Friday, December 30, 2011

The Myths of Forgiveness

I had the privilege of writing a guest post for Jenny, and I thought I would share it here as well. As you can tell by the title, I chose to write about forgiveness. I recognize it can be a heavy topic, but it's one in which, I believe there are so many wrong assumptions about, that I really wanted to give my perspective and share what I have learned about it through my life.

It is a long post
(did you expect any different? haha), but like I said , it's a heavy topic, so there is much to say. Hopefully you stick with it. Writing this post challenged and helped me, so maybe it will do that same for you.

Here we go...


I want to talk about the myths that surround forgiveness- the cliches that don't cut it when speaking of how forgiveness works. Let's face it, forgiveness isn't easy, and there are a lot of unrealistic and unhealthy expectations of what forgiveness is and what it should look like.

I think it's safe to say that we have all experienced the sting of pain at the hand of someone else. No matter what your particular situation may be, we've likely all been faced with the choice of a life of bitterness/anger towards those who wronged you, or the choice of forgiveness.

Some may say that forgiveness is easier than bitterness. That "getting over it" is more simple, but I disagree. Forgiveness is actually the harder of the two. Feeling bitterness and anger is what comes naturally, forgiveness does not. It is learned, it is a decision, it is a process, and it must be a conscious act. No one organically feels forgiveness because it's something you choose-forgiveness is not an emotion. We don't choose how we feel, we choose what we do. Therefore, forgiveness is much harder because it's an act, a verb.

Please don't hear me say that anger and bitterness are bad. I do think they have a proper place, and that they are a very important part of the process of healing. But, what I'm talking about is setting up camp in the land of bitterness and staying there. Emotions are crucial to the process, for they tell us where we are starting, and shed light on what is going on inside us. They are there as our warning lights to propel us into the next step. But emotions alone, are not the answer, and shouldn't be where we dwell.

In my own journey of forgiveness, I've had to debunk some common myths and cliches about forgiveness, because they didn't speak honestly to what I was really feeling, walking through, or what I was experiencing forgiveness to look like. As I debunked the myths, I found the process of forgiveness became far more authentic, and the end result more meaningful.

You hear things like "Forgive and Forget," "or "Can't you just get over it?" as if forgiveness is a switch you can turn on when you feel like it. I hate those phrases so much because they minimize the pain you feel in the moment, and then cheapen the freedom that can come from going through the work of forgiveness and coming out the other side truly transformed.

So, let's explore 4 myths about forgiveness

Myth #1: Forgiving Means Forgetting
What a stupid phrase. Forgiveness does NOT equal amnesia! Our brains are not wired to forget. You cannot simply erase an experience. Those who think that's possible, and try to live that way are in denial. In extreme cases, the attempts at ignoring and coping with pain by trying to "forget" can end in developing serious personality and identity disorders- seriously. Forgetting is not an option, nor is it even the point of forgiveness. How is there beauty in forgiveness if you are wiping out the very thing that you are forgiving? If do not recall what experience you have even forgiven (as if that is possible), then where is the power of the outcome? If you "forget" you are prone to make the same mistakes, walk into the same doors only to get punched again, and live the same life without healthy boundaries. Forgiveness does not, and cannot mean forgetting. Remembering and recalling an offense does not mean it hasn't been forgiven, it is actually the very thing that helps things change for the better, in the future. We must remember.

Myth #2: Forgiveness Is a One Time Decision

I believe forgiveness is a state of mind and state of the heart. It is a constant and consistent choice to live a life away from bitterness. You can make the initial decision to forgive, but what happens when something triggers you again (because it will since we do not truly forget)? You are faced with the choice of walking in bitterness or to forgive the offender, once more. I truly think you can end up forgiving one offense 572342340 times. Living a life of forgiveness could mean forgiving someone for the same thing over and over. That, in my opinion is what it means to forgive 70 x 7 times. It may not be forgiving someone of that many offenses- you'd be so foolish, but it could simply mean forgiving them for one particular hurt anytime you start to feel bitterness and anger creep up. Forgiveness is a way of life, not just a one time act.

Myth #3: Forgiveness Means You Should Trust
Forgiveness does NOT equal trust. Trust, like forgiveness, is not an emotion, it's a choice. It's also a process. But trust is, and should be earned...never entitled. You have every right, to say, "I am no longer holding the offense against you, but I'm not stepping into your world again, and you are not stepping into mine." You not only have a right to do that, it's smart. There's a word for it- it's called wisdom. Only a foolish person let's someone continue to hurt them over and over. Depending on the offense and/or the offender, trust may slowly be rebuilt. But, just know that you are allowed to take the time you need to let that process of rebuilding trust happen. There is no time frame, and it can't be forced. Conversely, there are offenses that merit trust being broken forever. It's just how it goes sometimes, and it's the better thing to do. Don't feel guilty about setting good boundaries for yourself.

Myth #4: Forgiveness Means Relationship
There are some relationships that are harmful and just need to be walked away from. Then there are some that are worth repairing over time. I think the relationship you may or may not seek after you've been hurt by someone, depends on the offense, and the value you'd like to place on the relationship with your offender. That's up to you to measure. Relationships are built, and that takes time, so jumping back in right away can, and should feel unnatural. It's ok to not have relationships with those you've forgiven. Sometimes that is the natural consequence of brokenness, and the best thing for you. Other times the desire for a relationship to be rebuilt is a good thing, but it's in no way a requirement of forgiveness. As long as you aren't camping in bitterness, or withholding relationship as way to hurt someone intentionally, I don't think a relationship has to be the result of forgiveness. Sometimes moving on from that person is better.

What's true about forgiveness then?
I love Pinterest, and find myself drawn towards cool sayings and phrases. Words capture my attention very easily, so when I saw the picture below, I knew that I had found the inspiration for this post.


I added the arrows to emphasize the part that caught
my attention."Forgive and Recover"

Those two words stopped me in my tracks because it was the first time I had ever seen a phrase about forgiveness that felt authentic to the human condition regarding forgiveness, and how we actually need to view it.

I'll explain.

To say "Forgive and Recover" is the reality. There are times an offense knocks you so hard, that recovery is the only way to describe how grievous an act can be/feel. To recover from something means you must admit there is something to recover from. Therefore, if you are recovering after you've forgiven, you aren't forgetting, you are letting the truth sit and are being honest by saying that something has happened which requires recovery. "Forgive and Recover" is speaking honestly about the pain that forgiving can cause. It's not easy to forgive, and demands much of you. Recovery may be needed after you've made steps towards living in forgiveness. Walking away, or "bouncing back" isn't recovery.  It's denial. Recovery implies process, depth, and wholeness on the other end, which is what true forgiveness is all about. That phrase is the most accurate and authentic way to describe the act of forgiveness by acknowledging it as the process I've known it to be.

For me, when I've been deeply hurt, I become depleted, wiped out, and honestly, quite disoriented. My whole world seems to get foggy. Using the word "recover" as a way to explain where I'm at, speaks to my experience of pain better than telling me to just "move on."
You wouldn't tell someone who just broke their leg to get up and start walking. That would be ludicrous! The leg wouldn't ever heal properly, and there would be so much unnecessary pain. Why do we treat forgiveness like this- being asked to move on, forget, or bounce back immediately.
It minimizes the suffering and state you are actually in, and stifles your growth and recovery. To admit that recovery is need, is to truthfully speak of what has actually occurred,
and begin the journey of true forgiveness.

The most healthy process of forgiveness that I have experienced, is the choice to forgive, followed by evaluating what it looks like to take care of yourself, and protect your mind and heart in the future. Forgiveness then Recovery. Any recovery program has steps, and has a foundation you must lay to start building on. That's why this phrase is so accurate. Forgiveness does not happen over night, and it is not easy. Forgiveness is ground zero, it's only the beginning. Much needs to be restored and put back together in order to fully experience forgiveness. Forgiveness to me, is recovering what has been lost. Choosing forgiveness is the first step in the process of restoring wholeness. It's the first step of recovering from pain.

In walking through my most painful moments, and knowing that I have a choice to move towards forgiveness or towards bitterness, I have found that even the smallest steps in the right directions pays huge dividends. One cliche that is true is about is forgiveness, is that it frees you, not the other person. Forgiveness releases the bonds that you have been using to attach yourself to someone.When you act and live in forgiveness, and begin the recovery, you find your strength, your voice, and that freedom is of the highest worth. Once you have even the smallest taste of that freedom, why would you ever want to go back to the place of bitterness to camp there?

So, start the journey and process of forgiveness, but do it honestly. I urge you not to believe the myths I stated above. When you buy into those lies, you miss the value of the process, and sacrifice the integrity of the end result. Forgiveness can seem nearly impossible, like a huge a mountain you're looking at and being asked to climb. Though there will be days that it hurts like hell, I truly believe that exact journey through forgiveness (climbing that mountain), and admitting the need for recovery, yields the best outcome....True freedom. And that's what we all want anyway.

Therefore, take the first steps, whatever they may look like to you, and start living a life of forgiveness. I promise it actually benefits you more than it benefits anyone else.
With love to you all,
~Jessica


Jenny, thank you for giving me the opportunity to write for your blog. It's truly been an honor. You are inspiring, strong, lovely, and so many more adjectives, and I am blessed to call you "friend." Here's to continuing our blogging adventures!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Thursday Latelies- Jet Setting January

Hey Friends!
Did you have a lovely Christmas? I sure hope so!

We had a great day over here. Lots of relaxing, eating, playing, and simply just being together.

I'll admit that I had a little bit of the post Christmas blues this week.
It's quite challenging for me to come down from the high of three months
worth of fun and celebrations.
January is dreary and yucky for me, so my Christmas present cheered me up big time!

Watch this week's video to find out what it is!




I'm going on a mini vacation to Santa Barbara!
A weekend away with my mama, is the perfect gift for this mama!


I'm outta here!


Here is Bobby's Christmas highlight. A huge boot to drink out of!
He's wanted it forever and was surprised big time!




The kids on Christmas Morning with their new "Pillow Pets."




It was so nice to meet Andrea, from Peanut Butter Hand Print. She's a delight! I'm continually grateful for the way that blogging has connected me with such wonderful people. Andrea is no exception! Check out her blog, it's great!


Taylor Swift teamed up with The Civil Wars for the "Hunger Games" soundtrack, and below was the result. You must check it out!





Have a wonderful and safe New Year. As I talked about in this week's episode of "The Grammar Police," please you use correct grammar when talking about how you are going to celebrate.

See you in 2012!
~Jessica

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Grammar Police, Episode 2: The Power of the Apostrophe

The Grammar Police is back after a short hiatus.

This week's episode is very important!

With the New Year coming up, there is bound to be grammar flubs left and right, when talking about plans and events surrounding celebrating the holiday- grammar flubs that should NOT happen!

Watch this week's video to learn how to correctly celebrate the New Year when you post about it on Facebook.





This has been another edition of the Grammar Police.
Ridding you of poor grammar one tiny mistake at time!

See you next week, and remember....



I'm watching you!
~Jessica
aka Self-Appointed Grammar Police



Sunday, December 25, 2011

A Christmas Thank You!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I just wanted to take a few minutes to thank all of you for the wonderful support that you have given me this last year. This blog journey has been a more fulfilling than I ever imagined that it would be, and it's because of all of you amazing readers and supporters.

So, watch my video for a little "Merry Christmas" from me, and know that I am grateful for every single one of you!
I don't have a super cool gift for you, like Jenny, just love from my heart!




Holiday love to all of you!
~Jessica

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Thursday Latelies- Starbucks Addict, this is Diet Coke Addict

The world is a better place this week.
Not perfect, but better.
We are almost over our colds, and have gotten out of the house more than we were able to last week, which isn't saying much, considering I walked out of my house a total of 2 times last week.
You get the idea though- things are looking up!

Christmas is 3 days away and I am starting to feel the Christmas spirit again.
It's such a wonderful time of year.

The anticipation of Christmas and few other things have made this a better week.
My favorite thing of the week?
You'll just have to watch the video to find out. I have a special guest with me, too.
You'll see.






HeyTell has revolutionized my life and friendships this week. Thank you, Linda, from Rose a La Mode, for talking about it last week! Jenny and I have not had a shortage of fun and laughs this week using this app. There's nothing like amazing technology to send fun, silly, thoughtful, and sometimes creepy, messages to your friends.  We've even been singing Justin Bieber to each other, too! See, the possibilities are endless.
For reals, folks, this app is a wonderful to stay in touch with people you care about. Check it out, and you can send creepy messages, as well!

Trader Joes Minty Melts are a delicious holiday treat. Bite size chocolate/mint squares, that pop into your mouth so easily, it's like you were destined to eat them. Yum, yum, yum.

I'm enjoying wrapping presents! It's getting me into the Christmas spirit, and to me, symbolizes the start of a fun weekend ahead!





I've just started reading The Scorpio Races.
Have you heard of it? If so, what do you think so far?
Don't give anything away, but I'm curious if you're liking it.
I'm liking it so far!





Well, friends, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and/or Holiday week.
Enjoy the beauty of the season and have lots of fun, and yummy food!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
~Jessica

P.S. I'll be back with another "Grammar Police" episode next week!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Thursday Latelies- Gingerbread Men to the Rescue!

Here's a math equation for you....

Sick kids+4 days house bound+Life Bumps = One maxed out, Jessica.

I sincerely hope your week was filled with more fun than mine.
Seriously, is this week over yet?

Even in the midst of all the variables included in the above equation, there were still a few things that I could pull out of this week that made me happy.
Come check them out!





VASELINE- Round 3

Are you catching my drift yet, that Vaseline is a miracle product?
Layla calls it, "gasoline," which I do NOT condone using in any way other way than to get your car from point A to B.
That aside, Vaseline is still working wonders in my life. This week it zapped away my razor burn instantly, which is amazing, since I choose to shave my legs often.
And please don't tell me to grow out my leg hairs long enough to surpass the prickly phase, and claim that it will help. It's not going to happen. I'd rather have razor burn, instead of the fuzzy legs, for reals.
That's just another reason why Vaseline should be in your home. GET ON IT, FRIENDS!




Trader Joe's Mini Gingerbread Men Cookies

These guys literally saved my life this week.
(Do you watch "Parks and Recreation?" Imagine I said literally,
like Chris Trager- played by Rob Lowe.)
These cookies are proof there is a God, and that He loves me.
Let that last sentence be telling of how my week was
when I'm saying that about a simple little cookie.
In all seriousness though, if you love gingerbread flavored things, especially cookies, you will not be disappointed with these guys. I could bite their little limbs off all day, they taste so delicious.





"Hold On To Your Fork"

I wrote a post about my art print that is inspiring me this week, you can read it here to get caught up. These last few days, I have been clinging to the source of hope itself, and to the things that truly matter. I've been asking myself,
"What is my fork? What do I hold on to that reminds me the best is yet to come?"
So, I ask you, what is worth clinging to, saving, and fighting for in your life?
What's your fork?

 I just wanted to share this with you, since it's been encouraging to me this week...

Even in the midst of life's curve balls, questions, and fear of the future,
I am holding on to my fork.

When things get heavy and tiresome,
try and hold on to your fork too.




Here's to mercies being new each morning, and to the hope that that brings us... brings me.
See you next week!
~Jessica

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

"Hold On To Your Fork"

I bought an art print this last spring to put in our new place. It sits in my kitchen on a shelf, and I look at it daily. It's funny how when you see something everyday it can lose its luster. When something is in the same place all the time, it easily becomes one with its surroundings. Well, today I looked at it, and actually saw it, again. I was reminded once more, why I purchased it in the first place.


"Hold On To Your Fork"


There's a story behind a story with this print, so I'll give you a shortened version. There was an old lady who loved her dessert after dinner. When she was done with her dinner, and all the silverware was being collected, she would always hold on to her fork because, "dessert is the best part." When she was closer to her last day of life, she requested that she be buried with her fork in hand, as a reminder that "the best is yet to come." She had no fear of death, or sorrow in leaving this earth. She was ready, eager, and even living in anticipation for the what was to come. Emily, at Jones Design Company, designed this print after hearing that story, and I immediately loved it.

That story inspired me because I have lived much of my life in fear of what is to come. Since there are many uncertainties and questions in this world, the words,
"hold onto your fork"
became a reminder to me that my hope isn't solely in what I see. It doesn't come from things, stuff, or even people. Though people can bring hope to others, the very essence of hope is found only in one place, and that's what I knew I needed to start truly tapping into. My perspective has shifted in small ways since then, and I've begun to see how hope is essential in walking through life.

I am tired this week. In every sense of the word. Both of my kids have been sick, we've been home bound since Sunday, my Christmas spirit has been dampened from the weariness of life's bumps, and I am feeling a bit defeated. I realized this morning, I am in need of some hope. As soon as that thought popped up into my head, I remembered my art print in the kitchen. I immediately looked at it and began to let the words, and significance flood my thoughts, like they did when I first purchased it. 

I asked myself, "What is my fork?" What do I hold on to, that reminds me "the best is yet to come?" What is worth clinging to, saving, and fighting for?

Then I was reminded of the entire reason that Christmas even exists, and how that is most certainly the source of all hope.

It's Wednesday, and I feel like the week should be much further along, or over. I'm exhausted and drained. BUT, I am trying to cling to the truth that I know, and just wanted to share this with you, since it's been encouraging to me today...

Even in the midst of life's curve balls, questions, and fear of the future, I am holding on to my fork.
When things get heavy and tiresome,
try and hold on to your fork too.
~Jessica


Art print was purchased from one of my favorite blogs,  www.jonesdesigncompany.com
Enter at your own risk: You might get sucked in for hours!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Thursday Latelies- Dry Shampoo and (possible) Bieber Fever

I'll admit, it's been a week.

Sometimes even the smallest things can cheer you up, and give you joy.
This week was about the very simple joys for me.
In tiring, long weeks, strangely, I'm always reminded that I have more to be grateful for than to complain about. Whether it's a product, a phone conversation with an out of state friend, a kid free dinner with a good pal, or playfully critiquing poor grammar, I find that when I look for the good, it's actually been there all along.

So here's to the simple. To the small lovelies that have kept me tickin' this week.






Vaseline....

... As eye cream! Your eyes will be refreshed in the morning, I promise. I talked about the benefits to your skin from using vaseline, last week, but using it as eye cream is a new addition. Just try it!
Thank you Andrea, from Peanut Butter Handprint, for the awesome suggestion!


French Bread Pizza

French bread- sliced to your liking
Mozzarella Cheese- Shredded or fresh, whatever you prefer
Pepperoni- As much as you want!
Broil for 5-6 minutes

Take out of oven and enjoy!


Dry Shampoo

Wow, how come I didn't discover this earlier?! Whether it's prolonging the time between washes or  giving my hair more volume, I'd say I'm absolutely in love with dry shampoo. This week has been my first experience with dry shampoo. I grabbed Suave, and it was under $3! The results have been amazing. Two other brand options that I've heard good things about are Kenra, and Rockaholic.


I Have a Confession

I hate to even admit this, but I think I have a mild case of "Bieber Fever."
I am absolutely loving his song, "Mistletoe," off of his Christmas album.
Check it out below!





Go to BEX's blog, and meet some other ladies who are sharing the favorites of their week!

Be sure you check out my new weekly segment, and laugh with me about the atrocities committed against the English language!

The Christmas countdown is on! 17 days- woo hoo!
Enjoy all of the holiday fun and anticipation!

Love to you all,
~Jessica

Monday, December 5, 2011

Grammar Police, Episode 1: Your vs. You're

Welcome to the first ever addition of what I like to lovingly call

"The Grammar Police"

Think of it sort of like the "Where's Waldo" of bad spelling and grammar. I'll be looking for the violations of the English language each week, and sharing them with you.

A big "thank you" to my awesome dad for graciously contributing his glasses for my costume, and to my friends and family who have laughed at me as I get so worked up over seeing the atrocities committed against English, and jokingly calling me the "Grammar Police." You've helped me not take myself so seriously, and I'm grateful for that.

So, come have a little fun with me, and watch the first addition of "The Grammar Police." Know that I'm learning to make fun of my silly obsession with good spelling and grammar, and that this is sheer play.

First up: The difference between "Your and You're."





Remember...
I'm Watching You!



Now go and stop offending the English language!

Love,
~Jessica

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Pritchetts vs. Dreamers


Do you watch Modern Family?


I don't think there is a better show on television right now. It's probably mine and Bobby's most favorite show on air. The writing is incredibly witty, the actors are perfectly casted, and the delivery of lines couldn't be better. The show is brilliant.

I find myself laughing through most episodes, then saying lines from the show for the next few days, or even weeks. Well, the Thanksgiving episode called, "Punkin Chunkin" was no exception. Have you seen this episode? Oh my goodness, it's hilarious! But, funny enough, the line that keeps sticking with me wasn't a punch line, or a joke, it was the conclusion that was made at the end of the episode.

Allow me to explain.
Cam exaggerated a story of his and said he catapulted a pumpkin across an entire football field. Meanwhile, Phil is reunited with a former neighbor, who has made millions, apparently from asking himself, "What Would Phil Dunphy Do?" -which is a hilarious phrase in itself! Pause story- isn't the picture below so funny?!



Picking up again...Cam is mad that no one believes him about the pumpkin. Cut to Phil- He tells his wife, Claire, that she is a dream squelcher.  The stories, of course, mesh and the family breaks into two teams to try and prove that a pumpkin can't really soar the length of a football field. The two teams: The "Dreamers" vs. The "Pritchetts." The dreamers end up losing the challenge, but then the Pritchetts join in and try to help. The point is that there are dreamers in the world, and there are realists, and that we need each other to stay balanced.

Well folks, I'm a Pritchett. I'm a realist. I'm practical, logical, and rational. I think through every detail and have a pretty realistic perspective about life. I would say it's one of my strengths. But, to every strength, when taken to the extreme, there is weakness. The opposite end of being a realist is that I don't allow myself to dream, I think things to a fault at times, and I often get overwhelmed when I even begin to think of all that a decision would entail. It's good to be practical, logical, and rational, but you may never move, for fear of failure, disappointment, or the unknown.

My husband is a dreamer. He sees the big picture, he has things that he gets excited about, and has high hopes for the future. God bless him for it, too. The big picture motivates him, where as I would get overwhelmed thinking about it, and that motivation gets him through any hardship of the present. I would say this is one of his strengths. I need him to tell me that things are going to work out, and that he is excited about what the future holds. But just like being a realist has its weaknesses, so does being a dreamer. He can often think big, without taking into considering the very specific details needed to get there. He can get ahead of himself with timing, and he can be impulsive with his ideas- and freak his wife out!

His strength can be a blind spot, just like my strength of detail can be a huge blind spot.

Here is the beauty in it all though, as said by Cam, in Modern Family.
"We need the realists to stop the dreamers from soaring so high they hit the sun. But the realists need the dreamers, or else they'd never get off the ground."


I couldn't have said it better myself. Though my hubby is a dreamer and I am a realist, it's kind of the perfect combination. When he dreams, he's trying to create an amazing future for us. When I am being a realist, I'm trying to say, "here is what it takes to get there."
We need each other. We need our different perspectives to keep life balanced.


My ultimate hope for myself would be that I could allow myself to dream a little, and take a risk that terrifies me so I can at least get off the ground a little. There's a lot I feel capable of, yet fear doing, because I don't want to fail. Being married to a dreamer, helps me gain a little confidence in myself to say, "Maybe this is possible."

I love who my husband is, and the inspiration he gives me to think outside of the box a little. This "Pritchett" wants to try and be a "baby dreamer," and learn to just take the next step, without fretting over the big picture.

I'm may be a "Pritchett," but "even Pritchetts can dream."

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Happy December!

The title says it all!

It's December, and the Christmas season is upon us!
Watch this week's video to see what I'm loving and grateful for.




Advent has started! When December 1st comes around I always get so excited for Christmas. The anticipation is one of my favorite parts about the season.What do you do to anticipate Christmas?




I also asked what your thoughts are about Santa. What did you do as a kid? What did you like? What would you/or have you changed with your kids? I'd love to hear your thoughts about the role Santa does or doesn't play in your Christmas.

Here's how our family is going to talk about it... Bobby and I are going to treat Santa like any other story that kids imagine and play. We will say that he was a real person, name St. Nicholas, and did wonderful things to help people, and that's why people like to dress up like him- to be like him. We can do funny, pretend things around Santa, but I don't want him to be the focus, nor do I want to lie to my children.

This is just how OUR family is addressing the Santa issue. I firmly believe that what you do, is your family's choice, since you know your kids and have your thoughts. I've wrestled with Santa issue the last few weeks, and this is the conclusion that Bobby and I have come up with that's best for our us.We will do the best to raise our kids to be respectful and kind to others who may celebrate differently and enjoy the memories that our household will create.


E.L.F. Tinted Moisturizer has treated me well this week. For $3.00, your wallet won't hurt if you don't like it, and will be smiling if you do.

Vaseline is an amazing product. Check out all of the fabulous things it does for your skin by clicking the link above. My lips are thanking me for the moisture I know my skin will thank me when it's crackly and dry. Remember though, don't use it in your hair. It won't come out for weeks. Right, Rach?!

Just call me Zach. I'm rocking a satchel like he did in Hangover, these days. Look familiar?



Ok, don't call me Zach, please. But I do love my new bag!




HERE is only link I could find for a picture of it. I got mine at JCPenney for $18. The brand is called Olsenboye. I had never heard of it before, but apparently it is Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's clothing line. I should have know by the title. The inner Full-House girl is coming out :).

I just love my kids. This picture is a braggy mom moment. Here is my favorite of them from this past weekend. When I saw this picture, I just about fell over with how beautiful they are. I'm feeling exceptionally proud of them today, so why not share!





Be on the look out for my new video segment coming next week. I'm excited about it!
Hint: "Where's Waldo?"

Jenny is doing the "25 days of Home Alone" leading up to Christmas. It's awesome. Go check out her blog and join in the fun!


Welcome to December! See you soon!
~Jessica