10 Things I Love

 

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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I hope you are feeling loved today!

I been wanting to share a post like this for a while.

Just a post where I share some things I love lately.

So here it goes.

 

1. I  love   Pandora.

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I cannot tell you how much I love Pandora!  Have you ever used it?  It’s a free online radio, and you can pick what types of songs you like to listen to.

Here is my playlist:image

Yes. I love Dolly Parton.  Smile

That station plays the old classics like Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn.  I was raised on the country classics, and they bring back such great memories.

But I mostly listen to my Chris Tomlin station.  Praise music just sets my soul at ease.

I listen to it non-stop on my desk top computer while I am working on my blog or working around the house.

I downloaded Pandora on my phone too.  Cy got me a connector for my car, so now I can listen to Pandora in my car.

The one thing that always lifts my spirit is music…especially Christian music.  If you need encouragement during your day, why not try listening to uplifting Christian music on Pandora?  Try the Chris Tomlin station and see what you think. 

 

 

2. I love dark chocolate Kit Kats.

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They are my new obsession.  Especially if you put them in the refrigerator for a little bit so the chocolate is good and crunchy!  YUM!

 

3. I love  my  new, sweet (great) nephew, Colt.

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Dee. Lish. Ous!

I just want to squeeze his cheeks off!  And I am so proud of my niece, Courtney.  She is a wonderful mother!  And Chris is such a wonderful father!

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Courtney has a cute little blog about being a new wife and mother called Hope Floats.

 

4. I love  Large Coke’s from McDonalds.

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No big surprise here, if you have been reading my blog for a while.  But it had to be included in my list of “loves”.

I usually ask for it in a large Styrofoam cup with light ice.

It is a physically, emotional, mental, and spiritual need in my life. Smile

 

 

5.  I love   the movie, “The Vow.

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I went and saw it on Sunday night, and I absolutely loved it.  It is such a great story about love.  Go see it!

 

6.  I love  Yoga Pants.

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Okay, so here is a confession…I wear yoga pants about 6 out of the 7 days of the week.  Not kidding.  At all. 

I have three black pairs and one gray pair, and I just rotate them throughout the week.  I’m usually putting them on right when the come out of the dryer.  Two of the black yoga pants have bleach stains on them that I cover up with a sharpie marker, and the other one has white paint on the back of them where I leaned up against a freshly painted wall. 

Yep.  I’m classy like that!

I mainly wear only yoga pants because I have put on a few (dozen) pounds since last year, and none of my jeans fit me.  It’s very frustrating.

So the only thing I really feel comfortable in is my yoga pants.

Did I mention how comfortable they are to sleep in? 

Okay, here’s another confession…I might put on my yoga pants on in the morning, and then just sleep in them at night.  Yes. I. do.

I think it’s very “green” of me, don’t you?  No?

 

7. I love  my Mary Kay makeup and skin care.

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Cyndi, my sister, started selling Mary Kay before Christmas, and since I get the “family discount”, I can actually afford it.  I’ve decided it was time to stop buying my facial products from the Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen line at Walmart.  Smile

Since my skin is definitely NOT getting any younger, I decided to buy some good products for my face.

This is my favorite product that has helped my puffy eyes…

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I’m not just saying this, but I have seen a big improvement around my eye area (which is a problem area for me.)  I really wish I had taken  “before” and “after” pictures of my eyes because it has been that amazing of a change.   Click HERE to view this product on the Mary Kay website.

If you need a great Mary Kay consultant, my sister is available! 

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(A shameless plug for my sister.  That’s sisterly love y’all!)

 

8. I love  these boys.

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Boy, do they keep me busy!!!  This past Saturday, we had four basketball games between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm!  Then we drove four hours to the Ky Opry to hear Jonathan sing.

We have games or practices almost every day of the week.  And that’s not including homework, piano, church, and other responsibilities!  But I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world!

I love being their Mom!  I love having each of them in a different “stage.”

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Jonathan is in 6th grade and is becoming such a young man.  I have to buy him deodorant and hair gel.  He has certain types of clothes he likes to wear.  Mostly khakis and button downs.  We have great heart to heart talks, and I am loving watching him stand firm against the pressures of this world and lean on Jesus for direction.

 

 

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Luke is my goofball.  This kid loves to crack jokes and make people smile.  He is usually the one making a silly face in the picture.  He loves golf and basketball.  He is my most respectful boy right now, always saying, “yes, mam” and “no, mam” when he is talking to me.  He is extremely artistic and intelligent.  I call him my brainiac!  And he gives me the best hugs!

 

 

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Adam is nothing but LOVE.  This kid loves to love and loves to be loved.  He is a family guy and treasures time with Mom and Dad.  He is sensitive.  He is empathetic.  I love to hear him talk about other kids in his class.  He is always wanting to take care of them and make them feel special.  What a tender heart he has!  But he is a STUD on the basketball court!  He is a quick as lightening and can out run any of his brothers.  I expect big things from him when it comes to sports. 

 

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And then there’s Eli!  The “cherry on top of our family.”  He is just pure goodness.  He is cute, funny, and has more personality than all of his brother’s combined.  I spoil him more than I probably should, but do you blame me?  He has this mama wrapped around his finger.  He loves to sing like his brother, Jonathan, and he loves the ladies.  Yes.  That’s what I said.  He is always saying to me (when he sees a pretty girl)  “Mama, her’s beautiful.”  And occasionally, “Her’s Hot!” 

I know…I’m in trouble.  Smile

 

God sure knew what he was doing when he gave me boys!  I am one lucky lady!

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9.  I love  this man.

I have spent 15 years with this amazing man, and I love him more everyday.  He is the hardest working man I know!

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He loves me fiercely, and he adores our boys.  I always prayed for a man that I would want my sons to grow up to be like.  (Although I had NO idea I would have four sons!)  Nothing would make me more proud than for all four of our boys to grow up to be just like their daddy!

Our marriage is not perfect.  Sometimes we argue or just plain get on each other’s nerves, but we are committed.  We are committed to love each other and forgive each other.

I was thinking of how the love in a marriage changes over the years.  It doesn’t stay like when you were dating.  It’s a deeper love.

I don’t necessarily get the “butterflies” every time I see Cy (like when we were dating), but it’s something so much MORE, so much BETTER.  He is my safe place.  When I look at him I see someone I trust and respect.  Someone who has always got my back.  Someone I just enjoy being with.  Someone who makes me laugh.  Someone who loves me unconditionally. 

I would much rather have those things than “butterflies”.

So many marriages end when the “butterflies” go away, but if we can stick through the tough times, the best years are just beginning.

 

 

10. I love  this promise.

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Source

 

What are you loving today?

 

26 Comments

  1. Just stumbled onto your blog via Pintrest & saw you had a “Praying for Jed” button – that is my great nephew!! Thank you for your prayers for him and encouraging others to pray for him. He’s a healthy little boy currently, which we’re VERY thankful for. Enjoying browsing your blog! God bless you!

  2. What a great list of things to love! It seems you are very blessed! I am wearing yoga pants right now! I read somewhere that they may any woman look good ;-) My friends and I went to see The Vow last night, and it was amazing! We all loved it and sat in our seats chatting about it ’til the theatre staff kicked us out!
    ~Jo

  3. Hey sweet friend–

    Among other things, I LOVE YOU! I am so grateful to know you. You are a blessing in my life!!

    Have a wonderful Valentine’s night with your five wonderful guys!

    P.S. Does Eli REALLY say “Her’s hot”?? Oh, my!!

  4. Beautiful post as always! Love the yoga pants too. McD’s Diet Coke is a daily staple for me as well! Next time you’re in the Ville’ let me know, I’ll buy you a coke!

  5. ditto on the Pandora, ditto on the chocolate…now about those yoga pants. not sure I could pull that off, but just the fact that I’m wearing them might make me believe that I could actually do yoga again :)

    your family is beautiful, you are blessed.

    Happy Valentine’s Day

  6. Traci,Thanks for sharing. You’ve got me all misty-eyed again. I’m gonna go hug my little girl and smooch the hubs right now. You always inspire and encourage me. I hope to meet you (and Cyndi) at Blissdom this year! I’m putting my “big girl panties” on and heading to my first blog conference all by myself. I won’t know anyone!

  7. Hi Traci, I so enjoy reading your blog! I read your sister’s as well and just purchased Mary Kay “Shell” lipstick on her recommendation and love it ! I was wondering if there was a particular brand of yoga pants you like…if you don’t mind sharing. When I’m in town, I sometimes stop at Chic Fil A for a coke…I’ll have to try McDonald’s to see how they compare. I love Pandora too…I have a Phil Keaggy station – so beautiful and peaceful. Hope you had a blessed Valentine’s Day!

  8. Loved this post on valentines day! How we can be thankful for the little things and the amazing things like families. Also went back and read your post on your son singing. What a fun time for your family! He looks like a natural on that stage! Your blog is such a blessing.

  9. Love this list & this post! The yoga pants thing is cracking me up, only because I can totally relate! Many times I too will sleep in the pants I have worn all day long! LOL! I think its very green of us! : ) And the use of the sharpie marker to cover up the bleach stain, well, that’s just pure GENIUS!

    p.s. my hubby got me some Ghirardelli dark chocolate caramels for Valentine’s day… DELISH!! I still haven’ t tried the dark chocolate kit-kats! I haven’t been able to find them anywhere!

  10. Uh, we pretty much have the same loves my friend – JESUS, LARGE COKE FROM MCDONALDS, YOGA PANTS, FAMILY, CHRISTIAN MUSIC, CHOCOLATE!!! It just doesn’t get any better than that!

    I got some chocolate covered strawberries for Valentine’s Day. YUMMM

    Hugs,

    Marilyn C.

  11. What a great way to celebrate! Hubby found Pandora, we are fans as well. I have never owned yoga pants…would probably never wear anything else again!
    I have 4 children, too. Two grown daughters (one with 3 boys) and two teenage sons. My fourth is also the loviest child ever. Is it a youngest thing? What ever it is, I’ll take it.
    Happy day after Valentine’s Day. :)

  12. My almost 5 year old son was looking over my shoulder while I was reading this post and when the picture of your sons came up he pointed at Eli and said “I wish that I lived in Kentucky, I need more friends like him!” So sweet…I think I also spoil Spencer alittle to much because he is with me so much more than the other two. He is also my little lover, loves to cuddle, hug and give kisses; he is always telling me how much he loves me and what a great mom I am. Love that!

  13. Hi Traci. I found your blog via Pinterest during your “old world charm” series (which, by the way, was fantastic!). Since you love praise & worship music so much, I wanted to suggest a new artist for you. You may have heard of her…her name is Audrey Assad and she is ahhh-mazing! Her sophmore album just came out…it’s titled “Heart. Her first CD is “The House You’re Building”. She is truly a gifted singer/songwriter and I think you would enjoy her music.

    God Bless,
    Emily

  14. Traci, thank you for what you wrote about your love for your husband! We all need some encouragement in our marriages, and I appreciate your openness and honesty! : )

  15. Thanks to your #6 yoga pants confession. (I sometimes sleep in them too) I now feel normal. I worked for several years for a large department store corporate office and had to be very fashionable, now that I’ve been a stay at home mom for 7 months I’ve also lived in yoga pants.

    Your kids are adorable. Pandora keeps me company while I clean. Your love for your Cy made me cry. Thanks for sharing.

    Be blessed.

  16. I LOVE posts like this! Your boys are totally adorable and such sweet comments about each of them. I think Mary Kay products are really great…I sold it myself eons ago. I stop at McDonald’s for the large unsweet iced tea ~ hmmmm, good!

    xo
    Pat

  17. I always wear yoga pants around the house. I can’t stand to have anything constricting around my knees or waist while I’m doing housework. I also sleep in them, too. My dog needs to be walked every 2 hours, so when she wakes me up at 2:00 AM, I can just slip on my shoes and go. (Turns out Yorkies have a very small holding tank!) I order mine from J Jill or Lands’ End because they come in tall sizes, and I just love them.

  18. I just LOVE this post Traci…. somehow I missed reading it back in Feb. but it’s posts like these that are the ‘icing on the cake”! You are a beautiful lady…. inside & out! I loved those 3 last “things you love” the most. Especially about your beautiful marriage. My husband & I had that same conversation a little while back… about the butterflies and for us, being married 10 years now, we have SO much more than “butterflies” and have weathered storms that have made our marriage something truly beautiful and special. It’s encouraging for me to see it in others and I appreciated hearing it from you :) Blessings Traci to you and your sweet family. Oh! I have to disagree with you on one thing— it’s RootBeer allll the way. haha!

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