Odds & Ends
Happy Thursday, y’all! Today’s post is super random with all of the odds and the ends. Starting with the opening picture, which I randomly found on Pinterest yesterday. Reid and I saw an interview with Carrie Underwood years ago where she said that she rewards herself with gold stars in her planner each day that she eats well and works out. There have been MANY times where we have asked each other if we earned a gold star that day while digging into a Fritos bag or gallon of ice cream! Cracks us up for some reason.
DECLARE CONFERENCE
So, I went to the Declare Conference last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and IT WAS AMAZING! I mentioned it in last Thursday’s post and then I put several things on my Lunchbox Babies Instagram page throughout the conference. The last conference I went to was during my days in the corporate world, and heels and business suits were the attire. I learned very quickly that (1) a blogging and writers conference is much more casual, and (2) rocking 4-inch heels for 12 hours a day, 3 days in a row no longer works for my aging body. Goodness gracious, am I thankful for my chiropractor. 😉
So, remember back when you were in school? Do you remember that feeling of trying to fit in, being socially awkward, and just trying to survive? Basically, my entire three years of middle school. Total tangent, but . . . my second day of 6th grade, I wore this precious red little denim dress with ruffles around the hem. It sounds amazing, doesn’t it?!?! Well, while hurrying to class in the main 6th grade hallway, and trying to look super cool, I tripped, feel on my face, and my cute dress flew over my head to show those behind me my underwear. I jumped up and ran off before their shocked faces turned into hysterical laughter. For years, this was my most embarrassing moment ever. Middle school was awesome.
I think some of us still have moments of feeling awkward in social situations. Or, maybe that is just me? Anyway, that was how I was feeling leading up to the Declare Conference. My goal was to make some friends (I mean, do I sound like one of my kids?), be inspired, and get a long-term game plan for Lunchbox Babies. Let me just say that the Declare Conference set my pants on fire. My to do list is currently so long that I am not quite sure where to begin. But, I can say that there are some pretty fun things rattling around in my head. I am looking forward to growing our community and having y’all on this journey with me!
So . . . all of this to say:
(1) The Declare Conference was amazing! Thanks to Heather MacFadyen of Don’t Mom Alone for inviting me and for always being so supportive, and
(2) Socially awkward people unite! I usually feel like I have it all together, but apparently we are all just one new situation from feeling like our red denim ruffle dress flew over our heads in the middle school hallway!
OCTOBER
October is one of my favorite months of the year. It means fall weather, football, the State Fair of Texas, and so much outdoor fun. I learned this year, that October is now even more special to me. Way back in 1988, President Ronald Reagan designated October as the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Each year, the movement gains steam, and I am so honored to add my voice. One in four women will experience a miscarriage in their life. One in four! We are not alone AT ALL! If you are just now going through this, I know that you feel alone. It is so lonely. Just know that so many of us have walked that road, and are here for you.
If you have experienced a miscarriage, I am so sorry. But, through this month, I challenge you to open up to someone about your experience. That can mean talking to a friend or family member or just texting me! It is SO amazing how many random texts I have gotten over the last six months just saying “I just want you to know that I have an angel in Heaven” or “I had a miscarriage too”. How liberating to be able to share that VERY personal side to your story.
MOMS IN THE MAKING CONFERENCE
Through my work with Lunchbox Babies, I have met some pretty amazing women. One new friend, Caroline, created Moms in the Making. The 2nd annual Moms in the Making conference is this Friday and Saturday at the Irving Bible Church in Irving, Texas. Please see the flyer below for this amazing experience. This would have been amazing resource that I totally would have enjoyed during my journey. Caroline tells me that tickets are still available. Check it out, and please let me know if you choose to go. I would love to pray for you and your time at the Moms in the Making conference.
NEXT WEEK
So much fun stuff coming next week. Including a new book review. I definitely read one of the my FAVORITE books of the year! I can’t wait to share with you!
giveaway
Congratulations to Sarah (@smcanitia) for winning the gift cards to Liz & Honey, Stella & Dot, and BeautyCounter! I will be messaging you later today, so be on the lookout for that! Thanks to everyone for entering to win the Women Supporting Women giveaway from last week! Please don’t forget to do some early Christmas shopping with these awesome businesses! There are some awesome deals always going on!
Liz & Honey. Click here to shop with Kristen, Janey & Margo!
Stella & Dot. Click here to shop with Kim!
BeautyCounter. Click here to shop with Misty!
Have a great weekend! XO
