formerly known as emj

Mommy Time

2013-04-29T20:41:00.000-07:00

My Review

I really enjoyed reading through this devotional for new moms, especially since I am preparing now to welcome home a new baby in just a few short weeks. The best part of Mommy Time is that I don't think it necessarily has to only be for the new mom. It has been a great reminder to me of my past with Hayden as a new mommy and also in preparation for our new little guy.

Sarah is great at relating her motherhood beginnings to scripture and helping you not feel alone in mommyhood. Much of the devotions are about her story as a mom but I completely related to her from the start with her less than desired birthing story to her reflecting on trying to understand who this new little person is now and who they will become. This book will help you to see yourself in a new way through your baby with honoring the Lord as your desired outcome through motherhood.

From now on this book will be at the top of my list of go-to gifts for new mommies and maybe some not so new mommies. Those first days & months & even years can be hard as a mom, especially trying to find time for Bible study. What mom can say no to a great & easy way to incorporate scripture reflection into daily life. My plan is to re-read this devotional once little mister is here and just one at each feeding and you would finish it in just a couple weeks.

Author Q & A
Sarah Arthur on Mommy Time

What is your hope for this book, Mommy Time? One of the best ways I’ve found to stay balanced during the crazy transition of motherhood has been to talk with other moms. And that’s what I hope this book is: a conversation, a story, one new mom sharing with other new moms what God is doing in her life. In that sense it’s less a devotional book than a memoir, or maybe a devotional memoir, tracking my spiritual reflections during the first three months of my son’s life.

Tell me about the personal experience(s) that prompted you to write such a book. As a new mom, I felt totally overwhelmed by bringing a human being into our lives, not to mention all my bodily changes and the relentlessness of caregiving. Yes, there are lots of joys! But motherhood is hard. I thought it was important to be honest about that. So often Christians are tempted to sugarcoat their experience and cover it up with sentimentality. I wanted to open up a space for other moms to acknowledge their experience and say, “God is okay with the fact that I’m having a hard time. And God is here.”

How do you carve out time to spend in God’s Word in your busy life? I’ll be honest, whatever pattern of “quiet time” many Christians idealize was not invented by new moms. There have been seasons in my life when I deeply, intensely studied Scripture— through Bible classes in college, getting a master’s degree in theology, reading certain books, and attending certain small groups. But during this new season, I have had to draw from the well of those experiences rather than carve out new ones. I have had to tell myself, “Holding this child is what God has for me right now.” If I can free up one arm so that I can read a good devotional book, even better.

How did you write this book as a busy new mom? Why was it important for you to do so? A major shout-out to my husband and my son’s grandparents: I could not have written this book without them. When Micah was tiny, I didn’t write a thing. But writing is in my blood, in my bones. It’s one of the ways I connect with God. So in those early days, I couldn’t help thinking, “I’ve got to remember this moment, this thought. I need to write it down someday.” Once we finally settled into a routine, and I had childcare lined up, the writing began—and so did the opportunity to breathe, to spend time in God’s presence. It was a gift.

God is in control. Why is this truth so important for new moms? We live in a culture of fear: fear for our kids’ safety, fear that we won’t measure up as parents, fear that our children will flunk life, etc. And retailers prey on that fear. So we are surrounded by magazines and books and websites that try to sell us things to give us a false feeling of control. But the truth is, every day I have to unclench my fist and release Micah into the care of the One who made him in the first place. And that’s hard. But if I can practice it now, I can do it when Micah walks out the door with the car keys. Hopefully.

What encouragement would you provide to the new mom who is overwhelmed and feeling lost? You are not alone. Lots of moms, including me, fall into the trap of presenting ourselves as totally together—which just perpetuates that feeling of isolation, like you’re the only one flunking motherhood. But we are all there, sister. I’m sitting here at my laptop unshowered with no idea what to make for dinner tonight, checking my phone fifty-seven times a minute to make sure Micah’s day care isn’t texting me about some crisis. So we’re in this together. And meanwhile, we have a God who holds us and our children in the palm of his hand, who isn’t particularly concerned that the same load of laundry has been in the washer for three days. We rest in grace.

In your book, you say that “motherhood is itself a spiritual discipline.” What do you mean by this? Christians often talk about certain spiritual actions or practices that bring us into the presence of God, that deepen our relationship with Jesus. We talk about Bible study, prayer, worship, serving others, etc. But through motherhood, I’ve realized that we can also seek God in the everyday ordinariness of caregiving. The working class, the poor, the enslaved, and illiterate Christians have been doing this for centuries without ten minutes each morning to pray or read Scripture. It is not beneath us to pray while folding laundry. In fact, there is a sense in which having such focus requires more discipline. If we let God in, motherhood can help us grow stronger spiritual muscles and become more like Jesus.

You endeavor to help moms cultivate “awareness of God’s presence in the small things, in the daily tasks of caring for infants.” Can you provide an example of this? It was my husband who began praying for my son’s body while giving him a bottle—since there isn’t much else to do besides sit there. He prays for Micah’s little feet, that he will stand strong in the Lord; for his legs, that he will walk with Jesus all his days; for his stomach, that he will “feed” on God’s Word; etc.—all the way up. Rather than texting or talking on the phone or checking Facebook, we can take those moments and turn our thoughts toward God.

In your book, you say that the idea of being a new mother “both exhilarates and terrifies me.” Can you explain what you mean by this? Motherhood is exhilarating because it’s a new adventure, a new challenge (for those who like such things), a chance to do something deeply and eternally meaningful. But it’s also terrifying—for all those same reasons. Adventures are difficult. They hurt, they change us, and not always for the better. And what if we mess things up? A whole new generation of humans will have us to thank for their years of therapy. But even deeper, there’s the reality of loss. We don’t want to look down the years (or sooner) and see the inevitable goodbye. And yet we have a God who, as a Parent, knows all those joys and heartbreaks.

As a new mom, what is the best advice or encouragement that you have received? Go easy on yourself. Nobody cares that you haven’t showered. Really. And if they do, hand them the baby and say, “Thank you for helping.” Then soak in the tub for a long, long time. Because someday soon our kids will start to pick up on the fact that we really don’t mean it when we claim God is in control. But he is.

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers who provided me with a complimentary copy of this book

menus & goals this week

2013-04-26T18:39:00.001-07:00

menu plans for this week:

Dinner

No plans set this week mama is tired, that is why this post is super late but I have decided to post menu plans on Friday instead from now on.

Recap:

We had Philly Cheesesteak Peppers on Monday w/ Alexia onion rings from the freezer aisle, our first time trying any of their products and mmm they were good.

I made Focaccia with the intention of making pizza on it but we kinda devoured it before that could happen.

Also made Jalapeño & Cheese Pretzel Rolls, these are quick and easy to make and also were devoured.

All bread doughs are mixed in my bread machine cause lets be honest I don't have time or patience to stand there and knead dough. We unfortunately might have a bread/carb addiction...

goals:

My brain hurts too much to think of things to do... but here are a couple things based off of last weeks goals.

Finally order photos for Hayden's album & Project Life album
Post Feminine Appeal review
Finish new book
Work out 2-4x this week
Focus on getting my cleaning routines down
List items to sell at Jbf Pleasanton
Menu plan all of May out
Enlist some sous chefs to help me with freezer meals to prep
Wash couch covers
Wash baby boys clothes

Recap:

Work on Hayden's baby album - organize & print - Big fat fail... every time I sit down to try and decide what pictures to print I get overwhelmed by the whole process, possibly due to the fact that I like to get Instagram pics printed from a different place than my other prints and I actually used to do all my printing at home but do not love the quality I was getting from my printer anymore.
Catch up on Project life album - print photos, upload/edit new photos once a week - Once again printing is overwhelming me.
~~Read 2.5 chapters left of Feminine Appeal & move on to next book~~ - One goal down
~~Work out 2-4x this week~~ - Elliptical & lots of dancing with Hayden
Get back to decluttering & purging our home based on the 52 Weeks to an Organized Home Schedule - Took lots of stuff to Goodwill, so I will count this as half done
List items to sell at Jbf Pleasanton - must do asap
3 blog posts - nope
~~Organize garage storage~~ - Done yay
Finish washing couch covers - not done
Cook Hayden freezer meals from Survive Before 5: Toddler Meals for Your Busy Days eCookbook - not done

to get this week:

Color & Black cartridges for printing Project Life cards & printing tags for Jbf sale items... still to be done.

menus & goals this week

2013-04-16T09:22:00.002-07:00

menu plans for this week:

Dinner

Bulk Taco Meat made with ground turkey for Taco Salads
Mexican Chicken Lime Soup with Quesadillas
Creamy Slow Cooker Thyme Chicken with Asparagus
Brinner - Bacon, Scrambled Eggs, Pancakes
Homemade Pizza

Recap:

Mostly the same as last week, we ended up out 2 nights and also ate chili dog casserole 2x cause it was delicious. The Philly Cheesesteak Peppers were really good too, love being able to add 2 new very different recipes that everyone likes to my repertoire. In addition to what was planned, Hayden and I ate some quesadillas with homemade tortillas and loved them.

goals:

Work on Hayden's baby album - organize & print
Catch up on Project life album - print photos, upload/edit new photos once a week
Read 2.5 chapters left of Feminine Appeal & move on to next book
Work out 2-4x this week
Get back to decluttering & purging our home based on the 52 Weeks to an Organized Home Schedule
List items to sell at Jbf Pleasanton
3 blog posts
Organize garage storage
Finish washing couch covers
Cook Hayden freezer meals from Survive Before 5: Toddler Meals for Your Busy Days eCookbook

Recap:

I didn't do that great this week on goals, so I'm carrying them over with a little modification.

~~Work on Hayden's baby album~~ - Edited photos
~~Catch up on Project life album~~ - Edited & uploaded/organized photos by month
Read 1 chapter a day of Feminine Appeal - almost done & move on to next book - read 2.5 chapters
~~Work out 2-4x this week~~ - 1 long walk & 1 25 min session on elliptical
Start going to bed before or when Patrick does - half did this = 4 nights, still a priority but not a goal this week
List items to sell at Jbf Pleasanton - Did not do but have saved links to items I've decided to sell
3 blog posts - 2 posts done, want to work on new content
Organize garage storage - separated items for Goodwill & to go in garage storage
Finish washing couch covers - did not do
Cook Hayden freezer meals from Survive Before 5: Toddler Meals for Your Busy Days eCookbook - did not do, fail... Might need to commandeer a sous chef

to get this week:

Color cartridges for printing Project Life cards & printing tags for Jbf sale items

31 weeks v.2

2013-04-12T23:32:00.001-07:00

above - 31 weeks

How far along? 31 weeks, 1 day - Only 9 weeks or less left

Total weight gain/loss: 20 lbs and weighing in at 128, I've gained one more pound than 31 weeks with Hayden but I weighed more in total then.

Maternity clothes? A little bit of everything, unfortunately lots of yoga pants and leggings

Stretch marks? Possibly a couple tiny ones on my belly

Symptoms: Lovely all-day heartburn & my sleep is messed up some nights due to it plus with a super active baby

Sleep: Not very good most nights

Best moment this week: Dinner out to Cheesecake Factory w/ Hannah & JP - I had the Mac & Cheese burger and it was delicious

Miss Anything? Good sleep & not having circles under my eyes

Movement: Still lots of movement!! Little guy is almost non-stop with kicking or punching

Food cravings: For some reason I've been craving sparkling jello jigglers

Anything making you queasy or sick: Just my heartburn now

Have you started to show yet: Yes

Baby is a: Boy

Belly Button in or out? Flat

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: No more work outside of the home has majorly relaxed me

Looking forward to: My baby shower in 2 weeks

What I'm reading: Just Feminine Appeal

menus and goals this week

2013-04-08T18:13:00.001-07:00

First round of homemade tortillas are delish, might never buy them again.

menu plans for this week:

Dinner

Bulk Taco Meat made with ground turkey for Taco Salads
Chili Dog Casserole, made with Homemade Tortillas & Garlicky Sweet Potato Fries
Philly Cheesesteak Peppers
Mexican Chicken Lime Soup with Quesadillas
Creamy Slow Cooker Thyme Chicken with Asparagus

goals:

Work on Hayden's baby album
Catch up on Project life album
Read 1 chapter a day of Feminine Appeal - almost done & move on to next book
Work out 2-4x this week
Start going to bed before or when Patrick does
List items to sell at Jbf Pleasanton
3 blog posts
Organize garage storage
Finish washing couch covers
Cook Hayden freezer meals from Survive Before 5: Toddler Meals for Your Busy Days eCookbook

Linking up here

Happy Easter!

2013-03-31T14:32:00.001-07:00

Hoping & praying each reader has a blessed Easter with family & friends!

Rejoice in the God who became man that dwelt among us and died a terrible death on a cross, for believers sins & 3 days later rose again, vanquishing death!

Currently

2013-03-16T22:12:00.000-07:00

Watching the Biggest Loser, my all time fave
Reading Feminine Appeal
Playing with the tiny tot, lots of coloring and pretend cooking and being covered in stuffed animals
Eating lots of snacks to try ward off heartburn
Enjoying no more need for heater
Ready for menu planning, maybe?
Loving my little ninja in my belly
Needing to figure out a new hairdo and searching for the perfect foundation & concealer
Drinking iced Via & tangerine Mio
Wanting a new photo printer
Craving a late movie dinner date & jalapeno poppers

I don't

2013-03-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

I don’t…

Treat Hayden like she's the first kid

Eat eggs or much chocolate, other than reeses or pretzel crack

Like to drive around town, I would much rather drive far or just walk

Wash my hair more than 1-2x a week

Understand gluten-free things, not to offend anyone

Always utilize my time wisely

Encourage my husband enough daily but am completely amazed by all that he handles in a week

Always get it right

Put myself out there enough, I'm truly a homebody & introvert so its hard for me to remember to plan to do things with people even though I always want to

Like having to be decisive about food options

Know how anyone can live without caffeine or bacon

Always like how I view myself as a person but I do love that I have a really strong body image & always have, I may be more fit now but I haven't always been

Know how single moms do it all & am so proud to be raised by one

Put many restrictions on what I eat & when, for me moderation & portion control are key plus some fab workouts

Get much sleep during the last few months of pregnancy, due to heartburn & freakish nesting

Ever really wear red unless its in a print

Have any clue what we are naming little man & its seriously frustrating me

Ever know what to do with my hair

How about you? What are your don’ts?

post inspired by Alissa from Rags to Stitches

influential women link-up

2013-03-05T22:58:00.000-08:00

I became a member of the Influence Network at the start of winter and I have really enjoyed all the facets of the network and all the awesome women involved with it. From the amazing classes to the community that is growing exponentially, I am rewarded so much by being a part of Influence.

Today all members we're asked/invited to link up to get to know one another. So this is me.

three things my influence girls should know about me:

1. I've been a believer for 6 years now but I often still feel

like a new Christian compared to those around me but

I am so thankful for my more radical testimony.

I think it speaks volumes of what our faithful God can do.

2. I never thought it was okay to just be a mom and wife

but now its harder to think about being

anything but those to titles.

3. Its really tiring and frustrating to always be perceived

as someone much younger than I am,

not that I'm not young at 25.

I'm just tired of being 18 to those around me,

especially when I feel 30 or more on the inside.

one valuable thing i've learned from Influence

That I'm not the only one that yearns for true community

Weekend Links

2013-03-03T08:31:00.000-08:00

This week has had many ups & downs unfortunately.. Hayden has some sort of cold and on top of that her sleep schedule and attitude are soooo off that I'm a bit at a loss of what to do with her. Even with my lack of sleep though I've only had 2 grumpy days, mainly Tuesday.

//Food//

- I am seriously craving a burger from The Counter, which must be fulfilled soon. Suggestion: Beef 1/3 lb burger, on ciabatta or pretzel bun w/ herbed goat cheese or gruyere, baby spinach, black olives, smoked bacon with roasted garlic aioli or country buttermilk ranch plus side of pickle chips & the "fifty-fifty" of fries and sweet potato fries. Seriously so good but they have so many options, you can even choose to go bunless and put your burger on top of a salad.

//Fitness//

- Since I am not worn out by my work hours anymore, I finally started to work out again today. I started a new prenatal work out program called Expecting More by Sara Haley which I will do a full review when I have done all 6 of the workouts on it.

Insta-Friday February

2013-03-01T09:40:00.000-08:00

I've been taking some breaks from Instagram this year, as I have with Twitter already. I love both of these apps but I yearn for a slower pace in this busy season.

Funny girl loves pictures but somehow does not recognize herself yet

Brownie Waffles: don't bother unless you like chocolate biscotti

Morning baba & obsession of Aristocats

Sassafras face

Weekend Links

2013-02-24T07:30:00.000-08:00

I'm super excited for all that awaits me at the moment. This week was my last at work, we recently made the decision that I don't want to get to the point where I am a burden to the others there (I worked at Starbucks, shorter shifts but its still a fast-paced on your feet non-stop job). This turn of events couldn't have come at a better time as Hayden had 2 nights this week where her schedule has been completely off, i.e. waking up in the middle of the night and staying up till 4 or so. Usually its from teething or growth spurts but we shall see... Here are some fun things I've found or have been thinking about this week.

//Books//

- Two newer book studies I am really interested in doing with a group this year /Storyline by Donald Miller/ & /The 7 Experiment by Jen Hatmaker/ I love book studies with different and new formats like these with interactive elements. I really enjoy looking introspectively on how my life can reflect Christ more & both are geared in that theme. Please anyone let me know if you are interested in doing an online group together.

//Crafts//

- I am still in love with doing Project Life but I am really wanting to start a monthly scrapbooking group to do Project Life with. I get even more creative and excited when I craft with others and you can't beat the fellowship of other crafters. I love that Project Life is really whatever you want it to be: simple/intricate, daily/weekly/monthly. I'm a little behind from last year but hope to finish it up soon & will be starting my 2013 album too. Plus making baby books for my little boos. Here is a little video about Project Life...

//Posts//

- This thought on working on marriage is a great illustration & reminder

- Lauren writes about a refreshing look on 'quiet times' with the Lord

//Recipes//

- Make this & these together plus your favorite side dish and you seriously won't regret it. Bonus: you can double the shredded chicken in your crock pot to freeze for other dishes or for a repeat another night.

Latest Lusts

2013-02-23T10:18:00.001-08:00

Latest Lusts-2/23 by emmers87 featuring gap maternity

GAP maternity / GAP maternity / Maxi tank dress | Gap / Printed pintuck top | Gap / 1969 demi panel always skinny skimmer jeans | Gap / 1969 demi panel legging skimmer jeans | Gap

Gap is doing amazing things in maternity this season, now just to decide what I "need" ;)

Liebster Award

2013-02-10T08:06:00.000-08:00

I just received my second Liebster award but I forgot to do my survey and spread the love last time. This time around my long time real life friend Ileana nominated me. The Liebster, is awarded to new and upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. The award is passed on to other bloggers in the same category to help spread their names around and support one another!

If you receive this award these simple rules must be followed...

The nominated blogger has to post 11 random facts about themselves
Answer the 11 questions the person who nominated them asked
Create 11 new questions for those the blogger has nominated to answer
Choose 11 bloggers with less than 200 followers to nominate and link them on their blog post
No tag backs!

11 Random Facts about me:

I was a Girl Scout from 3rd grade - 12th grade and hope to be a Girl Scout troop leader someday.
I choose salty over sweet almost any time.
Baking used to be my preference but now I love cooking much more.
If I had the option to move to France I would in about a millisecond, My trip there with my mom formed much of who I am in just a week of time.
My dream job would be part- professional organizer and personal trainer and doula and event planner. Yeah, my passions are all over the place.
My vacation choice is almost always Palm Springs.
No matter how hard I try I can't eat eggs, the texture is just so wrong to my mouth. Trust me there are many times where omelets and certain other egg dishes sound delicious to me but I know I would never be able to get them down.
I love to research everything I buy, this has benefitted us greatly almost every thing I buy I love and fully recommend.
I love crafting but don't see it as an outlet like some people do, its more just a daily thing.
I absolutely loathe cleaning the bathroom and always put it off minus cleaning the sink I do that almost everyday.
I put my trust & life in Jesus Christ almost 6 years ago now and am still amazed at how my life has changed.

My Questions from Ileana:
1. How would you describe yourself in three words? Friendly,
2. What is one things that you do just for you? Buy these chips, they are my crack.
3. What was one of your resolutions this year? Have you kept it? I have not made any this year, I'm too prego-brained to even remember my due date some days. However, I am trying to focus on daily and weekly goals.
4. If you could change one thing about your life what would it be? That rent is so expensive here.
5. How do you feel about chocolate? Like it sometimes but really loathe chocolate and red velvet cake but I'm not really cake person.
6. What is your biggest phobia? Such a weird one but... When movie theaters are completely full, I get really anxious and claustrophobic.
7. Why do you blog? To have a writing outlet and record our life.
8. Dogs or Cats? Definitely dogs, I don't hate cats I just wouldn't ever own one.
9. What is your most embarrassing moment? In high school I wasn't paying attention to where I was walking and walked right into the back of my vice principal, awkward much?!
10. What is your favorite TV show? This is hard to choose but I would have to say the Biggest Loser has probably been a favorite for the longest time.
11. What is your guilty pleasure? Probably my interesting tv watching choices; Big Love (which I don't endorse at all, I'm just intrigued by it) & Pretty Little Liars.

My Nominees:

(Note: I will not be specifically nominating anyone, due to me being to busy to follow up at the moment, so anyone that I call friend that also fits the Liebster criteria is nominated by me)

My Questions for You:

If you could move anywhere in the world, where would it be?
What is your favorite movie and bonus your favorite Disney movie too?
If you could only eat one thing a year what would it be?
Which do you prefer Coke or Pepsi?
What is your favorite blog to read?
How long have you been blogging?
Which season is your favorite?
What is your favorite holiday?
What is your favorite song to dance to?
Your favorite dessert and your least favorite?
If you could make 3 wishes what would they be?

I look forward to reading any responses.

20 weeks v.2

2013-01-24T18:34:00.002-08:00

Actually about 19 weeks here

How far along? 20 weeks, woo hoo half way!

Total weight gain/loss: About 6 lbs so far

Maternity clothes? I like to wear a mix of both but just had to start wearing my maternity khakis to work.

Stretch marks? I think I saw one tiny one and unfortunately I'm not as diligent this pregnancy with moisturizing the belly.

Symptoms: Lots of fatigue and naps. A couple bad bouts of heartburn.

Sleep: A little restless most nights... that sounds confusing.

Best moment this week: Finding out were having a boy! We are so excited & think Hayden will be a great big sister to her little brother. Also to know that all the ultrasound shots looked good. Hayden had a single umbilical artery, so I was worried I might have that again. Thankfully we didn't have any complications with her. Registering for boy clothes has been fun, so many people think boy clothes are boring but I love them.

Miss Anything? Margaritas, not a lush or anything just don't like being told I can't have something. Really starting to miss running but I just feel comfortable doing it now because I'm so extra clumsy while prego.

Movement: Lots!! Little man has always seemed extra squirmy

Food cravings: Um everything! I could really use a good burger from The Counter right now and a side of their fried pickle chips and sweet potato fries. Mmmm nom! I really love soft pretzels & pot stickers during each pregnancy so far.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Just my heartburn now

Have you started to show yet: Yes

Baby is a: Boy

Belly Button in or out? Flat

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Much happier, less stress now since its not holiday time and I'm working a little less

Looking forward to: Picking out the perfect name for our little guy. It might be a little hard since Hayden is more unique for a girl and we would like their names to sound well together. Finding a Bradley Method birthing class, I really wanted to be all natural with Hayden but wasn't and was still very happy with her birth but

What I'm reading: Not much other than my daily Bible study. However I do find it hilarious that you want to read everything with the first baby. Cannot wait till late night feedings cause I got some serious reading done then.

xo, Emily

hi we're alive here

2013-01-12T07:19:00.000-08:00

We've done a lot over the past 3 months, which is by far the longest true bloggy break I've ever taken. In a way I needed it but on the other side there was no other choice. My first trimester this 2nd pregnancy has been overwhelming with the mix of work & toddler. It surprised me a lot because 1st pregnancy I had 2 jobs during my first trimester and yes was overwhelmed then too but in such a different way. I was mentally just demolished for a period and trying to figure out my footing in life but after this Christmas season I am back and have gained some useful tools for future periods of depression & anxiety.

I am now 18 weeks & 2 days, which I wouldn't know if I didn't have an app that told me. Its funny the contrast from 1st pregnancy- where every detail is SO important to 2nd pregnancy- in which I'm lucky if I remember my due date. I have the worst case of preggo brain, so if you ask me something involving a date farther than a week from now I will look really concerned and frustrated for a minute and then maybe if you are lucky have the right answer.

Hayden will be 18 months next week and I can't believe it. Patrick and I have been watching videos from her first year and are in shock of how much she really has grown and how she really isn't bald anymore. We are gradually incorporating potty training into our routine and Hayden has already peed on her potty once. She sometimes is now picky about foods but mostly on the factor if she can feed it to herself. Her signing and speech is crazy good, she is adding a few new words to her vocabulary every week. In the past month Hayden has been adding in some short sentences as well but I am most proud of her manners, she signs and says her pleases and thank you's very often with little prompting when speaking to Patrick and I and often none when speaking to others. She is quite the ball of energy and scary good at climbing, this makes my job a little harder but by far my favorite part of my day.

2012 was a really good year for us but we are even more excited about 2013

-xo emily

Stella and Dot Holiday

2012-10-10T17:37:00.000-07:00

S&D Holiday Gifts by emmers87 featuring zip bags

Zip bag / Tech accessory / Scarve / Scarve / Tech accessory / Green scarve / Delight Candle

Stella & Dot has been adding more than just jewelry to their past couple lines but their new holiday ones are by far the greatest. I'm in love with our new scarves & wallets especially.

October Goals

2012-09-29T16:14:00.000-07:00

Family/ Marriage/ Mothering Goals

Start back up reading The Love Dare: Day by Day
Implement Hayden's Play/Learning schedule, I am loosely following the Brightly Beaming Toddler plan

Personal Goals

Get up by 6am each day - unless working, which I am up much earlier already
Finish reading Bringing up Bebe & read 4 more books this month: Frumps to Pumps, The Happiest Toddler on the Block & 2 TBD
Work out or run 2x a week
Start tracking again with My Fitness Pal
Read My Bible Daily - Doing the Colossians Study with Good Morning Girls, so far its been really enjoyable and has been pretty easy to keep up with

Homemaking Goals

Complete a meal plan for this month and next
Track what cleaning I am doing & be more on schedule

-xo Emily

fill in the blanks

2012-09-21T14:43:00.000-07:00

1. Something I am very proud of is having our little family, honestly it was my main dream growing up - it frustrates me that girls are told that its not enough to aspire to be a mom & wife

2. My favorite thing about myself is my tender heart, its definitely been a blessing & a curse but now that I am older I've learned that we all hurt each other sometimes and that even Christians hurt each other but we are able to forgive so much easier because we have been forgiven for so much more

3. My favorite color for fall is browns & darker green shades & grays.

4. Something I've been learning lately is that I am desperately lacking in communication skills & trying to learn them and work with my new knowledge .

5. A book I am reading now/have read recently is"Bringing up Bebe" yes still working on it, its so good but I have been watching more tv lately so book reading is slower.

6. My favorite Pandora Station is usually mat kearney or phil wickham.

7. This weekend I will be working at starbucks.. yes that is happening again, its a long story for me & its a season for us but I am at a really awesome location thankfully. Also I will be celebrating with a certain 22 year old for her birthday .

Mug Swapping 2012

2012-09-13T00:36:00.003-07:00

Woot woot! A little mug swap recap right here & you can hit up Kim's #mugswap linky here

Failure to take a before mailing picture...
I was assigned to mail a mug to Miss Chelsea of Glimpse of Joy

I mailed her this versatile tea to-go mug (available from amazon and urban outfitters), an assortment of my fave tazo loose bagged teas, a crocheted coaster made by moi & and of course some little bitty clips for her new little lady.

And Michelle of michmash (<= super clever blog name) had me to send to
She sent me this uber-fun chalkboard bubble mug & yummy cocoa mixes that I'm dying to try! The darn evil warm weather came back... I've been having a lot of fun writing silly things to the hubs on the mug so far and I know he will at some point too.

Thank you Kim for putting together such a fun swap! & thank you Michelle for my mug and treats!

-xo Emily

Currently

2012-09-02T15:35:00.001-07:00

Loving: That it is September, a.k.a. my favorite month! I love all things back to school & Fall, big nerd right here...

Blessings: I prayed for cooler weather... and it happened! I know not exactly something I need to pray for but the warm weather was making me a huge grump & terrible housewife. Warm weather for too long = me despising cooking & cleaning & blogging a little. I will be the first to admit we have eaten way too much yummy takeout this Summer. The past 2 days have been glorious for me and a whole lot of reorganizing and cleaning is going on. A tad bit on the it has to get messy before it gets gorgeous right now in the home. I am so thankful for a gracious weather relieving Lord!

Reading: About half-way done with Bringing Up Bebe, I am a Francophile at heart so I am loving this book but its definitely been taking me longer to get through than I thought it would. Its about the contrasts between American parenting styles and French ones. I really love learning more about them and definitely see myself somewhere in-between the two. Also just finished up our Summer book for our ladies book club - Shopping for Time. It was the third time I had read through it but it is honestly one of my favorite practical books for every generation of women.

Watching: Supernatural from the beginning on Netflix with the hubs. Its kinda what we do: start a show from the beginning and watch all the seasons. This method is really enjoyable actually, we get to relax and binge on a couple episodes at night & not have to wait till the next episode. I've been watching How I Met Your Mother & DC Cupcakes during nap times. Netflix is pretty awesome.

-xo Emily

Lulu Loves - August 2012

2012-08-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed I haven't posted as much of Lulu loves...

There really just wasn't as many cute things lately but I have decided to switch to a monthly post

heathered power purple crb

heathered or mini stripe crb's are super soft and my fave

every yogi l/s tee

new color of the month: caspian, which is gorgeous. these tees are reversible too.

perfect layer tee & presence of mind l/s

in chevrons!!

speed squad & light as air skirts

fun new skirted shorts

prettiest pirouette headband

deja vu scarf

-xo emily

Hayden's First Birthday Party: Part 3

2012-08-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here it is, finally the finale of our Hayden-boo girl's 1st birthday party and sadly now only a week away from her turning 13 months old.

Warning: lots of photos

c u t e family shot

friends arriving

ladies mingling

cousins & auntie

playtime interlude

mylie + hayden = love & giggles

peek a boo

former grand girls

mama, what is going on?

now why is everyone staring at me?

why is that on f i r e?

really people, whats going on here?

m e s s y

this isn't that exciting...

this pic could use some lasers and cats

We are beyond blessed with a fabulous support system made up of really amazing family and friends!

Pintertest: Peanut Butter & Jelly Bread Pudding

2012-08-02T18:00:00.001-07:00

I've been saving bread crust all this week... kinda sounds weird when you read it.

Well at least its to make bread pudding

Had you met me 2 and a half years ago, I would never have done this. Certain desserts just freak me out a little (i.e. rice pudding & formerly bread pudding). So I would not have touched bread pudding with a ten foot pole, but then I had the most delicious bread pudding on our honeymoon cruise and was converted as a bread pudding lover.

A new personal fave is the Croissant Bread Pudding at La Boulange Cafes

Photo from Foodgawker

For August I pinned Peanut Butter & Jelly Bread Pudding

Looks pretty awesome but I think mine looks better!

Recipe is modified by me

Ingredients

2 cups milk
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
dash of salt
1/2 cup of your favorite jelly, jam, or preserves (I used mixed berry)
4 cups coarsely chopped bread crust, from 1 loaf white bread (or the same amount of day-old bread)
Unsalted butter, for greasing pan
brown sugar for sprinkling on top

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter a 8 by-8-inch baking pan.

Put 1 cup milk, the eggs, peanut butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt into a bowl and mix until smooth, taking care that the peanut butter is thoroughly emulsified into the mixture. Then whisk in the remaining 1 cup of milk. Stir in the bread and set aside to soak for about 10 minutes. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking pan. Place spoonfuls of your favorite jelly, jam, or preserves around the bread mixture, pushing them in a bit with your spoon. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the pudding is browned, puffed, and a little firm. Halfway through sprinkle brown sugar on top. Broil for about one minute before pulling it out of oven. Let cool. Cut into squares to serve & enjoy!

-xo emily

Go link up your Pintertests too!

July in an Insta

2012-08-02T12:14:00.001-07:00

#itsmonday & I lit the wrong burner - 4th of July wore her out - Monkey muffins - Chalkboard proverbs - this girl is a toddler - floats with friends - Ruby & Hayden - daddy's girl - HMB for her first time - Morning routine: baba, blankie & ponies the little variety

-xo emily