Dear Satan

Dear Satan,

I am sorry to inform you that you did not win this week. Maybe you did with other souls but not mine. You might have thought you had me when I became frustrated at my finances. Or possibly when I became upset because Thayne wouldn't listen to a word I said and threw  more tantrums than I can count. You might have thought that for sure this would be the week you would win me over, when I swore at Thayne. You must have thought that I wouldn't want to change and try again.

Patting yourself on the back thinking you could lead me down a dark path. You must have thought for sure I wouldn't be attending church. "Thayne can't sit still what is the point of even going?" "No one even cares if you are there" "Alyse is so tired she wont go" "Giving up on everything is much easier" These must have been phrases running through that cunning mind of yours this week. Little did you know that I am strong. Stronger than I even know. How? How can this be? Is that what you are wondering? Because God gives me chances. He gives me nights and days so that I may try again. He gives me people who love me and accept me no matter what. He gave His Son to die for me that I can become clean again and try again.

So this will be a huge set back for you but I am going to have a better week. I can only become stronger. You had me fooled all week long that I was worthless and doing everything wrong. "How could I change?" Was constantly in my mind. Well I can change and I will. I may have tripped and fallen, but I can still run. This week your negative thoughts are not invited. I will be too busy being happy and feeling worth while. 

Sincerely,

Alyse

Bathroom travel kit

I should have done this post ages ago... However life keeps happening and somehow I've been super busy. Today though I'm wearing my red skinnies, kids are asleep, and I am listening to the sound of the rain.

On our wedding day a few years ago (4? Really?!?!) 

We received a lot of wonderful gifts. All of which we felt so grateful for and have cherished and loved. I want to share about one in particular that we use every trip we take. EVERY TRIP. 

We call it the "bathroom bag"

This handy bag is ready to go whenever we are for an adventure. The beauty of it is I don't have to gather every little bathroom item as we decide to head out of town. I always keep it well stocked. The lady who gave it to us used to have a business selling these but as far as my research lead me she doesn't sell them anymore. We have adapted it to our needs and have changed what is in the bag so much that I feel comfortable listing everything that is inside it without feeling like I'm taking away from her. 

This list looks totally ghetto. But my printer and my computer are not speaking to each other so a picture and not a scan is what we get. Hopefully I can repair their relationship. While we travel with our babies I also add in baby bathroom stuff... Nail clippers, teething gel, baby soap, ect. This is a list of just everything that stays in the bag at all times. Right before we leave we add toothbrushes, glasses, toothpaste, and razors. Perfume if we are feeling real good. Haha. This bag has been a lifesaver and simplifies my life while traveling. And I love traveling. I add items as necessary for longer trips. 

As you can tell it doesn't take up too much room and it says a ton of headache especially when we plan a last minute trip. Most of the items I got in the travel section of the toiletries at the store. I bought some reusable travel size bottles for my favorite shampoo and conditioner.  It stores under my bathroom cabinet perfectly. Do you have a bag like this? What are your musts?