Mama Loves Papa

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T08:00:00.001-08:00

Three of my handsome Valentines. Love these guys!

Whether you're in a relationship or not, I hope you feel loved and adored today, because you are!

Do you do anything special on Valentine's Day? My mom always did a little something for us, so I love to do the same for my kids. We got them each a little gift, a box of crayons, and I wrote a love letter with all the things that I love about each of them.

Tonight, thanks to my sweet mama, Eric and I are going to out to dinner. I'm excited!

Small Style #49

2012-02-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Well, last week was the 49th week of Small Style and now it's the 49th again. Actually, I skipped the 48th last week (whoops!), so this week is actually the 49th. In three weeks we'll be having the Small Style one year anniversary! There will be some fun giveaways, so make sure you participate that week because I'll be drawing the winner(s) from that week's linkys.

If you are a shop or small business owner (or anyone, for that matter) and would like to donate something to the giveaway I would LOVE it! I will have a post up the week before with all of the prizes and links to the blogs and shops and then another post the day before and day of the one year anniversary. This is a great time to promote your shop! We already have a few fun prizes, but I would love to add yours to the line up! For more information you can email me at mamalovespapablog@gmail.com

On Samuel: Hoodie- Old Navy, Jeans- Target, Shoes- Vans
On Silas: Hoodies and Jeans- Hand me downs from big brothers, I forgot where we got them, Boots- Target
On Finley: Cardigan- Vintage, thrifted, Dress and tights- Target, Shoes- c/o See Kai Run

I usually take my Small Style pictures on Wednesdays (last minute, I know!) when Judah is at school. I much prefer all four of them in them, so next time I'll have to plan my "photoshoot" better. How do you get pictures of all of your kids together? Do you plan it or just take them when you can? I love Stephanie's Four on the Fourth idea. I usually just try to take as many pictures of the four of them together as possible. Those pictures are so special and it seems like the more kids you have the harder it is to get photos with them all together.

Link up here:

Toddler Mischief

2012-02-08T13:47:00.001-08:00

Ever since Judah was three and Samuel was a year and a half (and I was newly pregnant with Silas) we've had two toddlers in the house. Toddlers are SO much fun! They're smart and funny and witty and understand so much more than I ever thought. They're these mini-little people with opinions and thoughts and their own personalities.

I adore Silas and Finley, my sweet little toddlers. They're so loving and affectionate. They both love to be held and sit on my lap (usually at the same time), give kisses, and say I love you. They both say I'm their best friend (swoon) and their favorite lady.

These sweet little things are also ALWAYS into mischief. It's a good thing they're sweet and so cute because they are constantly into something. Here's a few of their recent shenanigans:

-The other evening Eric went to take the dog for a walk. Finley was coloring and Silas wanted to color, too, so they went into the kitchen to get a pencil. They had been in there for a little too long and I thought, "oh no! What are they coloring on?" as I went to check on them. I found them both on the floor, spoons in hand, with a gallon of ice cream in between them. Silas looked up at me and said, "me eat a lot!"

-Today they were playing in Finley's room and when I went to check on them I found the door locked. I told Silas to unlock the door and when I got in I found them with the bottle of hand soap. Hand soap was all over the floor and all over Finley's head (the pictures are after I removed her dress and washed her mullet.)

Oh my, I love these two.

Maternity Photos {Tara and Dave}

2012-02-07T12:42:00.000-08:00

I've been gone from the blog the last few days because I've been busy, busy, busy shooting and editing photos. I had two super fun shoots this weekend- one maternity and one newborn.

The maternity shoot was with my dear friend, Tara, and her husband, Dave. Tara and I have been friends for years and years. I think we first met when she moved to town in 5th grade and we became close friends in high school. I'm so excited to see Dave and Tara become parents to their first baby girl. I can't wait to meet her! It was such a privilege to photograph these two and Tara really is glowing! Oh, and Dave was such a trooper. He was sick, but was still such a good sport about posing, helping me out, and walking all around. Thank you SO much, Tara and Dave!

Featured Small Style {Luna from Peach on Earth}

2012-02-04T04:00:00.000-08:00

Something I've been meaning to do for a long time is have one little Small Stylist featured here each week. The first little lady I want to feature is Luna the daughter of Liz from Peach on Earth. Liz is also mom to her handsome little guy, Niko. I met Liz and became "real life friends" with her at Blogher in August and Miss Luna is just at gorgeous as her mama!

Thanks for sharing Niko and Luna with us, Liz! I love them a part of Small Style!

I Love Kyle Williams

2012-02-03T16:48:00.001-08:00

(One of my favorites of Kyle's songs.)
Have you heard of Kick Starter? Have you heard of Kyle Williams? Well, the two of them have come together to create something of epic proportions!

Our good friend Kyle Williams is an incredibly talented singer-song writer (his wife, just so happens to be equally as talented and one of my favorite ladies). Right now he is working on his first full-length album and is raising funds for it to be produced.

Kyle has 19 days to reach his goal of $3,500. Visit Kyle's Kick Starter to read more about him, give, and we'd LOVE for you to spread the word on your blog, facebook, and twitter! There are also some fun things that you can receive depending on how much you give (like your photo on the back cover of the album!).

You can also find Kyle at his website and on twitter.

Small Style #48

2012-02-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you for joining me for this week's #Small Style!

On Judah: Coat, Shirt, and Jeans- Thrifted, Shoes- Vans
On Silas: Sweatshirt- Hand me down, Target, Jeans- Old Navy, Shoes- Converse
On Finley- Sweatshirt: Kohls, gift from Nana, Ruffle top- Target, gift from Grandma, Jeans- Gift from Uncle Scott & Aunt Caroline, Shoes- See Kai Run via Zulily
We live in the city that Eric and I both grew up in. I was even born at the hospital that is about five miles down the road from our house. The kids have a lot of family members right here in town- three grandparents, five great-grandparents, five great-aunts and uncles, eight seconds cousins, and one third cousin (no aunts, uncles, or first cousins- boo!), not to mention all of my great-aunts and uncles and their families. At least a couple times a month each of the boys usually spends the night with either my mom or Eric's mom, dad, and grandma.

This picture was taken on one of those days. Samuel was spending the night with Eric's parents, so that's why it's only the other three in the photos. We feel incredibly blessed to have so many family members living near us. Do you live near your family?

Link up here:

I Love Lace!

2012-02-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

Dress- Lulu's
Last Saturday I went to my friend's baby shower. It was a dessert and cocktail shower and we all dressed up. Isn't that a great shower theme? I wore my new Lulu's dress. I'm pretty sure this is going to be my Valentine's date dress, too. Actually, I think I'm going to find as many places to wear it as possible. Lace is my absolute favorite trend right now. I'm currently on a hunt for the perfect pair of lace shorts.

(My shoes and tights got cut out, but I wore black tights and black heels.)

Finley's "Bed Boy Bed"

2012-01-31T10:35:00.000-08:00

My sweet girl (well, all of my kids) are growing up! A few nights ago we moved Finley out of her crib. She'd climb out as soon as we put her in and each night and nap time we'd find her asleep on the floor.

We recently moved Silas into a big boy bed, so Finley says she sleeps in a "big boy bed," too. We've actually changed all of the sleeping arrangements around- Judah has his own room, Samuel and Silas are sharing a room now, and we don't have any more cribs in our house.

Things are changing, the kids are growing up, and this mama, as always, is a little sad and very excited and proud. Motherhood is quite the adventure: ever-changing and adjusting. I'm not too good with change, but I think I'm getting a little better.

I Wouldn't Mind These

2012-01-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

A few things that I have my eye on these days...

Source: frenchblue-frenchblue.blogspot.com via Morgan on Pinterest

I found these robin's egg blue Hunter boots on Pinterest, but can't find this color for sale anywhere. Does anyone know where I can buy them?

Source: urbanoutfitters.com via Morgan on Pinterest

The Instax Mini. Or, the regular.

Source: amazon.com via Morgan on Pinterest

I need a gold watch.

Source: tumblr.com via Morgan on Pinterest

I love this gold OPI nail polish.

Source: shopprettymommy.myshopify.com via Morgan on Pinterest

Pretty ring.

Source: stkildajewelry.com via Morgan on Pinterest

Another lovely ring.

I started writing this as a "Valentine's Gift Guide," but then I was like, "do Eric and I even do gifts for Valentine's Day?" Then, I thought about expectations for Valentine's Day and in marriage. Expectations is, most definitely, going to be my first topic for the marriage series. February is the perfect month for talking about love, relationships, and marriage, don't you think?

Giveaway Winners!

2012-01-29T17:03:00.001-08:00

The winner of the Color Land Matryoshka Doll is #9, Laura

The winner of the large February ad space is #24, "seizinglifebythewristlet"

YAY! Congratulations, ladies! Email me at mamalovespapablog@gmail.com so I can get you your prizes.

Also, if you are interested in advertising on Mama Loves Papa for February, get the month of March FREE! (Prices starting at only $9). Check out this post or email me for more details!

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.