Five on Friday - Favorites

It's Friday...Woohoo!  Linking up with 5 on Friday with a favorites edition.

(ONE) Favorite clothes for Hallie.  I've been searching for outfits for our upcoming family pics.  I'm going for simple, classy, and cute.  I'm pretty sure I've found part of Hallie's outfit.  I'm in love with this top!

(TWO) Favorite outfit I wore this week.  Don't mind the selfie in the bathroom at work. I love this outfit because it's not only cute, but comfortable too.  I always get lots of compliments when I wear this shirt, and the pants were less than $12 at Wal-Mart.  I don't usually look at clothes when I go to Wal-Mart because I'm usually on a mission to get groceries and get in and out as quickly as possible.  So glad I took time to look.  Might need to look more often.

(THREE) Favorite post this week.  I seriously felt like I could have wrote this post.  She wrote exactly how I feel.

http://courtneydefeo.com/dear-working-mom-i-feel-it-too/

(FOUR) Favorite idea.  I absolutely hate our pots and pans drawer.  There is no organization.  I saw this, and I HAVE to do.

http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/house-and-home/kitchen-cabinet-pots-and-pans-organization.html

(FIVE) Favorite new app.  I love that you can insert links.  The app does cost money.  I think it's worth the $1.99.  Oh, and don't mind the 63 updates I need to do.

Also linking up with Lindsey and Jennie for Friday Favorites.
 

Weekend Recap 9/20-9/22

Friday night we ate at a new place, Steele Creek Smokehouse. It's a barbecue place. I got a pulled pork sandwich. I think it was the the best pulled pork sandwich I've ever had. The meat had a great flavor. I debated putting barbecue on it. It was that good.  I thought Hallie looked cute for our dinner outing! 

David went to pick up a baby chicken from Atwoods. Bryson has been wanting one of our chicken eggs to hatch. Bryson went to his dad's this weekend, so David thought it would be the perfect opportunity to buy a baby chic. We would have the baby chicken waiting for him when he got home so he would think it hatched. Well, apparently there is some law in our state that you have to buy a minimum of 6 chickens, so David opted for one guinea instead. Bryson was excited when he came home and saw the chicken. He has no idea it's really a guinea. Not for sure how this is going to work out as the guinea gets bigger.

Saturday Hallie had ballet. After ballet we headed to a local boutique to pick up some things I had bought. While there I was looking at clothes and realized very quickly why I shop online. I was chasing Hallie and trying to keep her out of everything. Next we headed to Hobby Lobby. I was in search of some fall decor. I was disappointed. Nothing was talking to me. When we got home I decided to put some underwear on Hallie. She did really good as long as I took her to the bathroom every 30 minutes. Now if I could just get her to tell me when she needs to go.  I just love little booties in underwear.  So cute!

Sunday morning we headed to church. The weather finally has cooled off and we needed some layers.

I picked up Bryson Sunday afternoon. I was going though his school folder from Friday. He had a midterm grade sheet and his reading goal sheet. I'm so proud of this boy!

Five on Friday

I never thought any of my Five on Friday posts would be about a serious topic. I thought they would always be fun and light topics. But here I am about to write about a very serious topic that has been heavy on my heart lately....Divorce.

I am in no way an expert. I didn't go to school to become a psychologist or counselor. But I do have first hand experience. First, my parents went through an ugly divorce in 1992 when I was 12. Then, my brother went through a divorce in 2003. I saw my two young innocent nieces go through something no kid should have to go through.  I was bound and determined to break the cycle. Then I found myself left by my husband for another woman. There I was, going through a divorce in 2007. The one thing I was determined to avoid.  Although this was not my choice, I made it my mission to make it as smooth and easy as possible for our son.

I went through DivorceCare at a local church.  Now I am helping with the DivorceCare program. For anyone going through a divorce or is divorced, I strongly recommend DivorceCare.  I also believe that you cannot fully recovery from a divorce without God.  You know the old saying...time heals all wounds.  Well, yes you will get better over time and you will heal, but you will be left with scares and baggage.  I believe God is the only way to get through a divorce without scares, without baggage. 

This past Wednesday, the topic in DivorceCare was about kids and how divorce effects kids. The video we watched discussed several issues that I didn't really have to deal with at the time of my divorce because Bryson was only 2 at the time. Now that he is older, I realize there are several issues we may face or are facing.

ONE The video discussed how many kids feel that the divorce was their fault. Several kids were interviewed, and they stated how they that it was their fault in different ways. Of coarse at 2 Bryson did not think the divorce was his fault. But watching the video made me wonder if he may think that now. I plan on talking to him very soon about the divorce. First I need to make a mental list of everything to discuss. I have to make sure he knows 100% in no way was it is fault.

TWO Don't make promises you can't keep.  Although I do not make promises I can't keep, we do have to deal with this issue.  Bryson's dad is constantly making promises he doesn't keep.  He's told him he would take him to Disney and didn't.  He told him he would take him to a particular movie and he didn't.  The list could go on and on.  The noncustodial parent is usually the one that makes promises they can't keep.  We don't make it a point to bring up these broken promises to Bryson.  I think he is starting to catch on.  I'll be here, ready to talk about it when he brings it up.

THREE Don't say anything negative about the other parent.  This isn't an issue for us.  Through all the divorces I've seen, I know how damaging this can be.  I vowed to never say anything negative to Bryson about his dad.  For the most part this has been easy, but there have been a few times that I really had to exert control over my mouth. 

FOUR Every change is a stressor.  This also wasn't a big issue for us.  Bryson didn't really have any changes after the divorce other than going to his dad's on the weekend.  I have seen others that have been through many changes, such as a new place to live, a new school, etc.  If possible, try to keep the changes to a minimum.

FIVE Don't share all the details with your kids.  This also wasn't a issue for us since Bryson was just 2, but I wouldn't share the details with him even if he was older.  I would also like to add that it doesn't matter how old the children are.  DON'T SHARE.  Just recently, my parent in laws went through a divorce after a 35 year marriage.  Sharing too many details even with adult children can cause damage.  DON'T SHARE.  Just recently, Bryson asked me why his parents were divorced.  I was caught off guard.  I didn't know what to say.  I really didn't like my answer.  I need to rediscuss with him.  I don't want to tell him all the details of how his dad had an affair.  But I also don't want to leave him with he impression that we just got divorce because we couldn't get along.  I don't want him to have that kind of perception about divorce. 

Like I said, I never intended to write about this.  If God laid this on my heart, it's for a reason.  Maybe someone needs to read this.  Maybe someone is going through some of these things.  Maybe someone needs someone else to talk to.  I am more than happy to help. 

On a lighter note, HAPPY WEEKEND.

Midweek Randoms

Linking up with Megan for Midweek Randoms!

• I really am trying to love Bloglovin, but I'm struggling. I do like the app version better than the full site version. I don't understand why so many people like Bloglovin as their reader. Am I missing something?

• Facebook and Instagram are making it WAY to easy for me to shop. I have bought several things from pictures I have seen in my feed. I may have to unlike/unfollow all the boutiques....Nah.

• First H&M. Now TJ Maxx. Come on Ikea. Please start online shopping.

• David got a splinter in his hand that he could not get out. He had to have it cut out. We joke about his bandage. Reminds us of those team foam fingers.

• I attended a ladies luncheon for women in the oil & gas industry. They gave away prizes. I won a hobo clutch. It's cute, but I'm just not the clutch type. Someone is getting a good gift :)

• At the luncheon, they served the kind of butter that's in small packages. I absolutely hate this butter. I like my butter to go on nice and smooth. My bread always looks mutilated after using this butter.

• Last night we were outside playing. Bryson was barefooted. He got a sticker in his foot. He took it out and went inside. He came out a few minutes wearing one sock. Ummm...ok? Don't you think two shoes would have been better? Silly boy!

• I am seeing a lot of pictures of sweet little girls in their new Matilda Jane. I'm anxiously waiting for our release 2 package to arrive.

Happy Wednesday!!

Target, dance, and fun

This weekend involved lots of fun activities for the kids.

The kiddos and I went to Target Friday night. I was looking for some skinny camo pants I seen on Instagram, but didn't have any luck finding them. But I did find some other things I just had to have...ha. Really, who can leave target empty handed? I was really excited to find me and David some shirts for our upcoming Disney trip. I also picked up some fall m&m's. I didn't care for the pumpkin spice. I'll just stick with the original.

The kids were excited about getting icees. I got to thinking. This was Hallie's first Target icee. How can that be? I guess because I usually go to Target on my lunch break, so she's never with me.

We decided to eat pizza for dinner. Love my Friday night dates.

Saturday morning Hallie had her first baby ballerina class. She did good, and I think she really enjoyed it.

Later we headed to the mall and met Sara and her kiddos while Bryson's dad took him to The Monkey House. I was nervous about him going since last time at The Monkey House he ended up with an ankle injury. Thankfully, he came home injury free.

Caleb stayed over Saturday night with Bryson. The boys went to church for pizza and a movie. When they got home, they went straight for the xbox. These boys love video games.

Sunday was the usual...church, family time, and chores.  I was taking Hallie's picture before church, and she did this pose all on her own.  So sweet!

Five on Friday - Halloween Edition!

Today is Friday the 13th (insert creepy music).  The temperature this morning is cooler and more fall like than it has been.  And the combination of both of those has got me in the Halloween spirit.  So this Five on Friday is dedicated to Halloween!

{ONE} Bryson and I sat down last night and searched Pinterest for costume inspiration.  FINALLY, we have some options.  So far, he has agreed to duck dynasty, smurf, or mad scientist.  He is leaning more towards duck dynasty.  I’m ok with that because I can see us all dressing up together for another year!  Bryson can be Si.  David can be Phil.  I can be Ms. Kay.  Hallie can be a duck or one of Ms. Kay’s dogs.  Here is some pics from Pinterest. (Oh, all pictures in this post are from Pinterest.  I did not insert links because 1. there wasn't a link or 2. the link was not correct).

 {TWO} So doing this with the kids this year!!

{THREE} I really think this is cute.  I just wonder how long it would take to do.  Honestly, with kids, school schedules, dance, soccer, etc.  I just don’t think this is in the works for us this year. But I want to keep it in mind just in case.

{FOUR} How fun and easy does this look.  I could totally pull this off.  I’ll do this for a special Saturday breakfast.

{FIVE} Perfect Halloween treat for Bryson’s class.

Anyone else in the Halloween spirit?

Not so much of a Weekend Recap!

Well this weekend included hardly any activity.  Hallie was getting over her virus, and then her allergies flared up.  My allergies flared up on Friday.  I was so exhausted.  We both just lounged around the house all day.  I was sad that she missed her first baby ballerina class on Saturday, but neither one of us were up to it. 

Pic of the sickies trying to have a little fun while hanging on the coach all day.  Apparently, sis had snot on her face.  See that shiny, glaring spot around her nose/check?  Yep, that's snot.  Love those pics you take, and then look at later and see things you didn't know.

Hallie's allergies are now under control with Benedryl.  Nothing I took was working, so I ended up going to the doctor on Monday. The verdict is a sinus infection. Hopefully with all the meds the doc prescribed,  I'll be better soon. I'm ready for a good night's rest.

Hoping and praying for a better week!

Midweek Randoms

Linking up with Megan for Midweek Randoms

• I am stressing about Halloween.  We usually know what we are going to wear months in advance.  We always go with a theme.  Harry Potter, pirates, and Super Mario are just a few we have done.  I have no idea what we are going to wear this year.  Bryson has no idea what he wants to be.  He just keeps saying he wants to be something that looks real.   Hopefully I can get some ideas on Pinterest.  Here we are last year.

• My niece got engaged this week.  Seriously, how can I be old enough to have an engaged niece!?!?  I'm happy for her and wish her the best.  I can't wait to start planning a wedding shower.  Oh, wait maybe I should ask first...hehe.  I would like to get her a engagement gift.  Any ideas?

• I got two books in Branson this past weekend that I think are just great.  They are not books you read, but books you fill out.  I got one where you fill in things your kids say that you want to remember.  The other one I got was a bucket list book.  It has a place to write down 100 bucket list items.  Then it has a page to record the details about the bucket list item once you do it.  I don't like the Branson Zipline on the cover, so I plan on cover that up with something cute. 

• This is the first time in 7 years that I have not participated in the local semi-annual kids consignment sale.  It actually feels great.  I wasn't stressed about getting everything tagged.  This is a picture of me and my bff waiting and sweating in line last year.  It was so stinkin hot last year!

• This bowl of candy was in our church classroom.  I gasped when I seen it.  Do you see what's wrong? Mixing candy is one of my pet peeves.  Chocolate, mints, and fruity candy should not be mixed.  The chocolate starts tasting minty or fruity.  I seriously wanted to separate the candy, but I refrained.

• I got Hallie some cute clothes from the Matilda Jane release on Tuesday. She is set for fall. Now, I just need to work on my fall wardrobe.

What a Weekend!

This weekend we had lots of unexpectedly incidents, but overall we managed.

David and I decided to head to Branson Satuday without the kiddos.  Mom agreed to keep the kids Saturday night.  Within 2 hours into the trip, we got a call that Hallie was running a high fever.  Mom was able to get it down and keep it down with meds so we didn't see any need to come home.

Once we got to Branson, we headed down to the landing to eat and shop.  We ate at Texas Land & Cattle Steak House.  It wasn't bad, but we probably won't go back.  My favorite part was the extra tea they brought in a bottle.

 

After shopping and eating, we headed to the resort.  We opted for something nicer this time and stayed at Chateau on the Lake.  I was disappointed in what was supposed to be our mountain view room.  We had no balcony like I thought we would, and we had more of a roof top view.  I scheduled a massage for that evening.  It was good, not great. Definitely not worth the money.  I could get the same locally for less money, but I guess that's how it goes when you stay at a resort.  We had dinner at Danna's.  Now, this did not disappoint.  This place was hopping, but they had a system down that kept the flow going.  We ordered a platter for 2, which could have easily fed 4.  The Memphis rolls were amazing. We will definitely go back there.

We headed back to the hotel, watched tv, and had an awful time trying to sleep.  I think the air was broke.  It wasn't hot, but I could not get it cool enough.  David complained about the bed being too hard.

The next morning, I woke up with a bad stomach ache.  My stomach was cramping.  Every step I took hurt.  We had to get up and around though because we had a 10:30 appt to zip line.  We didn't have time for breakfast because every place in Branson had a really long wait.  On the way to zip line, it started to pour, like so hard we couldn't hardly see the road.  We got there and were told there is no refund policy.  So go in the pouring rain or don't go at all.  Your choice, but you're still going to get charged.   Thankfully the rain lightened, almost to the point of stopping. It was fun.
 

After zip lining, we tried to find a place to eat but nothing was working out.  So we decided to just head on back.  We stopped at some Mexican restaurant in Springdale.  We continued on the way home and ran into heavy rain just outside of Fayetteville.  It was so hard to see.  I was a nervous wreck.  I've never seen so many cars pulled over on the highway.  Then, came the hail.  There was no where we could go.  So my pour car just got hammered.  Then, just as we are about home, we got a call from our neighbor that another neighbor started a fire, and it was close to our chicken coop.  Thank goodness it ended up not being a big deal.  We headed to pick the kids up.  Hallie was still sick and now had a rash.  She hardly slept at all that night.

The next day I took Hallie to the walk in clinic since her doctor's office was closed because of Labor Day.  Of course it was busy.  We had to wait nearly 2 hours.  Two year olds don't like to wait 2 minutes.  The verdict was that she has hand, foot, mouth disease.  I already figured that out though since we got a letter from preschool that it was going around.  So, the rest of the weekend was spent taking care of a sick baby girl.  Praying the week gets better and this little girl starts feeling better.