| Mounting Blessings |

It's hard to be thankful when you live in a country as blessed as ours. That's a hard truth to admit but it's so very spot on. I often think of the people, families, mothers, fathers, children, infants that live in more impoverished places all around the world and struggle daily to merely survive. When here we are, in one of the most prosperous nations in the entire world and have so many blessings at our fingertips that we simply choose not to notice. I often see the hashtag #firstworldproblems and although I've used it myself on occasion, what a wake up call it can be. 

Today more than ever I want to be intentional about showing my gratefulness for all that I've been given. For the big things and the small. To be able to call this incredible country home, to have the freedoms and rights that we do, to be able to worship the Lord openly and without persecution and to be able to raise my children in a land with so many abundant opportunities. All of this is not lost on me and I pray that I'm living the example my boys need to see everyday.

So many have sacrificed their dreams of a future so that I could live this blessed life of mine and my goodness I could not be more thankful. To live in a day and age where we have so little worries is such an incredible blessing. Although life has different challenges than it did fifty years ago, and they'll surely change again in the coming years, I am so thankful to be raising my children in the here and now. This family of mine is really all that I have and, at the end of the day, the truth is they belong to the Lord. Daily I pray that He'll guide me to do the very best I possibly can to show them His love for them and that they really can make a difference in this ever changing world that we live in. 

Mothering can just be so hard some days. The days when the little, mundane things start to pile up and we begin to feel as if we're drowning. The weeks and months that we've been neglecting our own needs to fulfill those of our family and we are so close to our breaking point that it feels almost impossible to get back. Then there's the days that the blessings are just mounting and we can literally feel stress melting away. Those are the ones that make it all worth it. When someone notices the little corner of the house that you cleaned or that you took the time to wash your hair or compliments the not so fancy dress you decided to wear just to make yourself feel a little more human. That's when my mind begins to focus and the fog starts to fade and I truly feel the weight of this incredibly blessed life. 

Thank you Lord for all that you've given me and THANK YOU to the military men and women who have literally given. it. all. Happy Memorial Day. #allgavesomesomegaveall 

Pictures by : Mindy Lucas (such a sweet person, talented photographer and a wonderful friend)

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

 (pic via pinterest)

Though I try to make sure the Mothers in my life know how much they mean to me every day of the year, I won't turn down a day dedicated to making them feel extra special (especially when it includes me!). With Mother's Day fast approaching (hello, less than TWO WEEKS people), I decided to round up a few fun gift ideas the ladies you love most are sure to enjoy. 

I've noticed myself lately that I'm loving things that will work in our home. Sturdy baskets, primitive wall hangings, accent rugs, cozy throws, decorative pillows. Everything farmhouse style and shanty chic please. With that in mind, and the fact that it's finally acting like spring around here, pretty potted plants (or ones she can replant in the yard) and planters are a great gift idea. I love how they bring the freshness and beauty of outside into the home and can really brighten up a space, even if they're artificial. As long as you look them over good to be sure there's no obvious give aways, most likely no one will even notice they're not real. Here's a few I found that would be just perfect for arranging on a bookshelf or window sill. (visit planters in explore on amazon.com)

    

As far as home accents go, I love items that will bring in texture and color. Most of what I love is pretty neutral or white but, there are certain pops of color that I really love as well. Here's some ideas from amazon also. (again, click expore at the top then scroll over to home if the item is not linked)

      

Then there's the obvious things that you know she'll love. Whether she's been dropping a few subtle hints or you just know her well enough to pick something out confidently. Things like beauty products, a new dress or pair of shoes, that purse she's had her eye on. Let's face it, if we really stop and think for more than a sec, we can probably come up with something genuinely from our hearts that she will honestly love. (though we moms truly love ANYTHING that comes from the heart of those we care about, truly)

       

Lastly, I wanted to share some printables and graphics I love from pinterest. If the ladies in your life are anything like me, they would love a pretty print to frame and hang in their home. You can get an instant update to a space and they're easy to change up as often as you like. Print them off and gift wrap them or upload them into photoshop and make a pretty diy card. Either way, they're sure to love them! Visit my Pinterest boards HERE and HERE for some more inspiring prints. 

      

I hope you found some inspiration on what to get your Mama's in this post. But, I know that as long as it's from your heart, she'll love it no matter what. Have a wonderful week (if you can get past all this raaiiiiin) and have fun prepping for Mother's Day! It'll be here before you know it!