Just Another Day in Paradise

A day in pictures.

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A Birthday Girl

Dear Mandy,

Happy birthday sweet girl.

From the moment I felt the first bump from inside my belly, I knew you would add exuberance to our family. You never stopped moving, a crazy birth story, a demanding baby, crawling at 5 months, talking at 8 months. A whirlwind of absolute delight.

Active, enthusiastic, and expressive, we haven't caught our breath with how amazing you are!

As you grow in outward beauty every day,

I pray that out of his glorious riches God may strengthen you with power 

through his Spirit in your inner being, 

so that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith. 

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 

may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, 

to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge

—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 

(Ephesians 3:16-19)

So sweet girl, 

I cherish your love of all things girly and pink,

your need for touch, hugs, and affirmation.

I adore your dimples on your sunshiny face.

I love your faded-favorite-blue-jean-colored eyes that crinkle closed for your ever-present smile.

You are so excited for your birthday and I hope it is just an awesome day for you.

On order for your special day on the 16th, friends (25 of them!) and pink cupcakes.

I told you there wouldn't be any presents, but just maybe there will be.

We are celebrating you.

You are so absolutely, fantastically precious to me.

I love you Mandy Rose.

Love, Mommy

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Desert Look

I've got a desert inspired look up over at Victoria's blog while she is off vacationing in Morocco - go check it out!

(image posted by Narelle via Vic) Read More.. Read More..

Doing Things Right

I don't know anyone harder on herself than a mom. I can't go a day without feeling like I failed at something. Even the devotions meant to encourage can lead me to one more conviction that I am doing something wrong.

Complaining too much, a bad attitude, anger, fatigue, fear, loneliness, self- control, temptations, impatience with God's timing, insecurities, and doubt.....

Is there anything I'm doing right in this long list?

We have high standards for ourselves. Those ideals were set long before we got the glorious gift of a first child. And then they came crashing down at the first mistake. It is sometimes an every day defeat. 

We knew what we would never do as moms and then we watch those lofty goals come falling off the knight's horse onto a dirty kitchen floor.

Mothering is the hardest job in the world, it's relentless. I remember night after night collapsing beside my daughter's bed in tears when she finally slept. She was two and I used the word "terrible" to describe her. She tried me at every turn. And every day I felt like I lost. In my defeated heart I used the same word to describe myself. Terrible.

Does the sun really come out tomorrow? It is easy to doubt that tomorrow is a new day. Will it be the same as yesterday? A failure?

I have to tell you something you are probably not telling yourself:

You are doing so many things right.

A favorite author of mine, Julie Ann Barnhill, says this in her book, "She's Gonna Blow, Real Help For Moms Dealing with Anger". The book confronts a tough subject, anger in moms (raise your hand if you've experienced this one!), yet there is good happening in our homes too.

"I think it's quite extraordinary that all my children are not only alive, 

but toilet trained, up-to-date on their vaccines, adequately clothed, 

and able to tie their shoes. Since that amazing day when Kristen 

[daughter] arrived, I've messed up, goofed up, and flat out done 

things wrong, but boy, have I done some things right. Like holding 

my babies when most everyone said, "Let them cry themselves to 

sleep." Or like playing big-band swing music way too loud, far too 

late in the evening, and dancing with my nine-year-old son while 

his four-year-old brother fell over laughing."

We can take a break from our long lists of regrets and think of the good. The smiles, laughter, "I love you Mommy," peaceful sleeps or mid-night snuggles, and sticky hugs. The good list goes on. We are doing so many things right.

Perfect mothering doesn't exist. For our failures, there is God's grace. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23), "Though we were spiritually dead because of the things we did against God, he gave us new life with Christ. You have been saved by God's grace" (Ephesians 2:5, NCV).

We could go on being hard on ourselves, unforgiving of mistakes. Our lofty goals trampled like a lego tower in a room full of toddlers. Or we could be encouraged by successes. The things done right are blessings that should be counted.

Our daily devotions do not need to be a list of "things I'm doing wrong and need to change," but to help us grow and see God's grace in our lives. Time brings perspective, maybe the good isn't so hard to see after all.

Be encouraged today. You are doing so many things right.

This was posted on Drops today, minus the personal (unedited) pictures. Just doing double duty today!





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Fall, The Beginning

Starting to build my Fall wish list...





Colored Denim (JBrand, $176) and Alexander Wang (Eugene, $795). I am keen to try some colored denim for Fall... Might start with a "safe" color like this cobalt blue. And it's been years and years since I invested in an "It Bag" as I generally stick to totes and older leather bags, but I can't get this bag off my mind... Good way to spend a piece of the annual bonus? Questionable...





Pullover Sweaters (Madewell, $98) and Waxed Cotton (Lands End Canvas, $180). Just bought this sweater from Madewell... It's too warm to wear it now but I think it will be a Fall staple. Slightly cropped, boxy fit. And I love a good waxed cotton jacket. This one has a very traditional feel with the plaid lining.





Suede Ankle Boots (Madewell, $131) and Chukka Boots (Eastland, $89). Last year I purchased the Rachel Comey Mars boot in tan and I LOVE them, but this year I am thinking I might need a black version as well. I like these suede ankle boots - they are sort of a cross between Rachel Comey and Isabel Marant. And I've nearly worn my Chloe Sevigny x Opening Ceremony x Bass ranger boots to death, these Eastland chukkas could help carry the load this year. Read More.. Read More..