Things I Love Thursday: {FREE} FOURTH OF JULY PRINTABLES

Hi Friends! Need some fun inspiration for all of your parties and BBQ's this weekend? I thought it would be fun for me to search out blogland and find some fun printables that can add that little bit of flair to your upcoming events this weekend. Of course, I found the perfect printables for YOU! What I love about these Sweet Liberty printables is that they are classic looking and FREE. What more could a girl want? Have a look...

{all photo's and designs were done by Hank + Hunt}

So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to The Sweetest Occasion and download all of these adorable printables. They are sure to make your Fourth a day to remember! xoxox


linked to Things I Love Thursday

What I Wore Wednesday

Happy Wednesday! 

I am linking up with Lindsey for some fashion inspiration. 

We have been soaking up the sun, jumping on the trampoline and eating more popsicles than any one child {or adult} should EVER be a loud! It's summer. 

So, that makes it perfectly perfect!  

I have really taken to the bright fun sun dresses this year. For me I want something easy and cute. A style that I can run around with the boys in and not look like I've been run over. 

What I love about this Target dress is that I can use it for multiple events. I wear it with my Steve Madden boots to run and do errands but then I wear it as a cover up to go to the pool. It's lightweight and with the pockets it perfect. Which is why....

I bought the same dress from Target in a different print! My theory is if you find something that works for YOU and you will wear it/it's cheap/it's cute then you need to buy ever color.  Tell me you do that? Did you notice that little beauty on my neck? I know you did! It's from the lovely allora handmade. Can I tell you while I was in Target {my second home} I was stopped by two different girls who LOVED it and had to know where I got it! It's makes a statement and adds that special little
 something to any outfit.

This week I have been obsessing over Laffy Taffy. Random and weird. I don't know if it reminds of summer as a teenager or the fact we went to a fair and I stopped at this shop...

I have eaten my weight in Laffy Taffy this week and loved ever second of it. So, tell me do you have any summertime 'treat' that you indulge in during 
these hot summer nights? 

xoxoxo

Today, I Choose...

Today, I want to be an encourager

and not need to be encouraged.

Today, I am not going to be a sponge.

Soaking up every negative thought that passes my mind.

Today, I am going to try so very hard not to be critical of my boys and instead soak in their sweetness.

Today, I'd like to take a few minutes to write a

note to a sweet friend.

Today, I'd love to have an endless amount of patience

instead of running out of it before breakfast begins.

Today, I am going to be 'present' in everything I do.

Today, I am going to get into the Word 

instead of saying, "I will do it' and then never doing it.

Today, I am going to be less critical of myself.

Today, I am going to rejoice in others accomplishments

instead of letting jealousy creep in.

Tuesday, I hope your ready, I'm coming for you,

because today I'm choosing to rejoice.  

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

What does this spell Mom?

G*R*A*C*E

As we pack up for swim camp this morning I load the boys in the car. The music is on the boys are talking back and forth. I am thinking of a million different things I need to get done today. Until, my sweet Brady says,"Mom, what does this spell G*R*A*C*E*?" I look in the rear view mirror and see him with a silly grin on his face {He knew what is spelled. He just wanted me to say it.} and of course I said, "Grace." He lifts up one hand and said,"Jesus shows you grace" and then slowly brings his hand to his chest and says, "and you show me grace." He went on to give an example of this past weekend where grace was shown to him. {he really understood} Truthfully, I didn't know what to say. At that very moment as I was driving I was so humbled and yet so thankfully that my little six year old is learning something that had taken me 30+ years to learn and I still feel like I have such a long way to go. 

⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  2 Corinthians 12:9

  So on this Monday and throughout this week I am clinging to this verse. Because lately I feel like I am been doing 'life' with my own strength and failing miserable. I am so thankful that His GRACE is sufficient. His grace enables us to make it, no matter what. No matter how big or how small the obstacles we face, no matter how many times we fail. God's incredible grace is there to pick us up and to strengthen us. His grace...

It is never inadequate.

It is never depleted.

It has no expiration date.

This week I challenge you along with myself to makes God's grace a true reality in your life. If your like me it's easy to amen it, read it, agree with it but it's another animal to live it. So, I challenge you to do just that... LIVE it! xoxoxo

What I Wore Wednesday

Hello to you pretty ladies! It’s another week of What I Wore Wednesday… I can hardly believe it! I’m linking up with Lindsey over at The Pleated Poppy. I am sure you already do too but if not hop over and see her WIWW post plus all of the fabulous ladies who participate. I have met some really great woman from participating in WIWW!  This week I was slacking a bit with the ol' camera but I do have one outfit to show you. With the fourth of July quickly approaching I set out to find a dress I would be able to wear to some upcoming fun events. Who knew this little treasure was stored in the back of my closet?

The ruffles at the bottom are my favorite!

Dress: Express

Shoes: {I totally didn't have any on when I took the picture}

I promise to do better next week! This summer we aren't able to go on vacation because of Chris's new job. This job is a HUGE blessing so I am not complaining but I am a little sad that my toes won't be in the sand this year. Which means I need to live vicariously through all of you. Is that okay?  So, PLEASE tell me where you all are vacationing this year??? I can't wait to read about all of the fabulous places you will be going. Until next week... xoxoxo

Pool Days.

With today being the 'official' start of summer I packed my three little

men and off we went to the pool. For some this is not a big adventure. It is one that is more of a summer routine. For me, it's an adventure. I have never been one to love going to crowded places. I don't know if it's a lack of confidence in my parenting or simply the fact that I don't want to put my boys in an environment where I *think* I am setting them up to fail, get in trouble etc. Then the other day Chris and I were driving in the car and he said to me, "You know our boys are really great. They are well behaved, well mannered".... I found myself interrupting him to say what they don't do. 

He simply looked at me and said, "You want them to be perfect and they are kids."
Have you ever had a moment that kinda smacks you in the face? 
This was my moment.
They are young boys. They are great boys. Yes, they will mess up and do things that need to be corrected. That is okay. That is my job as a parent. So, maybe I need to lighten up on them and myself and just enjoy my role as their mom and let my boys be just that, little boys.
Which brings me back to today. After breakfast I packed up all three of my little loves and told them we were headed to the pool. After many yells of excitement I loaded up my crew by myself for the first time and headed to the pool. 
Oh friends I am so glad I did.

Thankful I was able to see the imperfection in myself and not allow my lack of confidence to affect my boys. I would of missed out on a great 1st day of summer! What are you missing out on due to your lack of confidence as a mom/wife/sister/co-worker/friend?

Happy Monday Friends!

I am ready to get this week going. How has your exercise or lack of exercise been going lately? For me, I have noticed a 'lack of'. Which for me means lack of discipline, lack of energy and I could go on and on. This week I am committing to exercising everyday. I know time issues can make it a little more difficult but you always make time for what is important to you. Right?! Think about this:

What if  YOU refused to settle 

for less than the BEST in your life? 

One of the many ways that you can personally achieve true/no excuse motivation for exercise, and really for life in general, is for you to believe you are worth it and to refuse to settle for anything less than the best for yourself. It truly is about deciding that you deserve the best. You deserve a fantastic body, confidence, excellent health, high levels of energy. Make the decision to settle for nothing less. Why? Because you deserve it! So tell me what are you going to do this week to get moving?

Enjoy your Monday and GET MOVING!   

xoxox

Happy Fathers Day

 To the man who has walked with me EVERY SINGLE STEP in this crazy journey of parenthood

... who is slow to speak

... full of integrity

... patience like no other 

... the one they laugh with the most

... a man of great character

... a Godly example

... the one who teaches our boys about respect

... and love

... about choosing family over work

... teaching them how to put their first lego's together

... or beating them in a game of basketball

... showing them grace

... yet firm in discipline

... he is encouraging and 100% supportive in all they do

... there are few men who can match the dedication and unselfishness he shows

... I truly could not have hand picked a better man for my boys

My prayer is that our three boys will continue to follow you as you follow Jesus.

You are leaving a Godly legacy 

and for that I am forever grateful.

Happy Father Day My Love.

Thanking the FATHER for my father.

 

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As he sits on my couch watching my boys play I look over and see him smile. He says nothing but he didn't have to. I knew. As we left to go fishing for the last time, I remember watching him teach my sweet Brady how to bait the hook. I watched him teach him how to cast and felt like I was 10 again. Now, as I run by that same little pond by my house I look out at the spot we stood at for the last time. I can see the exact spot. The same overgrown grass. I remember the day so clearly. If only I would of known. I still had so much to say to him. It's not even been two years since he has been gone. Yet, I still can't seem to figure out the whole grieving process. I don't talk much about it {at all}. It hurts too bad. So for me, I would rather not mention it. In fact it took me two different trips to pick out a card for Chris because I would start reading some and I felt this aching in my heart. So I would slowly put the card down and quietly leave. As if to pretend I wasn't even there. Then maybe that pain would go away? You wont see many tears from me yet while I write this it seems as though they wont stop running down my cheeks. Last night, I ran by the spot. Our spot. The last time I was with him. {when he knew I was there} The last time I heard his voice. That last time we laughed together and talked about stories from me and my sister growing up. I feel like I am forgetting the sound of his voice. I am forgetting the way he would squeeze me like every Dad does to their daughter. Oh I miss him. What I wouldn't give to pick up the phone and hear him on the other end of the line. What I wouldn't give to have him see my three little boys light up our house. What I wouldn't give for just one more fishing trip. One more I love you. One more I am proud of you. What I am learning through this is that although my father isn't here, I have a Heavenly Father who loves me, is proud of me, listens to me and hears my cry. I am so thankful that for 30 years of my life I was able to love on my Dad and tell him so. So for me, tomorrow on Fathers Day, would you please wrap your arms around your Dad's neck and give him an extra squeeze for me?! One day you will look back and be so thankful that you slowed down, took the extra time and went the extra mile to simply tell your Dad... 

I love you. xoxox 

Things I Love Thursday {Headband Edition}

Oh friends You should be very, very happy that you are reading this little ol' blog of mine today. Yes, I know every Thursday I always say I have a 'new' fabulous Etsy shop to introduce you to but truly this week not only will YOU be thanking me but YOUR HAIR is going to be thanking me for weeks! As you know I LOVE headbands. When I came across Heather from just. lovely. things. I was in headband heaven. 

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How can you not LOVE that headband?

 She is a hairstylist, photographer, blogger and 

maker of unbelievable handmade goodness! She can pretty much do it all!

Take a look at some of my favorites from her shop. 

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Yep, I know. Adorable.

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When I think of ways to describe Heather's adorable accessories I think of soft, beautiful, and powerful. They make such a powerful statement. They are truly the perfect adornments for all of your summer outfits. Until next week my lovelies. Enjoy this fabulous day and have fun shopping at just. lovely. things! I am off to go enjoy this beautiful day with my three little loves. xoxox

So what are you waiting for? Go....

~ Visit just.lovely.things Shop

 ~Follow just.lovely.things Blog 

           ~Like just.lovely.things on Facebook

           ~Follow just.lovely.things on Twitter

linked to Things I Love Thursday

What I Wore Wednesday {Wedding Edition}

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Hi Friends! It's time to link up again with Lindsey! Don't worry, it's not pictures of me in a wedding dress. Although, I wonder if I could fit into that beautiful gown? How fun would it be to sit around with girlfriends in our old wedding dresses like the Friends episode? {that episode was one of my favorites} This past weekend my sisters Best Friend and my fabulous hairdresser got married. She was stunning and the picture above just makes me smile! I wanted to find something that was dressy enough to wear out on the town. Why? I don't know. With three kids I am not really out on the town much but if for some reason I am... I have the perfect outfit! :)

{I had to put a picture of my sister and mom in here}

Dress~ Macy's

Shoes~ T. J. Max

Necklace~ Forever 21

Keeping with the wedding theme I thought I would find out some more about YOU. This week I have two questions for you. First, do you still have your wedding dress? Second, could you still fit in it if I called you to come over for a 'Friends episode'? Seriously, thanks for always playing along with my questions. I truly look forward to reading all your fabulous comments. Until next week friends! xoxoxo

10 Gift Ideas for Fathers Day

Father Day is such a special time to celebrate all of the men in your life. If you are still on the look out for some fun and unique ideas for Father’s Day, you my friend are in luck! I have gathered together 10 fabulous ideas. 


1. Grey TOMS. Did you know every pair of Toms shoes you buy, the company donates a pair to a child in need? What a great gift that you can feel great giving. Not only are providing for the men in our life, you are also providing for a special child who is in need of shoes. Awesome!

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2. Tumbler leather belt from Banana Republic. A casual looking belt that goes great with any look. When was the last time your man got a new belt?

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3. Coupon Book. Create your own DIY coupon book. I love this idea. My boys do it every year and it is such a fun way to get all of the family involved. Check out this Free Father’s Day Coupon Book by Beauty and Bedlam filled with ways to make him feel special!

 

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4. iPod + Nike. It tracks all the running and on the iPod. Plus, you can then upload it all online, challenge friends, track your progress. It’s his own digital personal trainer. He will love it!

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5. Deluxe Electronic Golf Club Kooler Caddie. What a great gift for any golf lover. Set this stainless steel golf-themed beverage dispenser in your bag along side your clubs. He will be the talk of the golf course.

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6. Apple iPad 2. On the top of everyone's wish list this year, the touch screen Apple iPad 2 tablet. Browse photos, email, web, books, iTunes and thousands of apps.  

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7. Cargo Swim Trunks. When is the last time your man got a good stylish pair of swim trunk. Why not get him some for Fathers Day? 

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8. Leather Journal. Does your hubby like to write down his thoughts? Why not get him a handmade Leather Journal? A place he write down his thoughts, quiet times and so much more. 

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9. Fossil Tablet Cover. Is Dad tossing around his iPad like it's a toy? Help him out and protect his favorite toy with this Fossil tablet cover. 

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10. A Father's Legacy . What a great way for Dad to share his life story with his children or grandchildren. What a great way to keep your husband, father, grandfathers legacy written in their own words.

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At the end of the day a lot of these are all just 'things'. Reality is not everyone can afford or want to spend money on a gift. While this is a fabulous list and I am sure your husband, father and grandpa would be happy to receive them there is truly NOTHING like a handmade card from the kids or you. When is the last time you told your dad or husband how much you appreciate them? A simple handwritten letter letting them know just how much they mean to YOU will be the best present they could ever get! So tell me, What are you getting the special men in your life on Father's Day? 

This post is linked up to Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda. Go check out some other fabulous Top Ten lists!