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!

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?