Happy First Birthday Corbin

Today my youngest turns one. How is that even possible? I swear we brought him home from the hospital last week. Yet, at the same time, it is like he has always been here. Isn't it funny how that works. Time and emotion combined makes things so complicated.

Being number 4, means his time spent with mommy is broken up between or shared with 3 siblings. I think that is why this one has rushed by. I swear, I blinked and he aged. It has been terrible. Wonderful at the same time but quite ridiculous.

Corbin is a pure joy. God knew what He was doing when He surprised us with this one. When days are crazy and painful and defeating with everything that our life has thrown at us, this boy will manage to light up the room for all of us.

Oh, and can we just talk about those eyes for a second? Seriously, this boy makes his mommy swoon. It is that reason that you all get to have a picture overload here today to celebrate Corbin. Happy Birthday baby boy!

And how cute are the one year photos we took? He slays me!

This is our Autism

A few days ago I stumbled upon  this post. I was hesitant to even read it because I was so sick of everyone telling me what autism is "supposed to look like". Our son does not fit in the box that most people see as autism.

The post was talking about just that. It made me feel so much better to know that in fact, my child is not the only one who isn't like every other autistic child. In fact, as the saying goes "if you've met one child with autism, you have met one child with autism".




What does autism look like in our house?

It is jumping when he is nervous or overstimulated or excited or scared. Something we now know is called stemming and makes him feel better. Even if it's dangerous while walking through a parking lot or jars my back for the umpteenth time.

It's taking selfies over and over because he gets excited that he can finally see what mommy means when she tells him to make a happy face or any type of emotion on his face.




It's a routine that can't be broken. A person who is only good for the job he has associated with them.

It's hours of therapies and time taken away from normalcy. Mommy guilt galore as I have to dedicate the extra hours to one child.

It's chasing him down halls or aisles or beaches or anywhere because he runs and he doesn't respond to his name.

It's letting a two year old play on an iPad and hearing the whispers of all the things people wouldn't let their kids do...when really they have no clue.

It requires holding him down or putting him in his crib or stroller so that he can't bang his head on the floor anymore. So that he can't hit anymore. So everyone is safe.

It is fearing he will fall when he climbs high just to jump down. Or when he does everything in his power to get his face under water. Or wants to put everything in his mouth.

It's celebrating when he says a new word. Clapping when he can feed himself with a spoon. Happy Dancing when he plays with his peers and they don't exclude him.

His autism looks different then the kid sitting next to him. Our journeys and battles and triumphs are so different yet so alike.

Daytime Smokey Eye

Last week I introduced the idea of Make-Up Mondays on Instagram and Facebook and y'all went crazy. I have been receiving e-mails, messages and comments for sometime asking for info on what make-up I'm wearing or tips on how to achieve the looks. I had no clue though just how serious you guys were. With a inbox full of requests, here I am launching it.

Let me start by saying, I am not a pro. Like not even close. I don't know proper technique or terminology. If you are looking for that, there are lots of beauty blogs on YouTube, I'd be happy to help you find one that fits what you are looking for. That being said, everything I am doing, you CAN do.

So our first tutorial? My take on the Daytime Smokey Eye. By far the most requested look by all y'all.

Here is the finished look. You can also see it in more detail in that shot up above the video. Totally something you could all rock. Is there another look that you are dying to try?

Don't mind my crazy lady hair, it's hot in this house. I was not ready to pump hot hair at myself in order to dry the mane.

What is your go to look?

BJ's Restaurants New Mobile App

“This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and BJ’s Restaurants, but all my opinions are my own. #DineInOrderAhead #pmedia  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV”

Meal times are a big deal in our family. It is about more than just eating. It is about gathering around a table and enjoying each other. It is for this reason that we love going out to eat. Although I like to cook, skipping the responsibilities and just spending time with those I care about is such a treat for me.

Since having kids, dining out has gotten harder and harder. Having a child with autism and some pretty serious sensory disorders has made eating out nearly impossible. The long wait for a seat is just the start of the meltdowns. Having 4 kiddos need to sit still (especially our sensory seeker) while we wait for drinks and food can be brutal. If we manage to make it through that, by the grace of God, waiting for the check and then the back and forth of leaving a card, having it charged and so forth promises a not so fun time. Not for us and not for those in surrounding seats who get to endure a meltdown with us.

All of that being said, dining out as a family has become almost non-existent. When it does happen, it almost always ends in tears. Not just for the kids. For me too. Tears of embarrassment, of frustration and sometimes tears stemming from the feeling of failing our kids. I mean, it shouldn't be that hard, right?

When I was first introduced to the idea of BJ's Restaurants Dine In Order Ahead and Mobile Pay Features on their new mobile app, I had no idea what it would mean for our family. We knew that the convenience would help us to hurry through a meal...maybe we would survive an outing. You guys! We not only survived, we enjoyed a meal out as a family. For the first time in a very long time. Do you know how big of a deal this is? Like seriously!!!

We tried the app out for the first time last Sunday. After church, I downloaded it on my iPhone (it is available on Androids as well), explored the menu and placed everyone's orders as we drove to BJ's Restaurant.



When we arrived, we simply told the hostess that we used the Dine in Order Ahead app and we were seated pretty quickly. If you are already close to the restaurant, I would recommend ordering a few minutes before leaving or use the Preferred Waitlist feature, we would have gotten in even more quickly had we done that.

Almost immediately after being seated our drinks arrived. Only 5 minutes after that, our appetizer arrived, followed by the kids food and our meals. Pizookie came as we were finishing up our food.

My favorite part, Mobile Pay, before we were even done with dessert I was able to pay the bill right from my phone. No awkward asking for the bill. No shuffling back and forth or waiting. The second we finished our meal we were able to pack up and go. No tantrums waiting around while ready to go. It was amazing. We were in and out in 41 minutes! The only tears shed after this meal were of relief and sheer joy that we were able to dine out as a family again.



I know so many people who could benefit from using this app. I would highly recommend this for families with littles, parents who need to rush through date night in order to capitalize on babysitter times or if you are catching a meal in a rush.

Download the Dine in Order Ahead App now!

Download the app for your iPhone or Android and enjoy a delicious meal with ease.

I am so excited to be able to go out to dinner with my little family for my birthday later this month. It will be the first time in 2 years that we have been able to do that. It is the little things!