Mac turns TWO!

It's official. I am the mom of a two year old. Holy guacamole! Where does time go? It seems like only weeks ago we were anxiously anticipating his arrival, and now he's two years old!

Since Mac was born the weekend of the Master's, his birthday usually falls around the event. This year, we decided to celebrate with a Master's themed party. It was so much fun planning his party, and seeing my "pins" come to life. Last month we hosted a cookout at our house where friends & family joined us to celebrate our little man! We had a BOGIE burger bar, PUTTER potato salad, PAR and beans, a CHIPPING area, Bunker BALLS, and a birthday party wouldn't be complete without cake and ice cream! We served water and lemonade for beverages, and all the kiddos got theirs in golf ball cup that they got to take home with them. It was a fun filled evening celebrating Mac! He got lots of birthday surprises, and has enjoyed breaking in all his new toys.

Dear Mac-

We cannot believe you're two years old. You are growing up way too fast! You are learning new things everyday, and it's so much fun watching you grow. We are so thankful God gave you to us. You are the cutest kid we've ever seen, and you bring so much joy to our life. You're sweet and a little bit ornery, but nothing worse than a typical 2 year old little boy. We love hearing your contagious belly laugh, and watching you explore new things. We love you to the moon, baby boy! XOXO

Love,
Mommy& Daddy

Dear Mom,

First off, I want to say thank you. When I was a young girl, I never knew what kind of sacrifices you made for us girls. But now that I'm a mom myself, I know how hard this motherhood thing can be at times and I want you to know that I am beyond grateful for everything you did for me while I was young. And not only thank you for all you did through my childhood, but also for all you do now for my little family. Clete couldn't ask for a better mother in-law to love him and accept him as her own like you do. Mac couldn't have a better Queenie, who loves and adores him. You've taught him so much in life so far! He already knows to cling to Jesus and you've been a big part of teaching him that.

You are our backbone. You hold our family together, and we know that no matter what we can call Mom and she'll always be there. If she doesn't have the right the thing to say or advice to give, she has the right Bible verse(s) to send your way that are exactly what you need to read. And sometimes it's just an ear to listen but exactly what we need.

You are our prayer warrior. We feel your prayers, especially during times when we need them.

You are a friend. Now that I'm older, I'm so grateful for the close bond that we have. I know you're just a phone call and hour and half drive away if we need you. And I'm honored to call you more than my mom, but my friend.

You are a super-star grandma. I'm thankful that you play a major role in my child's life. I love watching the bond grow that Mac has with you and Dad. He loves his Queenie & Poppie, and already knows they'd do anything in the world for him.

You are loved. Although we don't tell you often enough, we love you so much and know that we would be lost without you.

On this Mother's Day, and every day, I hope that you know how much you're loved and appreciated. I pray that I can be a large chunk of the mom you are to Mac and any other children we may have one day. XOXO

In honor of Mother's Day this weekend, I wanted to write a post in honor of my mom. Now that I'm a mother myself, I know how very special this day is. I hope every mother reading this has a wonderful Mother's Day!

Grow

For 2016 I've picked one word that I'm going to focus on this year. I've personally never done this before, but have often heard of others doing it and I decided I would give it a go this year. The word I've chosen for myself is GROW.

There are several reasons why I chose the word GROW, but the biggest reason is because it easily came to me. I'm a firm believer in going with your gut, so since it almost came to me immediately when I decided I wanted to choose a word for this year I knew it had to be my word. 

This year, I want to GROW in many areas of life. 

I want to GROW as a Christian, and be more like Him. I want to be in His Word more, and I know that will bring GROWth to my life and my relationship with Him. 

I want to GROW as a wife and as a mother. I want to make sure that I'm intentional with my time, and achieving that goal will require GROWth. 

I want to GROW to be a better employee and learn more to advance in my career. 

I want to GROW my Plexus business. I want to GROW myself to become a better leader which will help me GROW my Plexus team. 

I will continue to GROW and learn to live a healthier lifestyle, and this will also help me GROW closer to my personal health, weight, fitness, etc goals. 

I will use the word GROW throughout 2016 to inspire and push me to reach the goals I've set for myself.

 

Let's Chat! Do you choose a word to focus on each year for yourself? If so, what is your word for 2016? If you're not a one word person, do you set goals or resolutions for yourself each new year? 

Hello, 2016!

Now that 2016 is here, it's time for me to set some new goals for myself. I always like sitting down at the beginning of each new year to sketch out an outline for myself of goals to achieve in the upcoming days, weeks, and months. My plans don't always work out as I'd like, but I know to trust the One whose plan always prevails.

Personal Goals

• Grow. This is the word I'm choosing for myself this year, and I'll elaborate on that in another post coming soon. I want to grow myself in several different ways and different areas. 
• Continue to become a better version of myself. This isn't because I don't think I'm not good enough, but because I believe there's always room for improvement in everyone. This isn't just a goal for my weight or my appearance, but for all areas of my life. I'm a constant work in progress. 
• To be intentional. I love the quote, "in everything you do, be all there." This next year I was to be more intentional with my time, and in all that I do. I want to be more intentional as a wife, a mom, an employee, a small business owner, a blogger, and as a friend. 

Business Goals

I started a new adventure last October as a Plexus Ambassador. I personally took the products for a month and saw great results before starting to work the business. These products have helped me with get rid of my daily chronic headaches, have regularity, energy, and more; so I now want to share them with others! 

• Grow. I want to continue to grow my business and grow my team this year. I've seen what this business has done for others and I want it to do the same for me. I also want to help others make it do the same for them! Helping other mommas is my passion because we so often put the needs of everyone else before our own. I also want to to continue to grow in my own Plexus testimony.
• Educate. I want to expand my education on the products, as well as educate others on what Plexus could do for them.

These are the goals I've set for myself in 2016. I've chosen the word Grow to be my word for this year, and I'll write a post about why I've chose that as my word and what it means for me. I wish you all a year filled with joy, peace, laughter, prosperity and all things good for 2016! 

Queenie's No Crust Quiche

This recipe came from my mom. She made it one weekend we were visiting and it was a big hit with our whole family. The little man also loves it and will eat multiple servings. It's a simple recipe, and also reheats well. I often make up a batch and reheat throughout the week for breakfast. It's an easy recipe that's low carb, high in protein, and perfect if you're trying to eat clean.

ingredients

3/4 cup egg whites

3 whole eggs

1/2 cup real bacon bits
1 cup turkey sausage crumbles

1 can rotel, drained

2 cups spinach, chopped

1/2 cup reduced fat colby-jack cheese (optional)

instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and stir together.

2. Preheat oven to 350*

3. Spray 9x13 glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

4. Pour mixture into baking dish.

5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until top in browned.

6. Cut in 8 squares, and serve.

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Looking Back at 2015...

I cannot believe we're about to ring in the year 2016! I feel like it was just weeks ago I was ready to pop out a baby boy and that's now been almost 2 years ago. WOAH... not only am I a mom, but I'm a mom of a toddler. Weird! I still feel like I'm 21 at times. Anyways, this past year was a good one! 2015 brought about many awesome memories, lots of laughter, some loss, and a handful of changes for our family.

In late February, we listed our first house for sale and much to our surprise it sold within 3 days! Just a few days later we went under contract on our new house, and in late April we moved in and now call it home.

April was a busy month for us! Mac turned ONE and we celebrated with a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse party. Clete and I went on an adult only vacation with friends to Mexico. It was a fun filled time and I hope we are able to do something similar next year! We celebrated Queenie's birthday, and then on Clete's birthday we closed and moved to our new house!

We celebrated 4 years of marriage in June! And in July, took our first big family vacation with Mac. Our road trip to Seaside, FL was a blast! We're already looking forward to our next beach vacation!

We attended a few weddings in the fall, one being Clete's younger brother's. It's completely bizarre to me that Thomas is now married. He was in the 7th grade when Clete and I started dating, so it makes me feel real old.

Clete received a promotion with work, and finally was the one who got treated to a new truck. I took a new business adventure with Plexus, and am loving it! Mac dressed up as a dragon for Halloween, and loved trick or treating. We spent Thanksgiving in Tulsa at my parents, and stayed home to host Christmas at our house.

Looking back, 2015 has been a great year! We are blessed in so many ways, and so grateful to the Lord above for everything he's given us. I always love New Year's because it gives me a feeling of starting over. You have a fresh year ahead starting on January 1st and can fill it with new memories and new experiences. Happy New Year, CHEERS to 2016!!

Misty's Breakfast Bars

This recipe I got from my personal trainer, Misty. I like to make these up on Sundays and have them for an easy, clean, and healthy breakfast during the week. At our house we often struggle against time in the mornings, so it's important for me to have something made up I'm able to grab and take to the office. I bake and place in plastic baggies for an easy grab and go. I like to warm and top with a little bit of natural peanut butter. It's a tasty, protein packed, balanced breakfast!

Misty's Breakfast Bars

recipe makes 6 servings

ingredients

1 cup old fashion oats

1/2 cup vanilla protein powder

1/2 cup egg whites

1 tsp baking powder

2 medium bananas, mash

1 tbls vanilla extract

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

Optional: nuts/spices/berries/chocolate chips

instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Spray 8" square dish with nonstick spray and set aside.

3. Mash banana in a medium bowl and add all other ingredients, mixing until combined.

4. Pour mixture unto baking dish and make for 30 minutes or until cooked through.

5. Once baked, allow to cool before cutting and serving. 

Top with nut butter, eat as is, or serve however you fancy!