Super Bowl ~ 2018

Who's ready for the Super Bowl on Sunday? I'm about 50% of the way there. I have our table decor and one snack item, but I need to get focused on the foods A.S.A.P.  We've had some insane weather lately that has caused school cancellations and delays and then my lipsense business has blown up MORE THAN average these last two weeks, so it's keeping me busy.  I cannot believe I am saying this, but I have yet to post on last year's Super Bowl tradition that I created BUT, NOW seems more appropriate than ever!

Blowing You Kisses & Valentine Wishes!

Today, I turned some ordinary lip whistles into the cutest Valentines for my kids to pass out in a few weeks. The lip whistles came from Hobby Lobby. There are (12) whistles in each bag and right now they are on sale for $1.79 per pack. The pack is a mixture of both pink and red lips. I purchased (2) packs because I needed (24) whistles. How did I spruce these lip whistles up a little? Well I am so glad that you asked.

A New Look!

Yay! A new look!  I bet you were so surprised to tune in for a daily post and find our old blog gone. Did you think that you accidentally typed in the wrong blog address or clicked on the wrong link? I hope this new look is enjoyed.  I had a hard time saying goodbye to those precious photos captured almost 6 years ago, but it was time. A new look was LONG OVERDUE.  

Girls Just Want To Have Dunn!

Have I mentioned that I love Rae Dunn? Below are a few of the pieces that I have collected or been gifted over the last 1.5 years. The true Rae Dunn collectors RISE EARLY and stand at Marhsall's, HomeGoods, and TJ Maxx to rush in a swoop all of the latest and greatest pieces.  I do not feel the need to do that.  I just buy them as I find them and I am ok if I don't have every piece.  In fact, I prefer to only have pieces that I really love.  My girlfriend Emily purchased the below shirt for me after learning of my love for Rae Dunn. She started out making fun of me that I have words all over my home, but after I bought her puppies a dog bowl set... she then became attached too! The shirt is just perfect.  She said, "I was torn between this shirt and one that said, "SHIRT"." I almost died in laughter.  

"I've Been Slimed!"

Welp!!! On this particular day, the elves visited Lilah's slime cabinet, where she stores all of her supplies and slime creations. 

A "WOW" Tray For A LipBoss!

As you all know, I am a LipSense Distributor.  If you have never had an opportunity to experience LipSense... PLEASE CONTACT ME!

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do!

It was a TOTALLY random elf creation.  

Dress Rehearsal!

"Miss Thang" has taken on dance competitions this year. We are testing the waters to see if it can fit into our lives and if we enjoy it FULLY enough to commit for years to come! YES! I said, "fit into our lives".  Nothing that we do should rule us or control us, unless it's Jesus.  The day my children are forced to do something or do it to the point were if feels like a job, it's no longer fun. Kids only get to be kids for a short time frame and while I do want my kids to realize that you DO INDEED need to work for what you want, I also want my kids to realize that it doesn't have to be excessive. With that being said, we were up on a Saturday morning, BEFORE the sun, applying makeup and doing hair.  That takes dedication and drive, doesn't it?  It does.  I was SO VERY PROUD of Lilah and told her over and over again because her behavior and attitude both that morning and that day was so impressive and appreciated.  NO COMPLAINTS!  The rehearsal was at Virginia Western.  And I will admit, it was pretty fun to get a sneak peak at all of the dancers' hardwork.

Valentine, You Make My Heart FIZZ!

Bath bombs seem to be the latest craze lately, especially among little girls.  About a year ago, Lilah and I were able to experience a really cool store, in a mall, called Lush. We found their bath bombs super cute and amazing for bath time.  

The Beginning Of 12 Long Weeks...

On September 6, 2018, Ty played in a football game with his middle school team: Glenvar Vs. William Byrd. Ty's positions that night were linebacker, running back, kicker, and kick off specialist.  It was just like any game. I didn't get any weird feelings or "vibes". I was there and so excited to cheer him on.  

Tyson's teammates and friends (since Kindergarten), Gabe and Jackson, were already injured. Gabe broke his hand and Jackson broke his tibia, in the previous week's game. These three were committed athletes and over the years have been seen in photos together since biddy ball.  Here are just two photos that I could quickly find.  

We had a few good plays from Ty.  Below, he kicks an extra point.   

Ty was filling the role as running back for one of them at all times. Was it crazy that his two best friends were injured and now he would be taking their place? It almost seemed inevitable that he would be next. Below: After the QB handed Ty the ball, Ty was tackled HARD and out of no where. Ouch! Where were his dang peeps to protect him? Was this a sign? Sigh... On this particular night, I wish I would have been able to see into the future. I would have made him sit out.   

Then, it happened. The below youtube video is of the ENTIRE game, so to see the injury, please fast forward to minute 9:29. I suggest, to get a really good view of it, watching it in slow-motion @ speed .25.  If you don't, it's so hard to see because it all happens so fast.  

Ty shook his finger and new he was injured.  He was taken out of the game immediately.  The coach asked if he could go back in.  Being the tough guy that he is, he said, "I guess!" Ty had no way of knowing the severity of his injury. He thought he jammed his finger.  Seems plausible, right?  So, the coach taped his fingers and back in he went.  AHHHHHHH! Had we KNOWN what his injury was, we would have known that that was THE WORST decision ever.  When the coach was looking at his finger, Ty said "The coach asked me to bend my fingers.  All of my fingers went down BUT ONE! It was so weird. I physically could NOT bend my finger! Like, it didn't work."

With the suggestion of Ty's coaches, after the game, I took Ty to the ER. The doctors came in and did a series of tests with his hand, just physically.  The X-ray revealed that there was NO BREAK. However, the doctors were very confident that Ty tore the tendon in his finger just based off of his inabilities to bend his finger.  Unfortunately, X-rays do NOT reveal a muscle tear.  We were sent home and told to schedule an appointment with a hand surgeon the next day.  We had NO IDEA what would be revealed next to us.  We chose Dr. Apel.

Before the night ended and long into the midmorning, the next day, Darren was at work TORTURING himself reading up on football injuries. He narrowed it down to three injuries: a jammed finger, a broken finger, and jersey finger.  The latter being the worst case scenario.  

After visiting the PA, Kathryn Hoyt (Dr. Apel was not available.), she was very straight forward and revealed to us that Ty's injury was indeed Jersey Finger. She proceeded to follow that diagnosis up with, "This is a very serious injury.  It requires surgery and an intense 12 weeks of occupational therapy."  The nurse made Ty a homemade brace, to rest his finger/hand in, and he was told to eliminate use of the hand altogether.  When you tear a tendon, the next 7 days are CRITICAL to the success of your recovery.  Ty should have NEVER been put back in the game.  What happens is, the more you TRY to use your hand the normal way, the further and further into your arm the tendon retracts. Ahhh, typing this makes my fingers, hands, and wrists just ache, thinking about it.  Because Ty continued to play the game, he was using his hand and trying to use his finger, so his tendon was retracting.  WHERE? Well, we wouldn't know until surgery.  SO, the next step... surgery. We scheduled it for September 11th.  

I called Darren and had Kathryn talk to him. He asked a few questions and then the phone was handed to me.  Of course, there was crickets on the other side of the phone and probably a tear or 10. Darren did eventually speak up and say, "OH NO! Kristin this was the worst case scenario." I had already known that based off of what the PA told me.

This was the update I gave to his team and coaches: 

We are finished up at Carillon Orthopedics. The news is, to say the least, not good. The surgeon diagnosed Tyson’s injury as “Jersey Finger”. She said this injury is detrimental and very serious. It will require a 90 minute surgery (at the minimum) on Tuesday afternoon. Depending on where the tendon has retracted to and is currently residing, will determine how far down they will have to cut on his hand. They will be doing zig zag stitches. It will be a 12+ weeks recovery process, which will require 2-3 days, per week, of physical therapy.  He will have to miss 3-5 days of school post surgery and is not allowed to play basketball this season. I recognize and acknowledge that this is all temporary and it could be a lot worse. It’s not cancer, paralysis, or death, but still not the easiest news to deliver to an athlete, at all. Thank you all for supporting us. Your kind messages and prayers are so very comforting. Ty will for sure enjoy a buddy or 10 to come hang out with him and cheer him up.  And if nothing else, I’m curious if this will be ending his FortNite career.  Trying to keep my humor during this difficult time. *Disclaimer: If you are queasy, do not click on the hashtag “jersey finger”!P.S. This is his writing hand, so does anyone have any idea how this will be handled at school as far as work load is concerned? #JerseyFinger

Ty shed a few tears.  I don't think he was truly aware of what the next 12 weeks would look like.  Denial was a good word. He did convince me to pick him up the NEWLY released NBA 2K19.  If he was out for the basketball season, the next best way to play was this game.  Although, how would he do that with one hand? #Pitiful

On September 8th, two days later, even if it meant he had to sit and watch. I recall dropping him off and watching him walk into that gym. My heart was simply BROKEN. I documented my feelings at this moment:

His struggle takes my breath away.  I've been crying on and off all day for him.  I'd take two broken legs in exchange for this trial he is enduring.  And now... he walks himself into open gum, with is head held high. This is the moment he's been waiting for literally ALLLLLLL Summer, just to sit on the bench and watch his p peers practice.  There's no "I" in team and he's making that very evident.  He has never made me more proud in all of 13 years of being his momma.  As I cry, he cheers others on.  

After he walked into the building, I headed home, but had to pull over at our local library's parking lot and just cry and cry and cry.  

On September 10th, Ty got his second round of braces.  YUP, the day before his hand surgery.  It was a prescheduled appointment and there was no backing out.  We were counting down the days until September 11th.  Sounds odd right? NOPE! The sooner the better, the less that tendon would retract into his arm, and the closer he would be to recovering.  

In the meantime, I investigated Jersey Finger like it was a matter of life or death. I wanted to KNOW ALL OF THE DETAILS, good, bad, and HORRIBLE.  So, I began my own research and interviewing people who had been through this. The responses were, well.... not the easiest to hear.  Jersey Finger happens so infrequently. It's just a freak accident really. So I didn't have a ton of documented resources. I decided to use Instagram hashtags to reach out to people and learn as much as I could. Unfortunately, before I started documenting/using the hashtag myself, there were only about 152 hashtags for it.  I direct messaged those who posted on their injuries. Everyone responded, but their responses always had so much negativity attached to their recovery.  

I had to leave this entire situation in God's hands (PUN NOT INTENDED).  I had to trust that no matter what, HE was sovereign and that HE would secure the outcome! Stay tuned... before the week is over, I will definitely be posting some more about Ty's Jersey Finger experience, including photos of his actual hand surgery!

Here's a sneak peak photo of Ty pre-op!

One thing I will say is that our boys, especially, have been playing sports for YEARS and the fact that this was Ty's first sports injury, EVER, was amazing. BUT... Darren and I BOTH agreed, we would have much rather Ty BREAK his finger, than tear his tendon, unfortunately, that wasn't our decision.  It was God's plan and His plans are always better.

Life Is Art, Life Yours In Color!

On Day 9, the elves arrives with a a message that read, "Life is ART, live yours in color!" What exactly were they trying to say? Maybe we would find out more on the scavenger hunt.  If you want to use our art sign, click here.  

The first clue was found in a shoe! The clue lead the twins FIRST to their daddy's closet, but after NOT finding anything... they knew the next best spot would be in the garage. Bingo!

The second clue was found on the Christmas tree.

The third clue was found in our bookcases, where the kids keep their crafts.

The fourth clue was found under the kitchen sink.

The fifth clue was located in our coat closet!

The sixth clue was located in our pantry!

The final clue (not quite 9 clues, like originally stated and the kids not only caught on, but were bummed. They were having fun!) was in Jax's sock drawer were they were gift all new coloring supplies: Sharpies & Metallic Markers.

If you would like to create a similar elf scene, I'd be happy to email you these scavenger hunt clues. 

Did you notice earlier that along with the message the elves also left my kiddos a gorgeous tablecloth to color?

My kids were REALLY in desperate need for some NEW color supplies.  Jax, especially, loves to color. He's a great little artist.  Lilah thought the elves only meant for these new supplies to be Jax's, since they were in Jax's drawers (sigh, I can't win) so stay tuned... eventually, I had to design an elf scene around her!

My twins wasted no time letting their creative juices flow.

 I did go "LIVE" during this entire scavenger hunt, but I guess sadly... I didn't save it.  BOO! So, I guess you'll just have to use your imagination and imagine them running all through out the house at ungodly speeds to find each clue.  

LipSense Is....

LipSense is: KissProof, SweatProof, BudgeProof, SmudgeProof, WaterProof, AND Snowball Eating Proof! Nothing beats LipSense. NOTHING!

After posting the above video, to both my Instagram and Facebook accounts, my company SeneGence asked if they could share it on their facebook page.  AH, DUH! I mean, that request was ALOMST as amazing as it would be if I won the Billboard video submission contest in New York City's Time Square. The repost from SeneGence created over 12,300 views and over 235 likes. That's pretty dang exciting if you ask me!!!! Perfect advertisement for LovelyLips, for anyone who doesn't have a LipSense Distributor.

Whoop, Whoop! #LipBossGoals

Annie Opening Night PRE-PARTY!!!

GAH! I get chill bumps when I reminisce on this setup for Lilah.  The day had finally arrived.  It was OPENING NIGHT! And I HAD to do something special for all of my girl's hardwork. This opportunity was the FIRST time I was truly living vicariously through ANY of my children. The movie ANNIE is MY FAVORITE movie. As a child, I literally watched it over 1,000 times.  No lie. The movie was just so well portrayed that sometimes, as a kid, watching it... I felt like I was there, but invisibly there. I always wanted to be in an Annie play.  AND, there would truly be NOTHING better than MY DAUGHTER being in it instead. 

So, I wanted to created a little pre-party FUN to help show her how proud I was of her and to create as much enthusiasm in her as possible for opening night.  

My entire "party" was planned around this ANNIE image. I had to have it. I found it onETSY at a shop called "Sheer Bliss Designs".  It was the PERFECT starting/focal point for all of my other ideas.  I will say... if you choose to go with this idea, keep in mind that finding a company that will print this image for under $125.00 is next to impossible.  Sheer Bliss Designs advertises this purchase for a size 42x72.  That's HUGE.  So, I just settled for an 18x20 size.  I got it at Sams Club.  I think I paid $12.00.  

Our play had a song in it called, "NYC" aka New York City. I think that is wear Daddy Warbuck's also lived in the movie.  I found these beautiful letters at A.C. Moore.  

One of the scenes in both the play and the movie includes a movie scene and/or a song called, "Let's Go To The Movies". I knew I wanted to supply some food for Lilah (after all, this would be presented to her after school and before opening night).  So I created a fun, movie scene on one area of the table. Time was such a factor for me, so I did have to purchase and or "borrow" some things for different bloggers.  I truly made the overall look, of this party, my own though.  I didn't want to just COPY someone's party. I desired to be UNIQUE and DIFFERENT.  The movie sign came from the blogger, "House Of Hargrove".  I already had the popcorn bowls.  The movie theater popcorn came from Sam's Club.

This little cutie pie was BEYOND excited.  You'll be able to see her reaction down below. 

(Above): The Annie dress was actually Lilah's.  When she was 3, she was Annie for Halloween.  I pulled it out of her childhood storage bin and used it for a display. 

(Below): Along with the popcorn served, I thought it would so fun to offer the mini coke, glass bottles. It really was a great addition in the "attention to details" world.

Lilah was casted as "TESSIE" the orphan.  You know, the orphan that all too often says, "Oh My Goodness! Oh My Goodness!" I purchased these water bottle labels, from a company on ETSY called, Bushel And Peck Paper. The only dilemma with this company was that these water bottle labels were made for birthday parties.  So they said, "Happy Birthday".  I was down to the wire before Lilah was about to arrive home and had to QUICKLY work my own magic, using B&P's jpeg to create my own look.  I added Lilah's cast name. B&P was willing to change it, but she wanted another $5.00 and I was unwilling to pay $5.00 more for something that I new I could fix.

 I purchased this adorable, antique coffee cup for Lilah as a gift.  Instead of "gifting" it to her, I decided to use it as a decoration for her party table. I purchased chocolate coins from Big Lots and used some Melissa & Doug Play money to create a fun, rich, Daddy Warbuck's section on the table.  The mini sign also came from House Of Hargrove's Blog.   

When I spotted these red velvet, mini cupcakes at Sam's Club, I thought... why invent the wheel.  Why home make them? I got like 24 of these beauties for $4.96.

I brought in one of my favorite patterns, buffalo plaid, along with some red licorice.  Does anyone go to the movies and NOT eat licorice??  YUM!  And of course... it goes perfect with the color scheme.

Okay, enough with the junk... chocolate, cupcakes, licorice, and popcorn... I needed something healthy.  SO, I provided some fresh fruit: strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries (Lilah's favorite).  I was enamored with these ADORABLE, "Hard Knock Life", mini bucket and brooms. I purchased (10) because I wanted to be able to use them for both this party and possibly a "goodbye" gift for the other orphans. I got these from Festiva Party Design.  The etsy listing was for a set of 10, but I needed 12. The owner of Festiva Party Design was kind enough to throw in two more for FREE, in exchange for me advertising her Etsy Shop on both my Blog, Pinterest account, and Instagram account.  

The powdered sugar donuts were just a little extra.  I used some black and white paper straws and "strung" the powdered donuts onto them.  

I used as many quotes or tag lines from the play that related to the parts of the play that Lilah was in! One of the bigger scenes in the play was to the song, "You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile." This was actually the part of the play that Lilah was granted a mini solo dance.

And now... her reaction.  She was so uber excited and I felt all warm and fuzzy inside for being able to make her feel extra special and ramped up for (9) amazing shows.