Third Pregnancy- A League of Its Own.

     So I guess its been about a week since Jay and I announced the news of our Baby Bean (each of my babies has had an in-utero nickname and this baby has been deemed "Bean, Jaxon was Baby J, and Kase was baby M2).  I will say this pregnancy has been SO different than the other two.  At first, I thought HG was back and the next 8-9 months were going to be terrible, but fortunately, it seemed to have lasted a few days, and the vomiting has stopped.  The nausea is minimal and I feel better than I've EVER felt being pregnant!  I know thats not a popular thing to say when you're pregnant because it makes people loathe you (personal experience perhaps, haha) but I do feel really good.   Obviously, I'm tired.  EXTREMELY tired, and throw living alone when Jay's gone, two kids, and an overnight 12 hour, extremely busy job in there, and its a recipe for extreme exhaustion. Naps are my best friend and my house is pretty disastrous to say the least.  I haven't been cooking much, and my appetite has been extremely small.  I haven't craved many foods, maybe some sour candy from time to time but thats a staple in my life 24/7.  I do crave Lunchables pretty often because I'm secretly 5 years old, but thats about the extent of that.
       When i got pregnant this time I made the commitment to get my battle with food under control.  For the last few years working out has been extremely important to me.  I've been back and forth with flexible dieting (aka counting macros, please if you want more information on this leave me a comment and I'll share my tips with you) and clean eating.  I often fail at clean eating because giving up dairy and sour candy isn't always high on my list for the week so I try to do a decent combination of both; gearing my meals to whole, clean foods, within my suggested macronutrients each day.  Some days are harder than others because I have pretty heavy food aversions to meat based proteins, especially chicken, which is the staple in my protein intake.  I've started eating more low sugar greek yogurts for breakfast and that seems to help with my protein intake, but I so sorely miss my protein shakes that I was using for snacks and recovery aids post work out.  Unfortunately, my protein powder was immediately removed from my diet as soon as I found out I was pregnant because BCAA's (branch chain amino acids) were a key ingredient and recent research shows that increased amounts of BCAA's may cause mental retardation in fetuses and nursing children.  No brainer for me on the removal of the protein shakes.  I'm not big supplement person, but prior to getting pregnant I took an amino acid drink mix for a pre-workout, and used my protein powder as a recovery drink.  Working out without them has been extremely interesting. I can tell a major difference in my endurance and recovery.
       Speaking of working out, I NEVER thought I'd be the type of woman that would say, "I'm going to continue to lift weights throughout my pregnancy.  I'm going to continue to work out as long as I can throughout my pregnancy." But, today, I am.  I will never label myself as a "fit" girl.  Obviously, I'm not anywhere near my ideal weight, but I'm SO much more active than I have been in previous pregnancies.  Working out doing cardio strength training for an hour three days a week isn't much compared to doing two hours of strength training including power and olympic lifting three to five days a week like I was prior to becoming pregnant, but it's a great start for me.  Especially after a couple of months off from weight lifting. Prior to becoming pregnant I was maxing out my back squats at 225, dead lifts at 250, and bench press at 95.  Obviously, my doctor did not recommend that I continue my heavy lifting during pregnancy.  She suggests that I don't lift more than 25lbs, BUT I will admit that thats not feasible for me right now.  Jaxon is 35lbs, Kasen is 25lbs, and there's no way I can avoid lifting in and out of their car seats, the changing table, the crib, the bath tub, etc.  I just have made the commitment to listen to my body.  Obviously I'm not lifting anywhere my max now.  My dietary intake has been majorly reduced so I know Im not giving my body as much as it needs for workouts like that, and I don't personally feel comfortable squatting 225 with Baby Bean depending on me to take the best care of them as I can, but I'm still lifting weights, still doing cardio training, and I'm planning on starting back in Yoga next week when I'm not working like a mad woman.
     There have been quiet a few things I've done differently this pregnancy, I've switched my Prenatal vitamins and DHA from Nature's Made combo prenatal and DHA to Smarty Pants Brand with DHA, EPA and Omega 3's  They're gummies, they come 120 to a bottle and I found them at Target for $22.95.  I thought maybe they would help with the sour candy craving, but lets face it, they don't taste anywhere as delicious as Sour Punch Straws do.  They are extremely digestible, don't make me sick, and don't taste terrible.  They've been a pretty great choice so far.  They're not GMO, gluten, allergen, artificial color, flavor and preservative free.  I usually take them at dinner time so that I have something in my stomach, but also so they can be digested at night while I'm sleeping without making me queasy, even when I have taken them during the day, or before my night shifts, I haven't had any issues with them making me nauseas! Always a win in my book.
     Having a third baby has meant some major changes for our family.  Prior to confirming our pregnancy, we had listed our house and were planning on moving out to the Wall School District so our littles could follow in their Daddy's footsteps, after lots of prayer and discernment, we came to the realization right now is not the time for us to make that move, we made the decision to take our house off the market, and two days later we got our big fat positive.  Our house is 3/2 and a little on the "cozy" side, but I'm excited to (hopefully) complete our little family right here in this little house. The boys will be sharing a bedroom starting in the next few months.  They're both extremely excited to be getting "up and down" beds -per Jaxon- (bunk beds).  They're inseperable anyways, and we do our bedtime routine in Jaxon's bed every night anyways, so them sharing a room is just extremely exciting to them. Another issue we faced was having a big enough car to comfortable fit three carseats and be big enough to fit all of our "stuff" in it also.   Luckily, an old high school friend is in the process of helping us get into a 2016 Yukon XL and I am absolutely STOKED.  Getting rid of Jay's (my) Jeep was extremely hard on me.  Not only has it been an awesome hobby, driving a jeep is like being in the cool kids club.  I guess I'm exciting the club and taking the "west texas mom's club" and moving onto a full sized giant SUV.  I'm already love with it and can't wait to get everything done so it's officially mine.
     We have had our first sonogram and appointment and I was so relieved to see that tiny heart beat pulsing away at 177 beats per minute.  Obviously, we cannot wait to find out if we're adding another rough and tumble boy, or a well looked out for, little girl.  I'll have lab work done on July 25 to draw blood to detect the gender, so we'll know within 2 weeks from that date.  I can't say we're hoping for one over the other, because either way we'll be extremely excited, but I'd be lying if I said I had both boy and girl names picked out.  Currently we have a girl's name set in stone, but the ONLY boys name I want, Jay is completely against, and anyone that knows the story with Kasen's name knows that we are named out on the Boys side. Jaxon and Kasen are both EXTREMELY excited about the baby and were so happy that my doctor so graciously printed them out their own sonogram pictures.  Jaxon is convinced its another brother, and his name is going to be Kasen or Jay Moore Jr.   No to both of those, for the record. They'll be just as excited for whatever we're blessed with as we will be.
    All in all, pregnancy is pregnancy and you never imagine how much it would change from child to child but truth is, it changes immensely.  This has been a much more positive journey over all for me compared to being pregnant with the boys.  I was always stressed out and worried, I did't feel well, and I gained a lot of weight.  I tried to stay active with Kasen but it was impossible with how sick I was all the time.  This time, my commitment to being healthy, active, and eating better is number one, and so far there has been zero weight gain.  I hope to keep it to a minimum and my doctor has told me that being overly worried about the scale isn't in her plan of care for me. She's excited to hear that I'm staying active and is supportive of me in doing that.  PS if you're pregnant and living in San Angelo, call Community Health Club and get some information about their Two-Fit Program. It's a great program and their facilities are WONDERFUL.

Until next time,
Peace, Love, and Bumps and Barbells
kb

Unapologetically HG

    So, many of you know, and many of you don't that Jay and I are expecting another little bundle of fun to join our already crazy family in the winter.  I haven't shared much because up until today, I hadn't felt very "pregnant" and I haven't had a sonogram yet and I wanted to wait until I did to tell the world, but today was one of those days that made me feel VERY pregnant.  It seems as if my Hyperemesis Gravidarum is back with a vengeance.  For those of you that don't know what HG is, its a complication that causes severe and persistent nausea, vomiting, and often leads to dehydration and weight loss.  It often accompanies several hospital stays, bags of IV fluids, and medications all just necessary to keep some form of normalcy in a mother-to-be's life.  I had HG with both of my boys, and unfortunately from the other survivors I've spoken to, it only seems to get worse with each subsequent pregnancy.  After Kasen, I thought I would NEVER have another baby thanks to this absolutely horrific complication.  While I'm sure many of you are thinking "it's called morning sickness and people go through it everyday" let me just explain to you that comparing HG and morning sickness is like comparing a Hurricane to a rain shower.  HG often lasts the duration of ones pregnancies and sometimes leads to the need for other medical interventions including feeding tubes and Zofran pumps.  Some women have even decided to terminate their pregnancies due to the lack of nourishment and the hardships HG causes. So trust me when I tell you, this isn't just morning sickness.

     Obviously, many people know NOTHING about HG, its not commonly spoken about and until recently most doctors didn't even acknowledge its existence.  It's not easy, and its VERY miserable, and unfortunately it effects more than just a mother and her unborn baby.  It effects every aspect of your life in a negative way, and infact, about 50% of mothers that suffer from HG are diagnosed as clinically depressed in response to how HG effects their lives.  I just want to share some thoughts I've had throughout my pregnancies to give a perspective on how HG effects the world around me everyday.



     To the Mother-    It's here! The day you've been hoping and praying for, for as long as you can remember.  The positive pregnancy test, the call from the doctor, the heartbeat on the ultrasound confirming a dream come true.  You are anticipating the pregnancy glow, the adorable bump, and all the "wonder" that comes with this magical time in your life.  What you weren't expecting were 10+ episodes of running to the bathroom day in and day out for weeks on end.  You weren't expecting weight loss, dehydration, and malnourishment.  You weren't expecting to spend your weekends, evenings, lunch breaks, or workdays in the ER or L&D being given 1000mls of NS wide open to rehydrate you.  You weren't expecting days where you couldn't get off the couch because you were so weak from not keeping anything down for days....you weren't expecting this.
    Husbands-  You knew your life would change and that you would be responsible for "more" around the house.  You knew your wife would be moody, and hungry, and tired; that she would want back and foot rubs and to be treated to ice cream at 2am despite the fact that there isn't any in the freezer.  You knew she might be "sick" from time to time and that you would eventually get used to the site of saltines at her bedside. What you didn't expect; were days spent where she does nothing but cry and vomit simultaneously until she is pure worn out.  You didn't expect your house to look like a disaster zone day in and day out because the smells of cleaning supplies, and laundry detergent, and your dirty clothes send her into a tailspin of violent vomiting.  You didn't expect her to gag through the grocery store as you passed raw meat, or to not eat more than a bite or two at a time because she can't stomach even her favorite foods. You didn't imagine you'd be spending your days off holding her hand as she sits and receives fluids and cries about the situation.  You never thought you'd hear the sounds of her retching day in and day out as your once beautiful and strong wife becomes weak and worn out.  You never expected something so wonderful to be so tragic.
       To the other children- you may be so excited about another brother or sister, or maybe you're unsure but you definitely don't understand why your mommy seems to be so sick and sad so often.  You have no idea why she barely cooks, and never eats with you anymore.  Why your fridge is stocked with lunchables and frozen PB&J's when you clearly know, your Mom knows how to make these things herself.  You can't understand why she's constantly asking for your help, or why she can't take you to do all the fun things she used to today.  You wonder why this baby that everyone is so happy about is making your Mommy so sad, so sick, and so tired, but you just try to take it day by day and pray that things are better tomorrow.  You were expecting change, but you weren't expecting this.

To the rest of the world- Friends that expected your schedule to change, but can't understand why you can't keep dinner plans, or movie night plans or even show up to weddings or baby showers because you're terrified of getting sick at a public place or function, become frustrated and disappointed in your frequent "flakiness".  Your house looks like a mess, the pantry is empty, the laundry has piled up, and the dogs are almost ignored except for the quick rub on the head as you refill their water and food.  There are days when you physically cannot do your job thanks to dehydration and lack of nutrients.  When your boss is frustrated with you and your coworkers gossip about how you need to just "suck it up".  Truth is HG changes everything, and somedays you wonder how being so miserable can be so "worth it" but Momma, I promise you, the misery and terrible flashbacks someday fade.  Someday, you'll be able to walk through the grocery store again, and enjoy your favorite foods, when Pedialyte won't be your first drink of choice and when you'll hold that baby in your arms and feel relief that the worst is over. I'm not going to tell you that you'll miss being pregnant or be glad you endured the worst of the worst, but you will be glad it's over.  You'll have made new friends that endure this misery with you, that understand, and that care, and that would hold your hand, or your hair through the roughest days.  Your kids gain some independence, and you are blown away by how smart and wonderful they became. You learn to lean on your husband a little more, and to ignore th messy house from time to time (because babies only stay little for so long, so whats a few more months of chaos).  You learn to be strong, to endure, and to survive.  How to pick yourself up off the floor day in and day out and do the very best that you can.  You learn your strength, your grace and your beauty and you use it to educate other people.  To be there for the Moms that feel alone, or to take over lunch to a husband and the other children that are over frozen pb&j's.  You learn to wash your face, dust yourself off, and keep going.



Until Next Time,
 Peace, love, and toilet bowls.
kb

Faux Granite Counter Tops- A Lesson in Patience and Exploration

     So I think just about everyone knows that we're preparing to list our house and buy a fixer upper in a neighboring community where the Husband attended school. With hat being said, I have been trying to spruce up this house to add a little bit of flare to get it sold more quickly.  There are a lot of projects I've put off doing because I figured I had forever to do them, and then there are some, that I just wasn't brave enough to try.  This was one of those projects.  
      I had a lot of people ask about the process I used and one of my best friends has been trying to convince me to share some of my DIY's so I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to start.  I read numerous Pinterest posts and nothing really spoke to me about HOW to go about painting this.  Everything was just "no rhyme or reason, no patterns, use a sea sponge, TA DAH! mine came out perfect!" Anyone that knows me knows, nothing I do goes like I plan...theres always a glitch. This project was no exception.  
      I started off with laminate counter tops that had been painted a flat brown by the previous owner.  (So shout out to Shelby in making my project that much easier).  I started off by taking off EVERYTHING on the counter tops obviously.  Once everything was accumulated to the kitchen table I cleaned and prepped my counter tops with a little LA's Totally Awesome Cleaning Spray (found at the Dollar Tree)- If you haven't tried this stuff, its pretty great; and extremely inexpensive, but I'll have to share about that next time.  I just sprayed and wiped.  Make sure you get the crevices, and sides really good. Next I took Frog Tape from Lowe's and taped off the walls, the sink, etc.  * Tape two layers stacked on top of each other for the walls if you're messy like me.  Once everything was taped off and cleaned, I prepared my paints. (If your laminate isn't color that you feel will blend with your desired look, I suggest painting the entire counter top with a single color before beginning.
      I started out with 4 different colors. Anita's All Purpose Metallic Craft Paint in Black, and Espresso Bean, Folk Art Metallic Acrylic Paint in Pure Gold, and Americana Acrylic Paint in Bleached Sand. (All found at Hobby Lobby)  I had a pretty solid idea in my head of what I wanted it to look like, and I picked colors based on what I had envisioned.  The black, was not at all metallic, which was perfect for what I wanted but it was something I had on hand from another project so I knew what it was going to look like. The gold, was in fact VERY gold, I wanted something that had some shine and sparkle to accent all the flat colors, something to give it that "real" contrast.  Just go with whatever look you want.  I really wanted to add some turquoise to match my dining room but I decided I better just stick with my natural earth tones.  I used a foil roasting pan (from HEB) and put some paint in each corner, all bets were off.
     I also purchased a Sea Sponge (also from Hobby Lobby) because I had read that was the best way to apply the paint.   When I started with the Sea Sponge, it was a terrible look.  Everything was too uniform, there was no blending, it was a mess.  So I cut my sponge into several different sizes, and then proceeded to find a plastic bag, and an old small paint brush to help with my project.  I knew I wanted darker counter tops so i started with my lighter accent colors (Bleached Sand and Pure Gold). I used different sizes of sponges for the Sand and the Gold.  Some areas were very heavy in gold, and some were more heavy with the Sand. I then took the black, and another couple of sizes of sponge and layered it on top of the lighter colors.  The first layers I did, I used a sponge for the Espresso- which was my key color.  It didn't turn out to well.

Clearly, you can see that it needed some MAJOR blending.  This looks awful to me, someone even referred to it as looking like a calico cat.  But it got better.

 So I layer on a little bit more of the white, gold, and black, and then took my plastic bag, crinkled it up in my hand, and went to town with the brown paint.  This made a WORLD of difference. Once I got the hang of the plastic bag, I started getting more than one color on the plastic bag.  A little brown, a little bit of the black, and maybe some area with white.   There was some areas where I lightly brushed my paints with the plastic bag, and then layered over it with the same "stippled" pattern from the plastic bag.  It's really all about trial and error.

The finished product! I couldn't be happier about the outcome!  I hope a buyer loves it as much as I do!

My major tips for this part would have to be 1) use different application processes-  I don't care if you do some crazy splatters, or use a loofa, whatever makes you happy, don't be afraid to try it.  2) tape tape tape- I'm extremely messy when I paint.  I had paint all over the place.  I was then left scrubbing paint off my walls where I had only used one row of tape. 3) If you feel like it doesn't look natural enough, it doesn't.  Once I finally got the look I wanted, it was like it just "clicked".  I went from hating this project to feeling like a pro within a matter of minutes.  4) you CAN work with paint still being wet on the countertops.  I never left my project for a few hours to let it dry.  once you start working, the paint dries quickly anyways but bleeding paint colors is necessary so don't be worried if it mixes.  5) If you're short like me, work from the back of the counter to the front- I had paint all over the place because I kept having to lean against the counter to reach the back.  6) The crevices of where you're counters go up the wal, and the sides that turn to the floor are the hardest to cover.  Go heavy on the paint.  7) don't over analyze the project. Even if you mess it up, keep working, you'll find a way to get the look you want- just don't be afraid to explore!.

Here were the players in todays project.  Not pictured, the foil roasting pan, frog tape, and the paint brush. 

     Once my counter tops were dry all the way, I used a sealer to protect the paint from cleaners, chips, etc. I used a spray Acrylic Sealer from Mod Podge in Gloss (Hobby Lobby) but, do as I say, not as I do in this situation and buy some Polycrylic (Lowe's) and roll it on with a paint roller.  I had to open up all the windows, doors, and turn all the fans on and it still was WAY too much for me to handle.  I've also heard rave reviews about using Epoxy to achieve a very high gloss, resin finish.  I didn't have the time or the will power for that option.  I did two coats of the sealant.  Let each coat dry in between applications, and didn't use any heave cleaners or put anything that would stick to my counter tops back for the first 24 hours.  Everything is holding up nicely.  I love the changes it made in my kitchen and I think it was a success.

In this picture, you can see where I taped off the Sink.  This was my after.  The Countertops were originally the same color as the cabinets.  Ignore my Dirty Dishes... I started this project in the middle of the day and couldn't risk splashing my counter tops after lunch.

 

Total Cost- I'm going to estimate $30 or less.  I bought my paint on sale at Hobby Lobby.  The small bottles were between $.54- $1.37 each and I bought 3 of the small espresso bean, one of each of the bleached sand (wished I had grabbed a second) and one of the gold.  I had a large black bottle of paint on hand from another project, but you could buy 2 or three bottles of black and do a small kitchen.  I only showed half of my kitchen in my photos.  theres still a large bar, and the other half of the sink that were done also.  The sea sponge was $3.99- without a coupon. Mod Podge Spray was $8.99 without a coupon- but I suggest purchasing polycrylic instead. It's just easier to work with

Total Time- 4-5 hours- I have to work around two small children, that need to be fed, cared for, picked up from MDO, etc.  It kind of adds to how long it takes

Skill level- Absolute beginner! You just have to be brave enough to try it!

-Until Next Time

Peace, Love and Sea Sponge-

Kayla 

A Reason, a Season, or a lifetime.

   






      I realize its been eons since I last published anything.  It's not that I haven't written, not that I don't have a dozen rough drafts laying around my virtual desk, and definitely not that I haven't had much to say, just that writing anything I felt ready to make public has been a daunting task.  The last few months have been extremely trying for me mentally, and emotionally.  It's been a series of transitions, new findings, and acceptance of some very strong emotions.  This post has been something that has been weighing so heavily on my heart for the last few weeks and I think I'm finally ready to give it ago.
     I turned 26 this year, it felt so insignificant, just another day. Turning 25, on the other hand, was supposed to be my big cornerstone.  Little did I know, that the changes that occurred at 25, would be even bigger, and more intense at 26.  In the last year, I've started focusing on making some major lifestyle changes as far as my health and fitness go.  That's not to say that I've stopped eating my normal foods, or went vegan, only that I started lifting heavy, making healthier choices, and viewing my body in a new way.  That in itself has changed so many different aspects of my life.  For one, it put me in the path of some of the most amazing women I have ever had the opportunity to get to know through the inter webs.  Women that are driven, intelligent, confident, kind, and absolutely my biggest cheerleaders (well, they cheer me on, and put me in check so, I'm not sure what that makes them, except for amazing).
     One of those women is a writer that I absolutely adore.  She's written her own book, founded a magazine, has her own marketing company, is an event planner, entrepreneur and is truly just an absolute doll.  She recently wrote an article titled, 11 Reasons Why We Can't Be Friends and it rocked my socks.  Over the last few years, I have truly realized how important friendships are to this crazy life.  I've walked away from a lot of bad situations, tried to hang onto a lot of unhealthy relationships, and sought out new and empowering fellowship. This year, I've faced a lot of big issues that has made me really look at a lot of my relationships and evaluate their importance, and longevity in my life.  So in celebration of sweet Chrystal Rose ( y'all, she's marrying her absolutely adorable fiancé this weekend, and I couldn't be more excited for them, be sure and send her lots of "Congratulations) I figured I'd use the inspiration she's shared with me and write about the six relationships I'm happy to have ended in 2015.



 One- The Self Absorbed Friend-
   
     Anyone that knows me knows that I pour out my heart and soul to people.  I often place myself last on my own priority list.  I will give someone the shirt off my back in a snowstorm just to make them more comfortable (or my boots in a pasture so my friend can avoid getting in trouble at a party in high school, shout out, LP) and I do it all without complaining.  I avoid trying to put too much focus on myself.  I feel most at peace with this world when I can stay out of the spotlight, and as close to invisible as humanly possible.  They say opposites attract, and therefor, I have taken on several self-absorbed counterparts.  Everything is fine for a while, the "me me me" is bearable, almost enjoyable, because I no longer have to deal with the undesirable situations in my life in their presence.  Until, I hit my breaking point and realize that I cannot hear another minute of their close minded, pity party.
     There comes a time in your life when you move past the 14 year old mindset, psychologically speaking, your development transitions to a new stage and you start to evaluate the rest of the world.  For some reason, I tend to find people that missed that transition and are sitting at "Me Station" waiting on the next train to come in.  I cannot hold any respect for someone that truly believes they're the only person that's ever had to face adversity. If you've made it into early adulthood with out having to deal with any major life-changing issues, I'm sorry but you lack the life experiences needed to form a lasting relationship.  Friendships are not one-sided.  They are not fan clubs, I am not your shrink.  If you need me at 3am, and want to bellow about your break up, your uncomfortable situation, or your family issues, by all means, call me up.  I will be there to listen, give advice when you ask, and just sit with you until you are ready to put on your big girl panties, and face the world.  I refuse to be that person, if you cannot at the very least, acknowledge that when I need a friend, and might call you, that it's because I have reached a point that I cannot go on alone. I need, for a change, someone to ask about me. Even if I lie to your face and tell you I'm ok, at least theres a sense of knowing that someone cares.  So to the self-absorbed former friend, goodbye, and good riddance.  I hope that you someday learn to respect the rest of the human race.


Two- The My Way is The Right Way- "Please Buy Into My Cult" Friend

     Let me start by saying, this is not directed towards Direct Sales friends, we all know I am part of a direct sales company that I adore, and it's brought me some wonderful friendships, but if the only time you have anything to say to me is when you're shoving your products down my throat, don't.   Like I mentioned earlier, it's been an exciting journey to find my niche in the fitness world.  I've tried weight watchers, and been a cardio queen, I've done Les Mills class after Les Mills class.  I've done yoga, and Zumba and The Thirty Day Shred, and yet, I never felt like it fit me. I found Ashley Horner on instagram last year, and immediately came intrigued by her strength, beauty, and pure heart.  I finally decided to purchase a program in February and joined a group of some elite Athletes.  Women that could squat my body weight, women that ate their brownies, and competed in strongman competitions (Shout Out JPC, you're my homegirl).  Women that were working their way from 100lbs overweight, to 18% body fat.  Women, that were there to encourage, and empower each other.  In my real world.  I was faced with, "Do you realize you're going to get too bulky and look like a man?"  "You're never going to lose weight if you are still indulging in sugar, carbs, fats, etc." "You don't need supplements" or..."If you want to lose weight, you need to buy these magic pills made with unicorn poop and fairy farts, and our delicious shakes with the nectar of the god's complete with only 5 grams of protein, 47 grams of carbs and enough sugar to put your glucose at 658 before lunch."  Very rarely was I encouraged to work on those 205b squats, or celebrated for meeting my macro counts perfectly and dropping weight like nothing while still eating delicious cheesecake and ice cream.
     If you want to make changes in your life to be the best version of you, surround yourself with people that encourage it.  Not people that are so caught up in hating themselves that they're sabotaging your journey.  Say goodbye to the friend that can't encourage the changes you're making, because they're insecure about the decision they're making about their own lifestyle.  Don't drink the fairy fart koolaid if you don't feel that its a good choice for your body. Find people that don't encourage you to make changes for their benefit, but for your own, (unless that benefit is that they get to spend more time lifting heavy stuff with you, because I promise, its a great time to bond, strong women make strong friends).


Three- The Rumor Mill

     Recently I was confronted about a rumor, so ignorant, that if I wasn't so softhearted, I would have laughed out of existence.  A rumor, that in certain circumstances could have broken the toughest of ties.  A rumor, that changed the course of my families future in one phone call.  A rumor, started by a friend that could have EASILY called me up, confronted me about, and preserved a 10 year friendship with my family.   I have some pretty high standards when it comes to keeping people in my life at the ripe old age of 26.  If you don't have enough decency to come to me, or the other person this rumor effects and confront the issue head on, I do not have the decency to allow you to be a part of my life.
     There are so many situations in life when people are forced to a fork in the road.  In the most prime of examples, is when a rumor is presented to you.  You can either spread it, or stop it.  It's the wildfire of the social world.  Wildfires burn bridges, and in the words of Dylan McKay, "May the bridges I burn, light the way." If you can't put out the fire, don't expect me to value your friendship anymore than a man values ashes.


Four- The Flake

     I really pride myself in being a planner.  I keep a tentative schedule of events that I consider attending, events I'm committed to, and events I'm obligated to attend.  Since my husband works out of town, I have a lot of time to fill my calendar with fun things to do, but on rare occasion, I want to just made a sporadic date to enjoy some casual company.  If you can't go, I promise I'll completely understand.  If you're going to tell me, "[I] would love to!" and then not show up the day of,  you can guarantee that I won't be offering again.   I'm not the "we totally need to get together soon, but I really mean never because I'll never call" kind of person. I'm a pretty solid woman of my word.  I was raised to only say what I mean.  If I can't, or don't want to attend an event.  I'll tell you.  If I'm running late, or have something that's come up and won't be able to make it in a timely manner, I'll apologize profusely, while being honest and open about the situation.  I am not a flake, and I prefer not to waste my precious time waiting on someone that is a flake, try to make time for me in their life.  I guess this would include the "fair weather" friends as well.  The friends that need/want you around when they're single, or in a relationship, but not one or the other.  I'm a married woman, whose husband works 4 hours from home for weeks-months on end.   I have plenty of time for "girl time" and I am ecstatic to make plans for "couples" outings when my husband is home, but if you can't be my friend because of your relationship status, you're better off avoiding me completely.



The truth is, as young people adventuring into this world, theres a lot we don't know.  A lot we will face that we haven't faced before.  We aren't always going to know the answers, and we don't all have the same life experiences as the next person.  We have to value ourselves, and our friendships enough to be there to encourage each other down the winding road of life.  You can't keep a friend by not being a friend.  By coming to terms with what I find unacceptable in my friendships, I'm able to be a better friend to those that are deserving of my time and energy.  I'm able to continue to grow into a better friend, better mother, better wife, and an even better version of Me.  A wise woman once told me, that friends come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.  The four aforementioned seasons have all come to a close in my life, the last snow melting off the mountain tops in the distance, something I knew was coming, but slipped away so unnoticeably that I almost forgot it was gone. Turning 26 has meant a lot of changes already, and over the next nine months, will bring even more.  In letting go of these friendships I've allowed myself to grow, like a flower in the spring, I'm going to stand tall amidst the blooms of new friendships.  Friendships that may only be here for a reason, a season, or maybe a lifetime.


Until Next Time,

Peace, Love, and Oly Bars

Life and Love, Lately....

So....I couldn't tell you the last time I wrote.  I know, its been a LONG time and I've thought to myself 1000 times that I should sit down, put my current thoughts and memories on digital paper and be able to remember these sweet moments that have engulfed my life since becoming a Mommy of Two.  So many things have changed in my life since November 25.  We went from being a family of three, to a family of four.  I've battled the stress of taking care of two children, our first "layoff" as a family, amongst a lot of other trials.  Needless to say, we've flourished because of them.   When I had Kasen, I knew I wanted to start making some changes in our lives for the better...January came around and I knew that for 2015, I wanted to "live better".   I don't usually make resolutions because I feel like I don't live up to them as clearly as I hope to, but making a commitment to "live better" was just the start I needed to jump start my journey to becoming the Wife, the Mom, the Sister, the Daughter, the Friend, the Nurse and the Me,  I wanted to be.  Some of the things I wanted to accomplish this year were to make new friends, and take opportunities to spend qualify time with other Mom, wives, and women that would build me up and hold me accountable to be better.  I decided I wanted to slowly transition into a healthier lifestyle.  I wanted to envelop myself into my life and not live it through the camera on my phone, or the camera in my giant camera bag.  Yes, I want to capture memories, but I also want to be so engrossed in the happenings of our lives that I can remember exactly what it feels like to watch Jaxon stand on the river bank and throw rocks in the water, or how it feels to hold sweet Kasen while he smiles a sleepy smile before falling asleep.  I don't want to share all of these memories with social media, or even my friends and family.  I want to hold onto some of these sweet precious fleeting moments for myself.  I feel like the changes I've made over the last few months have helped me become the beginning of a better me.  I've learned to accept that my house isn't going to be spotless as long as I have three boys in this house.  I've learned to accept that I may not always have it together, but at least I have life, and reality, and honest brazen emotions and feelings and everyday moments.

Until next time,
Peace, Love and Organic Memories

Moore Family Lately….and Number 7- My Dream Job….'

Well, I've been slacking on writing.  Probably because being awfully sick (Hyperemesis Gravidarum), working full time, vacationing in Mexico, getting ready for the baby and managing a home and a family…I  haven't had much time to write.  I guess I should update y'all on some of the big stuff…

April- in April I went on my Walk To Emmaus, flight 1748and I have to say, it was BY FAR one of the best experiences of my entire life…if you haven't been on one, don't know what it is, or just aren't' sure PLEASE don't hesitate to talk to me about it!  I would be MORE than happy to share some info with you and pray for your chance to go!  Jay sponsored me, which I feel like was a HUGE moral booster for our wedding… as a woman, I know my husband prays for me…but to hear from people that he spent time out of his weekend to sit in a chapel and pray over me was absolutely outstanding to me!  NEVER in my entire life have I felt so overcome by real, selfless love!  Not only was my precious husband praying for me, but total strangers, my family, my friends and my sweet mother-in-law who was on the music team and served me and my fellow pilgrims on our walk.  I cannot even express the amount of overwhelming love I felt between all the women and men involved directly and indirectly with our walk, as well as the overwhelming, unconditional love of our Savior!   I seriously cannot express how amazing the weekend was but I can tell you that I wish I could experience it over and over and over, luckily… I have made some great friends and reliving those feelings are never too far from home!  

May- I can't think of anything extremely exciting about May off the top of my head, except for my baby sister graduating high school!  I am extremely proud of her…but I am a little sad that she'll be taking off for Austin in just a few months to go to UT.

June- Family Vaction!   We spent 8 days and 7 nights in sunny Cancun, Mexico with my family and I have to say, there is nothing a little bit of salt water and sand can't cure!  Jay, Jaxon and I enjoyed lots of time on the beach, and at the pool.  We spent some time snorkeling, riding around Cozumel, and Isla Mujeres.  It was a LOT of fun.  

July- My little Jaxy turned a whole 2 years old on the second!  I cannot believe how big he is and how much fun he has become!  His vocabulary has expanded immensely, and he's become quite the baseball and football fan.  In fact, there's not a sport he doesn't love.  He enjoys anything with a ball to be real honest.  He's become a big fan of riding around in Daddy's "beep" (jeep), and carries his fishing pole all over the house.  He's been camping out in the living room playing in his tent since his birthday and thinks that begging for cake for breakfast is going to eventually mean I'm going to give in.  He still loves to talk about the baby and his new signature phrase is "awe, how tuuute" (Awe, how Cute!)  He kisses my belly every chance he gets and loves to rub it when we're laying around trying to sleep…I guess he's decided I'm starting to look like Buddha?!   Speaking of…little M2 (which is the nickname I've given this baby until he are for sure we've got baseballs or bows coming around) we hit 19 weeks today…. he or she is the size of a mango!   I'm starting to become closer to the size of a house (or so it feels)  I changed up my schedule at work to be part time for now…I was super sick for the first 18.5 weeks with this pregnancy and ended up in the ER for dehydration… thank God for Zofran! Luckily, I'm feeling better.  Jaxon starts Joy School at Glen Meadows in the Fall and I am SO excited for him to have the opportunity to spend two days a week with other kids his age learning and playing!  I know it will be a great thing for both of us!  As of right now, I'll be working the night before he goes to Joy School and then he'll attend Joy School for half a day while I try to grab a few Z's.  

and well, since I've given a little update, I guess I'll continue with my 30 Things my Kids Should Know About Me 

Number 7 is a post about my dream job…I know, I know, I ALWAYS waste a few minutes of your time telling you how hard it is for to write certain things and then they just flow…but to be honest…this is a hard post for me…I'm a Nurse by education, and skill (or something like that) but I am a Mother by nature… therefor to pick my dream job feels like I have to choose to do one more than the other…not to mention, since I've been a nurse, I've struggled with figuring out exactly WHAT my next career move will be.  While I enjoy more "med-surge" nursing, it's not what I want to do for the rest of my life.  But, I don't really know what I want to do for the rest of my life….so here goes my post before I ramble anymore….

My Dream Job….well…. to be honest, when I started studying to become a nurse I wanted to be a pediatric oncology nurse, or a NICU nurse, and then I started falling in love with Labor and Delivery…and then it was midwifery…and then it was Nursery, and now it's NICU, Pedi, Nursery and L&D… to be honest, I think being a midwife is my dream job…If I could do ANYTHING in the world, I would without a doubt travel the world doing a doctor's without borders program to take care of women all over the world.  But, maybe trauma and ER medicine in the military would be my other dream job.  Or…maybe…. my dream job would be becoming a freelance photographer and traveling the world and walking in War Zones to create historical images for the future generations to learn from.  I might even find my dream job in becoming an anchor on The Today Show…but lets face it…of all those things, very few are probably ever going to happen.  Fortunately, there was a "dream job" I dreamed of before I ever even knew what a stethoscope, or SLR, or The Today Show were. I wanted to be a Mom before any of those things.  When I was little I remember stuffing baby dolls into the bottom of my shirt and pretending I had a baby growing in my belly that I would get to play mom to.  I remember loving, holding and clothing these tiny baby dolls and dreaming of the day, that I would FINALLY be a "real" Mom.  To say I was obsessed, might be underestimating my passion for being a "mom".  When I was 4 or 5 I started dreaming of weddings, and houses, and children.  I wanted to be a "stay at home mom" and I wanted to have a handsome husband and lots of little babies to take care of.  So maybe…of all the wild dreams I've dreamed…being a Mom and a wife is my true Dream Job.  Growing up my "what I want to be when I grow up answer included EVERYTHING from Astronaut, to musician, to Lawyer, to Doctor, to fireman, to race car driver, to oil field worker, to teacher…and the  list goes on and on…but one thing I never stopped wanting to become was a Wife and Mom.  Luckily, I got to become both of those things at the young age of 22.  I get to live my dream job everyday.  Luckily, I also get to be a nurse and take care of all kinds of people.  I get to live my dream job, and have a career.  I can't tell you that I wouldn't love to be on stage singing to a crowd full of people, or delivering babies in Africa, because I would love to do those things, but there's no way I would trade being Mrs. Jay Moore and your Mom for a chance to do ALL those things in the world.  That's what makes being your Mom and your Dad's best friend my dream job.  Maybe it's not a job because I love what I do…but maybe it is a job because I'm constantly cleaning up after you little monkeys!  Thanks for letting me live my dream.  I couldn't be more blessed!

Until Next Time,
Peace, Love and Jobs.

Three wishes

6. If you could have three wishes, what would you wish for?

  So I'm finally getting back on schedule with my "30 things my Children Should Know about me". This one is about my three wishes.  A part of me wanted to selfishly pick three superficial, materialistic wishes that were completely irrelevant to the real world because let's face it, sometimes, having to be a grown up with real responsibilities is a little too tough. Wishes to me, are kind of like unicorns.  They're just kind of mythical.  But that makes me sound like a cynical old woman that doesn't believe in magic.   Needless to say this is a hard post for me to write about because I don't know what I want to say about this... But here's my attempt my sweet children.  

      1. I wish for a home for you that is warm and inviting, safe and full of happiness.  A place that we will spend countless nights laughing, playing and making the most priceless memories.  I wish for a place that you will fill with your friends and fun.   I wish for a place that your dad and I will live for decades to come and that you will someday fill with our future grandchildren.   I want a home that's forever.   I moved around more than I want y'all to move and when I think about "home" there are memories spread out all over Kermit and San Angelo. In the event that you ever lose your dad or I, I hope you can find solace in the place we called home, as a family. 

 2. I wish for you, the faith to move mountains.  Kids, I'm a worrier, and a warrior.  But mostly a worrier.   I hope that you inherit the faith that is bigger than your problems that your dad so wonderfully embraces.   I hope that you never doubt gods plan for your life and that you always week him, and his plan.   I hope you never have to worry and that you always have someone to comfort your fear, both in God and in us.   I hope that you always always remember you have a mighty god on your side.  

3.  I wish for an innocent and fulfilled childhood.  Years of silliness, and precious precious time of being a child.  I wish that I could always protect you from everything bad, scary or ugly and that you would only know of love, joy and fun.   I know that it's not possible, and I know that the trials you face in life will help you to become strong resilient adults but part of me wishes you could stay little forever.   


My wishes are probably pretty common for moms but for me they're what my heart longs for.  


Until next time, 

Peace , love and shooting stars.  

Kayla