Show & Tell Tuesday :)

Remember Sean Lowe? He was one of the guys Emily Maynard didn't pick on The Bachlorette... and then he became The Bachelor and picked/married Catherine. Anyway.... I follow his sister, Shay, on social media and love reading her blog! (That paragraph just made me laugh! "Will you pray for my sister's friend's cousin's dog? Thanks.") I was reading her blog today and saw that she's linking up with a fellow blogger to do Show & Tell Tuesday! Basically anyone who links up is asked to pick their Groundhog Day...you know, that day that you would pick to do over and over and over again (like the movie Groundhog Day).

I thought long and hard about this...because if I'm saying I would randomly do this day over and over again for the rest of my life, it needs to be a good one. I thought about picking my wedding day, which was amazing, or the day either of my children were born, because they were amazing as well.  I still remember the day Billy got the job as a pharmaceutical sales rep (the day he became my drug dealer, haha). I'll never forget it because that day allowed my dream of being a stay at home mom to come true. I swear that was one of the happiest days of my life. The day I became a Christian... the day we paid off our credit card debt... the day we signed the papers and became home owners... the day(s) when my babies first slept through the night, lol...  There's so many days I could pick!!! But I think a day that I would repeat over and over and over would be a typical Saturday spent with Billy & the kids. There would be some tweaks, but over all a full day spent with my family with nothing specific to do trumps most anything.

The kids would wake up at 8 (I told you there would be some tweaks... this is one of them. their 7am deal needs to go)... we'd make breakfast and be lazy. I'd clean and bake and the kids would play outside with Billy. We'd eat lunch outside and then we would all rest or take naps in the afternoon.  We'd wake and get ready and go out for dinner with friends- eating somewhere fun and kid friendly. We'd be loud and laugh and probably spill stuff. We'd finish up with ice cream and possibly Target. :) Once we're home & the kids are in bed, Billy & I would curl up with a glass of wine or a hot mug of coffee and watch a movie or play our favorite dice game, 10,000. We'd go to bed late and happy.

I realize none of that sounds glamorous or exciting, but I truly love days spent with my little family. Quality time. Time is so precious and my babies are growing up so quickly. They aren't babies anymore and I know this quality time with them is limited. We are a fairly busy family and typically have lots to do on the weekends. Between errands, birthday parties, Arbonne spas, work, and out of town trips to visit family we're booked up a lot of the time... and I always enjoy the weekends were we can just relax. and be renewed. and rest. and soak things up. 

What's your Groundhog day? :) 

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If your'e wanting to join in on the Show & Tell Tuesday deal, here's the list! :) Have fun!

great friends.

Recently Billy & I went on an emotional roller coaster ride as we (and by we, I mean he) interviewed for a position that would move us to Richmond. We had a list of pros and cons and left it up to the Lord for direction and guidance. In the end, we (and by we, I mean Billy) didn't get the position and are staying in Lynchburg. But thinking about moving caused us to really think about what we would be losing by leaving. We knew we would gain amazing & wonderful things in Richmond. We knew we would be blessed to call it home and be near family. I was also excited because one of my best friends currently lives there and I would finally live near her again. But we also knew that moving meant we had to lose a few things here in Lynchburg and start fresh. One thing we were confident in though, was that we have built friendships here that are more like family. Ones that would, without a doubt, withstand us moving.

We should all be so lucky to find friends that are more than just a friendly face in the crowd. I know I am that lucky. I have found friends that are family. sisters even. Ones that take my cranky, whiny, exhausting kids on days that I'm at my breaking point. Ones that bring me coffee just because they know I'm tired. Friends that ask to meet for lunch at Chick-fil-a because the kids can play in the play place while we talk. Friends that have a wine night so we can quite literally whine. Friends that talk about important and sensitive issues because it's necessary and important. Friends that call you out on your ridiculousness and challenge you to be better. Friends that get together for birthdays and celebrate another year of life. Friends that send encouraging messages or hilarious videos just to make your day a little better. Friends that remind you to seek God above all else... to focus on His blessings and not your frustrations... Friends that send you scripture and pray for you (even if your requests are trivial compared to things going on in the world). I am so so so lucky to have these friends.

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"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Phil. 4:8

This verse was sent to me with the message to be overwhelmed by God instead of the world, exhaustion, pride, and struggles of the flesh.

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I hope you have these friends in your life for so many reasons, but mostly because I know the benefits  of finding them. Mine help make me a better Christian, person, wife, mother, & friend.... xoxo

Cold. and Changes. Blah.

This blog is meant for me to record my thoughts, frustrations, as well as milestones in our family etc. 

Well I'm recording my thoughts. It's cold. Super cold. and it's been rainy. and dreary. and I've become obsessed with blankets and tall, warm socks. I'm also quickly becoming a fan of night time showers because I like being warm and our house is drafty and cold. 

Can I also use this space for prayer requests? I can? Cool. :) Billy has an interview on Friday and it's a pretty huge interview. It will require lots of changes and challenges for our family, but we are seeking the Lord and staying focused on where He's leading us. We're staying positive and excited and finding the blessings instead of focusing on the fears right now. If you're reading this and want to pray for us that would be amazing. We might possibly [or is it may possibly? or possibly might? possibly may? whatever. you get the point] have to make rather large decisions for our family in the very near future and we greatly appreciate your prayers. 

Lastly... I'm going to use this space so share an amazing quote that my friend Cheryl sent me. "Fear tempts you to avoid discomfort even if it costs you your future." It speaks to me on many levels... with my family and the fears we have about this possible next step in Billy's career... with my business and the fears I have about asking for favors or sharing what I do with others for fear of being judged... it also speaks to me when I think about my walk with Christ. Fear of rejection or discomfort cause me to shy away from sharing Him with others... Don't let fear be the reason you don't take risks, dream dreams, and live abundantly.

For Sale... 18 month old drama king!

Disclaimer- I love my children. I'm kind of obsessed with them. Keep that in mind as you continue reading...

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I have an adorable 18 month old little boy for sale. He comes with a blanket, stuffed animal, pacifier, and I'll even throw in the car seat. He'll have a bag packed full of clothes and socks and shoes and of course I'll have another bag full of trucks and trains. Best offer wins. 

Pros: He'll snuggle you all the time. He loves to eat and isn't very picky about what he eats. He loves bath time and will entertain himself for a long time in the tub. He takes good naps [most of the time], plays well with others, drinks almond milk and water, and will hug you super tight. He'll leave his mark [of drool] all of your house and get super (gasping) excited every time he sees food or a new toy. He is starting to learn new words and will repeat them over and over and over. He has dimples for daysssss and has the most adorable smile ever. <3

Cons: Hes a drama KING. He will throw anything & everything he can grab when he's angry. He will even throw himself on the floor. He is super snotty. Literally. Snot is pouring off of this kids face and I wipe it every 2 minutes. He poops. A lot. All the time. and hates having his diaper changed. speaking of that - he hates having his diaper changed so he flails around every.single.time screaming at you until you're done. He doesn't like socks. He takes his left shoe & sock off in the car every time you put him in his car seat. just the left one though - the right sock & shoe stay put. He is obsessed with his paci even though he only [ok usually only] gets it at sleep times and sometimes in the car if its a long trip. He finds them though. and screams until you hide it or give it to him. If you hide it he screams because he can't find it. and then throws himself on the floor. and pulls his sock off. and throws that. 

I'm exhausted. I love him. but some days, like today and yesterday, I'm ready to sell him. and if you buy him I'll want you to return him for a full refund... after a couple of days.

Let's Try This Again...

I have big goals for 2015. Business, personal, family, biblical... One personal goal is to get back to blogging. In high school I journaled all the time. I filled up notebook after notebook of my "Dear Diary..." ramblings. In college I journaled in calendars. I wrote down bullet points of what I did each day. It was so great to go back and see how things had changed etc. As I got into the professional world I kept up with the calendar journaling, but slacked off a ton once I left teaching and entered into full time mommy-hood. I want that to change. So here I am. I have a laptop now so the lack of computer thing isn't an excuse. I'm not nursing a baby anymore so the one handed reason is no longer an excuse... now it's just laziness and forgetfulness. :) 

2014 was wonderful. life changing really. We left the baby stage behind (sniff, sniff) and learned how to manage & enjoy life with 2 kiddos. Meredith started her last year of preschool at HUMPreschool, Micah transitioned to 1 nap a day (really, this is a milestone, because 2 naps sucks the flexibility out of my day! lol). Billy & I focused on our relationship more and started having regular date nights (thanks, Kaitlyn!). We joined a small group and become more active with serving at our church, Brentwood. We paid off debt, visited family, and celebrated Chad & Hailey's wedding (yea for having a new sister!!). We went on vacation with Billy's family and spent time with our England family as well (here, not there...). With Billy's support and encouragement I started my own health and wellness business through Arbonne... and it changed our family's life. Billy & I have been so blessed by that journey and even though there have been struggles and frustrations - I wouldn't trade a second of it. I've grown as a person, a leader, a mom, and a wife and I'm truly thankful for the friends I've made and the freedoms I've enjoyed because of Arbonne. I was able to earn an amazing all expense paid 7 day cruise to the Western Caribbean courtesy of Arbonne! Woohoo! I truly never thought I'd be a part of "one of those" companies but now I can't see myself NOT being a part of one!! We thank the Lord daily for bringing that opportunity into our lives. 

2015... you have a lot to compete with, but I'm pretty sure it's possible. Here's to a new year... and a lot of new beginnings, new faces, new opportunities, and new fun! 

comparing & judging

I'm going to pour my heart out a little, but I'm going to do it quickly... Micah & Meredith are both napping, but since that never seems to happen simultaneously anymore, I figure one of them will wake up as soon as I get to the good part... so I'll make it snappy.

My name is Kristin Daniels and I compare myself to other people/women/wives/moms and I also judge myself and them based on how I do things or wish I did things.

WHY!?!

Do you vaccinate?  Did you do a delayed schedule? Are you breastfeeding? Do you ever leave your baby over night? Do you and your husband have regular date nights? Do you work outside the home? Do you grocery shop with coupons? Do you spoil your kids with toys? Are you thinking about going back to work? Do you let your baby sleep in the bed with you? Do you like your baby cry it out?

Whatever your answers to these questions - GOOD. FOR. YOU! You are a rockstar mom/dad/friend/wife/husband/sister/brother... whatever... and the decisions you make for your family/self are, I'm sure, the best decision based on your circumstances. In light of eternity the only thing of true importance is: Are you serving the Lord and seeking His will... and are you sharing Him with others?

My jealousy/comparing/judging issues are absurd and I'm trying my best to be confident in who I am, the decisions I make, and the way I take care of my family. There are people who think they'll do it differently... or people who judge the way someone raises their child or treats their spouse... and I'm going to try to NOT be that person. I'm thankful God chose me to raise my kids and be a wife to Billy... and I have a lot of room for improvement, but doing it because someone else does it better, or because someone else thinks I'm crazy/silly... well that's not reason enough to change.

My name is Kristin Daniels and I'm trying my hardest to live my life the way the Lord would have me live it - flaws, craziness, awkwardness, and all.

But in reality...

Billy & I are doing a small group study using the "Not A Fan" series with our college life group. This past week the question to ponder was "What have you had to sacrifice to follow Christ?"

I grew up in church. I enjoyed high school. I went to a Christian university, married a Christian man, and we have, for the most part, Christian families and friends.

I've sacrificed very little to follow Christ.

And the sad thing is - I don't always sacrifice my time or money to serve him. :(

I wish I could tell you that I wake up 30 minutes early every morning to spend quiet time with Him. In reality, I fit him in while I'm drinking my coffee and Meredith is watching tv or playing barbies.

I wish I could tell you that I sacrifice my pride and nerves and witness to my friends that aren't followers. In reality, they know my beliefs, but our conversations aren't always focused on the Lord.

I wish I could tell you that I sacrifice my money to serve others. In reality, I stress daily on where our grocery money will come from the next week, let alone how I'm going to bless someone else.

I wish I could tell you that I invite people to church. In reality, I will if the topic comes us, but I never push the issue and I never call to ask the day before.

I wish I could tell you that Billy & I put God above all else. In reality we struggle with this daily.

I wish I could tell you a lot of things... but I've been reminded this week that I ask a lot of God and give little in return.

I can, however, tell you this. I love the Lord with my whole heart. I'm learning, on a daily basis, to trust Him with my life, my family, our finances, etc. I truly do seek to follow His will for my life. I talk about the Lord and pray with my kids every.single.day. I pray for my family and friends daily as well. I love going to our amazing church ((goooo Brentwood!)) and love serving as leaders for College Life. I have a passion for teenagers and young adults and I hope I'm a respectable role model for them. I love my children and my husband and want our family to serve the Lord - not just at church on Sunday's but in our neighborhood and in our world.

I'm still learning... and growing...

What about you? Jesus died on the cross for our sins. He sacrificed his life for us. What have you sacrificed to serve and follow him?