Due…..

Today is the day Baby Jones was due to enter the world….That’s right! I’m 40 weeks!
However, there is no baby…. He’s kicking, flipping, and moving all around, he just has not made his entrance into the world.

I know it’s been awhile Friends… I was hoping that I could keep you up to date with what is going on in my life, but the reality is,
with pregnancy and working full time, it’s simply tough. I found myself coming home to not writing in a blog, but a nice comfy couch screaming for me to put my feet up (and that’s what I did).
I’ve been a trooper throughout this whole pregnancy though. I’ve dealt with things like:

Sciatica (something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy if I had one)
Carpal Tunnel (IN BOTH HANDS) OUCH!
Inability to eat Fish (it makes me feel super sick)
Nausea (really bad for the first 3 months and sometimes randomly)
Urinary Infections (Helloooo Cranberry Juice!)

Let’s not add the fact that simple things and people would get on my nerves and it wasn’t even their fault. (I was simply just pregnant :0 )

One thing I think I’ve done well is managed to be a pretty put together preggo lady. It took me awhile to get the hang of it, but once I did, you couldn’t tell me anything! If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you’ve seen some of these!

Check out some of my favorite pregnant style moments:

25 weeks and rockin red!

 

Best Friend V and I at my 1st Shower

 

Easter 2013

 

35 weeks

 

Baby Shower

I’ve made an effort to keep myself still stylish and still feeling beautiful. I’m not exactly sure how I did it, but I think I made up in my mind that just because I was pregnant, that didn’t mean I had to let myself go, and not put forth any effort. I would wobble down to Target, Motherhood Maternity, and Destination Maternity, and find the cutest clothes. I also found some super comfy flats and sneakers (I wore with everything).I would style my hair cute, put on some eye shadow and lip gloss and finish it off with a smile
In the end, I think it is what has helped me embrace this journey  and handle it like a rockstar (of course with swollen feet and everything

So today, I am celebrating making it to 40 weeks, but also knowing that the baby could come at anytime. I couldn’t tell you exactly how I feel right now since my emotions are all over the place.. What I can tell you, is that it has been an interesting journey, and I can’t wait to introduce everyone to our baby boy

Until Next Time, Much Love,

Mrs. SPJ

Goodbye 2012….

Well Friends, we made it through another year!

I know, many of you are thinking, okay you’ve been gone quite often on your blog these days.. I’ve gotta tell you so much has happened in 2012….

I started the year of celebrating my birthday in TN.
This year then was filled with me showing so many makeup tips and tricks that I’ve picked up along the way…
You got to continuously see me on my quest to be closer to God…
Let’s not forget my journey to grow my haircut out and have longer healthier hair…(Thanks Hairfinity)
There is also that constant struggle with weight… W.O.W. (Don’t Beat yourself up about it) 
There was lots of love, even a loss (R.I.P. Aunt Artie)
So many great times, so many great memories….
However, I have been so preoccupied I haven’t shared everything…

Many of my FB friends were shocked when my husband and I posted this on facebook,

That’s Right! My husband and I found out we were expecting our first child in September of this year! It took us forever to let anyone know because I couldn’t get into the doctor’s office right away! We ended up letting our friends in on the little secret at our “Friendsgiving” when we brought out this awesome cake made by Delores of Dee’s Delightful Desserts!

Delores makes the BEST Cakes and she is such a pleasure to work with! She’s affordable and really puts love and hard work into her cakes. I’m so grateful that I met her through a good friend, and if you are in Little Rock, and looking for a place to get incredible cakes, Delores is the one you want!! You can find her on facebook under Dee’s Delightful Desserts!

So after finally announcing it to everyone, I’ve just been taking the time to get my rest and take it easy with Baby Jones, or shall I say Lil Man Jones (yep, we are having a boy)

My hubby is taking extra good care of me and we are still finding ways to have fun! We recently had our Ugly Christmas Sweater Party which was a hit!!!

 So I’m 5 months and so excited for what the new year may bring! I want to thank you for reading my blog, being a friend, and being interested enough to follow me through my blog. I know I’ve slacked, and there is no excuse, but working full time and being preggers, is not easy. (HOW DO WOMEN MAKE IT LOOK SO EASY???)

As this year comes to a close, I’m going to put my feet up, and cuddle next to my soul mate until I fall off into Lala land.

May this new year bring you happiness, blessings, and all that God has to offer…

Goodbye 2012….

Until Next Time, Much Love,

Mrs. SPJ

 

 

 

Artie…..

Yesterday was a very sad day….

I received a phone call that my Aunt passed away.
It’s weird, ya know being that I just saw her this past August…
I immediately felt bad for my mom (she was suppose to be visiting her sister within a few days),
and then I just felt bad for the loss of our family.
This is the first death in our family that has hit us so close.
I’m so far away from so many members of my family, it’s at this time I just wish I was closer and could be around
the people that mean so much to me.

Anywho, My aunt lost her battle with lung cancer.
The way cancer has taken so many of those I love and just so many in general saddens me..
In a perfect world, we would find a cure for cancer, and it wouldn’t destroy so many people and families.
But until then, we can just hope and pray that a day comes where the “big c” won’t be such a threat.

For now, all we can do is pray for peace in this world.
Pray that those of our loved ones who are battling cancer, can beat it, and if they can’t that the journey
and the road will be easy.

I look forward to spending time with my family next week,
I just wish it were on different circumstances….

Until Next Time,

Mrs. SPJ

R.I.P. Aunt Artie..

 

James Henry

Handsome Boy isn’t he?

Today I went with my husband to this beautiful baby boy’s funeral. He was only 2 days shy of being 8 months.
You see,  earlier on, James parents noticed he had a cough that wouldn’t go away but they couldn’t figure out what was wrong.
They visited doctor after doctor, and tried to find a solution.
It seemed just like yesterday that James’ wonderful parents, David and Kristy came to our house for dinner.
They were filled with excitement for the arrival of their little one! They already have a beautiful 3 year old daughter, and were looking forward to James’ arrival and then he was born March 19.
I had the lovely chance to officially meet James a month ago at the Susan G. Komen Race.

He had these beautiful indescribable eyes, and he was a very laid back but happy baby. He had the cutest little smile and I enjoyed the time we shared.
When my husband and I found out that they finally knew what was wrong, we prayed for the family. Apparently James had Severe combined immunodeficiency better known as “SCID” . SCID has also been deemed “the bubble boy disease” since those with it are very vulnerable to infectious diseases. In 1976, a movie called, “The Boy In the Plastic Bubble” was released based on the life of a young child who lived with SCID.

Poor lil James had SCID, and in the end it took his life. So why am I sharing this with you?

Because the parents said today that if you know of someone with a newborn to have their child tested for SCID. It is very rare, only 1 in 100,000 children typically have it, but why not just find out? The parents gave us ribbons to wear in James honor, and they are passionate about not only sharing their faith, but getting the word out….

I am so sorry for their loss, and I’m so sorry that we won’t get to see James grow up to his full potential, but what I can do is pass the message along, and encourage others to find out about SCIDS and what they can do to help.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to the SCID Angels 4 Life Foundation. Their mission is to increase awareness, benefit research, and provide parent and family education for those affected by SCID.

So today’s post goes out to James Henry. That his legacy will live on and people will get their newborns tested for scids and that other children will have a chance. The Virus took over so fast, poor James wasn’t able to fight it off, but with his life, he will touch many others, and hopefully others will get the word out.

I can’t imagine what the parents are going through, but I know that God has a plan and has them wrapped in his loving arms while he holds lil James in his presence…

Until Next Time, Much Love, Mrs. SPJ

 

Rest in Peace James,
Mar. 19, 2012- Nov. 21-2012

 

Quick & Easy Yummy Dip!

Okay, so today is suppose to be a W.O.W post, but I had to come tell you about this tasty dip I made for work!

At work, we have been having potlucks once a month for staff meetings, and typically I bring my dirty rice, but was unable to do so, because someone else decided to do rice this time…

So what do you do when you want to make something tasty, you don’t want to spend too much time doing it, and you want everyone to be pleased?

YOU MAKE PEPPERONI DIP!!

It’s simple!

What you need:
1 pound of pepperoni sausage, diced (I just buy 2 packages!)
2 cans of cream of mushroom soup
2 packages of cream cheese, softened

Directions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees
This next part can seem like a task at first, but it gets easier, take a dish and mix the diced pepperoni, cream of mushroom soup, and cream cheese all together.

(This makes quite an interesting looking mixture!)

Some bake it in the over for 15 minutes, I choose to bake it a little longer, around 20 minutes, and wait for it to get lightly browned.

In the meantime while you are waiting for this amazing mixture to come together, cut up some bagels in small pieces and put them aside.

After 20 minutes, you will have a delicious dip, (I’ve been told it taste like pizza) ,   and for an added touch you can even heat the bagels up if you like!

Here is what my finishing product looked like:

I know the ingredients together might sound insane, but they make a delicious combo!I swore I wouldn’t like it, until my cousin made it and I was in love! So I honestly have her to thank for this delicious recipe!!

Try it and tell me what you think at your next party!

Until Next Time, Much Love, Mrs. SPJ

Finding the Time…

Hey Friends!

I’m telling you the last few weeks I’ve been missing Zumba here and there and I miss it! Work has been crazy hectic, and it’s almost as if I don’t even have time to stop and breathe! I am however committing to take the time to take care of my priorities, but realizing that making time and finding time for me is a priority I need to set as well. I have talked about making time as well for my blog, but today I’m talking more specifically about working out. So I loveeeeee Zumba so much, but the truth is, sometimes I just can’t get there but there are a few things I can do:

1. Walk in the neighborhood
2. Hit the treadmill at the gym
3. DVDs/Tapes (They are out there)
4. Eat Healthy (I should be doing this anyways)
5. Circuit Training

Bottom line is, I can make time! You should too!

But I’m looking for more advice and tips… Do you have any out there you’d like to share? Please do!!I need motivation and more tips! Ill be waiting to hear from you

Until Next Time, Much Love,

Mrs. SPJ

 

Foodie Friday Blogtober Fun!

Whew! That’s a mouthful isn’t it?!?!?

Today is the last day of the Amazing Blogtober Fest I have been participating in all week! I apologize to my readers who were looking for my post yesterday! It was a big day for me at work, and it required working extra long hours then having a birthday party to go to. Needless to say, I left my house at 7:20 yesterday morning, and didn’t return until 10 p.m. (CAN WE SAY EXHAUSTED?)

Anywho, enough about that, I can say, that I’m not quite the baker or cook, but I do enjoy food. So While I may not be any of those things, I’m a pinner!lOL! I love food and am always on pinterest looking for great recipes~ Eventually, I will take a chance at trying to make all of them, and I’ve made some, so I’ll share with you some of my favorite FALL recipes! Just click on the links below for the full recipe:

From Let’s Dish Recipes

Creamy Chicken Soup- This recipe is AMAZING! I’ve actually attempted to make this! Nothing like a good hot bowl of soup to put you in the mood! I made a huge pot and my husband and I enjoyed it (we even had some leftovers!)

From jennsfoodjourney.blogspot.com

Sweet Balsamic Grilled Chicken- So this isn’t a “fall recipe” , but I love it so much I thought I should share! I love chicken! I can eat it no matter what the season is, and this is such a delicious combination, I thought, why not add it to the list?

As far as a recipe I would like to try, I love Cupcakes more than you will ever know, and can’t wait to try this fantastic recipe: Apple Cupcakes with Cinnamon

I love ANYTHING with Cinnamon, and I thought, what a nice spin on the traditional cupcake and a way to make it healthy! This is something I’m looking forward to trying pretty soon, but if you beat me to it, please let me know how it is!!

So do you have any FALL Recipes? Or really good recipes? I’d love to read all about them, and maybe one day convince myself to get in the kitchen and try it!

Please Share any recipes you have! Follow me on pinterest, to see where my hopes and desires are in the kitchen! (LOL) I have enjoyed being a part of the blogtober fest! I’m actually going to miss it but glad I’ve found so many other great blogs to read! In the meantime, have an AWESOME weekend!

I plan to volunteer at the Susan G. Race for the Cure!

Until Next Time, Much love,

MRS SPJ

 

Fall Traditions

Today’s Blogtober Fest topic, was to share Fall Traditions….

At first, I thought, well I don’t really do anything that is  a  so called “tradition”, but the more I thought about it, there are things my husband and I did last year, that we plan to continue doing so I guess we do have our own traditions!

1. Friendsgiving- I had a coworker once tell me that she was having dinner with all of her friends, just to celebrate all the things they are thankful for, etc… I can’t remember all the details, but I remember thinking, what a splendid idea? I’m going to get together a group of my friends and do the same!!!!

2. Fall Cleaning??- It’s simple. Do some spring cleaning in the fall. I personally like to really take a serious look in my closet, and see if I truly need everything that I have, or is there something I can give away and donate to those in need! This is something I do frequently throughout the year, especially in fall though!

3.  Charity Walks! WHoo hoo!- Although they are often done many times throughout the year, it wasn’t until last Fall I truly was inspired to really get involved! Last year, I walked in the Susan G. Komen Race for the first time in honor of my coworker, Paula, and it was amazing! This year, I will be volunteering at the race, but I also have decided to take on a walk to raise money for the Arkansas Aids Foundation! This is such an amazing organization where money actually goes to to physician care, lab work, and life sustaining medications for people living with HIV/AIDS who are not currently eligible for other assistance. I’m asking people to give me at least a dollar so I can help raise money for an organization that is slightly overlooked sometimes!
Please click the link below and make a donation today:

PLEASE DONATE BY CLICKING HERE!!!

So my Fall traditions consists of cleaning, friends, and giving back in more ways than one. I love being involved and making a difference in the lives of others. I also love spending time with those I love.

What Fall Traditions do you have? Any similar to mine?  I’d love to  know! Please share!!

Until Next Time, Much Love,

Mrs. Spj

 

Halloween Memories

Hello Friends!

It’s time for Day 2 of the AWB Blogtober Fest! Today has been dedicated to sharing Halloween Memories. I remember as a little girl always planning out my costumes, and wanting to collect the most candy (most of it I never touched!)  There are so many great memories like having a man in the neighborhood who owned a popcorn company passing out delicious popcorn in shades of black and orange for Halloween. I remember getting excited running up to people’s doors, but scared to go to some…..

I remember the “werewolf” Costume.
I was about five years old and my mom had this really great idea for making me a werewolf. I was so excited about it! I mean afterall, I was cute, could be a lil scary, and my mom made this awesome werewolf face with fur and makeup! The problem came, later that night when my mom went to remove the fur off of my face, and it wouldn’t come off!!!!!! I remember her trying her best to remove it, but the fur was stuck to my face with the adhesive that came with it! She tried to use water, rub it off, and still Nothing! After lots of maneuvering she managed to get the fur off… Thank God, or I’d still be a werewolf til this day! That is one Halloween memory I will never forget!

I will also never forget getting to see my baby cousins, go out for Halloween. I’ve always lived miles and miles away from them, and when I was in graduate school, I was able to see them more frequently, and get to see my triplet cousins enjoy Halloween for once!

Although I didn’t get Fe’s choice of costume as someone being eaten by a rat(lol), I did enjoy being with them. A lot of my family members went, and a good friend of mine, and it’s always good just to spend time with the people you love..

My most recent awesome Halloween memory, was being able to pass out candy last year for the first time in my own house. After living in apartments for so long, my husband and I purchased our first home last year, and I was pretty more excited than the kids every time a kid rang the doorbell. I can’t wait to pass out candy again this year, and I’ve even added a few Halloween Gravestones outside to give my yard a little festive Halloween feel!

Do you have a Halloween memory? I’d love to hear about it!!! Please share!

Until Next Time, Much Love, Mrs. SPJ

Fall Fashion & Fun

I’m so excited to be a part of Arkansas Women Blogger’s Blogtober Fest this week!

As a part of this challenge, I’m going to share with you some of my favorite Fall things!
I love Fall as I have mentioned in previous posts, because it’s such a beautiful time where the leaves start changing in beautiful hues of golds, reds, and browns.  Not to mention, my house is already filled with earth tone decor, so I get to add a touch of Fall with pumpkins, leaves, cute little scarecrows and a beautiful wreath for the door. My favorite thing about Fall is the change in weather because it allows me to bring out some of my favorite sweaters, boots, and so much more!!

I am so happy that I have been able to pull out my fabulous boots but I’m alwaays looking for more! Check out these Fabulous Boots I’ve been looking at:

These boots are so fabulous and can be purchased from Joyfolie for 225 bucks! They are genuwine leather and just darling! I’ve always like Joyfolie because of the adorable clothes they make for little girls. That’s right! You can sport a pair of these babies and your little lady can sport her own fabulous little pair of boots!

For those of you who may want to find a cute boot but at a more affordable cost, check out these sexy boots on sale for $59.70 at http://www.6pm.com!

But enough about boots! I’m also super excited to pull out some of the scarves in my collection!!! I’m hoping to add some more scarves, maybe these nice ones from Savvy Chicks E. Boutique ~

Who knows what I will add! I just love this weather and I like looking stylish in it as well!!! Fall is so much fun and so is all the Fashion involved! What Fall Fashions have you found? What do you plan to add to your wardrobe? I would love to know!!

Well that is it for now! I will be with you all week sharing some fabulous posts for this October Fest! Hope you enjoy!!!

Until Next Time, Much Love,

MrsSpj