Things I Love Thursday: Etsy Edition

I am loving the idea of this new Etsy Edition Series. I think you lovelies are going to really enjoy it. I have already received a ton of emails about different shops that you all shop at or have been swooning over. As I was looking through all of the different emails my friend Amber {who is a fabulous mom, photographer and fellow blogger} sent me one caught my eye. So, I wanted to feature one of her fabulous Etsy finds for this week.


This adorable shop is called The Ink Society. As I was looking through all of the posters and postcards I couldn't help but smile. Reading them just made me happy. Here are some of my favorites...

If you know how awesome {cough, cough} I am at cooking you would understand why my kitchen NEEDS this one!

These reminded me of an inexpensive, modern, fun way to spruce up any room. What a fun little shop. Wouldn't you agree? So, keep the ideas coming and you could be featured next on Things I Love Thursday: Etsy Edition!

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Anatomy of a Catch {in Picture Form}

Playing 

 

in 

 

the

backyard 

= Unspeakable Joy

For more Fabulous Wordless Wednesday photos, visit 5MinutesforMom.com 

Please Return.

Have any of you seen my almost perfect first born little man? 

You know the one who always is trying to please everyone around him. The one who wakes up with a smile on his face jumps out of bed just to be 'first' at school. Have you seen him? Because someone has switched him for a kid who REFUSES to get up and going in the morning. 


I have no clue what has transpired in the past week but I am 100% dumbfounded. I am at a complete loss. I think this has been what older, more seasoned moms have told me would happen. "There will come a day when you think you know how your kids respond, what they love, how they communicate and then the next day it will be completely different." This is my 'next day'. I don't like it. I want my yesterday back. PPPlease!


Here are some of the things that have been said in the wee early mornings over the past week.

1. My belly hurts.
2. I don't like the way my socks feel.
3. These pants are too tight. 
4. What if my belly hurts in school?
5. Do you think it's just a bunch of poop?
6. I don't like the way this shirt feels on my skin.
7. I am not going to school.
8. If you make me go then I will go with just my underwear on.
9. My knee cap is starting to hurt when I walk.
10. {limping} My ankle is broke. I can't even walk on it.

Although, these may not seem that big of a deal please feel free to add in the tears, the holding the belly, knee, ankle and there you have the last 6 mornings. Praying this is just a little phase he is going through. He is a great little man and I just want to make his morning GREAT and easy before he heads out the door. His teacher said he always does awesome in class and is as happy as can be. 


Am I being played? Has the drama of the morning already began? I thought this ONLY happened with girls. I have ALL boys this is the easy part for me. Right? So, to all you moms with school aged kids has this ever happened to you? Please tell me it will all be perfect tomorrow morning! 

This post is linked up to Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda. 

I Dare You...

Yep, I actually did it. Can you even believe it? You awesome women were so amazingly encouraging to me and all of the comments made my heart full and I am so thankful. Thank You for believeing in me when I doubt myself. The experience was not nearly as hard as I thought. It was crazy loud, lots of booty shakin, lots of laughter but 100% worth every bead of sweat. Sure, I'll still mess up {a lot}. I'll go left instead of right, up when I’m supposed to go down. Who even knows if I will ever teach a class. But for me this was more about going outside of my comfort zone. It was about putting myself out there and not really caring what anyone else thought. It was about, for once, going outside of my comfort zone and doing something I love and am passionate about. {Side note: Go seek out a zumba class and just try it. You will be forever greatful to me! :)}

How often do we set our own expectations lower just so we don't disappoint ourselves or others? This week I dare you to go outside of your comfort zone. Push yourself a little, make yourself feel a bit uncomfortable. I used to stop when I would start to feel uncomfortable in anything in life but I am learning to push a little harder, go a little farther, dream a little bigger. Wont you join me? 

It's the little things...

That make this life so unbelievably worth the crazy, stressful days that we all endure.

So here's too...

A new set of coffee mugs...

A good wrestling match...

A killer tickle fight...

and someone to wipe away all those tears...

Oh, and who could forget these little treasure I am going to wear on Sunday.

 They said to bring two outfits and I think these will do the trick.

What do you think?!?

{I Kid, I Kid}

Happy Friday To You All! 

Things I Love Thursday: Etsy Edition {Mustache Love}

It never fails whenever I'm a little bit bored or have some rare free time, my mouse always ends up clicking the 'ETSY' tab I have bookmarked on my computer. I spend the next hour drooling over all of the different handmade fabulous little treasures I ALWAYS seem to find. 


Oh Etsy, Why? Why do you always tempt me? I have a bit of an obsession with photo props and when I saw this Etsy Shop I was beyond excited. How flipping adorable are these?

They would be so fun for a birthday party or photo prop! I mean really who doesn't love a good mustache?

As you can see we kinda think they're fun! In the upcoming weeks every Thursday I am going to be featuring a new Etsy Shop. I thought it would be fun to introduce you to some new fabulous shops you may not have seen before. There are SO many unbelievable craft, jewelry and home decor shops out there. Sometimes it can be overwhelming. So, I will do the work for you. Sound good? Perfect. Can't wait for next week. You are going to LOVE this shop I am going to feature! Do you have any Etsy shops you love? Tell me about them and maybe they will be featured on the Things I Love Thursday: Etsy Edition! 



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Look At Those Curls.

I just can't get enough of his sweet curls. 

Could he be any cuter? 

For more Fabulous Wordless Wednesday photos, visit 5MinutesforMom.com 

Bring on the HIVES.

Yep, bring on the red splotches. The one thing that wont let me hide the fact that I am scared to death. In fact, I have hives even thinking about Sunday! Did you forget? Thats when I get to dance with a ton of skinny little ladies {and men} to get certified in Zumba! Yikes! I thought I would amuse you with some of the thoughts that are looming in my head about Sunday. 

1. What happens if I am the fattest girl there?
2. Will I fall on my face while the instructor is staring at me?
3. What if I trip over my own feet?
4. Will I be the girl with the SWASS?
5. What if they make me go up on stage and do the dougie or something like that?
6. What if I am the girl who thinks she is really good but in reality I am hilariously terrible.
7. What if I am covered in hives the entire 8 hours?
8. Holy crap...eight hours. Will I pass out?
9. What if everyone is in their Zumba gear and I come in with my glitter headband and 'So You Think You Can Dance' shirt. Will I stand out? 
10. Okay, no more 'what if's'? I will be freaking fabulous! Right?

How many of us can relate to the 'what if' fear of the unknown? How many times have you and I put off doing something that we know will be good for us out of fear? Fear of rejection, fear of the unknown, fear of looking silly. How many wonderful things have we missed out on?

 So, here's to facing our fears head on and not giving into the 'what ifs' of life. We don't have time for it. This life is short. Are you letting fear hold you back?

This post is linked up to Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda

Say Hello To My Little Friend...

I procrastinate. I second guess myself.

So, it shouldn't be a surprise knowing I have been wanting, drooling, swooning over a new camera for months. Like many other things, important and not important, I am afraid I will pick the wrong one or do the wrong thing. But finally, I did it. I really did it. Aren't you proud of me?

I am super excited {even though the picture doesn't look like it} to introduce you to my new friend, the Canon Digital Rebel and the 50mm lens. EEK... I have dreamed of owning a camera like this for quite some time now... and Saturday, that dream came true! I am just beside myself. I am giddy with excitement! I have taken 200 pictures of anything and everything this weekend....just playing around with it. I am pretty sure I am driving my boys {all 4 of them} crazy! I have so much to learn. There are so many settings, options, menus... It is a far cry from the little point-and-shoot that I am used to.

So stay tuned for the plethora of photos and how to's that are sure to follow! Any advice for this newbie? What do you love about your camera?

Happy Monday and Happy Shooting!

Thats what I love about Sunday...

I Can't believe the weekend is over and a new week is already beginning. First, it's OFFICIALLY SPRING! Seriously, I have been waiting for her to show up for weeks. How was your Sunday? I'm pretty sure it's my favorite day of the week. We get to spend time with our church family and chill out with our own family. No expectations, No places to be.....

Smiling... 

snuggling while watching basketball....

doing our homework...

And just being a family. 

What does a typical Sunday look like for you? 

Oh, guess what? I have a new friend who you get to meet tomorrow! 

So excited to introduce you! 

I am BLUSHING {Quick Guide to Applying Fabulous Blush}

I have been asked why I haven't had any beauty posts lately similar to this one. To be honest, I didn't really have a good answer. Except I have felt like I am going through an 'ugly' stage. Have you ever felt like that? You know, where you just look in the mirror and know it's just not working {your face, hair... you get my point}. Then you soon snap out of the 'ugly' stage and start looking fabulous as ever. It's a cycle. Heck, maybe I am the only one who has gone through that and you are the one who has never experienced such a day. If that's true, than I kinda don't like you but please keep reading the blog! {I kid. I kid}


So, I am back with some beautylicious tips. Most of you wear blush, some more than others. I tend to go a bit heavy on the blush. I LOVE it! So, I thought I would fill you in on some 'how to's'. 


When beginning to apply your blush look straight into the mirror and apply the blush on the cheekbone from under the center of the eye to your temple. Suck in cheeks {aka the fish face} and use the darkest shade in the hollow making a 'C' shape up to the temples but not higher than eyebrows. 


You know the small blush brush that comes with the blush? Don't use it. You need to go get a full round brush. It  gives a professional look and makes the overall look softer. I would make sure and have two separate brushes for your blush and powder. 

My SECRETS: Always apply blush to tip of the nose, forehead and chin. {Don't go heavy on the blush but definitely put it under the chin. It gives the appearance of firmer skin. Which will help make the double chin not to double chinnish.} Yes, I did make up that word!!

• Apply your blush last {make sure everything else is completed, including your eyes}. 

• Place a small amount {i tend to go a little overboard} of blush onto the brush and tap off any excess. 

• Everyone knows when applying to smile, or suck in your cheeks and apply the blush to the apple of your cheek. But make sure and brush it up toward your hairline. 

• Always use a circular motion or short vertical movements. 

• If there are any defines lined from to much blush... Use a clean make-up sponge to blend it in. 

Ok, now go be fabulous!  Happy Friday! 

A St. Pattys Day Snack {It's not Green Beer}

As you know, I am so not the cooking type. What I do love are quick, easy and low fat snacks. This has been one my favorites! My boys LOVE them. I LOVE them. So, if we love them I am sure you will, right?


Ingredients:

2 Cinnamon Graham Crackers

2 Tbs Cool Whip (I use the spray cool whip)

1 Tsp multi-colored sprinkles

Directions: 

1. Scoop two tablespoons of cool whip onto one graham cracker 

2. Place other graham cracker on top of cool whip and gently press down

3. Hold sandwich over a deep bowl to prevent sprinkles from scattering and sprinkle all four sides of the sandwich.

4. Place on parchment paper in the freezer for at least 2 hours or until cool whip is frozen {or if you are like our castle we wait about 15 minutes}

Only 125 Calories per yummy sandwich. Enjoy!

Happy St. Patricks Day Lovelies! 

linked to Things I Love Thursday

Wordless Wednesday: Everyone deserves a cupcake {or two}.

Happy Wednesday!

Now, go eat yourself a cupcake ...
{fat free of course}

 

The question asked around the world...

Are you guys trying for a girl?



{sigh}

That question has come to annoy me. Sometimes, if I am being honest it offends me. Why? It's almost as if my three adorable little men aren't enough. Like our family is incomplete due to the missing va-jay-jay. Maybe I am just being a tad bit sensitive or maybe, deep down, I want a little lady to come rock our world. Anyway, I get that question a lot. And while I usually like going into a discourse about how it shouldn't matter if we have five boys or seven girls or thirty elephants, I always say the same thing... Nope. Not right now. We are happy with our boys.

And it 150% true.

One million percent true.

Times twenty.

I can't imagine my life with a girl, now. We are so crazy in love with our little crazy men that I'm not sure we would have room in our hearts for another. Oh, who am I kidding? I know that there's always room. I truly just want what the Lord wants for us. For our family. To be honest... I struggle daily with what that is. I found out that 99.99% of our friends are 'fixed'. Which makes me question if I really want to be done to. I guess it's like everything in life. Whether your 15 or 31 years old you have different types of peer pressure. For me, for our family, we are at a stand still. {Which is okay} Could I possibly love another child like I love these little men? I mean, I didn't think my heart could have love for another baby and my sweet baby {toddlerish} little man has completely stolen my heart? So, maybe the room situation isn't actually a situation.  For now, we are content. What about you? Are you done popping out the babies? Do you want more kids? Are you adopting? I would love to hear YOUR story! 

Dear 15 Month Old Sweet Baby C,

2,063 diapers

4,028 bottles

575 baths

552 times you have been rocked 

65 nail clippings

50 bananas

20 gallons of apple juice

365 belly laughs

1 trips to ER

1 surgery 

150,000 kisses 

That's how we've spent the past amazing 15 months.

I watched you grow 

from my precious little baby,

to this adorable, dimpled, brown-eyed toddler.

You are crazy independent right now. You have a best friend. He is someone who hasn't left you since Day 5 of your life. Your little monkey who is connected to your paci. You love him. Why would you not? He is there ALL the time. When you are happy. He is there. When you are sad. Yep, he is there. I can see you becoming a little boy and it pains me. I see the way you antagonize Mason and although you get told No I can't help but laugh. You ADORE Brady. You can't get enough of him. He can do NO wrong in your sweet little eyes. You hate to sit in your high chair. It drives me nutso but I will chase you around and feed you because that's what moms do. Truth be told sweet little boy, I would do anything for you. So until your next letter... keep growing, keep smiling, keep bringing me books to read you, keep driving your brothers crazy, keep being loud, keep dancing when you hear the i-pod, keep trying to talk on my phone, keep curling up on my lap, keep playing with my hair and keep teaching me what it truly feels like to be needed, loved and blessed.

 

Things I Love Thursday: The Art of the Skinny.

Yep, I am going there. To some, these words make you cringe. I must admit to being very intimidated by Skinny Jeans. But if I can rock them so can you. When they were last in style, I wasn't even born. It’s hard to see yourself in a style made popular by women who are more like cartoon stick figures. Which leads me to the question: Do you have to be skinny to wear skinny jeans? No!   


Now, should everyone wear this type of jean. No! We have all seen the few who should not EVER put a pair on. That isn't being mean that's just being real. I would NEVER put on a thong bikini because I have two butts, so some should just stay away from the 'skinny' altogether.


The key to the skinny jean is finding what you should pair it up with. 
Tops: Because the skinny jean is designed to be tight, form fitting and ankle hugging you must pair it with a top that is fuller {to balance it all out}. For example, drapery tops, tunics, short dresses, belted tunics.


Shoes: This part is the easy part. This style of jean is perfect for riding boots {my favorite} or heels {leg-lengthening look}. Some can wear flats {make sure they are pointy- toed}but I am of the belief you have to be one of the 'cartoon stick figures' to pull that off. So, in a nut shell that's the skinny on the skinny. 


Here is a slight disclaimer and the reason I wrote this. Quick story: You know one of my loves is Zumba? Well, last night it was one of my friends baby showers and of course I went from Zumba to the parrrrtay. I decide to do a quick change in the bathroom. So, I put on my skinny jeans. One problem, due to the sweat, I literally get stuck mid pull. Keep in mind I am in the bathroom trying to squeeze my sweaty chubby body into spandex {that's what it felt like at least}. I have to get out of the stall so I can do the jump and pull. {$20 bucks you are smiling right now because you have done this} As I am in mid jump a random Zumba lady walks in. She smiles, I laugh and apologize for my hotness. I am sure the poor lady is scarred and is probably writing about a crazy person she saw in the bathroom. I say all of that to warn you: As fabulous as the jeans can be. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PUT ON SKINNY JEANS WHILE SWEATY. It will make you feel like you should be wearing a fat suit!


What type of jeans to you wear? Do you rock the skinny jeans or are you more of a boot cut,  straight leg kinda girl? Remember, whatever you wear {even if it is a moo moo}... wear it with confidence! 
 
linked to Things I Love Thursday

Motherhood has taken over everything.

My Mind {I am crazy}. My Body {I tend to lean toward the muffin top side} My Eyes {I see this world in an entire new light} My Heart {it is filled with more joy and love than I could EVER imagine} My Words {there are six little ears listening to everything that comes out of my mouth} My Hands {I have touched things I swore I would never put my fingers on} My Car {the swagger wagon has broken crackers, bottles and sippy cups that have completely invaded my once oh so kept perfect car} My Home {once had everything in it's perfect spot is now still in a spot but filled with basketballs, puzzles, tonka trucks and messiness (the good kind) and let's not forget new wall decor... the occasional smeared booger... awesomeness} My Grocery Cart {once filled with only Diet Coke, chicken, baked lays... is know taken over by fruit snacks, baby food, juice, goldfish and animal crackers}

Even my phone. This week I found myself scrolling through all of the pictures I have taken on my phone since getting it a couple months ago. There are some real gems. Mostly, though, I was struck by just how motherhood-y my life has become. I mean I do have three little men. There are still some days I can't believe I am a mom. Then two seconds later I am quickly reminded of that because someone is pulling on my leg or asking for something.   


 Here are some of the pictures I found hidden away in my phone...

I may or may not be snuggled in bed!

Yes, he has on the head phones watching a movie. Hilarious . Adorable.

Yes, I was in the bathroom and a little hand kept showing up. 

Do you ever go into the bathroom just to give yourself a second to just be? I would NEVER do that. {fingers crossed behind my back} As I look at the pictures on my phone and think about the countless ways my motherhood-y life has taken over it makes me smile. I can remember always praying and hoping that one day I would be a mom and six mommy years later I am thankful that I am just that. A mom. 


Have your kids taken over anything in your life? 

This post is linked up to Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda