Blogging and Priorities

Nothing in this outfit is new, but it's an outfit I wanted to wear the whole time I was pregnant, but obviously couldn't. I'll admit, when  I stumble out of bed at 6:00 the last thing I feel like doing is getting dressed up, but I'm always glad I do, as it helps put me in a good mood for the day. 

Also, our snow is gone, thank goodness! I just took a number of pictures when I had the morning to myself one day and have been saving them up.  Weekends have been busy, just trying to maintain a fairly clean house and taking the time to play with the kids, so blogging has really taken a back burner. Once my saved pictures are done, I'm not sure how I'll fit getting new ones in. In between the getting ready, taking pictures, and editing for the three posts I do each week is about three hours....which I don't really have right now. I'm not sure how I'll continue to keep up, although I do want to.

I also have not been doing a good job or reading very many other blogs regularly and don't have nearly as many people comment on my blog regularly either, although my page views are still pretty consistent.  I wonder if I'd be just as happy simply posting on Instagram, but I really do like the writing aspect of blogging.  I really didn't recognize how easy I had it with just Grant. Hannah is a great baby and I actually think it's made me a better more active mom.  I want them each to have time with me and know how much I love them, so I think my priorities have changed some.  I'm not sure what the future of this little space looks like, but as long as I can make it work and enjoy it, I plan to try. 

Meh

I've got to be honest with you, since going back to work it's been kind of "meh." The kids are fine, I like my co-workers, I'm just not excited to be there, and this is really a first for me. Now I've had years when I was ready to push the kids out the door, because they were driving me crazy....but I've never really felt indifferent.

I'm not sure it was maternity leave, or our new normal with Hannah, but work is just that....work. Anyone else been there?

I'm reminded though that God has placed me where I am for a purpose, and to go to work everyday just feeling "meh" about is, isn't really doing myself or the people God has placed in my life any good.  I Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whatever you eat or drink, and whatever you do, do it for the glory of God." That truth should cause a change in me, and if you're feeling "meh" it should in you too.

I think we have have times in our lives when feel life is monotonous, more laundry, more dishes, I have to go to work....again? We've all been there, but it's not where we should plant our roots and stay, we need to get beyond that. So, even if I'm feeling bored at work, I need to focus on the truth that everything I do should give glory to God, now that's anything but boring. It's time for a change of heart and change in perspective and I'm working to do that today.

Believe it or not, these pants are nearly six years old from The Limited.  I got them after Grant was born and honestly, they'd been forgotten in my closet for the last three years or so. I pulled them out when I was going through all my pants after Hannah was born and wanted to kick myself for not wearing them more.  It looks like The Limited still thinks they are pretty great, because these are the same pants.  I got the Gap top via thredUp (Use this link for $10 off your first purchase.) I decided to pair them together and really like it!  Maybe it was dressing so casually at home, but I missed dressing up and am really enjoying it at work again!

The Graphic Tee

One thing I realized while I was on maternity leave was how few casual shirts I had. I really love their versatility and found a number of them on Jane.com for less than $15.  I really love this one that says "You Make Me Brave." The "you" being God.  There are so many times when times get tough, but I know that God is always there for me.  I also have times when I hear a whispering in my ear to move, act, or help someone....but it isn't always easy.  I know that God is there to help in the midst of this and this t-shirt is a great reminder!

How to Create a Bedtime Routine with Huggies Diapers

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

One of the first things I remember learning as a new mom was the importance of creating a bedtime routine with your kids.  Even babies like to know what to expect, so starting a routine early will make things easier for both them and you.  Today I'm going to share with you our evening routine for Hannah, with the help of Huggies diapers from Kroger at Bakers. 

Grace Wins

One song that has been running through my head constantly is "Grace Wins" by Mathew West.  So often we can be so hard on ourselves and fixate on the mistakes we've made.   Becoming a Christian doesn't mean I'm perfect, but it means God's perfect grace covers all my mistakes and sins. Every day. I needed this reminder today and maybe you do too!

          

Grace wins every time!

This skirt has been a J.Crew staple for a few years, and I have a tan wool one for winter and a printed white one for summer, so I was super excited to find this one for less than $10 on thredUp. Use this link for $10 off your first purchase, so basically, this skirt would be free. I decided to pair it with a basic white tee, my favorite are Merona's from Target and my Gap denim jacket, also a thredUp score last year.  

Me Time

Like I mentioned on Monday I was on spring break last week.  Honestly, it was just the break I needed. I hadn't had more than an hour to myself since last summer, literally.  I had the weirdest feeling being alone in the house and going on errands by myself. I kept feeling like I was forgetting something...then I'd remember Grant was at school and Hannah was at daycare.  Now, I only sent Hannah for part of the day, but the time to myself was so nice.

As moms, it can sometimes feel like we need to justify time away from our kids. We are called to love our kids, not be martyrs, and quite honestly I think we need a bit of time away to recharge and be able to #momlikeaboss.

I really have become more of a homebody as I've gotten older, but Brian is great about staying with the kids in the evening, so I can go run an errand alone. I also have book club once a month, so that's a nice break too.

I guess today I wanted to encourage all you moms to take some time for yourself, even if it's going to Starbucks and reading for an hour, which by the way is magical.  If you can't remember the last time you got time to yourself, it's been too long!  Talk with your hubby, splurge on a sitter, call your mom to sit, do whatever it takes to go grab a few hours to just be you.  I promise you, it's not selfish, you'll come be feeling recharged and ready to face whatever comes your way. : )

I am crazy about these kick crop pants from Loft and am loving them with this top I scored from thredup, use this link for $10 off your first purchase.  I am continually amazed by what I can find on thredup for such great prices! This top was new with tags and less than $10!  

I'm also still bananas about these lace up flats, it's so funny that I was second guessing keeping them, because I have been wearing them like crazy! 

Life Lately

Here's a look at what's been going on, via some pictures I shared on Instagram!

This picture is from a few weeks back, but I really don't have very many of Hannah and myself. Grant took this one as we were getting ready to head out to church.  Hannah has a couple of dress outfits for church and I plan to have her wear them as long they fit!