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Christmas Photo Explosion

Family· Weekend Recaps

29 Dec

I’m exhausted. Three family Christmases + my birthday + a seven hour road trip with a toddler (complete with a crap hotel room) will do that to a momma, I guess.

Despite my strong desire to take a little Monday afternoon siesta, I can easily say that the past week has provided an amazing holiday for our family. We had quality time with with our loved ones, an amazing assortment of foods, and even a little mommy/daddy date night in the big city. To put it simply – we’re feeling very blessed around here.

However… in the same time frame I have also gained approximately 10 lbs., inched another terrifying year closer to 30, and have lost all sense of “schedule” with my toddler. But that’s okay. It’s Christmas, right?

Instead of giving you the basic play-by-play, I hope you enjoy this photo explosion recap from our Christmases. Santa Claus was very, very good to us this year.

Now that we’re past Christmas, we have just a little time to recoup before the big “New Year, New House” party at the Roe’s this week! If past NYE parties are indicators (see here and here), I’m going to need a power nap and milk thistle every day this week. 😉

Happy Holidays!

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Poppy Jim and Grandma Paula bought D her first race car. Look for that sweet face on the side of the Borg-Warner Trophy someday!

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After Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

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Freshly bathed and sporting reindeer jammies for Santa!

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2014-12-25 07.44.26

Someone LOVES her kitchen!

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Santa brought lots of “ooo ooo” books this year. 😉

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Discussing Doc McStuffins with Aunt Grace.

IMG_7098

My 88-year old grandpa was so excited to play pool at our house on Christmas morning.

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Annual Cousin Picture! fr; l2r: Kayla, me, Dorothy, Jessica & Grace bk; l2r: Alex, Dave, Ezri, Justen & Courtny

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Oh hey! It’s my birthday margarita!

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This is a typical birthday for me. Half eaten cake and an actual candle… because who thinks of these things before Christmas?

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She didn’t cry when they sang to me. Shockingly.

FotorCreated

Yay for Ugg slippers, Black Milk leggings and some awesome new UIndy gear!

2014-12-26 19.59.31

Drinks at MacNivan’s and the Rathskellar, followed by filet and Moscow Mules at Harry & Izzy’s. Best birthday ever.

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My handsome birthday date.

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We hadn’t even left the garage yet, but D was already not too sure about this car thing. FYI – seven hours in a car with a toddler is too long.

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Playing with her cousins Jonah and Isaiah at Grandma Tina’s in Kentucky.

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Even Teenage Mutant Ninja Wonder Dog was exhausted from the holidays. Me too, sister.

 

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Hey there, I'm Samantha. Recovering SAHM, and aspiring competitive dance mom. I have a passion for travel, am known to say it like it is, and I most certainly do not have it all together. Currently on a journey toward self love and discovery. Join me. 2021 | Bloom

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This is the difference a year makes. ⬇️ 30 l This is the difference a year makes. 

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NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark Call it cli NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark

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NEW POST: 4/4 "The pain you feel when you write i NEW POST: 4/4

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We tend to speak to ourselves negatively. But, what can happen when you write nothing but good things to yourself?

I challenge you to do the same. Link in bio. 🤍

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NEW POST: Sunburn I challenged myself to be uncom NEW POST: Sunburn

I challenged myself to be uncomfortable this year. Sharing this? The real and raw? That's uncomfortable.

Link in bio. 🖤

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NEW POST: Who are you? (link in bio) I'm looking NEW POST: Who are you? (link in bio)

I'm looking for others who feel like me. People who may have lost a piece of themselves, but are (or want to be) on a journey to re-design their lives. Let's have a book club, or dinner party, or even start an empowerment group for 30-somethings who forgot their favorite color.

Let's help each other grow. 🌿

#cottentales #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #blogger #mhn #selflove #selfcare #identity #30something #travelblog #momofgirls #blog #bloggersofinstagram
This is the difference a year makes. ⬇️ 30 l This is the difference a year makes. 

⬇️ 30 lbs. ⬆️ Healthy habits. ⬇️ 4 in. of hair. ⬆️ Strength. ➕ A tattoo & a ton of self love. 

I never knew I could be this person. I’m not super athletic. I have never dieted or counted calories. I never considered myself or my health. I always have watched other women make big physical changes in their lives, but I have never felt like I was capable to do the same.

If you’re reading this, and feel the same way I used to, trust me. 

You can. 💜

(1. January 2020, 2. June 2020 (100 rides), 3. January 2021 (200 rides))

#empoweringwomen #peloton #pelotonweightloss #pelotonbike #loveyourself #fitness #fitnessjourney #cottentales #blogger #momofgirls #momsofinstagram #momblogger #lifestyleblogger #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #selfcare #selflove #selflovejourney #pelotonmom #pelotoncommunity #lovesquad #boocrew #uncomfortable #bloom
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Call it cliche, but I have a word to live by this year. If I'm being honest, it actually means a lot to me. I even have some semblance of "resolutions," which are really just mantras I plan to manifest into reality... and so far I think it's working.

What's your word for 2021? What are your goals, mantras, or resolutions for this year? Let me know in the comments. 🌸 Link in bio.

#cottentales #lifestyleblogger #mommyblogger #travelblogger #newyear #2021 #quitlikeawoman #momofgirls #blogger #bloggersofinstagram #momsofinstagram #bloom #bloomwhereyouareplanted #peloton #pelotonbike #resolutions #mantra #healthyhabits #newpost #blogging
L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday R: 01/08/2021, L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday
R: 01/08/2021, or today. 

My husband took that first photo. He was being nice, and trying to celebrate my birthday. I never told him I hated it. I looked heavy, because I was. My skin was terrible - red, broken out, etc. I was anxious, and stressed (ha! The days before 2020!), and it very obviously showed.

Today I’m in the best shape since high school, which blows my mind. I am actively working every day on my skincare, my mental health, and my reactions. Do I mess up? All the time. This week even, I made major mistakes that affect more than just myself. It’s a constant work, but it’s worth doing. 

I see growth. I see a woman who is starting to feel uncomfortable, and that’s a good thing. Whatever goals you have, or path you’re attempting to journey this year, keep going. Don’t let setbacks end your fight. You can do this. 💪🏻

(Also, both daughters saw me make this image this morning. Both thought I was pregnant in the photo on the left. I definitely was not.😳)

#selflove #selfcare #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #peloton #pelotonmoms #cottentales #blogger #lifestyleblogger #travelblogger #momsofinstagram #momofgirls #bloom #keepgoing #pelotonweightloss #loveyourself
Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Las Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Last year, we danced our way to 2020 on the island. Christmas just doesn’t feel the same this year without the ocean. 🌊

#whitesandchristmas #eleuthera #eleutherabahamas #bahamas #christmas #ocean #momofgirls #mommyblog #lifestyleblog #travelblogger #cottentales
Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 #eleuthera #bahamas # Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 

#eleuthera #bahamas #travelblogger #lifestyleblogger #momblogger #cottentales #travel #nye2019
This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 lbs. vs. 129 lbs. This is broken and lost vs. strong and healing. 

I was so proud of myself in that first photo, and I’m still proud of that Samantha. Steps to a better you will slowly become strides. Thanks to her, now I’m taking flight. ❤️ #selflove #selfcare #peloton #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #pelotonweightloss #pelotonmom #momofgirls #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #loveyourself #cottentales

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