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

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

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

Mid-week catch-up

Happy Hump day!  I can't believe it's already Wednesday, but I'm not complaining.  The past few days have been for the birds!

We had Aaron's birthday party at the house this past Saturday and it turned out to be the perfect day for a party.  The sun was shining and it was actually really warm outside.  We rented a bouncy house for the occasion, and it did not disappoint.  Aaron and all his little friends had a blast; moving from the bouncy house to the trampoline and back and forth.  These kids like to jump!  The theme was "Monster Truck" and a couple of friends of mine made the most amazing cake.  Check it out:

It was actually a "cupcake cake."  Isn't it adorable?

I forgot to take pictures of the party (mom of the year) so I have nothing to show for all the fun the kids had.  I got Adam to snap a picture of Aaron and I after the party.  Next year I've got to do better.

My big birthday boy!

After the birthday party fun Saturday, my little buddy woke up Sunday with that vicious stomach flu that's been going around.  He couldn't even enjoy playing with his new toys he felt so bad.  Broke my heart.  Luckily, it was just a twelve-hour bug, and he was good as new Monday.  I kept him home with me Monday just so he could chill out, and after half a day of that I realized that I'm real glad he goes to preschool.  Adam woke up with the bug early Tuesday morning, but like Aaron it was just a 12 hour thing.  So far, I've been out of the line of fire and I hope to stay that way.  I have lysol'd the s$*t out of everything in this house, washed my hands until they've almost bled, popped Airborne like it's my job, and have opened every window in this house to get some fresh air flowing through.  Virus be gone!

Monday afternoon my mom and I drove to McDonough for a little shopping therapy.  We went to Ulta, and of course, I had to buy something.  Gah, that store is like crack to me.  The endless aisles of makeup -way too much for me to handle.  I was super excited that after my purchase, the saleslady popped a free sample of the It's A 10 Miracle leave-in conditioner in my bag.  I can't wait to try this out.  My hair has been super dry lately, not silky at all, so I'm hoping this will be my hair miracle.  Afterwards we headed over to Babies R' Us where I picked up the Baby Brezza Baby Food Maker.  I made Aaron's food when he was a baby, and I really wanted to do the same thing for Harper.  This machine is a beast.  I love it!  It's basically a one-stop shop for easy baby-food making.  The machine steams and blends all in one.  Very convenient.  All you do is cut up your fruit and veggies, add some water, pop the top on, punch in the amount of time the food needs to steam, and voila!  You have sweet potatoes!

Not a great quality photo- stole from my IG

So fun!  It even came with a recipe book that tells you how long to steam the food and everything.  I didn't have one of these with Aaron and I wish I had.  Making his baby food was a process: I used a steaming basket, a food processor, a blender, etc.  This was so easy! 

Now for randoms:

• Kimye on the cover of Vogue.  Love it or hate it?  I'm on the fence.  I'm not going to lie, I like Kim K, y'all.  Not in a J Simp way because I adore her, but more in a "I like her from watching KUWTK for years" way.  Did I think she looked beautiful?  Absolutely.  Do I think her and Kanye should have been on the cover of Vogue?  Not really.  
• Gwynnie and Chris Martin have separated.  I'm not shocked.  Rumors have been flying for years that he and Kate Bosworth were hooking it up.  Why both of these women would be attracted to him, I'm at a loss: 

Gwyneth->Brad->Ben->Chris Martin?Kate->ASkars->Chris Martin?
Um, no.  I'm confused.  Maybe he's a really good dancer (wink). ;)

• I think Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher make a really cute couple and I'm really excited they're going to get married and have a really cute baby.  My hubby, who has a massive crush on Mila, thinks it's disgusting and that she's way too good for him.  (Poor guy- I made him watch E! News while rubbing my feet the other night.  I've got a winner.) A house divided!

Enjoy your day!

~LL

A follow-up

Happy Friday, guys!

I want to say thank you for all of the encouraging comments and feedback from my last blog post.  I took everything each of you said to heart and I appreciate all of the support.  All of you are amazing, strong women!

I would like to clarify something from my last post that I'm thinking might have come across the wrong way.  I was in no way complaining of my job or my "season" as a stay-at-home-mama.  There is nothing that I love more than being able to stay home with my children in this moment and time.  Of course, there are some days that are tougher than others. Working moms, single moms, stay-at-home-moms can all agree that parenting is hard work.  As one of my lovely commenters stated, there is "a sisterhood in motherhood" and we're all just doing the best that we can.  We all have our different challenges; I'm not saying my cross to bear is greater than anyone else. My point of the last blog entry was frustration with the fact that my husband is not home every day to help me out.  In fact, he's not home a lot of the time.  I am basically a single mother most of the time.  That's why the blog was titled "Burnt Out."  I was having a moment, and expressed my frustration with our current situation; this is what my blog is for: to express frustration every now and again. I'm just going to lay it out: it's easy for people to say "this is only momentary," "enjoy it because they'll grow up fast," "this is your season."  Most of the people that say these things and write these articles have significant others that come home every night.  I, in fact, do not.  And I know there are a number of women, like myself, that are in very similar situations.  There is no break at 5:00.  There is no light at the end of the tunnel some days.  But, that's okay.  I was raised by an independent, army wife. I am a strong woman and I am proud of the fact that I can be both mom and dad all.day.every.day.  Yes, this is a season of my life.  No, my husband won't be in a job that requires days and days away from us forever.  Yes, I will survive.  And yes, I am very thankful for all of my blessings; especially the two beautiful ones asleep in their beds at this moment.

Amen.

Have a wonderful Friday & enjoy your weekend!

~LL

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

And most importantly, Happy 4th Birthday to my boy, my love, my Aaron Mo!!!

I cannot get over the fact that he's 4.  It blows my mind.  Literally.  I can remember the day he was born like it happened yesterday.  I went into labor at 7:15 on a Tuesday night.  I was watching E! News (given), and felt a contraction.  Fast-forward five hours and Adam and I, with my mom and sister in tow, were headed to the hospital.  After 18 long hours of labor, and 2 hours of actual pushing, he came out at 2:45 on St. Patrick's day.  That day immediately became the best day of my life.  I remember looking at him for the first time; he was so beautiful.  Round and rosy, with a head full of hair.  I remember thinking to myself, "I knew you were going to be cute, but I had no idea you'd be this beautiful."  He came out screaming and I thanked God for his healthy lungs.  As soon as he came out, he started peeing...everywhere.  Haha.  It still cracks me up to this day when I think about it.  As soon as they wiped him off, and handed him to me he immediately stopped crying.  Like "There you are, mom.  I was looking for you."  The first night in the hospital he kept whimpering; I had fed him, changed him, everything I could think of.  My mom said, "Honey, I think he just wants you."  Sure enough, I put him in the bed cuddled up next to me, and he dozed right off.  Just wanted to be next to mom.

To this day, he's still my love that wants to be cuddled and kissed.  Not a day goes by that he doesn't climb in my lap, or next to me on the couch for a cuddle and a kiss.  At night when I tuck him in, right before I close his door he'll say "Wait!  I love you, mama."  My heart melts.  He is hilarious and so smart.  He makes Adam and I so very proud.  Although he has his days (boy does he have his days), Adam and I are so grateful God trusted us enough with His child.  He is the love of our lives.

A few of our Aaron Mo's favorite things:

• The color blue.
• Monster trucks
• Chocolate.....lots of it and chicken nuggets.
• Sophie May
• Paw Patrol, Team Umi Zoomi, and WallyKazam
• Monsters Inc
• "Dark Horse"-Katy Perry
• Dancing (just like his mama)
• Riding his bike and hitting his tee ball.
•  His sister, "Harpa"....although he'd never admit it!
• Brushing his teeth
• Riding the "show-wheeler" and the "Gata."

And the list goes on.  Here's a video I made of our love.  Enjoy!

Happy 4th Birthday, buddy!!  We love you so much!!

~LL