20s vs 30s

I was sitting at the lunch table yesterday and I can’t really remember why my age was brought up, but it was. One co-worker, who just started recently, said he thought I was 28. I was very pleased, but politely told him I was 35. It made my day, actually. I was in the best mood for the rest of the evening. I even mentioned it on twitter. Then I got a few comments which made me start thinking of my 20s.

I would not want to go back. Don’t get me wrong, I loved being young, but my 20s were HARD. It was a time that I was focusing on getting my degree; after I graduated I struggled with finding the perfect job, which I didn’t achieve until my 30s. We bought two homes and struggled financially. I also had three children in my 20s; at the ages of 21, 23 and 26 to be exact. So, I was always exhausted, frustrated, confused, excited, and just trying to figure life out.

Would I love to go back to the little tyke stage? Of course I would love to because I would know to stress less and cherish the time with my children more. But, then again, would I end up where I am today if I had done things differently? Maybe not and I am loving my 30s. Everything has just fallen into place, perfectly.

I do stress over things, still. I suppose I always will. I am a worrier and I’m always looking and trying to plan ahead. This decade (I’m exactly half way through) I’ve been worrying about college and our house. I would love to either buy or build a new house or add onto ours. The accountant in me is telling me to do neither. We are in a good place right now, financially, and doing either of those things would mess things up a bit.

You see, our house will be paid for in 4 years; just in time for Joseph to go to college. My whole plan since he was born was to get our house paid for before the kids go off to college. We would have more money to get them through without a house payment. If we add on or buy new, then this goal would obviously not be met, but we do need more space. We do put a lot of money aside for college now and I hope and pray that we can get all three children through school without getting any loans. That is my life dream right now. So, you know, maybe the house can wait.

In thirteen years, I will be 48 and hopefully Hailey will have graduated college and then I can worry about my house. I can see me now, I’ll stress again over the house and retirement. It is never ending, what should I do? I’m sure everything will work its self out and all will be good. When I’m in my 40s, I’ll look back and tell my 30s self that I should have stressed less over these things. It is so hard at the time, though.

So, all of that just to say that I am so glad I'm not in my 20s anymore and I'm in a very good place right now.  We have been blessed.

Oh and hey! I haven't posted here for over a month.  Missed me?

Cheer Comp in Tennessee

We traveled to Tennessee this past weekend and Hailey's cheer team competed in their first competition of the season.

The first day was a disaster.  (Just keeping it real)  It was.  Girls fell from their stunts, only half of the pyramid was up and there were a few stumbles during the tumble passes.  I'm not sure what happened with the girls, but it wasn't great.  One of the coaches described it as a train wreck and she was right.  Thank goodness I forgot to bring my camera the first day so I didn't get any pictures of the disaster.

After the first day, minis were in 3rd place out of four teams and youth was in 4th place out of seven teams.

However, the second day, they pretty much nailed it.  There were a few mistakes, but nothing significant.  My baby girl did great!  She has struggled with her stunts during practice, but when it came down to competition time, she did fab!

Below are a few shots I captured during the event.



Hailey's best friend in the whole world is to her left, our right, the only one looking at my camera.






This was on their way up to a scorpion.









Our next competition is the first weekend of February, so we have two months to clean up the routine.

Oh, I bet you're wondering how they finished. Huh?

Minis finished 2nd place and youth finished 3rd!

First Competition for the 2012-13 Season

Just checking in real quick to let everyone know that we are headed to Tennessee for a cheer competition! Hailey is competing on two teams this year; Mini level 2 and Youth level 2.

 

This weekend, the minis are up against 3 other teams and the youth are up against 6 other teams.

Both teams have practiced hard and did a fantastic job at dress rehearsals. Hopefully, they can pull off a win this weekend.  It should be fun and exciting. If you are following me on twitter or instagram, you can follow along the whirlwind of excitement with me.

I will be back next week with pictures and the results.

 

Good luck Hailey!!

  Her very first competition at 5 years old      ::      Last year at 7 years old.

 

 

I hope everyone has a great weekend!  TGIF!

101 in 1001 Update

Hosting a giveaway on my blog was something that I've wanted to do for awhile now.  It was even on my forgotten 101 in 1001 list, which made me think of what else was on my list that I've completed and didn't take notice.  Come to find out, I've accomplished a few goals.

18. Have a big sponsored giveaway on my blog - Printcopia
24. Find a wine that I Love - Moscato
31. Find time to read a book - 50 Shades of Grey
34. Get a new vehicle - 2012 Honda Pilot
58. Make a blogging friend - Krista
63. Spend one day on the couch doing absolutely nothing - Day after Thanksgiving.  Watched movies all day.
74. Go to a haunted trail or house - Last October with friends.
75. Take the family to Disney
76. Teach my children to cook or bake something - brownies and eggs
77. Let my hair grow long - it now reaches my bra strap  See!!

 

88. Paid off the boat loan - Paid it off in July!, 4 more years on my vehicle since I traded it in.
89. Show my appreciation for my MIL more often - I am very thankful!!

To see the long list that I haven't completed or to see other goals I've marked off of my list, go here.  I have a long ways to go.


The winner of the 11x14 Canvas Print giveaway was Ellie! Congrats!  I have contacted you by email, so if you haven't received it, check your spam folder. :)

Thankful

Anyone going Black Friday Thursday shopping? Yes? No?

If you're wondering, we are not.

I just love how Black Friday is taking over Thanksgiving, I'm saying this with sarcasm if you can't read into it. I understand wanting to get one up on the other stores, but really? What's next, they'll open their doors at noon on Thanksgiving? Give me a break. The individuals that have to work during Black Friday are getting robbed of their holiday because they do not have a choice unless they quit their job, which I'm sure they don't want to do.

Because of this, I will not be shopping during Black Friday. I know this will not make a difference but it makes me feel better.

Anyway... I didn't intend for this to be a rant. So, to pep this post up, I'll make a list of everything I'm thankful for in my life.

1. My husband - He is my everything and I could not live this life without him.
2. My children - They keep me entertained and on the edge of my seat at all times.
3. My parents - Without them, I would not be here.
4. My inlaws - They help us and do more for us than I could ever ask for.
5. My friends - They keep me sane.
6. My children's friends - because they keep my children laughing and happy.
7. My job - I love my job; it is literally my dream job.
8. My warm home - because without it, I would be cold and depressed.
9. My animals; my dog especially - she keeps me warm at night and brings so much love to our family.
10. Good health - It keeps us moving.

Peace out.

I hope everyone has a warm, full and restful Thanksgiving.

Don't forget to enter in the drawing to win a free 11x14 Canvas Print.  It would make a great Christmas present for parents &/or grandparents.

Giveaway: 11x14 Canvas Print

Remember that Printcopia sale I posted last week?  Well, I ordered some canvas prints for myself - three to be exact.

I've been wanting to order canvas prints of the kids for awhile now but didn't want to pay a fortune for them.  With that kind of sale, I had to go for it! In all honesty, Printcopia's regular prices aren't bad at all either.

I ordered an 11x14 with these pictures.







I left Hunter's canvas as is. After I uploaded Hailey and Joseph's pictures on Printcopia's website, I zoomed in and centered the pictures exactly how I wanted.

One thing I like about their website, which you don't see on all sites is the proof feature. After you select your canvas size and your wrap size, you then upload your picture from either Instagram, Facebook or from your computer. Then you can design your canvas; you can zoom in or out and move the picture just as you like it. After you get it just right, you then select a style. You can pick a mirror image, image wrap or a border color. I chose the image wrap. Then click on proof and it shows you exactly what your canvas will look like before you order it. This made me feel more comfortable ordering them.

Below is what Hunter's canvas print looks like. The picture of the actual canvas was taken with my iphone, so they are tinted a little yellowish.  The canvas, however, isn't tinted and looks great in person!!


I zoomed in on Hunter's eyes to show you the quality of the print in more detail.



I love them. I can't wait to get Joseph's in the mail.

While I was visiting Printcopia, I noticed they have several sister sites that work pretty much in the same manner. They sell car magnets, which I think I'm going to order for Hailey's disney door for this coming March's competition. They sell banners, which I know I'm going to order for Hailey's Disney window. They also sell cheap signs if you are a realtor or business owner and need a sign.

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disclaimer - I was compensated with one canvas print to review Printcopia …

but in no way, shape or form was I asked to give a positive review or told what to write.  I also bought two more canvas prints on my own because I was that satisfied with their product!  I am also, for real, going to order a magnet and banner to decorate Hailey's Disney door and window  and I will give a review of those as well, for free. :)

 

Lucky for you all, Printcopia wants to give another canvas print to one of my readers!! 
Printcopia will only mail to U.S citizens.

 

 

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