sarah tucker

8 etsy favorites

2016-06-16T13:38:00.000-04:00

you are our greatest adventure print

gold laurel - I've been in love with this for a year, so I finally purchased it!

bronze olive twig wreath

ginger jar personalized matches

seaweed poster

toy storage

little house quote print

spotted pillow

Just a couple etsy favorites I've been eyeing. Have you spotted anything on there lately that you're loving?

*affiliate links are used in this post*

home updates

2016-06-15T09:01:00.002-04:00

We got a porch swing bed!! This is such a dream for me... I've wanted one for a decade. The one from Ballard was just the right size for the space. Plus it included cushions! I'm excited to finish this space off this summer. I'm on the hunt for two wicker chairs, and a couple garden stools. We still need to grout the (looks like wood) tile and paint the door leading to the sleeping porch.

we mounted the antique sailboat on this wall that was blank for the last two years. I love it here!

we put up this little hook from joss and main (not available currently) in the playroom. The room was an addition in he 70's, hence the paneling... and needs a lot of help but I'm finally giving it some attention and hope to share soon. Ugly paneling and all! // backpack is Uashmama c/o

love these target air plant holders - I actually got the air plants on amazon a couple months ago. They're easy to care for. I just soak mine for about twenty minutes in water once a week.

the nasty grout in my bathroom is driving me crazy in this pic! If you're building a house/remodeling a bathroom - no white grout. You're welcome! We're working on changing the few boob lighting we have in the house, and put up this little pendant from RH baby. I may make it so it's flush though so it doesn't look quite so dinky.

We've got a lot of travel coming up this summer, so we'll probably take a break from doing much to/for the house.

I'm still on the hunt for a tall dresser for our room, and a wine cabinet. The list of little repairs is never ending, but I still love this old house so much.

*affiliate links are in this post*

TUCK SAYS

2016-06-14T09:37:00.003-04:00

My parents have told me so many times how I practically had my own language for so long, and how they never wanted to correct me because they thought it was cute. I'm guilty of this too! Ugh the way Tuck says things just about knocks me dead from how cute it is. His little voice, expressions, funny grammar ... I just eat it up. All of the past tuck says ... they're all but gone now. It's so fleeting. They do eventually learn to talk correctly. That sentence alone could make me weep. ha.

He has such good manners. Saying lots of Thank you's, please, and now "Yes man!" for yes ma'm... this always makes me laugh.

The other day after Wes went in his diaper

Tuck notices a smell ...

"I am so proud of you, Wes!!!"

looks at me and tells me excitedly "Mom! Wes went poo poo! are you so proud of him?"

yep, every. time. tuck. so ... proud...? (:

We got Tuck a bike with pedals after totally mastering his balance bike.

JB was soooo excited to give it to him. He rides it a bit and then looks at JB

"um, can I go look at that tree over there?"

On a bike ride later he stops to pick a flower for me. always. there's nothing so sweet as that.

He then tells me "smell it. then put it in your hair"... well, yes sir.

{tuck and wes are wearing adorable coordinating Bella Bliss c/o}

"mom you got a little baby in your belly?"

no.

"awwww man! I want anudder baby brudder for cuddles. one on each side."

lol not yet!

"Mom! You play with me peeeeeas? Yes or no?? what'll it be?!"

"Mom you a pincess, I'm the knight! my save you!"

his favorite pretend game as of late

and the most ridiculous one...

"mom!!! you ruined my life!!!"

where did he pick this up?!!

I have it on video ... I really shouldn't laugh!

For the record I was ruining his life by not letting him on the "peter" = computer

and on a serious note:

We are grieving with everyone over what happened Sunday morning in Orlando.

It's heartbreaking and horrific. I've shed tears, I've had a very heavy heart... I'm sure it's the same for you. I have no words for how sorry I am to those this hits so much closer to home or heart.

I can only pledge to teach my children the message of John 13:34-35 ...

To love others as Jesus loves them.

I've also felt my spirit be lifted every time I've read or seen on the news stories of good...I plan on adding here as I see more stories like this.

hero saves life

chic-fil-a opening up

proving people are fundamentally good

jetblue doing their part

al fresco dining and the play house

2016-06-13T09:30:00.001-04:00

It may not look like much more than some grass but this was a huge dirt pit when we first moved in! Our neighbors said they had put sod down a few times, and it never stuck. So we tested our soil, asked some experts on timing and type of grass that would be best (st. augustine was the winner), jb and my dad rented a bucket truck and trimmed trees for an entire weekend so this area could have more sun, and waited (impatiently on my part) until just the right time to put sod down. It's been a year and though we've gone through literal rough patches, to the amazement of our neighbors and us, it has stuck! We also had this area rounded with the old bricks, and a pathway put in going to the gate.

An outside dining table was on our long list to buy when we first moved in. I kept my eyes out and found this one from target... though it's not available at the moment. We've had it since January and it's held up surprisingly well. I do worry, maybe unnecessarily, about how it will do long term out there and I think it would hold up better under a covered porch. But what doesn't! The chairs are safavieh "hooper" outdoor/indoor chairs (though I couldn't find the above color combo), that we used to have inside. They have been amazing outdoors! I would buy these again in an instant. It's a great spot for the adults during play dates to take a break, for jb and I to drink our morning coffee, or for dinner with friends over ... all while the kids are entertained. I also wanted to show a few pictures of the playhouse that came with the house since a few people have asked. The previous owners won it at an auction. My dad had to redo the floors, and it's not in the best shape, but the kids love it. Tuck actually calls it his firehouse now, and keeps his fireman suit there and his firetruck. It needs a fresh coat of paint for the outside. I'll never paint the inside though - we love all things Max around here.

*affiliate links are used above**

Mom Uniform Volume Three

2016-06-11T10:48:00.000-04:00

{shorts are jcrew // the tunic is a couple years old and also from jcrew // back pack c/o uashmama - handmade in italy. it's actually paper even though it looks and feels like leather, but washes easily -- which is really nice with kids!! // sunglasses are target }

Happy Weekend!!

*affiliate links are used*

Wesleys first puddle jumps

2016-06-10T10:11:00.000-04:00

Wesley in tucks hand-me-downs... Tuck teaching Wes how to jump in puddles...These are good days.

blue & white

2016-06-08T08:59:00.003-04:00

gingham top // chambray shorts // loft peplum top // electric blue high rise shorts //

jump suit from madewell // j.crew tunic // t shirt dress // linen shirtdress // tribal maxi // blue maxi ($18!) // embroidered top // gingham shorts (30% off with SHOPEXTRA)

I love the crisp combination of blue and white. It reminds me of summer, though here in florida, I wear it all year long. We have a couple vacations coming up where I'll need some more shorts - those gingham ones are on their way to me. I think the 5 inch inseam works well for a mom of two ... I can't quite go bermuda without looking like a boy with my body type (:

2016-06-06T11:10:00.000-04:00

We're in a tropical storm, which to be honest, I love. Maybe because we haven't had much rain so I haven't gone through all the rainy day activities. I love these cozy days. It looks like it's 8pm out, and it's absolutely pouring. Not much to do but snuggle up and watch a movie on our biggest tv .... drag all the toys out ... bake banana bread while listening to Raffi together ... take a couple baths (we've had one shower, two baths already.) ... do a puzzle ... and it's 11 am. I'm watching the rain on the old window pains drip and writing this post with a smile. "Nice and Cozy" tucks says to me as he cuddles up next to me, pulling his blankets up over us... Wes is asleep for his first nap upstairs. The years are long and alllll that... but there are some really sweet simple cozy moments mixed in there. Thankful for these rainy-do-little-days spent with my tiny loves.

Father's Day Gift Guide with The Mall at University Town Center

2016-06-01T17:55:00.002-04:00

Y'all know I love a good gift guide! I hope this one, made in partnership with The Mall at University Town Center, gives you some great ideas for your dad! If you're local, there's an amazing giveaway they are having in honor of Father's Day - enter your dad here.

Thanks to The Mall At University Town Center for partnering with me on this gift guide!

Life in May via my phone

2016-05-31T09:08:00.004-04:00

Tomorrow it's June! What?! I thought I'd do a little recap of the month, via pictures found on my phone.

We started the month off with some boating. We borrowed my in-laws boat (the boat we always use), and tied it up at our dock which was so much fun that weekend. We just hopped on and off. Wes may have a different story though... he hates his life vest. He tolerates the puddle jumpers (coast guard certified) more than his regular one. But still, he isn't a fan of the boat yet.

May 3-4 was The Bloom Workshop out in beautiful Lange Farm. I spoke on the panel, which I was anxious about, but it ended up being good. It was so nice to finally meet so many sweet bloggers, I've been online friends with forever.

I couldn't find this top online but it's ann taylor! I love it!

I am working on something fun with The Mall at University Town Center and Shannon! I think I'll be able to show you this week (:

We visited my Ninny twice this month. It's a goal of mine to see her more often!

JB volunteered for two fishing tournaments. The boys were able to enter into one! Wes was all about it.

My in-laws threw their annual Kentucky Derby Party. Next year we will probably get a babysitter, even though it seemed like everyone loved seeing the kids. My parents were there too, and I love this snap of my mom wrangling them.

We celebrated my mom's 65th birthday at Seasons 52. I always love eating there!

I had such a fun mother's day with the boys. Breakfast in bed, brunch out, some golf, and dinner at my parents to celebrate my grandmother's birthday. It was a beautiful day, and my heart was so full.

We had a couple perfect beach days. It's getting to be so much easier to take them to the beach by myself.

Wes modeled for The Beaufort Bonnet Company down in Palm Beach. My mom and I made a little trip of it, and I think Wes enjoyed his time being an only child for a weekend. All the women that work for TBBC were so amazing and sweet!

I took the kids to Sunken Gardens again. They love the "mingos"!

JB wrangling both boys. He's a great dad!!

The jasmine bloomed! This was blooming when we looked at the house to buy, and it was definitely a pinch me moment imagining I'd get to see it every year like this.
Took the boys to Mote Marine! They loved the sharks and the stingrays.

Tuck and I sneaked out for a little one on one to a concert with Shannon and Hunter. Then, of course, some cream (:

I took Tuck to the fire station! His favorite thing in the whole world is firetrucks! The fireman let him honk the horn, turn all the lights on, and bust out the hose. If you want to do this with your kid - just call ahead. They were so great to him! He is still talking about it.
The little vet area at Great Explorations.

The start to memorial day! fishing with our friends at the beach.

JB was out of town this weekend (friday-sunday) with my brother in Dallas. I am such a chicken, and wanted both boys to sleep with me. ... that didn't work out well. ha. #teamnosleepforme

My friend Emily and Ross were in town this weekend. I snuck out while my parents watched the boys for some grub at The Beach Bistro with them. We all went on the boat yesterday. Down to Beer Can Island (pictured above) and then wading out on Jewfish Key.

It's Tucks last day of school, though we all have chapel together tomorrow. I'm looking forward to being able to say yes to more fun play dates. But I know he will miss it! He's only been in school since January, and there hasn't been a single day he hasn't wanted to go. It's a wonderful environment for him, and I can't believe all he's learned. He will go to summer camp there a week here and there, and I know he's going to love that.

So that was May! A pretty great month (:
Can't wait for June!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

2016-05-27T16:51:00.002-04:00

Nature's natural blood pressure medicine ... just looking at it surely lowers it.

Happy National Sunscreen Day!

30% off sitewide at Supergoop with code SUNSCREEN

We go through sooo much sunscreen around here and this is far and away JB's favorite!

I hope you all have a safe and fun Memorial Day Weekend ... annnd lots of bear hugs like the above!

Beyond grateful to those who have risked it all for our freedom!!

rent the runway unlimited review

2016-05-25T10:38:00.003-04:00

It's been one month since my sister and I split Rent the Runway Unlimited. Though after the first shipment she had (it was for a wedding weekend), we both decided we wanted our own due to having a couple events come up for both of us. It's $140, so it's not cheap - though if you are a first timer you can get $30 off using my referral link. You can start on any day of the month, and go month to month and cancel at any time. You pick three items (dresses, accessories, handbags), and ship one or all back to pick out more.

Things I loved about it:

I loved that I could wear trendier items, things I wouldn't necessarily want to keep in my closet forever, and return them.
You can keep a dress for as long as you'd like. This is great for vacations, especially if they are out of the country.
I loved that I was wearing high quality clothing... at a fraction of the price. Especially for things I would likely only wear a few times anyway.
Not surprisingly, Dressing was easier. I mixed some casual dresses with nicer dinner dresses. What to wear to church, dinner, or to pick up didn't take as much time and I looked more put together than normal.
About half of the dresses I rented came with tags and brand new. Which felt like borrowing something out of your sisters closet she hadn't worn before! Guilt free!!
They do the dirty work (; they dry clean!

Things I didn't love:

Shipping can be slower than I expected. Though they say two day delivery, sometimes the processing takes that day, and sometimes it takes a couple days... So at times it felt a bit too long.
You have to reserve them well in advance to make sure you have the in time for a certain event. And your size is available!
Obviously since you're renting, you don't have anything to show for, as far as your closet is concerned, after the month ends.
If you rent all at once you only have one return bag. Which makes it harder if you want to stagger your dresses. I liked to wear it a couple times, and then send it right back so I could pick another. So one was always coming in.

What's the cost breakdown?

These are the dresses I rented for the month ...

Gemma Jumpsuit: $290

Waverly Maxi: $288

Mara Hoffman shirt dress: $242

Tory Burch Larissa Dress: $495

Joie Embroidered Dress: $328

Keepsake dress: $180

Papercrown Lafeyette Maxi: $300

erin fetherston dress: $275

Tibi cold shoulder blue dress: $395

So the total to buy these dresses, full retail, would be - $2793 versus total to rent $140

For nine dresses that works out to $15.5 a dress - not bad. I waited a couple days a few time to pick my next shipment, so I think I could have likely gotten a couple more dresses in the month if I had been quicker.

Am I going to do it again?

We have a couple vacations coming up that I'll need a few dresses for each, so I'm planning on doing it for June and July, and then taking a break. It's an indulgence for sure, but I do love always having something fun to wear and the fact that I can get more casual pieces to mix in as well.

**affiliate links and my RTR referral link are both used in this post**

mom uniform volume two

2016-05-21T06:57:00.001-04:00

Photos by Shannon Kirsten

{dress is ann taylor and currently 40% off // steve madden shoes // veronica deore statement eyewear jewelry doubling as a necklace }

I've worn this dress flat out lately! It feels a little like something Jackie O might have worn, which I love. I've dressed it up with chunky heels and down with white sandals.

It's an easy and cute no fuss summer dress. I only wish I knew how to tie a bow better (:

Things to do with Toddlers on the Gulf Coast of Florida // Bradenton - St. Pete - Sarasota

2016-05-20T08:56:00.001-04:00

For those that live in my area or visit, this one is for you!

Things to do with your kids other than go to the swimming pool, the beach, the boat, or fishing (: ...

Mote Marine - This is great for all ages. They have touch tanks, tons of exhibits, and A LOT of marine life. We love to stop in to the Old Salty Dog for lunch after or before.

Busch Gardens Tampa - For Christmas my MIL has given us year passes for the past two years. It has SO MUCH for toddlers. They have an entire Sesame Street area, with more to do than your child will have energy for (if you can believe that). But the animals are amazing and the biggest reason I take the kids. They also have a train that takes you through the "Serengeti" which is a hit with my kids too. One tip if you are bringing kids is that they have "stroller parking" and for no extra charge you literally park at the front of the park. But you have to tell them you have a stroller with you!

big cat habitat - they are a sanctuary for lions and other big cats. They have a petting zoo too!

south florida museum - This is right next to JB's office so we are here alllll the time. It's perfect for the time of day when it's too hot to go to the park. They have manatees, a lot of exhibits geared toward life and history of Florida, and even a whole room of toys to play with.

just bounce - Also a good spot when it's too hot outside. Just an indoor bounce house which Tuck loves. They have toddler times where you have to be under 5, and it's only $5.

Jungle Gardens- Fun place to feed flamingos. Lots of other animals too - some more you can even interact with.

The Riverwalk - Is located in downtown bradenton, also close to JBs work. I have Tuck ride his bike here along the river to the huge play ground that's mostly shaded.

Great Explorations Childrens Museum - If you are freaked out by germs, probably best to stay away. I think they do a good job, given the task, of keeping it as clean as they can. Personally we haven't had any sort of stomach bug come out of going here and we've been a lot. There's even an area more for crawlers and smaller babies. Another great place to go when it's hot out.

Sunken Gardens - This is a pretty park that's almost completely shaded. I love it and the kids mostly walk through the whole thing, leaving them pretty tired at the end (: ... Admission isn't free though!

Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics - This is where Tuck has gymnastics class. But if you're just interested in open gym, they have that too!

Little Kicks out in Ellenton - not very structured but how can you be with kids 3 and under? It's a good place to get the wiggles out and learn a little soccer.

Parks I love in this area:
Robinson Preserve
Botanical Park
Lewis Park
Desoto National Memorial
Emerson Point Preserve

Palmetto Historical Park: There is a play ground across from this at Sutton Park. But they have a little museum and then all of the original structures of Palmetto. It's so cute, and fun to run around for the kids. They have some old tractors here that Tuck loves!

Go to Geraldson's or your farm stand and pick out veggies together. At geraldsons my kids run around, and sometimes are given a tractor ride (:

Another favorite farm stand is Grove's out in Parrish - they have goats you can feed and chickens too.

Hunsader Farms - This farm has sooo many animals you can feed. They also have a farm stand, and an ice cream shop.

O'Brien Family Farms - the best spot to U-pick!

We have a library that's less than a mile from here. They have story time each week and also a Forty Carrots mommy & me program each week.

Music class - Alli Songs for Tots - Ms. Alli is the best! This is a great program your kid will love. I'd say six months until 4/5 is best. She has classes all over the area.

I'm sure there are some places I'm missing! If you have a favorite spot you take your children in this area, I'd love to know!

Summer is Here with Janie and Jack

2016-05-19T07:54:00.000-04:00

**Thanks to Janie and Jack for partnering with me on this post. It's been a brand I've loved since before we even started having kids!!**

On Tuck: rashguard // marlin swim trunks // tortoise sunglasses

On Wes: sailboat rashguard // straw fedora // colorblock sunglasses // striped euro swim trunks

all c/o janie and jack

What a fun day of a little fishing (Wesley doesn't have a line on or a hook but shhhh because he's still happy as a clam!) and ending it with an easy publix sub dinner at the beach. Every time we do dinner on the beach I wonder why we don't do this more often!

And how about those adorable swim outfits from Janie & Jack ...

On the occasion that I'm shopping without kids ... scratch that, I never shop with the kids! You're welcome Wes and Tuck. But when I am shopping, even when I set out to get something for myself, without fail, I wind up shopping for the boys. And I always pop into Janie and Jack! I then hem and haw over how cute everything is. I find an excuse to get one of the little ladies in our life a little something too. Because the girl stuff there is too much! But then their boy stuff is just as good!! Janie and Jack makes it fun to dress little boys. JB sometimes laughs at the way I dress my boys ... It's the Mississippi roots in my blood, I can't help it! But he loves whenever I put them in Janie and Jack. When he saw Tuck wearing his new marlin swim trunks, he wondered where he could find his size ... and when he saw Wes in his little euro trunks, he wasn't wanting them in his size (ha!) but couldn't get over how adorable he looked in them. Thanks Janie and Jack for making dressing my boys fun, and timeless - even while they are swimming!

Have you picked up anything adorable at Janie and Jack lately?

**thank you Janie and Jack for sponsoring this post**

You're a gem of a teacher // free printable

2016-05-18T09:33:00.000-04:00

I LOVE tucks teachers! They have done so much in five months. He just goes twice a week, but it's incredible to see the progress. He wakes up each school day ready to go and excited. It's an amazing environment for him and I couldn't be more happy with all they've done. A few weeks ago I threw something together for teachers appreciation week. It was a pot of tulips with a garden stake saying "thanks for helping me grow"... So if you need something in a pinch, that was fun. But I want to do something more for them at the end of the year. So Darcy from Pretty Girl Designs created this fun printable! And what better than some beautiful Sheer Addiction earrings to go along with it?! You can win some here!

backyard toy favorites

2016-05-12T09:56:00.003-04:00

{kid kraft striped table // kid kraft sandbox // melissa and doug sprinkler // zoku fish pop molds // water table // backyard swing // little tikes baseball, tee and bat // gazillion bubbles // kids garden tool set // little tikes soccer set // balloons }

These are all things that we've accumulated through the years that have helped make our backyard fun. I love that friends of ours enjoy coming over for playdates back there. And bonus! - my house doesn't need to be clean! It looks a bit redneck at the moment, with a lot of plastic toys. I so need to work on a storage system for out there! Hooray for happy summer days, with sprinklers cooling us off, grass beneath your feet, and smiles on our faces.

**affiliate links are used in this post**

13 month Wesley James

2016-05-11T11:21:00.000-04:00

{pjs are petite plume's new collection c/o}

Wes is sooo cute these days. I could sit and watch him all day. He has such an adorable personality. Also, as I'm always saying these days -- they are lucky they are so cute! Because Wes is busy busy busy, getting into everything and anything. Nothing is safe! The main obsession is with the dog food. What is that about? Thankfully he doesn't eat it but he loves to throw it all over the place.
He still loves food and it's rare that there's something he doesn't like. Though sweets, of course, are his favorite. Lately the boys have been playing together so much. Wes wants to do whatever Tuck is doing. He toddles around after him all over the yard. Those are the best moments! Wes loves to be tickled. You say "tickle tickle" and he makes a T sound and scratches his belly. His giggle is one of the best sounds ever. He is pretty verbal for a 13 month old, and understands a lot. He's said: hi, ball, baball - which is his way of saying baseball, hi dad, mama, la for lola, bird, and he calls my mom nana (even though her grandma name is Nina). He loves bike rides, animals, the pool. He's not so sure about the boat though. He is sometimes shy, and hides behind my legs. It's sometimes surprising who he wants to hold him. On Sunday it was granddaddy. I would not do! ha. He loves brushing his teeth. He is really snuggly but just not for bed/nap times. He's sleeping through, after a bit of a regression. Hallelujah! He loves to give kisses and laughs every time he does. But his version is open mouth like he's going to eat me ones. (: He's a hand full, but I wouldn't change any of him for the world.

Mother's Day Weekend

2016-05-09T08:14:00.003-04:00

{and some iphone snaps...}

I hope you all had a great Mother's Day weekend! Last year Tuck was hit by the stomach bug and I started that Mother's Day being thrown up on... but what's more of true "motherhood" than that! Thankfully everyone was feeling good this year. We had a date night on Friday, a kids fishing tournament, target trip with girlfriends, and Kentucky derby party on Saturday, and Sunday was perfectly spent with my favorite people planned completely around food (: ! It was a good weekend!!

{wearing: keepsake dress (rent / buy) via rent the runway unlimited (my sister and I split the cost for a month to try it out and so far we love it!) // paper crown dress ( rent // buy )

on tuck: jcrew seersucker shorts // janie and jack old linen shirt // old bowtie tadpole & lily

on wes: target carters shortall with a tbbc peter pan collar shirt and old janie and jack shoes }

**affiliate links links are in this post**

7 of my favorite snapchat accounts

2016-05-07T07:47:00.002-04:00

Emilia Jane : emjscho // I love Emilia. She's an incredible photographer in Chicago/NYC. She has such an eye for beauty. Her snaps are pretty pretty pretty and so is she!

the father daughter team behind what to cook : whattocook // Sophie and Andrew can do no wrong in the kitchen. I love them so much!

Elizabeth of fox den blog: foxdenblog // Elizabeth has two homes that are decorated to perfection. She has the best personal style, an adorable little boy, and a baby girl on the way.

lynzy coughlin of lynzy and co : lynzy_coughlin // I love lynzy!! I was her wedding planner a few years ago. Her snaps are so real and hilarious. Plus her girls and home are the cutest!

lauren knight: aspiringkennedy // Adorable babies + london + paris life. It's so much fun to follow Lauren's daily adventures.

jacin fitzgerald: jacinfitgerald // Jacin is an amazing wedding planner and florist. Her snaps of florals leave me weak in the knees. I love her everyday life in Georgia.

Upperlyne & Co : juleytl // Most people look better on the internet than in person but Juley defies that. I think it's because she's just as pretty on the inside as the outside! She's a great cook, has amazing style, and just launched upperlyne kitchen co.

I love the view you get with snapchat. Plus, the filters are theeee best. My snapchat isn't as exciting as the above, it's filled with those ordinary moments I was talking about yesterday. Read: a bit boring to an outside eye. Though if you'd like to follow those my username is sgmtucker ...
Are you on Snapchat? It's one of my favorite ways to connect these days! What's your username?

praise for ordinary days

2016-05-06T08:07:00.003-04:00

from yesterday...

There's laundry I should be doing, and a playroom that looks like a bomb dropped. But I'm writing instead because two babies are down, and I'm a little giddy over this ordinary day. Nothing out of the usual happened. The morning was quiet. After Wesley's nap, we picked up gifts for Tucks teachers for teacher appreciation week. Though it always does feel good to give something unexpected. We picked up tuck and had lunch, and we went to see my grandma. We picked up a cannoli to share, at this authentic little italian spot where the chef has just been in the states a few years. On the way home tuck said "please keep my cannoli safe!!", though what I think he means is safe from Wesley. I had to laugh. We made water balloons and they toted them all over the backyard, and stopped occasionally to throw one on the ground. They haven't yet figured out about throwing these at each other. Thankfully. I watched them both play in the sandbox happily together. I turned on the sprinkler toy so they could run through it. An hour later, I didn't mind that they were covered in dirt and that I was too. I put them in a bath and they played some more. Tuck kept putting the bubbles on top of Wesley's head and proudly proclaiming: "Wes has hair!!". I put them in jammies, and now they are asleep for nap. At the same time. Angels are singing. But even before they were asleep, I was just watching them in the bath. Thinking. How grateful I am for these ordinary moments. These days that all seem to blur together somehow, and go too soon at the same time. No one is sick. How often do I take that for granted? I'm suddenly aware of just how much I do, as soon as they are sick, but rarely before. It's funny because in this age we all live for those big moments - the facebook/instagrammable ones, the vacations, the whatever-holiday-it-is family photo ... But these plain happy moments and days carry as much gold as the others. maybe more. I'm thinking now how often I have days that look like today, and too often I look at that gift horse in the mouth. Miraculously, not today. Tomorrow might feel impossible but today I'm so thankful for this ordinary day.

Hope all of the mother's (the ones with babies, the ones who have lost babies, the one who long for babies of their own, the ones who mother my children alongside me) have a very special weekend! You are loved.

Five Family Friendly Florida Getaways

2016-05-05T10:16:00.000-04:00

I get asked quite frequently where to visit in Florida that's good for families. Florida is huge and there are so many gems, so it's hard to narrow it down. These are some spots I'd recommend if you are traveling with kids. In no particular order (;

1. Anna Maria Island: I may be just a bit partial since it's just down the road from us. But it's pretty close to heaven on earth. There are no high rises, and no chains. It's like you are stepping back in time.

Where to stay: I recommend reaching out to Sato real estate to rent a house for the week, or booking a place at Anna Maria beach cottages if your stay is shorter.

What to do: My favorite beach is on the north end, but you really can't go wrong.

Rent a bike, golf cart, kayak, etc at Beach Bums AMI

Shop and eat on Pine.

Ride the free trolley up and down the island

Where to eat: I love Poppo's Taco's and The Donut Experience (both on pine)

The waterfront is delicious

Rod & Reel is a whole in the wall / water (; that makes my favorite grouper sandwich

Sign of the Mermaid has a great brunch and they love children it seems!

Worth the trip off the island: Starfish in the fishing village of Cortez

2. Boca Grande: This is another slice of heaven. Again, here you have no high rises, and it feels quite like old florida. The homes are absolutely gorgeous, most people get around via golf carts, the shopping is great, and I love the whole atmosphere.

Where to stay: The Gasparilla Inn is one of my favorite places to stay out of everywhere we've traveled. Everything is adorable, quaint, and decorated to a T. The Innlet is also a great, less expensive option.

What to do: The beach is gorgeous here. A big perk if you are staying at the Inn is the beach club. It feels more like you are in a resort in the Caribbean than in Florida.

The open air library is amazing! It's so peaceful and beautiful. Seen in the picture above (:

If you golf, the golf course is incredible. So I've been told by my dad, brother, and JB!

Shopping is good for such a small island!

Rent a golf cart and tour the island is a must.

I love the little thrift shop on the island. I bought JB my favorite tie on him there!

Where to Eat: The temptation is my favorite place on the island. The brussel sprouts with grouper, oh my!

The Pink Elephant is a fun environment, and a great spot for a Hummer (the islands signature drink).

The Outlet is perfect for lunch.

3. Key Largo: It's the easiest of the keys to get to if you are driving and loaded with family friendly fun.

Where to stay: Ocean Reef Club is the only one I have experience with, but there are quite a few other options.

What to do: One of the things I loved about Ocean Reef Club is how much there is to do. For every age! We are headed back here in a month, and I can hardly wait. It has a playground right on the water, so many pools, a splash pad, hammocks, kayaks, you name it!

You can also book a fishing trip or a snorkeling trip to snorkel a reef!

Where to eat: Anywhere in Ocean Reef Club was excellent but expensive. The best meal I had though was at the Raw Bar.

4. Amelia Island: I have to be honest and say I prefer my coast for beaches, but Amelia Island was just lovely!

Where to stay: We stayed at the Omni and I can highly recommend it for traveling with families. I've heard great things about the Ritz there as well. I also have friends that rent a house every year.

What to do: The Omni was loaded with things for every age.

They had a bonfire with s'mores the first day.

They have a kids club if your kids like to do that.

Little cabanas and chairs to rent on the beach.

The pool is pretty amazing! see above (:

They have a great golf course.

There's also this little nature center with lots of animals to meet (:

Take the quick drive to fernandina beach with such a cute downtown and lots of fun restaurants.

Where to eat: I loved getting a cheese plate and a drink (While grandma had Tuck) at Seaglass. The view there is beautiful! I had my best meal at Oceanside.

In fernandina beach we ate at Cafe Karibo which was so good!

5. Naples: Naples has it all! Beautiful beaches, the best shopping, and great dining.

Where to stay: The Ritz I have heard is incredible. We stayed at the Naples Grande last year and I wouldn't 100% recommend it. Also worth looking into renting a house for the week.

What to do: The zoo is world class there. You can even ride a camel! (:

The Naples Depot Museum is perfect for tiny train enthusiasts.

The beaches are gorgeous!!

5th avenue shopping and dining is super fun both day or night.

Where to Eat:

Bayside for rooftop dining

Crayton Cove for yummy family friendly dining

Jane's Garden Restaurant - perfect for eating outside and super cute

Brooks on 5th Avenue - great burgers

Have Any recommendations to add to these places? Other Florida spots to check out? I'd love to hear!!

mom uniform volume 1

2016-05-04T10:22:00.000-04:00

I've been so inspired by Natalie Borton's "Legit Mom Style" series, that I thought it could be fun to do one of my own. I've mentioned before how I've struggled to rediscover my style since having Wesley. It's hard to find things that are appropriate for errands, school pick up, playdates... mom life. For this series I will only feature things that I'd wear to those kind of events. Bonus points if they work for a date night like this little number. Dressed down with sandals or up with some heels.

This cotton romper I picked up from off fifth for $50. It also comes in Navy! It's not nursing friendly but could be if you took it to a tailor. I've seriously thought about it!

{the romper is affiliate linked!}

Florida Living

2016-05-02T07:02:00.004-04:00

{the boys sunglasses are babiators c/o // both of their life vests are puddle jumpers (coast guard approved) // both swim trunks are TBBC // my coverup c/o cabana life }

Summer is here! And Wesley's beach bod is ready (;

Watching Wesley explore the beach is the sweetest thing. He falls down in the powdery sand a hundred times, and dips his toes in the water and then high tails it outta there. Tuck was mostly busy putting seaweed in his pail and then dumping it into the ocean. repeat x100. Little busy bodies.

My favorite weekends are always those on or near the water. I can't believe how much I take for granted living here sometimes. It's such a beautiful spot to grow up.

favorite devotionals part two

2016-04-30T10:53:00.004-04:00

A couple people have asked for devotional recommendations recently. I did a post a few years ago, and I still read these at times as well. But here are the ones in my current rotation:

Pressing Pause: 100 quiet moments for moms to meet with Jesus - I just added this in the last month. It's quick, relatable, and gets my mind set on Jesus - even in the hairiest of mom days.

The Power of a Praying Wife - I'm going through this with friends right now and it's been a great read. This book is valuable no matter where you are in your marriage. I had read The power of a praying woman probably ten years ago now, and also I have Stormie's Prayer Bible that was a gift in college. Though to be honest, I love my tattered, plain old Bible the best.

Savor: Shauna Niequist is an amazing writer, and I love these short thought provoking devotions.

The One Year Uncommon Life by Tony Dungy: This is one JB and I have been going through and it's great for both of us.

Closer to God Each Day by Joyce Meyer: I keep this one in my car and read it in the pick up line at Tucks school.

I'd love to know what you are enjoying reading!

**affiliate links are used in this post**