It's My Birthday.....

Today's my birthday, and I wish I had some major thought provoking revelation to share with y'all. I'm sitting here writing this post in a quite house and I really want to be taking a nap. But, it's late in the evening and I know if I take a nap, or even drink a Zyng to get some energy, then I'll be up until midnight, which is exactly how I keep getting myself in this tired mess. 

When I look back at this past year, I know I've learned a lot about myself. Some of it, I wish I hadn't learned. I wish it would have just stayed quiet in the back of my head to be revealed at a later time. 

I think the first part of this past year was wonderful. We got back from our Summer vacation, and looked forward to a school year and a football season. Fall was busy. On my Friday's off, there were always house projects so I didn't get a lot of "me" time, but we headed in to every weekend, doing what we do best- cheering on our favorite football team. (Whatever team that may be at the moment, which is currently the University of Texas). But, our Falls are always saved for Football. Which is strange, because at this point- will we even have a normal football season? We the girls and I even go to a game or will we stay home and watch the games on TV if we even have a season. All of the unknowns are awful. You see, I'm a planner, a perfectionist, and all of this unknown, this period of waiting has me going kind of batty. 

Poor DJ has been a life saver as I've poured through one conspiracy theory after another, analyzed statistics, read articles, shared all of my thoughts, jumped off the deep end, and then reigned it back in, because you know, what I share might upset some people. Okay, I realize it's probably upset a lot of people. And part of me is very sorry, and the other part is screaming and wanting people to wake up. 

Through it all though, I'm striving to keep life normal for our girls. I want them to remember their childhood as not some crazy time in our universe, but I want them to remember the fun they had playing. That they didn't have to go to school, but rather, we could be together as a family. DJ was working from home for 2 1/2 months and that has never been an experience to have him home before! We soaked it up. There were family game nights, movie nights, cook outs, lots of back yard time, and some wonderful little vacations. 

As we head in to August, and another trip of mine around the sun, I have no idea what is going to rock their world, and I'm just praying that I'm strong enough to help them through it. 

You know, I'm pretty stubborn. I'm pretty set in my ways, and man, do I come by it honestly (thanks, grandma.) There are so many times where I want to please other people. Say the right thing. Say nothing at all. What will they think of me? Will they accept me? Am I fit enough? Do I meet their standard-whatever that may be. 

And y'all. It's exhausting. You'd think at 38 (yes, I'm 38 today) that I would have learned to let go by now. For sure this is not the example I want to be teaching my children. I want them to be unapologetically them, and yet in the back of my mind, I'm always worried about what other people think.

I've heard that once you hit 40 you let it all go. You don't care about opinions or what other people think and you really start living your best life. You know, I use to dread these late 30s, but I'm honestly looking forward to getting older. Wiser maybe. Settling in to who I am, and finally accepting myself for it. 

So, cheers to 38.

I'll be off enjoying some sunshine and probably a glass or two of wine. 

10 Things I Can't Live Without....

Happy Wednesday friends!!! 

I'm rambling today and sharing my top 10 favorite things (or people) that I just can't live without. Just for the record, these aren't in any order or anything! Ha! 

1. Obviously this guy. 

Our 14th wedding anniversary is in December, and we can't wait to celebrate. Actually, we probably won't be doing much of anything spectacular, because we'll be preparing for a bowl game and all the Christmas things! A Christmas wedding was beautiful, but 14 years later, and I've realized just how busy the holidays are, so we usually celebrate with a quick date night, and sometimes we celebrate at a bowl game. Either way. I'm thankful that I'm doing life with this guy beside me. 

2. These girls

They drive me insane most days, but I also love them fiercely. They all have very different personalities and interests, but I love spending time doing all the girly things together. There's nothing I wouldn't do for them. And I know that one day, we'll all be the best of friends. 

3. Ningxia Red.

It's Young Living's antioxidant drink, and it's super yummy. I love fixing a glass of Zyng in the evenings when I need to push through and have some energy, with a few ounces of Ningxia Red added. It's a perfect mocktail. 

4. Comfy clothes.

My go to is yoga pants, a cozy t-shirt, and tennis shoes. I'm actually loving the fact that I can wear this to work and get away with it, but I honestly can't live without stretchy pants. Sorry. 

5. My favorite snack foods. 

Hummus, pita chips, carrots, baby bell cheese, grapes, and strawberries. 

6. My Leather earrings from Nickel and Suede. I pretty much wear them every day, and can't live without them. Psst- If you're reading this DJ, I need a Longhorn pair :) 

7. My momma

She's my rock and best friend. We talk every single day, and I know it's been hard on her that we're further away again, but I also know she'll always be there for me. 

8. Traveling

We love traveling in our family. Even if it's quick day trips, but I cannot wait to explore Texas and all that we have to do around here. We travel a ton in the spring and summer, and I'd much rather make memories on the road than anywhere else.

9. College Football

I mean, my life would look 100% different if DJ didn't work in college football. We are so thankful for the opportunities this career has given our family. The people that have come in to our lives, the travels we've had..... there's just so much that we love about this life despite the hours that DJ is away from our family.

10. Me Time

It's taken me years to finally realize that I need to put myself first some of the time. I'm a much better person if I take a few minutes every day and do something just for me. In the summer, it's laying by the pool with a book. Sometimes it's getting in a workout. In the winter, I usually want to curl up with a good TV show. Last week, I shared a list of "me time" activities that are super easy to squeeze in for yourself! You can check them out here. 

Okay friends.... now that you know a few things I can't live without- what are yours?

Insecurities.....

This was not a post I had planned for today. It's been written in my head several times over and over again (for months), but I wasn't at a place where I was willing to share it. But last night, while I was at the gym and listening to a video by a Young Living Diamond (the youngest Diamond in our company's history) something she said stood out to me. She spoke about how in her journey she had to reach a place of letting go of fear. Letting go of what people think about you and only allowing a few people in to your inner circle. At some point, you have to let go of those feelings of fear and live a life of freedom. And, it just resonated with me. 

Let me tell you a story.

A few years ago, we had moved to a new town, and I was making new friends. I was myself. I told stories (I love telling stories), I was bold, and matter of fact, and I was so excited to meet new women. Fast forward, and within a year, a friendship that I thought I had, was broken. And it broke me. I had no idea why this one friend wouldn't talk to me. Why she shut me out. It hurt. Deeply. 

Later, I learned that it was a misunderstanding of sorts, but it made me have fear and doubt. It made me withdraw from putting myself out there when I met new women. What if they didn't understand my personality. What if they didn't like me either. Fear. It settled in, and I haven't let it go. 

I have so many online friends. Hundreds of them. So many that I feel like I can bare my soul to. Women that will understand me. Women that won't judge me. I am so thankful for those women.

 Online, I am extrovert. I love being able to see other's photos. I love being able to easily relate. I love seeing women succeed, I love being able to comment. I love feeling connected. I can do a live video, an instastory, you name it. 

But in person, fear. In front of people; real life people that I can see. I shut down. I can't do it. I don't know what to say or what to do or how to act.  

We start back to school next week, (football season is also right around the corner) and there is so much fear. I mean, I actually have to communicate with real people face to face. It's so easy now days, to busy myself with my children or hide behind my phone instead of reaching out to a stranger for a conversation. 

Friends are few.  Fear holds me back. 

So often I tell myself I'm not good enough. I'm not funny enough. I'm not pretty enough, skinny enough. I haven't been in their circle before, so why would they let me in? They were friends before they knew me. Why would they want to be my friend?

I want to give myself the freedom to be me again. 

There's still so much hurt. There's forgiving that needs to be done. I need to forgive myself. I need to be unapologetic about my boldness, my stories, my ability to relate to people. I need to listen more. Really listen. I need to talk less. (I love to talk.)

I'm not sure if I'm alone in my thoughts. I'm not sure if anyone can relate. I just needed to write it. To get it out there. 

For goodness sakes, I'm 35 years old and so afraid to be myself and put myself out there for the fear of someone judging me or not liking me. I'm constantly watching myself. Making sure my actions are proper. Making sure my words won't upset others. 

I mean, that's a good thing. One can't go around and just say whatever is on their mind, and be inconsiderate of other's feelings. but I do nothing and say nothing because of fear. 

I see friendships between other women, and jealousy creeps in. And then doubt. And fear. 

But, no more. It's time for freedom. It's time to unapologetically me. (to a point of course) I'm going to be applying Valor daily. (Valor is an essential oil for bravery.) 

I'm going to share my passions and be passionate. Be bold. Be free. 

Crazy Eyes

Today, I'm sharing my crazy. 

I feel a little like this: 

I have always wanted to be 100% real and open on this little blogosphere of mine, and today, I'm letting it all hang out! Well, maybe not all of it, but some of it! 'Cause, let's face it, if I share it all, y'all are going to be scratching your heads and looking at me like this: 

So, here goes. 

~ I'm super Type A at home... at work, I will procrastinate and put everything off until right before something is due. Not at home though. I'm constantly busy, constantly doing, and seeing things that need to be done, and cannot stand anything to be unorganized or chaotic. At work, it's a totally different story. I have an organized mess on my desk at work, but wouldn't dare do that at home. My work motto is "It will get done..... eventually."

~ I hate cooking. Like, I would rather do anything but cook dinner. I constantly feel like I'm in the kitchen (especially when we're all home) And it's a cycle of cook, clean up, cook, clean up. I could bake all day long, but cooking dinner just no.

~ I laugh at inappropriate times, and it's usually in the movie. I remember the very first time this happened. I was due any day with Megan, and DJ and I went to see Bridesmaids. I laughed so hard that I thought I'd go in to labor right then. No one else was laughing, but I just could not stop. This has happened several times recently too. We went to see Independence Day (whatever the sequel was) in the theater, and there was Will Smith's photo on display in the White House, and I died. I just could not, and I cracked up. When we went to see Bad Moms. I did it too. I can't remember the exact part, because the entire movie was hilarious, but I will find something hysterically funny and bust out laughing, and then realize that I'm the only one. 

~ I love meme's. See above. I could browse meme's on Pinterest all day long. There's always a meme for everything. 

~ I'm terrified of frogs. Like, I hyperventilate at the thought of them. I wasn't always afraid of frogs, but recently I have realized they can jump at you. And we have several that live under the rocks in our flower bed, and one lives on our back porch. (I'm getting the heebie jeebie's just typing this). One evening, after the girls were in bed, I went to sit on our back porch just to enjoy the sunset. I sat out there long enough that it was super dark, and when I wanted to go inside, I realized there was a frog blocking the door. I couldn't go in!!!!! I was stuck!!! I tried to forget about it being there, and a few minutes later I looked again and it was closer to me this time! I freaked out and called DJ. Thankfully he was a few minutes from the house, and I stayed on the phone with him until he came to rescue me. This frog didn't hop though. It crept. Slowly crept toward me. I just could not you guys. By the time he came home, I was curled up in a fetal position in the chair and ready to jump on to the table if that frog came any closer. 

~ I have conspiracy theories for everything. I cannot even go there, because it would take forever. I know it's crazy, but I just cannot trust the powers that be. 

~ I am addicted to social media. My phone is always near by. Each social media platform is my favorite for different reasons, and I could never choose just one.

~ When I'm home and ready to get stuff done, I either want everyone helping (AKA: my husband) or I want everyone out of my way. It drives me crazy when I'm trying to clean up the kitchen, and DJ is just sitting there doing nothing. I mean, I know he's had a long day at work, but I want help. This is probably why he sneaks off to the bathroom when he gets home! 

~ I make my bed every single day.

~ I squeegee the shower after every shower. 

~ I would vacuum my floors  every day, twice a day if I had the time. Which, I don't. But, I use to have the time to vacuum every day. Now, I just want a roomba. 

~ I recently discovered Parenthood. I am at a total loss of why I have never watched this show before. But, I'm thankful for a new Binge show.

~ I love to read, but I never have time. If I can make time, I'll finish a book in just a few days (2 or 3). When we travel, and I'm not driving, I'll get lost in a book. 

~ I cry every single time I watch The Notebook. I caught the very end of it on t.v. last week, and I balled. I hadn't even watched the entire movie. 

Okay, so that's a lot of crazy for one post! And there's probably more I could share!!!

How about you? What's your crazy? 

4 Things

I've seen a few other bloggers do a "4 things" post where they share 4 things about each individual family member. I thought it would be a great idea to share today!

First up, Gretchen!

1. Gretchen lost another tooth this week. I can't remember how many she's lost, but she has another one that's loose so she'll have another hole in her smile soon!

2. She totally rocked her surgery yesterday. I was really afraid for her when she was in recovery. She was crying, shaking, and dizzy. But once we got home, and she rested for like 20 minutes, she was in great spirits and was herself for the rest of the day. 

3. She's obsessed with her American Girl dolls right now. She has a grand total of 3, and she made them a bunk bed out of their boxes. She's equally obsessed with watching AG videos on youtube right now. 

4. Girl still loves to read. She can read an entire chapter book in one day and is reading on a 4th grade reading level. 

Megan.....

1. Megan has recently learned to rhyme. The funny thing is that when you give her a word, she's most likely going to come up with a word that starts with a b sound.... so Target rhymes with Barget. Tree rhymes with bee. And then she figured out that itchy rhymes with bitchy. So, there's that. 

2. She loves school. I mean, absolutely loves going every single day. I totally credit her teacher last year and her teachers this year. They are amazing with her. She's come out of her shell and she's wild and fun and free spirited. 

3. Just this week she has been asking to take showers. DJ is all about this, because it's one less kid for us to have to bathe! 

4. Megan throws an epic tantrum when she hasn't had a nap and she's tired. She kicks and screams, and gets super mad, and then she passes out. I always know when she's tired because she very rarely misbehaves. 

Addy Pearl....

1. This little girl is a mess. She's cute and she knows she can get away with anything. 

2. If you tell her she's a "big girl", she'll say, "No, me Addy Pearl." All of her friends at daycare call her Addy Pearl. 

3. Last week, she wanted pigtails every single day. 

4. She almost never smiles for a picture. She always wants to make a silly face. I have finally convinced her to take one smile picture and then one silly face picture. 

DJ....

1. Football season just ended. Recruiting season ended, and then I somehow forget the two-three weeks before Spring practice begins that DJ has to be up at the office around 6 am so he can film morning work outs. I am remembering how much I hate not having home in the mornings. 

2. He is wrapped around Adalyn's finger. They are best buddies. 

3. He's been a rock star at helping out around the house lately. I am so grateful that he helps so much whenever he is home. 

4. He got a FitBit for Christmas. He gets about 10,000 steps in each day and I'm totally jealous of that. He loves to check his fitbit. 

Me...

1. I'm working super hard to flip ranks in Young Living this month. If I do, I'll qualify for their Si6 program which is a big, big deal. 

2. I keep telling myself that I need to run. I maybe run twice a week. I need to find more motivation. 

3. I recently got my hair cut last week. I can't figure out if I love it, or wish it was still as long as it was. 

4. I'm ready for warmer weather. I'm totally over winter, even though we haven't really had much of a winter in Oklahoma this year. Heck, it's suppose to be 80 degrees today. But, I can't wait to soak up some sun and spend our summer days at the pool!

See y'all back tomorrow for Friday Favorites! 

4 Facts

Last Thursday, I checked in to Kimm's blog and saw that she had tagged me in her little 4 Facts Survey!!! And, since I'm always up for fun and games, I thought I'd play along!!! 

Four names people call me, other than my real name:

1.  Mommy

2.  Tressie Elaine Guenther, I mean Welte! (because my mother still feels the need to get on to me! 

3.  TJ (My childhood nickname)

4.  Mrs. Morrison (a kindergarten student at school calls me by our principal's name every day)

  

Four jobs that I have had:

1.  Speech Therapist

2.  Gift Wrapper- In college I worked at a little boutique shop and was put in charge of wrapping Christmas presents, and I was HORRIBLE!!!

3.  Resident Assistant- In college, I was a RA for 2 years and I was Hall Director my first year of grad school. It was awesome because I got my own room, and it cut my mom some slack about paying my room and board tuition, and I was paid a little extra on top! In grad school, the job paid 50% of my tuition as well as room and board plus some extra $$$

4.  Daycare Teacher- In high school I worked at a daycare with a ton of friends! The two year olds I use to have are graduating high school this year!!!!

Four movies I've watched more than once:

1.  Anne of Green Gables (it's on repeat at our house right now!)

2.  Frozen

3.  Bridesmaids

4.  Pitch Perfect

Four books I'd recommend:

1.  Gone Girl

2.  Girl on the Train

3.  Jesus Calling

4.  Raising a Princess

 

Four places I've lived:

1. Arkansas (I was born and raised in central Arkansas, and lived there until I was 23.)

2.  Ruston, Louisiana- When DJ and I were married he took the Video Coordinator job at Louisiana Tech. We called Ruston home for exactly one year before moving on. 

3.  Muncie, Indiana- We called Muncie home for four years. Gretchen and Megan were both born in Muncie. We went through three coaching changes at Ball State before we finally made our next move. 

4.  Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. We are super proud to call Oklahoma are home. We've lived here for 5 1/2 years. (We moved two weeks after Megan was born!) I really think we've found our "home" and I look forward to staying here as long as God has planned! 

  

Four places I've visited:

1.  Last year, we took the girls to Disney World! 

2.  Branson, Missouri. We probably vacation here every year since it's so close! 

3.  Italy, Greece, the Greek Isles, and Turkey. When I graduated college, my uncle was teaching high school history. I was able to go, along with a sorority sister, my mom, and my aunt. It was the most amazing 14 days. I loved soaking in the history. 

4.  Wives Trips- Every year, I'm able to go to one away game with the university. I've been to West Point, Navy, Boise, Idaho, Eastern Carolina (twice), and our bowl games in Alabama, Dallas, Memphis, and Shreveport. 

  

Four places I'd rather be right now:

1.  Home! I'm currently at work ;) 

2.  The Beach. I haven't been to the beach in forever!!! I think that we need to plan a trip soon! 

3.  Disney World. Seriously, after our trip last year, I'm ready to go back! 

4.  On the water. DJ and I went on a cruise a few years ago, and I think we need another get away!!! But, we also love to be on the lake, so if it's hot, sunny, and there's water involved- count me in! 

 

Four things I prefer not to eat:

1.  Peanuts or Almonds. I can only stand peanuts in a Snickers bar. 

2.  Grilled Chicken. Put some chicken in a casserole or in fajitas and I'm all about it. Grill it, no thanks. 

3.  Salmon. It smells horrible. I've never tried it. I just can't. 

4.  Vegetables. I just am not a veggie lover. 

I'm a super picky eater, so this wasn't hard at all!!! 

 

Four favorite foods:

1.  Pizza! I'll take a large, deep dish with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and bell peppers please! 

2.  Anything that DJ cooks, except for just plain grilled chicken and veggies!

3.  Mexican!!! Chicken, Rice, Black Beans, Lettuce, Cheese, Queso!!! 

4.  Chocolate. I have a major sweet tooth!!! 

 

Four TV shows I watch:

1.  The Bachelor

2.  Nashville

3.  Criminal Minds

4.  Grey's Anatomy

  

Four things I'm looking forward to this year:

1.  Spring Break! I need some time off, plus, we're heading to Branson! (See, I told you we go a lot!!!)

2.  Summer!!! I'm counting down until we are at the pool every single day! 

3.  Football Season- Yes, I'm kind of looking forward to it already!

4.  Warmer Weather. I am not made for winter, and I'm dying to be able to get outside and run more. 

 

Four things I'm always saying:

1.  "Not right now"

2.  "Stop fighting!"

3.  "We'll see"

4.  "I love you"

I mean, don't all mom's say these things???

 

Four people I tag to answer these questions:

I'm just going to challenge all of you! Ha!!!

The Liebster!

Last week, I was nominated by Cory over at Playdates and Prescriptions for the Liebster award! Unfortunately, the prize doesn't come with a million dollars or a brand new car, but it does come with a bunch of questions and a chance for you to learn a little more about moi'! 

This is me, Elaine, with my three little honey pies. My oldest, Gretchen is 7, my middle, Megan will be 4 in just a few weeks, and the youngest, Addy Pearl (Adalyn,) will turn 2 in July. I've been married for 9 years (wowza!) to DJ, who is a collegiate football video coordinator. We've lived in 4 states and currently reside in Oklahoma! I work full time as a speech pathologist in the school system, but I also own Honey Pie Accessories, a cute little monogram and hair bow shop! I also blog here, and I've been blogging for a crazy long time! 

Cory assigned me a few questions to answer, so here goes!

1. What is your favorite hobby?  

My favorite hobby is embroidery/applique! I'd say sewing, but I hate to follow a pattern. Like, it terrifies me! I can sew skirts, and burp cloths, but that's it! I started making hair bows 7 years ago when I had Gretchen. Because we lived in Indiana, I couldn't find hair bows, and this southern girl needed to put bows on her daughter! Anyway, bow making turned in to more, and now, my favorite, and almost full time hobby would be sitting in front of my embroidery machine making cute little shirts for you guys, and monogrammed items!

2. Do you have a favorite scripture verse? If so, which one? 

Yes! My favorite verse is Philippians 1:3. "I thank my God every time I remember you". 

It's a simple verse and honestly, I am always so thankful for the people that have come in, come out, or stayed in my life. My family, my friends, my customers. Every person is a gift, and I am so thankful that God has allowed me to meet amazing people!3. Are you a morning person or a night owl? 

Neither- ha! I love to sleep!!!! If I had to choose one, I'd be a night owl, but only if I can sleep in really late in the morning! I HATE waking up! I snooze at least three times and then my husband has to kick me out of bed! 

4.  If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

DJ and I have lived in Arkansas (for 7 weeks), Louisiana (1 year), Indiana (4 years), and now Oklahoma (it will be 4 years in June.) Because of his job in collegiate football, we've moved a lot! Up until this year, we had lived in the same number of houses as years we've been married (9). We've finally stayed put long enough that we're leveling out, and y'all, we have moving boxes stored in our attic! I like to think that we're professional movers! But, if I could live anywhere. It would be in my mom's front yard! 

Growing up, my entire family lived around one area. We could walk to my grandma's house, my cousin's house, my aunts.... anywhere! I always envisioned my kids being able to walk to their grandparents house. I've already picked out a piece of land on my parents acreage (they have 40 acres) in case we ever get a chance to live in Arkansas again. However, we know that the likelihood of that is slim to none. 

5. If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 items would you hope to have with you?

Do my children and husband count?

I'd take toilet paper, chocolate, and a good book.

6. What's your idea of a perfect date night?

I am more of a traveler than a date night person..... I'd rather hop in the car with DJ and go somewhere. When we were dating, engaged, and newlyweds, we traveled a lot. We would go and explore, or we would just get in the car and drive. Once we had Megan, our just getting out and driving stopped because she was a nightmare in the car. If I could go back to those easy day dates or trips, I would. 

Since we have three girls, and a crazy schedule, that's not a possibility. I'd have to say just going to our favorite restaurant, or even to a new restaurant, and then driving around and exploring our town. Maybe going to an area of town that we've never had a chance to go to- like the Blue Dome district. It would be icing on the cake, if we could drive through neighborhoods with gorgeous old, big houses (I love looking at those!), and it would be super fun to stop at a bakery for a chocolate dessert. 

7. What's your favorite vacation destination?

When I graduated college, I had the opportunity to travel to Italy. I have always wanted to go back to the Isle of Capri on my 10 year wedding anniversary. Instead, we went to Disney World (technically, it was in year 9 going on 10, but I figure that would be our "vacation").... anywhere on the beach would be top on my list. But honestly, we had so much fun at Disney World, that I'm already dying to go back!

8.  Do you prefer summer or winter?

Summer.

I don't even have to think about this one. After living in Indiana for four years, where it snows from November to April, no way. Not ever again. Keep me below the Mason Dixon please. 

9. What is/was your dream job?

In many ways, I'm living my dream job right now! I love my speech path job. I have always said that I went to college for a reason, and I don't want the degree to be wasted. But, if I could open up a store front and do a mix of monogram/applique, sell children's clothing, and be a party planner I would quit and do it right now. (If I knew I'd be successful at it AND if I knew that we'd never move again.)

 10. What's your favorite accessory?

I bought the Stella & Dot bar necklace and engraved it with my wedding anniversary. I wear it every single day. You can see my other favorite accessories here. 

Cory, that was SO much fun! Thank you for nominating me for The Liebster award!

I'm nominating these lovely blogs, and they'll get to answer the 10 questions that I'm posting below!

Erika at A Little Bit of Everything
Theresa over at Life As A Football Wife
Allison over at Inch By Inch

1. When did you get married and tell us a little bit about your wedding- was there anything you'd change or do over again?
2. If you have kids (or don't) would you choose the same names or would you choose something different? What are your top 3 kids names?
3. What is your favorite book?
4. What is your best childhood memory?
5. If you had three wishes, what would you wish for?
6. What is your favorite sport team?
7. If I gave you a million dollars, what would you do with it?
8. What is your favorite dessert?
9. What is the one thing you could not do without in your day to day life?
10. What are your favorite pair of shoes?

I can't wait to read your answers!!!

Have a great Tuesday! 

Show & Tell Tuesdays: My Groundhog Day(s)!

Happy Tuesday ladies! I'm already pooped from our Monday, and it's going to be a crazy busy week because Wednesday is National Signing Day! It's a day that we've been waiting for for several weeks, and that means we'll get a good 4 days of daddy home with NO college football getting in the way- ha! (Now I'm thinking that the day after signing day should be my groundhog day- I bet it would be DJ's!) 

And, with that, I'm totally getting ahead of myself! I'm linking up with Andrea over at Momfessionals for Show & Tell Tuesdays. The full link up list is below, and today is all about a day that you would repeat over and over again.

Honestly, I cannot choose just one day. I've thought and thought about it, but there were four days that I'd live all over again. 

The first? My wedding day. It's a day that I wish I could remember and experience again. Wedding days go by in such a blur! There are bits and pieces I remember; I like to think those were the best moments! But I wish I could go back, slow down and really soak in the moments. Getting ready with my bridesmaids, standing in the auditorium just moments before walking down the aisle with my mom and grandmother. My brother and stepdad walking me down the aisle, and the vows, the ceremony, our first communion taken as husband as wife. The first kiss! 

The reception was fabulous too! But, I'd love to go back and really visit with my guests. I'd love to enjoy the food, maybe get a bite of the cheesecake that was EATEN by the time we arrived to the party! And, maybe, I'd eat just one more slice of cake! 

It was the day DJ and I started our life together. It was the best.

I have three more days that I'd choose to live over again.....

The day Gretchen was born. (Maybe the day after, because labor & delivery were awful!) But those moments of becoming a mom for the first time. Those were amazing. Moments to remember. Moments to cherish. 

I'd also choose to live over the day we became a family of four. Gretchen and I had been living without DJ for four months. He had already moved to Tulsa, and Gretchen and I stayed behind in Indiana to sell our house, finish out the school year, and so I wouldn't have to change doctors and insurance during my pregnancy. 

He was able to come back to Indiana, about two days before Megan was born. I loved those final moments of being a family of 3. 

And then finally becoming a family of 4. 

If I could skip over the part of DJ passing out at the hospital, and maybe I'd choose to get my epidural a bit earlier. I'll never forget the moment I heard Megan cry, nursing her for the first time, and introducing Gretchen to her little sister.  

And then finally, completing our family as a family of 5. 

Adalyn's birth was by far the easiest! If it weren't for the 9 months of being pregnant, gaining weight.... I'd totally do it all over again! 

We had our entire family there this go around- my mom and stepdad, DJ's parents, and my cousin. I loved that everyone could see Adalyn moments after she was born. I loved that the girls were able to be there within minutes and that we could instantly bond together as a family of 5. 

These are the days that I'd repeat. The moments that have made my life what it is. The people that make me who I am, and the girls that I would give my life for. 

Last night Gretchen said, "Mommy, I don't tell you this enough, but thank you for helping us live and take care of us!" 

You're welcome girl! I am so thankful that God chose me to be DJ's wife, and to be the mommy of these three little girls. 

Social Media w/ HPA

Hey guys! It's Thursday and we are officially on the downhill slide of the week! I am crazy excited about the weekend because I have absolutely NO major plans. January has been crazy busy for us. We've been majorly cleaning, hosting out of town family, taking the girls to activities, celebrating Gretchen's birthday, and finally we have nothing on the calendar! 

I wanted to take some time out today to talk about my social media accounts. I've had some new followers lately, and I want to make sure you know some of the best ways to stay in touch with my every day!

I'm kind of a social media socialite! Ha! I'm just addicted. Every day, I tell myself I won't be as addicted as I was yesterday, but I'm sucked in. 

I was a huge pinner when Pinterest began a few years ago. I'm proud to say that I've scaled back to only pinning when I'm crazy bored! (Like today while I'm sitting in meetings all day long, you might find some new pins on my boards!) You can find me on Pinterest here.

My favorite boards are my Fashionista, Makes You Smile, and Dinner Ideas. These are the boards I turn to on an almost daily basis. They don't fail me! 

We are currently planning a Disney trip, and I have a crazy amount pinned on my Disney board. Most of which, I will probably never read. 

It's not about the pins you read, it's about the pins you pin. 

You can follow me every day on Instagram too. I love, love, love Instagram. It's my social media happy place. Instagram is full of happy moments, design inspiration, and my favorite people. There's no drama, there's no sad sap story, no political business. It's just happy. Instagram makes me smile.

Last year, I Instagramed (is that a word?) a picture of our family every day using #weltegram2014. By the end of the year, I was over these every day pins and decided this year to just hashtag our happies from the year. I use #theweltesanyday2015

Some of the other hashtags that I use are:

#honeypieaccessories (where you can keep up with all my biz postings)

#gretchenrose (where you'll see lots of my oldest honey pie)

#meganclaire (but there's lots of Megan Claire's out there!)

#addypearl (apparently there's one more Addy Pearl in the world and her mom uses that hashtag too. However, I want you all to know that I USED IT FIRST!)

My business page on Facebook is also a great place to keep up with my business happenings! You'll find daily blog links, and all of my creations, with some fun games, and chances to win prizes thrown out there too! 

Thanks to Facebook limited business page visibilities, I created an HPA group back in December and it's been a great way to connect more personally with all of my fans! You can join that group here. My group offers sales and you get the very first peeks at my newest creations and the chance to purchase limited items!

If you love bows, personalized appliqué shirts, and monograms, you need to follow me on my group page and my business page!

I choose to keep my personal Facebook personal. It's pretty private, and I only connect to people I know in real life! It's the one area, that I'm pretty private with and I love that I know every single one of my friends. Every once in a while, I'll do a Facebook friends clean out, in order to keep it an even more secure place for my postings and family happenings. It's where you'll find all the dirty stuff going on- ha! Our life isn't really that juicy though. 

I do use Twitter, but not often. My twitter is connected to my business page, so once I post on my biz page, it automatically posts to my twitter page. I am so grateful for that, because I never tweet! It's the one area of social media that I cannot get on board with, and I have no idea why. 

I hope you'll follow me on social media if you don't already! I love how social media has allowed me to connect with family, friends, and customers/fans. I've formed some amazing relationships, just through clicks on a mouse and typing on a keyboard. 

DJ and I have lived in 4 states in our 9 years of marriage. Along the way, we've met amazing people. I love that I can keep up with every single one of them. It's made good bye a lot easier! And, we're all to busy for lots of phone calls, so social media, is just the best way to take those little glimpses and connect in the easiest ways that allow us to still feel close to each other. To feel like we never moved away. 

Social media has also allowed me to connect with high school acquaintances. Those people that I knew in high school, but we weren't really in the same group. It takes away the drama, the stereotypes, and those girls that I wasn't really friends with in high school, we're friends now. And, i'm thankful for the relationship we now have in our older, wise years!

If you want me to connect with you via social media, leave me a comment below! I can't wait to follow you and get to know you more!