Beautiful Mess

The past 2 years have been filled with so many different experiences and emotions. The good, the bad, and the ugly, I’ve been there done that. I have laughed hard with good friends, cried until I couldn’t open my eyes, and loved until every ounce of me hurt. I've struggled through lessons life has taught me, and questioned my purpose about 4.5 million times. I've left the most amazing city in the world, and married the most incredible man I have ever known. I've brought life into this world, survived a house fire, resigned from a job that provided financial security for my family, and picked up a camera that has taken me down a new road. I've taught myself to use that camera though many times I have wanted to put it away and just give up. But something always takes me back to it. I love that camera. I love the stories that it captures.

My life is wonderful in so many ways, abundantly blessed by my Savior. Nothings ever perfect but the one who saved me. For that I am relieved. I am at peace knowing that my growing list of "to do's" may never be checked off, that my house will never be spotless and that I will never know everything about everything. I am thankful that I get to spend time with my soul mate and together lead our incredible little boy in the way he should go.

I am a beautiful mess for sure, but even in the mess... I am blessed.

Arms Up

When Maddox was born, my hubby and I were intrigued by Your Baby Can Read program. We were not as intrigued by the price of the full program, almost $400 for everything. I had met some mom's who had 1 1/2 year olds actually reading words and they would demonstrate to prove it. Since we are on a budget, my incredible husband began to look for the program on EBAY. One day, he found a complete program unopened and of course we went for it and he was a master at winning the bid. $145 later- it was being shipped to our door. Maddox was 4 months old when he started the program and it became a part of his daily routine- right after playtime in the morning and before his nap. I have the first video memorized "Hi, my name is Aleka. We are going to spell some words". And yes, HI was the first word on the video.

Another phrase that is repeated in the first DVD is "ARMS UP, Can you put your arms up"? We always say that to Maddox, just playing around. Even my parents and my brother kinda make fun of us always saying and showing the words "Arms Up" and demonstrating the action for Maddox.

Today we were completely surprised when Maddox showed us this....



Needless to say, the program is working. I can't explain the feeling I had when my little man showed us what he is learning. If you have ever wondered about the program or considered purchasing it, I highly recommend.

That's Mrs. Domestic to you

I have to tell you that life on the road has really prevented me from being the chef and home manager that I would love to be. (Notice I said chef...not Betty Crocker and home manager... not homemaker- get with it it's 2010!) wink. Needless to say, I haven't exactly had time to organize, rearrange furniture, garden, or plan meal time like I would like to. Okay who's kidding who here, the gardening I would fail at even if I had time. But the other three things, I can do!

A good friend of mine (who has an amazing blog), just does this home management thing so well. I am so fascinated by how organized and prepared she always is. Even in my travels, I can always navigate to her blog, MUSES OF MEGRET and find some kind of inspiration. From crafts and activities to life experiences and menus, she just has a way of inspiring you.

One of the things that I have always loved that she does is plan out a weekly menu. This week, I decided to make my list and plan ahead, hoping that it will save our family a little money. I was in doubt a little, but quickly changed my mind when the clerk at the register told me my total. We saved approximately 25.00 just this week alone on groceries, and that does not even include meals we would have had eating out.

I had to share with you tonight's dish- cause it was yummy. This was the first time I have baked my very own homemade pizza. It was an UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME BBQ CHICKEN PIZZAEven my hubby was amazed.
Oh, and my Maddox... completely excited. I had to share this video.

Makes you smile huh?

Change is around the corner

It is hard to believe that after 8+ years I am officially leaving the cosmetic industry to open my very own business. This week marks one of my final weeks teaching product, artistry and selling skills. It is a bittersweet move, but one that I am looking forward to.

I began my love affair with lipstick many years ago when I was hired to work for Bobbi Brown. I still have dates with my moisture balm and cannot live without my light bisque corrector for under the eyes. Working for Bobbi took me to Charlotte, Alabama, Atlanta and then finally the fashion capital- New York City. I still love Bobbi's products and believe it is some of the best out there.

I met THIS GUY and fell head over hills in love. I wanted to marry him and his blue eyes quickly led me back to Atlanta we got married. I took an Education job with Bare Escentuals and was not quite sure if I could ever love a brand as much as I loved Bobbi. Little did I know that I would find another love and yes, it was BE.

At BE, I have met some amazing people and used some incredible product (my favorites are the Renew and Reveal Facial Cleanser, Fruit Cocktail Blush & Luminous Mineral Foundation in Golden Medium). I never in a million years thought I could fall eyes over lips in love with another brand, but I did. One thing that I have learned from working at BE is that you never can stop having fun and you should never take the fun out of makeup. What a wonderful journey it has been.

But now on to other things... like this little guy. I mean what Mommy would not want to spend more time off the road traveling and more time making this little guy smile. His smile lights up a room. I love you Maddox!
So much around the corner... like my business SUGAR SNAP PHOTOGRAPHY. It is the little details that make life so interesting and what a honor it is to be able to capture those details for so many other people. Plus, I get all the free photography I want now, so I can capture that cutie up above as much as I would like to. I never dreamed that I would have the idea to start my own business and that it would take off so quickly. Who am I to be chosen to capture life as art for others?

Leaving a job that has been so wonderful and a career that has been a part of who I am for so long can be scary. The Lord is so awesome to provide me with this opportunity and I am thankful that I have a full book already for September.

PS. I also will be working part time at a friends bridal shop (A Perfect Dress in Anderson) and can't wait to dive into that as well. I can't seem to stay away from the girly stuff!

Looking forward to exciting times!

My little boy is half a year old!

It seems like yesterday all he did was sleep and now all he wants to do is play.Today he is 6 months old. Where has time gone.

Maddox loves...
Mommy and Daddy
Soho (our new dog... he has taken to her- he likes Manny too but Soho is different for him)
Baby Einstein
Apples or Green Peas (made by Mommy)
Any kind of drink with a straw in it
Watermelon
Snuggling with Mommy every morning
Swimming with Daddy

He is our sweet sweet boy. I adore watching him grow up. Just wish it would slow down a bit.

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