June 02, 2013

A Teething baby makes for a very tired Momma.

I cradled my baby, smelled her sweet head, and kissed her softly. I am tired, worn out, and so ready for this teething process to be over. I have to admit there are moments I just want to scream and runaway. I get so sick of all the crying and knowing there is nothing that I can do for this little one, except hold her close and just love the shit out of her. Physically though, this has been draining for me and the sleepless nights leave me irritable and have me wanting to pull my hair out. 

BUT.

just the other morning, (as in three or four in the morning) I had been woken up by a crying, hurting baby and I was done, I was ready to throw in the towel. I remained as calm as I could and I finally was able to get her back to sleep, I closed my eyes and tried hard to fall back to sleep with her but I couldn't. As thoughts were racing through my mind allowing for precious sleep-time to pass by I figured I'd do some blog reading. I ran across this blog: The progressive parent. Tears ran down my face. I was bawling, and feeling so sad that I was getting so upset and irritated with my teething baby. You see, this momma lost her little one from SUDC also known as SIDS, at 14 months. He had just taken his first step and then it was decided that his home in Heaven needed him much more than his home on Earth. After I finished reading this I kissed my sweet angel laying next to me. Touched her little toes, and thanked God I had this time with her.

Also friend of mine, who I had been discussing the teething situation, reminded me how amazing it is that I have the opportunity to be able to comfort my little one as she is going through this process. In our conversation I could see tears in her eyes and she told me her story. She is a parent to one, a boy who is now 15. They adopted him when he was, I think she said 18 months old. "I watched videos of him slobbering and hurting in the center, and it hurts so bad that I couldn't be there to pick him up and comfort him." The emotion and hurt behind her words touched my heart so much. I am so lucky that I can hold my baby tight and love her, comfort, kiss her and try to make her feel better with my love. 

These sleepless nights will only last for so long, and these moments of being able to cuddle and hold her close in my arms will be gone before I can blink my eyes. I know this because it happened to fast with my little Alexsis Rae. My now six year old barely fits in my lap. Seems like only yesterday I was cradling her and kissing her little bald head.

I do not focus on the thought of losing my children, they are not happy thoughts and I've had more than one friend lose a child, their pain breaks my heart. But... I do remind myself how important it is to take a deep breath and realize how lucky I am that I have been given these moments with my little ones. I am so lucky that I get to hold my children tight, smell their sweet skin, feel their giant bear hugs, wipe away their tears, put bandaids on their boo boo's, send them to time-out, rock them to sleep as they fuss, be woken up in the middle of the night to nurse, wipe away boogers, change stinky diapers, clean up puke, brush their hair as they scream NO!, read bedtime stories, check under the bed for scary monsters, listen to secrets, watch them learn and grow.

I am so privileged that I get to be on their journey and love them unconditionally.


 

post signature


Pin It Now!

May 28, 2013

Oh how I've missed you Lola.



 I MUST say how AMAZING it feels to be writing with Lola. If you didn't already know... Lola is one of my best friends she's my beautiful mac book. I will cry my heart out when she is no longer with me :( There has been so much energy and love and even sadness poured into her and I was missing her SO MUCH. What happened.. you may be wondering..? Well....my dearest Alexsis Rae was watching a movie on her on one of our trips to Utah and she spilled water all over her keyboard. I was devastated and thought it was going to cost me a million dollars to fix so I hesitated taking her in AND WHAT IF she wasn't fixable? OH MY GOD I would have died! But lo and behold she was fixed and it only took a few days and was less than 200 bucks. YAY! I must admit I am super attached to her! And writing feels so much easier. It flows better! I was stuck and now I feel like I could just type for hours and hours. Catching her up on all that she has missed.  And truthfully all that YOU have missed. Although I have been using my husbands macbook (which looks identical to mine) it just wasn't the same. I couldn't write I sat there stuck. BUT with Lola my secret keeper and to be honest a little muse of mine I can do this I can speak my unspoken words. I can spell out my LOVE. WAHOO! This is exciting! 

Okay I have more to say. A LOT more to say! but right now I must go pick up that little Alexsis from school. 

I'm back. I can't believe I only have a few more weeks of walking to Lexi's school to pick her up. She will be in first grade! How did that happen? How did time fly by so fast! I'm not sure I am ready for her to be gone all day long. She helps me out so much with Evalyn will I be able to do it with her gone all day long? I think I will miss her WAY TOO MUCH. Maybe I'll homeschool. Nope probably not because that would be the selfish me talking. She loves being around her friends and she loves learning from her teacher. And I love that she loves all those things. 

Evalyn just turned 7 months and I'm not quite sure I know how to handle that either! The last 7 months have flown by like it freaks me out. It also freaks me out that she is crawling around, pulling her self up to things and acting like a big girl. Can we please invent a pause button for time. I am trying to cherish each and every moment but time keeps slipping through my fingertips. Evalyn absolutely adores her big sister. When Lexi comes into the room, Evie's eyes LIGHT up. She doesn't get as excited with me or dad as she does when her sister comes to play! Whatever noises Lexi makes Evalyn tries to imitate. It's freaking ADORABLE!  

There have been some major changes happening in this household and I couldn't be happier. The flow of life has started to move more smoothly. Jordan and I have decided to make healthier changes for ourselves and it took a lot of will power to rid of somethings that just weren't working for us personally and for our family. We aren't perfect but I can't imagine a more perfect life.

We have such amazing dreams for this family and we are well headed in our direction and we are so excited. Our two beautiful girls bring us so much joy as we bring each other joy as well. I couldn't ask for a better partner. Our marriage is far from perfect but it is growing strong. I am thankful for our hardships and the many lessons I've been learning. So many lessons. I am thankful for our pain, for our heartache. I am thankful for the arguments and the tears, without these we would not be growing and learning.  We make a great team and I truly believe he is my true twin soul, and together we are powerful. We've been told that when we come together that our love fills the room and that the vibrations are so strong they can be felt. I am thankful for our love. I will be forever grateful for the teacher that he is to me and the amazing father he is to our children.  

I've missed talking to you Lola. And I still have so much to say but for now my love I must sign off. The girls and I are headed to the gym so that this momma can get a break and enjoy some Yoga. 

So much love and light. 

post signature


Pin It Now!

May 22, 2013

The gym... and the germs.


I've started going to the gym. Wow. I know right. Want to know one of the reasons that w holding me back? GERMS and my baby! I was terrified to take my little Evabug and drop here off with all those snotty nosed kids who wipe their noses with those little dirty hands and then touch everything in sight. This made me nervous. I didn't want those germs to be shared with my bug.

My thought process was that I would stay away from the gym cancel my pass that was rarely used before I was pregnant and just work out at home. I made myself a promise week after week that I was go  to wake up extra early and go for a walk or a jog or use my exercise ball or hey do some yoga that I love. I was going to wake up extra early And so some lunges and squats etc.

Guess what not keeping these promises to myself made me feel like a failure. What was wrong with me why can't I keep these promises not myself. Why can't I be disciplined enough to take care of my body! Week after week I was letting myself down. And when I looked into the mirror I saw a failure.

I couldn't keep doing this to myself. Something needed to change and I was the only one who could make this change.

Thank you god for giving me such an amazing neighbor! That gym pass that wasn't being used was a pass to the same gym that my lovely neighbor went to and she knew this and every so often she invited me to go with her and after all those broken promises I decided it was time to face my fears about all those germs. And guess what it's been 3 weeks of going to the gym at least 4 times a week and can I tell you I am in love. I am in love with the energy it has given me and confidence it is slowly building.

My thought process now: not only am I building a healthy body my kids are building their immune system! Haha I haven't felt this good since well let's just say a very long time!
Some of you may be able to stick to home work outs and that's so freaking awesome. But I have to say being able to get a work out in with out my children disrupting me is so amazing. It's a great break and I know my kids are being cared for.

I'm ready to get fit! Lets do this! PS the husband is doing it too. We got this!

What's your workout routine? I'd love to hear all about it!

xoxo - JeNeal



Pin It Now!

April 05, 2013

Our Spring Break♥




As my child cries in the background because she is so wore out, I sit here at my desk, trying to keep busy. If she were sleeping I'd listen to the silence and sit and be but because she is not asleep I sit and try to not rush to 'save' her. This is her time with her daddy a little bonding which I am sure her cries wear him out. But this is their time. My husband is an amazing father, this I already knew because he became a father the day he fell in love with me and has been AMAZING to our Lexi Rae. I'm so thankful for him!

Our Spring Break is ending. We were lucky that Jordan had the time off from work to spend with us but he's back to work again and school starts Monday. So much joy this week brought. I am sad to see it end.

 Spring Break was perfect. The sun kissed our faces all week. We even started our garden!
We made sure we took a daily stroll to the park. I feel so privileged that the park is only a few blocks away. As Lexi was playing on the playground, and daddy was pushing little Eve in the baby swing, I sat down in the swing next to hers and lightly swayed back and forth. She would watch me and give me her biggest grin. I sat in this swing for a little while. I took every piece of this moment into me with each breath. I stared over my shoulder at my blonde little blue eyed princess climbing the slide, I checked out my handsome husband lightly pushing our little bug in the swing. Emma sitting close, our little protector. In these mere seconds I was overwhelmed with such warmth and so much love. My heart feeling so full. I felt pure bliss. I am so thankful for these little moments, these little reminders of love, and how perfect my life is. The crazy, emotional, hard times included. 


post signature


find me here
Pin It Now!

March 01, 2013

A little Catch up + Sharing some AWESOME LINKS!

Hey there!! and Welcome to MARCH.

Oh my gosh. Okay I have seriously missed you so much. The saddest part is that I don't have much of a reason to why I have been avoiding you. I have so much to tell you.

I've started Monster & Me and I couldn't be happier with the way it's been going. I was able to sell my monsters plus have a few custom orders in the works.    
I can't wait to show them to all of you.

If you haven't yet go and like the Monster & Me facebook page.


Heads up... I'm making changes to the design of Pieces of Luv and don't worry you'll be seeing plenty more of this. As I'm growing I'm finding my self drawn to beautiful colors and designs and I just want to implement such things through the image of my blog. So be excited for some amazing changes and beauty.

Remember in my last post...

I told you about the amazing group I joined well in that group I have met thee MOST amazing LADIES. Like SERIOUSLY they are the most beautiful souls I have ever met. They have filled my heart with so much love and joy. I am witnessing some powerful work and I CANNOT wait to share each of them with YOU. Their love and magical sweetness is just to much to hold for my self I have to share them with you. Way too much beauty for one soul.

Daughter's of Earth is our name.


You have to check out Laura Em's apothecary circle. WOW. just WOW. I am learning such amazing stuff. I wish I could just do everything but for now I'm learning and growing and organizing. Creating my own tinctures, body scrubs, perfumes, etc will have to wait. But I am SO excited to get started. Soon my dears SOON.

Not all of us have our things going but there are a few who have LAUNCHED some amazing stuff!

Here you will find Elisabeth Stone. She is amazing, so young yet SO FULL of inspriation. I am in love with her and her amazing teachings! I cannot wait for this!

**Wheel of the Year**




Visit Polly the enchanted pixie. She has just launched her new e-book Herbs & Essential Oils you can get that for $8 umm DEAL! getting mine SOON! ALSO I'll be giving away a copy here on the blog.

While your at her blog head on over to her shop.
I bought this



Alright who of you have the bathroom/bathtub as your favorite place? UMM well I do. I meditate, listen to amazing music, and just chill out and separate from my mind, all while soaking in a warm candle lit bath. If you are like me you HAVE to check out Kaitlyn You might know her as Gypsy Moth Sol. She offers you delicious bath salts and scrubs.
!!! amazing !!! Check out her shop Here.


Visit Le Howl where you can find the beautiful Terrah Johnson. Her blog is full of love and her shop is amazing. I'm waiting on the Raven totem.

Darcey Blue is an amazing Herbalist and has so much to offer visit her here!

Danielle Toronyi with the beautiful blog Hearth and Field.

Find more wonderful herbs and awesome momma stuff at
 Full Moon Creations by the beautiful Kami Fasan

Here's another inspiring blog to check out Sara Stephenson take a peak into tidbits of her life! You need to visit her shop too!

Marrissa Massie has a  blog Moondaughter. I absolutely adore her posts about the moon. They are so beautiful and don't forget about stopping by her shop.

Here's a blog all about living a purposeful life, We Shall Fly by Richelle Ray. Her jewelry is stunning check out her shop.

Eric the artist. WOW it's simple she's freaking inspiring. Her art is so beautiful.
I bought this pretty from her.

Find her shop here.

Living off the grid sounds so lovely you can read more about just how amazing it is by visiting Jennifer Doucet's Blog.

You can find beautiful, healing words by visiting this blog by Robin the writer behind Soyala. Robin is a wonderful healer and she offers one on one sessions for those of you looking for some of that loving.

Don't worry if you can't get to all these amazing women today I'm going to have their stuff on my sidebar REALLY SOON!! But I recommend visiting each one of these beautiful souls.

Tell them Hello from me!!


What's going on in your life right now! I'd love to hear about it! 
Thank you for your love. and your patience. I can't wait for all the amazing things to come. Thank you for being right <here> in this moment with me.


post signature




Find me Here ♥
Pin It Now!

February 04, 2013

Monday Morning. Few things going on in my world.

Good Morning! It's another wonderful Monday. A fresh start to a wonderful new week. Today I'm writing to you from Utah! I'm still visiting family! It has been so SO great catching up with some of the most amazing people I know and love. Looking forward for the rest of this week with the other half of our family.

GUESS WHAT!? This weekend on my downtime I have been re-designing my blog! I cannot wait to have it done so that I can show it to you! It's so time consuming! but I'm getting close!

Some other great news! I've joined Erica's e-course Soul-Temple : Winter Session. She's so inspiring and I can't wait to get started. She's keeping registration open for a little while longer so if you want to join a beautiful group of women in an online art journaling workshop then head on over HERE and sign up. You won't regret it I'm sure of it! I've already met such amazing ladies!! and ERICA..oh my she's wonderful. She's the beauty who read us the cute story "The Little Soul and the Sun". If you haven't watched that video DO IT! It's amazing!

I've also joined the amazing Daughters of Earth. and I couldn't be more excited. I am well on my way to GREATNESS! I am so ready and so excited! And I love that you are going to be here with me along the way!



We still have one more love language to discuss. Physical Touch. That post will come a little later.

So we'll see you later!

post signature Pin It Now!

February 01, 2013

Coffee or Tea? V.Log #1

Happy Friday friends! Welcome to Coffee or Tea.. (I think I'm going to change the name of this series.) I'm obviously not drinking tea at the moment. haha.. more like sharing some awesome tidbits of my week. Any suggestions eh eh ?

While you are reading/watching this I'm on the long road to visit my awesome family. I wanted this first video to be much cooler HA! but I'm tight on time so this is gonna have to work. HEY HEY you get to stare at a REALLY cute baby.. Thats plenty of goodness...right??




If you haven't signed up for the newsletter... I'm not sending February's out until I get back from VACAY (next week) so you can still get in on February's.

Joining Alissa over at Rags to Stitches for a coffee date.

Thank You for being YOU.

post signature Pin It Now!