How to Organize Your Closet

If you're like me, you're the typical girl who stands in her closet completely FULL of clothes and complains about having nothing to wear. Are you guilty too? So many clothes, but not a thing to wear. Ha!

I'm also the person who cleans her closet out at least once a year, and some years it's more than that. I did a de-clutter and clean out when we moved in April, but a few weeks ago I couldn't take it anymore. I pulled EVERYTHING off the racks and went through it all. I ended up donating 2 trash bags, I put one bag together to give to someone, and I put some things in the attic in case I end up wanting them in the future. After I got it all off the racks and figured out what I was going to keep, I then organized it by type (shirt, pant, dress, jacket, sweater, etc.) and then color coded it all. 

I also turned all my hangers around backwards. I got this idea off of Pinterest a while back. I turned them around backwards, and as I wear the items I will rehang them up with the hangers normal. This time next year, I'll be able to see exactly what I've worn and what I haven't worn.  

This was a project that I'm so glad I got done. I feel so much better that my closet it now in order. It also makes it much easier to find things to wear! What kind of organization tips do you have?

Halloween 2015

This year we had Mac, the magic dragon on our hands for Halloween! When trying to find the perfect costume for Halloween, I went back and forth about what I wanted him to be. After talking with my mom, we decided the dragon from PB Kids was the perfect fit, and oh how we had the cutest lil' dragon Halloween night!

We had our family and a few friends over that evening for chili and all the fixins. The plan was to take the littles trick or treating after we ate, but we ended up holding off on dinner until after we went out. It was a fun filled evening for everyone! Mac really enjoyed his first big trick or treating experience! He got tons of candy, and his favorite were the suckers. Teiler was such a good helper showing him how it's done!  He liked getting to spend this Halloween with his best girlfriends, Cameryn and Teiler. Mamma (me) has decided we might have to make this an annual tradition to host everyone and trick or treat around our neighborhood.  I say, we're putting this one in the books as a winner!

Our 2nd Annual Trip to the Pumpkin Patch!

Last weekend we had our annual family trip to the Pumpkin Patch. My parents, sister, and brother in-law came to the city for the day and we all went to the Orr Family Farm. This is an annual activity we started last year, and we plan to continue over the years as a fall tradition.

Mac wasn't feeling 100%, so it wasn't as much fun as we had anticipated. If he would've felt better, he would've had a ball! He did do a few of the activities and picked out a few pumpkins to bring home. It was a good day as we made some good memories!

Today, we stand with the Cowboys.

Growing up in Oklahoma, you're usually either an OU Sooner or an OSU Cowboy. Since OU is my Alma Mater, it seems completely accurate that we bleed crimson in our house. We are Sooner Born and Sooner Bred.

With the tragic accident that occurred earlier today in Stillwater and that made national news, we're standing with the Cowboys today. My heart is broken for all of those involved in the accident, including the suspect. To think that a poor decision at 25 years old will now haunt her as long as she lives. I do not judge her, as we've all made a poor decision or two. To the victims and their families, we lift them up in our prayers. We pray for healing, peace, and comfort to all of those affected today and the days ahead. What should have been a fun filled day of homecoming activities, turned in to a day of living hell for some. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them all.

To anyone reading this post, I ask you to please vow to never get behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking. To think this tragic and horrific day for so many could have been prevented by a simple decision makes this sickening to me. I know many people who always think they're fine to drive, and I'm sure that's what this woman thought as well. I'm often harassed by friends for not having a good time because 90% of the time my husband and I go out I am the DD. I have no problem sipping on water for the evening as long as I know we have a safe and sober ride home. So the next time you think you're "okay" to drive, please take a moment and think about what life would be like if you caused an accident that took the lives of 3 people. No one wants to live with that guilt; so call a friend, family member, co-worker, or an uber to get you home safe.

Today, we stand united with the Cowboys. May the days and weeks ahead bring about healing for all.

Not Your Mama's Chili

With it officially being fall I wanted to post this older recipe again; it's a favorite at our house when cooler temps hit here in Oklahoma. I originally thought I got this from my mom, but later learned I actually tweaked her recipe and made my own. Chili is often reoccurring on our menu during the fall. I've taken this to football tailgates, watch parties, and pot lucks; and it's always a big hit!

ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
2- 15 oz. can diced tomatoes, chili ready
1- 15 oz. can pork & beans
1- 10 oz. can rotel
1/2 cup ketchup
1 packet of Williams chili seasoning
1 onion, diced (optional)

instructions
1. Brown ground beef and drain any grease.
2. Mix in diced onion and chili seasoning with meat.
3. In a large pot, combine tomatoes, rotel,
ketchup, pork & beans, and meat mixture.
4. Stir well, then bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, stir, and let simmer before serving.
6. Top with your favorite chili toppings, then serve.

18 months old.

We now have an 18 month old! Our little nugget is half way to being two. WOAH, slow down time. I have no idea where time goes, but I know it's going too fast.

Mac is a busy little boy these days! He loves playing outside; jumping on his trampoline, swinging, going for walks in his big blue truck, and playing with his golf clubs are just some of the activities he enjoys outdoors. He also loves any kind of ball; footballs, bouncy balls, baseballs, he loves them all. Any time he sees a ball of any kind he yells, "ball!" and points. He has a pretty good throw already too. It is looking like we could have an athlete in the house. His Poppie got him his first t-ball set, so he'll be knocking home runs by the time he's 2! Mac adores his daddy and Poppie! He still loves bath time, and hates getting his diaper changed. He's eating really well, and LOVES fruit! He is still getting 1 bottle a day before bedtime, but we're planning to try to cut that out in the near future. We tried a couple months back, but we were unsuccessful. However, I don't think a bottle before bedtime is going to hurt him. Mac loves his friends at school, and is developing right on target. He's running everywhere, and talking all the time. He can say several words, and is starting to put words together. It's been so much fun watching him grow, even though some days it's exhausting having a toddler at home! Mac loves his furry sister, and his laugh is contagious. He's now in a 18-24 month clothes, size 6 shoes, and size 5 diapers. I'm not sure on his percentiles, but we've got his appointment next week so we'll find those out then. At his last doctor visit, he was just shy of 28 pounds. Mac is full of life, ALL BOY, and brings us so much joy!

Mac,
You are now well on your way to being two years old. While this makes mommy a little sad, it brings us all pure joy watching you grow and develop. You are so smart and funny! We pray for God's protection over you, and for his plan in your in life. We can't wait to see what your future holds. We love you more than you know, and are blessed to be your parents. Dream big, sweet boy! We love you to the moon! XOXO

September wrap-up.

Hello, October! It's no one of my favorite times of the year. This month will bring cooler temps, OU/Texas, Homecoming, scarves, boots, sweaters, pumpkin spice everything, and it also kicks off the holiday season (kind of). It's crazy to think it's already October, but before we dive deep in to this month let's wrap up last month here on the blog.

Mac and I kicked off September with a weekend at the lake with my parents. Meanwhile, Clete hosted his brother's bachelor party. We had a great time spending Labor Day weekend at the lake and closing summer with lots of sunshine and time out on the water.

We didn't really do a whole lot in September. Football season kicked off, so Mac & Daddy spent lots of time watching "hut hut" as Mac calls it. :) Clete also traveled two different weeks for work, so Mommy & Mac got lots of bonding time. Queenie came one week and stayed a couple nights with us. We really enjoyed having her here! We also had some beautiful weather, so we played outside quite a bit too. 

We wrapped up the month celebrating friends getting married. Congrats to the newlyweds, The Longs! We are blessed to have our little tribe, and are grateful for wonderful friends that are also family.

That's a wrap for September. Cheers to pumpkin spice, and everything fall!