Cheers to the Weekend, Oscars Edition

Hidy Ho, friends from near and far! Welcome to the weekend! Woot! Man, I love a nice, short week. Our kiddos were out of school on Monday, which meant only four days of school and now the weekend is back already! And y'all...we have ZERO plans. I mean, not even a single sports practice!!! Our baseball, teeball, and flag football practices begin next week and we have nary a thing on the schedule this weekend, and I am just thrilled about that! Thrilled, I tell ya! Well, there is that one thing. That one big thing for my girls and me: every year, on Oscars Sunday, we get all fancied up (dresses! hair! make-up!) and watch the red carpet show before the Oscars begin. I started this years ago with my dress-loving Raleigh, and we haven't missed a year since! Last year, Bella was home and able to join in the fun, and the three of us will be glammed and ready come Sunday afternoon. Cannot WAIT! But still, no leave-the-house kind of plans, aside from a workout here and some church there. So, bring it on, weekend. We are ready for you! 

And now, a few more things we're saying CHEERS to as we welcome in the weekend with open arms:

Aiken Getaway. Last weekend, my hub and I snuck away for a night to stay in The Willcox in Aiken, South Carolina, as a delayed Valentine's celebration. Although we have been to Aiken, my hub's hometown, over and over and over again over the last 17 years, I had never even heard of The Willcox, and my hub had never been. WOW. This beautiful, historic place has been rated one of the best hotels in the world, and it's tucked away in sweet Aiken! We both kept saying that we felt like we had been transported somewhere else. It was just so beautiful and timeless. We started our getaway by picnicking at the exact spot in Hopeland Gardens where we said our "I do's" nearly 15 years ago. <3 We were also able to walk around the quaintness that is downtown Aiken (it is within walking distance from The Willcox) and then returned and sat fireside in the lobby, enjoying a beverage and more lovely, laidback conversation. We enjoyed a yummy dinner in The Willcox's award-winning restaurant and had such a lovely evening in our room - the weather was cold, drizzly, and gloomy that night, which made the fireplace in our room just feel extra cozy. If you are ever in Aiken and looking for a special place to stay, neither one of us could recommend The Willcox any more highly. I can't wait to visit again one day! Love you, hub. Happy Valentine's Day to my one and only. <3

Cousin time. Meanwhile, our s{quad} got some highly anticipated time with all of their Lu cousins! They just had the BEST time together - the giggles and chats and playtime didn't stop for a single second the entire 48 hours at Nana and Pop's. We loved seeing, and spending time with, our family and are so thankful for a wonderful weekend for all! And thank you SO much, Nana and Pop, for orchestrating such an awesome weekend for everyone. <3

New health plan. Last month, we met with our new, highly recommended doctor, who offers a holistic approach to treatment. Under his care, we acquired blood, urine, and stool samples for Bella, which were then analyzed for a number of things. After several weeks of anxious waiting, we met with him last Friday to review the findings and discuss the treatment plan. While I will keep some details private here, I will share that we have now begun a holistic approach to Bella's wellness and health, one that is focusing on cleaning out her gut, healing her of infections, and promoting areas of health deficiency. This week, we began our journey, which consists of a strict (long-term) diet, one that is being supported by the provision of specifically prescribed supplements and holistic therapies. Additionally, a few weeks ago, we started using oils with Bella (and for the whole family, really!). Each bedroom in our home now has a diffuser and I "roll" the kids with oils each morning - targeting immunity and sleep for them all as well as a few extras for Bella to target more specific areas of need. To be totally honest, I am in a place of sort of holding my breath, crossing fingers and toes, hoping for the best, and praying to God for his healing and support. <3 I will keep y'all posted on our holistic journey as we continue to work hard to do all we can for our littlest Lu. Based on what I've seen in just a few short days, I am very hopeful but would appreciate every single prayer you can throw our way! Thank you in advance for your continued prayers for our sweet little warrior.

Basketball season comes to a close. Well, last Saturday our Bankster played his absolute heart out in the basketball championship game. It was a hard fought battle but our team lost and ended the season as runner-up. BUT Banks was thrilled to be surprised by his Bammy and Digby, and his aunt, uncle, and cousins, who all showed up to cheer him on. <3 And I am so proud of him. Banks just eats, sleeps, and breathes sports. He LOVES watching them but loves playing them even more. To be honest, a couple seasons ago, he was terrible at basketball - it just wasn't his strong suit. But he has worked so hard during both the on- and off-season since then, and he had a heck of a season this year, often scoring 20-25 points per game and playing some pretty awesome defense. And I credit his improvement to three factors: (1) a hard-working kid who practices for hours upon hours to improve (even practicing alone, outside, in the pouring rain the morning of the championship, unbeknownst to me until I walked outside to load the car and saw him shooting, soaking wet), (2) a very hands-on dad who gives him all kinds of advice and practice and encouragement, and (3) fantastic coaches who pour into him and his teammates. So, while he may not have ended the season with the W, we are so proud of how far he has come and can't wait to cheer him on in his Spring sport of choice: baseball! Way to go, buddy. We will always be your biggest fans, and we will always have your back. 

And that's that, y'all. Have a wonderful weekend! Here's to all the adventure, rest, and relaxation you desire. On to the [plan-free!!!!] weekend my Lu Crew goes! 

Cheers to the Weekend, Valentine's Edition

Helloooooo, friends! I hope you all had a lovely Valentine's Day! We Lu ladies were spoiled by our gents last night, who home-cooked us a lovely meal while also serving as our waiters for the evening. My hub then took over kid duty for the last two hours before bedtime, allowing this momma solitary time to read my book while under a blanket and in front of a fire while sipping wine - heaven on earth! :) My hub and I will also be having a special Valentine date night this weekend, and I can't wait! Before that, though, a few things we're saying CHEERS to as we welcome in the weekend:

Appointment arrival. We've been waiting weeks and weeks for this exact morning, during which we have a highly anticipated (second) appointment for our Bella with our new, holistic doctor. While you're reading this, we are likely en route (it's an early morning for our wee warrior!) or have been and now know the outcome. We'll be finding out the results from the blood, stool, and urine samples we have collected over the last few weeks and discussing a treatment plan. Will you please pray with us? For answers and effective treatment? Bella has had nearly 60 doctor appointment and evaluations, multiple surgeries and medical procedures, and countless hours of therapy since we brought her home. Please pray big prayers for big answers and big results. Know that I am on my knees, doing the same. 

Headed to the 'ship. Last Saturday, Banks' basketball team won a hard-fought battle in the second round of the playoffs (they won by 1 point with seconds left!) and are now headed to the championship game tomorrow morning! We are playing the #1 (undefeated!) seed, which just so happens to be coached by a friend of ours and has several team members who are good friends of Banks'; so, it should be a fun and exciting morning for the boys on both teams. Here's hoping for a great game for our Bankster and his awesome teammates. Go Knights! And good luck to all! 

The missing found hearing aid. Well, I'm not saying CHEERS that Bella's hearing aid was missing but I am saying CHEERS that, thanks to my persistent hub, it was found! Long story short, we put in Bella's hearing aid last Saturday morning, left for Banks' basketball game, returned home, and realized it was gone. I was certain she had pulled it out before or after the game, while home. We searched our house and car high and low. No aid. :( My hub had a feeling she had pulled it out during Banks' game. So, early Monday morning, after he dropped off the kids at our elementary school, my hub went to the middle school (where the game had been played) and spoke with the principal, who let him scour the gym bleachers for the aid. And guys? He found it!!!! Can you believe it? It was like a needle in a hay stack, and he found it! <3

Barre3 Couples Night. Last Friday night, my hub and I attended my Barre3's Couples Night and it was so.much.fun. I was seriously on a high from it all weekend. Having my favorite person, and my favorite Fort Mill place, collide for one night of fun, was just a blast. <3 Cannot WAIT to do it again!

Bammy/Digby weekend. Last weekend, something went down that Raleigh has been waiting months for: her solo weekend at Bammy and Digby's! She had SO much fun, and got in some fun time with our G. Gram, too, who moved in with Bam and Digs a couple months ago, and loved every minute!

The "Wedding." Dearly beloved. My eldest daughter is now married. ;) Last week, one of her good guy friends (and his older sister, who Banks is friends with) came over for a playdate. It was a lovely afternoon and we were all outside playing. Next thing I know, Raleigh and her buddy's sister disappear into the house for a few minutes, followed soon after by Banks. Not five minutes later, they had all returned outside and informed me a wedding would be taking place momentarily. I took my place and watched as my oldest son escorted his sister down the "aisle" (aka sidewalk), where her groom awaited. My son, now known as Preacher Banks, presided over the service, with his Bible in hand. Vows were said, a hug was given, and they were pronounced man and wife. I just about keeled over from the adorableness. If y'all could have seen how Raleigh looked at me the moment after she looked at her groom and declared, "I do!", well, you would have melted right along with me. Just SO stinkin' cute. 

Valentine's Day. Like I mentioned before, we had a lovely Valentine's Day, one that began with treats and surprises for all, included school parties for all four kids (meanwhile, my hub and I were with an attorney signing our updated wills - swoon - ha!), a little barre, a little lunch date, a little speech and OT for Bels, and concluded with the most delightful dinner. It was a great day. <3

And now, the weekend awaits! Have a LOVEly one, friends! 

Loving Lately...

One of my favorite reasons for reading others' blogs is to learn about products, purchases, businesses, entertainment, etc., that I otherwise would know nothing about! And from time to time, I like to use my little space here to do the same. And with Valentine's Day fast approaching (as in, TOMORROW!), I thought it'd be nice to share the love. A few things I have been loving lately: 

New hair. On Sunday, I spent two glorious hours with my favorite Fort Mill stylist, Tyler Herring. For my local ladies looking to try a new (to you) stylist, I could not recommend Tyler any more highly. Pretty sure the transformation below speaks for itself. I had let my hair go waaaaaay too long without getting a proper cut and also decided I wanted to change things up and go back to my hub's favorite hue for my hair by adding more blonde back in after years of going back to brunette. Tyler will be working at Circa North for a couple more weeks before opening up her own spot. Check her out, friends (843-906-4085). She is a MAGICIAN!

Sweet potato chips. I've been doing most of our grocery shopping at Aldi the last few weeks because they just have such great prices on healthy, organic foods! While there recently, I discovered my new favorite "chips" that are not only a health(ier) alternative to regular potato chips but well-loved by all members of my family: Simply Nature Sweet Potato Chips. So. Good.

Blowfish. I had been coveting these shoes for many months and put them on my Christmas list, but sadly, could not find them anywhere. In fact, I thought they were no longer being made. Until last week, that is! I had a few minutes to spare during Raleigh's dance class and some money left over on a Christmas gift certificate to one of my favorite local clothing boutiques, Page 6. I was at the register making my purchases when these my beauts caught my eye: My shoes!! The ones I had been searching for high and low. You can bet your bottom dollar these will be a regular fixture on my feet. Check out Page 6 Boutique for these (and many other super cute) shoes! 

Chewy.com. Guys, we've had our dog for nearly 15 years; yet, it wasn't until we were preparing to bring our kitty, Theo, home that I heard about Chewy. Do y'all already know about this? It's basically like amazon but for pet supplies and their prices are the BEST!

Preschool Prep. Several years ago, I saw these DVDs on zulily.com and ordered them for my then preschoolers, Banks and Raleigh. We had the set of four, which included "Colors," "Shapes," "Numbers," and "Letters." Research suggests that kids exposed to these concepts via these DVDs each day for about a month demonstrated acquisition of all lessons presented! So, I would let them play for Banks and Raleigh on occasion while driving around running errands. Fast forward to now, when Harrison and Bella are now in preschool. Our Preschool Prep DVDs were well loved (read: scratched from years of handling and use). Luckily, Santa brought a brand new set for Bella for Christmas. Even better? The set now includes four more DVDs that include lessons such as "Phonics," "Digraphs," and "Letter Sounds." These things are AWESOME, and I truly believe they have played/are playing a big role in Bella's recognition and identification of colors, numbers, letters, and shapes! Could not recommend them any more highly! 

Target Valentines. Target does it again! I realize this part of the post may be too late seeing as how Valentine's Day is tomorrow but still thought it'd be good to share as a fun little reminder for next year (as someone did the same last year and I remembered it for Valentine's this year!). First: I have bought our Valentine's from Target the last two years because they have the cutest options in the Dollar Spot (each set is $3). Rather than just a card or candy, these little Valentines come with a fun little toy for the kiddos (sorry mommas - I know it's annoying how quickly these tiny, cheap toys can accumulate but just toss them when your kids are over them and aren't looking -ha!). 

This year (this is the part someone posted last year that I remembered to seek out for this year), I also purchased these little kits for Banks and Raleigh to make their Valentine boxes. They took all of five minutes to put together, and they love them!

New recipes. I've written recently that I've been trying to make cleaner, healthier foods for my family over the last month or so and thought I'd share three of my favorite new recipes: Overnight Oats (which are good and filling and healthy and you can make all kinds of variations!), Clean, Skinny Avocado Brownies (yes, I know this may sound gross/odd/weird, but they are delicious!), and Slow Cooker, Clean White Chicken Chili (light, healthy, and so good!). 

Mathnasium. Lastly, I have to give a shout out to my sweet friend, Leslie, who, along with her husband, Will, will be opening the doors to her very own business, Mathnasium, in the upcoming weeks!!! Local friends, it is located in Kingsley, right across from Broadcloth. Mathnasium works with kiddos between grades 1st through 12th, teaching math in ways that makes sense to them through individualized plans designed to address their specific needs (whether they struggle OR are advanced in math - they have plans to help kids of all levels!). I cannot wait for their doors to open and see them amazingness they bring to our sweet community. <3 

And there's a peek at some things I'm loving lately! Let me know if there is anything you've been loving that I must try! And Happy (early!) Valentine's Day! <3

Cheers to the Weekend, Hello February Edition

Helloooooooo, Friday! This week was a fast one, and I'm so glad to see the weekend arrive so quickly! A few things I'm saying CHEERS to as we welcome in the weekend: 

STEAM night. It's no secret 'round here that I love the schools in our area - in fact, they are the reason we chose to move here to the Mill 6.5 years ago! The teachers, principals, and support staff are incredible, and we have no intention of leaving this place until our last little one graduates from high school. <3 Anywho, over the last several weeks, for the second year, our beloved elementary school did a "One School, One Book" event, wherein every child in the school was given the same book and the same assigned chapters to read aloud with their families each night (This year, it was Nim's Island). So, every night, while still sitting at our dinner table after our plates were empty, we read the book together as a family. A couple nights ago, we rented and watched the movie as a family. And last week, we attended our school's STEAM night as family, with all kinds of activities based around Nim's Island. So fun and such a special place to learn. <3

Kitten love. I briefly introduced our newest family member in my post from earlier this week but thought he deserved a more thorough introduction. Back in December, my hub and I decided to grant Raleigh's two-year wish of getting a cat of her very own when she turned 7. The hunt was on and we founded the most precious rescue kitten a couple weeks later. He wasn't yet old enough or big enough to come home, though. Our little orphaned kitty lost his momma shortly after birth when she was killed. Luckily, he and his two kitty sibs were found and nursed to health. They didn't think our little guy was going to make it initially, but after weeks of the sweetest TLC from his foster family (they bottle-fed him and kept him growing and vaccinated and cared for and loved), he was finally ready to come home on February 1st. We were able to meet him a few weeks prior and were thrilled to bring him home. And he is thriving! 

Also, I never knew that CATS ARE THE EASIEST PETS ON THE PLANET. Our Theodore came to us litterbox-trained and has not had a single accident (knock on wood). He sleeps in his little cat bed, which is placed on Raleigh's bed and directly next to her pillow, every night. While she's at school all day, he can typically be found hanging out in my hub's office (when he is working from home) or hanging and playing with me. When the kiddos are home, it is kitty play time, all the time. Our little Theo is very loved by all, and we are so glad to have him. <3

Books, books, and more books. I am on a reading kick. If you didn't see the latest reads I recommend, check out my post from earlier this week. Two of the best books I have read in YEARS are on there, along with a few other pretty-good reads. I just devoured another over three days this week #cantstopwontstop, called Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell. To be honest, it was a little predictable BUT it was still a good read! Would make for a good carline, pool, bedside, or beach book for sure! Next up, Where the Crawdad Sings. Will report back on that one once I'm through!  

Chinese New Year. And closing out the post by saying HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!!...three days later - ha! We celebrated with two families we love so much, who also have beautiful daughters from China, last Saturday night. Although the flu caused a change in plans from the celebration being hosted at our friends' home to a Chinese restaurant, it was still special to see our girls, and their proud siblings (and parents!), together, dressed in their beautiful silks while devouring a scrumptious meal. 

And it blows my mind how much our sweet Bella has changed in just a year! Can't wait to see what amazing changes await us from now until next year's Chinese New Year celebration!

And that's all I've got, folks! My hub and I are having a super-fun date tonight (more on that next week); Raleigh is headed to our Bammy and Digby's for the weekend for a special, solo grandchild/grandparent visit; we'll be cheering loud and proud for Banks the second round of basketball playoffs tomorrow afternoon (his team won their first game last night - woohoo!); I'll be getting my church volunteer on Sunday morning before a highly anticipated afternoon at the hair salon for moi - hooray! Have a lovely weekend, friends! See you next week!

Currently...

These posts are so fun to write every few months, and since it's been a solid three since my last one, I thought I'd update with a new one! Currently, I am...

Loving...the newest member of the Lu Crew, Theodore Fluffy Luton, aka Theo! I have a lot more to share about this cutie, but for now, I'll just say he is doing GREAT, cats are VERY easy animals to add to an already crazy crew, Raleigh is the sweetest, proudest momma. We love Theo! More on him later this week. :) 

Reading...shoooooooooooey, have I got some awesome books to share with y'all! One of my intentions for this year is to read, read, read more, more, more, and I am off to a great start so far. I wanted to share a few books I have read over the last month or so that I love in the order of my favorites: 

(1) The Nightingale. I actually read this one towards the end of 2018 but wanted to include it here because it is SO good. 

(2) The Great Alone. This one is by the same author as The Nightingale (Kristin Hannah), and it is phenomenal - a VERY close second to that first one. 

(3) Bird Box. So, I read this late last year before knowing they were creating a movie based on the book. A couple girlfriends and I (and our moms!) read the book and then watched the movie together just recently. The book is super, duper creepy and way better than the movie. It's definitely worth a read (and read it before you watch the movie). 

(4) An Anonymous Girl. I finished this one over the weekend and it was...okay. It started a little slow but picked up and got quite suspenseful about halfway through. 

(5) Nine Perfect Strangers. This is written by the same author as Pretty Little Liars. It's okay. I think I was just so blown away by Kristin Hannah's books that it was hard to compete. 

And lastly, I just started And Then She Was Gone yesterday after a girlfriend lent it to me while she finishes one I purchased and lent her and am reading next:  Where the Crawdad Sings. I have multiple girlfriends who have raved and raved about this book, so much so that we are going to start a book club and start by discussing this book. So, I cannot WAIT to read it!

Waiting for...a highly anticipated (second) appointment with our new holistic doctor next week. There has been (lots of) blood drawn and stool samples sent and as of this week, a urine sample, too, that was collected last night (thanks to my VERY loving and patient, hub), all so that we can get a clearer picture of what is going on with Bella's health from a holistic perspective and then craft a treatment plan accordingly. I am counting down until the next appointment and feeling very hopeful this will be the answer to so many prayers for our littlest lady. 

Excited about...this Friday night!! My hub and I are having a special date night that I have been looking forward to for WEEKS! I can't wait to share with y'all what it is. So excited!!

Trying to...continue promoting positivity in my life - reducing negative or comparative or judgmental interactions while focusing on the good right in front of me and being oh-so-grateful for the countless blessings in my life. Life can be hard, but I refuse to let it harden my heart. <3 

Working on...waiting well. On Sunday, I was in tears over the incredible sermon the senior pastor of our church delivered. It was on remaining prayerful and faithful and hopeful in the waiting. Most of us are waiting for something - fertility? answers to medical problems? effective treatment of mental and physical health issues? resolution of family/friend discord? job success and fulfillment? etc. We are all waiting. The sermon was SO powerful in discussing what to do in the wait, all the while remembering that we do not get to determine when the waiting is over, when our prayers will be answered. God does. And Him not responding to our greatest prayers and wishes right now, now, now!!!, does not mean He doesn't hear our prayers. His plan and timing are always right. Sometimes we have to wait. And our pastor spoke about how to do that well. Amen and Amen. 

Enjoying...running again! I am training for my second half-marathon and am starting to log some longer runs again. It is such mood lifter and feeling of accomplishment to push myself beyond my limits, even when it's hard or I don't feel like it. I never, ever regret it. 

Watching...oooooh, I've got some good shows to recommend! First and foremost, Schitt's Creek (via Netflix). Pleeeeeease tell me you guys have either watched this or are currently watching it (or will watch it now that I'm doing my best to persuade you to)? ;) This.Show.Is.SO.Funny. Seriously. To be totally honest, it starts off a little slow but please don't just watch an episode or two and throw in the towel (they're only, like, 22-minute episodes). It is the best, funniest show my hub and I have seen in a long time! Unfortunately, we just finished the most recently released season. Fortunately, I missed most of Season 1, and an episode here and there in Seasons 2, 3, and 4, so I get to go back and watch more. Hooray! But for real, y'all. Watch. Laugh. Love. And then tell me about it! :) Also, we finished up You on Netflix just last night (creeeeeeepy!). Oh, a few weeks ago, we also tried to watch Homecoming featuring Julia Roberts but just didn't love it so never finished it. Any shows we should be watching (besides re-watching Schitt's Creek)? ;) 

Using...my favorite Rodan + Fields products every.single.day. Let me know if you want to try! Although I love the regimens I use every morning and night (Unblemish and Redefine in the fall/winter; Unblemish and Reverse in the spring/summer), I have three all-time favorite RF products: 

(1) Radiant Defense. I have been using this for months and it is, hands down, my most favorite. It feels lighter than the lightest moisturizer and evens out skin tone while treating skin and providing SPF. It's a game changer. 

(2) Lash Boost. A verrrrrrry close second. This is the reason people will stop to comment on my lashes (this coming from the girl who has always had sad-lookin' lashes). This is the reason I now buy grocery store mascara (instead of spending a fortune on high-end, name brand mascara). It is a no-brainer, I promise. 

(3) Active Hydration Body Replenish. Are y'all ready to see the craziest thing ever? My poor, sweet Bella has the driest skin I've ever seen. The dermatologist diagnosed her with ichthyosis (basically, she has super dry, super scaly skin from head-to-toe, that especially flares during cold winter months) and gave her two prescriptions to treat her poor skin. We used them religiously for a year. Honestly? They did NOTHING. I was all set to schedule a new appointment with a new dermatologist when my sister suggested we give this new RF product a try. You guys. IT IS LIKE MAGICAL POTION FOR MY DAUGHTER'S SKIN. Think I'm exaggerating? Please look at the before and afters, below (and also, know that the before picture doesn't remotely do the extremely poor state of her skin justice. It was so scaly and itchy she would scratch herself until she bled. Not anymore). 

Wearing...OILS!!!!! Oooh....I have updates to share with y'all about this, but this post is already way longer that I intended (anyone still here and reading? Ha!); so, I'll write more about it soon! 

Planning...some changes in and around our home, both short-term (small) and long-term (big) renovations and modifications, and I can't wait! :) 

Singing...whatever pop songs my kiddos are jamming to these days. They have "dance breaks" during the school day (love it!); so, they are very aware of current music. This ol' fogey is not. But they do their best to keep their momma in the know.  

Needing...to figure out when I'll be taking my next social media fast. Anyone else want in? :)

Listening to...several good podcasts when I run. First and foremost, Andy Stanley's "It's Your Move." Andy was our pastor at Buckhead Church when we lived in Atlanta, and I miss his sermons so much. BUT. He has an awesome app that replays his sermons, and I love listening to them when I run. They are so relatable and applicable, and I just love his style and presentation and message every time I listen! Also, on a less religious note, ;) I enjoy Criminal, which is narrated by Phoebe Judge (her voice is just DREAMY) and each episode centers around different crimes. Some are funny, some are serious, all are interesting! Each episode is around 25 minutes; so, they are quick, fascinating entertainment. 

Learning...that my sanity is closely tied to my ability to go to Barre3 - seriously! We've had a few rough months lately, and I swear, every time I walk out of the studio, I feel lighter, healthier, and happier - as though a weight has been lifted. Please, PLEASE come join me for a class. I can get you in for free (with no kickback to me, promise!) and would LOVE for you to join me! <3

Doing...a lot of clean eating! I mentioned recently that I am trying to focus on making healthier (read: non-processed) food choices and am really enjoying producing heathier meals for my Crew. And I just HAVE to share this recipe with y'all for these clean, skinny,  gluten-free sugar-free (yet sweet and full of yummy taste!) avocado brownies I made for a Super Bowl gathering we attended on Sunday. You would never know there was an avocado in these things! Honestly? They were delicious and the kids (and grown-ups ;) ) wolfed them down! 

Wishing...for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control...oh-whoa-oh (Any Forest Hill Kid Ministry friends now singing that song? Ha!) for all those I love so dearly. Pretty sure this world would be a better place if people were able to put this into practice daily, for themselves and ALL whose paths they cross. <3

Dreaming of...summer vacations with people we love! Although I don't want to wish time away (because my kiddos refuse to stop growing up, doggone it), there is just nothing like the salt and the sand and a drink in my hand while surrounded by littles laughing together as I catch up with family and friends I love. Cannot WAIT. 

And that is that! Have a great week, friends! Be back soon with some fun news :) 

What I Learned From My Social Media Cleanse

I have never been more in need of a detox than I was at the start of 2019. 

Over the last decade, social media had slowly taken over my world. I was spending too much time clicking on it, scrolling through it, posting on it, thinking about it. It was too much. I was in desperate need of a cleanse. 

So, one Sunday morning, I woke up and deleted social media from my phone. And then decided I would simultaneously take a break from blogging. I decided to detox for two weeks. Two weeks of no social media nor blogging AT ALL. No sneaking, no peeking, no cheating. Two weeks. 

Honestly? I thought it was going to be really, really hard for me. I thought I'd be jones-ing for that social media fix. I thought I'd be craving those up-to-date updates from the social world. I thought I would feel left out, out of loop, not in the know. 

In truth? Now that I'm done with the detox, what have I learned? 

I could not have been more wrong. About all of it. About everything I thought I was going to think, feel, and experience. 

I was so wrong. 

Here's what I learned from my 2-week social media detox:

• I had so much more time on my hands. Often, I don't realize how much time is wasted by mindless scrolling. The new "Screen Time" updates the iPhone provides revealed how many hours I was wasting each week, and I was shocked. I don't sit on my phone for hours at time. How could my "Screen Time" updates be showing so much time spent on social media? But the thing is, those minutes of mindless scrolling add up. And I was wasting my time. During my detox, I was SO much more purposeful with my time, focusing on completing overdue tasks around the house. I was able to accomplish so much more just by putting my phone, and mindless scrolling, away. That being said, admittedly, I was bored at times. Sometimes, it's just fun to mindlessly scroll through social media, although I have learned I was doing it way too often.

• I didn't miss it NEARLY as much as I thought I would. I honestly thought it was going to be really hard for me to refrain from it because it's such an ingrained part of my day. But now? Truthfully, if there was a way I could eliminate social media from my life with no real repercussions, I would. However, I also realized I need social media for some things, too. The primary reason I am keeping my social media accounts active now is that I truly did miss getting information I otherwise have no access to (e.g., updates from my beloved Barre3; information from our neighborhood mom's page on Facebook; being able to ask questions on my China Adoption page). So, I am staying on it for now while trying to figure out a better approach to using it and using it well and wisely.

• I was able to focus more on being present and engaged in the relationships right in front of me. I don't need to know what is going on in everyone's life at every moment of every day. Nor do I need to share mine. Social media can almost feel voyeuristic at times. And I need to keep my prying eyes to myself and the world directly in front of me more.   

• Weeding out the negative is key to my happiness and mental health. I am focusing on a year of positivity and reducing negative interactions. Cutting down on social media has already help that TREMENDOUSLY. What's more, during my detox, I felt more at peace because the opportunities for unhealthy comparison were reduced and access to negative relationships and interactions was diminished. 

• There are GOOD parts of social media, too! Some days, I truly do enjoy social media - the inspiration I get from so many amazing mommas; the viewing of products and businesses that interest me; seeing snapshots of my friends' lives who I just don't get to see enough, etc. And I have gained a new community of support and friendships that I have truly needed as we have navigated the adoption and post-adoption world over the last few years, all as a result of social media. What's more, I think social media can be a beautiful outlet to share one's own story while encouraging and supporting others. BUT. Like everything in life, what I learned most from my detox is that moderation is ****key.****

Social media, I'm not ready to quit you just yet. But there is so much I took from our time apart while we were on a break, and I fully intend to take breaks more often. 

Don't worry, it's not you. 

It's me.