instagram | black and white, and read all over

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

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

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:

this 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

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

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

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}

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!