My blog has moved...

Due the changed blogger settings, you can now find me here:

http://smithseverydayjoy.blogspot.com/

Hopefully, I will get some time to update everything and start posting again!

I hate doing certified payroll...

My sister threatened to disown me if I did not join her blog hop. Ok, that is only partly true. She didn't threaten to disown me, but she did threaten!

So the topic for this little discussion is household or other chore that we really despise doing. My sister posted about how she hates doing dishes. And while I completely understand this one, and somewhat agree, as someone who longs to be able to cook more for my family, having dishes to wash at the end of the meal, for me that means I have succeeded in providing a well-balanced, home cooked meal. I'm lucky to be able to cook once a week, so it may sound strange, but I look forward to a sink full of dishes. But only if I'm the one that put them there! Ha!

So the chore that I chose for my least favorite is not one at home, although I'm sure I could come up with some. My chore is one that I do often at work, certified payroll. The reason I hate it so much is the accounting program I use does not record info the same way the government wants to see it. Go figure, the government wants it how they want it! Every week I end up typing and retyping payroll! And the data I put into the form cannot be saved, so each week I'm typing some of the same info all over again!

Okay, I will quit complaining. I should be happy that I have to do certified payroll, because this means we have ongoing projects. Doesn't mean I have to like it, but I will attempt a more positive attitude. Or I could just teach my assistant how to do it! Hahahaha!

A few pics from our summer!

A few pictures from our July 4th/Lily's birthday weekend!

Brooke, Lily, Cooper, and Hudson preparing for their first indoor skydiving adventure!

Cousins playing cards!

4th of July! We had a great night, best fireworks we've seen in a long time! We went on base this year, none of us had ever done that before. The fireworks were great, free games for the kids, tons of food vendors, free concerts and more! We had a blast!

Blog Vacation

I am way behind in blogging! I kind of lost my motivation, I even ignored Facebook and Twitter for awhile. With school about to start, I've really been trying to get reorganized for the new year. So here's to more blog posting!

Goals Revisited

Well I have been stumbling with what to write about lately, obviously since I haven't posted in a while. I was looking back through this years posts, and saw my New Years goal list, you can read the whole post here. I decided it is time for me to revisit and update you all on how I am doing, kind of like a quarterly update! This may help keep me on track if I leave it out there for the world to see!

(My updates are in green)

1. Get out of debt, both personal and business. We're half way there!

2. Grow my hair long, or cut it shorter. It's getting longer!
3. Begin, and stick to, a workout routine. Well, I started yoga and power walking a few weeks ago, but then I got the stomach bug for a week, so now I need to get back into this routine!
4. Lose 5-10lbs. Struggling with this one. I've completely changed how I eat and really limiting calories, but those weekend outings always get me!
5. Go on a family vacation, if #1 is completed. See #1.
6. Quit smoking. Not yet.
7. Go to church on a regular basis. Not yet.
8. Read one book a month. I'm halfway through 2 books right now, which I've been reading since Feb. I'm a little behind.
9. Finish the quilt I started over 5 yrs ago. Definitely not even close.
10. Work harder at seeing the good in every situation. I've been doing much better with this lately! As Hudson is getting older, he is really testing our limits lately. I'm trying to "pick my battles", as my Mom would always say.
11. Practice patience and gentleness with the kids, and spend more time with them. Working on this one daily!
12. Cook more than one meal a week. I'm lucky if I have time for one meal :(
13. Make more drastic changes to my diet and nutrition. I've made drastic changes, just need to reel in those weekend treats!
14. Reorganize my closet. I was just working on this the other night.
15. Take Dozer for a long walk at least once a week. Failed on this one, not even close! Well, there it is. And as I'm rereading what I've just written and admitted to, I'm not sure how I feel. In some areas, I feel like a failure. In others, I know I am doing my best. If nothing else, I can be proud while knowing I still have work to do!

Blog Along- Baker

Ooo baking! It's been a while since I've baked anything, but I do have a list of things that make baking easier!

5 things that make my life easier as a baker:

1. Kitchen Aid mixer- My grandma gave me her mixer a few years before she passed away, and it is something I treasure! Not only for the ease of mixing, but because I know how much she used it and loved it, all the wonderful treats she made using the mixer!

2. The Internet- Whenever I want new recipes ideas, there are tons of great websites all about baking!

3. Stackable cooling racks- I love these! They are especially great around the holidays when I make more cookies. If I'm running out of counter space, I just stack these puppies on top of each other!

4. The microwave- Since I normally don't have loads of time to just bake the day away, I never get a chance to let my butter soften to room temperature. So the microwave always comes in handy for that!

5. My apron- My mom got me an apron a few years ago and embroidered my name on it! So cute! And I tend to be a bit messy in the kitchen, I move a tad too fast and end up spilling things, so the apron has saved many an outfit!

Be sure to check out the other participants of this Blog Along:

Amanda
Meagan

Blog Along- Traveller

I feel like it's been a while since I traveled, but now that the weather is warming up, I'm sure Randy and I will be making more getaways on our weekends alone. I also have a trip to Canada planned in a few months!

5 things that make my life easier as a Traveller:

1. A large handbag- Whether it's for plane rides or in the car, having a large bag I can just chuck everything into is wonderful! I always have a bag large enough for my notebook, essentials, a water bottle, phone, sweater, magazines, snacks, etc.

2. My slippers- No matter where I go or how long I'll be staying, I always have my slippers packed! It's just one thing that helps to bring comfort in new place.

3. Eye mask- I always pack this, and it helps tremendously! Every new place is always so different, the sounds, the lights, the bed, so having complete darkness helps me to relax enough to fall asleep.

4. Snacks- I mentioned this above as something that is always in my bag, but with having 2 kids, when we travel, I always have plenty of snacks. Even if we try to stick to a routine of eating times, every place is different, everyone gets into a somewhat different routine. Even if I am travelling alone, I always have snacks. Often times when I'm flying, I don't get hungry enough for a meal, so snacks are a must!

5. Mix and match clothes- I won't say that I limit myself when I'm packing, but I always try to make sure I have different options for each item of clothing. A few tops for one sweater, accessories that will go with more than one outfit, etc.

6. Straws- I couldn't limit myself to 5 things this week. A friend just told me what she does when she travels, and I am so excited to try! She loops her necklaces through straws, and clasps them. That way they don't get tangled, they all lay flat and can fit into any case/carrier. What a great idea! I am so excited to try it out!

A few randoms...

What's not to love about spring?! Above are my new sandals, all from Target! The ones on the left were only $5! I love a good deal!

The daffodils from my yard! And the hydrangeas are just starting to bloom! Can't wait to have those in a vase!

A new adventure in nail polish, a gray color. My husband says it looks like shiny, wet concrete! Only a man that does construction for a living would think that! So funny!

While I am hard at work, this is what Dozer does. In between barking every time someone walks in the door!

I found a purse! For all those that helped with suggestions in this post, I have found the perfect purse for me! Well, actually my mom found it! At a Coach outlet store! I called her my personal shopper for the day! Too fun!

5 Things Blog Along- Mom

So this week, the topic is 5 things that make my life easier as a mom. And as I'm writing this, Hudson is at the neurologist with Randy, getting checked out for his ever-constant headaches. I'm praying it's just allergies and that maybe he needs a stronger allergy medication. Or maybe it's just the humidity of the south. But he has been getting really bad headaches for years, and at such a young age, that is a hard thing for the lil guy to handle. Why, as a mother, do we always think it's the worst? I'm trying so hard to pray and be positive, but there's always that 'what if' thought. I will be sure to update once we find out more. So needless to say, I'm a bit of a worry wart this morning. This post comes at a nice time, taking time out each week to remember the things I am thankful for, things that make life easier, has come as quite a blessing to me.

5 Things that make my life easier as a mom:

1. My husband- On the top of my list, he is the most supportive and caring man. Such a great father. As my work load has increased, his has decreased. So with me spending enormous amounts of time at work, he has been able to pick up the slack at home. Whether it's grocery shopping, homework with the kids, putting laundry away, doing dishes, or scrubbing toilets, he has truly made this crazy schedule of mine much more bearable!

2. My Excursion- Having such a big truck comes in handy almost everyday! If the kids are fighting or are tired and need to spread out a bit, they each can have a whole bench to themselves! Let alone all the space for groceries!

3. A book- I can't even remember the title and as I'm sitting here amongst my worry, I will just tell you about it. It's about being a stepmom, being a Christian, being a working mom, etc. It talks about being a parent to your stepchildren, how to raise them without over stepping the bounds of not actually being a mom, how to love them and care for them as if they are my own. And all at the same time, not letting myself get lost in this craziness!

4. Warm weather- I won't lie and say I don't love the warm weather for myself, but it truly makes the kids happier when they can be outside, running around with their friends! And what mom doesn't love a happy child!?

5. My notebook/planner- This has saved us many times, between school lunches, field trips, parties, weekend plans, etc. Having everything in one place definitely makes life easier, and helps me not to forget important things!

Top 2 Tuesday

I decided to try something new, while browsing through a few pages, I found this one, The Undomestic Momma, who does Top 2 Tuesdays. Today's is Top 2 Celebrity styles. Below are my top 2:

1. Jennifer Aniston- Whether she is at the airport or at a movie premier, she always looks great!

2. Tori Spelling- Being a mom, I appreciate all aspects of her style, the glam side and the casual side! Love her!

Look how far we've come....

Just wanted to take a moment to celebrate that we have been in business 5 years today!!! We still have far to go, but for now, I am celebrating that we have made it this far!

5 Things Blog Along- Wife

I am a bit late in posting this, I wasn't feeling good last week, so now I have to catch up. With all the things that make life difficult, it's nice to think about the things that make my life easier.

5 Things that make my life easier as a wife:

1. Every Other Weekend- The kids go to their mom's house every other weekend, and on those weekends, Randy and I get a chance to reconnect. We are so busy with our business and every day lives, that sometimes we feel as though we don't see each other until those weekends. And we always make the most of it, dinners out, shopping, sleeping in, watching movies, making breakfast together, walking on the beach, etc. Those weekends are times that we look forward to and cherish every minute of!

2. White stockings- And by this I mean, white thigh highs. This is a little out of the ordinary for me to discuss, but stockings in the bedroom are not only fun and sexy, but I don't have to worry about whether or not my legs need to be shaved or if I have enough lotion on my legs so they don't feel dry and scaly from the winter weather! And I say white because those are Randy's favorite. Try them! Not having to worry about smooth legs definitely makes life easier!

3. Our Business- While the business itself may not make our lives easier, I am grateful for the opportunity to work with my husband. Not all couples can do this, and it definitely takes hard work, but I love that I can see my husband everyday! I love that we get to have lunch together sometimes too, even if we are just sitting at our desks!

4. Cell phones- Without these, I would hardly talk to my husband some days. When I'm working late and he's home, or vice versa, cell phones are what keeps us connected on those long days we aren't together!

5. Water- Living so close to the beach, the ocean has always had such a special meaning for us. Whenever we can't decide what to do, Randy and I like to go for a walk on the pier or on the beach. Just looking at the water is so relaxing and calming, something we both could use more of! Some of our favorite memories are the times we've spent walking near or just looking at the water.

Only a girl could have this dilemna!

So a few weeks, I found this great bag, or so I thought! And while I do love it, it just doesn't fit my needs. I need something bigger, I love a big tote bag! This purse has so many compartments and pockets, it's wonderful! But just not big enough.

Above is the bag I bought, the Nine West Jenna Shopper, in the color below, called geranium.

Unfortunately, I will have to part with this beautiful spring colored bag and gift it to someone that could use it! But now I am on a quest, a mission! To find a big, stylish tote, no dark colors, preferably white or at least a bright spring/summer color. I rarely buy a new purse, and I will carry the one I find for at least 5 or 6 months before I'm ready for a new one. So I ask that you partake in my mission. Help me find the purse of my dreams! Leave the link of a purse you think I might like, or a link to where you find great deals on great handbags! I'm excited and can't wait to see what you pick out for me!

Join Us!

My sister, Amanda, has come up with a great idea! She is hosting a blog along, and I am joining her! You can join here!

Verse of the Day

This verse stood out to me today.

Proverbs 21:3 "To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice."

How often we complain about all the sacrifices we make for other people and things, but this verse clearly says that God would rather us do right, than sacrifice. And of course, He would much rather it be done out of love with a joyful heart then merely because we have to, because it's a chore or on the day's to do list.

In the mood for spring!

The pink shoes and flower shirt are just the right combo! Although I will be honest, I hardly ever wear a printed top, but this just made me think spring as soon as I saw it!

Thankfulness

So in the midst of all the craziness of life, I try to remember the things I am thankful for. Whether big or small, the things that bring me joy always help to soothe the worries.

10 things I am thankful for:

1. My thoughtful, loving husband

2. My fun, sweet children

3. My great assistant and constant helper at work

4. Starbucks, my favorite being a skinny white mocha with ground cinnamon

5. My large wardrobe, even though I always feel like I have nothing to wear!

6. The space heater under my desk that always keeps my feet warm

7. My dog, who never ceases to be excited to see me

8. My blackberry phone

9. Skype

10. High heels, even though they hurt my feet, they always make me powerful and in charge

What are you thankful for? Remember, that no matter what you are going through, try to think of at least 5 things in your everyday life that bring a smile to you!

Deep in thought

For some reason, I have been in deep thought lately. Possibly all this is due to lack of sleep and a never ending to do list. Or it could be because I'm need in something and my heart is crying out for more. Whatever the reason may be, my thoughts are overwhelming and my heart is heavy.

As I played the tooth fairy last night to a sleeping little girl, my heart soared at some of the fun things I get to do as a mom. But when I pulled out the note Lily had written to the tooth fairy, my heart fell again. Lily thanked the tooth fairy for leaving money and taking her tooth. She then requested some fairy dust and a signature from the tooth fairy, neither of which she got. Fairy dust is not something I normally have on hand! And for the signature, well she stirred when I went in there to take her tooth and leave money. As she is normally a heavy sleeper, this worried me a bit, I couldn't risk going back in there and getting caught! Back to the note, after her requests, Lily went on to tell the tooth fairy about her poor grades in spelling. So cute! She is improving though, got A's on the last two tests! Lily concluded her note with a message that ripped me apart, I'm tearing up even as I write this. Lily told the tooth fairy how much she loves her mom, and how she misses her now more than ever. Mind you, I completely understand the bond a mother has with her child and a child with her mother, but what hurts me is that the kids never see me in that light, they never see me as their source for unconditional love. I suppose I should take their hugs and kisses, their smiles and thank yous, as an encouragement, as their love for me. But after years of being their mom, it tears me apart to still not be considered in their lives the way their mother is.

I apologize if this post seems as though I'm whining, or wanting credit for something. And maybe the latter is so, maybe I do want credit from them. I will be honest and say that someday I pray they will come to me as adults, maybe after having their own kids, and say that they noticed how much I loved and took care of them, gave them every bit of me that I could, and even losing myself in the process. Will they see that even when their own mother wasn't caring for them, that I was there? That I love them just as much as she does, and have put more time raising them than she has? I guess I don't really want credit, I just want a nod, a notice, an honorable mention of sorts.

I would never come between what the kids have with their mother, which has improved in the last year. And I know our house isn't normally as fun as when they go over there every other weekend. But of course ours wouldn't be, we have rules, homework, showers, bedtimes, etc. But part of me fears that in a few years, when their mother forces them to choose, it is guaranteed that she will, they won't choose us, they won't choose me. They will choose her. And if they do, I will be right there, the second they need me. I just hope they understand that while we may not be the most fun, we give unconditional love and we are there for them 100%!

As discouraged as I'm feeling right now, I will keep doing my best. Because if they do choose her in a few years, at least I have until then to teach them, to love them, to be there for them, everyday. Although I will say, I can't even comprehend what it would be like to only have the kids with us every other weekend. Again, I'm tearing up just even writing that thought; I can't even go there.

To Hudson and Lily, as I'm sure one day you will find this blog and read all that I've written, I want you to know that you are my pride and joy. I love you both more than you will ever know. I pray for you everyday. I miss you everyday that I have to work late or that you are spending time elsewhere. You are two wonderful human beings, and I am blessed that we have become a family. I love you both so very much.

Snowy days in NC

This past weekend we had about 8 inches of snow fall! And it lasted all weekend! Normally when we get snow, if at all, it is gone within a few hours. Needless to say, the kids had a blast! And because we have the best yard in the neighborhood, we have a hill right outside the front door, all the other neighborhood kids had a blast too! I had a yard full of kids, and a house full when it was time to come inside for hot cocoa and warming up!

A few more from spirit week

The last day of spirit week at school, the kids were to dress up as what they want to be when they grow up. Whether out of indecisiveness or pure life's desire, Hudson chose to be Randy and Lily chose to be me. I'm not sure I want to know the true answer to that question; for now, I choose to think they like us enough to want to be like us when they are older!

While I'm not sure these pictures can get any funnier, the conversations these two had that morning before we left for school had me smiling all day long! You should have heard them! They walked around the house, arm in arm, Hudson (Randy) saying to Lily (me), "Hey baby, want to go on a date?" Lily answering, "Sure baby, only if we go somewhere nice!" Hudson's reply, "Okay baby, but we've got to get some work done first." Lily, "Alright baby, see you at the office!" Haha! Have they heard us talk about date nights and work?!

Who's got spirit?

Hudson and Lily do!

Today's Outfit, sort of.

Ok, so I'm not really wearing this outfit, but I have been dreaming and window shopping. This outfit seems perfect for a cold, windy day like today! I got inspired by my sister, Amanda, to create a post about an outift that I like. All of my picks are from Piperlime, a little out of my price range, but a girl can dream!

Change is a-coming!

Well, tomorrow is another big day for me. And like I said, change is coming. A situation has been placed on my shoulders, and for the betterment of all involved, I have to make a significant change within my close circle. I cannot say exactly the situation, or those involved, but as I sit here and write this, all I hear in my head, yes I hear voices, are the lines from one of my favorite movies. Take it to the mattresses! It's not personal, it's business. Leave the gun, take the cannoli. Okay, that last one doesn't really make sense to me, but it's one I always remember. So if you read this before tomorrow morning, please pray that the situation will be handled smoothly. I know it won't go over well, but I can't avoid it any longer. And with this decision, ultimately, comes more work for me, longer hours, if that's possible, and taking things back to a smaller level. And I know that in the long run, the decision that has been made will benefit our company.

So as I sit here tonight, pondering and praying over the changes to come, I will leave you with one last quote; I hear nothing, not a sound on the city streets, just the beat of my own heart.

**Name that movie!**

Happy Birthday Hudson!

Hudson,

I cannot believe you are 11 years old today. You are becoming a young man! I have loved watching you grow up and look forward to the years to come. You may struggle at times, the next few years are not going to be easy as you grow and figure out who you are. But I want you to know how much I love you, how much your Daddy and I both love you. We are with you always, will support you and love you, no matter what decisions you make and no matter what else is going on in our lives. You and your sister are, and always have been, our #1 priority.

I pray that one day, when you are old enough, I will show you this blog, I will let you see a little bit more about me that you may be too young to understand just yet. But when that day comes, I hope you will understand that I love you and that everything your Daddy and I do is because we love you, and we want you to become the best man you can be.

You have such a wonderful heart, Hudson! You are so strong and smart! You can make up raps like no one else, and you are such a great dancer. I know you don't think so, but you get that from your Daddy. And your future wife will love that about you! You make me laugh and smile all the time. You are kind and gentle, and very thoughtful, such a sweet boy you are!

I hope you are having a blessed day at school, and I can't wait to see your smiling face this afternoon. I love you buddy! Happy Birthday!

Love,
Julie

Fun Friday

I have decided that Fridays here are now going to be Fun Fridays. I will post about only fun things, no whining, no sadness, no drama. Fun facts about me, random fun things, basically anything that I think is fun! Ha!

So today's Fun post is about my Top Ten websites, ones that I visit almost daily.

Top Ten:
1. Jacksonville Daily News, our local newspaper- www.jdnews.com
2. Radar Online, for all my celebrity gossip- www.radaronline.com
3. The Pioneer Woman, just check this one out, love it!- www.thepioneerwoman.com
4. Facebook- www.facebook.com
5. ModernMom, love this website, clothes, health, fitness, family- www.modernmom.com
6. Google- www.google.com
7. The Bible- www.biblos.com
8. Ann Taylor Loft- www.anntaylorloft.com
9. FedBizzOpps, a helpful tool for contractors- www.fbo.gov
10. TastyKitchen, a branch of The Pioneer Woman, but only recipes submitted by anyone- www.tastykitchen.com

Hope you enjoy and maybe even find a new website that you might like! Happy Friday!

2010 Goals

I do not like to make New Years resolutions. Each year Randy and I create a list of our goals for the year. I've decided to blog about them, because I can't find our list from last year. And this time next year, I think it would be great to come back and review the year, see where I've succeeded and where I've failed. Sometimes my goals for a year are more like bucket list items, things I want to do in the next few years, some are more like prayer requests. Whatever the goal may be, they are mine, whether for now or in a few years.

1. Get out of debt, both personal and business.
2. Grow my hair long, or cut it shorter.
3. Begin, and stick to, a workout routine.
4. Lose 5-10lbs.
5. Go on a family vacation, if #1 is completed.
6. Quit smoking.
7. Go to church on a regular basis.
8. Read one book a month.
9. Finish the quilt I started over 5 yrs ago.
10. Work harder at seeing the good in every situation.
11. Practice patience and gentleness with the kids, and spend more time with them.
12. Cook more than one meal a week.
13. Make more drastic changes to my diet and nutrition.
14. Reorganize my closet.
15. Take Dozer for a long walk at least once a week.

Can't wait till next year to see how I do! I'm sure I'll be posting more about each thing on my list!

I...

I am: a Wife, Stepmother, Daughter, Sister, Friend, Workaholic, Cook

I think: I put too much pressure on myself, and then end up miserable when I fail.

I know: that everything happens for a reason. The song "God Bless the Broken Road", fits my life perfectly!

I have: a lot of clothes, but don't always know how to put outfits together.

I wish: and pray that the next two weeks lead us in a direction to building a better future, for our family and our company.

I hate: that I have to work so much and miss out on a lot of Hudson and Lily's lives.

I miss: working out.

I fear: that Hudson and Lily will never realize how much I love them.

I hear: the air purifier and phones ringing.

I smell: coffee! Yum!

I crave: homemade herb bread from my Mom! Hint hint!

I wonder: what the kids will be like when they are older.

I regret: that I ever started smoking.

I love: my husband, children and our crazy maltese, Dozer.

I ache: in my neck and shoulders because I sit at the computer all day.

I am not: losing weight, even though I have drastically changed my diet.

I try: to see the blessing in every situation.

I believe: in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

I dance: with my husband in the car.

I sing: quietly, unless I'm alone, then I belt it out!

I cry: when I'm really mad.

I fight: to raise my kids with respect and honesty.

I lose: patience more often than I would like to admit.

I never: skip breakfast. It's my favorite meal of the day!

I always: drink coffee in the morning, I wouldn't survive without it!

I confuse: want with need.

I listen: to the kids laughter, and it warms my heart.

I can usually be found: at work.

I need: to spend more time with my family.

I am happy: when my family is together.

I imagine: what our life will be like in 5 years, maybe our own house, a truck that runs, teenagers (yikes!), and maybe less work!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! We had a great time with family and friends, while ringing in the New Year! Can you believe it is the start of another decade?! Time seems to go so quickly with each passing year!