Slowing Down

May 16, 2013 by · 2 Comments

Lately, I feel like life is moving at a faster pace than what I really want it to.

I am forgetting things. I am not doing certain things 100% well 100% of the time (like cooking, cleaning, or organizing things around the house.) I am not as intentional. I am not as focused. I do things halfway. It’s survival mode here lately, and though I am ok with it, I just know I can do better.

K1

It’s a busy time of year with Brandon in the field– working long hours (5am-10pm most nights), full weekends, beautiful weather, and just not enough hours in the day. I just keep saying “this is just a phase” but honestly, how long do phases really last? The toys are rarely picked up, and as long as the laundry is done and we are eating, I call it a win. We have spent time outside, running errands, and just staying busy so that we don’t notice that Brandon is gone as much. It’s tough on the kids, but that’s the nature of his work– and I just like that he LOVES what he is doing.

k2

I can do better. I can do more. I can clean up toys and interact with my kids and shower daily and prepare meals. I can also choose my battles and grab a Happy Meal if need be. I can spend time searching for inspiration and reading and taking time for myself in the evenings since Brandon is working late. It’s refreshing. I can practice with my camera and take photos of my kids in their element and take the time to edit them and post-process them and share them. I can do it. I just have to do other things well so that I am not distracted.

k4

I have had a burst of creative energy lately and I am loving it. I am not sure where this will lead, but I know it’s leading somewhere. Something big is around the corner–I have felt that way since October! I think I am on the verge of finding out.

For now, I will soak up my babies and do the things I love and try to be the best mom I can be. I will try to carve out some time for me, and invest everything I can in my kids. I will be more intentional as a wife, as a mother, and see this home as my domain and not as something that is just out to get me. I will figure out what the next big thing is, and embrace it.

Focus. Intentionality.

I can do this.
Filed Under: about me, family, farming, Kids, life as a mom, Life with two · Tagged With: focus, intentionality, motherhood

No More Perfect Days

May 15, 2013 by · 2 Comments

We have all been there.

You wake up in the morning, having expectations for a productive, stress free day– and within an hour, or maybe even within minutes, something happens that sets the tone for a not so perfect day.

Isn’t that annoying? How ONE thing can go “wrong” and your attitude goes south with it?

Spilled milk, arguments over breakfast, earlier than anticipated wake ups, being out of a certain cereal, forgetting to do something, change of plans, grumpy kids, grumpy husband, plans for the day falling through– any of these happen to you?

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(image made with the BeautifulMess app)

 

I don’t have many perfect days. If I had to describe one, it would be where I didn’t have to clean up a single mess, sleep however long I wanted, ate lunch or dinner without cutting anything up for the kids, or reading a book until I finished it. But alas– I am a mother– so my actual perfect day is good behaviors, a fun outing, new discoveries and watching them learn something new.

That doesn’t always happen. The good generally outweighs the bad, but it’s never perfect.

And why should it be? We aren’t created perfect, and neither are our days. It’s called LIFE.

Don’t stress if you aren’t having a perfect day or week or even month. God doesn’t expect perfection, so we shouldn’t either.

bloghop

Filed Under: family, Hearts at Home, life as a mom · Tagged With: Hearts at Home

What I Wore Wednesday

May 14, 2013 by · 5 Comments

Happy Wednesday, everyone! The weather here is shaping up (finally) and I am excited to be breaking out some of my more spring/summery outfits!

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tank dress: local boutique // cardigan: Loft // leggings: local boutique

This is easily one of my new favorite items of clothing. In the cooler weather, I can layer it with a cardigan and leggings, but in the summer, it’s a super cute tank dress with a high-low hem (my current favorite!) The material is like a soft jersey– it’s amazing!

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maxi dress: local boutique // jean jacket: Kohls

I have a hard time finding maxi dresses/skirts that are not way too long on me– so when I tried this one on and it just barely hit the floor, I HAD to get it! So comfortable, and has an open back as well. Love it paired with a jean jacket!

wiww125

Filed Under: clothes, clothes for petites, What I Wore Wednesday · Tagged With: cardigan, maxi dress, tank dress

Hello, Monday {recapping our week}

May 13, 2013 by · 4 Comments

Hello, Monday!

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Hello to a haircut and subtle new highlights.

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Hello to my baby brother graduating college over the weekend! (Yes, he is over 6 ft tall.)

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Hello to spring days going to visit daddy, grandpa, and great-grandpa while they plant corn. (This is Brayden and his great-grandpa. I treasure this photo!)

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Hello to new favorite things– fishing with Grandpa Scott (my dad.)

The weather is going to get warm this week and I hope it sticks around! We will probably tag along farming this week since the kids LOVE it, and I am hoping to get a few things done in the garden.

monday

Linking up with Lisa Leonard
Filed Under: blog friends, family, photos ·

Happy Mother’s Day

May 11, 2013 by · 1 Comment

I am so blessed to be the mother of these two.

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I am not always perfect.

They are not always perfect.

Each day brings new challenges and new blessings.

I wouldn’t change it for anything.

 

Happy Mother’s Day! We are celebrating by having Kenley dedicated at church this morning! 
Filed Under: about me, Brayden, family, Kenley, Kids, life as a mom ·

Celebrating Mother’s Day

May 10, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

I am sharing over at Fancy Little Things today my thoughts on celebrating Mother’s Day after reading an article that got me thinking. Click over and check it out!

Happy Friday! :)

Filed Under: family, Fancy Little Things ·

What I Wore Wednesday

May 7, 2013 by · 1 Comment

Last Thursday, we went to the Carrie Underwood/Hunter Hayes concert– it was incredible! She puts on an amazing show and is just as amazing live as she is on her albums. It was such a fun night out!

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Tank: Zulily // black skinnies: Gap // Blazer: StitchFix // shoes: Fibi & Clo

Sunday I attended the Illinois Symphony Orchestra with my sister in law, and brother in law’s girlfriend. It was an incredible performance– I would only dream of being able to play the piano that way!

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Maxi dress: Target // Jean jacket: Kohl’s // shoes: same as above

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Tee: Old Navy // boyfriend jeans: KUT denim // scarf: Sears

linking up with Lindsey

wiww125

Filed Under: clothes, What I Wore Wednesday ·

Hello, Monday.

May 6, 2013 by · 3 Comments

Happy Monday!

Hello to the (hopeful) return of the beautiful weather we had last week.

Hello to the constant playing with sidewalk chalk.

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Hello to pouty faces when it’s time to go inside.

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Hello to messy bedhead in the mornings.

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Hello to daily walks around the neighborhood.

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 Hello to a busy, busy week– ending with my brother’s graduation from college and Kenley’s dedication at church on Mother’s Day!

How is your week looking?

Linking up with Lisa Leonard.
Filed Under: Brayden, family, just for fun, Kenley, Kids ·

All About Rendi

May 2, 2013 by · 3 Comments

I had never heard of Rendi before until my friend Lillian introduced me to them. Rendi is a company that makes personalized items and wooden frames–beautiful home decor made with reclaimed wood from the United States. They have the cutest things! The best part is that you can personalize everything, including uploading the photo to include! No more hunting around for a photo to fill a frame, and if you are giving as a gift, it is a perfect, easy solution!

Here are a few items I am drooling over….

R5217cw The Pattern Play Frame

TT-HF

 The Tasteful Traditions Vignette

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Modern Palatte Frame

I ordered the Urban Rustic Large Vertical Offset Frame and personalized the color and the quote. It took only 4 days to arrive, and when it did, it was wrapped ready for gifting!

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It even had a tag on the bag for a To:/From:! I loved that touch, and it is nice to know this if I were ever to purchase a gift!

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Here is the frame I customized. The photo inside is from my sister’s wedding. I had been wanting to frame it, but I hadn’t found a frame to repurpose just yet– so this worked out wonderfully. The Love Is verse is fitting for a family photo, a photo of just Brandon and I– anything really– so I know it will always be displayed in our home.

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For now, it is displayed on my hutch in the living room, next to the hand drawn Sancken art that my friend Jacinda did!

Right now, I am having an online Rendi Party– so you can check it out for yourself! Browse around– they have such cute items! I can’t wait to add to my Rendi collection!

And for ONE of you– you won’t have to! Lillian is giving away the Pattern Play Scallop Sign! Enter via the Rafflecopter below! Good luck! R5214cw

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I purchased the frame I received with a discount from my online party. All opinions on this product are my own.
Filed Under: blog giveaways, blog review, family, home decorating, sponsored ·

What I Wore Wednesday

May 1, 2013 by · 3 Comments

Weather in Illinois can NOT make up it’s mind, so you will see me bundled up this week and then in actual spring clothes. Weird. Last week we almost froze to death and this week, I turned the a/c on just to cool the house down. Get it together, weather!

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Sweatshirt: Victoria’s Secret // Jeans: Silvers

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Shirt: Old Navy // Scarf: Gap Outlet // Jeans: Gap // purse: local boutique

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Shirt: Old Navy (best tee EVER) // Boyfriend capris: KUT Denim (from local boutique)

I LOVE tees. And when I find a great one, I fall madly in love. This tee from Old Navy is the best. It is somewhat flowy, can be dressed up or down, and is so incredible soft, I might just be sleeping in them, too. And no, Old Navy isn’t paying me to say that but if they were, that would just be a bonus!

ALSO — Check out my Day in the Life post today over at Ashley’s blog! :)

Linking up with Lindsey!

wiww125

Filed Under: clothes, What I Wore Wednesday ·
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