Guys I’m so excited about this! Y’all asked don’t fun questions on IG. So I’m just going to do this question and answer style and get it rolling! Q: What’s your dream vacation? A: Hands down - Denmark/Holland/Ireland it’s where my ancestry is from and I dream of seeing it all one day! Q: What’s your guilty pleasure? A: Curling up on the couch, eating some sort of treat and watching trash TV.... Vanderpump Rules, Real ...continue reading >>
2020 Goals
I honestly debated on even writing this post. Mainly just because resolutions and new year goals are kind of something I'm well, over. I just feel like every year it's this big thing, I make big goals and I don't know - it's just something I like to do all year long, not just at the beginning of the year, especially as life changes. You don't know what life is going to throw at you in the next year, so I like to write goals that I hope to ...continue reading >>
The Biggest Changes from 1 to 2 Kids..
Y'all know, I try really hard to just keep it as real and light hearted as possible. I've been wanting to get more of a life post up, so I though I'm going to write about something close to my heart - and immediately thought, yep - let’s talk about my newest journey. That journey is going from one to two kids. Now, let me preface this with, for those new around here, we waited a hot minute for this, you know - the lovely “blessing” of ...continue reading >>
Let’s Talk PCOS
This post has been a long time coming and I'm going to kind of put it in two parts just because I feel like that will be easier. First I'll share my story and just how things have gone down with me and what I've dealt with, overcome, etc. since being diagnosed and then at the end I'll break it down into a quick Q+A since I opened it up for questions on instagram. I figured this was the easiest. Sooo, my story. I'm not even sure where to begin. I ...continue reading >>
Real Talk on Infertility
One thing that makes me happy about infertility (because there’s not really anything that does)is that it’s being talked about more. I feel like when we first started our infertility journey, there just wasn’t anything out there. We felt so alone, we didn’t know what we were doing, and it was a taboo topic that just wasn’t out on the table. And honestly, despite seeing it talked about more now, it’s still not enough. So when My Fertility ...continue reading >>
A Little Get to Know us Q+A Via Insta stories
I'm just going to go ahead and dive right in....let's answer some questions. ;) Q: Can you do a baby must haves post? A: Yes! I actually have this going live next week! Q: Was giving birth scary? A: Ya know it's interesting, I was a lot more nervous this time than I was with Blake. Not sure if that was just because I knew more, whereas with Blake I went in blind or what, but yeah. However I will say that both times once I was there and it ...continue reading >>
Nash’s Birth Story
IT'S TIME FOR NASH'S BIRTH STORY. But first, let me hit you guys with all the pictures. ;) ` Photos by Chantel Cherie Photography. The story: Let me preface this whole story with this. Saturday night I had a plan to take a shower, but honestly bed time came and I was so freaking tired that I said - eh I'll do it tomorrow. Well that entire night I couldn't ...continue reading >>
Maternity Photos
I've been saying I was going to do this forever and well, it's finally happening! I'm sharing my favorite maternity photos from our maternity session! We had Andra Krista Photography do them (who was recommended by a friend) and she killed it, I LOVE them so much! Okay anyways, I'll show them - because let's be honest, this post is going to be more videos than anything! And I'll link as much as I can of our outfits ...continue reading >>
One Influential Person in My Life.
I’ve talked about him before and I’ll continue talking about him forever. He was one of the strongest, most faithful, kindest people I’ve ever met. He was basically a Dad to me, he helped raised me, stepped in when my “Father” walked out when I was a little girl and he taught me so much. My Uncle Dean. Blake knows him, even though she’s never met him (in this life anyway), she sleeps with my “special puppy” and snuggles him all day, every day. ...continue reading >>
Some Things I’ve Learned About Running my Own Business…
I've gotten asked this question time and time again, just how do you do it? How did you get your blog started? Etc. So I thought this would be a good post to write. There's really no "become a blogger overnight" quick scheme to tell you, in fact I started blogging in 2009. That's a REALLY long time ago y'all, I also may have just aged myself. HA! Back then it was on Blogger and Instagram wasn't a thing and I relied on Facebook and Pinterest ...continue reading >>
Pregnancy Update: Week 10
Picture from this morning's OB appointment <3 Shop outfits: We are getting closer and closer to being out of the first trimester and I couldn't be more happy about it. HA Mainly just because risks go down, hopefully I'll being feeling better and for whatever reason in my head, 12 feels more acceptable to me to start rocking more maternity clothes. ;) Because right now I feel like, holy cow I should still be fitting in normal clothes ...continue reading >>
Q + A With Jess
I asked last week what questions you guys might have so I could do a fun Q + A blog post and well, it took me longer than expected to get it up, but here I am ;) So let's dive right in! Q: When do you have your first ultrasound? A: SURPRISE - TOMORROW IS THE DAY. EEEKKKKK Q: Are you LDS? A: Yes! Q: How did you and Marcus meet? A: Friends set us up! We did a whole podcast on "our story" too, you can listen to it, here. Q: ...continue reading >>
Disneyland/California Trip Recap + (Disney World vs. Disneyland)
It's totally taken me forever to get this post rolling. Life has just been well, busy. BUT I am finally making it happen and really excited to finally share a little video recap of our trip and all the cute pictures. Well, not all because that would be like 40 pages of pictures, but some of my favorites. I figure this post is easiest to break down by place to really give all my recommendations and favorite parts. I also put a little comparison of ...continue reading >>
How the LivingWith™ Mobile App Helps Manage Everything
Thank you Pfizer for sponsoring this post. Join Pfizer’s This Is Living With Cancer™ initiative by sharing your story with #InspirationLives on Facebook and Instagram to support and inspire those who have been affected by cancer, and be sure to check out the LivingWith™ mobile app available via iTunes and Google Play. I recently got the opportunity to write a post about someone special to me, my uncle Dean. Someone that I ...continue reading >>
House Update
It's been a whirlwind the last few weeks with the house. It took almost a month to get a plumber out there, so that set us back quite a bit....they were saying a two month delay, but today we got the good news that we should be in by the end of May (cross your fingers that stays)! So YAY! We went through and did the structural walkthrough today, made sure everything was in order before they start drywall next week and I am finally starting to get ...continue reading >>
10 Fun Facts about Me
I honestly have no idea if I've ever done a fun little "about me" so I thought why not now?! So here are 10 fun facts about me, ya know because I figured y'all were real interested ;) I grew up in Orange County and moved to Idaho when I was fifteen. At the time I was pretty dang hesitant, I mean California to Idaho...but now I am forever grateful and never want to leave Idaho! I have a hard time just sitting still. Literally, I ...continue reading >>
Some Recent Happenin’s
It's been a hot minute since I've just given a life update, so here I am. It's going to be short, sweet to the point and with a whole lot of pictures because well honestly, there's not much to say. HA! Our house is framed in! HOLLA. That's probably the biggest, most exciting news. So hopefully we will continue to be underway for an April finish date, cross your fingers! Now it's the fun part of finding a new couch, picking out blinds and ...continue reading >>
Current Favorite Things
So I do this thing where I become super obsessive over things. Like it's a problem. For example, I one time ate PB&J for a month straight, everyday, because like I said - obsessed. I did the same thing with waffles. Yeah...I think I just went to a next level of weird with y'all, it's fine. ANYWAYS, this isn't actually food related (though that would be cool), but I thought it would be fun to share some of my current favorite things, maybe do ...continue reading >>
5 Things I Plan to do Differently in 2018
Guys, I know everyone keeps saying this but I can't help but say it again, 2017 went so friggin' fast. And honestly, I feel like you only say that when you're getting older. Like life is FLYING by and I'm over here trying to balance it all, soak it all in and live every moment in slow motion. Well 2018 is here and happening now and honestly, I'm not a huge "resolutions" fan just because I swear I never do them. However, the last couple of months ...continue reading >>
Blake Gets Her Hair Done
Naturally I was that Mom with the camera and obviously, I'm posting pictures because I need to remember it forever and she was the cutest. That's all. ...continue reading >>
A Park Date
Last night we spur of the moment played at the park (Marcus' elementary school) with Blake and got some cute pictures, so I just wanted to post them. That's all. Feeling grateful for my people. <3 Outfits: Blake's dress & tights: June & January The rest: This post contains affiliate links. ...continue reading >>
A Little Look Into our Day
This post was sponsored Tai Pei, all opinions expressed in my post are my own. For the last couple of years I have been asked this question quite a few times, so I figured well -- let's get a post up about it. Though, y'all might be like -- dang your days are boring. BUT I am going to give you a little run down of our days. Usually they're all a little different, but for the most part we keep to a semi-schedule and the same ...continue reading >>
Bad Moms Christmas – Chicago Recap
Travel and accommodations were provided by STX Entertainment. Guys I am still in shock that I was in Chicago last week meeting some of the cast from Bad Moms Christmas. WHICH IT COMES OUT TODAY and I highly recommend planning a little girl's night tonight and seeing it! It's kind of surreal to think about them being normal people, just livin' their lives right -- but seriously, normal people just ...continue reading >>
Halloween 2017: Annie Family Costume
Blake's Dress DIY, dress from June & January Jess' whole outfit: Target & local thrift store Marcus' Top & Bottoms: Old Navy, suspenders & hat: Walmart This post contains affiliate links. ...continue reading >>
Infertility & Marriage
The other morning I was at the store and I got the same question that I have been asked so many times before. It’s one that I have learned to just become numb to, one that I have learned to just let roll off my back. When are you going to have more kids? Only this person didn’t say it like that, she said “OH! Your little girl NEEDS a sibling! When are you going to have more?” I tried to let it roll off my back, I bit my lip for a ...continue reading >>
Family Pictures – Fall 2017
Welp, we finally got an updated family picture WITH THE PUPS. I've been dreaming of beautiful apple orchard pictures since last year and my dreams finally came true thanks to Chantel! I can't wait to get these bad boys on our Christmas card this year! Shop outfits or similar items: Click pictures to shop! Jess' jumper: Paige Avenue And this one just for fun.... ;) This post contains affiliate links. ...continue reading >>
Anixety: Post #2 / How Therapy has Made me a Better Mom
I figured this was best to break it up into sections like this, otherwise y'all are going to be reading a novel and well -- I mean, maybe one day ;) So if you missed my last part 1, anxiety post, you can grab it, here. Today I want to dive in a little, to a way that has helped me the most, especially lately. Then next week I'll talk about some smaller things that have been beneficial in helping me keep my anxiety under control. Honestly, I think ...continue reading >>
Anxiety: Part 1 / My Story
When I was about 9 years old I remember standing in the living room of our house. My parents were out on a date, the babysitter was in the other room and I was watching from behind the couch, out the big window for them to come home. I had tried to call them, but they weren’t answering and I remember feeling panicked. My mind instantly went from normal nine year old, to imagining them in a car crash and then continually calling them until they ...continue reading >>
Life Changes & an Update
Well, I've been talking about how so many changes are happening forever now. So here I am, finally sharing the news. Honestly, my heart is a little anxious, full of peace but I am just an anxious person and I think really it's because it's just been a stressful few weeks. The news, we are moving. We've felt like we needed to sell our home for awhile. Honestly, I've been ignoring the prompting for some time because well -- I love our ...continue reading >>
My Favorite Country Songs – A Playlist
Marcus will FOR SURE make fun of me for this playlist, but I don't even mind. This Mama loves herself all the country music. So here you go ;) Also, balled my eyes out to Tim McGraw, "My Little Girl" for a solid like 20 minutes because obviously I had to listen to it on repeat...HA ...continue reading >>
Saturday Night Trip to the Fair
Sometimes you just have to convince the husband (yet again..I have to convince him every year ;)) to go to the fair and prove that guess what, it's really fun. ;) Jokes aside though, he had the best time even if he won't admit it, we all did. Blake fed the animals, went on a pony ride and Marcus played WAY too many games--but Blake wasn't even made because now she has an entire room full of GIANT stuffed animals...Also forewarning, overload of ...continue reading >>
Spur of the Moment Zoo Trip
Shop our outfits: Today Marcus had the day off of work, which meant I got to semi catch up on work and well...feel like a new person! HA! Seriously, feeling overwhelmed is one of the worst feelings. Well...it was around 3, I was still working, had a few more things to do, but said -- eh, forget about it, I can do that tonight! So I grabbed Marcus and Blake and we loaded up in the car and headed to the zoo! Well..little did we know the zoo ...continue reading >>
A Peek at our Lavender Field Pictures
I've wanted to do lavender field pictures for years, but honestly didn't even know Idaho had lavender fields until my girl Chantel told me, HA! So to say I'm excited about these spur of the moment pictures would be an understatement, she also killed it and they're better than I could have ever imagined. So excuse me while I say this, but CHRISTMAS CARDS here we come...now I promise not to talk about Christmas again for a hot minute. HA! Here's a ...continue reading >>
Why do we have to Face Hard Things?
Last night I was laying in bed, making a pro and con list of all things in my head for what in the world we are supposed to do for this big decision we are trying to make. As I was making the list, I was muttering in my head at God asking, why aren't you just telling me what we're supposed to do? Even though, I was pretty sure I was aware of the decision we needed to make. So really I was muttering, why? Are you sure that's right? You keep ...continue reading >>
A Little Flashback of Marcus & I
Today is mine and Marcus' fifth anniversary! It's crazy to me how fast time has flown by and that now we have a sweet little girl! Marcus is the most caring, genuine, honest guy and I am so lucky to call him mine and be raising a baby with him. He picks up around the house for me, brings me all the things when I am feeling lazy ;), puts up with my crazy ideas and supports me no matter what. I don't think I've gone a day since we got married ...continue reading >>
A Disney World Recap / Plus all the Tips & Tricks
We had the best time on our little getaway to Disney World. It's funny how vacations work, you go, go, go and then before you know it, it's over. I realized so much while we were away though, like how much I love these people I have. I mean, don't get me wrong obviously I LOVEDD them so much before, but there's just something about taking the stress away, not worrying and having fun that makes you realize how good you have it. How special your ...continue reading >>
A Park City Getaway
Last night we snuck away to the most beautiful lodge in Park City for the night, Stein Eriksen Lodge. It was just what we needed, a simple little night away full of family snuggles, Moana, swimming and looking at all the gorgeous views. I mean, if y'all saw my Insta-stories you know what I'm saying, it was STUNNING there, not to mention Stein Lodge, holy breathtaking! The room was stunning, with a full kitchen, hot tub, jetted tub, two fireplaces ...continue reading >>
Sunshine, Spring + Family Time
I think summer is almost here you guys, like I am pretty sure it MIGHT just stay warm from here on out. Fine, who am I kidding? Idaho has bipolar weather. So it might be snowing, raining, windy or who knows whatever tomorrow or in five minutes. I really don't know. Did you guys want me to continue to talk about the weather in Idaho for another few paragraphs? Like holy cow, let's get off that subject, it's fine. I've got some cute pics from our ...continue reading >>
Healthy, Happy Pups
One of my favorite things to do lately is to watch Blake play with the pups. They're so good with her and she seriously LOVES them and I mean LOVES them, like snuggles and smooches on em' all day long. They're all kind of great for each other honestly. The pups tire Blake out, which let's be real--Mama over here doesn't mind most days ;) and she does the same for them. They're the perfect little trio. Obviously, we want the best for our pups so ...continue reading >>
Family Time is a Good Time
Sometimes I feel like I am sucking it up in the Mom department. You know, always saying "no", constantly telling Blake what she can't do and usually in a rush or running to the next thing on the to do list. I worry that I'm not just letting her be a kid enough. I've been trying to really work on this, trying to just let loose a little bit, live a little. I'm what you would call a "workaholic" and well, since my work is primarily around being a ...continue reading >>
Stroller Walks to the “Hor-sees”
One of the things that really drew us in when picking out a lot to build a house on was the horses around the corner. It sounds silly, but I mean it--we have the rural feel, but still within the city. Plus I knew if my sweet girl was like her Mama, she would love horses. I rode off and on as a kid/teenager, still wish I did, but either way--I love them. They're beautiful animals and it's way too much fun to essentially have them in our ...continue reading >>
Peace.
Last night, as I was lying in bed I looked over at the baby monitor. I saw my sweet girl sleeping peacefully and I had the strongest feeling of peace just come over me. Peace that things would be fine, that things will work out in the way God wants them to. This week wasn't my week. Our infertility journey continues on with nothing but bad news, things didn't work out in something that Marcus is working on and my exhaustion levels are ...continue reading >>
Stop Complaining..
Dear self, Be content with what you do have. As a teenager you longed to fit in, to click with the girls around you, to be popular and have all the friends. You wanted time to go faster, to be 18 and move out of the house so you could do the things you wanted to do. You fought with your parents often, disobeyed just about every rule and pushed all the limits. You did stupid things, things you would regret, but then learn from. Love was ...continue reading >>
Infertility Journey: Today Sucked.
I'm not even going to sugarcoat it with a clever title or positive words, today has sucked. It's been a hard day. I try really hard to keep on a happy face and a positive attitude, but being told things aren't working for the 758357349 time is not the best feeling in the world. Especially for the second time. For some reason this "journey" feels so much harder than the first time. I mean, don't get me wrong--it sucked when we were trying to get ...continue reading >>
Oakes Infertility Journey: Infertility Specialist Appt
The Feeding Story
Today we met with the infertility specialist to talk about the next steps in our journey. The journey to make our family bigger, to give Blake a sibling and to bring even more happiness to our home. It wasn't exactly the answer I was looking for, in fact it was a little bit of a disappointment. I am still processing it all, we are still making plans for the next steps and we are still hopeful. We will update y'all with all those details in our ...continue reading >>
Snow Day With Clevermade
It has snowed so much here in the last couple of weeks. I'm talking record snow, like 2.5 feet high in our yard--which is crazy for here. Well, last week we spent as much time as we possibly could as a family. We did all the fun things, hung out with extended family, played games, it was perfect. I think the holiday's are just perfect for that very reason. It's the best reminder of what's really important, what really matters. On Saturday ...continue reading >>
3..2..1..Time to Make a Change
I don't remember it ever being this bad, to the point where I just wanted to break down in tears all the time. To the point where it almost just consumes me, actually it does, it totally consumes me most days. I can tell you the main two reasons for it, there are a million factors--but two big ones. My business and being a Mother. The two biggest factors in this entire thing. My business probably being the bigger one of the two, but motherhood ...continue reading >>
Recap of 2016
This year has been a crazy, wild ride. We've had a lot of ups and a lot of downs, but overall I learned a lot, I've grown as a person, a Mom and a business owner. I'm excited for 2017 though, to see what it brings and to really make some changes and meet some goals. I've never been a good resolution follower so this year rather than setting a lot of unrealistic New Year resolutions, I've set obtainable goals and I can't wait to get started on ...continue reading >>
Pups are Family
When Marcus and I were trying to get pregnant with Blake it felt like well, forever. The reality was--it did take a LONG time and I needed something to fill the void, keep me occupied and give me that feeling of Motherhood that I so badly longed for. So I begged (and I mean begged) Marcus for a pup. I would look online, look at the shelter, literally everywhere pups could be found and show him pictures pretty much all day, everyday. I mean, we ...continue reading >>
2017–Goals
I love New Years mainly because I feel like it's a start over, a fresh start. You can set new goals, be a new person, whatever you want because well, it's a New Year. Every year I write down a long list of goals, you know the usual--lose weight, sleep more, journal every night, things that I never actually follow through with. I mean, most of them are ruined by January 3rd with my fifth piece of chocolate cake and four hours of sleep. So this ...continue reading >>
A Family Picnic Inside
Since it’s been well to say the least, COLD here with a whole lot of snow, we’ve been trying to stay indoors as much as possible! So today we did something fun because I feel like most of our Saturdays have been spent with a whole lot of me working, housework and everything else that well, isn’t fun. This morning I decided enough was enough and well, we were going to have the best fun filled family day ever! First on our list, snuggles, matching ...continue reading >>
Oakes Infertility Journey: A Quick Update
Some days are harder than others in this journey, that's for sure. Infertility feels lonely, though I have this huge support system around me and my husband right by my side I feel totally alone most days. I shrug it off with some laughs, a little dancing inside but the reality is-IT SUCKS. Yesterday when we filmed this update, it was a good day. Things were fine, I was being positive--but today (and maybe it's all the hormones), I'm negative ...continue reading >>
Milk + Cookies for Santa (Trial Run)
Photos by Chantel Cherie Photography Christmas is going to be here before we know it! So naturally I’ve put on my Betty Crocker hat and have been baking away! Seriously, it’s the only time of the year you will find me baking--in fact it’s probably the only time of year you’ll find me even somewhere close to the kitchen. ;) HA! Last week we did a practice run for Santa’s milk and cookies. Mainly just so we could you know, eat all the cookies and ...continue reading >>
Our Infertility Journey: Introduction
I'm excited, terrified, anxious--pretty much every emotion out there to share this journey with y'all. I think it's going to be good to share, hopefully do some good for y'all as well and hopefully it will bring good news sooner rather than later. I've decided to do this via YouTube, but will make sure I post the videos here as well, it's just a little more therapeutic for myself to actually talk it out rather than write..which is the opposite of ...continue reading >>
Our Weekend in Salt Lake
Last weekend I spoke at Pinner's Conference in Salt Lake and it was so much fun! Marcus and I are constantly joking about why we ever moved out of Utah because I'm literally there every other weekend it seems like. Regardless, it was about time I did a fun little post on it! This time I took a good friend and her little one and we made a fun little girl's weekend out of it. It was chaotic with two little ones in one hotel room, but it was so ...continue reading >>
Family: Being a Dad is the Hardest Thing I’ve Ever Done
Marcus is taking over today and I couldn't be more excited. I think a lot of time we forget about how much the husbands, baby Daddy's and significant others in our lives care about us. We get so wrapped up in our own problems, in how they "don't" stress out and about how much we have to do that we forget that they're actually watching our every move. They're witnessing our every pain and it hurts them just as badly as it hurts us. So here's a fun ...continue reading >>
Halloween 2016
We took Blake trunk or treating tonight and it was seriously the cutest thing ever! She picked the entire concept up after about two cars and then just kept rushing from car to car saying "MO, MO" (more). We were obviously all dying because it was the funniest/cutest thing ever. Our costumes didn't quite turn out like I hoped, though Blake's did and that's all that ...continue reading >>
Getting Out of Your Own Head…
Yesterday I was working away on a couple projects. It was like 10 o' clock at night and well, you could say I was past my breaking point. I was exhausted. It had been a long day and well this mind of mine was only making it worse. All the negative things were running through my head... I wasn't good enough... My latest numbers for work sucked... I'm not hitting my goals... Everything is going downhill... I'm an awful Mom... My house is a ...continue reading >>
The BEST Baby Food + The Pumpkin Patch
We've been to all sorts of little farms and fall activities, but we haven't been to a true pumpkin patch yet. So the other day I was determined to make it there once Marcus got off work before they closed. It's only about 10 minutes from our house, so I had everything packed up ready to go and then we headed straight out the door when Marcus got home. Seriously y'all I wish I could tell you how much my heart needed this little trip. This week has ...continue reading >>
“Things” Don’t Matter…
Throughout my life I have lost close family members and friends and I've watched others lose just the same. My heart always aching and hurting whether I'm losing someone special of my own or watching someone else have to face that trial. It's rough, in fact I would say it's one of the toughest trials we face in our lifetime. Lately though, as Blake grows, as we get older and as I constantly compare myself to everyone around me (Bad idea--don't ...continue reading >>
Family Pictures 2016
Photos by Angela Minnick Photography Blake's Outfit Details: Dress: June & January | Sweater c/o Boden | Headband c/o Loved by Sophia Claire | Socks: June & January | Moccs c/o Freshly Picked Jess' Outfit Details: Top c/o Downeast Basics | Jeans c/o Downeast Basics | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: Alex & Ani | Boots: Hunter Boots Marcus Outfit Details: Shirt: Old Navy | Jeans: Old Navy | Shoes c/o Skechers ...continue reading >>
A Fall Trip to the Farm
Earlier this week we got back from our Arizona trip, where we totally had a blast. However, I was so excited to dive into cooler weather and some fun Idaho traditions. This time of year in Idaho is seriously the best, all the fun fall festivals happen, delicious treats appear and the best part there are mini petting zoo farms everywhere! You might laugh, but I love them and Blake does too--actually she might more than I do and that’s saying a ...continue reading >>
Our Phoenix Area, Arizona Travel Guide
We are HOME! It was such a fun trip visiting the Phoenix area, but it feels good to be home and in our own bed. I have had a ton of questions about the places we went, where we ate and the fun things to do for kids. So I figured a blog post was the best way to tell y'all ;) Plus--it's a great post to share some of my favorite pictures from our visit. Best Kid Friendly Activities 1. Ody-Sea Aquarium - Y'all this was our number one, favorite ...continue reading >>
Arizona Recap Round One & Our Hotel Stay..
Arizona has welcomed us with open arms so far! Seriously though, it's been a blast! We were lucky enough to stay at the Drury Hotel the first couple of nights and it was great! Blake jumped on the bed, the couch, the chair -- she's really into jumping, so you know in case you were wondering how that was? She says great. ;) The first day we got here we went to Legoland Discovery Center and holy cow -- Blake had a BLAST. It was a little out of her ...continue reading >>
Fall Family Walk in the Park
Can you believe fall is here? BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL FALL! I'm just a little obsessed with this season. Okay, I'm a lot obsessed. Seriously I love it so much, its my favorite season ever and I force everyone around me to love it too. Last year Blake was too little to really experience the full "effect" of fall, so I'm making her dive in full force this year. We've been to the pumpkin patch twice, had all the hot chocolate, pulled out ALL of our ...continue reading >>
Finding Balance + Making Priorities…
I was walking into church this past Sunday, overwhelmed, defeated, grumpy and struggling to balance it all. I felt lost, like I was losing at Motherhood, working, being a wife and especially trying to do it all. Literally my plate is so full, it's always so full. I'm trying to work, plan these events, travel for work, be a wife, pay bills, take care of a house and all while being the best possible mom I can be. To say the struggle is real would ...continue reading >>
Fall is in the Air…
This post is just going to be a whole lot of pictures because last night was so good. I've been a workaholic the last week and I needed a night with just my family and that's exactly what I got. My heart was so happy and they're what keep me pushin' on during the long days. I do everything I do because of my people! Outfit details.. Blake/ Dress: June & ...continue reading >>
Family Park Time
Last night I snuck into Blake's room while she was sleeping. I picked her up, carried her over to the glider and sat down holding her close and rocking her. She's so busy these days that I couldn't tell you the last time I really snuggled her, you know--where she just let me hold her and rock her for more than 30 seconds. My heart was so full. Literally, I rocked her until 12:30 and even then I didn't want to stop. She brings the best out in me, ...continue reading >>
A Chocolate Milk S’mores Party
Every Monday night we try to do something as a family. Anything really, just as long as we're together and spending quality time with each other. We put down our phones (minus for pictures of course) and really SPEND time together. Since fall is in the air here in Idaho we thought it was the perfect evening to put our fire pit to use! I hit the store Monday afternoon with Blake, loaded up on all the necessities (chocolate, graham crackers, ...continue reading >>
Little bits on Blake..
Because I don't want to forget anything. You love to walk everywhere right now, you totally got it down last week and haven't stopped since. You've taken steps here and there for the last three months, but all of a sudden last week you realized you can get around pretty dang fast with your tiny feet and you haven't stopped since. You're painfully shy, but at the same time you're not. It's so funny. You'll waive and laugh from afar, but the ...continue reading >>
Q & A..
Oh hey there! I get asked a few everyday, so I figured why not answer some of them in a blog post. They're random, they're fun and well, y'all are about to find out just how boring my life really is. ;) S0 let's do this. Q: How did you and Marcus meet? A: Our friends set us up on a blind date, it's actually a funny story. We HATED each other the first couple of weeks and eventually I convinced him he should just be in love with me already ;) Now ...continue reading >>
Just Your Average (shoeless) Trip to the Library…
Since summer is drawing to an end here really soon and my FAVORITE season is fast approaching I've been trying to do all the things with Blake. You know, like get out of the house -- go to the pool, go to the library, to the park, wherever! Plus, it's nice for this Mama to take a step back from work for an hour and have serious quality time with my babe! Last week we went to the library and it was seriously exactly what my heart needed. It was ...continue reading >>
New Shoes + Rolling with the Punches…
Yesterday morning, we had a plan; take the dogs to the groomer, grab some lunch and go check out the BSU football event happening downtown. I got Blake dressed, got myself dressed, through on my new Kangaroo sneakers (from Payless) and we were out the door. The drive to the groomers is always a little chaotic because well, just imagine--a husband driving, Mom taming two crazy pups in the front seat and a cute little one year old in the back who ...continue reading >>
No One Else Matters
As you may have saw yesterday, I had an article featured on the Huffington Post. Honestly, I am still in shock, after blogging for more than 8 years, trying and failing, and working my butt off it was one of the most rewarding feelings I have ever felt. Literally, tears all day yesterday and ALL happy! Well, I came to learn something yesterday, in fact a pretty big life lesson I would say. NO ONE ELSE MATTERS. What?! Is your mind totally blown? ...continue reading >>
