Taking a Hard Left... Journey of Motherhood

Have you ever had a day when 'motherhood' gives you a swift kick to the heart? If not, trust me you will. Today was the day for me. It's one of those mornings were I clearly see my little boys being not so little. It's exciting and yet at the same time it makes me sad. It's funny how, as a mom, you look forward to your kids doing 'the next big thing' but I am ready for those 'next things' to be put on hold for just a little bit longer. 

As I am writing this to all of you I have a sweet little boy who learned on his own how to hike his chubby little leg up on the couch. As I look back over my shoulder he is sitting with his paci and with a blanket HE put on himself. He is as happy as he can be. The look of independence on his face is priceless. 

For about two weeks now my two older boys have asked EVERY morning if they could go into school together. A lot of the older kids parents pull up and drop their kids off. So, today I said okay. Everything in me wanted to say, "No, I take you into school." But I knew they were ready. They had talked about it all morning. As I was listening to them get ready for school this morning I could hear Brady asking Mason if there was anything he needed him to do in his class, like get out his snack or his folder. It was a moment for me as a mom I don't think I will ever forget. Why? Because at that very second they didn't need me. They had each other. That whats brothers are for, right? 

I have known that this crazy thing called Motherhood is a journey. One that has many peaks and valleys. As my role continues to change I am learning to embrace the continual change. 

Seeing what makes my boys tick, what makes them unique, what makes them beautiful, that is my gift as their mom. And I am thankful that in Christ, He gives me the confidence to recognize it. This 'new' experience will be character building for all of us. It’s scary. It’s going to be difficult for me but it also is so exciting. To see my boys depend on each other and lean on each other fills me with overwhelming peace. 

Life is constantly changing, our jobs, our relationships, our children. Today I am choosing to wrap my arms around it and embrace it. How do you choose to embrace the constant changes in your life?

Things I Love Thursday: Etsy Edition {Pom. Pom. Time.}

Things I Love Thursday: Etsy Edition is a new series where I link up with Jill from Diaper Diaries and show all of you lovelies some of the fabulous new Etsy shops I have been swooning over! This week I am so excited to show you a easy way to add a splash of color and cuteness to any fun event you may be hosting! If your like me with three little men running around my 'fun hosting event' may be a play date but who said play dates can be whimsical?

Look at these adorable pom poms! The fabulous Etsy shop who make these beauties is called Party Poms.   

They are handmade from recycled tissue paper {which make them even more fabulous then they already are}. They are made to look like flowers and can quickly and easily bring a spring/summer feel to any area of your castle. So, if you are planning on hosting an outdoor barbeque or having some girlfriends over hang a few of these beauties outside from the trees or inside above the table! {Remember to hang them at different heights to add interest and depth.} They are sure to be the talk of the party!

We don't have any little ladies here in our castle but if we did I would have this pom garland hanging in her room! Adorable. 

So, there you have it. What do you think? So cute, right? Don't forget if you have any fabulous Etsy shops that you have been swooning over PLEASE let me know so you and that Etsy shop can be featured on Things I Love Thursday: Etsy Edition!

What I Wore Wednesday {Soccer Mom Edition}

Hi Friends~ Here it is... The day in which I attempt to show you all of the fabulousness that is me {and my thunder thighs}. I have been wanting to link up with Lindsey from The Pleated Poppy for a while. One of my girlfriends suggested I do it and I thought well why not? I try not to take myself to serious so here you go.

Who says going to a soccer practice you can't look hawt. So, this week I wore this fabulous get up to my boys soccer practices. It was FREEZING and wet but you can still be fashionable and be a soccer mom {literally}.

Here is where I got the goods....

Headband Ear Warmer: Anthropolgie {Clearance $12.99}

Fleece: NorthFace Khumbu Jacket {Kids XL $45} *the kids NF are a ton cheaper*

Hoodie Under the Fleece: H&M {Clearance $9.99}

Skinny Jeans: Forever 21 {$10.50}

Rain Boots: Kate Spade {T.J Maxx $75}

 Happy Wednesday!!!

What say you?

I know two posts in one day. Who knew? Here's the deal I kinda need your help. Remember my new friend? Well, the girl needs a strap so I am ordering one today from Eclectic Whatnot. I of course can't decide {SHOCKER} so will you help me? 
Pretty Please. I have narrowed it down to these beauties...

Who knew camera straps could be so chic, stylish and just plain fabulous? So, I kinda need your input fast. I have to order it today {she is having a sale... whoot!!} Which one should I get? Ready. Set. Go. 

What Are You Doing To Make A Difference?

It's been on my mind. Alot. My heart has ached and yet for me at this point I don't know exactly what 'it' means. I am still praying and working through it. I want to do more as far as giving not only with this blog but just in general. There are SO many people, adults, tiny babies and children hurting. So, what does that mean for me? I have been blessed with not only things that I need but things that I want. I don't stay up at night thinking about how my kids will have to be without shoes or that the ones they wear make their sweet little feet blister. I don't worry about having clean water or where my boys will sleep tonight. What does this all mean for me? What does it mean for you?

Right now I am feeling ...  

... thankful

... unworthy

... called

... blessed

... needed

... humbled

... in need of prayer

... wondering what it would be like 

to know I was giving a child a chance

Right now I am praying...

... for direction

... for peace

... clarity

... openness

Have you ever just felt like you needed to do more? For me maybe that is this blog adopting a child from this organization or maybe it's supporting someone who is on the front line of going and wrapping their arms around these sweet kids who just need to be loved on. One of my friends just got back from Uganda. I have seen her pictures and can hear through her words the change in her. As I continue to pray through this I thought I would begin to share with you what I am thinking and feeling. I am excited to see the outcome of this burden that is on my heart.


Here is an easy way for you to make a difference today! Check out TOMS shoes. Today is TOMS annual One Day Without Shoes Event! The challenge is to go one day without shoes and when someone asks you why you aren't wearing any shoes you can tell them. Unbelievably awesome! Every pair of shoes you buy from them they turn around and provide a pair for a child in an impoverished country. How great is that? Plus the shoes are ADORABLE!


What will you do to make a difference? We are all called to be bigger than ourselves. Thanks for letting me share my heart. 


xoxox,

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

We Interrupt this Crazy Rainstorm...

Photo

How was your weekend? 

Here at our little castle it was filled with productivity.

 I don't know if it is Spring taking it's effect on us or what. But we did work this week as a family. We worked outside, went to soccer, picked some weeds, 

mowed the lawn and sat on the deck with our feet on table and just talked. 

It was nice to just have a few minutes for Coach W and I to just relax and talk.

The kids were in bed, the lawn was freshly mowed, the birds were chirping and the air was perfect. 

It was what I needed to start this crazy week we have coming up. 

As I sit here and type away on my keyboard one thing that 

keeps coming to mind is a sweet compliment I received this weekend.

I have thought about it 100 x's and it makes me smile. 

It brings me joy. It gives me that feeling that I am doing something right. 

So, I wanted to challenge you this week to

take a minute to Compliment  

someone around you. 

I don't mean "I like your hair" or "your make-up looks hawt".

Truly think about it and put some meaning behind it. 

I can promise you if they are anything like me it will make their day!

I don't think we realize how powerful our words truly can be.

 Let's make someones day okay?

Hugs to you all on this Rainy Monday! 

Sew... Back to the Basics I Go

 Today is the day I sit down with some of my fellow lovelies with some thread and this thing they call a sewing machine. Really? Who am I? Truth be told I am SO beyond excited. I want to learn new things and this is just part of the process. Plus, I big red puffy heart  Gussy and she is fabulous and sews. So, that makes me uber cool and fabulous as well, right?

 I am off to go check out some spools of thread and cute buttons....

and some yummy Spring like fabric...

Photo Credits

and today I just might become a Sewing Fashionista {or something like that}.

Happy Friday!!!

Any big plans this weekend? I would love to hear!