Why I've Been Missing

I have missed being here, but unfortunately, life happens and it has been a rough couple of weeks. We had some sick puppies and life is just starting to get back to normal.

I posted before about how excited we were about our litter of pups that were born a few months ago. I referred to them as Mr and Mrs because there are sick people in the world and I really didn't want to put their names out there. Unfortunately, there are people who will steal Pit Bull puppies. This particular litter is hybrid - Pit Bull/ Boston Terrier.

Harley and Raven (Mr and Mrs) are the pups that my husband and I picked to keep and raise in our family. We ended up keeping 8 of the pups out of fear of them going to a bad home. They got sick and we lost 5 of them. Raven and Harley are two of the ones we lost. Harley died the Saturday before Thanksgiving and Raven died Thanksgiving morning. It has been a sad stretch, but 3 are almost back to their rambunctious selves. I miss our babies.

We aren't sure what made the babies sick- they tested negative in the Parvo test, but it was a virus that mimics Parvo. The only thing is that it didn't take them down as quickly as Parvo usually does. In researching how to make them better, I learned a lot about these doggie viruses. These viruses can be spread by a fly, bird, or even squirrel going from one yard to the next. The vaccine is not even a guarantee that your dog will not get it. It was horrible watching the babies die.

Sometimes I wish I didn't love animals so much, but I wouldn't change the memories for anything. Everything happens for a reason, but we may not know the reason.

So, that is where I have been. I have several posts over the next week scheduled to make up for my absence.

Lovable Labels Promotion: Black Friday and Cyber Monday

One of my favorite products to organize and keep track of items is Lovable Labels. Not only are they personalized, but they are durable. Lovable Labels are microwave, dishwasher, washer, dryer, and kid safe. 

Lovable Labels has a special promotion just for you! I will definitely be taking advantage of this offer! 

90 Day Challenge: Day 19 to 25

I just have a quick update this week. It has been crazy around here and I haven't done as well as I could have done. I haven't had any change this week (plus or minus) However, I am still ecstatic about the changes I have made so far. I feel like I am on the right track and quite ready for a fresh week.

Look for a better week next week. Thanks for sticking around.

Guest Post: Rhonda Shares Her Modeling Experience

Last week, I posted about Rack Room Shoes and #modelswanted. Wish such a great response and amazing concept, I thought you guys might like to know more. So, Rhonda is sharing her thoughts today. Rhonda and her family are this years winners and will be appearing in store ads throughout the month of December. Remember, there is still time to get your applications in to be next year's models. 

Last year I happened to be shopping at Rack Room Shoes (as I do quite often with three growing children) when I saw an entry form for a contest that caught my attention. Each year, Rack Room Shoes hosts their annual Models Wanted contest. A contest for real families, like mine, to submit pictures of themselves to Rack Room Shoes for a chance to be featured in their seasonal advertising campaigns.

After I got home I figured oh, why not? This sounds fun. So I jumped online and filled out the entry form, submitting a few of my favorite family photos. I had forgotten all about the entry until we received a phone call from a Rack Room representative. To be honest, I thought it was a joke!

As it turns out, it wasn’t a prank at all! At first I thought they would just want to feature the kids, but my husband, David, and I were also included in the photo shoot. I had no idea what to expect, but it was a great time. I enjoyed every minute of it!

We were flown to Charlotte, N.C. where we were treated like movie stars. Each day we got our hair and make up done, played on set and got to try on lots of shoes, which we even got to take home! I remember waking up one morning thinking, “I could get used to this!” The Rack Room Shoes team was so welcoming and really treated us as part of the family.

I think David and I will always remember this experience and the looks on our kid’s faces during the shoot– priceless! (I’m not sure who enjoyed the experience more, them or us.) All in all, I have to say I’m thankful I picked up that form in the Rack Room Shoes store that afternoon, or I would have missed out on this once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to spend quality time together with my family.

So if you are considering entering, I say go for it! What do you have to lose? We certainly gained more than we could’ve ever imagined.  Below are a few pictures from the shoot, and you can also see us online (beginning Nov. 13) at www.rackroomshoes.com and in stores at all 400 locations. This has certainly been an experience we will never forget!

Thank you Ronda for sharing your experience with us! I'm glad you and your family had such a great experience and you make such great models. 

Don't forget to apply for your family to be models! Have any questions or want to spread the word? Tweet using #modelswanted. You can also follow Rack Room Shoes. 

Managing My Time

I have known that I tend to be a busy person for a while now. Everyone is always telling me to slow down. I'm one of those annoying people who watch tv, read a book, and have a conversation all at the same time. It has always been this way- it is part of my personality. I don't do well with empty time. I just had no idea just how busy I have been lately. It wasn't until I was planning a meeting that I realized. 

This is not a contest of who is busier  I just want to give perspective. I am a mom, wife, blogger, business owner, and homeschool mom. That didn't seem like much to me, until I started thinking about the other stuff I do. Some of these "side projects" include being the case manager/ media assistant for CSPRI, publicist for my mom, writing a book, starting a network, and hobbies like crafts and baking. Add to that pups and I'm one busy lady. I enjoy being involved in a variety of projects  but I also know that I need to continue to be organized to manage it all.

I am in the process of learning to delegate some tasks within projects and streamlining my social media. My organizational system and time management system has been being refined for twenty years. Because of this, I will be sharing a series of organizational posts after Christmas  Starting December 26th, I will be posting about a different organizational tool or system every day. I want to include topic ideas from you and answer some of your questions. If there is an area you struggle with, have an idea you want to share, or have a question, email me at thepalmettoqueen(at)gmail(dot)com.

What would you like to see in the organizational series?

SCS: Thank You Veterans

One of the earliest lessons I learned was to be grateful to those who have lost their lives and risked their lives so that I can live the life I have. My grandfather was in the Air Force and my mom grew up with strong military roots and influences. At times our house was run like a ship. I am thankful for all the times my grandaddy came home when it could have turned out so differently. 

I may have been the only 13-year-old who teared up at the site of the monuments in Washington, D.C. - but there is just something about having all of that emotion in front of your face. 

I cannot possibly put into words how thankful I am for our soldiers, veterans, and fallen heroes. From the bottom of my heart Thank you. I want to send a special thank you to their families as well. I know it isn't easy. 

Here are some amazing poems that can assist me in putting my thoughts into words. 

If someone has done military service,

They earn the title "veteran," and more;

They earn our deep respect and admiration;

That they are special no one can ignore.

They sacrificed the comforts we enjoy;

The list is long of all the things they gave.

Our veterans are extraordinary people;

They’re loyal, dedicated, true and brave.

When terror and invasion were real threats,

They showed us they could handle any storm.

We owe our freedoms and our very lives

To our veterans, who served in uniform.

Our veterans should be celebrities;

They’re exceptional; no other group compares.

We’re grateful for the many things they’ve done;

They’re always in our hearts and in our prayers.

We owe our veterans support and friendship;

Let no one ever question what they’re worth.

These men and women served us and our country,

Our veterans--the very best on earth.

By Joanna Fuchs

The Noble and the Brave:

A Veteran's Day Tribute

When America had an urgent need,

These brave ones raised a hand;

No hesitation held them back;

They were proud to take a stand.

They left their friends and family;

They gave up normal life;

To serve their country and their God,

They plowed into the strife.

They fought for freedom and for peace

On strange and foreign shores;

Some lost new friends; some lost their lives

In long and brutal wars.

Other veterans answered a call

To support the ones who fought;

Their country had requirements for

The essential skills they brought.

We salute every one of them,

The noble and the brave,

The ones still with us here today,

And those who rest in a grave.

So here’s to our country’s heroes;

They’re a cut above the rest;

Let’s give the honor that is due

To our country’s very best.

By Joanna Fuchs