Logan's Mario Birthday

One thing I love doing as a mom is to plan birthday parties. I LOVE celebrating anyone’s day of birth actually! Going over board is just something that we get to do once a year. Now that Logan is older, he insists on getting on Pinterest and scouring over all the ideas. Thank goodness for Pinterest. It makes people who don’t know how to craft… crafters and people who are crafters… professionals! Ha!  Creativity has never been easier.

We didn’t have a lot of money growing up. My mom was a single mom to three kids, and working full time. I have so many fond memories from my birthday parties growing up. Except that one time… In Kindergarten when she got me a strawberry cake for my party.  She must have forgotten that I was the kid allergic to them!! I can’t wait to do something like that to my kids and cause them years of therapy! Kidding! Anyways, the parties my mom threw with just a little money were so fun. I remember in 1^st or 2^nd grade she did a whole party with obstacle games outside. I can still remember all the laughs from having to chew 4 pieces of gum at one time and blow bubbles. She made all the cakes. All the decorations. She even painted all of our faces. She was the master of creativity. (She still is!)

Birthday parties have since changed. Remember when you got invited to a birthday and your parents just dropped you off? Now you have to plan (and purchase food) for the whole entire family. Not only are they extremely expensive now, but there’s some sort of “Pinterest” standard now. You begin prepping MONTHS before. (Oh, you know you do it too.) You pin a hundred of the coolest ideas and then you start making decorations 60 days out. We start to focus on what everyone else will enjoy seeing. How can we make people stop in their tracks and say “Wow, she throws the best parties!” or “She outdid herself this year!” I can't help the need to please! :)

To be completely honest…. I will do it again and again. To see the look on my kiddos face is priceless. To watch the excitement that this day is about HIM/HER is one of my favorite things about being a parent. I have been scaling down a little. Picking a FEW things from Pinterest and making everything that I can. Trying to work within a budget for each party is a must now with three kids. (My husband is probably saying “yeah, riiiiiight”!)

Sometimes you can't make everything! I'm so excited I found Loontasic Gifts and Décor. She is a local company who specializes in everything balloons. I can't believe her talent and willingness to make anything you need for your themed party. When I asked about Mario Brothers, I never imagined the final product. Logan loves balloons so he was VERY excited that he could combine both his loves into his party favors. If you are local to the Fort Hood area and want party decorations or favors that have the WOW factor, Dora is your gal. She will take your idea and turn it into a work of art. You won't be disappointed.  

With that being said, I am going to be going back and posting blogs about the kid's birthday parties. Yes, I am about 6 months late with Kora’s. Better late than never is how the saying goes right?

Here’s Logan’s 6^th Mario Brothers birthday party.

Logan and his friends!

He became obsessed with Mario right after he turned 5. I’m not really sure how because he had never played one of the games before, but he wanted EVERYTHING Mario.



He wanted a background for pictures.
 

Fantastic balloon centerpiece from Loontastic Gifts

Party favors with candy inside from Loontastic Gifts

This is our Yoshi piñata after plastic surgery!
I wish I had a before picture. You wouldn't believe it!  



All the Mario Brothers inspired food.

Mario and Luigi fruit snacks!

Even my cousin Zach was happy to see the boys!

L couldn't believe it!

How amazing and talented is Loontastic Gifts
with this door greeter?

We love Mario and Luigi!



Logan wanted Mario shoes, but we couldn't find them
 anywhere so my mom HAND painted some for him!

Thirty something… Bucket list

 

Everyone has goals and dreams. They can either be short term or long term, each being just as important. Hopefully my 30’s will be life changing and goal achieving!

 

1.  Swim with dolphins. (Sorry PETA!)

2.  Go zip-lining.

3.  Learn how to mow the yard.

4. Walk another 60 miles for Breast Cancer this year in Dallas.

5.  Volunteer at the Animal Shelter.

6.  Read 5 books in 1 year.

7.  Pass out blankets to the homeless in my community this winter season.

8.  Go one dates with my husband.

9.  Get a makeover. (Never had one. A REAL one.)

10.  Bring the police station and fire department cookies.

11.  Inspire others.

12.  Lose 60 lbs.

13.  Teach Logan to ride his bike.

14.  Finish my degree.

15.  Downsize my clutter!

16.  Go to one of Ellen’s shows.

17.  Wear shorts during the awful HOT summers here in TX. (It’s been 10 years!)

18.  Run a marathon. (Maybe just a half!)

19.  Spread my dad’s ashes in the mountains of CO. (I have a tiny urn with some.)

20.  Go to a Zumba class.

21.  Donate my hair to Locks of Love… AGAIN!

22.  Go on a cruise with JUST my husband.

23.  Dance in the rain.

24.  Own a snow cone truck. (Hey… I have 10 years right?)

25.  Volunteer with Make-A-Wish foundation.

26.  Bake a pie from scratch.

27.  Learn how to meal plan.

28.  Pick out and cut down a REAL Christmas tree!!! (Sorry… The Tree version of PETA!)

29.  Go camping more.

30.  Take my kids to Disneyland.

Thirty something… Bucket list

 

Everyone has goals and dreams. They can either be short term or long term, each being just as important. Hopefully my 30’s will be life changing and goal achieving!

 

1.  Swim with dolphins. (Sorry PETA!)

2.  Go zip-lining.

3.  Learn how to mow the yard.

4. Walk another 60 miles for Breast Cancer this year in Dallas.

5.  Volunteer at the Animal Shelter.

6.  Read 5 books in 1 year.

7.  Pass out blankets to the homeless in my community this winter season.

8.  Go one dates with my husband.

9.  Get a makeover. (Never had one. A REAL one.)

10.  Bring the police station and fire department cookies.

11.  Inspire others.

12.  Lose 60 lbs.

13.  Teach Logan to ride his bike.

14.  Finish my degree.

15.  Downsize my clutter!

16.  Go to one of Ellen’s shows.

17.  Wear shorts during the awful HOT summers here in TX. (It’s been 10 years!)

18.  Run a marathon. (Maybe just a half!)

19.  Spread my dad’s ashes in the mountains of CO. (I have a tiny urn with some.)

20.  Go to a Zumba class.

21.  Donate my hair to Locks of Love… AGAIN!

22.  Go on a cruise with JUST my husband.

23.  Dance in the rain.

24.  Own a snow cone truck. (Hey… I have 10 years right?)

25.  Volunteer with Make-A-Wish foundation.

26.  Bake a pie from scratch.

27.  Learn how to meal plan.

28.  Pick out and cut down a REAL Christmas tree!!! (Sorry… The Tree version of PETA!)

29.  Go camping more.

30.  Take my kids to Disneyland.

Thirty something... FACTS

As most of you know… I’m turning THIRTY in a few weeks. I am actually having a really rough time coming to the realization that I will no longer be in my TWENTY’S. Usually I LOVE my birthday. I like to celebrate all week long! This time I kind of want to sleep right through it. To be completely honest, I wouldn’t mind being 29 for a few more years. For the next few blog posts, I am going to be doing “30 something” blog topics.

To start us off I’m going to be listing 30 facts about me:  

1. I met my husband at the bar. (I told him that night I was going to marry him.)

2. We got married less than 6 months later.

3. I have only blow dried my hair twice in over 2 years.

4. I rarely brush my hair.

5. I only finish about ONE book a year.

6. I have my husband’s name tattooed on my wrist.

7. No, I don’t regret #6.

8. I LOVE soda. Yes, I know it can kill you. (I’ve been soda free for 3 weeks now.)

9. I could stay in my house for weeks at a time. Maybe even months.

10. If I see a flat surface in my house I will stack junk on it.

11. I absolutely hate eating anything with NUTS. (Except peanuts)

12. I have never had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

13. I think marijuana should be legalized.

14. I use to be a Budweiser girl.

15. I am a TV addict. (Seriously, I have seen almost every.single.show.)

16. I have never broken a bone. (I hope this isn’t jinxing me.)

17. I sang acappella at my dad’s funeral.

18. I was born in Colorado, but always say I’m from TX.

19. I’m a CphT. (Certified Pharmacy Technician)

20. I could sleep ALL day long.

21. If I really love a movie, I will watch it 2-3 times in a row.

22. I was sexually harassed in college by my professor. When I came forward so did several other students and teachers.

23. I have to make a list for everything… even though I NEVER complete them.

24. I am obsessed with Christmas.

25. I never went to Prom.

26. I saved someone’s life after they got into an accident driving drunk. I had nightmares for months.

27. My dream is to run a marathon someday.

28. I had tongue surgery.

29. I could eat cereal for every meal.

30. I haven’t been in a swimming pool in 5+ years. (Or lake, water park, ocean…)

Thirty something... FACTS

As most of you know… I’m turning THIRTY in a few weeks. I am actually having a really rough time coming to the realization that I will no longer be in my TWENTY’S. Usually I LOVE my birthday. I like to celebrate all week long! This time I kind of want to sleep right through it. To be completely honest, I wouldn’t mind being 29 for a few more years. For the next few blog posts, I am going to be doing “30 something” blog topics.

To start us off I’m going to be listing 30 facts about me:  

1. I met my husband at the bar. (I told him that night I was going to marry him.)

2. We got married less than 6 months later.

3. I have only blow dried my hair twice in over 2 years.

4. I rarely brush my hair.

5. I only finish about ONE book a year.

6. I have my husband’s name tattooed on my wrist.

7. No, I don’t regret #6.

8. I LOVE soda. Yes, I know it can kill you. (I’ve been soda free for 3 weeks now.)

9. I could stay in my house for weeks at a time. Maybe even months.

10. If I see a flat surface in my house I will stack junk on it.

11. I absolutely hate eating anything with NUTS. (Except peanuts)

12. I have never had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

13. I think marijuana should be legalized.

14. I use to be a Budweiser girl.

15. I am a TV addict. (Seriously, I have seen almost every.single.show.)

16. I have never broken a bone. (I hope this isn’t jinxing me.)

17. I sang acappella at my dad’s funeral.

18. I was born in Colorado, but always say I’m from TX.

19. I’m a CphT. (Certified Pharmacy Technician)

20. I could sleep ALL day long.

21. If I really love a movie, I will watch it 2-3 times in a row.

22. I was sexually harassed in college by my professor. When I came forward so did several other students and teachers.

23. I have to make a list for everything… even though I NEVER complete them.

24. I am obsessed with Christmas.

25. I never went to Prom.

26. I saved someone’s life after they got into an accident driving drunk. I had nightmares for months.

27. My dream is to run a marathon someday.

28. I had tongue surgery.

29. I could eat cereal for every meal.

30. I haven’t been in a swimming pool in 5+ years. (Or lake, water park, ocean…)

Three years and counting.

Yesterday was Logan's 3rd Birthday... and today was his party.  We celebrated with so many people that have influenced our lives while living in Korea. Even though we are away from family, they made his day so very special.  Everyone I invited came. It was crazy. At least 40 people.  Even with that many people in a tiny Korean apartment... it still felt perfect.

I teared up (pregnancy hormones) a few times from seeing so much love!  The books were amazing. We will forever cherish them. Logan will get to hear me tell him stories from this party. The toys were great too. The homemade gifts were so thoughtful!

It was surreal looking at everyone and thinking about how we met.  (This isn't in any particular order)

The Tabbs (6)- I bought clothes from Bek off the flea market when we first got here. She was (still is) such a refreshing soul. So full of LOVE. A Flintstones vitamin and piece of gum means more to me then she'll ever know! Now in our SEPT Club.

Sheila- Oh my crafty, crafty goddess.... I envy her craft room!  She is so straightforward and honest. She has opened my eyes to so many worlds of crafting and I love her for that! I hope she gets her Kitchen Aid Mixer...

Allie- I found her on the flea market... and I'm so glad I contacted her.  She helps take stress off my shoulders by giving us a clean home while being so sweet! I love getting to chat with her when she comes to visit! Logan loves her too!

Brittney (&Carson)- My hometown girl! She is from Texas... only an hour from where I'm from.  When I'm around her I just feel at home. She is also in the SEPT (well, Aug...but close enough) club.

Sheleah (&Ro)- Oh Sheleah... My most opinionated friend. This is one trait about her that I wouldn't trade for the world! She knows who she is which is more than most! Not to mention that sweet baby girl of hers! I remember meeting her and Mike at the park walking our dogs. That's when I had that awful beagle for a week! Ahh! She started the SEPT club! We even got the results together AND ultrasound :)

Krystal (Hails & Jessie)- The Todds. I met Jesse first! He was so excited for Krystal to finally get to Korea and for the birth of Hailey.  Now they are waiting on baby girl #2. It's a recruiting kind of love for us both!

Tara (Dejay, Destiny &Dallas)- Met her on FB and I am so thankful I did.  She shares her kiddo with me twice a week. He is so wonderful. Quiet but known.  She swears he acts up at home...  but I don't believe it! Her other kiddos are just as sweet!  Dallas reminds me of my little brother! Every time I look at him "Ryan" flashes in my mind. Destiny is so polite.  She is always telling me what a great job I do! Who can't love a sweet spirited girl! Tara is so dependable and seriously needs to come to Carson! I would truly enjoy a few more years getting to hang out!

Shay (Maddox & Cameron)- We met through Tara. Maddox is only a few days older than Logan. Maddox use to hate coming to my house... now... he loves it. Always brings a little toy with him. Shay has my back. She makes me laugh everyday. I enjoy her company. We need to have a Valentine's Day Craft Sessions!   She introduced me to Racheal! Such a great group of girls!

Chelsea (Jayden)- I went to high school with her hubby. I know that doesn't automatically makes us friends... but it sure made it easier to meet her! She has been a lifeline... in so many ways. I could type all day about her and Jayden. Mark too! We have spent almost every holiday together since being here! Love them!

Saralynn (Family of 8)- SUCH a sweet spirit. Her whole family is. All 8 of them. They have helped me move furniture, walked my dog, watched my dog, let me play a special role in their Christmas... She has opened her ears for me... let me cry... Found out I was a "2." She is and will always be special to me!!

Erika (THE Decker's)- Not sure why we always refer to them... even if it's just her... as one! :)  We have LOTS in common. Busy schedules but I see a change in our hangout pattern.  Her family really came through for Logan's birthday. It made me feel so fortunate! And Mikey.... Holy Moly he is growing up so fast!  Did I mention her hubby is a Ranger fan? James approves!!

Rouzer (JR)- Oh this girl. We met on a FB group before we moved to Korea. I remember counting down with her.  She hates pancakes... which I think isn't normal but she is just amazing. Tiny in size... but the times we have gotten together she leaves a huge impact.

Audrey and Kim (Maya & Trevor)- They don't live together but almost every time I've seen them they are together! I love their friendship and their kids! They were my first kiddos when I started having play dates.  Maya has always given me a run for my money and Trevor has grown into this little man! I can't believe they are both leaving!!!

Cassie (&Bella)-  My Southern belle.  So sweet.... I love Bella too. Makes me smile that Bella would rather play with dinosaurs when she is at my house and calls Logan, Lego.  She stands up for God and that is my favorite thing about her!  Not to mention she is ALWAYS dressed to the T.... Arabella too!




Pictures to come! LOTS of pictures!

Three years and counting.

Yesterday was Logan's 3rd Birthday... and today was his party.  We celebrated with so many people that have influenced our lives while living in Korea. Even though we are away from family, they made his day so very special.  Everyone I invited came. It was crazy. At least 40 people.  Even with that many people in a tiny Korean apartment... it still felt perfect.

I teared up (pregnancy hormones) a few times from seeing so much love!  The books were amazing. We will forever cherish them. Logan will get to hear me tell him stories from this party. The toys were great too. The homemade gifts were so thoughtful!

It was surreal looking at everyone and thinking about how we met.  (This isn't in any particular order)

The Tabbs (6)- I bought clothes from Bek off the flea market when we first got here. She was (still is) such a refreshing soul. So full of LOVE. A Flintstones vitamin and piece of gum means more to me then she'll ever know! Now in our SEPT Club.

Sheila- Oh my crafty, crafty goddess.... I envy her craft room!  She is so straightforward and honest. She has opened my eyes to so many worlds of crafting and I love her for that! I hope she gets her Kitchen Aid Mixer...

Allie- I found her on the flea market... and I'm so glad I contacted her.  She helps take stress off my shoulders by giving us a clean home while being so sweet! I love getting to chat with her when she comes to visit! Logan loves her too!

Brittney (&Carson)- My hometown girl! She is from Texas... only an hour from where I'm from.  When I'm around her I just feel at home. She is also in the SEPT (well, Aug...but close enough) club.

Sheleah (&Ro)- Oh Sheleah... My most opinionated friend. This is one trait about her that I wouldn't trade for the world! She knows who she is which is more than most! Not to mention that sweet baby girl of hers! I remember meeting her and Mike at the park walking our dogs. That's when I had that awful beagle for a week! Ahh! She started the SEPT club! We even got the results together AND ultrasound :)

Krystal (Hails & Jessie)- The Todds. I met Jesse first! He was so excited for Krystal to finally get to Korea and for the birth of Hailey.  Now they are waiting on baby girl #2. It's a recruiting kind of love for us both!

Tara (Dejay, Destiny &Dallas)- Met her on FB and I am so thankful I did.  She shares her kiddo with me twice a week. He is so wonderful. Quiet but known.  She swears he acts up at home...  but I don't believe it! Her other kiddos are just as sweet!  Dallas reminds me of my little brother! Every time I look at him "Ryan" flashes in my mind. Destiny is so polite.  She is always telling me what a great job I do! Who can't love a sweet spirited girl! Tara is so dependable and seriously needs to come to Carson! I would truly enjoy a few more years getting to hang out!

Shay (Maddox & Cameron)- We met through Tara. Maddox is only a few days older than Logan. Maddox use to hate coming to my house... now... he loves it. Always brings a little toy with him. Shay has my back. She makes me laugh everyday. I enjoy her company. We need to have a Valentine's Day Craft Sessions!   She introduced me to Racheal! Such a great group of girls!

Chelsea (Jayden)- I went to high school with her hubby. I know that doesn't automatically makes us friends... but it sure made it easier to meet her! She has been a lifeline... in so many ways. I could type all day about her and Jayden. Mark too! We have spent almost every holiday together since being here! Love them!

Saralynn (Family of 8)- SUCH a sweet spirit. Her whole family is. All 8 of them. They have helped me move furniture, walked my dog, watched my dog, let me play a special role in their Christmas... She has opened her ears for me... let me cry... Found out I was a "2." She is and will always be special to me!!

Erika (THE Decker's)- Not sure why we always refer to them... even if it's just her... as one! :)  We have LOTS in common. Busy schedules but I see a change in our hangout pattern.  Her family really came through for Logan's birthday. It made me feel so fortunate! And Mikey.... Holy Moly he is growing up so fast!  Did I mention her hubby is a Ranger fan? James approves!!

Rouzer (JR)- Oh this girl. We met on a FB group before we moved to Korea. I remember counting down with her.  She hates pancakes... which I think isn't normal but she is just amazing. Tiny in size... but the times we have gotten together she leaves a huge impact.

Audrey and Kim (Maya & Trevor)- They don't live together but almost every time I've seen them they are together! I love their friendship and their kids! They were my first kiddos when I started having play dates.  Maya has always given me a run for my money and Trevor has grown into this little man! I can't believe they are both leaving!!!

Cassie (&Bella)-  My Southern belle.  So sweet.... I love Bella too. Makes me smile that Bella would rather play with dinosaurs when she is at my house and calls Logan, Lego.  She stands up for God and that is my favorite thing about her!  Not to mention she is ALWAYS dressed to the T.... Arabella too!




Pictures to come! LOTS of pictures!

21 and counting...

I know your probably thinking that we should have less than 21 weeks, but I had originally hoped to leave a little early.  Now we are officially on the correct countdown...not the hopeful one. I'm actually ok with either as long as we're counting down.

I can't believe January is halfway over. Where did it go?

What might have made the time go by quick:

I've been planning Logan's party.  If I added up all the time I've spent making things (sounds way better than adding up the money I've spent) I'm at 30 hrs at least.  Each day I sit down and do 2-4 hrs of creating.  Some say I'm crazy.  I just say I'm able. If I'm able to do this (spend the money, craft, create, brainstorm, add some extra joy to my kiddo and all his friends lives for just a few hours.... WHY NOT?  I even have a photographer coming so I don't have to worry about getting pictures!

I'm still pregnant.. :)  We are going on 6 weeks now.  Tomorrow I'm getting an ultrasound which is pretty exciting.  An ultrasound at a Korean Hospital... should be interesting!

I think it's a girl.  Not only does my guts say so too but I peed on baking soda... NO Fizz = GIRL... and I did the wedding ring on the thread.... it went in circles = GIRL.  I think logically this all means I'm having a girl!  (A mama can hope!)

Looking at houses.... Oh, I can't wait to be in Colorado!

Selling stuff and packing... Yes, it's early but who cares!

AND I started a BUNCO group!  The ladies are fantastic... so much fun. I couldn't pick a better group(even though I DID pick them). I love watching all the little relationships I've made along my Korean journey mesh into one night of ladies only and gambling.  I have yet to win, but the excitement on my friends faces when they do is just as fun!

Another fun update y'all are dying to know... My list of 24 places I want to visit before we go back to the US... Let's just say.... ummm.... We have yet to go anywhere! It's been in the 20's.  Anyone who knows me.... knows I HATE the cold! (Maybe Spring?)

Anywho... Just wanted to write before my head hit the pillow.  I have so much to be thankful.  I'm blessed. God sure did put me on an incredible journey. I'll write again next week when I debut Logan's Party.  I have had a few people ask me to blog about it so I've been taking pictures along the way. Dr. Seuss overload! 

In closing... I wanted to post this awesome article I found about Dr. Seuss and his books.  Maybe this is why I love all of his work so much and will always share it over and over with my kiddos!

It's long BUT worth the read!

21 Lessons Learned from Dr. SeussThere are so many great lessons from Dr. Seuss. Each of his book is such a treasure trove of ideas and actions for a better life. What I did here is boil down a set of 21 lessons that highlight his key themes across his works and quotes:

1. Be a thinker of great things. Dr. Seuss teaches us, “Oh, the things you can think up if only you try!”
2. Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it. Sometimes you just don’t know what you’ve got until after it’s gone. In Bartholomew and the Ooblek, King Didd got what he wished for, but the sticky Ooblek goo was worse than the fog, snow, sunshine, and rain that it replaced. The King quickly wanted his old weather back and he learned to appreciate it.
3. Be your best you. In the words of Dr. Seuss, “There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Make the most of what you’ve got. In Yertle the Turtle, we see “feather envy” and it’s a gentle reminder to be careful what you wish for and appreciate what you’ve got.
4. Bend your world in wonderful ways. Nobody bends it like the Cat in the Hat. From the metaphors you use, to the thinks that you think, you can shape your world that’s right in front of you.
5. Don’t put yourself in a box. You’re only limited by your own imagination. The Cat in the Hat teaches us how to let our imaginations run wild.
6. Don’t waste your time worrying who’s better than who. In Yertle the Turtle, Dr. Seuss teaches us that “You have better things to do than argue who’s better than who.”
7. Dream it and do it. You can move mountains when you put your mind to it. Direct your life like a blockbuster and make things happen.
8. Edutainment wins over boring and ho-hum. With whacky words, wondrous worlds, and fantastical characters, Dr. Seuss taught us the edutainment is how you change a child’s life. Reading is only boring if you make it so.
9. Kindle your curiosity. Keep your mind open and your eyes peeled. Stay curious and follow your growth.
10. Life happens in moments at a time. Don’t miss out on life by tuning out the little things along the way.
11. Own your fun. There’s more to do than play in the rain. When you’re bored, you’re boring. The Cat in the Hat teaches us to be the maker of our own fun. Make each day your own special blend of whatever it is that best floats your boat.
12. Play at your day. You can play at your day, in every way.
13. Persistence pays off. Be relentless in your pursuit of things. In Green Eggs and Ham, it was through persistence that Sam-I-Am finally got the unnamed character to try the green eggs and ham. In real life, Dr. Seuss’s first children’s book, And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, was rejected 27 times before being published by Vanguard Press.
14. Treat people fairly and squarely. In The Sneetches and Other Stories, Dr. Seuss shows us that we can’t judge people by their lot in life or whether they have a star on their belly. In Yertle the Turtle, it’s a reminder not to climb over people on your way to the top, because they’re same people you’ll see on your way back down.
15. Try it … you just might like it. In Green Eggs and Ham, when the unnamed character was surprised to find out that he actually likes green eggs and ham once he tried them. You just never know until you try.
16. Saying you’re sorry can help make things right. In Bartholomew and the Oobleck, when the king finally said the magic words, “I’m sorry,” and “it’s all my fault,” he helped make things right again.
17. See the bright side of things. It’s a great day for up, when you can see the sunny side of things. Sure sometimes you’ll have to work at it, but positivity is a skill. Do it daily.
18. Setbacks happen. Deal with them and move on. Make trouble think twice about messing with you.
19. Some people are much more unlucky than you. When you’re down in the dumps and things get real bad, remind yourself that somewhere, somehow, someway … somebody is much “more unlucky than you.”
20. Success is a journey and we all have our own paths. Make your journey count. Don’t let fear stop you. Don’t let conventional wisdom stop you. Lead the life you want to live, and when there’s no path, make one.
21. Your voice counts. In Horton Hears a Who, Dr. Seuss shows us how one little voice can tip the scale … after all, “A person’s a person, no matter how small.”

21 and counting...

I know your probably thinking that we should have less than 21 weeks, but I had originally hoped to leave a little early.  Now we are officially on the correct countdown...not the hopeful one. I'm actually ok with either as long as we're counting down.

I can't believe January is halfway over. Where did it go?

What might have made the time go by quick:

I've been planning Logan's party.  If I added up all the time I've spent making things (sounds way better than adding up the money I've spent) I'm at 30 hrs at least.  Each day I sit down and do 2-4 hrs of creating.  Some say I'm crazy.  I just say I'm able. If I'm able to do this (spend the money, craft, create, brainstorm, add some extra joy to my kiddo and all his friends lives for just a few hours.... WHY NOT?  I even have a photographer coming so I don't have to worry about getting pictures!

I'm still pregnant.. :)  We are going on 6 weeks now.  Tomorrow I'm getting an ultrasound which is pretty exciting.  An ultrasound at a Korean Hospital... should be interesting!

I think it's a girl.  Not only does my guts say so too but I peed on baking soda... NO Fizz = GIRL... and I did the wedding ring on the thread.... it went in circles = GIRL.  I think logically this all means I'm having a girl!  (A mama can hope!)

Looking at houses.... Oh, I can't wait to be in Colorado!

Selling stuff and packing... Yes, it's early but who cares!

AND I started a BUNCO group!  The ladies are fantastic... so much fun. I couldn't pick a better group(even though I DID pick them). I love watching all the little relationships I've made along my Korean journey mesh into one night of ladies only and gambling.  I have yet to win, but the excitement on my friends faces when they do is just as fun!

Another fun update y'all are dying to know... My list of 24 places I want to visit before we go back to the US... Let's just say.... ummm.... We have yet to go anywhere! It's been in the 20's.  Anyone who knows me.... knows I HATE the cold! (Maybe Spring?)

Anywho... Just wanted to write before my head hit the pillow.  I have so much to be thankful.  I'm blessed. God sure did put me on an incredible journey. I'll write again next week when I debut Logan's Party.  I have had a few people ask me to blog about it so I've been taking pictures along the way. Dr. Seuss overload! 

In closing... I wanted to post this awesome article I found about Dr. Seuss and his books.  Maybe this is why I love all of his work so much and will always share it over and over with my kiddos!

It's long BUT worth the read!

21 Lessons Learned from Dr. SeussThere are so many great lessons from Dr. Seuss. Each of his book is such a treasure trove of ideas and actions for a better life. What I did here is boil down a set of 21 lessons that highlight his key themes across his works and quotes:

1. Be a thinker of great things. Dr. Seuss teaches us, “Oh, the things you can think up if only you try!”
2. Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it. Sometimes you just don’t know what you’ve got until after it’s gone. In Bartholomew and the Ooblek, King Didd got what he wished for, but the sticky Ooblek goo was worse than the fog, snow, sunshine, and rain that it replaced. The King quickly wanted his old weather back and he learned to appreciate it.
3. Be your best you. In the words of Dr. Seuss, “There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Make the most of what you’ve got. In Yertle the Turtle, we see “feather envy” and it’s a gentle reminder to be careful what you wish for and appreciate what you’ve got.
4. Bend your world in wonderful ways. Nobody bends it like the Cat in the Hat. From the metaphors you use, to the thinks that you think, you can shape your world that’s right in front of you.
5. Don’t put yourself in a box. You’re only limited by your own imagination. The Cat in the Hat teaches us how to let our imaginations run wild.
6. Don’t waste your time worrying who’s better than who. In Yertle the Turtle, Dr. Seuss teaches us that “You have better things to do than argue who’s better than who.”
7. Dream it and do it. You can move mountains when you put your mind to it. Direct your life like a blockbuster and make things happen.
8. Edutainment wins over boring and ho-hum. With whacky words, wondrous worlds, and fantastical characters, Dr. Seuss taught us the edutainment is how you change a child’s life. Reading is only boring if you make it so.
9. Kindle your curiosity. Keep your mind open and your eyes peeled. Stay curious and follow your growth.
10. Life happens in moments at a time. Don’t miss out on life by tuning out the little things along the way.
11. Own your fun. There’s more to do than play in the rain. When you’re bored, you’re boring. The Cat in the Hat teaches us to be the maker of our own fun. Make each day your own special blend of whatever it is that best floats your boat.
12. Play at your day. You can play at your day, in every way.
13. Persistence pays off. Be relentless in your pursuit of things. In Green Eggs and Ham, it was through persistence that Sam-I-Am finally got the unnamed character to try the green eggs and ham. In real life, Dr. Seuss’s first children’s book, And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, was rejected 27 times before being published by Vanguard Press.
14. Treat people fairly and squarely. In The Sneetches and Other Stories, Dr. Seuss shows us that we can’t judge people by their lot in life or whether they have a star on their belly. In Yertle the Turtle, it’s a reminder not to climb over people on your way to the top, because they’re same people you’ll see on your way back down.
15. Try it … you just might like it. In Green Eggs and Ham, when the unnamed character was surprised to find out that he actually likes green eggs and ham once he tried them. You just never know until you try.
16. Saying you’re sorry can help make things right. In Bartholomew and the Oobleck, when the king finally said the magic words, “I’m sorry,” and “it’s all my fault,” he helped make things right again.
17. See the bright side of things. It’s a great day for up, when you can see the sunny side of things. Sure sometimes you’ll have to work at it, but positivity is a skill. Do it daily.
18. Setbacks happen. Deal with them and move on. Make trouble think twice about messing with you.
19. Some people are much more unlucky than you. When you’re down in the dumps and things get real bad, remind yourself that somewhere, somehow, someway … somebody is much “more unlucky than you.”
20. Success is a journey and we all have our own paths. Make your journey count. Don’t let fear stop you. Don’t let conventional wisdom stop you. Lead the life you want to live, and when there’s no path, make one.
21. Your voice counts. In Horton Hears a Who, Dr. Seuss shows us how one little voice can tip the scale … after all, “A person’s a person, no matter how small.”