Showers of Blessings

Everywhere you turn, bloggers, Facebook friends, and people all over America are doing their annual thankful posts. And it's time for me to get sucked in.

See, here's the thing. I know I'm blessed. I have two amazing children. Sure, they drive me batty occasionally, but they are so full of spark and personality that even when I want to throw my hands up in the air cry "Surrender," I still know that they're special.

My Little Miss is stubborn and sassy, but she is so full of life and wonder. I love that she skips nearly everywhere she goes. I love that she can literally sing one song after another for hours while she plays by herself. I love that in the midst of her wiggling and squirming and whispering in church, she'll suddenly look up at me, smile and sign "I love you" with her hand. Then she'll press her little hand up against mine until I give her the sign back. I love that about her.

My Little Guy is competitive and inquisitive to the point of nearly driving me insane with questions, but he is brilliant and sensitive and so very sweet. I love the way he ponders things. This morning, on the way home from church, he very solemnly said, "Mom and Dad, I have something I want to say. I'm so thankful that Jesus died for us and that he came into my heart and saved me. And I'm so thankful for my family and that you take me to church… Because I just love learning about God." I love that he asks me to sing him a song every single night before bed. I love that he still wants to cuddle with me and that he grudgingly says, "Good game" after his daddy or I beat him at Uno. I just love so many things about him.

Then there's this little unexpected bean growing inside of me. This one that was such a surprise. It's funny how you have your life planned out and then "Wham!" It changes just like that. I haven't even met this one yet and I don't know whether it will be like its big sister or big brother, but I can't imagine our life without this one in it. Having only two children just doesn't seem complete anymore. Crazy as it is, we're even considering adding a fourth down the road!

And all of that up there just covers my kids. I've got a job that I'm passionate about teaching a class of students that I simply love. I have a husband that deserves an entire post of his own. He words hard, helps me with the kids, helps me to clean the house, and treats me like a queen. I'm still in love him 8 1/2 years after saying, "I do." I've got an amazing church that is led by a pastor who follows Christ and truly loves his congregation.

So, yeah, I'm blessed.  And I'm so incredibly thankful to God for his blessings. This morning at church, our pastor urged us to remember those blessings and to thank God for his goodness. So, I thought I'd devote a post to do just that.

And… because I know you're dying to know, here's what I wore to church where I was inspired to wax on about my blessings. Oh, I'm also blessed with closet full of clothes. Even if some of them are getting tight, at least I still have something to wear.

Sweater: Thrifted

Shirt: maurices

Skirt: NY&Co

Boots: JCPenney

Look who got a much needed cut and color!

Necklaces: Poshlocket & Origami Owl

And of course, I leave you with the weekly belly shot. =)

I hope you all enjoy your week of Thanksgiving festivities. Try not to stress over the little things. Give thanks to God for your blessings and enjoy your family (even if they're doing whatever that thing is that drives you crazy). ;)

I'm linking up today with Watch What I'm Wearing, Monday Mingle and Still Being Molly.

Summer (Mom) Style: Coral & Floral

Well, I made it! I finished up my first 30 for 30 and only cheated once by adding this red striped tank on the 4th of July.

Blouse: NY&Co

Shorts: Target

Sandals: Jackie's eBoutique

This is one of my favorite dressed down outfits of the challenge. I love the feminine floral top paired with the bright coral shorts. Actually though, I really like anything paired with these particular bright coral shorts. =)

Necklace & Wrap Bracelet: Premier Designs Jewelry

I have a feeling these shorts (and maybe the mint ones if I pick them up on my next Target trip) will be my go-to piece this summer.

Now that my 30 for 30 is completed, I have a feeling my posts may be a bit more sporadic. =)

I'm leaving this afternoon for New Orleans to co-host a baby shower along with my sis-in-law and aunt for my favorite sister in the world.  It's her first baby and we are beyond thrilled to have this weekend to celebrate the little munchkin that's in her belly. I'm a bit of a procrastinator (which has probably driven my co-hosts crazy the past few months), so I have quite a bit to do tomorrow, but it should be a lot of fun!

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

Linking up today with Mix & Match Fashion and All Things Pretty. Check out the other looks to get inspired how to get dressed this summer!

Summer (Mom) Style: Two for One

I'm so eager to wrap up this 30 for 30 that I'm presenting both outfits that I wore yesterday, which brings us to Outfit Numbers 28 and 29!

Team Tank: F21

Skirt: Le Lapin D'or

Sandals: Target

I wore the incredibly mismatched outfit above for about an hour while I was cleaning the house. Then I changed into my swimsuit and went to the beach. This is the most I've stretched my creativity in the challenge. I typically wouldn't pair purple with blue gingham... and I'm not sure it actually works, per se. But I think it would pass if worn confidently. Now, if I had a cute coral printed tank or green printed tank, I think it would look much better with the gingham skirt!

Dress: Kohls

Blouse: NY&Co

Wedges: Zulily

Last night, we had another Family Conference meeting, so when I got home from the beach, I whipped up some dinner, grabbed a quick shower and changed for church.

Necklace: Charming Charlie's

Leather Wrap Bracelet: Premier Design Jewelry

Speaking of the beach, I swam for the first time in open water. You guys, I swam with the fishes. Literally. And I didn't freak out. Something even touched my nose at one point and that time, I actually did freak out, but I recovered and didn't drown. It probably helped that the water I was swimming in wasn't over my head. =)  I have to admit, it's going to be a tough swim on the 18th. But I've decided I'm just going to finish this triathlon, whether I have to back float, free style or side stroke my way through it.  When I train for my next triathlon, I'll really try to spend more time doing kicking drills, spend more time swimming laps, etc., so that I can really figure out the swim.

I'm linking up today with The Pleated Poppy, Transatlantic Blonde, Dear Abby Leigh, Wardrobe Wednesday, I Feel Pretty and Suburbs Mama.

Summer (Mom) Style: Churchy Attire

Today is the first day of our Family Conference! I am excited to see how the Lord will speak to me specifically during this time. 

Skirt: New York & Company

Tee & Blazer: Target

Shoes: Zulily

Necklace & Earrings: Rue 21

Family is so important.  These days, family seems to be undermined everywhere we turn. I hope that I can keep my heart open the next few days and when it is all over, I hope I'll be a better wife and mom. A mom that teaches her kids to fear the Lord and choose right; and a wife that honors the Lord and supports her husband.

I heard something on KLOVE this weekend. I'm not sure who said it, but some sports guy said, "I want people to hear what I say and see how I live and think, 'Yeah, they match up.'" That's exactly what I want people to think of me and my life. I want them to see Jesus and not be offended, but be drawn to Him.

I certainly rattled on quite a bit today about things that actually matter to me, but hey, it's Sunday. And if you can't talk about the Lord on Sundays, when can you? Ammiright? ;)

I'm linking up today with Plane Pretty, Fine Linen & Purple, Watch What I'm Wearing and What She Wears.

Summer (Mom) Style: Floral, Cobalt & Splashes of Yellow

How many of you live with a bossy three-year old?

I love my bossy three-year old, I really do. But I'm trying to get rid of some of this adorable attitude before it becomes a serious problem.  These are just a few of her favorite phrases:

But I don't want to.
NO! I said!
I alweady tole you!
Ackchally, I don't want to.

It's like they're on repeat . . . all day long.

Then she comes up to me and says, "Momma, I weally weally wuv you." And while that doesn't make her attitude okay, it does make it bearable.

Outfit Number 19... Worn to Church

Dress: Kohls

Shirt: New York & Company

Wedges: Zulily

Bracelet & Necklace: Target

Enjoy your day, friends. I don't believe I have a single thing on the agenda today. In fact, I may take a little breather from my 30 for 30 and not even get dressed at all... but shh!! Don't tell anyone. ;)

Summer (Mom) Style: Cobalt, Purple & Chambray

I am over half way finished with my summer 30 for 30. Do you want to know something? When this is finished, I'm not sure I'll even attempt to get dressed until August when we go back to school. Seriously, I kind of want to bum around the house in pj's!

Outfit #16

Chambray Top: Thrifted

Purple Tank: New York & Company

Shorts: Target

Sandals: Avon

This outfit took me to the Gulfarium with my family, which has many outdoor exhibits. It held up very well to the heat! I almost wore a skirt, but I was glad that I didn't. It was a bit windy and it might have been a little embarrassing to have a Marilyn Monroe moment.

I hope you all have a fantastically beautiful weekend! Enjoy some QT with your families.

Summer (Mom) Style: Maxi Skirt & Tank and a bit about Tri Training

Even moms who don't go to church have occasion to dress up, right?  On Wednesday night, the same day that my stylist gave me Miley Cyrus hair, I wore Outfit #15 to church.  So to keep my hair rockin', all I had to do was spritz on a bit of Pureology Sea Kissed Texturizer and it was ready to go!

Tank: Target

Skirt: New York & Company

Wedges: Zulily

Okay, I've mentioned that I'm training for a triathlon. I need to make a confession.  I'm most certainly not training to win. I'm not really even training to finish. I'm training to not drown. For reals, you guys. This whole swimming thing is getting me down!

If you've been following me for a while, you'd know that I began running a year or so ago and quickly fell in love with it.  After seeing my husband finish the Florida Ironman in November, I began to toy with the idea of doing a triathlon myself. But we have one tiny problem. I couldn't swim. As in, if I were ever in water over my head, I had a float. Period. Sure, I live near the beach, but I promise you anytime I went into the Gulf, I was clutching a floatie for dear life, praying that I wouldn't drown.

So, I started taking swim lessons.  It took me about 1/2 of the lessons just to get the hang of breathing and getting my stroke right.  I just finished my swim lessons last night and I can still only swim about 75 yards before I think I'm going to die. Straight up die. I get so out of breath and my legs start to feel like lead. I have three weeks before the triathlon. Three weeks to get myself to where I can swim 300 yards in open water without dying. Needless to say, I'm a little discouraged.

Sorry to be such a downer on this beautiful Friday... Do any of you have advice for me? Anything at all to buck up my spirits a bit?

I'm linking up today with Passion for Fashion, Two-Thirty Five Designs and The Life of the Party. 

Summer (Mom) Style: Skirts & Printed Tops

Today I'm sharing both Outfit Numbers 10 and 11 with you. Aren't you lucky?

Outfit #10

Skirt: Loft, Thrifted

Tank (also worn here), Belt & Sandals: Target

Necklace: Origami Owl

Bracelet: Rue 21

The green skirt number was worn to my little Princess's 3rd birthday party. Speaking of the age 3, no one warned me that 3 is basically the same thing as 13 when we're talking about attitudes and moods. Good grief, my angelic, sweet two-year old has turned into a demanding, bossy little diva!

If you're dying to see more of Her Highness and her party, you can check them out on Instagram.

Outfit #11 (I'm 1/3 of the way finished!)

Skirt & Blouse: New York & Company

Spot on the Skirt: Well, that came from Her Highness, I'm sure.

Wedges: Zulily

And this second little green skirt number (I didn't realize I included two green skirts in my 30 for 30 until this very second), was worn to church. Okay, I'd like to say that I am not one of those bloggers who take perfect photos. Nope, this is real life, so you get part of my child's arm along with my skirt and top.

Also, you get a skirt with a spot on it. Because I barely have enough time to get dressed on Sunday mornings, much less time to inspect my clothing for stains.

I'd also like to share that while I'm attempting to type out a quick post because I simply can't skip a day during my 30 for 30... I mean, what would you do if you didn't know how I was getting dressed during my summer break? I know, I know, it would kill you, right?  Okay, anyways, back to this fragmented sentence. While I'm trying to get a quick post up, Her Highness keeps bringing me "uhpizes." Each time, I have to close my eyes while she counts to 6 and then says "Uhpize! I got uhpize fuh you!"

I wouldn't trade it for the world.  

I'm linking up today with Monday Mingle and Funday Monday. 

Mom Style Isn't Mom Style Anymore

Not all that long ago, you could spot a mom trying to relish a few moments of shopping alone just from her clothing.  I mean, we've all heard of the term "mom jeans!" In the not so distant past, moms were known for their lack of style. It's like we had children and suddenly, we were no longer allowed to wear frilly skirts or cute shoes. We had to trade in our heels for scuffed up running shoes because, well, let's face it. We'd be doing a lot, I repeat A LOT, of running after that toddler on a daily basis.

 Flats: Target ($5, on clearance)

And if you're like me and you're a working mom, then it's easy enough to find excuses for wearing that same ole pair of black slacks or khaki pants to work each day. I mean, when it takes everything you've got just to get out of bed in the morning, putting together a stylish ensemble can be too much. Not to mention, that in the past, moms have fallen into the "I can't wear that because I'm a mom" trap.

Top: maurices ($7)

Pants: NY&Co ($15)

You know, we've been able to find cute and stylin' moms, but they've always been the ones that are wayyy up there. You know, the adorable Jessica Albas and Isla Fishers of the world. Basically, they're in Hollywood or NYC, and yes, I guess they give moms hope that there is stylish life after the bump.  But still. When I see those moms, I just think, "Well, of course, they look good. That's what they get paid to do. They have hundreds of thousands of dollars to spend on cute clothes and they have nannies and all that jazz." So, yeah, while they are totally stylin' with their cute babies and toddlers, I still want to sit back and say, "But I'm just a normal person. I can't do that."

But here's the thing, ladies. Times are a changin'.  We can do that!  There are all kinds of adorable bloggers popping up to help us with our style.  We've got gorgeous Jill at Glamamom, the stylin' ladies at BonBon Rose Girls, the adorable mom and daughter pair at Style Journey and the incredibly cute and witty Tricia at The Domestic Fringe. The truth is, I can go on and on, listing bloggers that are putting themselves out there and showing the real world that not only do we know how to get dressed, but we can actually be fashionable about it, too! These are real ladies, not movie stars, who are showing the rest of us that we can still be fashionable and stylish, even with tots and babies on our hips.

Ladies everywhere are breaking free of the Mom Style rut! They're tossing out their boring mom jeans and hopping into colored skinnies.  They're trading their scuffed up running shoes for cute flats and sparkly sandals.

So, here's to me and you, not running away from "mom style", but embracing it! Because I'm learning that "mom style" doesn't have to mean frumpy. It doesn't have to mean boring. It simply means that I can do my thing, while chasing kids and cooking dinner and teaching third graders (that one's just mine). And you know what? We can pass for cute and stylish while doing it all!

I'm linking up today with The Pleated Poppy, Wardrobe Wednesday, Dear Abby Leigh, Transatlantic Blonde and Rolled Up Pretty.  

Why I Do This...

Recently, I was all flustered and embarrassed when talking to a friend about this little ole blog of mine and asked myself the question... Why do I blog? And not so much why do I blog? But why do I blog about my clothes?

Top: NY&Co

Pants: Kohls

Sandals: Shoedazzle

Note to self... Find another pose. This looking down thing is making your hair look rather poofy.

There are several reasons, I guess. Initially, I started blogging because I was bored at work. Yes, I did the majority of my blogging at work during my lunch break or when the workload was slow. Now, I can guarantee you there is never a dull moment in my line of work! Teaching third graders keeps me constantly on my toes... quite literally. It's incredibly fun, rewarding . . . and exhausting! So, yeah, no time for blogging on the clock.

I also first started blogging about my clothes because I needed something to pull me out of my wardrobe slump. I was about 9-ish months post-partum with my youngest daughter and was feeling like a frumpy mom of two. Knowing that I'd be snapping pics of my frumpyness helped me to see the clothes hanging in my closet (or more often than not, on the floor of my closet) in a new light. And it helped me to put a bit of effort into my outfits even though I was sleep deprived from one or the other of my kids getting up constantly throughout the night.

Then I really got into it. I mean, how much fun is it to meet people not just all over the country, but all over the world?!? And I liked sharing a little bit of my creativity with the world.

Necklace: Jackie's eBoutique

Bracelet & Ring: No idea...

But let me tell you... do I enjoy preening in front of the camera? Um, no. I'm especially uncomfortable when someone walks past right as I'm posing all prettily.  Can we say... AWKward! But it's fun to put my outfits out there on the world wide web and be critiqued.  I don't think it's vanity or being self absorbed... I certainly hope it isn't!  I tried blogging about a few things that are close to my heart, but that isn't my talent. Laughing at myself I can do. Talking about something serious and important... I just don't have the ability to make it sound as important as it really is.  So, instead of trying to talk about important things, I keep my posts about the superficial and hope that maybe some flustered mom out there will look at my blog and think... Well, if she can get dressed in an ensemble that is somewhat put together and stylish on 4.5 hours of sleep, then maybe I can too.

Okay, in reality, I'm getting more like 7-ish hours of sleep these days. But trust me, there are times when I get much less.  Ear infections, sore throats, nightmares, early morning runs... they all interfere with the perfect 8-hour night of sleep.  You know how it is!

Finally, my last reason for blogging is to ask for advice. There's often something that I wear over and over again . . . in the same way! So, I ask you how you would wear it and get all kinds of outfit inspiration.  Which brings me to my question of the day...

How else would you style these sandals? I'm stuck!

I'm linking up today with Monday Mingle, Still Being Molly, Sunday Style, Passion for Fashion and Watch What I'm Wearing.

~~~~~~~~

While you're here, don't forget to swing by and enter to win your own personalized Road ID bracelet! You only have until Wednesday!

From My Little Guy

It's 6:00 a.m. and I just finished my run and my mind is full of all the things I have to get done today. So, rather than ramble on about all that, I'll share a few jewels from my Little Guy.

Little Guy: Mom, I never get anything I want.
Me: Well, that's not true. But what is it that you want?
Little Guy: I want a real cowboy that sits on a real white horse that I can play with.
Me: You want a real one?
Little Guy: Well, it can be a toy, I guess.

Blazer: NY&Co, Thrifted

Dress: NY&Co, Hand Me Down

Tank: NY&Co, Borrowed from my Mom

Shoes: rsvp, www.6pm.com

My Little Guy was singing a song that he made up about animals yesterday morning. Suddenly, he said, "Hey, mom. I'm singing to God." I said, "Well, that's great, buddy." Then he said, "Does God like it when we're funny?" To which I said, "Sure!" "Does Jesus laugh?" he asked. Ummm, I guess He does, right?  I should have said that He only laughs when you're not aggravating mama. =)

Yesterday evening, I was listening to my Little Guy (4) and Little Miss (2) play in the playroom. I heard him call, "Hey Mom, come here!" So, I walked into the playroom and he said, "Not you, mom! This mom!" and he pointed to his little sister.  Later, they were pretending she was his daughter and I heard him say, "Hey kid! You better obey me, kid!" Ha! I can promise you that we don't call him kid. I don't know where he comes up with this stuff!

Buckle Bracelet & Silver Bracelet: Premier Design Jewelry

Have the kids in your life said or done anything funny lately?

I'm linking up today with Transatlantic Blonde, The Pleated Poppy and Rolled Up Pretty.  

Finally Friday

It's finally Friday! Free again, got my party started for a wild weekend! ;)

And by wild, I mean that I'm going to go C-R-A-Z-Y on my classroom! I'm going to be all over those bulletin boards like white on rice. That messy classroom has got nothin' on me! ;)

White Tee: Target

Brown Tank: Express

Weird Puke Colored Jeans: NY&Co

Heels: rsvp via 6pm.com

Okay, so I recently won (yeah, I know! You're probably tired of hearing me say that, but anways...) this statement necklace from a Sira & Mara giveaway at Mix and Match Fashion.  Being the fashion-ish blogger that I am, you would think I'd be a big statement necklace person, but I've realized that I'm not.  It's not that I don't love them because I totally do. 

I just don't know what to do with them.  Like this necklace here... it's gorgeous! And all I could think to do with it was to pair it with a white tee shirt. Hmmm.... I'd say that's almost letting this beautiful necklace go to waste!

Necklace: Sira & Mara

You want to know what I just noticed?  The very first photo on the Sira & Mara Featured Page is of this necklace and she wore it soooo much better than I did! ;)

So, of course, you know I have a question for you... how do you think I should wear this necklace?

I'm linking up today with Silly Happy Sweet, Fashion Friday, Casual Friday, Favorite Frock Friday and Friday's Fancies!

Elephants & Battle Wounds

You all know how much I love my chambray shirt, right?  I mean, I only wear it like once or twice a week! 

Chambray Shirt: Gap, Thrifted

Maxi Skirt: NY&Co

Sandals: Boutique in New Orleans

Well, my poor chambray shirt has suffered a battle wound. I only hope that I can repair it and bring it back to life!

I was walking out of the door at work to go to lunch when I snagged my shirt on the door and ripped off the button! Not only did I rip off the button, but I also managed to snag a decent hole where the button should go. Since I am 100% inept with a needle and thread, I think I'll take it to a tailor and see if he/she can repair it for me.

Elephant Bracelet: Pondicherry (Purchase here) Won in a giveaway at Pink Chai Style

Coil Bracelet: Mimi Boutique Purchased with gift card won in a giveaway at BonBon Rose Girls

Isn't this elephant bracelet gorgeous?!? It's so unique. I just love it! When I showed it to my Little Guy, he gave it a cursory glance and went back to watching Curious George. Then he did a bit of a double take and said, "Oooh, momma! I like that!" =)

Necklace: April M Jewelry Won in Contest on their facebook page

Ring: I think I might have "borrowed" it from my sister and never gave it back. ;)

Pink Band: Road ID

I've worn my Road ID a number of times on the blog and you may have noticed it. I can't wait to tell you more about it tomorrow! And you'll definitely want to check back in, because there just might be something in it for you! =)

While looking through these photos, I notice that my hair is in desperate need of a cut and color! I really can't go much longer than 5 or 6 weeks before it start to look a little shoddy. How often do you cut and/or color your hair?

I'm linking up today with Monday Mingle, Still Being Molly, Watch What I'm Wearing and Coming Unstitched!

While you're here, don't forget to enter to win $100 to Monroe and Main!! It's the last day to enter. I'll announce a winner tomorrow!

Turquoise, Denim & A Day with My Bestie

Do you see how I have sort of an eerie glow about me? 

Shirt: LOFT, Thrifted

Tank: c/o Halftee

Skirt: NY&Co, Thrifted

Belt & Sandals: Target

I'm not an angel, really I'm not. It's just that the humidity fogged up the camera lens again and I didn't catch it in time to take additional shots.

Remember how I mentioned that I was spending a beach day with my bestie yesterday. It was divine! The day was perfectly beautiful. My bestie lives in Texas now and we only see each other once in a blue moon. Because we both work and have kids, it's really hard to find time to even catch up on the phone. 

I picked her up at 8:30 yesterday morning and didn't drop her back off at her aunt's house until almost 5:00. Do you want to know something crazy? I don't think there was a single moment of silence the entire time we were together. We picked up right where we left off and chatted about every little thing in our lives until I was forced to leave her because real life needed us to come back.

Watch & Big Silver Ring: Target

Silver Bracelet: Premier Designs

Stackable Rings & Smaller Silver Ring: Premier Designs

Pink Band: RoadID (which I can't wait to tell you more about next week!)

Do any of you live far away from your best friends?  How do you survive between visits?

I'm linking up today at Wordless Wednesday, Thrifter Thursday, Casual Friday, The Tiny Heart and Fashion Friday. Wowsa, that's a lot of link ups! Check them out to see how other girls are getting dressed these days. =)

While you're here, don't forget enter to win a $100 gift certificate to Monroe and Main!!  You have until Tuesday at midnight to get your entry in!!