Saturday, January 27, 2018

Respite






Being a mama is so incredibly humbling, rewarding, draining, challenging and my life song all at the same time. Some days I seem to struggle to hold onto the happy, light hearted pieces of it and others, the joy comes so easily. Despite the ups and downs of child rearing, I absolutely adore it. It probably helps that I've been given the most awesome kids in the world but, that's just my opinion.

No matter how good things are or how much you're enjoying yourself (no matter what you're involved in), it's always a good idea to take a little breather every once in a while. I've heard it said before (sorry, I don't know the source) that "When you get tired, learn to rest. Not to quit.". Oh how closely that applies to motherhood. And, really, anything we are truly passionate about. 

I was recently invited to a Norwex party at my sister in-law's home. I had heard a little about it, everyone just raves about their products, but not a whole lot. I was interested enough to go though, plus I wanted a little mommy time ;) 

It was so great! I walked away wanting to buy everything in the catalog and really had to stifle the urge to spend, spend, spend. I ended up purchasing two different things (both of which I am SUPER excited about!) and decided to host a party of my own! I brought home a catalog to peruse with the hubby and we are both agreed that, if we can purge our home of unwanted chemicals (the little that I actually do use) and make it safer and, HELLO, cleaner! Then, why not do it! 

I am so excited to get my products in the mail and start using them so I can share my reviews with you guys! If all goes well, and they actually work the way they say, we'll be re-evaluating other areas we could use more of their products in to improve the health of our family as well. 

Guys, I looooove being with my kids. Like, they go everywhere with me. I'M NOT JOKING. We grocery shop together, clothes shop together, run errands together. If I'm going somewhere, more likely than not, they're tagging right along (and loving every second of it, I might add). But, it feels so so good to be able to do something on my own sometimes. Not real often, I'm way too attached for that. But, once or twice a month? Yea. And really, no matter what I end up doing for that time I have to myself, I always come home feeling refreshed and inspired to get right back at it. 

All that to say, "HELLO NORWEX! Where have you been all my life?!" but, also, take time to just do you. It doesn't have to be an expensive spa day or a shopping spree at the mall. It could literally be just an hour or two of conversation with a close friend while you enjoy a warm cup of tea or sharing thoughts while you walk the paved trail at your local park. Of course, it COULD be a solo trip to scour the sale racks OR a night spent in watching a movie with a bowl of ice cream the size of your face while wearing a set of cozy pajamas. Whatever floats your boat. :) Just do it. And, don't feel guilty about it either. The harder the hustle, the more deserved the rest. 

Happy weekend lovelies!! I hope it's full of family and fun and all the things you've been storing up for this past week. God bless!!



| OUTFIT DETAILS |

PEPLUM, BELL SLEEVE TOP | a.n.a (thrifted, more pretty options here + here)
DESTROYED DENIM | Almost Famous (old, similar here)
DOR'SAY FLATS | J. Crew (thrifted, New here + used from Poshmark here) 
FAUX FUR FOLD OVER CLUTCH | made by me (similar here + LOVE this one)
TASSEL EARRINGS | Walmart (similar here)
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , ,

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Breaks In The Clouds




The weather today is beautiful. It's nearing the end of January, still very much winter here in MO, and we've got sixty degree temps! (que all the praise hands!!) It got me thinking, how often are we going through what seems like a "winter" and God blesses us with little breaks in the cold to show us the beauty of what's coming. I don't know about you but, as a mama and wife, I go through seasons of change. Some are good, some are not so good and others are just plain hard. Through it all though, I can clearly define moments and days where the Lord has said, "I see you. I know your pain and it won't last forever.".

I'm so thankful for His loving guidance, even when it's not playing out the way I had hoped or prayed. There's still  L O V E  behind it. I honestly believe He shows me those little moments of sunshine amidst the trials so I can catch my breath and remember that He is indeed such a good, good Father. He loves me with a love so fierce I could never fathom the depth of it. How amazing is that? 

When I think of His love for me, all I can compare it to is the love I have for my children. Even that though, is nothing when it comes to the way He loves. That just blows my mind. I hope you know how greatly YOU are loved today. I know it's hard sometimes but, don't let the storms and winters of this life wear you down. Roll with them, take them in waves, and always remember to look for the sunshine. It's always there. We just may have to look through some clouds to see it.

Wishing you all a joy filled week and a very happy weekend ahead! JD has his very first Upwards game this Saturday! We're all SO excited! He's already planning his strategy for staying open and making some baskets so, here's hoping it goes as well as he thinks! :) 


| OUTFIT DETAILS |

RUFFLE DRESS | H&M (loving this one + this one)
DENIM JACKET | Target (thrifted, similar here)
OTK BOOTS | Charlotte Russe (old, similar here + here)
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , ,

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Christ In Me






Lately, I've just been feeling so content with my life. Like, I look around me and see so much that I don't even deserve and, yet, the Lord has blessed me enough to allow those things to be abundantly present. My family blesses me immeasurably. Yes we have some really hard days now and then but, overall? I could NOT ask for more amazing children and a sweeter hubby to spend my days with.

How easy is it though, to glace past all that we already have sometimes and wish for more?.. There's a song that comes on the radio (we listen to Spirit FM and The Wind mostly) and I just love how it puts everything into perspective. I'd like to share some of the lyrics with you in hopes that it may inspire you to look at your own life. And count your MANY blessings, before even beginning to compare yourself to anyone else. Maybe, just maybe, you'll see your life for the treasure that it is and stop yourself right there. Why feel the need to constantly compare only to fall short of what you think you deserve or the world tells you that you need? 

You're playing a dangerous game when you're always on the search for more. Do yourself a favor, stop right where you are today and take note of all that fills your life. Does it make you happy? Do you feel fulfilled? Does your heart yearn for more? Maybe the one thing you're missing is the one thing we all need.

The One.

I'm learning, very slowly yet very quickly at the same time, that by spending more time in His word and in His presence, the more content and at peace I feel. The more I fill that empty space with Him and His promises, the less room there is for the world to make a home in my heart and that is so so satisfying in itself. 

We all have this inner thirst. To feel accepted, loved, provided for. Did you know that by knowing the One True God, you can have all of that and SO much more?!? I don't want to preach to you today, that's not what I do. I'm no motivational speaker. I'm just a mama that finds it hard sometimes to pinpoint just what it is that's stealing my joy. And, I think maybe it's not necessarily the presence of worldly things in my life but, the lack of His presence in my life. How do I place my priorities? Is He first? Even above my husband and my children? If not, He needs to be. Only when I am working hard to be the very best that I can be IN HIM can I be the very best that I can be FOR THEM..

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this obsession with, the things the world says make us happy
Can't see the slaves we are, in all the searching all the grasping
Like we deserve much more, than all these blessings we're holding
So now I'm running free, into an ocean of mercy, unending

So come and empty me
So that it's you I breathe
I want my life to be
Only Christ in me
So I will fix my eyes
Cause you're my source of life
I need the world to see
That it's Christ in me
That it's Christ in me

Done with what holds me down, the things I once was chasing after
Throw off these heavy chains, that I have let become my master
So now I'm running free, into an ocean of mercy, unending

So come and empty me
So that it's you I breathe
I want my life to be
Only Christ in me
So I will fix my eyes
Cause you're my source of life
I need the world to see
That it's Christ in me
That it's Christ in me

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I pray today that your eyes would be opened and that you would be able to  f e e l  the love of Jesus surrounding you. Focus on that. And, I promise you, everything else will fall into place according to His perfect plan. 

Happy Tuesday friends!! Let's make it a great one! I'm starting mine by eating what's basically cake. So, off to a running start if you ask me! :)


| OUTFIT DETAILS |

UTILITY JACKET | Just Blu brand (bought at Factory Connection) (similar here + here)
SWEATER DRESS | DALIA brand - used here (thrifted, similar here + here)
BOOTIES | Old Navy (thrifted, also love these and these)
PURSE | Christmas Gift (super similar) (See this lady for this and many more gorgeous purses!)
EARRINGS |  Nickel & Suede
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Finding Purpose





Doesn't it seem like, when a new year begins, everything looks fresh and mold-able? We look at the year that is behind us and then ahead at the one before us and decide right there, to be better than we were. Healthier than we were. Happier than we were.

I guess I'm like many other mamas out there when I feel the need to clear out all the junk and start anew. I feel this sudden need to purge and organize and donate and consign until there is room to move in our closets and our space is uncluttered and inviting. Starting fresh. 

I've been searching for my "word" for the year. I'm circling around a few right now. 

Present.

Intentional.

Purposeful.

Prioritize.

All In.

Deliberate.

Rest.

Content.

Enamored.

Meticulous.

There's a common theme here and I sense it. I want to be all of these things for my family. For my children. For my husband. For my friends. For mySELF. I want this to be my year of giving my all in absolutely e v e r y t h i n g that I do. Whether that's carving out time daily to do the Bible Study I'm committing to, being thoughtful and decisive about how I'm fueling my body or trading in screen time scrolling insta to play cars or dinosaurs with my boys. To see them laugh and smile and play and to really REALLY soak it all in. 

I'm realizing more and more every day that we only have this ONE life. We're given such a small amount of time here on Earth and whether we choose to waste it or make the most of it, it's our choice. 

Being intentional. That's been a recurring thought in my insta posts from the last year and I know I will continue to be very aware of it in the months to come. Living Intentionally is truly something I want to practice daily. In everything I do. With everyone I interact with. In every task I attempt to accomplish. If I don't do it with purpose, what's the point? I've got better things and more important people to spend my time on then things that mean absolutely nothing to me or to my family. 

So, while I haven't yet settled on a single word for this fresh, new year. I know I'll figure it out as I go. If I can do my best to listen for the One who knows me better than I know myself. The One who loves me, not despite all of my insecurities and failures but, because of them. Because His grace and love and forgiveness make all of those things more than enough. I'm confident it will all go according to His perfect plan. Whether I can see my purpose for the coming days or not. He already knows. 

Happiest mid-week wishes dear friends. I pray you feel so much love and kindness and that you're able to share it with those around you today. God bless you - xoxo



| OUTFIT DETAILS |

SWEATER | Forever 21 (thrifted, this one's similar)
SKIRT | Bass Pro (sale find, similar style here)
OTK BOOTS Charlotte Russe (last yr, love these + these)
EARRINGS | Nickel & Suede
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , ,

Monday, January 8, 2018

Tyler Turns Two | Pirate Party


Our sweet Tyler turned two years old last October. (mom of the year award for posting in a timely manner lol) He is the most darling two year old I've ever had (Which is saying a lot because the other boys were SO sweet as well!) and I thank the Lord everyday that I get to be his mommy.

I put a lot of thought into how I wanted his party to be so, I decided it may be a good idea to share it here for anyone else thinking of using an ocean/pirate/beach theme for an upcoming birthday. I really psyched myself out about the cake. I found one I loved on Pinterest and then worried and worried about how on earth I was going to pull it off. I always bake the cakes for our family's birthday celebrations and I tend to go a little over the top sometimes (just a smidge..). When I saw this one though, I knew it would be perfect! So I decided to give it my all and see what happened. lol

I used the recipe I always use for a rich butter cream cake from scratch (seriously, it's AMAZING) and had just enough left over to bake a mini coordinating cake as well. It turned out so cute! The crab is made of pre-made fondant icing that I molded and the "sand" is really just crushed up graham crackers. If you look closely, you can count the crab's legs and there are actually only six, as opposed to the eight that a REAL crab has.... (yea, I didn't think to pay attention to that part haha). Ah well. It was delicious and, honestly, no one even noticed! That or they just didn't think to mention it to me.. lol

I wanted to include some of those candy "gold coins" as Pirate's gold but, didn't think about it til the last minute so, I had to go with what I could find. Rollos it was! And they worked just as well. I also had whoppers as cannon balls and goldfish as fish bait. There were pirate eye patches for each of the kids and a card to help you figure out your own pirate name! That was a big hit and super fun to do. 

I reused the "Happy Birthday" balloons from his First Birthday Party (you can read that post here) and had to refill a few of them a dozen or so times. Soooo, unfortunately, they won't last through another party. But, they were worth the six bucks I paid for them back in 2016, for sure!

I used a few of my favorite shells we found while on vacation in Myrtle Beach a month before and they worked perfectly to up the ascetics. That and some clear glass bottles I've had lying around forever. Who knew such things could double as party decor?!

Anyway, it was a super fun party and I wanted to get it on the books before I forgot all that went into planning it. Also note that in a few of the pictures below you'll see the puppy Tyler got from my Aunt and Uncle. He opened it and just SQUEALED with excitement! It's now his very favorite toy and he sleeps with it nightly. Who knew? :)   


 








 









I promise, he really was having a good time! This was his "fake smile" phase. hahahaha 



Also, here is his invitation that I made using Photoshop Elements 13 and a few free clipart images from google. I thought it turned out SO cute!


| PINS THAT I FOUND HELPFUL WHEN PLANNING THE PARTY |


| LINKS TO SIMILAR ITEMS I USED FOR DECOR |

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , ,

Thursday, January 4, 2018

A Purposeful Year







Thinking on what I want this year to be for me, so many things come to mind. What I want to accomplish and who I want to be as a person, mama, wife, daughter and friend.
Purposeful.
Consistent.
Determined.
Loving.
Caring.
Cherishing.
Humble.
Kind.
Well-meaning.
Intentional.
Adventurous.
Light-hearted.
Playful.
Focused.
. . . So many things.

A few goals would include: growing my hair out til it reaches my lower back, using kind, encouraging words with my boys, walking to wherever the boys are to tackle issues more and yelling over the noise less, purging our home of unneeded/unwanted things, getting into the habit of calling my family more, complaining less, reading my Bible daily, full time schoolwork with Blake (closer to the summer probably), getting pregnant one more time. A lot of hard work and so much more family time. To focus less on the "stuff" and more on all of the incredible blessings that already fill my life.

To really, really look deep into myself and find what gives me joy and what I should let go of to be able to see the good things more clearly. I know that may mean feeling some pretty strong emotions. Fear, anxiousness, regret, disappointment. But, in the end I know it will help me to ultimately be the mama my children need, the wife my husband deserves and the friend/daughter/sister that can reciprocate all that I'm so blessed to receive.

Sometimes digging deep within ourselves can be kind of a scary thing. Okay, more like terrifying. But, I know the One who is with me always. Through my good and bad times. When I feel uplifted and strong to my lowest moments of weakness. He is there. And as long as I can learn to rely on Him more and on myself less, I know I will have everything I need.

Blessings to you on this frigidly cold January day friends. My prayer is that you'll feel your worth through the One who hung the stars and the moon and not rely on the world to calculate it for you. You deserve SO MUCH more than that.

Much love xoxo


| OUTFIT DETAILS |

SWEATER | (thrifted - this one is similar and looks SUPER cozy)
JEANS | Mossimo (thrifted)
OTK BOOTS | super similar here
EARRINGS | Walmart (very similar)
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)