happy days

a morning person

2013-06-18T09:59:00.001-05:00

this is what my morning looks like. waking at at least 5am, and until i can finally muster the energy to get up and keep up with this wild cutie.

my jolly, jumping alarm clock child. he squeezes my face and arms, gives a million kisses and says "wate UP wate UP!!!" for an hour straight. he chants about transformers, trains and animals. optimus. walrus, polar bear, dinosaur. choo choo! he belts out christmas carols and sings the alphabet loud and proud. elijah's awake. he's ready to get this party started. he loves mornings.

i love news days, but i am not a morning person. not one ounce of me.

but when i think about the meaning of morning, my hate-early-rising heart softens.

morning means the first part of a thing. a beginning. a newness. fresh start. and that's exactly what i get with every new day. jesus meets me with the rising sun, lending his smile and strength. he covers me with brand new grace. that's the reason to get up. that's reason to sing. that's reason to celebrate!

but i will sing of your strength; i will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. for you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. o my strength, i will sing praises to you, for you, o god, are my fortress, the god who shows me steadfast love. psalm 59:16-17

elijah is teaching me to enjoy mornings. to start each one off with a party! saying thanks out loud, singing praise to the new day giver. that's the sort of woman/wifey/mama/friend i want to be. joyful, grateful, a light. i want to be a better morning person.

count your blessings, name them one by one

2013-06-17T11:33:00.001-05:00

i woke up with this hymn stuck in my head:

when upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the lord hath done.

are you ever burdened with a load of care? does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? count your many blessings, every doubt will fly, and you will keep singing as the days go by.

so, amid the conflict whether great or small, do not be disheartened, god is over all; count your many blessings, angels will attend, help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

count your blessings, name them one by one, count your blessings, see what god hath done! count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the lord hath done.

grateful for my husband. who's the best papa to our delightful boy.

their play, their laughter, their snuggles, their exploring. together. a beautiful joy to behold.

that's a great place to begin counting my many blessings.

where will you start? once we start naming our blessings, praising jesus for them, it's mighty hard to have a bad monday. or any day.

wham bam instagram

2013-06-14T08:33:00.000-05:00

elijah was so excited to take photos with me this week. obviously.

my two favorite colors.

i took a little drive after my walk yesterday i walk downtown, and drive to the country and i was overwhelmed by the beauty of the day. i'm always sobered up when i stop and soak up god's creation. as i've been turning my eyes to him i've felt convicted about all the energy i waste. yesterday i was reminded that this is the day. every day is a brand new day to love. to be grateful. to forgive, to rejoice, to encourage someone, to accept god's comfort. to stop complaining. lord, help me.

p.s. harsh winter may not be your jam, but you really need to experience a north dakota summer once in your life! bliss, glorious, heavenly, relaxing, colorful are the words that come to my mind. visit me.

the color pop necklaces are a super favorite in my shop and i finally made one for myself! that was before i had this crazy busy couple of days. you know it's bad when you're in between errands, have the worst headache and remember you never had lunch! good thing i bought pistachios at target ;)

i recently discovered that the cute pizza place two blocks down has gluten free options. praise the lord, it's amazing!!! patrick took me out for a late lunch and we had a great time. i love sitting with him and talking about everything and nothing. he's my favorite. we'll be celebrating him being the very best papa on sunday!

elijah has been enjoying the summer program at his special school. only three more days to go and then it's party time! i see plenty of swimming, sliding and sweating in our future.

have you seen what's new in the shop? i've also been working on a few pretty custom projects. if you have a special event or gifts coming up, i'd love to work with you!

happy friday! are you on instagram? i'm @wifeysinger, come say hello!

linked up here today!

grab a cuppa and check these out

2013-06-13T06:36:00.000-05:00

a few things i'm loving this week:

ruth at grace laced stole my heart with this recipe. can hardly wait to make some!

we have this print in our bathroom and i'm especially grateful for it lately.

so needed this post on enjoying not enduring.

"are you at an end of yourself?

do you live with a hidden list of expectations of what a good mom does?

when you fail your kids or your husband, what is your reaction?"

is it weird to want one of these baby swaddle blankets. for myself?

this tweet was so encouraging and convicting.

if you're a hobbit fan like me! then you'll love this.

your turn!

tell me something great you've noticed this week!

ten on ten

2013-06-10T16:29:00.001-05:00

hello, fog and rain. frain?

early morning movie with this silly one.

coffee. coffee. coffee.

sunny straws to drive away the gloom.

packing eg's backpack for the day.

transformers at lunch. always.

new beads for new things coming to the shop.

walk around my neighborhood to late lunch with my babe.

small grocery delivery.

sending a baby gift.

visit more ten on ten photos!

hey, monday. hey!

2013-06-10T09:45:00.000-05:00

it's a brand new week, praise jesus for fresh starts and new mercies!

patrick goes back to work tomorrow. i sometimes wish he could just stay home with me all the time.

ok, i wish that every day :)

next week elijah finishes his summer school program and a new therapy schedule begins. his hours are being cut drastically.

we're confident that the lord will provide as much help as he needs and use these few hours mightily to grow elijah well!

we've had one sunny day amid fifty stormy ones. at least it feels like fifty.

the sun will come.

i read this today in one of my fave devotionals:

"...thy lord, who sees the end from the beginning,

hath purposes for thee of love untold.

then place thy hand in his and follow fearless,

till thou the riches of his grace behold.

there, when thou standest in the home of glory,

and all life’s path ties open to thy gaze,

thine eyes shall see the hand which now thou trustest,

and magnify his love through endless days."

freda hanbury allen

amen!

we're passing the rainy days with painting and playdoh. and lots of messes.

looking forward to the coming sunshine, swimming and sidewalk chalk!

what are you excited about this week?

joining in here today, come say hi!

turning my eyes upon jesus

2013-06-07T10:38:00.001-05:00

remember those tacky posters in your old church youth group room? particularly the one with the huge school of fish swimming one direction, and one lone fish going the opposite way. against the flow.

i never liked those posters. mostly because the lesson so often taught from such things is about what we don't do. what we should be abstaining from as a follower of christ. folks just really get so much of that wrong, i think.

as i get older i better understand what "going against the flow" looks like. and being separate costs something a bit more than the ache of being lonely or different. it takes all of my energy.

"for god, who said, “let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of god in the face of jesus christ." 2 corinthians 4:6

a heart transformed by christ is much more than avoiding particular sins. my heart is new. this means new desires, new temptations, new life. more than striving to resist sin and temptation, i ought to be intentionally seeking to bring god glory in all i do. this includes my thought life and how i spend my time.

we're familiar with "guilty pleasures". things that are hollow and eternally useless. magazines, tv shows, music, books etc. that help us to check out from our own reality and just chill. sometimes for me idleness itself is what i choose.

while i don't at all think that god hates entertainment and certainly not rest. i do think he despises that which draws our hearts away from him. the things of the world. and that's what i'm examining in my life all over again because this will be a struggle for the rest of my time on this earth.

i pray and i ask these terrifying questions. they're scary because once i ask and answer, i know. and if something needs dealt with, that process must begin.

when i'm happy

when i fear

when i grieve

when i worry

when i'm alone

what do i desire the most? what do i long for? what gets me most excited?

if the answer if anything other than jesus, it's an idol.

and that's basically the end of that conversation.

no way around that fact. no excuses.

if i am turning to anything else, i can't be filled with jesus. it's like trying to fill something that's already full. so i am praying about this. asking jesus to continue to strip these idols from my heart. because i want more of him. and i need him to show me the balance of healthy, beneficial entertainment. i know there must be such a thing, lord show me what it looks like! i need him to turn my heart from worthless pleasures and give me a fresh taste for the pleasures of god.

especially as a mother, i think about this. i want my son to see my life and see christ.

are we "going against the flow"? what are we swimming toward?

what am i living for?

who am i living for?

the answer should be jesus.

sadly, i often choose to live for myself or my family or some other thing that just doesn't matter.

praise jesus for his patience and gentleness as he corrects my path. his grace is enough with each new step.

so instead of despairing that i'm failing or not getting it right, i look to jesus. and keep on looking at him. like the newsboys version of a favorite hymn says:

When you're dull from all that glitters,
when you're thoughts have a hollow ring,
when you can't escape from the feeling
you're getting it wrong...
All your foolproof plans seem foolish,
all your status is status quo,
all your really need to know
is where you belong.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in his wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
in the light of his glory and grace.

I was used to the cold for so long
that I couldn't feel anything.
And I shivered and stared like a beggar
who won't lift his hands.
I was numb until he touched me.
I was deaf until he heard.
I was senseless 'til I met the one who understands.

rather than chasing numbness, remember that day when the numbness ended.

when he touched your heart, opened your ears and gave you knowledge. remember it every single day. because that's how our time matters. when we are in his light and not dulled by this world's shiny, fleeting things. we cannot afford to waste time on that which fades. so we must pray for god's help in fixing our gaze on him alone. ask him to remove the taste of idleness and increase the desire for more and more of him.

"god, i pray thee, light these idle sticks of my life that i may burn for thee. consume my life, my god, for it is thine. i seek not a long life but a full one like you, lord jesus." jim elliot

it feels like a monday.

2013-06-04T09:44:00.000-05:00

we went away for a quick little overnight. odd to me how a brief trip can throw us off this much. time will tell how affected elijah's week will be. praying for a smooth return to routine. he did absolutely marvelous on the mini vacation! so proud of him, and so strengthened to try again very soon.

praise jesus!

here's a few recent phone pics to catch up a little.

i got to babysit my nieces last weekend. hazel was so excited about it.

seriously, i don't know funnier girls than my sister's hazel and ivy. for real.

lots of rain. it's beginning to feel endless. but i love the way it makes the streets look at night.

rainy days mean inside things like toy aisle browsing. elijah is a professional target shopper, i think.

when the rain does take a break, it's like the sky is on fire.

our little trip was down the road to fargo. the hotel had a pool and elijah was completely overwhelmed with excitement. it was exhausting for all, but some super good laughs happened and sweet memories were made. worth it.

thank the lord peter pan was on the tv. this is what it looks lke to watch a movie with elijah. so relaxing.

long day of swimming and playing around town means the gift of an early bedtime. hallelujah.

we visited the little zoo. elijah only tried to jump into an exhibit once, so that was a plus. and the petting zoo was a big hit. elijah loves horses!!

fake horses were less appealing. elijah preferred the bench on the carousel. and his favorite part of the ride was studying the movement of how the carousel was working. such a little engineer!

ok, y'all. i met an instagram friend while we were in fargo!! dear penny and her super cute family are so genuine and kind. we loved meeting them, having lunch together and visiting their church! the service was a blessing, and they even made a place for elijah to enjoy kid's church with a special helper. it was all so wonderful and really meant so much to worship and know that elijah was cared for and understood. praise jesus!

what have you been up to?

seven

2013-06-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

"if you treat a man as he is , he will stay as he is. but if you treat him as if he were what he ought to be and could be, he will become the bigger and better man." goethe

happy anniversary to us!

we married on a rainy june day.

no fancy photographer, celebrated with dear friends and left for a simple honeymoon.

it's a joy to be growing alongside patrick. he's a steady, faithful and encouraging friend.

his laugh is my fave, and he can grow a beard overnight.

he takes me shoe shopping and holds me when i weep. he's the greatest papa and a wonderful husband.

grateful the lord joined our hearts and look forward to seventy more years!

happy sunday

2013-06-02T07:30:00.000-05:00

uphold me according to your promise,

that i may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope!

psalm 119:116

snapshots

2013-05-31T10:38:00.000-05:00

hey there. i hope you enjoyed all the beautiful 'love, mama' posts this month. i absolutely loved having my friends share with you. take some time to catch up on their encouraging words, you'll be so glad you did!

elijah pretends so well and often lately. what a joy to see!! whatever was happening here was super serious, that's all i know. i also know that we got elijah a new little table. it's small and can fold up flat. we thought it'd be good to keep in his bedroom, so he could do art or playdoh in there. well. he loves the table. and he wants it to go wherever he goes. playing in the bedroom? bring the table. moving on to the living room? drag that table. in the kitchen? yep. here comes the table. it's funny, in an exhausting sort of way.

our usual, lots of dancing and singing.

my sweet husband has asked for chopsticks every week for two years. i finally found some we liked! these are from here and i think they're wonderful.

i love living downtown, and i love being close to the country. every now and then, the two meet, right outside my door?

grateful for a lot of love celebrating one year of my etsy shop! THANK YOU! and thanks for the little break, we're open now and you can save 10% with code SUMMER10.

my little sweetheart boy. i just love him.

beginning today we're on 'vacation'. patrick has some time off and we're looking forward to doing a bunch of nothing. together. and maybe, just maybe, we'll make our way down to the zoo or some such activity! i mean, we're free as birds!

what are your weekend plans?

happiest friday to you!

'love, mama' series | carissa graham

2013-05-30T08:05:00.000-05:00

this month i'm celebrating motherhood with some sweet words from a few of my favorite people. today my darling friend carissa is here with beautiful encouragement to choose grace.

Meet Grace. A newly single mom of a five and two year old. Her husband neglected his vows, had an affair, and abandoned his life. Instead of becoming bitter, discontent, and hateful, Grace was compelled by the mercy of Christ to share His love to her greatest enemy...

One morning, while on the way to work, before dropping her kids off to school and daycare, Grace made a slight detour. She dropped off a Bible on someone's doorstep, dropped the kids off, went to work, and continued her day, just trying to survive as a single mom.

That doorstep belonged to the woman that her husband ran off with. Grace showed the woman that helped crush her marriage the opposite of what she felt like showing her.

Grace was compelled by her faith to choose love over anger, peace over distress, mercy over vengeance.

This Grace is really my mom. Those kids were my brother and I. This act of love displayed by my mom is forever ingrained in my mind and continues to be the most profound earthly example, aside from the Cross, of the life-changing, forgiveness through Christ's generous grace.

I grew up making my own lunches, getting picked up by my grandma or going to a friend's house after school. My mom was busy, working full-time, trying to make ends meet. I always heard about the mom's who didn't have to work, who were on the field-trips, there each afternoon, and for a few minutes I wish for that life. Yet, my mom has given me something greater than packed lunches or being at home everyday after school. My mom showed me the power of forgiveness in a real, life-altering, sacrificial way; my mom showed me Christ.

After the Bible was dropped off on that doorstep, a lot transpired. My dad married the woman, and then shortly thereafter, he died of a very aggressive cancer. Through that turmoil, that Bible fell into place as a comfort to my step-mom. She became a Believer and even friends with my mom. Choosing forgiveness and grace is always always always glorious and worth it.

Maybe you are a mom just trying to make ends meet, maybe your life isn't as you hoped it'd be. Maybe you've been sinned against, abandoned, heartbroken. I beg you, choose grace. Choose forgiveness. It's always worth it. Your life will bring much glory to Christ because of it and you just might be a huge testimony to your kids through it. because, after all, showing our kids Christ is the best thing we can ever do for them.

will you this moment his grace receive?

2013-05-29T09:40:00.001-05:00

elijah finished up the school year and is now enjoying the summer program. they have lots of music therapy scheduled, which i know he's excited about. he's looking so grown up lately. time is passing so quickly. not just the school days. my whole life seems to be in fast motion.

does that qualify for a blog post? because i just don't have much else to share today :)

sometimes my heart is heavy. the lord is kind, bringing sunshine in many forms to brighten the days. it's difficult to fret, feel sad or angry, or complain when you have so much beauty right in front of your face.

when you choose to actually look at it anyway.

i need to avert my eyes and mind from gazing at problems or emotions. what does it solve anyway, continuing to dwell on a specific difficulty or hurt? not a thing. god hasn't promised to relieve our suffering on this earth, that's the hope of heaven with him. what he has guaranteed is enough grace for exactly what he's measured out.

i have a quote pinned to my calendar so i see it every ding dang day:

"no physician ever weighed out medicine to his patients with half so much care and exactness as god weighs out to us every trial. not one grain too much does he ever permit to be put in the scale." henry ward beecher

that's what i believe. he's in control of everything. minuscule detail to life changing events. i cannot sin outside of his watch and my deepest pain is in the boundaries of his care. that swells my heart with gratitude! so that's where i'll park my thoughts today, and anew every day. on his truth and never ending goodness and care for me. my problems don't shrink, but they grow mighty dim in the light of his grace.

"since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, jesus, the son of god, let us hold fast our confession. for we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." hebrews 4:14-16

marvelous grace of our loving lord,

grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!

yonder on calvary's mount outpoured,

there where the blood of the lamb was spilt.

grace, grace, god's grace,

grace that will pardon and cleanse within;

grace, grace, god's grace,

grace that is greater than all our sin!

sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,

threaten the soul with infinite loss;

grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,

points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

dark is the stain that we cannot hide.

what can avail to wash it away?

look! there is flowing a crimson tide,

brighter than snow you may be today.

marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,

freely bestowed on all who believe!

you that are longing to see his face,

will you this moment his grace receive?

{julia h. johnston}

'love, mama' series | laura witt

2013-05-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

this month i'm celebrating motherhood with some sweet words from a few of my favorite people. today my friend laura is here, sharing a precious lesson from mothering.

Hello! I’m Laura…. Some of you might know me better as “Sugar Mama” from my blog Daily Dose of Sugar Mama. I recently transitioned out of that blog and you can now find me at Daily Dose of Laura – I don’t blog as regularly, but I still drop in from time to time and I’m frequently on Instagram (DailyDoseofLaura) sharing bits about life.

I’ve been a mom for over 16 years, when a “surprise” shook up my 16 year old self and my life changed forever. The “surprise” was my first child and an amazing blessing! My kids are 16, 14, and 10… so, yes, my husband and I have entered the “teenage” phase of parenting which includes fun stuff like adding a teen boy to our auto insurance, entertaining my sons’ girlfriends, and praying extra hard and extra long for their safety and life choices.

When Hannah asked me to write about motherhood I had all sorts of stories, bits of advice, etc running through my mind. I kept coming back to a mothering moment that taught me a great life lesson and brought me closer to my youngest child: my only daughter. It’s the unexpected moments that have taught me the most, and stood out as some of the very best memories.

Sometimes it’s the moments we least expect that teach us the most about our children. I’ve always said that my children have taught me incredible and humbling lessons. And these lessons sometimes come about in unfortunate and painful experiences.

Last February I received a phone call from my mother: my grandmother had fallen again and was in the hospital. Hundreds of miles away I was feeling helpless, holding to prayer while impatiently waiting by the phone for updates. My Grandmother still had many years left in her mind which was sharp, funny, and smart. We all knew that like her mother, she’d live to see past 100 years of age.

She was expected to go home within a few weeks.

But her health declined, and the phone calls were coming more frequently, each day bringing a new struggle with her health; including her mind. My mother described to me how my grandmother was talking to people that were not in the room, seeing objects that were invisible to others, and mumbling to herself. This wasn’t like Grandma. And to hear it broke my heart. I continued waiting by the phone; having no idea what God’s plan would be, I was still hopeful she would pull through.

Two weeks went by.

Three weeks.

At this point we all were coming to terms with the fact that Grandma would need a live in caretaker once she was able to go home. Because she would be going home. I was confident that over spring break when my family would get to drive down from Nebraska to Oklahoma to see her, she would be back to her good ole’ self.

The Tuesday before spring break I received the phone call that I had dreaded. My mother, barely able to form the words, explained to me that Grandma would be taken off all machines that were currently hooked up to her body; which included a device that helped her breath. The doctors explained that once unhooked, she could pass within 24 hours. I didn’t hesitate. Immediately I began throwing clothes for me and my daughter in a suitcase and making arrangements for my husband to run my in-home daycare while I was away. My sons had to stay in school with tests going on all week, but I planned to take our youngest, my 9 year old daughter, with me. My mother promised that they’d wait to unhook the machines until my daughter and I could say good-bye.

I drove for 7 hours with the thoughts of my Grandma never leaving my mind. My 9 year old daughter sat in the car with me, quietly listening to music, reading, and writing. We would talk, but both of us were content to be silent in our thoughts. She understood what was about to happen, but could never understand the gravity of emotions that would be thrust on her. I wasn’t prepared either.

Arriving at the hospital, late at night, I went straight to my Grandmother’s room in the ICU. My daughter wasn’t ready, so she sat with my mother, her Grandmother. Four generations of females in the hospital, gathered during a time when strength was critical. I will not go into detail of how my grandmother looked lying in that hospital bed, because it’s her life when she was alive and vibrant that I choose to keep in my mind. I spoke to her, brushing her crippled arthritic hand and running my fingers through her unruly hair; she always had her hair fixed nicely, so I tried to restore it the best I could.

My daughter entered the room and broke down. She had tried so hard to remain strong, but I explained to her that she WAS strong. The tears were her love for her great-grandmother, and her standing by the hospital bed, with a letter in hand to read, was her strength. The four of us gathered together; 4 incredibly strong females. I believed my grandmother knew of our presence; the device monitoring her brain activity peaked when I spoke to her.

The machines were unplugged. And the 24 hours that the doctors said she would not surpass turned into 6 days. We took turns day and night waiting by her bedside; talking with her, reading to her, praying, crying, and doing whatever we could to get through the hours. Every time we left her hospital room we knew it could be the last time. Saying “good-bye” getting more and more difficult every time. My daughter sat in the room and listened to her Great-Grandma breath with the “death gurgle”; the sound someone makes as their lungs are filling with fluid. It marks that death is very near. It’s a terrible sound, and one I wished she never had to hear, but she chose to stay and spent her time learning to knit with her grandma, my mother. She helped in the room by cleaning up unused items, getting drinks and snacks for us, and occasionally I would catch her taking quick glimpses at her great-grandmother. She liked telling funny stories about great-grandma, with no need to dwell on the imminent death.

Three mothers in that small room.

Four daughters.

It was an experience as a mother that I didn’t plan. It wasn’t the trip to Disney World, the camping trip to Colorado, the planned Girl Day of shopping and lunch that taught me the most about my daughter; it was sitting in a hospital room with a dying grandmother. It was watching my mother as she watched her mother die. It was watching my daughter be strong, independent, brave, loving, helpful, and so patient. Never once did she complain in all of the hours spent sitting and waiting and driving.

I knew in that moment that my daughter would find her way in this world and be just fine. She has taught me how to care for others in a way that didn’t come naturally to me, and that tears aren’t a sign of weakness, but can be the showings of a truly courageous woman.

who's ever seen a bird with a bag of groceries?

2013-05-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

"see those birds over there?" jesus said..."where do they get their food? perhaps they have pantries all stocked up? cabinets full of food?"...who's ever seen a bird with a bag of groceries?..."no," jesus said. "they don't need to worry about that. because god knows what they need and he feeds them." ..."little flock, you are more important than the birds! the birds don't worry about things, and god doesn't want his children to worry either. god loves to look after the birds and HE LOVES to look after you, too."

i've mentioned the jesus storybook bible over and over again, and i'll probably never stop. we love it. and the incredible illustrations by jago silver only enhance the beautiful text. he has a shop where you can purchase prints from the bible! we chose this one, because it's something we really need to be reminded of in our family. jesus cares for us, and he'll meet our every need. we don't need to fret about this or that, because we can trust him.

“therefore i tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly father feeds them. are you not of more value than they? and which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" matthew 6:25-27

instagram | black and white, and read all over

2013-05-24T10:11:00.000-05:00

elijah has been calling me 'mama' this week! pretty consistently, and super sweetly. he hasn't stopped running to 'charlie' yet though. and truly, i hope he never will.

another little ritual, spreading blankets and rolling each other up into cozy burritos. and laughing a lot, because hey, it's pretty funny :)

it rained for days and days. i was so surprised to find myself enjoying it. the best part is, there's green grass everywhere now! finally!

my street at night. one of my favorite sights.

you know those meals that require you to start prepping in the early afternoon? well, yesterday, i forgot. and naturally my first response to that realization was sweat pants and a fresh pot of coffee. i mean, if i'm gonna take it easy, i'm gonna go all out. so, it was quick and simple chicken with rice instead.

i'm really working on embracing the camera with elijah. he's been pretty excited about it lately! except for last night. less excited, more like "no. just no." and possibly he didn't appreciate my singing? this pic makes me laugh obnoxiously loud, because it reminds me of this skit.

happy friday!

connect with more insta peeps right here.

and if you're on instagram, come say hi!

'love, mama' series | stephanie holden

2013-05-23T06:00:00.001-05:00

this month i'm celebrating motherhood with some sweet words from a few of my favorite people. today my darling friend stephanie is here with some wisdom on changing seasons.

Hi ya'll. I'm Stephanie. I share about my life and family over at The Honey Pot. I'm a southern girl married to my high school sweetheart and I've been blessed with three daughters and three grandchildren who make my life sweeter than I deserve. Hannah and I were blogger friends who became real life friends who became more like sisters. I'm thankful she is now part of my journey and I'm tickled pink she invited me to come share a little about what I've been up to as a mom...or momma as my girls call me.

I'm in new territory when it comes to motherhood. I'm approaching the empty nest.

In four months my youngest daughter will marry and join her two sisters in the wonderful journey of wifehood.

I love my girls something fierce and apart from their daddy, there are no other people I'd rather spend time with more. We are a tight knit family and we love being together. So this journey I'm on leading up to my empty nest has been one filled with many growing pains..

When my oldest married almost six years ago, it hit me the hardest. Not because I love her more than her sisters..(even though they like to tease me about that)..but because it was the first major change in how we "do" family. Even though we knew without a doubt this was God's plan for her life and we loved our son-in-law as if he was our own...I was not prepared for the huge void that came after the wedding...the daily day-in day-out stuff that she was no longer there for. I literally grieved her for presence in our home. And a few weeks after the wedding an older gentlemen in our church with much wisdom and compassion approached me one Sunday and put his arm around me and said, "You miss her, huh?" With tears instantly welling up, I said "Uh huh". What he told me next was nothing profound but it came from the heart of a parent who understood....one who had been there. He said, "You want to know what is gonna make it better?" And with tears rolling down my cheek I nodded my head. He squeezed my shoulder and said, "Time. It's just gonna take a little time." Well at the moment I was a little let down. I wanted something to make it easier right then. I wanted instant relief for my hurting momma's heart. But his gentle words of wisdom have proven to be true over and over again as each change in our family has taken place over the years.

When our middle daughter was married last June, the void was still there in a huge painful way. But it was no longer the unknown. I knew that with time it would get easier. We just had to learn how to "do family" in a new way again. Through this, "Porterville Night" was born and I love this new way we spend time together.

Now we are on the brink of a full blown empty nest.....as the wedding day draws closer, our youngest is home more now than ever. She is conflicted about the approaching change too and we are all just savoring every ounce of what is still normal to us...treasuring our time together before her daddy transfers his authority over to a new man to guide her and lead her. It is bittersweet. We all know what is coming. And we also know...with time....we will once again adjust to a new way to "do family".

I no longer despair over the thought of an empty nest. Not because I don't miss my girls, because believe me ...I do. Every day. But I have this excitement in my spirit. Almost a giddiness like when Nick and I were dating....anticipating our new life together. You see, with God's grace and the wisdom of experience tucked away in my heart, I am choosing to approach this new season dwelling on what I am about to gain instead of dwelling on the things I miss. I mean, I'm about to spend my golden years with the hottest grandpa on the planet.

And my relationships with my girls have morphed into more of a sisterhood. I am no longer the person who they have to "answer to". In God's design, their daddy and I are no longer the authority in their life and because of this, the way we relate to them has shifted. It's a wonderful new chapter of parenthood.

So I just say to all of you mommas with little ones who can't fathom the empty nest because that seems like it's a lifetime away...it will be here before you know it so enjoy every season..don't rush things thinking the next stage will make it easier. Enjoy changing diapers...they'll get potty trained soon enough. Or to you parents of teenagers who are in denial about your kids getting old enough to spread their wings and leave home and you don't even want to hear the words "empty nest".... don't fret. It is a wonderful thing. It's wonderful because it is a God thing. It is His design for us to nurture and invest and pour our hearts into the lives of our children only to one day let them go to fulfill His purpose for them in this life. Oh, if we just trust Him...if we just receive His grace that is sufficient.....If we just give things a little time... we can embrace each new season with joy.

When we do this, we won't miss one drop of life he has for us to experience.

And I for one don't want to miss a thing.

Now y'all excuse me...my man is waiting. Even in the midst of motherhood, I always made sure I made time for him so when the dust settled we would both really like the person who was left standing by our side.

And well, my investment is about to pay off. And I can't wait!!

celebrating one year | a BIG shop by wifey singer SALE

2013-05-22T02:17:00.001-05:00

today we celebrate!!

and any proper celebration includes party favors. amiright?

but first, i have a few things to say :)

just over one year ago some tweets turned into text messages and emails.

plans were being made for a girlfriend trip to lake placid. it felt frivolous and completely impossible. we were neck deep in hectic schedules, little sleep, lots of stress and had skimpy bank accounts. last summer was hard. the last few have been, really. anyway.

i mentioned the hope of going, to my husband, mostly just to speak it out loud. so i could just get over the disappointment of it not happening for me. he said something like, "well of course you're going, we'll make it work. you need to do it!"

and i just knew, the lord would pave the way.

because god cares about our hearts and our need for fellowship. he loves weaving friendships through his kingdom. getting together with those girlfriends was something my soul needed. but how would he land me in lake placid?

long story short, after encouragement from friends to just do it. i did it. i opened my etsy shop. i'd never made jewelry in my life and i wasn't very confident. i'd made 27 pairs of earrings, and prayed that i would sell them all by september of last year. i prayed that god would help me sell to make up the extra money i needed to get to lake placid and help me to be content if it didn't work out.

that's the first pair of earrings i sold last may.

and i've sold over 600 pieces of jewelry on etsy since then and more for multiple special events. what the heck? is this real life? it is real life. and it's all by the grace of jesus. every single spec of my shop is because of him and for his glory. i have been able to take on extra missionary support AND pay for car repairs, groceries, doctors, clothes for my growing kiddo AND

i booked a trip for my husband to attend this conference. AND i am going on another girlfriend trip in august. holla!

p r a i s e j e s u s

he knew we needed this shop, more than i did!

the time i spend dreaming up designs and color combos, putting together necklaces and inspecting beads for imperfections, decorating packages with washi tape, praying for the people who buy from me...that time is good. it's peaceful and productive. and often, it's a time of worship. god gave me any bit of sense i have, and what a treat to praise him by actually using my gifts.

now i order boxes, jewelry supplies and business cards in bulk. i never ever saw that coming.

i am still not sure i know what i'm doing all the time. but i'm learning more and more, and i've met so many darling folks through this adventure. the support of friends means so much, but many customers from all over the world! have bought from me and don't know me at all. and? the support of fellow handmade shop owners. what a delightful community!!!

thank you.

from the bottom of my sentimental heart, thank you for supporting handmade. thank you for supporting me and my family.

as a tiny way to show my appreciation for you:

may 22 and 23 you can ~~save 25% off everything in the shop with code CELEBRATE~~

use code HAPPYDAYS for 30% until midnight central may 23!

including the sale section-which you'll want to visit, because a few items are priced low just for this celebration :)

that makes for some super sweet deals, y'all!

stop by facebook and instagram because i'll be doing some little giveaways and perhaps a flash deal or two :)

~~plus:~~

mini white gems are no longer available! new freebie, while they last:

t~~his little cutie comes free with any purchase.~~

~~one per customer, while they last :)~~

~~just mention at checkout that you want the freebie!~~

no longer available

use code HAPPYDAYS for 30% until midnight central may 23!

all items packaged together. if you require separate boxes, let me know at checkout!

i bet there's plenty of gift buying you could take care of with this sale!

be sure to pick up a treat for yourself, too :)

i just really love you all. xoxo!

happy shopping!

i will sing to the lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me! psalm 13:6

p.s. the newest addition to the give back section:

i'm so grieved for the precious souls affected by the recent oklahoma tornado. in addition to prayers, you can help give!

my friend alysa shared some great ways to give here.

i have a small way to help as well:

shop #handmadewithpurpose now through june 5th, $8 from every sale of this necklace will be donated to convoy of hope and their disaster relief efforts in moore, oklahoma. you can donate directly right here if you prefer. thanks, friends!

'love, mama' series | lindsay michael

2013-05-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

this month i'm celebrating motherhood with sweet words from some of my favorite people. today my sweet friend lindsay is here with some helpful encouragement. love her!

Well, hey there.

Can I just say that I really love how IG has been such a great community and social outlet? Especially for moms meeting other like-minded mommas. Because, let's be honest; it's not like we have time to run around and make new best friends in between nap schedules and making dinner. Am I right? Always.

Just kidding.

But seriously, I love it. I love that the Creator of heaven and earth who made us - chose for us to be here during the age of social media. Right?

As a mom at 30 (started at 19), I guess I may have learned a thing or two. One being that I never suggest becoming a mom at the age of 19. Ha! Only by the grace of God are my kids so amazing. I haven't read any other mom posts, so I hope I'm not to preachy. Mainly, I'm just going to repeat the grace of God. That's the key.

A lesson I've learned recently? Probably the importance of learning your children's love languages. Most kids have all 5 to be honest, but at least 2 will stand out. I've been learning how to balance three babies, distribute my time and doing the thing that makes each child feel most loved; and it goes a long way. If its taken me far too long to get teething Poppy back to sleep - and it has interfered with time spent with Hayden; just playing 'babies' for 15 minutes and scratching her back at bedtime equates to 3 hours in her mind.

How sweet and fun memories are made?

I love finding things that are free. Money does buy things. But the best memories - I think, are free. We love picnics at the park and playing volleyball in the backyard. Granted, we use the clothes line and a cheap red plastic ball but its volleyball nonetheless. Also, camping. All. Summer. Long. At least till it gets stupid hot.

How do I pray for my children?

When I pray with them at bed I usually talk about the day, and always thank the Lord for something specific. Our children learn so much about us when we pray and I believe they will always remember it. I also usually thank Him for making me their mommy. I want them to know that in their hearts.

Ways I stay grounded?

Some days it's too much iced coffee. What? Community is key. Being honest with a close friend or your husband when you get overwhelmed is so important. It's a lesson I relearn often. Quiet time is also essential, and even that can get overlooked. I think the main thing is to constantly be reminded of our need for a Savior, and that our babies are a gift - but they are ultimately His.

My favorite ways I hang with my kids?

See above. I love being outdoors and I love that my kids do. I will mention I was married at a young age, and my bigger kids have a different dad. Split parenting can be tough with weekends and such - but it's finally settling down. Now that I have a 10 month old, it's so tricky dividing all my attention but we make it work! Again, grace. Always grace. And I have an amazing husband. I'm convinced if you raise your kids camping they will forever love adventure. If you can learn to rough it you will go far in life.

Something that surprised me about motherhood?

Everything. Motherhood is hard. Our human tendency is selfish. I've really sucked at being a mother at times. Probably daily. But we learn so much about ourselves. Also, we don't just randomly have these little people. The Lord specially chose each one with his or her own personality and heart, just for us. He knows best.

How do I find joy in difficult days?

Some mornings before school if we are running late, someone forgot to do homework, or I've been up all night with the baby and all I want to do is cry...I remind myself of truth. Or play 'good day sunshine' by the Beatles on the way to school, and get a Venti iced coffee at Starbucks. Do those things.

Best advice for new moms?

I hope you're not 19. Haha! Kidding. Kidding. Pray for your babies. Speak words of life and light. Love your husband. Seriously, date him. I cannot say enough how vital it is as moms to have a good healthy relationship with our husbands. Our kids watch us constantly. It makes for a peaceful home and there many things our children learn from watching us. Also, have a healthy sex life after baby. I'm serious. Can I say that, Hannah? Ha!!

Tips for organization or letting go of perfection?

I'm not the most organized and I am not a type A. But I'm very much a believer that less is more. Clutter bogs down our minds and we don't function as well. I use the rule: if I haven't used it in 5 months I never will - so I get rid of things. Like, the opposite of a hoarder. And as humans we all try to people please and strive for perfection, but as we grow up we learn how silly it is. He perfects us in our imperfections. I don't remember that all the time but I post truths in front of my face. I surround myself with people who speak life into me.

Is this the longest post ever?

Love,

Lindsay

hey there, monday

2013-05-20T12:50:00.000-05:00

oh my. this child. he asks "say cheese??" i give him the phone, and takes photos of himself. sometimes they turn out. always they're solid gold treasures.

speaking of treasure, we don't want to lose this sweet rascal of a boy. he still has times of running off and wandering. praise the lord for his protection over him! we're looking for ways to keep him easily identified should be actually get away from our sight. one way we've come up with is a cute little dog tag style necklace. it's stamped with his name and number and psalm 121:8 "the lord will keep your going out and coming in, from this time forth and forevermore." we are super pleased, and elijah seems to love it as well! mary was such a joy to work with. her shop is filled with sweet, faith inspired pieces that you simply must own. and seriously, her packaging alone ought to send you right over to shop!

yep. i'm still telling him.

and glory to god, he's using my journey out of food and sugar addiction to encourage others. my new friend melissa made this perfect wood sign for me. it's the very best reminder to have in your home. and she has them for sale in her lovely shop! resisting temptation and sin is no easy task. and there is hope for you! the devil is a liar, and jesus is your strength. believe it.

i guess this is "things i love" monday, because i have one more thing to show y'all.

this place has super cute ways to put your instagram feed in print. we made a few mini books(which are also magnetic!) to send along for mother's day gifts. huge hit, of course. get some!

elijah's class had a field trip scheduled to the coolest park in town. we were so excited to tag along. sadly, they were rained out. i took the time to grab a few groceries and enjoy the peace. our town is always cute, but i especially love it in the rain. is that weird?

happy monday, friends!

linking up here today, join us!

p.s.

~~i'm selling my used, but incredibly well cared for dslr camera bag. $85 or best offer + actual shipping. usa only~~. NO LONGER AVAILABLE, thank you!

i purchased it two years ago and have loved it so much. i'm looking to downsize, and hope it can benefit another dear soul.

the bag has minimal wear and is in like new condition. for more specific details, see the new product listing here.

~~email me if interested, or for additional photos!~~

'love, mama' series | andrea jenkins

2013-05-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

this month i'm celebrating motherhood with some sweet words from some of my favorite people. today my dear friend andrea is here with some beautifully excellent wisdom.

"but the biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while doing this. I did not live in the moment enough. this is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. there is one picture of the three of them sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages 6, 4 and 1. and I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less."

-anna quindlen

and this, my friends, my fellow mamas, this is what I have learned. to not be in such a stinking hurry. if there's one thing motherhood has taught me, it's this. to slow the heck down. time (that odd, mercurial thing) will trick you into thinking you have it at your disposal, to wield as you see fit. the truth is that there are no guarantees. one minute, you're up to your elbows in messes and the next, the mess makers are out the door.

I realize that this is nothing new, nothing that hasn't been said before at least a thousand times. and I will admit to cringing every time someone said it to me when my kids were babies (my kids, who are now 8 and 12). don't wish it away, they'd say. treasure these times! it will be over before you know it! but you don't know, I'd think to myself. you don't remember how hard it is. you don't remember what it is to be tired like this.

I'm on the other side of it now, just a little bit. and I'll tell you, I DO know. I do remember how hard it is. I do remember what that kind of tired is like. I will never forget. but still, I wish (oh I wish I wish I wish) I could go back, do it all over again. I rushed through so much of it, I know there were times when I was in such a hurry to get on to the next thing. I know there were times I secretly wished for a magic fast forward button.

this is not an easy thing to admit. I'm not particularly proud of this part of who I am. I can't turn back time but I can acknowledge this painful piece and make the necessary adjustments. I still struggle with the daily grind but I savor it just a little bit more now. I stop everything (when it's possible) to play four square with my son. I sing to him every night, even when I'm so tired I fall asleep during the last song. when my daughter talks to me, I shut the computer, put the phone down, put my book down, put the laundry down, turn off the tv, give her my full attention. I throw the schedule out the window every once in a while, let go of deadlines. I try to turn off that part of my brain that says 'dinner, bath, book, bed', the part that says 'on to the next thing, go go go'.

I'll tell you, I treasure the doing a little more. and the getting it done a little less.

wham bam instagram {and a save the date}

2013-05-18T09:29:00.001-05:00

sharing a few instagrams, follow along with me!

making color pop necklaces to send to a fun place!

crazy o' clock means bringing out the giftwrap! inexpensive price for a bit of peace :)

when patrick works late, i wait and have dinner with him. a little snack tides me over.

dinos + polka dots = best day

seeing elijah play and pretend is such a beautiful gift! he's really making so much progress. and so are we. finding out more and more about this precious, hilarious kid.

fresh stock of washi tape is my fave. i like to buy from here.

a little something new for the shop!

and speaking of the shop...

save the dates!

happy weekend! linking up here today!

'love, mama' series | jami meredith

2013-05-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

this month, i'm celebrating motherhood with some sweet words from a few of my favorite people. today my dear friend jami is here with sweet encouragement for you!

before i had children my goals were something like "i hope we can raise children who are good and productive people".

after i had my first child i realized there had to be more to it than that.

and thankfully, i found the Lord.

after awhile, and another baby, my goal became something more like " i hope we can raise children who love God, serve others when they can... and are good and productive people."

what the Lord has taught me through my job of "mom" is that these goals fall so far short of the plans he has for my children. they fall so far short of the gospel that saved my life.

what i have learned is that the goal of my hubby and i has to be nothing short of discipling our kids to go out and further the kingdom of Christ. this is my mission as their mom. my only mission.

how far off the mark i was in my early hopes for my children. i was simply looking at what the world says is successful. it is not wrong to want my children to have some of the comforts in life, to be involved and informed citizens, to serve in some way the people around them. but without Christ these things are empty.

i can not raise good kids because "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" {Romans 3:23}. what i can do is teach them about the free gift of salvation. i can show them what it means to live a life that is a response to this free gift. to live in a manner "worthy of the gospel" {Philippians 1:27}.

what i have learned is that my job has eternal consequences. the thought of this is both wonderful and humbling.

so what are my new prayers for my children?

i pray they each live in the full knowledge and acceptance of God's love and grace so that they may pour it out to others.

i pray they value above all else the price paid for them through Jesus Christ on the cross.

i pray they would diligently and faithfully seek after God so that they might hear his calling on their life.

and what i have learned is they need to see me doing all of these things. it is not enough to simply say i want these things for them. it is not enough to tell them these are important. i must live it out.

daily.

and though i will fail often, i will always strive to "complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me".

{Acts 20:24}

oh, elijah grey

2013-05-16T13:40:00.001-05:00

i love the way you are you.

you carry christmas in your heart. every piece of mail is a "present" and holiday tunes are your favorite to sing. please always be this way.

you care so much for your transformers watch. you seem to think it has special powers. and it probably does when you wear it.

you try so sweetly to ask for marshmallows, using words. and after fifty tries, when i still don't understand what you're desperately trying to communicate, you don't give up. i soon figure it out, and we both laugh.

you come home from therapy, running and yelling charlie!! then ask "where's papa?" for the rest of the night.

you make sure every door in the house is closed and every light turned on. and that i have my coat. even when it's seventy degrees out. and i'm only getting the mail.

you have favorite pages in favorite books, tracing every word and illustration as if you're reading them in a more beautiful way than i know how.

i love that

bacon cheers you up.

you call pancakes cupcakes.

you love wearing my shoes and scarves, and papa's hats.

you like bugs, reptiles and speckled frogs. almost as much as transformers.

when you see something you think is great, you say "wow! dat's pre-eee nice!" or "oh boy! oh boy! oh boy!"

you make me laugh and cry harder than i knew i could.

through the privilege of being your mama, i've learned to pray better and more. and about how grace really works. so thank you.

if i could go back and somehow have my old dreams granted, i'd pass up the chance. because what the lord does through your little life is more precious to me than anything i'd imagined. you're a champion boy and i'm super grateful to be your mama.

'love, mama' series | becky wilson

2013-05-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

this month, i'm celebrating motherhood with some sweet words from a few of my favorite people. today my sweet friend becky is here with wisdom on the importance of prayer for our children.

Hi, friends of Hannah! I’m Becky, and I was both confused and honored when that precious lady asked me to guest post here. Confused because I’m not very good at this. :-D But incredibly honored because she loves and encourages and finds value in me anyway. Everyone needs a friend like that!

Her series title “Love, Mama” spoke right to my heart and made it easy for me to agree to participate. I have 2 little girls, Macy (11) and Grace (9). They are 2 of the sweetest joys of my life for so many reasons, AND they are possibly my greatest prayer motivation as well.

Here’s why. I mean, let’s just go ahead and get this out on the table, shall we? Apart from Christ, I am a terrible mother. Selfish. Lazy. Prideful. Envious. You name a sin, and my wicked heart can find a way to embrace it. Hence, I have an absolute addiction to grace and an utter craving for prayer.

And so, with that in mind, here is my very best parenting advice. I’m no expert on this (or really much of anything), but I think I might have the silver bullet. Are you ready? Here it is:

Never stop praying. Ever. Begin before you open your eyes in the morning and fall asleep in the middle of prayer at night. (It’s just that simple and yet oh so difficult, right?)

The hedge of protection we create for our children through this one activity trumps any other attempt at keeping them safe, including our very embrace. Just as importantly, it places us right at the foot of the cross where we belong, which is the only place to find true hope for our children and peace and comfort for our own hearts. May we pursue Christ with all that we have as we seek to lead these young ones he’s entrusted us with, and may we realize that while it is important to provide for them and protect them physically, we should cry out all the more relentlessly for the protection of their hearts.

This is one of my favorite prayers. I’d love to hear some of yours as well. Lord, teach us to lead our children straight to the cross by running straight toward it as they follow us.

For My Kids. . .

. . . I pray huge prayers of thanks to God for sharing them with me.
. . . I pray that they will never grow tired of hugging me or holding my hand.

. . . I pray for wisdom and patience and unconditional love as I seek to raise them in a way that honors Christ.

. . . I pray that God will draw them closer to Him every single day of their lives.

. . . I pray that they will learn to chase after Jesus with all of their hearts.

. . . I pray for protection over their bodies.

. . . I pray for protection over their minds.

. . . I pray for protection over their hearts.

. . . I pray that they will learn at an early age to pursue holiness with much more focus than they pursue "success."
. . . I pray that their desire to be kind will trump their desire to be right.
. . . I pray for a growing love and respect toward each other.

. . . I pray for the ability to love the "least of these."

. . . I pray boldly against materialism and self-absorption.

. . . I pray for teachable spirits and tender hearts.

. . . I pray for the ability to deal with disappointment (although this one gives me a queasy feeling).

. . . I pray that when suffering comes, they will cling with all their might to Jesus (although this one makes me downright sick to my stomach).

. . . I pray that we will always have open and effective communication.

. . . I pray that they will always value relationships over "stuff."

. . . I pray for wise choices.

. . . I pray that they will understand early in life how to hold possessions with an open hand.

. . . I pray that giving and sharing and serving will bring them joy.

. . . I pray for Godly husbands in their future.

. . . I pray for happiness and confidence in being single until those Godly men come along.

. . . I pray for special friends throughout their lives who will encourage and enhance their Christian walk.

. . . I pray that Scripture will come alive inside their hearts during moments of critical choice throughout their lives.

. . . I pray that they will hear me say "I love you", "I'm so proud of you", and "I'm sorry" thousands more times than they will hear anything negative from my lips.

. . . I pray that they will never question that I adore and respect their Dad.

. . . I pray for overwhelming grace. That they will understand their need for it. That they will learn to give it lavishly and receive it gratefully.

. . . I pray for joy whether or not there is always "circumstantial happiness."

. . . I pray for self-confidence that comes not from individual accomplishments, but from recognizing their identity in Christ and his approval of them.

. . . I pray that they will become Gospel-focused women.

. . . I pray that they will become women of prayer.