If Mama Ain't Happy...

Similar Sweater Dress

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Fringe Bag

Choker

Is it just me or, does winter seem to have lasted unusually long this year??.. I'm not typically one to wish away the seasons, or at least I try my hardest not to but, the back and forth weather we've been having lately has just got me in a weird kind of funk. Like, it's in the upper seventies one day and we're all in short sleeves, spending the entire afternoon outside and feeling so carefree. Then the next is mid thirties for a high and all we can manage is to stay in our jammies by the fireplace and make sure everyone's fed. Like, man, there has to be some in between right?!

One thing we've managed to keep pretty on schedule about is schooling. We've been fairly consistent these last few weeks about using the morning for schoolwork and boy has it really opened up the rest of our day! I've found that if we can get through all the required stuff by 10:30, or at the latest by lunch, then the boys are a lot more open to having imaginative play in the afternoon. So, basically, I get to use that time to keep up with things around the house or write a little blog post or bake a yummy dessert and it's, kind of surprisingly, been a game changer for me lately. Reality check, I know. Like, duh it's going to be easier to keep up with the to-do list if I actually get up and DO it...

Really though, I'm finding that more than anything right now, we need a little bit of a schedule. Not overkill, mind you. I still hear plenty "I'm bored" comments from the boys during free play and there are times when I have to remind them, probably more than I'd care to admit, that it's time for them to do their thing so I can have a little mama time. But, a little structure has been good for us.

It really helps me in the morning to know that after breakfast JD will be starting schoolwork and I can tidy up the kitchen and maybe sort some laundry or pick up the living room before washing my face and nursing Tyler. I take the daily tasks a little at a time, and only a few a day, and it gives me more time to enjoy the boys as well. So, often after washing my face and nursing Tyler, I'll fit in my workout and do a little straightening up around the house, all while checking in on JD when he needs help or has questions, before lunch. Then, we may either have enough time to do Lucas' schoolwork before we sit down to eat or directly afterward when Tyler goes down for his nap. Blake has been transitioning to no nap (yikes...it's been tough) and it's made our evenings a little harder. But, I think he's finally starting on the uphill side of things and getting used to being up all day.

Probably the most important thing that I've tried to do everyday, that has really made the difference between a make it or break it start, is taking care of me. Choosing everyday to spend the time washing my face and brushing my teeth, getting dressed and working out for a bit has been everything when it comes to keeping me feeling good and ready to tackle whatever these boys have to throw at me. Don't get me wrong, they're good boys. They're SUCH awesome boys, really. But, momming is hard and, let's face it, if Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. I made the decision a while back that if I want to be the best for my husband, for my kids and for myself, then I have to take care of ME sometimes. Personally, that doesn't mean a girls weekend every month or a spa treatment once a week. It's those few minutes of self care in the morning. If I can make time for myself then, when everyone else is at a high from finishing breakfast and excited for the day ahead, then it completely changes my whole perspective on the day. I gain some extra motivation and the boys get to see that it's important for Mama to have some time to herself too. I'm showing them that, yes they matter to me. They matter immensely. But, I matter too. And, that's so, so important.

As you go about your daily routines and mundane happenings through the week, don't forget to make time for yourself. Because Mama needs a little love too. ;) Tonight we're going to Springfield with some friends, kid free, to do an "Escape Room"! Has anyone ever been to one?! I'm so nervous/excited!

Family Styling Tips for Easter Sunday | Old Navy Style

Let's talk Easter. It's still about a month away but, if you're like me and seem to have too much on your plate most of the time, it helps to get a little head start on everything. I love dressing my family in coordinating clothes most Sundays for church. And, since I still pick out the boys church clothes most of the time, that's usually pretty easy to do. But, somehow Easter Sunday seems like a day that deserves a little extra effort. The boys quite often have set outfits that all match or coordinate pretty perfectly and Glen and I play off of that. This year though, I've almost decided to pull from our closets and see if I can find something for everyone that way although, I may end up at the thrift shop if I need something to complete our family ensemble.

Old Navy recently had a great sale on some gorgeous Spring dresses so, I grabbed this super cute floral one for myself with a gift card I had. The timing was on point and I think it will work perfectly for Easter Sunday. The pretty floral pattern and swing fit make it great for Church or a day out. It's so verstatile! I got a size medium tall, so the length is perfect. (Little shopping tip : Size up one size for a looser fit/longer length) I think it will pair nicely with some nude pumps and PINK would be even better. (On the lookout for those now!) I also thought about layering a lightweight navy blazer over it in case it's a bit chilly outside, that or a muted colored cardigan. Both are great options.

Here's a few other pretty dresses that would look amazing for Easter!

   

As far as guys go, Old Navy has some great options for them as well! I like to pick one color out of what I'm wearing and use that for Glen, and he usually doesn't mind at all. He's sweet like that and just goes with the flow most of the time. This year, I have a pretty blue gingham shirt for him and it will go well with my dress since there's some of the same blue throughout the floral pattern. Here's a few other colors that would look nice with the navy floral dress pictured above.

   

When it comes to the boys I'll admit, I like it when they match. I like it a LOT. But, with four of them ages 1 to 8 years, it can sometimes be difficult to find the same thing in all of their sizes. So, the easy thing to do most of the time is to coordinate a couple and maybe let a couple of them be the same. Old Navy always has such a great selection of little kid clothes and their boys shirts are all so nice. They are just the cutest! Check these out for some inspo on what to dress the little men in your life in. Again, coordination is key to making outfit planning easy. Especially for a Sunday morning. 

   

Dressing babies is probably my favorite thing though. They're just too cute and my Tyler looks darling in anything I put on him. I might not choose white jeans for everyday with his tumbly little self but, for a morning at church they would just be to die for. I'm also loving colored shorts, dressy hats and rolled sleeves for all of my boys. Retailers have really come a long way with boy's fashion in the last few years. (Thank you!!)

     

One of the last, and maybe the most fun, thing I think about when it comes to planning our Easter outfits are accessories. I'm loving all the colorful shoes I'm seeing lately and have been keeping my eye out to thrift a pair or two. For this outfit, I would probably choose a bright pink, white or light blush. Either would be so pretty with the dress I'll more than likely be wearing and they'll be super easy to style into the spring. (Aren't the floral pumps just gorgeous!!)

      

So, there you have it! I'll be gaining some major inspiration from this board for my family's Easter outfits and I hope that maybe you saw something you liked as well! All of the photos above are clickable and will let you shop them directly from the image. Can you see a major color trend that I'm loving right now?! Happy shopping and have fun picking those Easter outfits!!