The Hallo-Thanks-Mas Tree

Every year the holiday's seem to begin to blend together sooner than the year before. Once October hits we are bombarded with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas all at once. In my opinion I think Thanksgiving kind of gets the shaft.  This year, I went the week of Thanksgiving to find some decor and couldn't find anything, in three stores!  Plus, throw in the Black Friday madness starting at 2pm on Thanksgiving Day in some places, I mean, I haven't even eaten my turkey by 2pm!  Thanksgiving should just be changed to "Over eat and spend money you don't need to spend Day".  I will admit that when I start seeing Christmas decorations before Halloween, I think "come on people, let us enjoy the other TWO holidays before I have to start thinking about presents", but then again, I AM that person who also, after Thanksgiving dinner and time with the family, and after I've put my kids to bed, will head to the stores late that night to see what kind of deals I can find.  It's all about sticking to that holiday budget friends!   Now lets talk about The Hallo-Thanks-Mas Tree? This year Halloween ended and the next day I saw photos of friends putting up their Christmas tree. See, Thanksgiving Shafted.  So, it drives the question, when is the right time to put up Christmas?  Traditionally, for a lot of a families, I know the day after Thanksgiving is pretty common for setting up Christmas. Everyone is together, you've celebrated being Thankful for all you have and spending time as a family to put up Christmas seems to fall right into place the next day.  Stores are already decked out in holiday decor, Christmas tree lighting's are happening all over your city and of course, the pre-holiday sales pulling at your wallet strings to start stocking up on presents from Santa.  The holidays have officially been unable to separate themselves. My husband and I were talking about the tree situation and I was sharing how shocked I was to see tree's up on November 1st when he asked, "Whats the difference between November 1st or November 25th and Why does it matter?" (Insert sarcastic eye roll)  His question however sparked a thought in my mind that I've been pondering ever since. Why are people setting up their trees so early?  The conclusion I came to allowed my heart and mind to be changed and to see what the tree really symbolizes for many families! 
Last year, we were one of those "premature tree setter-upper" families.  I was 8 months pregnant and we drove past a Christmas tree farm that was set up the week before Thanksgiving. I explained to my husband I wanted to enjoy the tree as long as I could and if this baby came early (like my other two had) I wouldn't have the energy to be setting up/worrying about Christmas in the weeks to come.  He hesitantly agreed and we went home with a beautiful 9 ft flocked Christmas tree.  There we were, 7 days before Thanksgiving with our whole home ready for Christmas.

So why do people do it?  The above example is the reason I believe Christmas is becoming the Hallow-Thanks-Mas two month long holiday!  I had told my husband I wanted to "enjoy the tree" as long as possible, but was it really about the tree?  No!  I believe the reason people are so anxious to set up Christmas is because of the feeling that Christmastime brings to families in homes all over the world.  During Christmas our home is filled with twinkling lights, a warm fireplace, holiday smells, happy music, yummy treats and drinks, extra snuggles and laughs. The children have stars in their eyes as they write letters to Santa and anxiously await his reply. We do weekly outings as a family to see beautiful Christmas light displays, we ride the Polar Express, take a sleigh ride through town, sled down big hills, build snowmen, build gingerbread houses and make traditional treats for our friends and neighbors.  Also in our home, a little elf visitor hangs around all month so our kids behavior is the BEST during the holidays as they work extra hard to prove to Santa what good kids they are.  On top of all these wonderful traditions and holiday activities, our family also spends a lot of time focusing on the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Christ.  Christmas hymns, live nativities, learning about Christ's birth and serving others during the holidays, allows an even warmer spirit and feeling to be present during this month.

Am I crazy? Who wouldn't' want to have this type of feeling present in their home ALL YEAR!?  Makes sense, doesn't it?  Maybe a new family member is on the way, maybe this will be Grandpa's last Christmas or it's babies first. Maybe it's the first Christmas in a families new home, or the last Christmas in an old one.  Perhaps they'll be hosting family members or a family less fortunate.  I think the Christmas spirit is one of the most magical and special feelings you can have in your home.  Big or small, rich or poor, Catholic or Christian, black or white it doesn't matter. For those of us who celebrate Christmas, I think we can all agree it's the spirit of Christmas and the joy in our homes, around our towns and throughout the world that make setting up that tree a little earlier, perfectly acceptable. 

The Luckiest Mom

It's a dream of mine to start my own podcast someday.  I'm a firm believer that everyone has a story to share and someone, somewhere, might hear something from your story and it will help, encourage or inspire them in their journey of life. My sweet friend Reagan, a mother to three beautiful children and voice behind the inspiring The Luckiest Mom podcast, helped make that dream of mine come true for a day when she invited me to be a guest on her show.

The Luckiest Mom is a podcast with a daily message of inspiration, support and encouragement created to cultivate confidence and remind moms that they are the luckiest. 
Be sure to head over to The Luckiest Mom and follow Reagan's Instagram and Podcast for some daily inspirational messages.  Today, I thought I'd share a few details from my interview on The Luckiest Mom. You can also listen to my interview here. Episode 183. 

Reagan asked me a few questions about motherhood and it was my honor to share an insight to what my journey of motherhood has been like. 
Question #1. What makes you The Luckiest Mom?  "I am The Luckiest Mom because being a mom has taught me to live my most truthful life."  What do I mean by living a truthful life?  We are living in a time where lies, keeping up with the Jones' and living outside your means is becoming the norm.  Not being truthful to yourself, your situation, your finances, your beliefs, will do more damage than good to relationships, accomplishments and goals.  It's important to be truthful as mother because it's our responsibility to teach our children to live truthfully, to be honest and to give something to society.
Question #2. How did your life lead you to be a mom?  I've always wanted to be a mom. I am the oldest of 5 children and 24 grandchildren so my maternal instincts have been second nature since I was very young.  My husband and I (mostly me) knew that we wanted to have children right away.  We got pregnant with our first son 6 months after we were married and he was born on June 22nd, 2012. Hunters arrival was an extra special occasion as he came (3 and half weeks early) the day before the second anniversary of my brothers death.  My brother Hunter unexpectedly passed away at 18 in 2010. I had prepared my whole life to be a mom and I welcomed this sweet baby on such a tender anniversary with greater appreciation for eternal families and a mindful Father in Heaven. 
Question #3. Was there any point after you became a first time mom that you were so overwhelmed that you felt you couldn't continue?  I'm sure there were a lot of those moments.  After my mom went home to California and my husband went back to work, those first few days were a little overwhelming.  Not because I didn't think I couldn't do it, but because this perfect picture I had envisioned in my mind about what motherhood was going to be like wasn't applicable for us. Hunter had an oxygen tank and heart monitor so getting him all dressed up to tote and show off around town was something we couldn't do.  I was so excited to show the world I was a mom and I made this adorable baby and we were stuck.  I knew that I was going to have incredible moments as a mother but my fantasy that it would be rainbows and picture perfect days all the time, quickly faded.  It absolutely changed my perspective of what motherhood was going to be like.
Question #4. How is it being a mom of 3 kids? It was the hardest adjustment to go from two kids to three. My first two kids were such good babies; great sleepers, eaters and social butterflies.  Little Henry has been a huge adjustment with many sleepless nights, stomach issues and a strong attachment to mama.  Thankfully my two older children are in school and are pretty self reliant to get themselves dressed, get a snack and play together, so I am able to give Henry the extra attention he has needed.  It's been a ride of a year! 
Question #5. Who has been a strong example of motherhood to you?  My mother.  I feel so blessed to have my mom. My mom is one of my best friends and I feel so grateful to have her.  My mom has this unique ability to make life special and the little things magical.  She's taught us to see how wonderful the world is.   Watching her continue to live and love after my brother passed away was such an inspiration to me. The strength she had to carry on, to continue to love everyone around her and her husband and herself, was the greatest example of faith, hope and love I've ever witnessed.  She's always been the example of what a mother should be. 
Question #6. Are there things that you have done, that your mom did for you, for your own children? My mom was our biggest cheerleader.  I remember her being the most encouraging and positive person when we were growing up.  She did everything she could to let us know we were special and great!  So, with my own children, I have tried to focus on the positive, and teaching and encouragement. I try everyday to make my children feel special and feel that they are loved.  We do a lot of daily affirmations with our children.  Throughout each day, we try to point out the good choices they are making.  We are letting them know we are proud of them, that they are beautiful, they are special, they are kind and important. We use their names when we are speaking to them so they feel the directness of sincerity in our words. 

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Thank you again Reagan for having me on your channel.  It was so great to be apart of what you're doing and I think your daily messages are helping moms everywhere. Don't forget readers to head over to Reagan's podcast and remember that  You are The Luckiest Mom. 

Wink Naturals and a Giveaway!

This week, I am excited to FINALLY be able to share with you a mommy must have product from a brand that we have been using daily for a few weeks now and have been loving. 

If you follow my social media accounts (which I hope you all do) then you know that my little Henry Hugglemonster has been quiet the teether, 8 teeth by 10 months, and it has led to countless sleepless and painful nights for the poor guy... and mommy.  After two rounds of ear infections we were finally able to put these two products that Wink Naturals had sent us to the test. 

We had been on the search for a good natural and drug free teething gel after months of painful teething with our little guy and I was so impressed by what  Wink Naturals Cool Gum Teething gel offered.  The Cool Gum Teething gel gently cools and soothes tender gums without the risk of exposure to any added preservatives. Winks natural formula, with no added drugs or medicine, made it the safest option for our little one.  I had never thought to put a teething gel in the fridge, DUH, and when Wink Naturals suggested I store their teething gel in the fridge I was blown away by the results.  Henry loved the added instant cooling relief and it seemed to work for hours before we had to reapply. 

Along with making little Henry's mouth comfortable, we started to get into a more strict bedtime routine in hopes to calm and soothe him for a good nights rest despite his pain. As part of our new bedtime routine we started using Wink Naturals Pure Sleep and Breathe chest rub.  Pure Sleep and Breathe is also made of natural oils like lavender and eucalyptus radiata, as well as premium quality coconut oil and Shea butter so it's safe for baby's skin.  I love how the calming smell and soothing rub promoted peaceful sleep for little Henry and also acted as a natural decongestant for any runny nose congestion he had while teething. Henry and I both looked forward to a soothing aromatic rub before bedtime and naps.  I have also even been using it on my older two kiddos. Both Hunter and Hayden seem to catch any little throat irritant that's floating in the universe and between preschool, kindergarten, daycare, church and play times, it feels like we have had weekly congestion.  The kids have loved the Pure Sleep and Breathe as a part of their nighttime routine as well and agree it smells so much better than the other decongestant rubs we've used in the past.

Wink Naturals is a company based right here out of Utah and the founder was also a co-founder in one of our absolute favorite natural medicines, Zarbee's.  (Wink Naturals isn't affiliated with Zarbee's) Wink Naturals was created to combat the sleep epidemic that is prevalent in every home. Wink Naturals not only offers sleep and teething solutions, but also natural solutions like Bum Balm, Llama Lotion and even sleep help for adults. 
Wink Naturals even has their own blog where they give TONS of awesome advice on sleep, healthy living, motherhood and share recipes!  It has absolutely become a favorite read of mine. Head over and check out the blog here.
We love Wink Naturals so much that FordOlogy is giving one lucky reader the chance to win a Wink Naturals product of their choice.  Giveaway Rules. 1. Be sure you're following Wink Naturals Instagram. 2. Be sure to be following FordOlogy Blog on Instagram.  3. Then head to Wink Naturals website HERE and comment which product you would choose if you won! 
Giveaway Ends November 17th.  Winner will be announced November 18th. ___________
Thank you so much to Wink Naturals for sending us these incredible products. We have absolutely loved using them. Now only if you had a natural solution to baby Henry's gas problem ;)

*Wink Naturals sent us these products for review. All options are our own.* 

Event: Back To School Moms Night Out

Last month, I had the opportunity to host the first annual, Back To School Mom's night out event. As a family lifestyle influencer, I have this beautiful platform that I've always looked at doing more with, and an intimate motherhood, community event seemed like the perfect way to share a message.
Sure, it's fun to share travel tips, family friendly activities, recipes and of course cute photos of my adorable children, however, being a voice a in the community, a cheerleader to encourage unity, love and support among women, has always been the direction my heart strings pull.  I have felt a responsibility to LOVE everyone, which I'll be the FIRST to admit is pretty darn hard sometimes, and to see past their imperfections, difference and struggles to see them as a higher power sees them, equal. 
As I've grown, I've experienced heartache, loss, judgment and pain sometimes that felt unbearable and would lead to my certain demise. However, each time I had one of these life changing experiences, it taught me more about the type of wife, mother, daughter, WOMAN and human being I want to be. The type of example I want to set for my daughter, and to any person that ever crosses my path. (Setting my self standard pretty high, I know)
The idea for a Mom's Night Out first came about as I prepared to send my first child to Kindergarten this fall. I knew I was going to need support and words of encouragement from mama's who had already been through that "first child goes to school" tearful day.  I thought; an intimate party set in a private backyard in the cool summer evening, dinner, drinks and a guest speaker, would be the ideal environment for a conversation that I wanted to have about the upcoming school year.  After weeks and weeks of planning, support from local businesses, encouragement from mama's throughout the community and a heartfelt desire to make a night for these women they wouldn't soon forget, the event came and went.
AND. IT. WAS. PERFECT.  

I feel blessed to have been surrounded by many incredible women, who shared similar goals and dreams, but were also able to share their different types of motherhood lovingly and in supporting enviornment.  The evening was full of laughter, getting to know new friends, eating a delicious dinner, sharing ideas and love for each other and hearing uplifting and inspiring thoughts from the wonderful Kim Christenson from Talk To Wordy To Me. Kim, a journalist and writer by trade, was our speaker of the evening and her thoughts on Mindfulness Motherhood touched each one of us as we listened and felt motivated to better ourselves which in turn betters our family and those we interact with.  Kim taught us that we shouldn't be just surviving, but THRIVING.  I love how she said to quiet the distractions and that we can control the weather in our homes.  She also said to stop apologizing, let go of perfection and normalize mistakes!  Some of my biggest take aways from her message were, "It start with ME, and how I feel INSIDE", that I shouldn't let my dreams die, just because I'm a Mom, that I should start talking back to those nasty thoughts I have about myself, my body, my home etc... and to make a Happy List, a simple list of your favorite things, activities and experiences that bring you joy.  I've linked Kim's blog and social media accounts because if you're ever in need of pick me up, a little encouragement or just having a down day (which WE ALL HAVE), Kim's thoughts are a place for you to go, read, be inspired and reassured that you are enough.  This event would not have been possible without our incredible sponsors and collaborators.  I am so grateful to each of them for their support and donations to make this evening special for these women.  It's with companies and people like these that encourage and support women, small businesses and events that uplift and inspire, that we are able to build a community of happy, confident, loving and strong women. 
Thank you again to each of them. 
Dinner provided by: Mt. Vista Catering Co.  - @mt.vistacatering  Tables/Chairs/Linens: Excel Rental Decor: Utah DIY Weddings - @utahdiyweddings Photography: Jessica Katherine Photography - @jessicakatherinphoto Designs - Breezy + Co. Custom Design

Swag Bags Sponsor and Collaborators: Bag Sponsor - Junes Bags  Kidz Shake Woven Pear Daly Bird JoJos Chocolate Moms Stuff Slave  Sodalicious Five Sushi Brothers Gathre  H&C Designs A Priortized Marriage