Munchkin Market

So Munchkin Market was everything I wanted and more.  Except for now I am depressed that it is over.  It happens every year....the anticipation, the anxiety, the crazys coming out to play and then BOOM its over.  In the meantime as I wait 6 months for it to re-enter my life again, my kids have  closets full of beautiful clothes that they may or may not ever wear but to me they just shine with success.  Since they are such great prices.....it is basically like I am renting the clothes.  If all goes well and the kids don't get too cray cray, I will sale them back for the same price or more.  Win Win!!!



Let me back up and explain the Munchkin Market concept to those who may not be familiar.  Two brilliant ladies designed a consignment sale twice a year for "upscale" clothes.  It was truly brilliance.  They have built a dynasty of consignors with super cute clothes sold each year.  They also offer "volunteer" shifts......the more you work the earlier you shop.  16 hours gets you in first, therefore 16 hours of my time they receive.  I absolute can NOT stand anyone shopping before me.  On shopping day, I must carve out at least 4 hours of my day.  Yes, I require that much time to make decisions.  Since you cannot return items you must be sure of your purchases.  Let me help you with a visual.  The doors open...I power walk to Landon's size (always go to girls first), I drag a laundry basket with a dog leash attached behind me, and start dumping clothes while quickly trying to see everything before someone tries to skip in front of me.  Once I have dump my 1st look at the girls into the basket, I briskly walk to the boys and repeat.  Next...shoes ( I always always restock my shoes here). Then on to the books and toys......by now my mound of clothes is falling out of the basket and I am awkwardly trying to hold on to it and not look too crazy.  (which I clearly am).  Once this is done, I repeat for a second look to be sure I didn't miss anything.  When I am finally satisfied, I find a spot on the floor to review and make decisions.  I make 4 piles:  Must keep, lets think about it, I don't need it, and why did I pick this up.



After about 4 hours I am walking out with restocked clothes!!!! Happiest.day.ever!!!  Now, don't forget that I am also a consignor.  The last two sales, I have made more than I spent.  You know what that means? Basically FREE clothes!!!!



Selling at Munchkin Market takes practice.  It's all about the pricing,  I sold the most that I have ever sold this year and continue to get better each sale.  My friend Kourtney (name drop) has given me some mad tips along the way that is molding me each year.  I seriously could talk about this all day long.  I.love.it.



In closing, here are some pics of clothes that has made their new home with the Emorys!!



Look at that collection of pretties!!


Have you ever seen these pants for kids??








Are you sharing in my excitement???

Lets Talk about my Baby Boy

I am meeting with Ruddick's Early Steps team today to re-write his goals on his IFSP.  The IFSP is basically a plan of action so that the family and therapist have common goals they are working toward.  He is currently in speech therapy and doing great!!! At one point he had about a 6 months delay in communication, however, he is improving significantly.  I'd say at this point we are on a about a 4 months delay. The fact he has started to imitate consistently has become a huge stride.  He has showed interest in language (he did not do this at the appropriate age) which obviously helps to reach communication goals!!!!  He recently had an OT eval done and we will hear the results of this during the meeting as well.  He has 2 things that he struggles with on the OT side.  He tucks his thumbs in and clenches his fist (mainly in new situations).  This has caused his fine motor skills to be weak.  He also struggles with sensory processing when he gets upset or his needs are not met immediately!!! It is a huge challenge to reorganize himself and pull it together.  This may sound like a typical toddler fit, but it is not.  Its hard to understand unless you see it.

So today lets celebrate baby boy Ruddick.  We don't see alot of pics of him on social media because his sister's personality is so big but he is doing his best to keep up!!!














Jules

Special Pageant Day!!!

My preacher asked me to write a blog for our church campus that describes the connection of the community and a pageant I recently coordinated.  Here is what I wrote.............

On September 27^th, I got to be a part of something I consider to be somewhat of a movement in this community.  Pretty girls dressed in pretty dressed on a church stage receiving a crown.  Don’t mistake this for a typical beauty pageant, it was anything but typical. It was loaded with volunteers with a passion to serve, it was uniquely planned to represent God’s given beauty, and it was a special pageant for children with special needs and challenges.

When I first heard of this pageant and the opportunity to serve, I couldn’t jump in fast enough.  I am yours to lead, tell me what you need and I will get it done.  The idea of a surging impact that branches into so many areas of need was overwhelming and exciting!  A young member of First West Fairbanks had the heart to serve others and expressed her ideas to her mom.  McKenzie is eight years old with cerebral palsy and wanted to help children with cancer.  Her mom listened and supported her by creating the platform she needed to serve others.  Day by day more church members joined the cast and then the word spread into the community.  Friends and families got excited and even the Junior League asked to be a part.  Sponsors were stepping up and putting their stamp on an effort to make a difference in multiple lives on one single day.

I couldn’t sleep the night before the pageant.  I was anxious, hopeful, over joyed and really a bundle of indiscernible emotions.  The church gym filled with spectators.  Some there to support the children, some the families or the volunteers, and then some simply there just to support the cause. 

We saw a little girl grace the stage with a pink ribbon in hand.  She jumped, twirled, spinned and guided the audience’s eyes to follow the ribbon to the beat of the music.  She was an image of pure joy and I barely noticed her prosthetic leg.  Finished, she ran off the stage and met her dad who handed her a bouquet of flowers with tears in his eyes.  I had tears in my eyes too.  I had never met this family, but I cried with proud joy with them.

This is what I think is so important.  You see we are all part of this community, Small in some ways, big in others.  It takes each of us intertwined in support to thrive at the highest level.  Someone has helped us along the way with a smile at the very least.  The children occupying the stage are a piece of this community.  The families that receive the funds from this event are part of this community.  WE are part of this community.  And because this community stood together, a little girl with a big idea was able to hand the Louisiana Cancer Foundation a big check just like she dreamed.  

Best of Me book review

So i just finished my first ever audio book!!! In general I loved loved loved the audio book. I feel so accomplished that I completed a task start to finish that involved noone else and was for my own enjoyment. I like saying "yes, I just read this book......"

So lets talk about the book itself. The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks. I have read several (not all) of his books and enjoyed some, thought some were okay, and didnt like one at all.

The best of me falls into the "okay" category. There were some parts that I appreciated and that tugged at the heart strings and other parts that I didnt agree with, and then parts that I thought were too predictable. His writting style has always been a favorite of mine so it was an easy "read" just not the BEST story ever.

At the time I chose it at the library, I did not know it would be made into a movie so that was a little interesting discovery. Not sure though if it makes it much better since I dont really watch movies.

I am, however, pumped to choose my next book to "read". I will see you tonight, library!!

And just for fun....






Jules

Style

Whats your style? I dont have one. I dont think I do anyway. I probably do, just not a good one. Lately,
I have been a little more intentional about my dress and clearing out items in my closet that are just not meant for public viewing.

I am finally jumping on the bandwagon of necklaces. Plain shirts and necklaces. It took years to get me into skinny pants so Im a slow learner.

Here are a few outfits I have been happy with lately.









What are we thinking? Should I continue on this path?

Weekend Wrap Up

I really really enjoyed this weekend. I felt like I made some progress in my life, enjoyed my family, actually cooked after an over month long break, scored some crazy deals, and embraced awsome weather and pretended it was fall!!

Here is the run down.....

I attended Kajun Kids which is a bi annual consignment sale with children and adult clothes. If you read my blog, you know I am a munchkin market addict!!! This is the first go round for Kajun kids so I didnt consign, I just wanted to check it out!! I ran by saturday morning for the 1/2 price sale and got the following....




$1.50


$2.50


$2.50


$1


$1


I decided to try out a book on CD.



I went to eat with friends!!


I made this for a shower gift



There are some good deals to check out this week....coming soon!!

Also do NOT forget the brookshires bogo sale ends tomorrow!! I did great stocking up!!!



Jules

Wearing Hats

As adults we are forced to wear many different hats and play many different roles.  When you are an adult who is also a wife and then also a mom, you have garage full of hats.  Yes, a garage, they won't even fit into a walk in closet!!!



I am terrible at this.  I like to try to fit multiple hats on my head at one time with the result typically being that one quickly falls to the ground and the ones left balancing are looking a hot mess.......crooked, bent, off centered, and misplaced.  I find myself daydreaming about a life where I wear one perfectly measured hat that is securely placed on my head like all those other moms who run around in gym clothes and full makeup looking like that have it all figured out.



But you know what........this is my life.  Although extremely difficult to manage at times it also could be described as  a beautiful disaster.  For example........just yesterday I displayed my amazing mom skills by catching my daughters foot on a door.  There were screams and lots of blood to further prove my point of my awesomeness (clearly sarcastic).  This is what I would call a disaster........however beautiful bc I am the mom of that screaming little 3 year old!  Just in case you need a visual........let me enter into evidence....





A church service gave us a resolution about a year ago to challenge ourselves as we live our lives as moms, dads, husbands, and wives.  My resolution is framed and sits on my bathroom counter as a reminder. Some days I read it, some days I don't.  I'm now challenging myself to take each line and commit myself to the words.  I need to reboot my mind set, so that my many hats will fit more comfortably on my off balanced head.





Challenge #1 - "I DO solemnly resolve before God to embrace my current season of life and live with a spirit of contentment"



Does that sound challenging? It does to me........commit to live with contentment.  Not wishing for other lifestyles, different circumstances, kids that remain calm at all times :)  Embrace that this season that I currently reside is fleeting, so just be content.

Let them see You

It's Monday and the beginning of another busy week.  Lots of Big Whit work to do and I'm already behind, our FIRST wee ball practice, empty fridge so must look for sales, I really need to cook something....anything this week, my FIRST mascara party on Friday, my FIRST training to lead at my new job, neighborhood party, birthday party, Landon's speech evaluation, Ruddick's Early Steps evaluation........seriously it's only Monday.

Did you realize that Easter is just two weeks away?? I have two weeks to get into the Easter spirit and attempt to teach my kids why we celebrate.  I found this idea AFTER Easter last year on pinterest and I have been waiting a whole year to try it.


An Easter tree and Resurrection Eggs.

Here is a link to the verses I will use for the Eggs.  I will choose my symbols as I go.  You can always use a printable picture as a back up if you can't find a tangible picture.

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxwbGF5ZWF0Z3Jvd3ByaW50YWJsZXN8Z3g6MWRiODgzY2QyMTdlZjFlNw

I also have a special surprise for neighbors.  They are getting EGGED!! Hehe.  I will share those details later this week.

Coming off a tough weekend and going into another week, I spent some time trying to regroup myself this morning.  I want to share one my favorite songs that really helps to reset me and turn my focus to what is most important.

Sit back, listen, and enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8Be1on3JHk

Just Some Stuff...

Its Sunday morning and I have been up and productive since 5 AM. Why in the world you wonder?

Meet my second job



The Big Whit 77 Foundation. I have been blessed for the last 4 years to be the director of this foundation. I have learned alot, done things I
never imagined I could (planned a concert start to finish) and met some amazing people.

However it doesnt come without sacrifice of the early morning hours. This morning I am scanning 140 applications for a college scholarship. Why at 5 am? The names are Reese Landon, Ruddick, and Daniel Emory. They are not huge fans of leaving me undisturbed in thier waking hours.
So with my fresh coffee and watching "mister ed" in the background, I scan.

I'll also use this time to give you a few picture updates.

Driving the car together in thier pjs


Precious babies holding hands


Ruddick eating his first sucker after his ENT appointment (tonsillitis and back on reflux meds)


I had to include this Walgreens trip that left me on a tremendous high!! $2 moneymaker on deodorant, FREE vitamin candy, six FREE rockstar drinks, and kashi cereal $1 less than Walmart. This was fun!


This kid is a total lap baby. He prefers daddy, but will take mama. Dont you dare try to take that paci!!


Happy Sunday. Get to church and praise Jesus!!



Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Girl Time

I spent tonight celebrating a very special friend and her soon to be 2nd daughter Hallie.  I had every intention of taking artisic pictures of the food, decor, and the table full of interesting ladies most of whom I had never met.  However, I forgot.  I am so disappointed!!  I am positive the pictures would never look as good as they did in my head.

Can I tell you how MUCH I enjoyed time with ladies?!?!  I mean REALLY enjoyed the act of socialization.  We talked about kids,  the fact that there is no time to clean, we traded birth stories, complications, and made some past connections!  I'm not great at making friends, but I truly felt comfortable with my end of the table.  It was sooooo needed!

As my sister pointed out recently, God did not intend for us to do this alone.  However, sometimes we just don't have time to live life with anyone else other than our immediate circle of family.  Yes, it takes effort.  Yes, it is sometimes out of comfort zone.  And yes, it matters!!!!

Feeling renewed!!

Favorite Things Friday

Today is my birthday eve and you would think that I would include my birthday in a favorite things post, right? Nope. It's not one of my favorite things. Unless I start turning YOUNGER its just another day.



For those of you who have known me a while, this may come as a shock. Many moons ago, I spent the week of September 7th thinking I was Queen of all those before me.  I rocked out with a new outfit, reminded people of the important countdown, and seriously felt as if it were the most important day of the year.












Layers of maturity later, I have stepped down from my high horse and realized that for me, September 7th has a different meaning.  I have had a couple of years that on this date, I was going through some really rough times.  They were out of my control and sometimes life just doesn't care that its your birthday!! The rough times kind of took the wind out of my celebration sail and turned Septmeber 7th into a day of memories.

THIS is my Friday Favorite.....



This knock out of a woman is my grandmother Mama-Betty.  Every single year before she passed away SHE made my birthday special. 

I am 1 of 3 first cousins on her side and we all have birthdays within a month of each other.  Every year we would have a family birthday party at my grandparents house to celebrate.  My cousin and I would share a chocolate cake and my sister had her own white cake.  I can still feel the excitement of looking forward to this day.  Whats crazy is that I do not have a single memory of my "regular" birthday parties.  The ones you had a McDonalds, Pizza Hut, or the park.  Not one single memory.  I only remember the birthday parties with my family.






As I got older and distance would not allow the cousins to get together for a birthday party, Mama-Betty still made sure that she made me feel special on this day.  She would drive her Lincoln town car to my college apartment with a birthday cake in hand.  A birthday cake complete with frosted roses (my favorite part) and the cursive words that read "Happy Birthday Julie".  The cakes she served were always THE BEST.  My friends new she would deliver, so they always made sure to be available to help me eat it!!

So now, my birthday no longer means "What am I getting" or "Where is my cake", but instead my time to reflect and remember all of the special memories that Mama-Betty created for me.  This is why I smile on September 7th.  Not because I have survived one more year, but because I can still feel the warmth of her smile and hear her voice saying "Happy Birthday".