Watch me Whip...

Ok,  so our family basically listens to Christian radio or Sports Radio (when Brian chooses), so I was a bit surprised when Grant starting to randomly sing "Watch Me Whip, Watch Me Nae, Nae." I do know of this song because it's a current favorite amongst my 7th graders.  Come to find out, Grant's class dances each day and recently they started dancing to this song, and the actions are on the video they watch through their Smart Board too. Oh, to be a fly on the wall while 17 Kindergarteners "Whip and Nae, Nae." Sometimes a song comes out that you just have to embrace.  The song is silly, but totally appropriate, and you just need to go with it. Oh, and whip and nae, nae.

First off, I'm loving this cardigan from Shein.  I really wanted it when I started seeing it pop up in boutiques last year, but the price point was higher, I'm so glad Shein came out with their version, and it's less than $25!

I'm also super crazy about these boots (similar) I just got from thredUp! (Use this link to get $20 off your first purchase.) There were only $40, and I had $30 in credits, so $10 boots? Yes, please.  There are Borns, all leather and in like-new condition. I've already worn them a handful of times and know they'll definitely be a go-to this winter.

#thestruggleisreal

Now that it's my third trimester I've entered the home stretch and I couldn't be more excited. I am however really beginning to realize all the things I took for granted before I was carrying a watermelon around with me all the time. Here are some #thestruggleisreal moments I've been experiencing lately:

• Trying to put on shoes- zippers, buckles, and pull on boots are a lot of work. I love the boots I have on today, and they are great once on.....it's just the "putting them on" part this is hard.
• Trying to get into my truck when another car is parked right next to it.  Squeezing isn't a possibility.
• Huffing it into school each day.  What is normally an easy trip from the parking lot has be huffing after the 20 steps I need to climb. No bueno.
• Dropping something on the ground and having to pick it up. Need I elaborate????
• Taking a bunch of pills to help ease the side-effects of pregnancy such as my still persistent morning sickness and my awesome acid-reflux
• Sleeping and ALWAYS having my left arm fall asleep and constantly feel like pins and needles

Seriously, I am going to really remember the little things I take for granted once Hannah is here.  All these crazy side-effects are worth it, but I sure won't miss then!

I'm really excited about this poncho from Shein.  It's sure soft and comfortable.  Is you can see it is definitely room, it's perfect for my growing belly and I'm hoping I like it just as much once Hannah gets here. I love the idea of it with my white jeans, but think it'll be great with leggings or normal denim too.

Maternity Essentials

Now that I'm nearing the end of my pregnancy, I've been reflecting on what I really needed to purchase, vs. things I could do without. My hope is that this can help you from making some of the mistakes I made.  Back in June I posted about my Maternity Capsule wardrobe. I really thought I was being smart with my purchases, but I did make a few mistakes.  

Grant

This. Kid.  We have been having so much fun together. He picked this outfit out on his own, by the way.  Dad got the shirt and sweater last year on sale, and with the temps dropping, it's time to break out the fall clothes.

My remote for my camera has been on the fritz...it's the second one I've bought from Amazon, and I really don't want to by a third.  Instead Grant has been helping me take pictures. I still stick the camera on the tri-pod, but he's been standing on a stool and taking the pictures. As long as he's game, I think I'll put of getting a new remote.

Thankful

Sometimes I feel like I forget to take the time and think about all the good I have in my life.  Today I thought I'd share some things I'm thankful for.  I think taking the time to write it down, helps us recognize all the good we have.

• I'm thankful for Grant's teacher.  He is having such a great year and is really learning a ton.  The kids is practicing writing sentences and words and reading at the top of his class right now. Although we did work some this summer, he teacher is really moving him forward!
• I'm thankful for a handy husband. He's had a big list of things he wants to get done around the house, like re-staining the deck. Sometimes his timeline and mine don't line up, but I'm so thankful he can do so much.  BTW the deck is done, and it looks great!
• I'm thankful for my mom.  She's such a great grandma to Grant and I love that they can spend the day together when he doesn't have school and Brian and I have to work.
• I'm thankful for a healthy pregnancy. I feel huge, but at this point have only gained 15 pounds and Hannah is measuring right where she should be. I feel like I'm at the point where I am no longer walking-I'm waddling, but that's ok. Just 7 more weeks to go!
• I'm thankful for my job and co-workers.  I really work with some great people and feel appreciated on pretty much a daily basis.
• I'm thankful for a loving God, even though I mess up more than I'd like.  He's always there with me, and that's pretty cool!

I'm pretty much in love with this dress, in fact I bought it in three colors. It's currently $8 and there are a few sizes and colors left, you should definitely check it out! I love the ease of it here with my denim jacket and wedges. It's now about time to put my wedges away for the season...but my heels aren't fitting, so it's probably going to be boots from here on out.

How to Wear: A Boyfriend Cardigan

I've pulled today's post from my archives and decided to update some of my tips for you all day. I want to keep it fresh for you all around here, but honestly, I haven't been shopping and I've been wearing a lot of the same maternity outfits over and over again. I love a good boyfriend cardigan, but if you aren't sure of how to wear it, it can overwhelm your shape and make you look bigger than you are.

• First, when trying a boyfriend cardigan on in the store, try on your "normal" size and then one size smaller.  You might find that the small works better than the medium, etc.  Also, check the length.  For me, having a boyfriend cardigan hit right below the hips is most flattering.  

• One great way to style a boyfriend cardigan once you've gotten a well fitting one is with a jersey dress like this one I'm wearing in the first picture below.  Boyfriend cardigans are more casual in nature, so wearing it with a jersey dress works great.  If you buy a merino wool boyfriend cardigan, these can be nice with a dress that isn't cotton as well. A belt also helps to accentuate your waist with this combo and keep the cardigan from looking overwhelming too.

• The second ways to wear a boyfriend cardigan is with skinny jeans.  This is a great combo for casual Friday or for a weekend look.  I think skinny jeans are best because you don't want to create more volume with the outfit by adding a wider leg jean; this outfit can have a tendency to look overwhelming and make you look bigger than you are.  I styled mine below with booties, but you could also easily wear ballet flats or tall boots too. I also feel that tucking in your shirt or wearing a more form fitting shirt is the most flattering with a boyfriend cardigan too, just like with the jeans, an over-sized shirt can make you look bigger than you are.

• The third way to style a boyfriend cardigan is with a mini-skirt.  Now pencil skirts can be ok with boyfriend cardigans too, just keep in mind the casual nature of this piece, so a cotton skirt is probably best.  Once again tucking your shirt in will be the most flattering for this look and I think booties, boots, or flats look best.  I don't recommend wearing an a-line skirt with a boyfriend cardigan, just like I stated above with over-sized shirts or wider leg jeans, adding more volume is not very flattering.

• The last way I'm going to show is to wear a boyfriend cardigan with leggings.  I love this with a longer tunic and boots or booties.  You also want to make sure your rear is covered by the tunic and cardigan and that the legging are nice and thick.  Depending on where you work leggings might not be appropriate, if that's the case a nice skinny ankle pant and ballet flats are a great option too.

Things We Know By Heart

This last week I picked up Things We Know By Heart, by Jessi Kirby. It's our book club book for this next month, and it happens to be YA, which was a nice break from my other reads lately. Although it is YA, is does deal with a heavy topic, losing a loved one.  We are introduced to Quinn, a teenage girl, whose life is changed after her boyfriend, Trent, is suddenly killed in a car crash.  

Trent's parents decide to donate his organs to five thankful recipients.  To help Quinn with the healing process, she writes to all the recipients and hears back from four. But she still can't move on.  She needs to know about the fifth. She scours the internet and comes across the story of Colten, who is her age and was in desperate need of a heart transplant.  His life is saved because Trent has died. Quinn decided to go and try to catch a glimpse of Colton and his life, hoping this will help her move on. 

However, what happens next is not what she expected. They meet and their is some unexplainable connection between them, with each of them holding close to the secret of how one heart changed both of their lives.  Will their secrets be revealed?  Can a real love be built while keeping secrets? Read Things We Know By Heart to find out!

Baby Registry Tips

The first time around when I was pregnant with Grant, Brian and I went way overboard with baby registry items.  We wanted it all. some of which we found out was really not necessary once our little guy got here.  This time around is definitely different.  Yes, we had a lot of things from the first time around, so we had less to buy, but today I thought I'd share some tips on what we think you really need, vs. what you don't.

Being at Peace

It seems like some people thrive in conflict, it's their bread and butter. Me, I run the other way, avoiding it whenever possible. I also am really bothered when there is conflict around me, my personality is that of a peacemaker. And, honestly, I'd must rather a dispute be over than for me to "get my way." However, there are times when I'm not as focused on peace as I should be. This week I was reminded about what God asks of us as his children when conflict is headed our way: 

"Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life…”
-Philippians 2:12-16 ESV

This past Sunday at church we were talking about the lady who stood her ground when it came to an unwillingness to sign a marriage license for a homosexual couple. Personally, the hair on the back of my neck stood on end when I heard her story on the news.  I personally think that she should have found a new job if her new job requirements didn't match her beliefs. I also honestly don't feel her actions reflected that love that we as Christians are to show to others. On top of that, if you yourself have had three failed marriages, should your soapbox really really be the sanctity of marriage? I know this might sound judgmental, and that's not my intent, however, the verse from Philippians echoes in my ear "Do all things without grumbling or disbuting.....so you shine as a light in the world."

I definitely think there are times we need to stand firm in our faith in God, however, I think we also have to consider if our actions and words point people to God, or away from him. Our words have a lot of power to those around us, and I really want to make an effort to make sure my words reflect the loving God I serve.  I hope you can do the same.

I think the down-side of being a blogger is taking outfit pictures each week. I really don't feel that humongous, but when I see pictures, I'm like "Whoa!" I really do love this outfit though. I've worn some variation of it many times before I was pregnant and this Old Navy chambray I scored on thredUP (similar to this one) is perfect for fall. Use this link for $10 off your first purchase from thredUPI'm also going to say it, I've been wearing leggings everyday. They. Are. Amazing with my prego belly and I'm so thankful I scored a bunch second had for only a few dollars...probably the best spent during this pregnancy.

Sharp Objects

This last week I both started and finished Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn. I've read both Dark Places and Gone Girl I was excited to get my hands on this book.  If you're familiar at all with Flynn, you'll know she has a dark and captivating style of writing. I'm a big fan of a good mystery, and Flynn doesn't disappoint when it comes to that.  

In this book we are introduced to Camille Preaker, a newspaper reporter who is called to get the story on a serial killer who has starting attacking and killing helpless children in Wing Gap, Camille's hometown. Although on the surface Camille seems to have it together, under the surface it's a very different story. Old memories and obstacles with her mother are quickly stirred up as she returns home.  

Camille never knew her father, but her mother and family money have pretty much run her small hometown for years.  With a step-father who is more of an accessory to her mother, and a half-sister who is only 13 years old, but lives the scandalous lifestyle of someone twice her age, reporting on the serial killer is turning out to be much harder than Camille first anticipated.  

Be prepared for a dark and twisted journey when you pick up this thriller. I must add it is more explicit than I remember her other novels being, so if that isn't your style, this won't be your book.  However, if you want a captivating page-turner, this is the book for you. 

Life Lately

Here are some pictures from Instagram I thought I'd share to give you an update on life lately.

Nesting is in full swing at our house!  We recently, after a ton of searching, found a bedroom set on Craig's List for Hannah's room.  This was a process, let me tell you.  We spent mega bucks on Grant's set, which converted into a full-size bed, so our original thought was we'd give that to Hannah and get Grant a new set. Nice in theory, but we were really struggling to find something that was nice at a decent price. Then, about two weeks ago I was on Craig's List early in the morning and caught a quality convertible set, just like Grant's was for only $150.  It has just been listed hours earlier and I emailed and we went and picked it up that day.  It's solid wood, and great quality. 

The second time around I knew we didn't need as much "baby stuff," but I felt like I needed to put things in their place to kind of figure what we still needed.  I was also excited to create a collage above Hannah's dresser.  I found the prints on Jane.com on a BOGO special for $5, then found the "H" to paint, the picture with the elephant print, and the mirror arrow at Hobby Lobby.  I'm also crazy about the whale lamp I found at Gordman's too.

We're only about two months away from Hannah's arrival and I just can't wait!

Fun with the Buddy Box Program

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Lifetree, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #growkidsfaith  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Recently Grant got a real treat in the mail, the Buddy Box program! This is a fun monthly care package is just for kids and get's them excited about their faith and Jesus. It's delivered right to your doorstep and full of fun actives and toys, all present to help kids see God's love is real, relevant, and fun! 

Grant was so excited when his box showed up and was really excited to see what was inside!

Lord, I Need You

      This last Sunday I got to help lead worship again and this song just keeps running through my head. Take a listen:

          

Sometimes, whether we want to admit it or not, life can just be too much to handle. Maybe it's the day, the situation, the person, who knows, but whatever it is sometimes we're just at a loss. That's where God comes in. He's there for us all the time, actually, but he's also there when we need him the most...when we are at a loss for how to go on. Just take a look at the lyrics to this song: 

Lord, I come, I confess

Bowing here I find my rest

Without You I fall apart

You're the One that guides my heart

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You

Every hour I need You

My one defense, my righteousness

Oh God, how I need You

Where sin runs deep Your grace is more

Where grace is found is where You are

And where You are, Lord, I am free

Holiness is Christ in me

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You

Every hour I need You

My one defense, my righteousness

Oh God, how I need You

Teach my song to rise to You

When temptation comes my way

And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You

Jesus, You're my hope and stay

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You

Every hour I need You

My one defense, my righteousness

Oh God, how I need You

You're my one defense, my righteousness

Oh God, how I need You

My one defense, my righteousness

Oh God, how I need You

With God everything is possible. We can make it though situations we'd call lost or impossible with his help, and I'm so thankful for that! Do yourself a favor and put this song onto your iTunes and let the lyrics resonate with you.

I wore this outfit over the weekend. Simple and easy, just like I like it.  These booties are my new favorite thing and I'm pretty sure I'll be wearing them nearly everyday this fall and winter. We ended up finding a bedroom set for Hannah's room on Craigslist for a steal, so I'm super excited to finally be able to get our little girl's room ready.

Letting Go

Ok, I'm going to admit it, I'm a bit of a control freak. At school I spend my day directing the educational paths of 70 12 year olds.....and I do it pretty well, if I don't say myself. I'm not a dictator, but when I start moving in one direction, by students are quick to follow.  I don't think my co-workers would call me controlling, and I think I'm pretty flexible when it comes to wanting peace amongst my peers and for everyone to feel valued. However, when I come home I can find myself wanting to take control here over Grant and his actions as well as at times my husband. Then, when things don't work out how I'd like I end up frustrated and confused.

Reality check though, it's not my job to take control over others, it's my job to control myself. In Galatians we are reminded that one of the fruit of the spirt is self-control. When we have God in our lives we have the Holy Spirit and with His help we can work to change our sinful hearts against the desire to control everything around us. Instead, we can show who God is instead by showing love and patience to others, even when we don't think they desire it. Love and patience are also fruits of the spirit too, good stuff there!

So today, I'm working to worry about myself, show self-control, and at the same time show love to others. I'm letting go of my own self desires, and I challenge you to do the same.

I just got this sweater from Shein and love it!  It's great quality and was a great price.  I think sweaters like this will be great as my belly continues to grow, and afterwards as well.  I'm also crazy about the all black look underneath. I've been doing this a lot lately and am not sure why I haven't done it before.

The Hypnotist's Love Story

Last week I finished reading The Hypnotist's Love Story by Laine Moriarty. I've also read The Husband's Secret and Big Little Lies by her, so I was excited to get my hands on this book, as I LOVED the first two I read.

I will say this book has a very different feel than her other others. It switches point of view, like the others, but the style of writing seems very different.  At the beginning, we are introduced to Ellen, a hypnotherapist who has recently began to date Patrick, a man finally feels is a good match after countless failed relationships. We are then introduced to Saskia, who is Patrick's ex-girlfriend as well as Patrick's stalker for the past three years, since their relationship failed.

This book definitely gave me a look into the thoughts of a stalker and they motives in a way I'd never considered before, and I actually felt sorry for her much of the time. As a character, I really like Ellen, although she definitely took the stalker situation way more lightly than she should have, with an outcome I didn't see coming.

If you're looking for a good read, this could be your book. It wasn't my favorite by Moriarty, but was definitely worth reading.

Work-it

First off, I'm well aware this kimono/cardigan isn't doing me any favors. I fell in love with the print and took a change and ordered it from an online boutique. I do really like it, but my already humongous belly seems to look even bigger when I put a tent over it.  I'm not sure how I'll feel about it after Hannah gets here, but for now I'm simply going to wear it as if it's actually flattering. #workit #pregnancyproblems #growingahuman .

Now, these booties on the other hand. I am in love!  I've really been liking the new(ish) trend of wearing a bootie that is a bit taller and tucking your leggings or skinny jeans into them.  I first off ordered these from Target hoping they'd fit both my feet and my desire to give this trend a try. Unfortunately, they were very hard for me to get on (no zipper) and super uncomfortable, plus they really looked cheap. Return.

Then, Brian and I had a date night and after dinner we went to the mall for a bit, as we were both looking for shoes.  I found these and really liked them, but they were a tick shorter than what I really wanted. They were, however, very comfortable. So, I got on my phone and looked for an alternate at Nordstrom's and found these booties which were very similar in style, but a couple inches taller. I took a chance and it worked out, because I love them.

They are more expensive than I originally hoped to spend, but I know myself when it comes to shoes: if it's not leather and comfortable, I won't wear them and it'll be a waste of money. I learned my lesson last year when I was trying to find a new pair of tall boots and I started with some that weren't leather and it was the biggest waste of $70 I've ever spent. I know I'll get a lot of use out of these in years to come.

Doing Good

This time around Brian and I have had a lot less to buy to get ready for Hannah's arrival, which has been really nice. I've also scored some good deals too, like a working Medela pump at a garage sale for only $5. At the same time, I've been presented with multiple situations in which my financial help has been needed, and it's felt really good to be able to help out.

I have to be honest, sometimes I find myself holding onto "my money" a little too tightly. Brian and I each get a set amount of money to spend as we wish each month, and sometimes I find myself becoming a tight wade.  But reality is, I have more than enough. Me holding onto my money too tightly isn't the best idea. Saving is always good, but I also feel my eyes need to be opened as to how I can help when it's needed. 

God says “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Buying things for ourselves can be a nice treat, but we should also have our eyes opened to ways to help others too. You never know how you simple act of kindness can impact someone's life for the better.

I just received this sweater from Shein.  I really like it and think it'll be a great addition to my closet this fall and winter. The quality is really good, I will say it only comes in one size, so if you are bigger than a medium, I wouldn't order it. That being said, I feel like the shape is very flattering and it's so fun with my new boots and these jeans. The weather is still pretty inconsistent here, cool one day and warm the next, so this is perfect for the cooling temps!