Photo Friday: An Engagement and a Baby!

There were two very exciting events in our world this week.

An engagement and a baby!
(No, I'm not pregnant.)

I mean, really, is there anything better?



My brother, Ron, proposed to his girlfriend, Michelle, last Saturday night!
The lovely couple was enjoying a weekend away in San Diego, and Ron popped the question on the beach, around sunset. This was the picture right after she said yes!
Words can't express how excited our family is to welcome Michelle into our lives. It's almost as if Michelle has always been around. Ron is the happiest we've ever seen him, and Michelle is a breath of fresh air. Together, they are even better.
I can't wait to celebrate their nuptials this summer, and to have new sister!
I love you both!




Meet Ellie Sophia!
Ellie is the newest baby on Bobby's side of the family. Isn't she beautiful?!
Bobby's sister, Sarah, and her husband Sergio, welcomed this precious bundle into the world, last Friday. Sarah and Sergio have three other children; two here, and one in heaven. They were so excited that Ellie made her debut!
Ellie was four weeks early, and has had some issues with keeping her bilirubin blood count down. She's spent the first week of her life in the hospital, but has made some serious progress the last few days and is doing so well! Sarah and Sergio are hoping to take her home in a few days. YES!

Babies make life so sweet. Their family lives in Kansas, so we can't wait to meet baby Ellie over Skype and send her lots of love that way. I could just eat her up!
We love you, Ellie!

Did you have a good week? I hope so!
Link Up below and share what your highlights of the week were.

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!
~Jessica

John Mayer Kicks Ass

This episode is dedicated to the love my music life, and a movie that exceeded my expectations.

John Mayer did it again, folks. He created some fantastic music that makes me feel, think, and fall in love with music all over again. Dear John, my heart will forever be entangled in your songs.

"Born and Raised" gets the POW! Award

The Hurt Locker surprised me with its original story and great acting. If you're looking for a great movie, with a story that is compelling, see the this movie.
I liked it so much, I'm giving it the POW! Award

Go check out Jenny's blog and see what's kicking ass in her neck of the woods!

What's kicking ass in your world? Movies, Music, Products... etc.
Link up below and share it!

Until next time, friends!
~Jessica

MOMENTS That Kick Ass

POW!

The first official episode of "Things That Kick Ass" is here!

Today, I'm focusing on moments that have kicked ass this past week.

Now it's your turn!

We've set up a "link up" below so you can share the things that are kicking ass in your world.

In addition, Jenny, is focusing on products that have kicked ass this week, so if you are interested in linking up with some products that you are loving, you can head over there.

I already have a few things lined up for the next video, so stay tuned!

Happy early weekend to you!
~Jessica

Introducing "Things That Kick Ass"

Welcome to mine and Jenny's new segment,
affectionately titled...

Have you ever loved something so much, or were excited enough about something, that simply saying, "that's awesome," just didn't cut it? Yeah, me too.
Sometimes, there needs to be a little more oomph in describing how awesome something or someone is. Sometimes, things just Kick Ass.

That's what this series is all about- giving those things the attention they deserve.
Products, Movies, Music, Food, Moments, People, and more, will be highlight in this series.

Life is grand, I've got nothing to complain about, and this is my way of continuing to open up my world to you even more.

Watch the video below to hear all about what this new video segment entails.

I personally, am SO excited!

If you have things in your world that are simply "kicking ass," and there's no other way to say it, join the fun! Grab the button below if you want to participate, or promote the "Kick Ass Movement."

Link Ups will be available next week.





Have a Kick Ass Weekend!
~Jessica

Photo Friday- Earring Disaster

Welcome to Photo Friday!

Here's my horrifying picture for this week.

When Layla woke me last Saturday morning, complaining of a little bit of dried blood on the back of her ear, I said, "No big deal, Buggie! We can totally clean it up. Let me look at your earring," and didn't think anything of it. Anyone with their ears pierced knows that from time to time, your ear can get infection, or it can poke your skin, so both of those options were the obvious first thought when I began to investigate the dried blood situation for Layla.

Well, imagine my horror when I looked behind her ear to find that the back of her earring had somehow buried itself back into the hole. What the heck am I looking at?!
I calmly said to Layla, "Hey sweetie, let's go into the bathroom so I can clean it for you and look closer." She and I went to the bathroom, and I soon discovered that I was out of my league. I had no idea what had happened, and felt completely uncomfortable attempting to get this earring out on my own. Part of the earring looked like it had skin that had grown over it- which we later found out was not the case. Phew!

Bobby, was still asleep, when I woke him up to tell him that we needed to go to Urgent Care, STAT. He jumped up and headed straight for the bathroom to check her ear out. It took him no time to agree that we needed some extra help getting this fixed. So we told Layla that everything was ok, but we needed to go to the doctor so they could help, since we didn't want to hurt her. A few tears flowed, out of fear, but when we mentioned the words "donuts and chocolate milk" her eyes dried up pretty quickly.

We were the first ones at the Seattle Children's Urgent Care that morning, so thankfully we had no wait time (Sidenote: If you live in the Seattle/Eastside area and need to take your child to Urgent Care, I would highly highly recommend Seattle Children's Urgent Care in Bellevue.). The staff was incredible, and the doctor who actually helped Layla get her earring out was kind, calm, and gentle. She was able to pop the earring right out, and Layla did even flinch. Impressive. We were there from start to finish, for an hour. Our experience was wonderful. "Wonderful" in this case, meaning smooth, easy, and minimal pain.

Come to find out, the post of Layla's earring had bent, likely from sleeping, causing the earring back to dig into her skin. The back of her earring actually sliced her skin and created a slit for a hole, which is why it was able to bury itself like it did. But, thank God that our bodies heal fast, and that it wasn't anything worse, because Layla was able to put a new earring in the next day- doctor said it was ok- and now Layla has no issues. I'm glad we got out of that one, seemingly pain free. I think I was more worried that Layla was.

So, here's to this Saturday being filled with my Mother's Day massage, and not an urgent care visit. I'm sure grateful that places like that exist, but I'm not planning to make another trip there anytime soon.

What's a fun or crazy picture from your week! Link up below and share it!

Have a fabulous Mother's Day weekend!
~Jessica

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I Don't Juggle

I have never been a good juggler. Literally and figuratively

If you handed me three tennis balls, and told me to juggle them, they would end up on the floor in all corners of the room.

Likewise, if you told me that I needed to be the kind of woman who, simultaneously, has a career, perfectly well-behaved kids, cooks from scratch, exercises daily to have the most in-shape body, has beautiful flower pots for the world to "ooh and aah" over, is devout in her faith, AND has a great marriage, I would tell you that you can just expect that none of those things will ever happen all at once. Each thing would end up splattered in all corners, none being perfected/done well, and I'd be in a corner too, crying because I feel so overwhelmed.

Who comes up with this stuff anyway?! How is having a million things on your plate the ultimate definition of success as a woman? I mean, if you are the type of woman who truly can do all of those things, and do them well, then more power to you, but I am not that type of woman, and I hardly feel that being a professional life juggler, should be the pinnacle of success. I am easily overwhelmed, can only manage about two of the above things really well, and honestly have no desire to cook, garden, or have a career right now. I feel like keeping my kids alive, and trying to love my husband well, is about all I can focus on. And that's ok.

The problem is, we are told that in order to be a well-rounded woman, doing 547323457543 at once is essential. Therefore, we end up competing against other woman, saying "yes" to things that we would have never enjoyed in the first place, and taking on projects that we hate, just to prove that we are that kind of women. We become exhausted, critical of ourselves and others, and still unfulfilled at when the day is over, because we are doing things we dislike, to show off to woman we don't even want to truly be like. It's crazy!

I have been a victim of that crazy cycle from time to time, and it leaves me empty, disappointed, and feeling inadequate- like I said, I am not a good juggler. It took me years to figure out why I like a slower pace better than a fast pace, and am discovering that that's entirely ok. In fact, it's best. I am most myself if I am not overwhelmed or feeling like I have way too much to keep track of. I enjoy and thrive well, with simple and less. The more I pile on, the more of a wreck I become, and/or the more things fall through the cracks. Why then, would I possible do more, when I know that I won't do it well? It's so silly. My definition of success, is managing what I am capable of, really well. Even if it's two things. I'd rather do two things well, then 65 things, decently.

So, what's my anecdote to comparing or the juggling war? -my attempt, at least.

1) Instead of focusing on the things I can't/don't do well, or adding too much to my plate, I'm trying to ask myself, "What do I do well?" Truthfully, I've struggled to answer this question in entirety, because it is a shift in perspective, but I want to own the things that I am really good at. Some woman are great at juggling, some are good with a few things. I want to focus on what I do well, and cling to that.

2) I want to, and am trying to be better at encouraging other woman when I like something they've done. One of the best things I've ever heard is that just because you give someone a compliment, or word of encouragement, it doesn't subtract anything from your talents and gifts. I want to be better at giving words of life, freely.

3) I'm trying to change my complaining into thankfulness. Rather than say "I wish this..." I want to remember the things I've discovered I do well, and be grateful I am strong in those areas.

4) Be the best ME, and don't try to be better than someone else. Compete with myself, not others.

Here's a start: Though, I don't juggle much well, I am a loyal friend. I love deeply and have rich, meaningful relationships.

A word of encouragement to a lovely lady out there- Mackenzie, from "life of a pint-sized mama" is a fun, spunky, and awesome mom blogger. She has a great perspective, and has been gracious and generous to use her blog as a platform to help other bloggers. She is a great example of someone who is using her voice for good and positivity. Go check out her blog!

Today I'm thankful that I get to be home with kids. They have both been a little under the weather, and I am so grateful I get to be the one to take care of them.
If you are good at doing a million things at once, that's great, but for those don't want to, or it isn't their forte to do a bunch at once, that's equally great. Do what you're good at, as little or as much as that may be.
What's your anecdote to comparing? What do you do well?

Go be YOU today! You're pretty awesome, after all.
~Jessica

Photo Friday: Surprise Picnics

Welcome to my first Photo Friday!
Here's the picture that sums up my week.

This past weekend, Bobby was "on-call" for work. It happens about every 2 months, and I always brace myself for a potentially long week. If Bobby could get a call to go help a client at anytime, then I have to be ready to be on complete mom duty anytime, as well. Needless to say, my energy is zapped, and I'm completely depleted by the end of the week that Bobby is on-call- and he is too. Taking the following weekend to recovery is always our plan. And that starts tonight!

Between last Friday night and last Sunday evening, Bobby put in 18 hours of work. It was a very busy on-call weekend, and I was definitely tired from the all the disruption that it brought. He was on his last call for the night on Sunday, and Layla was itching for something to do- because let's be honest, I ran out of ideas on hour two that Bobby was gone. I saw her taking plates, bowls, and crackers to her room, and quickly noticed she was setting up a picnic of sorts. I asked her what she was getting all this together for, and she responded, "It's a surprise party for daddy!" How sweet and thoughtful my lil' lady is.

So, when Bobby walked in the door, she showed him to her room, and they dined on water and Cheez-its. Only the best over here, folks. Cullen promptly joined in the fun, and though the picture doesn't show it well, he was giving Bobby a back massage. A two year old version, at least.

As I look at this picture, there is so much I feel grateful for, even in the midst of my exhaustion happening simultaneously.

1) I have a husband who works his ass off. Seriously, he does everything he can to provide for us, and does it well. Even when it means massive overtime during the weekend.

2) I have two healthy kids, who are full of energy and creativity.

3) We actually have snacks and bowls to make picnics with. Something I rarely think about, but am aware of how thankful I am for that in this picture. We are provided for, and have what we need.

4) My kids have a father who will sit down with them, and join in on this spontaneous picnic, after a super long day. He is present and active in their lives. Grateful.

5) Finally, we have a home for my husband to walk into, and have picnics in. Our small dwelling makes me happy and full.

So, here's to a weekend of rest, and recovery, and to being grateful for the small things in my life, that actually end up being huge after all.

What's the picture for you that sums up your week?

Have a great weekend, friends!
~Jessica

Farewell to Thursday Latelies

FAREWELL THURSDAY LATELIES!

This week wraps up Thursday Latelies for me, after almost an entire year! What a great year it has been doing these videos each week. Don't fret though, new things are coming, and I'll still be doing videos. I'm excited about the direction "It's All in Your Head" is going. Come along!

Here's a blast from the past.
My first Thursday Latelies!
 

And my favorite Thursday Latelies of the year!
Duh, Hunger Games with Jenny!
I think it sums up my TL experience pretty well.

Jenny and I have a few things up our sleeve, and will be teaming up to do a new segment in place of Thursday Latelies. If you've found me or her from Bex's site, feel free to come over to our neck of the internet, if you will, and follow us on our blogs, since we will no longer be linking up there. How fun it would be to stay connected with you!

Thanks for such a great year of new connections, growth, and friendship. I'm so grateful. Here's to another year of it!

See you very soon!

~Jessica