Stop Chasing it..

I woke up this morning compelled to talk about this.. I feel like since I turned 40 I've just become more clear about what I need to be chasing and what I do not..  I think sometimes we spend too much time chasing after things that are not chasing us.. Because lets think about it.. If you are having to CHASE something, that means its running FROM you.. Now, why would we want to be chasing something that is wanting to run away from us? I don't know, but we all do it.. 

Chasing Relationships.. When we are younger, we usually at some point end up chasing a relationship that is not worth our time. We end up chasing the things we "thought" the relationship was, or would be.. or at some point was.. but then we keep chasing it because we want it back. Even if we realize its really not worth chasing, we still chase it because sometimes (as humans) we would rather have something toxic, than to be alone.. But.. in relationships you really have to think about it.. Do you really want to be chasing someone that is running from you? Someone that doesn't think you are worth running toward? NO. So stop chasing them.. in fact.. My favorite country saying on this is "Don't let the door hitcha where the Good Lord Splicha"..  I will tell you this.. when I finally found the ONE (Jordan) It wasn't just me chasing after him.. he was running toward me, and that makes all the difference in the world. So wait for the one that runs toward you. Its worth it. 

Chasing Friends.. I used to spend a lot of time chasing friends.. I would always be the one that setup the hang out.. or invited them to lunch.. or asked them to come over. I was the one always texting to check in.. or asking how they were doing. At some point in the past few years I've realized.. "People make time for things they want to do".. so.. guess what? That wasn't me. They didn't care that much about spending time with me.. texting me back.. or meeting me for lunch.. because if they did, they would show up, and they didn't.. so I moved on.. Run toward friends who run toward you and for you. 

Chasing Career.. Oh man.. I did this for so dang long! I thought I for sure had to be the #1 Radio Morning show in a Large Market.. and I did everything it took to make that happen.. I do not regret that. I still love doing radio, and its for SURE my passion. But I've realized now, that I'm in a different place. I'm a wife. I'm a mom, and those are Super important jobs, so I can't continue to be obsessed about my career because I have to be obsessed with my marriage and my kids right now. Its a different stage of life, and its OK. I chased the carrot for so long, and did so many amazing things! I'm grateful for all those opportunities, and now I'm super blessed to get to Still do Radio while being a good wife and mom (Thank you Hank FM for being amazing to work for) Its all about compromise. Run toward a career that rewards you. 

So as I was thinking about this.. I realized its way more fun to Chase things that are running toward you. I have an amazing Husband that loves me and runs towards me.. Hilarious Kids that run toward me.. an Awesome group of friends that run toward me, lift me up daily, show up, and fulfill me. I also have a Savior that is always willing to run toward me.. even after I've done something stupid.. or let him down, He still shows me grace. He's never too busy to listen to me, and He is present in my life.. I should run toward him more. 

Run Toward things that will run back to you. Run toward people who are not only running toward you, but meeting you half way. Remember People make time for the things they want to do.. so if they aren't making time for you, thats OK.. but don't bust your butt to try to convince them to. I am a good time. My kids are also pretty entertaining.. if people don't want to be around Me, or them, that is OK.. but I'm no longer going to beg for it to happen, and I'm not going to seek that out. I have so many people who DO want to be in their lives,  DO want to be in mine, that DO show up, that THOSE people are who I'm going to run after.. because if we are being honest, I'm tired, and ain't nobody got time for chasing people.. 

"Make Room for what matters... Let go of what doesn't" 

What all Mama's.. wish Daddies Knew..

Let me start off by saying, I am married to the most amazing man in the world. He was built for me By the Lord, and I'm so glad I waited for him. He's smart, He loves the Lord, He's kind, He's patient, He is handsome, he is a good provider, a good daddy, and he is the perfect calm to my storm.. This is a man who didn't get to take a break when we had a baby.. because we had TWO babies, which meant he always had to take care of a baby as well.. And He has consistently stepped up to the plate. However.. He has told me many times that he is not a mind-reader.. and I keep expecting him to magically turn into one somehow.. 

With that said, marriage is Work. Its hard to meet expectations, and its certainly hard to get anything done when you have kids! Its hard to make time for each other, your kids, your activities, your church family, your extended family, and yourself.. Most of the time our spouse is who gets whats leftover from a day of hard work.. taking care of the kids.. just doing the daily grind, and its sad, because you don't want to give the 'left-overs' to your spouse when they are so important to your life! But.. This is a hard stage of life, and sometimes that is what happens, so we are going to need to Lean on the Lord during these times.  Ladies don't forget to pray for your husbands.. Husbands don't forget to pray for your wives, and both of you.. Pray for your kids! Pray for Wisdom, discernment, and for sure Patience.. because we will all need it! 

I was diagnosed with Flu A last week, and as a result.. (as frequently happens when Mom is sick) the responsibility of the kiddos has to move to dad.. because mom is now a nest of germy, try-to-avoid-like-the-plague-so-your-kids-don't-get-it-Flu-Mess.. So with that said.. I thought I would try to capture some things that all Moms.. wish Dads Knew..  By the way, this is NOT intended as a Man-Bashing piece.. these are things that Jordan and I have talked about that he wishes I would just SAY.. as opposed to Wishing he would just DO them.. 

1. For the last X amount of years your kid has been alive.. they still need the same things to leave the house.. Every. Day...Clothes..Shoes.. Coat (if winter) brushed hair.. brushed Teeth.
2. We know you can't do Girl hair... Like Braids, Pony tails, etc.. But.. Do whatever you can, because that still helps us! Brush the girl hair.. slap the girl hair to the side of their head with a cute bow.. grab a sweet winter hat and throw that on.. All of that is helpful to us when trying to get the kids out the door. 
3. Please pickup after yourself.. when you make us pickup after YOU and the children it makes us think about ways to physically harm you which is not super for the marriage. It also sets a good example to your children, that everyone needs to pickup after themselves and Mom is not everyone's maid.. 
4. If you don't know how to do laundry.. or you are unsure about what to wash together.. Grab all the towels and the kids clothes, and wash them on cold. Pretty safe bet, and it helps us with laundry!
5. If you have girls.. You are one of the most influential men in her life, and she is looking to you on how to be treated by other men, so lift her up.. remind her how smart she is.. how creative she is.. How you love the way she is kind to everyone.. Not just that she is pretty.. Tell her all the reasons you are proud of her. Don't miss out on a chance to praise her because its going to matter to her the rest of her life. 
6. If you see me picking up stuff, or cleaning the house.. its in your best interest to look busy.. or go outside.. You watching ME clean while you are chillin in your PJ's, or on your Ipad.. again goes back to me wanting to cuss you under my breath.. 
7. If I've asked you to do something 7 times.. Like.. take out the trash.. Spray the yard.. etc.. and on the 7th day you do it.. please do not ask me to High-five you. There's a good chance by the 7th day I've already done it. If you don't have time, I completely understand that, but it goes a long way if you will say "Hey babe, I can't do that today, but I'll happily tackle it on X day".. but that means you really do have to do it by X day.. 
8. 90% of the time the moms have to get up and get the kids ready.. take them to school.. pick them back up.. pack lunches etc.. So if you want major brownie points.. Grab your kiddos on a Saturday or Sunday morning and take them to breakfast.. then to the park. .then another place that lets you be away for another hour so your wife can just sleep past 6am.. 
9. Bigger Bonus--Take them out for an afternoon and tell your wife to go to a coffee shop and enjoy a good book.. or have her plan a night out with her friends to go grab dinner and tell her friends how freakin awesome you are for watching the kids right now! 
10. Never miss a chance to brag on your wife. There's a good portion of the time that we do NOT feel pretty.. We do not feel romantic.. and we don't feel like we are doing a great job at life.. Tell her she is.. Your words to her let her know you still think she's pretty and she's killing it as a mom. 
11. If we go through the effort of cooking you a delightful meal (even if we threw it together, but still made the effort).. PLEASE help us clean the kitchen. Don't make us tell you to do it, if you see us doing it.. just come on over, and jump on in.. PLEASE. 
12. I'm a working mom.. Which means I work all day just like you do, and when I get home, I'd also like to sit in my chair and do nothing.. but I can't.. there are still a million things that have to be done to get supper ready, baths taken, bed clothes on, kiddos tucked in.. so anytime you can help me with those things, Is SUPER appreciated. 
13. If I'm sick, or can't pick up the kids.. cook supper.. give baths, etc.. and you Do it for ONE day.. Please don't expect accolades from me. Remember I do these things each day, and while I really do appreciate you subbing in for me, as opposed to telling me how awesome you are for doing it, how about saying "Man.. after doing what you do all day.. I realized, it sucks! High five mama! You are killing it" 
14. If I'm tired at the end of the day.. from doing all the things.. Don't expect me to jump you at night...unless you've also done some of the things that would help me have enough energy for jumping you.. See This Book...  From Dr Kevin Leman.. 
15. Our Marriage is the most important thing to our family. So its up to us to treat it as such. Remind me that  we need a date night, or some time to ourselves or a little extra grace when we get home.. Hug me and kiss me in front of our kids. We are setting the example of what marriage commitment looks like, so lets give it our best! 

And with that said.. Ladies, you also need to thank your man.. and respect your Man. I recommend something like this taped to his windshield before he leaves for the day..

"I know I probably don't thank you enough for being a good provider, and for taking care of us, but I want you to know I appreciate you. I am very aware that sometimes I'm hard to deal with, and I thank you for being able to love me on days that I'm unlovable. There's not a day that I wouldn't choose you all over again, and there's not a day that I am not glad I'm going through this mess called Life with you! 

Together.. With the help of the Lord, WE can do this!!!

Branson Fun

Well hell. I'm behind on this blog, but I needed to tell you about our Branson trip from November, so forgive my tardiness.. But here we go.. . So with that said, I'm going to give you some Things you need to do if you are taking a trip to Branson with Kids.. Keep in mind my girls are 5 years old..

1) Dolly's Stampede-- This is so much fun for the whole family. Its a little bit pricey, but for the price you get dinner and a show! They have Trick Riders, stunt riders, fun entertainment, and of course.. DELIGHTFUL food.. that you eat with your hands! So its a 4 course meal made of magic.. we started off with a yummy bread and soup, then Corn and Potatoes, Pork loin and chicken, and of course dessert.. Its way more than you can eat, but you will spend some good time trying, because the food is good! The girls loved the interaction that goes on with the announcer and Crowd, and they loved all the horse tricks.. They even got to meet Skeeter After the show! Cross was sad they didn't sell Dolly Parton Dolls, lol.. they loved the show. They also have a lot of times to choose from which makes it easy if you need an early bedtime.

2) Raiding the Country Vault--This is for all my Country Music fans.. of all ages.. This is one of those shows that I had not heard about and a friend texted me while I was there so we decided to go.. Man I'm so glad we did! This one was one of our favorites things we did while there! You are basically taken on a blast from the past of some of the legendary country music songs of all time.. and they are performed by stellar artists like Billy Yates, Eric Heatherly, Michelle Poe, and more! Here's the summary:

"Raiding the Country Vault brings the history of country music to life, featuring classics by the biggest acts, including, Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, Conway Twitty, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Glen Campbell, Waylon Jennings, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Brad Paisley, and many more. Raiding the Country Vault tells the story of country music from the 1960’s to the 2000’s and is performed by an all-star cast, many of whom have had their own chart-topping hits, have written major hits, or who have toured with the biggest names in the business."

It was so good! The Girls loved it because they sang Dolly and Willie songs, and my mom and I loved it because it was ALL GREAT SONGS! So make sure if they are performing, you get to go!

3) Silver Dollar City--Christmas Version--This is so much better to do when its not fully crowded. Last year we went really late (like left to get there by dark, so like 4pm) and we ran into an hour of traffic, no parking places left, and a MILLION people.. This year we went on a Thursday morning and it was perfect! It was rainy, so we all bundled up and the girls literally got to ride every ride as many times as they wanted! We did all the rides they could do, and they loved the rollercoasters best! It was chilly, but really nice because there were no lines, and we just rode and rode! It was also still cloudy enough to see all the pretty lights. If you stay past dark you will get to see the Christmas lights parade which is awesome, but if not, its still fun to go and ride the rides and see the lights! 

4) SAMSON at the Sight and Sound Theater-- Oh man. The girls are STILL talking about this one, and its led to them being OBSESSED with Samson! If you haven't been to the sight and sound theater for a show you are in for a surprise.. Its literally a million watts of lights, a massive stage with live animals, and a wrap around stage that puts you RIGHT in the middle of all the action. It was over a 2 hour show and the girls were GLUED to it the whole time. Londyn had to have a Samson suit after we watched this, and she still loves telling everyone about the show and how much she loved it! All of the characters come to life, the stage comes to life, and everyone loved it.. they do different shows throughout the year, so don't miss this one.. 

5) The Lodges at Timber-Ridge-- This is the place we have stayed the past two years.. because they have Lodges.. so this way we can all stay together. We stay in a 3 bedroom lodge with 2 fireplaces, an amazing balcony, kitchen, dining, washer dryer, and more.. We LOVE this resort.. Now don't confuse this with just the WELK Resort.. they are right by each other, but we love the Lodge way more.. You also get access to the game room (That has a Playstation, ping pong, pool etc) and an indoor pool with a slide and water spray area. The girls loved this, and its a nice thing to have when you have some downtime before you go to evening or afternoon activities. SUPER fun! They also have a Christmas Elf that will come in and Read your girls a Christmas story, give them cookies and milk and tuck them in a bedtime. Super cute! 

Other fun things to do:.. We loved the Butterfly Garden, going downtown to all the Branson Landing Shops.. We went to Mels Hardluck Diner where all the servers sing, and thats always a good time.  We love the Drive Thru Zoo, & eating at Landry's.. We Also went down the Branson Coaster and the girls LOVED it. The Go-karts were closed, but everyone has told me those are super fun too. We had a Great trip! So if you are thinking Branson sounds "Old" or you won't have things to do with your kids, you will.. there is PLENTY to do. We went on a Tuesday Through Saturday and that was enough time to do all the fun things we wanted to do. We had a blast and my girls are the happiest when they are with us and grandparents, so its a win win for a trip like that if you are planning one in the future! 

Ok.. now that I'm caught up on Branson, I'll write a new blog about 2018 as a whole.. I've realized that as I'm getting older.. things don't work like they used to.. blargh.. More to come! 

Its Fall Ya'll

Well Fall is certainly in the air here in OKC! I feel like we went from 70 to 40 in a few days.. but I guess that is pretty much expected at this point.. and Oh man, the rain! Its been great.. Lake Hefner looks fantastic!

We are gearing up for a busy Season.. I feel Like I haven't told you anything in awhile.. so here's a catch-up.. The girls started a new school in the Fall, Primrose Northwest, and its the greatest thing ever. They LOVE going to school now! We are so grateful, because nothing is worse than dropping off your crying, sad kid who does not want to go to school.. They have flourished there and they love their teachers and new friends so much! They get to go on a field trip to the pumpkin patch tomorrow.. and they go to the library on Fridays.. and have LOVED Checking out books! So.. we are super happy they love it! So that has been a HUGE blessing..

With Fall here.. that means Halloween is just around the Corner and the girls are cooking up some magic for you this year.. About 2 months ago.. Crosslee was watching the "He's Alive" video with Dolly Parton and decied she was going to be Dolly For Halloween.. so I tried to think of something that might go with Dolly.. Like maybe Kenny Rogers Perhaps.. but I didn't think that would make a good costume.. so I played "On the Road Again" for Londyn and asked if she wanted to Be Willie Nelson.. SOLD! And she's been singing "On the Road again".. since then.. #winning

So now.. not only am I winning at Halloween.. I'm winning at my kids listening to great music.. Oh, and if you want Extra.. they ate Beef Stew last night.. so yeah! Boom! Don't be surprised if I win mom of the year..

I've also been enjoying my gig on Hank FM.. (99.7 on your FM dial) and just really LOVING that I get to do what I love again. I cannot tell you how awesome it feels to be doing what you love and what you are good at. If you have that opportunity in your life.. take it.. Just make sure you also have another job that pays the bills.. lol.. #truth

I got another year older this year.. which will make me.. Old enough to know better and still too young to care.. (Thank you Wade Hayes).. I honestly feel rather great for being old as dirt.. This is the first time in 20 years that I work out 5-6 days a week.. Orange theory has been a life-changer for me. I started Last March when it opened, and thought.. "How do I keep from dying  when I do this workout?".. Well thankfully I did not.. and here I am over a year later LOVING my workouts.. WHAT? Stop. I know.. I never wanted to be THAT GUY, but I officially am.. I wear workout pants now! WHAT?? I KNOW.. I talk about working out with my fellow OTF friends..and we feel like we are in a special magical club that celebrates Burpees, Deadlifts, Run to Rows, all while high-fiving and cussing! I also love my coaches.. I'm so grateful to finally find something that WORKS for me.. I'm athletic.. but I'm not a runner.. I don't just 'run for fun'.. unless someone is trying to stab me.. I'm super competitive, and Orange theory allows me to compete with myself, and others.. all while completing an amazing workout with weights and cardio.. I even completed a dri-tri?@?!?! Yeah.. I know.. its a 2000 meter Row on the Rowing machine, a 5k on the Treads, and 300 body weight Reps.. and I DID IT!!!!! Another great part? yeah.. its done in an hour.. and I burn over 600 calories.. BONUS. We start Hell week on the 24th.. if you want to give it a go, hit me up, you get to workout for free for a week.. I'll cheer for you..

So all on my own.. I've lost almost 70 pounds.. Its been a great journey with Orange theory and also Profile.. They have helped me get my food in check with awesome coaching as well.. I cannot complain about much! Well.. I could.. Like the fact that Londyn has a cough that only happens at night and it wakes her up.. but overall. .Life is good here!

We are headed back to Branson in November.. so if you know anything magical that we need to do.. Let me know. We are staying at the Lodges at Timber-ridge, which is amazing.. and we are going to try to go to Silver Dollar City and to the Sight and Sound Theater to see "Samson" this year. I've heard amazing things about both.. and of course Cross wants to go back to the Dolly Parton Dixie Stampede.. #becausedolly Mom got her a weird Dolly Parton Doll, but we haven't given it to her yet, because we have to find Londyn a weird Willie Nelson doll to go with it.. lol

The girls still love all things Creepy.. The giant is up.. and they still take him food in the evenings.. blankets for sleeping..and talk to him all the time.. They also love the Bloody Clown. He was missing for a few days and they were very concerned, but then our neighbors put him out and all was well.. They pose with him on Sundays..

So all is well in my world.. Still loving my Church, My Small Group, and My Family and Friends.. I could not ask for more! Excited for the upcoming Vacation and Holiday Season! Hope you guys are doing well.. don't forget every Friday on Hank I have my Accordion, Helen with me at 5:15.. for Accordion Fridays..and the Bad joke of the day is back on Fridays! So give it a listen.. you can also listen online, or via the HANK FM app! Get down on it! woohoo!

Vacation Magic! Gaylord Vs. Greatwolf Lodge

Well we just got back from a sweet little Family Vacation. We took the girls up to the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas. We had been before to go to Great Wolf.. and as much as the girls LOVE Great wolf, its a bit of a grind for Adults.. I mean.. its a LOT of kids.. in ONE place.. A Few of our friends had told us about the Gaylord's Waterpark and how it was amazing, so we thought we would check it out.. (PS, if you are thinking about going to either of these place.. Check Groupon for some special deals, and Priceline.. they were both cheaper than booking directly through the hotels.)

Well I can tell you.. at first glance it looked like Gaylord was going to be Cheaper than Great Wolf.. Depending on when you go to Great Wolf (if you get a groupon, go in the off season, etc) But Great Wolf is pretty expensive.. I'll give you the Pro's and Cons of both in case you decide.. We'll start with Great Wolf..

Great Wolf Pro's:

• You can pretty much stay there the whole weekend without leaving. They have plenty of Restaurants and things for your kids to do. 
• You can go all year Long, because they have indoor Pools/Waterslides/Restaurants
• You can Bring food and drinks with you so you don't have to spend $35 for a juice pack. So this means you can pack lunchables, juice boxes, Yeti's full of wine, etc.. (HINT) and it will save you a TON of money on snacks and drinks.. The Wine might also help you tune out the sound of screaming kids.. 
• Free Parking with your Room Purchase
• You Can purchase Family Suites
• A Million life-guards all over
• Wolf Family Characters stand outside the Swimming Area in the morning for hugs and pics
• Goggles, swim shoes, suits, anything you might have forgotten on hand for purchase
• Your Kids will think its the greatest thing that has ever happened if they are 10 and Under
• Lots of Water things to do. A bunch of slides, rope course, and indoor/outdoor slides

Gaylord Texan Pro's:

• Its a lot Prettier than Great Wolf. Beautiful Flowers, rivers.. etc
• They have fun little theme dinners for your kids (like Breakfast with the smurfs)
• Giant Cowboy and Character people on hand in the evenings to visit with your kiddos
• There's more options for Restaurants
• You press a button at the pool, and a waiter will come over and bring you whatever you want, including drinks
• Plenty of Seating to sit and keep an eye on your kids
• Its Spread out with lots of places to sit and relax
• They have an indoor pool, outdoor pool, hot tub, and Paradise Springs Waterpark 
• The Lazy River is really big 
• Plenty of things for the kids to do on their own (go up and down the slides, check in with you, then go again)
• Really Great Food (but its expensive)
• Dippin Dots, Snow cones on hand for purchase
• Zipline into the water (water is 11ft deep)
• They have specifically designed areas for babies, and smaller kids, so they other bigger kids don't smash over them. 
• Kids meals are offered on their menu, and the kids liked the food

Great Wolf Cons:

• Its packed. All the time
• If you go in the Winter its REALLY Packed because there is no outside pools open
• If you have smaller kids they are not going to care about the 'Wizard games'
• There's no place to sit by the slides and watch your kids go down (Because you will get sick of climbing 10 sets of stairs to go up there with them)
• The Lazy River is not that Lazy. Its usually full of kids squirting you with a water gun, or smashing into your Tube. 
• It always smells like Chlorine
• They usually have to clear out the pool at least one time because someone has some sort of bodily function in it.. 
• They have annoying game centers, build a bears, ice cream and magic crap that your kids try to talk you into going to every time you walk to the Swimming pools.. So your kids will constantly be asking you for it. 
• The Food is not that great. 

Gaylord Texan Cons:

• Its a Metropolis.. almost too big to navigate through. 
• Takes a long time to park and walk to your room daily
• The charge you parking PER day... even if you park yourself, and even if you stay there as a guest. Its about $24 to park there each day, tacked onto your already expensive bill. 
• Food and Drinks are delicious.. but expensive.. Chips & Salsa is $18. (But its a delight)
• A Mixed Drink is $14
• A bucket of Beers is $35 for 5.. 
• The last few days we were there they started a thing called "Premium Seating".. Meaning if you want a seat on the front row by any pool, it would cost you an additional $25.. That was crap
• Your kids can see Great Wolf Lodge from the Drive-way.. so they will be like "Why aren't we at Great wolf Lodge mommy?" (blargh.. fail)
• You cannot bring in ANY outside food to the Waterpark. They will make you throw it in the trash. So anything you want you will have to buy from them.
• You have to take a Trolley to get to Paradise Springs (Waterpark) it runs every 15 min or so, so its not terrible, but its not really a 'walking distance' thing.. 

I mean all in all.. you can't go wrong with either place.. But.. My thought for my kids. .is if you go to Great Wolf Once, you will probably have to go back there the rest of your life.. even though, for Adults, the Gaylord is a way better option. I mean its a 3 hour trip from the City, so its quick.. and there's So many cute things to do in Grapevine.. We went to the farmers market.. walked downtown.. I got to visit the Orange Theory in Southlake, that is about 8 miles away. Oh, and Have I mentioned how much I love that Texas lets me buy WINE in the Walgreens and the HEB/Tom Thumb? Yes.. Yes I do.. 

So we ended up having a great trip. We also went to the Grapevine Aquarium (Buy your tickets on line because its way cheaper, and you can just scan your ticket and go in) Oh.. but.. on the Aquarium.. they do not open till 10am. Not a SECOND earlier.. so be prepared to wait in a LONG line just to get in. They do have a lot of cool things to look at though.. Sharks.. Sea Turtles.. Star Fish.. Seahorses.. and you get to walk through a cool see-through tunnel where all the sea life swims under, over and around you. Its worth going to.. just be prepared to wait a bit.. 

We also SAW Lego-land.. but it looked like a nightmare, so we didn't try to go to that one.. But I've had some say they loved it, and some people say they didn't think it was worth it. They did have a little lego splashpad outside that came with the entry purchase.. Both the Aquarium and Legoland are in the Grapevine Mall. Its got EVERYTHING you could ever want or need.. ITs a great mall.. They even have a Carousel inside.. 

Another HUGE highlight for the girls was the Princess Day Spa. OMGosh you guys.. this was so freakin cute. The girls came in and they walked them down a flower path to put on little silk Robes.. then they got into their pedicure chairs and they brought them "Drinks".. They got to pick which Princess Drink they wanted.. Elsa was Blue.. Ariel was Pink.. Etc.. They got their Elsa & Ariel drinks in little Champagne Glasses.. So cute. Then they got their toes painted with glitter, their nails painted too.. and then they put them in these little hair-chairs and give them a super cute do'.. Londyn got a little bun.. and Cross got an Elsa braid.. they sprinkle Glitter in their hair.. Then they put Elsa makeup and Aurora makeup on them (Which I didn't love, but they did) And then let them sit in a big Princess Chair, and pose on the runway.. I mean its super cute. If you have girls, they need this in their life! The people were so sweet (and wearing Tutu's) and the girls just loved every thing about it.. And if you book on a weekday, all services are half price! 

We also had some really great food! First.. I LOVE Einstein Bagels! So we had a really good breakfast and schmear there one morning.. The other Two mornings we went to this awesome Cafe called "The Old West Cafe".. that served pancakes the size of plates.. Plenty of options for kiddos too.. Cross loves Eggs so she had Eggs and Pancakes.. Londyn had toast and Jelly.. and Jordan and I had some amazing tex-mex breakfast dishes and Omelets! Super great service (Londyn hugged the Waiter) and really good food.. We went to the Rain forest Cafe.. its ok. I mean I feel like the animals need an update.. but the girls like it because you get to have an Ice Cream Sandwich (Priorities right?) We had a Great Hamburger at Jakes Hamburgers.. They had great milk shakes too.. Of course I picked the blue cheese.. b/c who wouldn't? But.. overall good hamburger place!

So we had a great trip.. Hopefully if you are planning to visit either of these places this will give you a heads up! 

Working Moms

Man. Sometimes being a working mom is hard. Especially a working mom with several jobs. Now Granted.. I did part of that to myself, but its still hard. I've run out of hours in the day.. some days I have great success filling all of the hours with meaningful, magical time.. Some days I don't. Some days I feel like I'm winning at being a Wife, Mom, and Employee.. Some days I'm not.

This week is Vacation Bible School, and Vacation bible School at Crossings Is LEGIT. I mean they have full size bounce houses INSIDE the church.. Amazing singers that teach them fun songs.. ITs LEGIT. I waited till the girls were old enough to go with excitement because each year we'd watch the videos and think "Oh man, that is so amazing" so they got to go for the first time last year, and I wanted them to get to go this year.. but this creates a few issues for the working mom.. For one, I go into work at 7am.. Bible School starts at 9, so I either have to wait till 9, then take them.. Or Go to work for 2 hours, send them to their school.. then go back and pick them up and take them to VBS.. Then they get out at 12.. So then I have to leave work..get them lunch.. and pick them up, then take them back to school.. and take myself back to work.. Its hard, but its worth it, because they love going, so we'll make it work.. just like we do everything else.. but being a working mom is hard.

However.. I know being a stay at home mom is hard too..and that is a job I'm just not able to do. I admire those that do it, and I'm in awe of their patience and tolerance! I've always just known that I wanted to be a working mom. Would I love to have a job that allowed me to do both? Sure.. Or only work a few days a week? FOR SURE.. Have endless amounts of money? Um, yes please.. But that is not God's plan for me.. and thats ok. My plan is not anyone else's plan. My plan is for me.

I want my girls to know why I work hard.. What I'm passionate about. What I'm good at.. Why I try to do better.. Why I went back on the radio to do something I love even though it requires more of me! I used to feel bad because I was not the kind of mom that said things like "I never lived until I had children" "My children are my World".. Yeah.. I've lived.. My college experience alone was legit.. lol And don't even get me started on some of the amazing times I've had on the radio!

I've had a pretty incredible life. My kids are incredible, but I'm a child of God, I'm a wife, I'm a daughter, and I'm a mother.. My kids are super important to me, but they do not define me, and I do not make them the Center of My universe. I want them to understand that we answer to someone bigger.. I want them to understand we all have to do crap we don't want to do.. we have to get along with people that aren't worth getting along with.. That I love their daddy and its important that we have time together by ourselves.. That We have to fall down and get back up.. That sometimes the world is Mean and Unfair.. We have to be disciples.. we have to be warriors.. we have to be supporters.. We have to be sympathetic, understanding, caring, and Kind..Even to people who don't deserve that..  And If I make them the center of the universe, do everything for them, Shelter them from everything scary, and move all obstacles out of their way, they are not going to learn that. Those are hard lessons to learn.. but I'm going to help them, and the Lord is going to help me through it all. But.......Its still hard.

IN a society of Busy.. I realize.. I'm busy.. I'm working two jobs, and I don't get to do a lot of things I need/Want to do.. For example, right now I'm neglecting my work as a Hospice Volunteer with my therapy dogs.. I just don't have the time to get to the nursing homes right now.. but I want to. I'm supposed to be taking Payslee & Sawyer on monthly visits to the Assisted Living Center.. but I feel like I run out of time. I'm leading a small group at church, but I am not able to research the lessons for us, because I run out of time! These are GREAT things to do! And I want to do them! But dang.. I just don't have the time right now, and....... I'm TIRED!!! lol.. Tired as a Mother is a real thing..

 I've had to really look at my life lately and decide What my Big Priorities are.. So as a result I've had to cut down on going to a lot of social events at church.. therapy visits.. hospice visits.. even though they are all important to me.. I just can't get to them right now, and you know what? Thats ok. Because eventually I'll get back to them.. But its hard to say no to them..

So whatever phase of life you are in.. busy.. not busy.. working.. not working.. momming, not momming.. Realize.. that Your plan is for you. Not anyone else.. Don't let others make you feel bad because you are not doing 'the norm' or filling a status.. God has a plan for me, and for my girls, and I'm excited to watch it unfold. I can't believe they are Five! Seems crazy.. its like some days stood still, and some days flew by in the blink of an eye.. Being a parent is hard.. Being a wife is hard.. and sometimes following God's plan is hard.. But we have to remember that through trials comes Grace, and while those little eyes are watching us, we can show them what it means to walk to the beat of our OWN Drum.. the Drum God created just for us.. not anyone else.. And I'm probably going to screw it up some days.. Because I run out of patience.. and time.. But all I can do is start over the next day and try again.. because as we all know, I'm not quitter.. and I hate losing..except for Weight.. and I've lost 65  pounds.. so Boom.. there's that.

Wizard of Oz time!

Man, can you guys believe the girls are almost 5!?! I cannot.. This year they decided they wanted a Wizard of Oz party, and you know I can't turn down a good theme, so we are now in full on party planning mode.. although, in fairness.. I do most of this about 6 months before the party actually gets here!

Mom is coming up to get the girls on Thursday and Friday so we can decorate accordingly.. I'll post pictures of all the magic after the party.. In the meanwhile it was NOT a great weekend at our house.. Jordan got sick at the gun-range on Saturday morning and almost passed out. I wasn't feeling 100% and then Londyn got sick Saturday night.. I had had my limit of vomit and mess by Sunday so I went out to get some soup for everyone.. only to have it spill all over my car.. and it was roasted red pepper.. so almost like MORE vomit.. Sigh..



Here's some things we talked about on the air this week!

How to get rid of flies:--How to get rid of flies with a banana



Fool that tries to take a selfie with an Alligator... DUMMY



Bizarre Facts of the day:

Michael Buffer the “Let’s get ready to rumble” guy had the phrase trademarked and as of 2009 it has generated $400 million dollars in revenue.

Silly string has military usage in the detection of tripwires. The string would settle onto the ground in areas without tripwires, but catch on to any that is present. The silly string reveals the wire, but it will not set it off due to its light weight.