Silent Auction for the Turners

I am just returning from Influence Conference, and I'm planning an entire post dedicated to my weekend. But I had to help out with this special project when I heard about it. 

The blogging community is so amazing...especially in instances like this for the Turner family.  I cannot imagine losing my precious husband, left to raise a daughter on my own.  I think it's amazing that everyone is coming together to help this family, and I knew I had to be a part of it.

So, here's the item I'm auctioning off.  If you're interested, leave a comment with your bid.  Bid increments should be increased by a dollar (i.e., if the person before you bids $9, you bid $10).  The highest bidder will receive a PayPal invoice once the auction is over on Friday at midnight.

custom initial or name onesie or shirt from Mattie Mae Designs

Estimated value: $26

You are bidding on a custom, hand-appliqued onesie or t-shirt.  

You have the option of choosing either an initial, monogram or name.  

Examples of each are below, and they can be made for a boy or girl.

Thank you all for your generosity in helping this precious family.  

Happy bidding!  

It's time!

Today is the day.

I leave for Influence Conference, and I’m a BALL of so many emotions – nervous, anxious, excited, hopeful…the list goes on and on.

But more than anything, I’m eager…eager for so many difference reasons.

Because it’s time.  It’s time that I attend something like this.  I’ve backed out and found “excuses” too many times before.  This time, I’m diving in, eager to learn all that I can grasp with my hands.

I cannot wait to meet all these fabulous women that I’ve been following through all the social media outlets.  Every time I see a new gal using the #influenceconf, I get so excited because I want to know all about her.  I can’t wait to have fulfilling, life-giving conversations with these women.  I can’t wait to be real and vulnerable and share all my fears.  

And most of all, I’m thrilled to see God move this weekend.  I get chills when I think about all the big things God is going to do, all the big things He has already done.  

So, these are the things I’m praying for, would you join me? 

1. That my heart and my mind will be open and ready to be filled…filled with thoughts and hopes and ideas and advice and lots of good information.
2. That we have a safe ride to the conference – I’ll be driving with Sarah and Rebecca…we’re super pumped, but we are praying for a safe trip.
3. That I make lots of connections for all the arenas in my life – for my personal self, for my business, for my blog.
4. That I relax and have fun!  This is my first time to leave my little family for so long.  My husband has been up north for business for the past week, so I’m really missing him.  And this is the first time I will be away from my Annie Lou for this much time.  Praying for my mama and wife heart!

And if you’re at Influence, please find me and let’s hug and chat!  Blessings, y'all!

What will be in my bag at Influence...

Tomorrow morning, bright and early, I am leaving for Influence!  I’ve seen lots of posts floating around about “what’s in my bag?” and I thought I would join in the fun!

You’ll see me toting around a Mattie Mae Designs (little side business I run with my mama) birdie sling bag made by my precious mama.  It’s one of my favorites.  Stay tuned…you might see a shop pop up in the next few weeks with some similar items (if I can convince my mama to make more)!

Here’s what’s inside (not all items pictured):

-Birdie wallet with some fun money (hello, have you seen the vendors that are going to be at the Sashes Market?) 

-The Pleated Poppy zipper wristlet complete with my necessities (lip gloss, floss, wipes, hand sanitizer, gum, mirror and some snackies)

-The Pleated Poppy card holder with extra business cards – I attached dumdums to my business cards since I didn’t get to get them updated before the conference 

-iphone and charger

-composition notebook and lots of felt tip pens (in all sorts of colors)

-camera (maybe not all the time, but I do hope to take some pictures on something besides my phone!)

No doubt I’ll probably have some other items tossed in there, but for the most part, I’m only going to try and carry the essentials!  Now, what’s in your bag?

If you're going to Influence, here's all you'll need to know about me!

So, in case you live under a rock, let me fill you in on something big about to take place in my life…I’m going to INFLUENCE!  Woot woot!  I bought my ticket on the first or second day, so you can imagine how long I’ve been waiting for October to arrive!  And this time next week, I’ll be in Indianapolis with some amazing women listening to some amazing sessions!  Anyways, I saw Blair on twitter post about an Influence link-up, and I thought I would give it a shot, too…I’ve already learned some great things about other attendees, so here’s my Important Things to Know About Lena post!

My name is Lena…my nickname is LeeLee.  I will not get offended if you call me LeeLee, promise! (I’ve already received numerous emails with the greeting “Hi, LeeLee!”) 

I blog…occasionally.  I get into these spells when I blog every single day.  Then, I’ll go like 2 weeks without a single post.  So, please don’t judge me on my semi-regular posting.  I’m working on it.

I love coffee.  And I’m definitely a 2 cups-in-the-morning gal.  I was never a coffee drinker until I had a baby.  Now, I wake up in the mornings craving it.  Dear Lord, I hope we have a coffee maker in our hotel room.

I think I have the best roomies (Julie, Melody and Shannon) for the conference.  I’ve never officially met these gals, but I guarantee I will not sleep a wink because we’ll be having lots of pillow talk, and I’ll probably cry when I have to leave these gals.  Seriously, we did a google chat the other night, and it was an hour full of pure fun!

I LOVE to create things.  My mom and I have a business called “Mattie Mae Designs” that we’ve been running since 2009.  We make hand-appliqued onesies, bibs and burp clothes.  We also make fun buntings, rag garlands, tote bags and pillows.  We like to create and have fun in our sewing room.  I was going to be a participant in the Sashes Market, but sometimes, you have to say no to things so that you don’t go plum crazy.  Am I right or what?

I’m in the process of re-launching my blog.  I had high hopes of having it completed before I left for Influence.  Sadly, that is not going to happen.  So, my business cards are outdated and not exactly what I want to be handing out….BUT, you might get a special treat attached with my card to make up for the fact that they’re not my favorite.  Don’t judge, please!

I talk about my family a lot.  Especially about my daughter, Annie Louise (2 years old).  And yes, we call her by both names most of the time…it’s a southern thing.  Be ready to see lots of pictures and hear me ooooo’ing and ahhhhhhh’ing over her.  She’s ridiculously cute and hilarious.  

Something you won’t see me toting around is an ipad or laptop.  I’m an old-fashioned gal…a lover of pen and paper.  I have a slew of composition books, and a huge collection of paper mate felt tip pens.  I feel much more efficient when I’m writing down my thoughts.  

I’m quiet and timid…until you meet me.  So, if you see me standing by myself looking sad and lonesome, come introduce yourself! I promise I’ll warm up.  And I’ll probably talk your ear off, too!  I’m really nervous about meeting new gals, but the excitement outweighs the nervousness, for sure!

I have been participating with the #SheReadsTruth devotionals since they first started.  I love this group with all of my heart.  Never before have I felt so connected to a Bible devotional as I have now – I love each and every study we’ve completed, and I’m always so thrilled to see what new study they launch when one devotional ends.  And I canNOT wait to have dinner with some of these amazing gals while I’m at Influence, too!  If you’re going to dinner, let me know, so I can say hi!

I’m extremely southern (born in Texas, lived most of my life in Tennessee) – you’ll hear lots of “y’alls” and “yeehaw” and “bless your heart” and don’t be surprised if I call you “sister.”  Because that’s what you are to me!  

But most of all, I’m super excited to be embarking on this fun weekend adventure!  Can’t wait!  Now tell me about yourself…

Barnyard Bash...I'm tired!

our sweet girl...who is obsessed with balloons!
(note: cow  and small red balloons from Oriental Trading, large red balloons from Shop Sweet Lulu)

Exhausted.  Totally worn out.  Can barely lift my arms.

But it was amazing.  And worth every single plan.

I know a lot of y'all are waiting for party pictures and a recap, and I'm waiting, too!  Our precious photographer, Joy Chambers, is working through lots of photos, and I cannot wait to see everything!

It was a crazy and absolutely beautiful day.  I loved celebrating with all of our family and friends, and I know our sweet doodlebug had a blast.

Now, off to try and convince myself that I really have a two-year old!

Annie Louise is 2 years old!

My precious Annie Louise.

Wow, you are 2 years old today.  We have survived 2 years as parents – I can’t believe it.  

Let’s take a minute and look at how much you have grown in the past 2 years.

Here you are when you were just a newborn with your very first hairbow – the first of many.  

9 pounds and 2 ounces of pure chubbiness. 21 ½ inches long – tall like your daddy.

A precious newborn who nursed around the clock, very rarely cried (here’s a secret – we used to let you cry for a minute or two because you were so cute when you did), and changed our lives from the moment you entered our world.

You made us parents.  You made us appreciate every single moment we are given.  You made us grateful.

Here you are at your first birthday.

20 pounds, 30 1/2 inches long – you were skinny and tall.  

You took your first steps in front of everyone at your party.  And that’s so like you – you’re stubborn, but put you in front of a crowd, and you perform.

And now, here you are at 2 years old.  

I’m not sure your exact measurements (we go for your 2 year check-up on Friday) – but I know you’re right at 30 pounds and probably about 3 feet tall.

You are more the size of a 3 year old, but you own it.  You hang with the big kids and love every second of it.

You are so smart, my love.  You love to sing and dance.  You are bossy, and it’s nothing for you to tell mama and daddy to “git up and DANCE!”  Of course, we oblige.  Who can say no to a dance party?

You love to pray – we pray every night, and we ask you who you would like to pray for – your first prayer is for your cousins, Tessa and Tye – always.  Then, you pray for other family members and their pets.  And you always end it with a big AAAAAMEN!  

This year has flown by.  I think this is how each year will be with you.  Every day is a new and different day – everything is constantly flowing, changing.  

I used to get bored easily with my situation, or feel like life was “static”, but not anymore.  Some days, I cry out to our Lord and ask Him to make things slow down, to help me enjoy each and every second, to wake up each morning and treasure the day that has been given to me.

Every day is not always easy, but you have taught me the beauty and importance of GRACE.  

I’m so excited at what the next year is going to bring to us as a family.  New adventures, lots of learning and more love than we will ever know.

I love you so much, my precious doodlebug – 

Mama

Influence Conference link-up...all about Lena!

Hi, friends!  I know, I know...I've been absent somewhat.  But I have good reasons - 1) my hubby's busy time at work started, and he has literally been working 15 hour days for the past week. 2) preschool started for Annie Louise - we're trying to get back into our schedule. 3) my doodlebug turns 2 in less than 2 weeks, and we are planning like crazy for her barnyard bash. 4) I feel like I am barely hanging on.

But Labor Day weekend has come, and I'm sorta feeling like I'm getting back into my groove.

And then, I got an email the other night that said Influence Conference was like FIVE weeks away.  I cannot wait...to say I'm excited is an understatement.  I'm elated.  Thrilled, even!

So, the community leaders are hosting a link-up to get to know everyone, and I thought it would be great to participate, so those of you that are attending can get to know me better and visa versa.

Here we go...

- my sweet family - that's me, our Annie Louise and my hubby, Brad - 

Three get to know me things:
- I've been married to my sweet hubby, Brad (or B) for over five years.  He's pretty awesome, and we have a good time together!
- I have an almost 2-year old, Annie Louise, and she's the light of our lives.  She always makes me smile, loves to sing and dance, and gives the best kisses ever.  She was born on September 10, 2010, weighing in at 9 pounds, 2 ounces, 21.5" long.  When you meet me, you'll understand why this is such a big deal to me (i.e., I'm a petite gal).  Needless to say, she favors my 6'4" hubby more than me!
- I'm a full-time working mama.  So, that means I do a lot of juggling, balancing, and say no to a lot of things - which I'm getting better at. Try it out.  Oh, and I have a little side business with my mama called Mattie Mae Designs - we make hand-appliqued onesies and t-shirts that are oh-so cute!

Two things I'm looking forward to about the conference:
- Meeting my roommates (Julie, Melody & Shannon)...they are awesome, and I can't wait to spend a few days with them!  So excited!
- I'm super excited about all the sessions - how will I ever pick?  Everything sounds right up my alley, seriously, I think I'm going to have to draw out of a hat!

One thing I can't leave home without:
- My burberry perfume.  I've been wearing it ever since Brad and I met, and I wear it every single day.  He always gifts it to me...it's my signature scent!

Going to Influence, too?  Leave me a comment so I can meet you and hug your neck...yes, I'm a hugger.  Hey, I'm from Tennessee, we all hug!