Happy Thanksgiving

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In the midst of the hardest year of my life, I am reminded of my blessings.

I am so incredibly thankful for my family.  My wonderful husband, who has been there with me on my bad days and my really bad days.  For our Wingman, who is such a miracle and who brings joy to our lives every day.  And for our two precious babies, who I miss every day and who are giving thanks at the feet of Jesus today.  I can’t wait to praise Him together as a family one day in heaven.

Take a moment today to thank Him for some of your blessings!

-Bonnie

Mom’s Night Out

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It started in January when the base chapel was offering a movie night for Moms.  We watched Mom’s Night Out and they had tons of movie snacks and drinks.  It was a great night!!

So I thought….why stop there?  We should totally have a monthly Mom’s Night Out!  The next month, we started up our group and it has been so much fun and a great night out.

February – Favorite Things night!  I hosted a Favorite Things party, in which everyone had to bring their favorite snack to share as well as their favorite thing ($5 or under) for a gift exchange.  Each person brought 3 of their favorite things.  As everyone arrived, they wrote down their name on 3 pieces of paper and put it in the bowl.  When it came time for the exchange, everyone drew 3 papers and they are the people they would give their favorite things to.

I brought earrings from Gordman’s as my favorite thing.  It was kind of a 2 for 1, because I love earrings and I love Gordman’s.  Other favorite things that were brought were Eos chapstick, mascara, chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, cupcakes, Throat Coat tea, etc.

We also played the game What’s On Your Phone? (I took ideas like this from online and created my own) and a Guess the Favorite Song game.  I had created a playlist with everyone’s favorite songs and we guessed who had picked each song.

It was a wonderful evening and a great start to our Mom’s Night Out!!

March – The group went to see the new Cinderella movie!

April – Sip and Paint.  Several of us went to one of those places that teach you how to paint.  I was very nervous because I have just about zero artistic ability, but it was so fun and it’s true that they make it easy so that literally anyone can do it!  We painted a field of tulips and enjoyed half priced wine!

May – One of the ladies had been to this board game cafe and suggested it for one of our night’s out.  It was SO fun.  They have over 1,000 board games to choose from as well as a wide assortment of beverages to enjoy.  We played Apples to Apples, Farkle, and Marrying Mr. Darcy.  Seriously, such a great night.  I definitely think that this board game cafe will be featured again in one of our night’s out. 😉

June – This month we are going to get massages!!!  I am way too excited about this, because I have never had a real massage before.  We’ll be going to the local massage school so it’s at a discounted price.

What do you think?  What kinds of things have you done on ladies night?

-Bonnie

Social Media: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

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I am a big proponent of social media.  And by social media I mostly mean Facebook, as that is the main site that I use.

Can it be a time waster?  Sure.  And I have gone through spells of spending more time than I should playing games (Castleville anyone?) or just mindlessly clicking refresh on my notifications.

But to me the pros far outweigh the cons.

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On Facebook, I can stay connected with people.  People from eons ago in my past, people from the state I grew up in, people from the state I lived in for two years…and now people from my current state.  I am tremendously thankful for that.  Moving can be very difficult and even though the Internet is a poor substitute for face to face talking…..it can also be a lifesaver.

On Facebook, I have connected with some great groups.  Whether it’s people from my Norwex team, my amazing July First-Time Moms group, or my healthy eating group…..they have all been beneficial.  There are great ways online to meet new people and make friendships.  Honestly I don’t think people believe me when I tell them that the Moms on my Moms page (about 100 strangers) are my friends.  Amazing how you can form a bond with people you haven’t even met (although I have now met 2 of these lovely ladies in real life!).

I feel like Facebook/social media often gets a bad rap since it is just a time waster.  “Get off Facebook and go talk to someone face to face and make real connections.”  I totally get the sentiment, and I definitely do think that our society is way too plugged in these days.  However, used well, Facebook can be very helpful.

You can even use a site like prayrlist.com and pray through your Facebook friends list!  You can choose to pray for each friend weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually.  Great way to be intentional on social media.

Also check out Reach: How to Use your Social Media Influence for the Glory of God for more ideas on being intentional.  (As always, read the book and hold it up to Scripture!)

I may not have deep meaningful conversations with everyone on my friend’s list.  I might occasionally stalk do research on pages of people I haven’t seen in forever.  (Come on, I’m not the only stalker, am I?)  But I don’t think it’s necessary to go in-depth every single time you talk to someone….or with every single person on your friend’s list.  Facebook is designed to stay in touch with people and it has been so great for me!

What do you think?  What is your favorite social media platform?

-Bonnie

My Latest Obsession

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You guys.

Paparazzi Jewelry.

I am obsessed.

I was invited to a Facebook party with Paparazzi Jewelry and I was kind of confused and wasn’t really interested.  Then my friend signed up as a consultant and I attended one of her parties.  I was HOOKED.

All jewelry is $5.  Or less.  And the majority of the necklaces come with a matching pair of earrings.  Still for $5.

Here are a few of my favorite pieces…

Paparazzi Jewelry

Fun bracelet!

Paparazzi jewelry

These cute studs are technically for kids…
but hey!  I liked them!  And they were only $1!!

Paparazzi jewelry

These are earrings…but I couldn’t get my camera to cooperate
with me wearing them.  haha

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Favorite earrings from Paparazzi!


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My latest Paparazzi necklace that I love!

Paparazzi jewelry

Check out my friend’s Paparazzi site.  Like her Facebook page here to find out about her upcoming parties.  They are FUN, fast paced, and intense!

-Bonnie

Do Apps Help You or Just Waste Your Time?

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For almost anything technologically related, there seem to be two solid sides.  As for the app question….I know people who think apps are a waste of time.  And I know other people who have tons of apps and love them.

I for one am somewhat in the middle.  I’m not an “app person” and I don’t like downloading a lot of things.  There have been several, though, that have been really helpful.

So without further ado….my personal most used apps!

Apps

1.  Of course, there are the basics, like the Facebook and Gmail apps.  Those are pretty well known, so I won’t go into detail.

2.  Netflix.  This one can be both helpful or a time waster. 😉

3.  Timehop.  I love this app, as it shows you “this day in history” over your years on Facebook.  Want to know what you posted 5 years ago today?  This app will show you.  Great way to re-live memories. 🙂

4.  Google Keep.  I use this app for grocery shopping.  It’s an easy way to list out what you need to buy, and you can easily check things off at the store.

5. Walmart Savings Catcher.  Probably my most used savings app.  It’s super easy to use and you can earn money back.  Scan in your Walmart receipt, they will compare prices, and if lower prices are found, you get the difference!

6.  Ibotta.  Another good savings app.  These are basically rebates. Scroll through and find the things you are interested in.  Once you get home, scan the barcode on the rebate items, then scan the receipt in, and you will get money back.  (Want to sign up?  Consider using my referral code: iriiji )

7. Woman Log.  This is a fantastic way to track everything related to your cycle.  Great especially if you are TTC, but even if you are not, it’s a good way to keep tabs on everything.  There is a free version and also a paid version that offers a couple extra features.  This is the only app I have spent money on!  I love it.

So what do you think?  Are apps a time waster or are they helpful?  Which apps do you use most often?

-Bonnie

In Which I Became an Adult and Don’t Have to Please Everybody

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Legally I have been an adult for seven years.

Sometime in the past two years I have truly become an adult.

Life has literally flipped over.  In almost every way.  Much has come out to haunt me and plague my mind.  I have spent time wondering about much of my past.  I have many regrets about things that I was or was not able to do that affected how I was not really an adult sooner.

But the past is the past.  And honestly, the past has made me who I am today.  For that I am thankful.

I can’t put my finger on what it was that caused me to become an adult.  Obviously, getting married and having a baby served to catapult me into real adult life.  But  somewhere in between moving out of state, experiencing deep pain and emotional trauma, rethinking literally every thought that has come into my head, stripping away the old, tearing down preconceived ideas, learning what true Christianity is and so much more…..I became an adult.

One of the big changes is realizing that I do not have to please everyone.  Of course, I always knew that.  How many times have we all heard, “You can’t please everyone!”  I had put this burden on myself though.  I needed to obey and please everyone.  The right thing to do is to always concede to the other’s point of view (even if I argued my point, I “knew” I was wrong).  It would devastate me if I knew someone was disappointed in me.  I couldn’t bear the thought of letting people down.

But it is so true…..you cannot. please. everyone.  Nor should you.  I have come into my own and finally figured out some of who I am as a person and what I believe and think and feel.  Being an adult can also be quite alienating, as my beliefs and opinions are radically different from so many people.  In some ways, I am too liberal for the conservatives, and in other ways I am too conservative for the liberals.

My goal though is not to blend in.  My goal is not to go with the flow.  My goal is to honor the Lord and please Him.  My goal is to do what He has called me to do.  What He has called our family to do.

If that doesn’t look like anybody else, that is ok.  I don’t need to argue my point.  I don’t need to defer to others.  I don’t need to worry about offending people just because I am doing what I think is best.  I don’t even need people to understand my point of view.

It has been a hard journey.  But well worth it.  I am still learning how to own my beliefs and choices.  And I am know that while I must confidently own those decisions, I must not allow myself to become arrogant or self-righteous.

Life isn’t always what we would wish or hope for.  But we each have our unique, individual journeys.  Here we go on the start of a new chapter of mine!

-Bonnie

Happy New Year!

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Well, apparently it is now 2015!  I could fill this post with all the cliches about how quickly time passes, and how unbelievable it is that a new year is starting.  But while all that is insanely true, I will forego those points.

2014 was a crazy year for me.  Full of…a lot.  I have grown in some incredible ways that I never would have foreseen.  I have quite a few blog posts stored up that I am hoping to share.  My journey has been incredibly personal and I am hesitant to share some posts.  At the same time…this journey has defined me and made me who I am today.  And if anything I have to share could be of benefit to someone else, it makes it worth it to me.

So I ask that you bear with me this year as I open up and share some of what God has been teaching me.  Please extend grace toward my difficulties, which I feel are rarely talked about in the church.

I pray that this year will be one of great growth.  Continued growth for me spiritually and as an individual.  Growth for this blog (so excited to finally get my own domain and my new awesome theme!).  And I pray that some of my posts might be somehow used by God to bless and encourage a reader.

So Happy 2015!!  Embrace the changes that this year will bring in your life!

-Bonnie

101 in 1001

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I have seen these goal lists many times but I finally decided to make one of my own.  I always think of things that I would love to do “someday”…or there are things on my mental to do list that just never get done.  So here is a written list that I am putting on our blog for accountability.  I am excited to check things off!  I will keep this list as a tab at the top of our blog and will cross off items as I complete them.  If I blog about a specific item, I will also add the link to that post.

So…here are 101 goals to be completed in 1001 days!

Start date: June 16, 2014
End date: April 26, 2017

Food and Cooking:

1. Don’t eat out for a month.

2. Make a bone broth.

3. Make homemade taquitos.

4. Find 20 new side dishes to incorporate in family meals.

 

Health:

5. Work out at least 3 times a week for 2 months

6. Do a juice cleanse.

7. Participate in a mud or color run.

8. Find recipes for, make, and use at least 3 natural cleaners.

9. Drink 8 bottles of water a day for a week straight.

10. Do 30 push-ups and sit-ups a day for two weeks straight.

11. Run a mile in less than ten minutes without stopping.

12.   Run twice a week for a month straight.

13. Do a sugar cleanse.

14. Complete the 30 Day Shred.

15. Do a detox bath.

 

Reading:

16. Participate in a reading challenge.

17. Read at least 3 marriage books.

18. Read 10 ebooks.

19. Read 2 books by Dickens.

20. Read 5 fiction books I already own.  (They can’t overlap with books for another item on my list.)

21. Read 5 nonfiction books I already own.  (They can’t overlap with books for another item on my list.)

22. Join or start a book club.

23. Read 2 biographies.

 

Blog:

24. Host a blog link-up.

25. Run a blog series.

26. Blog about at least 40 of the items on my list and how I achieved them.

27. Get 40,000 hits on my blog.

28. Comment on at least two blogs every day for a month.

29. Write a guest post for another blog.

30.  Have 3 guest posts on our blog.

 

Spiritual:

31. Spend time studying a different book of the Bible each month for 4 months.

32. Memorize one book of the Bible.

33. Go through Jonathan Edwards resolutions.

34. Go through a 30 day challenge (prayer challenge or husband encouragement challenge) and invite others to join for accountability.

35. Memorize 5 uplifting songs.

36. Listen to 10 online sermons.

37. Donate money to 5 organizations that are working for God.

 

Relationship:

38. Buy or make the Pilot a gift for no reason.

39. Go to a couples massage.

40. Go geo-caching

41. Go to a drive-in movie.

42. Take a dance class with the Pilot.

43. Surprise the Pilot with a “big” date.

44. Go on a picnic.

45. {Personal}

46. {Personal}

47. Go on a progressive dinner date.

48.  Movie theater marathon.  (2+ moves in a row)

49. Leave notes for the Pilot all around the house for him to find.

50. Have a board game date night.

 

Parenting:

51. Get involved in a play group for the Wingman.

52. Do 30 intentional activities with the Wingman.

53. Go to the zoo.

54. Read 2 parenting books.

55. Buy him a just because gift.

56. Go on 10 Mommy/Son dates.

57. Make a busy bag.

58. Find 5 new healthy snacks for the Wingman.

 

Personal:

59. Find 10 new hairstyles to try.

60. Get a makeup lesson.

61. Buy myself flowers just because.

62. Wear makeup for a week straight.

63. Begin process of becoming a certified prenatal fitness instructor.

64. Become CPR certified again.

65. Get a massage.

66.  Pick two of my clothing ideas off of Pinterest to incorporate into my real wardrobe.

 

To Learn:

67. Learn some self defense skills.

68. Learn 3 new piano pieces.

69. Learn basic sewing skills.

70. Brush up on US geography.

71. Brush up on world geography.

72. Learn to French braid.

73. Brush up on the alphabet in sign language.

74. Learn basic First Aid.

75. Learn to fold a fitted sheet.

 

For Others:

76. Write 10 letters to friends just because.

77. Send a care package to a friend just because.

78. Find ways to bless 5 strangers.  (Such as giving a server a 100% tip, paying for someone else’s drive thru order, etc)

79. Send 2 packages to Any Soldier.

80. Surprise a friend with flowers.

81. Send 5 notes of gratefulness to people who have blessed my life.

82. Bake cookies for the Pilot to take in to work.

83. Help fund an adoption.

84. Babysit someone else’s kids so they can go on a date.

 

Hospitality:

85.  Have a new friend/couple over for dinner each month for 6 months.

86. Host 10 game nights.

87. Host a mystery dinner party.

88. Host a block party.

 

Odds and Ends

89. Buy a brand new copy of The Good Girl’s Guide to Great Sex to give to someone on Paperbackswap.

90. Complete 5 Pinterest projects.

91. Explore 10 new-to-me local businesses or stores in my town.

92. Get a sign that lists the bases we have been to.

93. Post an encouraging song on Facebook every weekend for a month.

94. Don’t ask the Pilot to help me for 3 days.  (I can do things, I’m just lazy sometimes)

95. Take a technology break for one week.

96. Spend 30 minutes writing every day for 30 days.

97. Complete wedding scrapbook.

98. Complete a crochet project.

99. Complete a cross stitch project.

100. Try Birchbox

101. Make 2 snapfish photo books.

-Bonnie

 

 

Reelee Delightful Creations

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Gotta give a shout out to a fellow military spouse!  Reelee Delightful Creations makes awesome customized items for the military!  Are you in the military or do you know someone who is?  Check out her selection!  Here are some of the items I have gotten from her…

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Laughlin UPTUPT Wife Laughlin AFB (Front)
UPT wife(Back)

She also has some really cute pillowcases, sweatshirts, undies, and more!

-Bonnie

What To Do in a Small Town

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We moved from Southern CA to Del Rio.  Let’s just say that there is a big difference between the city we came from and the city we are in now.  Our little corner of So Cal was small by So Cal standards…..but huge compared to Del Rio.

So of course, the question is raised…..”What are we supposed to do here??”

There are the obvious ones….

1.  Eat.  We have 3 McDonald’s, 2 Subways, Taco Bell, Burger King, KFC, Sonic, Chili’s, Applebees, lots of Mexican choices, and a couple Chinese.  But we have also enjoyed some of the restaurants here that are not chains….including this AMAZING Mexican place called La Hacienda.  Look for the places that are unique to your area!

2. Find out where people hang out.  There are a couple bars (not our scene), a movie theater (with very inexpensive tickets!!), and a bowling alley.

But…after the obvious….it seems like we’re not left with much.  There’s a bit of shopping, but you can check out the entire mall in an hour.  Or less.  As a friend said, shopping in our mall is like saying, “Oh, this is cute!!…..I saw that last week.”

So…..what else can you do?

3. Find out of the way shops.  When a friend was visiting, we found this little shop full of vintage things.  There were old irons, an old plow, an ice box, two typewriters (that I would have loved to purchase!), and more.  There are several boutiques downtown.  Look for the things that are less obvious.  The key is to forget about the fact that there aren’t the stores you are used to and figure out what the town DOES have.

4. Go for a drive!  My wonderful husband and I have enjoyed several afternoons of just driving around the area.  We’ve explored around the lake….and we’ve also just picked a direction and just waited to see where it took us.  We found an old historic cemetery and a little hill with a cross on it.  We found this tiny (tiny) little town that made Del Rio look big.  We saw some beautiful scenery.  We saw things we never would have seen had we not just explored!

5. Find out what kind of outdoorsy things are in your area.  In this part of TX, it’s a little hard, because we are pretty much landlocked.  All the property around us is generally private property…mostly ranches.  But there are things to do.  There are hunting areas, and we have an awesome lake where you can do things like rent boats or kayaks and go water skiing.  There is also a hiking trail near the lake.

6. Spend time with friends.  Host a game night.  We love having game nights!!  Buy a fire pit and have people over in the backyard.  Grill burgers and hot dogs.  Have a movie night.  Go out to eat.

7. Talk to the locals and find out what they like to do and where they like to go!

The key is to be creative.  It’s also important to remember that there are things that make every place special.  It may not look like what you’re used to or where you came from….but there are good things about it.  Try to find something, even if it’s just one or two things, that you can be grateful for!  And if you’re in the military or otherwise move a lot…remember that it’s only for a season.  😉

-Bonnie