My Favorite Things

serious he is not.

2012-05-25T05:30:00.001-07:00

images by Auburn Soul

This man helps to remind me that life is meant to be LIVED! And to have fun while doing it! Happy memorial day weekend friends. See you Tuesday :)

bam!

2012-05-25T05:30:00.000-07:00

all images by Auburn Soul

This is what FUN looks like! Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

swooning over pretty mommy.

2012-05-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

It's addiction really, browsing the online shop Pretty Mommy. Every time I take a peak, my wish list grows by miles. Michelle doesn't disappoint. She has gathered the loveliest of the lovelies out there and compiled a killer collection of goodies. A few of my favorites, if you will...

1/2/3/4

curl up with a book.

2012-05-24T05:30:00.001-07:00

a rare moment to read at the pool. i only had one hooligan with me that day. that almost never happens.

Reading this.
Bought this.
Want this.

I have a constant love affair with books. What's on your nightstand?

chevron & stars.

2012-05-24T05:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we were in need of a quick little craft to keep our fingers busy and our mouths from whining. Oy! With a sick little and a sometimes whiny five year old, what I needed was a vacation!

And since a beach was no where to be found, I busted out the few supplies I had on hand and together, Benny and I, created a simple star garland. Perfect for the fourth of July. Eat your heart out Martha!

What you'll need...
gray chevron little bitty bags
air mail divine twine
tape
gingham craft paper

The process itself was super simple. I folded over the top of the bag and taped it on the twine. We then used our punched out stars of blue gingham and glued them on the little bitty bags. Bingo! I told you it was easy.

some days.

2012-05-23T07:02:00.001-07:00

There are some days that just don't go according to plan. They get all topsy-turvy and turned around and by the end, after the sun bids her farewell, I am left exhausted.

Yesterday was just that.

Nicholas woke up from his nap with the dreaded croup cough. I've become quite familiar with it's barky seal sound, that I know immediately it could go one of two ways : good or bad. I was crossing my fingers that the nurse could just call in a prescription for steroids and we could bypass the doctor's office, seeing as we were just there the day before for Tyler and his unidentified bug bitten legs. It was a no go and I knew that if I didn't have the steroids on hand that, of course, is when we find ourselves in the ER in the middle of the dark night. And so I schlepped all three boys to the doctor at 5pm, an awful hour to be schlepping children that are tired and hungry.

We arrive and that is when Benny announces he forgot shoes. Really? Hmmm, we might need to reinforce the whole, "when we get in the car to go somewhere bring shoes" rule. The P.A. sees us and off we go with a handful of prescriptions and lollies. My boys raid the dum dum bucket like it is their last day to live and honestly I don't care. I pay enough to that office to warrant them four lollies each, yes?

And so we pack up and head out, only to find that as I am zipping down the highway, Nicholas steals Tyler's lolly, pops it into his mouth and out comes the stick. And so my 18 month old is left with a round dum dum, in his mouth. The perfect choking device. I quickly pull of on the shoulder, fish around in his little mouth, while trying not to lose a finger to a disgruntled toddler who wants that piece of candy and will most certainly fight for it.

Crisis adverted.

We pull into the drive and thank the heavens we can all go to bed.

tegu!

2012-05-22T06:42:00.000-07:00

I have three boys, each with their own distinct and unique personality. My middle one, my Benny, he is my builder. He gravitates to toys that are extremely hands-on, with the ability to create, to build, to imagine.

The moment I discovered Tegu blocks, I knew, I just knew that Benjamin would fall in love with them. Plus, my boys are all smiles when a package arrives in the mail!

The first thing Benny uttered when I showed him the blocks was, "Mom, that's not enough! I need more!". It didn't take long for him to become entranced in the easy ability the blocks provided for creating and exploring with his hands. They were an instant hit!

You may be taken aback by the price, but let me tell you, worth every penny! I plan on buying a larger set when my babe turns two in October. Magnetic wooden blocks that let you build just about anything. They click together in every which way and are so easy to use, my 18 month old loves them too.

I mean, the video speaks for how cool they are. Super cool!

I was given a small set of Tegu blocks to review. Actually Benny reviewed them. My words. His thoughts. Our opinions. I only post what I love. Interested in a product review? Email me for details. info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

currently crushing | land of nod.

2012-05-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

I've always had a liking to the Land of Nod. I mean, who doesn't? And as of late, my mind is racing around with images of storage and organization! This summer I will be creating our "learning studio" and embarking on homeschooling this fall. I am completely terrified and 100% excited.

Do you like Land of Nod too?

1/2/3/4

it's friday!

2012-05-18T13:24:00.003-07:00

I've sort of been busy being a mom this week. No worries though, I'm still alive :) I had a super fun morning hanging out with my oldest at field day. Oh goodness, I just loved field day when I was young. Happy weekend friends.

currently crushing | board game edition.

2012-05-16T05:30:00.000-07:00

We frequently have movie night and game night around these parts. We pick a Friday night at least once a month and buy far too much candy and let the older boys stay up a bit later than normal. We drink root beer and inhale gummy bears, an all around good time!

These are a few games I think the boys would enjoy!
1/2/3/4/5

sakura bloom sling diaries | EXPLORATION.

2012-05-14T05:30:00.000-07:00

ALL IMAGES WERE TAKEN BY STEPHANIE OF AUBURN SOUL.

We were in our element. Exploring. Adventuring. It is what little boys live to do. Getting dirty and having fun. These snapshots of our day will forever be a favorite. All three of my boys love to be outside, sloshing through puddles and catching bugs.

As always, a HUGE thank you to my photographer friend extraordinaire. I would be lost without you Stephanie!

past sling diary entries | LOVE | STYLE

motherhood.

2012-05-11T05:30:00.000-07:00

image credit | auburn soul photography

The essence of motherhood can be found in the beating of my heart. It is the very act of living: the doing, the becoming, the being. Motherhood is the twinkling I feel when my heart connects with the souls of my three boys. In these moments, we exchanges pieces of our souls; they are a part of me now and I am a part of them.

Motherhood is the bittersweet yearning for yesteryear and the anticipation of the unknown future. It is the forgetting of days of exhaustion and the focusing on moments that I want to freeze in time forever. Motherhood is in the inexplicable ache I feel when my children struggle, as I fumble through the unknown, depending on my own Heavenly Father for guidance. It is a love so fierce, so wide, so all-encompassing that I am afraid at times my whole soul will burst into a thousand pieces.

Motherhood is not merely the physical act of running through the motions. Wiping down the table. Changing a diaper. Folding the mountains of laundry. It is seeing beyond that. Far, far beyond the menial tasks that seem to weigh me down at times. It is then that I remember that motherhood is a series of adventures, grand magical adventures, if only I surrender. Surrender all that I have, all that I am, for so much more; much more than I could ever possibly dream of.

Dread used to blanket me at bedtime. How could I keep going when I had not an ounce of energy left to propel me through three rounds of the nightly routine? I often asked myself, “Is this it? Is this what motherhood is all about?” Then one dark night, my heart tugged and tapped and shouted, “SURRENDER! Let me guide you. Let me lead you. I know what to do.” Because after all, a mother’s heart is a special gift.

Now, when I curl up with each of my boys, I choose to shower them with ALL of me. We share secret moments that are just between us, a language that is known by no other.

The list will always be long but the time is short. There is so much “must do” in a mother’s life but what “must be” is me with them; always us, always together.

I became a mom when the two pink lines popped up on the stick but I am just beginning to discover “motherhood”, and in the discovering, I am finding a new me. Not better, not worse, but new.

Happy Mother's Day to each mama out there!

Have a lovely weekend and I'll see you back here on Monday :)

Anna Liesemeyer on motherhood.

2012-05-10T05:30:00.000-07:00

In celebration of mothers all the world over, I've asked Anna Liesemeyer (of IHOD) to share with us what motherhood means to her. She is a gorgeous gal with impeccable style. Thanks Anna!
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What motherhood means to me...

When my husband and I drove home from the hospital with our brand new son in tow, so much ran through our minds. For my husband, it meant he would now devote his life to raising this boy as a strong and courageous one, who would respect and serve those around him. He was now a father, who wanted to be the best example for his child. For me, it meant I had a little life dependent on me to eat, sleep, grow, and be healthy. This little life would experience the world through what I would tell him was okay to touch and feel, what was good to eat, and what was fun to play. I had a little soul who would learn virtue and love through our example and guidance. It was something that scared me to death, but equally edified me. I couldn't wait to start living my life with my son.

Now that he is a three year old, and my baby girl is one, my understanding of motherhood is still the same on that first day, except there is an element that my husband and I didn't account for. Our little ones are experiencing the world and all it holds while holding our hands. I am seeing the world through their eyes, and it is if I have a new pair of rad night vision glasses that allow me to see things in a new light. When my son meets a new person, he is giving them hugs by time we leave. He has so much love and affection for everyone he meets. Whenever I make a mistake, he is fast to reassure me that "it's okay mom! It's okay!" with an enthusiastic nod and smile. The first thing he does when he gets up is run to his little sister and tackle her with love. He asks her in a high pitched tone, "Did you have a good sleep?" So what began as a journey to teach and guide, has now become an ongoing lesson for me. I am learning to love more, love consistently, and love constantly, as he does.

Motherhood begins as a quest to love and care for your child in the best way you can. What it turns out to be is that in turn, we learn on a new level what happiness means. We laugh and laugh often. We receive many hugs and kisses. And even in the days where there are no "I love you's" or sweet reassurances, I still know that I am living out what I was made for. Motherhood is a complete gift of self to your children and spouse. Day and night you are making sure everyone is fed, well kept, and happy. You give and sacrifice much so that they can feel loved and secure. What you don't bargain for or cannot fathom is the depth of joy you receive in return. I think its designed that way:)

“The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new.” ~Source unknown

Reachel Bagley on motherhood.

2012-05-09T05:30:00.000-07:00

In celebration of mothers all the world over, I've asked Reachel Bagley (of Cardigan Empire) to share with us what motherhood means to her. She is a beautiful soul and has a way with words that will sing to you. Thanks Reachel.

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I was born a mother.

The dull painted eyes of plastic baby dolls inspired only apathy; I preferred to hone my genius by way of my junior sister. I learned to plate scrambled eggs to her fancy, proofread her essays on kittens, and tuck her along the wall side of our shared bed as a protection against whatever might be lurking beneath it. She was a darling baby, but she grew up almost as quickly as I did.

So I adopted a husband. I defended him from roaches and trimmed his toenails. I tidied his tumult of tools and made sure he took his vitamins everyday. But he is awfully awkward to cradle, and he almost never giggles.

We took in a dog. Mabel Dixie was the prettiest puppy eyes ever admired. I washed her glossy red coat and carried her when the pavement was too hot for her paws. I taught her where to potty and attempted to refine her manners. She was an awful baby. She cried all night, snarled, and bit. I loved her. When she ran away I papered every corner with her image and probed through the pound, to no avail.

I was born a mother. But I couldn’t bear a baby. Following an extensive search through wombs and doctor’s offices with ultrasounds, blue lasers, and needles, a selfless girl in California found our daughter. Coco was perfect, and I was her mother. Four months later we found our son Levi nestled inside me.

I was born a mother. My calling is not to change diapers or spoon-feed tiny mouths. My calling is to nurture eternity. I scrub sinks and scour floors because my home is holy, upon the alter of this temple I have laid all my own ambitions. I do not stay home to support my husband. He goes to work to fund our family.

The products, campaigns, and companies I could have fostered will rot in the corners of filing cabinets and the crevices of hard drives. But my family will blossom without end of season, perpetuating generation after generation of born mothers and instinctive fathers.

schooling at home.

2012-05-08T11:31:00.004-07:00

Still interested in my thoughts on education and homeschooling? You can click on over to my other blog and take a peek...

my mother heart grew three times.

2012-05-08T11:27:00.001-07:00

Tyler Golden

Benjamin Jack

Nicholas Gray

Each of these pictures evoke deep, soulful feelings. They take me back to a place of raw emotions and inexplicable joy. My mother heart has shifted and grown in such miraculous ways. Each day as I mother my own children, a new, stronger appreciation for my own mother grows. She has loved and cared for me for twenty-nine years. Thank you mom. For everything.

BONLOOK giveaway!

2012-05-08T04:28:00.000-07:00

Goodness me, it is already quite warm down here in Texas. I have a feeling we are in for a doozy of a summer. Despite the heat, my boys still beg to go outside. And so I arm myself with sunblock and a good pair of sunnies. Sunglasses are a must for me and BONLOOK just so happens to have a great selection. Affordable and stylish!

Today you have the change to win a $50 gift voucher, good towards your favorite pair of sunglasses. Just tell me what your tippy top fave style is. Leave your email for easy access too. The giveaway will run through Saturday, May 12 and a winner will be announced the following day. Open to everyone!

Good luck!

P.S. If you'd like a $10 discount (good towards a purchase), don't forget to sign for the newsletter! You will receive your code via email.

UPDATE : The winner has been chosen!
Congrats to...

celebrating motherhood.

2012-05-07T09:57:00.000-07:00

This week will be filled with all the loveliness that motherhood embodies. It goes without saying that I am in love with being a mother. I also have a few guest posts lined up too. Happy Monday friends!

what do you see?

2012-05-04T07:05:00.000-07:00

image credit | chelsea of Frolic | via instagram

Quick, tell me the first thing that comes to mind when you see this picture. If you guess right, then we are definitely kindred spirits.

photojojo : the ONA camera bag.

2012-05-03T11:12:00.001-07:00

Meet the 'ONA' Any Bag Camera Bag Insert from Photojojo. Whew, that was a mouth full! Seriously, this little gem is pretty darn near perfect. I don't often tote my camera around. I'm guilty of pulling out my iPhone and snapping away. But, on the occasion that I do want to carry it along, I don't necessarily want it to come attached with a big bulky camera bag. I want the option to throw it in my current handbag and skip off into the sunset. The 'ONA' does just that. It's the perfect size for me. It has multiple pockets to store what you need and it fits nicely in my current favorite messenger bag. Two thumbs up y'all!

I was given the 'ONA' to review. My thoughts. My words. My opinion. I only post what I love. Interested in a product review? Email me for details. info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

eReader.

2012-05-02T10:12:00.000-07:00

Reading to me is an addiction. I absolutely could not survive without a good book. It's as simple as that. Last year I made the plunge and purchased a Nook. I didn't know if I could do it. Who doesn't like the feel of crisp new pages between their fingers? The smell of paper? The sound of a book being opened for the first time? Pretty intoxicating.

I hate to feel like I am cheating but I have grown to love my Nook. I can read multiple books at once and purchase instantly, a big plus. No worries now, I still buy books on occasion, special ones that I know I will want to hold on to for a good long time.

Do you use an eReader? If so, which one? Or are you old school? I'd love to hear.

pinhole press.

2012-05-01T09:08:00.001-07:00

Pinhole Press delivers. Every single time. They offer such a nice variety of photo products. All beautifully simple and modern. Just the way I like it.

I was extremely excited to receive a Big Book of Names and Faces for Nicholas. I remember putting together little plastic photo albums for my older two when they were babes. It is such a fun way for your little to learn who makes up their family.

Nicholas' eyes light up every time we pull the book from the shelf. I am, of course, his favorite person.

The only thing that I would change, the sturdiness of the book. Although I know that would take away from its style, I just don't feel comfortable letting Nicholas read it all by himself. He has a tendency to, ahem, be a little rough. Other than that, we LOVE it. Adore it. And will be keeping it forever.

P.S. don't forget Mother's Day is soon. Pinhole Press has great gifts for your favorite mom. Just an idea...

I received a Big Book of Names and Faces from Pinhole Press. My thoughts. My words. My opinions. I only post what I love. Interested in a product review? Email me for details. info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

tubtrugs.

2012-04-30T08:28:00.002-07:00

In preparation for (possibly, almost 100% sure) homeschooling my boys this fall, I am on a mission to revamp a room downstairs and transfer it into a "learning studio". That means, certain toys need to be sorted and reorganized and a trip to IKEA is looming in the near future.

I am highly leaning towards buying a couple of these tubtrugs. They look sturdy and we need sturdy. Three boys does not allow for dainty pretty storage. Do you use tubtrugs? Do you like? What's your favorite toy storage solution?

spring cleaning.

2012-04-26T08:48:00.002-07:00

Hello friends! I'm selling a few things from my closet that I just don't wear often enough. They are lovely and in great condition and are waiting for a new home! Read all the details over here.

p.s. there is also a link in the sidebar at the top :)

day FIVE.

2012-04-26T07:29:00.003-07:00

The other day the mister and I were talking. We do that on occasion when the boys are not vying for our attention. He told me my diet dr pepper addiction was going to kill me one day. Oh you know, all that artificial junk, probably shouldn't be ingested on a daily basis. Psh, I told him. His Grammie is in her 80's and still indulging in her love of diet coke. By golly, it is the nectar of Gods!

Oh but don't challenge me, I love a good challenge. I rise to a challenge and laugh it down, down, down, until I've conquered it all! That's how I got myself the mister, but that's a story for another day.

And so, now I am on day FIVE. Day FIVE people. No diet dr pepper. No soda. No caffeine. Oh the anguish! But my feet are firmly planted and I am staying strong, oh and guzzling lots of water.

And I've decided every once in a while I can treat myself to my beloved root beer. I don't drink alcohol, so root beer it is.

Now if only I can get this sugar monster under control. It's responsible for the 3lb scale imbalance.