Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Meet Michele



Hey Y’all! For those who don’t know me, I’m Michele. I’m married to a handsome dairy farmer who loves his family, dirt bikes, and trucks. I am a wife, mom to our beautiful twin girls Addison and Brooke, and a photographer. I also work part time at a Chiropractic office [more on the importance of this later]! I love sitcoms, old and new, especially friends, last man standing, king of queens, home improvement, Oh and cannot forget GOLDEN GIRLS, I mean, please, Blanche, Sophia? Rose? Dorothy, they are a hoot! I listen to frank Sinatra and all the 40’s music that makes people ask “why?”. It soothes my soul; I can’t explain it. Something super important you need to know I am obsessed with Christmas. I would start decorating today if I could. [Meaning if my husband wouldn’t make fun of me every day!] 
Even more important than these things, I am so thankful for God and his never-ending grace. I want you to understand that I lean on his word and he leads me every day. If there is one thing in the past two years I have learned, it’s that he never leaves us or forsakes us. Even when we stray or are what I call, in zombie mode, he is there.




You know what I’m talking about though, right? This zombie mode that you enter when you become a mom. You’re tired, you’ve got these random hot flashes, you’ve got people in your ear, and you’ve disconnected with your husband. I’ve told many of my friends and family that now that the girls are almost 2, I can see clearer picture what God was doing. What if, it’s his plan all along to break us down to the bare bottom, then build us back up? Isn’t that what all of us moms know to be true? We are much better people because we are moms, because these small creatures break us down and show us what living is all about. We come out more confident, more selfless, and closer to God. My breakdown story will come soon enough friends.
I’m so excited to be sharing my life, love, and gratefulness with you through this blog. I want to share the the little things, the silly things, and the big things that only God can handle. Whether it’s recipes I can’t keep to myself, bible verses that tug at my heart, or life hacks I want to share, I’m so happy to be here for YOU! Please let me know at any time if you need help, to talk, or to just share some happy or sad life happenings! Life is too sweet not to share.

Xoxo, 
Michele Green 

Sweet Peekaboo - Toddler Clothing Review




One of my favorite things about having a little girl is all the dressing up that we get to do! I love browsing through all the little online boutiques looking for those perfect outfits! I stumbled upon Sweet Peekaboo when I was looking for a fall outfit for my daughter. I saw this adorable fox dress that I instantly fell in love with....but none of the shops had it in her size. After searching and searching, I finally found the size I needed at Sweet Peekaboo


How precious is this adorable Foxy Bundle!? I love the little knee socks that It came with and the matching purse is absolutely precious! I happily pre-ordered Sophia's fall outfit and we received it within a few weeks!


This dress was absolutely perfect for our fall pictures with the burnt orange, brown and cream colors! 
All I needed to add was a dark brown onesie and some cute moccasins to complete the outfit! 


Sweet Peekaboo also sent us this adorable Coachella vest to review! 


I absolutely loved this adorable vest! It is so versatile and perfect for fall! It looks super cute with her jeans and boots!


It even paired well with this adorable pink dress!

Sweet Peekaboo always has the sweetest clothing for your little one for any occasion! 


Want to check them out yourself??

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Jolly B Toddler - Tree Building Blocks Review



As a mom to a toddler, toys that promote hands on learning and fun is a huge plus! It can be difficult to find those kinds of toys. When I came across Jolly B Toddler I was so impressed with their selection! Their educational toys promote independent play that builds essential skills and can be enjoyed by children everywhere! 

Jolly B Toddler's toys are created using 5 principles-
  • Engaging- Each toy is tested by a group of kids to be sure that it is engaging, fun & appealing
  • Love- all things are created with love! 
  • Inspring- each toy is designed to stimulate creativity & open end play
  • Portable- toys are developed to be portable and easily stored so they can be enjoyed anywhere you go!
  • Quality- they research, develop & handpick carefully safe & quality materials and toys at the best price that encourage kids & development
Jolly B Toddler sent us this adorable Tree Building Blocks toy to review! 



Sophia had an absolute blast pulling the leaves off and trying to put them back on! I was so impressed at how hard she concentrated on putting it back together! 


She was so excited about her new toy!

 

The Tree Building Blocks promotes hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills & aesthetic development for toddlers 24 months and up. The tree includes the base, stem and wooden pieces of branches and leaves. It was easy put together for play time!

Grab the  Tree Building Blocks now for your little one!
Visit their Website
Follow them on Facebook
Follow them on Instagram



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Thursday, October 13, 2016

Erica & Adam - Our Adoption Story


The Mommy Room is  excited to welcome Erica as a guest blogger for The Mommy Room! October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month. Erica's story is inspiring and definitely shows that God always has a plan for us. I encourage each reader to remember Erica & Adam in their prayers as they begin this new journey.



If I could describe my life in one sentence it would be, "my life didn't go as planned." If my life had gone as planned, I would be giving my toddler a bath while my infant cried for yet another feeding time. Instead, the only noise I hear is the TV on in the background and my dog snoring. 

My husband and I just celebrated our three year anniversary. Three years ago we became our own family with just the two of us. Just a few months into our marriage we both agreed that we wanted children right away. A few months turned into a year. Each test continued to bave a blank space. I hid my pain under a fake smile. I hid the anxiety and depression under a peppy voice. For eighteen months we struggled alone. We were too scared to get help because we were fearful of the truth that something could be wrong. 

One morning I woke up and took a pregnancy test like it was routine, except this time, it was different. There was that second line for eighteen months I dreamt of. In that moment I became a mom. My life was turned completely upside down when I woke up one morning to find that my body was getting rid of the one thing my heart wanted so badly. When I held that test with tear filled eyes, I fell in love with someone I would never get the chance to meet. 

Over the course of six months, I would have that heartbreak not once, but three times. Three times I fell to my knees in the bathroom floor praising God at that positive test. Three times I would fall to the same floor from my world shattering and my body in pain. With every medical test available for my husband and I, they all came back without an answer. The title "unexplained infertility and pregnancy loss" were now part of our description. I quickly became someone I was not proud of. For months I questioned my worth, faith, and the love God had for me. 

During these trying times, I began to open up about my story. I became someone who inwardly struggled to someone who boldfully shared her every feeling, desire, and heartache on social media. The bad, the very bad, the good and the great. I learned a lot about myself, but more about God. I was able to see His grace in times I didn't deserve it. I could see His love in times I wasn't very loveable. I could see his promises in times it wasn't very promising. Not only did God give me the strength to keep pushing, he gave me the courage to be vulnerable and tell our story. He gave us the support system who lifted us, encouraged us, and prayed for us. 

After almost three years of this journey, we are starting a new journey. The journey of adoption.

Back at the beginning of summer I felt this constant grab at my heart for adoption, but I kept shrugging it off. I never felt led to adopt; why now? Why did I all the sudden see faces of children and wonder about the millions who don't have homes? Why did YouTube videos of adoption stories keep popping up while I was online? Why was my heartache for my unborn child becoming less and the heartache for others becoming more? I kept all of these to myself because I was fearful I wasn't going to make the decision God wanted. What if these emotions and signs weren't from God? One day a commercial came on the TV about orphans and in between sobs I said, "I want to adopt." Adam was sitting on the other end of the couch and turned his attention toward me and said, "So do I."  It was like my life had changed instantly. I felt like right in that moment, our story started a new chapter. 


Adoption isn't our second option. It isn't our fall back plan. We are whole heartedly trusting and believing that God is going to lead us to a child that He has created with our family in mind. He is fully equipping us to be the very best parents He created us to be. 

I have had several people say, "You were so against adoption, why are you doing it now?" I was never "against" adoption. Truthfully, I was against changing what I had planned for my life. I was against giving up the fight of infertility. I was against giving up my dream of what I thought my life and family should be like for years. I was against giving up my type A personality and all control. 

The more God put adoption on my heart, the more I thought about what my final goal is. Is my goal to be pregnant, or is my goal to become a mother? My goal is to be a mom and how I get that title isn't important. I also thought about how we are adopted into the Kingdom of God. He adopted us when we were orphans. He loves us, takes care of us, forgives us, encourages us, and has created the most fulfilling life for us. Not because He "had to" but because He loves us. He will never leave us nor forsake us. He is our Father. 

Whatever challenge you are facing today, I encourge you to use it to the glory of God. Only he can make such deep wounds into a beautiful scar that reminds you of your past, but promises you, your future. It isn't easy and it isn't always painless. I would never have reached out to hundreds of people without sharing my pain. I would never have met wonderful people all over the world from keeping the burdens to myself. And I would have never been able to boldly talk about God's love for me without my struggle.

We ask for prayers during this journey. It's going to be a long one, but worth every second to finally hold our dear sweet baby in our arms. 

Follow our journey on our Facebook page
If you feel led to help them through their journey, you can do so at their Go Fund Me Page

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Monday, October 10, 2016

Stay Warm This Fall with Buttercream Clothing ~ Scarf Giveaway





I absolutely LOVE fall! 
Boots, scarves,  hot chocolate, leggings, the beautiful leaves changes color and the cooler weather! What isn't to like about it?!

I recently stumbled upon Buttercream Clothing on Instagram and I instantly was in love with their gorgeous scarves! They are so fun and perfect for fall! 




These super adorable double cowl infinity scarves are 58' long & 9' wide. They are made of organic cotton and are sure to feel soft and warm on a cool day! 

One of our lucky followers is going to win this super fun scarf from Buttercream Designs valued at $44.00


Just follow the steps below to enter! Good Luck



Buttercream Organic Scarf Giveaway

The Parkers Hit the Beach



This past week we packed up the car and headed to Myrtle Beach, SC for a much needed vacation! 
October always seems to be the perfect time to go! Its not as hot & humid and the beaches are not as packed since all the kids are in school! I couldn't wait to take our Sophia since I knew this year she'd be old enough to enjoy the sand and water!


Sophia absolutely LOVED the sand. As soon as we walked onto the beach she began to dance around in the sand and giggle! 




I believe she would have stayed out on the beach all day if we would have let her!



She even loved the water! The waves would rush by her and knock her over and she would just laugh! She is definitely a water baby!


We had such a wonderful time at the beach! I look forwards to many more trips to Ocean Lakes with her!





Sunday, October 9, 2016

Vintage Branding Co. ~ Necklace Review





Since becoming a mom over a year and a half ago, I'm a sucker for anything that says mom.....t-shirts, jewelry...you name it! When I came across Vintage Branding Co. on Etsy I was instantly in LOVE with their gorgeous hand crafted jewelry! They have so many fun pieces to choose from. They have so many personalized pieces to choose from as well. 

Vintage Branding Co. sent us this gorgeous Mama Bear Horizontal Bar Necklace in Rose Gold.


When I received it, I was even more in love! It was so tiny and dainty and the perfect addition to any outfit! Dress it up or wear it casual out on the day!
This beautiful Mama Bear Horizontal Bar Necklace is 1.2"x.2" and is available in sterling silver, rose or yellow gold. Chain length options are 16" and 18".


The rose gold color is absolutely beautiful for fall! It went perfectly with my burgundy colored top!



And it was the perfect accessory with this denim top at the beach!


Each of the personalized pieces at Vintage Branding Co are laser engraved, meaning the possibilities are endless! Personalize your piece with images, words or handwriting.
These custom pieces make the perfect gifts! Christmas is right around the corner and this Mama Bear Necklace is perfect for any mom or mom to be!

Vintage Branding Co is offering our readers 15% off their orders! Just enter the code BLOG15 at Checkout! Also, make sure you subscribe to their newsletter for future sales & upcoming new products!


Be sure to Follow Vintage Branding Co on Social Media!


Friday, October 7, 2016

Bump & Beyond ~ Toddler Christmas Shirt Review




Bump & Beyond creates fun and stylish clothes for your little ones. They started in 2013 and since then have had over 45,000+ in sales and 5 Stars in overall feedback! We were excited to have the opportunity to review one of their fun toddler shirts!

Sophia and I picked this super fun and adorable christmas shirt for review! I thought the saying fit her fun and mischievous personality perfectly! This fun shirt includes commercial grade vinyl which is extremely durable meaning it won't crack or flake off during washing! Its available in sizes 3-6 months to 6T! They have lots of other Christmas shirts as well that you can view Here!



Just add some pigtails and you've got the perfect look!  I also love that this shirt is gender neutral as well! 



The material was super soft and was made of great quality! Sophia enjoyed running around playing in it! It will be the perfect apparel for upcoming holiday events!


Bump & Beyond Designs has lots of fun shirts to choose from over on their website! They have some super adorable ones for thanksgiving and even cuter ones to celebrate their birthdays!

Want your own? Enter code "MOMMY" at checkout to receive 20% off on orders over $20! 
Such an amazing offer!

Make sure you follow them on social media!
Instagram- @bumpandbeyonddesigns 





Wednesday, October 5, 2016

The Fruit Boxx - Subscription Box Review




Healthy eating is something we are trying to encourage more often with our little one. At 18 months she's becoming quite the picky eater. Basically, she wants to eat what she's in the mood for. Many nights whatever I cook for dinner is turned away and I find her reaching for Ritz Peanut Butter Crackers and other yummy snacks....that aren't necessarily the best for her. 

I was excited to find out about The Fruit Boxx through Instagram. Subscription Boxes are on the rise but finding one full of yummy and healthy snacks is tough. The Fruit Boxx includes yummy packages of fresh dried fruit! We received two different varieties to try- Tropical Mix & Summer Time Mix.



The Summer Time Mix was a big favorite at our house! It was a delicious mixture of strawberries & bananas. The Tropical Mix was a mixture of kiwi, pineapple & mango! 



The most exciting part of doing this review for The Fruit Boxx is they are a BRAND new company! They haven't even started sending out packages yet! Right now when you go to their website, you can enter your email address and get 50% off your first box! 


Help us support this brand new fun subscription service! Head on over and check them out!

Facebook
Website
Instagram: @thefruitboxx