Getting Cozy

Missouri has turned into a winter wonderland these past few weeks. It's so beautiful and calm. Mostly because the roads have been a solid sheet of ice and there aren't many brave enough to travel. But, to be honest, I'm kind of ready for spring to be here. When the groundhog predicted six more weeks of winter I was probably one of the first to take that deep sigh. I'm ready for cool, crisp breezes, flowers and blooms on the trees, and some nice green grass to look at instead of ice, snow, freezing temps and the mud that comes with the thaw we experience once a week during the winter months. 

One of the many things that I do enjoy about winter is how warm and cozy everything feels. Fires are always blazing, blankets are in abundance and I can layer as many tops and sweaters as I like without getting overly warm. I love to layer when it comes to choosing outfits. I almost always have a tank under whatever top I'm wearing and during winter I like to add a sweater and scarf on top of that to keep me nice and cozy. Today's schedule didn't have much on it. Breakfast, schoolwork, lunch, cleaning, nap time, supper and finally church (which we never made it to..sigh). Not too hectic of a day but enough that I could plan an outfit instead of my pajamas. Yea, most days that's our normal. Even if it means we put on clean jammies in the morning just to say we've changed clothes. Ha. Any other home school families out there do the same? ;-)

Since we didn't have much planned, I decided on this cozy sweater and my current favorite scarf to add a little something special. Add that to these comfy skinnies and a pair of flats and I had the perfect outfit for a casual day. I picked up this Gap sweater off the dollar rack (like I do with most of my tops!) at my local thrift shop and I absolutely love it. It is so soft and warm, the sleeves are the perfect length and it's long enough that I feel nice and covered. And, the subtle plum color is fantastic. Seriously, I can tell I'll be utilizing this a ton before the weather warms up. 

(A little background on me : I'm a photographer. I'm usually the one BEHIND the camera. NOT in front of it. So, please excuse my seemingly awkward poses. Ha. I'm working on it. And, since I would like this to be a place where I can regularly share outfit inspiration, I guess I have to start somewhere.)

Anyway, I ended up changing into jammies about half an hour after snapping these since our schedule got behind and we couldn't make it to our church in time. Yea, life happens. But, we spent the evening at home enjoying each others company and that's good enough for me any day. I kinda like my bunch of crazies. ;-)

Hey there!

Hey there! Welcome to my blog! I am mama to three of the sweetest boys around, wife to one incredible man and follower of Jesus Christ. I strive to be the best I can be in all of these roles but, also to stay confident in myself and the woman God would have me to be. I have a passion for sewing and creating things. Whether it's a good sewing tutorial from Merrick's Art for me or something I've found on Pinterest that I thought they boys would enjoy or a great DIY I just had to try for myself to add to our home. I love to create. I have lived in the same small town my entire life and I absolutely love it. Sometimes I dream about moving abroad and disconnecting from the world to live in some abandoned chateau in France or packing up and relocating to a big city rich in history but, since that won't be happening anytime soon, I'll enjoy the life that I have. I plan for this to be a place for me to share sewing tutorials, outfit inspiration, diy projects, and current adventures of my blessed little family.

My life is a busy one. We homeschool our three boys. And, by that I mean I teach them school Monday through Friday. Every morning. We work and we learn and they are seriously the greatest. But, we don't slack off much. I'm careful not to let us become one of 'those families'. Those families that claim to school at home when in reality they spend their days having free play and not learning an ounce. I want my boys' minds to grow and soak up everything they can while they still have the desire to do so. Sometimes it's hard. Don't get me wrong. There are days when I've had just about as much attitude as I can take and I just want to throw in the towel and say, "Okay then, go to public school! Let the government teach you!". But, I know in my heart that God has a plan for our family. And right now that is to have my boys at home learning from me. Their mom. And, boy do I love it. Every difficult moment, Every success. Every time I see that light bulb go off and they say, "Yes! I know!". It is truly such a blessing to see the process of : me teaching, them listening, them learning and then, them doing. They gain in bounds every week we introduce new concepts or review ones we've already learned. I'm planting seeds and watching them grow. And that is so amazing.

When I'm not planning lessons, play dates or shopping trips (four boys eat a lot!), you can find me engulfed in a sewing project or planning my next photography session. I love photography. Many have said that my kids are some of the most photographed in the world and, to be honest, I agree. I just love taking their pictures. They get so into it, posing and showing me their 'happy' or 'silly' or 'mean' faces. And I get memories to keep forever. It's awesome. I began capturing images for others a few years ago and it is slowly growing into a nice little business. I can keep up with it pretty easily and still keep my priorities in check. It's such a blessing to do what you love in life. And, me? I get to do it all. Sure, I have a lot of hobbies. But, every single one is a part of me and who I am. I've heard it said that in order to be a good mother you have to give all of yourself all of the time to those that you love. Well, I disagree. In order for me to be the best that I can be for my family, I have to take time for myself. Whether that's a morning (or late night) devotional in my bible, or a couple of hours of sewing during nap/rest time, or an afternoon or evening out with my hubby or mama friends. I need that to keep track of myself. So I don't get lost in the motion and activities of my family. So I can appreciate and embrace them for who they are while they are doing the same for me. It's a great life and I feel so blessed and humbled that God has allowed me to live it.

 I'm glad you found my blog and I hope you'll stick around! I am so excited to see where it leads!