not friends

You've seen this before, right?

Source: indestructible-master.blogspot.com via Shaun on Pinterest

I want to put this in both of my kids' rooms.

They need to...

understand it.

feel it.

know it.

They need to know that their Mommy and Daddy aren't always going to say Yes.

We will say
No.

We will get mad.

We will yell.

We will tell them what to do.

We'll protect them

even when they don't think they need protecting.

We will definitely track them...every single move.

When my hubby and I got pregnant -

We made the decision to be parents that care.

We didn't decide that we'd be nice or mean...

We made a commitment that we would be parents to our children, not their friends.

We defined our roles simply.

And it works...for us.

Yes, I want my kids to be able to come to me about anything.

Yes, of course, I want their love for me to always be unconditional.

But that does not mean that I'm going to let them have the run of our lives.

We are the adults.

They have to learn from us.

We are their example.

No one ever said parenting was easy.

I'd rather my kids say that I made their lives hell than hearing them say that I didn't care.

Because every single ounce of me

loves

cherishes

cares

for those two little humans that God blessed me with.

And I'll be the parent that He wants me to be for them

And I'll be that parent,

on purpose.

Bettter yet...

with purpose.

Workout Goddess? Yes I am!

Source: media-cache8.pinterest.com via Renee on Pinterest

I absolutely, without a doubt, am utterly in love with...

sweat!

Yes, gross, but so fulfilling!

When I'm working out I love to feel the sweat dripping off of me. 

Every single drop

that comes out of me is a release of tension, stress, worry.

It feels good.

It feels wonderful.

As you know, I am currently taking karate, cardio kickboxing, and yoga classes every week. 

I have become a workout goddess.

I am loving it.  Okay, truth be told, the warm-up for karate is not my favorite thing, but after that part it's great.

I hurt in a good way when I'm working out.  I let out all my frustrations during these workouts.

Any anger I've built up during the day goes directly into a punching bag or a yoga pose and releases every single crappy part of my day into that beautiful hour.

I look forward to it now. 

I know! Me? Looking forward to exercise?! Who woulda thunk it!?:)

But this is what I'm loving during my mission to a better physical and emotional me!

I'm really liking this new side of my "choosing joy" and I am not willing to let it go.

So, if for some reason the funds are no longer available in our budget for all this working out, I'm going to continue finding a way to get that wonderful sweat.

I'm gonna do this and keep keeping on.

What are you loving?

What's your mission to a better and more loved you?

I love this place.

Source: etsy.com via Amy on Pinterest

I have this blog, right?

Actually, I have this place where I write.

It’s a place that people can read what is going on in my head.

It’s a place where I try not to censor myself.

It’s where I can be myself and not worry (too much) about who I may offend.

This place is where I can talk about my past, present, and future without being fearful of what they will say.

I like to talk about what I can’t say out loud.

I like to think that this will be a place my kids will go to in the future -  a place where they will learn more about their mommy.

I’d also like to think that other women will come to (and continue visiting) this blog for

inspiration,

encouragement,

and empowerment.

I think it’s great to know that maybe one person, one woman, one girl may say,

“I’m not the only one!”

after reading this – my words.

I love this place I’ve made.

I remember how it all started.  I smile thinking how naive I was back then - just a year ago.

I thought that I’d be a book reviewer/blogger.  This blog would be a place I could combine my two first loves – reading and writing. 
I did do that in the beginning, but then something happened.

One love overpowered the other.

Writing.

I like the attention my writing gets.
{Does that sound weird?}

I like that there are people out in "www" who read my words.

It thrills me to no end that there are a couple of people out there that look forward to reading my blog posts.

Who would’ve known that this place, my blog(!), would be something I have to do.

I can’t imagine not having this other baby of mine,

"Cover to Cover…and Everything in Between",

in my life.

How did I fulfill this part of me before blogging?

I’m so happy I made the decision to create this place.

How do you feel about your blogging journey?

{or if you don’t blog, what have you loved in reading blogs?}

Hello? Speak Up!

via

Wow.

The month of May is almost done -
which means that summer is on its way
&
coming by in full swing.

Kids out of school.

Days at the beach.

Weekend afternoons at the community pool.

Crafts with the kids.
Summer reads.

Air-conditioning...

:)

And a kick-off of sorts.

I'm going to join in!Are you? Maybe you can write a letter to your younger self?Or a letter to yourself now...You could write a post about how you empower other women.Or you could write something along the lines of how you remind yourself how wonderful you are. I am a Speak Now representative.I am very proud of this project.As a representative, I hope that I am inspiring you to be the best you can be.You know why this is so important to me?Each day girls of every age, ethnicity, culture, neighborhood, lifestyle, and faith doubt themselves.  They doubt that they are wonderful

amazing

lovely

good

awesome

intelligent

caring

significant

...and that is not right.It's something we can all change.Starting today. I hope you do that for yourself every. single. moment.You deserve it.You are loved. Just thought I'd remind you.{wink}oh! and if you want...today you can join this link up:) It's a "Bloglovin'" Hop - my fave kind!

{#35} "Check Her Bloggy Out!!" {this radiant life}

Happy Monday!

How's your long weekend going?

I'm driving back home today with the family {we've had a nice time in the San Fran area!},
 so I'm very happy that the

is today and 

you'll be able to meet my newest blogger-ette!

Do you know 

Kristen?

Some of you probably do and the others of you who don't...well, you are so missing out on a fabulous woman with a great blog.
We met through a swap earlier this year and we've become fast friends.
I read her blog on a daily basis now.
I think after reading her guest post below, you'll want to as well!
Take it away, Miss Kristen!!

*

Hello Cover to Cover Readers!  
My name is Kristen, and I am so incredibly happy to be here with you today!  I am so honored that Nay asked me to come by for a chat today, because out of all of the blogs I read, this is the ONE I cannot miss.

I’m an almost 27 year old girl living life in Colorado, doing my best to find the best that life has to offer me.  The name of my blog is This Radiant Life, and I started it in order to record my journey to a more fulfilled life, and inspire others to come along with me.  I love to have “adventures” and try new things.   I started my blog as a way to hold myself accountable for making my life better.  I had started reading blogs a few months earlier, and noticed that these ladies were doing all of the things that I wanted to do, but never felt empowered to do.  I decided then and there I wanted to live life in the driver’s seat, and started finding ways that I could make my dreams come true.

My dreams all seem to require some hard work...

As much fun as we have, there are certainly struggles along the way.  Between work, school, and a needy cat, my boyfriend and I lead some hectic lives!  Trying to stay sane and balance everything is something we constantly struggle with, but we’ve found different coping mechanisms.  A, my hunky boyfriend, loves to be handy and build things.  He even made me an awesome shelf for my plants!  Gardening keeps me sane, and provides us with gobs of fresh, yummy, healthy food.

The plant shelf and a few of our current plants.  Glad we have hobbies that work together!

On any given day, you might find a craft project, a recipe; the trials and tribulations of an intermediate level gardener; funny stuff my friends, family, and co-workers say; or just the random things that bounce around in my head.   I simply love life, and want to share my experiences with you!

I would love to get to know you better, so please feel free to stop by anytime and say hello.  Thank you again to Nay for having me!

at

Come visit me at: 

Twitter  

 pinterest 

Blog

*
I hope you will go give her some love and check out her bloggy!
See you guys tomorrow!

last night at yoga...

Source: theberry.com via Renee on Pinterest

What if I just write?

How about if I write on this blank page and tell you what's been going on?

I'd like to tell you that this week has been eye-opening...

My insides have been so tightly wound up and I didn't even know it.

I've been putting myself down this week.

But something great happened last night.

I cried.

Yoga was finishing up. 

The instructor asked us to close our eyes and  to just breathe.

Touch our eyes,

touch our mouths,

breathe,

touch our hearts,

and tell ourselves that we are beautiful just the way we are.

Tears started rolling down my cheeks.

I felt a rush of love come through me...an emotional release that I desperately needed.

It was good.

I felt like I was breathing...correctly.

Making sure every tear that ran down my cheek was worth something.

I feel good.

I have my coffee next to me...I'm writing on my blog...I feel beautiful today...My kids gave me extra hugs and kisses this morning...My husband looked at me and smiled, that loving smile, that smile that says, "she's mine."

All is good in my world.

How are you?

Sometimes you just need to ask yourself that.  You need to let yourself go to that place where you don't want to.  Sometimes you need a good cry.  And sometimes you are the only one who can say,

"You're beautiful."

"You're awesome."

"You can do this."

Because, ultimately, at the end of the day, we really only listen to that voice in our head.

How about making sure that voice is positive and loving?

Have a blessed and happy Friday.

Would you like another cup of coffee?

Go see Alissa at Rags to Stitches and everyone else linking up for a "coffee date".

Dear Anonymous,

Thank you for your comment in response to this morning's post:

"You stop it by finding something you love to do that the general population, for lack of imagination, simply labels, "exercise." It might be karate or kickboxing or yoga... or maybe it's NOT and it's swimming or hiking or dancing... or maybe it's not that either and it's a simple walk around your block with the hubby and your babies a few nights a week after dinner. A good solid bout of laughter burns calories and is a great way to work your abs. A good bear hug to someone you love works your upper back. Pushing your little one on a swing works your arms. 10 minutes of tag with your kids is cardio fun for the whole family. The point is... Once you find that thing, your thing, and you let yourself love and look forward to the experience of this beautiful new thing then... everything will fall into place. Exercise can't be a chore, inspired from a place of anger and self-loathing; it won't make you happy with yourself. But "exercise," as a fun thing you do for yourself or with friends and family, will infuse you with a deeply rooted love for this sweet and brief life. Once that love comes first, love for yourself quickly follows and you'll become more caring and conscious of how you treat your body. And your body will change, but more importantly than that, how you see it will change, too... Know what I mean, jellybean?"

Wow.
No, really, wow.
You just gave me a swift reality check in the rear.  You told me what I need to hear in that "just do it" way.
And for that, thank you.
Wish I knew who you were, so I could give you a virtual hug....

And a letter to that someone special we all dearly love as women:

Dear Aunt Flo,

You sure bring out the crappy side of me, don't you? 

You started your visit this afternoon and with what I wrote this morning....

I can tell you're going to be meaner than usual this month.

Thanks...a lot.

{and to you, I'm not saying it nicely!}

Wow...Who Knew? (Defeated)

I know that it can get tiring...

You're always hearing me talk about this...

I know I'm not the only one that thinks about this constantly, though...

I doubt that I'm the only woman thinking this

all. the. time.

source

I am constantly thinking and worrying.

But it'll be okay.

That's what I always say.

"It's okay."

While mentally I'm thinking,

"I'm sorry I'm a fat ass and that I don't look like I care about myself."

But I do care about myself.

I love myself and want my body to be happy.

That's the problem, actually.

I give my body what it wants.

Whatever it wants.

Want some ice cream, honey?

Here you go.

Want some chocolate-covered pretzels?

Sure, eat the whole bag.

You can't exercise after a half hour of karate?

Go rest, sweetie.

You're on your period?

Aw, you don't have to work out then.  Here's some Doritos for you.

See the vicious cycle?

It's disgusting, isn't it?

So how does it stop?

How do I stop it?

I'm supposed to be a

Speak Now representative,

but I don't even practice what I preach.

Ugh.

Jeesh...what a negative nancy, huh?

Interesting what comes out in a post.

Originally I had found that photo on www.weheartit.com and thought,

"Wow.  I could do a whole post on convincing young women that it's not important how fat or skinny you are." Then this happened.

Sorry for the "down on myself"-kind of post.

It happens to the best of us.

My Mix Tape

"Upside Down" by Diana Ross

"PYT" by Michael Jackson

"Somebody" by Depeche Mode

"Speak to My Heart" by Donnie McClurkin

"Fruta Fresca" by Carlos Vives

"Papercut" by Linkin Park

"Fantasy" by Ludacris

"Body is a Wonderland" by John Mayer

"Lost Without You" by Robin Thicke

"River Flows in You" by Yiruma

Every single one of these songs… well…

They take me back to an important time of my life.

These songs are from happy times, sometimes bad times…sometimes “what was I thinking?!" time…

But more than anything the songs

Remind me.

These are only the songs that if they are on the radio or I hear somewhere, I smile.

I smile because I got through that part of my life

Or

They remind me of people

Or

They remind me of who I was…am…and will be.

Music does that to me.

What would be on your mix tape?

Yes...let's!



source



Remember When…

…life was just about rolling on the grass and not caring if you got dirty?

… the most important thing was that you didn’t miss Tom & Jerry or The Bugs Bunny Show on Saturday mornings?

…you laughed and giggled just *knowing* you’d be tickled by mommy or daddy?

…you were innocent enough to know it was just make-believe, but happy you could pretend that mud-pie was real?

Ah, to be a child again…

As an adult I often forget to stop and say hi to my young self from long ago. 

I Forget…

…to remember what it was like not to have a care in the world.

…that mac ‘n’ cheese was a perfectly fine meal and to stop trying to make a gourmet dinner all the time.

…that making a craft or baking a cake doesn’t have to come out “perfect” as long as you are having fun with the whole process.

That’s when I remember, I can go back to that pretty much anytime I want (!)

I have to beautiful gifts from above that I am dearly blessed with - my 8 year old and 6 year old.  Both of them remind me every day to stay young and that I’m not *that* old yet.

“Come play, Mommy!”

“Let’s make cake!”

“Let’s read!”

Yeah, “let’s”!

…because although you can never go back to that age again…

You Can Pretend : )

{I found this in my emails - it was a guest post I did for someone when I started blogging.  Thought I'd share...xo}

{#34} "Check Her Bloggy Out!!" {All Things Blogs}

Hi Loveys:

It's time for another welcome to a new blogger-ette for

and I hope you enjoy meeting

Sarah!

Here she is

from

Hi I'm Sarah! :]  I'm the writer and crafter for All Things Blogs, I have a dog named Pepper, shes the sweetest, skittish, dog in the world! :) I love her lots.

I am NEVER that busy which give me TONS of times to think of things for my blog and make crafts!

I don't have very many hobbies, but among those are, creating, writing, and playing with my dog :].

I love and am learning to trust God more and more <3!

 I love learning new things about people and life, also very soon there will be a Joanns 10 minutes away from our house! I cannot wait to go shopping at Joanns so much more! :]

I also love taking pictures!!

Check out my blog to learn more about me, Pepper, and my life!

My blog is a cute little craft blog, I host giveaway occasional and LOVE to have people guest post and to guest post on others' blogs!

I started my blog originally to blog about giveaways and blogs, but now I have turned it into a craft blog, and I found out that I like creating things MUCH more!

I have hopes to have this blog grow bigger, and start charging for advertisement, but until then I still do ad swaps for free!

Kate @ A Creative Cookie  has given me some helpful tips, and even made my header for free! She is so sweet and we have become blogging buddies!

                                                                                 source

I have tasted many yummy things, but probably the things I love most are smoothies!

I love the fruityness (if that's a word) of smoothies, I love chocolate a lot, but probably I love fruit more!

Favorite fruit would have to be plums!

They're so juicy especially if they are ripe, even the skin is juicy and sour! <3 :]

I have never heard of a plum smoothie, but I would love to try one, can't wait for plums to come back in season! :]

I love to read peoples blogs and see the things they have created!

What keeps me happy, would have to be God, it keeps me sane and happy knowing that he always loves you!  I am currently growing closer to God daily, I love to read his word and go to church!  He helps me along even when I have a bumpy spot in the road!  :]

Bloglovin'
 Pinterest
Hello Cotton

Keeping It Simple {somewhere else today}

 

Source: detectivevaudeville.tumblr.com via Renee on Pinterest

Find out how I'm doing that for my kids...

I'm guest posting with

Jennifer

at

See you there!

{hint hint}
...and
Happy Sunday to You, My Loveys.
May your day be blessed!

letter writin' and coffee sippin'

Happy Day to You, My Loveys!

I just saw this on  pinterest this morning:

Source: Uploaded by user via Paige on Pinterest

Wow, right?

What a great idea, too.  Write a letter to the ones who have discouraged you, made you feel like you weren't worthy...

So, here's what I thought we could do.... 

Grab some coffee. 

Get some paper and a pen (or open up a Word doc...) and let's do this...

I'll write a letter and you can, too.

Or just look on while I write mine...maybe that'll encourage you to do it for yourself one day.

***

Dear You Know Who You Are,

Remember when I was little and I was your favorite? When you would take me out, just the two of us?  When you would show me off to all your friends?  When you would buy me pretty ruffly dresses and make me feel like a princess?  Remember when you stopped doing that?  Do you remember why?

How about when you told me that it was my fault?  Do you recall telling me that if I hadn't been so seductive then it wouldn't have happened?  Do you remember how old I was?  Did you really believe what you were saying or was it so you would feel better?

Why all these questions, you wonder...

You had me in the palm of your hand.  You could've been there to protect me.  You could have protected all of us. I'm writing you this because I want to tell you that I'm free of you and the picture you have in your sick head of me.

I am a mother now.  The best mother!

But I look to the future - many many years from now - when I'm a grandmother, I won't be like you.

I'll protect my granddaughter.

I'll put her so high up a pedestal that no one could touch her.

Ever.

And if someone tried {even if it's him} to hurt my granddaughter or anyone else for that matter- I will stand by her side.  I will take her side.  I will believe her.  I will never doubt her.

Never his....I would never believe his lies.

Yeah so, you taught me something.

And I thank you.

You taught me how to not be you.

Love,

Your Granddaughter

***

Um, I didn't know that was on my heart this morning.

Thanks for looking on as I wrote that.  Thanks for drinking that cup of coffee and just sitting there, being there for me.

I feel a little bit more free...a little more "not tense"....I feel good.

Maybe, not now but soon, you can do that for yourself.

And when you do, I'll be there right by your side...

sitting there, being there for you.

Have a wonderful weekend, you.

linking up with

and

It ain't nothin' but a number...right?

Before dating:
 around 150
After dating:
less than 170
After 7 years of marriage and 2 kids:
221 (actual)

Those numbers?
Pounds.
{{sigh}}
I know.
{sad feeling yesterday when I weighed myself}
The first thought I had after weighing myself was,
"I don't feel that fat.  I feel better than I have in a long time"
{sexy girl, remember?}
And, yes it is just a number, but why does it have to be such a big number, jeesh!

I am really loving how I look these days. 
I feel sexy, good-to-go, and curvy.  I have a bounce in my step, you know? 
I've been taking karate classes, a cardio-kickboxing class here and there, and an intense yoga session just this Tuesday.  I'm sweating my bootie off, people! And I definitely feel it in every muscle.
Can you say "ow!" with me everytime I take a step?
On top of that...
I only eat half of what's I'm served on my plate and eat the rest for dinner or lunch the next day.
I'm having a smoothie for breakfast this morning
But...
I also ate two big handfuls of tortilla chips after dinner last night.  And, maybe another handful of dark chocolate covered almonds after that.  I may have also opted for a huge cup of Sprite instead of water...

So you get where I'm going with this right?

Source: feel-that-burn.tumblr.com via Renee on Pinterest

It took a little under 10 years to put this pleasant plumpness on and it was all my own doing.
No one force fed me.
No one strapped me to a chair everyday for 10 years putting food in my mouth.
Well, actually someone did.
Me.

So, yes I'm feeling all kinds of hottie these days...
And, yes, I know that all the food I consume isn't healthy for me.
Also, I understand that just because I'm exercising doesn't mean I can just eat however and whenever I want.
That's the first step out of denial, right?
 : )
How do you keep yourself from shoving all that yummy food in your mouth?
'Cause it's dang hard over here!!!

Linking up with

and and 

Do you ever feel this way?

{Discretion/Warning: this post may or may not be G-rated...I'm just going to write and see where it takes me.

So I hope it doesn't offend anyone.}

Source: mostexerent.tumblr.com via Renee on Pinterest

I've been feeling very, well...

 sexy lately. 

 I don't know if it's because I'm reading the "Fifty Shades" trilogy or if it's because it's Spring or what....

I just feel good.

I like the way clothes are on my body, how my hair is cooperating and that it's hitting my shoulders, and I like the fact that I can wear dresses.

It's warm out now...

The bees are buzzing...

The birds are chirping...

It's all really great.

Now that I think about it, it has nothing to do with what I'm reading...I always feel this way at this time of year.

I flirt more with my husband....sending him text messages during the day that have a double meaning.  I know that when he's reading them, he's probably rolling his eyes and thinking, "my wife the perv is back...lol"

But I love him so much right now.

And any chance I get I want him to be happy that he married me.  I dress a certain way because he drops me off at work and I want him to think about me all day long.

I want to remind him that, yes I'm his wife, but I'm also all his.

I want him happy.

I don't want him to think of me as just the mother of his children, you know?

I want him to think,

"Damn, my wife is sexy and how lucky am I that she's all mine."

So it's okay to feel sexy...

to feel good about my body...

to have those-kind-of-thoughts about my hubby...

to send him little text messages or leave notes for him...

I think it makes the relationship more exciting every once in a while.

Having kids and being able to be intimate anytime you want isn't always possible.

So I feel like I can at least ignite his imagination so that when "it" does happen...

it's fireworks and hearts sparkling all over.

You know,

like the first time.