As you know, I am a contributing writer to the Madison Moms Blog. The City Moms Network partnered with Britax this month to promote car seat safety some of us ladies had the awesome opportunity to receive and review a brand new Britax Advocate ClickTight seat ARB. To be honest, I jumped at the chance to get a complimentary new car seat; however, the moment the presenter started sharing all of the incredible features, I was completely blown away and knew I was getting WAY more than I bargained!

I learned so much, here are a few of my favorite features:

1.) The CLICKTIGHT installation!

EVERY parent has tried to install a carseat and ended up wrestling a giant piece of plastic until its (hopefully) securely in place. The clicktight does just that. Clicks tight. You simply put it in place, lift the seat, buckle it in, and click the seat back over the seatbelt which creates a seal that keeps it so securely in place. When I first got mine home and installed it, I TRIED to shake it out of place and it wasn’t going anywhere. Statistically, 75% of carseats are installed incorrectly. That really is a scary fact and knowing that I’d have to try to mess this up was incredibly reassuring.

2.) It keeps right on growing!

This seat is able to hold a child from 5 to 65 pounds! That means this could easily be one child’s seat for the entire time they need to be in one (and won’t expire before that time!). With four kids, we’ve used multiple different seats and brands for every child. We rotate based on who is what size and when, but if I had known about this seat I would have gotten one for each child from the beginning.

3.) It’s Hefty!

Now, some might consider this a CON instead of a pro, but the fact that it is made with steel is what causes the extra weight. Even with the added weight, I was able to get it into the car easily (by myself) and install it, and feeling the solid frame actually added to my confidence that my kiddos will be secure when they’re in it!

4.) From a purely superficial first imrpession, it is beautiful. Odd to say about a car seat? Maybe. But I LOVE the simplicity. It doesn’t have crazy patterns or colors (particularly not the gender specific kind), it is light grey and black. Done!

Now, to be candid, when I first installed it at home, I did use my manual. There were a couple things that weren’t necessarily intuitive, for example, I had to check the diagram to see how to adjust the seats positioning; however, once I found it, it was the easiest adjustment I’ve ever experienced. And I’m sure there are a couple of things like that for anyone using a new product, but it was easy to find the answer and this seat has SO many strengths, I hardly consider this a weakness.

In fact, my husband probably thinks I’m crazy. I came home and told him all of the incredible features and then reinstalled all of our other car seats and now I am seriously considering trading in or selling all our other seats and just outfitting our car with this brand because I’m so impressed!

Do you have a car seat you love?

While this says, Quick Lit April…consider it Quick Lit: January – April 2015!

Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic

This was the most recent book I read, and quite possibly my favorite among these. Its been on my list for a long time, but when a friend handed it to me last week and said she loved it, it got bumped to the top. It is a mere 100 pages and I gobbled it up in one sitting. The subtitle is “Motherhood in the Trenches,” and at the time of this writing she had 5 kids, 5 and under (with twins), so in the trenches she is/was (she’s now pregnant with #7)! I automatically felt I could really relate and during this time when I can use all the inspiration and encouragement I can get, this book was both! She basically just says, “All this work? Yeah, that’s the point; these people aren’t a burden, they’re the purpose! Do it and do it well for the Glory of God!” When my friend handed the book over, she said it was a wonderful reminder for her to avoid the self-pity pitfalls and I completely agree. The chapters are short, straightforward, and completely unpretentious. I underlined great lines, gleaned some ideas and wisdom, and will definitely refer back to it!

Own Your Life by Sally Clarkson

Sally offers such maternal insight and I would absolutely love to curl up with her in some comfy chairs, with a cup of tea and our Bibles for hours of conversation.  I really enjoy Sally’s writing, in fact, Desperate (her book with co-author Sarah Mae) as one of my favorites from last year. Once again she offered an inspiring read, with sound wisdom from a veteran/mentor mother about taking ownership of, well, your life. There are chapters on all different aspects of life, what God’s design is for a woman/mother’s role, and encouragement to fulfill that role well. Having read a few of her books already, I have to admit that some of it felt a bit familiar. That said, if you haven’t read any of her books, it would be a perfectly fine place to start, but if I had to choose, I’d recommend Desperate and the Ministry of Motherhood. Oh, and if you have any interest in homeschooling, actually just the desire to inspire your kids on the path of their education, Educating the Wholehearted Child is fantastic!

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Okay, from the moment I saw this and heard all the rave reviews, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it (and conveniently enough “Santa” brought it for me :) I love reading anything about World War II era and generation, fiction or nonfiction (Unbroken is one of my all-time favorite books). Unfortunately, I picked it up at a time that I was just not able to focus well and it took me forever to get into it (there are reviews everywhere, so I won’t give the details) However, I think that has much more to do with me and my circumstances – having just adopted, adjusting to life at home with 4 kids, 2 infants, no sleep and very few spare moments – and therefore cannot be held against the book. Once I got into it, I flew to the end! The writing is gorgeous and left me totally satisfied with the story and characters. Seriously, I’m a little disappointed I read this when I did because I think it could have been a new favorite, but I was just too distracted (and therefore can truly not give an accurate review).

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

I grabbed this off the “Too Hot too Miss” shelf at the library and was pumped because its been pretty popular. I’ve read mixed reviews (the two most prominent being “I loved it” or “I couldn’t stand it, how could her family not tell her more?”), so I was eager to form my opinion. The book is about a 39 year old woman who falls, bumps her head, and wakes up having forgotten the last 10 years of her life. She wakes up thinking she’s 29, happily married and expecting her first child, but finds out instead that she is now an almost 40, mother of three, who is getting divorced. The book is a journey through her memories of her younger self as she tries to piece together how she is gotten to where she is now. My opinion? I liked it. It was a quick, engaging read. Good story and actually made me think quite a bit about my own actions, memories, who I was, who I am now, and how we reconcile those differences.

You and Me Forever by Francis & Lisa Chan

As a Christ-follower, this is an awesome reminder that we are not made for here and now, but rather we are made for Eternity.  The point being that we are blessed by our spouses (and should be a blessing to them), but that (according to scripture) we will not be married in Heaven. If you are familiar with these teachings, nothing in this book will necessarily rock your understanding, but its a great reminder (which I know I need as often as possible) of how we should prioritize our marriage, parenting, resources, time, etc. in view of God’s purpose for our lives and how He desires we use our lives to glorify Him. And, if used properly, our marriages should actually be a great partnership in advancing Kingdom purposes. Other things always tend to build up and threaten to crowd out Jesus, this is like a neon sign stopping you in your tracks, pointing in the right direction, and encouraging a more fully committed walk with Christ.

The Storied Life of A.J. Fickry by Gabrielle Zevin

I really liked it. I only read three pieces of fiction over the last couple months, and this fit snugly in the middle. Not nearly as refined as All the Light We Cannot See, but a bit more raw and heady than What Alice Forgot. It is about a 30-something, bookstore owner who is receding into a life of redundancy and despair after recently losing his wife, when he becomes the least-likely foster care/adoptive parent.

The Creative Family by Amanda Blake Soule

I’ve followed Soule Mama for a while, really, I just love the photography of their family and homestead. I’d wanted to read her book, but didn’t want to buy it, so stumbling upon it at the library was perfect (granted, it was on sitting on the couch and therefore is now covered in something that someone was drinking at some point, so we might be buying it anyway. Which isn’t all bad, because there were some pretty great ideas)! It is definitely a reference book. I skimmed through it quickly, reading headers and then went back through to gather some great ideas for artwork, free and creative play, and all around motivation to lead a creative life alongside my kids.

All in all, quite a few good ones!

What have you been reading?

The most pressing update is obviously, “how is the transition going from 2 to 3 and now 3 to 4 children 5 and under?”…I’ll tell you what, that’s a lot of numbers crammed into one sentence! And the answer is: well. The transition is going mostly well. This is a new stage of life and definitely a whole new ball game of parenting, but I believe we’ll make it through this with our sanity (mostly) in tact. The transition at this point has very little to do with “adoption” but much more with the balancing act of simply meeting everyone’s basic needs and loving them well, while still maintaining a home, new business, and oh, I don’t know, marriage :)

Surely, we are tired and the never-ending-ness of it all can feel overwhelming, but reality is, most people and parents have experienced that at one point or another. The balance between pure joy and excruciating demands ebbs and flows, often all in the same day. There are days so smooth we’re practically singing Kumbaya in a circle and then there are days I am this close to curling up in the fetal position and rocking in a corner.

However, I am being totally honest when I say that I am trying to cherish this season, because I know that it is just that…a season. I love this time. I love it in the same way we’re called to love a spouse; not as an emotion or as the mood strikes, but as a choice. Just like I love my husband, I love this time and these kids way down deep in my core. The days that are hard, I wish for a time of rest. But I wouldn’t change a thing. Could I keep this pace for the rest of my life and do it with ease? Hardly (I can’t keep it up for a full week without melting down and cataloging my woes). It is demanding, very, but it is only for a time and I don’t want the time to pass without embracing all that it has to offer.

And, it was a long time in coming. This previous pregnancy and our time waiting on adoption was a different season, but now, I am so deeply grateful for how the Lord has brought our family together! Even in the midst of what I’d like to think is controlled chaos – but is probably just actual chaos – I feel confident that we are leaning more fully into who God has called us to be as a family.

There are times when I can’t seem to manage the day-to-day and can’t figure out how anyone else possibly does. When all I want to do is cry, or yell, or be silent…or all three at the same time. When I am a complete pill to my dear husband who also works hard all day and then comes home wearing his servant’s heart on his sleeve. Or vice versa.

We are being refined.

But God knows what He is doing. Prayerfully, I am becoming more and more of the women, wife, and mother the Lord desires me to be. I’m in a place that is testing my limits, my strength, my patience, my endurance; a place I never would have thought I could handle, but I’m doing it none-the-less. We waited and prayed for this child, for all of our children, and it just so happened that in this situation, two babies was better than one. I am so excited to see who they will become and how these two little lives (among their other siblings) will interact with one another – best buds or oil and water; or as it is with most things, a little bit of both at any given time. I’m not sure, but I know that it is not without purpose either way.

We are still shocked that we have four kids. Looking at a new family photo the other day, Andy said, “I recognize you and me, but who are the rest of these people?” We’ve been married six years, we blinked, and now we have four children.

It is surreal.

~ Becca

How was your transition to adoption? or multiples? or being a “mom of (sort-of) many”? Please share – I’m always open to making the transition go more smoothly!

Images from Instagram!

For those who didn’t see, but have followed our adoption journey on the blog…we finally have our little man! We’ve trusted the Lord from day one, knowing that he would bring the perfectly ordained child into our family in His perfect timing. And, all praise be to God! As I sit here staring at my beautiful new son, over and over again, I rejoice at the work of his hand.

I’m am overjoyed to introduce Lewis Andrew!

2014 was a big year for our family; so much happened that I haven’t shared and now 2015 has started out with a substantial bang! One day we were humming along and then we got the call. Suddenly, all the Christmas cards that are grossly overdue are completely and wonderfully outdated, ha!

Honestly, I am not quite sure where to start. I don’t want to pass over the life happenings over these past months or neglect what is going on in the present. I had a few posts drafted and now they seem irrelevant; however, it seems each story has a back story. I suspect, if I want to share the whole story, I’ll need to slowly but surely unveil each component; it is the interweaving of experiences that makes the big picture of God’s grace and provision that much more apparent.

Thank you for reading our adoption journey to this point and I look forward to filling you in on the details I missed since this past March and also the flurry of happenings in the past week. In the meantime, I’ve updated our Adoption page with the play-by-play.

I’m not necessarily one who sticks with New Year’s Resolutions, although I desire to (the same way I desire to be a runner, but have to admit this might never be the case). I like to ponder all the different things I’d like to accomplish, changes I’d like to make, or skills I’d like to refine; turning them over in my mind and examining every angle. I write them down, scratch and scribble

But sticking with them is an entirely different feat.

Last year’s goals were lofty.

And while I didn’t necessarily attain them, I definitely took steps in the right direction and simply writing them out gave them greater attention and focus (and isn’t that really the point? Not making ourselves feel bad about what we didn’t do, but acknowledging areas of growth and growing more into the people God desires us to be?)

• I didn’t read 3 books every month of certain genres, BUT I did it a couple times.
• I didn’t serve once a month with the kids, BUT we served a few times together and are honing in on our best family fit.
• I didn’t learn a new monthly skill, BUT almost every month threw a new experience at us that we had to respond to and I certainly learned life lessons that one can never plan for – like navigating bed rest, adoption failures, the loss of a parent, or life in the NICU.
• I didn’t always set weekly goals, BUT I grew significantly in my general goal setting and seeing tasks to their completion.

As I was reflecting on this past year and what I desire in my years to come, a word firmly planted in my mind and hasn’t budged (It came to mind in early December and it has already been a driving force in my planning and decision making).

For a litany of reasons, my word for 2015 is:

COMPLETE.

While a word of the year doesn’t establish measurable goals, I’m excited to have a frame around my thought process, study, and efforts this year.

• What does it mean to be complete in Christ?
• What makes me feel complete? and/or What areas in my life keep me from feeling complete?
• How am I aware of Biblical Completion?
• Is my work complete?
• What lingering tasks need completion?
• What areas need complete attention and overhaul?

I want to seek more completion in my identity in Christ, as well as my marriage, kids, home, friendships and passions. You’ll probably see this topic come up throughout the year. I’ll share what I am learning and I’d love to hear your thoughts along the way.

Do you make resolutions, set goals, have a word of the year, or none of the above? I’d love to hear, please share in the comments below!

I didn’t keep good track of the books I read this past year. I read some (apparently forgettable) books from the library, some on my Kindle, and skimmed or got half-way through an armful of others (what I consider my most annoying reading habit). The few I’ve selected here were my favorites that stand out in my mind despite my poor book keeping. This past year was divided into odd segments of excitement and sorrow (which I’m working on writing) and often these titles were associated with a given period of that time.

NON-FICTION

A Million Little Ways: Uncover the Art You Were Made to Live by Emily P. Freeman

I loved this and reviewed it in my February Twitterature post. I highly recommend taking the time to bite into and chew on these lovely truths, whether your passion be banking or baking, writing or singing, we were all created to be and live art.

Bread & Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table by Shauna Niequist

I was behind the times on this one. I read rave reviews in 2013, but just got around to reading it during this holiday season. Shauna open and honest, sharing relate-able stories that I wanted to pass on to so many friends enduring the same pain, but she continually comes back around to how we live life alongside one another (regardless of circumstance) and how food (and Jesus) should always be at the center.

The Nesting Place: It Doesn’t Have to be Perfect to be Beautiful by Myquillyn Smith

Given the many joys, heartbreaks, and silver linings of this past year, I spent a lot of time sitting around staring at my home and desiring beauty. Many a hot June afternoon, when the boys were asleep and all I could do was sit…again, I wandered outside with my perspiring glass of juice and lingered over these perfectly imperfect pages. It incorporates sound wisdom and a dose of reality on what we should actually expect from the space inside our walls (while also serving as a lovely coffee table book to flip through as a good reminder any ‘ol time).

Desperate: Hope for the Weary Mom Who Needs to Breathe by Sally Clarkson and Sarah Mae

I started this last year and then got distracted, but this year, it spoke clearly to me during my first trimester. I love Sally Clarkson (and already pre-ordered her new book coming out in January); she gives such sound wisdom and is the motherly mentor for whom so many of us young mothers are yearning. The book moves between Sarah Mae (a young mother reaching up from the trenches of early motherhood who offers antidotes, fears, and failures, to which practically anyone can relate) and Sally, offering her veteran experience, gentle reminders, and encouragement. It really did serve as a breath for one who often needs to step back and breathe.

The Happiness Project by Gretchin Rubin

Again, I read this while on bed rest and it was “just what the Dr. ordered,” if you will. It was enlightening to think about happiness in tangible ways that we make ourselves more or less happy. Rubin takes an intellectual approach to the topic, while sharing her experiences.  It got me to thinking deeply about my own happiness and whether or not I choose it (or simple things I can do to make myself more happy), as well as those around me – their happiness, how I can contribute to it, etc.

FICTION:

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

I wrote a brief review in March. This one is a quick read, but sticks with you! A book worth reading and re-reading.

Now, before I go on, I have to say it does not escape my attention that three of my four favorite fiction reads this year are about foster care or adoption (I also read and enjoyed The Orphan Train). Especially in light of our pending adoption, it is a topic that I find fascinating.

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

When I think back to the books I read this year, this was one of the most raw, heart-breaking, and redemptive. You can read a more full description and review here, but it gives voice to the often voiceless experience of kids who age out of foster care (this probably being more redemptive than many of these kids really experience).

Dear Mr. Knightly by Katherine Reay

In this stage of frequent, long nursing sessions, I snatched up a couple easy reads when they went on sale for Kindle. I plowed through this one (as well and Raey’s novel, Lizzy & Jane). It is again about a girl aging out of foster care and trying to acknowledge who she actually is instead of hiding behind the secure world within her books.

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

If you haven’t read Anne of Green Gables (especially if you have young children), it is a laugh-out-loud must read and then a re-read. Anne is so charmingly lovable in all of her idiosyncrasies and your heart breaks for her past but delights in her spirit. I was reading this when my Dad passed away and finished it up in the NICU with our new red-headed baby girl.

What were your favorites from this past year? Please share, I’d love to add some recommended books to my “To-Read in 2015” list; I have high hopes! 

I’m sharing this post over at Modern Mrs. Darcy, hop over if you’re looking for more favorites!

This morning was the latter.

It has been far too long since I’ve written, I doubt an apology feels necessary, but I’m sorry to those that have asked for an update and didn’t receive one. I’m also thankful to those same people who made me feel like my story, life, and writing were missed and worth reading. This blog and what I share are personal and emotional things, there is an excitement and vulnerability that comes from putting oneself out there.

To be honest, I’m not sure what I want out of it.

I’ve gone back and forth (incessantly) as to whether or not I should continue my blog for me or anyone else. And there are solid arguments for both sides. I don’t want it to take a space in my life that should be devoted to other things; it cannot be a priority at this point. Yet, just because it’s not a main thing doesn’t mean it can’t be something…but finding that balance is hard for me. I suppose that is part of this process: discovering passion, creating balance, growing purpose. And too often, I’m sure many of us feel that if we’re not at the finish line waving our medal for all the see (usually on Facebook :) then we’re obviously doing something wrong and can’t quite get the hang of this whole “living life well” hoopla. This past year has been beautifully blessed, but far from painless. God is the center of my life and my family the most precious priority. Within these perimeters, I want to be the best version of myself to offer up to the very people I love most, and figuring out how to do that is not without its pitfalls. I can’t say I missed blogging, not in that season. There was a lot of peace in simply living life, not thinking of how I might be able to recount an experience later; plus, just trying to stay sane and strong this last year took most of my mental energy. Depending on who you ask might result in different opinions on how well I did either, but I made the effort and knew that I had to eliminate everything that was not most vital.

My blog and writing might look different this time around. At least I hope it does.

I want to write for others, while not writing for anyone but myself. I want to write more confidently, sharing what I feel and not tailoring it to meet anyone else’s needs or be concerned about offending the perpetually offended. I want to be more concerned with sharing a story than the perfect image – literally or figuratively. I don’t want to subscribe to some formula or schedule of posting, I want to write what I feel when I feel it. I don’t want to feel like a failure if I write once a week or once a month, or just let it fall by the wayside for half the year.  I don’t want it to hold too much weight or give a false of self-worth. I don’t want to use this as a platform to develop a readership, but rather as a process to become more authentically me. If people stick around and want to read it, wonderful, thank you; if not, no worries, I’ll keep writing for me. It is a transition in my thinking, which may yield a transformation in my writing. We shall see.

See Becca Write. See Becca Process. (hopefully) See Becca Grow.

I have updates, but today, I just wanted to start somewhere. Thanks for still being here.

Becca

TAMMY LONG MADDOX! 

Congratulations to Tammy; I hope you love it! For those of you who didn’t win, you still have time to snatch up your copy and enjoy these lessons and activities as a family leading up to the celebration of Easter (you can read my full review here)!

Now, onto…

What I’m Into {March 2014} 

Linking up with Leigh Kramer to share what I’ve been into lately.

{Captured}: Carving the time to capture and create in picture and word. 

//phone pics: We hosted two Both Hands Adoption Fundraiser kick-off meetings this week! They were fantastic…I was teary and overcome with gratitude for our beautiful family and friends that took the time out of their busy lives and schedules to support us in this effort. The rooms were filled and not even everyone participating was able to come. It is a humbling experience to ask for help and ask for people to give of their time and resources; we do not take it lightly.//

Remember to enter the giveaway for your copy of A Sense of the Resurrection running through Monday (or  hop over to use the 20% off coupon code OHEASTER through today)!!

Have a great weekend!

~ Becca

For a list of parties I link-up with, click here.

This post contains affiliate links.

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