Peaceful Wishing

Happy 4th Birthday, Brooklynn!

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:03:00 +0000

Brooklynn, then and now.

My baby girl turned four today. It's hard to believe that she's so big now. She's so independent, and wants to do everything by herself. She is so smart and sweet and kind and I'm so very proud to be her mom. She's still a drama queen and ~~wants to be a princess~~ is still my princess.

She's doing well in school, and loves her teachers and all of her friends. She's excelling in dance, and as soon as I find a gymnastics class that will teach her tumbling at four, she will be joining that as well. She also wants to play soccer like her brother, so in fall we'll explore that too.

She's an absolute joy in this melancholy world we live in. She makes me smile, laugh and so happy. I'm the luckiest mom in the world to have such a sweet girl in my life.

Happy birthday, Brooklynn!

Brooklynn's First Dance Program

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 01:50:00 +0000

Brooklynn had her first dance program and she did well. (She had a little stage fright in the beginning and just looked around a bit at first, but got over it.)

The photos I took didn't turn out as well as I wanted, so I decided to share Brooklynn's favorite photo with you all. This is her and her instructor, Ms. Nancy. She's learned a lot in class and absolutely adores Ms. Nancy.

This dance studio only does recitals every other year, so the next recital will be next year. (Recital, as in costumes). They'll have another dance program in May.

Bulls First Game

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 23:58:00 +0000

Because these boys are 5-6, we don't keep score... Well, we don't keep score publicly. We won our first game 8-4 and I'm very proud of the boys! They all did really well! Desmond scored one of his free throws (he had the only free throws during the entire game).

My basketball star, Des.

My only complaint about coaching, is that I can't take a million photos of his games... My husband did manage to record the game, and took a few photos during their half time, but it's not the best quality. Definitely better than nothing!

We played in the shirts that the league provided, but we did get a sponsor, so next week (hopefully) they'll be playing in their uniforms (red, black and white of course)!

Notice that we kept #5 alive? (That's also his soccer number!)

Welcoming 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:59:00 +0000

This year, the family and I stayed home to enjoy a little (much needed) R&R. We rented movies, and had snacks and played games. It was a great night, however, I missed my sister... We usually ring in the new year with her and my brother in law, but she was under the weather.

Everyone is always gearing up for the new near by coming up with resolutions. For me, I've decided that (statistically speaking) if I make a resolution, I'll most likely be setting myself up for disappointment. I don't like it when anyone disappoints me, and I especially don't want to do that to myself! So there are no resolutions over here!

I do feel that there are changes coming. I don't know what those changes will be, but I'm excited to figure out what they are!

What did you resolve to do during 2012?

My Apologies and Reintroduction

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:55:00 +0000

I have been inactive lately, and for that, I apologize. I blame lack of inspiration, although, it very well may be a lack of motivation as well. When I lack either of those, my blog is usually what suffers most.

I've been quite busy lately, working (full time now!), parenting, wife-ing, coaching, reading and simply just being.

Surely, I'm not the only person out here in Blog Land that seems to space out occasionally... I don't know how some bloggers do it; blog on top of all their normal day to day life. I can't keep up with it all.

Oddly enough, even with my lack of inspiration/motivation, I feel the need to connect with the world of blogging, as I have missed it. So this, is my very feeble attempt to jump back in...

While being away, I have been thinking about my blog and the things that inspire me most and realized that I've sort of cheated myself with my blog... Yes, I blog about things I love; my family, green living, and uplifting/positive thoughts, but I am also a very outspoken person. I feel I've hidden away pieces of myself, and it makes me look as if I'm ashamed of who I am, which is not the case at all!

After much soul searching, I've realized that I wasn't hiding things, it was just my way of trying to be accepted in a world that tends to lump people in one category and leave it at that.

All this rambling is probably making you wonder what in the world I'm talking about and I will share it with you, but in due time, of course.

Let me start off with a new introduction of myself: I'm Amber. I'm married to my best friend, Lenny. We have two amazing kids, Desmond, 6, and Brooklynn, (almost) 4. I'm a daughter, granddaughter, sister, and a friend. I'm Atheist and extremely Liberal. I'm vegetarian and I am a huge Equal Rights Supporter and Women's Rights Supporter. I'm an Activist and I'm a Volunteer. I'm room mom for both of my kids. I'm a peace lover and a tree hugger. When I have a little "mommy time" I read. A lot. I coach my son's Youth Basketball team (Go Bulls!). This is me, like it or not.

I would hate for my true self to cause people to not like me, because I am who I've always been. Only this time I've been unmasked.

So, with all that said... welcome to Peaceful Wishing 2.0. :)

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:42:00 +0000

I had a lot of great things happen this past year; seeing my kids each turn another year older, my first wedding anniversary with my sweet husband (6 years together), the adoption of our new furbaby, Isabella, coaching my son's basketball team, watching my kids advance to the top of their classes, and so many other things that were equally amazing.

As we close out another year and start a new year, let's start fresh with positive thinking:

This year will be as great as we want it to be.

Happy New Year to my great readers! I hope it's everything you wish it to be. <3

Dear Friends:

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 02:13:00 +0000

Everyone stay safe and enjoy the holidays!

Random Facts About My Brief Absence...

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 07:01:00 +0000

1. Migraines have been frequent and unbearable.

2. Was basically forced into coaching my son's basketball team. Was excited until I realized that none of the parents care or want to be involved. Well, except one and he's got criminal history. o_O

3. I've been trying to get things ready for the kid's holiday parties for school and make crafty gifts for their teachers.

4. I want to go back to school desperately, so I can find another job.

5. My Nannie was diagnosed with kidney cancer. And may possibly have endometrial cancer.

I always have a difficult time not getting overwhelmed during the holidays, because of the perfectionist in me, but a few added stresses during this time of the year is never good. I've got a review to post and a few recipes to post. I'll get those up in the next week or so. With basketball practice on Monday nights and dance class on Tuesday nights, my schedule for computer time is out of whack, so I have to reconfigure my schedules.

Candle Review Opportunity!

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:05:00 +0000

Attention all bloggers!

Diamond Candles is searching for bloggers to review their candles! Check out the details and fill out the form now!

Happy Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 07:33:00 +0000

Wordless Wednesday: Mustache

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Looking for the Perfect Holiday Card? Well Look No More!

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 03:54:00 +0000

This is hands down my favorite time of year. The leaves have changed, and there's the crisp smell of the autumn air, but what I love even more than that is that the holidays are right around the corner! I've already got my tree up (we put it up right after my birthday!) and I've started shopping and holiday baking and I've started searching for the perfect holiday card... And I found it! Tiny Prints has tons of cards to choose from and I love the Fine Festivities card. The colors are cheerful and the fact that I can add two photos instead of one adds to it's appeal!

During the holidays I always try to find a creative way to display our cards. In the past I've used a card tree. It's a run of the mill card display that you can purchase at stores. This year I'm hoping to come up with something a little more creative.

My favorite holiday tradition is buying my kids a special ornament every year. Usually it has their age or something that they love at the moment (This year my son got a soccer ball with cleats, since this was his first year playing soccer and my daughter got a pair of ballet slippers, since she's in dance and says that she wants to be a ballerina when she grows up.). My mom did this with me and my sister when we were younger, and I definitely wanted to keep up this fun tradition.

Tiny Prints has a great variety of cards, and they're all very beautiful.

Giveaway Winner for Farm Rich Product

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:52:00 +0000

The winner is: Jessica H.! You won a free product from Farm Rich!

To claim your prize, please reply to my email.

If you don't reply back within 48 hours, I will draw another winner.

Stay tuned for more giveaways!

Day 15: Firefighters

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:20:00 +0000

I'm thankful for firefighters.

Here in Texas this past summer, wildfires were horrible. They were popping up everywhere. There was one within 2 miles of my house! It was a scary time for many people and it was also tragic for many people. My heart aches for those that lost their loved ones in those fires. My heart aches for those that lost their homes and their memories.

Day 14: Mother Nature

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 04:51:00 +0000

I'm thankful for Mother Nature because of all the beauty she brings. This is my favorite time of year. I love the colors of the changing trees. The crisp smell of fall. Winter and it's blanket of white (unless you live down south, of course). Spring with the beautifully colored flowers. Summer and the beach. It's all beautiful, and I'm thankful that I'm able to appreciate it and enjoy it.

Giveaway Ending Soon: Farm Rich Product

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 03:43:00 +0000

This giveaway will be ending tomorrow and there's only been a few people enter, so check it out!

Farm Rich Giveaway

Day 13: My Home

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 08:10:00 +0000

I am quite thankful for our nice little home. There are so many people that go without and having a roof over our head is something that we are very thankful for. We have 5 homeless people that stand on the curbs by the Wal-Mart near our house and it breaks my heart that they don't have a place to call their own. When I donate goods to them, I hope that they will catch the break they need and will be able to get back on their feet.

Day 12: My Job

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 19:54:00 +0000

While I may not be thrilled with some aspects of my job, I am thankful to have a job. One that I (most of the time) love. I love that my job is eco-friendly (that's hard to come by in my east Texas area). My job is a small, family owned business which means that we're all treated like family. Most of the time that's good, but we occasionally have some family drama that we would rather do without. I have moved up in the company many times in the (almost) four years that I have been here.

I know some people are without jobs at the moment, and that will have to be my number one attraction: the fact that I have a stable job. A stable, flexible job. I'm able to put my family first, and nothing is more attractive in a job than that.

Day 11: Vets

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 19:54:00 +0000

This is an extension of my post for yesterday. My bff, Travis is in the Army, and I'm very proud of who he has become today.

My cousin, David is also in the military. He's in the Navy. Like Travis, I'm proud of him. He's not the little cousin I remember trying to light campfires with a lighter and spray deodorant (that was hilarious!).

I'm not just thankful for these two vets in my life, but for all of our military. While my political beliefs differ from most (Make love not war!), I definitely am proud of our military, past, present and future, and I am extremely thankful for them all.

Day 10: My Brother from Another Mother

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:40:00 +0000

Top: Me and Travis
Middle: Me and Travis
Bottom: Chad (Travis' brother),
Travis and me.

We officially met in the hallway in high school. I got sent to the hall during Algebra and he was sent to the office. We were instant best friends. Through the years we've lost touch a few times but we always remained best friends. He's been there for me through some difficult times, and I'm here for him always. I can only hope that I've been as good a friend to him as he has to me.

It's never easy to find a good friend, but to find one and last in the adult world is pretty special if you ask me! I love my brother/bff, Travis, and I'm very thankful to have him in my life!

Day 9: My Sister from Another Mister

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:33:00 +0000

I "met" my bff/sister, Jessica online several years ago (around 3.5 almost 4 years ago), and we've been super close since. One of us found the other on Myspace, and neither of us quite remember how we found each other, but we've chatted, IMed, emailed and texted each other through the years. We finally had the opportunity to meet each other face to face about a week ago! Her family moved down here, to get a fresh start (believe me, it was much needed). We had been talking about meeting up for, well forever, and when she told me that they were moving, I almost couldn't even believe it! They are currently living about 3 hours south of us, but hoping to move into our area soon.

I don't know what I would do without her. I've been able to talk to her when I couldn't talk to anyone else, and she's always been there even during the difficult things she's been through. I love her like a sister and the kiddos as if they were my own. I'm very thankful to have her in my life, and even more thankful to have them so close to me!

(Oh and silly me, I was so excited to finally meet them, that I didn't even break out my camera. :/ )

Day 8: My Furbabies

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:00:00 +0000

I'm thankful for my furbabies, Coco and Isabella. They bring a lot of fun and happiness to our family. They're super sweet and fit right in with my wild bunch.

I'm happy my husband agreed to us getting Coco, she has definitely made life... um, interesting. She was part of my Christmas present and I love her so much!

Isabella, was a bit of a surprise (read her story here) to my husband, and really she was a surprise to me as well, but the moment I saw her in the cage at the humane society, I instantly knew she was meant to be a part of our family.

I want to urge you all to adopt if you're choosing to get a pet. Those babies need homes desperately.

P.S. This is my 300th post! :) That was just too big not to share!

Day 7: My Daddy

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 03:29:00 +0000

Top: Me, Daddy, Jess
Bottom: Desmond, Pop Pop and Brooke, Me and Daddy,
Pop Pop and Brooke

Let me start by saying, I'm a huge Daddy's girl. Always have been, always will be. He's a great dad and a wonderful Pop Pop. He's not your typical dad by any means, but he's always been there when I needed him and I know he always will be.

When I found out I was pregnant with my son, I knew that my grandpa wouldn't have anything to do with me (or my baby) because my son is biracial. I was a little worried about how my dad would handle it, because let's face it, most of the time if you're raised with someone that is racist, you will be too (obviously that's not the case with everyone, because I was raised by my grandparents, and I'm clearly not racist...) so I was a bit hesitant to tell him, but once I did, race wasn't an issue. He's great with my kids, and he's a great father in law to my husband.

He's had a rough life, and while he's not always made the best choices in life, he's always rose above the bad choices and came out on top. He's a hard worker but definitely knows how to have a good time. He cracks me up, and even when I get mad at him, it never lasts because of his crazy sense of humor.

Day 6: My Mama

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 03:12:00 +0000

Me, Mama, Jess & Desmond.
Sorry for the awful quality, it is a scanned picture. :/

I'm thankful for my Mama. My sister, Jessica and I were taken away from my mom, when she made the choice to move to Michigan. We didn't want to leave Texas, because it was all we knew, and my grandparents and dad fought to keep us here. In the end they did, and while I knew it was hard on my mom, I really didn't understand just how hard it was for her. Since I've become a mother myself, I can't imagine how difficult it was for my mom. We visited and kept in touch via letters and phone calls, but it was still hard. I moved up there for a little over a year when I was 17 and moved back, but I miss my mom so much.

She's never been judgmental, and she's been there for me when I've needed her the most. My mom has incredible strength and I am thankful to have that woman in my life, and even more thankful that she's my mom.

Day 5: My Nannie

noreply@blogger.com (Peaceful Wishing) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 03:45:00 +0000

Me and my Nannie.

My grandma is one of the most amazing women I know. She is compassionate, loving, kind, thoughtful, beautiful, and absolutely wonderful. When her children were grown, and had kids of their own, she took my sister, Jessica and I in and raised us.

She's a breast cancer survivor and that just shows a small part of her strength.

She's been there for me, when her husband (my "grandfather") and the majority of her family turned their backs on me. Anytime I need her, she's there, and I love her with all of my heart. She's my heart.