Category: Live. Laugh. Love

The holidays are coming, and I don’t know about you, but I like to enjoy myself with my girls without spending a lot of money!

So I’m going to give you a list of the fun things we like to do for free or little to nothing over the break.

1. Each year, we start our break off with a day of watching Hallmark Christmas movies. We grab the blankets, pop some popcorn, dim the lights, and pile up on the living room floor and couch! Movie days are the best!

2. My mom lives in Chicago, so she grabs me tickets from her local library to museums, and we pack our lunch, and head out on our way! If you’re diligent, you may find a free park, if you’re willing to walk a little! The tickets allow us to enter several museums across the city for FREE, and we can go multiple times to one museum during a 7 day period. Last year we explored Peggy’s Museum and the Adler Planetarium. We had an absolute ball!!!!!!!!

3. If you live near Orland Park Civic Center, drive on over around the Christmas season, and you will be amazed at the Christmas figurines and lights for great picture taking! One year, we literally drove right past it! We had no idea it existed. Absolutely free and so much fun!

4. I have four girls and we try to fit in weekly dates! My Leah baby loves to try different foods, so one day, we grabbed our coats, got in the car, and explored our local town! We found a quaint little shop, and enjoyed a nice little date away from the others. My two little ones like to enjoy a hour or two at McDonalds Playland, and Des loves a good late night movie date. So we wait for the daddy and the kiddos to go to sleep, choose the latest show of our choice, and enjoy the comfortable seats at one of our local theaters.

4. We also like to take a visit to our local dollar store or Walmart and agree to spend no more than $10-15!!! We always settle for hot cocoa (at least 2 packs), popcorn of course, Boston baked beans, and the kids each choose a snack of their choice. Sometimes we grab a box of cake and frosting and we all get in the kitchen to make our Funfetti Cake!

5. Moral of the story, just get out there and have fun spending time with the fam!!!!

DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site.

Holiday Fun, At A Price We Can All Afford!

Quote• Posted on by gurlstalkn

When the seasons change, so do my allergies.

Over the last two weeks, I’ve missed three days of work:(

I hateeeeeeeeeee missing work, but today, I took my meds, put my phone on silent, crawled up on my couch, and slept the day away. I woke up to peace and quiet, which is rare in the Jackson household. I’m feeling so much better!

Moral of the story, sometimes you just need to press the reset button. Life will continue, but our health is so important.

I’ve also had to reevaluate my eating and working out habits. Time to tighten up on my eating and get my behind in the gym! I feel so much better when I’m eating right…..I’ve learned that my allergies are triggered when I eat horribly!

So my goals for this week will be to consume more veggies and fruit.

I’m feeling a detox coming real soon.

Detox of the mind…

Detox of the body… Let’ssssssssssss go

Update on our family’s 30 day challenge…..It’s going really well. We’ve seen some changes and we will continue to love unconditionally. ❤️💞

DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site.

Pause….Breathe…..Reset

Quote• Posted on by gurlstalkn

Sometimes we get frustrated, sad, and downright disappointed! I’m here to encourage you to keep pushing, keep praying and thanking God, because you have the victory through him! Will you begin your 30 day challenge with us??

DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site.

Don’t Count Them out!

Quote• Posted on by gurlstalkn

Hey, I want a divorce.

I’m tired of the back and forth about how I should live my life,

The tug-o-war about who’s right or not,

The late night rustling and wrestling because you don’t sleep anyway.

I can’t focus at work, can’t focus on my babies; because you are constantly in my face!

Wait, we were never meant to be. It was never supposed to be a marriage.

So on this day, I rip you from every piece of me, every fiber of my being, no longer attached to me, because you see, I am married to Jesus, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the great I am, who has always been all that I needed.

Fear, negativity, and everything keeping me from my destiny, your time is up, leave me now. You can’t have my kids, hubby belongs to our daddy, and yep, everyone attached to me WINS! I’m divorcing you this day, now and for good.

GAMES OVER…

DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site.

I want a divorce

Quote• Posted on by gurlstalkn

I see you…..

Yes you, the mom who lost her darling son, yet remains as strong as an eagle.

Yes you, the single father who lost his loving wife to an unforgettable tragedy.

I see you too; the child who wakes up everyday to cruel words from friends and family.

And I can’t forget about the baby girl who just longs to belong.

Can I tell you how awesome and powerful you are….

How fearfully and wonderfully made you are….

HOW LOVED YOU ARE!!!! I see you, and so does our Heavenly Father.

#painistemporary #thistooshallpass #ISEEYOU

DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site.

I SEE YOU

Quote• Posted on by gurlstalkn
Posted in Live. Laugh. Love

It’s One of the Gurls Birthday!!!

Posted on by gurlstalkn
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
We would like to wish our sister/daughter, Candice, a very happy birthday!
Candy, as we call her, is an amazing woman! Her personality attracts like a magnet. Because of her authenticity, genuine love, and giving spirit, there are many people who love to be around her and enjoy her contagious laughter and uncanny sense of humor.
Do you know how much you are loved, honored, and respected? We adore you, Candy and thank God you are not only our friend, but we call you family!!!
We pray this new year will be rewarding and fulfilling for you in every way and God exceeds every last one of your dreams, even those you placed way behind the shelf, lol!!!
We love you!!
 ~The Gurls
Posted in Live. Laugh. Love

Maybe, Just Maybe… by Christa

Posted on by gurlstalkn

Good Morning!!

Sometimes, we go through life wondering, why things don’t work out. I am often frustrated when relationships, jobs, and plans fall through the cracks. But, have you ever thought that maybe, just maybe, things are working out just as planned by God.

We never know what we could be avoiding when things appear to not go as we envision them.

A friend of mine was in a car accident recently and she explained every thing that happened up until the point of collision. She says to me, “Christa, I don’t want to sound all spiritual about this, but I went back home for coffee, I NEVER go back home for anything. I’ve left my phone, credit cards, and everything else. But, today, I felt compelled to go back home for coffee! And I believe that because I did, my life was spared.” Her car was totaled, but she and the other driver walked away with no scars or scratches.

During my self-evaluation this month, I am focusing on the things that I say out of my mouth and my initial reactions/responses to things that may rub me the wrong way because I understand how many times my life has been spared.

 

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DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site.

Posted in Live. Laugh. Love

Happy October! by Christa

Posted on by gurlstalkn

I was doing some self-evaluation the other day and I can say I’m genuinely happy when someone tells me that they’ve purchased their first home, paid off a debt, enrolled back into school, received a job offer, and other things that are a cause for celebration. How can we be more supportive to our loved-ones and friends this month? If happiness is not what you feel when you see others advance, what are you willing to do about it?

Happiness isn’t just about the great things happening in my life. It’s about the greater heights and deeper depths that those around me are experiencing. Love is exemplified when others win because in reality when you win, we ALL WIN! #foodforthoughtSunday#1stofthemonth

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DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site.

Posted in Live. Laugh. Love

Morning Thoughts…. by Candice

Posted on by gurlstalkn

Morning sunshines!
So this morning as I was diving into my daily devotions, I came across a devotion that truly spoke to me! Some of us struggle with those silent killers…. Depression, anxiety, rejection, and many others…. Guess what?!  You are not alone! Do not isolate yourself. Get you a dream team to keep you encouraged and accountable, and hold near and dear to the fact that God loves you like crazy!

So I ask you this…. Who’s on your dream team? #youareloved#youarevaluable #ineedyou #youneedme

 

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DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site.

Posted in Live. Laugh. Love

Get it Done! By Candice

Posted on by gurlstalkn

Today I witnessed a mother working diligently on school work, while her two children sat behind her playing quietly.

I have also witnessed a business woman run an entire business, while caring for her children at the same time! 

I watched a woman with my own eyes raise three children while going to school and working several jobs. 

I have seen women work full time jobs, exclusively nurse their children, while running a home. 

I have seen stay at home moms, manage their home, their husband’s affairs, and make sure every child is involved in education and extracurricular activities! 

If you ever had any doubt about your ability to achieve and soar, DOUBT no more! Sometimes we spend so much time doing for everyone else that we forget about ourselves. Do you have goals?? Weight-loss goals??? Business goals??? Academic goals??? Traveling goals??? 

Get it done!

#wonderwoman #knowyourpurpose #gurlpower 

typorama

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site.

Posted in Live. Laugh. Love

GURLS’ 2016 Reflections

Posted on by gurlstalkn

The reflections and lessons I’ve learned throughout 2016 surrounds the topic of family. I discovered the significance of the family unit and the profound value we are to each other.
There are some things I’m still working towards as it concerns families and dealing with crisis, such as listening, caring, putting someone else’s needs ahead of my own and in some matters withholding one’s own opinions by practicing the master of responding with a soft answer.

There is a need to bring both heart and mind to conflicts so love can be exuded. For it’s only God’s love that will get us through these times.

~Karen

Last year was rough and tough. I dealt with loss and confusion. I learned a lot about myself and others. Yet the one thing that stirred my soul and brought life back to my dead bones was getting back to servanthood.

How did I stray from the heart of what defines me as me? So I am reminded to serve my Lord in faithfulness, my husband in devotion, my parents in obedience, my children and other family members in endearment, my neighbors in safety, my country in solidarity, and my heart in truth. Whatever I say or do, I desire to give and add value to others no matter what.

~Leah

2016 has been a year of growth for sure. I’ve learned having children should not stop my dreams from happening! They enhance it. As I rearrange my lifestyle once again to meet the needs of my family, my dreams continue. My family has even expanded. So cheers to a new year of learning to manage life with a beautiful new baby girl.

#childrenareagift #momof4

~Candice

As I sit back and reflect on last year, I realize it was not an easy one. I quit and questioned many projects I began. Now I find myself in the same physical position I was in when the year started. The race is not how swift a task is completed, but it is about if one actually completes the task(s); within the completion of a thing, there lies the ultimate reward and benefit #Chris.

So I encourage myself as I encourage you. Pick it back up and begin again. But this time, put your best efforts into your projects, in relationships,  in financial freedom–whatever your heart desires. Remember, allow God to have His place in your life and in your projects because if you don’t, you will have to start all over again.

2017 tip: See it to the end no matter how much sweat or blood drips.

~Chris

 

DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site.