Mama Loves Papa

Sex, Marriage, & Fairytales {A Christian View on Marriage}

2012-01-27T09:47:00.001-08:00

Tell me, if you're married, has it been what you expected? Easier? Harder?

(I'm thinking of doing a few marriage-centered posts. What do you think? What, specifically, do you think I should discuss, share, talk about?)

Small Style #48

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Thursday! Thank you so much for joining me for this week's #SmallStyle!

On Finley: Cardigan- Vintage, thrifted, Bow- Adornme Girl, Skirt and Tights- Target, Shoes- See Kai Run via Zulily
On Silas: Hoodie- Yard Sale, On Samuel: Hoodie- Costco, Sweater vest- Old Navy, Jeans- Gap, Shoes- Vans
The other day, while Judah was at school, the three little ones and I stopped at the park on the way to get our milk. It wasn't the most successful park trip. We couldn't stay long because we were meeting my grandma for lunch and everything was completely wet. I didn't want them sliding down into the puddles and I made them leave far before they were ready. I think a do-over park trip (and coffee for mama!) is in order for today. Do you have any fun plans?

Link up here:

How Do I Spend My Time Alone? - With special guest Silly Faces Silas {Vlog}

2012-01-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

Tell me, how do you spend YOUR mama time?

February Large Sponsor Spot GIVEAWAY

2012-01-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

If you have a blog, shop, or business I would love to promote you! Included in each sponsorship is the ad size of your choice (extra large, large, or small), inclusion in a sponsor post, the opportunity for a giveaway and/or guest posting, and promotion through facebook and twitter. I love promoting small businesses!

Enter to win a large ad (250x125) for February by leaving a comment telling me what your ad would be for. You, also, must be (or become) a follower of Mama Loves Papa to enter, so mention in your comment that you are a follower.
For extra entries (please leave a separate comment for each) you can tweet, facebook, or blog this giveaway. Please include a link back here and, if tweeting, your can include my twitter handle (@mamalovespapa).

You have until Saturday, January 28th to enter. Winner will be chosen using random.org.

Also, for everyone that doesn't win, I am offering buy one, get one free sponsorship prices. You pay for February and get March free! (The buy one, get one free offer is even available for the extra large -250x250- featured sponsor!)

For more information on sponsorship email me at mamalovespapablog@gmail.com or visit this post.

(Today is the last day to enter the Color Land giveaway!)

Don't Forget...

2012-01-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

Have you entered to win one of these adorable dolls from Color Land yet? If not, you can do that here. Tomorrow is the last day to enter!

Homeschool, Part 2

2012-01-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

Ok, so, after I posted the homeschooling video I realized that it was a bit of a downer. I think I successfully scared off anyone who may have bee considering homeschooling. The truth is, I do love it. There are so many things I absolutely enjoy about homeschooling and I'll name a few, just so you know I'm not just saying it.

I love the flexibility of homeschooling. If we have an appointment or I just want to go to the gym in the morning, we can do our schoolwork in the afternoon. When we took our trip to Disneyland it was no big dealing leaving for a week in the middle of October. I love that we can stay in our jammies all day, if we want, and we don't have to get up and out of the house at a certain time (that's especially nice when it's rainy and cold outside). I love that my kids play together and spend so much time together- pretty much all day, every day. I love the time I get to spend with them. I'm their mom and their teacher and I'm apart of every milestone and special moment.

To be honest, my journey with homeschooling really does mirror motherhood for me. Homeschooling, like motherhood, is challenging, exhausting, trying, amazing, rewarding, beautiful, imperfect, and perfect.

My job, as a mother, is to develop my children's character. It's my job (and, of course, my husband's) to teach them how to be compassionate, loving, responsible adults, but so often I find that it's me who's being taught. I feel like God is gently (and sometimes no-so-gently) using my four little ones to teach me to be patient and kind and to be more like Jesus. To teach me to look to others before myself. Most of the time when I'm feeling frustrated or annoyed it's usually because of selfishness. I want my way, I want it now, and I don't want my children to stand in the way. Yuck. Maybe those challenging moments in homeschooling- and mothering- are the ones that are the most important.

Small Style #47

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Thursday! With MLK Jr Day on Monday this week has flown by for me. I'm ready for the weekend. How about you? Today we're off on a day trip, but I'll be checking out your posts tomorrow and this weekend. I can't wait to see your sweeties!

Just to keep it real, I have to include these photos. My subject wasn't very cooperative this week. She spent most of the time running away from me, so this is what the majority of the pictures looked like:

Sweater and Shorts- Zara, Tights- Target, Bow- Adornme Girl, Shoes- See Kai Run via Zulily, Water bottle- Klean Kanteen (a local Chico company!)
About Finley's outfit, I want it in my size. I'm a huge fan of the tights under shorts trend (and, no, I'm not being sarcastic) and I've been on a hunt for a sweater like this in my size for a long time. Does anyone know of one that doesn't cost a million dollars? Do you ever dress up your kids in styles you like to wear (or maybe ones that you're too scared to try)? Everything looks good on little ones!

(If you haven't already, don't forget to enter the giveaway for one of Color Land's gorgeous dolls!)

Link up here:

How Did You Decide To Homeschool? {Vlog}

2012-01-18T15:10:00.000-08:00

I guess I'm long-winded when it comes to homeschool. Yep.

Liz & Chris- Maternity Photos

2012-01-17T04:00:00.000-08:00

Last week I did my very first maternity photo shoot. It was such an honor and so much fun taking maternity photos of my friends, Liz and Chris. Liz is due to give birth any day to their first baby and I could not be any more excited for this amazing, beautiful, and godly couple. They are such an example of love and their baby is so blessed to be born into this family.

PS I would LOVE any photography feedback you have!
PPS Don't forget to enter the Color Land giveaway!

Color Land GIVEAWAY

2012-01-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about today's giveaway from Citlalli, the lovely lady behind one of my favorite shops, Color Land.

Here is a little bit about Citlalli and her lovely shop, Color Land:
Hello!
I'm Citlalli a 28 year old mom and wife from Mexico City, living in California since 2008.
Color land is my virtual notebook where I write and post pictures about everything I'm in love with, like my family, color, food, friends, kids, photography, crafts, travel, nature, drawings and some other crazy things.
Life is beautiful and I try to keep it simple- enjoying and having fun blogging!

Color Land is a new online shop where you can find lots of handmade stuff like plushies, wrist and neck warmers, decorative pillows, kids tee shirts and hairclips. Plus, past season Misha Lulu clothes, Grandma Chol Hats, Karmel and Alden Jeans and so much more for an amazing price!
All made in the USA.

One lucky winner will receive a Color Land matryoshka doll! The winner can choose either the Finley or the Greta (love love LOVE that there's a Finley!)

To enter the giveaway visit Color Land and leave a comment here telling us your favorite item.

For additional entires (please leave a separate comment for each entry):
-Be a mamalovespapa blog follower
-Be a Color Land blog follower
-Blog, facebook or tweet the giveaway (separate entries for each)

Also, you can use the code friends and receive a 10% discount in the Color Land shop.

You have until Monday, January 23rd to enter. Winner will be chosen using random.org.

Papa's Birthday Post {An Interview With Judah}

2012-01-15T18:08:00.000-08:00

For Eric's birthday (it's tomorrow, the 16th) I'm doing a little interview with each of the boys. Samuel's interview is here and Silas' is here.

How old is Papa turning? 32

What is his favorite food? I don't know what Papa's favorite food is. Is it - wait- something at Sierra Nevada? Anything at Sierra Nevada.

What is his favorite drink? Beer.

What is his favorite thing to do? Play with me.

Who is his best friend? Me. (Silas interrupts, "no me!")

Where does he like to go? Sierra Nevada.

What's his favorite color? Blue.

What do you like to do with him? Play with Papa.

What does Papa do to make you laugh? Tickle me.

What do you like most about Papa? That Papa is my friend.

Where do you like to go with Papa? To the coffee shop.

Tell me one thing about Papa: Papa is cool.

Papa's Birthday Post {An Interview With Silas}

2012-01-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

For Eric's birthday I'm doing a little interview with each of the boys (I'm not sure if Finley would cooperate). Samuel's interview is here.

How old is Papa turning? 8

What is his favorite food? Pizza

What is his favorite drink? Coffee and beer (he say "boo" for "beer")

What is his favorite thing to do? Go to work and clean pools.

Who is his best friend? Mama

Where does he like to go? Get pizza.

What's his favorite color? Blue (also pronounced "boo") and black

What do you like to do with him? Go to work with Papa and Papa not let me do that. Papa let me do that one time, not two times. One time.

What does Papa do to make you laugh? Make me laugh with Papa's mouth.

What do you like most about Papa? Papa arm, Papa mouth, Papa nose, Papa eyebrow, eye, eye.

Where do you like to go with Papa? Costco, not getting pizza.

Tell me one thing about Papa: I like that Papa's back is feeling better. (Eric has a sensitive back and it's been sore lately.)

Small Style #46

2012-01-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Thursday and welcome to Small Style- a weekly kids' fashion link up!

I have a confession to make. My week has been so crazy busy and I spent half of the night up with (a very happy, but not so sleepy) Finley that yesterday was spent somewhat in a stupor that I almost forgot about Small Style. Can you believe that? Thankfully, I didn't.

Eric dressed Finley in this coat the other day and I love that he did. This is another thing that my mom saved from when I was little. It's still a little big on her, which is even better because it means she'll be wearing it next Winter, too. Isn't that bonnet so sweet? The boys say she looks like Little Red Riding Hood in it.

Link up here:

Papa's Bday Post {An Interview with Samuel}

2012-01-11T10:12:00.001-08:00

Eric's birthday is on Monday, so I thought it would be fun to do a little series of interviews with the kids- starting with Samuel. I think he knows his Papa pretty well.

How old is Papa turning? 32

What is his favorite food? Sierra Nevada food

What is his favorite drink? Beer

What is his favorite thing to do? Make beer

Who is his bestfriend? Kyle

Where does he like to go? Sierra Nevada

What's his favorite color? Blue and black

What do you like to do? Make beer with him

What does Papa do to make you laugh? Tickle me

What do you like most about Papa? I don't know.

Where do you like to go with Papa? Round Table

Tell me one thing about Papa: I like going to work with him.

Black and White

2012-01-09T21:30:00.000-08:00

Sweater- Forever 21, Jeans- Urban Outfitters, Boots- vintage, thrifted
Black and white isn't a combination I wear very often. I'm more of a white and brown or a black and grey girl. Black and white seems pretty bold to me, but I like it, so this Everybody, Everywear challenge pushed me out of my comfort zone. I normally think of black and white together as something formal, that would be worn at a black tie event, but I decided to go with the casual version. I am in love with big, slouchy sweaters. I have several pricey sweaters that I've pinned, but this one from Forever 21 fit in my budget (especially with a gift card from Christmas!).

I'm linking up at The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday.

Weekend Photos

2012-01-09T10:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday! Do you have any fun plans for the week? I have a busy week, but it's all fun stuff, so I can't complain too much. Here are a few fun pictures from the weekend and the past week.

Sweet Silas asleep on the couch. I love pictures of sleeping kids. I get that from my mom!

Finley at the park.

Judah loves having his picture taken.

Ellie (my mother in law) and Finley.

Happy Girl.

Samuel at the park.

I love this picture of them sliding down together.

Judah and Samuel listening to music at the farmer's market.

Eric and Samuel at the park by Judah's (new) school (that I still need to tell you all about).

Are more kids in the future for your family? {Vlog}

2012-01-06T14:06:00.000-08:00

My very first vlog! Eeek!

Happy weekend, lovelies!

Small Style #45

2012-01-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Thursday and Welcome to Small Style! Thank you so much for joining me this week!

On Finley: Coat- vintage, thrifted by Eric, Skirt- thrifted, originally from Target, Leggings- Target, Legwarmers- Babylegs, Shoes- See Kai Run via Zulily, Bow- Adornmegirl
On Silas: Shirt- Old Navy, Shoes- Converse
On Samuel: Shirt- gift from my mom, Shoes- Vans
On Judah: Star Wars Hoodie- Thrifted by Eric, Jeans- c/o Lucky, Shoes- Vans

When I take pictures of my kids for my blog, especially for Small Style, I like to pick out their outfits. The boys will let me help them a tiny bit, at least Judah does, but their clothes are mostly all tennis shoes, jeans, t-shirts, and hoodies. At the very least I like to pick out Finley's outfit and have her hair done. On this day the boys got themselves ready and Finley and Eric picked her outfit out. Eric bought her this coat. It didn't have buttons on it and he got tired of waiting for me to sew them on, so he did it himself. I know, I'm impressed, too. He put it on her, she picked out the skirt, and the rest of the layers they put on for warmth.

These photos were during an impromptu park trip. We were running errands on a side of town that we're not usually on, so we decided to stop and play. The pictures are so sweet, that I had to share them, even if they aren't wearing coordinating, pre-planned outfits. That's real life and, besides, who cares about that? They were happy, smiling, laughing, and having so much fun. I'll take that over a put together wardrobe any day (and you all know how much I love a put together wardrobe).

(Oh, and by the way, that picture of Samuel? Kills me with cuteness! The first two pictures Samuel wasn't mad, he was just being silly and Finley, well, she didn't want to stay still and take photos when there was much playing to be done.)

Link up here:

Obssssessssed

2012-01-04T10:32:00.001-08:00

Source: seniorologie.com via Morgan on Pinterest

I've been neglecting my blog. I'm sorry. The truth is, I have a new obsession. Photography. Every free moment I get (those moments are pretty few and far between) I spend reading photography books, tutorials, and, of course, taking pictures.

There are so many beautiful pictures (have you seen Pinterest lately?). Magical pictures. I want to make some magic. (I just wish photography equipment wasn't so darn expensive.)

Source: joannagoddard.blogspot.com via Morgan on Pinterest

Source: trishsouth.com via Morgan on Pinterest

Source: greenweddingshoes.com via Morgan on Pinterest

Source: seniorologie.com via Morgan on Pinterest

Source: bumbleandbloom.com via Morgan on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Morgan on Pinterest

(All the photos are from my Pinterest. Click through to see original sources.)

2012 Goals

2012-01-02T13:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I shared last year's goal and today I'm going to share with you my goals for 2012.

Run a half marathon. I'm playing to run a few 5ks and another 10k first. My goal with those is to run them faster. Then, I'm going to run a half marathon in the Fall. That's the plan for now, at least.

Continue to learn more about photography. Also, leave my camera out more, so my husband can take more pictures. The pictures I have with me in it are where I hand him the camera and say, "Will you take a picture of the kids and me?" I'd love to have some un-posed photos with me in them.

Perfect (or, improve on) my homemaking skills. Make a cleaning schedule, plans meals more often, bake more from scratch (crackers, granola, etc..), make my home a place that my family loves to be.

Love well. If I fail at everything else in my life, but succeed in this, than I have found success. Love is all that matters and all that lasts. Too often I get distracted by the cares of this world, by deadlines, by activities and events and forget to love my family well. This year I am going to focus on loving God and loving others.

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:9-12

What are your goals/resolutions for the year?

What I've Done {Reflecting On Last Year's Goals}

2012-01-01T10:53:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!

I hope you all had a great New Year's Eve! We had such a fun night. We had dinner at our friends' (who also happen to be our neighbors) house. There were a lot of kids and we all had so much fun. The boys had so much fun playing with all of the other boys and Finley loved these two adorable little girls. The kindergarten-age girls played with Finley and kept her occupied, so I could actually relax and chat. We rang in the New Year at 9 with New York, then headed home and put the kids to bed. Eric and I finished the night watching a documentary (Herb and Dorothy....soooo interesting!) and fell asleep right before midnight. Pretty perfect night.

I thought I'd start the new year sharing last year's goals and tomorrow I'll share this year's.

Lose the baby weight- I know this is so cliche and I feel old even having a weight loss resolution, but it's true. I'm not sure how much longer I can call it "baby weight," so I better get it off soon. It's been a lot harder to lose the fourth time around, but I'm making some change that will hopefully be effective.
I did manage to lose the baby weight. Of course, I'd love to tone up a little more, but that's the story of life, right?

Blog- Focus on quality of the posts, determine more of a focused niche, and have more regular features. (What do you want to see more of on my blog? What are your favorite posts?)
Hmm, I'm not sure if I did this. I think I did accidentally stumble upon a niche when I started Small Style. Smalll Style is definitely my favorite part of this blog and I love kids fashion, of course.
I'm never quite sure what I want to do with my blog. It's seems like I'm constantly vacillating between wanting to focus a lot of time and growing this little blog and quit blogging altogether. I'm sure it will continue to stay in the middle, just like it has since the beginning.

Become a runner- I'm going to sign up for my first 5k this week. I'd love to do a few. Or, maybe a 10k?
I did it! Yay! At the beginning of the year I wasn't sure I was even able to do a 10k, but I did and that makes me happy.

Take better pictures- I love my Canon Rebel, but I haven't learned too much or branched out when taking pictures. I'm excited to learn more about my camera and, hopefully, take some amazing pictures of my life and family.
This is another goal that I feel like I definitely accomplished. I got a new camera, have spent a lot of time learning my camera and learning to take better pictures. I still have so much more to learn, but that's part of the fun!

Be still- The biggest change I want to make and the theme of my year is to "find peace." I want to stress less. To be still, to stop trying to control situations, to stop caring so much what other people think, to stop trying to control everything, basically. To be still. To enjoy the moment. "Be still and know that I am God."
Confession time: I actually forgot all about these goals until a few days ago. While this is the most important goal on my list it's also the one I did the weakest at. I wouldn't say I actually failed. I do feel like overall I stressed less, didn't try to control situations, and didn't care as much about what people think. I do think I need to continue to focus on the peace of God. To be still.

Small Style #44

2011-12-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a great week! I'm pretty sure I'll be seeing a lot of holiday pictures this week....I can't wait!

Cardigan- Mine, when I was little, Shirt- via Zulily, Skirt- Gift from my friend Brooke, Gap, Shoes- c/o See Kai Run, Tights- Target
Yesterday was Finley's birthday. We had breakfast and spent the morning here as a family, then Finley and I had some special girl time. We did a mini-photoshoot, did some grocery shopping for her birthday party, then had lunch together. Then, in the evening we had a little family birthday party. The party, the presents, and the little girl were very girly, pink, and sparkly. So fun!

Link up here:

Christmas Photo Recap

2011-12-27T13:20:00.000-08:00

Hello, there! I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas and are having a great week! Judah asked me, "Mama, did you have a good Christmas?" His sweet question almost made me tear up. I answered, "Yes, Judah, I did. Did you?" "Yep! It was the best Christmas ever!" We spent Christmas Eve with Eric's family and Christmas day with mine.

Finley woke up Christmas Eve morning with a fever and felt sick all day (which explain why she's looking under the weather in the first picture). Thankfully, she woke up Christmas morning feeling all better.

Things will probably be pretty quiet over here for the rest of the week. Finley's second birthday is tomorrow (!!), Thursday I'll be here for Small Style, and Friday my sister leaves to head back to Colorado. She's in the Army and is stationed there, so we're spending as much time as we can with here while she's here.

Have a great week!

Merry, Merry, Merry!

2011-12-23T14:36:00.001-08:00

Wishing you and your families a Merry Christmas!

Small Style #43

2011-12-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Small Style! I really can't believe that this is the 43rd week of Small Style. I've been thinking of putting together a giveaway at the one year mark for all of you lovely participants. If you are a shop or business owner and would be interested in donating something to giveaway, I'd love to spotlight you in a Small Style post!

As always, you are welcome to include the Small Style button that's in the right sidebar or tweet your post using the hashtag #SmallStyle on twitter.

Wishing you and your families a beautiful Christmas!

Shirt- Thrifted, from Wrangler, Jeans- c/o Lucky Brand, Shoes- Vans
I have been a huge fan of Lucky Brand for a long time. My mom bought me my first pair when Samuel was six months old and I had lost all of my baby weight. I have loved Lucky every since, but did you know Lucky has a kids' line?

I love Lucky because they're stylish and well-made. They are the perfect line for stylish kids (and mamas and papas). Lucky was so sweet to send a pair of the Billy Straight Guitar Jeans for my Judah man. He loves the guitar on the back pockets and I love how stylish and grown up he looks.

Today Judah accompanied me on some errands and we had so much fun on our very rare one-on-one outing. Judah got a new pair of shoes (The exact same ones as his last pair. The others were just completely worn in.), finished {almost} all of our Christmas shopping, got some groceries and, of course, stopped for ice cream!

Link up here: