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!

A State of the Heart.

Happy Monday, Friends!

This weekend was filled with weddings, birthday parties, soccer games, movies and lots of jumping on the trampoline. It's funny as I sit here at my computer the window is open and I can feel the sweet summer night breeze and the smell of a family BBQ. As I sit here the one thought that has stuck in my mind all day is a question that I heard someone ask today. "How is your heart?"  Kinda of a loaded question, isn't it? One of those questions that many people don't ask because they really don't want to know or they don't ask because you might then turn around and ask them. The more I thought about it the more I felt convicted in the fact of not asking myself or others that question enough. Yes, there are some days my heart is ungrateful, overwhelmed, not loving people, under appreciated, not content, BUT then I am reminded of a God {my God} who is my joy-giver, my hope, my contentment, my Redeemer, and my grace-giver. I am quickly reminded that I need to ask that question daily/hourly. He has done a great work in me {and you} and is not finished yet. Asking hard questions puts you in a spot of vulnerability but feeling a bit uncomfortable can be a great thing. My heart is feeling undeservable grace and I am truly thankful. So I ask all of you... How is your heart this Monday morning?   

Class of 2023

My Kindergarten Graduate, 
I remember the morning of your first day of Kindergarten. I can remember holding you on the couch because you were so nervous to go. I was so nervous to let you go. I knew it was time. I knew I needed to open up my arms a little and let you go {just a little}. Do you remember when you had your head on my shoulder and you looked up at me with your eyes filled with tears you said, "Mom, what if I don't make friends?" My sweet boy you have made some of the greatest friends this year. You cried every night as we prayed for you the last week of school because you didn't want to leave your friends. Jesus is so faithful {even in the small things}. To say that I have seen you grow from a little boy to a little man would be an understatement. It has been a joy to see you start to become your own person. I am so proud of you and the gracious, kind hearted little man that you are. The truth is I know I have failed you at times this year but I am learning as I go. I want to be the best mom for you and your brothers. Thank you for showing me grace at times when you didn't even know that is what you were doing. You bring me such joy and every time I listen to this song by 'Sidewalk Prophets' it makes me think of simple truths that my sweet boy I want YOU to know. 

Three in the morning,

And I'm still awake,

So I picked up a pen and a page,

And I started writing,

Just what I'd say,

If we were face to face,

I'd tell you just what you mean to me,

I'd tell you these simple truths,

Be strong in the Lord and,

Never give up hope,

You're going to do great things,

I already know,

God's got His hand on you so,

Don't live life in fear,

Forgive and forget,

But don't forget why you're here,

Take your time and pray,

Thank God for each day. His love will find a way.

These are the words I would say.

My sweet Brady you have made me so happy this year. As each year continues my prayer for you is that you work harder than everyone else, respect others, show grace to everyone, smile, learn from your failures, enjoy your sweet friendships, laugh a lot, love Jesus more than anything or anyone and always remember my love I will always be your biggest fan. 

Things I Love Thursday {Etsy Edition}

How has your week been going so far? This is our first full week of Summer break and lets just say I am praying that this momma finds some extra energy because I am going to need it! I hope you all are enjoying the Things I Love Thursday! I have heard from a lot of you and actually seen some of the new crafts you have tried due to these inspirational shops! You all inspire me!

This week I am featuring Heather from Chickabug. She offers personalized invitations for any event, custom invitations, stickers, water bottle labels, DIY printables, and so much more. Her stuff is AMAZING. Who doesn't love a good DIY project? What is great about Chickabug is all of the DIY printables are a professionally typeset for you and each comes with a full instruction sheet for printing. Just in case you aren't 100% sure what to do!


I used this shop for my sister's Baby Shower and ordered custom stickers to put on all of the water bottles. Everyone LOVED them and what I loved about them is that it literally took me 5 minutes to create a 'statement' piece. Have a look at some of Heather's creations...

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How cute is this customized DIY printable file. It includes a cupcake wrapper and FOUR cupcake topper designs that can be cut out with a 2" craft punch.

What I love about this is your 'file' will be personalized for you and ready to use. You can print as many copies as you want, so you can make as many wraps and toppers as need. How great is that?

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Look at these adorable little sock monkey Thank You cards! What a great way to make a statement and to add to the adorable sock monkey theme.

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Be still my heart. How sweet is this? Look how adorable Chloe and Sophie's  Sweet Shoppe party turned out using Heather from Chickabug. At Chickabug, you can find everything you need to make your next party one that your friends and family will be talking about for years! 

Go check out Heather over at her adorable blog. She has fabulous party ideas and FREE printables!

You can also check Heather out on Facebook
 
Until next week my lovelies. Enjoy this fabulous day and have fun shopping at Chickabug! Please don't forget if you own an Etsy shop or know of some fabulous finds contact me and you may be featured on Things I Love Thursday Etsy Edition!

linked to Things I Love Thursday

What I Wore Wednesday

Hello 2nd week of June! Hello to flip flops and sunscreen. Hello to three little boys who are running a muck and a momma who is tired but enjoying every last second of it.  It's Wednesday, so I’m linking up with the lovely Lindsey for some fashion inspiration. This week one of my favorite outfits I wore was to my sweet Brady's Kindergarten graduation. {sigh} Oh friends, what a sweet time we had. So, do you want to see the outfit? Guess what? Ruffles are back! 

Top: Macy's 

Pants: Macy's

Necklace: Forever 21

Last week I went on an overnight with a few girlfriends and we sat and laughed and talked about Sex and the City. Which made me think of this dress that I wore from Sarah Jessica Parkers clothing line Bitten. So, when I came home I went on a hunt and found my dress in the back corner of my closet! Yah! It's super cute and really comfortable. It's perfect for a Sunday. 

{Please excuse the face. What was I doing? :)}

Dress: SJP {Bitten}

Flower: Forever 21
Shoes: Macy's

This of course got me thinking.... Who is your favorite gal from Sex and The City?? Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda or Samantha? Hugs to you all! xoxoxo

26 hours of Laughter.

Happy Monday! I hope your weekend was everything you needed it to be. I know for myself it was more than I could of ever asked for. Remember how I told you I couldn't tell you everything about my weekend? All I could tell you is I was leaving. Well, it was because myself and two other of my girlfriends planned a getaway for our dear friend who is turning thirty. Her awesome husband booked us a hotel at the Westin and well we came up with the rest. 

Let me preface this my saying Amy {Birthday Girl} and I are pretty much the 'old' ladies of this 'club' while Carrie and Ricki are {older in age but 10 years younger in the way the act}. They are so gonna love reading this! All four of us together is pretty much a sitcom in itself. 


Amy had NO IDEA until we pulled up in our sweet minivan {with writing all over it} and matching shirts. Yes, I wore a matching shirt. {the things I do for my friends} While we were driving up I was seriously sweating I was so nervous and excited for her. Can I just say she was in shock! I think I was so nervous {we all were} because we just wanted it to be special for her.  

We gave her 10 minutes to get her stuff together for the night. I was actually impressed. She totally did it in 10 minutes and we were out the door. We were gone for a total of 26 hours and let me just tell you it was truly the most fun I have had in years. We laughed until we cried, we danced, we wore matching shirts, we took a carriage ride around the city {thought we were going to get jumped but great memories}, we celebrated Amy, we were real with each other, we made each other laugh till we cried, we encouraged each other, we shopped and shopped and most of all we just enjoyed our our time together.

I feel like when you are in this stage of life, where you have little kids, it's hard to carve out time to spend with friends. Everyone is crazy busy. Everyone has different schedules. It's a choice and it takes EFFORT but the beauty of having good girlfriends far outweighs the effort it takes. Perhaps, for me I am finding some freedom in being myself, speaking my mind and yet having girlfriends who don't judge me, don't care if I'm ready to pull out your hair, they show me grace and I am thankful for these women. I am thankful to share life with them. I am thankful that when I am looking my worst and being an idiot they show me grace. They pray for me they encourage me. 

Perhaps, the true gift of this weekend was the realization that it's worth the effort, it's worth the time away from family, it's worth mixing your schedule up a bit, it's worth taking time for yourself, it's worth asking for help, it's worth celebrating a friendship. ITS WORTH IT!

My question for you is... Are you taking the time and effort to really strengthen and develop your friendships? Because if your not, I challenge you to start today! Make the phone, set up the play date or the dinner {with no kiddo's}. We need good girlfriends, who speak truth to us, laugh with us and help us walk this crazy life together!