This Girl's Got Glasses!

Eye soreness. Dizziness. Fatigue. Squinting.  Trouble Focusing.

I hoped nothing was severely wrong, and was concerned for my poor little eyes. It had been several years since I'd had my eyes checked -- but I remember them saying, back then, that I had a slight astigmatism, I didn't need glasses now, but I would probably need them the next time I was checked. 

I was encouraged to wait until after I delivered my baby so that I could get an accurate prescription, something about pregnancy, swelling and hormones affecting the corneas. Most issues usually correct themselves after childbirth. Some say you should wait even longer, until 6-9 months postpartum or even after you finish nursing -- however I could just not wait any longer. 

For the past 3 years I've either been pregnant or nursing, so it was HIGH time and the dizzy factor was making me nervous and the eye ache was getting worse!

So, we made time for an exam, loaded up the kiddos and headed to Target! I did opt to forgo getting my eyes dilated just in case of any potential side issues while nursing. Josh moseyed around the store to keep the kids occupied, and I gave my best which-one's-better- "1 or 2" answers. 

Everything went SO smoothly. The doctor was such a kind woman, and I was actually thrilled that I needed a prescription, because it gave me hope that things would improve. It was surprising that when I was asked to read the clearest line, I told her I could guess on the 2nd biggest line! WOW -- I had no idea how much my eyes had weakened! 

With my script in hand, I headed home and online -- to order my glasses! I was pumped because I had been contacted by GlassesShop.com to review prescription eyeglasses -- and it was perfect timing, because their email prompted me to step forward and actually get my exam, knowing I could get a pair from GlassesShop!

The GlassesShop online was super easy -- I "tried on" glasses using my webcam to sort of get a grasp of the frame shape and then picked out a pair that was fun and just my style! It's not the same as trying them on in person, but it did help. I wished they could have magically arrived, but of course they had to make them and ship them, as is usual for receiving glasses -- but they came right to my house!

Now, best of all -- I CAN SEE! They actually have a lot more cheap glasses that are great quality from what I can tell -- so I'll probably order a backup pair sometime soon, and likely order some prescription sunglasses as well! After-all, I do live in Sunny Florida! I never thought I'd be able to afford prescription sunglasses but prices starting at $30 -- heck ya!

Being a first-time glasses wearer, I did have an adjustment period of getting used to seeing through the lens. There was a bit of distortion at first where everything seemed "tilty", but a quick google search later, and I knew more what to expect and how long it might take for the adjustment -- and now I'm good to go!

Some tips I found::

1 || Put your new glasses on first thing in the morning.

(oops, I put them on right when they arrived in the mail, mid-day!)

2 || If you experience eye strain, try to push through to adjust sooner.

(I didn't have any pain, but my eyes did get a bit tired at first)

3 || Try to wear your glasses all day.  

(I could see so much better, why would I want to take them off!)

Here are some real life moments with my new look!

From getting used to putting them on the morning, to properly hugging without poking someone with my eye-wear, to cleaning them without smudging and having a frame on my face -- it's a whole new world! The amazing thing -- the world is now in HD! Lines are sharper, and details are more pronounced and vivid! I no longer have to squint to see or wait for my eyes to adjust. Now, when I take off my glasses I can't imagine how I was even seeing without them! 

For those of you who may want to pick up a new pair of glasses, I'm so excited to offer you a coupon code for Mitchael Journey readers! GSHOT50 will give you 50% off any non-sale eyeglasses or sunglasses with FREE lenses! AAAAND if this if your first time to order from GlassesShop.com -- Get your First Pair Free and only pay shipping & handling! Enjoy!

*I was given these glasses for free in exchange for sharing about my honest experience with GlassesShop.com

Comment below, because I'd love to know!
Have you ever purchased glasses online? Have you tried GlassesShop?
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My Monthly Goals - June 2015 - #friendswithgoals

Here's my honest report on how things went last month!

May Goals:: 

1 || Go on a date [or two!] with Josh

We went on a date! I had SUSHI! Salmon deliciousness :) It was lovely, even with our little sweetheart third wheel, Ember! It was so nice to get dressed up and get out with my man :)

2 || Be more supportive - I really think there was an improvement in this realm for May!
3 || Get rid of 10 items per week - less intentioonal than I wanted to be, but I still think we accomplished about 3 per week :)
4 || Don't get sick, get energy - I didn't get sick!! And if waking up one morning and deciding to clean the grout in the kitchen and bathroom is a sign of energy, I'd say this was a WIN! Apparently, the kitchen grout isn't black, but a sandy color! :)

5 || Begin exercising again - begin, yes :) A couple of walks to the park, mowing, weed-eating and a little sprint up a hill. We're moving, getting there!
6 || Save my paychecks - yeah -- I feel good about this one 

7 || Share The Best Yes with others - If you missed it, here was the post! I was able to join with other bloggers and send 3 copies to readers! I pray it is changing lives and slowing the rush in these ladies' lives.

It's a new month with new hopes! I'll be using some inspiration from my Goals for the New Year as I plan my June goals, and the months to come!

June Goals::

1 || Read the Bible daily - I am skipping days here and there, and want to be more consistent!
2 || Reorganize bedrooms - We're getting new carpet from our friends, and need to clear clutter below beds and in the closets
3 || Date Josh! - Father's Day and Josh's 26th birthday are both this month! Time to celebrate :)
4 || Write 5 Thank-You notes - I want to mail out a few more thank-you's and make this a habit in the future.
5 || Plant Swiss chard and cauliflower - I purchased some seeds, and look to start them this month, whether in the garden or as indoor seedlings!
6 || Learn about avocados and harvest - We have an avocado tree in our backyard! I need to know when to harvest them
7 || Go for a jog or few and walks - Continuing on my goal to a 5k this year!

Now, it's your turn! What are some goals that are important to you for the month of June?

Bloggers, be sure to link-up below, and encourage one another! Others, please leave your goals in the comments below!

Link-Up Rules: 

Must be a monthly goals post from the current month || Add link-up button or link back in some way || Leave an encouraging comment on at least the link right before yours || Follow your host(s)

Optional FUN:

add the hashtag #friendswithgoals on social media || Follow the Link-Up Pinterest board || contact ifrog4fr {at} gmail.com to host/co-host [for free!]

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What is top on your priority list this month?

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Who Is Jesus?

Who is Jesus?

So many things come to mind whenever I think of the answer to that question.

How would you answer the same question if your child asked you? 

You don't want to say too much and over-complicate your answer, and on the flip side, it can be hard to know how to simply express Jesus. After-all, Jesus is alive and applicable! The story of hope doesn't end with Jesus dead in the grave, but instead as risen from the dead! He conquered death, made a way so that we can no longer live in repeating sin. He is praying for us and preparing a forever home for us. -- we should never shy away from sharing His amazing message and hope! We love our children so much, let's share with them the Hope of the world!

One author has set to a mission to create relevant stories to help children understand the One that has created a forever-life of love and freedom for them, if they choose to believe in Him! Dr. MaryAnn Diorio writes riveting books for women and children that explore in a compelling way the deepest issues of the human heart. She sent me one such text to review, Who Is Jesus? and I love reading it to my kids and adding it to our bookshelf.

This book has darling and captivating illustrations by award-winning illustrator Kim Sponagle and is targeted to share the message of who Jesus is with children ages 2-6. Who is Jesus? is formatted in such a way to show what sorts of things Jesus would do, from a child's perspective, which keeps it super relevant to this age group. The important overarching message -- Jesus is not out to get you, He Loves You!

When my sister, Leah came to visit -- she enjoyed reading this story to Marshall. You can see how darling it is! It is important to me that Marshall understands what Jesus is all about, and how He encourages us to live. 

The curiosity of little kiddos often leaves them pondering things that haven't come to your mind in years, if ever. The format of this children's book follows a pattern of exposing misconceptions: 

Does Jesus ________? No, Jesus _________!

“Children ask tough questions that can be particularly challenging to answer,” Diorio says. “Questions like, ‘Does Jesus love me when I mess up?’ and ‘Did God make me sick?’ The goal of this book is to help answer these questions from the truth of Scripture, presented in an engaging and relatable way that young toddlers can understand.” 

The simple message is paired with pages of scripture verses to support the concepts. My sister and I discussed these concepts after reading the book, because some things were uniquely expressed and sparked further discussion on who Jesus really is. Jesus is near to us -- He is not distant or maliciously waiting to punish us when we mess up. Not at all. 

I love this quote from the author:

“Jesus said ‘Let the little children come to Me,’” Diorio continued. “Sadly, it’s all too easy for children to become afraid of God. ‘Who is Jesus?’ invites children to come to Jesus, and helps them understand that He is the Son of God, the Savior of the World, the essence of all that is good, holy and true and the One whose arms are always open to them.”

“Who is Jesus?” is a 48-page picture book, available in hardcover for $19.95, softcover for $14.95, and Kindle for $9.95 through Amazon or at www.maryanndiorio.com/bookstore.

*I received a copy of this children's book for my review, but have given only my honest thoughts and accurate information from http://maryanndiorio.com/!

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Tuesday Talk

Good morning! Thank you for heading over to Mitchael Journey this morning to link up and get to know our family a little bit more! 

I hope that you Mamas out there had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend :) Sunday was a bit hilarious for me because the beginning of the day was exactly normal. My kids are at an age that has no clue that they're supposed to be extra-specially nice to me! haha

Little man decided to get out the yogurt while I was changing his sister in the other room -- I just had to snap some pictures and laugh at the mess! These are the good ol' days of motherhood!

One of my favorite moments this week was when Josh said Ember was "too little" for one of Marshall's big-boy toys. -- to which Marshall replied, "She's not too little! She's just right!" 

8 weeks and 11 little pounds of just.right!

At church I received a darling carnation and got to view a sweet video -- which had my little dude in it! :) So special! How was your Mother's Day?

Happy Mothers Day. We Love You!!!
Posted by Coastal Community Church on Sunday, May 10, 2015

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Welcome to Tuesday Talk! As always, you are welcome to link up any post, as long as you follow these lovely ladies below (they are your hostesses!) and grab that purple Tuesday Talk button and link back, so that others can join in the party, open to everyone!

  

Becky from BYBMG || Beth from Our Pretty Little Girls

Whitney from Polka Dotty Place || Elizabeth from All Kinds of Things || Tara from Mrs. Coach Sims || Keri from Living in This Season || Sarah from Abiding In Grace || Lauren from Simply Free || Andrea {ME!!} from Mitchael Journey || Jessica & Katie from Sweet Little Ones || Mandy from Almond Place  || Teressa from Teressa Jane

Having all these hosts, any post you link up appears on all of our blogs! Another really cool aspect about this link-up is that we have a group Pinterest board that myself and the other hosts post to! I am excited to choose a few of my favorites from this week and pin them to the board! Be sure to add our button below if you want to be featured!

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