Make up

I knew one day the subject of make up would come up, and this year it did.When I was growing up I wanted to wear make up, but my dad was completely against it. Eventually, he did give in, but the rule was... If he could tell I was wearing make up, it was too much. If he thought I had on too much, then I would not be allowed to wear it anymore.

In Anya's case, technically I started it. Anya has struggled with acne, and I knew she was starting to get self conscious. So, I got her concealer and foundation to help. When it was time for school pictures, Anya asked if she could wear make up. The answer was yes as long as her Daddy and I couldn't tell. I explained that make up isn't to make us pretty, because we already are. Make up is just to bring out and highlight our best features. We also discussed that make up can just as easily make us unattractive if we use too much. She did an amazing job with her make up and looked beautiful. After that she wanted to wear it more often. The rule remains the same, but a second rule was added. The second rule is that if she ever feels that she has to put make up on just to leave the house or when company comes over, then it is too much, and make up privileges will be suspended. I just want her to know that she is beautiful inside and out.

Yes, my mother did start it! ha! I don't really care if I have make-up on... i know I'm beautiful. Like Selena Gomez says, "who says your not beautiful?" I do wear make-up on occasion but its not my mission, one of my BFFs wont even go to sea world without make-up (i still love her though). :P Make-up is sorta of a way to express your self.. at least i think. Its something when you're in 5th grade-middle school you should start. But, diffidently not when you're in 1st-4th.. in 4th you can wear a little. Different people have different age limits (everyone is different). Make-up is nice.. but you diffidently can live without it. 

Saying goodbye to Elementary School

Growing up... Who ever said that it is okay?

 So, let's be honest... We aren't sad about our children growing up, we are sad that they are becoming independent. We cheer when they say their first word, crawl, walk, use the big girl/boy potty, eat normal food, clean their room, make their bed, clean up after themselves, and so on. However, we cry when they have their first sleepover away from us, go to their first day of school/daycare, don't cry when we leave them somewhere, grow (that is really because it cost more money), make decisions on their own, don't like our suggestions, have opinions, and graduate middle school.

 Today my beautiful baby girl and her besties graduated 5th grade. It is a bitter sweet moment. I am so very proud of how smart and talented our young ladies are, but Anya is not a baby anymore. Instead, she is becoming her own person.

Throughout this year Anya has gone through so many changes. Some have been exciting, some have been frustrating, and others have been more difficult to guide her through. From clothes/styles, interests, likes/dislikes, make up, overall appearance, puberty, emotions, feelings, opinions, and friends to boys... AHHHHHHHH. My head is spinning still, and just think new changes are ahead. It's very exciting, and scary all at the same time. I do know, however, that I have done the best job I can to help her deal with and go through these changes. (As you'll see throughout our blogging, I am definitely NOT a perfect mom.) My hope is that through my imperfections and all the guidance I and all her mentors (friends and family) have given and will give, will be enough to help her in making her own decisions in the future. She will make mistakes, and she will learn from them. I can't wait to see what an amazing future she will have... Although, I would be okay if it slowed down just a little =)



OMG! Leaving 5th grade, i thought it would never happen! Leaving my school, friends, teachers... was/is a sad time. My friends are leaving me, i'll (probably) never see my teacher again! NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! But, as you know we do change. My friends grow up, my teachers move on, and everything slowy takes its course... this year has been a series of ups and downs. Boys are involved, Heartbreak, Betrail, Frendships, and Secrets! Everything involved in going on a new adventure starts in 5th grade! :( It's so much! It's CRAZY! But I for some unknown reason.. I CANT WAIT FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL! but there will be no one to guide me, no one to help me along the way, and NO ONE TO HELP ME STAY OUT OF TROUBLE! eye yi yie! Well looks like i have some more adventures to deal with! Wish me LUCK! 




 

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is a staple in Anya and I's world. I first heard about Coconut oil on the Dr. Oz show, but after using it and researching its many benefits, we found that we can not live without it. We currently have 3 bottles in the house... 1 in Anya's room, 1 in my room, and 1 in the kitchen. I encourage you to try it in one or all of the following ways. 

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/surprising-health-benefits-coconut-oil

1. Hair: Coconut oil remoisturizes the hair and scalp. We use it as frequently as possible, but once a week is good. Rub into hair and scalp, leave for 1-2 hrs for a regular moisturizing or over night for a deep moisturizing, wash out (if not able to get out with regular shampoo, wash with clarifying shampoo). Your hair with feel softer and stay healthier. It was GREAT for Anya's hair when she was a competitive swimmer.

2. Skin: Coconut oil remoisturizes your skin like your hair. Using it daily after bath/shower is best, but as often as possible is good to. Just use it like lotion. (Also great for dog's skin to keep it from getting dry.)

3. Sunburn: Ah yes, one of our favorites! (esp. today after the beach). After your bath/shower, use like a lotion. Reapply as you want, your sunburn will heal quickly.

http://authoritynutrition.com/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil/

4. Acne: Anya has struggles with acne over the last few years. We have tried many many things, but only 2 have been successful. (unfortunately, we have not been consistent with either lately) Coconut oil and honey. Both moisturize your skin as it works as an anti fungle. 

http://thenaturalacnecure.blogspot.com/2013/07/coconut-oil-natural-acne-remedy.html

5. Weight loss: Due to the unique way that coconut oil is digested by the body, it actually helps rid that horrible belly fat. Eating it is good (My mother-in-law eats 2 tsp. a day), but cooking with it is better. Personally, we like to use it in fajitas and brownies. Another good way is as butter on toast. When using it in brownies, use 1/2 of what the recipe calls for if using vegetable oil. Another great way to use coconut oil in cooking is when sauteing vegetables and marinating meat. 

There are so many more benefits of coconut oil, and we are learning more daily. I strongly urge you to use it, and research. As we continue to experiment with our coconut oil, we will keep you updated on what we find. 

Where do babies come from?

If you haven't been asked this question yet, you will be. How did/will you answer this inevitable question? I remember it very well. Of course when they were young, the answer was way different. You know, "God put you there." "When Mommy and Daddy love each other, their love makes a baby." or my personal favorite, which my 3 year old son came up with, "Just go to the baby store and pick one out like you did me." LOL. But as we all know, those answers soon become not good enough. Anya and I were in the hospital visiting my sister who just delivered my amazing nephew. Anya, 9 at the time, looked up and said, "I know how the baby comes out, but how does it get in there?" OH BOY!!!! At that moment, the nurse, my sister, and most importantly, my dad were all standing there in the room. I just answered, "I'll tell you later." So, I waited till a more appropriate time. Is there one? Really? Is there one? Okay, so about a week later, we were on our way home from the grocery store. I turned the music down and just blurted it out. She sat there staring forward then slowing turned the music up loud. Anya did say anything for like 5 mins, but it seemed like an eternity. Then she turned the music down, and said, "That. Was out of nowhere." I asked if she had any questions, and she didn't have any then because she was grossed out, and overwhelmed. Good news... you can throw your children for a loop too. =) Over the next few weeks, she asked one question at a time. Taking time to digest the answer before asking another. Not sure if this is the best way to handle it, but it worked for us. Good luck with your talks, and I'd love to hear your stories.  

OMG! I totally remember that time, (as said above). I've had experience... (obviously!) and I know how a daughter feels, and probably how they would like to be told. They do NOT like it when you just DUMP it on them *cough* MOTHER *cough*, just relax and tell them like how you would tell your self (a little at a time) make sure they understand what you just said before you move on. They just want to understand... a helpful hint is, to make sure they're not going to school the next day. It helps, ;)

Hope you had a Mad Monday (you know mad, when you go a little crazy)! Today/every Monday, we will be talking about the things that drive us MAD!

Hi, it's mwa, Anya!!!! And as said above... I'm talking about what drives me mad. Something that drives me "mad" is, when people say "persons". I know it's weird but it just doesn't sound right (ex.  That's a big group of persons). Another thing, that happened today, is when "people" { ;) } take my sarcasm seriously! I hate it, i literately go "MAD" (IN TWO WAYS) for a few seconds. Those are just a few of the thing that make me MAD.

LOL... To be young again. =) What makes me MAD? Most recently, it is when someone makes an issue where there isn't one to begin with. I mean why stir up problems? If everyone is happy and having a good time, why stir up drama? OR When someone says, "If you have a problem with me or if I hurt your feelings, be honest and tell me. Don't act like nothing is wrong. Don't ignore me." Well, you got it, but when I tell you, don't get defensive and start lashing out at me just because you can't handle the truth. Finally, the police lights at night. They are SO bright that I am going to crash just because I can't see the road. I mean seriously?

Mothers Day!!

Mothers Day Flowers

Happy Mothers Day! Its Anya, and I'm just going to be talking about Mothers Day gifts that don't cost much. I know that (sometimes, depending on the school) you make gifts, crafts, & cards for your mother. For example, I'm in 5th grade (elementary school) and last week i made a card for my mom, & bought school flowers for her (my school PTA does this sale & sells fake flowers to kids, prices range $1-5.) You can also just find a Mothers Day craft website (I will link it below).
Just remember, YOUR MOTHER WILL LOVE ANYTHING YOU GIVE HER AS LONG AS IT IS FROM THE HEART!
Mothers Day Craft Link





Happy Mother's Day to all the beautiful and hard-working mothers! While I was at work yesterday, someone asked me why I wasn't at home being spoiled. I explained that I get spoiled daily by my family, and someone has to work. When I got home at 3p, my son asked me to get back into bed, so he could make me breakfast. SO SWEET!!! Miss Anya Lise and her brother, Chance, gave me the flowers above.  

A little about us...

Hi, I'm Anya and I'll be talking from the daughters point of view. I'm 11 years old (a pre-teen is what my mom says). I love Music and Singing. I like Sports, (I used to be a competitive Swimmer, but currently I'm a Jujitsu/MMA fighter). I'll be talking about experiences I've had, things you might want to tell your mother, & HOW you should tell her. Yep.... so that's me! 
(THIS IS ME!!!)-------------------------------------->










And I, Jennifer, will be talking from a mother's point of view. I am 35 years old with 2 children, Chance and Anya (as seen above). I am married to an amazing man, Mike, and work full time. My family is my life, and I enjoy every moment with them. I will be talking about my experiences, things that mother's should talk to their daughters about, and HOW I've talked to Anya about them.
 <---------------------------------------------- (THIS IS ME!!!)