Oh Heyyyyyyy!!

First I have to give a shout out to Aly for getting me back in the blogging mood. Sometimes ya just get in a funk and can't come up with worthwhile topics. Let's hope I can keep this thing up this go 'round!

So here's what we've been up to in the past 6 months- bullet style...

*We lost my father in law in March, I think everyone is still adjusting to life without his sweet smile.

*Gerrad and I celebrated surviving 7 years of marital bliss.

*We've played a lot of golf, and put the girls in lessons. Keep your fingers crossed they stick with the sport and get some scholarships when the time comes ;)

*Addaline had her first dance recital, it was the cutest thing ever, and I 'probably' cried.

*G and I went to a Royals game and actually saw them win- holla!

*We went to the pool entirely too much, and laid out like total divas.

*I celebrated a great couple getting married with some of my favorite ladies!

*I organized and ran a fireworks stand for our churches missions trip fundraiser, and barely survived it. Setting up and taking down that business when it's 110* is NO JOKE!

*We went to the pool some more.

*Oh and then we went to the lake quite a bit also. Life has been super rough for us this summer, don't ya think?!

*Yep that's me in a bikini- never thought I'd see that day again. I've been working out like a mad woman, and have dropped almost 30 lbs and G's lost 40+lbs. Look for a post all about my weight loss journey next week (for those that are interested).

*Someone got a new tat!

*I finally got my 10 year old to pose for a photo with her momma!

*My oldest 'baby' started the 5th grade, say WHA?!

*And then celebrated turning 10 at the end of that very same week school started. I think she was trying to kill her mothers tear ducts!

*Someone else had a birthday-  good 'ol 29. Look out world, I plan to fully enjoy my last year in my 20's.

*Someone got Chiefs season tickets for Fathers Day/his birthday/and every other holiday for the next year. I must say, I'm looking forward to a little tailgating action next month! 

*Gerrad has been working a crazy schedule the past 6 months, so that's why he's never pictured. Feels like he's always at work, but we're super grateful he's such a hard worker!

So there's our life in the past 6 months. I'm looking forward to catching up with you all!

Words on Motherhood

Sometimes motherhood is tough. I will be the first to admit it. Sometimes I put on a really good front that we have it all together, and that I am the perfect mom, when in reality, some days are FAR from it. Yesterday was one of those days. Being a mom is the most rewarding, yet challenging jobs there is. I am home with the girls, so I'm with them all the time, except while they're at school, and the occasional outing when I run errands alone (rarely), or squeeze in some much needed girlfriend time. Sometimes that has it's advantages, and sometimes it has it's disadvantages. Sometimes I feel like I snap a little too quick when it's been a long day/week, sometimes I feel like my patience is worn thin because I'm their sole caretakers since Gerrad works long days. I also feel like sometimes I'm entirely too hard on myself, yesterday was also one of those days.

With out over sharing, Macie has been having some issues at school with friends. Some her fault, other's not her fault. She is learning a hard lesson that all of us females learn, and it's tough on my mom heart to let her make the mistakes, and not be able to control what she says/does. I know children have to figure things out for themselves, but watching them do it, and sometimes fail is HARD.

I try so very hard, to show my girls God's love, and set good examples for them, but I fail on a daily basis. Sometimes I need extra help, from my husband, my mom, friends, etc... I wish there was a handbook I could just pick up when times got rough, and there would be a simple solution for my problem right there in writing. Why hasn't anyone invented this yet?! (Kidding, kind of)

These words are so true.

Sometimes I think I need to give myself a little credit, and try not to be critical. I need to put my controlling nature aside, and give it to the One who knows what's best.

Tonight before bed, the girls and I tried something a little different. We each said one thing that we love about each other, and I wrote them down. I think positive reinforcement/praise is something our family needs to work on. Negativity stays with you for so long, and breaks you down. I want to make a change for the girls, so I'm praying this sticks. Conveniently, in the girls' devotional tonight, the topic was about loving yourself. Thanks for the sign, God.

Things That Make Me Laugh-2

I've blogged about my love/disgust for Toddlers and Tiaras before. Some of you agree, some of you think the show is ridiculous, I agree with both sides. The mothers of these children have some serious issues. Can we say "living vicariously through your child" ?!!

Mackenzie is still my all time favorite pageant girl (maybe), but last week I was watching the show, and discovered Alana. There are no words, other than WOW. The mom, talk about hot mess, but an oh so funny hot mess, at that.



I'm ashamed to say, I've watched this video no less than probably 50 times. Aly and I spent the better part of last week joking about it. I think I have the whole video memorized by now, don't judge. Laugh a little!

Lately

Hey all. I thought I'd finally make an appearance on the 'ol blog. I miss y'all so much, and think my blogging break is finally over. I have been debating shutting down my blog, but then I'd miss out on so much I think. I promise I'll catch up with each and every one of you soon. Sometimes it's hard to find the words and/or the time to dedicate to blogging, but I desperately miss it. It's been a few months since I opened up this blog and freely spoke my mind. It's like therapy sometimes, and I need it back!

So what have we been up to lately you ask?

 The girls are doing great. It's been such a mild winter (knock on wood), that we've been enjoying going with out our coats, playing outside, taking walks, having the windows open and just enjoying life.

 I feel like my 'baby' turned into a big preschooler over night, and it makes me sad. This girl can write her name with the best of them, makes this momma SO proud.

 My big girl has such a big heart for Jesus. She is constantly making these signs for her door, her sisters door, her walls, etc... She spends time reading her bible, praying with her sister and I, and makes me strive to be a good example for her and Addaline each day.

I've decided, thanks to Jenn posting this on twitter, that I think I'll join this fun February photo challenge. What better way to keep track of a month, than by photos?! Thanks again Jenn for the inspiration. It will also give me something to blog about hopefully. Double win!

Gerrad and my dad have gotten me hooked on a new hobby... say hello to my latest purchase, a .45mm handgun. Look out world, momma's packing heat :)

Hopefully you'll see more of me around here, and that G will be back with his Friday Funnies. If you have any fun link ups you participate in, send them my way, anything to give me a little help getting back into the swing of things.

Friday Funnies! #2

Hello again, seasons greetings to everyone! Hope you are finishing up all your holiday shopping and getting ready to enjoy some great holidays w/ the family!

Thought I'd bring you some more Friday funnies

There would be a lot of upset Americans!

I would have two or three pairs of these and need to wear them daily!

Who doesn't like quality outdoor time?

Now for my favorite: Funny Vids

Hope you got the extended warranty on that new flat screen!



All i can say is, better him, than me!??



Stupid Bike!



I guess that's one way to get it into the water???




The scary thing is....I've seen this happen first hand! Water has some ridiculous power!

My Favorite:

Friday Funnies!

Welp folks, I'm back again. I have coerced molly into letting me take over her blog on Fridays to post my version of Friday Funnies! These Fridays will consist of my views on some of the funny stuff i find searching the web. Of course, not all will see my posts as being funny...but i guarantee they will be funnier than that dumb 4th of July tribute Molly loves so much!!!!

I love the Dos X's commercial. 

We got coach purse, and fendi glasses, but no pants???

Hilarious! But mean!!!

Why cant all women be this understanding???

That's all for this week! I don't wanna waste all my material the first week! Until next time! Adios!!!

Behind the blog: The husbands point of view!

I finally got Gerrad to blog for me. Not too bad for his first time. My comments are in pink :) Enjoy! Thanks again G.

Welp, here we go. My first guest blog. Molly has been begging me to do this for some time now, and I guess since I did just get a new laptop I might as well put this thing to use.  In exchange for the daily motorcycle parts search and funny video watching. I think I have found mollys newest biggest pet peeve. I am a sucker for hilarious, viral videos. The thing about the videos I watch…they are not anything molly would. I find these hilarious videos and forward them to molly only to get the response “quit sending me this crap” (Y'all most of these videos are SO raunchy, you'd die).  Its funny, what’s good for one isn’t good for the other.  I’m supposed to be just uber thrilled to watch “crap” molly sends me. Prime example seen below.... (This video is hilarious, clearly Gerrad has no sense of humor)

Molly and her friend Ashley have contributed to at least 261,XXX views of this video. No one else could watch this and think its funny.  

Here lately in the Hall household we have been on this chill on the couch and watch movies mood. We haven’t been out doing too much.  Its actually quite nice to be able to just take a break and hang out with the girls. This sounds like I’m part of some woman's group but being in a family of all females its always a woman's group around here.  I have just learned to deal with all the estrogen flowing abundantly here. I have lately gotten our youngest to take some interest in some fun guy stuff (She's still MY baby and always will be). We watch football together whenever we have the opportunity. We recently attended our first Demolition Derby (Where you'll find our towns finest). To see this little girl so amazed that people just crash cars for no reason is so hilarious. 

We had an awesome time and she loved that her little friend chloe and her brother jacob got to attend too!

When molly first asked me to guest blog for her, i was totally shocked. I really wasn't into the whole blogging thing...but have recently been asking molly why she hasn't been more consistent on blogging. I never thought blog reading would be something i could take part in...but i have found a few lately that i read on a daily basis. Of course they're not crafty, pinterest ideas. But i seem to enjoy them....find them here.  (He is in denial that y'all care about his football blogs ;))

I've been instructed to cut it short cause i'm not talking about girly things....maybe i should just start my own blog and be able to talk about testosterone and sports etc. Until next time....thanks for reading!