"Today is the best day of my life."

Last week, our little girl got to see her favorite singer in concert.  In fact, it was her very first concert.

The concert was amazing and the building was PACKED with hundreds of excited little girls as Jamie-Grace took the stage.

After the show, she got to meet Jamie.  Wow.  It's a moment I don't think she will ever forget (me either).  She chatted with her for a few minutes and then when she walked away from the table she said, "I think my stomach just exploded." :))))

Our girl had the same "deer in the headlights" smile in every pic :).  

Later that night, when we got in the car to go home WAY past her bedtime, she said, "today is the best day of my life."  Not sure there's a better feeling than seeing your kiddos happy and grateful.

As I continue to feel conviction about my busyness this year and wanting to find more opportunities to love on my family and celebrate all that we are grateful for, I'm so delighted when I see my kids happy.

Our son plays trumpet and participates in the band at his high school.  He played in the pep band for a BIG game this weekend and Brian and I got to go.  There wasn't an empty seat in the gym.  Our son texted us before the game began that the first chair trumpet was not going to be there, so he had to take the lead and the solos (he is second chair).  He was so nervous, but then nailed every song (according to me... not him... he is his own worst critic). But most importantly, every time I looked over to the band during the game, he was smiling from ear to ear, laughing with his friends, cheering on the team, and just happy.  Seriously, no better feeling in the world than to be the parent of a happy kid.

Life right now... wow... it's so crazy.  We're still busy just about every night of the week.  Homework, practices, church commitments, work, volunteer work, etc...  But, in the midst of this tornado of tasks and responsibilities, I love when we can find moments to smile and enjoy the blessings in our lives.

Hoping your Wednesday is filled with happy moments and lots of smiles :).

Coconut Oil... And Why I LOVE IT!

I know... you've probably read and heard a lot about Coconut Oil over the last several months and years, but I'm just now coming around so bear with me and my excitement, umkay?  :)

See this giant jar I got at Sam's...

It's SO wonderful.  It was less than $9 and I've barely put a dent in it in the last 3 months. What do I do with it?  Glad you asked.

• I cook with it sometimes... it's a great high-heat oil.
• I put a little in our breakfast smoothies to sneak some healthy fat in... And you can't taste it in there :).
• When my hair is feeling dry, I put a tiny amount in my hands, let it melt, and rub it on the ends of my hair... repairs damage and makes it SO soft!
• I keep a small container of it in the bathroom and use it remove my makeup (yes) and as a lotion for our incredibly dry winter hands. 

Happy little container of Coconut Oil for our bathroom.

Did I say makeup remover?  Yes... yes I did.  I am not sure when it was exactly, but sometime a few months ago it hit me: I wonder if coconut oil would be a good eye makeup remover.  I thought perhaps I'd pioneered a new beauty tip and I would quickly become famous because of my beauty genius.  Yah, not so much... if you google coconut oil eye makeup remover you'll see about 1000 people thought of it before I did :). Still, I was pretty pumped.  The coconut oil removes every drop of my waterproof eye makeup like a dream.  I'm a big fan of using makeup cleansing waters like Bioderma or my favorite (CHEAPER) option, Boots no 7 Expert Sensitive Gentle Toner, to remove makeup.  I feel like they remove makeup really well and then when you wash your face, you're actually removing dirt and oils that are down in your pores. But, after using the coconut oil to remove my eye makeup, I wondered if it would remove my face makeup well too... It did.

Here's how it works:  

1. I grab a small amount of coconut oil out of my container.
2. I hold it between my fingers and let it begin to melt.  The oil melts at 70 degrees so it will melt quickly in your fingers.  
3. Then, I rub the oil on my eyes... not my eyeballs, but my closed eyes :). 
4. I gently massage the oil into the lashes to remove all the mascara and eyeliner.  
5. Then, I look like a raccoon.  The oil does not hurt your eyes.  It may make your vision a little blurry for a minute, but that's it. 
6. I then rub the remaining oil over my face.  
7. Once I feel like the makeup is completely broken down, I use a warm damp washcloth to remove all the makeup.  I usually rinse the washcloth a few times and go over my face again, just to make sure I remove it all.  The oil does not leave my face feeling oily... just soft and moisturized.  Then I can wash my face, add my nighttime moisturizer, etc.  

When my face got REALLY dry this winter, I used coconut oil as my nighttime moisturizer and it helped.  I just rubbed some on and gave it about five minutes to soak into my skin before going to bed.  LOVELY.  My skin was super soft the next day.  

And the coconut oil was FANTASTIC for my kids's eczema.  Their hands get SO dry and red in the winter and putting this on before bed every night fixed them right up.  And when you consider that all of the lotions and creams marketed for eczema are around $15, coconut oil is a BARGAIN.  

Now, having said all this good stuff, I feel it's important to tell you I don't cook with coconut oil exclusively... There's still some debate over if coconut oil is as heart-healthy as everyone says.  It does contain a high amount of lauric acid which can increase your HDL (good cholesterol).  But, it also contains a high amount of saturated fats... which are not good, obviously.  Just wanted to throw that disclaimer out there :).

I highly recommend running out to your nearest Sams or Costco and grabbing a big ol' jar of this stuff.  You will smell all tropical and your skin will love you for it :).

A Challenge...

My husband and I are celebrating 10 years of marriage this year. It's been an amazing roller coaster with lots of twists and turns, but I can't imagine a better partner to be on this journey with :). He and I have a ton in common--we love to laugh and have the same weird sense of humor... We both have servants hearts and love volunteering... We both love music, although he is the musically talented one :))). 

But we are also vastly different. I am very Type-A and organized and he is super laid back and not very organized :). I am passionate about justice and see things as more black and white, and he is quick to let things go. He is a morning person and I am NOT.  

Found this little gem on Pinterest... Can you guess which one is me?

Our differences annoy me to death sometimes, but they have also saved us many times. Early in our marriage, we had an argument where I uttered eight words that have come back to haunt me over and over:

I am right 95% of the time. 

He had disagreed with me about something, and when I was proven right, I didn't just let it go.  Instead, I went on a rant where I proclaimed my "rightness". But, instead of getting mad at my arrogance and escalating the argument, my husband busted out laughing. When he was finally able to straighten himself up, he apologized for not realizing the extensive statistical research I'd put In to figure out how often I was right and he would keep that in mind the next time we disagreed about something. I couldn't help but snap out of my attitude and laugh too :). 

He's never let me forget that day... If I'm proven wrong about something, he will make a face and say... "Oh, honey... I think your percentage is dropping... It may be 91% now :). 

Ephesians 4:2 says, 

Be completely humble and gentle. Be patient. Bearing with one another in love. 

When I read that scripture, I'm instantly reminded of my husband. He doesn't possess my crazy need to be right. He's so humble and gentle. He is so patient with me and loves me enough to overlook my many, many faults. And he encourages me to be humble, patient, gentle, and love others.

Yesterday I told this story to a lovely group of MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) ladies and I challenged them (and myself) to try and live Ephesians 4:2 this week.  I want to give YOU the same challenge.  Be Humble. Be Gentle. Be Patient.  Bear with one another in love.  Think about that person that gets under your skin better than anyone else... How can you be Ephesians 4:2 to them?  

Trust me, I know all too well how hard this challenge is.  I can go from calm to crazy angry in a nano second.  I hate that about myself.  But if we believe that God can do ANYTHING, then He can certainly change our hearts and help us to be more humble, gentle, and patient.  LET'S DO IT!!!

I hope your Tuesday is stellar :).

First Impressions: Physicians Formula Conceal Rx

Well, I have to face it... I'm getting older.  And as I do, I've had some ugly sun spots appear on my face.  I hate them.  With a passion.  I am very serious about my sunblock now (after my grandmother died of stage 4 melanoma and my mother and brother both battled stage 1), but in my teens and early 20's I loved the tanning bed and "laid out" with my friends all summer.  Ugh.  Things I would change if I had it to do over.

So, I've had to use more and more concealer since I hit 30 to cover up these age spots.  Lately, my Revlon Photo Ready Concealer hasn't been cutting it.... It's definitely a full-coverage concealer, but I'm having a hard time covering the spots and blending it in... It's like, I can get that puppy covered up, but the minute I start to blend it streaks and you can see the spot again... So I either have an obvious spot of concealer on my face, or you see the sunspot.  FRUSTRATING.

I heard Ingrid Nilson, or Missglamorazzi, talk about the Physicians Formula Conceal Rx and how she felt like it was a dupe for Cover Fx Cream Concealer.  Am I speaking Greek to you?  If so, here's the gist... This $10 concealer is supposedly as good as the $27 Cover Fx concealer.  So, I wanted to try it out and I thought it would be fun to let you all experience it with me! :)

Here's what Physician Formula claims about this product:

The prescription is in for Any and All imperfections

• Concentrated Formula for:  Maximum Coverage, Maximum Comfort, Ultra-Long Wear, Natural Smooth Finish, No-Mask Effect
• Covers:  Blemishes, Dark Under-Eye Circles, Scars, Birthmarks, Age Spots, Bruises, Rosacea, Hyperpigmentation
• Lasts up to 12 hours!
• Hypoallergenic, Fragrance free, Non-comedogenic, Oil-free, Dermatologist approved

Just what the doctor ordered.
Conceal Rx™ Physicians Strength Concealer is the perfect solution to cover any and all imperfections.  High intensity pigments allow concealer to gently hide imperfections such as dark circles and blemishes, but also scars, birthmarks, bruising, age spots and hyperpigmentation without a mask-effect.  High-tech, concentrated yet smooth formula offers full and comfortable coverage, allowing skin to breath and letting your natural beauty shine through.

Stay put formula!
Non-oily and non-drying formula glides on smoothly to a semi-matte finish for all day wear.  Provides maximum coverage, smooth application and comfortable wear that lasts up to 12 hours.

Dramatic Results with Blemishes, Birthmarks & Moles, Hyperpigmentation

Here's what it looks like:

It actually only comes in 3 shades: Soft Green (for redness), Fair Light, and Natural Light.  I got Natural Light.  I purchased mine at Rite Aid and it cost $9.55 before tax.

Walmart is cheaper, but Rite Aid is more convenient to my house :).

It comes in a 0.49 Oz. squeeze tube and has a creamy consistency.

I tested it first on my hand.  I have a new scar on my thumb (sorry... I know, super gross) and I wanted to see how the concealer was able to cover that up.

Before:

After:

I was pretty impressed... especially considering I didn't have any primer or foundation on my hand before applying the concealer.

And something I noticed... As I let it dry, it became much more natural looking.  It's somewhat shiny when it goes on and then dries matte.  And without powder on top, it felt like it wasn't going to rub off easily.

Now, it's time for the face...

WARNING... this is never before seen documentation of my face without makeup.  Trust me, I debated whether or not to expose you all to this, but for the good of science and research and MAKE-UP, I decided we should all be brave and do this... Here goes.

Before pic of my most hated sun spot... blech.

After primer and foundation. Sunspot still visible.

After Physicians Formula Conceal Rx:

HOLY SMOKES.


First impression, I'm super impressed.  I mean... wowzers.  I can't see the spot. At all.  Even in my 10x magnifying mirror I can't see it.  Hearing the angels sing... but the true test?  Will be how it looks as the day wears on... So, here goes:

Seriously, this stuff didn't budge all day.  Even after my foundation started to break down at the end of the night, the concealer looked as good as it did when I first put it on.  I'm beyond thrilled with this product.

Thanks for enduring the no makeup shots and endless selfies in this post... Sheesh... But, if it helps one of you decide if this product is worth your money or not, then I've done my job.  If you have any scaring or age spots that you want to cover, this product will make you do a happy dance.  But, if you are cute and young and have nearly flawless skin, wear a moisturizer with sunblock DAILY, stay away from the tanning bed, and enjoy your lightweight foundation :).

Pasta Fagoli Soup

There are tons of recipes for this fantastic soup online, but this is how I make it.  This soup... it can make the coldest, yuckiest day okay.  It's so warm and delicious.

Here's whatcha need:

• Big ol' giant stock pot... I love mine so much.  Especially when it's full of soup :)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 lb. mild italian sausage (if you buy links, you will need to squeeze it out of the casing)
• 1 head of celery, diced
• 1 lb shredded carrots (it's best to buy the pre-shredded ones in the salad section, or you can shred 'em yourself)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 54 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 96 ounces beef STOCK (I don't like broth... more sodium, less flavor)
• 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 to 1 tsp. Tabasco to taste
• 1 pound of your favorite pasta
• Parmesan cheese

Heat up that stock pot on medium-high and add the olive oil. 

Drop in your Italian sausage... I spared you the pics of me squeezing it out of the casing... It's just wrong.  I prefer to buy the ground Italian sausage, but when the links are all you can find or they are on sale, it's perfectly fine to use those... you just have to do the dirty work of removing them from the casing.  

Dice up the celery, onion, and shred your carrots if you have to, and throw them in the pot.  

Let everything get all happy.

Now, let's throw our liquidy friends in.

First, the spaghetti sauce.

Then, tomatoes.

Then, beef stock.  

Now, the beans.

Now a dash or two of Tabasco sauce... This is all up to you.  You can add more or less, depending on your taste.

Now, we wait... We want the soup to come to a boil and simmer for a bit just so the flavors can get all yummy together.  

When the soup is boiling, I pull out enough for a "first round" for my family and put it into a smaller pot on medium-high and add a little pasta.  If you were serving a huge crowd, you could add the whole bag of pasta to the giant pot at this point, but when I know we are going to have leftovers, I prefer to add pasta to small batches so it doesn't get all gloopy.  

When the pasta is al dente, dish it out to your eagerly awaiting family.

Add some yummy Parmesan cheese to the top.  Mmmmmm. 

ENJOY!

And... She's back!

Wow.  It's been a crazy 12 days.  Lots of snow days, furnace going out, work, and crazy busyness!  SHEESH!  But today, the kids are back in school, work is caught up (for the moment) and I've had tons of posts rattling around in my head so I'm ready to write!  LET'S GO!

Let's make this a Highlight of the Week/Thankful Tuesday post, shall we?

• Heat.  I'm so thankful for heat.  Our furnace went out last Thursday night and the temperature dropped 1 degree every hour overnight.  It was 42 when we woke up Friday morning.  It's no fun to get dressed when it's that cold, in case you were wondering. Thankfully, it was a quick and FREE repair (I still can't believe it!!!), but man... I have thanked God every time I've walked into our warm house over the past several days.  HEAT.  It's definitely a highlight of my week and something to be grateful for :).
• Jamie Grace's new album "Ready to Fly".  My daughter and I have listened to it on repeat since it came out a couple of weeks ago.  There are so many awesome songs, but my favorite for the moment is "To Love You Back":

• Gettin' my hair did. It had been a while and oh boy, the grays... they were bad. Highlights, low-lights, and a new cut and I feel like a new person!
• Urban Decay Naked 3... I have loved this palette since I got it for Christmas, but this week there have been a ton of great Valentine tutorials on you tube using the Naked 3 and I've been able to pull off several pretty rosey, pinky looks :).
• Worship.  I love to worship at our church, but I love blasting some music in my car, my house, while I'm washing dishes, and just praising my awesome God wherever or whenever the mood strikes me.  
• Netflix and how it recommends stupid shows to me that they know I'll love... like "The Lying Game"... Although, I'm not happy that I blasted through both seasons only to find out the show was canceled a year ago and there was NO ENDING.  Total cliffhanger at the end and no season 3... That's so mean.  

Have a fantastic Tuesday!  

The Balance Between Busy & Bored

Balance is paying attention to the things that matter most, at the time that they matter most. 

~Kolette Hall

Once upon a time, I was a stay-at-home mommy.  I had an eight year old boy in school and a beautiful, giggly baby girl.  My life revolved around feeding schedules, school drop-off/pick-up, homework, diapers, bath time, cooking dinner, poop, and lots of laundry.  I was in a MOPS group and we went to church on Sunday, but the church was 30 minutes from our home and it was hard to connect with friends there because of the distance. My fabulous mom would stop by on her lunch break to wash dishes or play with the baby which was a huge blessing.  But other than those times and the occasional phone call from a friend to make sure I was still alive, I had very little adult interaction.  We didn't even have internet at our house during that time...

Let's stop there for a second.  I still cannot believe I lived for two years without internet. I guess I just didn't have time for it... but still.  Now, I can't go 20 minutes without feeling the urge to check my email or facebook.  Insane.

So, where was I?... right...  Just me, my kiddos, my husband, our little house and our little life.  There's a lot about that time that I miss.  Things were simple.  We had more time together.  We delighted in everything our children did because they were little and we were less distracted.  We ate dinner together every night, at home.  But on very cold days like today, I'm reminded of how isolated I felt.  And bored.  I remember how useless I felt... I felt like all the knowledge and experience I'd gained in school was flying out the window with each passing day.  I felt dumb.  And disconnected.  I knew how to cure a constipated baby and help make a pretty stellar science project, but that was about it.

Eight years later, my life is so drastically different.  I'm so busy now that I have to have multiple calendars and endless reminders on my phone so I can keep track of everything.  I'm constantly doing something on the computer, or running to a meeting, while catching up on housework when I get a free second.  I love all that I'm blessed to be able to do, and I've worked hard to finish what I have to do for work during the day so it interferes as little as possible with my family.  That's not always the case, but it's a huge blessing when it is.  But presently, there is not one night of the week that my entire family is home together.  I. HATE. THAT.

Even though I'm busier than a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest these days, and I live on social media, I still have plenty of moments of feeling isolated.  I miss my husband.  A lot.  He works a ton of hours and we both volunteer a ton for church and stuff our kids are involved in.  When we finally do get a date, we typically go to wherever is cheapest or closest to home so we can hurry back and go to sleep because we're just plain exhausted.  I miss my kids... they are involved in so much and I feel like all the time we have together is rushed and filled with homework and chores.  And there are days when I go to bed and I think "did I have a conversation with my son today that lasted longer than 30 seconds?"  OUCH.

That saying "the grass is always greener" is so true... I remember wishing for things to do and places to go all those years ago... and now I wish for more time to just sit and talk and play games and hang out with my family.  I wish for a week of nothing to do.  It's funny isn't it... how you end up missing the things that drove you crazy at the time?

I think life is all about constantly trying to strike that perfect balance.  God wants us to be engaged, involved, and productive and to use the gifts He's given us, but He also wants us to not get so busy that we forget to stop and take time to listen to Him and love the people He's brought into our lives.  My mission this year is to try to find that balance for our family.  To be purposeful about our time together and to appreciate those moments more and not let myself become distracted.

If you are in the season of life that involves lots of diapers and Disney Channel and praying for nap time to come, I feel for you... But remember that you are doing a great work and someday, you will miss those peanut butter smudges on the tv and drool-covered smiles :).  And if you are in the kids in school, busier than you ever dreamed you could be, phase of life.... oh, boy, I get it.  But let me remind both of us that a time is coming when those kiddos will be off to college and out doing their own thing so let's find ways to enjoy this time before it's gone.

Wow, I feel like I've been a major Debby Downer today. This lack of sunlight and freezing weather is wrecking havoc on my psyche. But, I'm praying that all of us can take at least one step today to finding the balance between the busy and bored.