Austin Sun Drops

Mamapreneur thoughts: Mamapreneur Dates

2018-07-20T19:17:00.005-05:00

Mamapreneur. Success. Work. Home. What do those four words have in common? Lonely. Being a mamapreneur often means isolation at your home during the five day work week.

Especially when your business is producing any sort of significant amount. You may have a show where you get to interact with the best clients in the world. You have your kids swirling around your feet in and out of Mother's Day Out programs, mother's helpers, preschools, schools, etc. You may interact with clients during the work week on occasion. You have an interactive social media platform.

For the most part you are home producing. Alone.

Mamapreneur thought: co-working mama dates. Drop a kid off, bring a computer, meet a mamapreneur friend or two, work next to them on your computer for the computer things you need to do behind the scenes of producing. These could be arranged nationwide so individuals don't have to come up with the structure.

Mamapreneur thoughts: Nothing But Fruit Diet

2018-07-20T19:11:00.002-05:00

A stomach bug that led to five pounds lost, three days of nauseousness and two foods that I eat. The only things I could stomach those three days were smoothies, fruit, and a few slices of nitrate free lunch meat. After noticing I continued to lose weight, I figured why not keep eating those things.

A four wheeling adventure that led to three weeks of soft diet, caused by one log to the face leading to two weeks of soft diet causing the fruit diet to continue.

So I added some hemp protein to my morning smoothie and called it a breakfast. Cherries, peaches, apricots, strawberries, blackberries, all organic thanks to Trader Joe's that keep organic attainable, throughout the day and called it a snack. A few slices of Trader Joe's smoked turkey meat or roast beef and called it a lunch. Soup or some other kind of soft meal and called it a dinner.

Two months later, my nails are longer, whiter and stronger than they have been in... ever. I've managed to keep ten pounds off. And haven't drank a single glass of water in those two months. In a hundred degree southern heat.

Mamapreneur thought: Nothing But Fruit diet. Eat your water. There's been more than one instafamous person who has made a career out of what they did or didn't eat. Nothing But Fruit can be the next.

Mamapreneur Thoughts: 26% Finances

2018-07-20T19:00:00.003-05:00

How old were you when you learned the average cost of housing is 26% of a family's net income? I was today years old.

After several informal polls in Austin's massive mom facebook groups, I discovered many households fall under this average of mortgage or rent cost to net income at 7%, 16%, 20%, a few at 30%. Only one at 50%. Had I learned this earlier in life we may not have been so broke throughout life. We have always been at 50% or higher.

Mamapreneur thought: teach finances based on percentages to children and young adults. What average percentage is housing, utilities, food, gas, insurance, retirement, entertainment. Instead of numbers which mean nothing to an income of a different budget, show percentages. You could delve even further and investigate averages for investors. What is their percentage of their net income they put into investments?

Instagram Love

2016-04-14T20:28:00.002-05:00

In the past two years, I have run a shop, had that shop fall apart, started another shop & a marketing consultant business, have a middle schooler and a high schooler, soon to be two high-schoolers, been on three different PTA Boards for middle school, high school and council (over entire school district PTAs), had a baby, now have a toddler, been through countless robotics competitions with my boys along with the emotional roller coaster winning or losing those can be, met amazing friends and encouragers through my personal instagram @littlehollowlogan and my shop feed @roseburkhardt.

For those of you still reading, here's just a little bit of the fun over in Instagram world with a few of my favorite shop mamas and all the love and care that goes into each piece of clothing my littlest guy, Logan, is dressed in. None of these would be possible without my hubby, Brandon of @bjbphotos & bbp.photos & the magic he makes in his photos.

From first birthday to approaching his second birthday a few months away, I present in order of when we met them, Part One of The Best of our Instagram Love - I've highlighted our favorite item from each photo, check out our instagram @littlehollowlogan to find the rest of the shops involved!

We met Courtney of @crewandco & Crew & Co early on in the game & fell in love with her sweet and positive spirit, not to mention her hand-lettered faith and uplifting designs during one of her ready to ship sales. Her All of God's Grace in One Tiny Face tee has become one of our all time favorites, along with Courtney herself! She has become a close friend and Logan and my older boys, too, rep her items! Looking forward to revealing those photos!

One of the sweetest mamas I have ever met, Maria of @thesweetpotatoe & The Sweet Potatoe, makes these striped pants we won in a giveaway that Logan has worn again and again and again. One of my favorite parts of shopping small is meeting the mama behind the item, the maker, who pours their heart, soul and love into each item, and sometimes having all night conversations with them as is the case with Maria!!

Another mention to @craftylittlejay of Hashtag Market who sent us her gorgeous Vintage Gold Moccs. He wore these things until he could wear them no more. We are ever grateful for her faith in @bjbphotos and his magic work with photos!!

Nelz of @heartofgoldapparel & Heart of Gold Apparel makes this For I am His & He is Mine hoodie. Nelz was our very first entire small shop shoot client and has become a mentor for so many Christian handmade shops. We are forever indebted to her faith in us to pull off shooting her Fall 2015 line as well as her continued mentorship!!

Another mention to Nichole of @wildlyloved & Wildly Loved who makes these amazing Jesus baggies. It is safe to say this is one of my favorite mamas in the entire world. This girl has been through the ringer and back & she keeps shining through. Her joy emits in every note of her voice. Her three precious boys are going to be amazing men from the faith and encouragement she holds in every part of her being.

Wow, time is running out. I forgot how cathartic blogging is, but also time consuming. This photo is perfect for our final photo. Our very first whole shop photo shoot with Heart of Gold Apparel and a mini photo shoot for another of my absolute favorite mamas in the whole world, Cambria of @kanebabyboutique and Kane Baby Boutique. She sent us her adorable Johnny Cash romper and put her faith in us to shoot her shop items, not just this once, but many times. I am so grateful for her friendship, encouragement, and pure heart as she has become a close friend!!!

Another mention to Chandra of @poshpaxdesigns at Posh Pax Designs with her infamous blocks that have made many a photo shoot a pleasant experience, not to mention more stylish. This mama lives just a few hours in me and it is on my agenda to meet her!! She now makes absolutely stunning dream catchers, but her blocks forever have a place in our memories!

Finally, I can't leave without a shout out to Jamie of @maadmoxxie & Maad Moxxie, who started our mocc obsession with her adorable booties graduating to her style a million different ways boots. If you haven't bought adorable shoes for your little and have been considering, go start with hers!!! She will blow your socks off with her quality and sweet heart!

These are just a few of the mamas we've been working with for awhile. A million more photos and mamas we've met more recently are queued, but they will wait for another day! Instant interaction and community Instagram provides is an experience you won't easily forget. What blog world once was to me, Instagram has become. Bloggers, see you on the Instagram side! !Come join me at @littlehollowlogan, @bjbphotos and @roseburkhardt !

That place

2015-05-16T01:41:00.001-05:00

Aaand I've gotten there. The place I don't want to be. The place where I say no to going out because it messes with my baby's schedule. The place where I let my kids schedule determine mine instead of the other way around.

The place where I'm so tired I'll do anything I can to work around his schedule to keep baby happy so I don't have to be tired AND deal with miserable baby at same time. Maybe it's the age. Maybe it's me. I can't figure out which. I miss my friends. I miss my life. I love my baby.

When I look at him I wouldn't trade a second of what I have with him. I'm glad he has a mommy that loves him so much adoring his every move.

I just wish he had a happier mommy. I think too he is nursing less. My hormones are changing. That major oxytocin high where I haven't felt the low of the roller coaster for ten whole months is slowing down.

I'm hitting the low and hitting hard.

Last night I had a dream we had a sky ride coming into our bedroom. We rode on. The cable snapped. Somehow we survived. Then I accidentally got back on the broken cable with Logan. Brandon saw what was happening jumped in the next car then threw his phone over the side in despair when he realized what just happened. We'd both gotten on a broken ride. If that's not symbolism of how I'm feeling, I don't know what is. I'm back in that place again. I wish I wasn't.

Little man says whether you're voting for school board or president, exercise you're right to vote!

Full swing

2015-04-26T00:40:00.001-05:00

This guy is in full activity mode. There's no stopping for me. Or him. I get about five minutes of work time before he needs mom. I power work through his nap and fall into bed exhausted or mindlessly late night shop at night.

At times I think I could get so much more done if I had my me time again, then I think I wouldn't be doing crap if I had my me time. This little face is so motivating I work my butt off a hundred times as hard to be around this little man. Baby proofing is in full effect - outlet covers, baby stair gate on the way, crib mattress needs to be lowered to lowest rung, cords are shoved behind dressers, doors are utilized.

These two in music class make my heart melt. I am so grateful for music class for Logan. I love that he loves and appreciates music already. I wish I knew about this when my older boys were younger.

Driver and a Baby

2015-04-17T02:03:00.004-05:00

Today my nearly 16 year old drove me home. I smell Axe as he walks out of the shower. He carries my La Croix for me out of the grocery store and into the house, along with everything else. He gives me a hug. Feels like a hug from a man. Somehow he was my baby almost 16 years ago. This happened in a blink. Tomorrow he will be out of my house. I am so, so, so grateful for Logan. I have tears as I type the previous to the last sentence. If I didn't have Logan I'd be in an all out fetal position sobbing.

This growing up is so beautiful. So difficult. Letting go. Letting them be an adult with an opinion of their own. Different from yours. Even though you raised them with all your opinions. They come back at you with wisdom you don't recognize. Where did that come from? Thank God He brings others in his life. Having duplicates of ourselves for children wouldn't change the world. I pray he has a heart for God and to serve others, full of character.

It's a Fungus

2015-04-17T01:47:00.002-05:00

Ew, gross.

Welcome to the world of boys. I love every moment. Except the fungus. GROSS. But so, so, SO excited it's not eczema. Fungus you can get rid of. Eczema not so much. Who knows where eczema comes from. I think he might've got the fungus from a horse nuzzling his face. Oops. I took boy mama too seriously.

So he's been covered in bandages for the last few weeks to keep the cream. But still cute as a bug. His new favorite face is wrinkling his nose up. Everyone loves it.

A little quiet time

2015-03-31T22:31:00.001-05:00

After two days of taking a break from the business, focusing on what to do to heal little man, I'm ready to return tomorrow. He's not healed, but I have a plan of attack and a renewed focus on him. Praying I can keep that going with my time divided between him and shop again.

It was nice to get a few orders made without the constant mind work of the business over my head. Maybe my business partner and I can take turns taking a "day off" each week for the sake of our families. Difficult to do cause we have so much fun growing and building, but may be necessary.

Acupuncture for Babies

2015-03-31T12:43:00.001-05:00

Acupuncture for babies is actually acupressure for babies. And I can do it at home! The acupuncturist said definitely a food allergy combined with myself having dairy again. Doesn't help my mom guilt but at least I can stop wondering. He gave me some herbs, too, which I have yet to give Logan since we went straight to Mommy and Me Yoga while he slept on the way, and he fell asleep immediately after.

I'm hopeful for the herbs to take away the rash but also nervous. I've had Chinese herbs before that smelled like mushrooms. I pretty much felt like I was on mushrooms taking them even though I've never done anything like that. I'll just give them and watch. Praying the horrible red splotchy spots go away.

Eczema Research

2015-03-31T01:02:00.001-05:00

I've taken a break today from work to contemplate what to do about this little guy breaking out in eczema. My heart is so so so broken that I broke him. I fed him way too much variety way too soon. I know better especially with Brando's side being allergenic.

So today I contemplated. Tomorrow morning he has an acupuncture appointment. Praying this goes well. Today I realized the things I've been doing different the last few weeks when these allergic reactions have popped up - eating dairy and giving him table food, and no acidophilus the last few days

So even though I had pizza tonight before I realized as I've been lenient the past few weeks, no more dairy once again. If it can make him spit up maybe it can give him eczema now that he's a little too old to spit up much. I've replenished my acidophilus, loading up to make up for missing a few days (amazing how it helps my mood and perspective - there's several TED talks on gut flora and mood, totally agree) and even giving Logan some mixed in water with a spoon. I tried to go to basic baby oatmeal today with breast milk mixed in. He hated it. That's what I get for a partly baby led weaned baby. Tomorrow I think I'll blend up the regular organic oatmeal I have for him so it's a little easier to digest and try that instead. My mom said to just do oatmeal for the next week to clean out his system, so we're trying that and praying it works. The chronic cases of eczema I've heard from friends and see via google are so scary. I never knew asthma, hay fever, and eczema were related. I guess I'm glad I realize he has those tendencies now so I can watch out for them. Even though I wholeheartedly believe I'm the one who did this to him in the first place. Praying for the acupuncture tomorrow, and researching researching researching in the meantime.

Being perfect

2015-03-30T00:39:00.001-05:00

I raised both the boys without grandparents around. Now I'm raising another without grandparents around. Sometimes my heart is broken as a result. Sometimes I just want my mom around. Sometimes I just want to be within a days drive of all our family. My sister out here raised her boys across the street from their grandparents. Sometimes I feel like my boys get to see more of my parents because they'll come to visit us exclusively for a period of time. They've been here for each of the boys birthdays except for last years. They've been here for every Mother's Day, our anniversary, and Thanksgiving because of the ways the dates fall except for last years. Last year, this year, I'm not on top of things and don't have them out here. I'm missing them incredibly.

Logan has eczema. I am slightly freaking out. Okay, a lot. Every person I know who has dealt with eczema with their kid has dealt with a never ending battle. I'm so disappointed in myself for causing it in the first place. I fed him a bunch of foods all at once without giving his little body time to process. Now I don't know what caused it. Not to mention he already had an allergic reaction from doing the same thing last week that refuses to go away.

I've given him probiotics, put weleda on the spots, will stop feeding him anything he hasn't had quite a few times without a reaction, and possibly take him to baby acupuncture to get last weeks reaction to go away but I am so so so disappointed with myself for being crazy with his food options in the first place.

This week I am so off kilter as it is. Brando switched our work spaces around so now we work completely separately from each other - he upstairs, I downstairs. I basically never see him and don't even get to work next to him anymore. It's funny, I'll mention it to him but he won't do anything about it til I break down. Well I'm breaking down. I can barely hang on with both of us working 24/7 as it is. Not even getting to work next to him and now my baby breaking out in exczema is breaking me.

Things I Want To Remember Before They Pass By

2015-03-24T17:30:00.001-05:00

Logan does so many sweet things I thought were around to stay but quicker than I can blink they are passing by. I always want to remember he

*plays peekaboo with EVERYthing. Blanket, basket liner, diaper, beanie, shirt, pajamas, you name it he plays peekaboo with it. By himself. Item over his face, legs and arms out straight, hardly able to contain himself with excitement at the possibility of what is beyond this thing he put over his face. I thought this was around to stay but sadly is going by the wayside as he moves on to bigger and better things.

*holds my hand as we're driving to fall asleep. He still does this initially but let's go instead of holding on the whole time like he used to. He also used to grab onto the ring on the bottom of his toy hanging above his car seat if a hand (mine, dads, or his brothers) wasn't available.

*lets me kiss him to sleep all over his face. I've been able to do this a few times recently but oh the baby smell I could breathe in when he let me do this regularly.

*smiles crazy daddy smiles when daddy gets home. As he gets older and mom is more stressed out and less encouraging for the excitement when daddy gets home this is fading. He's transferred most of his entire body excitement to his brother who sits and entertains him for hours once he gets home from school.

*lets me rock him to sleep. This one isn't going by the wayside anytime soon, but rocking in our glider next to the window as you stare at the trees makes my heart so full feels like it may burst.

Yumminess

2014-01-04T18:57:00.001-06:00

Not sure how but my man became an amazing chef overnight. From crepes to steak to chicken quesadillas to mcmuffins that put McDonald's to shame. Not only is he an amazing chef but he comes up with his own recipes that taste out of this world. Mind blown.

New Blog

2013-08-11T17:06:00.001-05:00

Find me over here. Email me at sundrops at gmail dot com to request an invite.

Creating a bonfire

2013-03-29T16:41:00.002-05:00

I've been reading Sarah's emails for awhile. Even though the main focus of weight loss doesn't necessarily apply to me, her energy is infectious, and her random emails on life, business, and now marriage are nuggets of gold. Today's email caught my eye as I start to go on a downward spiral after finishing up a year long project yesterday. "Are you destined for divorce?" I had to read further, as poor Brando catches the brunt of my triggers every single time, and today he's getting the bottom of the barrel. A quote that stood out to me, that I have realized in other ways through different inspirations throughout the year, is, "When it comes to relationships, f**k the spark, how are you going to create a f**king bonfire?"

The comments for articles intrigue me almost as much as the article, as I love reading other people's perspectives and feedback to truly round out the article. A comment Sarah left in reply to a comment asking how to make a bonfire when you're single in regards to Sarah's suggestion to do so caught my eye, "Great question. Have as much fun as possible! Concentrate on doing things that light you up, and get out of the house. If you’re having fun, and are totally in love with yourself, you’re gonna be a frickin magnet. To me, it’s really that simple." I have believed that from day one, even when you're in a relationship I believe a small part of this still applies, especially if you're a SAHM. I have not ever been able to put this into words as succinctly and beautifully as Sarah did, though.

Thank you, Sarah, for an amazing article at the perfect timing. Now let's just hope my log isn't too wet for me to chip away the wet bark today, because I really don't feel like blowing too hard today ;) .

Dopamine and Video Games

2013-03-28T18:36:00.000-05:00

A letter to my cousin, after her implication videos are bad because they raise dopamine levels:

[to my cousin] So since you mentioned the whole dopamine thing and video games I've been meaning to sit down and research the subject. Finally had a chance to. Turns out there's a LOT more behind the scenes.

One article, Dopey about Dopamine, states video games don't raise dopamine levels any more than eating food or sex, as well as sites studies showing data regarding same. The same article argues people need to distinguish between a substance and behavior.

"we have to stop treating behaviors as if they were controlled substances. Playing video games, watching television, eating, and having sex are behaviors that can all be problematic in certain times and certain contexts. But they are not the same as ingesting drugs, they don’t cause the same level of chemical change in the brain."

Another article, This is Your Brain on Video Games, talks about video games creates new learning comparable to learning in graduate school. He cites several organizations that support gaming to improve mental cognition. He also cited several studies including one where gamers outperform nongamers, including gamers who started a week prior for the sole purpose of addressing the weakness that gamers may be more visual learners in the first place. In addition, he cited a study where surgeons who played games more than three hours a week had 37% less errors than nongaming peers.

More than several TedTalks address video games and their benefits to the real world, such as in Jane McGonigal's TedTalk on how a video game recovered her from a head injury, and Tom Chatfield's TedTalk on how gaming can increase learning, along with many others.

Do you see my dilemna?!?!

Really, if this was based on facts, there would be no dilemma. Live a balanced life, and video games are a major benefit. Don't live a balanced life, and they aren't.

The thing is, I *personally* don't like video games. I'm also a lot dumber visually than the boys and Brando. And by a lot, I mean a LOT. Also, if I don't like something, I kind of don't want them to spend time on something I don't like. But, then, who am I to keep them from challenging themselves mentally just because I'd rather spend time challenging myself in other ways?

[to my cousin] Was thinking on this and finally had time to research. Thought I'd share my research and dilemmas with you since you mentioned the one thing that got me researching :) .

Yes.

2013-03-27T09:38:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the awesome image, honey.

Follow Me on Instagram

2013-03-13T18:49:00.001-05:00

I finally started Instagramming regularly by giving the 365grateful project a go. Was finding it hard to be grateful for a few days and am loving the project so far! Follow me by finding sundropsonroses.

SXSW: The Local's Way

2013-03-08T21:57:00.001-06:00

In other words, how to do SXSW events the free way. I'm FINALLY home for SXSW and can't WAIT to do some of these events. I've lined out as many free and fun events I could find for the weeks. There are a few in particular that I'm SO EXCITED to go to. Kicking off with Austin Film Studios Award Ceremony After Party last night,

and another kickoff tomorrow with SXSW Interactive at the Long Center, Palmer Event Center, and Austin Convention Center. Can't wait!

Saturday, March 9th

Noon-11pm - NASA's James Webb Telescope Exhibit, Long Center, Free, Four stories high, 12,000 pounds

Noon-8pm - SXSW Gaming Expo, Palmer Events Center, Free, Enough said for teenage boys

11am-6pm SXSW Create 2013, outdoors adjacent to Austin Convention Center, Free, Teaching how to solder, no focus camera technology presentation

Sunday, March 10th

Noon-11pm - NASA's James Webb Telescope Exhibit, Long Center, Free, Four stories high, 12,000 pounds

Noon-8pm - SXSW Gaming Expo, Palmer Events Center, Free, Enough said for teenage boys

11am-6pm SXSW Create 2013, outdoors adjacent to Austin Convention Center, Free, Teaching how to solder, no focus camera technology presentation

Monday, March 11th

Tuesday, March 12th

11am-6pm Vintage Clothing Arcade 2013, Valhalla, Free, Vintage clothing and music

Wednesday, March 13th

All am, W Austin, $5 donation, hosted by KGSR:

6:30am My Jerusalem
7 Amy Cook
7:30 The Lumineers
8 M. Ward
8:30 Ben Kweller
9 Michael Kiwanuka
9:30am Bob Schneider w/ The Tosca String Quartet

11am - Mackelmore, Tegan, & Sara, Waterloo, Free, Arrive early

2pm-2am Band Lineup, Upper Decks, Free

Thursday, March 14th

All am, W Austin, $5 donation, hosted by KGSR:

6 Nakia
6:30 Elle King
7 Bahamas
7:30 Jimmy Cliff
8 Rhett Miller
8:30 Blitzen Trapper
9 Ingrid Michaelson
9:30 Delta Spirit

4-7pm Band line up, Patagonia, Free

Noon-5pm Twangfest, Broken Spoke, Free

12pm-6pm, SXSW Music Gear Expo, Austin Convention Center Hall 5, Free

1:30pm-4:30pm, Macklemore signing at SXSW Music Gear Expo, Austin Convention Center Hall 5, Free

2pm-2am Band Lineup, Upper Decks, Free

3:30pm-8pm Band Lineup, Auditorium Shores, Free

Friday, March 15th

All am, W Austin, $5 donation, hosted by KGSR:

6:30 ZZ Ward
7 Graffiti6
7:30 Fun.
8 Walk The Moon
8:30 Nada Surf
9 Tom Morello
9:30 Charlie Mars
10am: James Mercer of The Shins

12pm-5pm Band lineup, Doc's Motorworks, Free

12pm-6pm, SXSW Music Gear Expo, Austin Convention Center Hall 5, Free

4-7pm Band line up, Patagonia, Free

2pm-2am Band Lineup, Upper Decks, Free

3:30pm-8pm Band Lineup, Auditorium Shores, Free

Saturday, March 16th

All am, W Austin, $5 donation, hosted by KGSR:

8 Kat Edmonson
8:30 Yellow Ostrich
9 Ben Howard
9:30 Ed Sheeran
10 Givers
10:30 Citizen Cope
11 Keane

12pm-5pm Band lineup, Doc's Motorworks, Free

4-7pm Band line up, Patagonia, Free

Noon-5pm Twangfest, Broken Spoke, Free
Noon-7pm Ramble Creek Day Show, La Patisserie, Free

12pm-6pm, SXSW Music Gear Expo, Austin Convention Center Hall 5, Free

2pm-2am Band Lineup, Upper Decks, Free

3:30pm-8pm Band Lineup, Auditorium Shores, Free

Sunday, March 17th

Monday, March 18th

Don't forget the whole smorgasbord of free SXSW events including interactive, music, expos, and more. Some are listed above, but not all.

KGSR Parking Details: To enter the broadcast, take the stairs at the corner of 2nd and Lavaca that lead up to the ACL Live at Moody Theater. Then head left towards the W Austin. There are several paid parking options, including valet at the hotel, the City Hall garage at 2nd and Caesar Chavez, and the Amli located across the street from the W Austin. Entry is not guaranteed so make sure to arrive early.

Hawaii... Our Favorite Getaway

2013-03-01T23:15:00.001-06:00

Liebster Award

2013-01-12T14:41:00.000-06:00

Thanks to super sweet, Ashley at Lovely Little Adventure, for awarding my blog the Liebster Award! Being the dork that I am, I had to look up liebster to see what it means. Liebster is a German word (how perfect, since Brando is German) used to indicate somebody who is dear, or a favorite, such as a friend. Certainly understood why Ashley is one of "mein libster mensch" after reading her answers :) . What a fun award!

Rules:

1. Each blogger should post 11 random facts about themselves.

2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you, and then create 11 new questions for the bloggers you pass the award to.

3. Choose 11 new bloggers (with less than 200 followers) to pass the award to and link them in your post.

4. Go back to their page and tell them about the award.

5. No tag backs.

11 Random Facts About Me

1) I used to blog a LOT more than I do now. 90% of my closest friends I have met through my blog during the times I have been a more active blogger. Mai, Allison, Teagan, Alyssa, Jackie, Cecilia, Laura, Kristin, Courtney, Ashley, and more I am positive I am forgetting, I have met through my blog and our real life connection is just as strong or stronger. I count myself blessed and so fortunate to call them my closest friends.

2) I often feel like I don't know what I'm doing with parenting and everyone else around me does. There are moments I see that is ABSOLUTELY not true, but anytime I see another parent do something better or even just different, I'm like, "Why didn't I realize to do that?" Then, I get over it, and either get on doing whatever it was, or realize, oh, yeah, we don't do that because it doesn't fit our family.

3) Sex after twelve years of marriage is incomparable to sex while dating or during the first years of marriage. Brando and I actually waited until two weeks before we got married (long story about why the heck we didn't just wait two more weeks), but the other guys I had dated and "hooked up" with that I thought was an incredible experience? Ha. I had no clue. Pathetic in comparison. Sex after twelve years of marriage is mind-blowing. Would I have told you that five years in? Nope, I would have said it gotten better, but definitely not mind-blowing. Twelve years hit the jackpot.

4) My son has taken a bee-keeping class. Only thought of this because of Ashley's random fact that she is terrified of bees. He LOVEd it. He loves anything and everything to do with animals. Any time I see a cute animal on Pinterest I "like" it for him to go back and show him later. The latest adorable animal I discovered off Facebook for him from Cecilia is a quokka. He literally melted when he saw the photo.

5) I am starting to enjoy family time more and more and more. These years are so fleeting. I used to feel like I have to "get out" with my girlfriends and have a break. Now, I almost feel like time with my girlfriends I'm not extremely close to without my boys or husband around is wasted time and I can't wait to get back home. Usually, I won't even agree to it anymore. ESPECIALLY when I feel like that person has put me on the back burner for boys, when I have always made my friends priority, sadly over my family sometimes and whether or not I have other obligations that come up - if I 've made the commitment I stick to it. Might just be a maturity thing. Chip on shoulder moment. Sorry.

6) Yikes this is difficult! I love to blog, but lately I've been enjoying and savoring the moment more and more rather than rushing to write about it and document the photos. I still do take way too many photos, I just don't rush here to put them up. Usually, I rush to facebook these days to put them up so they're still organized :) . I also write my anecdotes there.

7) I met Young House Love! A blog post is owed this moment. But the photos we took? Um, yeah, I'm hiding behind John with my boobs putting on a show. That was awkward. Must photoshop photo.

8) I don't like to tell people I'm doing things until I've done them. Too many things in my life I've said I'm going to do, then never end up doing. The feeling of having to tell someone I'm a failure because, actually, no, I didn't do that, is almost worse than the feeling of not doing it. So now I give myself a little grace, if I tell people I tell them I'm "supposed" to do whatever the thing is but generally just don't say a thing, and just do it. This does provide awkward moments when people don't understand why I'm as busy as I am, but I figure they'll understand once I'm done.

9) Road trips used to scare me, but I have learned to love them. My first road trip I actually enjoyed was one with all of us and my sister, Windy, to Arizona to visit my Grandma. She had taken multiple road trips with her boys when they were younger and knew all the things to make road trips enjoyable with boys. I fully intended on using the opportunity to train us on how to take road trips. We stopped to visit my niece and nephew at their coffee shop and bed and breakfast at 5am for a full delicious breakfast, stopped at another local coffee shop and restaurant for lunch along the way, we stopped by a fireworks store for New Year's fireworks and spent an hour perusing the store and running around, we stopped immediately when anybody had to pee instead of waiting until the next stop, and she told us stories of how they would stop to climb rocks with her boys on the side of the road occasionally. Our second road trip was on the way back without her as she flew home after we left. We stopped by the same local coffee shop and restaurant, stopped in a small ghost town to play in the snow and have a snowball fight, stopped to climb a rocky mountain hill for an hour, stopped immediately whenever we had to go pee (WHAT a difference that makes instead of pushing yourself and being miserable til the next stop), stopped back by my niece and nephew's for breakfast and had a freakin' blast. I finally took a road trip up to Dallas alone with my boys. I was terrified, but we ended up having a blast. Stopped by In n Out too many times, stopped by Rudy's on the way for their nice restrooms, and on the way home they slept the whole way. Now I freakin' LOVE road trips.

10) I don't have a passport. I finally replaced our missing birth certificates and am working on getting passports, but I have never been out of the country except to cross the border to Canada for a 7 11 stop as a kid before they required passports to do so.

11) I haven't been drinking alcohol or caffeine since May when I thought I was pregnant (turns out it was a chemical pregnancy). I love, love, LOVE the even temper I have and no crazy highs or lows from caffeine or alcohol buzzes (the highs were okay, just not the feeling stupid sometimes when I looked back on them, but the depression and anxiety to follow I definitely don't miss) and then withdrawals or hangovers. Having a drink is SO tempting sometimes, especially when the breeze is blowing and I'm just sitting back and relaxing, but then I remember the hangover part or even just the barely noticeable tired, cranky part and I resist. Caffeine is a little easier because I can still do naturally decaffeinated (Swiss water process or C02), so I still get my occasional morning coffee or Cafe Au Lait in. The nice part is with the decaffeination I don't crave one every day, and only have them when I want the feeling of a warm cup in my hands and the soothing smell. If I'm at a place where the coffee isn't naturally decaffeinated, I order hot chocolate. Had one of the BEST hot chocolates I've ever had in Canton, Texas that way.

My questions from Ashley:

1.) What do you like to photograph most? My children. I love capturing memories and moments that won't ever happen again due to time and space.

2.) If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be? Politics. I can't stand politics. I understand the need for them, I just wish people focused on issues and didn't get so caught up in the politics of things.

3.) What's one of your most embarrassing moments? Haha, I have way too many! The one that sticks out in my mind, though, is when the kids and I went on a business trip with Brando. I had taken the kids to a laundromat to do laundry. On our way back to the hotel, Shawners fell asleep. When we got to the hotel, I put him in his stroller to stay asleep and carried him with my basket of laundry in the back of the stroller down the stairs. At that very moment, Brando's conference got out. My laundry started spilling out the back of the stroller - underwear, bras, and all - as people started pouring up the stairs. Only one guy stopped to help me while the other's walked past. Laughable now, definitely embarrassing then.

4.) What do you do in your spare time? Try to fill it with making sure I have as little spare time as possible!! Generally, I volunteer for the boys' schools, take on volunteer projects, and spend time exercising or discovering new eateries or other places with friends.

5.) What words would you use to describe your friends and family? Heart.

6.) What do you want most out of life? To have children who love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind, children who are full of character and do what God has put in their hearts.

7.) What's something off your bucket list? Don't have a bucket list. As soon as I think of something, I try to do it as soon as humanely possible.

8.) Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Oh, geez. With a high-schooler about to graduate, crossing fingers off to college to become a programmer, with another almost graduating, about to head off to college to follow whatever God has put in his heart as a desire - same with the other, too, he already realizes that desire is to be a programmer.

9.) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? Italy. Because of Under the Tuscan Sun.

10.) What makes your heart skip a beat? My husband. Hands down.

11.) What song reminds you of someone? You and Me - of my hubby and our ten year renewal.

My Questions for You:

1) Where do you see yourself in twenty years?

2) What is your absolute most favorite thing to do in the world?

3) What gives you energy?

4) What are your passions, and do they relate to what gives you energy?

5) How do you make sure to be healthy?

6) What are the top five places you've visited?

7) What is your favorite place you visited and why?

8) How do you connect with another friend - what makes a friendship close for you?

9) What is your love language?

10) Do you believe in God and, if so, why and what is your relationship like?

11) Are you on Pinterest and, if so, what do you like to pin, why, and what's your username :) ?

I'm Tagging:

Mrs. A @ Mrs. Architect (email me if you need an invite, and I'll forward your email on to her)

Teagan @ Lauren Should Have Gone to Paris

Athena @ Athena Plichta Photography

Jaymee @ JayAdores

Samira @ Official Blog of SAH aka Coffee Girl

Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013

2012-12-31T17:54:00.005-06:00

See ya 2012 Gangnam Style!

Enjoy this gangnam style parody I did with my grandma, grandpa, sisters, cousins, and niece, when we went to visit my grandparents in Phoenix and drove up to the Grand Canyon in November.

Don't forget to catch up with where I'm at in life. Oh, so much different than before.

This is 40cough30. Life with middle school kids.

2012-12-30T22:36:00.002-06:00

Just saw the movie This is 40 with Brando. I don't want to forget how much I relate to that movie right now, so I can look back on this time period in our lives via that movie at a later date and realize how far we have come.

Brando and I figure the basis of the movie has a LOT less to do with the age of the people than the age of the kids. My sister always told me how difficult teenage years are on a marriage, how the trials you go through with teenagers can rip marriages apart. I try to hang onto remembering how difficult teenage years are on a marriage every time we go through another episode of a boy wanting to be a man, yet still wanting to be a boy at the same time. *Almost* everything in that movie Brando and I could relate to, only switch the guy being overwhelmed by girls with the girl being overwhelmed by boys.

The technology issue - totally dealt with and recently. In the process of giving up on the way technology has taken over now. Not in a bad way. In a this is the way our kids live these days so I better figure out a way to work around the technology. Like it or not, my kiddos are learning leadership skills, building communities, buildings, and electrically engineering buildings, all with technology, and playing with their Dad to boot. Just need to work on the active part. Justinbustin does enough when sports are in season. I just don't like doing activity on my own, but I've got to start. The only time they will do something is when I've already done the experience and discipline of doing the experience on my own.

Other thing I relate to is how wonderful time alone is - how time alone as a couple InSTANTLY makes you remember why you fell in love with each other, and wonder why things are so crazy and stressed at home. Also, we relate to the exact feeling of 'we're ba-ack' once you pull up the driveway.

As I told Brando tonight, I think I like movies with the word f*ck a lot. I'm laughing as I'm typing, but seriously, they didn't use the word when they weren't fighting or being funny, and that's really exactly what I do. So hearing that language in those situations is life to me. I almost don't even notice. I remember long ago there was a movie with Mel Gibson that I LOVEd. I recommended the movie to my sis and bro-in-law. Then, they mentioned there was the f word a LOT in that movie. Oops, I didn't even remember. That's also the time I stopped recommending movies to people.

The best part of the movie was the knowing laughs of the couples in the theatre (all couples exactly exemplifying the title) and the different sexes laughing at different scenes. I tried not to die laughing at the farting scene so I wouldn't be calling Brando out. But seriously. I was DYING laughing. DYING I tell ya.

The music conversation? So had that conversation LAST NIGHT. Took Brando through all the songs I like - he says they're mellow and depressing. He took me through the music he likes - I said his music is annoying as hell. Loved seeing that scene thrown in there. Instantly relatable.

Also? The pregnancy scene? COULD SO FREAKING RELATE. Except, of course, mine ended as a chemical pregnancy. But man the sheer terror, wondering what the f*ck was going to happen. I almost wonder if I ever got pregnant again if I might not tell Brando for awhile just to keep from falling apart again. That would actually work better for me. I'm already not drinking any way. He wouldn't know the difference until we had a few months left haha.

The sex conversation? Okay, well we don't exactly have the conversation like they did, but sex is still an issue. I want more sex than he can handle. And you know why? He's stressed as f*ck taking care of his family. And in the moments he happens to not be stressed, he blows my mind. Like last night. Eight orgasms. Um, yeah. But when stress is high? Forgedaboudit.

No, but seriously, as depressing as this may sound, This is 40 (aka Life with middle school kids) made me feel better about life. If they're making a movie out of all this stress - financial, kids, parents, all of these stresses - that means this part of life is actually way more normal than people talk about. I already realized so, but don't know how to make other people realize so because all the behind-the-scenes is SO NOT talked about. Everybody thinks your prince is supposed to come and take you away. Well, they do. But then life happens. And it's stressful as f*ck. And somehow you get through marriage and life any way with a laugh and a f*ck, literal and verbal. And your prince is still there in the end. And THAT's what matters.

By the way, middle school life is where I'm at these days. Blogging, you're on the back burner. Oh, how I miss you. But when my kids don't need me 90% of the time these days, being there 100% during the 10% of the time they do need me is my priority. And I love it. Wife. Mom. Superwoman. That's me.

Life. Recycled.

2012-12-05T09:51:00.002-06:00

Just came across this old post below. Melted my heart as I realize these words ring truer and truer every passing day.

As I've been adjusting my blog and making information more up-to-date and easily accessible, I've come across old posts which have left me reflecting on where my blog has ventured along with me the last five years. My boys have grown up on this blog. From our days of toddlerdom, to home-schooling, to ventures through private school, and now public school. We've gone from the days of yore where we had nothing to do but fill our days with adventures to the duck pond, to the park, to Sea World, and fun trips. Reading over these posts, I feel a bit nostalgic for those days.

My life now is filled with three amazing men (okay, one's still working on the man part, but he's sure got the amazing boy part down) whose lives have grown individually outside of mine.

One is a manager at a bank, a photographer, an amazing lover and husband, does almost everything in the house, amazing travel and adventure partner. One is a boy scout almost to first class,

a volunteer, a leader, involved in youth group, loves to text when he can get a hold of a phone, builds web-sites, creates movies, creates Power Point presentations. One is an excellent communicator, creative solution maker, lover of all things animals,

organized as much as an adult, creator of new spaces exactly to how he prefers them, runner. All these things I mentioned are things that weren't there five years ago when I started this blog. Who knew those lazy, fabulous, wonderful, precious, quality days of yore would lead to the amazing men I have in my life today? My heart bursts simultaneously with pride, love, an ache for the simpleness of those days, and an awe for the complexity and fulfillment of todays days. The men in my life surround me with amazingness each day, and though it no longer is captured in a photo of a precious hand reaching out to feed a duck, or a curled up sleeping baby on a pillow, or toddling little feet running to check out the newest sight, or eyes searching to find the airplane in the sky, it is reflected in the choices they make, the wonder of possibility in their eyes, the moments and the art they create, and the effect of their presence on others. Boys, I am SO proud of you. All three of you. You continuously blow my mind in every wonderful way possible.

Austin Sun Drops

Mamapreneur thoughts: Mamapreneur Dates

Mamapreneur thoughts: Nothing But Fruit Diet

Mamapreneur Thoughts: 26% Finances

Instagram Love

That place

Full swing

Driver and a Baby

It's a Fungus

A little quiet time

Acupuncture for Babies

Eczema Research

Being perfect

Things I Want To Remember Before They Pass By

Yumminess

New Blog

Creating a bonfire

Dopamine and Video Games

Yes.

Follow Me on Instagram

SXSW: The Local's Way

Hawaii... Our Favorite Getaway

Liebster Award

Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013

This is 40*cough*30. Life with middle school kids.

Life. Recycled.

This is 40cough30. Life with middle school kids.