Nature is FREE & fun.

Today, my stepson (Mason), my niece (Bella) and myself went on a nature walk! It was really a lot of fun... I'm always trying to get the kiddos outdoors and away from electronics....Not only for them, but for myself too! It feels so good just to be outside and enjoying and embracing Gods beauty! So we decided to explore around our condo... We walked around the block until we ended up at the marina nearby and then walked back towards the condo and went for a dip in the pool! Now- we've walked this same path many times before.. but THIS time- we really took our time to notice all the little details in nature- and document with my camera....On our walk we encountered everything from giant crickets, to lizards, to Rollie Pollies and crabs....We snapped pictures of unique leaves, pinecones and birdhouses we discovered in the woods....It was a great time together and the best part- it didn't cost a thing!!!! I can remember as a kid- I'd play outside from sun up to sun down- and it was fun and free!!! I think we need to get kids out of the mindset of always having to do something- that cost money....Now don't get me wrong- I love going and doing- but with 4 kids I'm budgeting and cutting corners more than I ever have... And I did that ALOT with just 2 kids, as a single mom.....But I hate to see money thrown out the window- when it can be used for so much more.....I want to pass that along to these 4 precious souls God has entrusted us with... You can enjoy this beautiful life by just simply walking out of your front door- and embracing... and noticing.... beauty really does surround us............

Minus 2......again....

Yesterday I had to drive to Lagrange Georgia to drop off my littles with their dad....For 2 grueling weeks....I wonder if this will ever get easier?! In trying to find the positives- I am EXTREMELY thankful that they are older- and able to contact me through cellphones, facetime, ect...I literally think I would curl up and die if I couldn't see their sweet faces in a 2 week time span..... Another thankful tidbit- that they LOVE their daddy and are always so excited to see him....And I know he loves them.. Maybe not quite like Momma- but nonetheless, he loves them..... I just can never rest easy until they are in my arms again.... Oh the life of a divorced mom.....I'm in awe of the number of acquaintances I have had in just the past few months approach me about relational problems/possible pending divorces....Wanting my advice and opinion... I am not shy about telling them to do WHATEVER you can to save your marriage- especially if your partner is willing as well....Divorce is hard. It sucks. It is the hardest thing I've ever suffered through. And it will never be over- because Reese and I will always deal with the aftermath of it.. From our children- and from our own wounds...Yes, wounds heal- but the scars will always be there....I believe a couple can work anything out if both parties are willing... In each of our cases- our partner wasn't willing.. So divorce- not chosen by us- happened... I think God is now blessing us with our relationship together and I honestly have never been happier... But its still hard...As with any relationship... I feel blending a family whose had divorce on both sides needs extra special attention- and with that- LOTS and LOTS of prayers....  So-back to my littles....... I'll wait for their return- unfortunately, NOT at the beach- the forecast is RAIN all week...... But I think I can handle reading in my hammock chair- over looking the nearby ocean.....


But let me be honest- its not as glamorous as it all seems....My washer has been broke for almost a week- the laundry of 6 people is quickly overtaking the house- so loads of lovely laundry will most definitely be on my agenda as well.....


My youngest soon to be stepson, Mason, is here as well- his big brother is away at camp for the week... So we may go explore some this week- and see what we can get into......I'm thankful that even though my kiddos are away, I'm able to keep busy and keep my mind occupied....There is never a dull moment.......

Pulling.....

Coconut Oil Pulling.....its a big fad right now... Well, I jumped on the pulling bandwagon....and....I LOVE IT!!! I kid you not, I think it has cured a toothache of mine....Before I started pulling, I thought I was going to have to get a root canal on one of my teeth....I went to the dentist several months ago- he was able to do a deep filling but told me if the symptoms returned I would need a root canal...And guess what?! Symptoms returned with a vengeance......So I happened upon a blog about coconut oil pulling.....It raved and raved about how oil pulling extracted bacteria and germs from your mouth- resulting in great effects all over....From clearer skin, to whiter teeth and healing of diseases.....Its been used by other cultures for centuries.....It does make me wonder why we are just now finding out about this though?! Nonetheless, I figured it couldn't hurt to try it and I was beyond curious.....Now- I do it every morning.....And since- NO MORE TOOTHACHE....The excruciating sharp pains are gone when I drink or eat something cold on that tooth! I believe its directly related to the oil pulling......Coconut oil is SUPER good for you...Its natural...I use it for a conditioner in my hair....And also use for moisturizer on my skin and on scrapes/bumps on my children....A lot of people cook with it- haven't tried that yet...Lets face it- I really hate to cook elaborate meals....We do simple, easy and quick at my house......But I would like to give it a try....Maybe I'll get Reese to bring some shrimp up when he visits in a few days... And we'll give my coconut oil a spin in the pan....

SO- if you wanna jump on board...When you wake up in the morning- get a scoop of coconut oil in your mouth and start swishing......I do it when I first wake up and jump in the shower.....Supposedly you are supposed to do it for 10-20 minutes... I lean towards the 20 minute side.......

Let me know whatcha think...

Oh yeah- virgin, organic is what I use....Any health food store carries it...I got mine at a Herb shoppe but GNC has- also have heard Walmart carries as well........

GOOD LUCK and HAPPY PULLING!

Lent. Doing without....

Lent started yesterday. Ash Wednesday.... This is only the second year I've participated in giving something up for Lent. I always thought it was what Catholics did...then last year I did some research.... Lent is for anybody!!!! Even me?!? Yepppp! Oh yea. I was def jumping on the bandwagon. I love a challenge. Gives me focus. Discipline... I was pumped up. What could I give up?? What zaps a lot of my time and energy? What do I spend a lot of time doing, that instead of doing I could focus on God. Pray. Read a devotional. Read my bible. Meditate... Hmmmm. Then it hit me last year...Facebook. Yep. Facebook had become my source of news since I didnt have cable. I'd peel my eyes open in the morning and to help me wake up I'd click on my Facebook app. Scroll, scroll, scroll..... Check everything, or everybody out... I'd find myself clicking on it anytime I was idle or "bored". (I hate that word because as a busy mom I never have time to be "bored..."). So last year for Lent I gave up Facebook. 46 days. No Facebook. The first few weeks about killed me. I so desperately wanted to be "in the loop" on everything and everyone. I felt like I was definitely missing out... But thank God I stayed strong. Because surprisingly, it got easier. Surprisingly, I felt free. I learned a lot through giving that up. Naturally, this year I decided as well to participate... But what could I give up?? Sure, I could give up Facebook again...but I like a challenge- and felt the second time around wouldn't be as challenging for me...I discussed this with my precious fiancé, Reese. Sweets?? No. I try to eat pretty healthy most of the time. Don't have a huge struggle with this... Reese decided to give up sweets and junk food.. Def one of his weaknesses... But what could I give up?! I tossed and turned several options over... Makeup?? My Chi hair straightener?? What do I love and when I'm having a stressful day or  I'm overly anxious, turn to?? Ohhhhh.... Then I knew. I knew what I must release for at least 46 days. Wine. W-I-N-E. Instead of relaxing on the couch after the kids are in bed with a glass or 2 of wine, I need to focus on Him. So. Here we are. Day #2. And I'm wine free. And life is good and fabulous and crazy and today, rainy.... So- maybe tonight it'll be hot chocolate while I'm staying cozy on the couch......

Here we go.....

Warning....This is my first blog!!!!!!! (as I jump up and down with excitement!!!)

I have been wanting to blog for sooooo long and honestly, have never just made myself sit down and DO it!!! After JUST updating my Facebook status with "There are those who try and those who do. Be a doer.."  I figured it was time to eat my words!!!!

I've journaled for years....and always said, Jesus and Journaling helped me through a lot of dark and dreary days....So now I'm putting it in a blog... I have so much to say about different topics and feel like this is a good way to talk about everyday things and then maybe not so everyday things- in hopes that I may help and encourage others, and provide an escape for myself as well....

We all have "stuff", or issues.. We all go through dark times, lonely times and happy times... I think its important to bring a voice to those times to help others... One of my favorite quotes is, "God doesn't waste hurt.."  There is a reason for everything we have to endure....

With all that being said... Please follow my blog...I'll be sure to include whats going on with my soon to be beautiful "Partridge Family" as we continue blending our families, as well as fitness/health related stuff, fashion, FUN for the kids/family, lots of LOVE topics and more....

Until next time.........Live, Laugh, Love........