this could happen to us. It's frustrating, angering and stressful. We are now undergoing some tests to find out what's going with me and why by body is not cooperating. We have found a few things that are "leads" but nothing that is a definitive answer. I'm ready for it to all be over. At the moment we are no longer trying for another and, honestly, I don't know when or if I'll be ready again. I guess I get too attached too easily and I don't know if I can lose another and keep my sanity. I feel like I should be thankful for what I have and leave it alone.

We registered the little one for "school" in the fall. She will be attending Mother's Day Out. I am so nervous but I think she will really love it.

We also recently took a trip to New York to visit my best friend from college and meet her new boyfriend. It was SUCH a good time and the vacation came at the perfect time!

Me and my sweet girl on Mother's Day!

Lucky in Love

Last Friday my sweet husband and I celebrated five years of marriage! I feel like our time together has flown by. I am so lucky to be married to the sweetest man.

Since we are buying a house, we didn't go all out this year. In a way, maybe our house is our anniversary gift! Thursday, the day before our anniversary, we spent the entire day at the design center picking out our final decisions for every aspect of the house. On our way home, we decided to stop in Houston for dinner with the munchkin.


If I look exhausted, it's because I was! Completely worn out.

 In five years we have lived in three states, purchased our first home and are currently building our second home, we've traveled, we've seen whales breech in Hawaii and monkeys in Costa Rica, experienced the birth of our perfect little angle, experienced the loss of what should have been baby #2. We've lost loved ones, become an aunt and uncle and godparents.

I was so young when I met my husband I was so young. I feel like I've grown up with him. I love my life and I am so happy that I chose to follow God's plan rather than my own. For all I know, I could be sitting in a NY apartment lonely and wishing for hubby and baby girl!

Working Moms

I feel like there is this constant battle between being a working mom or a stay at home mom; at least for me. Should I go back to work or should I stay home with Lainey? Should I make money and contribute to the household income? Or should I spend every second with my girl?

I love being home with Lainey and I feel so blessed that my sweet and amazing husband works so hard that I am able to do so. But it is always a question that comes and goes. I feel like whoever you talk to has a differing view.

Well, I've been offered the chance the interview for an amazing opporutnity. Amazing and FUN!

I feel like it's the best of both worlds. It would  only be as-needed and they are willing to work around my schedule. The job would be working with my former boss, who I loved working for.

I don't want to give too much away, I am very nervous about it. It's in a bit of a different arena than I've worked before so I am also terrified!

But, I am going to the meeting and we will see what happens. Wish me luck!

For the mommies

I shared this on Facebook a few days back and it still haunts me. So beautifully written and so true.

This is for all the mother's (including pregnant ones and those who desire to be) in the world, this one is for you!

Author Unknown

We are sitting at lunch one day when my daughter casually mentions that she and her husband are thinking of "starting a family." "We're taking a survey," she says half-joking. "Do you think I should have a baby?"


"It will change your life," I say, carefully keeping my tone neutral.

 
"I know," s...he says, "no more sleeping in on weekends, no more spontaneous vacations."

But that is not what I meant at all. I look at my daughter, trying to decide what to tell her. I want her to know what she will never learn in childbirth classes.

I want to tell her that the physical wounds of child bearing will heal, but becoming a mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw that she will forever be vulnerable.

I consider warning her that she will never again read a newspaper without asking, "What if that had been MY child?" That every plane crash, every house fire will haunt her.

That when she sees pictures of starving children, she will wonder if anything could be worse than watching your child die.

I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish suit and think that no matter how sophisticated she is, becoming a mother will reduce her to the primitive level of a bear protecting her cub. That an urgent call of "Mom!" will cause her to drop a soufflé or her best crystal without a moments hesitation.

I feel that I should warn her that no matter how many years she has invested in her career, she will be professionally derailed by motherhood. She might arrange for childcare, but one day she will be going into an important business meeting and she will think of her baby's sweet smell. She will have to use every ounce of discipline to keep from running home, just to make sure her baby is all right.


I want my daughter to know that every day decisions will no longer be routine. That a five year old boy's desire to go to the men's room rather than the women's at McDonald's will become a major dilemma. That right there, in the midst of clattering trays and screaming children, issues of independence and gender identity will be weighed against the prospect that a child molester may be lurking in that restroom.


However decisive she may be at the office, she will second-guess herself constantly as a mother.


Looking at my attractive daughter, I want to assure her that eventually she will shed the pounds of pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about herself.

 
That her life, now so important, will be of less value to her once she has a child. That she would give herself up in a moment to save her offspring, but will also begin to hope for more years, not to accomplish her own dreams, but to watch her child accomplish theirs.


I want her to know that a cesarean scar or shiny stretch marks will become badges of honor.

My daughter's relationship with her husband will change, but not in the way she thinks.


I wish she could understand how much more you can love a man who is careful to powder the baby or who never hesitates to play with his child.

I think she should know that she will fall in love with him again for reasons she would now find very unromantic.

I wish my daughter could sense the bond she will feel with women throughout history who have tried to stop war, prejudice and drunk driving.
I want to describe to my daughter the exhilaration of seeing your child learn to ride a bike.
I want to capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is touching the soft fur of a dog or cat for the first time.
I want her to taste the joy that is so real it actually hurts.


My daughter's quizzical look makes me realize that tears have formed in my eyes. "You'll never regret it," I finally say. Then I reached across the table, squeezed my daughter's hand and offered a silent prayer for her, and for me, and for all the mere mortal women who stumble their way into this most wonderful of callings.

May you always have in your arms the one who is in your heart.

Loss

It happened. My aunt passed away today.

She is no longer in pain and no longer suffering. Its so surreal. You think you have prepared yourself and you know that the pain is finally gone but it is still so hard. My grandma is a mess.

Please pray for our family. The visition and funeral will be Wednesday and Thursday.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of the His saints."

Psalm 116:15

It's getting close

The day I've been dreading for almost 8 months is right around the corner. My due date.

Baby number 2 should be making his or her grand entrance into this world in just five weeks. But he/she isn't. And I am still not expecting.

While it's been tough, I can say, I think I am reaching a place of peace with the whole thing. I'm ok. I've reached a place where even if I don't have more babies, I think I will be just fine with the perfect little girl that I do have.

I am blessed and I know that. Finally. It has taken me since Septemeber to get here, but here I am.



Look at this face!

Despite it all, things are great. I am happy. Really, life couldn't get better unless another little one did join our family.

Things are moving along with our new house and we should be in at the end of summer. I am so excited about this I can hardly wait!

Finally permitting our lot! Ready to see some concrete!

Things with my headbands are going amazingly well! I'm actually stocking merchandise in a boutique now! It's crazy how things work out. Be sure to take a look at my Facebook page. I am annoucinging a giveaway tomorrow!   I will soon play catch up on my blog reading! My google reader is out.of.control!

Strength

Today was an emotional day. We went down to Galveston to visit my great aunt who is plagued with cancer. It's such a horrible thing.

 She has cervical cancer that just seems to be taking her over. She looked beautiful as ever, but so frail and small at the same time.


I have been putting off going to visit because I was scared. I was scared to see someone I love suffer. I was afraid that I would bring in something that would make her sicker. I was afraid that she would be in too much pain to want visitors and that I would be a bother.

And honestly, I was afraid because I felt like if I went to see her, I was admitting that this could be the thing that kills her. (Wow. To say (or write) that is heart wrenching.)

You see, I haven't had to see anyone suffer before. I have lost a few people here and there over the years, most of when I was much younger and then, of course, the loss of my pregnancy, but I've never had to sit there while someone I love fights for their life.

But I went. I went because when someone is in a state like that, you suck it up. I took Lainey with me. My aunt is so kind and love us all so much. She often asks about Lainey and wants pictures of her so I took her. I know that there is nothing sweeter than a child and I knew seeing her would make my aunt happy.

And it did. I overheard her talking to the nurse about how she was so happy to have her great niece and her great-great niece come visit.

Seeing her in the hospital bed in the middle of her own bedroom under the care of hospice was definitely a reality check. It makes me realize how short life is. And how important family is.

We are so lucky that Lainey not only has grandparents around but great-grandparents to spare! We are so blessed to be surrounded but such an incredible family who is so loving. How can you take that for granted? How can you sit idly by and not play an active role in fostering and nurturing those relationships?

I love my aunt. I love her because she always sent me homemade carrot cakes and because she makes the best gumbo I've ever had. I love her because she is my grandma's best friend and their relationship is inspiring, they are the definition of soul mates. I love her because she is a strong woman who spent the entire hour telling me that she will be fine and to quit worrying. I love her because she has the kindest heart and would take in any stray that came to her door. I love her because she has the confidence and the spirit to believe she will be ok.

And while my heart is so sadden that she has to endure such hell, it has also found strength in hers.

I have hope and I have faith. Please, please pray, friends.

Sick and Tired!

Do you ever get so tired you feel sick? Like you literally cannot go on? 

Y'all, I get like this all.the.time. It's been horrific. I went to the doctor a few weeks ago and found out that I'm borderline anemic. 

What is that anyway? Who cares if your borderline, you are or you aren't, right? I can't tell you how frustrating it is to feel so drained your entire existence and the to almost have an answer. I've always been the type to be tired all of the time but as I've gotten older, it's gotten worse. And it's not being a mommy. My kid sleeps 12 hours at night and 2-3 hours during the day. (Blessed!!)

Well, since I'm "borderline", they won't give me anything to help. I've started taking vitamins but I am pretty sure I found something to help. I purchased Advocare from another blogger several months ago but I stopped taking it because I found out I was pregnant with my second baby (read about that here). Well, I decided to dig it out and give it a shot after, get this, my OBGYN recommended I do so. She said it would help with fatigue and lack of energy and I wouldn't have to worry about learning about the science behind it because it's all planned for you. 

Well, let me tell you, I think it's working. I feel so much better during the day. I can make it past 3 p.m. without feeling this insanely sick feeling. 

It's incredible. I don't do a full program but I do a meal replacement shake for breakfast, vitamins and a Spark around lunch time. I feel amazing. I was nervous because I have a pretty low tolerance for stuff like this, I once took Hydroxycut and thought I was going to die. Seriously. You know the labels that say "If you experience these symptoms, please call your doctor immediately,"? Well, I had every single symptom. So I was hesitant to try it, to say the least. 

So far I am really happy with the results. If you're looking for way to get more energy, drop a few pounds or just get healthier, I've decided to become a distributor so you can visit my site. 

I know this is a terrible post but I am so happy with the results, I had to share my story! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

Up and Running!

We are finally settled into the rent house and have cable and internet! I think I realized how addicted I am to all of that when I was without it. I don't watch much tv during the day but when Lainey naps or goes to bed at night, I am pretty sure I turn into a zombie. So bad...

We've been so busy getting adjusted, we moved into a much smaller space!, getting things going on our new house that we are building and building my little business. Check it out at www.facebook.com/hudsonlaneboutique. I'm actually working on a few custom orders now and an order for a local boutique. I'm so excited it's been going so well, just need YOUR help to spread the word.

Lainey is still at The Little Gym (look it to find one near you, it's amazing!!!) and she's doing so well. I can't believe how far she's come. She has so much confidence in her personality and skills. Her teacher is so amazing at helping them develop that. Here is her latest achievement! She used to scream bloody murder at the bars when we first started at The Little Gym now, she's a little champ...or monkey!

Update Quickie!

It's crazy how time seems to get away from you. Maybe it's having a little one, maybe it's the process of moving, or maybe it's just life. Whatever it is, I cannot believe how quickly the last few weeks have flown by and how much we have going on!

If you've been reading my few and far between posts, we have sold our house. We close on Friday! Yikes! We have also signed papers to begin construction on our new home! Yippee! I'm so excited. It's a bit overwhelming, I mean, what if it comes out not like I imagined. Thank goodness for Pinterst!

We signed papers on Saturday and 6 hours later, we had a lot! We are actually moving across the street from a very good friend of mine. So, that I am really excited about!

Lainey has been sick with a cold that won't quit. Now that she's getting better I think she has a combination of cabin fever and the dreary weather blues. And...I kind of think the boxes and change in normality are starting to get to her. She has been up crying at night and she goes on and off of fussy throughout the day. I feel so bad for her. I know this is such a big change. Tomorrow will be Mommy and Lainey day though! I plan to take her to the rent house (since our house sold, we are moving into a rent house for the next 6 months or so while our home is being built) to let her unpack some of her toys, then gymnastics, lunch and maybe even the Rainforest. I just really need to spend some time with her doing what SHE wants. It's been so much about the move lately!

I've also really started to get going on my little facebook page. Be sure to check it out, once I hit 50 Likes, I'm hosting a giveaway! I'm actually very excited because I will be selling some of my headbands in a local store. Eekk!!!

Two Valentine's Headbands I made for some sweet girls!

Cheesing it up at her Uncle Jason's birthday! This is one of my favorites!

My birthday brunch at the Hotel Galvez. Please do this if you are ever in Galveston. Please. You will thank me.

My sweet girl at Little Gym

girl talk with her bestie Khloe

And this is how she fixes herself up to tour schools! It starts so early...

Helping mommy pack!

Making Friends

Here in my part of Texas the weather has been less than desirable. It's been almost consistently below 40 with rain and wind, but not cold enough for snow; obviously making days for a toddler and stay at home mommy quite long. 

We've resorted to "swimming" in the tub, dress up and yes, even a movie. Thank you, PBS for raising my kid when this uncreative mommy can think of nothing better to do on a cold, rainy day. I would suck it up as a mom if I lived in Seattle. 

dress up before bed

Luckily, today we had gymnastics. I am so happy that she has something like this to do every week. It has been such an amazing thing to watch her form her own little friendships. She has a group of little girls and one special little boy in her class who she loves to play with. And she did that, not me. 

As a mom it makes me so happy to see that my sweet girl has the confidence to "talk" to other kids her age and to engage them in play. Because I stay home with her I've sort of harbored this fear that she would be very shy and not make friends easily. Now, she has her times where she is very, very shy, but that is usually reserved for adults. 

We've started to take the kids out to lunch after gym and before we all head home for naps and it's seriously amazing to see how they've fostered friendships and want to be together. I'm a little sad because most of her "friends" are a few months older and will be moving up to the next class this summer. Her teacher has said that she is social enough and has been in the class long enough that we can consider a trial period with her in the class above hers. I really want to keep her with her friends because I feel like she does so well with them and that she'd be starting over when they leave and the babies move into her class. We'll see.

after gym fun with friends!

Listen closely for our new word!

How do your kids do with other babies? Any tips for the mommy of a shy girl?