Nothing Can Separate Us

I don't know why but I was extremely frustrated last night - with everything and everyone.  Nothing seemed to be going right and on top of it all Ethan was super fussy from teething.  I think it all just got to me and I started being short with everyone which is usually not like me at all.  I am never impatient with Garrison but I was VERY impatient last night.  I started feeling really bad around the time he went to bed.  I told myself that tomorrow is a new day and I will start fresh in the morning.  As I was telling him goodnight he hugged me extra tight and said, "You will ALWAYS be my Mommy and I love you very much!"  I was so undeserving of that but he somehow knew I needed it.  I hugged him extra tight and told him he would always be my "baby".  Those are the kind of moments that make all of the frustration and mommy exhaustion completely worthwhile.

I am so guilty of not reading my bible very often.  I seem to only crack it open when I am struggling with something and want God to give me answers.  And He always does.  I don't know why it still surprises me that I open the huge book to the exact page and exact scripture He wants me to hear.  Last night was no different.  This is the first scripture I read:

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love.  Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love."  ~Romans 8:38

I have heard this verse many times but it really resonated within me last night for some reason.  The word "nothing" is so powerful.  It doesn't go on to say, "except for...".  It simply says "nothing".  We have to remember that nothing we have done or will ever do will separate us from His love.  He doesn't push us to the side or love us any less for mistakes we have made.  Talk about unconditional love.

I think about the love I have for my boys.  I know that there is no way I could ever stop loving them, no matter what.  I am fully aware that God allowed me to be a mother so I could experience that kind of love.  And then I have to remember that God's love for us (all of us) is even greater than the love I have for my boys.  I cannot fathom a love greater than that of a mother but I don't try to understand it.  I just accept it.  And I remind myself that nothing will ever separate me from His love.

Jewels*

Seeking Fulfillment and Avocado Cream Enchiladas

Something I have learned through my 10 years of marriage is that there are certain needs only God can meet.  It was so great to hear our pastor talk about this in more detail this past Sunday as he continued his series on marriage and priorities.

The pastor drew a picture of two buckets, one represented the husband and one represented the wife.  He talked about how we have a certain water level in each of our buckets.  But we also have holes in our buckets (we are broken) and that is the level at which our water starts to pour out.  We try to fill our buckets by drawing water (i.e. strength, support, encouragement, whatever else) from our spouse's bucket but all we are doing is lowering their water level.  And when we take on their water all it does is pour out of our bucket where our holes are.  Only God has the ability to fill the holes in our buckets (hearts) and fill our buckets with living water (Holy Spirit).  Taking our spouse's water will only suck them dry until they have nothing left to give.

I think it is so important for us married couples to recognize that God is everything we need.  We can never count on another person to completely fulfill us.  Garrett knows the real me.  I know how strong his love is for me.  I know, without a doubt, that he would die so that I could live.  He can be my supporter, my encourager and my best friend but he cannot heal me.  He cannot meet every single need I have.  That is a harsh reality to learn, especially for those who have always depended on someone.  As a married couple (two becoming one) you should depend on your spouse for things and lean on them.  But that is different than relying on them to fulfill your every need.

Trust God.  Understand what He has done for you.  Trust that He wants to be at the center of your marriage and your family.  Give Him your hurts so He can heal you and make you a better wife or husband, mother or father.  Stop relying on your spouse, your parents, your kids, self help books, your friends to fulfill your needs.  He is all you need. 

Avocado Cream Enchiladas

I found this recipe on Pinterest and I was so excited to go home and make it for Garrett Friday night.  Yes, I get excited about food.  When Garrett got home I said (in my excited voice), "Guess what I'm making you for dinner tonight?  Avocado Cream Enchiladas!!!"  His response:  "That sounds great, except for the fact that I'm allergic to avocados."  Bahahahahaha!  How could I have forgotten that?  He used to eat them all the time but the last few times he has had them his throat closes up.  He told me I could still make them but after an image of us waking up our boys and taking a family trip to the ER in the middle of the night I decided against it.  I still wanted to share the recipe with y'all because it looks so delicious!

Enchilada Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 medium white or yellow onion, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 poblano peppers, stemmed and thinly sliced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced
• 8-10 flour tortillas
• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken(rotisserie works best)
• 2-3 cups Monterrey Jack cheese
• optional garnish: fresh cilantro, sour cream, and/or shredded cheese

Avocado Cream Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 tsp. cumin
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 2 California avocados, peeled and pitted
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• juice of one lime

First make the avocado cream sauce: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium high heat. Add the flour, whisking until golden and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. Slowly whisk the broth into the flour mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the sour cream, cumin, salt, garlic powder and pepper, whisking if necessary to remove any lumps. Remove from heat and transfer mixture to a blender or food processor. Add avocados, cilantro and lime juice, and pulse until smooth and well-blended. (Be very careful blending hot liquids — the heat will expand! So be sure to remove the lid occasionally so that the heat can escape.) Season with additional salt or pepper if needed.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, poblano and jalapeno, and saute for 5-6 minutes until the onions are cooked and translucent. Remove from heat.

To assemble the enchiladas, place a tortilla on a flat surface. Spread a tablespoon or two of the avocado sauce down the middle of the tortilla. Then layer on some of the vegetable mixture, shredded chicken and cheese. Carefully roll the tortilla and place it seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas. Drizzle the top with about half of the remaining avocado cream sauce, then cover the dish with foil and bake for about 20 minutes, or until tortillas are heated through and begin to harden.

Remove from the oven, then serve individual enchiladas drizzled with the remainder of the avocado cream sauce. You can also garnish with additional cilantro, cheese, and/or sour cream.

Jewels*

Forever Friends

I am so proud of myself for continuing the 30 day shred.  It sucks but I am hoping it will be worth it in a couple of months!  The only thing that sucks is how much my appetite has increased.  Seems like a lose, lose but I'm hoping it will all balance out soon.  I thought I should take a before shot of my work out so here it is.  Just me, chilling at the beach.

 Bahahaha! 

In all seriousness though, I did come across this today and thought it was a great motivation for me! 

Garrett came home from work and had to unload his work truck in the garage.  He started working on...well, I'm not going to pretend I know what it is... but I know Garrison was fascinated watching his Daddy work.  And I caught this cute shot of them!

Forever Friends

I have often blogged about friendship - old friends, new friends, friends going through different phases and drifting apart, the importance of friendship.  I have been lucky enough to get the chance to hang out with two of my oldest (and by oldest, I mean most tenured) friends over the past week. 

I have been friends with Natalie for 20 years (wow, that makes me feel old).  We probably only see each other about once every 6 months but I will always consider her my best friend.  We have SO many memories together and when we hang out part of us easily reverts back to those goofy 10 year old girls we once were.  We seem to never be in the same phase of life at the same time but it doesn't matter in the least bit.  We always show up in each others' lives when it matters most.  I know she will ALWAYS be there for me and I for her.  That's true friendship. 

Kelli and I have been friends for about 19 years.  We used to be really similar in middle school but then again, who wasn't at that age?!  :)  Since high school she has taken a TOTALLY different path in life than I have.  I got married at 19 and started having babies at 21.  Kelli, being the ridiculously talented free spirit she is, pursued art and a life full of adventure and independence.  I think we were both living our own dream.  We have only seen each other a couple of times over the last five years or so and I was SO excited to learn she is moving back to Dallas for a while.  We may still have totally different beliefs on certain issues but hanging out with her made me realize why we were such good friends for so long.

I guess my point is that no matter where life has taken me I am so grateful to have those long time friends (and new friends) who I know will always be there for me.  I am grateful to know that I can get together with these friends I haven't seen in forever and feel like we never missed a beat.  I am grateful to have friends who know me inside and out - the old me, the new me, the real me.


Jewels* 

ABC's

I am stealing this idea from a new blog I am reading, so thanks Annie!  :)  I also found a cool photo a day challenge on another blog and it's called Gratitude.  I'm excited to start that one.  Follow me on Instagram to check it out ~ my user name is julianagthomas!


Just some of the things I am thankful for...

A - Ability to love and be loved.

B - Bachelor/Bachelorette because it is an hour of mindless t.v. that I desperately need!

C - My car, even when it has mud all over it from Garrison's baseball cleats.

D - Dogs ... I love mine SO much!

E - Ethan Gregory Thomas.  He is our precious miracle!

F  - Faith.  Without it I would be lost.

G - Garrison Robert Thomas.  He is such an amazing little boy and God has big plans for him!

H  - Husband.  He is my best friend and my love!

I - Instagram - I love it!

J - Jesus and His unfailing love for me. 

K - Kristin Lee.  She is my rock and one of my best friends!

L - Life.  I constantly remind myself how precious life is.

M - Marriage because it has strengthened my faith immensely.

N - Nice people because it means this world isn't completely broken.

O - October because it is the birth month for my two favorite guys and it means colder weather!

P - Parenthood - LOVE.THAT.SHOW!

Q - Quiet Time.  That is a rare gift being a Mommy of 2.

R - Rain.  Check out my previous post to find out why.

S - Supportive parents who have taught me SO much about Jesus, love and life!

T - Tacos.  I mean, who doesn't love tacos?!

U - Umbrellas, especially last night during Garrison's baseball game!

V - Vacation with my hubby, coming up in a little over 2 months.  Woooo hooo!

W - Work so I can help support my family

X - Xanax because it keeps me sane.  I'm totally kidding!

Y - You, for actually reading the things I write! :)

Z - Zygocactus truncatis - I just wanted y'all to learn a new word.  I think it's some type of plant! :)


Happy Friday!!!


Jewels*

Why Won't They Behave?!

First of all I started using this coffee creamer and it's rockin' my world!!!  I really want to try some of their other flavors but I don't see too many varieties at Wal-Mart or Target.  Anyone else know of a place that carries a variety of Coffee-mate?

Moving right along...

Parenting is hard.  By no means do I consider myself an expert when it comes to parenting.  But I do feel like Garrison is a really well behaved kid (so far) and hopefully Ethan will be too.  I completely understand that all kids are different.  I also think some kids are more responsive to one type of discipline over another (for example, timeouts vs. spanking).  I don't think there is one perfect way to raise a well behaved child.  But I do think many parents out there are lazy and give up on disciplining their kids because they assume that is "just the way they are" or that it's "just their personality".  Guess what?!  They won't be able to use that excuse when they are 30 and living/working in the real world.

Here are some things I have learned along the way that I want to share with y'all!

• Get off the phone!  We are all guilty (including me) of wanting to be on our phones all the time and that's not necessarily a bad thing.  But when I go to the store and hear a kid yelling and screaming from two aisles over I am not the least bit surprised when I get to that aisle and see the mom with her back to the kid playing on her phone.  I don't even think it's always a matter of them misbehaving as much as it is them wanting your attention.

• Co-parenting is ridiculously important.  Discussions about how to raise or discipline your kid should be held behind closed doors, never in front of them.  Garett and I try really hard to make sure we don't contradict each other in front of Garrison.  That doesn't mean I haven't had to bite my tongue (literally) from time to time.  If you were constantly fighting about your kid in front of them I imagine this is what they would feel like.

• Displine is a necessity.  I think timeout is very beneficial as long as you are consistent with it.  I agree with the minute/age rule (2 year old gets 2 minutes, 3 year old gets 3 minutes, etc.).  I have heard so many parents say their kids will not stay in timeout.  Have you ever watched Super Nanny?  If they get up, put them back.  If they get up again, put them back again.  If they get up again, put them back again.  Don't be lazy with this.  I promise you are helping yourself in the long run by being firm and consistent. 

• Physical Discipline - I realize not everyone agrees with spanking but I did this with Garrison from the ages of about 2-4.  My rule with spanking was I NEVER spank out of anger.  I only resorted to it after timeout and several warnings or if he put himself in a very dangerous situation.  For example, when Garrison was about 3 he yanked his hand out of mine and ran into the street.  You can bet your ass he got a spanking for that.  It was a moment I didn't want him to forget and I wanted him to understand the seriousness of the situation. 

• Don't turn discipline into a game.  I know it's hard to try and discipline a child after the tears start falling or that sweet little mouth turns into a frown.  But you have to stay firm and consistent.  Don't try to make timeout or discipline fun.  That will only result in your child acting out more frequently to get more attention/fun time from mom and dad.
• Independence - You have to let go of the leash a little more with each passing year and let them learn things and experience things on their own.  You are not always going to be there to do things for them.  I think this is a better method than just pushing them out into the world at 18 and hoping they do well.

• Don't give them everything they want when they want it.  Garrison started telling me he wanted a DS two years ago.  He just got one for his 7th birthday.  I wanted to make him wait a little so he would appreciate it more.  Also, it is very rare that I let Garrison get a toy when we go to the store.  And if he does, he typically uses his own money to buy it.
• Tantrums - I remember this being big when Garrison was 2 and 3.  He would throw a tantrum and I soon realized that ignoring him was the best option.  He would literally throw himself on the ground and start screaming.  I would say something like, "I am not going to talk to you when you act like that" and I would walk away.  He would end up following me around the house screaming and I would just completely ignore him.  It works, I promise.  This is one of the funniest videos I have seen of a kid throwing a tantrum.

• Follow Through - I have blogged about this before so I will keep it brief.  It is SO important that if you threaten something you follow through.  For example, "If you don't stop we are leaving the store."  If they don't stop, LEAVE!
• Unconditional love - Tell your kids every day, multiple times a day, how much you love them.  I smother Garrison with hugs and love all the time.  It is a healthy balance to show them discipline, consistency, boundaries and love.  It's funny because if I ever get on to him for something he usually comes back with something like, "I'm sorry Mommy.  I love you."  Melts my heart and makes the yucky discipline part worthwhile.

 

Like I said I'm no expert but I hope this is helpful advice for those of you who are just starting out as parents or feel like you can't get your kids to behave.  You are molding and shaping them into the adults you want them to become.  That may seem like a big job... because it is!  You have to have confidence in your ability as a parent and have high hopes and expectations for your kiddos.  You've got this!!!


Jewels*

??? and Why can't he be more like...

I could think of nothing better for the start of this post than "???" because I have no words.  Well, I always have words so here they are. 

Garrett and I caught the tail end of an animal show last night where the SPCA police officers (which I didn't know existed) were working undercover to bust a dog fighting ring.  I have NEVER understood dog fighting but to actually see it on t.v. was even more heartbreaking.  I won't go into details for your sake.  Thankfully none of the dogs were killed because the officers got there in time but they were severely wounded.  I told Garrett that I hope those guys get the same kind of treatment in jail that child molestors get.  I know that's harsh but so is training animals to kill and then watching them do it.  By the way, feeling generous today?  You can donate to the ASPCA here.  It says that even donating $.60 can make a difference and I believe it!  Their website says that $18 can help five cats and five dogs get adopted into homes.  That is saving 10 animals for less than $1 each!!!

Just look at these precious faces!

Then we watched the first five minutes of the news and heard an update on the child molestor at a Plano school (second one in the last two years at the same school).  It was showing a meeting with all of the parents and some of the Plano school board officials.  The parents (rightly so) were demanding answers on what is being done to ensure their children are safe.  From what I saw the superintendent had no answers.  He got so flustered he told the parents that if they had questions they could write in with them.  I'm sorry, what?!?! 

The very next news story was about abuse at a nursing home...with video.  I just couldn't take it.  I'm pretty sure that was the point where I looked at Garrett and said, "What the F is wrong with these people?!"  Garrett summed it up in one sentence, "Some people just have no respect for human life."  That's exactly right!  At what point are we going to become desensitized to all of this?  I hope the answer is never.  I hope we continue to be appalled at this kind of treatment towards animals, kids and the elderly.  I hope we teach our children how heartbreaking and wrong this behavior is.  Okay, moving on...


Why can't he be more like...

Continuing on with my theme from yesterday.  I think another question women constantly ask themselves is why their husband can't be more like their friend's husband (or whoever else).  I know I used to ask myself this question, but then I realized (as I have blogged about many times before) you have NO idea what goes on behind closed doors at that other person's house.

I remember about 5 years ago my friend and I were talking about housework and cooking.  She told me that her and her husband switch off who cooks and does the dishes each night.  Then she told me that they split all of the housework (cleaning, laundry...everything!).  I was shocked and okay, ridiculously jealous!  Where did I go wrong?  Why was I the one doing everything at home?  Why couldn't my marriage be perfect like that?  About two years after that my friend found out her husband had been cheating on her.  He left her and their kids to be with this other person. 

Look, I'm not saying that guys who help around the house or bring their wives flowers once a week are cheaters or that they have some other awful secrets they are hiding.  I'm just saying that we need to stop comparing our husbands to other people's husbands.  You married your guy for a reason (or hopefully several reasons). 

I may be the one who does mostly everything around the house but I actually enjoy doing most of it.  I love Garrett for how incredibly hard he works, how ambitious he is, how honest he is, his faithfulness and commitment to me and our boys, how fiercely and passionately he loves us, his willingness and desire to grow spiritually and become a better husband and father.  How often he does laundry, dishes or cooks is so ridiculously small in comparison to those amazing qualities for which I married him. 

I encourage you to focus on your husband's redeeming qualities (the reasons you married him) not the things you wish he did differently. I guarantee you they have a list of things they wish we did differently and I know I want to stay as far away from that list as possible. ;)

I love these and hope the second one will be us one day! :)

Jewels*

He Doesn't...

I know people read my blog but I really don't know how many people are experiencing the things I write about or if they are just bored and have nothing better to do than read what I have to say.  :)

I have been lucky enough to have friends ask me for guidance and trust my advice.  I am so thankful that people trust me enough to discuss their problems with me and just let me listen to them vent or let me give advice.  Anyways, I thought I would try something new for today (and maybe a few more posts) and talk about some common issues that I think a lot of people deal with.  Kind of like a Dear Abby except I'm writing a response to, well, no one.  Haha!  So, here we go...


He doesn't...

...pay attention to me anymore.
...find me attractive anymore.
...want to be intimate as often as he used to.
...like to do the same things we used to.
...try to be romantic or spontaneous.
...have the same priorities in life that he used to have.


I feel like a lot of women who have been married more than a couple of years feel like their husbands aren't necessarily the same guy they thought they married.  First off, can we just be honest for a second ladies?!  They have to put on at least a little bit of a front to get you in the first place.  It is very slowly that they start to reveal the real them.  And if we are really being honest wouldn't we say we do the same thing, even a little bit?!

That being said, my first piece of advice would be to look in the mirror before you start accusing your husband of what he doesn't do anymore.  The other day I was driving home from work and I looked over at the lady in the car next to me at a red light.  She was reapplying her lipstick and powder and then popped a piece of gum in her mouth.  I started laughing so hard because I remember that is exactly what I used to do on my way home from work.  I wanted to look good and smell good for my hubby when I walked in the door.  Now I just want to get home and rip my bra off and put my sweats on as fast as possible.  Haha! 

What is it that you are doing differently?!  Do you use the bathroom with the door open?  Do you require a little more warm up time before going to "funky town" (Parenthood reference)?  Do you choose to spend your date nights at the grocery store?  Do you always go out with your husband with no make up and your hair in a ponytail?  Look, I'm the first girl to admit I love being comfortable and I love that Garrett accepts me for who I am.  But the point is that if you want him to still try you have to still try too!

I think as women we automatically assume our husbands don't find us attractive anymore.  We gain some weight or our bodies look slightly (okay, totally) different after having babies.  But you know what?  The second he sees some skin (that you are embarassed to show) he will be all.over.that.  Seriously... give it a try.  Try being at least a little more confident in your skin and he will reciprocate.

Maybe he doesn't like to do the same things y'all used to.  I think back on when Garrett and I were dating and we would sometimes have picnics in the park.  I wish you could see how hard I am laughing right now picturing me presenting this as a date idea to him these days.  Not gonna' happen.  Maybe some of you ladies are lucky enough to have guys that would love to go see a play followed by a picnic and a nice stroll in the park.  Not mine!  I have learned to deal with that and even enjoy doing non-romantic comedy type things with my husband.  Now we LOVE watching baseball together.  We also love movies, dinners out, listening to live music, going to wineries, Top Golf, you name it!  I'm not going to pretend like I love sitting down and watching a full football game but we have found some things we love to do together.

Maybe you think he isn't as romantic or spontaneous as he used to be.  Our pastor has been giving some great sermons lately on marriage and one of the things he said a couple of weeks back was that we need to be supportive when our guys try to do something nice for us.  If he plans an awful date go with it.  Don't criticize.  I love that advice!  Guys have enough confidence issues and don't need us picking apart everything they do.  Appreciate and compliment them on what they do for you and I promise they will want to be that way more often.

Okay, I know that was a long post but I hope it was helpful or at least somewhat entertaining.  As always, I would love any feedback you have for me through Facebook or here.  And if you've got questions, I hope I've got answers!

Here are some funny pictures I have found on Marriage.

And my favorite...

Jewels*

Weekend Recap

Our weekend was crazy busy but so much fun!  My sister and her kiddos came in Friday night to spend the weekend with us.  We hung out at my parents' Friday night and then the boys and I spent the night.  Much easier than waking them up and driving them home.  Unfortunately my kiddo was the one who got up at 5:30 Saturday morning and it was a domino effect after that.  Garrison, Ellie, Ben, Will and Ethan.  Kids talking, moms hushing and babies screaming.  Just a day in the life! :)  PaPa woke up soon after and had his usual Cheerios with all the kids.  I don't think we'll have enough counter space when Ethan and Ellie join in on the tradition.

I was so excited they were able to make Garrison's last Saturday baseball game.  I love this picture of Benny chowing down on his Cheetos at the game. 

 

Then we went to Top Golf, one of our favorite places!  My sister and nephews had never been and I was so glad they got to experience it with us!  Here are some action shots of the boys.

 

Meanwhile, Ellie Day was picking up her sippy cup with her monkey feet, a freaky trait she inherited from her Daddy!  :)

We headed on back to my parents' house to celebrate my dad's birthday with some good 'ole burgers.  Before we ate the boys got some more play time in.

My sister made this awesome frame for my dad.  The picture inside is just a temporary one (courtesy of world renowned artist, Mr. William) until we could get a picture of him with all the grandkids.

Hopefully we can use one of the pictures we snapped on Sunday of all of them.  I have about 10 on my camera.  Do you know how hard it is to get a good picture of five kids?!  Here is what most of them look like.

 This one is a little better but of course it's my kiddo that can't be serious.  Ha!

We went to church on Sunday and heard an awesome message.  Then we went to BJ's for lunch and caught some of the Cowboys game.  I headed off to Forney for a baby shower with Ethan.  My sister made this beautiful frame for Miss Shelby and I just love it!  I have one like it for Ethan and it's one of my favorite things in his room.



My sister is ridiculously creative.  Check out her Facebook page Little Bit of Everything.  She mostly does stuff for the Houston area but she is able to ship certain products anywhere.  Be sure and like her page so your friends can find out more about her products too! :)

After the shower Ethan and I met up with my best friend for dinner.  I love, love, love catching up with her.  I felt awful though because Ethan was literally screaming throughout dinner.  I had to keep taking him outside (where of course he became miraculously quiet).  He is normally SO good when we go out but a tired, teething baby is not a good combo.  I just hope I didn't scare her off from wanting to have kiddos!

The ONLY bad thing about the entire weekend was coming home to a broken refrigerator and spoiled food.  Ugh!!!  At first I was really upset, annoyed and frustrated but then I remembered what an awesome weekend I had with family.  I realized how blessed I am to have a home with a refrigerator and a job that allows me to buy food for my family.  So my cursing turned into thanking Jesus (yet again) for all my blessings!

Until next time...

Jewels*

Beef Tenderloins with Mushroom Sauce

I totally forgot to include this recipe with my post earlier.  I found a recipe similar to this on Pinterest and I modified it because I didn't have the ingredients it called for.  Made this last night and it was a.mazing!!!

Sorry I don't have measurements but this is one of those things that doesn't need exact amounts - my favorite kinds of dishes to make!

Beef Tenderloins with Mushroom Sauce

Beef Tenderloins

Heavy whipping cream

Garlic powder or minced garlic

Onion Powder

Salt/Pepper

Butter

White wine

Mushrooms (I used baby bella and they were great!)

Melt butter in skillet over medium high heat.  **Tip - if you like your steaks more done you might want to mix some olive oil with the butter before cooking the steaks because that will not burn as easily aka charred steaks.**  

 

Salt & pepper the tenderloins.  Cook tenderloins on each side until browned. Turn heat down to medium, cover and continue cooking through until medium (or however you like it).

 

Remove steaks to plate and keep warm.

 

In another pan melt butter and add mushrooms, garlic and onion powder. Sautee until soft. Add whipping cream and some white wine. Allow mixture to bubble and thicken and pour over steaks.

 

Jewels*

 

Shake Them Haters Off

Can you tell I'm trying to get creative with my titles?  Ha!

Have you ever met someone who lets bitterness, anger and negative thoughts consume them?  To the point where you walk away from every conversation with them feeling completely and utterly drained...and depressed?!  I have.  And it's a reminder that I don't ever, ever, ever want to be that person.  I want to be the person that others WANT to be around.  I want to be the person that lifts people up instead of bringing them down.

I have previously blogged about forgiveness but I have felt strongly about writing again about this topic, especially after listening to Matthew West's song, "Forgiveness" on the radio the other day.  You can watch it below.

The lines that hit me the most from this song are:

It always goes to those that don't deserve
Ain't that the truth?!  And that is why it's so hard to forgive sometimes, especially when the person doesn't even ask to be forgiven.  You feel like you are giving in or giving someone permission to hurt you.  But you aren't. 

Show me how to love the unlovable
Show me how to reach the unreachable
We HAVE to ask God to help us forgive those who have hurt us.  He forgives us every single day for the things we do wrong.  I think He's pretty qualified to show us how to forgive others.

The prisoner that it really frees is you
This is my absolute favorite line.  If you get nothing else from this post, get this... forgiving others is more about you than it is about them.  Holding onto anger, bitterness, resentment and hurt is so toxic.  That person don't even have to know if you have forgiven them or not.  But you have to let it go.  You have to forgive so that you can be healed.

So, this leads us back to the title of my blog.  Shake them haters off!!! Ask for forgiveness, ask God to help you forgive others, forgive them, heal yourself and move on with your life!  I guarantee you will be much happier and have a lot more friends! :)


"He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends." ~Proverbs 17:9

"Then Peter came up to Him and said, Lord, how many times may my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? Up to seven times? Jesus answered him, I tell you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven!" ~Matthew 18:21-22

Jewels*

Favorite Products

I was telling a girl at work the other day that pre kids it would take me about an hour and a half to get ready in the mornings.  Now that I'm a mom you can bet your sweet ass I've got that down to 45 minutes... 20 minutes if I wear my hair curly.  :)

I still love wearing makeup and being girly but after I found some products that I loved it took even less time doing my makeup and hair in the mornings.  I thought I would share some of those with y'all in case you're interested.


Makeup

My absolute favorite mascara is by Dior and it's called Blackout.  Thanks a lot Leslie for turning me on to this $20 mascara.  :)  I am normally super cheap with makeup products but mascara is definitely the one thing I will spend a bit more on.  You can get this at Sephora.  I actually haven't bought this one in a while because I HATE going to the Galleria or Willowbend. When I go to those places I actually want to wear my t-shirts with holes in them just to see what people will say. 

A good alternative to this can be found at Target.  e.l.f. is one of my favorite makeup brands.  It's high quality and super cheap.  This one is $3.

Speaking of e.l.f. I really love their eye shadow and lip gloss too.  Here are some of the ones I have recently purchased.  If Target doesn't have it you can order all their products directly from their website by clicking here.

Best nude lipstick I have found.  $3

Love the lip gloss.  $1

Candlelight cream eye shadow (great as a base). $3

Golden Goddess eye shadow (shimmery, pretty all over or as a brown bone highlighter).  $3

I have tried every foundation under the sun and my absolute favorite is Everyday Minerals.  It could be compared to Bare Minerals but way cheaper.  Ever since I have been using this powder foundation I have gotten lots of compliments on my skin.  And the best part?!  It's only $12!  I buy the semi matte sunkissed fair.  You can search their products here. 

Last but not least is blush.  I have the hardest time finding just the right color.  I finally came across the Maybelline Dream Mousse blush (cream blush) and I love it because it gives that dewey look.  I use the rose petal shade.  It's around $10.

Hair

I don't use a ton of hair products but have found some I love!

When I wear my hair curly I tend to use the Herbal Essence Totally Twisted gel and mousse.  You can get them at Wal Mart or Target for around $5.

 

I also recently discovered the CHI straightguard smoothing styling cream.  A little bit goes a loooong way.

 

Another one of my favs is the Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Root Pump.  This stuff rocks!  And surprisingly I have found it at TJ Maxx for around $10 a few times.

Last but not least is one of my life saving products when I wake up late.  Dry shampoo!  I have been using the TRESemme one (around $5 at Target or Wal Mart) and it works great!

So there ya' go!  That is my super long list of product recommendations.  Damn, I need to get paid for all this advertising.


Jewels*