2017 -- My Resolutions

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! I thought I would share my resolutions for this year. I will probably detail out our Christmas time over on my personal blog this week since I have let that fall to the wayside a bit. Join me sometime if you'd like.

Dana challenged all of us girls to write our resolutions down and when you think about it, it's a great way to keep yourself accountable. So without further ado, here are mine.

O N E
Complete a daily devotional for 2017. I know that there are so many out there. What are a few of your favorites?

T W O
Work out at least 3-4 days a week. I am signed up for Camp Gladiator (& have been working out with them for a couple months), and we kick back off in January with regularly scheduled programming. The holidays were scaled back a bit. This is really a lot of weight based training which in all honesty, I crave. So let's include getting stronger in this too.

T H R E E
Lay off the sweets. Eat more healthy protein & veggies. We are not big red meat eaters in our house to begin with but more protein in general I think is needed. #gainz

F O U R
Run at least 1-2 half marathons this year. What can I say? I'm a glutton for punishment.

F I V E
I have some unspoken resolutions/wishes for this year that I need not broadcast to the world. The people who know, know. And I'll keep it at that. ;)

Excuse the language, but yes! But I do think you should share to help keep you accountable and let others know to help you with your accountability.



xoxo,
Haley

2017 Better Work

The days between Christmas and New Years are always a little strange. I still don't know what day it is and what I should be doing exactly. We can't wait to get to the Farm this weekend for New Years!

We had the best Christmas!!! Here are a few photos to recap our Christmas festivities!!

Christmas Eve Service

(Cecilia is the Angel at the Bottom and Whit is the

Shepherd at the Bottom)

 (My Built in Best Friend!)

 (Our Annual Hamilton Photo)

 (Christmas Jammies & a LOT of lil Hams!)

 (Assembly 2016)

 (Handsome Hubby)

 (Christmas in Chester)

 (Christmas Bling!!)

 (3 lil Hams)

I'm sad to see Christmas go but I think the one thing that eases the disappointed is the thought of a new beginning. A New Year brings new expectations. Judging from the memes I've been seeing on Instagram (I live for the funny memes!) 2016 was a disappointing year for many. I wouldn't say disappointing but I'd say it was a different year- ha!

I tried to form my own list of things I would like to aim to accomplish or do and we shall see if I do these things.

1. Girl's Trip in the Spring (this is already booked and we are excited for Alison's Bachelorette weekend and a reason to get away and have a great time!)
2. FINALLY completely decorate the Guest Suite. We have this terrific downstairs bedroom and huge bath that rarely gets used. I have gradually added to it but I'm taking the time to get it just right this year!
3. Bikini Fitness Competition....I already walked across a stage in a bikini and rocked that so lets just get muscles and do it all over again. So much easier said than done! Oh my!
4. More Date Nights
5. Teach kids to ride bikes with no training wheels
6. Print more photos and organize those photos
7. Grow my hair long again! (Already working on that!!!)
8. Now that Brandon is potty trained...teach him to stand up and go HAHA and Potty Train ROCCO!!!!
9. Run a Half Marathon (Haley???) I know I will at least run a race or two but maybe my first half?
10. Pray more

What is your list? Mine are super random but I came up with them quickly. I saw this tonight and thought I'd end with this!

Happy New Year!

Love,

Dana

Merry Christmas!!

It's the Monday before Christmas, can you believe it?! I hope you all have finished your Christmas shopping and the least you have left to do is wrap. And let's be honest, that can be fun right? I think so at least. I have mentally checked out even though I have 2.5 days left. We fly to North Carolina on Thursday morning. We will also get to see Daniel, Lauren, and Stella Grace on Friday in the mountains for a little visit. To say we are excited is an understatement.

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas! We hope you have wonderful time spent with your family. 

xoxo,
Haley

My Stash

(Here is Rocco, my boyfriend, bc he is SO dang cute! Now back to topic ha!)

Why do we have so many products and things??? Being a woman is totally ridiculous!

But here I am....

I get asked a lot about my eye make-up (don't judge the above Tired Mom photo lol). So I was going to share a few of my favorite things as of right now.

Clearly Vaseline is my thing so that is always included lol....can they just get me to promote them lol!!!

I am obsessed with cream eye liner now. I just started using it for the first time. It lasts all day and does not move!!! I use a tiny brush to brush it on. At first I'd always tell make-up artists NO, I don't have time or patience for that. Well I love it so much. I do it in black of course but I do use a copper color pencil liner on my bottom lashes and then I use a little black pencil to fill in on the top because your lashes look thicker when you fill it in. The cream eyeliner is great for a cat eye. I wish I had cute photos to show you but sometimes I can nail the cat eye. My friend Lacy and I always say we do a cat eye to look younger and bring your eyes up!!

I always do a pretty neutral eye shadow all over (I have large eyes so that means a lot of space for art!!). My new favorite color is Burgundy Chic by Merle Norman as my darker color. It is AWESOME. I'm guilty of doing 3 or 4 eyeshadows at a time but I never do when I use burgundy chic.

Anyone who knows my daughter Cecilia knows she puts the SASS IN SASSY!!! Girl gets it honest. She is getting her own vanity with a little stool and her own make-up to get ready in her closet. She is fabulous at four. Cecilia loves the Urban Decay Glitter Liners. (Expensive taste). She will do a line for a little sparkle or we will just color her whole eye with it, haha. I am sharing this because I LOVE sparkle and I do this above my cream eye liner and always notice people staring at my eyes then. Grab one ladies from Ulta!

I started trying a new mascara too! I try many mascaras. My favorite, I've said before, is Better Than Sex Mascara. But, I wanted to try Too Faced "Better Than False Lashes." It is a three step process. Nuts I know but it doesn't take long at all. I was intrigued because it has actual fibers you put on your lashes. I am still not certain it is worth $35 when I can get Better Than Sex for a little cheaper but it is pretty good so far. I've only used twice so I can't tell you yet. What's your favorite??? I'm always looking for a good one!!!

Lastly, I know it is winter and some ladies skip on shaving all the time but this girl, I can't. I have a weird thing about feeling hair anywhere on me. I can't deal. So, I shave every day. To keep my skin soft and not dry, though, I only use EOS shaving cream now. It is my favorite. I can't stand skintimate and those others now. Just thought I would share if you haven't tried that one.

Hope everyone has a great weekend! We are going to celebrate a beautiful debutante in the family so that means we get to get ALL dressed up! We can't wait to dance and enjoy a yummy dinner and drinks.

Here is  CIRCA 2007 of my husband, Patrick, and I as he presented me as a debutante. I know the dresses these days are going to be way more fabulous!! I'm excited!!!

Kisses,

Dana

Santa baby...

One thing I've noticed that we haven't covered yet this Christmas season is what's on OUR list. It's always fun to make your Christmas list. Honestly, this year, I could care less because I am just excited to spend Christmas with my parents, grandparents, sister & brother in law...in the MOUNTAINS. Hoping for a white Christmas! Anyways, I thought I'd share what's on my list this year.

{1} Sephora & Nordstrom gift cards? Yes. This is easy and makes me HAPPY.

{2} This shampoo & conditioner combo is AWESOME. They use this on me at my salon & it smells so good. They also make a smoothing oil that you can use wet or dry. I am almost out so a repurchase is necessary. These are on the pricey end but would be great gifts if it's not something you would normally spend on yourself. Oh, and Davines products smell AWESOME!

{3} I think every blogger in the history of blogging has one of these. I haven't gotten one yet but would like one. I have been using a similar one by Olay but I am ready to upgrade.

{4} This hat. Total splurge! But I tried it on in Nordstrom a while back and now I'm obsessed!!

{5} I have been eying some Beats by Dre. These gold and white Bluetooth headphones are awesome (and so pretty) but quite a splurge. In reality, the Bluetooth ear buds are more practical. I always stop and listen with these when we are in Target or Best Buy. I think they have great sound. The headphones are SUPER comfy too.

{6} Lastly, this is mainly for both me and my husband. We LOVE coffee & it is one of our favorite things to do here in Austin on the weekends. We love to go try different coffee shops and compare lattes/cappuccinos/etc. This is a pretty likely purchase for us with those after Christmas sales.

So what's on your list this year? I like hearing about others' Christmas lists and how they differ so much from person to person. I always love getting the texts too, "What did you get?!" I hope y'all have a great Monday. Be sure to let us know what's on your list.

xoxo,
Haley

End of a Chapter

         I'm so thankful for my babies. When I was in college, I went to the doctor because I was having some pain standing up at the USC football games. She told me that it would be very difficult for me to have children. I was taken back. Children weren't even on my mind. I was 19 years old and knew I wanted quite a few but I was only worried about my classes and the next party I would attend. After getting married, Patrick understood I wanted to try early on in the case that it would take awhile since I have PCOS. I got pregnant quickly with the help of some medicine. I then had a miscarriage early on and feared that would be our future. I was so determined that I ignored the doctors wishes and didn't wait three months to try again. We tried right away and I was pregnant again the next month with Whit!

I thought about all of that today as I packed up the diapers that I no longer need because my third and final baby is potty trained. That is also quite amazing!! I'm excited to end my chapter of late nights, breastfeeding, changing diapers, high chairs, and all that goes along with the younger tots. I'm unbelievably thankful for my sweet Brandon and his determination to master this skill quickly. I never for once take my babies for granted but I'm excited for the next stage of them getting a little more independent and being able to observe their growth. Whit is starting to take showers and told me the other day he is going to marry a little girl named Abby in his class and they will have babies and I will be the grandmother. I'm not quite ready for that chapter son!!!

Christmas is only 20 days away and after that will be the big 2017 and everyone sets goals or expectations for the next year. Our family always has a theme. In the past we had 'Year of Change', 'Year of Fun', 'Year of Simplicity'....I'm not sure what this year was...maybe we forgot to title it, ha ha!

I'm thinking this year may be the 'Year of Health.' That can mean so much. My new girlfriend Sherri, what a sweet heart, has committed to a fitness competition with me in the Fall. I have NO IDEA if I will be ready for that but we are committed to holding each other accountable. Even if I don't get that "look",  it is a great goal for any mom. Patrick is also more committed to his fitness too. He is enjoying working out but it is SO hard because he has to work all day and then come home to all of us! But I think 'health' means more than working out and eating right but focusing on your mental health and happiness. This weekend was the perfect example of that when we could breath in the fresh air and enjoy each other with little distraction.

I am getting better at saying no to things and I think we have become a little more selfish with our time and who we will allow to truly be in our lives. I don't know if that is what we will decide as the "theme" but that is definitely my focus.

I will leave you with a photo we had on our Christmas Card!! I'm already thinking of fun ideas for next year and Prince Rocco can join in!

Make it a great week!

Love,
Dana

Happiness is extra dessert.

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a great weekend. Holiday happenings are getting into full swing around here. Just counting down the days until I get to see my momma & daddy on the 22nd. We had B's Christmas party this weekend and it was of course so much fun. In Texas, when men dress up, It usually consists of their boots, dark jeans, collared shirt and blazer. Y'all, let me just tell you something...ANY man can pull that off and LAWD HAVE MERCY!!!! Sorry, my husband was looking good & you would have thought he was a Texas boy all his life. It just looks so manly I think. I don't know. Super attractive to me. Ok, I'll stop. I opted for leather pants & a blouse this year because it was rainy and COLD. Of course, I had green earrings to bring in the festiveness. This picture was obviously BEFORE the Marozas' tore up the dance floor. We just can't help it. 

We decided with our neighbors to have a tacky Christmas sweater/holiday baking day that we will do in about 2 weeks. I am so excited because baking really is my favorite. So, I wanted to get some ideas from y'all. We can all scour Pinterest and find desserts but I love to hear about traditional family desserts (if you can share them...some are secret I know.) Do y'all have baking days with your family or kids? I seriously cannot wait because sweets are my #1 weakness. Please share your recipes or just holiday traditions in general if you don't mind.

Hope y'all have a great week!

With love from Texas,
Haley

Confessions

Who else has been INSANELY busy during the Thanksgiving Holiday and with the Christmas season underway!?!

I have almost addressed all our Christmas cards and I just need to decorate the outside of our home.

We made our big announcement.....We have a new member of the family!!!

Meet Rocco (Brandon calls him Roc Roc)

To be completely honest, I don't even like animals that much (don't judge me...I'm being honest! These are my confessions). But I knew I would bond with him and I feel every kid deserves a pet. He is great and really tiny. He is a Yorkie and will be at max 5 lbs. I bought him some doggy cologne and he has some clothes. Fun little guy!

Patrick and I got to enjoy a fun adult night at his cousin's wedding this past weekend. It was fabulous and the band was AMAZING!!!!!!! A band will make or break a wedding. Our band was called U-Neek Flavur and they were INCREDIBLE. It is what I remember most about our wedding.

It was quite special to have a night away from all the kids and dance the night away with my love. Patrick loves me way more than I deserve!

But I know what everyone needs to stop loving....those colorful, patterned leggings with the big shirt over it! Haley, who I consider one of my most fashionable friends, agrees this has got to STOP! I think it is a big thing for Rock Hill ladies. Well, back in my day I was voted best dressed in high school so I think that gives me some fashion credit and I say make it stop. I know it is just a trend that will eventually fade and I can't jump on the bandwagon. Sorry to those of you who love it. Our differences make the world go round.

Lastly, I will confess that we have about 4 opportunities to be in our local parade this Friday night and declined them all. We couldn't decide so we are doing what we love (We are not huge fans of parades!!!). We are packing up early to head to our family Farm Friday and riding 4-wheelers, the mule, making a big fire, roasting marshmallows, sipping wine/whiskey, and enjoying family time. I would definitely rather do that than most things. It is cuddle weather that makes you want to enjoy those you love the most.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Love xo,

Dana

I be up in the gym just workin' on my fitness. -Fergie

Happy Cyber Monday folks! Anybody do any Black Friday shopping or have done some shopping this morning for Cyber Monday? I picked up a few presents. Can't believe December will be here Thursday!! Who ate obnoxiously for Thanksgiving?? I am raising my hand. Thanksgiving day I ate a total of 3 pieces of pie. OWNING IT, y'all. I excused it since we ran the Turkey Trot (5 miles) here in in Austin Thanksgiving morning. SO many people but it was really cool running downtown.

I have recently started a new workout routine and that is with Camp Gladiator here in Austin. I was a bit skeptical at first and kept turning down my friend to go with her. I finally went one Saturday morning and was really impressed with the workouts. First, they are outside which I LOVE. Second, they are all over the city. Third, it is a group setting and you get to meet others ranging in all different fitness levels. Currently they are in Texas, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, and North Carolina. For the workouts, all you need is a mat, set of weights, and a water bottle. I have been going in the mornings & evenings a few times. I will tell you a 4:50am alarm is NOT fun but when your workout is done by 6:30am...that feels awesome. We all have the same 24hrs & we are ALL busy. #NoExcuses

We always start out with a good warm up which when working out by myself I am HORRIBLE about. Each week varies on what you are doing. Last week was endurance and agility (think speed work, quick feet, quick changes in direction....almost felt like a football camp but it was FUN). This week is HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). I can tell you that this workout group has made me do more burpees & push ups that I would ever care to do butttttt it hurts so good as I like to say.  I am not good when it comes to weight training because I don't know what I am doing half the time but this is a great way to get those weights in. I can do cardio on my own anytime.

Speaking of cardio (running), I am considering another half in January. I have the itch and it gives me such an adrenaline rush...just ask my husband, Rachel, or Alison....I BAWLED across the finish line for my first half. The emotions will take over, and you absolutely cannot control them. Maybe it was because it was my first?? Who cares! But boy do you feel good!

I also figured I would share some of my favorite workout clothes. One thing I know is that if I do not feel comfortable & unrestricted in my work out clothes then there is probably a 90% chance I will NOT work out. I swear by the Champion C9 high rise workout legging & capri. They come up high...like belly button high. But if I am going to be running around, doing burpees, or lifting my arms over my head, I want everything covered & sucked in. They are by far my FAVE pants. And then in the summer, Nike Tempos are my go to!!

And one last thing, our workout leader told me about this app called WaterMinder. If you have issues with getting your water intake in during the day...download it. It's $1.99. You add in all your criteria and it calculates how much you should be drinking. And it sends reminders to drink water if it has been awhile. 

Get active y'all! November & December are the worst months for caloric intake. Walk around your neighborhood, go up and down the stairs several of times to work up a sweat, jog, walk the dog, whatever feels comfortable. As Elle Woods once said, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy."

Have a great week, y'all!!

xoxo,
Haley

The Derma Roller

Happy Monday! Have any of y'all heard of a derma roller? It apparently has been around for a little while. The idea behind the derma roller is that it is a handheld micro-needling device that helps with the stimulation of collagen growth. It is a little roller with tiny needles that you roll across a clean & sterilized face. It is important you are sterilizing your face and your roller (especially your roller afterwards) as it is making itty bitty holes in your skin and if it's not clean...girlfriend you WILL get an infection.

I tried it for the first time Saturday night. It really didn't hurt but afterwards when I put on my vitamin C serum, it was a bit uncomfortable. On Sunday morning when I got up, it felt okay. Honestly, it felt like my skin was tight like I had a sunburn but my skin felt VERY soft. Once you micro-needle and you add your serum/moisturizer, it allows for better penetration into your skin.

It also helps with any acne, scars, or fine lines you may have. The needles come in varying sizes. I started with a 0.25mm. If you roll different areas of your body, you can use bigger needles on the roller but it is important to start out small, especially for delicate skin on the face. I am anxious to see the effects it has on my face. Maybe if I'm brave I'll post before & afters sans make up? Mayyyybe.

I purchased mine on Amazon. I love that place; it has everything. Have any of you used a derma roller? I think R&F has one out now. Do you think I'm crazy? I probably am. Pain is beauty. But really it's not that bad!!

Hope y'all have a fabulous week!!

xoxo,
Haley

Turkey w/ a Side of Mistletoe

We were hanging around the house most of the day getting ready for the week (and we didn't get home until super late from the Wake Forest vs. Clemson Game) and decided......tis the season to be jolly!!

So once we start...we are ALL in!!

I love pulling out all of our ornaments and some are so sentimental while others are simply cute and make me smile.

I won't put anything up outside until next Sunday but I'm excited to sit tonight with some vino and enjoy the holiday vibes.

We are also rockin and rollin on the potty training front!! Brandon turned 2 this month and he has had a few accidents (obviously!!!) but he tries to tell us and we are still putting him in underwear at night!

Hoping he can knock this out when he is out of school for Christmas break!

Happy Thanksmas!!!

Sugars,
D

Life update, the holidays and Disney!

I'm BAACCCKKKKK!!!!! Hi everyone! I know what everyone is asking themselves..."Where has she been?" "Is she alive?" haha I am sorry for my absence but I am BACK to give life updates, my love for Disney and of course my absolute FAVORITE time of year...Christmas!

So let's start with how crazy and hectic October was....actually it's a bit of a blur so I can't tell you much except it included football, work, birthday parties, family, traveling, sick boys, more work, halloween chaos and some more football in there somewhere. The playoffs begin this week so I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel! I have A LOT of time off of work coming up for the holiday's so I'm looking forward to having some much needed down time. I also tried to give Facebook up for a week after all the election madness...I made it about 2 days :)

We are hosting Thanksgiving at my house this year. (My mom is having knee surgery so will be out of commission) I'm trying to not stress about it too much...won't be a huge crowd or anything and let's face it...I LOVE hosting get-togethers at my house. Now, I love Christmas as much as the next person but I fail to understand the need/want of people to skip over Thanksgiving? Why...just why? I LOVE it...the food, the weather, family, the parade...and our family tradition--Turkey Chowder :) YUM. But...on Black Friday you better believe Fall is out and Christmas is IN!

We didn't get a chance to do a lot of the fun Fall things around town so we're going to try to do it all for Christmas. For us that means...the Christmas lights at the county park, live nativity, Christmas parades, etc. What is it about Christmas in the Lowcountry? You just can't beat it...whether it's the cool weather, oyster roasts or bonfires it will always remain one of my favorite times of year. This year, one of the things I am most excited about spending Christmas with my 2 adorable nieces on their first Christmas! EEkkk...cuteness overload!

Like any other warm blooded American I too LOVE Disney movies...the classics and get all giddy and excited when they come on TV. My kids especially love all the Disney songs and we play them constantly and for those of you who know me well probably know the favorite in our household....yes..."The Lion King". I am SUPER excited about the new "Beauty and the Beast" coming out in March...have you seen the trailer? It looks so good :)

Hope everyone has an awesome Thanksgiving and has fun decorating for Christmas!

Parties...and rushing Christmas.

Happy Monday everyone!! Has everyone recovered from the hysteria that was the elections? I had to stay off Facebook for the rest of the week just because it was too much. #Everyonehasopinions #Everyoneisapoliticalinsider

This week starts the busyness of the holiday season. I am a member of the Junior League of Austin and we put on "A Christmas Affair" every year. It is a HUGE holiday market and it does not disappoint. Seriously, they have bars placed through out so you can purchase a drink and shop. GENIUS on both ends. I mean, a mimosa in one hand and a credit card in the other....swipes easier than hot knife through butter. Sorry Brian!

They also have parties throughout the week. Brian and I are headed to the Date Night party on Friday night which is cocktail attire with a large silent auction, drinks, food, live band and a little shopping. Saturday I will do my part and volunteer with tickets. And maybe a little more shopping afterwards.

I can't believe Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK! We are doing Thanksgiving with our friends and I am super excited! The fooooooood!!!!! But y'all.....every year it goes by quicker and quicker and I feel like people are rushing passed Thanksgiving to hurry up and get to Christmas. NO MA'AM! Brian has been listening to Christmas music and has asked to put up our tree. Music, fine. In small doses. (If you are friends with me on Snapchat then you will have seen B last night washing dishes and listening to Christmas music. He just kills me. The man is Christmas obsessed.) Tree? NO! That thing doesn't go up until Black Friday. My rule. Y'all, they had a girl singing Christmas carols in my H-E-B (for all you East Coasters, that's our grocery store) on Saturday. I think my mouth dropped to the floor. Oh well. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas. REALLY love it. But I don't want to rush the other holidays away.

After Thanksgiving, I have some volunteer work with the League once again in our big event, Coats for Kids. Every year we gather/buy coats to distribute to those who need them. Get this....we give out over 35,000 COATS!!!!! This year I get to volunteer on distribution day which means I get to see all those sweet faces & help pick out their new winter coat. I CANNOT WAIT!!!! I know I'll have stories to share.

We are still giving out our Snack Packs and I still feel SO good getting to hand them out. It totally makes my day when I see someone & get to say "Hey! Here you go!!!" Now that it isn't so hot out, Brian and I each have a box of pre-packed snack packs so we can hand them out at a moment's notice. I surely didn't want my friends drinking HOT water so I am so happy it has cooled down! We were having to bring a few here and there in the car whenever we would leave and a lot of times we didn't see anyone because it was literally too hot for them to be out there. We are starting to see them more and more now.

That's it on my end. I hope everyone is ready for the holidays. Do you have your tree up? Or do you wait? What are your holiday traditions? What are your Thanksgiving must haves?! Do you black Friday shop?

xoxo,
Haley

Book Review & A Big Announcement

I love when I turn on my music to write my weekly blog. Yeah boy ; )

This week I got my book in the mail, "War Room." And like normal, I got invested and finished it in a few days.

I wouldn't say I'm a very religious person. I do my best to go to church each Sunday and stay involved in my church as well as give back to others. However, I've never felt I could completely relate to some ladies I've been around in some bible studies. I guess because I'm a little more spicy than sweet, haha! However, I never feel intimidated to share my religious journey or my thoughts about my faith because at the end of the day it is my faith and my relationship with God that I'm responsible for myself.

One of my dear friends is my Pastor's wife. She is one of the most amazing women I've ever met and not because she is a pastor's wife. She and I were discussing something the other day about being able to listen to other sermons and leaders and be able to form our own opinion of what we believe and what we are taking from it. I listen to other church's online. I won't share which ones but sometimes I am curious about other churches and definitely those with large masses. I think anyone who doesn't visit, study, or keep an open heart is missing out on the progression of their faith and misinformed that God only recognizes certain denominations, a certain path, or one type of Christian. It is extremely important to find an inviting and nurturing place of worship for YOUR family, though.

I've had quite the spiritual journey in different denominations and I took a lot of knowledge from each. I know my faith is still changing every day and it really is in God's hands. The person who is the most sure of everything is often the most ignorant.

War Room was a good read. I wouldn't say it was life changing to me. It was about a struggling marriage with the daily challenges of busy jobs, a child, and a large home. I definitely don't pray as I should. I have every intention but I don't spend the time I need to do that. The other day I was driving and something was really tugging at my heart. I spoke aloud in my car to God and that same day I received some closure. I know that was God. I know I need to do that more and God wants me to open up to him even though he knows my every thought.

This book spoke a lot about the power of prayer and praying for your family and even praying for your enemy. There is a movie made about this book and I'm looking forward to watching it with my book study group and also hearing their thoughts.

After all this election madness, I think we could all use some quiet time with our Savior.

But I probably should be a little kinder and not so spicy on my parent's answering machine!!! HA HA! I always leave them funny messages because they NEVER answer the phone. I left one today and my mom said DANA!!!! The painters were here and heard you! HA! Well, maybe I made them laugh and maybe they should answer the phone!

Anyways, the P-Hams have a big announcement coming soon! So stay tuned over the next few weeks!!

(Happy Birthday to Brandon!!!)

Hugs & Kisses,
Dana

The end is near...

Both literally and figuratively some might think. I know I can say I am READY for election to be OVER. I have had enough. I voted early and honestly, I don't want to see anymore. Tomorrow is a HUGE day for our country no matter the outcome. I hope all of y'all get out and vote. It's our civic duty. And to make this lighthearted, I've rounded up some election funnies. This is no way depicts who I am voting for or what my beliefs are. Just comedic relief folks so please...take it with a grain of salt. Oh, and make sure you have your wine or beer of choice to start drinking tomorrow night when the polls close.

via GIPHY

Happy Monday y'all! 

xoxo,
Haley