Playing catchup

So I skipped six months of this year. And it's been a fun one! So here I go playing catchup.
Our big event this year was Disney World! Woohoo! In May the four of us, along with my parents, took a trip to the Mouse's house! I hadn't been to Disney since I was fifteen (that was seventeen years ago!) and Lee hadn't been in about fifteen years. So, it had changed a lot for both of us.
Let me just tell you something about being at Disney. Walking into the park is like magic. Each. And. Every. Time. The happiness that flooded my heart was unexplainable. The look on my kid's faces was priceless. And watching everyone else watch them made it even better. It truly is the happiest place on Earth.
























( I love this photo bomb by my hubbie! It makes me laugh!! I didn't even notice when I took the picture)

We spent one and a half days in the Magic Kingdom and the rest of day two at Epcot. I have an Uncle, Aunt and cousin that live in Tampa, so they drove up and spent the evening at Epcot with us. I was happy that they got to come up and spend time with us:). We get to see them about once or twice a year if we're lucky.

The third day we went to Sea World which we all enjoyed because we love animals. The shows were amazing, but we stayed just half of the day because Reese had had enough. We went back to the hotel, napped, then hit the pool.









We had lots of fun, ate lots of yummy food and needed a vacation when we got home:)


I have to share this, too from the other day. I truly have the most tender hearted son. (With the biggest sweet tooth). The other day at lunch he was eating a brownie and declared the the top 5 important things are God/Jesus, Mary (because she was Jesus' mom, Mom!), his family, donuts and brownies. I'm just glad we made the list. Oh, to be an eight year old again!

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Inspired

This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend an amazing event for women called "The Heart Retreat".  It started as a dream for one woman and she made it a reality.  She desired for a way for women to get together and feel the love and encouragement the Holy Spirit provides within us.  A way to connect and worship God.
You can read about it here.

To be honest, I really wasn't sure I was going to go. I had signed up to go and teach a class, but after the week we had last week, I just didn't know if it was a good idea.  Rylee was sick with influenza B and we all were sleep deprived. I had already taken off work and prayed about whether or not I should go.  Having talked with Lee about it, I decided that I would go. I had already committed to teaching a class and driving my roommates. So I went.

It's funny how things work out the way that there are supposed to. Even though I was stressed to leave my family for two days (I tend to overreact quite a bit), it was well worth it.  I learned so many things abut myself and made some new friendships that I know will last a lifetime. The women that I got to spend time with this weekend were fantastic! I became inspired. Inspired to be a better wife, mother and friend. But most importantly, I am inspired to be a better follower of Christ. I know that there will be many stumbles and falls, but I know that He will always forgive me. I know that He will always be there for me.

I am so thankful for my husband supporting me to go. I am also thankful that my dear boss let me take off and telling me that my relationship with Christ is first. And I am thankful for these women. The women that put this event on, the ones I met and the special ones that will remain a constant in my life.

I am inspired:).

P.S. Thank you Betsy for the inspiration to blog again:)

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Three

I can't believe that my baby is 3. Where has the time gone? It feels just like yesterday I was in labor watching the Cardinals opening day on tv and looking out the window to see the flurries falling to the ground. And here we are three years later with a beautiful healthy little girl who totally adores her handsome big brother. God has truly blessed us!













Happy third birthday sweet Reesie!
We love you so very much!

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Gratitude

Yes, I am still here. Haha! I know that it has been awhile, but I still love this blog:)
Things have been crazy busy and I am trying super hard to achieve balance in my life. More on that later...

Today, though, I want to talk about gratitude. It seems so simple to have gratitude. I feel like I am a grateful person but I feel like I need to dig deeper. The world has become such a negative place. Just turn the news on or read your newsfeed on Facebook. I mean really. How many people out of ten are complaining about something? I know that everything isn't all sunshine and roses, but I think we as a society need to stop and thank God for the little things in our lives. Seriously think about it. What if every day we wrote down ten things that we are grateful for? They could be big or small. Personally I like to think about the small things because the big things are always the most obvious. For instance, I am thankful for the marks the vacuum leaves in the carpet. I know it's silly, but they make me happy! And even though I see them for only five minutes, I am also thankful that they go away, because it means I have two beautiful children that love to run and play:)

When I get down about something my dad always has told me to think about my life and the wonderful things in it. That no matter how bad you think that you have it, there is always someone worse off. Life is more than just stuff. It is about God's love for us. It is so easy to dwell on the negative! Believe me, I have partaken in the dwelling for so long. One bad thing happens and It's like a domino effect. When it rains, it pours, right? But what if we thought about it the other way. What if we didn't let that one thing affect us negatively just once? Then how would our day turn out? Just try it. Now I know there is reality and there are some things that affect us more deeply than others and are harder to pull out of. I'm not talking about those. This is different.

For instance, I got pulled over yesterday for speeding. Yes, I was guilty, but the last thing I wanted was to be sitting on the side of the road, embarrassed and late for work. But instead of letting it ruin my day, I realized that it could have potentially saved me from an accident or worse. It was God's way of saying slow down.

So after all of this rambling, my point is this. I want to be more optimistic. I was to have more gratitude. Just think of the possibilities!
I know that everyone has bad days and I am not saying you can't or won't. I am just saying don't make all of them bad. Try to have more good days. I know I am trying to:)

Happy Wednesday! Spring is near!



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Happy Birthday Mama!

Thank you for always supporting me, being a fantastic mother and grandmother, and teaching me how to love unconditionally.  I love you so much Mom.  This one is for you:)

Training time

This year one of my many goals is to run a marathon. I have one in mind, but it's not until December. Why yes, I am crazy. Thank you for asking! So, in order to reach my goal I have to run a couple halfs before. So it has begun.

I love to run. But the first couple weeks of training makes me hate it! I am so mad at myself for not keeping up my running because I.am.hurting! Ugh. No fun. I have 14 weeks to get this old body going and ready for my first half marathon of the year! Woohoo!!
Wish me luck:)







(Thank you pinterest for the many awesome pins for motivation! I am truly obsessed.)

What are your new year's goals?

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Peace

Happy new year to all!  I hope everyone had a great time ringing in the new year.  My husband and three other couples spent the evening together and had so much fun!  I am thankful for such great friends. :)

So yesterday I promised to share the story of the fantastic ending to my 2011.  I tend to get windy when I tell stories so I apologize! Lol

I have to give you some back story first.  I belong to a women's bible study.  I attend it every Wednesday morning and it is so good for my soul.  In the fall this year we had a speaker come in and talk about her life.  Her name is Heather Gilion and she grew up here right in good ole JC.  She and one of her sisters, Holly Snell wrote a book called "Dancing On My Ashes".  If you get a chance to read it, I highly recommend it.  You can find it here.  It's absolutely amazing and so inspiring. These woman and their family experienced unbelievable tragedy and found peace and understanding through God.  Anyway, their sister, Heidi and I went to high school together as did our husbands and she also happened to be there that day.  I hadn't seen Heidi in years so we were catching up on everything.  She and I are both hairstylists and we started talking about hair life.  She encouraged me to come meet her boss and the staff at the salon she works at.  I told her that I might and that was the end of that.  In all honesty, I really kind of blew her off.  I was not sure it was the right thing for me at the time, so I pushed it to the back of my mind.  But, God had a plan.

For some time, even before talking with Heidi, I wasn't sure that I was where I was supposed to be.  Do you ever have that feeling?  Like something is missing or you are in need of something and can't quite put your finger on it?  I felt like that.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE what I do.  Doing hair is so much fun and very much my love.  But, I was feeling like maybe that wasn't meant for me anymore.  I was stuck in a rut and constantly searching for something.  But what it was, I didn't know.  I was unhappy and grumbly and it was beginning to take a toll on my relationships at home.  So, I prayed.  I was looking everywhere else but should have gone to God first.  Then one morning in November after a discouraging week,  I woke up and the first thing I saw on my phone was a message from Heidi.  I hadn't talked to her in two months, and here she was again asking me to come meet and talk to her boss Catherine.  She said that she just kept thinking about me and to pray about it.  What she didn't know at that time was that God was using her to show me the way.  I immediately responded telling her I had been praying and set up a time to meet with Catherine the next week.  She and I talked for an hour and a half and I left there feeling inspired.  The next week I went in and showed her a haircut and style and that very day she asked me to be a part of her team.  I was amazed.  In a matter of a couple weeks, my life had changed.  But, I was afraid.  I had been at the other salon for 6 years.  I had many important relationships that I didn't want to lose.   I wanted to be respectful to them and not cause waves.  My foundation was built there.  I wouldn't be the stylist I was without them and I especially did not want any hard feelings.  And on top of everything, I was leaving at the beginning of December, right before Christmas.  It was so hard.  But, then I experienced something that I hadn't felt before.  And if I had, I hadn't paid attention.  I was at peace.  It was overwhelming and calming and amazing.  It was God's peace.  He had made the way for me.  He took the worry away and calmed my soul.  It was indescribable.    He took care of it all.  It was like the moment I started there I was a part of their family.  I felt like I could be myself and grow in ways I hadn't before.  And the happiness is incredible.  I believe that God lead me to this incredible staff.  He gave me these women of Christ as role models and to help me on my journey.  I believe that we all need change in our lives and places where we can grow.  That is how we become better people.  God knew what I needed even when I didn't.  There are no coincidences in our lives.  It's Him every time.  And then in itself is a fantastic gift!!

So tell me, have you expereinced God's peace?

Goodbye 2011

Tonight is the night we say farewell to 2011 and make our new hopes and dreams for 2012. This past year has been full of ups and downs and I am very optimistic that 2012 is going to be a great year!! I can just feel it!

I love this time of year. Having calmed down from the hustle and bustle of the holidays, January ushers in a time for turning a new leaf and starting fresh. I am looking forward to cleaning out closets and getting organized (insert my husband laughing). Well, at least I'll be trying! And the blog, well I've neglected it long enough!

I have so many hopes for the coming year. God has truly blessed my family. The end of 2011 has turned out to be fantastic. I can't wait to share the amazing story about the great gift God has given me! But for now I wish you all a very happy new year! Thank you for following along on the bumpy ride. Cheers to a happy and healthy 2012:)

Xoxo, Missy







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Well hello there!

I know I know it's been awhile. I'm so bad about it. It's time to get the train back on the tracks. So much has happened in the past few weeks. As we speak, I am in the car coming home from a trip to Minnesota. But, more on that later. I have been a bit obsessed with pinterest and have had to dial myself back! It's so addicting!! It's easy for me considering I have an obsessive personality. I am easily drawn in. Lol!
The biggest event that has happened in the past month has been the newest addition to our family, Gunner.





This was the day we got him:). He is a Bernese Mountain Dog and has completely won our hearts! He is like a new baby and we had some sleepless nights in the beginning. But, it is all worth it!! He is going to be a big boy! He was 14 lbs at 6 weeks and 28 at 9 1/2! Wow!



We love him dearly! Such a cute little Gun-bunnie. :)

I have so much more to tell but I'm so tired and ready to get home!! It's been a long weekend.

More tomorrow!

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Happy Friday!!!

So, I have a lot of new stuff to share, but don't have the time just yet.  But, I wanted to say Happy Friday and share some things that made me happy this morning:)

Hope you have a great day!



And yummy...it's pumpkin spice latte time!!!

Remembering 9/11

Everyone who was old enough remembers exactly where they were when our nation was attacked on that Tuesday in 2001. It feels like just yesterday.
Today we remember all of the lives that were lost on that terrible day. The amount of courage and true love for others shines through in their memory.

May God bless our country.







We will never forget.

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Happy anniversary!!!

Happy anniversary to my wonderful mom and pop!! I am so very thankful to have you as my parents. Thank you for being an amazing inspiration and showing me that laughter is such an important part of a marriage!

We love you so much!!



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A kind word

I got the most kind message from a girl I have known for years. She has lost over 100 pounds in the last year and looks amazing. She is an incredible inspiration and watching her transformation has been awesome!

This is what she said to me:
"You are not only an inspiration to me but also such an uplifting encourager whenever I need it! Thanks for who you are in my life and all the others that you bless!"

I was blown away! I told her I didn't know what I did to deserve such kind words and she told me that in her prayer time, God told her I needed encouragement and for her to tell me how she felt. Wow, huh?

And then I got a text from my hubby that said he just wanted me to know how much he loved me and how special I am to all of them. Wow times 2!

So my point of this post is not to toot my own horn, but to show you that a kind word can go a long way! Too much when we think nice things about our loved ones, we don't tell them. But let me tell you-you should! Just by saying something kind, you can completely change a person's day. Because it did mine:).

On another note, if you haven't seen "The Help" yet, I highly recommend seeing it! I read the book, (which I think you should do first, but if you aren't a reader I understand...lol) and it was amazing. I am really happy with the way the movie turned out. It has such an incredible message and teaches about being kind and fair. It really is an amazing book and movie.




Have a great end of the week and say something kind to someone:).

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Goodbye sweet Pootie

Today was a rough day for the Holmes family. Slowly we had noticed our sweet pup Alex had been losing weight and this weekend we noticed she really wasn't acting herself. So I called our vet and took her in yesterday. He ran a blood panel and the results came back today and we learned that she had cancer. He said that she had a massive growth in her abdomen. So, we made the decision to put her down. It was such a hard decision but we knew we didn't want her to suffer.
I'll never forget the day we got her. Lee wanted a golden retriever and went to look at puppies. He said that they were all so sweet and just couldn't decide. As he walked away, our sweet little pup jumped on the fence and started barking at him. And she came home with him and barked every day after! When I got off of work that evening, there she was laying on the floor like a little bundle of love! She was honestly the sweetest dog anyone could have. She was our first baby as a young couple. And she was so good to us. She loved our kids like a mother and she will be forever missed!









We love you pooster broost! You will be forever in our hearts!

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What a week

It was one of those weeks. And I'm so glad it's over. I am so easily discouraged and this week really brought me down. I hate (I know...strong word) that I am like this. Discouragement is the devil's playground!! In retrospect I always ask myself why I expect someone to be who they're not. It's hard to understand why some people just don't have compassion or feel like I do. But they aren't me and I have to continue to tell myself that.
I was talking with Lee on Friday and I was having a rough time. He is so understanding and encouraging to me and I am so thankful for that. He said to me "why don't you stop worrying about what you don't have and start focusing on what you do!". And that really opened my eyes. I must admit that I easily slip into a negative rut. I certainly don't want to be this way, but I am. I look at the negative aspect more than the positive and it's something I want so much to change. It makes me sound like I am ungrateful and that's the farthest from the truth! But sometimes the perception can show differently than how I feel.
I don't know why I have always sought the approval of others and cared about what people think of me. I'm always seeking positive reenforcement and when I don't receive it I get in a funk. You know the funny think is is that deep down I KNOW that what I do is my best! I love deeply and with all of my heart and soul. I AM good enough for those who matter to me. I just have to start believing in me.
I know that I am a work in progress and that's ok. I am so grateful for the family and true friends that support me and truly love me for me:) I am so very thankful for them!



I've had this for about 4 years. I got it as a reminder everyday to believe in myself. I just need to remember to do it:)

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Pinterest

Anyone else addicted?? I'm gonna need a pintervention.

More blogging tomorrow. Off to pinterest I come. Although I did actually craft today:). Woohoo!!

PS: if you need an invite, just leave me a comment or send me an email with your email address. I am warning you though, it is super addicting!!:)

Or follow me here:
http://pinterest.com/foursweetholmes/




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I {heart} duct tape!

Today I had the cutest little client in the salon and she had the most darling zebra purse that her friend made for her. And guess what! It was made with duct tape!
Whaaaaatttt you say?
Yes, duct tape and guess what else. I must have one!
So I came home tonight and got out my turquoise duct tape I bought last week and went to YouTube. And I made myself a wallet. With a latch. And a bow. And if I had packing tape (which I probably do somewhere) I would have put a little see through window in it too. I am sooo getting some more fun colors and mastering the art of duct tape!!







Sorry the pictures aren't that great but I'm tired!:)

How fun is that??!!

Also, our friends had their baby girl today! Isn't she so sweet? She looks just like big sister Kenadie!:)



Happy birthday Bostyn!!:)


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First day of first grade!

I can't believe that another school year has begun. And that my baby is in first grade! It's amazing to me how so much changes in a year!






On top of the great first day he had, he lost his second tooth!!:)




I hope that all of you that have kids in school had a great first day back!!:)

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The Lazy song

That's my summer song. Well, minus the inappropriate lyrics. We slept in almost every day, went to the pool a ton and ate more ice cream than I'm willing to admit. I gained nearly 10 pounds and you know what? It was one of the best summers of my life. I spent some great quality time with my husband and kids and I am so very blessed to have been able to enjoy it.
With that being said, I am so ready for routine again. And with school starting this week, it is back to the swing of things!:). I feel like it's new years eve again, so I am going to make some resolutions to add to spending time with my family:)
No particular order.

1) Stop neglecting the blog! I know, I know I have said this before, but it's time to get back in the saddle. The truth is I LOVE to blog. I just gotta get back into doing it every night.

2) Get my hiney running. I am planning on doing another half marathon this December, so I gotta get serious about it. I actually have started running again. I just need to be consistent. And I want to lose about 40-50 pounds, so it's time to work hard! I'm lucky to have a friend who meets me at the Y. Thanks, Sarah W for the inspiration!!:)

3) Spend time in God's word every day. I read somewhere that if you read 20-30 minutes a day you can finish the gospels in one month. Pretty cool. I just need to make time. After all, He is the most important!!

4) Sew and craft more and open that etsy shop!! Just gotta do it!:)

I think that's enough for now. I'm a person who loves lists and making a schedule for myself. It's just sticking to it is the biggest thing:). And going to bed and getting up earlier! I'm such a night owl!
Anyway. Here's to day 1:)

We have open house Tonight so I'll post pictures later:)


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Bostyn's special picture

We had a weekend full of parties and I plan on posting about them later, but I wanted to post the canvas that I did for my friend Shelle's baby girl, Bostyn.  She is due to arrive at the end of August, but we all think that she will make her appearance early:)
I am just so excited about how great this turned out!  I wanted to get it on Pinterest.  You can follow my posts here.  And if you aren't on Pinterest, let me know and I will send you an invite!

So, here it is.  What do you all think???

The canvas:)

On the wall above her crib

I have done a canvas before and just used fabric, ribbon and mod podge, but this time I wanted to paint her name.  My mom is an incredible artist and she let me borrow her paint and gave me some pointers about acrylic.  I absolutely fell in love and can't wait to paint some more!!   And of course I had to add some buttons and ribbon to give it some flare because I love them so much!

I will post later about our busy weekend.  I hope that you all had a great one, too:)