Inspired, Encouraged...Elevated

Why I love my lil bloggy community...and why I love Elevate even more...

Last year, most of the elevate girls were new or somewhat new to blogging or somewhat new to the handmade business world, Stacy and I were no exception. I introduced myself as the blogger behind the very neglected bubbas basics blog...some things don't change. We met so many great friends that night, friends that I email, friends that I text, friends that invite me to Christmas parties and baby showers, and friends I was able to room with at SNAP. Friends that get me, friends that although I can't drive to see daily, I would if I could...there is a long standing joke that Stacy and I live in the 'wrong county', being that most of the girls are in Orange County.

{The girls behind the amazing Elevate Conference: Jen, Summer and Nichole} 

This year, I was worried that elevate wouldn't have the same feel. I knew it would be amazing, I just wondered if we would all still be a "little elevate family". I wondered if we would all cling to each
other and not let in new faces, women can be caddy and I was hoping and planning to go out of my way to welcome and introduce myself to unfamiliar faces. It's very easy to stalk each other on blogs, Facebook, and Instagram but face to face I worried that I'm awkward. I worried that I'd recognize people that wouldn't recognize me. I was worried that I'd be one of the only ones that is still a small blogger.

My worry quickly disappeared as I saw familiar faces. Once again, Jen, Nichole and Summer didn't disappoint. I wasn't sure how they were going to top last year, but every last detail was perfect. The tables, the decor, the swag (stuff we all get) bags, the giveaways, the food and the desserts...perfection!

Jen, Summer and Nichole had a great ice breaker game where we had to find out who we were (sticker of a famous name on our back) by only asking yes or no questions, after we figured out who we were, we had to find our mate, partner, etc. it was a great way to get out and talk to everyone. I hadn't even gotten a chance to ask many questions before the adorable Kristine Foley found me and said let's go! I was Mariah Carey and she was my Nick Cannon. We rushed up to claim our prize. Oh yes, the day was starting off awesome!

{Kristine from The Foley Fam, me, Crystal from The Lil' Cupcake, Kayla from Love Sparkle Pretty, Natalee from Eat Nap Play & Megan from Absolute Mommy}

You know that worry about first year elevate girls not socializing with new girls, well of course Summer, Jen and Nichole thought about that, too. They had our cute little name-labeled mason jars on the tables we we arrived. I wasn't sitting next to Stacy or my other car pooling friends (Heather and Agatha-she'll be starting a blog soon) in fact I wasn't next to anyone I had met in real life, and you know what? I was okay with it. It was a great way to get to know my new friends: Chrissy, Megan, Kristine, Nichelle, and you may know of Lil' miss momma Ashley...she's kinda a big deal. And I've kinda been blog stalking her for like ever. She was one of the first blogs I read regularly.

And it wouldn't be elevate without a cute craft, I sadly wasn't able to finish it at the conference so I had homework. I'm still the kid that talks too much in class, something's really don't ever change.

{Agatha, Heather from sTuck in the Coop, me and the gorgeous Jackie...can't she live next to me and do my hair and make up daily, while Heather can be my jewelry stylist?!?}

We finished off the night with a cut-throat game of Minute to win-in before heading our separate ways. Hilarious!

{I got to spend the day here! A special thank you to Newport Dunes, I can't wait to go back with Jim and the kids...if I could only convince him that the beach is fun}

Why do I love blogging? Because I have met some amazing, inspiring, crafty women that I would've never met in real life otherwise.

Why do I love Elevate? Because 50 women came together as bloggers, but left as friends.

Make sure you like the Elevate Facebook page to be informed when tickets go on sale next year, they go FAST!

Stay tuned for a part 2 post on the amazing speakers and our community service project for this year.

*most of these pictures were taken by the super talented Lora Knight. I'm so glad she was there to capture the amazing day!

Hello Monday

Last week flew by! I'm linking up with THE Lisa Leonard today. I love her re-caps of her family adventures on her "Hello Monday" posts.

Hello cute purple headband given to me at Elevate. Everyone loved it, be sure to check out Paulina's shop!

Hello water loving Opie dog! Hope the new pool will help you burn energy.

Hello my grumpy and sick little guy, and the cute photo bomber in the back.

Hello hot weather, I'm not ready for you! Glad the comfortable 80's will be back soon.

Hello Lowes cars cart, you make shopping so much easier and fun.

Hello my Relay for life boys (baby Preston was home fighting off a fever with daddy)! I'm so glad you came out to walk with me. I love you.

Hello Relay for life '13. Hello to 24 hours of Celebrating, Remembering and Fighting back!

Hello to 13 miles of waking on Saturday followed by almost 4 more on Sunday morning. (1 bead per 1/3 mile lap) 

Hello to sore muscles today, although every step was worth it! 

Hello to a new week. I'll be busy prepping for a 3-weeks late 10th party for Tristan, attending a senior awards ceremony and track banquet for Loghin, going to stroller strides, attending my last MOPS meeting, going to a friend's son's birthday party, going to a crawfish boil, and hopefully squeezing in some pool time too.

Have a great week, what do you have planned?

Today I Walk...cancer sucks

Today I will be participating in my 3rd Relay for Life event. If you have never experienced it, you need to go. It really is a life changing, inspiring, heart warming day to celebrate, remember and fight back.

Today I walk in memory of my grandma and grandpa Lundin. I was only 15 when they both lost their battle to cancer only a few months apart. They didn't get to attend my {their 1st grandchild and only granddaughter} graduation.  They didn't get to come to my wedding. They didn't get to meet their beautiful great grand babies. They didn't get to take my boys fishing, spend the summers with them, or drive them to Idaho to see the farm or to to stop at the little burger joint for giant milkshakes on the way. It makes me sad {and angry} that not only I missed out on being able to know my grandparents, but even more so that my boys didn't get to know them. Cancer sucks.

Today I walk in memory of my grandma Stuart. She lost her battle when I was just 20. Like my other grandparents, she too missed out on my wedding and my boys. They didn't get to spend their summers swimming in her pool. They don't get to go camping at the beach every summer like I did. Cancer sucks.

Today I walk in memory of Jim's dear, sweet {great} Aunt Lorna. It has only been 2 years, but it seems like a lifetime ago. I walk because she was one of the sweetest, kindest, most loving woman I know. Her smile would light up the room and her hugs would warm you to your core. Cancer sucks.

Today I walk in memory of Jim's Aunt Dee. She lost her battle last summer, I only wish that I would have known her better. Cancer sucks.

Today I walk in memory of Jim's grandparents and his uncle. I never got to meet them. Cancer sucks.

Today I walk in honor of Ruth and Andy. They started as our neighbors, but over the last 3 1/2 years they became family. They love us like their own kids and even more so love and adore our boys. We walk in hopes that Andy will be around for many more years to come. We walk because I can not imagine front yard play days, late night tv watching, date nights or camping trips without them. Cancer sucks.

Today I walk in honor of my dear friend Randi. We met when I signed up with a {crazy, no longer my friend} girl to walk my first relay. Randi was and still is our team captain. Thankfully we've ditched the crazy girl and I've been a part of our Relay team ever since. I walk because every time I hear her story, she makes me cry. I walk because she shouldn't have been robbed of her first year of marriage. I walk because rather than just beating cancer and forgetting about it, she is now an active member {previous event coordinator} of our event. And I walk because I couldn't imagine not being a part of relay. But Cancer still sucks.

Today I walk for my friend Meredith. I haven't seen her for years, but I think about her all the time. I walk for her, in hopes that she can beat it a 2nd time. I walk so that she can be around for her four children for many more years. Cancer sucks.

Today I walk because no one should have to go through cancer treatments. No one should lose a loved one to this terrible disease. I walk in hopes that someday there will be a cure. I walk in hopes that there will be less cancer and more birthdays because Cancer sucks.

If you were walking with me today, who would you walk for?

See my year one post here and my year two post here. Be sure to check out the Relay for Life website, there are events everywhere. There is sure to be one in your area. It is a free open to the public event, and every event has activities for everyone including children. You aren't required to fundraise but every dollar helps. 

What Will They Become?

As parents to children under 18, we have control of many things. We decide from an early age what kind of diapers, clothes and food we will attempt to put in their mouths. As parents we can choose what schools our kids go to, and if you're lucky what teachers they have. We can help guide them toward God and religion in hopes that they will continue to grow their relationship with Him years beyond living under the same roof as us.

But as parents we have to admit, that no matter what we think and say, what career(s) our children pursue is ultimately up to them. We can guide them, make sure they are exposed to many activities, encourage them to explore their interests and be involved in their final decision, but it is still their life more than our own that will be effected by their choice.

As a mom, I can't help but wonder what they'll be when they "grow up" {as if boys ever really grow up}.

Perhaps one of them will be a world famous, award winning chef.

Perhaps one of my boys will grow up to be the next Picasso.

Perhaps one of my boys will follow in their Dad's {and both grandfathers, one grandmother, two great grandfathers, a great grandmother, a great uncle and several more that I'm probably forgetting} footsteps and join the military, maybe they'd even be a submariner just like daddy {who was no longer in when we took this picture...does the facial hair give it away?!?}.

Perhaps, I'll end up with an archeologist that may find a new species of dinosaur. Perhaps, I'll have an Olympic Track or Wrestling star. Or perhaps, my boys will continue their love of music and become the next big boy band...move over One Direction, the LivingSTONES are coming after you!

Whatever they decide, I just want them to know that I will always be their number one supporter. As long as they are happy, I will be happy. It's hard as a mom to sit and watch our kids grow up and make their own decisions, but eventually our little birds must leave the nest. We've taught them to fly, to eat, to love and hopefully to follow their heart, but it is up to them to soar.

Sometimes Momma Needs a Time Out too...

Mother's Day adventures with my boys in Old Town San Diego...sounds amazing right?!?

It was {mostly}amazing, but rather than typing out the 4 pages I had written, we will fast forward with a shorter version of why Momma needed a time out.

We skipped church so our 3 cold ridden boys wouldn't infect our church friends and family, and armed with hand sanitizer and tissue opted to head out and infect complete strangers in Old Town San Diego instead. My sincere apologies for anyone who was in the area...this momma really needed to get out of the house and enjoy the slightly cooler temps in SD.

The littles fell asleep on the drive down so we were off to a great start! It was my hopes that with a little nap on the way, they'd make it through the rest of the afternoon without any melt downs. Our first stop was lunch. It was Mother's day after all, so I got to pick lunch. Mexican food it was. Luckily in old town there is basically Mexican restaurants side by side on both sides of the street, unfortunately every one was jammed packed-that's what we get for showing up at 12:30 so Jim suggested that I go exploring with the big boys while he waited the 45 minutes for our table with the littles.

Dylan immediately reminded me how hungry he was, "I'm starving mom, but look there's a Cold Stone Creamery right there. That will fill me up." He is so subtle. We didn't get ice cream, but instead found a quaint {and free} Sheriff's Museum to explore! The boys had a great time "flying" the helicopter and checking out the patrol cars from the 60's and 70's. They played attorney and defendant in the court room and even got locked up in a jail cell. Although this momma knows it was all in fun- it better be the only time I see them behind bars.

We were short on time, and arrived back at the restaurant just as they were taking Jim and the little boys to our table. Lunch was great. Kids were well behaved, loud as usual and we had a spilled cup or two...so basically it was a typical eating out experience for our family. 

And the start of the melt down {at least for the boys}...

We spent the next couple of hours exploring the old shops and museums and all was well until we stepped into Geppetto's toy shop...Dylan was persistent that he had to show Tristan something. But even with all of Dylan's begging, pleading and loudly asking please, Tristan refused. But Tristan didn't just say, "No thanks Dylan, I'm good" no that would be too easy and wouldn't really give me much of a story to tell. Instead, he repeatedly yelled, "No Dylan, I don't want to!" He yelled loud enough that not only I would hear him, but everyone in the crowed store and probably everyone walking by even with a mariachi band playing outside. I'm not proud of it but I grabbed his arm and firmly...ok maybe in a mean-mom-tone, told him to "get outside now and wait with dad". 

Meanwhile, Jackson is grabbing every single dinosaur he can, telling me he needs them. Me, as calmly as I can, "uh no buddy, not this time." "But pleeeeeease momma." Again, I'm trying to stay calm as I can as my child proceeds to practically throw his 3 year old self on the flour, "No Jackson, we aren't adopting yet another {over-priced, over-sized} dinosaur." Jackson then began the melt down of the century! He was yelling, crying, clinging on to the dinosaurs and refusing to put them back. In desperation, I told him I was leaving and he should come with me. He started to follow me, but tried to grab another dinosaur on his way out...his persistence kills me. 

And now for the moment you've been waiting for...the momma breakdown...

I left the store empty handed except for the screaming toddler I practically dragged out of the store. It's not like my kids actually need more "stuff" anyway. Jim knew some I was stressed, he always knows. Rather, than me taking a break and stepping away I immediately started with the girl dramatics, "It's time to go home. I'm done." I really don't remember what he said in his usually calm and collected tone, but my response was still along the lines of, "lets go...I'm really done". Then I opened my mouth and said something dumb...why do I always do this. Why can't I just learn to keep it shut?!? 

Not only was it really dumb, it was hurtful and makes me sad that I even thought it let alone said it...and if front of my kids. "it's hard to keep a big family all happy and entertained. It's not fun to all go out as a family together anymore. Next year, I spend Mother's day by myself!" Who says that? Oh wait...I do. I felt horrible instantly and saw the crushed look on Jim's face. I apologized and told him I just needed a minute. 

But really, I needed a time out. I stepped away and thought about the fun we were having before my breaking point. I thought about all the families that long for more kids, but can't have any. I thought about all the women who can't have babies, who've lost babies, or whose babies are all grown up and maybe living far away. I am blessed, I know I am. Sometimes, I just need to step away from the chaos that comes with a big family of busy, loud, boisterous boys and remember how blessed I really am. 

I felt better, I felt calm and collected. I only hoped that my melt down hadn't ruined the day. We headed off to a cute little coffee and tea cafe for some drinks and cookies. Maybe Jim knew I needed food, maybe he knew we all needed a little snack...how does he always know? While he was inside, I had a moment to apologize to my big boys for my behavior. Their hugs and kisses assured me that I hadn't blown it. 

But the icing on the cake was when we got home, Tristan hopped out of the car and said, "Happy Mother's day mom! Thanks for taking us with you. I had fun and I love you!"

So mommas, my message for you today...kids have tantrums and moms can too. Just make sure if you do that you're throwing a fit for something worthwhile. Like a new car, or a vacation.

I'm not a perfect mom, but I do know that I will admit my mistakes and hope that I'll grow and learn from them. 

Have you ever had to put yourself on a timeout? What do you do to calm yourself down when you are having a rough day?

*in my defense {and possibly TMI} but my break down, as it turns out, can partially be blamed on PMS. 

Inspiring Friends with Inspiring Gifts

I wanted to bring a little something to my SNAP roommates but it took me a while before I figured out what I was going to bring them. I searched Pinterest, got inspired while searching on Instagram at all the lovely gifts everyone was buying and making, but I just couldn't find anything that sparked my attention.  I was about to give up and hope they'd still love me. But then I spied a few small inspiring prints on my desk, that I had picked up at the Penelope Lane Boutique in March, and I knew what I was going to do!

 I bought the wood frames from Michaels.

The print is from Skemos (Sandy is the sweetest, and is the sister to another one of my favorite people- Sarah from Little Penelope Lane and A Hull Lot of Fun).

I had to trim the prints down a little bit to fit the frame. I laminated them to protect them and also so I could ditch the thin plastic "glass" that came with the frames.

I painted each frame white, then I used Martha Stewart stencil tape to drawing the lines.

 And painted them again.

Cute, right?!?

I love that I have this great quote as not only a reminder of my SNAP roommates, but also as a daily reminder to be good at what ever it is I am.

If you could frame any quote, what would you frame as a daily reminder for you and your family?

Just One More Momma...

Every week I try and get some kitchen time in with my boys, if you've been following me for a while you know this. But do you know why I enjoy the one-on-one or five-on-one time with my boys?

Is it because I love cooking? Uh, no. I do like cooking, but I get in my streaks of loving it then not so much. But we do have to eat.

Is it because I enjoy cleaning up the extra mess involved with cooking with young ones? Being that I really dislike cleaning up after meals anyway, no the extra mess is not why I cook with my boys.

Is it because I enjoy the extra time it takes to prepare something I can make practically blindfolded? It is true that every meal takes longer when they help, but no I am not secretly holding them hostage so they spend time with me.

I make sure they help me so when they are grown, they will know how to cook. Hopefully they will be able to make more than mac n' cheese and top ramen. I have them help me, because for now they want to help. I have them help me, because it is my special time with them. And I help them, because it is fun. Yes, it takes longer. Yes, it gets messy. But when we are finished and they smile and look up at me  with their great big puppy dog eyes, I melt.

This last week, I was in a cooking slump but I knew that I wanted to take advantage of Preston's nap and do something fun with Jackson. Did we make cookies from scratch? Nope, just the good ol' packaged and pre-measured out cookie dough cookies. 

And you know what? He loved every minute. He helps me all the time, but is usually pushing his way through his big brothers to get a front row seat. 

Check out that concentration. He was focused. I was trying to get him to just put 12 on the cookie sheet, but he kept piling them on "just one more momma, just one more".

So for that short 15 minutes, it was just Jackson and momma. Just the two of us dancing and signing to music, eating cookie dough -even though the package says to not-, and baking us a yummy treat. And what did my sweet boy say before I tucked him into bed that night, "thank you for making cookies with me momma." Melt my heart.