January 2013 |

Loves & Growing Pains

January 31, 2013

I still remember the very first Valentine’s Day Terence and I had together. We had only been dating a few short months. I still wasn’t so sure about him. We were both so young and in school. Yet, he continued to pursue me and woo me at every turn.

My best friend Sara and I went shopping for Valentine’s Day outfits to wear with our boyfriends to the Olive Garden for a date. I chose a light pink v-neck shirt with a black skirt. I still remember that outfit….it’s so funny the little things you remember.

We pulled around the corner of the college campus that night and there Terence was sitting on the bench. He stood up holding 3 yellow roses. We had a nice dinner and then later we exchanged gifts. He had brought me some Godiva chocolates from when he went home to Texas for Christmas break. We didn’t have Godiva STORES in Arkansas! I was in heaven 🙂

I got him some fun little things as well and then I wrote “I Love You” in glow in the dark stars on the wall in his dorm room. That’s the first time we both said “I Love You”. I’ll always remember that.

Over the years marriage has had it’s highs and lows. Right now we are both stressed out and tired due to work or other things going on…..I miss the carefree feeling of when you are first dating someone. That is a feeling that lasts forever.

I also think it’s something that so many people lose and try to re-capture. Hence, divorce is so prevalent in today’s world. I would hate to feel those emotions and go through that journey with anyone but Terence…..the one God chose for me.

If you can make it through the mountains and valleys together then the other side of the mountain is so rewarding.

So here we are almost 14 years later. I can’t say our marriage is as passionate as I would like it to be, or I’m even where I thought we would be. Life has taken us down so many paths….but I know this is where we are supposed to be. Together, until death do us part. For better or worse.

I am glad to have Terence by my side to support me, love me, he is loyal, and would do anything for me and Connor. Sometimes I wish he would enjoy the little moments instead of always projecting or spread sheeting for the future. I know what he does is good in the long term….but I know we aren’t promised tomorrow and the days go by so quickly.

I kiss him goodbye in the morning and don’t see him again until dinner. The same with Connor. There has to be more than this right? I feel void and null some days just trying to get through. Living the life and moving through the motions without really feeling them. There has to be more than that? God can and will sustain our marriage. He can and will yours too.

Do you ever feel like you’re on a hamster wheel? I want to live life, but not only live it….I want to feel it and be present. Right now I am not. I know this. My fear and anxiety paralyze me. The person I am in my head and my heart is not who I am showing to the outside world.

God give me the boldness and heart to be what You would have me to be to others. The wife You would have me be for Terence. The Mom You would have me be for Connor. The daughter, sister, and so on….

What do you do to maintain that spark? Fill a void? Feel when you are lost?

(I’m not saying all this because anything is wrong….it isn’t! I’m just expressing my feelings & hoping to get input from others)
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These are some loves of mine 🙂

I’m a very visual person, probably why I love photos so much…but they ignite memories and I love that!

Our first little vacay together in Branson (sitting in the love chair)

Terence was LOVABLE. I was TEASER. Ha ha!!! (Year 2000)

I got this cute little burlap Valentine’s Day banner for $7? on a flash sale site! I love it!

Connor’s cute little Valentine cards from Little Laws Prints

I have a hankering to make these puppies…but they are NOT on my Biggest Loser diet…hello???

I love this heart. It’s just paper. Wish someone would show me how to make it??? I don’t think I’d buy for $45 smackers.

Valentine poms…..ahhhhhh

Godiva truffles aka the key to my beloved heart

Also a nice purse or bling….ya know I am a girlie girl!

Another thing I love to do when I am by myself is drive around and look in random neighborhoods at houses. I just love looking at HOUSES??? Does that make me weird or stalkerish is some way? I just think they are pretty…..also I’m obsessed with HGTV and home makeover shows, but that’s another story.

Don’t you adore those windows?

Mediterranean architecture is so pretty

I love Connor’s baby curls…if I start to look at baby pictures for too long then I’ll get the fever. Ugh I miss is…..but I don’t miss those sleepless nights!

First Valentine’s Day

he’s so little…..

My lil decor on the counter there 🙂

So what are your Valentine’s plans?

Is anyone doing any fun V-day link ups?

I’m excited to make a Valentine day card box for Connor’s pre-school. I used to love decorating those when I was a kid. Remember making those in elementary school and cutting a hole in the top? Ahhhh memories…….

Okay now off to bed or to get coffee…..whatevs.

Muah!
Becky

Hump Day Randoms…

January 30, 2013

This is our 5th year to work the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. It’s always a lot of fun and we get to hang out with our good friends. The bank I work for has a mascot named “Mo” the buffalo. He shows up at the Stock Show on Saturdays. If you are there come by and see us between 10:45-1:00! Connor likes seeing all the animals. This year he was really looking forward to seeing the pigs.

I ordered this belt awhile back on Groopdealz and I’m hoping they bring it back because it’s so cute and inexpensive. It also comes in a lot of different colors.

Checking out the cows

Dylan & Connor playing in the trailer 🙂

MO…the friendliest buffalo you’ll ever know…

Bree is Mo’s Mama. She’s also Mama to baby Millie & Dylan. She rides him and she’s just an all around awesome gal!

The boys liked to jump off the trailer

Me and Bree

(Bad hair day!)

Connor is getting used to our morning routine. He’s not cried once this week when I’ve dropped him off at pre-school. He showed me his cubby. He is very proud of his cubby 🙂

Here is the helper chart

Eating breakfast in the little cafeteria room

I love his pre-school because it has an OWL theme!!! Ha ha! You know how I feel about that!

Connor checking out the tractors at the Stock Show

And last but not least…..Hubba Bubba Dr. Pepper gum. If you are craving a Pepper I’m positive this is less calories and you’ll get your Dr. Pepper fix 😉

I’m going to go through and read all the Biggest Loser Links hopefully sometime today. I’ve been slammed at work this week. I usually try to read them during my lunch hour. For some reason if you have an embedded comment form under your post it won’t let me comment on your blog??? It’s blocked. If you have a pop up comment form I CAN. Weird I know. You can change that in settings or you can also connect your email to your Blogger account which is VERY nice 🙂

Biggest Loser Week 4

January 29, 2013

Thank you so much if you are still with me today!

I’ve been slammed today and it’s just been one of those times where I can’t seem to get anything done. Not to mention I didn’t do so hot last week as far as weight loss. I mean I didn’t do bad….but I did gain a pound *shutter*. I don’t want to back peddle here??? With February approaching and the candy isles filling up with chocolates I’ve got to have some willpower. I have. I’m not saying I’m sitting there gnawing on a candy bar all day. I just need to be cautious of my eating.

Some of you have asked how I liked the Paleo diet. We did that awhile back with great results. I don’t eat meat. I will on “occasion” have a chicken breast…but for the most part I am not a meat eater. The Paleo was a bit hard for me because it is very much protein based. I get most of my protein from other sources: black beans, cheese, Greek yogurt, nuts, dairy…etc.

I think life is going to slow down for a minute. I am not even thinking about Connor’s 3rd birthday, and by now I usually have some things in order. I don’t even know if we will have a party. We aren’t doing a major vacation this year. This is our year to pay down debt and by Nov/Dec we will hopefully be DEBT FREE! How freeing is that! (I’m trying to be excited about this ya’ll!) Har har har…..

Well, and I don’t want to be the fat mom with back rolls taking her kid to the water park. You know it’s about that time because Connor is at the age he likes to do stuff like that. Dreadful water parks!

The only other thing more freeing than being debt free will be freedom from this extra tire around my waist. I’ve not been motivated at all this week. Work overload+stress.

How are you all doing???

Week 4: + 1 pound

She’s Ready to get Hitched!

January 28, 2013

Saturday night I attended the bachelorette party of Kindra. My work BFF and good friend 🙂

We stayed at the Marriott in Plano and the room was awesome. Her maid of honor Lauren made the Bride’s cup and she just started an Etsy store here. It was sooooo cute and most people that saw it filled it up for free for her that night!

All the party favors.

Our super fab room

The decor and cupcakes!

They did a great job.

Maid of honor-Lauren, Kindra, and Bridesmaid Nicole

Kindra & Bea

Moi.

Kindra’s Mom getting groovy with it! Ha ha! She is hilarious. We had a great time. She also had a beach shower instead of a lingerie shower because her wedding is in Florida.

I tell you what girls….I had a good time but my party days are over. Kindra’s Mom and I were the first ones to head back to the hotel for sleepy time. Ha Ha….if that ain’t a sign you are getting old I don’t know what is! We had a great girls night out-Taco Diner, and listening to bands…..and the rest is to be held in the “Kindra’s Bachelorette Night” VAULT forever! J/K.

When I got home my boys were so glad to see me and I was glad to see them too!

The countdown is on!

Kindra and Clint are a great couple and I wish you many happy years together!!!!

Muah! Becky

BIGGEST LOSER POST WILL BE UP LATER TONIGHT…..

Wittlebee Clothing

January 26, 2013

I just opened an email from Wittlebee to find my sweet Connor in it 🙂

He is wearing a t-shirt from one of my favorite brands Wittlebee offers….American Apparel.

Wittlebee is running a $500 Grocery Gift Card Giveaway , I just entered! What are you waiting for go enter ASAP!

I love Wittlebee and they always send us the cutest clothing!

Valentines Day Love

January 25, 2013

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching! I’m so excited because Connor started pre-school and now he can exchange little Valentine’s Day cards with all his buddies. One of my favorite paper shops, Milo Paper, has the perfect solution for your Valentine’s goodies!

I made this one for Connor’s Valentine below:

Now, who wouldn’t want to be his Valentine ladies??? Come on 🙂

Milo Paper is so easy to navigate and your card will be ready to go in no time. They have several designs to choose from. All of them are fully customizable. Not to mention they have the best customer service!

Use code:

LOVEJAVAMAMA

at checkout for 40% off!!!!

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY (SOON!)

My Life via Photo Dump

January 24, 2013

Prepare for photo overload….I take a lot of pictures. You all know that, but I take a lot with my phone too! So here is the last MONTH basically through the eyes of my phone 🙂

Love my new Starbucks Valentine’s Day mug. The hearts turn red when you put hot coffee in it. I’ve been filling it lately with 7-11 skinny vanilla latte w/splenda. I love $1 Wednesdays at 7-11. It’s cheap & good. Mama likes to save a buck.

Connor started pre-school this week. We’ve had a few rough mornings where he’s spazzed out during drop off and held onto me like glue. Overall at the end of the day he’s really happy and he’s learning a lot. Crafting and making friends. I think this will be awesome for him and he has really loved school so far. His teacher is so nice….she texts me pictures of him while at school.

He loves the water table

I had Monday off work so I drove up to Frisco to see Sarah. I love her. She is the bestestest. In fact I may hire her to shop with me from now on b/c she is so great with Connor. She let me shop while she watched him. True friend right there….especially with how he was behaving. Good gravy he was ornery that day! Thank you Sarah it was nice to see you and visit!

I look like crap in this pic….I was beat. Seriously, the kid knows how to push all my buttons!

He was even rolling on the mall floor. UGH. My BFF Kristin made him the cutest snowman shirt. She has a Facebook boutique called “Sugar & Spice Kids Boutique”

The Stock Show is in town!

I love love LOVE this nail color. It’s by Essie. And it’s the perfect shade of green. It’s called “Pretty Edgy”

Connor’s classroom

Acclimate weather in TX. People freak. They act like it’s the Apocalypse. I hate driving when it gets like this just because you KNOW it’s going to be a mess.