Living This Life

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

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? :)