Wednesday Wellness: Panaway

Hey guys!  I missed last weeks wellness post due to a sick kid, so I'm back at it this week.  This week features Panaway- one of my favorites!

"Mom!  My legs hurt!"  I've heard that from Aaron a few times over the past year.  Of course, this usually happens at night when it's time for bed.  (Insert eyeroll).  But then I quickly realized that his legs actually are "hurting."  Hello, growing pains!  That's where Panaway comes in handy.

Panaway is a lot like Deep Relief (the bomb diggity), but it's stronger and it works faster, in my opinion.  It's an essential oil blend that consists of Peppermint, Wintergreen, and Clove.  It's one of the oils that I didn't open for months when I bought my first starter kit, because I didn't know what in the world I needed to do with it.  But y'all, Panaway is amazing!  It's mostly used as a pain reliever in my house.  I apply it to legs for growing pains, I apply it to my temples and the back of my neck for headache and tension; especially when I need something stronger than Peppermint.  It's especially great for arthritis and back pain.  I actually apply to our little shih tzu daschund mix, Sophie May!  With her long back and stout frame, she feels pain from time to time from running after the kids, playing outside, or going up and down steps at our house.  A rub-down of Panaway on her back, and our little fur angel is ready to go!

I have a few oils that I keep a roller-ball attached to directly: Stress Away because, hello, momma-hood; and Panaway because sometimes you need a little somethin'somethin' to take the pain away.  And fast.

Hello, lover!

Lucky for you, I have a Panaway available!  And, I'm selling it at my cost!  So if you're interested in all this little blue baby can do, comment, shoot me a message, a text, whatevs!  I'll hook you up.  ;)

~LL

P.S. My last Wednesday Wellness, I talked about Thieves- THE BEST.  I have ONE of those butt-kicking, bacteria/virus fighting, feel-good in a tiny bottle oils available.  Just ONE!  Lemme know if you want!

Wednesday Wellness

As many of you know, I am quite the oily mama.  I started using Young Living essential oils in August 2014, and I haven't looked back!  We use them daily; we put them on our feet, on our spine, on our temples, on our belly buttons....you name it- we've probably put it there. Ha!  We ingest them, we wear them, we clean with them, we.live.that.oily.life, y'all!  We use them for immune boosters, mood enhancers, skin cleansers, teeth whitening, headache erasers, tummy issues, SLEEP!  The list goes on and on!  And no, none of this is too good to be true- these are natural, plant-based oils that God put on this earth for our health and well-being.  They've always been there!  And they work!  Sorry for all the exclamation points, but oils get me pumped!  I could go on and on about what a blessing they have been to us in the almost 3 years that we incorporated them into our daily life.  This is the real deal, you guys.

All of this being said, I've decided to start a Wednesday Wellness series on my blog.  I know I haven't been that great about blogging (oops!) but I've really got to get back into it.  This series will hold me accountable!  So here goes.....my first Wednesday Wellness featuring my absolute FAVE: Thieves!  (insert praise hands!)

She's a bad, mama-jama!

If you ask me:
What was the first oil I tried?  Thieves.
What oil is a must-have?  Thieves.
If you could only choose one oil, what would it be?  Thieves.
Help!  Stomach flu and real-life flu have hit my home, what do I do??!?  Thieves, baby.


Y,all.  I cannot say it enough.  If you only have one essential oil in your arsenal, this is the one to have!!  Thieves is anti-viral, anti-bacterial- it literally protects you and your babies immune systems when all of that nastiness is going around (like NOW).  Thieves is a blend containing: Clove, Cinnamon Bark, Rosemary, Lemon, and Eucalyptus Radiata.  Just applied to your big toe, it defends your body from all sorts of crazy germs.  We apply it on our feet, spines, and back of neck for that extra protection.  And we always use a carrier oil (like almond, fractionated coconut, or even olive) because Thieves is a hot oil!  Thieves diffused with Purification and Lemon oils rids the air of nasty germs.  Kills it all- for reals.  Got a sore throat?  2 drops of Thieves, 1 drop of lemon, and a teaspoon of honey added to a hot cup of water- I promise you it'll be gone by the time you finish that water.  Tired of using toxic chemical to clean counter-tops, bathtubs, floors, etc.?  Make your own natural cleaner with Thieves!  And heck, while you're scrubbing your kitchen counter squirt some in your mouth for that extra immune boost!  I'm not even kidding!

Not surprisingly, Young Living offers Thieves in some many different varieties because everyone loves it!  There's Thieves soap, toothpaste, dental floss, hand sanitizers, hand soap, mouthwash, throat lozenges, mints, spray, wipes.....the list goes on and on.  Let's just say it's the bomb-diggity.  Can I get an AMEN??!

So, if I haven't convinced you that Thieves isn't a MUST in your medicine cabinet, well, I'm sorry for wasting your time. However, if keeping you and your family healthy is a top priority, please, for the love, just give essential oils a shot.  I swear, you won't regret it!

P.S. Please visit/like/comment Lemontree Wellness on IG and FB!  We post all kinds of oily goodness on there daily!  Are you ready to purchase?  Click this link to get started!

Have a great Wednesday!

~LL

Lovesick

Ohhh.....Ryan Gosling.  Quit playing games with my heart!  I can't even deal.

Last night, my mom and I went to see La La Land.  It was incredible.  And no, I am not just saying that because my favorite man in the whole world (besides you, hubs!) was the male lead.  The movie was amazing!  The set, the costumes, the music, the story- all of it was just beautiful.  It was not violent, raunchy, gross- like most of the movies that are out today.  It was a love story, beautifully told, and you need to go see it!

Now- back to the important stuff.  Ryan G.  Aw, man.  Eva Mendes.....all I gotta say is honey, you are one lucky lady.  In all seriousness, I've been giving myself and RyGuy some distance.  I mean, he went and got Eva all knocked up a second time, and at that point I decided enough was enough.  It was officially time to move on.  I was doing pretty good with this whole charade; you know, not watching Crazy Stupid Love on repeat and googling his SNL skits.  I'd even semi-moved on with Taylor Kitsch, because who doesn't love Tim Riggins??

Then, BAM!  He showed up at the Golden Globes:

Hot damn (image via)

And gave this speech:

"My lady."  (Ugly cry).  FML.


And to torture myself even further, La La Land:

He dances, he sings, he plays the piano, and well, he's just damn perfect!  Ugh.

Rachel McAdams, for the love- DO NOT GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!!!

Now, please excuse me while I google Ryan Gosling memes for the next 2 hours.

Yep. (image via)

~LL

Hey, hey!

Is it bad that it's a beautiful summer day, and both Harper and I are on the couch- technology in laps.  Me- laptop; Harper- iPad.  #momfail  I just cannot deal with this heat today.  In order to avoid melting, we shopped this morning, i.e.: spent money that I shouldn't spend.  Oh well.  There's always tomorrow.  And when I say tomorrow, I mean tomorrow morning.  There's just no way I can handle temps that feel like 100 degrees outside when I woke up early enough to do a decent job on my makeup, y'all!

So, hiiiii!  I haven't blogged since January.  I have started a few posts, but ended up deleting or not posting because they were so boring.  The past 7-8 months have literally been a blur.  Between family, friends, work, school, etc. 2016 has been BUSY!  Now that summer's almost over, and school is starting back for both of my kids, I'm hoping for a little more time to hop on here and jot down a few thoughts more often.  I'd love to say that I'll blog every day, every other day, twice a week, or hell, even once a week, but I've made that promise before and it didn't happen.  I do miss blogging...actually, I miss it a lot.  Last weekend, a friend of mine encouraged me to start it up again, so here goes!

• So, my newest obsession is Stranger Things on Netflix.  If we're Facebook friends, you know my thoughts: it's amazing.  It's only 8 episodes and I finished it in less than 3 days.  I think I'm having withdrawals from it like I did with Breaking Bad.  Hoping to avoid the major funk that happened once BB was over.  I'm thinking I'm safe since this was the first season of Stranger Things, and obvi, since Netflix is super smart they're going to renew that bad boy for a second season.  
• I'm on the hunt for a great pair of skinny jeans.  I need to know where y'all are buying your skinnies!  I bought a pair off of Old Navy's website (I know, sexy) last week, and can I just say.....they were heinous on me.  Wth??!  I need jeans that are going to be tight on my legs the only skinny thing on my body, I assure you and snug but comfortable everywhere else.  Give me all the goods, people!
• Here's my take on the Kim K/T Swizzle drama: Tay should have never said she was cool with that horrible Kanye song.  If I were her publicist, I would have highly encouraged her to say HELL NO.  (I love to be "the publicist" in my head, btw.  I know for a fact if I had been Britney's publicist back in 2007 the fateful head shave incident would not have occurred, she would not have rode around sans panties with Paris H, and she would not have performed that horrible, I'm hiding my face looking through my fingers performance of Gimme More at the MTV VMA's.)  All of that being said, saying that it "was cool and she was flattered" was not something that ego-maniac AKA: Kanye, needed to hear.  And btw, I'm so sick of hearing about these people.  I say that as KUWTK plays in the background.....
• Today is National Lipstick Day!!  My favorite!  Rock that red, pink, or even purple lip!

That's all I got!  Hope y'all have a great weekend!

~LL

Whole 3

It's 2016!  Happy New Year!  I hope everyone had a great Christmas!  Ours went by entirely too fast. One minute we were in the throes of Christmas Eve craziness, and the next we were taking down our Christmas tree and all of our decorations.  I seriously don't know where Christmas went this year!  Sure, I had another nasty sinus infection sneak up on Christmas Eve eve, so I definitely wasn't feeling my best.  I have to admit, I cried when Adam took down our tree; I just wasn't ready for it to be over.  We actually took it down immediately after Christmas (like next day) because it just made me sad to look at it when it was over.  I just don't think I got into the Christmas spirit this year.  December was so stressful: money issues, the insane amount of money we spent on Christmas presents (more on that later), work, school, etc.  After an already long night at my in-laws home on Christmas Eve, we arrived back at our house at 10:30 for my poor hubby to stay up until 2:30 AM putting together Christmas toys.  We were exhausted.  I helped as best as I could, and then passed out face first into my pillow around 12:30 AM.

Next year will be different.  I will not spend an arm and a leg on Christmas presents.  I will not be in a mad dash and stay under constant stress, I will take care of myself so I'm not sick and over it by Christmas Eve, and most of all, I will reflect on what Christmas really means.  Amen!

With ALL of that being said, I am very thankful for the fabulous presents I received!  Adam gave me the fiercest pair of Ray Ban Aviators that I'm completely obsessed with.  My mom, knowing my makeup obsession all to well, gave me a Sephora Gift Card.  I was able to make this purchase, and oh baby, it's SO WORTH IT!

The Tarte Tartelette palette

I'm in love with this palette.  This is not a great pic (ignore the forehead bump please), but I just had to document how gorgeous the colors are.  They're so pigmented and stay on ALL DAY.  I honestly like this palette better than any of the Naked palettes.  Go and buy now!  It's totally worth the $50!


In other news, I've started a Whole 30.  Yes, I'm crazy.  I'm on day 3, and literally taking this diet lifestyle change minute by minute.  If you're not completely in the know, basically this diet is no sugar, no grains, no dairy, no alcohol; only meat, fruit, and vegetables.  Sooo......super hard.  I never realized what a sugar addict I am until the past few days.  I've missed coffee creamer, Coke Zero, Sweet Tea, pop tarts, and WINE more than I ever thought I could. It's hard, man.  Here's a glimpse of what my past few days have looked like food-wise:

Juice is allowed on the Whole 30 and after trying this Naked Juice today, I'm sold.  Such a nice change from my water and La Croix.  My past 3 breakfasts have consisted of a fried or scrambled egg with veggies, and whatever leftover protein I have from the night before.  Lunch has been everything from zoodles, Aidell's chicken sausage and carrot sticks with Wholly guacamole, to tuna salad made with Primal Palate mayo.  My first Whole 30 dinner was Sunday night; we had chicken sausage, roasted squash, and pasta (for Adam and the kids), last night we had Roasted Chicken Thighs, sauteed broccoli slaw (amazing), and rice (again, for Adam and the kids).  Tonight we're having leftovers.  I have to admit, I'm not crazy about all the cooking that goes into it.  I'm a big fan of convenience foods, though I know they're not healthy at all.  I will say, everything I've cooked so far has been delicious.  Definitely no shortage on flavor!  And I do like the fact that I'm getting new ideas for meals, particularly breakfast and lunch; no pop tarts and turkey sandwiches here!  At least for the time being anyway......wish me luck!!  Day 3- let's do this!

~LL

So, that happened.

I felt the need to come on my blog and confess that I just inhaled a number one combo from Krystal.  I mean, I pretty much killed it.  I was even having heartburn while I was eating it and did not even care.  That's cray.  I'm blaming it on the goose.  Grey Goose, for clarification.  My mom and I went to see Mockingjay last night (by the way, it was really good) and afterwards stopped by a local restaurant and shared a steak while treating ourselves to a cosmo.  And let me just say- they treated us right.  So right that I came home and had the brilliant idea to pour a glass of wine the size of my head and drink it all.  So smart.  Such a lightweight.

As well all know, when Katniss Everdeen AKA Jennifer Lawrence is feeling super Sasha Fierce she rocks a smokey eye like nobody's business.  After seeing her makeup last night I had to copycat.

Thoughts?  I did it in black and white so y'all couldn't see the blemish on my chin.  I'm obsessed with a smokey eye.  It's my favorite makeup trend next to a great lipstick.  Probably too much for a Sunday, but I'm feeling fancy today!

Can we talk about the hilarious SNL sketch that revolves around Adele's "Hello?"  Oh my gosh, I laughed so hard.  And seriously, Matthew McConaughy wearing that wig and fur coat.  LOL!  

That's it for Sunday, guys!  About to take my little guy outside to soak in some sunshine on this gorgeous day.  Enjoy yours!

~LL

Don't worry, be HAPPY!

Where do I even start?  It's been almost a year since I updated LL!  That's crazy.  Like I said in my previous post, I hopped on over to Wordpress for a minute to try it on, but I couldn't help but miss my good ole blogger blog.  So much easier, simple, comfortable- what I'm needing A LOT of in my life right now.  So I'm back.

To catch up, I have a 5 year old and a 2 year old that keep me on my toes every day.  My hubby finally got a job where he is home with us every day, and I am staying home currently with my two year old.  I've been on the job hunt for the past few months to no avail.  I have probably applied to 50 different jobs, had three interviews, all to hear, "there's a better candidate for this position."  Grrr.......getting a job in this market is tough!  I'm just trying to remain optimistic that the right job will be revealed to me soon.  Rather sooner than later.  We'll see.....

I woke up extra early this morning craving the Chick.  And when I say Chick, I mean Chick-fil-A, whoop whoop!  It's a Georgian's fav place to eat, mark.my.words.  Of course, I've officially gone crazy and decided that my body no longer needs sugar, so I'm "attempting" a low-carb, gluten-free, paleo, atkins, whatever you call it diet.  My favorite thing to eat at the Chick is a chicken breakfast burrito; trust.  It will change your life.  While speeding home to devour this tortilla-less burrito (because I'm good, y'all) I hear on the radio a letter from a survivor of the theater massacre in Paris just last weekend.  Wow.  Listening to this person describe the horrific violence that occurred right in front of her broke me.  Watching innocent people and loved ones die in front of her, as she lay motionless so these monsters wouldn't know she was alive.  Can you imagine??  Perspective.  Perspective as I feel sorry for myself because I can't eat a freakin' tortilla.  Perspective because I can't find a job.  Perspective because I definitely do not appreciate all the blessings bestowed on me every day.  I was sick about this event all weekend.  Monday I googled "the safest place to live in the world" because I'm scared to death.  (Btw, Canada sounds great.)  Instead of praying I worried incessantly.  Then my sister sent me this.

Wow.  Perspective.

God bless the people of Paris.  God bless the people of Lebanon that lost many just the day before in another terrorist attack.  God bless us all.

We will not let this evil take away our happiness.  We have God.  We also have flowers.

Have a wonderful day, friends!

~LL

Bear with me...

Hello long lost bloggy friends!

It's been a minute since I updated this blog!  I moved over to Wordpress to try it for a bit (no worries if you're an avid (haha) LL reader.....you didn't miss much)!  I decided to head back to the old homestead because that's what I know the best.  Wordpress is just too fancy for this girl!  Anyway, I'm giving LL a facelift for the 100th time and hopefully last one for awhile.  I haven't truly wrote in so long, and with so much going on in our world right now it's time to get back at it.

With all of that being said, I've missed LL and I look forward to getting back in the swing of things.  I hope to update tomorrow if not later today!

Talk soon!

~LL

I'm still here!

Okay, so I've officially gotten really slack on the blogosphere.  The last time I posted was in early October.  I've been going MIA on the blog a lot lately.  I can't do this anymore, especially when I love it so much!  Sooo....

Speaking of MIA, I got off of Facebook over a week ago.  I have to admit that I do not miss the Book of Face.  At all.  I was so tired of letting that website define my mood; I'd log in having a good day, and log out either annoyed, pissed off, hurt, or a little of everything.  Now I do realize that I am in charge of my own feelings and that my being hurt, pissed off, annoyed, etc.; those were my own issues.  But I was over it.  So I deactivated.  And it's been so freeing!  I know I've only been "gone" for a little while, but just this past week without it I have been so much more present in our life.  We've played more games, I've cooked more, we've read more, heck, I've even watched television without scrolling Facebook during commercials and then missing the entire movie/TV show because I got so wrapped up in social media.  I would be lying if I said that I missed it.

On the other hand, the one downside about "unplugging" is the fact that I can't promote my Younique business on my Facebook group page.  Bummer.  But, please know that I am still selling your 3D Fiber lashes and other amazing makeup and skin products via my Younique website:

www.youniqueproducts.com/HayleyMosely

We're now running this amazing Black Friday special through December 1st that would be a perfect Christmas present for you or your loved one!

This awesome set includes:

• 1 Illuminate Facial Cleanser (Clean or Clear — choose one)
• 1 Moodstruck Minerals Pigment Powder (choose one of 32 colors)
• 1 Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes
• 1 Eye Brush Set (3-piece) 

I will probably be doing most of my marketing via my blog and Instagram from now on, so please check back for more specials and giveaways.



I'm hoping that with some of these minor changes I've made that I will be blogging more.  I hate to promise that I will, and not show up again in six months.  I'm always asking God, "What do you want me to do with my life?  Where do you want me to go?"  Not that I think I'm a great writer or anything, but I do feel like He has blessed me with the joy of writing, and I feel like as long as I enjoy doing it then that's one of His gifts.

I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!  What a year 2014 has been!  Can't believe it's almost 2015.  I'm ready.  In the meantime, I'm incredibly thankful for all of the blessings this past year. 

xo,
LL

Friday Funday

Not really.  My blog title that is.  As a matter of fact, it's full of sarcasm.  I wish it were 8:00 pm, my kids were in bed, and I could stick my face in a bottle of wine.  I'm so over today already.

Aaron has strep.  Not that I'm shocked since elementary school is chock full of anything and everything.  I knew we were in trouble yesterday when the first thing my little buddy wanted to do when he got home from school was lay down and cover up in a blanket.  Might as well have a red "WARNING!" hanging above his head.  Luckily, our ped's office had him come in immediately, perform a strep test, and confirm his diagnosis.  He doesn't feel great, but we're on the road to recovery thank goodness.

Harper, on the other hand, is driving me cray.  First of all, the child won't eat anything.  Well I take that back; she's a carbaholic and will gladly live off grilled cheese, waffles, french fries, and applesauce.  We had leftover mashed potatoes and green beans for lunch and they: a) Either ended up on the kitchen floor, or b) Ended up in her hair.  Yes honey, I know bread is the bomb.  There is nothing, I mean nothing better than a good piece of bread, I know.  Other than french fries.....and cheesecake.....and you get my drift.  BUT, we are not Honey Boo Boo and we must eat our veggies.  I mean damn.

Now I'm totally freaked out that Harper's going to get strep.  Over the past day I've tried my darnedest to keep Harper off of Aaron (which is hard because she's big-brother obsessed).  What do you know, I turn my back for one second and she has Aaron's Capri Sun in her hand chewing on the straw.  Seriously??!!!!  Have I also mentioned that she's allergic to penicillin?  Yep.  Found that out at a 3AM trip to the ER last Thursday when she woke up with hives all over her body and swollen hands and feet.  (Long story).  WTF??!!!  Can I get a break??!!

I know this post is all woe is me and you're probably thinking "shut the hell up and stop your whining."  And you're probably right.  But there's only so much a sister can take!

And on top of all of this, there really is an Esmeralda Amada Gosbaby??!!!!  Whyyyyyy??!!!!!

Hope your Friday's better than mine!

Xoxo

This Jacket

My mom and I hit up Marshall's Sunday afternoon for a little retail therapy.  I don't know about y'all, but I either have really good Marshall's or not so good Marshall's trips.  It's never in between.  I either get majorly hooked up or find nothing.  This wasn't the case Sunday.....hence, the jacket:

Isn't she a beauty??

Thumb cut-outs

I feel seriously fierce in this jacket.  Sasha Fierce.  Like I could kick some serious A in this jacket. 

The pictures don't do it justice.  It's a Michael Kors original and normally sells at $168: Marshall's priced it at 80 buckaroos.  Whoop!  Go get it!  They still have a few, and I believe they have some in silver as well.  Hawt.  It reminds me of the North Face's Ruka Jacket which I became obsessed with back in January when my cousin rocked it out over lunch one day.  (Btw, this is my life now: once I put it on I grew excited over the fact that I can take my kids to the....wait for it.....local fair in this jacket.  Momhood=glamourous.)

Here's something similar that I love as well!

Hope all of you are having a happy hump day!  I'm listening to my sweet baby girl melt down in her crib right now....took the pacifier away today and there is hell to pay.

I must be crazy.

~LL

Mascara Monday

Y'all know I love selling some stuff.  I sell my junk on Ebay, Craigslist, Facebook.....everywhere.  I love it!  I was even selling Nerium for a little while.

Back in August I decided to start selling Younique.   I'm sure you've heard by now, but Younique is known for it's AMAZING 3D Fiber Mascara.  Here's a peek at this little box of fabulous:

It basically consists of the Fiber Mascara and the transplanting gel.  Two super easy steps to achieve huge, luscious lashes.  So simple!  I have always loved the way false lashes would transform my eyes, but it was just too much of a hassle.  Getting the glue on....sometimes the glue was black which was awesome and awful all at once....applying the lashes....breaking out the tweezers....reapplying the lashes....accidentally poking your eye out....screaming when the glue stuck to your lash line (Yup, I screamed.  I was perpetually terrified of the freakin' glue).  This makes life so much easier!  All you do is apply your mascara, then apply the transplanting gel, and while the transplanting gel is still wet, you apply the 3D Fiber mascara.  You then set the mascara with another coat of the transplanting gel.  Easy-peasy!  Now, I don't always stick to these steps; most of the time I apply the transplanting gel as my mascara and then go through the steps; it's much easier if your lashes tend to clump. There's also a blow-dry method that works wonders!

So, what are you waiting for?!!  This mascara is 29.95 + tax and worth every.single.penny.  If you can't afford to buy today, you can always host a virtual party and get your mascara for free.  Whoop!  Ask me how.

In the meantime, go visit my website:
www.youniqueproducts.com/HayleyMosely

Look around.  Our Younique products consist of: eye pigments, eyeliners, shadows, mineral foundation, BB cream, blush, lip liners, lipstick, lip gloss, face wash, moisturizer.....the list goes on!

Here's some pics.....

Go get you some & have a marvelous Monday!

~LL

Lazy Sunday's

Today has been one of those days where my attitude in general has been terrible.  I'm going to say what my mom would have already said to me today if I hadn't of said it myself: "you should've gone to church!"  Not that this is an excuse, although I legitimately could not have driven both of my kids to church today as I accidentally left  Harper's car seat in my mom's car.  #momfail

 I've lost my patience with both of my kids numerous times today, and actually said out loud in my frustrations, "Why did I have kids??!"  I'm ashamed of myself.  Yes, I'm only human and no one is perfect except for our Holy Father.  Luckily, Harper's still too young to understand words and meanings; Aaron, on the other hand, looked at me with such disappointment and hurt that it broke my heart.  I felt awful.  As soon as I said those words I wanted to take them back.  I hugged and kissed him and told him I was sorry.  Kids are so awesome in that they forget in a matter of seconds or minutes, where we hold onto grudges for years sometimes. 

So today, in all of my frustrations, I'm going to refer to this verse:

"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." ~James 1:4

I'm not going to clean up this messy house, not mop this sticky kitchen floor, and not fold all of this laundry (well, maybe I'll fold a little.....I'm going on 5 days behind- uh-oh!) and I'm going to enjoy my children because before I know it they'll be gone and I'll do anything to have these moments back.


Enjoy your lazy Sunday.

~LL

Happy Birthday, Harper Elizabeth!

Gosh, I cannot believe that you are 1!  Where did the time go??  I was thinking back today on where I was a year ago.  I was huge and so nervous.  I was up at 4 AM; we had to be at the Medical Center in Macon at six that day.  I didn't sleep a wink all night long; I was so excited and nervous.  On the way down to Macon, your dad and I listened to the Hall & Oates Pandora station.  I remember just wanting low-key and calm.  We arrived at the hospital, signed in, went to the recovery room, and from that point on it went pretty fast.  My c-section began at 7:30 and you were out by 7:40.  Actually, I think you were out before 7:40 (I was good and drugged up, honey).  I'll never forget how long it took to actually see you.  I remember Dr. Harper (that's my doctor: no you're not named after him and no, he's not your real dad) saying "Wow!  A lot of hair!  Whoa!  She looks big!  I think she must be 8 pounds!"  They took you away immediately because, bless your sweet heart......you swallowed your poop (shhh, I won't tell anyone).  Plus, you had a lot of fluid they had to suck out since you didn't come through the birth canal.  I was a little worried I won't lie.  It seemed like it took forever to finally see you.  Your dad even left me to go check on you, and when he came back he had a picture of you on our nurse anesthetist phone (long story for another day).  You were hurge.  I thought "did I just birth this huge baby???"  It was all the fluid you retained making your grand entrance.  They finally brought you to me when I was in recovery after surgery.  Ahhh....that moment.  That moment where my heart grew was one of the best moments of my life.  I knew that I'd love you, but I didn't know how much because my whole heart belonged to your brother.  It's so true that just when you think your heart can't handle any more love, it does.  It expands. 

Pure love

Hello, sweet girl.  I've been waiting on you!

The first few months were a little tough, of course.  You had your days and nights mixed up, you had bad reflux, and I'm sure there were plenty of other things that I thought were a huge deal at the time.  It's funny that as I type this I can't remember them.  God has a way of making your forget things like that, I suppose.

Around 2 months, your little personality started coming out:

And then the real cuteness began....

Not real happy about a Christmas tree sweater....

But loving your fancy NYE outfit (thanks, Aunt Meme!)

Doing super cute gymnastic moves in your crib....

Loving any kind of attention your big bubba gives you!

Being REAL excited about going out to dinner with mom & dad!

"Uh, I know I look good.  And I know this foot propped up is cute, too!"

To wrap up this wordy blog, I want to tell you 12 things I love about you since you're officially 12 months. :)  Of course, I love every hair on your head (and trust me, there are many) but I've got to end this post today.  Here goes!

1. I love your beautiful blue eyes and the way they light up when you smile.  You smile with your eyes, and there is nothing better than seeing those baby blues twinkle up at me when you wake up in the morning.
2. I love the way your pretty hair curls in the back after your bath when it's still wet.  Heartmelt. <3 li="">
3. I love the way you sit on your knees when watching your big brother play with his toys.  It breaks my heart in the best way possible every time.
4. I love that you already love friends and LOVE a good party.  You get it from your mama! ;)
5. I love the bond you already share with your dad.  It's always been said that girls are "daddy's girls" (although I think you're more of a mama's girl) and lemme' just say: your daddy is wrapped. 
6. I love all of your cute 10 (yes, 10!) teeth.  I especially love looking at them while you're laughing when your daddy and I hold you upside down.
7. I love that when you want me or you're tired you say "mamamamamama" over and over again.  
8. I love when you lay your head on my chest, or your daddy's chest, or even Sophie May when we say the world "loves" to you.  You already know at such a young age how to show love.  You amaze me.
9. I love that you love the song "All About that Bass" and dance when it comes on.  You really do.  (You are so your mama's child!)
10. I love that when you kiss they're big, open-mouth wet kisses.  They make me happy.
11. I love, love, LOVE the relationship you already have with your big brother.  Watching the two of you together sometimes brings me to tears, and I'm reminded of God's love when I look into both of your eyes.
12. Last but not least, I love you, my Harper Beth. 

"You are the twinkle in my eye, star in my sky, beat of my heart, mate to my soul, skip in my step, smile on my face, bee to my honey, song in my heart, love of my life."  ~Unknown.

Happy, Happy 1st Birthday, Sunshine!!!!

The last??

This post popped up on my Timehop app today.  For all of you that don't feel like clicking (don't blame ya!) it's a letter that I wrote Harper a few days before her birthday.  I seriously cannot believe she's almost a year old!  Where did the time go??  I'll save all the mushiness for her one year birthday blog in a few days (you're welcome), but it hit me today that this is most likely the last year I'll ever have a child turning one.  She finished the last bit of her formula this morning and I panicked: Do I run up to the store for another tub or do we officially jump off the deep end to cow's milk??  I mean, we've been adding milk steadily to her diet for the past month or so.....is she  really ready for a bottle full of straight-up milk?? Oh, and the bottle??  We have to go through the drama of moving to the sippy cup now??  Go ahead and pour me a drink, because Lord are we in for the drama...from both Harper and myself I'm sure.  Aaron didn't move onto the sippy cup until he was 13 months old; if I offered the sippy cup to him he'd cry and then I'd cry.  Adam finally put his foot down and said, "he's 13 months old, he doesn't need to be drinking from a bottle anymore" before I agreed that it was definitely past time.  After a day of not drinking anything, Aaron finally drank from the sippy cup that night.  Hallelujah!!!  I know these things seem so trivial (and in the grand scheme of things, they are) but what can I say?  These are the days.....of moving to cow's milk, fretting over sippy cups, and taking pacifiers away (don't even get me started). 

How do you know if this is "the last?"  I've been asking myself that question a lot lately.  My sister gave birth to the most beautiful, delicious (next to Harper, of course ;)) little girl last week and I'm crazy in love.  As I held her, I felt those old, familiar feelings pop up: "We're not done!" "I miss the sweet baby head smell!" "We do make really cute babies....." "I've always wanted a third!" "If we have another one, I'll surely have enough boob milk this time for the whole neighborhood!" Yeahhhhh, right.  I forget the hard times: the lack of sleep, the feeling of failure when my milk is not satisfying enough, the pure exhaustion, and oh yeah, the fact that on top of these things I'm recovering from major surgery!  But still I wonder....is it my last?  I know that question only God has the answer to.  If you ask my husband he'll say "hell yes!"  Hahahah.

Anyway, this laundry isn't going to fold itself. Enjoy this beautiful day!

~LL

These are the days

It's been forever since I last blogged, but I felt that today was the perfect time to write down how I feel.

My Aaron Mo starts Pre-K tomorrow.  I am experiencing so many emotions about this major milestone, happiness and excitement being two of those.  The rest?  I'm scared, anxious, worried, sad, but most of all, a little heartbroken.  This day....I used to anticipate this day.  This day was a day I longed for when I was a younger mom; I only had one child and I *thought* I was exhausted (I totally laugh at this girl now, btw).  This day was what I would boast to my friends about "Oh, I won't be "one of those moms" weeping on the front steps of elementary school, I'll go home and celebrate with a mimosa!"  Yeah, right. 

I am doing my best to mentally prepare for tomorrow.  I already have clothes laid out, lunch planned out, and our new routine mapped out.  I have thoroughly gone over our new schedule with Aaron; he just says "okay, mom."  I have to admit I'm doing this more for my sake than his; tomorrow is going to be hard enough- I'm making plans today.  I know I sound crazy, but I'm not ready for this.  I mean, is he really ready for this?  I ask myself this question numerous times a day.  He'll leave me at 7:45 and be gone until 3:00??  How is he going to make it without me there?  Who's going to open his fruit snacks at lunch?  Is that little cheap mat from Walmart going to really provide adequate "rest time?"  Probably not. 

I worry about hurt feelings and rejection.  I know he's going to come across this, and I just want to shield him from all of it.  "He's a strong little guy" I tell myself, but he does come from me: an emotional basket-case.  To tell you the truth, I'm terrified of it all.  Tomorrow scares the shit out of me.

All I can do is pray and know that God has this under control.  I have to let him go, because he's not really mine.  He's a precious gift, and His plans for my son are perfect plans. 

So today I'm going to soak up every little minute with my Mo.  All of his quirks that drive me crazy on a regular day, I'm going to love today.  I'm going to hug and kiss him as much as he'll let me, and let him know that I'm his biggest fan.  Tomorrow, my big boy starts a new chapter.  I'm going to rejoice because he is beautiful, healthy, smart, funny, and his heart is so big and kind.

Tomorrow, when I drop that big boy off at his new big boy school, I'm going to come home and snuggle my baby girl.  It wasn't that long ago that her big brother was her size; before I know it she'll be walking into that big school with a huge bow on her head ready to tackle this crazy world.  I'm going to enjoy every moment because they all pass so quickly.

Tomorrow, I might have that mimosa, too. ;)

xo,
LL

I got that summertime, summertime sadness....

RYAN GOSLING IS A BABY DADDY!
RYAN GOSLING AND EVA MENDES EXPECTING FIRST CHILD!
EVA MENDES PREGNANT WITH HER AND RYAN GOSLING'S FIRST CHILD! (Love how they added that "First" in as if it's going to happen a second time.  Hmmph!)

Well holy shit.  Excuse my language please, but damn.....really?!?!!!!  I cannot believe this.  For real???  I know they haven't "confirmed" it, but it's true.  She was totally pregs on the Ellen show back in February.  That lame "I'd rather have a personal pat down instead of going through the scanners at the airport" excuse seems pretty obvi now.  I mean, who would rather have a personal pat down by a complete stranger??  According to every gossip website on the planet she's 7 months prego.  The only thing that gives me comfort is knowing that I, too, was 7 months pregnant this time last year and HURGE.  My luck, she's probably the sexiest pregnant lady on earth, and he's all "Hey girl, let me rub your feet, give you back rub, and run you a bubble bath" and "You're so sexy carrying my baby."  Gah!!!  I can't take it!  It was supposed to be MEEEEEEEE!!!!  Or Rachel McAdams.  What is this world coming to???!!!???

I'm not going to bash Eva Mendes (although I really, really want to) but I'm impressed. Job well done, sister.  I'll admit, this child is going to be gorge: a part Canadian/Latina Gos baby.  Grrrr......that's all I can muster!  For now, let's just have a moment of silence and remember the good ole' days.....

NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!  

Peace out, y'all.  I'm putting the dirty dancing scene of "Crazy.Stupid.Love" on repeat.  Can't stop won't stop.

Ryan G 4 EVA.

~LL

Wish List

My 32nd birthday is exactly 13 days away and I'm in total countdown mode.  Normally, I'm not one of those that really anticipates my birthday too much.  Of course I love "my special day" and getting tons of love from family and friends, and I think we can all agree that the annoyance of Facebook is completely worth it on your birthday when your wall gets bombarded with birthday wishes, but other than those awesome things it's just that- a special day.  This year, I don't know if it's having two kids and looking forward to anything that might get me out of the house with a cocktail involved, I'm counting the days.  Along with that, I'm making a wish list.  I know, I know, am I five?  Whatevs.  When most of your days involve: changing diapers, nap-times, feedings, going on "bug hunts," discussing (at length) why "zombies are cooler than monsters," and wearing workout clothes (and not working out, might I add), you gotta have something.

via Overstock.com

 I really want a pair of diamonds (besides my wedding rings) to wear every day.  How spoiled does that sound??  Ever since I've had Harper, I've been all about simplifying.  Simplifying my wardrobe, accessories, my house....everything!  These princess-cut studs would be perfect for everyday- even when I'm wearing those oh-so-comfy workout pants.

http://www.thedrybar.com/

Ashley and I have been discussing a day trip to Atlanta complete with great hair and good champagne.  I rarely blow-dry my hair anymore, and when I do it looks like I stuck my finger in an electrical socket- serious frizz.  I could totally dig a sleek but bouncy blowout, and trip to Lenox afterwards, all while enjoying a good Champizzle buzz. 

via DSW

I'm kinda in love with this gladiator wedge and I think they're the perfect heel height too; not too high or low.  I've been pinning summer outfits nonstop, and I keep on seeing sandals with the ankle strap and I'm obsessed- they're so dainty yet sexy.  To me this wedge is the perfect combo: the ankle strap that I heart so much, with the wedge that's more conducive for a mom that's hauling an 8 month old, a diaper bag, and chasing after a 4 year old.

Um...yes please!

A friend of mine sent this pin to me a few days ago, and per usual, OBSESSED.  Gotta have it!  Although I don't think my hubs will understand the significance of this pillow....oh well!

Do you have a summer birthday?  What's on your wish list?

~LL

Ryan G's in Cannes

That's all.

~LL

Heyyyyy!!!

Oh my gosh, it's been foreva-eva since I last blogged.  With good reason...my notebook computer crashed.  I turned that old girl on weeks ago and after trying to start for what seemed like an hour, it just completely gave out.  Bummer.  I have my iPad, but I loathe blogging on that thing, so LL's been out of commission for quite awhile now.  Sorry, friends.  My last post was over a month ago which is terrible.  Luckily, my sweet hubby got our new desktop set up for me and I can blog away to my heart's content now.  Whew!

The past month has been a whirlwind!  First things first: I got a job.  I'm so super pumped about it!  To back up, I posted awhile back about a teacher's aide position at Aaron's school that I accepted.  It wasn't much, just a Tuesday/Thursday, eight hours a week position that would get me out of the house, and Harper could come with.  After much thought I decided against it, since I didn't feel that Harper would be ready to start a class in August (Heck, she might not even be walking by then!).  A few weeks ago I received an email from a friend, who informed me of this position and encouraged me to apply.  Well, I got the job!  Whoop!  I am now the Volunteer Coordinator for a local hospice in town, and I just am so excited about it!  It's a part-time position, and it just sounds amazing and exactly what I've been looking for.  I haven't started the job yet, but will be very soon, and I honestly feel that it's a God send. 

I'm still selling Nerium for anyone that's interested, and I still believe it's the fountain of youth.  Hit me up if you want to stay young forever!  Also, here's my website if you want to go look around at this anti-aging miracle:
www.lhmosely.nerium.com

Of course, there's been major celebrity dramz that hasn't been discussed in weeks (omg!).  Let's do this!

• Bey.Jay.Solange.Elevator.Beatdown.WHA?!?  Y'all know what happened, right?  Jay disrespected Bey and in turn disrespected Solange.  Then, BAM, elevator b.e.a.t.d.o.w.n.   He had it coming!
• I did not see the Billboard Music Awards last night (went to see a 50 Shades parody which was hilar); however, I heard it was nothing short of crazy: i.e. Michael Jackson showed up in hologram form.  That's weird and creepy.  Sorry, not sorry.
• And speaking of MJ, why are we still talking about his man?  Why are we still listening to his music?? (I'm looking at you, JT.)  First of all, the man passed away 5 years ago.  Second of all, I know he was the "King of Pop" and there will never be an entertainer quite like him, but let's not forget the fact that he had issues.  Major issues.  I won't go into that topic on here because this is supposed to be a fun blog, but Michael Jackson was no angel.  Let the man go and remember how he used to be....back in the eighties....when he actually seemed normal. 
• Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are officially the most beautiful couple at Cannes.  Actually scratch that, the most beautiful couple ever.
• True Tori.  Who's watching??  It's like a train crash....I can't stop!  For awhile there I was totally thinking the show was staged, and they were making everything up.  Now I'm thinking it's only like 50% staged.  I just feel so bad for their kids..

Here's some pics of what we've been up to since we chatted last:

Easter snoozin' with Nanny

Sweet cousins Aaron & Mary Leigh

Aunt Kim came for a visit!

The best of friends since we were in middle school!  Love you, KB!

Harper got her piggies painted.....eeeekkk!!!

I can now wear him.  I can officially die a happy woman.

Hope everyone's having a great Monday!

~LL