Is May the New December?

A picture of my Mother's Day afternoon!

My Fantastic Four!! 

My amazing Mother! 

Someone said the other day that May is the new December and I totally agree. Between awards ceremonies, end of the year parties, graduations, performances, recitals, etc....we have been running crazy. I had some time to slow down on Mother's Day and I am so thankful for that. After having breakfast in bed followed by a great sermon at church, my husband and brother made dinner for us. Meanwhile I lounged by the pool, a perfect day. The weather has been absolutely beautiful here to top it off!

I am so thankful to be a mother, and to celebrate my mother. I don't know what I would do without her. When we talked about moving closer to my husband's new job.....the thought of not being 20 minutes away from her was crippling. She and my dad are there for us whenever we need them. They have been so very helpful during this time of transition. When we were down to one car, and on days when I need help picking the kids up to get them to dance, T-ball, and more. 

I know I sound like a broken record, but this shop fast has taught me so much about appreciating the little things. Don't get me wrong, I still salivate over the latest J. Crew and Nordstrom catalogs...but I have something that I didn't in the past, control. I also feel satisfied and I really do appreciate all that I have. The few little freebies I have snagged along the way have sure helped lesson the sting...but if I was shopping, I don't think I would have found such joy in these small things. I am glad that I can see that now. Oh and guess who got new bathing suits for Mother's Day??? I am so excited! :) 

Accepting Change

Since completing the October Dress Project, I have have really neglected the blog. I will be honest, my attitude has been a little sour too. Cutting back requires not only sacrifice, but more work on my end... and that has left me feeling a bit deflated. I have to say over the past couple of weeks the enemy has really been working me over. I am sure it is because he knows I have committed to the 12X12 Project.

Talking about giving up little things in my life didn't seem like a big deal, but then doing it with a cheerful heart has been harder than I imagined. Here are a list of things that I have decided to cut out in effort to be more responsible with our money.

1. My housekeeper-(REALLY struggling with this one!)
2. Sea World/Busch Gardens/Aquatica Passes-(This is going to be REALLY hard the next time the kids ask to go.)
3. Bi-weekly pedicures (I'm okay with this, but it really is not the same doing it myself.)
4. Eating out/ordering takeout during the week (Totally crappy when I have planned poorly.)
5. Looking to downsize from my SUV for a lesser payment and better gas milage. (Really will miss the size of my vehicle.)

I KNOW how selfish this sounds, as those I long to help have SO much less, but this is my journey. So I am just being honest and tracking my feelings. Right now it's not the shopping at ALL that is getting me. It is giving up the luxuries that I took for granted daily. I know that God is going to teach me so much through this, so my goal is to focus on being grateful for what I have....instead of the luxuries I am giving up!

1000 Gifts
6. Hands that clean
7. Our awesome parks
8. Family foot rubs
9. Home cooked meals
10. Transportation

Pattern Play

Tank, Shorts and Flip Flops: J. Crew, Necklace: Stella & Dot

I love mixing patterns. Once again, you see me in my summer uniform: tank, shorts, and flip flops! At least mixing patterns and adding some accessories spices it up a little bit! :) I am now 2 weeks past due for a haircut. I missed my appointment and the first date available was not until this coming Wednesday!! I am DYING! For any of you who have short hair, you feel my pain. You just can't go that long without a trim and remain sane. I hope everyone had a great weekend, we sure did! We spent Friday night out in Orlando with some awesome friends and karaoked it up at Rising Star, the best karaoke bar EVER...complete with live band and back up singers/dancers! It rocked! Today our pastor started a series called "I Quit," Focusing on hurts, habits and hangups! I know God is going to move big time in this! I am working on some deep resentment and unforgiveness issues, and I am praying that this is the push I need to make sure I let go for GOOD! I will keep you posted! :) Have a GREAT week friends! XXOO