The Girls

Warning long post:

The last 7 months Dom & I have had my niece, 3 & her sister 7, living with us. Many changes came with that, especially our work & life balance. We had to change to accommodate. For many years it's just been us & our careers. All in a day that changed. We had people inspecting our home, asking us deep questions about us individually & as a couple, filled out paper work after paper work. Quite a whirlwind, but we owned it. Within the 1st week we had them both enrolled in school, doctor appointments, dentist appointment & enrolled in dance & tumbling classes. There were some things that took more time. For example, getting the 7 year old in after school program took weeks so Dom & I had to alternate leaving work early. Even more lengthy process was getting the girls accustomed to the change. Mostly, our rules & lifestyle. Things like bedtimes, eating veggies & brushing their hair & teeth regularly seemed like torture, but after a few weeks they got it, we got it & it was good. This past weekend we moved them back in with their mother. Bitter sweet moment. We will continue to pray for them & their parents every day for guidance & stregth.

Over the course of 7 months Dom & I worked, traveled out of the country, went to the beach, traveled to concerts & kept up our regular schedule as much as possible. Things that would have not been possible without support. We couldn't have survived our regular & traveling schedules otherwise.

Niesha, you already know how I feel about you. I think this time has left you feeling experienced & exhausted. And honestly it should. You like me have chosen to wait for children & so your lifestyle had to adjust with ours, but thanks for being my there every second of every day, my sister & my friend through this time. I think you understand now after doing this how I felt with you & zack, now kiah & zeriah just how tired I was as a young adult. Sorry, not sorry :)

We didnt have much support during this time, but the small support system we did have was welcoming & plenty. My daddy, stepmom & sister Caylee you three stepped in to support us eventhough you arent directly related to these girls. From buying them clothes, gifts, cooking, crafting, everything. Even the many times you guys checked in to see if Dom & I needed to have a date, that meant so much. We thank you! I know the girls enjoyed the times they've had with you all. Dom & I truly appreciate it and will never forget it. We owe you big time!

To Doms parents, you didn't owe us or the girls anything, but the times we were in your presence thank you for making them feel apart of the family. For all the times you called to ask about & talk to them. Thank you.

Dom, I dont even know how to thank you for taking this on with me. You are amazing, you're an awesome role model & father. The girls truly benefitted by having you these last 7 months. There were many days when I would just look at you owning it as I struggled to pull it together & I would feel so guilty because you didnt have to, but you did it full out. You taught them prayers & why it's important. You taught them respecting others & calling adults by their appropriate names. Those are just some of the many things I hope they remember.

As for my self, I write this not for praise, but to share what I've learned through this experience. One important lesson I've learned is to meditate...especially over the serenity prayer. You can't stress over the things you can't control. But the things you can control do better than you think you can. People will be who they want to be & things will happen. It's how you respond & support (the innocent) in this case. Another lesson, use the support you have. Those people that step up & you can depend on those are great people. Let them help. Last, but most importantly we have to do better as a society, community, family to be the best we can be. There are children watching us. As parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents & other influencers to kids we have to be better, be more involved, present & make better decisions. Push our youth to strive for greatness. They are watching & learning every second. What they see & learn is what they will become. They are the next generation & will care for us & the next generation someday. And quite frankly I'm scared of what that will look like.

Risks & Rewards

Hello world!!!
Just in time for the Sharholder's events this week. This year I'll be cheering for the member instead of the customer. (really both but you get the picture)

There has been so many amazing things going on that time has slipped right on by & I haven't shared my good news. 2 weeks ago I took a promotion with Sam's club.  A 2 month long stressfull process, it was good to feel wanted on a new & my old team, but very stressfull going back & forth....so glad it's over. I want to thank my family for always being there to listen. Dom, you always know what's best for us (me) & keep me sane. I can go on & on about how much I love & need your support. We really do make a great team.

I have already hit the ground running. This role is a new position so I basically get to create what it looks like & I'm so very excited to have the opportunity to do so. Who would have thought 2 years ago when I took a risk moving to supply chain that I'd be in a Sr. Manager role this quickly. Take risks. As my little sis says "Just live your life". You will never know what you will end up loving or being good at if you never try.

Hope you all have an amazing short work week!

LEGGS Talk

Recently I stumbled upon an awesome recipe blog for the "Perfect Boiled Egg".
http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_make_perfect_hard_boiled_eggs/

Weird that I'm writing about eggs, but I guarantee you won't be disappointed. Plus, Easter is around th corner! Your gonna want to ensure that every egg is cooked. Seriously TRY THIS.

While on the subject what can we do with those left over eggs?

Deviled Eggs (thinking about mygrandmother's)
Cobb Salad
Tuna salad
Stir Fry
Breakfast Burrito

Hope everyone enjoys Easter & this beautiful spring weather!

In It-lee

Today I'm thankful for the guardian angel I was physically given so long ago. Shaped my life here on earth & still doing so from up above. Death was never familar to me & I think I'm still learning 2 years later. It's not how much you miss someone that matters even though it really hurts. The truth shines through what you do in their memory to make them proud. I remember as a little girl saying all I wanted to do was buy my mom & grandma their own house & car. Yea, still working on that. But more importantly was what my earth angel would tell me back. She'd look at me & say "you can be whatever you want to be, but all I need is a trip to It-lee" (aka Italy)... and I would laugh uncontrollably.
This is funny 'cause anytime I or any of the kids were getting on her nerves she'd say she was gone to It-lee. Anytime she was going somewhere and I, being nosey would ask..she'd say to It-lee.

I'd give anything to take her on that trip now. Instead I'm taking her advise. I always wondered if she ever got to be what she wanted to be. When I think about that now theres still doubt, but those words she so bravely poured into me. I can be whatever I want to be. I'm thankful that she chose to tell me. With those words, her angelic presence, pressures of the world....she's working me.

Today, I'm just thankful for all she taught me & left behind. I'm on my way to It-lee where I can be what I want to be.

What is your It-lee?

Love you Grandma, I hope you're enjoying It-lee. 

New Years Resolutions. Fad. Foe. PLAN!

I know its been awhile & I don't necessarily believe in new years resolutions, but I want to pick back up on this blog. 2015 was a busy year! I've got so much ground to cover. Now, I will say that while I don't beleive in January 1st beggings I do believe in setting dates & goals. Weirdly enough I am one of those people who are like ok....on a Monday I'm gonna start. I've always been that way & I think its weird, but it's what I do. BUUUUTTTTT today I'm breaking that habit. ITS TUESDAY!! So for all of my people starting resolutions....it's not too late & if you've already given up, try again. Plan now, this week, over the weekend & start next Monday OR TUESDAY!!! Planning is the key no matter what it is you are trying to accomplish. I'd say that should be the first step. 2nd, set a realistic goal. Why would I suggest you plan before setting a goal. Well its easy from past failures. Think about it you have a goal then you try to plan for that goal or not & you fail. Maybe the problem wasn't you failed, but that you failed at planning for success. You try to fit your plans to your goal. So you write them out with the intent for success on a goal that may not be realistic for you. Instead, plan out what what works in your life, your schedule & YOUR realistic goal. Last thing is tell someone that goal.  I'm not a fan of having someone monitor my progress, but i believe a little responsibility is encouraging. Happy planning!

My goal is to do 2 blogs a month. Hold me to it!

Discount Disney Tips

1st ever Wilkins Family Trip. Were dreams come true...DISNEY WORLD!

 I always wanted to do family vacations & now I get the opportunity to do so with my own little family. It was amazing! I may have had more fun than the kids. We went with Dom's family, totaling 13 people. I'm sure you think that must have been expensive & complete mayhem, but it wasn't. I'm going to share a few tips on why & how to make your Disney World Trip worth it. 

Fortunately, I'm one of those OCD people who over plans (I guess there are some who think Unfortunately lol). It probably bugs the crap out of those around me, but hey I feel like If I'm going to experience something might as well get the most out of it. First, I asked people at work & friends that I knew had been before. Gathering their tips & ideas really helped some of them are shared below. I did blog search a bit. I found a ton of tips on thedisneymoms.com. Now everyone is different, but hopefully you can use at least one of these tips to make your trip the best success for your family. 

1. Save on Food: Eat before you head to the park. For a smaller group take backpacks so that you are able to pack the things below. For a larger group take a ice chest. As inconvenient as this sounds it really isn't. Near every ride there are stroller areas to keep the chest while you ride rides.

Water bottles for summer freeze them overnight. I bought us each 34oz bottles $1 @ The Dollar Tree.

Sun block

Portable fan

Snacks: Pack things like crackers, granola bars, chips & peanuts. Bought from both Walmart & The Dollar Tree.  

If you are doing a more all inclusive vacation get the meal package with 2 snacks & 1 meal. The snacks are more like meals (i.e. burger & fries). The meals are like 3 course meals. 

2. Pre-Buy Souvenirs: We bought Disney t-shirts, lanyards & handheld fans from Walmart. One thing I didn't get to do that a friend mentioned was to buy pins to wear on the lanyards from Amazon. There are tons out there. I just waited to late. You can swap pins throughout the park with workers & characters.  

3. Keeping cool in the park: Visit the parks in the morning and evening and take breaks mid day. If you are staying on the resort consider going back during the high temp times & take a swim. We stayed off site, but had we been in the park I would have done this. You can also take a break in one of the Baby Care Centers throughout the park.You can get a free cup of ice water at any Quick Service restaurant

Here are a list of things to do that are cool spots inside the park: 

    Magic Kingdom: President’s Hall, Theater to meet Magician Mickey, Princess Fairy Tale Hall or any restaurant. 

    Animal Kingdom: Finding Nemo, The Musical

    EPCOT: Most attractions are inside and air conditioned. 

    Hollywood Studios:All of the attractions in the Animations Courtyard area are inside & air conditioned – Voyage of the Little Mermaid, The Magic of Disney Animation, Disney Junior Live on Stage, Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream

4. Shoes: Wear comfortable worn in shoes. Wear a different shoes each day.

5. Living: We chose to stay off site at a rental home that was more suitable for our large group,  but while looking & speaking with others choose a value or moderate hotel. They are just as great as the premium, but cheaper. The cool thing with staying on site is the hotels will have characters around. So if you don't make it inside the park you have the opportunity to see them there. Also, the Hotels will accept packages up to 2 weeks prior to arrival if you want to ship cheap Disney apparel or things instead of buying at the park or ship bigger items in case you are flying. 

Also tell the hotel at check-in or reservation your celebrating an anniversary,  birthday, 1st time, etc....they give you buttons & those come w/special perks. Like front of line, character interactions & free stuff.

6.Park Passes: Off top do not waste money on the park hopper passes. There is way too much to do in each park. We spent 2 days at Magic Kingdom & I still feel like we missed a lot. The parks have FastPasses. These allow you to skip the line on 3 attractions per day. Download the app "My Disney Experience" link everyone's park pass & you can schedule your group for FastPasses. 

7. Adulting: if your travel party allows you time without the kids you must enjoy time at EPCOT. The many countries are amazing, but not many young kids will be enthused. Not to mention there are adult drinks. Also, I heard downtown Disney was a good adult spot, but we didn't make it there. 

Last & best tip is go see Fantasmic @ Hollywood Studios. They play 2 times in the evening. I guarantee the family will love it! Hope that this is helpful. 

Her Birthday

Today is her birthday & she would have been 74 years old. I just want to honor her, remember & share her forever & forever. Happy Birthday to this beautiful soul that I was so lucky to call Grandma! Forever in my heart Nancy Louise Cross

Grandma's bday 2011: https://youtu.be/q6Myo9EUeLk