Red Jacket Pics and Mystery Date

Here is a picture of me in my Red Jacket with my director, Kelly, at the recognition ceremony.On Saturday she took me, along with a few other consultants, on a "Mystery Date". Each quarter, she has a surprise planned for all consultants who achieve Star Consultant status. This time she took us to do indoor kart racing. It was a blast! Here are a few pictures.

Red Jacket!

Usually I post about the boys, or family events, but this time I had to brag a little. I have been working my Mary Kay business almost 2 years now. I am doing pretty well, gaining new customers, making sales, and really growing as a person. There are two things I have gotten out of my Mary Kay business that I didn't expect when I signed up (I started to help the family financially): 1) The relationships I have made are amazing. Not only have I made some great friends with some of my customers, the other consultants are some of my best friends now. 2) I have gained a tremendous amount of self confidence and self-esteem. Mary Kay gives me an avenue to grow personally and professionally, in such a safe and welcoming, and very encouraging place.
But, on to what my title is about. As I grow in my business, it's just natural for me to share with others what an amazing opportunity this business is for me and my family. As that happens, other women are interested in that for themselves. I love to offer this to others, and to help them to experience what I have, and to help them grow and succeed in their own business. This is what Mary Kay wanted us to do because she truly believed this opportunity was one women couldn't get anywhere else. So, as of now, I have 3 women on my team, which makes me what is called a "Star Team Builder", and allows me to wear a red jacket. It may seem a little funny to you, but it really is a big deal in our Mary Kay world. It is a big step towards leadership in my business. Chris was so proud of me, and he brought home a dozen red roses before I left for my recognition and awards event on Tuesday. Then, as a part of the recognition, the women in my unit gave me "red" gifts (red nail polish, red pens, red m & m's, red hots, a red bracelet, and several other red things). I just had to share since I am so proud, and so excited to enter this next step in my business. Right now I don't have any pictures, since they are all on my director's camera, but I will certainly share once she sends them my way!

Has it really been 5 years?!

So, last weekend we had Caden's birthday party and on the following Tuesday he turned 5. It's hard to believe it's really been 5 years. He is still so little to me, yet so grown up at the same time. It's amazing to see the little man he's growing to be. I would describe him as tender hearted, kind, and such an encourager. We try our best to bring out and encourage those qualities in him so he will be the man God wants and needs him to be. I just love to hear him pray and talk about God. Often he is talking, and I stop to see what he is saying (to me), only to hear him talking to God. And it's very hard for me to think about him starting kindergarten in the fall (it's full day here now). I often cry when I think about him leaving me all day, 5 days a week. But, it has to happen, but I try not to think about it! We will definitely savor the summer days ahead before we have to think about it.
So, for his birthday party, we invited a few of his friends and the family we have here to bowling. The kids played 2 games then had lunch and cupcakes.
On Sunday my mom took him to a reading of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar", with activities and more cupcakes! It is not often that he gets one on one time with Grandma, so this was very special.
On Monday he was the "Super Star" at school and took homemade chocolate chip cookies (one of his favorites) along with the regular snack. He got to make a special crown and wear it all day.
On Tuesday he woke up to balloons everywhere, in his favorite colors of blue and orange.
Then he got to watch "Star Wars: Clone Wars" in his pajamas.
Then we met a few of his best friends at the park for lunch and plenty of play time.
Then we went for a steak dinner (one of his favorite meals).
Afterwards we went to Toys R Us with some birthday money, where he picked out a blow up Batman punching bag.

St. Patrick's Day Fun

So, today started out a little rough for me. I woke up with a terrible ear ache. Luckily the boys played well and let me stay in bed until 8. So, we didn't make it to Bible Study since I was in bed so late, and I didn't think I'd be able to focus very well with my ear hurting so bad. So, we had "Lucky Charms" for breakfast (I know, I'm a terrible mom-but that was how creative I could get today-and they ate, of course).
Yesterday at school they learned more about the Holiday (Caden is studying Ireland this month). Both of their classes had leprachauns visit while they were outside. "They" made a mess of the toys and left little green shamrocks everywhere. The boys really got a kick out of it.
So, after a slow start, I was feeling a little better, so we headed to Caden's friend Logan's house for a little St. Patrick's Day party. His mom had a scavenger hunt set up for them. The "leprachauns" left shamrocks with clues for them (which she read), so they went on a hunt for the next clue, then found a plate of cookies.After cookies and green lemonade, they played in his great playroom (lucky for Caden, Logan loves Star Wars too!), and jumped in his inflatable jumper. They had a great time. But, they were exhausted.
So, we're home now, both boys are sleeping, and I'm just trying to feel better. Hope you all have had a great St. Patrick's Day!

Balance

Do any of you have trouble finding balance in your life? As a Christian, and as a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, I embrace the ideal of God first, family second, career third. Did you catch the word "ideal"? So, it's something I strive for, but don't always find. I am participating in our church's women's Bible study every Tuesday. We are going through Ruth and Esther, two of my favorite books/stories, so you would think I would just be enthralled. But, it is just so hard for me to find that "quiet" time for my quiet time, so I am not keeping up like I hoped I would and could. And, so, right off the bat that throws off my "balance" and priorities, therefore my life. Then, there are times that my business is thriving, so I tend to put more time and effort into that, and neglect my family and household priorities. Do any of you find that, or have you found what works to help keep things prioritized?

What's New

So, last week the boys were sick at the beginning of the week and Chris and I got it in the middle of the week and are still fighting it.
In the meantime, the boys are still busy at school. This month Caden is learning about Germany at school and is looking forward to the day he is "Super Star" to share his experiences, pictures, and items from Germany this summer. Caleb can't wait to be the "Special Person" next week in his class.
The boys and I started the Spring semester of Bible Study at church. I was blessed to have both boys taken off of the waiting list, so they are both in their classes while I attend the lecture then small group. We are learning about Ruth, then will learn about Esther. I am really looking forward to it.
And my business has been growing in leaps and bounds! I am meeting new people, gaining new customers, and enjoying teaching women about skin care and color. More updates on how it's going as more happens!

Recent Outings

I know it's been a while-you know, just busy as always. So, we have a new title-I'd love any feedback (thanks Mer!).
So, on Saturday we went to Explora, a science museum for kids. Caden had been once a couple of years ago and Caleb had never been-neither had Chris. So, we all had a great time exploring and playing. Caden and Chris are already planning a day back, maybe alone this time so we don't have to rush back home for Caleb's nap.
Then Tuesday the boys and I went to the zoo. We have had such great weather here in Albuquerque, close to 60 and sunny every day. Caleb's favorite were the monkeys and Caden loved the Polar Bears. They both loved feeding the ducks too.