The Grocery Trip

So Sunday night, I had to go to the grocery store. It was a desperate situation! We had run out of nearly every staple! I do my best to avoid a trip with all my kids, but desperate times call for desperate measures! I had waited until after dinner to make the trip, which seemed like a good idea at the time waiting to go until after food intake. So, we set out on our journey. Like a good mom, I discussed the trip beforehand. I discussed the importance of good behavior and not asking for everything. In the back of my head I had thought I would get them each one thing, but didn't tell them that decision.

It started out well! I got the extra large, too big to steer well, car cart. Liam and Chase gladly jumped in to my delight! Justice and Titus weren't too happy as they wanted in as well, but took the disappointment in stride. I began with the produce and bread, all good at this point. We were rocking along, then approaching the lunchmeat and hotdogs, Liam tells me he needs to potty! UGGHH!!! Not the public restroom at the super market!! It is the most wigging me out public restroom on the planet!! I tried to get a couple more isles in because the restroom was in the middle of the store. But, he gave me the I am going to pee in my pants look to which I had to make a move. So, the cart had groceries and having all four with me, I sent Justice in the bathroom with Liam. Still, we were doing okay, Liam had gone potty, and I had found the fish counter had a bottle of hand sanitizer for post bathroom germ cleaning, so we were in good shape! That is about the time things started to unravel with the snack isle. The kids began asking for countless items and the once cool car cart didn't seem so cool to Liam and Chase. Titus took that disinterest and hopped on in, which then lead to Liam and Chase becoming interested again. The three of them took turns in and out and sometimes on top of the cart. We started getting looks at this point I believe. Then, something really precious happened at in front of the poptarts. Titus and Liam were begging me for a box and I was trying to be strong when a sweet young woman handed me a coupon for a free box of poptarts.  She said I needed them more than she did. The next isle over she chased me down and gave me another coupon. This would be the Lord because the rest of the trip was a blur! I was a mother hen wrangling my chicks! At one point I put my head on the handle of the cart while 3 out of 4 kids cried and my efforts to calm them were to no avail. I felt like a failure! My kids were melting down in public. I could feel the stares and hear the giggles from onlookers! I wondered if the trip would ever end! Oh, and it finally did with Liam throwing a nice size tantrum for a box of ice cream bars that I would not buy. Yup! I was that mom! The cashier did compliment me on tuning my kid's fit out and not giving in.

As I walked to the van with my now much calmer kids all of a sudden, I breathed a sigh of relief! It was over! I had survived! My nerves seemed to come back in place and we had food for the week to boot! Although painful and embarrassing at times, this would still go in the books as a success, that although my kids were a hot mess, I wasn't! I had maintained my calm, I had not melted down! Those coupons from that kind stranger was a gift from God, that even in the midst of the strain and stress He is there and my strength comes from Him. Without Him I would have not faired nearly as well! He is my rock that I stand upon. "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!" Phil. 4:13. He has given me all I need to raise these boys! Although this was a tough trip in many aspects, the Lord was so good and gave me such encouragement that I can make it through anything with His help and grace! To Him be the glory!

Living With No Regrets

I have a very indecisive nature about me. Ask my mother, she will tell you. She used to hate going to a drive through with me as it would take me 10 minutes to order with cars honking behind her! Not quite that bad, but still true. My indecisiveness comes from a fear of regretting. I don't want to regret anything, even if it is what I want for lunch. I am also a planner and think of all the options and details going into a plan. Often after a decision is made I do feel regret and experience buyer's remorse. I don't take tags off until right before I wear something and try it on again when I get home in case I want to return it. I love my husband's ability to buy something and immediately bring it home take all the tags off and throw them in the dirty clothes hamper to wash (which I think it is weird he washes new clothes, perhaps he thinks someone tried them on and left their microbes behind). Anyway, lately, I am working on myself in this area. I give myself stress and regret with my decisions. I hold back and think too much! So, I have tried to not overthink and to go with my gut instinct.  I pray and give it to God and act on what He leads me to do. It has really helped me ditch the regrets! Regretting only holds me down! God doesn't want me wallowing in regret if it is small or significant, I know God wants me to live in freedom! This is an area that has dragged me down! Not anymore!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" Hebrews 12:1

Challenges and Blessings Go Hand in Hand

My children constantly remind me of God's truths! They constantly teach me life lessons and lead me to the heart of God! Today was a day that I am reminded that the hardest things we face in life often lead to the greatest blessings! This seems to be particularly true and pertinent in parenting! We struggle and churn. We cry and ache. Our hearts are pulled and stretched. We pour our soul out to God and beg for answers! Sometimes the answers come and sometimes we wait.

Today, I watched and listened as my son, Justice, spoke to a room full of children and parents about what he learned this semester in his after school Bible study. I reflected on this past year in his life and was in awe of what the Lord had done in his life! I recounted the tears and sadness, frustrations and anger we had experienced. I remembered the late night talks and encouraging words, prayers and Bible verses I had shared with him. I thought about the daily prayers I had made for him. God has truly done a work in his heart and life this past year! I could not have been more blessed to hear his heart! We still have many more years ahead of us in raising him to be a man after God's heart and struggles continue in areas, but this day I just blessed!

After getting home I spent an hour with Titus doing homework. The hour was not spent totally working on homework, it was a constant battle to refocus and stay on task. He wanted to roll around dive head first into my lap or check on what his brothers were doing in another room. Many things in life are a struggle to do with Titus. He doesn't want to get off the computer to take a bath or go outside and play if he has spent too much time on a video game. He has had intense eating issues since infancy. He has had many health issues and developmental delays. This past year I finally received his Autism Spectrum diagnosis. It was expected and was hoped for. I wanted him to receive the right services and be understood better by others. I know Titus, I love Titus for who he is, but I knew it would help others to understand him better. Nothing changed the day I found out. Titus is Titus. He is an amazing little boy, surprises me daily and gives me a greater perspective on life. All the therapy, extra effort and patience he needs is so worth it. The challenges that are a part of raising him make the little moments of success that much sweeter. From the small things like flying through a math sheet, big bear hugs of happiness when he earns all smiley faces to getting all E's (A's for those not in early elementary school), are huge blessings to me!

I really want to keep this perspective in the front of my mind. Challenges in life often lead to the greatest blessings. The challenges and struggles are what makes the moments in the sun that much more bright. The things worth having in life come with trials and work. "We know that God works all things together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose." Rom. 8:28. The tough things in life so often lead to good.

The Tale of Two Days!

Wow! How good a bath feels at the end of a long, busy day! Add a little stress/tension relief bath salts and I am back in business! Haha!

I had the tale of two days today! I had a glorious time with Titus at the Pumpkin Patch! It was the perfect fall day and Titus ate up every moment! I love when I can see my child get fulfillment and his love tank filled! It was glorious!

The rest of the day, not so good! Chase has an ear infection, rushing to get things done, discovering my cat peed on my bathroom mat, getting kids in bed, my brain not working due to lack of sleep, here we are at 11:30 again, blogging!

I have got to get to bed, I have a full day tomorrow, making memories, raising young men, teaching, loving, growing! So, I leave tonight, with one of my favorite quotes that keeps me going, from a very inspiring movie...Finding Nemo as Dori would say "Just keep swimming." That is what I intend to do!

Wrecking Ball

I feel like I have been hit by a wrecking ball with each obstacle that presents itself in my life! The breathe has been knocked out of me and I don't have the answer. I am up a creek with no paddle! Only the Lord knows my future and what lies in front of me. I am thankful I cannot see the future as there would be more to stress over.

So, I must pull it back together. I cannot lie in agony and frustration. I cannot soak in the fear and uncertainty. But it is certainly not within me to make this adjustment and leap in faith. In my normal human self, I just want to collapse in grief, but that is not what the Lord would call me to do. I won't say I am not in turmoil inside, but I will take my turmoil to the Lord and only He can do the work inside of me to make me right. I am reminded of the song I sang in church growing up, "God will make a way when there seems to be no way, He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me." In this season of my life this song holds more and more meaning. I am thankful. So my focus is to dwell on those words of encouragement and take it all to Him. It is still there, but it is His!

On Empty

I'm on a roll, two late nights in a row! Who am I kidding though, I am up late every night! Okay, too much rhyming!

Anyway, My mind is pretty blank as far as deep thoughts go. Feeling a little empty. I am glad to know the one who can fill me up!

After getting back from taking Justice to the after hours urgent care to check on a fever and mouth sores, which turned out to not be serious, but was able to get some mouth cream, I am wiped. On top of that I had a busy day walking life's path with my kids as usual. My goal really is to not take in my stress, not sweating the small things, getting enough rest (which may include a nap tomorrow), basically I need to take care of myself. I need to fill my tank so I can take care of my children and husband. I need to breathe in the Lord and His truth into my life! I am empty, but I know what I need to do to be filled!

Back to Posting-what I live for!

I am back to posting after a busy weekend! Yes, it is in fact 11:20 p.m. Monday night after Justice's last football game. Having gotten the little athlete off to bed not long ago after helping him recover from being sad football is over and cranky over the littlest issue. Boys can have drama too let me tell you! Bless him!

So, this will be short and sweet needless to say! I live for my children! I mean I really live for them! This is the life the Lord has blessed me with and I live to do His will and His will for me is them! Before I go to bed each night I look on my kids as they sleep. There is NOTHING more precious to me, than seeing my sleeping babies (and yes, my 9 year old is my baby). I live to make their memories. I am so ready to go to the Pumpkin Patch on Thursday with Titus! Taking the boys to the trunk or treat was so fulfilling just seeing them drink in the moment! Each one of my boys are so different, unique and special in their own ways and I treasure their God given abilities, gifts and personalities! So, my focus for today is to continue to treasure them! They are what I live for! This is what I live for!

Monogram Scarf Scarves at EmilyRoseJewellery.com

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Hope In Front of Me

The focus of my post for today came from my drive to Kroger at 9:30 pm last night. While enjoying a peaceful drive to the store following a very rushed bedtime, my current favorite song came on the radio "Hope in Front of Me" by former American Idol contestant Danny Gokey. It is a song about going through dark places in life and remaining hopeful with the Lord by your side. I am in a time of survival right now. Life is busy with four children no doubt and Ron is working so much that I am overwhelmed by all that is one my plate. I am not doing all that much outside the home, just maintaining our home life is all consuming. I am tired! I am stretched beyond my limits, beyond my abilities, beyond my strength. For today, I am choosing to focus on hope. I love the prevailing theme in "The Hunger Games" book series that hope if powerful. The books do not give the true source of hope coming from the Lord and that is really what makes hope so powerful. Although, these days seem so dark and life is so trying, I choose to hope in the Lord. I see hope in my children, playing puppets with Liam and Chase at the library, Titus getting all E's on his report card, seeing the joy and fulfillment in Justice as he plays football, hope is truly in front of me. I struggle though feeling powerless to meet the expectations of myself, hitting walls in the world, and feeling uncertain about the future. My house is messy, I get my children to bed too late, I forget things, I am not as productive as I would like to be, the list goes on and on. But, I have hope! Instead of dwelling on my weaknesses and shortcomings, I am choosing to focus on hope. I really have to, because if the frustrations and stress get to me I am not doing anybody any good and that includes my children. Mommy can't be what they need me to be if I am self focused, living in pity and doubt. Hope carries me! His hope carries me! My hope is in the Lord!

"'The Lord is my portion' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in Him.'" Lamentations 3:24

Focus

I have decided to take back up blogging. Many years ago I started my blog in the hopes to record memories and stories from motherhood when my first son Justice was born. Blogging was a new phenomenon and I was excited to enter that world. But, as time passed and life got busier as more boys were born in our lives, I got away from posting. So, I had thought about picking it up for some months now and am diving back in. My goal will be to post once a day. In thinking about the direction I want to go I felt the Lord leading me to center my posts related to a focus point for each day of my life and share about what I am doing to reach that goal. Focus points will be for any area of my life (motherhood, Christian walk, autism, health, stress, church, marriage, my online business, homeschooling, etc.)

For today, I am starting with the idea of being a pioneer. In history, Justice is learning about Daniel Boone, an early American Pioneer noted for clearing a trail to Kentucky. Daniel Boone faced many hardships including losing his brother, being kidnapped, hunger, and uncertainty. I love how the history book we have promotes the lessons we can learn about these historical figures. I know Justice is learning valuable life lessons, but I am also gaining insights and looking deeper into my own life from what these men in women did. In reading about Daniel Boone, as a pioneer he blazed a trail for others to follow. As a mother, I am blazing a trail for my children to follow. It is an immense responsibility that I have in the lives of my children. So, for today, I am thinking about how I am being a pioneer for the little boys God has given me from the simplest of actions and for the deep conversations, showing them the way to Christ and how we can live our lives for Him.

“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6)

Gold Bar and Silver Bar Necklace from EmilyRoseJewellery Engravable

EmilyRoseJewellery is excited to introduce our new collection of personalized bar necklaces.  These necklace can be worn by themselves or layered with a long chain or short chain.

EmilyRoseJewellery specializes in #monogram #jewelry but loves to create and offer cute fashionable styles. 

Gold tone jewelry continues to be the highlight in numerous runways and magazines ranging from contemporary classic to extravagant pieces. I have to admit, I wasn’t “all in” on gold tone as I have always preferred silver.  But I have really taken a liking to all of the cute pieces of gold jewelry and accents

Visit www.emilyrosejewellery.com for #gold #monogram #necklaces, #earrings, and #bracelets that stand out both when worn alone or layered together. These bright embellishments will pull your whole look together and are perfect for all year round. The Gold-plated trend continues into Fall 2014. Gold accessories are perfect for accentuating the colorful pastel tones and adding some sparkle to your outfit.

Suede Tassel Monogram Necklaces and Charms

Charms, baubles and bling adorn summer and fall trends! www.EmilyRoseJewellery.com has a cute set of suede accent charm tassels that will add a simple pop of color, style and personality to any jewelry piece (monogram necklace or bracelet) or to one of your accessories like a key-fob, wallet, or purse or backpack.

Gold Monogram Necklace and Tassel

Though you might associate tassels with stuffy furniture trimmings and graduation caps, these slinky ornaments has swiftly become one of the summer season's most important fashion accents! And you can expect that trend to continue into fall.  Why not?  These flirty, decorative embellishments work so well so many girly things. And what's not to love?

 Not only are tassels incredibly versatile--they can be worn as earrings, dangle from your handbag, as accent pieces to a bracelet or necklace--they bring a fun, playful, energy to all of your wardrobe accessories. Even better: you can find them in array of exciting colors, from shocking neon hues to warm neutral tones, making them an easy-to-wear accent that everyone can enjoy! Accordingly, you should find your own ways to incorporate a hint of fringe into your everyday looks. Hope you enjoy them!

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20% Off at www.emilyrosejewellery.com now through Tuesday August 5th. Use coupon code SUM2014 at checkout!

New Polka Dot and Striped Infinity Scarves at EmilyRoseJewellery

I love scarves in the fall, but I just couldn’t wait until fall to show you our new collection of infinity scarves. EmilyRoseJewellery has added new solid infinity scarves and these super cute black and white and beige and white polka dot and stripe scarves.  Add a cute monogram and they become absolutely adorable.   They are sure to add a fashionable extra layer to any outfit.

 In a season of instability a scarf can be the difference between a chilly evening or a comfy and warm night on the town. This fall look no further than EmilyRoseJewellery for your must-have infinity scarf, it’s quick and easy and can update and warm up any ensemble.

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New Arabesque Moroccan Style Acrylic Monogram Necklaces at EmilyRoseJewellery

New Arabesque Moroccan Style Acrylic Monogram Necklaces

If you are in love with the Moroccan prints and arabesque accessories then you will love these super cute acrylic monogram initial necklaces.  They can be ordered in a variety of colors in gold or silver accent.

visit www.emilyrosejewellery.com for more

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Gold Tone Monogram Jewelry available at EmilyRoseJewellery

Gold tone jewelry continues to be the highlight in numerous runways and magazines ranging from contemporary classic to extravagant pieces. I have to admit, I wasn’t “all in” on gold tone as I have always preferred silver. But I have really taken a liking to all of the cute pieces of gold jewelry and accents

Visit www.emilyrosejewellery.com for #gold#monogram #necklaces, #earrings, and #bracelets that stand out both when worn alone or layered together. These bright embellishments will pull your whole look together and are perfect for all year round. The Gold-plated trend continues into Fall 2014. Gold accessories are perfect for accentuating the colorful pastel tones and adding some sparkle to your outfit.

New Preppy Monogrammed Ball Caps and Beach Accessories

Warm and sunny weather is finally here and we are planning our beach get-aways. Looking cute while being organized hase never been easier with our collection of summer jewelry like these bright monogram initial acrylic necklaces and accessories like our new monogram initial ball caps in preppy fun colors. We have all the hot trends…bright beach accents, and monogram nautical striped beach totes, and fun personalization options like anchors mixed with monograms.



What girl doesn’t need several ball caps…brighten up your personalize cap selection with these fun new colors like our on-trend monogram initial coral ball cap, or a deep teal or mint ball cap with a super cute monogram. Our khaki hat is a great neutral and goes well with just about everything. Need a larger sun hat…we have them too! The Floppy sun hats will look great with your monogrammed initials. Is there a special someone’s birthday coming up…Emilyrosejewellery has a great selection of monogrammed silver earrings, monogrammed silver rings, and other personalized jewelry and gifts that are truly a special gift option.

Neon and bright colored accessories are this Summer’s hottest trend (Summer 2013). Bright Fuchsia Pink, Orange, Yellows, and neon green hues can be seen accessorizing every look this summer. Add a glow to your wardrobe this season with one of these acrylic monogram necklaces. You can transform a plain outfit just by adding a pop of neon to softer tones such as those mint and pink pastel skinny jeans that are so popular. These acrylic monogram initial necklaces will make you feel on trend while adding a bounce to your step with a personalized touch. 

Need bright colors and neon for your beach gear. EmilyRoseJewellery has several mega cute monogram nautical striped beach totes and super cute pool totes to complete your looks. Monogrammed Initial Cooler totes are the perfect accessory for a day trip to the pool or for a casual walk from the hotel to the beach. These monogram cooler totes come in Fuchsia, Tangerine Orange, and Lime and can hold your to beach towel, sunglasses, and cell phone, while also enabling you to store a cool drink and snack in the bottom cooler compartment.

Want to keep the sun out of your eyes while adding to your super cute beach outfit, be sure to get one of EmilyRoseJewellery’s monogram initial ball caps or monogram sun hats.

EmilyRoseJewellery also offers monogram initial koozies, monogram beach towels, and pool wraps perfect for the lake, pool, or beach and monogram jewelry and gifts for those summer nights and summer events in 2013.

New Monogram Lockets make great graduation gifts and gifts for her

If you love jewelry like me, then you will absolutely love our new gold and silver monogram initial lockets.

There’s something special about lockets that make them better than your normal pendant. Maybe it is because lockets are usually received from a loved one or because they hold a picture of someone really important in your life. These lockets make great customizable gifts as they allow you to engrave the monogram initials on the gift recipient on the front, and then you can either add a picture inside the locket or print off words of encouragement to put inside them. Whether as a personalized monogram piece for yourself, or as a gift to a loved one, these lockets are great pieces to keep in one’s jewelry chest.


EmilyRoseJewellery.com also offers individual charms and birthstones to go along with these lockets so that you can really create something unique, special, and truly one-of-a-kind. What sets these lockets apart is that you can wear them close to your heart and have them as a centerpiece for every outfit you wear. They make accessorizing feel even more special.

  Visit EmilyRoseJewellery.com for other great monogram jewelry and monogrammed gifts for mothersday and graduation!

New Preppy Monogrammed Umbrellas for Spring 2013

Spring is near and with it comes the rain. So it’s a good thing EmilyRoseJewellery has added a cute new collection of monogrammed umbrellas for 2013 in pink and green. The preppy pink and green color combination couldn't be more spring-like, and they are perfect for a beautiful, fresh spring day. Whether you are going shopping, picking up the kiddos, or are a student walking through the rain to get to class, these cute umbrellas will brighten your day. Visit EmilyRoseJewellery for monogrammed jewelry,, monogrammed gifts, and monogrammed accessories