{My thoughts and prayers are for Oklahoma today.  I’m devastated and heartbroken watching the news.  I am thankful for the lives preserved, and mourning the loss of those lost.  I wish words were enough to take away the damage and mend what’s been broken.}

Over the past few months, we’ve been enjoying a ton of family time.  Immediate family, extended family, friends-who-feel-like-family: just a whole lot of awesome family. 

Harlow and I have especially been spoiled on Thursday mornings!  Andy’s schedule shifted a bit, teaching the unusual night class that evening, which frees him up Thursday mornings for time with us.

We wouldn’t have it any other way!  

We definitely miss him at dinner and bedtime, but the memories we’ve made during those mornings have been priceless.  It’s not very often we get him home on a weekday morning!

A few weeks ago, we ventured to our neighborhood Wendy’s to try their new Frosty Waffle Cone!  I’d heard about this new treat and knew I’d have a little kid and a husband on cloud nine!  Needless to say, I was too!!

One unexpected gift of motherhood is learning how to not take advantage of small bits of excitement and joy.  Harlow gets completely overjoyed each time we return home to “puppy!!!,” every time she is about to get a “treeeeeat!!!,” and even yogurt! Daddy! PopPop! MorMor! And all of her other doting family members.

Our trip to Wendy’s was no exception.  The entire way there, Harlow chanted “ice keem.  ice keem! ice keem!” over and over.  And that excitement didn’t end upon receiving her Frosty treat!  

It is a small, yet powerful, reminder that we can make the most of these small memories as a family.  We just need to take a moment to put aside our busyness, our lists, our schedule and rules to say, we’re going to do something special. 

It doesn’t need to be expensive.  It doesn’t need to be lengthly.  It can be small and simple.  It can be daily or one time only.

But it does require the love and time to make it happen.  To be present in the moment.  To smile and laugh even if the world seems to be crumbling in so many other areas. 

My to-do list was long that morning–it always is–but I put it aside for this moment.  And I’m working to put it aside more often.  To take notice of the tiny, taking time to share in the small joys of others around us.  And also sharing joy with others around me too.

And that just might mean buying a few Frosty Waffle Cone treats for unsuspecting strangers who cross paths with our “ice keem” loving family.  We want to spread this memory-making around.

So watch out. 

And here are a few more photos from our Frosty Waffle Cone adventure!

What little adventures do you take with loved ones to make memories?  Do you have a favorite summer treat that you enjoy together?  We will be making Frosty Waffle Cones a regular staple during our river walks this summer!
I can’t wait.

xo.

Last night I was exhausted before dinner even began.  I don’t think my body is used to being outside 90% of my waking hours in 70°-85° sunny weather.  Don’t get me wrong: I am not complaining.  

But last night I also knew that I was exhausted and on my own until well after Harlow’s bedtime.  It’s evenings without Andy that make me all the more thankful for him.

Little did I know that Harlow would gift me one of the sweetest moments of her little nearly-two year old life.  After dinner and Facetiming with some family, we kissed the puppy goodnight and headed upstairs to clean up, brush our “teef,” read stories, and sing.  She was her sweet little spunky self as we danced while brushing our teeth with the “meenty” toothpaste.  She ran to pick out her own pajamas and didn’t put up a fight while changing.  After reading a few stories, she reached for her Children’s Storybook Bible and asked for it to be read next.

But the moment last night that almost brought this mama to tears was as we stood up and sang together.  Harlow knows how to wrap her arms around my neck and squeeze as close to me as she physically can.  But last night I held her like she was a little baby and as I started singing “Jesus loves me,” as I do every time, she tried to sing along.  I sang it again, but this time stopping after a few words–allowing her to repeat it back to me.

That’s it.  That’s my small moment that I don’t want to forget.  The way she said “yes” so boldly before singing sweetly “Jesus yov-fs me.”  The way she asked for us to sing it again and again.  The way she says “mommy o-tay mommy?” when she sees a tear fall down my face because I can’t believe this precious gift is mine to care for.

These tiniest of moments are the ones I don’t want to forget.

We are thrilled to be able to partner with some amazing brands and blogs who share in our desire of helping others! We are over the moon excited that we have been able to be a part of this amazing collaboration for the very first Destination Nursery #dreamnurserymakeover. Perfect timing for 1 lucky mama this mother’s day!

Click here to see all items included in this Dream Nursery Prize Package worth over $10,000!

Check out the behind the scenes video produced by the talented Jenner Brown from Luminuex films…

Here are all of the details on how you can win your very own Destination Nursery #dreamnurserymakeover

To ENTER:

1. First check out the behind the scenes video above to see exactly what can go into creating your dream nursery space!

2. You must complete all items listed below in Rafflecopter …all entries will be verified so please be honest in completing all of the items. There are a couple items you can share and do daily to increase your point score and chance for winning! Once you are complete now be sure to visit these other fantastic bloggers while dreaming about how much you are going to love your new dream nursery make over! Casey Leigh, Pirates and Peonies, Lunchpails and Lipstick, Sweet little peanut, Min_e style, and Coconut Robot.

3. On May 10th we will randomly pick 5 people…these 5 people will then be asked to submit a quick 30 second video clip. Then for 3-5 days, the public will have the chance to vote on their favorite video, you will have the chance to help us pick the final winner! Best of luck!

4. The only restriction to enter…you must be a Mom 21 years of age or older either 6+ months pregnant or with a new baby up to 18 months old.

**This is a nursery make over with design help…you will be expected to paint,prep, and assemble the space with items received in the prize package within a specified period of time… We will require before and after video footage from which we will create a mini video to share with destination nursery readers.

***All items listed will be donated to 1 lucky winner

a Rafflecopter giveaway