Making Friends-SUYL

Welcome!

I am Sarah and welcome to my family's little neck of the blog woods. I am SO thankful you dropped by for Kelly's SUYL "Making Friends" edition.

 If you are a regular here, let me take a second to share that Kelly is doing today's SUYL as adults connecting for new friends. You guys are already in the Broadus friends list, but feel free to read along!

First, a little about me. I am a "later twenties" mom of 2 precious girls!

(See? Told ya!)

 and a #3 that is expected to arrive later this year via Domestic Adoption

I live in Mississippi, I work from home for a social media company as a Sales & Advertising Rep.

I just started this position last month before that I was a Children's Ministry Assistant at our church and before that...well...I did this

worked for our local Zoo! (greatest job EVER!)

I have a deep and serious passion for the following:

My Lord Jesus Christ

My family

Cooking/Food

Repurposing Stuff

and duct tape

Here on the broadusbunch.com We talk about everything from digging through the trash to miscarriages(had one in Dec. just now can say the word)

and Vegan life (I try, I do...) to being a "GRAY" mom

a what?

a gray mom. I don't believe parenting has to be white or black. I believe in the "gray tones" That there is always a happy medium between the extremes.

My husband and I have been married for almost 7 years. We are HUGE, HUGE Disney fans.

we are going on our 3rd trip in 4 years this summer with our best friends!!

I can't spell, have no idea the proper way to use a comma, and sometimes just write because I have alot on my mind, and sometimes I just post funny youtube videos to help you through the day.

Whatever your reason for stopping in, I am glad you did!

We didn't even scratch the surface so

Stick around, there is always something stirring here at the Broadus Bunch!

Working Mom

I am taking a break from Fun Friday to talk about my life as a Working Mom (for Kelly's Show Us Your Life) I am the mom to two wonderful little girls Madyson (5) Aubrie (3) and my husband and I are in the domestic adoption process for our precious #3.

I have been a working mom for all but 6 months of my children's life. At the beginning I worked insane hours, climbing the ladder of success, and state hopping for meetings just to fulfill my goal of becoming a successful woman.

Then God grabbed a hold of me and took me on a wild rollercoaster. He snatched the reins of life out of my hands and planted me in the church that I grew up in. (Feel Free to Read all of 2009 post to see the plan of God unfold infront of your eyes)

I have been apart of this team since June of 2009. And I am so thankful to God for giving me the opportunity to work at a place that understands family is most important and doesn't make me feel guilty for being a mom. I might not make as much money as I did before, but the ability to have lunch with my kids, bring them to work, and be off with them when needed is worth more than money.

So here is our daily schedule.

6am: wake up/shower.
6:30am: wake kids up, feed them breakfast, get myself dressed
6:45am: get them dressed, teeth brushed, hair done, etc.
7:15am: Dad leaves for work
7:30am: Drop madyson off at school
7:45am: Drop Aubrie Kate off at Preschool
8:00am: arrive at work. Have quiet time with the Lord/coffee.
8:30-2pm: Work
2:00pm: Leave work to pick up Aubrie Kate from Preschool
2:17pm: get in carrider line
2:30pm: Madyson gets in the car
2:45pm: Home/ Snack Time
3:00-4:00pm: Play outside or Movie if its raining
4:00-5:00pm Homework, read book for AR, get lunch ready for the next day, pack backpack for next day
5:00pm: start dinner. Girls Play
6:30pm: Todd gets home from Work and we eat dinner
8:00pm: Girls get in bed

 On Mondays both girls have ballet from 4:15-5:45 so we do homework and such while the other is in dance class. Then we go to Family Bible Study at 6:30 were we finish homework, and study together.

On Wednesday Nights: we have Church so we eat dinner at the church then have service and such.
One Thursday Night a month: Madyson has girl scouts, Aubrie tags along.
and starting this Spring, Aubrie will be playing T Ball.

Our life gets very chaotic sometimes. Todd's work doesn't allow for him to miss alot, so when he is off, we stop whatever (including missing dance...etc) to be a family. That is the most important.

A few things that help me is:
1) we have a family calender where I write out everything for that month. It is positioned in our pantry for all to see.

2) We do everything for the next day before dinner. Picking out clothes, getting bags ready, etc. that way in the mornings we aren't rushing around. NONE of us are morning people so it helps alot.

3) We keep a chalk board in our kitchen that we write out grocery needs, things that need to be done around the house etc. we all help out on this so its not just one persons responsibility.

4) Stopping when I see fit. I do not care if we are at every dance class. Sometimes, life is too much and the girls need a break. By not trying to be everywhere at all times, it helps us relax and breath.

Thanks for visiting the Broadus Bunch! We would love to have you join us as a follower so you can keep up with our crazy life!

Show Us Your Life: SINGLE GUYS!!!

Edited to Update

*THIS POST WAS WRITTEN IN 2010 and remains THE most popular post on our site. Brian is now in a relationship and is very happy.*

 

 

 

 

Friendship is like a prism through which the many variations of beauty are revealed in our lives.


This week on Kelly's Korner "Show Us Your Life" we are suppose to display our "Single Guys". Now I am sure that most women are going to do their sons, nephews, cousins, brothers...but I have chosen to present you with my idea of the perfect guy (next to Todd of course), my life long friend, Brian.

This is Brian.

Brian and I have been friends almost our entire lives. He lived down the street from me, we were in class together, we had the same group of friends, we both played soccer (well he excelled I was just there) and we have always just been close. I consider him one of my greatest and most "bestest" friends ever.

Brian graduated high school the same year I did (2002) with so many honors, it would need its own post.

He played soccer and baseball and was in numerous organizations.

After high school he went to college at the University of Southern Mississippi.

(our plan was to go together and be roommates, our parents were cool with this because we are just like brother/sister but I was too busy chasing boys to fulfill our plan, so he went alone)

There he majored in Business Administration.

He was also a member of the SAE fraternity ...not just a member, president.

After his years of being a Golden Eagle, he came back to Jackson to attend

Mississippi College School of Law.

Funny thing is, I worked there at the time! So he became one of my student workers! I got to keep a good eye on him this way!

He graduated from Law School and now has a big boy job! He lives in a prime area and spends his time doing numerous things such as raising money for Magnolia Speech School (local school for deaf children), serving ice cream and hanging out with the kids of Boys & Girls Club, hanging out with his friends, playing/watching sports, spending time with family, and traveling.

Speaking of family. His is GREAT! You know how you always want a good set of In-Laws? Well, Mrs. Charlotte and Mr. Randy are amazing parents. They are fun, they are grounded, and most importantly they are supportive. Also in this package is big sister Lauren, her husband and precious baby girl (who by the way, Brian ADORES)

 Swooning yet? Todd says he appreciates my childhood best friend because he is probably the only other male in my entire life that has put up with so much from me but still wants to be my friend. =)

I wanted to make sure Brian knew I was posting him on SUYL so I asked him a few questions for all you single ladies.....

Things he looks for in a girl
Sense of humor, family oriented, enjoys working out and athletics, and ambitious

Three words he uses to describe himself:
1) Driven
2) Social
3)Loyal

He feels that his biggest accomplishment so far in life is all the great relationships he has formed with people. B is a great friend and this is shown by how everyone loves him.

And finally I asked him the most important question:
"Where do you see yourself in 10 years?" his response...
 "Married with a family of my own and doing something I love for a job."

Brian is that kind of guy that you meet and are instantly taken away by. He is good-looking (don't tell him I told you), He has a to-die for personality, and He has such a great heart.

Show Us Your LIfe: Baby Names

This is something (like alot of women) I LOVE!

Madyson was easy. I have always loved the name Madyson. Todd liked the uniquness of the Y instead of the I so we went with that. And my best friend growing up's middle name was Shelby. She passed away the summer between 9th and 10th Grade. Everyday I still think about her and love her, wondering what life would be like with "Aunt Jennifer" here. So It was so...Madyson Shelby.

Aubrie Kate wasn't as easy. We really had our heart set on a boy. So when we went for the sonogram we took our blue book, and our boy name. Just a few seconds of Aubrie being on the screen, Todd said, "Oh, Its a Girl" She stayed Girl Baby for a long time. Almost until she was born. But one night Girl Baby was moving and we were watching Deal or No Deal. I told Todd how I think she likes this show because shes always seems to move while its on. He said "well I like model #23." Her name was Aubrie. I thought about it for a moment...and said okay, well lets make Girl Baby Aubrie Broadus! Well Aubrie Broadus needed a middle name. So Todd picked Kate, after his grandmother and mom Kathy.

And she was born....Aubrie Kate Broadus

Broadus Baby #3 already has a name weather it be a girl (E.A.B) or a Boy (J.K or S.B)

But other names I would love in case I ever have a lot of kids like the Duggars are...

Girls:

Hatley

Elise

Hannah

Claire
Sutton

Boys:

Tanner

Keagen
Braxton
Britton
Presley

We always try to have a family or special name in the mix plus something unique!

show us your life: Cleaning Tips

Oh how I love new cleaning supplies. (Cleaning not so much)

Here are a few KEY items we always have in stock.

White Vinegar: We clean our toilets and bathtub with this. Madyson has eczema so we have to be careful on what we use around her. The white vinegar gets the tub super clean and germ free.

Hairspray: I use sharpie markers for everything, well Aubrie Kate has taken a liking to my addiction. The problem is she is 2 and gets it EVERYWHERE. Hairspray and an old toothbrush do the trick. just spray, scrub and throw in the wash and out it comes!

Magic Erasers: They are fabulous to get crayon off the wall, dirt off of leather shoes and do a wonder on mirrors! (click the link for a coupon!)

Baking Soda: Sprinkle it on your rugs, carpets, furniture let it sit for a few minutes then vacuum it up. Any pet, kid, or hubby odor will be gone!!!

OCELO No Scratch Sponge: I love to use them for cleaning carpets, pans, counter tops. Nothing sticks, they are two sided and they come in cute patterns!

Throw in some Mr. Clean with Febreze and you are good to go! 

My tips on Cleaning are:

If you haven't seen it in 1 month, and you find it, you don't need it. THROW IT OUT.

Clean out your closets every 3 months. If you haven't worn it, it doesn't fit, or its got holes or stains...get rid of it.

When doing BIG cleaning jobs have 3 boxes: Donate, Trash, Keep. If it doesn't go in one of these...its trash.

Don't stress if it isn't perfect.

Don't forget! There is one more week in the great closet clean out! Start your spring cleaning with me and enter to win a great gift tote full of fun goodies!

Show us your life: Favorite Charities!

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
Acts 20:35

I love to give  to people. Even if it is as something as simple as passing down my girls clothes to a family who has multiple children. I LOVE to give!

When I was praying about a new job. I sat in my car outside the Ronald McDonald house in Jackson and said, "Lord, If you bless me with a job that allows me to serve, I will"
Funny how I ended up at a church huh? Talk about being accountable!

Now that I feel I have my "homemaker feet" under me, a relationship with both of my girls that is amazing, grownup time with community friends, and a marriage that is solid and invested, I have started taking on projects with my favorite charities.

My first project is with the Jackson Zoo. Yes, the zoo is considered a charity. It is a non-profit organization that depends on donations, contributions and support from its community to bring awareness about wildlife to Mississippi. I am so pleased that I have been asked to chair "Dream Night at the Zoo" This event is one that moves you, unlike any other event. During Dream Night, families that have children that are physically ill, terminally ill, or have mental disabilities (I hate that term but the spectrum is so broad that we use it to describe in general)
get to tour the zoo for free, after hours. They are treated to a free meal, free snacks, free entertainment, free goody bags. Anything and Everything that can take place in 2 hours is free. They are given the ability to get out of the house and out of the hospitals and just be a family.

Last year I was blessed with meeting so many families that had multiple children. I remember this one family that had 5 kids. 1 amazingly special child. The dad stopped me and asked me who was in charge of this event. When I told him I was, his eyes filled up with tears and he just said, "Thank You so much for giving us this opportunity to be a family. We can't afford outings like this and still provide for our children. By doing this, they aren't missing out on the normalcy of life"

My heart sank. I never realized how much of an impact this event would have!

We were expecting 30 people last year for our first invitation only dream night. We had 75!

I am so excited that I get the chance to give back to these hardworking parents and these loving kids again! I am building my committee now, if you haven't had event experience, it is okay! If you feel lead to help out with this, just let me know! I would love to have you involved!

My second project is collecting blankets for the shelters here in Jackson. When I worked downtown I got to know a lot of the homeless people. Their stories were inspiring and I am so excited about this summer project. Starting in May, I am going to be collecting blankets for the shelters. I will continue to do this until October! At that point I plan to take Madyson to her first "serve your community" experience and go serve lunch to the homeless. We will deliver the blankets then, so that way they will have them when winter hits. Again, this is such a simple project that has huge impact! If you would like to jump on the blanket bandwagon, let me know! I would love to have allies all over!

Since the girls were born we have made it an effort to do a service project each year at Christmas time. This year it was Operation ShoeBox, we also have done the Angel Tree. A lot of times I hear people say things like, "oh I can't afford to adopt an angel child". Neither can I. I have 2 kids of my own and nieces and nephews galore. BUT that child, has nobody. I make it a practice not to eat out excessively in the coming months and put aside my money for this child. I have always been able to provide.

So there is a look at a few of my favorite charities. I soon hope to be able to take on Juvenile Diabetes with my best red-head friend Crystal, do the 3day breast cancer event for my mom and my mother in law, and tackle a support the arts campaign here in Mississippi.

Stay tuned!

Show us your life: Beauty Tips!

I am so excited we are doing this! I love to find out what works for everyone and to try new things! I am in such a need for new beauty supplies!

I don't have that many tips but I do have a few!

I am the queen of home hair dye. I have been doing it for years, I have tried all the brands! The best that I have found that leaves your hair looking shiny and not dull is Garnier Nutrisse

I love this product! As much as I got back and forth from Blond to Brunette, my hair shows less signs of damage since I started using this one! Plus it is under $10 bucks and last 5-7 weeks =)

My next product of choice is Voluminous mascara. I am a firm believer in a good mascara. Some people don't like this product because it can clump if you put too much on at one time. What I do is pump 2x, swirl when pulling the stick out, apply 2 strokes to each eye and let dry. Once it is dry I repeat. I love this because my eyelashes toward the outer of my eyes are long but blond, this lengthens them and makes them very flirty!

My next product of choice is Crest Whitening Strips. I have been a HUGE fan of these for many, many years! I am a firm believer in a great smile and this enhances your teeth to their greatest whiteness!

Next on my list is the favorite among alot of bloggers. I have been using this product for over 1 year and I have to say that it has become a staple on my "dress up" days. Freeze-It hairspray is the hairspray made "famous" in The Poof Video. Being from Clinton, you learn how to poof your hair at an early age...in hopes to one day become a member of Attache' show choir.

I love how Freeze-it holds, shines, and keeps my hair fixed even when 20 little fingers want to play all in it!

Last but not least is something that never gets neglected in my shopping cart.

Burt's Bees Chapstick. Now I hate lipstick...HATE. But this chapstick is my obsession! I love how it last for hours at a time and leaves your lips feeling so moisturized!

SHOW US YOUR LIFE!!! SHOPPING!!!

AHHH! Of course the year I give up shopping is the time for us to talk about our favorite shopping spots in our lives! Well luckily for all of you I have the best places that I still budget for because they are so fabulous!

1) Brownie-Goose: Mississippi Mom making adorable & affordable clothing for your kids! Easy to work with, in HIGH DEMAND!

I can't wait to order this dress!!! Hurry Spring/Summer!!

2) ZoZoBug Baby: Sister of a childhood friend making fun and funky clothes! If your kids have a wild child personality and like a little whimsy this line is for you! Once again...EASY to work with.

I won this outfit on a blog contest! I love it. BOTH girls can wear it and it is VERY versatile!

3) Hollypops Monogrammed Gifts: Love this mom! Another good ole' Mississippi mom that does adorable monograms and appliques on stuff! You can send her your stuff to monogram or purchase hers.

Yet ANOTHER easy and wonderful mom!

These are minky dot ghost girl shirts the girls wore for halloween this year!

The rest of my girls clothes usually come from ebay or consignment with the occasional target or walmart outfit.

and for me?!?!!?hahahahahahhahahahhahahahah

Old navy. That is wear all of my clothes come from except special occasion clothes from Belk. I do have a few Target and JCP items in there as well.

Like I said in my 100 things...I am a simple dresser.

Show us your life: Weight Loss

TGIF!!!! Remember when ABC had TGIF nights, with Full House, Family Matters and such? Those were great times!

Anyway, Today we are suppose to list our best weight loss ideas.

I have ALWAYS been underweight until I became pregnant with Madyson. I gained 100 lbs when I was pregnant with her. I was on bedrest, depressed, and just ate and ate and ate.

I had to get healthy soon after she was born because I was beginning to have other problems. I told my doctor, " I don't want to diet, I hate to diet." "I hate to exercise.."I don't like going to the gym, counting calories, any of that...I just want to loose this weight." She laughed and told me she had the best thing for me.

Get a small plate (6-8 inches") and carry it everywhere with you. You can eat whatever you want as long as it fits on this plate and doesn't touch. I did that for 5 months (and I walked around my neighborhood every afternoon with madyson in her stroller) I lost 90lbs in 5 months doing this. I LOVE OREOS as we all know...well I could fit 5 on the plate without them touching...so that's how many I would eat. I loved this because I didn't have to give up anything I just ate in moderation.

So there ya go! Good luck! Let me know how you do!!

Too Late Tour? Snowmen, Santas, Sanatation Workers

Welcome to our home! Christmas time is very special around our house! We spend months preparing for service projects, gift ideas and yummy food! One of my favorite traditions is Christmas treats for the Sanitation workers! Aubrie and I waited outside this morning for our men to come by! Here is one of our precious workers with his treats!





Welcome! This is the entrance way to our house! You are greeted by snowmen, Santa's sack, a nutcracker and some cute trees! Above all this is a painting of Mary and Baby Jesus!

This is a paint by numbers painting that my Great Aunt painted in 1959. She gave it to my grandma and when we were packing up her stuff I found it and framed it! Thought it would make a great Christmas decoration.

Ah! Here is Aubrie! Waiting by the tree! She would like to show you some of our favorite ornaments. We only use family ornaments, so each year we add more!

This is mine and todd's first Christmas together ornament! It always hangs in the "heart" of our tree!This is Madyson's Hallmark ornament from her first Christmas

When Aubrie was born one of the nurses gave this to us before we left. We use it at her first ornament.This isn't a "favorite" but each member of our family (including siblings, parents, nieces and nephews) have a special ornament on our tree. My parents bought this for me my first year of life (it is one of the 4 I have!) I have always had a fear of clowns so i think its funny that one of my ornaments is a clown. he hangs on our tree next to my brother and my sisters ornament.Here is Madyson! She is in the kitchen making brownies for her class Christmas Party! Lets look at the dining room, because our kitchen hasn't been remodeled and it is tackY!

I love this! My grandmother just went into a nursing home and she gave me her china cabinet! I have filled it with all her holiday platters and my moms Christmas plates. We have a tree in here too! it is full of red and gold balls!

In the den we fill it with snowmen and santas. There are 45 santas in the room and about 50 snowmen! I started collecting these when i was 10!

This are two special snowmen that are next to the fireplace this year! The group of snowmen was a gift from a coworker! I love them! The little single snowmen was my moms.

This Santa (or we actually call him Ho! Ho!) was a gift from my dear friend Courtney! He use to sit by our apartment door but now that we have a house he has moved into the den.

We have a mantle but my friend gave us this stocking holder and I really like it! So we use this (for now! when baby #3 gets here one day we will have to use the mantle) Todd's mom made us the stockings and they are very special to us!
This santa was given to me when i was 5 by my dad! He now sits proudly in one of the chairs!

Last but not least is the Nativity Scene my mom bought when I was a baby! The figures are "playable" which is great with kids! I love our little set and the kids love to act out the Christmas story! Thanks so much for visiting! Remember Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

Merry Christmas!!! The Broadus family!