20/52

Connor: Still sporting a minion shirt (almost) daily. And he put his shirt on his head like that all by himself and was walking around. It was too funny not to take a picture. 

 Isla: She's a woman who enjoys using tools...and playing outside. 

" A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014."

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Fashion on the Fifteenth

Even though it's in the triple digits today, I swear it was springish weather when I wore this outfit just a few days ago. And THANKFULLY spring weather is supposed to return to us once again in a few days.

This outfit is SO EASY. There are only three pieces. I am not even wearing any accessories. But I felt completely put together, and perhaps even fashionable, wearing it. It is amazing how good one can feel when not wearing a tshirt! 

^^ Don't mind the tree attacking my head

Shirt: Old Navy

Jeans: Madewell

Boots: Old Navy

I have to brag for a minute. I hit the shopping gold mine at Old Navy a couple weeks ago. I got these boots I am wearing for $4!!! I had gotten a pair of them in a different color back before Christmas, so I already knew I liked them. But I couldn't believe my luck when there was a pair on clearance in my size. I love Old Navy for my kids, but it is always hit or miss for me and these last few months, it has felt like one great find after another there. 

Don't forget to head on over to Two Cent Sparrow to check out the other lovely ladies participating in fashion on the fifteenth. Or better yet, why don't YOU participate?

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A Life Changing Toddler Hair Tip

We can all agree that Isla has herself a crazy amount of hair for her age. And, well, I have never exactly been great at doing my own hair, so the thought of doing another person's kind of overwhelmed me. But, we were taking it one day at a time and managing. The only problem was, the longer it got, the more she fought me to brush it. Then, one day while perusing Target (actually running toward the register with a non-compliant child in tow...but, you know) something caught my eye...

Suave detangler. This stuff is magic, I tell you. I can use on both dry and wet hair. I don't know how it does it, but I spray it on and magically the brush easily glides through Isla's hair. Like I said, magic. If you have a child of any age who's hair you are still brushing and it is a challenge, I recommend running out and grabbing yourself a bottle of this stuff. You can thank me later. Oh, and I find the apple scent divine, but I know there is another sent as well.


By the way, this post is completely unsponsored. But given that this may have been the best $2 I have ever spent, I thought I should share the love...cause us mom's gotta help each other out, right?!? 

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Mother's Day

 

 ^^ Isla is sporting a dress that was mine as a kid

My mother's day was pretty much the perfect day for me. I woke up to Ian making the kids breakfast (I got to sleep in...woot, woot!) and with a table covered in things for me. A bouquet of flowers, a homemade card and a present from each of the kids. From Connor, a toy that shoots helicopters into the air and from Isla a bucket and shovel...so basically things they both wanted! After we got ready, we headed out for doughnuts and pictures. I started a tradition of taking pictures of Ian with the kids on fathers day and decided I wanted the same thing for mothers day.

We then went to church. And after church, what better than a lunch of Taco Bell eaten in the backyard?! That was pretty much perfect for me. Then, Ian wanted to wash his car, so I called up Ian's mom and the two of us went to the movies. That is the first movie I have seen in the theater in 3 years!!! Crazy, right?! After the movies, we did some stuff around the house, then headed out to Ian's parents for dinner.  It was the perfect chill day and I really enjoyed it.

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For the Moms

Being a mom is one of those things that isn't just physically exhausting, but mentally draining as well. I was prepared (mentally, that is) for the sleepless nights, dirty house and diapers. What I wasn't prepared for is the back talk and blatant disobedience. Figuring out how to really parent is the hard part because controlling yourself and responding appropriately when, say you are slapped in the face isn't always easy. 

For all you moms having sleepless nights because your teenager is out way too late and you are up praying, I look up to you. For all you moms covered in spit up and going on your third day without a shower, I feel for you. Been there, done those looong sleepless nights. For all the moms with no children to hold, whether through loss, infertility or a dream not happening, I pray for you today. For all you mom struggling with preschoolers and toddlers, ladies I am right there in the trenches with you. For all you moms with grown children, I respect you. Having kids of my own has given me a respect for my mom (and any mom of grow ups) more than I could have ever imagined.

And here are a couple things I have come across lately about parenting that I have found encouraging:

A great reminder to be intentional with parenting

A beautiful reminder to not let satan steal your joy, even in parenting

10 common mistakes parents today make

And a shirt that every tired mama needs 

Happy mothers day to all the moms out there!!!

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19/52

Connor: Roaring at his sister, saying "I the bubble monster" and like a good sister, Isla would let out a high pitched scream, thus keeping Connor roaring. 

Isla: Checking out her freshly done pigtails in the mirror. Judging by her face, I'd say she was impressed.  

" A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014."

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A Preschool Mother's Day Celebration

Today was one of those days that I could only image as a great thing before I became a mom. Now, I didn't ever think of a preschool mother's day party per say, but being in a room with other moms, sitting on tiny chairs, wearing hats made with love, with our kids singing us songs, it really was the best.

We were brought into a room filled with pint sized tables and chairs. I was pointed to a place where a hat made by Connor was sitting, along with a present and a little card/survey about me. These little surveys are always where things get real...and funny.  Apparently I tell Connor to go to time out a lot and laugh at others. Awesome. That really paints me in a good light. 

Then, the teachers moved a wall and the kids were standing there ready to sing for us. And for the first time since starting school, Connor actually sung and did the hand motions along with the other kids!!! I was super excited about this. Up until this point, he has always either stood there quietly or tried distracting the other kids while they were singing. And what a perfect time to sing, but at the mother's day party for me!

The kids were then dismissed and came and sat with us moms where we enjoyed a light lunch. It really was a lot of fun. And as corny as it sounds, it really meant a lot to me that Connor's teachers would do this for us moms. 

We also got a little present (that I forgot to take a picture of) that was two tiles...one with a picture of Connor and I on it and another with a coloring he did for me. I ate it up. Like I said, this is the type of thing I dreamed of about becoming a mom. 

Given that mother's day itself will be filled with celebrating not only me, but also my mom and Ian's mom, I feel super privileged to have gotten my own beautiful mother's day celebration just for me.

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