Where has the summer gone?

Is it really about to be August? I can't believe our summer is almost over. Thankfully school doesn't start here until August 27th so we have one more month left, but man! Those last 2 months just flew by. Maybe it's because we've been so busy.

We've been enjoying the boat and taking lots of boat rides:

 

Date night on the boat:

 

 Swimming:

 I went for 4 days to Dallas for Nerium's National Conference and made some amazing, new friends, learned so much about Nerium International (which I am so thankful to be a part of) and learned a lot about myself and what I want for my future and how I'm going to get there:

Here we are with one of my teammate's $25,000 BONUS check!! Way to go Lindsey!!

 And we finished the weekend off with an all white party. It was pretty awesome!

Then last week we celebrated my niece's 3rd birthday at Chuck E Cheese. I am so happy they now live 10 minutes down the road from us and we get to celebrate these special occasions together!

Me and the birthday girl:

The boys had to get some play time in too!

 My Mom got stuck taking her picture with Chuck E because all of the kids bailed on her!

Then Matt and I had to have a nice, friendly competition at the Guitar Hero game 

(I won of course!! ha ha!)

 For my niece's birthday present I turned her room from a "baby room" to a BIG GIRL room:

 

The girls immediately jumped in it and tried it out:

 

We also took the girls to see Monster University. Cute movie!

 

Nothing like candy, popcorn and sprite at 10:30 in the morning!!

And then Thursday night I had a girls night and went to see the musical Wicked:

In the front row!! It was amazing!!

So that's a little of what we've been up to lately! Not to mention we've had my parents living with us for the last couple of weeks while they wait to close on their new house. It has been great having them with us and we are so thankful for all of the times they've watched the girls so Matt and I could run here or there. It's been a little crazy around here though! We're all running in circles it seems. They close on their house this week though and I can't believe they're going to be right down the road from us again! I love having my family all together again.

Happy Summer! Hope you enjoy the rest of yours. We're planning on packing the rest of ours with lots of fun stuff!!

The 4th with Family

I'm a little late, but we had a great 4th of July celebration this year. It was the first holiday we celebrated with my parents and sister and niece since they moved here. Our little family of four started our celebration on July 3rd when the hubby decided to get a hotel room on the water for 2 days. You would have thought we were driving 8 hours to stay a week with the way our car was loaded down, but nope we were driving about 10 miles for 2 nights! We came prepared though with drinks, snacks, burgers, s'mores and a grill. Oh yeah, and clothes and swimsuits!

We got to the hotel around 1 and immediately hit the pool. We stayed out there all day long! We were finally able to get the kids out of the pool, got cleaned up and headed to Tookies for burgers. Tookies is this dark, nothing special restaurant with THE best burger around. So yummy! After we ate we came back to the hotel and crashed. The girls were worn slap out!

 The next morning we were up and at 'em again! We ate breakfast and headed straight back out to the pool. We wanted to get out there early and get our "spot" before everyone else came. We swam for awhile and then later in the morning my parents, sister and niece came to the pool and swam with us the rest of the afternoon. I am loving having my family here, close by again. We use to all live within 10 minutes of each other and now after living 8 hours apart for 5 years we're back within 10 minutes of each other again. We missed my brother-in-law being there with us (he's been in Bahrain with the military for 14 months) but as of yesterday he is back in the good ol' US of A again! For good!
We had so much fun swimming, grilling and being silly all day.

 We took a break in the afternoon and took the kiddos up to the room to nap, but when they woke up they were ready to swim again. I don't know how they did it. I was worn out! At this point we busted out the grill and started getting our burgers, veggie kabobs and sides ready. My  hubby is the man and cooked all of this amazing food on a little fish fryer stand. He had it all set up and pieced together. I wish I would have taken a picture of our set up!
My sister and I ended up coordinating as the stars and strips! Just like old times when Mom would match our outfits.

We got the kids out of the pool and got ready to feast! We ended up eating picnic style and it was perfect! We were right there on the water and it was just the way you picture the 4th of July to be.

Then we had to have a photo shoot, of course!

 

My crazy crew!

 

 

 

My parents and the grandkids 

  

 My niece

 We ended the night watching the beautiful fireworks over the water. Nothing beats celebrating the USA than celebrating it with the family! I am so thankful to have them close again!

I did it! My Story

"Pray about everything; then leave outcomes up to Me. Do not fear My will, for through it I accomplish what is best for you. Take a deep breath and dive into the depths of absolute trust in Me. Underneath are the everlasting arms!"
                                                                    -Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young

I did it! I decided to take that leap of faith and trust in God's outcome. After lots and lots of prayer and conversation and research and waiting, I decided to trust God and His outcome and be the next Brand Partner with Nerium International.

First of all, let me tell you WHY I did this and how I got involved with Nerium. Several months ago a friend told me about a new product she was now a part of. I really didn't give it much time and thought it was another one of those "things people are selling." Then I saw several people getting on board with this product and honestly thought they were falling for the same trap. But another friend contacted me several weeks later and said she wanted me to just try a sample of it. I researched it a little, saw that it was all natural and thought "what the heck." I have some acne scaring from my lovely teenage years that really bothers me and a big beautiful brown spot (malasma) on my forehead that being pregnant left me with and then there were those fine lines that this new decade I've entered has left me with (Yikes! I'm 30, guess I better start worrying about those wrinkles too). I really didn't have much hopes for this product and expected to give it back and say "Thanks for letting me try it, but I don't really need it" but actually after the 5 day sample period my red acne scars diminished quite a bit! Here is my before and after picture after 5 day:

 So I did some more research. I talked to several people, researched the product on their website, the process, why people were getting such amazing results, I researched the product through other non-Nerium sites and what I heard and saw were amazing.

NeriumAD is an all natural, 100% safe, plant based, gluten, cruelty and paraben free anti-aging product. (You can watch a video about the safety of it here) It contains the NAE-8 extract which has been used for many years in cancer research through several different medical universities and research facilities across the country. During it's early skin cancer research, the accidental discovery was made that this extract offers anti-aging benefits. Nerium Biotech then opened a skin care division so that this amazing NAE-8 extract could be formulated into a skin care line and NeriumAD was birthed. They did over 10 years of research and clinical trials before perfecting the formulation. And now, 30% of all sales goes back to the continued research of the product and future products. They've done extensive scientific research on the results of Nerium, and there is an average of a 30% reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and/or discoloration over a 30 day period!

So once I knew it was safe and I had seen the results first hand (not to mention the hundreds of other pictures people were submitting to show their results) but wasn't sure about the cost. It retails for $110, but you can sign up to be a Preferred Customer then it costs $80. But what I loved about this company, that no other company offers, is that you can get yours for FREE! If you have 3 friends that sign up to be monthly Preferred Customers, you get yours FREE EVERY MONTH! I am all about a deal, but even more excited I can get mine free! So I knew I wanted to try this because if all else fails, they have a 30 days money back guarantee. But their return rate is less than 1% because everyone loves it so much.

I'm really not trying to sound like a sales person. And I don't want this to sound like a sales pitch, I just really love this stuff and believe in it and want you to know about it too. So if I haven't lost you already, let me tell you the rest of my story........

Upon doing my research about the product I saw the information about selling it. I really don't like to SELL things, or be pushy about products but I do enjoy all of the people I meet and conversations I have when people come to me for products I sell. I'm fortunate to be involved in my own businesses that allow me to make things and offer services where people come to me and I don't have to go banging down doors to sell them. For those of you who know me, you know I'm involved in several different "businesses" and I'm always adding new ones. But this company is so great about giving you the right tools to be successful and all you have to do is put a few hours into it a week and it requires no selling. Just sharing information with other people you come in contact with.

After getting out of the corporate world to stay at home with my kids, I decided I'm only going to do things that I'm passionate about and that I truly enjoy. After falling in love with this product I began thinking this was something that I would like to get more involved in. But then I realized, did I REALLY need another thing on my plate??? So I began praying about it. And my first instinct was to just go for it. But I became really convicted about praying and WAITING on God's will. (I'm not a very patient person!) And I waited, and waited and waited. And then waited some more. The more I began praying about it, the more I read my devotional and Bible. And then low and behold, God started revealing things to me. It's funny how that works. When we start seeking God, He starts talking to us! So over and over again I read about trusting in God and finally felt at peace with the decision to sell this product. So I hope you don't take me as being pushy or trying to sell you something, but if you're interested in trying it out or even selling it I suggest you first go to my website to watch the video and see exactly what it is all about because I left out a lot! www.megandaugherty.nerium.com
I'm happy to answer any questions! My email is osdbymegan@yahoo.com
For those of you who prayed with me about this decision, thank you! I can't wait to see where God leads me on this adventure and thanks for listening to "my story".   

Praying for guidance and direction

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33

I tend to be a worrier by nature. But honestly, I don't "worry" about things in the typical sense of the word, but its more about planning things and over thinking things. I don't truly worry because I  know in my heart that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). So I know I don't have to stress about something as long as I'm involving God in my decision. God is in control and will bless me and whatever my situation is ACCORDING TO HIS WILL. And that is one of the hardest things to understand sometimes because God doesn't say bad things won't happen to us, but He will work them to glorify His name and we must trust that HE is in control and will see us through the storm. It is our responsibility to keep a positive, trusting attitude through the storm.
All of that to say that I have had a big decision weighing on my mind for a few months now. It has kind of turned in this direction and that direction and I have prayed for God's direction and clarity through every twist and turn it has taken. I THOUGHT I was ready to make a decision a little while back and then God really convicted me to wait on HIS timing. (That is where my worrying/planning comes in. I sometimes have a problem being patient and waiting.) So I went back to praying and waiting and praying and waiting. I really wanted this decision to be in accordance with God's will for my life because it could either greatly benefit our family and bless our lives or be a major burden for our family.
As of yesterday I still hadn't received the confirmation and clarity and I was waiting on God to give me. Last night though I received some exciting news about this "potential" opportunity and immediately I started praying again. This morning I opened my devotional, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, and it said "You gain confidence through knowing that I am with you-that you face nothing alone. Anxiety stems from asking the wrong question: 'If such and such happens, can I handle it?' The true question is not whether you can cope with whatever happens, but whether you and I together can handle anything that occurs. It is this you-and-I-together factor that gives you confidence to face the day cheerfully." Wow! Did I need that or what? And then on top of that one of the verses it gave was Philippians 4:13 which says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I am so thankful for these reassuring words. Because of this I know that as long as I am seeking God and walking with Him I can take this opportunity in confidence. I thank Him for this opportunity and will continue to pray for guidance and direction each and every new step I take. I have spent the whole morning today cleaning (yuck!) while listening to the Chris Tomlin station on Pandora (yay!) and through these worship songs I have felt a true peace about this decision and with my husbands blessing I am so excited to take part in this new venture. I can't wait to share it with you soon!!
And if you are looking for a GREAT devotional, I highly recommend Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

I got mine on Amazon here for about $8.

My new favorite workout

Since running my half marathon back in January, I have kind of taken a break from the strict running schedule. Honestly, I got a little burnt out by the time I finished all of my long training runs and the actual 13.1 mile race. I still like to work some runs into my workout schedule, but its usually because I'm too sore to go to this class:

This class is my new obsession! It is a great weightlifting/strengthening class that totally works your whole body. The website says "BODYPUMP™ is one of the world's fastest ways to get in shape as it challenges all of your major muscle groups while you squat, press, lift and curl." It really will get you some rockin' muscles pretty quickly! I try to attend the class at my local YMCA twice a week and then add in a day of running. I took last week off to help my parents move and yesterday I went back to my BODYPUMP class. Let me just say that I'm feeling it today!! It's hard to sit down and when my daughter jumps up in my lap it kills my leg muscles. I'm feeling it in my legs, back and arms the most. But I know that means its doing some great things to sculpt my body. Just thought I'd share my newest favorite workout. If you have one of these classes at your gym, I highly suggest you try it!

Here's to new memories!

I still don't think it has hit me that my parents have moved. Friday we moved them out of my childhood house to Texas. I am so excited they will now be 10 minutes "down the road" from us, but it still seems a little surreal that I will not be going back to the house I grew up in.

We worked HARD for several days packing, cleaning and loading the moving truck.

My super hardworking, packing extraordinaire Dad:

My beautiful, super organized Mom doing her thing:

Even the girls got in on the packing fun!

Saturday we drove 9 hours from Alabama to Texas. We went straight to their storage unit (because they don't close on their house in Texas until the end of July) and unloaded the trailer we had attached to the SUPER LARGE UHaul. Talk about a long, exhausting day!!

The next day we unloaded their UHaul truck into their THREE storage units!! Whew! Another long, exhausting day! I ended up taking an hour and a half nap yesterday and had no problem falling asleep last night. Usually if I nap long I can't sleep that night, but apparently I needed that nap. So now we're waiting until the end of July for them to close so that we can finally move (again) everything into their new house!! I can't wait for all of the new memories and traditions for our family in Texas. (Did I mention we just moved my sister and her family here about 2 weeks ago?!?! Thankfully they had movers who did most of the work for them)

So here is to a new memories, traditions and lots of love here in Texas!

Blog Inspiration

I love reading blogs. Especially uplifting, informational, or positive blogs. I probably know I spend too much time on my computer, phone or ipad (Just going to call myself out there) but when I do I want it to be beneficial for me, my family or my walk with Christ. A lot of times it isn't, but last week I found this blog and fell in love. I saw a link someone had posted on Facebook about "Being a Godly Wife" (you can see her blog post here) and although I don't usually click on those links I felt like it was maybe something worth reading. I now know God led me to her blog, Butler, Party of 2 because not only is she beautiful and just had a sweet baby boy, but she blogs lots of uplifting, informational and positive information. She is a strong Christian disciple (make sure you check out her post about that here), health nut (I say that lovingly because she has some great ideas and information about making your body the best body God made it to be and makes me want to be in the best health/shape I can be) and is pretty funny too. (After re-reading that I realize it sounds like I have a new crush---and honestly, I kind of do! She is pretty cool!)

I ended up reading her blog for pretty much the whole 8 hour trip we took to Alabama last week! She has inspired me to eat healthy, work out more, be bold in my faith, love my husband as Christ has instructed us to, be a better friend, mom, wife, daughter, sister and person, and sparked my desire even more to walk closer with Christ each and every day. She has also made me want to blog more. I want to document my life better and share my faith more. I ended up going back to the beginning of her blog and back tracking through her blog posts. Its so neat to see how her faith has grown, the path God has led her down and how she has gone from being engaged when she first started blogging to now having a newborn son.

So all of that to say, hold me accountable for more blog posts and I hope that I can provide just an ounce of the inspiration and motivation to one person that she has given me.

Megan

 

Saying Goodbye

Change is hard. But change can lead to bigger, better things.

Tonight I sit here my parents house that our family moved to over 16 years ago when I was just 14 years old. But tonight will be the last night I get to "spend the night" here. My parents are moving to Texas! Just 10 minutes down the road from us. I can not describe how excited I am that they will be just down the road from us after living 8 hours apart for the past 5 years. But tonight it just hit me that it will be the last night I'm in this house that holds so many memories for me.

This is the house where I got to decorate my own bedroom with a beautiful sage green color on the walls (a color that I now have in my own house because I love it so much). The house I remember my parents pulling up in my first ever car when I was 16 years old. The house where Matt use to pick me up from for our dates. Where we use to watch movies and CMT for hours while we were in high school. This is the house where I remember posing, taking pictures and putting on Matt's corsage for our first homecoming dance together. This is the house where my whole family stayed as they came to celebrate my graduation from High School. And then where they stayed to celebrate mine and Matt's marriage. This is also the house my first born child use to stay at 6 years ago so that my parents could watch her while I worked. This is the house where my girls love to swing on Gigi and Pampaw's red swing together. This is the house I remember my daughter flying down the driveway on her bicycle and making my heart nearly jump out of my chest as I saw her heading straight towards the neighbor's mailbox. This is the house where so much love, memories and happiness has been.
It is hard to imagine my parents anywhere else. It is hard for me to think about my children one day not remembering this house. It is hard for me to imagine not coming back to this house. That I won't be pulling up the driveway from a long trip from Texas to find my parents running out of the house to greet us immediately. But you know what? I am so excited for all of the new memories that we will be making in Texas. That my parents will be able to attend all of my children's school functions, pick them up from school for an ice cream date and help me out when I'm feeling overwhelmed.
So as we finish loading up the moving truck tomorrow and say goodbye to one season of life I know I will be sad, but I feel so blessed and thankful that God has allowed my parents the opportunity to move just 10 minutes down the road from us and can't wait for all of the new memories we will be making. Goodbye Alabama, hello Texas!