You Win Some...You Lose Some

And we lost this one. The court granted my daughter's biological mom 50% custody. The judge also granted a school transfer. It breaks my heart to see her cry. It makes me so sad to hear her pray at night that she won't have to say goodby to us. I know that the Lord has a plan. I wish I knew what it was. I know how much He loves us and our baby girl. I know if will be ok.

On a happier note my oldest son got accepted to an amazing charter school. We meet with his teacher tomorrow. He will be working from home on most days and having group instruction as well with a co-op group. This is truly a Godsend since my daughters new school is about 30 miles away. In everything, God is good.

We are spending the day at Seal Beach. The kids are surfing or body boarding. Life is indeed good.

Thank you so much for your prayers and thoughts. We have felt them an appreciated them so much.

Love,

E.

Correction: Today's The Day....I hope!

The judge was not able to rule yesterday. There were several cases before ours and he basically ran out of time. I truly believe that the Lord's timing is perfect. I wanted an answer so badly yesterday. It would have been great to know how we are to proceed. I also know that when I try to make things happen and try to take back control instead of giving everything to the Lord things don't work out quite as well.

So, again today I am surrendering my family to the Lord. No matter what happens today, it is well with my soul.

Please continue to pray for myself and my family. If you have a prayer request please email me or leave a comment here.

Have a great day!

Love,

Elyse

Today's The Day...

Morning!

We find out today what the judges ruling is. I'm nervous. I didn't sleep well. I've been praying a lot.

I'll let you know what the outcome is as soon as I can.

Thank you for keeping us in your prayers.

Love,
E.

Monday, Monday

We heard late yesterday that the judge will rule on Monday. I would be completely lying to you if I said that I wasn't a bit nervous. I mean, if she gets sent to a different school, I don't have a way to get her there or pick her up. I'd have to be in two different places at the same exact time.

I'm praying....a lot. We have a lot of people praying for us. The Lord will do as he see fits on Monday and I know that everything will work out. It always does. I hope with all that is in me that school doesn't change. That is my prayer and at the same time I know that I don't see the long view. The Lord does so at the end of the day, whatever happens, happens and we are trusting in the Lord. We are surrendering to Him. We will praise Him!

Still waiting....

What a week! It's been full of ups and downs. Through it all, I am so thankful for my husband and good friends. I am so grateful for people who have been praying for us. I really think that everyone's prayers are the reason why I am not having panic attacks everyday.

We still have not been able to receive a ruling from the judge. Both the attorneys have been in trial on other cases. We may be able to get in this afternoon. Although I would like an answer, I'm ok with waiting. It's not my most favorite thing to do but I am learning that the Lord's time is perfect. We also found out yesterday that our attorney would like to withdraw from the case. My husband is supposed to speak with our attorney today to find out why. We received a referral to another attorney who is supposed to be good. Hopefully, our attorney can stay on board until this is all said and done.

On a happier note, my oldest son Jason turns 9 on Monday!!! I can't wait to celebrate with him. I love that kid!

Please keep us in your prayers!

Love,

Elyse

No news...is Good News?

Well, we didn't receive a ruling yesterday. The judge decided that he needed time to review some reports. He had the opportunity to rule with one hour notice so that we could reconvene but that didn't happen. It was very hard to see my husband so visibly upset. We both tried to act normal in front of the kids. We pulled it off but it was very hard.

Our attorney was able to speak with the court clerk who said that we might be able to get a ruling today. We continue to wait and pray. Thank you so much for praying for our family. We have such a sense of peace. We dot know how things will play out but we know that God's way is the right way and we trust in Him knowing that it is for a reason.

Please continue to pray for us. I will keep you all posted.

Thanks for stopping by!

Love,

Elyse

Life's Ups and Downs

The last few days have been so, so, so hard!  We go back to court today.  For those of you who don't know my story, I have been raising my daughter (step) from the time she was 15 months old.  He mom continues to take my husband and I to court for custody and she now wants to change the school that she has been attending.  It breaks my heart to continue to go through these things.  All I can do is pray and wait.  I pray for the judge, I pray for our attorney, I pray for my husband.  It seems that lately all I do is pray.  I pray that my little family will stay together.

If you would, please say a prayer for us today.  We sure do need it!

Love,

Elyse

Thursday Thoughts

I have had so much on my mind these last couple of days.  Life around our house has been....rough.

We had a rough weekend.  My husband and I decided to cancel our vow renewal because we had to pay an absurd amount of money to his attorney.  We have been raising his daughter (whom I do call my own) since she was 15 months old.  Since her mom came back into the picture a couple of years ago, we have been in and out of court.  The situation is completely heart-breaking.  I have an ex-husband and we get along really well.  It is hard for me to understand why some of the issues that come up between them arise, but I have to keep reminding myself that there IS good in this and that the Lord will work everything out.  I know how much I love my little girl and I can't even begin to imagine how much He loves her.

Back to the vow renewal - canceling was the right thing to do.  It made me sad to have to do it, but it was the only way we could afford to pay the huge attorney bill and not have to dip into our savings account.  You have no idea how much I was looking forward to it.  Everything was purchased and booked so to have to say goodbye to that dream gutted me!  Then Monday came and my husbands amazing boss offered to loan us the attorney money so that we could still have the vow renewal.  WHAT?!?!?!  That was all I could say when my hubby called to tell me.  Yes, doing the right thing is hard.  The reward is soooooo good.  The vow renewal is back on and I can't wait to show you the pictures!

Through this week I was blown away at how much I am loved.  When I needed a friend to cry with because I was so nervous about court the support I needed arrived immediately.  When I texted a couple of my friends that the vow renewal was off 3 girls planned a rustic-themed vow renewal at one of the local parks.  I am so blessed.  I lose sight of that everyday.  Ups and downs come all the time and I let them sway me and affect me way too much!  I just have to trust and have faith that all will be as it should be in this moment and in the future.  I don't know about you, but I am so tired of wasting my life worrying about tomorrow that I don't give today a chance.

If you're going through a hard time, let me know.  I'd love to be able to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  I'm linking to the song that got me through a few rough days and I hope that it touches you too!

Love,

Elyse

SHMILY Method | iMOM

My husband and I have been going through a rough patch...just a few bumps in the road....more on that later.  I read the article below and it made me realized that there always is a bigger picture.  If you have a few minutes read the article....you won't be sorry!

XO,

Elyse

SHMILY Method | iMOM

April 2012 Birchbox Reveal

My April Birchbox arrived!  Hip Hip Hooray!  The theme this month is Natural Wonders.  I love it!  Come along for the reveal!

Here it is...just out of the pretty pink wrapping!

Natural Wonders!  I've been waiting for this!

Right away I feel in love!  I love PUR and most of the Yes To line.

In the little package were more treats for me!

Here is what came in my Birchbox:

Benta Berry G-1 Exfoliating Facial Cleanser - A creamy exfoliator, which has finely ground apricot seeds to sweep away dead cells.

Kahina Giving Beauty Argan Oil - 100% organic Moroccan oil that moisturizes dry hair or skin.  It can be mixed with the facial lotion listed below to create a mega-hydrator.

Kahina Giving Beauty Facial Lotion - Inspired by Moroccan beauty rituals, this skin-loving cream uses organic shea butter to nourish your complexion.

Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Mineral Tinted Moisturizer - A four-in-one moisturizer, primer, foundation, and SPF 20 which covers blemishes while infusing skin with moisturizing botanicals.

Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift

Yes To Blueberries Brightening Facial Towelettes - Wipes that remove all signs of makeup and grime. Plus, they refresh the skin with a fruity blend of apple, blueberry, and lemon peel extracts.

So far, I really, really, really like this months box!  I feel like the $10 I spend every month to be a part of the program pays for itself over and over.  I am most excited about the Pur 4-in-1 and the facial towelettes.  I generally tend to use everything in my box over time and it is fun to get the goodies in the mail.  I will let you know if anything stands or or really stinks!

XO,

Elyse

Paper Issues: Washi Washi! Giveaway!

My most favorite store Paper Issues is having a washi tape giveaway!  It is so super cool and you wont want to miss out on it!  If you are not sure what washi tape is....well, its basically decorated paper tape and it adds so much to projects across the board.  I LOVE it!

Paper Issues: Washi Washi! Giveaway!

April 2012 Glambag

Another month and I am still so not impressed with the Glambag from MyGlam!  I was hoping to be able to keep my Birchbox and MyGlam subscriptions, but with the quality of BirchBox being so much better I just can justify keep the MyGlam subscription.  Don't worry, I'm sure I'll be spending that money over at Paper Issues!

This month's theme was Girls' Night Out.  I received All-Belle eyelashes, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Ransom, DermStore LipQuench, a metallic pink zipper pouch, and a MyGlam All-OVer Eyeshadow Brush and lastly, a MyGlam Eyeliner Brush.

And....for some reason I couldn't get this picture to flip.  I'm sure you get the picture.  Yes, the pun was intended!

The eyelashes are just ok.  I can find a pair I prefer at any local drugstore so I wasn't too impressed by them.  I don't like the fact that they continue to send zippered pouches.  I have so many and I keep giving them away to my daughter and friends.  I don't want to start stock-piling them.  I have also received so many lip moisturizers from them.  I don't want anymore....I have one in my purse, one on my nightstand, one in the car, and one in my diaper bag.  They are all less than spectacular.  The brushes are just ok too.  The only thing I really liked was the Urban Decay 24/7 liner.  It is a pretty purple color which will serve as a nice base for a couple of spring time looks.

I'm off to cancel my subscription!

Love,

Elyse

Our Easter

I love Easter!  I absolutely love every single thing about it!  This year I particularly enjoyed being able to share the story of Easter with my children and doing a few Easter related projects like a Resurrection Garden, Resurrection Rolls, and making s'mores using Peeps as the marshmallows.

Here are some of my favorite moments from this Easter.....

 Did you notice the Hello Kitty Easter Eggs.....I've created a monster!  You know, just reliving my youth!

Thanks for stopping by!

Love,

E.

Eat Like a Caveman: Nutrition Lessons from the Paleolithic Era | Wellness Times

This is a great article with a brief, but fair summary about Paleo eating.  I encourage you to check it out and if you'd like to give it a go we can do this together....and journal/SMASH about it!


Eat Like a Caveman: Nutrition Lessons from the Paleolithic Era | Wellness Times

My goodness....It's been awhile!

I am so sorry that I have been gone for awhile!  The truth is that I took some time away to just relax and re-focus on my goals and priorities.

For a very long time I have been running around like a crazy lady trying to balance the kids, home, hubby, church, and trying to save what energy I had left to craft and do some things for me.  Sometime in the past couple of years I gave up on myself.  I stopped wanting to eat well and take care of me.  Some of you might think that I'm completely mental and you may be right (insert huge grin)!  I just had nothing left to give back to myself and was too exhausted to even try.  A couple of weeks ago something changed.  I didn't have an epiphany or anything magical, but I came to the realization that by not taking care of myself and valuing myself I was clearly sending the message that it was ok for others to do the same and that my friend, is just not OK.  So....what did I decide to do?  I'm so glad you asked!  I'll tell you!

1.  I am going to blog about the things going on in my life.  My loves, likes, and dislikes.  I  really want to share on a personal level who I am and what I am going through.  Yes, some of it may get tedious but it is free therapy for me so deal!

2.  I am going to make the best effort I can to start eating as Paleo and clean as possible.  My mom passed away almost two years ago from breast cancer and my grandma was just diagnosed with it so I need to make these changes immediately.

3.  I am going to go to bed by 10:00 each night and be up by 6:00 am every morning.  I will work out first thing and shower by the time my kids get up.

4.  DRINK MORE WATER and take my vitamins.

5.  Get dressed and not in jammies.

Those are the Top 5 things I am committing to you and I am also going to complete one craft a week.  My new sewing machine should be here today so I can finally finish the blanket I made for my cousin's baby.  I hate not finishing things I start but it seems that I've gotten really good at it and my intentions just aren't cutting it anymore!

Thanks for stopping by!

Love,

Elyse

Introducing NEW Summer Fresh Collection - Simple Stories

  I love Simple Stories!  Paper Issues has a huge pre-order for me and I can't wait to get it!  Their new line Summer Fresh is absolutely lovely and makes me long for those lazy days!  You can review the collection below.

Introducing NEW Summer Fresh Collection - Simple Stories

The Girl Creative: Custom Stamp Giveaway with PSA Essentials

Have you heard about PSA Essentials?  They are amazing stamps that are super cute AND interchangeable!  The Girl Creative is hosting a giveaway on her blog....check it out and enter!

The Girl Creative: Custom Stamp Giveaway with PSA Essentials

Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor}: Cream-Filled Carrot Cake Muffins

I wish that I could take responsibility for this delicious recipe, but Positively Splendid takes the (carrot) cake for this one!

I can't wait to make these muffins for Sunday morning breakfast!  Also, please check out her blog.  It's amazing!

Love,

E.

Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor}: Cream-Filled Carrot Cake Muffins

Thursday Thoughts...

Wow!  It has been a few days since I last posted and the time has gone by so quickly.  To be honest, I just haven't had the gumption to put my thoughts into writing.  My grandma was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma (cancer of the milk duct) and it really threw me for a loop.  It hasn't even been two years since my mom passed away from metastatic breast cancer and it definitely wasn't the news that I wanted to hear.  The good news is that it was caught very early!  Thank God for mammograms!  The doctor feels that it can be treated with a lumpectomy and in the worst case scenario a mastectomy.  He won't know until he actually goes in to remove it.

It really made me think about my own mortality.  I am so grateful to be a Christian.  I know that no matter what happens the Lord is with me and that my home is waiting for me.  I long for the day when I get to see my mom again.  As always, the Lord's timing is amazing.  I just joined an online Bible study on the book An Untroubled Heart by Micca Campbell which will be led by Melissa Taylor.  Melissa's mother also passed away from cancer a couple of years ago and I immediately felt like this is the study I had been searching for.  There are even online small groups through Facebook!  I am so excited!  If you click on Melissa's link you can sign up as well.  All you need is the book and a Bible!

I have also been working on my Easter wreath for our front door.  So far it looks like this:

I am really hoping that it ends up looking like my inspiration for it which can be found here but using spring colored scraps and some Robin's eggs.  I will definitely post a picture when I am done.

As always, thanks so much for stopping by!

Love,

Elyse

Phew...what a St. Patrick's Day!

What a fantastic day today was! We just finished tucking my little Leprechauns into their bed and I am wiped out! It was quite a marathon of a day!

We started the morning with a treasure hunt. A naughty Leprechaun paid a visit to our home and messed the living room up a bit! Then Lucky Charms for breakfast. We went to pay a visit to my grandparents where they enjoyed green lunches! We had corned beef and cabbage, Leprechaun punch, and lime jello. For their bedtime snack the kiddos had shamrock cupcakes.

It's days like this that make me so very aware of how blessed I am. To be able to be with my family and hear the laughter of my children is a gift beyond measure. I am looking forward to starting a new Smash*Book and do some Spring cleaning and decorating.

Love,

Elyse