Bittersweet Makeup Appointment...

Wuz Up! to the WifeyMom World :D
How goes it peoples?
This past weekend was filled with fun as we celebrated life and family at our family reunion.  I'll tell you more about that in a later post.  Today I just wanted to share with you a makeup appointment that had me a little bit emotional.  Yesterday, I did my niece's makeup.  Now, I've done her makeup before but today was different...Different because it was makeup for her senior portraits.  It was emotional because its proof that life does in fact move on.  I've watched her grow from a little baby girl to a very beautiful and compassionate women.  I've known her for her entire life and our little senior makeup moment was just a chance for me to bask in the glow of how good God is.  I can't believe that the sweet little girl with the tiny little smile is now a women making plans to go off to college.  I have no doubt that she'll be a success.  Her level of compassion for others is proof of that.  As her aunt I hope that she has learned a lot of good things from me that she can take with her on her journey.  I can also say that I have learned from her.  She's taught me to laugh out loud despite your situation, let people be who they are and live life with an open heart.
I love you "Krissy Pooh" and I know God has you in the palm of his hand in all that you do.
Signed,
Your T-Lanie ;0)

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A True Celebration of Life

Hello WifeyMom Followers!
Today is a special day in history for our family.  4 years ago on this day I gave birth to a baby boy and on my grandmother's, the matriarch of our family, birthday no less.  Without allowing me to even hold him or see him the Neonatal Doctor and his nurses whisked him away to the NICU.  As he walked out behind his nurses who held my baby, the Neonatal Dr. stopped and squeezed my shoulder as I lay on the operating table.  He said, "We'll take care of him." 
At that moment, there was a certain kind of peace that surrounded me.  During that space in time it never occurred to me to be alarmed or afraid.  As my mind processed that information and reflected on the words of the labor and delivery crew from earlier saying, "He's turning blue." I also took note of the silence of my husband.  But even with all of that I didn't think of it as a tragedy.  My outlook was simply that Dean had a special need and the tools required to help him just happened to be in the NICU.  It wasn't until 48 hours later that I was able to bring him to my room and have him in my arms all to myself.  That was also when I gathered a clearer, better understanding of why Dean spent the first two days of his life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). 
You see, when a baby is born by passing through the birth canal the tight passage way constricts their body and forces the mucus from their lungs that accumulates there while living in the placenta.  Since Dean was birthed through C-Section he never passed through the birth canal thereby excluding said constricting and leaving his lunges filled with fluid.  That's why he kept turning from blue to red and blue again.  Taking him immediately to the NICU allowed the nurses to pump his lunges and attempt to establish a regular breathing pattern.  All tolled that process took 2 days.  I saw him in the little clear box in the NICU with all the tubes connected to him and the tiny mask taped over his face.  It was a mortality moment but still not a fearful one.  I am still amazed at how God and His helper The Holy Spirit could evoke such calm in my life at such a crazy moment.  It's a testament to God's promises and His control when given the opportunity.
Today, four years later, its a challenge to get him to sit still.  He went from fighting for a simple breath to breathing every breath God has for him each and everyday.  Dean is a healthy, energetic, extremely smart and monumentaly funny little, big guy.  "Get somewhere and saddown!" is what I say to him daily. 
The calmness that surrounded me and filled my spirit the day he was born was brought back to my existence 3.5 years later when he ran down stairs with blood streaming down his face from hitting his head (just above his eyebrow) after a fall.  God is continuously consistent.  His mercies are new everyday and He perfects ALL that concerns us...if we let him.
Happy Birthday Dean!  We Love You!

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Sweet Potato Hash with Sauteed Spinach & Snow Pea Avocado Salad

Hey, Hey, Hey, (in my Fat Albert voice)
How goes it WifeyMom Followers? I certainly hope that while your reading this you are experiencing all that God has to offer you.  But, if it's a bad day for you its totally okay as long as you know you don't have to stay there.  If you simply stand up and say out loud, "God, I thank you for where I am right now and I still know that you're mighty in all things." It'll change you day AND your life.  If you don't know God but are curious if maybe He really can fix your situation, send me an email or respond to this post. ;0)
alana@fashionbyalana.com
Well...Now...On with the recipe!

This post is actually 3 easy recipes in one.  We'll call it a full plate recipe.:D
Many of you may know that I don't eat meat nor a few other animal products.   I have also recently compiled a list of healthy foods that help to decrease belly fat.  I've also started including a few of those foods at each meal.  On this plate there are 4; Spinach, Avocado, Snow Peas & Olive Oil.
*All recipes are single servings.  Multiply as you desire.

Sweet Potato Hash:
2 Tbs Olive Oil
Half Onion (finely chopped)
1 Garlic Clove (minced)
1 Small Sweet Potato (finally diced)
Seasoning of your choice

•On medium/low heat, heat oil in a large pan, add sweet potatoes and sauté until tender then add onions.
•After onions begin to become clear, add garlic and seasoning to taste.
•Sauté for another 2 minutes and serve.

Sautéed Spinach:
1 Tbs of Olive Oil
2 Cups of Fresh Spinach
1/4 Large Onion (chopped)
Seasoning of your choice

•On medium/low heat, heat oil and add in spinach, onions, seasoning to taste and toss in pan until spinach is wilted. (dark green)
•Serve

Snow Pea Avocado Salad:
Half of Small Avocado (sliced)
5 Snow Peas
1 Tbs Pico de Gallo
Seasoning of Choice

•Arrange snow peas in a fan pattern on plate.
•Top snow peas with avocado slices in same pattern.
•Scoop Pico de Gallo onto bottom of fan.
•Sprinkle entire salad with seasoning of choice.
•Serve

FYI:  My seasoning of choice is a sprinkle of lemon pepper, garlic powder & a little Lowery's.

I hope you enjoy.

Until we blog again,
~Alana

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My Road To 26.2: Yesterday's Workout

Hi Folks of The WifeyMom World,

Yesterday was a running day for me on the good ole marathon training schedule.  My run was a 3 miler.  I headed out pretty late because of all the things I had going on that day.  I wasn't going to lay head-to-pillow without hitting the pavement.  I was actually looking forward to it because I knew that it was a surefire way to clear my head and relax my spirit.  I hit the pavement at 10:30pm and enjoyed the cool weather.  On the run my hip was sore but experience has taught me that it will pass as long as I press.  I finally reached my stride where I "settled" into the run.  I was kind of tired but not exhausted.  I knew I had a little more push so I wouldn't let my mind stop me from doing what I knew my body could accomplish.  My mind went to a lot of the people that comment on my posts with cheers, applause and genuine words of encouragement.  I thought about all the years that I had searched for someone that was like me that I could draw strength and courage from to continue my journey to a healthier life.  I recall the times I heard The Holy Spirit (that still small voice) say, "Maybe someone is waiting on you."  I realized that I could do this thing to better myself and possibly my family and friends or I could be a catalyst to truly shape the world around...even that beyond my physical reach.  There were a couple times I heard myself think, "You don't need to do the full 3 miles.  You can walk or just do 2 miles."  But I knew I had more left in the tank and even if I finished at a walking pace as long as I was still running I would definitely kick the old Me's ass!  Just as I started on my last mile my hubby drove up beside me with some water.  I love him and I appreciated the water.  Seeing him was just that extra go I needed to out run the mosquitoes and finish strong.   I finished with a cool down walk and then a great stretch after my shower.  All in all, it was refreshing and super rewarding.
What's the main idea of this post?  Sometimes when you may not want to do it for you, do it for someone whose life you could change...someone you may have yet to meet.

Until we blog again WifeyMom Peeps, I love ya!
~Alana

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My Road to 26.2...

My Road To 26.2:
Today's workout consisted of 2 miles of running and strength training (intense leg workout). I was super excited to get it done. When I finally got out of the house it seemed like it was to be like every other nice run. The weather conditions were ideal (sans a few mosquitoes). I began with a warm up and stretch, nothing new there. But...right around mile 1.5...I broke into tears. I was overwhelmed with emotion. I never stopped running, but I continued to cry. Even having my face covered with my shirt and sobbing I pressed on the run.
I cried...
For every time I lied to myself and said that I couldn't do it, For every time I let people, places and things get in my way, For every time I hated myself for what I thought was me giving up then realizing it was just where I was in my walk, For my husband's new eating habits and commitment to help me succeed like he has in so many other areas...
I cried because I could hear my inner self screaming, "SCREW YOU devil!" and shutting UP the voice of fear that I once gave place to its commentary. I cried because I knew...that this time...I was never going to be that girl again, the one you reference when you're describing someone heavy, "She was bigger than Alana". Never again would I wonder what it was like to LIVE healthy and not just diet. Never again would I find it odd or interesting when people eat healthy because they like it.
Then...I stopped. I wiped away the last tear... silently thanked God...and finished my run. (Then I mustered the chutzpah to complete my leg workout. ;0) )
...And my journey continues

The Things That Fill & Enrich My Life

Hi There WifeyMom Peeps, (All 20Billion of You ;0) Was that an Affirmation? Yep!)
I hope that all is well in your world as you read this.  Even though life can be filled with uncertainties one thing is for sure, You're still living it! 

I have had several "plates spinning" lately.  Many of you already know that I am not only a Stay-At-Home-Wife and Mom that home schools her 2 boys but I am also a makeup artist and fashion stylist.  Well, to those credits, I have recently added Women's Ministry Director & Marathon Runner in Training.  Sounds like a lot but not when you're operating in your purpose.  When you fully live life doing what God has created you to do, I mean living everyday open to the possibilities of being used for service to others, you find order.  You also find that your mind and life become uncluttered.  Your schedule seems to have a flow that it never possessed before.  The things that you have to do go by faster thereby making room for that which you want to do. 

From time to time I'll come to you keeping you up to speed on the happenings in my life.  I promise to always be candid, transparent AND you already know there will be some measure of "funny".  I know that it's not only important for you to read truth in my writings but it is also therapeutic for me to type them out.  I have come into both the knowledge and importance of transparency and truth as it relates to my own feelings and freedoms.  When you can, sans the guilt and shame, tell the story of your tragedies, tribulations and heartache you simultaneously tell the story of your victory.  So...when you read the inner lacings of laughter, despair, and encouragement that spins through this blog that is what you are immersing in, simple truth and complex situations that have simmered down to a revelatory breakthrough. 

I am honored to share my life with you.  I know how other peoples words have touched and enriched my life and I know that my words will certainly do the same for you.

Until we read again WifeyMom Lovers,
~Alana ;0)

Never Lose Your Giggle

It's been said that if you don't use it, you'll lose it.  Well, I believe that is not only true for your talents but also for...Your Giggle. 
Today I had breakfast at a local cafè.  I took my seat in the relatively quiet restaurant to settle into a hearty breakfast.  Then, it happened.  In walked the three ladies pictured above whom I will, from henceforth, refer to as "The Adair Trio".
From the time they entered the dining area they FILLED the entire place with warm infectious laughter.  But, it didn't stop there.  They had the wait staff giggling, the restaurant manger grimacing and other patrons smiling as well.
They are a mother and her two daughters.  They are confident and wise women who are unapologetic about there public display of happiness.  They laugh loud, love hard and make friends easily.  They are comfortable being themselves and that makes everyone around them warm and fuzzy too.
Being in the presence of these three feminine examples of courage made me realize how truly important it is to "Never Lose Your Giggle".  If you find yourself overcome by the things of life just take a moment to reflect on something that makes you laugh.  Take time out to giggle.  Schedule yourself some giggle time.  Don't be so serious about life all the time.  Slow down, look up, take a breath and...... GIGGLE!  Oh, and if you're really feeling froggy, Make some else giggle, LOL!
Now go out and get some funny in your life!!!!
Until we blog again...
Alana ;0)

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Appreciate the little things...They make a big difference

Good Morning Bloggers & WifeyMom Lovers,
Today I want to take a moment to share a "Nugget of Wisdom". 
In life, it is often times the small things that can ruin a happy moment, an otherwise promising day, or a well-intentioned believer.  Well...today I want to encourage you to see those "small things" differently.  As a Stay-At-Home Wife & Mom I spend a lot of time with my house, my husband and my children.  Because of that I can sometimes get thrown off by the least little person, place or thing that becomes out of place.  Those small things have the potential to send me into a TAIL SPIN.  They have the capacity to consume my thoughts and flat out ruin my day especially if they are a package deal, lol.  If the computer stops working during my work time adds itself to laundry woes giving way to spilled sugar jumps onto feeling bloated links up with shoes, toys or DVDs out of place it can be bad, bad business at the Higginbotham Estate, lol.  But today I reflect on the humor in it all AND the thought of it all going away.  My thought process has changed over the years, more specifically the last few months.  I am starting to see things more clearly.  I am beginning to view people not as things but as important parts of my human experience that sans their existence my happy existence would cease.  I've come to realize that one day my some days "picky eater" 9 year old will have someone else making his meals for him.  I am fully aware that one day, sooner than I think I realize, those cute little 3 year old shoes left chair side in my living room will morph into a big manly shoe before I know it.  I am conscious of the fact that one day the tedious and meticulous duties that make up being a wife, mom and home school teacher will dissipate.  In the future I will have plenty of time to run errands without interruption, talk with my husband with no side conversations, reach for the last cookie and know it will be there or keep my house clean without much effort.  But...Today...At this very moment...I choose to thank God for it all.  The truth is, my family needs me and I need them.  I am grateful that I can be a SAHWM. I am appreciative that I can slow my life down enough to enjoy the view.  I love my husband so very much.  He was made for me and I for him.  I never want to waste a moment of happiness on petty things that ultimately don't mean more than our love for each other.  My oldest son is such a wonder.  He is wise far beyond his years and his ability to articulate his thoughts and feelings are a true gift from God.  It will surely take him a long way.  Now my youngest, the fire ball of endless, undepleting (call Webster, I made up a word) energy,...Well, he keeps me on my toes.  He makes me laugh just like his brother and dad.  He teaches me all the time what it means to live out loud, with a heavy dose of laughter added to it.  I love my family and the life that comes with getting to know them.  I won't waste another second not focusing on the little things.  I am truly, truly blessed beyond measure to have this laundry filled, syrup puddle cleaning, snotty nose wiping, stinky feet smelling, potty training, sleep deprived, life of mine.  Here's to all your little things.
~Until we read again...
Alana

WifeyMom On The Radio

Hey Guys & Dolls,

I want to make an exciting announcement!  Yours Truly, will be on the radio discussing the ins and outs of being a mom.

I'm honored to be a part of sharing my own personal experiences to empower and inspire others.  So, tune in tomorrow Tuesday May 8, 2012 @ 8:00 pm to "I'm Just Saying" radio talk show on AM 1430 or www.kcohradio.com with host Jay Barnett. Until next time...

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Learning About Yourself Through Learning About Relationships

As of lately, I've been getting people, places and things in my life in order and that includes my mind.  There are a lot of duties that God has called me to do.  Living a life of order makes those things easier and more enjoyable to accomplish.  Many of you may not know that I am in the process of writing a few books to be published in the near future.  I am also a Professional Freelance Makeup Artist, Public Speaker, and Fashion Stylist.  My main job is that I am also a Stay-At-Home Wife & Mom who home schools her children.  Sounds like an overwhelming number of duties, huh?  It can be if you don't have yourself and the things around you in order, more specifically, your relationships.  The most important relationship that needs to be in order and running at it's most efficient level is your relationship with The Trinity.  Yep, I'm talking about The Father, The Son, & The Holy Spirit.  Once you can understand and experience the distinct difference between the three you will be able to take yourself and the people around you to the next level.
I have spent the last few months getting a better understanding of myself by getting a better understanding of the relationships around me.  I have come to understand more clearly that "still small voice" that lives within me, The Holy Spirit.  Some of you call it a conscience, your spirituality, or your inner knowing.  I prefer to call it by it's proper name, The Holy Spirit or The Holy Ghost.  I have, for a long time, followed the nudging of The Holy Spirit.  However, I now have a full understanding of it's purpose and it's role in my life as it relates to having a relationship with The Lord.  I have said all of that to clearly say that now that I have this relationship in order everything else in my life is able to operate at it's full potential and that is a blessing to everyone who crosses my path.
Get some alone time in a quiet space of time and get to know yourself better.  It doesn't have to be a long period of time.  Maybe you only have 5-15 minutes.  Start with what ever time you have and use it to be still and listen.  Breath deeply to take in all the fresh wind of possibility that God has for you as well as to exhale all the self doubt you play over and over in your mind.  Exhale the recorder of the voices that have hurt you in the past.  Silence the continuous memorandum of those from your past and present that have given you good sound reason not to succeed.  We all know you are the least worthy and qualified for the job/purpose that God has for you.  That is how He will get the glory from your accomplishments.  Don't give up.  There are people outside of yourself, people that you have yet to meet that are waiting for you to get up, dust yourself off, and shape up so their lives can be altered in a way that only you can.
Get Up, Get Out, and Get About Your Purpose!