Friday Link Up

Madison was featured at One Little Momma.  Thanks Kilee!

I'm ordering this cookbook.

I met Lisa at SNAP.  She is truly down to earth and sweet.

This fruit salad shall be on our table tonight.

I can't imagine leaving for a year.  Seriously.  I couldn't do it.

I'm Walking Away

I consider myself a devoted person.  If you need a loyal friend, I'm your girl.  However, I have come to a point in my life where I find myself reevaluating, learning, and questioning my surroundings.

My family is of the utmost importance.  When it comes to them I stand strong and I will not falter.  John and my children are my life lines.

When it comes to volunteering for everything that comes my way, some things have got to go.  I must be selective.  No guilt here.

When it comes to faith, it is a journey.

I have always been told how to believe, what to believe, when to believe.  Lately I have learned to question everything.  I need to know the how, what, and when for myself.  I am learning to let go of the guilt I have been taught when my how, what, when and why is different.

I am amazed by the people that can walk away from the things in their life that is not working for them. I am even more amazed that their parents and family support them as they walk a different path. 

Jen Hatmaker said in a recent post,

Walk away gracefully; we need not fire parting shots over the bow. That only creates more losers, and you're better than that. Take your dignity and self-respect and precious humanity, and be proud of the way you handled yourself one year from now. You don't need to be proven right; much more is at stake than validation. You'll never regret being gracious, but you might deeply regret burning a bridge that might one day be safe enough to venture back over.

My plan this year is to walk away gracefully with no parting shots.

Family Hike with App

On one of our visits to Utah when we were living in Texas Madison asked, "Doesn't the sun ever shine here?"  This winter certainly felt like the sun had forgotten the beehive state.  Our vitamin B deprived winter bodies were craving warm weather.  One the first day of a semi warm day we found ourselves a hiking trail.  I love the alltrails app for finding trails and hikes around our home!  The app gives you directions, the difficulty of the trails, the distance, and pictures and reviews from other hikers.

Friday Link Up

Maddie, the dog not my Maddie, on things.
You know how you had to walk up hill both ways, in the snow to get to school? You were a wimp compared to these students!
21 pictures that will restore your faith in humanity.
My boys would think I was the coolest mom ever if I could paint on their napkins.
Museum trip with a 12 year old.  I have been there!

And I leave you with Dove Real Beauty Sketches for Men:

Another Episode Of What My Daughter Is Wearing

Madison, let me take a picture of your cute outfit.

Work it girl!

She's getting a little bored.

 Show us the bling!

Pretty makeup lovely lady!

I love your wedges!

Aaaand....she's done!

SNAP My Blogging Conference

Last year I took a plunge and did something I've been wanting to do for years.  I signed up for a blogging conference.  I was nervous because it's hard to put myself out there.  The people I know find it hard to believe that I have really hard time talking to people I don't know.  I'm not shy with my friends and family, but put me with people I don't know and it's really difficult!   

Yes, there were situations like this:

Coffee for one?

But I never sat alone for long before someone would sit down next to me and we were trading business cards and talking shop.  Everyone was really friendly!

I took a lot of classes I really enjoyed and learned a lot from.  You can read some great recaps from the conference.   I want to tell you about my favorite thing, the people I met!

I had on my mental list that I wanted to meet Marissa who I knew through her blog and instagram.   When I first checked in I saw her name just above mine.  She was standing next to me.  I took a big breath and introduced myself to her.  She recognized me!  Phew!  And then I asked her if she would be my friend!  Ha!  Marissa was so gracious and friendly.  She let me follow her around until we split up for our various classes.  So be brave!  Ask someone to be your friend!




 

I have been reading Melissa's blog for some time.  I think she is always cool, calm, and collected.  And in real life, she is cool, calm and collected!  She had no idea who I was, but I enjoyed getting to know her a bit.  She cares for the people around her, such a sweetie!










I took a great class from Amy at The Idea Room.   The beautiful Amy (seriously she is so pretty) sat next to me in a following class so I was happy to get to know her a bit.  I was feeling a little down on my little blog because everyone was telling me I needed to have a niche.  I should narrow my blog down and just focus on one thing.  But the thought of restricting myself to one topic is not something I really want to do.  Amy encouraged me by telling me that she doesn't do that and I shouldn't feel like I have to.  Amy just oozes confidence!  I have always struggled with confidence so it is really something I admire.

At one of the dinners I sat down to find myself sitting next to the ladies from one of my favorite blogs, Simple Simon.  I have long been an admirer of Liz and Elizabeth's blog.  I told them I loved their blog and then I called it the wrong name!  Smack myself in the head!  I always find a way to embarrass myself.  They were sweet, but then I was too flustered to tell them that they actually featured one of my outfits on their blog!  I took a fun class with the talented duo the next day.

I had a great time getting to know the amazingly talented Jami!  I adore her photography.  Seriously, look at these amazing pictures here and here!  We took several classes together, ate dinner, and danced the last night.  We are planning on several projects together so I look forward to getting to know her better.

SNAP has a boutique on one of the nights.  I was wandering around by myself (another coffee for one situation) when a someone asked me to take a picture of herself and several others.  After I took the photo one of the ladies came and thanked me.  I recognized her from House of Hepworths.  "Oh, I know you, you're Allison!"  We started chatting and in just a few minutes we were talking about a really tough and personal situation I'm going through right now, that no one knows about.  I was blown away that this sweet lady knew exactly what to say to me and encourage me because she had been through the same thing.  This conversation lasted for about five minutes and I was just amazed at the instant connection I had with Allison!  I don't think she realizes what an impact she had on me that night.

I hope to go back to SNAP again next year.  I am excited to apply what I learned and see what's next!

Sometimes You Just Like Things

Devin wearing the glasses he loves just because!

Yesterday Devin announced, "My favorite letter is A!"
"Really?  Why do you like A?"
"Because it's A!"

Some times you just like things because you just do.  There is no rhyme or reason to it.  There are no considerations to whether anyone else would like it.  You just like it.  Because it's A! 

Here are a few things I'm liking just because!

I like to drink from my reusable cups.  Fill it with ice cold water and the juice of half a lemon and I feel refreshed.

Instagram.  Love it!  I am meeting a lot of fun people with it!

Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.  I know I probably shouldn't but I love it.

I don't remember ever trying Pistachio nuts.  I picked up a bag on a whim and I am loving those little green tid bits!  Do you think the healthy pistachios cancel out the Mac and Cheese?

These favorite things are brought to you by the letter A!