Another One Bites the Dust...

Day 85.

My day started with a fun picture from one of my sisters......my how crazy it is that I have a daughter now that is older than I am in this picture!

This morning was fantastic. The kids were decked out in their orange for school and Hudson's class had a wonderfully festive day. I was able to help out with the Spider Making Station and the Candy Corn Fruit Salad Station. There was also pumpkin bingo, graphing a fun mixed bag of goodies, and the monster mash. Here are some cut pics from the day:

    

After school, I worked on dinner. We have chili on Halloween. I made two kinds this year: traditional and white bean chicken chili. While I was working on dinner I was also helping the kids prep and carve their pumpkins. They had a lot of fun and each designed their own pumpkin. Madison did hers completely on her own and Hudson did all of his except a few parts of the mouth that were tricky. 

Madison's    Hudson's 

After they had finished carving their pumpkins, my parents arrived and shortly after that my aunt arrived. We all hung out for a little bit and then we ate dinner. After dinner we watched a little of the World Series and then got ready to take the kids out to a few houses in our neighborhood. Here are few pictures before we headed out.

     

Our frist stop was our friend Shelly's house. She lives on our street and also works at the school. She spoiled the kids rotten. Their bags were almost so full of candy after stopping at her house that they didn't have room for much more. After that we just went to a few houses and then headed home. It was past the kids bedtime by the time we got home, so they enjoyed 1 piece of candy and then got ready for bed.

Once the kids were in bed, we all watched the World Series Game tonight!!!!! Go Dodgers!!! Can't wait to watch tomorrow's game!!!! It's been such a GREAT series. 

However, today has been full and I sort of wish tomorrow was Saturday so that we could take the morning slowly....but TOMORROW is November.....another month bites the dust from this deployment!!!! Woo hoo!!!!

Whew....What A Day!

Day 84.

Happy Monday Y'all!!!

So, I'm struggling to find the words for this post. So much happened today, but at the same time it's hard to put into words exactly what. I can tell you for one thing that I have not had a break at all today. I bounced from one thing to the next.

I took the kids to school. I went for a run. I worked out with my trainer. I went to Trader Joe's. I worked. I talked to Alex. I worked. I picked the kids up from school. I made dinner. I worked. I took Madison to the gym. I went back to Trader Joe's (forgot a couple of things). I found out I was officially SILVER. I ran home to drop the groceries off and feed Hudson. Then we ran back to pick up Madison from the gym. I put the kids to bed. I worked. Whew....see, I did a lot, but because I was constantly on the go I don't have a huge story to tell.

I can say that God did some amazing things and I am so thankful for how He's working in and through my life. I think I'm still taking in the excitement of the day and just simply have no words. I am touched and honored to be able to dream BIG for my family and to see it come to light.

Full Day Equals a Happy Heart

Day 83.

Today WAS SO MUCH FUN!!!!

We had a full day, so I'm just going to jump in.

We started out by going to church and it was a fantastic message this morning about Hope and how our true hope is found in the Lord, but so often people try to put their home in circumstances, but when our circumstances seem hopeless, it causes us to lose our JOY. However, when we put our hope in the Lord, He is with us always, no matter the circumstance and therefore we can have true Joy and find our peace in Him.

After church, we headed to El Paseo for the Golf Cart Parade. We had so much fun! We met Kim, Chris and Mackenzie there. It was wonderful to spend the afternoon with them. We had some great talks and just really enjoyed ourselves and as always, I love watching the kids have so much fun. Alex even called while we were there and we were able to show him some of the parade and talk to him for a little bit.

Here are some pictures from the time at the parade:

          

After the parade, we came home for a little bit. I worked a bit, and the kids read and did their quiet time. Then, Madison and I started prepping her face for her costume since Fall Spectacular was this evening. It was so much fun getting to do Madison's Maleficent Make-Up. We tried one look...we were going for the green faced Maleficent, but decided against it. After she washed her face, we started over again with a clean palate and I think we came out with a great Maleficent look. :) Then, I helped Hudson get ready and we were off to the main event, where we met my parents and we would also be meeting up with Kim, Chris and Mackenzie. 

We all had so much fun. The kids took silly pictures together. They did Trunk or Treat. They did a donut eating contest that was sort of like "bobbing for donuts" but in the air. They also did a cake walk (twice).  It was a GREAT night and the kids really enjoyed themselves, so did the parents and grandparents. 

Dodgers Tie the Series Back Up

Day 82.

Well, I had big plans for today, but plans are made to be broken right?!?

When Madison woke up, her jaw was still bothering her a lot. Brushing teeth and eating breakfast were challenge, but she did it like a champ and then we headed off to golf. Hudson had a blast today and said he can't wait until he goes back next week.

I had planned for us to go to a pumpkin patch today, but the closest one to us is over an hour a way and with Madison being pretty uncomfortable this morning we decided just to go out to lunch and then to hang out at home. We were able to watch Star Wards Rebels with Alex again this weekend and that is always fun. Then, once we were off of the phone with Alex, the kids went into quiet time and I worked for a couple of hours.

Once the kids had cleaned up and come back out, they played for a little bit while I finished up a couple things and then we made the pizza dough and relaxed and figured out what movie we were going to watch tonight. Then I quickly ran into the kitchen and made the pizza once the dough had finished. Tonight we watched Racing Stripes. We'd never seen it and it was super cute. It had some great actors in it and a wonderful moral.

The kids then went to bed and I've been working on plans for November and getting my calendar in order. I was able to talk to Alex briefly tonight before he had to go to breakfast. Now I'm off to bed and will see y'all tomorrow.

Go Dodgers...so fun about their BIG win tonight!!!

The Surprise Guest

Day 81.

So this morning was such a FUN morning. I had kept it a surprise from Madison that she was going to be Student of the Month. The assembly was at 8:45 in the morning. She came into the MPR with her class and sat down and never saw myself or my parents. Then, low and behold, it worked for Alex to FaceTime in to watch. I went over and asked Madison's teacher if she knew when her class would be called and her teacher worked it out so her class would go first.

The principal was super sweet and talked briefly about supporting our military overseas and then, to my surprise, she walked toward me with the microphone and asked me to explain what RED stands for (Remember Everyone Deployed) because the kids were all wearing red shirts for Red Ribbon Week. Then she proceeded to tell everyone that Madison's dad was watching live on FaceTime, and had some other kind things to say. I know it meant a lot to Madison to have Alex watching as she received her student of the month award for academic excellence in Reading. We are so proud of our sweet girl and know that God has big plans for her future.

Here are some pictures from the morning. Since I had Alex on FaceTime, I wasn't able to take pictures during the ceremony, but we took some after before she had to rush back off to class.

    

After the assembly, I rushed off to my training session and has a GREAT time. I did however, in the process of kicking the tar out of the punching bag (or whatever it's called), break my wedding ring. I had forgotten that I put my ring on my shoe (which is normally not a problem, because I'd never had a kickboxing type workout)...whoops. Well, needless to say it's at the Jewelers now and they've ordered the new setting for my diamond (so thankful I didn't lose that...it literally fell out into my hand when I remembered to take my ring off of my shoe). I should have it back in 1-2 weeks they said. Feels very weird to not have my rings. 

Please say a little prayer for Madison. Tonight at gymnastics, during her last turn on bars for the night, her hands slipped off of the high bar and normally that's no big deal, but this time she fell kind of wonky and her knee went straight into her jaw and she's pretty uncomfortable. We've oiled her up, given her ibuprofen, iced it and now she's resting, but please pray she's feeling better tomorrow. 

Alright, I'm super tired and we have a busy day ahead of us, assuming Madison is feeling up to it, so I  am going to head off to bed.

Have You Seen These Wizards?

Day 80.

I have been off on my days all week. So in case you're wondering today is Thursday....Happy Thursday! On Monday, I thought it was Friday. Yesterday I thought it was Monday and today I didn't know what day it was all day.

I've been crazy busy, but it's all been good.

The kids both had great days at school. I had a fun volunteering today, but it was quick in both classes...just not a lot to do today.

I had two zoom calls for work today.

I've been working out very intentionally and very equally as intentional about the food I'm putting in my body and it feel really good!

Anyway, today, after school, Madison and her BFF went to the Library for a special Harry Potter Night. My friend was kind enough to come pick Madison up since it was a 4th grade and up event and I didn't want Hudson to feel left out. Madison was super sweet and made Hudson his own wand at the craft station. The girls had so much fun. Madison was talking a mile a minute when she got home from the event. Here is a darling picture that Madison and her BFF took together. They apparently were causing all sorts of shenanigans, as there is now a wanted picture with their faces!

I'm so thankful for this family. They have seriously rallied around us and made us feel extra loved while Alex has been away. We are looking forward to our day with them at the parade on Sunday and then catching up with them that evening sometime while we're all at the Fall Spectacular our church puts on. 

I'm also incredibly thankful to my amazing Floral & Pine Team. I am use to keeping long distance friendships simply due to the nature of the life we live. However, I have never met a single one of the girls on my Leadership team, yet I have felt so much love and support from them. Today I hit a HUGE milestone in our company (it won't technically be official for a couple more days), but it's a big deal and I did it! I told myself that I would and I did. This might not seem like much to most people, but it's HUGE to me. When I wanted to give oils a shot, let alone when I felt called to begin pursuing a business teaching and educating others on how to have a life of wellness, I was met by many skeptics. I was laughed at. I was looked down upon. I was mocked. However, I very strongly felt God calling me to do this and Alex was in full support and so I went for it. Anyway, I've been receiving messages and sweet words of congratulations from my teammates all day. I love that I am not only making a healthier way for my family, but I'm voting about what ingredients I am okay with and not okay with in my home. I am working towards big goals and freedom. I am working to educate and empower others, as well as empower leaders to find their voice and their freedom. I LOVE what I do and am so thankful for the community I run in and that I get to do this with them for the rest of my life. God blessed me BIG TIME when He placed me on this team before I even knew I was going to be apart of the team. 

Hope everyone had a GREAT night! 

Tied Again...Who Will Win?

Day 79.

Wednesday came and went.

There was school.

There was a mighty workout.

There was A LOT OF HARD WORK.

There was success.

There was failure.

There was the renewing of my teaching credential.

There was healthy meals.

There was multitasking.

There was sweat and tears.

There was almost the taste of sweet victory.


Every day is a new day and while today was fine, there is something about the newness of the morning as the sun awakens that leaves me filled with awe and hope as a new day begins and I'm reminded that His mercies are NEW each and ever day!

I'm excited to see what tomorrow holds. I'm excited for the kids to have pajama day because they are so excited. I'm excited for Madison to get to hang out with her BFF after school at a fun event.



On a side tangent...it's killing me that I am not able to watch Game 2 of the World Series and it's in extra innings and I just was notified that the game is tied AGAIN....Dodgers 5, Astros 5.

The Final Elementary School Picture

Day 78.

Today was a very busy day, which made it go by super quick.

Before I forget again, I meant to post this yesterday and I forgot. Here is Madison's school picture:

The kids and I had a fun walk to school and I had a lovely morning volunteering in Hudson's class. I love that God has brought me so many friends through the kids' school. I just really love all of the people whether they be parents, teachers or office staff. 

After I was done volunteering, I came home and got busy with work. Big things are happening and it's an exciting time. We have a HUGE sale going on right now, so it was fun to be able to message my team and share it with them because it's the kind of sale that in all of my time with Young Living, I've never seen one like this! So, getting to hear everyone's excitement and shock at the news made my day. 

Today was minimum day, so I grabbed the kids after school and we headed home. The kids both finished their homework and we had a lovely dinner before heading off to gymnastics. 

After gymnastics, we came home and the kids got ready for bed and then I taught a speed class on how to get the toxins out of your home by cleaning with plants. It was my first speed class and I LOVED it. I think I will be doing more classes like this. It was much more personable and I liked that people could go back and listen in short clips instead of having a long video to watch. 

Anyway, once I was done with class, I spent some more time working and then Alex called and I was able to talk to him for a little bit before he had to head off to a meeting. 

I am going to finish up a few things and then head to bed myself. 

Hope everyone had a lovely Tuesday! 

Come On Fall....We're Ready For You!

Day 77.

Happy Monday everyone! It definitely didn't feel like a Monday to me. Actually, when I went to pick the kids up, for a brief second I thought it was Friday...LOL! Wouldn't that be nice!

The kids seem to have had a good day at school. It was a HOT one though...come on Fall where are you?!?! We're ready for cooler weather, a breeze in the air, jeans, boots, and cute sweaters!

I did A LOT today, but none of it is super exciting to share. So, I will say this. I got my workout in. I received GREAT news about my progress when I did my body composition today. I worked my tail off because I am the closest I've ever been to reaching a milestone in my company. I have 7 days left and I am just so excited what the next few days have to hold.

While Madison was at gymnastics, Hudson and I ate dinner, read books, did homework, cleaned up and then headed back to gymnastics. We were able to watch Madison doing her floor routine a few times, which is always a highlight of my day. Just love watching my sweet girl light up when the music turns on and she's in her element. If any of you are interested, Madison's Palm Springs Cup Competition is around the corner. This is the competition that her gym helps host and we are looking for people to place business ads or good luck posts in our program. If you're interested I can send you more info on the pricing. I know it always means so much to Madison when she sees all of her good luck ads from her friends and family. It's something she cherishes. This will be her first competition of the season.....It's in January.

I'm off to go finish up a little more work and then head to bed. Tomorrow is going to be an exciting day!!!!

"Stephanie's 46 Hudson Pick Up"

Day 76.

Today was another GREAT day at church. Really was touched by the sermon. He spoke about what to do when you're overwhelmed.  It's late and I don't have enough time to go into all of it, so for how I'll leave you with the biggest nugget I took away from today's message:  TRUE FREEDOM comes from TOTAL SURRENDER!!!

After church we walked around the Car Show that was happening on our church campus, still in connection with the Patriot Ride I spoke about yesterday. There were some pretty amazing cars there. Hudson was drawn to this blue truck (forgive me for not knowing what kind it is). He ran over to it and asked if I'd take a picture of him standing next to it.

Then, as we continued to walk around, we spotted this sign that said, "Stephanie's 46 Hudson Pick Up" so of course Hudson had to take a picture with it. 

The gentleman who was standing with this car was wonderful. He had his car next to this one...this one was his wife's. He told us that her dad built the car and it had all of the original parts. But while we were chatting with him, he told me I should take the kids over to go see a really great car, that apparently is extremely rare....I took his word for it because I didn't know the difference. Anyway, he said the gentleman who owns the car was super kind and always let the kids sit in it and take a picture. So we headed over to the car. It was a Cobra (forgive me for not knowing the year) and each of the kids took their picture in this amazingly well kept, and extremely rare car. 

      

After the car show, we ran to Costco and the kids had a blast because it was sample central today. After Coscto, we headed home and ate some lunch and talked with Alex for a bit. Then the kids watched a movie while I worked a bit. The kids went to quiet time afterwards to do their reading and just have a little break from each other. I continued working and then watched the final episode of Gilmore Girls...I just love that series. I never tire of it. I could especially watch the final episode of the series all of the time. It is full of so much hope, love and inspiration. 

After quiet time the kids and I played board games. While we were playing Hudson and Kona snuck in a quick game of UNO Attack. 

After our games we ate dinner and then played a round of Sorry before getting ready for bed. Tonight we were very intentional at bedtime. I had each of the kids go in their room and read until I came in. So, I got their diffusers ready and then I started in Hudson's room, since he typically goes to bed first. I spent a good 15-20 minutes just sitting there talking with and snuggling with Hudson. We had a great talk. He said his prayers and then we just snuggled for a bit. When it was time to go to Madison's room, I tucked him in and he was almost asleep before I shut the door. Then I did the same thing with Madison. Her and I had a wonderful talk that rabbit trailed all over the place, but it was perfect. I loved ending our day like this. I'm hoping we can do it more often. I think they enjoyed it too. 

Hope everyone had a GREAT weekend. We have some fun stuff planned this week and another busy weekend ahead of us, so I'm excited to share all that we do. This week at school, it's red ribbon week. 

Righty or Lefty?

Day 75.

Happy Saturday everyone!!!

I love that we always have so much to do on the weekends. I mean our calendar is seriously booked and I love it. We have found so many fun activities to help us make memories and pass the time while Alex is gone.

So, today, Hudson started the first of his three sports that he's asked to try while we're here. He started Golf. First things first, we had to establish if he was a righty or a lefty for golf because even though he writes left handed, we've come to learn that with baseball and a few other things he plays as though he's right handed. Well, we learned today that Hudson is definitely a righty for golf.

      

Hudson had a blast and thought it was so cool that we were all there to watch him, since he's usually always at things for Madison and having to watch her. I think he enjoyed being in the spotlight a little bit. :) I love that he and my dad can share this little golf activity together and he loved that grandpa was there watching him too!

Here is a little video of Hudson at one of the stations:

After golf was over, the kids and I went to the Patriot's Day Celebration in Palm Desert. The kids had a lot of fun looking at all of the different booths that were set up and they LOVED all of the flags that were flying! 

Two of their favorite things from while we were there were getting to take a picture with the Homeland Security vehicle and getting to see the Border Patrol Cavalry. Madison loved getting to pet the horses. 

   

After we were finished, we headed to the park. Hudson made a new friend named Cash and had a blast. They played all over the jungle gym and then went into the big open field and they played soccer and through the football. 

Madison and I brought our gloves and she wanted to play catch for a bit, so we did and had a lot of fun. Afterwards, Madison went back to being in full gymnast mode. She found a long stretch of grass that was void of hills, bumps and holes and practiced all sorts of gymnastics and had a blast. I was able to snap a quick picture in the midst of watching her and watching Hudson play with his new friend. 

After the park, we came back and had lunch. While we ate lunch Alex facetimed us and we all watched the new Star Wars Rebels episodes. We had visitors while we were watching our show. My mom and her best friend popped over to bring the kids some fun hats. Hudson had mentioned wanting a Dodgers' hat and of course since they are in the World Series now, my parents wanted to get him one and Madison still requested and Angel's hat. ;) The kids loved them (I forgot to take a picture). Anyway,  the kids really enjoyed getting to watch Star Wards Rebels with Alex. Then, they each took turns talking with him. 

Tonight for movie night we watched a new movie (at least to us), The Secret of MoonAcre. The kids really enjoyed it and I actually did too! It had some decent people in it too!

Hope y'all had a great day and that you have a wonderful Sunday!

Kona

Day 74.

I can't believe it's already Friday! I feel like this week flew by!!!!

Per the usual I wore my R.E.D. shirt for red shirt Friday. In two weeks the kids will be speaking briefly over the loud speaker in front of the whole school to share with them what Veteran's Day is, why we celebrate it and why they were asked to wear RED on that particular day and then to thank the school for support our family during this time, as to our principal's knowledge we are the only family in the school with a deployed loved one and so they are doing this to honor Alex and to show us support from our school community. The kids and I will be writing up their little speech this weekend so that it can be approved (mainly to make sure it fits within the timeframe allotted). Isn't that just so sweet!?! Means so much that this school is taking the time to do this.

I had another training session today. It was a good one. I think I sweat more during this session than I have at any other session so far. I also had a nutrition consult afterwards that was great. I'm learning more about what my body needs and how to keep it fueled properly for my goals I'm trying to meet. I will be doing another body composition on Monday. I'm excited to see if I've made any progress.

When I dropped the kids off today, Hudson wanted me to take a picture of his bat he made. He was very proud that he made a vampire bat and it is now hanging in his class window.

Today, as I went to pick up the kids, I decided that the weather was nice enough that I was going to go for a run on the way to pick them up. So, I left a little earlier than normal and ran about 2 miles (that is about all I had time for) and then picked up the kids and we walked home together. Hudson received his school pictures today, so that was fun. Madison should have hers on Monday. Hudson was the STAR student today, which means he was given special privileges in class (gets to use special markers, colored pencils and crayons, he gets to keep the class bear, Kona, with him all day, and a few other special privileges) and because he was STAR student on a Friday, he was given Kona to take home over the weekend. He gets to come with us on all of our outings and then Hudson gets to journal about it in Kona's book. I will snap a picture of Hudson and Kona tomorrow...I forget to today, but I do have a picture of Hudson's school picture. I love how it turned out!

Hudson and I dropped Madison off at the gym and then he and I came home, played, ate dinner, he showered and got ready for bed and I worked. Then we were off to go pick up sister from gymnastics.  The kids both went to bed and then I worked some more. My team is growing and I'm having so much fun planning and prepping for it. I have been making fun little goodies for those that are signing up for the first time and for those that are choosing to step into the business for the first time. It has been such a blessing and so surreal. Can't wait to see what God is up to. It's so sweet to hear my kids pray for my business every night. They are just as excited as I am. 

Happy Friday Y'all! Hope you have a fantastic weekend!

Fun Mail

Day 73.

Today, while I was at the school, I was able to have fun putting my bulletin board making days to good use. I was able to help Madison's teacher by bringing to life her idea for the door competition that happens tomorrow.

I don't have snapchat nor have I ever used it, but I'm told this is a play on words for snap chat. :) It was so cute. Each of the kids use their chrome books and took a selfie and captioned it with an inspirational quote.

After school today, Madison had Battle for the Books again, so Hudson and I went to the park and we played catch for a little bit before having to go back to pick Madison up.

   

Today was also a BIG day because we received a FUN care package from Alex. The hat in the picture  is a gift to me from Alex, and Alex sent cute teddy bears and letters to the kids. 

   

Tonight I made a new recipe in the InstantPot, it was delicious. I made Chicken Tortialess soup. I let the kids have tortilla chips with theirs, but I was making a healthier version and it was tasty. 

While we ate dinner we watched the Dodgers. The kids had to go to bed before the game was over, but YAY....the Dodgers are going to the WORLD SERIES!!!