Little One, God Loves You (Review)

This sweet little book, "Little One, God Loves You" was a delightful story for Evie. The illustrations are beautiful, and filled with bold colors. We received this around Easter time, but the story-line is one that you could read throughout the year. We read it after art time, as we identified colors throughout the book that she had used with her watercolor paint.

It would make a wonderful gift for the young toddler or pre-schooler in your life! An added bonus, was the fact we received the board book version. Which is great for toddlers who get a little too eager while reading! ;)

Many thanks to Book Look Bloggers for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Do You Want To Create New Habits?

I've always enjoyed learning about personality types. I love learning more about myself, because the more I understand, the better I am able to give in other areas of my life. For example, if I understand what depletes me as a wife and a parent, I can better protect my boundaries so that I can be a better steward to my family.

Interestingly enough, while reading "Better than Before", Gretchen Rubin digs deeper to understand different personalities and what makes us tick habit wise. Why do some people thrive at eating healthy, while others struggle with constantly eating junk? Why do some people easily change workout habits, yet they continue to thrive with their commitments to working out? 

She tackles these questions, and more.

One of the main things that stood out to me were her notes on creating a "clean slate". Often, we try to merge new habits into our life during hectic times. Which often leads to failure. Example: If my goal is to create a new workout habit and I start in the middle of the week when I'm already exhausted and with a full schedule, chances are, I won't stick to the new habit. The busyness of life will be my excuse to quit. However, if I were to tackle a new workout habit at the beginning of the week when I can pencil in this new venture, I will have a greater chance to succeed. 

I'm interested in creating a few "clean slates" in my life. I plan to put into practice a few tips that I picked up from this book, and will share later on. 

What about you? Do you enjoy learning what makes you tick? If so, I think you'd highly enjoy "Better Than Before" by Gretchen Rubin. In true characteristic form, Rubin gives us an honest take on her own journey to making and breaking habits that lead to a happier life. 

Many thanks to Blogging For Books for my free copy in exchange for an honest review.

From One to Two

I love being a mom. I still remember that first pregnancy test, and seeing those two little lines. I was filled with excitement, and whole lott of fear. I mean, there is so much to learn as you become a parent. Life changes quickly, and drastically, and suddenly you don't know as much as you once thought you did. Ha!

When Ella (our second) came along, I had visions of the transition going smoothly. And while there were many good days, we had a lot of rough days. Recovery was much longer, and harder the second time around. Evie was having a hard time adjusting. Top that with your regular 'ol hormones, the craziness of life, and I quickly found myself struggling just to get by.

Now, six months in, I'm still struggling, but I've found that things DO get easier. You do find your groove again. It's not always a cake walk, but it certainly is worth it! I thought I would just share a few things that have helped me as I've transitioned into a mother of two under two...

Give Yourself Grace: This is the most important lesson I've had to learn (and one that I'm still learning!). There will be days that the laundry doesn't get done, and yoga pants will have to do. And that's okay! We are usually our harshest critic. So tell yourself it's ok if everything is not perfect or as it used to be. Eventually, you will find a new routine that works.

Take Time For yourself: In a society that glorifies being busy, we often feel guilty for slowing down and taking time for ourselves. I'm learning that a few minutes to read or a hot shower can do wonders for my attitude. Anytime I feel myself getting overwhelmed, I realize that it's just a matter of taking a step back, re-focusing my energy, and having an old-fashioned time out.

Pray Without Ceasing: I realize that this is a given, but it's worth sharing. Prayer has been the number one tool to help me tackle the crazy days of motherhood. Anxiety? I pray about it. Fear? I pray about it. Uncertainty? I pray about it. It's the most powerful tool we have as Christians. And how much more effective will my role as a mother be if I utilize prayer throughout my day?

All in all, life is still slowly transitioning into a new normal as a family of four. It's not always perfect, but it's ours. And it is good.

Not So Wordless Wednesday

I love it when Josh surprises me with flowers. He surprised me last week with a boquet of roses, and this week with a boquet of peonies.

He better watch out--because I'm getting spoiled. Ha! ;)

While the girls were both napping, I snapped a few pics of the peonies outside. I love their sweet frangrance, and how dainty the petals are. So lovely.

Celebrations!

We had a long four day weekend thanks to the 4th of July! We started the weekend off with finger painting for Evie. I gave her some red and blue paints to make festive art. 

Then Josh got a pallet for me from his brother so we could make a flag for our back porch. I've wanted one for a long time, and I think it looks perfect! I love country looking DIY projects! Thanks pinterest for the idea!

After celebrating with our families on Saturday & Sunday, we enjoyed staying home most of the day on Monday. It was a rainy day, so we sipped coffee in our rocking chairs while watching Evie dance in the rain. Ella just watched. And to think this time next year, they will both be playing outside! We ended the weekend by watching the NYC fireworks display on tv while the girls snoozed away. :)

I had to take a picture of the flag cake that my mom made. It's a three milk cream cake. I can't remember the fancy title, but oh my goodness, it's good. Super moist, rich and it's topped with a homemade whipped cream frosting. YUM.

Hope ya'll had a wonderful 4th of July!!! Happy tuesday. :)

Twenty-Sixteen 52 Weeks: June

She Thinks She's Big Stuff

This kid. She cracks me UP! She has a big personality, and continues to show her idependence. She tries to crawl off our laps when she wants down (where does she think she's gonna go? I have no idea). She watches her big sis very intently. She has a deep belly laugh, and her whole face takes part of those laughs!!

She is wearing size 9 month clothes, eats alllllll the time, and doesn't mind being held by friends and family. She's very content, unless she's teething. She really loves her bouncy seat, being swaddled, and snuggling. We love her to pieces!

Happy Homemaker Monday Vol. 19

The weather...
It's sunny and warm! 

Right now I am...
Taking a few minutes to blog, and find inspiration on Pinterest. It helps break up my morning routine to have a few minutes of "fun". ;)

Thinking... 
How blessed we are as a family. God has provided for us a million times over, and with every single answered prayer, I am reminded of His faithfulness. Anwered prayer doesn't always mean I get the answer I want, but that we get the answer He has for us...which is always better. 

On my TV...
The Good Witch
Parenthhood 


What I'm Reading... 
Where Trust Lies by Janette Oke
So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore
Fringe Hours by Jessica Turner
For the Childrens Sake

On the menu for this week...Chicken & Green Bean Crock Pot Dish
Loaded Black Bean Nachos (I make mine with Wasa crackers for a lighter version, while the rest eat it with chips)
Southern Skillet Stir Fry (Usually chiken, okra, squash, peppers, onions with a dash of spicy seasonings)
Breakfast for Dinner 
Chicken, Broccoli & Cheesey Cauliflour Casserole

On my to do list...2 Loads Laundry & fold clothes
Speed Clean
Update Work Stuff 
Prep Dinner

Looking forward to this week...
A quiet week of housework, maybe some time outside in the evening when it's a bit cooler (if that is even possible during summer...hahaha)

Linking Up with Diary of A Stay at Home Mom

Random Thursday Thoughts

Summer has arrived in her full glory--today, we are set for a heat index of 115! I'm staying home with my air conditioner, iced coffee, and organizing projects. I'm not sure why, but heat waves always give me reason to purge, and re-organize our home. Our pantry tends to collect items that shouldn't be there, so most likely, that will be my starting point!

Our house has been on the market for a few months now. Not for lack of showings, but the right buyer hasn't come along or it just isn't time for us to move yet. There is a part of me that is SO ready to move, and another part of me that is SO ready to just keep pluckig away at this little house of ours. Truthfully, we love where we live, but we would love just a wee bit more space.

I've been reading through one of the latest Janette Oke books, "Where Trust Lies". I've read hundreds of Christian books/authors, and nothing compares to the love stories of Janette Oke. I'm also re-watching the Where The Heart Calls series. I love it because it's my favorite Hallmark style show, and super clean for the little ears & eyes around here. I also started watching the Good Witch on Hallmark. Which is vey cheesy, but seems to be pretty clean, too.

Happy Thursday!

And Just Like That She's Two

Our baby girl turned two! I can't believe it. She has changed so much over the last month, I keep pinching myself. I mean, she should still be swaddled up in my arms, right? Instead, she's a hyper toddler with a growing vocabulary, and in full blown potty training mode.

We had a wonderful celebration with our parents, and siblings. Her gif this year, was a little playhouse with a pink roof. I'll share some pictures, soon. Happiest of birthday's to my darling girl. You are so, so loved. 

Ella Bug

Somebody has been a busy little bee this last month:

• She had her first taste of food. I think the photo says it all!
• She has started standing up while holding onto something.
• She loves playing with daddy's beard.
• She kind half rolls over, it's cute. ;)
• She really, really loves to be sitting up so she can see what's going on.
• She tries really hard to talk. She has a lot of facial expression to match her words, so it comes off very serious. Cracks us up!

We are having so much fun with you, Ella bug!!