March 2019 - Page 2 of 2

March 3, 2019March 4, 2019

Launch Party

You all know how I LOVE to throw a party. A get together for any reason always turns into a celebration of family and friends for me. It’s like getting out your fine China for a dinner party, except with colorful paper plates!

When Susie Peas launched 3 days ago, it was the perfect reason to blow up some balloons and P A R T Y!

Susie Peas

This little hobby of mine, Susie Peas, has become a much needed distraction from life as an empty nester.

I mean, I can only dust and wash the windows so many times. The endless loads of laundry have disappeared. Wear it today and it’s back in your drawer washed, dried, and folded by tomorrow. Hand washing the dinner dishes is the new norm. It only takes 5 minutes to wash 2 plates, 2 forks, and 2 cups. Otherwise, you have to wait a couple of days before the dishwasher is full enough to run.

Now What?

I had to find something to do with all of this free time. I decided in January that I wanted to start my own blog. Strange I thought for me because I’m not really a bookworm.

I do like to read blogs about things that I pin. Pinterest is my FAVORITE way to waste the day away. I wonder how many miles my thumb has scrolled?

Also strange because I am not a writer. I can talk circles around anyone though. So I realized instead of talking about ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING, I could put it down on paper (work with me here) and ta-da, I’m a writer. And so Susie Peas was born.

I worked hard on setting up my blog. I searched and scrolled all over Pinterest and the internet about the how-to’s and what not to do’s. I began writing about all of the fun things that I love to do.

Keto

I wanted to tell everyone about my Keto journey and how I lost almost 60 pounds. I am a real life person that dropped lots of weight in a short amount of time. No magic pill. I want to share my new way of eating and all the great recipes and menus that I use to help me get to my healthiest me.

Child Development

My child development knowledge from raising my own kiddos, granny nannying, and my formal education in early childhood is something else that I wanted to get out there. My last 9 to 5 was as a Parent Educator in our local school district. I have so many fun ways to help you teach your little ones and how to reach all of their milestones.

And More…

Great DIY’s – I have so many to share. Add in some glitter, frugalness, and party decorations. Stir. And there you have it – Susie Peas!

Now that I have this lovely blog all I needed to do was push the LAUNCH BUTTON. As nervous as I was, I knew that if I had a few of my favorite people with me, It wouldn’t be so hard. – Plus, a reason to party.

Invitations

Invitation to my Launch Party — Launch Party Invitation

I put my usual Favorite Party Planning Tips to work. I sent out invitations to announce my Launch Party date and time. Always remember to keep people with other obligations (like children) in mind when planning your date and time. I had my party scheduled for after bedtime so that my daughters could come without their kiddos. Less distraction so they could enjoy the adult party setting. All mommies need some adult time – it’s healthy and normal!

Decorations & Supplies

Next, I went to my local Dollar Tree, the cheapest place to get all your partying supplies, and got decorations and paper products in green. That was the perfect color for my Susie PEAS Launch Party. I got plates, napkins, balloons, tissue paper pompon decorations, folders to hold our “homework” for the evening, plus nuts & candy for everyone to munch on for less than $20.00. Amazing. I also had an 8×8 picture of Susie Pea blown up at Walgreens photo for 2.50. I do it online, one-hour photo and always use their coupon that you find right on the website.

Last Minute Details

I threw in a couple of pizzas 30 minutes before my guests arrived, quickly decorated my huge DIY Chalkboard and that’s it! Check out all of the fun we had celebrating me pushing the LAUNCH BUTTON – including a champagne toast! ~Susie Pea

If you want to find out more about Child Development, check these posts out. Toys that Encourage Fine Motor Development. How to Host a Successful Grandma Camp.

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March 2, 2019March 4, 2019

My Tribe, My Safety Net & Support

We all need a network of friends or family to help us celebrate our victories. To support us through the tough times. Life is too crazy to not have someone to off-load heavy topics to. Someone to listen, not judge. That person that will give you their honest opinion, but understands how important the delivery of it will be. My Tribe understands. Because they know me.

Tribe

/trīb/

noun

1. a social division in a traditional society consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties, with a common culture and dialect.

A tribe is a small, close-knit group of people with something in common. Small enough to feel personal. But large enough to make a difference. It’s a baseball team, a book club, a family. Tribes are a community of kind and compassionate people that like glue, stick together. Without a tribe you are solitaire, a lone wolf.

You Need Your Tribe

Tribes begin many times by accident. You may stumble upon your group or they might seek you out. Because of similar interests, you become closer and enjoy the common objectives and ambitions each has to offer. They become your family. Your safety net. You need this group for encouragement, and much more.

When we want to give in, tribes help us stay strong. They remind us that life isn’t perfect and that it’s ok to laugh at ourselves. These people make us feel comfortable with who we are. We need these people, just to know that we’re not crazy!

WE NEED TRIBES! “Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.” —Jane Howard

My People

I have been blessed to be surrounded by a tribe of strong, beautiful, God loving women. They have always and will forever get me. These women are my therapy, but a whole lot cheaper.
Mom

Mom

God gave me the kindest, most selfless person to be my Mom. She is stronger than anyone I know. Her life is the most inspiring story of resilience that I have seen. She is loving, kind, supportive, and unwavering in her faith. My mom leads by example, and is an amazing role model. I can only hope to someday be half the woman she is.

Pam & Melissa

I have 2 amazing sisters that have always been by my side. My first friends. These two have taught me how to get along, to put on makeup, and the importance of keeping a secret. My sisters are the ones that I have inside jokes with about mom and dad. They laugh with me and cry with me.

Jackie, Cheryl, Cara, & Debbie

Included in this crazy bunch are my sister in laws and mother in law. These people are not only my family, they are my best friends! Some of my greatest belly laughs come from these women. It’s the only way we can stay married and sane.

Tami

My oldest friend knows too many secrets to not keep her in my tribe. She is my rock and go to gal. We don’t see each other as often as we would like, but when we do, it’s like we have never been apart. Everyone needs someone like that in their life!

Brooke & Becki

My favorite tribe members are my daughters. These two mini-me’s pick me up anytime I’m down. They are my biggest fans and I am theirs. Being with them gives me peace. I love watching them grow as mothers and wives, and navigate this wild ride of life.

Find Your Tribe

The best thing that you can do for your well being, is to go out and seek your people. Look within yourself to find whatever makes you happy. Whatever sparks your interests. Whatever your passion is. Search for those people. The ones’ that are like-minded and have the same enthusiasm that you have about something. These are the ones that you will fight for and fight to keep.

Step outside your comfort zone and approach them with an open mind and listening ears. Take interest in them too. Search for your group. Look for your support. Find your tribe.