All My Happy Endings

Thursday, May 23, 2013

MOST IMPORTANT IN LIFE

Reef is beginning to speak in phrases. It is bittersweet. It reminds me that he is not a little baby any more.
I love looking at his profile. Our bed parallels with a wall of windows, so the sun can shine on the silhouette of our bodies.

Most days I feel like I have too many responsibilities and too little time. I know I could be more productive during the day.

It’s easy to forget what is most important in my life. Not those emails, blog posts or images, but my family. I’m discovering how to appreciate what I have in each moment, not mourn what I don’t.

Yesterday I heard a little’s cry and slipped into our dark, warm bedroom. I curled around my little boy’s body and he scooted even closer. I was grateful that he ~~needed~~ wanted me. Soon enough he won’t.

Running is so bad on my knees. And boring. Knowing it’s something she loves, I do it with my daughter. To be near her.

The eldest is not home much anymore. You probably remember what it was like to be 13. And lost…trying to find your way. I find that I make eye contact with him more. What he has to say is important, since I don’t hear his voice as much anymore.

Me and the mister are almost always together. It’s the way it’s been since we first met. If we’re ever apart we take time to brief the other on every conversation, thought and event that happened in the other’s absence.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

{wordless wednesday} COCOA BEACH, FL | TAKE 1

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

#PRAYFOROKLAHOMA

There are days that I wish that I wasn't a big girl. Not because of the responsibility of being a wife and mother but for the heartache we face. I wish sometimes that I could return to innocence and bliss. I wish that I could return to a time when I just thought that people were "sad" or having a "bad day." Instead, there are days that are filled with devastation and pain yet I look at our little mister and he doesn't seem touched by the sting of anguish that we adults feel. My heart has been hurting for the people in Oklahoma – for their tragic losses and for the trauma that goes with them til the end of their days. I mean, can you imagine searching for your child in the rubble of their school, demolished by a tornado?

There was an awful description in an a news report:

“A man with a megaphone stood Monday evening near St. Andrews United Methodist Church and called out the names of surviving children. Parents waited nearby, hoping to hear their sons’ and daughters’ names.”

Oh how that brings me to my knees.

I know that facing hardships is a part of growing up. And that it’s a gift to have the opportunity to love and carry the burdens of those you love. But I would be lying if I said it didn't affect me.

It is my prayer that God will use me in a mighty way to show His love for those around me no matter what the cost. God allows us to be close to those who need us most and to be close to the people we need. I am so thankful for the gift of friendship and for the beautiful people that God has put in my life. What blessings to have the opportunity to love such amazing people.

American Red Cross

Donate online or text STORM to 80888 to contribute $10 to the Salvation Army’s relief efforts or make a donation by phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY. If you’re sending a check make sure you put the words “Oklahoma Tornado Relief” on the check, and mail it to: The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 12600, Oklahoma City, OK., 73157.

Operation USA

Donate online at www.opusa.org, by phone at 1-800-678-7255 or, by check made out to Operation USA, 7421 Beverly Blvd., PH, Los Angeles, CA 90036. You can also donate $10 by texting AID to 50555. Corporate donations of bulk quantities of disaster-appropriate supplies are also being requested.

Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief

Those interested in helping can make a tax-deductible donation to the BGCO’s Disaster Relief ministry online or call (405) 942-3800. You may also send checks to: BGCO Attn: Disaster Relief 3800 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73112.

{meet my guest} LI'L PEEPS

I am a thirty-something stay at home mom who has recently found a love in making baby items. I have a 7 month old little girl who keeps me on my toes and has inspired some of the items that you see. I remember receiving some homemade burp rags at my baby shower and they were honestly one of the best gifts that I received! Anything handmade is just so personal and it is truly unique! I hope to create that very same feeling for a new mom who has received one of my handmade items! I am truly blessed to be able to have the best of both worlds....doing what I love and taking care of the little one God has blessed me with, all while staying at home! Oh, and of course, I could not forget my wonderful husband who has encouraged me in this process! He has been my greatest cheerleader!

SHOP | FACEBOOK

AMHE readers' coupon code: HAPPY10 for 10% off!

Monday, May 20, 2013

EARN MONEY SHOPPING. YES, SERIOUSLY.

I still giggle at this picture of my little mister -- his fiirst time at the zoo. He's such a character!

So...I love shopping, just like you. And when I’m handing over my debit card to the cashier, I’m debating on whether it’s the best deal I can find. Maybe it’s cheaper online? Or in another store? What if the same thing goes on sale next week? I just want to ensure I’m getting the best bang for my buck.

Even better, I’ve learned how to earn money while shopping. With Ebates, an online rebate and coupon site for over 1,500 stores.

This is not a scam or a means to sell you. This is an honest-to-goodness referral to my readers. Ebates did not hire me to promote them, nor am I being compensated for this post. I purely want you to get in on this free money cash back opportunity. I got a check in the mail to prove it.

STEP 1: Click HERE

STEP 2: Sign up with a purchase of $25 or more and earn a $10 gift card to Target, Macy’s, Amazon, or Kohl’s. Yes! Just like that!

*You can sign up today, and make your first purchase later!

Here’s an example:

GAP is having a SALE on top of a SALE: take an extra 40% off all SALE items

+ Ebates is offering 14% cash back at GAP right now

What does that mean for you?!?

{meet my guest} KENZIE | THE ASHCRAFT BUNCH

I am super excited to introduce you to another of our super amazing sponsors, Kenzie, author of The Ashcraft Bunch blog!!! She’s beautiful on the inside just as she is on the outside, and has the cutest little girl named Paisley. Seriously, the cutest name, right?! She recently shared her front door pinspiration with us and you should check her super awesome post If Blogging Didn't Exist.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Q // Why did you start blogging and how did you come up with it’s title?

A // I started blogging as a way for our friends and family to keep up with us in a more unique way instead of Facebook. I also love to write!

I wanted my blog name to be personable and after all this blog is about us so I chose to put our last name "Ashcraft" in it so it would represent each member of our "bunch."

Q // Has being a blogger changed your life or the way you do/see things? Explain how..

A // Absolutely! I have met SO many sweet ladies who have became good friends of mine. I get a lot of inspiration from several blogs I follow from cooking to parenting to marriage. I love how close knit the blogging community and it's platform of support and love. A lot of the lovely women I have met have changed my life in so many ways and are amazing prayer warriors while Zack and I have been in and out of the hospital with our daughter Paisley.

Q // What's your top 5 beauty/health/lifestyle must-haves?

A // Beauty: Lip gloss, mascara, curling iron, hair spray, & blush.

Health: My water bottle, weight watchers app, Brooks running shoes, My Health Cookbook, and nike

dry fit shorts.

Lifestyle: Planner, iPhone, Purse, Cute Shoes, & a good book to read.

Q // What’s something you like to do to pamper yourself?

A // As far as pampering is concerned, nothing is better than a pedicure and massage. :)

Q // Who’s your biggest inspiration?

A // My biggest inspiration is my husband. God blessed me with the most amazing, supportive, and encouraging spouse. He lifts me up daily and is such a leader in our home. He is my best friend and the sweetest man I know. He has an amazing testimony and I love not only that he is my husband but that he is Paisley's father too. We are both lucky girls.