Becoming a More Serious Blogger

There have been many times in my life where I've started something and didn't continue with it (unless you want to count drinking). I've done just about every new trend but fail to stick with it. I've broken this cycle (so far) when it comes to blogging. There have been moments of slacking but I've never stepped away for too long. My heart is just too invested.

I figured if my heart can be so invested then I need to work at it more. Here are my suggestions for becoming a more serious blogger:

1. Take a blogging e-course. Elizabeth at Delightfully Tacky offers a great class for newbies/semi-newbies. It is only $25 and well worth the knowledge you will gain.  She offers 3 different classes but I signed up for the blogger one.

2. Sponsor a blog that has similar content as your own blog. For example, if your a mommy blogger then don't sponsor a single college girl's fashion blog. You probably aren't going to reach the readers you are looking for.

3. Link-up, link-up, and link-up. People will get exposed to your blog so use a good link-up picture and a catchy title. Don't forget to check out other blogs and leave comments. What you shouldn't do is leave a comment saying follow my blog.

4. Participate in a giveaway on a bigger blog with lots of followers but with similar blog content. It will bring you lots of traffic. Although it isn't all about the numbers, it is about getting people to your words. Make sure that during the giveaway time you really crank out some of your best stuff and be sure to get the word out. People can't fall in love with you if they don't read your work.

5. Create an official space for the official blogger. There is just something more legit (you know you are now saying too legit too quit) when you have a spot just for blogging. 

I'm late to this one but I'm catching up. I have purchased a small writing desk that if my measurements are correct will find itself in the perfect spot. It should be delivered in the next few days. I am claiming it as my Mother's Day present.

Although these are just a few ideas, there are many more out there, but these will really help.

Get out there and nurture your talents! 

Like, Love, Loathe

Like

Inspirational quotes: Facebook is good for lots of things but one of my favorites is reading inspirational quotes. Often it gives me something to think about and can change my whole perspective that day.  

 

Love

Unexpected surprises: I'll just be blunt. My husband was being a complete ass on Saturday. He did the shopping and came back with a beautiful bouquet for me. He said these are "sorry for being a dick flowers". It changed the whole rest of the day and I am loving looking at my beautiful flowers.

Loathe

My hair: It is a hot frizzy mess when it is humid and here in Arkansas it is humid a lot. I also have a lot of little baby hair around my face. The only way my hair is happy is when I spend a lot of time straightening it but as soon as it gets the least bit wet via rain, water, or sweat it all goes crap. The easiest way to do my hair is to leave it curly and put some mousse in it. The problem with that is then I HAVE to wash it and my hair really doesn't need to be washed too much because it is dry enough as it is. 

Today I am linking up with Bex over at Futures

Say NO to these Facebook Statuses

1. The suicide status. Just recently a girl on my FB basically wrote a suicide note as her status. This wasn't a teenager but a woman of 32. People started going frantic communicating back and forth on her status asking who has talked to her, who could go by her house, and asking all to pray. The next day the girl was back on FB like nothing happened. Um hello, I think an explanation is at least needed. You are too grown to act like that.

2. Embarrassing your kids. I'm not talking about putting cute goofy pictures up of your baby but calling out your teenager for what they did. Recently a mom I know told on FB about how her son used her credit card to buy some video games online. I just think that isn't a good parenting move.

3. Writing down every. little. thing. 
I am drinking coffee.
Me and the babies are going to Wal-Mart.
Wal-Mart is so busy.
Stopping by McDonalds after shopping.
So many bags to unload.

Do you know this girl? I do. The one in particular that I'm talking about is the sweetest girl ever so I never bad mouth her but her posts do get on my nerves.

4. Drunk statuses. It's totally one thing to write a "I'm having a few drinks with the girls" posts. It's a whole another thing when you are drunk and writing down every thought that passes through your head. I always think "Wow, they are going to wish they hadn't Facebooked and drink". 

5. Bad mouthing your ex or your partner's ex. Oh these can get ugly. I kid you not, one of my friends (keep in mind I'm using that term loosely here) wrote "I keyed that bitches car" referring to her now man's ex. Another friend was calling his baby mama every not so nice word in the book.

6. Alluding to the fact that they are going to have sex. It just makes me shudder. "Got a babysitter tonight...wink wink". What do you comment? Have fun? Hope it works out? Good luck? Get you some girl? I just hit like and keep going. I hope these people's mom doesn't have FB. 

7. My life sucks. When I type this one I have one girl in mind. She hates her job. She is always fighting with her husband (gives details on facebook). Complains nonstop about the school system. Most of her posts start with "Could things get any worse...".

8. The vague post. "I can't believe that just happened". "Why would someone say that to me?". "I'm so mad". Come on now people, we want the details. 

9. Facebook good-bye. The people who announce they are leaving FB. They get a bunch of "oh no", "gonna miss ya", "love ya and gonna hate not seeing pictures of those babies". Well guess what? The next day they are still on there. I have this formal student who recently had a baby who went on a big rant about how FB takes away from her new baby and how FB is just so stupid. She is better than all of this and her priority is her baby and family. So everybody was super nice and said they would miss seeing her and how they understood. What she was really doing was saying she was being a better mother by not having FB. Why not just delete it? Well you know what? She is still on there. 

10. Big announcements. I can NOT stress this enough. Do NOT post anything about someone being in an accident, someone dying, or someone giving birth. If it isn't you or your immediate family then do not share. Just recently, there was a horrible wreck and there was even a dead body on the road. People were literally driving by and taking pictures to post on FB. Could you imagine seeing your husband, father, or son dead on the road? Let along, could you imagine finding out about it that way? I seen a friend post a picture recently of another friends just-born baby. Don't you think that is the right of the mom or dad? 

So here are 10 of my most annoying Facebook statuses. What would you like to add to the list?

Boy Toddler Style for Summer

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All of these outfits can be purchased on Zulily for $6.99-$9.99.

Life Getting In the Way of Blogging

I know I haven't been sticking to a very regular blogging schedule lately but sometimes blogging has to take a backseat. Darn life getting in the way!

Here is what has been going on:

1. Our air conditioner broke. I came home the other day and when the air popped on it sounded life the outside unit was about to take off. It was just plain awful! I thought after some time maybe the noise would just stop but it did not. I turned it off, waited, and then turned it back on. Awful noise came back. Jeremy was working and it was a raining like crazy so Jack and I packed our bags and headed to my parents. At least we got chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes.

2. I'm still having this awful stomach pain from the scar tissue and hernia. I'm set to have surgery in early June. 

3. I'm super pumped that I am in the process of making another 14 in 2014 happen. I signed up for an ecourse. Once I get started and learn a little more I'll tell you all about it.

4. We had some drama going on in our school district. Enough drama for the news van to show up. You can read about it by clicking here.

5. The best part of my week is that I bought myself a Chromebook! I'm in love with it. It is all mine!!!

6. My husband laid new flooring down in our half bath. I've been wanting this done for 4 years. Let's see how long it takes for me to get new flooring in the laundry room.

7. A woman online was selling 80 pieces of clothing for $100 and I bought them. Although I can't wear everything I still made out really well. I am so excited about having all these new clothes.

8. My husband got a raise!!!!

9. Jack is going through a "I have to be attached to my mom or I flip out" stage. It is not fun for anyone. 

10. I got my sister the most awesome housewarming gift. This is their song and I just know she is going to be over the moon about it.

  

Wisdom, Easter, Fundraiser, and More

 You want to know what is not a good idea? Getting a wisdom tooth cut out right before Easter. The Easter holiday is one that involves lots of wonderful things, one of which is food. Too bad I couldn't really chow down. However, my pants aren't too mad at me. 

Speaking of pants, I got my Old Navy package in the mail today. Besides ordering myself a few things, I also got Jack this super cute shirt. My Mom is going to LOVE seeing him in this.

Nothing, not even a throbbing face, could stop me from smiling at my adorable Jack on Easter. He liked his Easter basket and his favorite thing was the plastic eggs. I'm not too surprised because he is obsessed with anything round because he thinks they are balls. He spent a lot of time throwing potatoes out of a bowl at my Mom's house. He kept throwing the eggs around like they were balls. He liked the way they would spin. 

When it came time to hunt for eggs he didn't understand why he couldn't just keep and play with the first egg he found. When I tried to put it in his basket he got really mad. I showed him where to find another egg and it started all over again. Finally, I just gave in because what really matters is him being happy not getting the most eggs.

It was a fantastically beautiful day so we spent most of the day playing in dirt, riding in the wagon, pushing tractors around, and sliding. My Dad then fired up the grill and made us all hamburgers and BBQ chicken while my Mom fixed potato salad and baked beans. Even with my mouth hurting I did my best to eat some of that yummy food. 

Monday came in a rush of reality. I laid in my parent's guest bed thinking how could I possibly be at work in just 2 measly hours. My aching mouth was urging me to call in sick but my bank account pulled me out of bed. I spent my workday opening fundraising packets, counting money, filling out forms, and making deposits. I'll spend tomorrow doing the exact same thing. I don't really mind doing this job though because it's fairly easy just tedious. 

What was the best part of your weekend? 

I Want a Baby Girl

There will be days where I am 110% sure that our small family is complete with only one child. The delivery, developing necrosis, having surgery again 2 months later, the wound vac, and now dealing with scar tissue pain and a hernia (having surgery in June to fix these) I think it just isn't physically possible. Let's not even talk about the financial aspect of it. I told my mom today that if we moved beside them I'd have one more. My mom said it would most likely be a boy. My luck it would be. 

I want a baby girl whose fingernails I could paint. I want to buy dresses, bows, and tutus. I need to braid hair and go to dance class. I want to be surrounded by pink, dolls, frill, glitter, and fluff. I  must buy little girly shoes, infant pieces of jewelry, and ruffly bloomers.

What's a Mama to do? I feel guilty because there are some couples who can't even have one baby. We are already so blessed. I do worry if my body can handle another round. I would want to try for a VBAC if at all possible. 

Why can't someone just give me a baby girl? 

The Lord will give us what we are meant to have whether that be what we have now or another blessing.

Interview With My Husband

His "let me take your picture in a restaurant" face

1. What is the most annoying thing about me?
You think everybody should think like you.

2. When did you know you wanted to marry me?
About a month after I met you.

3. What is the best thing I cook?
Your fried chicken

4. What is my best quality?
How you put everybody before yourself.

5. If you could take me anywhere, where would we go?
A place where they served good margaritas and they had high speed internet.

6. What is something you enjoy doing with me?
Drink and play pool.

7. Describe me in one word.
Intense 

8. What is the hardest thing about being married?
Living with someone else.

9. What were you thinking when I started walking down the aisle?
Don't pass out. Don't pass out. Don't pass out. 

10. Why do you love me?
Because you make me feel like I can do anything. 

Why I Started a Blog

Well see I kind of did the get married and have a baby within 5 months of each other thing. The baby wasn’t so much planned. The wedding was though. Many people think I got married because I got pregnant but that is not the case. The church had been booked. Deposits had been made. Then the two pink lines appeared. Was it the plan? Nope! Sure wasn’t! I had planned on walking down the aisle slightly hammered. I hate being the center of attention and I knew Jose would help me. Instead I remember every blessed eye on me (I shake even thinking about it now).

Okay back to why I started a blog. Basically my life was doing a 180 so quickly and I needed a place to go to figure it all out. Yes, I could have just done it on paper but I type so much faster. The thought of anyone following my blog didn’t even cross my mind. I just wanted to make a virtual scrapbook of my very changing life. I was becoming a wife and mother and hanging up my dancing shoes and storing my shot glasses up high (you know in the shelf that no one ever uses).

I started following other blogs because I needed to learn how to be a wife and mother. During those miserable non-sleeping months I stayed up late reading blogs learning what I needed to register for and what to expect. Baby books are great but when you are reading it first hand and with pictures it just looks more legit.

Here I am a year and a half later and still at it. It is probably the one hobby that I’ve ever stuck with this long. It is so enjoyable looking back and seeing what life was like a year ago. To see how far we have made it. How much we have endured. It makes me proud.

I’m still learning how to be the best wife and mother I can be. Some days are more challenging than others like when Jack decides he no longer needs sleep. There are really great days where I’m on top of everything and my family is happy. Those are the best days.

Need the World to Take a Pause

This weekend was wonderful getting away from my world. Just leaving the stress behind was great. Now that we are back reality has slapped me in the face. If I sat down and wrote a to do list for everything that I really need to get done it would take up at least a whole page. The problem with trying to get things done is each day brings more things that need to be done. You have responsibilities that HAVE to get done so you can't just ignore those things to do things that you can let go yet again but that really need to be done. 

If I could have my way the world would just pause and sit for me to catch up. The first thing I would do is clean my house from top to bottom. It really needs it. You can't do deep cleaning when you are struggling just to keep the basics done. 

As a teacher, I am working during the times that most businesses are open so it's difficult to get things done. We've used, and continue to use, my sick days so I don't take any days to just get things done. 

I'm sure all of you moms can understand what I mean when I say I just need to catch up and in order to do that I need everything else to stop for a little while so nothing else gets piled on.

Since my wish isn't going to come true, I've decided to just write it all down. I'm going to write every single thing down that needs done and then start tackling that list one thing at a time. Some things will take an hour and some will take days. I'm sure along the line I will be adding more things to it. 

Relationship Connection

A baby does things to a couple. You get so focused on that bundle of joy that you forget about what brought you so much joy to bring that child into the world in the first place. I'm not just talking about sex. I'm talking about flirting, holding hands, sweet kisses, and just all around partner playing. 

We are 17 months into this baby business and we needed a come together, not a break. We needed to spend some time together away from Jack, away from the bills, away from the house, basically away from everything but each other. 

I'm gonna be honest. I was quite nervous about this trip. We've been snappy, rude, and have shared some hurtful words recently. The last thing I wanted was to get into a huge argument that would ruin our weekend away. 

Here I am in our hotel room on a Saturday night and I'm here to report that we have had a wonderful time. We have reconnected. I remembered why I fell in love with this man. We have been kind to each other. We have laughed a whole lot. We have been sweet, loving, and caring. It has been absolutely amazing. 

As the weekend is winding down so our we. Jeremy is laying in the bed watching television. I'm sitting in the chair relaxing. We were so busy having fun that I didn't even take any pictures. One of Jeremy's normal complaints is my phone always being in hand so I did my best to leave it in the room. 

What I do know is we can't wait so long to escape again. I want this relationship high to last us awhile. With all that is in me I hope this connection doesn't weaken as we enter back into reality. 

How often do you and your significant other get away? Any suggestions on how to keep the relationship vacation connection alive?

Layered Strawberry Dessert

I love me some strawberries. It was one of my huge cravings the whole time I was pregnant. This is one easy dessert. There is a total of 4 things you will need.

Crumble cake in a dish. I used the packaged dessert shells. Any kind of cake would be just as good. 

Spoon vanilla pudding on top of the cake.

Cut up strawberries and put on top of the pudding.

Smooth on some cool whip. I used from the container but I love making my own. It is so much better. 

Keep layering until your container is full. Serve within a few hours. We had lots of leftovers since it is just 3 of us. I really wish I had made a smaller size. After a day of sitting in the fridge it does get kind of watery. So I would suggest serving within the first day. It is super easy and very yummy!

Accepting What You Can Not Change

Trying to live a life of intention can make you take a hard look at your life. There are some things in my life that I know needs some tweeking or a complete over-haul to make things better for our life. Change can be good. I'm a firm believer in self-reflection. 

However, there are things in life that just are the way they are. Although yes it is possible it could be changed (by doing something drastic) but logically some things just can't be changed (at least in the moment)

Here are a few points that have helped me to cope with accepting the things that can not change.

1. Look for the positives. I hate my husband's job schedule. He is gone for days/nights at a time. It is so hard to constantly readjust and he misses out on so much with Jack. Although, yes, he could just up and quit but that just can't happen right now. What I can do is remind myself of the positive aspects of his job schedule. Believe me, it is hard sometimes looking for the positive but it does help. One is we have a chance to miss him and so our time together is extra special.

2. Do what you can do. A disorganized house drives me over the top crazy. Working full time and taking care of Jack (who is such a mess maker) leaves me little time to keep the house as clean as I would like it. What I have discovered is if I do a few certain things (dishes washed, toys picked up, laundry off the floor, and bed made) I feel relaxed enough about the house to not let it drive me crazy.

3. Plan for the future. The medical debt we have incurred is beyond anything I could have ever imagined. It is going to take awhile to get it gone but what helps is thinking about the day when that debt is gone and what we can do with all that extra money. I can't change it now but it reminds me that it will not always be this way. 

4. Pray. Sometimes you just have to turn it over to the Lord. When you aren't happy with a situation and there isn't anything you can do to change it you can get bogged down with disappointment. That is okay. I'll say that again. It is okay to be disappointed. It is natural to feel that way. Pray for the Lord to give you peace and thank him for your many blessings. It will change your perspective the more you do this. An example of this in my life is me not being able to be a stay at home mom. 

5. Make a plan. I love to make a plan. With all of the issues that currently can not be changed I know that one day things will work out. In order for these things to work out a plan needs to be made. Making a plan isn't going to work for everything (for example, me having to take Jack to daycare) but it does work for a lot of things. Some things that I have made plans for (although I know they will not be changing anytime soon) are debt, activities we will do as a family, home improvements).

What are some ways you cope with accepting things you can not change? I would love to hear your answers because I am always looking for help in this area. 

Tiny Wishes Creations and a Giveaway

I'm coming to you on a Saturday to tell you about Tabitha's new Etsy shop. Yesterday I introduced you to her through an interview. You can read it by clicking here. Believe me, you wanna meet this girl.

Something else you are going to want to do is check out her Etsy shop Tiny Wishes Creations. This is what I want:

I'm in love with this wine glass! Even if you didn't drink you could always use it to hold stuff. Here are more items you can find in her shop.

Now for the really great part. Tabitha is giving away one jewelry item and one wine glass to one lucky winner. If you would like to enter, please click here.

You Gotta Meet This Gal

Tabitha is my newest favorite blogger. Her blog A Hundred Tiny Wishes covers various aspects of her life but my favorite thing she writes about is fashion. As someone who doesn't consider themselves very fashionable, Tabitha has inspired me. She loves fashion but isn't one of those bloggers that wears clothes that I never could wear or afford. 

Today I'm introducing Tabitha to you through an interview.  

1.  How did you come up with your blog title? Did you give it lots of thought or did it just come to you?

The name came from a picture on Pinterest. It was a tile that someone did, and it said: When looking at a field of dandelions, you can either see a hundred weeds or a hundred wishes. That same day, I went for a walk around the yard, and Lil Man picked up a dandelion seed flower. It kinda felt like a sign. I also throught around the idea of naming the blog “The Wandering Moose” or “Moscato & Moose”… Yeah, gatta get this moose obsession under control.

2. You are really into make-up. When did this passion really begin?

I was actually going to do a post on this subject, but I can’t really pinpoint when the passion with makeup actually began. I remember my mom using Mary Kay when I was younger, but I don’t remember her actually showing me how to use makeup in general.

3. Where would you like to see A Hundred Tiny Wishes a year from now?

Large and in charge. Ha! No, I really have no idea. I have seen so much growth over the past six months, and unless I randomly take a couple of weeks or months off, I can only keep going up and improving.

4. What is the last thing you do before bed?

Kiss either my son or my hubby (my hubby works midnights four nights a week, so it’s usually my son).

5. How did y'all come up with your son's name?

Funny story. My hubby wanted a Jr, but I was absolutely against it. I wanted something unique and to name our son after my late great-grandfather. My hubby didn’t like any of my name choices. So after about three weeks of debating, I was reading one of the gossip magazines, and came across an article about Gwen Stefanie and Gavin Rosdale. I asked my hubby what he thought of the name Gavin. He said that he would think about it, and two days later, he said ok. So our son’s name is Gavin, and he has my hubby’s first name as his middle name… Gavin Michael.Yeah, I guess it really wasn’t that funny.

6. You have 5 tattoos and you have voiced that you want another. What would it be?

After I graduate, I am going to get “Just Breathe” on my left wrist.

7. What is your favorite/least favorite part of your body?

Favorite: Boobs (boobs make everything better lol) or Eyes

Least: Stomach

8. It's karaoke night. What song are you singing?

“Write this down” by George Strait.

9. Besides cash or a gift card, what blogging giveaway would you love to win?

A DSLR camera, hands down. I want one so bad, but with a lil one in diapers and bills to pay, I really can’t justify paying such a large amount of money for an accessory to a hobby.

10. What does your husband think about you blogging?

I don’t think he really has an opinion about it. I mean, he kinda voices his opinion on the fact that I’m on the computer so much, but other than that he doesn’t read it. I do tell him about my accomplishments, and he tells me good job. And sometimes will take outfit pictures.

I told you she was amazing so head on over to A Hundred Tiny Wishes and follow her so you never miss one of her amazing posts.

things to do as a couple before baby

If you have a baby then this list will resonate with you in a very real way. If you are pregnant then this list may scare you a little and I'm sorry but I come to you with only the best of intentions. I am only looking out for you and wanting you to enjoy the last bit of selfishness you will ever get to have. I'm only being slightly sarcastic. As you do each of these activities (hopefully numerous times) you will need to make a mental note of how good it felt and take stock in the wonderfulness of it. 

1. Sleep in and then when you wake up just lay in bed until you can't lay there anymore. Once baby is here there is little sleeping which you already know. What I'm saying is relish in it. Sit in the quiet once you awake and enjoy it. Life now needs no alarm clock because the first to get up is Jack and it is almost always with a wail and not with a coo. Not the best way to start each day.

2. After you lay in your quiet take your precious time getting dressed. Trying to get dressed with a baby around is sooooo not easy. Those little creatures just love to cry when you need them not to cry. What always seems to happen when Jack was a baby is that he would cry when I tried to get ready so I would have to hurry. Now that he is a toddler he gets into everything while I'm trying to get ready. It is a constant early battle of no's and stop's in the wee hours. Not cool.

3. Eat inside your house in peace. Jack always knew when we were eating and would cry so we would have to end up eating in shifts which meant one of us was getting left with cold food. Now that he eats what we eat he still wants what is on our plate and will beg for bites. 

4.  Eat out at a nice restaurant with your spouse. The night before my scheduled c-section Jeremy and I went out for a steak dinner. I'm so glad we did that and I look back on that night fondly. Babies make huge messes so nice restaurants really aren't an option for awhile. Jack loves to act like a crazy child in a restaurant so not only is there a mess but he gets so loud. I spend most of my time feeding him my food, cleaning food off the floor, trying to keep him entertained, and keeping him away from things he will throw in the floor.

5. Go out on a spontaneous date. Going out on a date now takes so much planning that it almost feels not worth it at times. Plus we run into the issue of wanting to see Jack as much as possible when we can because he is in daycare more than we like.

6. Watch a movie in your bed. I have to say that now that Jack is 16 months old this aspect is starting to come back into our lives but not as often as we both would like. We have passed on several movie nights for sleep. Sleep wins against most things.

7. Buy yourself something trivial you really want. After baby, if you have any leftover money, you will want to spend it on your sweet bundle of joy. The days of buying trivial things is O.V.E.R. 

8. Sit down and have a conversation about yourselves. Baby poop will become a huge topic of conversation once the poop machine arrives. You will find yourselves analyzing each poop. As a couple your life will focus around your little one and he or she will undoubtedly become the only thing you talk about.

9. Get together with friends.  Life after baby isn't like How I Met Your Mother. You will not be spending your time hanging out at the local bar with your buddies. If you are lucky you will get a few dinners out with friends and hopefully several visits in which they give you a break where you can catch a shower and (gasp) a nap.

10. Spend a whole day just being lazy together. It is one of the things I miss the most. Before Jack we might would spend a whole day in bed just relaxing. We would even order a pizza to eat in bed. Usually we would be nursing a hangover. Those days are over and I'm okay with that but I'm still happy we had that time.  

What I'm Digging (and You Should Too)

1// Chrisley Knows Best: Oh my how this family has my heart! Todd (the dad is just too funny and he is the best family man). He teaches the best lessons. I love seeing people with money have morals. I've been telling all my friends they need to watch this show and now I'm telling you. It comes on Tuesday nights on USA.



2// Lime-A-Ritas: I haven't been under a rock. I just haven't had many chances to have many a drinks. Tonight I am drinking one as I write this post. These 8 oz. are going too quickly.




3// Clarks: Their shoes are so comfortable for a teacher who is on her feet all day. They are cute without being overly foo-foo. My favorite thing about them is how light weight they are. I found my newest pair on sale for half price and scored them for 30 bucks. They have closed toe options also.

Things That Need to Change and Why

As part of being more intentional I have decided to take the advice from the website lifeyourway.net. Today I am sharing what needs to change in my life and why it is like that. I believe it is very important to explain why these negative things are in my life and I've allowed them there. I'm also adding how I can change this behavior.

1. My bad eating habits.
Why: I don't plan my meals and I end up skipping meals and replacing them with Dr. Peppers. Once I do eat, I eat, it's always crappy food. Very rarely do I sit down to eat. Crap like lunchables, cookies, Debbie Cakes, and Ritz crackers pretty much make up my diet. 

How can I change this: I need to factor myself in when I am meal planning. I need to start buying more fruits and vegetables. Fixing my lunch at night makes it easier for me to stick to eating right and makes mornings less stressful. I also need to work on phasing out Dr. Pepper or at least limiting it down to one. One thing that needs adding to my daily routine is breakfast to eliminate mid-morning runs to the vending machine.

2. House cleaning not being consistent. 
Why: I don't stick to cleaning schedules well because some days I just physically can't after working all day. Although I love schedules, cleaning schedules don't work for me because of my husband's all over the place work schedule.
How can I change this: Make a list of realistic chores that need done daily, weekly, and monthly. This chart needs posted so Jeremy can see it what he can do.

3. Our chaotic mornings
Why: I don't always wake up before Jack, I don't always lay out our clothes, sometimes I have to shower, I don't always make sure my lunch is made, I sometimes have to stop to put gas in the car, and I often have to run around trying to find last minute things.

How can i change things:
Wake-up no later than 5:40. Do the following the day/night before:
-take a shower
-make lunch
-put gas in car 
-take out trash
-set out clothes