New State of Mind...... By: Jess

24 years living in the state of Ohio.

8 years living in the state of South Carolina.

What a world of difference.

Living in another state than the once you were born and raised in takes a lot of getting used to. Its amazing how "everything" is different. The towns, the people, the smells, the food, the weather, the landscape, the attractions. It took me about 8 years to "get used" to living in the South, but I never really felt comfortable calling myself a true Southerner. But I really think I was getting there.....

So I'm back in the ole Buckeye State. I missed it. I really did. I missed all 4 seasons. I missed how beautiful fall really is and how magical snow is. I missed back country roads and seeing scarlet and gray everywhere. I missed Bob Evans and saying "pop". I missed school delays and the chatter around the gas pump about the next big snow storm.

Toby and I moved our family back to Ohio in September 2013. It happened REALLY fast, but when God gives you an opportunity, your stupid if you don't run with it! We had nothing… no jobs, no house, no plan. But we had our family. And that was comfort enough.

I'm thrilled to be back "home", even though I am still referring to SC as "home". Its confusing.  But, being surrounded by family and old friends again is seriously the best.

So what if we have to live with my in laws for several months.
So what if I don't have a full time job.
So what if Leo sleeps with us every now and then.
So what if my mother in law does all my laundry. (I better enjoy it now, right?!)
So what if the kids are getting spoiled beyond belief.
So what if all our possessions are in a storage truck.

It will all be worth it when we finish building our dream home and have our "lives" back.

Until then, I will endure. Cause it feels sooooooo good to be home again.

Do You Hear What I Hear? (By: Jess)

Ear Candling.

Best activity EVER!

If you haven't done it..... you are seriously missing out! My mom, sister, aunts, and I recently had our minds blown by this incredible activity!

You put the tip of the candle in your ear. Light the candle at the top and wait for it to burn down to the "stop" line. (about 10-15 min)

Take the tip of the candle out, unroll the candle, and marvel at the "stuff" that comes out of your ears. I can still picture everyone gathering around to see the "stuff" the candle pulled out! Like everyone looking into a magic crystal ball, awaiting to see their future...... amazing! I can still hear the "gasps" and gag reflexes of everyone around the table! I'm laughing as I type this....


Incredible.

Did I mention this has changed my life? Not only was this activity  a riot to experience with my family... but I can hear 1,000 better! Who knew that I had SO MUCH "stuff" in my ears! Seriously... the Q-tip is useless.

Even my Aunt Tracey, who swore her ears were "spotless", was mesmerized by the amount of "stuff" that emerged from her ears! (she was, by the way, the "winner" of the night!)

I cant wait to get my hands on Toby's ears! He has no idea what is coming!! bahahahah!

Try it…. then thank me for changing your life.

Extended Leave....... By: Jess

So...... Its been awhile.  Since June. I know, I know.... such a slacker! But, I have my reasons. I seriously think Im the only one who really cares.

Anywho.. it feels good to be back. Sooooooo much has happened since the summer, I dont even know where to start! So much in fact, that I dont even know if I will waste my time talking about it all. I may save that info for some future posts.

Let me just say this.... there honestly hasnt been (1) day that this blog has not been on my mind. I know Ive mentioned it before, but sticking to this blog is important to me. I dont want it to be something I started and then let die. Its not a huge priority in my life (obviously) bu I still want to make time for it nonetheles. (like ice cream and cleaning out ear wax)

In order to help me organize all the clutter in my brain, here is a quick list of future posts to come..... hopefully....eventually.....soon....

1. New State of Mind (SC to OH)
2. Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!
3. Rosie
4. Beauty and the Beast (Leo and Cece update)
5. Hi! I'm Jessica. Nice to met you. (things Im still learning about myself) 
6. Friday Nite Dinners
7. June 21, 2014
8. Forever Home
9. My life as a so-called Athlete
10. 33 year old Brain
11. Christmas 2013 (What I want and what Im soooo excited to give!)

There are some of the thoughts off the tip top of my head.

I read a quote recently that said this....

"Life is too short to spend it at war with yourelf"

It meant something to me.

Im tired of beating myself up....mentally....I have actually never really thrown a punch..... about all the stuff I want to do, but dont do.

 I think to myself, "I really should have done that" and then throw myself under a bus because I didnt do it.

And then think about my laziness for days.

 And regret blowing it off.

  This blog is one of those things. So, starting now.... Im gonna make time. Scheduled time? Prolly not. Daily time? Doubt it. But....just a little of my time, whenever its available. That's a start.