Insta-Wednesday is BACK!

My dog ran off this morning and came home covered in crap – LITERALLY. She’s an old woman, but when she sees a pile of poo, the puppy in her comes out and she cannot resist. So I spent a solid fifteen minutes chasing her around the yard with the hose, and now I smell like a wet, crappy dog.

You’re jealous of my glamorous life…

Insta-Wednesday photos for you to view while I go clean up.

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Tia’s cheering square at her meet Sunday. Sweetness.

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We served a Thanksgiving meal to people in need at our church’s food pantry Saturday morning. 

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You know…just monkeying around. And still loving’ our St. Louis Cardinals!

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I just don’t even have words to describe this photo…

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Lovin’ this Florida Fall Weather!

And last but not least – video evidence that my growing addiction and need for strong caffeine is warranted and justified. This was shot before 7:00 am, and before I’d completed my first cup of coffee. Their energy exceeds mine by miles….

 

Christmastime is (basically) here

As a general rule of thumb, I try to save Christmas until December. I don’t want to be tired of it by the time Christmas morning rolls around, so I hold off on Christmas music and decorating until after Thanksgiving.

This isn’t always easy, though the warm November weather here in Florida definitely helps. I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to buying a Christmas tree in flip flops.

There are a few Christmas activities, however, that simply cannot wait until after Thanksgiving. Buying gifts, I’ve found, is always less stressful if I start before December. And ordering Christmas cards to send to family and friends is also best done in November, because if I wait until December, then I will have no chance or hope of sending them out before the new year.

So I’m already beginning the process of searching for the perfect Christmas card. Last year, I used Minted to print my Christmas cards, and I LOVE how they turned out.

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It twists my heart tight to view that card and remember how hopeful we were this time last year. We were at the tail end of paperwork, and we had visions of this year’s card including a fourth child. But the beauty of this card is that it well documents our 2012, and it provides a beautiful backdrop for the tapestry that would become 2013.

This has, by far, been the hardest, most grief-filled year of our lives, but how thankful I am for hope. I look back at last year’s Christmas card, and I remember what it felt like to hope. We have hope again as we head into this Christmas, and I plan on our holiday card showcasing that. This is why I love using Minted. I worked closely with their designers last year to create a card that perfectly encapsulated where we were in the year 2012.

I will work closely with them again this year to capture 2013, with all the grief and shadows, refinement and joys that came with it. Sometimes I get overwhelmed at the idea of sending out Christmas cards, and I wonder why I still put myself through it. Looking at this card, however, I’m grateful that I have kept up the tradition. Christmas cards showcase more than just a pretty picture – they capture all of life in a nutshell.

If you haven’t ordered Christmas cards yet, and you’re looking for a place that will help capture the place you’re in as a family, I would love for you to check out Minted’s site. Their cards are beautiful, easy to personalize, and their designers will help you create a card that befits your family and your year. They have a huge selection of holiday cards to choose from, and great features, like address printing for your envelopes. 

Because we all know that addressing the envelopes is the worst part of sending Christmas cards.

So if you’re looking for an easy way to kick off the Christmas season without completely steamrolling Thanksgiving, look into Minted and start creating the perfect Christmas card….and then send one of your cards to me, because the only think I love more than sending cards is receiving them!

Merry Christmas Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Disclaimer: I was asked by Minted to write a review of their site and promote their holiday collection of cards. I received credit in exchange for my work. I was not paid to write this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Insta-Wednesday: September

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Remember last year, when I lamented Florida’s lack of fall and I longed for boots and scarves and lattes and all the glory that comes with autumn?!

I wore boots and a scarf to church last Sunday. It was 90 degrees out, but I did not care. I’m bringing the fall to Florida. Look out now!

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And of course, always remembering, never forgetting, the events that reshaped our country on this day 12 years ago. It is an ever present shadow that we will always live beneath. We remember those lost, we weep for those who are still directly affected.

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Have a blessed Wednesday.

The One With the Slippers

babytiaWhen Tia was nine days old, I took her to have pictures made. I wanted to go all out on her newborn pictures, so I naturally went to Picture People and paid $10 for 150 pictures of the exact same terrible shot. (I paid an extra 10 bucks to get 150 of a second shot because I felt like splurging.)

In my defense, digital pictures were just now beginning to take off. Lee and I had only gotten our first digital camera less than a year earlier. I still preferred a camera with actual film because…I don’t know why. Because change is hard? And for all you young ‘uns reading this blog who don’t remember life without digital images, this is how fast technology can change the world. I also had a flip phone back then that I could never remember to keep charged and I didn’t text because tapping out the alphabet was a torture greater than trying to nurse an infant in a crowded room.

In short, I am old enough to remember the good old days.

I have digressed mightily, though. This post isn’t about technology, nor is it about the terrible pictures I got at Picture People. This post is about motherhood, obviously.

Back in those days (seven and a half years ago…feels like a lifetime), I did not yet have a minivan, I didn’t blog and I only had one and a half kids. An infant only counts as half, that’s how those census people are able to determine that the average American household has 2.5 children. Infants. They aren’t full people until they can support their own body weight.

Sometimes I think back to those early days with little littles and I laugh at how difficult it all felt. Just getting up and out of the house felt like a momentous task each and every morning, and indeed it was. Try getting half a person ready while a two year old (who should really count as three people if we’re being honest) terrorizes the house. Those days were hard. They were really hard.

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Our lovely, off-centered picture. I still have about 120 of these left so if anyone wants one, just let me know…

The morning I took Tia and Sloan to Picture People for those awesome of awesome portraits, I did it all on my own. Lee was out of town (because his company had impeccable timing and adored sending him away for a week and a half every time I had a baby) and I was on my own. I got up extra early that morning. Actually, if I remember correctly, I just didn’t go back to bed after the 4 am feeding. I took a shower, fixed my hair, put on make up (make up!), dressed two small children (one and a half, whatever…), changed diapers, fed said children breakfast, got them bundled up (February in St. Louis is cold in an evil, diabolical sort of way) and got out the door.

As I walked into the mall – the mall! – for our 9:00 appointment, I strolled confidently up to my mom. I had the car seat popped securely in the stroller and Sloan held tight to the side. I was rocking that motherhood gig. I felt like shouting LOOK AT ME, EVERYONE! SEE ALL MY AWESOME! BEHOLD, COME GAZE UP MY TOGETHERNESS AND MARVEL AT HOW EASY I MAKE THIS LOOK! I DID THIS ALL ON MY OWN! LOOK AT HOW GREAT I AM!

“You made it!” Mom cried. As if there was any doubt.

“Yep, and I got everything done! Look, I even got a shower!”

We stepped onto the escalator and as we did, I tripped slightly so I looked down to catch my balance.

I was still wearing my slippers. These were not slippers that looked like shoes, either. These were slippers that looked like slippers. I looked back up at my mom and she threw her head back and laughed.

“Well, if that’s all you forgot, you did okay,” she said with a grin.

Motherhood is exhausting and every season of child-rearing brings a new set of crazy. Sometimes the online world can make it seem like we all have it together. We’re coiffed and showered. Our clothes are clean and our children are picture perfect. The world online can look like sunshine and rainbows, and for the exhausted Mama getting up at 4 am so she can get out of the house by 8:30, it can feel like the entire world has it more together than you.

Just don’t forget that we’re all wearing slippers in some way, shape or form. Raising kids isn’t about having it all together, or looking put together, so don’t give into the pressure, because honestly?

Slippers are so very, very comfortable.

Insta-Wednesday: Jet Lagged

Is it possible to have First-Week-Of-School jet lag? BEcause I think I have it. I went to bed at 8:30 last night. No, scratch that – I fell asleep in my bed with the light on and a book in my hand at 8:30. I woke up at 2:00, turned off the light, and immediately fell back asleep.

When my alarm went off at 6:15, I felt like I could sleep another three hours. I still feel like I could lay down, close my eyes and be back asleep in an instant.

This getting back in the routine is killer.

So while I attempt to wake up, how about enjoying a couple of Insta-Wednesday photos, eh? If we were sitting here together, I’d offer you a cup of espresso.

This what I wish I was doing right now. Today. At this very moment.

This what I wish I was doing right now. Today. At this very moment.

 

 

Daisies make me happy.

Daisies make me happy.

 

Fourth Grade. The year they learn the recorder. Friends, there isn't enough coffee or alcohol in the world to numb to get parents through this momentous event...

Fourth Grade. The year they learn the recorder. Friends, there isn’t enough coffee or alcohol in the world to numb to get parents through this momentous event…

Again with the daisies.

Again with the daisies.

Happy Wednesday to you all! May it be full of sunshine and flowers, and devoid of all recorders. Amen?

And we all said amen…

 

Insta-Wednesday: School’s In!

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Our last day of summer was idyllic. We went to the beach where we played, collected shells and swam in the ocean with the dolphins who were feeding not fifteen yards from where we stood. The water was clear and cool and sweet and it was just an awesome day.

Then reality set in. If you’ll notice in the “thumbs up” picture, Tia looks less than thrilled. She did not have a good first day, but I suppose that is to be expected. She’s not a huge fan of school in general. She tolerates it at best. It will take her a few weeks to settle into a groove. Hopefully.

Now I’m off to do a little work, and by work I mean get dressed and go to IKEA.

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

Insta-Wednesday: Summer’s End

This is our final week of summer break and I am a little sad. This summer went by way too fast. I knew it would and I’ve sort of mourned it all summer long. We are enjoying our final week of summer break. We’ve enjoyed lazy mornings, long swim sessions with friends, family movie nights and a visit to Busch Gardens to see the fireworks. We’re going to go to our first water park tomorrow and Friday will be spent at the beach.

I hate the idea of summer ending, and I can’t even think about the fact that all three kids will be starting school net week. Landon in kindergarten? It makes my stomach turn. He still likes to snuggle and give me kisses and hold my hand and nuzzle his nose into my neck. He can’t go to kindergarten because I fear it will steal the last vestiges of babyhood from him and I can’t even bear the thought.

Cry me a river, blah, blah, blah…

In honor of this week’s Insta-Wednesday, I am sharing my obsession with a new photo app called Rhonna Designs. And by obsession I mean I am mildly addicted. And by mildly addicted I mean I WAT TO ADD PITHY QUOTES TO EVERY PICTURE I TAKE!

I’m giving myself a week to binge on this new app, then I will SETTLE DOWN MARTHA and give it a rest.

Maybe.

Don’t hold me to that.

Peace out now.

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One of my favorite people to text is Jenni because our back and forth’s get weird and random almost immediately. Our text’s rarely make any sense and that is what makes them all shades of awesome.

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A poor night's sleep made it difficult for me to get out of bed. I had to pep talk my way to the kitchen and a strong cup of fespresso.

A poor night’s sleep made it difficult for me to get out of bed. I had to pep talk my way to the kitchen and a strong cup of fespresso.

 

They're cute. That is all.

They’re cute. That is all.

 

We enjoyed Busch Gardens Summer Nights excitement last night.

We enjoyed Busch Gardens Summer Nights excitement last night.

 

I think we effectively wore the littles out.

I think we effectively wore the littles out.

Love this quote.

"If he counted them up as he ought to, he would see that every lot has enough happiness provided for it."

“If he counted them up as he ought to, he would see that every lot has enough happiness provided for it.”

 

Insta-Wednesday: Arkansas Edition

I miss my bed. I love traveling and I love being with family, but there comes a time when you’re ready to be in your own home with your own routine and your own bed. I think we are reaching that point. It will be sad to leave – it always is. But home is a good, good thing.

But enough about that. It’s time for some Insta-Wednesday, a series of posts to fuel my ever growing addiction to iPhone photography and photo apps. Say it with me: GOOOOOOOOOOOO iPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY! YEAH!

I didn’t hear you…

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Saying goodbye to our beloved St. Louis.

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We got sweet time with friends when we picked up our boys from K-Kountry. 17 years ago this month, I met Melissa and Rachel. I’m so thankful for our continued relationships!

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Air soft wars with friends. Classic.

Air soft wars with friends. Classic.

 

We have enjoyed ample amounts of snuggle time with our new nephew. That is, when we can wrestle him away from Papa.

We have enjoyed ample amounts of snuggle time with our new nephew. That is, when we can wrestle him away from Papa.

 

Swim time with cousins

Swim time with cousins

These two are two peas in a pod. Love them.

These two are two peas in a pod. Love them.

 

Tia is building up quite a cache of handstand pictures. I think I'm going to make her a mural for her wall.

Tia is building up quite a cache of handstand pictures. I think I’m going to make her a mural for her wall.

Insta-Wednesday

Barn Swinging at Kanakuk

Barn Swinging at Kanakuk

The K-Kountry bridge

The K-Kountry bridge

 

Happiest place on earth? I believe it!

Happiest place on earth? I believe it!

Nostalgic this week as we enjoy the city and people we love.

Nostalgic this week as we enjoy the city and people we love.

 

A wonderful, uncharacteristically cool, evening with friends.

A wonderful, uncharacteristically cool, evening with friends.

 

A beautiful afternoon spent at the St. Louis Zoo.

A beautiful afternoon spent at the St. Louis Zoo.

The enjoyment of watching siblings love one another well.

The enjoyment of watching siblings love one another well.

 

Swinging in hammocks with friends. Doesn't get much sweeter.

Swinging in hammocks with friends. Doesn’t get much sweeter.

 

A morning with three of my best friends and all 11 of our kids. It wasn't relaxing, but it was refreshing. This photo was taken by a 7 year old, can you tell?

A morning with three of my best friends and all 11 of our kids. It wasn’t relaxing, but it was refreshing. This photo was taken by a 7 year old, can you tell?

 

Puppies? Good. Babies? Great. Puppies and babies looking outside together? If that doesn't make your heart skip you might be a robot...

Puppies? Good. Babies? Great. Puppies and babies looking outside together? If that doesn’t make your heart skip you might be a robot…

Insta-Wednesday

In an effort to take some of the pressure off myself feeling like I have to post something every day, I’m going to start sharing some of my favorite iPhone photos every Wednesday. So, without further adieu, I give you…

Insta-Wednesday

 

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The best part of waking up is green tea in my cup.

The best part of waking up is green tea in my cup.

 

My book when printed out. Oy.

My book when printed out. Oy.

 

Rainy day fun.

Rainy day fun.

Little girl hair = fun

Little girl hair = fun

 

Summer school work under the umbrella.

Summer school work under the umbrella.

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My little gymnast

My little gymnast