Tyler's FIRST Birthday Recap

Soooo, I was looking through old, unpublished posts the other day and realized, I never posted about our Sweet Tyler's FIRST birthday party! (insert shameful monkey emoji here) Annnnd, the bad mom award goes to??... Yea.

At any rate, I thought since he will be turning TWO very soon (very VERY soon!), that I would share some photos from his first birthday here, if nothing else, to help coddle myself just a smidge at the thought of him having another birthday...

I found these awesome balloons on one of those daily deal sites. I want to say it was either pickyourplum.com or jane.com. They're perfect because they were big in size, just like I wanted, and hold air ridiculously well. Like, I'm pretty sure some of them are still blown up in one of our basement closets (and you can bet I'll be pulling them out again if so!). Super cute photo prop and they went with our woodland or "Wild One" party decor with gold accents perfectly!

I loved the theme of the party and how it all came together. I didn't really have a specific vision in mind when I first began planning but, Pinterest to the rescue. Seriously. After searching a bit on there, I knew exactly what I wanted to do and I had almost everything I needed to make it happen. 

These fun fake trees are from Amazon. I originally purchased them to use during the Christmas season to decorate with around the house. They look so cute for that but, worked super well for the party too! After adding in a few animal figurines, a burlap table runner, some cute cupcake holders and paper straws, everything just sort of fell into place. I'll try to find and tag the sources for everything we used (or similar items) for decoration and some of his gifts at the bottom of this post. 

Probably my FAVORITE detail of his party though, was the cake! I knew exactly what I wanted it to look like and, while Walmart didn't have the exact figurines I was looking for, it turned out virtually perfect. Seriously, I don't know if I've ever had a cake turn out more like what I pictured before. Given, this one was pretty simple and would have been pretty difficult to screw up, but anyway, I'm calling it a win. I made the mini bunting out of craft paper and twine with a couple of small sticks from the yard. And, in case you're wondering, I wrapped the ends in plastic wrap just to be sure not to contaminate the cake. LOL

Also, I always like to have more than just sweet stuff at our parties. Mostly because I've probably snacked a little too much on cake crumbs and leftover icing in the process of preparing for it but, also because I want my boys to have more than just cake and some sugary drink. And, I think guests really appreciate the options (other mamas especially). So, a fruit tray, pretzel sticks, and nuts are great options to add to your party menu. You also save a little on cake when you offer other things so, there's that. For drinks, we usually do tea, lemonade and ice water. You've got options but, not so many it causes an issue with the kiddos or you end up with a ton left over.  

Anyway, I have zero ideas on what I'll be doing for his big 2 coming up in just a few short weeks but, once I do, I plan to post all about it here! Hold me to that, won't you?! ;)

| Decorations |

Happy Birthday Balloons

Burlap Table Runner

Jar for Paper Straws

Fake Trees

Similar Cupcake Wrappers

Paper Straws

Gold Cake Stand

Similar White Cake Plate

Similar White Serving Tray

Bear Figurine

Deer Figurine

Wolf Figurine (list price is way off though)

Deer antlers + leaves were outside finds

| His Favorite Gifts |

 

15 Fall Must-Haves

I've been dreaming of fall weather for the last few days (ahem, weekssss..) and am beginning to gear my closet more towards that also. There's a few things on the top of my wish list for the coming season and I'll be keeping my eye out hoping to get some great deals on them. First up is some new denim staples. There's a lot of trends coming and going right now and while some are super cute, I have to admit, I probably wouldn't wear a lot of them. There are a few that I'm loving though so, that's where we'll start.

1. Denim overalls

Flash back ten years and evvvveryone had a pair (or three) but, they kind of fell out of trend until recently. How I've been seeing them styled lately though has me wishing for another pair and now I'm on the lookout! I hope to find a pair that isn't too plain jane but, also not too out there. A little ruching on the front or a bit of distressing is key and I know they'll be a great staple this fall running everywhere with my boys. 

2. Distressed Denim Skirt

I used to have a denim skirt and I actually wore it a lot. Then a few years ago, I just kind of stopped. So, I consigned it. (yea..) Buuuuut, now I'm wishing for another in a slightly different style. I hope to find one in a similar wash to the one pictured below (just a smidge more length) and then do the distressing myself. I have my eye on a couple in my local thrift shop so I'll be scooping that up verryyyyy soon!

3. Distressed Denim Jacket

I have a denim jacket that I wore quite a bit last fall but, to be honest, well, I just kind of want another! The one I have hits me right above my natural waste and so I'd like to find one that hits a little lower that also has some distressing to it. Something to give it a little edge but keep it a good staple for late fall evenings outside with my family. I'm loving this one pictured below.

  

4. White off the shoulder Top

I've seen these everryyyyywhere and wasn't quite sure I liked them until recently! Now I'm on a mission to grab one and wear it well into fall. White is the color I look forward to wearing the most but I may also try for a dark chambray? It would be great paired with some white skinnies or colored jeans.

5. Long Sleeve Swing Dress // light blue

I love swing dresses and they're so easy to make so, I plan to make a few to wear this fall. I really began my collection of these last fall but, with a frequently nursing babe, they weren't as easy for me to wear. This year though, I plan to basically live in them when the weather starts to transition. One like this with a unique sleeve is so cute but, I also love a plain long sleeve as well. So many options to dress them up or down and super comfy to run around in with my family.

6. Long Sleeve Maxi Dress

These are so cozy and SO easy to wear. I plan to sew a couple to have on hand for fall outings with my boys and, again, since Tyler's not nursing through the day anymore, there won't be any issues there. I'm loving the color of the one pictured below but would also love one in black and maybe olive. Again, so many options to dress it up or down depending on our plans. 

  

7. Low Heeled Ankle Boots

A pair of low heeled ankle boots is a staple in any mama's closet. I have a pair that I love in a dark brown but, would LOVE to find a pair similar to those pictured below to wear with dresses and add a little length to my (somewhat) short legs. These are so cute (the price, not so much) but I plan to thrift a pair, hopefully soon! They're simple and don't have a lot to distract the eye. Perfect to help them blend in and aid my short lady cause rather than hinder it. Love these.

8. Over The Knee Boots

These are the boots I gifted myself for my birthday last year and I cannot WAIT to begin wearing them again. The side zip detail gives them a little extra something while the color blends in well with my skin tone so they don't "chop" me up too much. A great buy and right now they're on major sale! Run and grab them if you need a new pair!

9. Peep Toe Ankle Boots

I recently thrifted a very similar pair of black peep toe ankle boots and am so excited to wear them in the coming weeks! They're so cute and basic to compliment any outfit. I also LOVE these blush ones pictured below! They're gorgeous and I hope to purchase a similar pair sometime soon (hopefully before they go off trend lol).

   

10. Cold Shoulder Sweater

Cold shoulder tops are everywhere right now and, while it's taken me a while to jump on board, I think I'm ready! I love them in a sweater and will definitely be on the lookout for a couple to rotate through my closet soon!

11. Utility Jacket

I purchased an amazingly priced utility jacket last fall and have looooooved it. It goes with l i t e r a l l y everything I own and is the perfect light layer for fall weather. Highly recommend finding one in a style you love, it'll be your new favorite throw on and go jacket. Trust me.

12. Blanket Scarf

As someone who gets chilly easily, a blanket scarf is a must in the cold weather months. I have a couple in neutral tones but would love to find one in a similar print to the one pictured below! So fun and festive and perfect for drawing the eye on an otherwise basic outfit. 

  

13. Basic Ball Cap

When you're a mom, and a #boymom at that, it just goes with it that you probably won't find the time to wash your hair everyday (or is it just me?...). So, I love a good hat that's easy to throw on and that will go with many different outfits without having to think too much about it. I have a super versatile grey one that's very similar to the one pictured below and it really is such a staple. Being able to throw it over my second (or third) day hair and go while still looking somewhat put together is such a time saver for me. This camo one is super cute and there's also a light pink that I love. Also, only $8? Uhm, yea, just get it.

14. Destroyed Denim

Isn't it funny how fashion kind of goes in circles? I know destroyed denim used to be all the rage and then, when I was in school it was unheard of to have holes in your jeans. Now though, it's such a trend. And I love it! The trick is, I think, to find a pair that fits well, doesn't stretch too much as they get more wear and that the distressing doesn't get too destroyed when you wash and wear them over time. I have a couple of pair that I love and the fit is always what gets me. So, invest in a few of these and you'll find that putting together an on-the-go momiform is soooo much easier.

15. Comfy Sneakers

Comfort is key so often when you're a mom of littles. I like to look cute and put together but, sometimes I just need to be able to move (and run) easily. That's where an on point pair of sneaks can save the day. You can literally pair them with virtually any outfit and still get a great result. Dresses, denim, maxis, skirts. Done. Literally so easy.

   

These are all either in my closet already or on my want list for the coming months. I really believe in making an effort to find pieces that will work for more than one season and last for more than a year. I don't have a huge budget when it comes to shopping for myself so, it's been good for me to practice being frugal and really shopping around before I make any purchases. And it's also a good life lesson for my kiddos. For them to know that they need to be careful about how they spend their hard earned money and that they shouldn't just run out and buy something every time they get a desire to is a lesson well learned and one that I hope will stick with them as they get older and start families of their own. 

I hope you enjoyed the post and gained some inspiration for your fall wardrobes! Have a lovely week friends!!

Just Go With It

The other day, I was deciding on what to wear when my four year old came into my room and climbed up on my bed, just watching me. After a few minutes he said, "Mommy, your tummy is fat. Maybe you're having another baby!" . . . Thanks Blake. No, we're not pregnant. But, it got me thinking about our family of boys and how badly I want a daughter but how difficult it would be to have five littles (for a while anyway) and the financial aspect of it all and that by the time they're all out of the house and on their own, Glen and I will be ready to retire. Well, maybe not quite but, close. We've had the conversation too many times to count and it always seems to go in this big circle. We both agree we'd love a little girl but, Glen has some fears about supporting another child through college and still being able to retire before he gets too far up there in years to enjoy it. He voices his concerns while still intently asking me what I think and I rant on and on about how I loooooove our boys and all the fun we have and how easy they are (L I T E R A L L Y so easy) but that I just feel like I'm missing out on something. I don't regret our decision do adopt our oldest, not for a minute. And I have such a special bond with each of our boys, I wouldn't trade any of them for the world. But, feeling the way I do for them, I just get all misty eyed thinking of experiencing that with a daughter. 

Above all, I know that the Lord is in control and His plan is so perfect. He knows just what our family needs and His timing is ALWAYS right. And I trust Him. I feel so blessed to be living this life, mothering these boys and experiencing through it all his gentle direction and leading. Whatever I'm feeling, He knows. Whatever anxiety I have about what the future holds, He knows. He's right there with me and He has the perfect answer if I'll only just listen. In the silence of waiting and the deafening thoughts that seem to rush through my mind all. the. time. He knows. Sometimes it's hard for me to be still and wait for Him. Sometimes I just want an answer on my time and to feel that instant gratification. 

Then, sometimes, you're presented with an unbelievable opportunity and are led to believe that it is exactly what you've been waiting for only to find out that it was never really what you thought it was. Not really. And you're crushed. But, somewhere down inside, you hold onto a small amount of hope that the situation will turn around before it's too late and so, it's hard to grieve. You realize it probably won't come to fruition but, there's a chance it may so you cling to it. Will it work out? I don't know. Will I ever be ready to share here if it doesn't? I don't know. But, I do know that the Lord is in control of that too. He's with me and He won't leave me no matter what happens. 

It's hard to know exactly what the Lord would have us to do though. Even more so when you've been in a similar situation before that you felt sure He was directing. And He was, just not in the way you had envisioned. So, when you again come face to face with an opportunity to change someone's life and, probably turn yours upside down as well, you hesitate. The thing is, I don't want to hesitate. I want to have complete trust in His plan and the fact that He has ONLY good planned for me and ALL those that love Him. 

Our boys have been talking non stop about babies lately. I'm not sure if that's a sign that we should be gearing up for a change or because I've been doing so many newborn sessions. But, I (maybe not so secretly) hope it's the latter. Seriously though, I've always felt like F I V E  is my number. I really think it would be so much fun to have five kiddos, despite the difficulties, and that it would be truly amazing to experience. Ultimately, God knows the desires of our hearts and I know that if I just give them to Him, He will do so much more than I ever could. So, for now, I'll do my best to just go with it and trust that the Lord has something incredible planned. Happy weekend friends!!!

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

Free People Top | similar here + here 

Distressed Boyfriend Shorts | similar

Lace up Gladiator Sandals 

Similar Bag | here + here