MY JOURNEY TO WORKING IN EDUCATION

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Hi! Happy 2024. I’m currently on a little social media break, but being away always gives me more time to blog and write - a huge passion of mine.

The Outfits.

I am so excited to finally share all about my journey towards a part time career in education. This post has been a long time coming. First things first, I have LOVED finally having a reason to wear the clothes in my closet. If you were around for my 30 day “shop my closet” challenge late last year, it helped me realize that I do have clothes that never get worn, because I find myself in leggings or sweats every day since I work from home. It’s been fun to shop my closet and find outfits to wear to school! Here are pics from my first 14 days in the classroom. And yes…in case you’re wondering…it’s been so HARD sneaking pics of myself before the kids arrive, and I’ve been terrified I’m gonna get caught taking a selfie from another adult. LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL #IYKYK I’ve gotten really good at resting my phone against my water cup and taking a pic quickly. ;)

 
 
 

ALL ITEMS ABOVE ARE LINKED HERE: (simply click on the item number and description. Please note these are affiliate links, and I do receive a small percentage. Thank you for supporting us in this way!)

1. AND 2. STRIPED SOCKS

3. GINGHAM SOCKS

4. SHEER HEART SOCKS

5. AND 6. BAGGY HIGH WAISTED WASHED PANTS

7. AND 8. BAGGY HIGH WASITED COLORFUL PANTS

9. LONG CARGO PANTS

 
 

The Story.

I remember being a little girl, lining up all of my Lisa Frank stationery, and acting like I was a teacher with my Barbie dolls sitting so quietly and patiently. I was an only child, so being creative with my barbies, Lisa Frank + Sanrio, Saved by the Bell reruns and a handmade dollhouse from my sweet daddy, kept me occupied until sports took over my life. But the dream of teaching began in those innocent Barbie moments. It was either teaching, sports broadcasting, or becoming a meteorologist. I knew I’d be one someday.

Fast forward to 2010. I graduated with a B.S. in Math from Auburn, and I honestly never thought I’d use anything I learned after 5 grueling years of studying all about differential equations, algebraic topology, and real analysis. That was because my life took a huge turn during college when I joined ROTC at Seton Hall and Auburn, and eventually commissioned into the Army as an Aviator. I clearly embarked on none of those aforementioned career paths. Yet little did I know that two amazing little girls would come into my life and pull me away from a career of flying for the military. Do I miss it? Yes…but I have absolutely zero regrets. I’ll never regret the last 6 years I’ve spent by their sides, while also being able to support my husband as he continues to serve and fly.

In 2017 I started The Ever Co, and in 2018 we launched our first apparel line in our online store. Being able to work at home with a full time job, while also being able to attend my kids’ school meetings and take them to doctors appointments + therapies was a dream come true. Don’t get me wrong…the balance was (and is) tough. Hence my social media breaks. It’s where I find my peace in the absence of technology and online hustle. But I would be naive not to admit that it is that very technology and hustle that’s allowed me to stay home with my girls. So for that, I’m endlessly grateful.

As thankful as I am…I realized a few years ago that selling clothes was not my endgame. As much as I loved and adored creating holiday apparel for your littles, and as much as I beamed with joy seeing your littles (and you) dawning them for your memory making adventures…I’ve known for quite some time that my heart just wasn’t fully in it. More on that at another time, but I’ve always said that if I lost the passion for something, I wouldn’t keep doing it just for the money.

So in 2019 I started praying for a different path, and that’s when it all started to make a little more sense. (Ironically…2019 was also the most money we ever made. It was a massively profitable year for us…but if that doesn’t show that money doesn’t buy happiness, I don’t know what does.)

In 2020 I took a 6 month social media break and really leaned into my thoughts on how I could continue growing and sustaining the business online, while also being as present and content as possible offline with my family and friends. Yet for the next 3 years I continued to sell clothes, because I was scared to step away.

This is a very sped up version of this story, but fast forward to 2023…I finally admitted all of this to you, our community. I said I’d be stepping away from clothing sales and all of the income that came with a successful clothing business, to lean into my deep desires to be more involved with education and the kids of future generations.

In summer of 2023 (after a VERY LONG hiring process and some things that slowed me down in my personal life….more on that in the future) I was hired by our county, and finally this month (January 2024) I actually started working. I planned to start subbing in August, but I instead took the last 5 months to ensure my heart and mind were ready before stepping into a classroom. I didn’t want to bring my personal life struggles into the school. I wanted to ensure I was fully ready.

So now here we are. I’ve been in 13 different classrooms at 6 different schools! I can genuinely say I know this is exactly what I’m supposed to be doing in this season of life. The conversations I’ve had with kids, the lessons I’ve taught, the teacher interactions I’ve shared, the hugs I’ve been given from students that were strangers just eight hours prior…it’s all exactly what I’m supposed to be doing. I THINK I LIKE THIS LITTLE LIFE.

 
 

What’s next?

I’m gonna keep subbing for now. I’m working 2-3 days a week in Kindergarten, First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth. I’ve also realized that I LOVEEEEE working with the special needs kids in the Multiple Disabilities classrooms. I think that’s my sweet spot. I owe so much of that passion to being so involved with my daughter’s therapies + IEPs over the last 6 years, and being highly involved in my youngest daughter’s inclusion class last year. Inclusion classrooms get a bad rap, and I hope I can help erase that stigma. There is SO MUCH beauty, empathy, and understanding found in those classrooms. Those kids truly just need and want to be loved the same. I love inclusion classes. I’ll always accept those positions first before any others.

The Balance and my Schedule.

Working part time, 2-3 days a week, allows me to still do a lot for our business while also maintaining my responsibilities as wife and mama. I love the balance I’ve found in this season.

Here’s what my daily schedule looks like on the days that I sub:

5:00 wake up, coffee, read devotionals, and watch news

6:00 shower and dress

6:30 get kids dressed, fed, and their bags/lunches packed

7:00 finish getting ready and packing my bag / lunch

7:50 out the door

4:30 home and relax + read 50 pages of my current book while I unwind with the kids from school. They get to watch a show together after school while I read.

5:30 start dinner prep and kids do homework ***caveat that this is allll based on it being a non activity day i.e. no gymnastics and no soccer; things are about to get really hectic for us when spring soccer starts back up, so this routine will likely change***

6:00 dinner and family time (card games or just quality time)

7:00 lift weights while kids play

7:30 shower

8:00 kids to bed, respond to any work emails or personal emails and texts, then watch a show with Blake or read next to each other on the couch.

9:30 Blake and I head to bed. We are asleep by 10 every night.

On the days that I don’t sub, I go on a long run or 5 mile walk and listen to podcasts, run errands, clean the house, and shoot any content that needs to be done. (During sub days, I typically eat lunch and listen to podcasts at the teacher’s desk unless I want to meet some other teachers in the workroom. But I’ve learned that I LOVE a quiet dark classroom and a mind break mid day to reset for the afternoon.) I’m still learning how to get through the day without an afternoon coffee. At home, I typically hit a slump around 1-2 and make another iced coffee, but I don’t have that luxury at school. I’m trying hard to not have to take another cup of coffee to school, but we’ll see if I can keep that up. I’ve also realized it’s hard to drink a lot of water at school because I then have to pee a LOT. That’s all still a work in progress.

Here are some other things I’ve learned / My personal thoughts:

  • Subs don’t get paid enough. It is NOT easy stepping into a class of students who don’t know you and who you don’t know. Even more…teachers REALLYYYYY don’t get paid enough. Like how is it like this in 2024?!? Let’s just say I’m definitely not in this biz for the money.

  • Wearing comfortable clothes and shoes is so key to a more relaxing day. I LOVE getting dressed for the day now and finding cute, trendy, clothes that the kids will love, find colorful, and bring them joy. Jeans are generally okay, but I like wearing colorful baggy high waisted pants to keep me comfy. I also love wearing fun bright shoes and funky socks too. The kids love them. Andddd it’s also nice that since I work in so many different schools, I never need to worry about repeating an outfit too quickly hehe.

  • I love brushing my teeth mid day after eating lunch at school. It gives me a little boost of energy. Weird? Idk.

  • Prepping lunches is actually really fun because I know how much I look forward to eating it come lunchtime. I’m such a snacker…so getting through the day until lunch is tough! Gum and mints have been my best friend.

  • Subbing has made me more confident. I never thought I’d be unconfident in front of a bunch of 6,7,8, and 9 year olds….but here we are. But every time I’m in there…I find my voice more and more. Nothing like being in front of VERY HONEST little ones, and strangers at that, to make you put on your big girl pants. ;)

  • Finding the schools you love, the teachers you love, and the areas you love is key. If you love the school you’re working at and the teachers you’re working for, it’s so much more enjoyable!

  • Teachers are DESPERATE for good subs who they can trust and who will stick to their lesson plans. They want people to love on their kiddos the way they do. Be that person for them. Leave them notes about how amazing their kids are when you can.

  • I love seeing how different each teacher is in the way they leave lesson plans, in the way their desks are organized, in the way their classrooms are setup, in the way they’re teaching tools are displayed. It’s all so fun and reminds me of my little Barbie days. I also love leaving each of them personalized notes at the end of the day. I make these during the students’ specials time while they’re out for art, music, library, or PE. If I’m honest, one of the biggest reasons I initially wanted to get into teaching was to be able to get all the fancy notepads and pens and to decorate a classroom. It’s all so cute! A girl can dream though. ;)

  • Working a “9-5” again makes me realize how much less money I spend since I’m not using little shopping trips to Target to fill my time. It also helps me snack less which I also love.

  • My only two gripes at the moment are 1. I don’t get to go on my daily walks right now because it gets dark too early and Blake doesn’t get home until 8pm every night and 2. I don’t get to read as much as I want. (I have a goal to read 50 books this year, and I’ve read 4 so far!) ohhhhh and…I’m reallyyyyy tired at the end of the day. When I get home I just want to crash. Working on seeing what vitamins I’m needing more of to help me with this. “There is no tired like teacher tired!”

  • As much as I love this job, it’s also given me clarity that I don’t want to be a full time teacher. I LOVE LOVE LOVE working with different kids each day, and I love the spontaneity each day presents me with in tackling new challenges, new tasks, and new roles. It’s like I never know what to expect, which is truly refreshing for this planner girl’s heart. No day is ever the same. But I also love the flexibility in being able to choose which days I work, where I work, and when I work. I need this in order to be able to continue building The Ever Co in the way that I want to, and I need this in order to continue pursuing other dreams too. Part time work / substitute teaching + tutoring gives me the flexibility I need to make this happen. But it’s also giving me life skills and tools to continue pursuing other dreams too.

  • Know (and prepare yourself) that you will have both REALLY GOOD days and REALLY HARD days. That’s just the nature of the biz. Accept that, and every day will still be worth it.

  • If you see a teacher has multiple openings back to back, do yourself and that teacher a favor and select all of those days. Routine is so important for these kiddos (especially any kiddos with disabilities), and change is really hard for them. It’s also nice to know the teacher’s classroom and materials for multiple days!

  • I generally work now off of teacher referrals or teacher requests. This way I know the teachers I’m gonna work for or it’s at least one of their coworkers who they’ve recommended me for. Since I’m not working full time, this gives me a really nice load and balance of days on and off.

  • Post a set of “rules” to follow along with your name on the board when you get in. Here’s what I write “I’m Mrs. Hawthorne, or you can call me Ms. H. Here are my rules : 1. Be kind / honest 2. Don’t give up and try your best. 3. Follow your normal teachers’ rules. 4. Level one or whisper, no screaming 5. Most important rule - let’s have fun!

  • I’ve learned so much in just 14 days of work. SO much about myself, about kids, about our community, about teachers, about administrators, about education. It’s even helped me learn and realize things about my own kids. I’ve learned so much in so little time and it makes me want to cry happy tears.

    ***an update to the original post***

  • I know this post shares all of the glitz and glam of the classroom, but I would be remiss not to mention the flip side. Because the fact of the matter is, there are so many teachers hurting, scrambling, pleading for resources, begging for help, praying for funding, and doing their all not to throw in the towel. My husband is the son of two educators (one elementary teacher and one high school teacher / coach) and he’s always said, and i quote “teaching is the most under-appreciated and underpaid profession there is.” I never understood what he meant until I was in the classroom too. There is so much that goes on behind the curtains, and now that it’s been pulled back a bit and I have full access to see…it’s just so much. And I don’t even have to use my planning periods to plan things or go home in the evening to grade papers or respond to parent emails or schedule conferences. There’s genuinely so much that they do, and I am so wildly grateful for it all. It’s why I’ve always been and will always be an advocate for spoiling our teachers every chance we get. … if only everyone could see and understand the complexities and depth of what a day in the life entails … if only. But at the end of the day, this is one of my biggest reasons to step into subbing. To prayerfully give our teachers a break when they need it. All teachers should be authorized a number of mental health days quarterly. I don’t know the policies for that, but they genuinely need a break. I hope to be someone they can trust their babies with, in their absence. As much as I’m doing this for the kids…I’m doing this for my fellow teacher friends too. We try to do so much for our local community through Mission 31, and through this business in general, and I’m loving this season of giving back to my local community through substitute teaching. A place where I can truly see and feel the impact with the youth of future generations.

 
 

I will become an Author.

Teaching has further ignited the spark I have to write more. I’ve always wanted to write a children’s book and a “self help book for women” of sorts. I’ve shared this many times online over the years, and those closest to me in my circles on and offline know this, but writing it here makes it feel more concrete.

…I’m gonna make it happen.

Mark my word…by 2026, I will have a children’s book and adult book published or at least very close to being published. *i think i can i think i can i think i can*

I do hope to get more reading certification credentials under me so I have more credibility in the reading world (academically speaking that is), but I also just REALLY want to learn how kids’ brains are wired and what creates reading deficits. Even more so, I want to learn how to help children with special needs or learning disabilities to read in a more effective and more efficient way. I want them to love it. I love books so so so much, and if I can combine my love for reading and writing with my love for kids and their futures…….

well…I think I’ve just spoken my next 10 year plan. A book store on a pumpkin patch or Christmas tree farm anyone? ;)

 

Click the number and title below to go straight to the link

The Links.

Before I signed offline, I told y’all I’d share some of the links to some of my favorite items I purchased to start this new journey. I’m so HAPPY to report that I use these items everyday and still love them! I’ve repurposed my iridescent planner and it’s now gonna become my teaching scrapbook of sorts as I’m using my other planner more and realized I don’t need two. I’ll share about the teaching scrapbook when I get back online, but for now here are all of the links I said I’d share. As always these are affiliate links, so thank you for shopping them if you choose to do so which in turn supports our business.

  1. MONTHLY PLANNER - CHEAPER VERSION BUT AMAZING QUALITY AND LOTS OF COLORS - A monthly planner is critical to see the days you work and the hours you work in one spot. Plus you can add in any important family events to ensure you don’t double book.

  2. PENCIL BEAD BADGE LANYARD - My new go to teacher gift! I am so i love with this cute little pencil lanyard for my county teaching badge.

  3. TOOTHBRUSH HOLDER - I love brushing my teeth after lunch at work and it weirdly gives me energy to get through the afternoon. Maybe the mint smell? Or maybe it feels like it’s morning again and I’m getting freshened up? Anyways I got this toothbrush holder set and gave the others to my family for traveling.

  4. MONTHLY PLANNER - MORE EXPENSIVE VERSION. This is the one I have and I love it! It also has some goal setting pages in there which I think is wonderful for a new year.

  5. SUBSTITUTE NOTE SHEETS FOR TEACHER - I have been told by nearly every teacher I sub for how much they love these note sheets, and I couldn’t agree more! They make it so easy for me to leave notes for the teacher, and I love how cute they are.

  6. A HOT PINK CLIPBOARD - Because duh. I love being able to have the class roster on me when we go outside for recess or to specials, and it makes taking attendance easy too.

  7. PORTABLE MIRROR WITH LIGHT - Let me tell you how much I LOVE this mirror. It is amazing and so compact and I think I’ve found my new go to “stocking stuffer” / mother’s day / friend’s bday / anything and everything gift!

  8. BADGE HOLDERS - They’re sparkly and glittery and come in a pack of four. I’m OBSESSED with how cute these are.

  9. KAWAII HIGHLIGHTERS - I love highlighting notes on the sub plans to remember things or to highlight notes for the teacher to see and these are so cute to do just that.

  10. THE IRIDESCENT PLANNER HOLDER - This is JUST the case, but this is truly so versatile. I think I’m gonna turn mine into a teaching scrapbook to remember all the memories I make while subbing.

  11. PLANNER INSERTS - If you want to use it as a planner, here are the inserts for it!

  12. PLANNER INSERTS - If you want to use it as a planner, here are the inserts for it!

  13. POLKA DOT PENCIL CASE - I love how versatile this case is and it stores everything I could possibly need at school from all of my pens and highlighters to sharpies and etc. I also keep some extra bandaids and tylenol in it.

  14. STRAW TOPPERS - I’m still figuring out the balance to drinking water while working and not being able to just get up and leave the class to go pee, but I do take my Stanley with me everyday! I’ve noticed I leave it sitting around at my desk though, and there’s a lot of coughing kids around, so I got these to help protect the top of the straw from germs.

  15. STICKY NOTES - Aside from the sub note I leave the teachers, I also leave some sticky notes on top of the kid’s finished worksheets and any extra worksheets. These make it fun. Yes I’m that person. ;)

  16. THE BAG THAT HOLDS IT ALL - How in the world do I take this all everyday? Well. This bag has been a lifesaver for me. It’s meant for traveling, and don’t get me wrong I use it for that too BUT I love that the shoe compartment at the bottom is actually my lunchbox on work days! I stick everything in there. I never have to worry about anything not fitting.

 
 

Thank you for stopping by, and if there’s anything you found useful here, please feel free to pin any of these images to come back to it at a later time!

Happy January, and I hope you and yours are well!

xx, Amy

 

HALLOWEEN COSTUME ROUNDUP PART 2

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IT’S BACK! We’ve updated our favorite family friendly costume roundup and it’s here!

This is great for anyone needing to throw together a last minute family costume, and even great for those planners who are ALREADY dreaming of next year’s family costumes! (me - haha!)

I hope you find something that catches your eye, and I also hope you are able to pay a visit to so many of these wonderful families who have put together the cutest, most clever, silliest and pretties costumes EVER!

We are honored to be able to feature them here, and be sure to pin this image below to your pinterest board for easy reference for years to come!

We can’t wait to see what you dream up this year! (Be sure to tag us so we don’t miss it!)

 
 

Below you will find a collection of curated halloween costume images, collected from Instagram. Each owner of the image is tagged below their picture, and you can visit their profile for more details on the costume!

I chose to feature costumes that were mostly DIYs, as we want these to be fun to make and create, and we always love that with DIYs you can add your own personal touch!

I’ll start with our own family costumes from the last few years. You can find all of these on our business instagram @theeverco ! They were so fun to make!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Paw patrol theme by @KaylaSerr

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Golden Girls by @theblushingbluebird

 

UP by @elsabowman

 
 

Be sure to pin this image to pinterest for years to come so you have an easy reference for future Halloween costumes!

I hope you loved seeing these as much as I loved curating them!

Now, let’s get to creating!

XX, Amy

DIY ARCH BOOKWALL + MY USBORNE STORY

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I am so excited to finally share this tutorial with y’all that Blake and I made a few weeks ago!!!

As you may or may not know, we just moved AGAIN with the Army. Each move we make, it’s imperative for me to get our family settled and to make it feel like home. One way we do this is by putting books everywhere, because that just makes the house feel moved in and less like a temporary place.

However, not knowing how long we’ll be here, I was a little skeptical on hanging up a second set of bookshelves into the walls. We already have one book nook in the girls’ room which you can see here. And now while we are very good at filling holes and ensuring the house looks just the way it did when we got it, it’s still added work that we don’t necessarily want to take on.

ENTER : A MOVABLE BOOK NOOK!!! I am SO SO SO excited that we’ve created a piece of furniture (functional furniture at that) that we can take to another home!!!

 
 

***I want to preface all of this with saying that I wanted this to be a leaning book wall that we didn’t need to anchor into the wall. Please do this at your own discretion as you know your children and your home more. Since we were putting this on carpet, it made it MUCH sturdier. Additionally, we built in extra space on the bottom so we could store heavy book baskets below to also add strength to the bottom.***

 

Above you can find the graphic for the how to + supplies list!! Please feel free to screenshot this, download it to your phone or computer, or print it! Email hello@theeverco.co or use our website contact for should you have any questions. I will also be answering questions on Instagram about it too!

 
 

Aside from wanting a piece that we could move with, the other most important reason we made this was to keep our new Usborne books separate from our old books.

BECAUSE I AM SO EXCITED TO SHARE THAT I AM FINALLY SELLING USBORNE BOOKS!!!

I have been going back and forth on this for literal YEARS, and this year the timing felt right.

I have such a HUGE passion for literacy, especially in children.

With dyslexia and autism in our family, as well as childhood developmental delays, reading has not always come easy. It is so important for me to fill the walls of our homes with so many books so they are always at my kids’ fingertips to explore and read.

The reason I decided to finally start selling USBORNE is simple :

I BELIEVE IN THEIR PRODUCTS.

I have always shopped their books from my friends’ links and I’ve always been infatuated with their content because their books have so much depth to them. They are so so so educational and filled from cover to back with loads of information, projects, thoughts, tools, and more!

I put so much time into sharing these books and curating them for our home and for our kids, that I wanted to start selling them in my own storefront to be compensated for the time and energy I pour in.

SO MORE THAN ANYTHING, THANK YOU for shopping my books here so that I can continue doing what I love and continue sharing the books I love with you!!!

YOU CAN SHOP ALL OF THE USBORNE BOOKS BY CLICKING HERE!!!

 

Here’s my first glorious educational book haul for our back to school book nook, and I can’t wait to share these books with you below! You can also head to my instagram to see more about them there too!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

If you want to be able to reference this post in the future, be sure to pin any image throughout this post to your pinterest board so you can come back to it in the future!!!

I really hope this tutorial comes in handy for you but also that you love our new USBORNE Books as much as me! I really appreciate you shopping my links, as always.

 
 

BACK TO SCHOOL BOOK ROUNDUP

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I don’t know how…but back to school time is HERE!!!

Here is some book nook inspiration for you and your littles as well as a peek at our new book nook in Virginia! I’ll link below our back to school book nook from 2020 that ahas a ton of other book links as well!

You can find that blog post here.

Here’s is that wall below for more inspiration!

 
 

Simply click on the title and price of the book below and it’ll take you directly to the link to purchase. I appreciate you using our affiliate links as it does take a lot of time to compile these. Thank you in advance!!!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS CLICK ON THE NUMBER ASSOCIATED WITH THE TITLE OF THE BOOK BELOW AND IT’LL TAKE YOU STRAIGHT TO THE SOURCE + GIVE YOU A FULL SYNOPSIS OF THE BOOK!

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE | SIX

SEVEN | EIGHT | NINE | TEN | ELEVEN | TWELVE |

THIRTEEN | FOURTEEN | FIFTEEN

SIXTEEN | SEVENTEEN | EIGHTEEN

 

Here’s some information about our favorites of the bunch!

ONE : precious for mermaid lovers, and takes you through a day in the life of school for mermaids! - $13

TWO: takes you through the first day of kindergarten for three friends, who learn to keep an open mind because so many of their friends are different from them! Teaches younger kids that their friends may celebrate different holidays than them, but to love them the same. LOVE this book. - $17

THREE: probably my favorite of the bunch! This one is A MUST for the outdoors / geography lovers / explorers!!! AND ON MAJOR SALE!!! - $18

SEVEN: truly a special book about curiosity and exploration in young kids. Some kids just want to know ALL of the answers, and this teaches kids it’s okay to ask questions about how things work! Love this for aspiring scientists! - $14

NINE: The cutest whimsical illustrations / cover, but the message is so heartfelt! It teaches kids that they can feel safe in their classroom, with their teachers, and that their classroom can be their community/ family too! - $10

TEN: ANOTHER FAVORITE. This book walks this sweet girl through her school day and how the “spirit” (school spirit that is) lives within her and radiates through her! IT’S PRECIOUS. (I was votes most school spirit in high school, so this book is extra special hehe) -$16

ELEVEN: While it’s all the kiddos’ first day of school, school also gets to experience new things too! A sweet book about perspective and how the day can always get better! - $10

FOURTEEN: LOVE this whole series, but especially this one! Since it’s an alphabet book, it just works perfectly to teach kids words about school and the letters they start with! -$9

FIFTEEN: OKAY I LIED THIS ONE IS MY FAVORITE!!! Gosh just so many good ones hahaha! But if yall followed our "#AmysCardboardBoxChallenge hashtag on Instagram, you saw so many amazing creations and THIS BOOK is so inspiring for just that!!! What a great homeschool book for kids to explore their imagination and build!!! - $14

SIXTEEN: Another great book to guide your social studies/ geography type classes! It goes into incredible detail for every stated and also has beautiful illustrations! -$22

 

If you want to be able to reference this post in the future, be sure to pin any image throughout this post to your pinterest board so you can come back to it in the future!!!

 

Halloween book wall 2021

 

Halloween book wall 2020

 

Halloween book wall 2019

 

June 2022 - moving from TX to VA and taking another summer off IG

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Hey hey hey!!! I don’t know who will see this (if anyone haha), but HIIIII! I hope you’re doing well!!!

It’s been about a month since I deleted IG off my phone for the summer to move our family across the country and to be more present with my little ladies + my man and my pups, and I must say - I NEVER REGRET THIS.

Sure it takes about a week to get used to, because my fingers so naturally want to open IG and scroll endlessly to keep up with my friends and family…and yes, there’s also FOMO,

but let me tell you - the memories made with my people with no obligation or timeline to post and share make these breaks so so so so worth it!!!

I first took an IG break in 2020 for 6 months, and since then I’ve been taking every June, July, some of August, and all of December off when my girls are out of school. If you’re feeling a pull to step away and shift priorities for a bit, I highly encourage IG breaks! If it’s your business, then yes it takes sacrifice and unfortunately you’ll probably lose momentum, growth, and money, but I am a big believer that the Lord will provide in other ways.

So let’s get to it! Wanna know what we’ve been up to?…LET’S CHAT! :)

 
 

WE MOVED!!! We are now Virginians! and I must say…Viriginia is truly for lovers! It’s a beaut!

We have yet to receive all of our household goods, but here’s a peak into our place! We don’t know how long we’ll be here, sadly, but we’re determined to make the most of it while we’re here! We are gonna make a few home updates, but here’s the start! The story of how this place landed in our laps is such a sweet one that I’ll share one day!

 
 
 
 

We haven’t received any of our main household goods from the Army yet, and we’ve been sleeping on the ground for about 3 weeks, but we’ll hopefully get our main things in the next couple weeks so I can start truly putting things away, cleaning, and decorating! I need our furnitureeeeee!

But let’s backtrack to leaving TX. Oh man…that was definitely the hardest house we’ve had to leave. We loved the TX house SO SO SO much and all of it’s unique character. And if it weren’t for the market, we would’ve held onto her. Sadly, it was time to say goodbye. Here are some pics from that departure. I’ll never get over the high ceilings, the brick fireplace, the archways, the concrete floors, and the one level open floor plan.

 
 
 
 

While the summer’s been filled with highs and lows and lots of travels, we’ve also made lots of fun memories. Most of which have been on our bikes as a family! It’s no secret that we LOVE cycling, and both girls learned to ride on their "Guardian Bikes” that I rave about. They’re genuinely the safest bikes on the planet with their sure stop braking system, and both girls have so much confidence on them.

Here’s the link for them if you’re interested : http://go.guardianbikes.com/aff_c?offer_id=1&aff_id=1021

They were also shown on Shark Tank, and we’ve upgraded to the bigger sizes for both girls now too. That’s how much we love them!!

 
 

Here are their first bikes from Guardian, and now we’ve upgraded to their 20” bigger models! We can’t get enough of them!!! Shop them here : http://go.guardianbikes.com/aff_c?offer_id=1&aff_id=1021

 

We traveled with their bikes + our bikes on the back of my Ascent via a LOLO racks system which I can’t recommend enough! I’ll share more about it when I get back on IG in august.

 

In addition to lots of bike riding, we’re calling this the summer of softball + board games. Here’s a peak at some random fun memories we’ve made thus far.

Wanna know something crazy? My favorite number is 3, and Everly just by luck got number 3 for her jersey number AND was placed on the “Kentucky Wildcats”…one of my dad’s favorite college teams. When he passed away, he was found next to his UK baseball hat that I still have. So bittersweet seeing her in this.

I feel him ever so present every softball season and just wish more than anything he could be here to hear all about his little Everly shining in the sport. …miss you so much daddy.

 
 
 

Aside from tons of family time, we’ve also said many goodbyes along the way. Here are some pics from all of those farewells. It’s been a bittersweet month in every sense of the word.

We’ve done this moving thing so so so so so many times, but let me tell ya - the goodbyes never get easier. :(

 
 
 

After leaving Texas and setting off on our road trip to Virginia, we decided to stop midway in Birmingham to see Rachel and her family!!! Rachel is our shipping coordinator, head of logistics, and strategizes/designs alongside me, and it was SUCH A SPECIAL TREAT for Blake and the girls to meet her family! we were sorority sisters in college turned business partners, and man…EVERYONE needs a Rachel on their team.

 
 

Here are some more pics from the trip as well! We took about 5 days and went 5 hours a day which was so wonderful for the girls and I. Blake drove separately in his truck with the pups and pulled a Uhaul, while the girls and I hauled the bikes (and my houseplants)…pahahhaha! Yes, I move my houseplants, and yes I water them at the hotels along the way. 😂😂😂

Anywho! We drove 5 hours a day which worked out perfectly because we were able to sleep in and have breakfast at the hotels, depart around 10-11, stop around 12-1 for lunch, then finish the drive and arrive at our next place to checkin by 3 in time for swimming and dinner! It never felt rushed and we truly enjoyed the drives because they weren’t too long. The girls and I all get car sick too, so that was a great distance each day.

We stayed at Hilton hotels due to our rewards and membership with them, but this trip we tested out their newest line (Tru Hotels by Hilton) and we loved them! They were great for short stays, so family friendly, modern, clean and had tons of activities! We also loved how bright and colorful they were. Plus they’re dog friendly!

Towards the end of the trip, since we’d swam in so many hotel pools, Everly nearly mastered underwater swimming (go E!!!) and the girls also got their ears pierced so so randomly on a whim in a mall! hahaha! Reminded me of my Claires days from childhood.

We were going through a severe storm with winds up to 80 mph and were told to seek shelter immediately so we detoured to a random mall, and the rest was history. We figured we’d turn a rather scary situation into something memorable, and I can definitely say the girls will NEVER EVER forget this roadtrip.

 
 
 

Since we’re starting to get settled in VA (although we’re still waiting on all of our things which will likely still be another few weeks since it’s delayed :( ), I wanted to share some fun summer links that have helped us get through the month, or that I’ve found since being away. You can shop these affiliate links below!

 
 

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE | SIX | SEVEN | EIGHT
NINE | TEN | ELEVEN | TWELVE | THIRTEEN

ONE - MY FAVE HAIR CLIPS FOR THE SUMMER. SO MANY FUN COLORS AND WOULD BE SUPER CUTE FOR TEACHER GIFTS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL!

TWO - WE NEVER GO ON WALKS IN THE SUMMER WITH THE PUPS WITHOUT THIS! IT’S SO NICE TO HAVE WATER AVAILABLE AND WITH A BOWL TO DRINK OUT OF. THE DOGS LOVE IT!

THREE - THE BIKES FOR THE GIRLS THAT ARE THE SAFEST ON THE PLANET THAT I NEVER STOP RAVING ABOUT. CAN’T RECOMMEND THEM ENOUGH AND SO WORTH THE SPLURGE.

FOUR - GONE ARE THE DAYS OF PUTTING WATER ICE CUBES IN MY ICED COFFEE. I LOVE THIS THING FOR POURING ICE COFEE INTO THE HOLDER TO MAKE COFFEE ICE CUBES THAT I CAN JUST GRAB WHENEVER I NEED!

FIVE - OUR FAVE BATHING SUIT BUY OF THE SUMMER! THE GIRLS ARE OBSESSED WITH LIME GREEN LIKE MAMA, AND IT’S SO CUTE!

SIX - MY ALL TIME FAVE DAILY MOISTURIZER AND YEAR ROUND SUNSCREEN THAT GIVES A LITTLE GLOW. I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS PRODUCT AND IT’S GREAT FOR MY SENSITIVE SKIN.

SEVEN - WE GOT THESE SCOOTERS AS THE GIRLS HAVE OUTGROWN THEIR OLD SCOOTERS AND THEY’VE BEEN WORKING SO WELL! THEY ARE ON MAJORRRRR SALE AND ARE SO CUTE!

EIGHT - OUR ABSOLUTE FAVORITE DAILY SANDALS EVER. ON MAJOR SALE AND WE HAVE THEM IN SO MANY COLORS!

NINE - MY NUMBER ONE ESSENTIAL FOR THE FAMILY WHO PLAYS SPORTS, CAMPS, GOES TO THE BEACH, THE LAKE, OR DOES ANYTHING OUTDOORS. WE GET COMPLIMENTS ON THIS CHAIR EVERYWHERE WE GO AND IT HAS HELD UP SO WELL FOR 3 YEARS! WE LOVE IT!

TEN - THE DRESS OUR GIRLS ARE LIVING IN THIS SUMMER. SO CUTE FOR $10!

ELEVEN - THE BEST FAMILY SUNSCREEN IN THE HISTORY OF EVER. WE LOVE HAVING THIS IN OUR CABINET AND BEING ABLE TO USE THE ENTIRE THING AS A FAMILY AND IT DRIES SO WELL AND DOESN’T LEAVE US FEELING GREASY. WE LOVE THIS SO MUCH!

TWELVE - I LIVE IN THESE SANDALS YEAR ROUND, ESPECIALLY WITH MY RECURRING TOE INJURY. THEY’RE COMFY, CUTE, EASY TO DRESS UP AND DOWN, WATERPROOF, AND I EVEN GO ON LONG WALKS IN THEM!

THIRTEEN - THE SHOES HADLEY IS LIVING IN ALL SUMMER LONG. THEY’RE THE BEST FAUX DOC MARTENS, AND SO CHEAP, BUT WELL MADE! WE LOVE THESE STYLISH PLATFORM SHOES!

 
 

A few bonus items that I forgot to add and didn’t feel like updating the graphic heheh! Just some cute colorful things that I’ve gotten for the new house or for back to school (and Halloween hehehe!)

  1. BIRD DRESS FOR $4.99

  2. DAISY DRESS FOR $4.99

  3. CHECKERED PANTS FOR $9.99

  4. FLORAL PANTS FOR $9.99

  5. LEGO SWEATSHIRT

  6. BUNNY TEE

  7. FLORAL TOWEL

  8. GREEN CHECKER TOWEL

  9. GREEN CHECKER DRESS

  10. SKULL VASE

  11. FLORAL PILLOW

  12. FLOOR CUSHIONS

  13. FLOOR CUSHIONS

  14. STORAGE CRATES

  15. RAMEN BOWLS

  16. CHECKER MUG

  17. BRIGHT SHEETS

  18. CIRCLE VASE

 

And yes for those asking via email or anywhere else, I still plan to launch presets and some fun new products ASAP!!! I’ve just been so busy with the fam, so I promise it’s good reasons I am delayed.

Until then, if you haven’t seen our summer sale, it’s still live in the shop and Rachel is still able to ship items over the summer from our shipping center! Feel free to email me if you have any other questions!!

You can check those sale items out here via this link! I even opened up preorders for some sold out pins!

 
 
 

oh….one last thing…the highlight of the summer? …

It’s most definitely Top Gun with my man, and Jurassic World with the fam. We are such a movie family, and for both of these movies to come out this summer back to back - wow, what a treat!

 
 
 

I’ll end with this. Texas sunsets have been my favorite in my life. Every few months (maybe 3-4 times a year) we’d get a bright pink, cotton candy sunset over our backyard. I was so sad knowing we wouldn’t get one final sunset to look at before moving, and just as God always does - He gave me a little wink, reminding me that everything would be okay. Capturing this sunset, mixed with the garden that my hands built from the ground up, was Heaven sent. This is how I’ll remember this home.

It’s no lie that moving is super stressful. Doing it as much as we do, is even more difficult.

And I’ll never be able to explain how timely and simply perfect that final sunset was on the eve of leaving our special central Texas home.

now, we’re off on new adventures. capturing new sunsets, making new friends, building new memories, decorating new spaces, and remaining hopeful that tomorrow will always be a better day.

I sure hope you and yours are doing so very well in whatever season of life you’re in! I appreciate you checking in here, and know that as always, every time I step away, I GENUINELY MISS CONNECTING WITH YOU! so please reach out and keep in touch if you feel like it. If you want to reference any of these pics or this blog post in the future, please don’t forget to pin any image here for easy reference and bookmarking.

Happy memory making friends!

I’ll see ya in August! :)

 

TRAVEL TIPS FOR MAMA

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This post has been written a few times throughout the course of our business, and I’m excited to update it with new links and new tips and tricks for the anxious hearted mama - when it comes to traveling!

Since implementing the tips and suggestions you’ll read about below, I’ve flown with the girls many times by myself as well as countless trips solo, and my anxiety is nearly gone! I know that continuous travels have helped so much with minimizing my anxiety with traveling, but I also feel so confident that practicing and believing the information below is what’s made the difference!

I also wanted to add this; I think we put so much pressure on ourselves to get it all right (especially when traveling and doing new things). It adds so much to our anxiety. But what we forget is how adaptable our kiddos are. So what(!) if their routine is thrown out the window for a few days. You’re traveling to make memories and to have a great time. So join me in releasing some of the expectations we place on ourselves and our kiddos, and let’s give ourselves lots of grace.

Original post:

I feel as though I'm a seasoned traveler. I love traveling. I love exploring. 

I've driven and flown to nearly every state in the U.S.

I've driven across the country from Alabama to Washington State and back twice. Once was with a two month old in the back seat. 

I drove up to Maine by myself and traveled down the entire East Coast on a "soul searching trip".

I even have the word "wanderlust" tattooed on my side.

Yet, here I am. Two days before flying across the country with my hubby and two littles and I'm kinda FAAAA-REEEAAAAKKKK-INGGGGG OUT! 

I’ve always struggled with anxiety. I'm anxious for plane troubles. I'm anxious for the girls not behaving. I'm anxious for the girls not sleeping. I'm anxious for the three hour time change. I'm anxious for the people around us on the plane. Alll...theeee....things.

For me, when I get anxious, the best thing I can do is plan + prepare for what's to come.

 
 

Before I get into the blog post, here are the links for 20 must have travel items that will be discussed throughout this blog post. Just click the number associated with the image and it will take you directly to the affiliate link listing. Thank you for supporting us through these links!!!

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE |

SIX | SEVEN | EIGHT | NINE | TEN |

ELEVEN | TWELVE | THIRTEEN | FOURTEEN | FIFTEEN |

SIXTEEN | SEVENTEEN | EIGHTEEN | NINETEEN | TWENTY

 

FOR PACKING:

1. When packing, go day by day, outfit by outfit. I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten the shoes I needed for an outfit or the slip I needed to go under a dress. This will make sure you don't forget anything! This also makes you pack the least amount of clothes because you will have specific outfits for each day.  If something's in the wash, make a note to grab it before you go. Speaking from experience there too! Put a few garbage bags into the suitcases so you have somewhere to catch all the dirty clothes throughout the travels too! Bonus if you can wash your clothes before you return back home! It’s so nice coming home with clean clothes to unpack!

2. Put a cute bright ribbon of sorts on your suitcase OR getting bright colored easily identifiable suitcases. Something I learned when our luggage was stolen was that black, simple, suitcases that look like everyone elses are so much easier to get stolen because the person stealing it won’t be identified as easily! If you put hot pink ribbons around the handle or have a bright pink suitcase, it’s so much less likely to get stolen.

3. For kiddos, pack anything and everything you can (but not too much) that reminds them of the comfort of their own bed. i.e. we pack their sound machines and favorite small blanket/stuffed animal if we are flying. If we are driving somewhere, we take more of their things because we have more room.  They will love having the scent of their home with them on the go! 

4. Do NOT pack big bulky items if you don’t have to!!! We use Baby Quip to rent all of our bigger items upon arrival at wherever we’re going, and let me tell you-it’s amazing!!! You can use code THEEVERCO which is good for $20 off a rental of $100 or more for first time customers. It's valid through June 7th. We essentially just use a single umbrella stroller for our bigger girl if she’s not walking (and this one is our favorite that we HIGHLY recommend) and then I would wear our little girl in a wrap when she was little. We get off the plane and just get our suitcase and then have car seats, strollers, pack n plays, and all the big items waiting for us at our car rental! Your Baby Quip rep will meet you wherever you want to be met and will even deliver to the hotel or home you’re staying at! I have LOVED my experience with Baby Quip and know you will too! Let me know if you have any questions and you can book your rentals here for future travels! p.s. I always love working out while traveling, so this is my way to rent a Bob double stroller while traveling and to go for a run in a new city! The girls love doing this!

 
 

also seen here!

 

5. I always roll our clothes in the suitcase. An army trick we're taught early on. It saves SOOOO much room! 

6. PACKING CUBES ARE LIFE. But so is cute, color coordinated packing stuff. Here are my current faves! Well made, durable, and super duper cute! If they’re out of stock there, you can also check here. We just love this brand and their quality!

 

And here’s my fave laptop case brand! They always have so many cute styles.

Speaking of laptops - I LOVE LOVE using time on the plane to clear off my desktop, delete unwanted items, and to free up storage or organize. It’s a great way to make use of your time while not needing internet to do so!

 

7. MAKE SURE TO CHECK THE WEATHER! This will let you know if you need to give up some room for a jacket, which is typically what takes a lot of room. And most importantly, if you’re able to - just wear the jacket! I highly recommend wearing your bulkiest items, weather permitting, as it frees up so much space. It also works for a built in pillow or blanket on the plane!

8. I'm realllyyyy bad at packing too many pajamas. I don't know why, but I always feel like I need eight MeeeeeLLLL-YUN pairs of comfy pants. When really, you don't need many pajamas. When you're traveling/on vacation, you've typically got lots of people to see, places to be, and things to do. You'll only put on your comfy clothes at night to sleep in. There's not too much lounging around on the couch watching movies in your jammies all day, so just pack a couple and wear them over again! I promise, I won't judge!  Here are my fave go to travel jammies that take up super little room!

9. Shoes take up so much room! AM-I-Right? But we want to take alll the pairs! Take shoes that go with multiple outfits! You'll save tons of room! If you're going on a trip that you'll work out and go hiking in, bring shoes that are dual purpose and you can do both in! Also try to wear the heaviest and bulkiest shoes to the airport to save luggage room. I always wear my boots in the fall and winter. Not as comfy, but it’ll save so much room!

10. Don't forget swimwear and swim necessities! I feel like everyone forgets this. And that's why all those beach shops make so much money! Pack sunscreen, bug spray, swim diapers and all the things you'd have to pay an arm and a leg for at the beach shop! 

11. Just one book. haha! Unless you’re a speedy reader and an avid one, I feel like I always pack one too many books because so much of my time is taken up with activities. One book is always enough for me. Unless of course it’s a solo trip where you’re planning to unwind by the pool! Books take up a lot of room so this seems to be a happy medium!

12. Wear the hat! If you’re a hat girl like me, then wear it at the airport because they just take up so much room in the luggage! Now I’m not talking a ball cap. But a fedora just doesn’t belong in the luggage. so wear it! If you are taking multiple hats, then I highly recommend this travel hat carrier that works with suitcases too!

 

FOR THE AIRPORT:

13. Check in early and reserve your seats! BUT, make sure your tickets actually have those seats when you get to your gate! Sometimes they accidentally double book seats! (tip: the back row on most planes are typically the least ideal to book, which makes it the PERFECT room for families! We always end up getting an extra seat open next to us cause nobody booked it!) Along with this, as much as it stinks being the last one to board and last one to deplane, it is SUCH a bonus to be next to the bathrooms! Most airlines allow families to board first anyways, so it’s nice to get settled into your back seats where nobody will bother you!

UPDATED TIP 11.5 We unfortunately had our luggage stolen off the belt this past Christmas. Now granted, that is likely a very high stolen baggage time, it still SUCKED and we lost so many precious meaningful items. As much as it stinks being separated on the plane as a family if there are two adults traveling, it’s honestly really nice to have one parent sit at the front of the plane to be able to get off and rush straight to baggage claim. We will be doing this from now on! I always have to go to the bathroom (as do the kids) right when we deplane, so this allows us to still take our time while the other parent goes straight there.

14. But, if not, when you get to the gate, beg, plead, do whatever you can to see if there's any rows with open seats! If so, see if you can book those seats and pray that nobody sits there! 

15. Bring your own water bottle!!! For the whole family! It not only is sustainable and reduce plastic waste, but most airports have water filtered filling stations now! I love to add lemon slices and cucumber in the bottom of mine so that when I fill it up past security it has some flavor! Fill up your own water bottle at a water fountain to save another eight-MEEL-yun dollars. You won't die, I promise.

16. Referencing #4, we try not to bring car seats or big bulky strollers and instead rent them wherever we are going from Baby Quip. We use our Kolocraft stroller (that’s only $26 and gate check it - it’s cheap so if it gets messed up (which it hasn’t in 5 trips!) then you aren’t losing a ton of money!) I always wear the little one in my sling which is so easy and comfy to travel in cause I have free arms to do whatever! IF we do check a stroller or car seat (sneak a few things into those check in bags! There's always tons of room in there and I've thrown shoes or jackets or blankets in them and had no problem! and those are free checked bags!)

17. If you are able to book a flight that's during nap time or nighttime, that may work great for you if you have kiddos that sleep well in new places! Some people get to the airport early to let the kids run around and tire themselves out so they're a bit calmer once they get on the plane. However, some kiddos don’t do well with this, so it may be better to actually plan it out to where you only have about 30 minutes prior to boarding your flight by the time you’re past security. You can go to the bathroom, get some food and board last if you have antsy little ones to get as little time on the airplane as possible. My kiddos can’t nap or sleep on the plane, so that option generally worked best for us when they were little.

18. Sanitize, sanitize, sanitize. We don't wipe everything down they touch, we just wipe their hands down after they touch everything. :) OH, and ELDEBERRY GUMMIES and thieves essential oils are our lifesavers while traveling for immune support!!! We never leave home without them!

19. Get some food in the airport that they may want on the plane if it's a very long flight. There's nothing worse than hungry babies who don't want the airplane food. I love bringing surprise food of different sorts from home because it saves money too!

20. WEAR A CROSSBODY PURSE AND HAVE A WEEKENDER THAT GOES OVER THE SUITCASE HANDLEBARS. Truly a game changer. If I am traveling by myself I have a rule that I WILL NOT CHECK ANY BAGS. One, it saves so much time, but I also don’t have to worry about anything being stolen off the belt. I’ll travel with a small crossbody bag so I have free hands and I have easy access to my phone and wallet, headphones, sanitizer, and chapstick. (that’s all i need readily available with kids or by myself) HERE’S MY ABSOLUTE FAVE AND SUCH A GOOD PRICE!!! . Then I also have a small weekender and a small rolling suitcase. It’s so so easy to travel this way!!! This is a great option for a bag that works with a small suitcase! 


 
 

FOR THE AIRPLANE (most tips apply to car rides as well):

21. I personally like getting on last with the kids. If Blake's with me, I'll let him get on first with Everly (our oldest) and all of our luggage to secure the overhead space above our seat, then he gets her seated and settled in.  I wait with the baby until the last minute cause she's the one who will have a hard time sitting still. Some people like to get on first and get settled, but nope-not me.  (this was when they were little, now since they’re older, we love getting on first and getting cozy and situated before everyone is on)

22. As far as where you sit, that's a personal preference. Some like to go to the very back cause they feel like they're the least of a disturbance back there. Some (myself) like sitting as close to the front as possible. For me, it's less to walk and quicker to get off at the end. But, I also like sitting next to the engines cause that's the PERFECT white noise! I also always let the kiddos take the window seat. Not only do they always have something to look at but it also keeps them from going into the aisle or accidentally getting nudged by someone while they're sleeping! (But remember #11 cause the back row typically has free extra seats!) (update : now i prefer the back of the plane because of proximity to bathrooms!)

23. For the first few airplane rides I took with the girls, I gave all those sitting around us ear plugs and a sucker in a little ziploc bag! I’d print a little note off and staple it to each baggy that said "plug your ears if the girls get loud and if they do, remember they’re really just as sweet as this sucker. They’re just new to this!” They always get a kick out of it, and it eased my nerves of flying with little ones! (update: I haven’t done this for our last two trips cause the girls are soooo used to airplane rides now, but it’s great for mamas on their first trips with littles! and if this isn’t your cup of tea that’s fine too! some just have more anxiety with this than others)

24. Bring headphones for the kids (if they can wear them), otherwise they won't be able to hear their gadgets! We love these from Amazon!  Additionally, DON’T FORGET YOUR HEADPHONES! I always bring my airpods and a plug in kind because sometimes bluetooth won’t work.

 

25. If your baby is nursing, breastfeed at landing and takeoff to help with ear pressure. If they're not nursing or bottle feeding, give them a sucker or some water to sip. The sucking and swallowing will help relieve pressure. 

26. Dollar store and Target dollar spot toys for the win!!! Get a bag with a bunch of dollar toys/fun things that they don't get to see until the plane ride! It will be such a fun treat to see what's in the bag, and they love the surprise! It's a must for us every long trip we take! We get enough to last us for the trip back as well! Right now our favorites are window clings, twistable crayons (so they don't break mid flight), play doh, slime, washi tape, magic coloring markers and shoelaces! We also love Melissa and Doug water wows and reusable stickers! 

27. Same goes for snacks. I hate paying quadruple the price at the airport, so I stock up on little snacks that I know the girls will love. We do mini oreos, mini cheeze-its, plum gummies and all the things they don't necessarily get to eat at home. Yes, they get spoiled on trips! 

28. If your kiddo is potty training or is recently potty trained, DON'T EVEN SWEAT THE PLANE BATHROOM! Just forego the potty training for the trip and stick with pullups! Who wants to mess with a wet seat mid flight, or run to a plane bathroom. They'll get back into undies after the trip. Grace upon grace!

29. Along with the last one, bring garbage bags, ziploc bags and changes of clothes with you at all times. You just NEVER know when an accident will happen. Because hey, accidents do happen.  Put a dryer sheet in the bags just in case it's a stinky and it'll hold in the bad smell a little better! 

30. When they were younger, I’d spoil the girls with pacifiers on trips too. The big girl doesn't ever get one at home, but the little one does during nap times.  But on trips? Again...we spoil. I need them to be good for my sanity! There's no shame in that friends! 

31. Layer everyone's clothes, including babies, kids and adults! It's so much easier to warm up and cool down in the ever changing plane temps with layers! I also suggest wearing close toe shoes, cause my feet always end up freezing! For the kiddos, put them in shoes that slip on and off easily! Nobody wants to be messing with those difficult shoes on a plane! 

32. Extra baby wipes and hand sanitizer. Let's face it. Airports and airplanes are filled with germs. We always wipe down the arm rests and table tray before the girls touch them. Nothing worse than getting sick while on vacation! So be sure to oil up, increase your Vitamin C intake, and take some vitamins before you travel (and during!) These are the elderberry gummies the girls take for immune support.

33. Download Netflix movies to your tablet and computer! It is SO nice having movies downloaded that the kids love that are quickly accessible but also aren't charging you for data!  Here is my ALL TIME FAVORITE tablet case that the girls love! They stand up on their own and also have great handles and come in both boy and girl options!

34. If you have a little baby that likes being worn, after about an hour or two on the plane, get up and walk up and down the aisle. They'll be able to look around, but also (if you're lucky) may get them to fall asleep! 

35. If you have plane anxiety, just pray. Close your eyes and pray. (whether you're a believer or not). Meditate, breathe, relax. You are protected, my friend. I promise. 

FOR THE DESTINATION: 

36. This is where it's great if you have Baby Quip waiting for you at the car rental or passenger pickup area waiting with car seats and a stroller for you! You didn’t have to lug it around, and your personal ones didn’t have to get messed up, yet there’s clean safe rentals right there at your destination! I despise getting somewhere then having to get the carseat and base out and put it into a rental that is brand new to us! We just wanna get to where we're going! That way you can just load everyone up and get going! 

37. As soon as we get to our destination, I immediately start getting our room ready for nighttime. Even if it's morning or midday! I want to let the girls know that this new place is comfortable and that we are going to sleep here, so I start preparing the pack n play and pulling out all of their things from home. This also helps after you're out site seeing and being busy, you get back to a room that's all ready for bed! If you travel often…this gadget is a MUST in my opinion!!!

38. OR If we’re staying at a hotel, we put the pack n play in the closet! One half sticks out and the other half sticks into it where the sound machine is. This not only makes the baby feel like they're in their own room, but it adds so much darkness and calmness around them!  Here’s our must have white noise machine! We’ve had the same one since the girls were babies.

39. We always always always try to get a suite! When there's two sides to the room, you can make one side the "play side" where the kids can watch tv and play (kinda like a living room at home) but the other side is only for sleep. How hard would it be if your kiddo had to play and sleep and eat and do all the things in their bedroom all day?! Right? We try to take the same approach we have at home into our new space when traveling! This also helps if you have multiple kids and they have different bed times. You can quiet and black out one side and still make some noise on the other side. 

40. Having a suite also allows you to have a kitchen! We always try to get groceries as soon as we get to our destination, cause not only does this allow us to eat healthier but we also get to save money! The girls love being able to eat the same stuff they eat at home too!

AND...

LASTLY, CHARGE EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU GO!!!! PHONES, LAPTOPS, TABLETS, ALL THE THINGS! Don't forget your chargers!!!

WHAT'S EVERYONE ELSE SAYING?

Today I asked my IG community if they had any other tips I hadn't mentioned! Here's what they said! 

FOR THE CAR: 

@bryanalikes says "On road trips it is absolutely necessary for everyone's sanity to plan stops for the kids to get the wiggles out. When traveling from Idaho to California, we like to pre plan the parks and indoor eat and play stops. This way we can say "only 40 minutes til we are at the park!" 

FOR CHECK IN: 

@faithfulmommyhood says "if your airport offers curbside check in through your airline...DO IT! We had a sleeping baby in his car seat, dropped all our checked bags with the airline workers at the ramp then drove our car to its parking spot before walking back to the airport with only our carry on bags and baby! 

FOR A KID WHO DOESN'T LIKE THE PACK N PLAY: 

@nichols.lauren says "a game changer for us was a pack in play mattress. We got the "3 in dream on me" from amazon prime. Our little one hates the pack n play, always sleeps terrible. Since using an actual mattress instead of just that thick glorified cardboard, she sleeps great! 

FOR EXPECTATIONS:

@meghanstone6 says "tips? mainly lower your standards...a lot! haha! but seriously, throw out a ton of expectations and rules. Offer lots of snacks and special activities that they don't normally get. One of the best tips I ever got was to not allow screen time (tv, tablet, etc) for a few days prior to travel. Then when it came time to fly, she's so excited and missed her favorite show!"

FOR LUGGAGE: 

@whitekg says "If there are multiple bags being checked, I spread out everyone's clothes across the bags. So days 1-3 will have outfits for everyone and days 4-6 will have the rest of everyone's clothes.  Rather than each person having their own suitcase. Just in case one goes missing we still have clothes!" 

 

*****There's a bonus below for sticking with me this long!*****

 
 

As a bonus, here's my packing / to do list that I use EVERY TIME we travel! Some trips I don't need it all, and based on where we are going I have to add or delete some items, but I keep this on my phone in my notes app! I mark things off as I pack them throughout the week prior to leaving! These are in no particular order. 

  • Baby wipes + diapers (don’t forget nighttime diapers!)

  • Camera, camera equipment and tripod

  • Shoes (for all)

  • Coffee (for the on the road) + mug for destination

    • If you’re a wine drinker, take a wine bottle opener so you don’t have to buy one IF you have room.

  • Water bottles (for all)

  • Food in the fridge (to go)

  • Car seats (rent with baby quip)

  • Strollers (one small one for airport and rent a double with baby quip)

  • Dog stuff

  • Book

  • Suitcases (duh-but I'm a lister, so I have to list it)

  • Baby blankets and sleep things (sound machine, bears)

  • Jewelry

  • Swim stuff

  • Jackets

  • Check-In (verify seats)

  • Bags for dirty clothes

  • Take out the trash

  • Turn on Alarm for flight

  • Clothes

  • Do nails

  • Bobby Pins + Hair stuff

  • Purse + Planner + wallet

  • Tablet, Phones, Computers, Chargers

  • Makeup, hygiene bags (for all)

  • Clear out laundry

  • Bottles + Pacis

  • Undergarments

  • Baby Bows

  • Food in Pantry

  • Toys

  • Medicine

  • Hiking Shoes

  • Headphones

  • Gift if needed

  • Baby Wraps

  • Important documents (passport, id cards, birth certs, etc)

  • Turn off everything in your home (but maybe leave a self timer light on)

 

I hope you found this useful, friends!  Be sure to pin this image above if you want to reference it in the future!

XX, Amy

2022 WORD OF THE YEAR

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Purpose. /ˈpərpəs/ noun.

1.    the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.

 

 

On December 31st, I turned 35 years old. I can’t pick out exactly what it was, but this birthday felt different.  Very different. Bittersweet in every sense of the word.

 

I feel my youth slipping away, as I see my girls grow.

I feel my youth slipping away, as I see my skin and body change.

I feel my youth slipping away, as another marriage anniversary passes by.

I feel my youth slipping away, as I realize there truly is a new generation behind ours.

I feel my youth slipping away, as more friends and loved ones pass away.

 

BUT… in so many ways…

I also still feel like I’m 18. A young, naïve, spontaneous, and adventurous girl ready to conquer the world.

 

And I guess as I grow older, I realize just how important it is that I truly live out and fulfill my life’s purpose.

That I hear it, act on it, teach from it, learn from it, grow from it, and guide from it.

Because tomorrow just isn’t guaranteed.

 

On my 35th birthday, I began with a prayer for purpose.

I woke up at 4 am while the rest of the house was sleeping, made a cup of coffee, and I fell to my knees in prayer.

 

I prayed for a life full of purpose. I prayed to FIND MY PURPOSE, LIVE ON PURPOSE, FOR A PURPOSE.

 

After getting off of Active Duty service with the Army nearly 4 years ago, it’s a theme I’ve often dwelled on through prayer.

Yet this year, I hope to lean into it even more.

 

 

I remember when I turned 18, I wrote a letter to myself as I embarked on a solo road trip starting at the tip top of Maine with a goal to make it down to Florida. It was my “soul searching” road trip.

I camped out on different mountaintops, woke up to sunsets in different states, visited every Capitol building along the East coast, slept in hotel parking lots, and went more into debt than I already was in at 18 years old. ha! WHAT WAS I THINKING? lol

 

But back to the letter; I wrote a letter about the “Fabulous Farris Fs.”  Farris is my maiden name.

It was so so silly, but it’s stuck with me all these years. So I guess it was actually pretty clever.

 

It was a letter about how I would focus on:

Faith, Family, Friends, Finances, Founding, Future, Fun, and Fitness. Hence the “Fabulous Farris Fs” , get it? 😂

And while the scope of those things have changed over the years, the general idea continues to remain true.

 

It’s a way for me to always keep my priorities straight.

For me to always stay on course, and to ensure my compass is always pointing in the right direction during my journey of life.

 

That’s the whole meaning of purpose, right? To know what guides you at life’s crossroads.
To know what influences your actions and offers direction in challenging times.
To know what shapes your hopes, dreams, goals, and greatest desires.

 

And man have I gone off course time and time again over these last 17 years since that letter I wrote when I turned 18.

 

Yet still, I cling to my purpose.

 

Purpose is special, because it’s truly unique to each of us.

Some find purpose in a higher power.

Some find purpose in their loved ones.

Some find purpose in money and success.

Some find purpose in adventure.

Some find purpose in science.

Some find purpose in the unknown.

Some find purpose in advocating.

Some find purpose in peace and healing.

and the list could go on forever.

 

All so unique, and all so personal.

 

 

This year, I want to really lean back into finding my purpose.  And while I may not be embarking on any month long, soul searching, solo road trip adventures…I do plan on digging deep into my soul.

 

 

Answering questions like: Why am I here? Who do I serve? What do I want my legacy to be? How can I find more balance in my day? What motivates me? Who inspires me? What are my fears and weaknesses? What are my joys and strengths? Where am I devoting my attention and time to?  How can I give more and be more selfless?  How can I change the world?

 

 

I pray 2022 brings more purpose to your life, and simply allows you to dig a little deeper into who you are and why you are that way.

What are your priorities? What makes you happy? What forces you up every morning? What brings you peace?

These are all great places to start to ask my question of the year:

What gives our lives purpose?

 

I’ll start.

 

The Fabulous Farris Fs : Faith, Family, Friends, Finances, Founding, Future, Fun and Fitness.

 

Purpose in My Faith:

What is the Lord’s purpose for my life?

How can I share that purpose with the world?

How can I grow closer to that purpose to ensure I’m sharing it authentically with the world?

How can I ensure I am living out the Lord’s purpose through my actions every day?

 

Action steps:

-Find a new Church home and community where we feel safe, welcomed, loved, cared for, and whose vision and fundamentals align with that of our family.

-Ensure that the Lord’s purpose for my life guides every decision I make by praying prior to making decisions.

-Continue studying my devotionals and reading my Bible.

-Continue reading Bible stories to the girls at bedtime.

-Volunteer with the Church community.

-Study, pray, read, and reflect before speaking. Trust that God will lead my words and actions.

-Integrate spirituality and Faith into every facet of my life.

 

Purpose for my Family:

How can I fulfill my purpose as a wife?

How can I fulfill my purpose as a mother?

How can I fulfill my purpose as a daughter, daughter in law, niece, aunt, cousin, and more?

 

Action steps:

-Continue cooking home cooked meals for the family throughout the week.

-Make healthy lunches for Blake and the girls each day.

-Get the kids more involved in the kitchen.

-Create a keepsake cookbook with all of our favorite recipes that we can always rotate through.

-Share more about these recipes online.

-Continue volunteering for PTA/PTO at school and on post with the military.

-Continue making time to practice sports and dance with the girls every week and providing ways for them to continue attending practices and team events.

-Dedicate time after school each day to each child, while also setting aside specific time for reading and school work.

-Continue taking time away from social media to make clear boundaries for our family.  Set  a goal to take June, July, and December off each year, as well as holiday or seasonal breaks.

-Unwritten request regarding our marriage. (*I* as a reminder)

-Wind down after work every day during a time of decompression with no phones.

-Kiss and embrace every day.

-Ask “how was your day” to my husband and kids often, and truly listen with no distractions.

-Call and text immediate and distant family members often.

-Write family members more handwritten cards like dad did.

-Continue doing monthly sit downs to synch calendars to ensure clear communication of schedules.

-Share personal and business goals as a family.

-Set aside vacation time during summer and winter for our family.

 

Purpose for my Friends:

How can I live out my purpose as a friend?

 

Action steps:

-Contact each friend in my phone and check in at least once a month.

-Write all of their birthdays and childrens’  birthdays in my planner and contact them on those days.

-Send random hand written notes and “just because” gifts when able.

-Continue making time for local friends in my community and setting up playdates for the kids.

-Reconnect with childhood friends if they are willing.

-Ask for forgiveness for friends I’ve hurt and forgive friends who’ve hurt me.

-Set up reunions and vacations as schedules allow.

 

Purpose for my Finances:

What is my purpose for providing for my family’s finances?

 

Action steps:

-Continue putting 50% (+) of our paychecks into savings/investments/the girls’ college funds.

-Create vacation budgets for planned spring / summer / winter vacations annually.

-Continue donating to local organizations and military families in need via Mission 31.

-Pray over tithing appropriately whenever a new home church is found.

-For everything I purchase, donate, recycle, or sell something in its place.

-Have a yard sale and donate a lot prior to our next summer move.

-Continue teaching the girls responsibility and how to earn allowance.

-Unwritten request regarding personal finances. (*V* as a reminder)

 

Purpose for my Fitness:

How can I ensure I am caring for the purpose of my health and fitness?

 

Actions steps:

-Continue working on lowering blood pressure.

-Close rings on apple watch daily at 750 calories + 30 minute workouts.

-Eat generally very healthy Monday – Friday with casual non monitored eating days on Saturday and Sunday.

-Only drink wine on weekends or special events.

-Run 3 days a week and cycle 1 or 2 days a week.

-Unwritten request for personal diagnosis - continue searching for answers and remaining positive. (*C* as a reminder)

-Work towards personal fitness goals for weight, muscle gain, and toning.

-Run another half marathon this year.

-Set up boundaries at dinners or gatherings when needed.

-Set a good example of what good health and fitness habits are for my kids.

-Get outside often to walk, hike, and play.

-Set time aside for myself to ensure my mental health is well equipped.

-Drink more water.

-Take care of my skin daily.

 

Purpose as a Founder:

How do I ensure my purpose is being fulfilled as a founder of The Ever Co?

 

Action steps:

-Outline goals with The Ever Co team for 2022.

-Unwritten request for a special 2022 project - develop the plan (*B* as a reminder)

-Continue striving to be original in all content

-Remain true to self and maintain authenticity in all that I do.

-Craft intentionally, only sharing what is truly worthwhile.

-Be more resourceful and sustainable in my projects.

-Continue linking items that are of good value to others’ lives.

-Continue to turn down inauthentic giveaways solely aimed at growing following.

-Continue to support other small businesses when able, until it is a burden or feels disingenuous.

-Accept constructive criticism and feedback from the community to serve them better.

-Continue developing the Korean brand.

-Work on presets, buttons, maps, bags, and more printables.

-Maximize my use of the blog and newsletters.

-Unwritten request (*1* as a reminder)

 

Purpose for Fun:

How do I ensure my purpose is fulfilled and life is still fun?

 

Action steps:

-Celebrate holidays.

-Joke and laugh often.

-Wear lipstick and dress up for no reason.

-Plant more.

-Read more.

-Play more board games.

-Make funny videos with the girls and dance with them often.

-Explore each duty station’s state as much as we’re able.

-Ride bikes with the family.

-Go camping and hiking as a family.

-Teach the girls to ski and play piano,

 

Purpose for my Future:

What is the purpose of my life’s legacy and how can I impact the world for a better future?

 

Action steps:

-Write a letter to each of my kids, as well as my husband.

-Write a letter to my future self for what I hope the world looks like 10, 20, 30 years from now.

-Ensure all areas of my life are safe, honest, secure, and authentic.

-Write out my 5 and 10 year plans.

-Volunteer in the local community where able to help in sustainability efforts.

-Continue recycling and choosing more sustainable options for protection of the Earth.

-Research more ways to help the Earth and animals.

-Teach my kids those same initiatives and efforts.

-Be intentional with my planner.

-Seek out more education / military opportunities.

 

  _____________

Now, it’s your turn!

What’s your take on the “Fabulous Farris Fs”? Can you make a list of your life’s priorities that drive your purpose like mine?

 _____________

 

At the end of the day, I believe we find purpose within ourselves, fully influenced by our priorities, beliefs and core values.

We can’t look to others for purpose, and if we do – it’s theirs and not our own.

In order to be authentically you, you must have your own purpose, and that’s such a beautiful, unique, personal thing that only you can feel and be a part of.

There is likely nothing truer to each of us than our own life’s purpose.

 

So find it, hold it, cherish it, speak over it, love it, hope for it, dream over it, and continue seeking more of it throughout your life.

 

Because the purpose for our lives is never fully fulfilled, even after we’re long gone.

 

The legacy of our purpose will live on for all eternity. And our loved ones will continue learning from the purpose of our life, hopefully to continue changing the world for the better.

 

 

 

Find your purpose, Live on purpose, For a purpose.

I’m cheering you on.

 

XX, Amy

 ps. I think it’s time to add FASHION to the Fab Farris Fs. ;)

 
 

And guess what?! If you’ve kept reading this far, you’re in for a treat! I created this FREE printable for you to download and print for your own goal setting adventures! Or you can just save this JPG below to your phone and write on it via Instagram stories or in a drawing app to jot down your goals that way too!

My plan is to look this over every month and reflect on my progress/adjust goals where necessary!

Just CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD the PDF!

 
 

I hope and pray this message brought you something useful as you plan your goals this year.

I pray that in seeing me write out my goals that you will write out yours.

But mostIy just pray you too can find purpose in your year, however that may look, so that you are equal parts filled with abundant life and equal parts filled with abundant joy + love.

Happy goal setting.

XX, Amy

PS be sure to pin these images if you want to reference back to it in the future!

SUMMER BOOK READING LIST

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I wasn’t planning on updating last year’s summer reading list (you can find it here) until I realized we’ve collected so many other summer books to add to our collection over the last year.

We’re big fans of displaying books for the current season or holiday on our shelves (linked here) and the girls love changing them out so often! When we aren’t displaying them, I keep our “nicer” books in a locker or closet until their appropriate season comes around. I’ll do this until they’re older and really know how gentle they must be with the books. BUT we exposed them to nicer books early to truly teach them how delicate they are, and it’s been great for us!

This season’s books are all about gardens, the sun, family adventures, the outdoors and of course water! We hope you enjoy!

 

SEASHELL LIGHT LINKED HERE

BUNNY BASKET LINKED HERE

SWIMSUITS LINKED HERE.

SHELVES AND DRESSER ARE IKEA. WHITE BOOKSHELF IS THRIFTED.

 

SEASHELL LIGHT LINKED HERE

BUNNY BASKET LINKED HERE

SWIMSUITS LINKED HERE.

SHELVES AND DRESSER ARE IKEA. WHITE BOOKSHELF IS THRIFTED.

 

This is our book wall from summer season’s past.

RATTAN CHAIR LINKED HERE

FLOOR CUSHION LINKED HERE

 

***P.S. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS CLICK THE TITLE OF THE BOOK AND PRICE AND IT’LL TAKE YOU DIRECTLY TO THE AMAZON PRIME LINK! I’VE ALSO INCLUDED THE DESCRIPTION OF THE BOOK AS WELL.

 

  1. JABARI JUMPS - $13.21

    Working up the courage to take a big, important leap is hard, but Jabari is almost absolutely ready to make a giant splash.

    Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can’t help but root for.

 

2. SMART ABOUT SHARKS - $13.96

It’s time to learn about the sea’s most feared (and most misunderstood) residents: sharks!

Owen Davey returns to nonfiction to explain the mysteries of those denizens of the deep. Some deadly, some not-so-deadly, and almost all just generally misunderstood. Exciting and detailed illustrations fill the page and educate young readers about these thrilling residents of the sea! Delivering information with the same whimsical text and brash illustration that saw his previous book win the affection of the Wall Street Journal, Smart About Sharks is sure to have teeth!

 

3. PEARL - $13.52

"Rich colors wash over the pages of Caldecott Honor author-illustrator Molly Idle's story of a young mermaid who learns that even small actions can achieve big results." - Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor

Caldecott Honor author-illustrator Molly Idle dazzles with an original mermaid tale about how small, persistent actions can achieve great things.

Sometimes the tiniest light can shine the brightest! Like the other mermaids of the deep, Pearl longs to care for the endless beaches, coral reefs, and towering kelp forests of her vast ocean world. So when her mother asks her to tend to a mere grain of sand, Pearl is heartbroken. It takes all her patience and determination to discover how even the littlest mermaid can transform the world.

Caldecott Honor-winning author and artist Molly Idle has masterfully crafted a modern classic in this mesmerizing tale about the immense power of small actions.

 

4. MERMAID SCHOOL - $12.32


Starting school is always exciting... especially when you're a mermaid! From schools of fish to the A B Seas, this whimsical underwater tale puts a fun twist on what to expect on the first day of school.

It's Molly's first day at mermaid school, and there's so much to learn! Follow the mermaids as they count clamshells, recite the A B Seas, and make new friends. They even enjoy story time about children who walk on land! At the end of the day, it's time to sing the goodbye song and head home. With sweet, rhyming language and a peek into a fantastical undersea world, Mermaid School touches on all the major moments children will experience on their first day. And don't miss the mermaid school handbook in the back of this book for more mermaid fun!

 

5. OVER AND UNDER THE POND - $10.98

In this gorgeous companion to the acclaimed Over and Under the Snow and Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal bring to life a secret underwater world. In this book, readers will discover the plants and animals that make up the rich, interconnected ecosystem of a mountain pond. Over the pond, the water is a mirror, reflecting the sky. But under the pond is a hidden world of minnows darting, beavers diving, tadpoles growing. These and many other secrets are waiting to be discovered...over and under the pond.

 

6. AMELIA EARHART - $6.33

In this international bestseller from the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Amelia Earhart, the American aviation pioneer.

When Amelia was young, she liked to imagine she could stretch her wings and fly away like a bird. As a grown woman, she set a new female world record for flying up to 14,000 feet. She also flew across the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, and eventually undertook the most dangerous mission of all: to fly all the way around the world. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the aviator's life.

Little People, BIG DREAMS is a best-selling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.

This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardcover versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Paper dolls, learning cards, matching games, and other fun learning tools provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children.

Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!

 

7. THE LITTLE GARDENER

Celebrate the tender story The Little Gardener with a beautiful new cover in the updated 2018 edition!

There was once a little gardener and his garden meant everything to him. He worked hard, very hard, but he was just too little (or at least he felt he was).

In this gentle, beautiful tale, Emily Hughes, the celebrated author of Wild, departs from the larger than life Wild-girl of her debut to pursue a littler than life Gardener, in a story that teaches us just how important it is to persist and try, no matter what the odds.

With delicately woven tapestries of illustrated magic, Hughes once again transports us to a world not unlike our own, while still brimming with fantasy and wonder.

 

8. YELLOW KAYAK - $10.90

A child and his beloved best friend go on a grand sea adventure in this magical picture book by the author and artist who created If I Had a Little Dream.

You just never know what a new day will hold if you are brave enough to find out. On one quiet afternoon, a boy and his special friend’s unexpected adventure bring joy and excitement and sights never imagined. And the best part of any adventure is returning home with stories to tell and you best friend at your side.

 

9. LOVE THE EARTH - $12.32

The final book in the New York Times bestselling trilogy, following Touch the Earth and Heal the Earth. by Julian Lennon, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, philanthropist, photographer, and bestselling author.

Jump aboard the White Feather Flier, a magical plane that can go anywhere on Earth! This time, Lennon’s book immerses children into an interactive and unique journey where they can:
 

  • Plant milkweed gardens and soar with the butterflies.

  • Build schools where girls and boys will be safe to learn and follow their dreams.

  • Clean the oceans and beaches and help endangered dolphins, turtles, and whales.

  • Explore the planet, meet new people, and help make the world a better place!

    The Flier’s mission is to transport readers around the world, to engage them in helping to save the environment, and to teach one and all to love our planet. Just press a button printed on the page and use your Imagination Power to make the Flier glide through the air or transform into vehicles that will help those in need.

    An inspiring, lyrical story, rooted in Lennon's life and work, Love the Earth is filled with beautiful illustrations that bring the faraway world closer to young children. The book includes words to a special poem written by Julian Lennon, specifically for Love the Earth.

 

10. TODAY - $14.15

Every day is full of endless possibilities - especially TODAY!

The simplest moment has the potential to become extraordinary in this beautiful book by Julie Morstad. From getting dressed, to having breakfast, to choosing ways to go, Today has a little something to delight everyone.

 

11. TOMORROW I’LL BE BRAVE - $12.75

Journey through the beautifully hand-lettered messages by award-winning illustrator Jessica Hische. This uplifting and positive book - now a New York Times best seller - encourages kids to promise that tomorrow, they will try new things, do their best, and be brave.

Tomorrow I'll be all the things I tried to be today:
Adventurous, Strong, Smart, Curious, Creative, Confident, & Brave.
And if I wasn't one of them, I know that it's OK.

Journey through a world filled with positive and beautifully hand-lettered words of widsom, inspiration, and motivation. As this book reminds readers, tomorrow is another day, full of endless opportunities--all you have to do is decide to make the day yours.

 

12. WHALE IN A FISHBOWL - $12.32


A moving, poetic story about a whale in captivity who longs for the ocean . . . because whales don't belong in fishbowls, do they?

Wednesday is a whale who lives in a fishbowl smack dab in the middle of a city--it's the only home she's ever known. Cars whizz around her and people hurry past; even the sun and moon circle above. But if she leaps high enough out of her bowl, Wednesday can see it: a calm bit of blue off in the distance. When a girl in a paisley dress tells Wednesday "You belong in the sea," the whale starts to wonder, what is the sea? Readers will cheer--and get all choked up-- when, one day, Wednesday leaps higher than ever before and sets in motion a breathtaking chain of events that will carry her to her rightful home. Touching, and ultimately uplifting, here is a story about a lonely creature longing to be free--and longing to find someone just like her.

 

13. NATIONAL PARKS IN THE USA - $20.40

Take a tour of America's great outdoors and discover the beauty and diversity of its most iconic and majestic national parks. Packed with maps and fascinating facts about the flora and fauna unique to each of the 21 parks portrayed, this lushly illustrated coast-to-coast journey documents in large format the nation’s most magnificent and sacred places—and shows why they should be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Explore Florida's river-laced Everglades, travel down the white water rapids of the Grand Canyon, trek across the deserts of Death Valley, and scale the soaring summits of the Rocky Mountains with this book that brings you up close to nature's greatest adventures.

Divided by region (East, Central, Rocky Mountains, West, Tropics, and Alaska), a pictographic map at the start of each section shows the locations of the parks to be covered. Each park is introduced by a stunning, poster-worthy illustration of one of its scenes and a summary of its makeup, followed by individual illustrations of the animals and plants that make their homes there.

Captions provide captivating information about the wildlife. Did you know that Everglades National Park is home to marsh rabbits who paddle through its swamps searching for herbs, flowers, and other plants to nibble on? Or that the pronghorn antelope of Badlands National Park are the continent’s fastest land animals, sprinting up to 60 miles per hour to escape predators like bobcats and coyotes?

A “Can you spot this…?” page at the back challenges you to find a pictured critter or plant for every letter of the alphabet.

The parks include: Acadia, Badlands, Big Bend, Biscayne, Bryce Canyon, Channel Islands, Death Valley, Denali, Everglades, Glacier, Glacier Bay, Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, Hawaii volcanoes, Isle Royale, Mesa Verde, Olympic, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Virgin Islands, Yellowstone, and Yosemite.

 

14. NATURE’S DAY - $13.74

This first book of nature helps young readers to discover the world of wildlife on their doorstep. Beginning in spring, this book revisits nine different places, including the farm, the back yard, and the woods, during each of the four seasons through the year and explores the changing scenery and animal life found there. Informative and fun text teamed with gorgeous, decorative illustrations make this the perfect book to celebrate each season with.

 

15. THE BIG BOOK OF THE BLUE - $14.06

Following the wild success of The Big Book of Bugs and The Big Book of Beasts, The Big Book of the Blue is the third installment in Yuval Zommer’s beloved series. Alongside everything the young oceanographer needs to know, Zommer’s charming illustrations bring to life some of the slipperiest, scaliest, strangest, and most monstrous underwater animals.

The book opens by explaining how different types of animals are able to breathe and survive underwater, and the different families to which they belong. Subsequent pages are dedicated to specific creatures, including sea turtles, whales, sharks, stingrays, and seahorses, and show varied life in specific habitats, such as a coral reef or deep sea bed. The Big Book of the Blue also explores the underwater world thematically, looking at animals in danger, learning how to spot creatures at the beach, and discovering how to do our part to save sea life. Beautiful and filled with fascinating facts, young, curious readers won’t be able to tear their eyes away from the page.

 

16. NOT QUITE NARWHAL

In the tradition of Uni the Unicorn and Gaston, this heartwarming and adorable debut picture book tells the story of a young unicorn who was born under the sea to a family of narwhals.
Growing up in the ocean, Kelp has always assumed that he was a narwhal like the rest of his family. Sure, he’s always been a little bit different—his tusk isn’t as long, he’s not as good of a swimmer, and he really doesn’t enjoy the cuisine. Then one night, an extra strong current sweeps Kelp to the surface, where he spots a mysterious creature that looks just like him! Kelp discovers that he and the creature are actually unicorns. The revelation leaves him torn: is he a land narwhal or a sea unicorn? But perhaps, if Kelp is clever, he may find a way to have the best of both worlds.

Told with heartwarming illustrations and spare, sweet text, Jessie Sima’s debut picture book is about fitting in, standing out, and the all-encompassing love of family.

 

17. OCEAN! WAVES FOR ALL

From writer Stacy McAnulty and illustrator David Litchfield, Ocean! Waves for All is a light-hearted nonfiction picture book about the formation and history of the ocean, told from the perspective of the ocean itself.

Dude. Ocean is incredible. Atlantic, Pacific, Artic, Indian, Southern―it's all excellent Ocean! Not part of any nation, his waves are for all. And under those waves, man, he holds so many secrets. With characteristic humor and charm, Stacy McAnulty channels the voice of Ocean in this next "autobiography" in the Our Universe series. Rich with kid-friendly facts and beautifully brought to life by David Litchfield, this is an equally charming and irresistible companion to Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years; Sun! One in a Billion; and Moon! Earth's Best Friend.

 

18. OONA

This comical and heartfelt picture book is a winning celebration of invention, creativity, and friendship. With gorgeous underwater scenes and a crowd-pleasing tale, this is one little mermaid who is here to make a splash! 

New York Times bestselling author Kelly DiPucchio and illustrator Raissa Figueroa would like to introduce Oona—the big wide sea’s littlest mischief-maker.  

Oona and her best friend Otto love to search for treasure…and often find trouble instead.

Messy trouble.

Tricky trouble.

Even shark-related trouble.

That’s never stopped them before, though!

After all, no proper treasure hunt is without some adventure. But when the grandest treasure yet is stuck in a deep, dark rift, Oona’s not sure if she can dive right in. What might be waiting for her in those unknown waters?

 

19. WISHES

Wishes tells the powerful, honest story about one Vietnamese family's search for a new home on the other side of the world, and the long-lasting and powerful impact that makes on one of the youngest members of the family. Inspired by actual events in the author's life, this is a narrative that is both timely and timeless. Told through the eyes of a young girl, the story chronicles a family's difficult and powerful journey to pack up what they can carry and to leave their world behind, traveling to a new and unknown place in a crowded boat. With sparse, poetic, and lyrical text from acclaimed author Mượn Thị Văn, thoughtful back matter about the author's connection to the story, and luminous, stunning illustrations from Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree Victo Ngai, Wishes tells a powerful and timely story in a gentle and approachable way for young children and their families.

 

20. MERMAID AND ME

From Instagram sensation and New York Times bestselling author-artist Soosh comes a heartwarming celebration of friendship between a mermaid and a human girl.
A young girl has always loved Mermaids. Every day she wishes she could be friends with one. And on one magical day, her wish comes true.
Nestled on the beach, a place between their two worlds, these unlikely friends discover imaginative ways to go on many adventures. But will one stormy night drive them apart?
From the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of Dad By My Side comes a gorgeously depicted story bursting with whimsy and imagination that celebrates the power of friendship.

 

If you loved this blog post, be sure to pin an image in this post or this image here so you can always reference it! And so it can spread over Pinterest so others can see it too! Thanks so much for reading, and we sure do hope your summer bucket list adventures are going SWELL!

Happy Memory Making!

XX, Amy

INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPRING AND SUMMER FAVES

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I am unable to link on my personal instagram anymore, so I wanted to ensure I could have a spot specifically for my favorite indoor and outdoor furniture pieces / accessories / activities for this spring and summer!

These are pieces we own and LOVE (or pieces that I’ve researched that have great reviews, similar to things I own). I hope you’re inspired to make your outdoor/ indoor living spaces spring and summer ready as well as inspired to get outside and explore the great outdoors!

I will continue adding items here all spring / summer long. Check back often for new links!

 

SIMPLY ROLL OVER THE TITLE / NUMBER OF THE PRODUCT BELOW AND IT’LL TAKE YOU STRAIGHT TO THE LINK! HAPPY BROWSING!

ONE | RED INFLATABLE KAYAK: WHOLEHEARTEDLY CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS KAYAK ENOUGH. I can fit in one with both kids, or Blake and I can each take a kid in them and oh my word. They are so safe, move so well through the water (even in winds) hold so much storage for fishing or anything else you want to store (i.e. food or electronics) and are the most fun ever. Highly highly highly recommend! They also come with 2 paddles and a pump and are really easy to blow up!

TWO | PADDLES: These come in colors black, green, and orange, get INCREDIBLE reviews, and are only $37!

THREE | YOUTH VEST: Just $16.99, fits and works great, and is a great neutral color!

FOUR | PADDLES: These are a slightly more premier paddle brand, so will definitely last longer and likely give a better push. Come in great colors!!! Also amazing reviews!

FIVE | ONE PERSON KAYAK: ON SALE FOR $90 and look at those reviews!!! If you just wanna get a few one seaters, this is the best option hands down!!!

SIX | ADULT VEST: This is my vest and I love it so much!!! They only had M/L available in store so that’s what I got and it works well on the smallest setting! Love the simplicity of it.

SEVEN | ADULT VEST: This is Blake’s vest, and it’s great for kayaking because the arms are cut out well. Lots of storage options too! Just $39 too!

EIGHT | ADULT VEST: We also have this one for whenever we have guests to kayak with us! Love the colors of this one so so much!

NINE | WATERPROOF BAGS: These are the see through option, only $10-$20 depending on the price and have amazing reviews!!!

TEN | WATERPROOF BAGS: These are the non see through option, come in a bunch of amazing colors, and the reviews are willldddd!

 
 
 

SIMPLY ROLL OVER THE TITLE / NUMBER OF THE PRODUCT BELOW AND IT’LL TAKE YOU STRAIGHT TO THE LINK! HAPPY BROWSING!

ONE | METAL CHAIRS :We have these around our back porch ikea table and love them so much! We have them in pink but these terracotta and black ones are just as good!

TWO | HAMMOCK : We have a much more expensive one that is identical to this and I’m kickin my butt for not getting this one! It gets amazing reviews and I love how simple it is! JUST $21

THREE | OUTDOOR STORAGE : This is on the way to us so I’ll be sure to give a review once it arrives, but look at the reviews online already! I love that it’s massive but also stylish!

FOUR | OUTDOOR ADULT EGG CHAIR : This is the matching adult chair for the kids chair shown in the pic above! It’s a great size and amazing quality for the price!

FIVE | KID’S EGG CHAIR : This is the kid’s egg chair that Hadley’s sitting in above! The girls love it so much!

SIX | OUTDOOR UMBRELLA POLL : We’ve had this for almost 3 years and it’s still in great condition! We have no complaints! It’s moved with us too and held up!

SEVEN | OUTDOOR UMBRELLA : We’ve had this umbrella canopy for three years and still love it! It is so SO pretty and we get so many compliments on it!

EIGHT | OUTDOOR RUG : We have this rug under our outdoor chairs and it’s held up so well over the years! The colors haven’t faded, it beads off water really well and stays really clean!

NINE | OUTDOOR SIDE TABLES : My favorite outdoor side tables!!! We have two of these in the backyard and they’re water resistant and great for drinks and plates or planters!

TEN | SMALL PLANTER : These are so cute, amazing quality, and great for indoors our outdoors!

ELEVEN | LARGE PLANTER : This is the bigger version of our tabletop planter, and it’s so stylish and a great size for mid size table plants!

TWELVE | OUTDOOR DOG BED : We are always asked about our outdoor dog bed which was unfortunately a Home Goods find, but this one is AMAZING!!! If you live in a sunny area and spend a lot of time outdoors, I love this to give your pups extra shade!

THIRTEEN | SMALL PET BED : If you have smaller pets and a covered area, this is a great option for pets to offer some shade as well!

FOURTEEN | OUTDOOR WICKER CHAIRS : These have that resin wicker that is waterproof and they get rained on allll the time and still look brand new! Plus these slide under the table, so I highly recommend!

 
 

SIMPLY ROLL OVER THE TITLE / NUMBER OF THE PRODUCT BELOW AND IT’LL TAKE YOU STRAIGHT TO THE LINK! HAPPY BROWSING!

ONE : WINDOW HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER | Truly the best thing ever. Watching the birdies from our window inside is just the best. This feeder is always active with hummingbirds and sticks to our window so so well!!!

TWO: BIRD FEEDER HOLDERS | These work SO well out in our garden bed, are the PERFECT HEIGHT, and are so well made! They are very sturdy and secure!!!

THREE: BIRD SEED POURER | This product is a MUST if you have bird feeders!!!! I have never loved a product more and it makes life so easy filling the feeders every other morning!!!

FOUR: HOSE NOZZLE | Our favorite front and backyard hose nozzle that is so good for gardening. Highly recommend this one.

FIVE: BIRDSEED | This is genuinely the best brand for bird seed, and you can’t go wrong with any of them! They attract the widest ranges of birds and the birds loveeee them!

SIX: BIRDFEEDER | I am so in love with the look of these bird feeders because they aren’t tacky! They are a gorgeous copper, a great price, and SO SO SO EASY to fill!!!!! The birds love them too!

SEVEN: HUMMINGBIRD NECTAR | Love love love that this nectar isn’t dyed red. It’s so much safer for the birds. They want the feeder color not the nectar color. They love this nectar!

EIGHT: HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER | I am so blown away at the price of these, plus the color, plus the quality. I can’t believe how nice these are and they’re glass too! The colors are stunning!!!!!

NINE: INDOOR PLANT SPRAYER | We love these bottles that we make our household cleaner in, but I also use them to mist down my indoor plants! They’re perfect!

TEN: BIRD FEEDER | This is the same as the taller feeder, but it’s a shorter version and so cute! The colors are so good and the birds love it!

ELEVEN: HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER | This one matches the other feeder so so well and it’s a different style. Again the colors and style are gorgeous and not cheap looking!

 

If you liked anything in this post and want to be able to reference it in the future, be sure to pin this post for future use! You can always come back here to check it out and I’ll be sure to continue adding our faves to it all spring and summer long!

Happy memory making!

XX, Amy

2021 EASTER BASKET FAVORITES

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I already shared our Shop Small Easter basket, but if you’re needing some last minute ideas, I’ve rounded up my favorite Easter Basket favorites from big box stores (like Amazon, Target, Walmart) .

Some of these are leftovers from Christmas stocking stuffers, and others I’ve collected over the last few months. I am all about collecting things little by little so holidays don’t become overly expensive at once!

You can simply tap the title of the product to be taken directly to the store’s website to check out what they have!

What I love is that many of these ideas are also GREAT for other holidays, gift options and stocking stuffers! So be sure to pin this blog post to reference it in the future if you need a gift idea for a little one!

Happy Easter Basket making!

 

Here are the big box store ideas!

Above, you can see all of these items in the girls’ joined Easter basket. I am a believer in practical items that the girls can use for a long time! (just added to a cute basket to doll them up a bit, hehe!)

  1. DRINKING BOTTLES - we get a new one every couple years, but they are hands down our favorite drinking bottles because of the style, ease to clean, colors, and durability!

  2. FACE MASK NECKLACES - we have these in every color and the girls never leave home without them! They are the best to ensure the masks don’t fall on the ground, especially while at school.

  3. PAJAMAS AND BIKE SHORTS - I’ve been sharing these for years and they’re still some of our faves! So many sizes, colors, and great quality for the price! We love using the pajama bottoms as every day bottoms too!

  4. CLAY SLIME DOUGH - a great sensory activity for only $3.99 and great for road trips! JUST BE SURE TO PUT A SURFACE UNDERNEATH THAT YOU DON’T MIND BEING STAINED.

  5. WIRELESS HEADPHONES - PURPLE and BLUE ones linked here, and PINK ones linked here. We are so excited to have wireless headphones so no more messy and tangled cords!

  6. CLEAN KIDS MAKEUP - love that the girls can play with this and I don’t have to worry about it causing break outs and ruining their perfect baby skin!

  7. PAINT SET - we are so excited for this paint set!!! We’ve heard nothing but amazing things about these sets, and I love that everything can stay in their containers, mess free.

  8. PAINT BRUSHES - just $9.99 for this cute set of brushes and they come in multiple colors!

  9. SURPRISE TOYS - some linked here and others linked here. These are so fun for dino lovers and lovers of the little surprise toys!

  10. HAIR CHALK - so excited to let the girls play with these on a sunny day outside! They will have a blast making their hair change colors!

  11. BENTO BOXES - the girls love bento boxes for snacks and school, and I love the simplicity and colors of these, plus I don’t have to worry about their warm dishes melting any plastic!

  12. CLOSED SANDALS - these are just $9.99 and we wear them alll the time and I love all of the fun colors! Waterproof too so great for the lake and beach!

  13. OPEN SANDALS - these come in the best colors and sell out fast so be sure to get them when your fave colors are in stock! Size down from your normal size or get 2 sizes to be sure as they do tend to run big.

  14. BIKER SHORTS - $7.99 bike shorts which our girls will live in all spring and summer! So many colors!

 
 
 
 

If you wanna be able to reference anything in the future, be sure to pin one of the images above so you can come back to it! At the end of the day, we pray that we never forget the meaning of the season and how important it is to remind our littles to not get lost in the Easter Basket goodies.

Thank you and God Bless!

ASIAN AMERICAN PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH BOOK WALL

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I am so excited to share our Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month book wall!

Our book wall Shelves are linked here ($12.99 each) ! Or you can search “picture ledge” at Ikea.

As a second generation Korean American, raising 1/4 Korean girls, it is very important to me to ensure our Korean heritage is passed down to them from my mom and her family. But I also want them to learn about and love all of the other cultures and groups represented within the AAPI community as a whole!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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VALENTINES + BLACK HISTORY MONTH BOOKS 2021

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I think my most anticipated blog post every season are the book roundup ones, and I am totally okay with that because they are the most fun for me to do!

I have always loved childrens’ books, and it is so fun to now share that passion and love with my girls!

Each season (holiday) I decorate our book wall with new books to match that season or holiday.

Here you can see my Summer Book Reading List roundup.

Here you can see my Halloween Book Reading List roundup.

Here you can see my Christmas Book Reading List roundup.

Here you can see my Back to School Reading List roundup.

And now, here is our updated Valentines + Black History Month book roundup!

(+ Chinese New Year!)

 

Above is this year’s wall, but let me also share with you a look at year’s past!

Our book wall Shelves are linked here ($12.99 each) ! Or you can search “picture ledge” at Ikea.

 

2019 Book Wall.

 

2020 Book Wall.

 

While we celebrate Valentines and love this upcoming month, February is also Black History Month. It is a massive passion of ours to shine a light and celebrate the achievements by African Americans throughout U.S. History. It’s also a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in our history. Therefore, over the years we have collected books for February that both spread love and kindness but also celebrate Black History Month to increase our family’s cultural awareness.

This year, we also added a Chinese New Year book as February 12th is their special day!

I hope you too will add books to your collection that represent all races and ethnicities, so that we can all do a better part in unifying our world, one little reader at a time.

Here are some words from my most recent IG post about my oldest girl and this year’s wall:
i just know it. 💓
this girl’s gonna change the world one day.
she’s faced so much adversity in her 6 short years of life, yet continues to shake the systems of stigma.
it is an honor to watch her explain her differences and to see her voice grow.
which is why these books are so special to us;
they give us hope.
because behind her are countless men and women she can look up to as role models, who broke barriers, made waves, stood up for what was right, and never backed down.
i pray she always stands up for herself like Rosa,
speaks love loud like Martin,
sings freely like Ella and Aretha,
runs proudly like Jesse,
never backs down like Harriet,
touches hearts like Maya,
and changes the world like Amanda.
E, i’m your biggest fan.

 

*** I WILL NOT BE LINKING TO ANY OF THE BLACK HISTORY BOOKS AS I WANT TO ENSURE I DO NOT RECEIVE A COMMISSION FOR ANY OF THEIR WORKS. THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING! ***

HOWEVER, FOR ALL OF THE VALENTINES BOOKS BELOW, IF YOU SCROLL OVER THE TITLE OF THE BOOK NEXT TO THE NUMBER AND CLICK THE LINK WILL TAKE YOU DIRECTLY TO THE AMAZON PRIME LINK TO SHOP! YOU CAN ADD THEM TO YOUR WISH LIST THAT WAY AS WELL TO GET IN THE FUTURE!

 
 

1. ONE LITTLE LEGENDS BY YASHTI HARRISON

2. TWO MIRABEL’S MISSING VALENTINE

3. THREE A LITTLE PRINCESS

4. FOUR PART OF MY HEART

5. FIVE ROMEO AND JULIET

6. SIX ROSA PARKS, MAYA ANGELOU, HARRIET TUBMAN BY LITTLE PEOPLE, BIG DREAMS

7. SEVEN THE LOVE LETTER

8. EIGHT L IS FOR LOVE

9. NINE LOVE IS

10. TEN YOUR NAME IS A SONG BY JAMILAH THOMPKINS-BIGELOW

11. ELEVEN MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BY LITTLE PEOPLE BIG DREAMS

12. TWELVE LOVE THE EARTH

13. THIRTEEN LOVE IS A TUTU

13. THIRTEEN LOVE IS A TRUCK

14. FOURTEEN ELLA FITZGERALD, STEVIE WONDER, ARETHA FRANKLIN LITTLE PEOPLE, BIG DREAMS

15. FIFTEEN JESSE OWENS, LITTLE PEOPLE BIG DREAMS

 
 

If you loved this post or want to reference it in the future, be sure to pin this picture! You can come back to it at any time to find the best books for your littles! Thanks for reading!!!

Let’s change the world one little reader at a time!!!

XOXO, Amy

HOLIDAY READING LIST 2020

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Here’s our 2020 wall, and a look back at Holiday Book walls past!

2020, Texas

 

2019, Kansas

 

2018, North Carolina

 

2017, North Carolina

 

Another much anticipated blog post is here! Our Halloween book post was SO popular, so we’re bringing the same format to you this Christmas season! Below you’ll find all of our favorite holiday inspired books!

You can read more about why we love children's books soooo much here, (which also takes you to our favorite summer book's reading lists), but let's just get right to it. 

Here's our collection of my favorite kid's Christmas books that I think every little kiddo would love in their collection! I love getting a couple each year to add to our collection (or when they go on sale throughout the year!)

I love to display the current season or holiday books on these Ikea shelves here in our girls' shared bedroom! (we have 3 x 45 1/4 shelves). They're so good right?!? They're the PERFECT display shelves and you can't beat the price! 

 
 

FOR ALL OF THE BOOKS LISTED BELOW, YOU CAN CLICK THE BOOK TITLE AND IT WILL TAKE YOU DIRECTLY TO THE AMAZON LINK (AND YOU CAN EASILY ADD IT TO YOUR WISHLIST THERE TOO!

 

  1. The Nutcracker

    With this colorfully illustrated board book version of the classic Christmas-time ballet, Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver present a new holiday favorite, The Nutcracker: A BabyLit® Dancing Primer. This board book features soldiers marching, mice prancing, snowflakes swirling, dolls bending, and buffoons skipping as a way to introduce basic movement terms to babies and toddlers.

 

2. Together

Book about Christmas traditions, new this year!

 

3. I Got the Christmas Spirit

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and a mother and daughter are enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday season. The little girl hears sleigh bells ringing and carolers singing. She smells chestnuts roasting--CRUNCH! CRUNCH! CRUNCH!--and sees the flashing lights of the department store windows--BLING! BLING! BLING! She spreads the spirit of giving wherever she goes. And when she reaches Santa, she tells him her Christmas wish--for peace and love everywhere, all the days of the year.

 

4. S is for Santa

A collection of twenty-six illustrations featuring colorful Christmas-themed concepts sure to evoke a sense of wonderment for toddlers and nostalgia for parents, including Christmas carolers, kids playing in the snow, toys piled high under the tree, sparkling decorations and lights, flying reindeer, the gift of giving, more toys, and of course jolly ol’ St. Nick and his elves.

 

5. Once Upon a Snowstorm

The story of a father and his son who live by themselves in a cosy cabin in the woods. But, one day they are separated out in the beautifully falling snow. The boy is lost and falls asleep. When he wakes up he is surrounded by blinking eyes, a rabbit, a fox, an owl and all manner of other creatures have surrounded him! But with a bear hug he and the woodland animals become best of friends! But soon he misses his dad and so the animals bring him back home. The father opens up his heart and home, and lets nature and love envelop their previously lonely existence.

 

6. Little Penguins

Snowflakes? Many snowflakes. Winter is coming. So begins this ever-so-simple story. As the snow starts to fall, the excited penguins pull out scarves, mittens, heavy socks, and boots, and Mama helps them bundle up. But when it’s time to go out, one timid penguin decides to stay home. Filled with waddling baby penguins, playful text, and delightful illustrations, this book feels like a young picture-book classic in the making.

 

7. The Christmas Wish

Long ago, a brave little girl named Anja wanted to be one of Santa's elves. So she leaves a note for her family and helps her elderly neighbor prepare for the holiday, then she straps on her skis, and heads out into the snowy landscape. From a red bird to a polar bear to a reindeer, a menagerie of winter animals help Anja make her way to Santa. A generous trim-size, matte cover, extraordinary photographs, and foiled title make this a special book for the holiday season.

 

8. The Story of Christmas

A long time ago, in the town of Nazareth, there lived a young woman named Mary. One day, an angel appeared before her and told her that she would give birth to a baby. The baby would be the son of God, and she would name him Jesus.

Every year, children of all ages revisit this nativity tale of Mary and Joseph, the three wise men, the angels and the shepherds, and baby Jesus in the manger. Share this simple introduction to a remarkable and classic Bible story with young ones in this second book in a delightful new series. With stunning art by Helen Dardik and simplified text for little readers, The Story of Christmas is sure to become a favorite of families for years to come.

 

9. Pick a Pine Tree

Part of the magic of the Christmas season stems from the traditions that families and friends take part in every year: hanging up stockings; putting lights in the windows; and, one of the most important of all, picking out and taking home the Christmas tree.

 

10. The Wish Tree

Charles wants to find a wish tree. His brother and sister don't believe there is such a thing, but his trusty companion Boggan is ready to join Charles on a journey to find out. And along the way, they discover that wishes can come true in the most unexpected ways. 

 

11. The Little Reindeer

An enchanting Christmas story about a magical yet unlikely friendship between a little girl and a lost reindeer sure to be a Christmas classic lovingly told and illustrated with red foil highlights and interactive die cuts.
When a jingling sound wakes her from her sleep, a little girl’s dreams come true when she meets a lost reindeer in the forest. They set off on a magical adventure and it becomes a Christmas never to forget. Nicola Killen’s evocative illustrations are sure to enchant in this beautiful book with die cut pages, foil, and flashes of festive red.

 

12. Mice Skating

This mouse doesn’t want to stay in the house . . . even if it’s cold outside!
For most field mice, winter means burrowing down and snuggling in. But not for Lucy! She loves snow crunching under her paws and wearing a fluffy wool hat. And most of all, Lucy loves to skate, and she’s just ACHING to show off her new skill with her friends. After all, a winter wonderland is twice as nice when you have friends to enjoy it with. But the other mice just don’t understand—and after a disastrous indoor snowball fight, it looks as if they never will. Can Lucy find a way to make the other mice come out and “mice skate” too?

 

13. The Great Spruce

Alec loves to climb trees—the little apple trees, the wide willow trees, even the tall locust trees. But his favorite is the great spruce, with its sturdy trunk and branches that stretch up to the sky. Alec’s grandpa planted it as a sapling years and years before Alec was born, and every Christmas, Alec and his grandpa decorate the tree together, weaving tinsel and lights through its branches, making it shine bright.
But one day, a few curious men from the nearby city take notice of Alec’s glistening great spruce, and ask to take it away for their Christmas celebration. Though it’s a huge honor, Alec’s heartbroken at the idea of losing his friend. With great courage and creativity, Alec comes up with a plan to save his favorite tree in this joyful holiday tale.

 

14. The Tree that’s meant to be

A small, crookled fir tree is left all alone after the others near it in the forest are chosen by families as Christmas to bring home. But when the forest animals gather around the lonely little tree to cheer it up and celebrate the season, it finds the warmth of the holidays in the heart of a cold, snowy forest.

This is a charming and classic-feeling holiday picture book with a timely message about celebrating our differences and sticking by our friends. Families will love making this part of their holiday traditions, as a perfect book to talk about kindness, generosity, and the true meaning of Christmas.

 

15. The Little Fir Tree

Deep in the forest, there lived a beautiful little fir tree who longed to see the world. When the tree is taken to town at Christmas, it feels like all his dreams have come true. But what will happen the day after? Find out in this beautifully illustrated modern retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s festive tale.

When he was surrounded by the splendor of nature, the little fir tree could only think about what he wasn’t and what he didn’t have and couldn’t see. After the initial excitement of venturing out, though, he finds that the world isn’t quite what he expected.

As the story of the little fir tree unfolds—brought to enchanting life with the colorful, folk art–inspired artwork of acclaimed author/illustrator Christopher Corr—so does a touching lesson on appreciating what we already have and a hopeful message of rebirth.

 

16. First Snow

In this beautiful book from debut creator Bomi Park, a young girl wakes up to the year's first snowy day. From her initial glimpse out the window to her poignant adventures—rolling a snowman, making snow angels—the girl's quiet quests are ones all young readers will recognize. Simple, muted text and exquisite, evocative art conjure the excitement of a day spent exploring the wonder of snow—and the magic that, sometimes literally, such a day brings. As subtly joyful as a snow day itself, this book will find its home in the hearts of young adventurers everywhere.

 

17. The Christmas Carol
Take a walk with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come in Little Master Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: A BabyLit® Colors Primer. See old Jacob Marley shaking silver chains, gold stars shining around the Ghost of Christmas Past, and a red scarf keeping Tiny Tim warm. This bright retelling of a Christmas classic will scare any “bah, humbug” feelings away.

 

18. Snow Sisters

When snowflakes fall, two sisters react very differently. One is excited and the other is wary. The first sister spends the morning outdoors, playing until she's all tuckered out. Meanwhile, the second sister stays indoors, becoming ever more curious about the drifts outside. Soon, they switch places, and spend the second half of the day retracing each other's footsteps. But each sister puts her own unique spin on activities like sledding, baking and building.

 

19. Home Alone

With an amusing read-aloud story and enchanting, immersive illustrations, this charming adaptation is the perfect nostalgic gift alongside family holiday classics like The Polar Express and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister wished his family would disappear. He never thought his wish would come true! Can he keep a couple of crooks from entering his house? And will his family return in time for Christmas? Complete with bumbling burglars, brilliant booby traps, and a heartwarming happy ending, this picture book is perfect for movie fans, parents, and any kid who’s ever dreamed of being home alone.

 

20. First Christmas

With its bold, modern art and simple text of about 100 words, this fresh new take on the story of Christmas is just right for babies and toddlers. Children will learn that Mary and Joseph journeyed to Bethlehem, that Jesus was born in a stable, and that shepherds came to worship the little King. This charming depiction of the Christmas story is a wonderful gift for little ones and expectant mothers.

 

21. Snow Globe Wishes

2019 Top 20 Goodreads Choice Awards As the worst snow storm of the year rolls in, one family hunkers down together in a cozy blanket fort for the night. A little girl makes a wish on a snow globe and, in the morning, the sun rises on a winter wonderland--beckoning all outside. And what if, on this snow-filled day, families shake their busy lives and everyone goes out to play? A lyrical holiday story about wishes and community and snow--lots and lots of snow.

 

If you loved this post and want to reference it in the future, be sure you pin the images above so you can easily reference it in the future! These would make for great Christmas presents or stocking stuffers and are just too pretty to pass! Happy reading friends!

xoxo, Amy

TAKING A SIX MONTH BREAK OFF INSTAGRAM - THIS IS MONTH 6

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Well friends…we’re here.

It’s been 6 months since I signed off the gram and…wow. I can’t believe this break is over.

I’ll be super duper duper duper honest…

Last week this post was going to look a lot different.

I was going to hop on here and let you know that I’d be continuing this break for 6 more months. I was sick to my stomach to have to share that, but it felt right.

…but God has a way of working in the most mysterious ways, and after speaking to my old Pastor this weekend, I heard the Lord loud and clear:

“YOU ARE READY AMY. IT’S TIME. AND YOU CAN NOT LIVE IN FEAR OF THE FUTURE.”

I’ll be sharing ALLLLLLL about what I learned, how I felt, what the Lord taught me, what He spoke to me, and so much more here in about 2 weeks when I gather all of my thoughts, so be on the lookout for that.

Until then, let’s share what all we’ve been up to this month!!!

 
 

First things first…who’s missed #HawthorneGirlsChalkArt ?!?!?

I think it’s time to start that back up!

And now we have another 4 paws to join in on the fun!

 

We started the month off with Nona’s trip to come visit Texas from Washington State!

With the unexpected wildfires and smoke, the timing of her trip couldn’t have been better. We are so thankful she got to experience TX!

 

We got to show her one of our FAVORITE areas of Austin, The Domain! I didn’t think anything could compete with The Plaza in KC, but Domain definitely gives it a run!

 

The girls’ outfits are from No Small Miracle!

 

And here’s some fun pics from her trip!

Shopping with the girls, lake trips, lots of Korean food + more!

 

And of course, we watched Derby! So so weird experiencing it in the fall, and with no fans in the stands, but as a Kentucky girl…Derby day will always be special regardless of the circumstances!

 

I always make a charcuterie snack tray for Derby day, and the girls love it! We also play with their toy horses all day too!

 

With the weather cooling down a bit, we haven’t had the chance to go to the lake as often or set up the water slide…soooo….we’ve had some “pool parties” in the shower and the girls have LOVED it! I talk it up a bunch and we wear swimsuits and it’s been a ton of fun making the most of what we have!

 

This is the kids’ body wash and shampoo that we use all the time!! We love all of their products!!!

BE SURE TO USE THAT LINK CAUSE YOU’LL GET 15% OFF THERE!!!

 
 

Andddddd HOW BOUT THEM TIGERS!!!

Oh what I’d do to be able to talk to my daddy about that game! I’m so excited to see football again!!!!!

And so thankful for families who get to experience their hometown Friday Night Lights.

It’s been so fun seeing the girls light up about Auburn when they play. It’s music to my ears hearing their little “War Eagles”! ;)

When I signed off in March/April, I had a big wish to see some football come fall. Here we are, ready for kickoff. Be still my heart.

 

Speaking of my daddy. September 25th was the 3 year anniversary of his passing, and it stung so bad waking up that day. But…ironically…that same day, this purse arrived in the mail from his ex wife. I don’t know if she meant to send it that day (I don’t think she did) but it was the purse he bought her when he was married to her. And she wanted me to have it. 😭😭😭😭😭 Oh bless it. I can’t even deal! It is now SO SO SO special to me!

 
 

I got these sweet pictures on National Daughters Day, and they mean the world to me. How lucky I am to have these babes, and how lucky I am to be their mama.

Tops are from my girl Ford and Wyatt!

 

Our sweet pup is still doing AMAZING and he’s truly just the perfect addition to our family!!!!

He’s so attached to his big sister Bella, and it’s just the cutest. Everywhere she goes, he follows. And he always pushes his nose into her neck. It’s just the cutest. My heart!

Heres the bed linked here

 

Here’s some more backyard updates!!! We have a roof, a patio, and now some landscaping back here! It’s all continuing to come together!!!

 
 

Just some cute pics of the girls before Everly’s therapy one day.

 

If you haven’t tried apple cider mimosas, do it now!!!! Just apple cider + your bubbly of choice! The perfect fall adult beverage!

 

The girls were playing outside one day, and they set up all of their barbies on daddy’s scrap wood pile, and I had to get a pic of this cuteness.

 

Our Sunday morning worship sessions are so sacred and special. The girls are OBSESSED with Run to the Father and a few other songs, that are very special in this time of our lives. I’ll be sure to share a playlist, but here’s the link to my spotify one if you wanna check it out!

 

My FAVORITE Halloween jammies linked here!

Womens

Kids

 

Here’s our fall porch thus far! I just need to add some big mums!

 
 

We have some major tests coming up for Hadley this next month, so your prayers are SO appreciated!!!

 

I think this may be one of my fave pics of E in the history of EVER! She is INCREDIBLE at building legos!

 

And lots of walks with the dogs every morning and night. This is our happy place.

 
 
 

And some final pics of our home decked out for Halloween! I love adding these pops of orange throughout the home! This is our entryway!

 

And our living / kitchen areas with a few touches of fall.

 
 
 

Well…I guess it’s until tomorrow friends! I can’t believe it! So surreal.

If you’re pondering whether or not you should take a longgggg break from IG. Here’s my advice.

DO IT and don’t you dare look back.

It is SO SO SO SO HEALING!!!!!!

I’ll share all about the journey in the next couple weeks as I gather my thoughts. There’s just so much to share!

P.s.

  1. If you missed the month 5 update, you can click here to read!

  2. 2. Be sure to pin this image above or any image in this post so you can reference it in the future if there was anything you don’t want to forget!

XX, Amy

HALLOWEEN + FALL 2020 BLOG ROUNDUP

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Hi!!!!

I wanted to share a roundup of my favorite Fall / Halloween blog posts we’ve shared here! Some are hidden in archives, so I wanted to bring them to your attention in case you’re needing some MAGICAL inspiration!

 
 
 

Our favorite fall finds for 2020.

CLICK THE NUMBERS BELOW TO GO TO THE LINKS!

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE | SIX | SEVEN | EIGHT | NINE | TEN | ELEVEN | TWELVE

THIRTEEN | FOURTEEN | FIFTEEN | SIXTEEN | SEVENTEEN | EIGHTEEN | NINETEEN

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LOOK AT THESE ADORABLE PRINTS FROM MY GIRLFRIEND AMANDA @WOODENTHATBESOMETHIN !!! ARE THEY NOT PERFECTION?!?! She is SO INCREDIBLY talented, and I’d love for you to support her shop!! Visit her IG too to see the amazing things she makes on wood!

you can shop them all HERE: woodenthatbesomethin.etsy.com

She even added Otis and Bella. Can you even?!?!

 
halloween bucket list copy.jpg
 
fall food.jpg
 
 

And here’s some of my favorite fall / Halloween pics from years past!

OUR FAMILY COSTUMES!

ONE: Monster’s Inc (2016)

Two: Charlottes Web (2017)

Three: Grease (2018)

Four: Dinosaur + Tour Guide (2018)

Five: Jurassic Park (2018)

Six: Aladdin (2019)

Seven:….2020….

and an angel and silly wig pic for good measure!

 
 

Girls’ bedroom Halloween 2019

 

Office 2019

 

Pumpkin carving 2019

 

Halloween piano 2019

 

Halloween playroom 2019

 
 

Girls’ bedroom 2017

 
 
 
 
 

Fall decor kitchen 2017

 

Fall porch 2017

 

Halloween cookies 2016

 

Fall mantel 2020

 
 
 

Fall porch 2018

 

Halloween bar cart 2016

 

Halloween room 2017

 

Pumpkin carving 2016

 

Halloween pancakes 2017

 

Halloween decor 2020

 
 

Halloween photoshoot 2017

 
 

Halloween Cookies 2016

 

Fall porch 2016

 

Boo’d Fairy Garden 2016

 

The Boo’d craft cart 2017

 

Fall decor 2019

 

Halloween decor 2020

 

Fall decor 2020

 

Be sure to pin the image above or any image found in this blog post if you want to reference back to this post in the future!

Thanks for reading!!!

p.s…..any guesses on our family Halloween costume this year?!?!? hehehe

XX, Amy

TAKING A SIX MONTH BREAK OFF INSTAGRAM - THIS IS MONTH FIVE

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Not gonna lie… I feel like I JUST gave my four month update! Ha! August went CRAZYYYYYYY fast, anyone else?!

And what?!?!? It’s September 1st?!?! HOWWWWWWWW????

Anywho, I canNOT wait to share what we’ve been up to this month…because…………

First things first…

WE ADOPTED A DOG!!!!!!!!!!!!

WORLD…MEET OUR SWEET BOY, OTIS!

 
 

Here’s the story:

We’ve been wanting to adopt a little brother or sister for Bella for yearrsssssss.

We know our time with Bella is getting shorter and shorter by the year (she’s 11), so we wanted to do our best to extend her life with a sibling and also to begin growing close to another furry animal too!

Well…we moved to our current neighborhood in Texas and while I don’t have facebook, Blake does.

We noticed a sweet little beagle kept getting loose in the neighborhood and to make a long story short, he kinda became a neighborhood pet because everyone at some point took him in until the owner was found.

About a month went by, and in early August I was on facebook and I read the most “meant to be” message I’ve ever read…

“Otis is looking for a new home.”

My heart felt so many emotions right away, but mostly it was “I KNOW WITHOUT A DOUBT THIS IS SO MEANT TO BE.”

For us to be in this neighborhood, at this time, and seeing a BEAGLE of all dogs up for adoption (a dog we’ve been looking for at adoption shelters for years) just basically fell into our laps.

 

So…I messaged the lady who posted about him on the facebook page, praying nobody had messaged them yet - and I was the first!

I said…and I quote, “My husband has been away and will still be away for awhile, so I kinda feel like I need to get his permission, but I am 100 million percent interested in adopting Otis regardless of what he says.” ha!

Honestly, I knew without a shadow of a doubt Blake would say yes as we love our fur babies, but I felt like I owed him the respect to ask. haha!

The sweet girl messaged me back and said, “it’s better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission!”

hahah!

Well, I went ahead and called Blake and basically just said…”I hope you don’t mind that I’m getting another dog this weekend. I know I’m so stressed with homeschool and the business and you being gone, but hey…what’s another dog in the mix!?”

hahah!

We both laughed and without hesitation he said, “GO GET THAT DOG AND BRING HIM HOME AMY!”

ughhhh CUE THE TEARS!!!!

 

The day before we adopted him, the girls and I watched “All Dogs go to Heaven,” and it was the sweetest time for us. Little did Bella know, she’d be getting a little brother the next day.

 

Here’s the sweetest picture that sweet Everly drew for the family that was allowing us to adopt Otis from them. She knew their family was sad, so she drew them a precious picture to always remember that Otis would be in great hands. Oh my heart!

 

And then……..WE GOT HIM!

He’s around 2 and a half years old (we think) and was living on the streets for quite a bit of his life, but he is now safe and sound in his forever home!!!

And as best as the vets know, they say he’s a beagle! I mean….HE IS SOOOOO DREAMY!

 

I cannot believe we get to keep this sweet boy. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

We fell head over heels immediately in love. He’s the missing piece to our puzzle.

 

He's the biggest lover, has so many silly quirks about him, LOVES ATTENTION and just wants to be loved on 24/7, plays non stop, and took no time to get used to all these girls in the house! hahahah! He is in LOVE with everyone!

 
 

These pics were within a couple hours of bringing him home, and at first Bella was a little timid because he is almost 10 years younger and he likes to play a lottttt, butttttt…..

 

Within a day or two…they were inseparable and are now the BEST OF FRIENDS!!!!! We are overjoyed.

 

Anywhere Bella goes, Otis follows. He’s her little shadow (even though he’s bigger!) The girls are just smitten with him, and he’s just as smitten with them.

 

Okay, and I won’t lie…he is SPOILED rotten!

 

The girls gave them their “Indy and Pippa” comforter and they have officially claimed it in their “bougie bed.” 😂😂 I mean truly, this bed was worth every penny, but I never thought I’d spend so much on a dog bed! ha! They sleep in it every day though, TOGETHER, so it’s truly so worth it! I’ll link it here!

Dog Bed linked here! I got the Large and both dogs fit in it comfortably. They are 18 and 24 pounds respectively.

 
 

Look at these angels!!!!!

I mean honestly I’d pay $1,000 for a bed to give him the life he deserves!

 
 

I love all of the color options!

 
 
 

A few other things we got! Some bags to hold their poopie bags while on our daily walks, as well as these adorable customized dog tags with their names + our phone number on it!

Dog bags linked here

Dog tags linked here

 
 

These are the leashes we got them too! I love all the colors they come in, the handles are super soft, and they were less than $10!!!

Linked here!

 
 

He’s also the BEST addition to our walks! He just loves being with us more than anything, no matter what it may be! He still needs a bit of training for leash etiquette, and he wants to say hi to every single human + animal + leaf + breeze we pass, HA!, but he’s just so stinkin friendly and sweet!

 

And…he is definitely a begging beagle, just like his big sister! Those beagles will do anything for food!

 
 

And so this has basically been our month in a nutshell! All about Otis! Hehe.

Daddy still hasn’t met his little boy, but he loves to facetime him, and we canNOT WAIT for that sweet reunion. I’ll be sure to share pics when that happens!

 

Other than Otis, it’s been a lot of continued mirror selfies with the girls, getting dressed up for absolutely no reason to go absolutely nowhere, except to pickup groceries and coffee, and trips to the lake!

 

And this sweet girl gave Hadley and I a little photoshoot and I’m obsessed with the pics she took!

 
 

And they had a little shoot of their own!

 

Look at them here with their new No Small Miracle outfits!!! We’re in love!

 

These sweet tie dye tees are from their too! Handmade from Kelsey’s mama!

 

We are still homeschooling Everly (and also using her virtual school program) but she did start therapy 2 days a week, and as always LOVES her new teachers (therapists) there!!! Our car selfies before sessions are such a sweet reminder of this phase of life.

 

Here’s a few pics of her month from school! We’re so proud of you little E!

 

I also wanted to share a few of my favorite recipes this month!

The Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew was FABBBBBBBB but pricey. So I wanted to share a cheaper option!

Order a grande iced cofffee, with light ice.

Get 2 pumps of pumpkin sauce but NO classic syrup.

Add in heavy cream (or your cream/milk of choice)

Add in cinnamon powder.

Request a nitro lid.

AND ENJOY!

And here’s my favorite smoothie! (That the girls eat too!!!!)

handful of spinach and/or kale (or both is what I prefer!)

milk + water to cover the greens. Blend.

Once you have the liquid, add in handful of frozen peaches, 1 frozen banana, handful of frozen pineapple,

1-2tbspn of honey and blend!

If I have them I also add in frozen avocado chunks too.

The girls loveeee this smoothie and it’s a great way to sneak in veggies!

 

This was our last little family hike before we got Otis! He sure does fill up this picture more!

 

Remember our backyard porch addition?!?! Well…..let me show you all the progress we made this month!

 

Our concrete was poured!!!! It’s been AMAZING having the extra porch out here!

…but then…

 

We got our shade!!!!! And it doesn’t even look like the same house!

The plan is to paint the window/door trim black and to hang black fixtures as well. More to come! We’re still under major construction!

 

And here’s our updated kitchen! The plan is for Blake to build our dining table, but for now this will do. We are in LOVE with our new dining chairs!!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. They’re pricey, but I plan on keeping these bad boys forever and ever so it’s worth the investment.

I turned our books around and love the area so much more. Plus our Indy and Pippa sign from Opal + Olive really does finish this area off!

Dining chairs linked here.

Rug linked here.

Light linked here.

 
 
 
 

This is what the space looked like with the books turned normal and it was just so distracting with all of the colors, so I love how the neutral side tones it down a bit. The console is super easy to push out so we can just pull it out when we’re looking for a book. I also added the fan wall and picture and hope I don’t get tired of the clutter, but for now it works!

 

Here’s an update on the kitchen. I’m still trying SO hard to get Blake to paint these cabinets black or white (haha!!) but for now, we’re living with this gray, and it continues to grow on me. I’m really just trying to appreciate the bones of this house for what it’s worth. One of the nicest things about constantly moving and being in new homes is figuring out what we like and love about some and dislike about others. With hopes that one day, we truly can have our dream home.

I do love our globes up top though! And all of the natural light that pours into this open space.

 

Anddddd….FALL HAS OFFICIALLY HIT THE HAWTHORNE HOME!!!!

I CAN’T WAIT TO SHARE MORE PICS COME OCTOBER!

 

I’ll be sharing some of my favorite Fall/Halloween finds soon!

 
 

THESE ARE MY FAVORITE PUMPKINS THIS FALL SO FAR!!!!

Linked them all here!

1 | 2 | 3

 
 

To end the month, Nona came to visit, and we are so grateful to have her here with us this next month! More pics to come from Nona’s trip in September!

 

Well, it’s been five months off instagram and we officially have one month to go.

I’ll be honest….I really don’t know if I’m ready to come back.

I’m supposed to sign back on in ONE MONTH, and I’m really having to listen to the Lord this month to figure out what’s next.

I’m stuck between getting back on, because our business depends on it, and taking another 6 months away to continue resting my mind and heart.

We’ll see what happens!

If you missed out on why I took 6 months off, you can read about that here.

I’ve also been giving monthly updates since I signed off, and you can find those on the blog too!

I’ve also shared all of our back to school posts on the blog.

Next up is our Halloween book wall and 6 month update!

I can’t wait to see y’all again!

Happy fall y’all! (Even if it’s still 100 in Texas hehe)

Be sure to pin one of the images below if you want to be able to reference this post in the future!

XX, Amy

 
 
FALL DECOR.jpg

OUR BACK TO SCHOOL PICS

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Tired of all of the back to school posts yet? Well, I’ve got another one for you!

Here I’ll share the girls’ back to school pics and their updated bedroom with back to school prints!

…like this!

 

First up, I changed out the girls’ bedding and rug so the room was a tad bit more cohesive with a little less pattern, and with that I was able to change up the prints behind the girls’ bed!

Here are the girls comforters : CLICK HERE

Here are the girls duvet covers: CLICK HERE

Here are the girls pillow cases / sheets: CLICK HERE, CLICK HERE, CLICK HERE

Here is the rug: CLICK HERE

And, here are the new prints!

 

“we’re all in this together, hand in hand.”

 
 

“you can sit with me forever.”

 
 
 

And now…you ready for it?!?! How are my girls this big?!?!?!

Everly Brynn : Age 5.5

Starting Kindergarten in Texas! (Virtually with a school) as well as a homeschool program with mama!

 

Hadley Rae: Age 3.5

Starting pre-k homeschool in Texas with mama!

 
 

Mrs. Hawthorne (teehee): Age 33

Living out my dreams of being their mama!

Hat linked here

Bookbag linked here

TEXAS gear linked here, use AMY15 for a discount!

 

And these are the girls posing with their new lunchboxes!

I shared all about those here!

 
 
 

And there ya have it! Our back to school collection is officially live! Thank you for all of your support!

If you wanna be able to bookmark this, just pin an image above so you can always reference back to it!!

I sure do hope your school situation (whatever it may be) is going swell!

XX, Amy

OUR HOMESCHOOL / VIRTUAL SCHOOL SPACE

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It’s that time of year again! HOWWWW!?!?!?

Didn’t summer break JUST start?!

I don’t know about you, but August came QUICK, and I’m excited to share with you our homeschool/ virtual school/ I don’t know what in the world is going on or what I’m doing school areas! (insert emoji with girl holding her hands up saying “I don’t know” here)

I truly don’t know if we’ll ever go to school in person this year, and I know many of you are in the same boat, but please know that whatever you are doing or end up doing - you’re doing the right thing.

There are SO many opinions out there, and at the end of the day, you just gotta take them with a grain of salt and do what’s best for your family. Sure, yes listen, hear people out, and be open minded to others, but…

Nobody knows your family better than you.

So, here’s my opinion…Make a decision, stand firm on it, and own it. You gotta do what’s best for your people.

Soooooo let’s get to it!

 

We’ll be doing a hybrid between mama taught homeschool, virtual school (with two a day mandatory zoom sessions with a teacher), and therapy. It’ll be crazy, but we will ALL get through it and be stronger on the other side! (I think teehee)

First up is our main school table (which just so happens to be in our master bedroom). Nothing fancy, just an IKEA table, with some cute things on top to make it feel a little less boring.

I’ll link as much as I can towards the middle of this blog post if you keep reading! (The chalkboard itself was a DIY by Blake, just simple chalkboard from Home Depot + a cut / stained frame)

 
 
 

Like this! (And then I store the other ones in a little baggy below the board)

I used a cork board so I can just screw in little eye hooks and hang bags from them for easy grab and go!

I’ll share the items hanging from them below! It’s the weather board items, a compass, block numbers, my printable circles, a cloth + permanent markers, shapes and colors!

 
 

Here’ my big girl in action at her first day of mama’s school!

 
 

They did their schoolwork yesterday and today, which involved the letter A/B, the sound A/Bmakes, what starts with A/B, the shapes in the words we drew, the color of those items, the date of the day and a few other fun ideas.

This worked great for the girls and was easy for me to guide as well. We’ll do a new letter each day to guide the work.

Off of the calendar board, they also did weather, days of the week, and learned N, S, E, W and left and right, which we’ll continue working every day.

 

And because they did their work, they each got to select a sticker for their individual charts!

I got a bunch of stickers from Hobby Lobby and Target so it’s a fun process to let them choose a sticker each day.

 

This is the playroom closet that holds allllll of our activity bins. These bins have items like coloring books, paints + canvases, puzzles, legos, playdoh, kinetic sand, magnets, music supplies, fine motor activities, coin counting, flash cards, and more!

I highly recommend having an activity closet (or area) somewhere in your house that allows you to keep these items in one place and organized. It’ll help you keep inventory of what you have, and don’t have, and allow you to pull things out on rotation so kids don’t get tired of a certain activity. We also pull these bins out to take with us when traveling!

The girls know this is the “ask before you open the doors” closet, so they aren’t allowed to pull anything out of here themselves. It’s like the special closet! Which makes it super fun and exciting for them.

As far as sources: the chairs were a yard sale find, the baskets are a mix of IKEA, target and Home Goods, and the pink bins are Target and Walmart.

We’ll be using this closet a lot for homeschool, because there’s so many educational items in here, many of which you can see below!

 
 

And now for the good stuff!

SIMPLY CLICK ON THE NUMBER BELOW AND IT’LL TAKE YOU DIRECTLY TO THE LINK FOR THE PRODUCT SHOWN ABOVE!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20

21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25

Here’s what I love about each!

  1. The girls have bookbags, but I got the purple one for myself this year and LOVE IT!!! especially for $20! The colors + simplicity are outstanding!

  2. We’ve had our same name stickers for three years now! I love that so many come on a sheet and we can use them for so much! Bookbags, bento boxes, water bottles, clothes etc! They’re dishwasher safe too and many can be thrown in the washing machine!

  3. I wanted a “treasure chest” for the girls that held our stickers + treasure box items and the caboodle works perfectly!!! It also brings me all the 90s nostalgia, so I’m not mad about that.

  4. We love using these clear folders to trace on! I’ll put a sheet underneath the clear part with my letters or numbers and they trace over them with marker and it’s easily wiped off so they can use it over and over again. It’s really great to teach littles how to stay on the dotted lines! And there’s a bunch in one pack!

  5. One of my favorite purchases for this school year were these wooden block numbers! I’m a sucker for wood items, and these work perfectly for teaching at home!

  6. I love both of these sets of highlighters! They work great for myself and for the girls. The colors and style are so fun! Here’s one and here’s two.

  7. We’ve had this clock for over a year and the girls adore it! It’s great for teaching the girls numbers and the concept of time! A great gift option!

  8. I don’t have these exact crates, but I have similar ones and I love them for school storage or craft storage! I do LOVE the colors these come in!

  9. Our FAVORITE sunscreen that I ALWAYS ALWAYS rave about!! The girls use this on their face nearly every day, and they both have sensitive skin / eczema issues yet they don’t have any problems with these! I also use this on my face!

  10. Another favorite purchase this year was our home weather station! It’s great for teaching the kids basic concept of weather!

  11. We LOVE these masks for the girls cause they actually cover their mouth and nose AND the ear parts are adjustable which is perfect for kids with smaller or bigger faces! Plus the tie dye pattern is so trendy right now!

  12. Y’all know I LOVE my bento boxes, and we have a million of them, but these are some of our favorites! I love pairing these with our custom name stickers and the girls love eating out of these! They’re great for preparing lunch the night before too!

  13. Our FAVORITE crayons in the whole wide world! Pricier but so WORTH IT in our opinion. They are washable, non toxic, and the colors are superb. They last a long time too!!!

  14. The girls have had these bookbags for 2 years now and they’re still practically brand new! The colors are incredible. Pricey, yes…but I plan on these lasting a very long time for them!

  15. We’ve also had these water bottles a couple years now and they’re still holding up strong! Also paired well with the name stickers, and I love that they keep their water cool on these hot Texas days!

  16. My number one most recommended tool for teaching numbers and math!! This has been on our Christmas gift ideas the last couple years and so many of yall rave about it. It’s great for teaching simple math!

  17. We got the girls new tablet cases this year, and I love both of these! The colors are simple, the style is cute, and the ports are all easily accessible for the girls!

    Here’s the bear one, and here’s the other brown one.

  18. This store has the CUTEST pencil cases I’ve seen this year and there’s so many options at great prices! Here’s a couple of our favorites!

  19. I’m a sucker for reusable utensil cases for the girls to save on plastic, to ensure the girls don’t get hurt with metal ones, and cause they’re just super cute. LOVE the color options of these + they’re a great price and come with chopsticks! Yes!

  20. We have the letters from Bacon Bit Co, but if you can’t find those in stock, this set is a great option that we have too! I love the colors and the wood block style!

  21. Our favorite headphones for the girls while we’re traveling and if the girls need to listen to something on their tablets for schoolwork!

  22. These pencil sharpeners are just adorable! Nothing else to say! They love them!

  23. We play with watercolors nearly every single day, so I’m all about watercolor sets. They’re generally mess free / have little cleanup / have all the colors in one spot, and just work great for littles to explore their creativity!

  24. My NUMBER ONE favorite item we purchased this year were these lunchboxes. I’ve been on a cute lunchbox hunt for sooooo long and finally found these adorable ones that I’m obsessed with! I plan on the girls keeping these for a long time!

  25. This store also has the cutest little notebooks for the girls! So many cute cover options for kids and adults too!

 

Here’s a look at most of those items here! Some are variations of those items, but very similar!

 
 

The girls’ lunchboxes and bookbags stay on their letter hooks in the hallway by their room for them to grab and go.

Here’s some hooks similar to ours!

 
 

And these are the baskets I gave to the girls to kick off the 2020-2021 school year!!!

 

I mean really?!?! Does it get any cuter than little kids with scrunched noses in blue light glasses? heheh

 

And my sweet big girl with her two missing teeth! How did she get so big?!?!

 
 

Well, there ya have it! That’s how we’ll be attacking this school year, until the next curve ball comes our way.

Remember, you don’t have to make anything over the top, and really - YOU DON’T HAVE TO MAKE ANYTHING AT ALL. Just do what will put a smile on you + your littles’ faces, and for us, this makes us smile.

We just wanna make some memories with what we’ve got.

If you wanna reference this post, be sure to pin this image above or any image throughout the post to come back to! That way you’ll always know where to find it.

HAPPY SCHOOLING FRIENDS!

XX, Amy

TAKING A 6 MONTH BREAK FROM INSTAGRAM - THIS IS MONTH 4

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It’s been four months off Instagram, and every month I give an update on how life’s been here in the Hawthorne house! You can read about month 1 here, month 2 here, and month 3 here, but be sure to come back here to catch up on month 4!

So, let’s catch up!

This month’s been all about having my mom come visit, saying bye to daddy for military stuff, making this new house a home, and continuing to get settled into Texas! (Mixed in with a broken septic, broken AC, lots of master bedroom sleepovers + more) So let’s get to it!

 
 

We started off the month with celebrating the Fourth of July with a festive charcuterie!

Strawberries, dried strawberries, raspberries, bananas, blueberries, cheese, and crackers make for the perfect mix of Red, White, and Blue!

 
 

And then of course came a pool day + fireworks! And by fireworks, I mean sparklers because our city doesn’t allow fireworks. The sparklers were still a hit! And because we live up on a hill we could see fireworks all across the lake which was so so fun to see!

PS funny note about this tee - My maiden name is Farris, and I was called “Bueller” when I was younger as a nickname. I found this tee for $11 and had to have it hehe! More importantly…I was born in 1986!! So this tee was truly just meant to be LOL!

 

Then! My momma flew in! Which was such a treat since it’s been a while since we last saw her! We enjoyed so much sunshine with her, in our backyard, and at the lake, and she loved it here!

 

Here’s some pics from our backyard waterslide parties, and Bella sitting in the shade. hahah!

Slide linked here!

Double chair linked here!

 

We went on so many walks with my mom, she played so much piano, we took endless pics, the girls drew her countless pics, and we just truly enjoyed each other’s company. Oh…and we ate a lot of yummy Korean food as always!

 

We spent some much needed quality family time at the lake behind our house a few times before we had to say bye to daddy. This trip in particular is probably my fondest memory of the entire month. We were splashing each other, giggling, and just loving life, summer, and family time. I’ll never forget these moments with my Italian stallion. ;)

 

Texas - 2020. Loving life at the lake.

This is how empty it is every time we go. We always go early in the morning before many people are there, and it’s just totally dreamy. We are in heaven.

 

And how precious is this little peach float! Only $!5 and we all love it so so much! It’s the perfect little lounge float, and not to mention it’s cute. :)

Linked here.

 

Everly says she wants to be a surfer! Andddd she’s really getting the hang of swimming! Look at her pulling Hadley on the board with no floats on!!! She is so eager to master swimming AND surfing, and it’s just the sweetest! Our little adventure girl.

 

I mean truly, LOOK AT THESE SEA BABES!!!!

P.s. you can get this Sea Babe hat on sale with my code AMY15 at www.bittybrah.com !!! We love these hats because they actually stay on the girls’ heads!

 

OKAY BUT TRULY OUR ABSOLUTE NUMBER ONE FAVORITE ACTIVITY THIS SUMMER?!?!?!

SNORKELING!!! and we don’t have to be at some crazy cool reef to do it! Although that would be neat.

We’ve found that it has truly helped with the girls’ water confidence, and it’s been SUCH a fun family activity!

YOU MUST check out this video below to see them in action!!!

 
 

If you follow me on IG, you know I rave about the cordless vacuum. Ha! This is right up there with it on a must have for families. This will be on every gift list from here on out!

 

While Everly’s learning to surf and swim, Hadley’s still wearing princess dresses, twirling around to Kidz Bop Shine Bright Like a Diamond - by Rhianna and Believer - by Imagine Dragons (hahah!), and asking daddy to paint her nails, which he secretly LOVES doing. :) She also changes clothes every hour, every day, and I never thought we’d be in that phase! It’s hilarious. She tells me every other day she doesn’t want bangs anymore, and then she says she loves them. She ALWAYS puts her clothes on backwards, and her shoes on the wrong feet, no matter how much we try to teach her otherwise…maybe it’s cause she’s left handed? We haven’t quite figured it out LOL! She also adores the song Little Drummer Boy which is so sweet and random hahahha! Especially when we’re blasting it in the middle of July, LOL! At nightime, she scratches her armpits to put herself to sleep.

Truly, how’s that for sweet?!?! And her middle of the night sneaking into my bed while Blake’s away is truly my favorite. Don’t tell Blake, but she may be a better cuddler. ;)

 

Everly on the other hand adores Thunder - by Imagine Dragons! AND SHE LOST HER FIRST TWO TEETH THIS MONTH!!!! LIKE WHAT?!?!??!! How is she getting that big. Her two bottom front teeth came out and it was the weirdest experience hahaha! I get grossed out easily, but we managed LOL! Tooth fairy came too and she brought the sweetest little tooth keepsake box and mouse fairy that you can find here! Everly was in love!

She also got a special zoom call from her preschool teacher in Kansas as well as the sweetest package from her. We miss her so much!

A few other fun things from this month: she has started putting the dishes away for me and 1. YAY because I despise doing it, but 2. she chose to do it all by herself! She really does want to be a little helper, and I adore it! She lip syncs songs and doesn’t think anyone is watching, and it’s the cutest thing ever to watch. ANDDDD AT AGE 5.5 SHE IS FINALLY NIGHT POTTY TRAINED!!!! Guys! wait until your babes are ready, and don’t feel like you have to force it!!! I promise they won’t go to college in diapers, though it may feel like it in the moment haha. Since we waited until she was ready, it was SO EASY!!!

We also got her set up with a new ABA clinic here, and I’m so excited for her to dive back in. She THRIVES in therapy and she’s eager to be back with the most extraordinary therapists in this world!

 
 

Before my mom left, we were sure to make a trip up to Waco to look around, grab some food, some great coffee, and walk around to see all the pretty construction / decor! WE WERE IN HEAVEN!!! I can’t believe I live here you guys! 45 minutes from the Silos. Dream come true!

 

Wanna hear something hilarious? I got stopped about 27 times and was asked for an autograph and to take a picture with people because they thought I was Joanna Gaines. hahahahahah!!!

One, I am NOT that pretty.

Two, I am Korean like her so understand that.

Three, the mask makes it very hard to tell and I wore a typical Jo outfit so I get it, but it was HILARIOUS!!!

 

We also went on a rainy day so we wouldn’t have to deal with a crowd and it worked!!! There was hardly anyone there which was SO NICE!!!!

 

That same day, we met with Everly’s new audiologist here to keep up with her hearing aids! He was great, and we feel like she’s in great hands once again! So proud of that girl.

 

One of the last mornings Blake was here, we asked my moms to watch the girls so we could have one final date. We live right next to a mountain bike park, so we got up with the sunrise, and rode around for 10 miles, just the two of us.

It was so special.

He cycled for West Point and was incredible. He’s a phenomenal athlete, and I’m so grateful he always pushes me out of my comfort zone to try new things and to always stay active and fit. Cycling is one of our favorite family activities, and I’m excited to add mountain biking to the list of my favorite activities!

 

Buttttt…all good things must come to an end. And early in the month we had to take daddy to the airport to say goodbye for a few months. Everly snapped this picture of us, and I’m happy we have a little mini photographer in our house now. hehe! Makes it easier so we don’t have to go ask neighbors to take pics for us anymore. hahaha!

 

The sweetest/ saddest pic of the month.

The girls had to say bye to daddy. Though they don’t understand a concept of time, they do know what “a long time” means versus he’ll just be gone a few days.

This one’s a long time. :(

I always thought it was harder when they were younger because they just didn’t understand, but I’m starting to realize the older they get, the harder it is to say goodbye.

They get it now. And they miss him so much already.

 

Onto a lighter note (hahahha) let me toot my horn a bit and tell you HOW HARD AND SCARY it is to mow our yard. We live on a hill and this sucker is scary going up and down it. BUT I’ve been doing it for three weeks now and I just want to say PRAISE YOU to all the men and women out there doing yard work alone. haha! (p.s. I’m trying to save money and dpn’t want to hire anyone, which is why I’m doing it myself. )

 

Y’all also SHOWED UP once again for our family during our 1 July restock! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!

We’ve got some big big plans in store for our October launches, so stay tuned Ever Co fam!!!!!

 

Another project we’ve been working on is our back patio!! We are adding in a lot of new concrete to extend it out + adding more overhead for more shade! We spend so much time outside, so we wanted to make sure we had enough cover from all of this Texas sun! We aren’t making many upgrades to this house, considering it’s only a few years old, but this is one investment we’re making as we do think it’ll add some great value to the house once we resell or rent out! I’ll be sure to keep you guys posted on this progress!

 

Wellll and of course in TRUE solo parenting fashion, the day after Blake leaves we start having all kinds of issues around the house that I desperately rely on him to take care of. Not because I’m incompetent, cause let it be known that I CAN hold my ground…but because I’m just lazy….HA!!!

So our aerobic septic had issues, and we couldn’t use the toilet for 3 days…..LET ME JUST SAY THAT THE HOUSE SMELLED HORRIBLE, EVERLY’S POOP WAS EVERYWHERE, AND IT WAS HORRIBLE. HAHAHHA!!!

AND THENNNNNNNNN our AC broke out of nowhere.

Actually, it broke while the plumbers were here fixing our septic/toilet so I legit blamed it on them.

Insert palm to face emoji here. hahahahha!!!

I was like wait so you’re telling me it was purely coincidence that our AC broke WHILE our toilets are getting fixed?!?!?!

Yep.

Purely coincidence. AND EVIL. hahaha!

So anywho, it was 87+ inside the house for two days and 100+ outside and straight up MISERABLE.

I can’t make this stuff up.

We had some not so comfortable hot, naked, slumber parties in the master, and well just tried to make the most of it.

But anyways…it can only get better from here…right? hehe!

P.S. my quilt in Bronze is linked here, just $69.99 for the king!!

My sheets are linked here and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM!!! the mocha color is stunning and they’re sooooo soft! And only $35 !!!!

 

That also meant I was not about to cook any long extravagant meals, because I one didn’t have the energy (since I was conserving it to not die from heat lol) but also because I didn’t want to warm the house up much.

So we had a lot of PF Changs lo mein on our pretty new plates. (with a side of vino for mama) and it truly made life a bit better.

Plates linked here, here and here! So presh and great prices. Would also be cute gifts for teachers or therapists!

 

We’ve had lots of girls days, which has been stressful + enjoyable + memorable all in one.

They’re driving me nuts a lot (let’s just be real) but man do I feel lucky to have this quality time with them!

My outfit is Lullaby Club, H’s is Zara and E’s is Indy and Pippa!

 
 

With lots of pictures together, of course!

top = Zara.

 

We’ve also gotten lots of sweet time with our precious angel Bella who will be 11 this year!!!! WHAT?!?!?!? oh man, we love you Bella!

 
 

Most of the other items are from Shop Sweet Lulu, Poppy Toys and No Small Miracle!

 
 
 
 

Here’s a few other fun memories from the month! Playing school in the living room, getting new doll clothes in from No Small Miracle. setting up our new bird feeder (linked here), collecting rocks / seashells, grocery shopping trips, macaroons from the Korean bakery, lake days + more!

 
 
 
 

Andddddd if you’re still here reading (phew, praise you! Cause these blog posts take me about 6 + hours to do!!!!) then here’s your very first hint at what’s to come in October…..can’t wait to share more!!!

 

Honestly though, have there been stressful days? Yes. We all have them.

I can’t even count how many times I’ve lost my cool since Blake’s been gone. These girls are desperate for socialization, their old friends and a return to normal. Heck I am too!

But we are ALL in this boat.

So I challenge all of us to not fall into the woe is me trap, because honestly things could be so much worse for so many of us.

There are so many battling much much harder things, and we have to maintain that perspective when the going gets tough.

So…all in all I truly can’t complain. Things could be SO SO MUCH WORSE, and every day I remind myself that tomorrow the sun will rise again, a new day means a fresh start, and truly I am so lucky to call these girls mine.

I’m so lucky to call this life mine.

I just pray to God that one day when they’re old enough to say it, they’ll feel the exact same way about me.

I love them something fierce and am beyond grateful for all of this quality time I’ve gotten with them over the months.

I knew the Lord called me away from the online world back in January, for a purpose far greater than my own understanding.

Little did I know we’d enter into a pandemic and these girls would desperately need their mama’s undivided attention. I sure hope they look back on this time together as true quality time together, because my perspective of motherhood has entirely shifted.

The to do lists, IG posts, picture ops, business opportunities, and collabs can all wait.

While my heart for entrepreneurship, small business, and success have not changed, (and honestly I’m more on fire for those things than ever!!!) my heart for balancing those things with faith, motherhood, and wifehood have.

I will continue seeking that balance long after this IG break ends.

You can read my blog post about balancing priorities here, which continues to be an area in my life I will always strive to improve!

 

Well…I guess it’s goodbye once again.

It’s so sweet getting your messages on here, your emails, your texts, and all the in between during this time away. I LOVE catching up with you all when you message me here. It’s so fun to know some of y’all are actually here, reading, and still hanging around….I hope I don’t come back to IG in October to nobody…hahahaha!!!

But…if I do, or if there’s only 100 of you there, I know I did what the Lord called me to do.

To step away and tend to these four little feet around me here.

And for that, I know that I know that I know that I’m standing right where I’m meant to be.

Until next time, sweet friends.

Love you and sending you SO much light + love + prayer during this time.

Heads up! I’ll be posting a blog post on Chatbooks next week (with a code!!! cause I know yall love them as much as me!) as well as a back to school blog post and indoor / outdoor activities for kids blog post, so stay tuned!

Alsoooooo if you’re really still reading….thank you to everyone who’s noticed the blog refresh! I’ve been working hard behind the scenes on some rebranding all by myself, so it’s been so fun to mess around here! Can’t wait to share more!

TAKING A 6 MONTH BREAK FROM INSTAGRAM - THIS IS MONTH 3

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Hey hey hey!!! It’s been three months since I signed off Instagram and I’m back again with another monthly roundup so you can keep up with my little family if you so choose. ☺

You can read about month one here (April 2020) and month two here (May 2020)! But be sure to come back here so we can catch up when you’re done. hehe!

Grab a drink, and let’s chat!

 
 

This month’s been all about getting settled into our new home in Texas (we moved for the Army), learning the area, exploring, celebrating Father’s Day, celebrating our 9 YEAR ANNIVERSARY…do whattttt, and preparing for daddy to leave for 3-4 months of training. (insert sad face here) We also got to have Blake’s dad in town which was so good for our souls to see family again!

So let’s get to it! Let me show you around our new place, a little of what we’ve seen around Texas, and share some incredible memories with the family.

(The girls’ sandals are linked here, the girls’ outfits are from Indy and Pippa, and my outfit is from Lullaby Club)

 

First thing’s first…we made it to Texas!!! We’re nestled in a small town outside of Fort Hood, about an hour from Waco (OH YES HEY JOANNA!!!) and an hour from Austin! YEAAAAA ATX!!!

 

One of my favorite things about being here is seeing all of the desert plants everywhere! Talk about picture backdrop heaven hehehe!

 

Of course, when we got to Texas, we got In-N-Out, because why not? ha! The girls loved it! Obligatory selfie of course. paha!

 
 

The girls and I arrived first before Blake did, so we had about 2 weeks to get settled into the house! Which by settled in I mean we set up our backyard and ENJOYED THE TEXAS SUN like nobody’s business! ha!

We don’t plan on doing much with the house as far as renovations go, but we do plan on extending the back patio/roof so I’ll be sure to share progress shots of that!

The water slide is linked here! It’s been our saving grace this summer!!! And we love our blow up pools, linked here!

 

These are some of my favorite pics of the girls this month! They are having a blast with all this sun!

 

We got to see/meet some of our favorite (and not so favorite haha) friends! The day I got here I found a tarantula by our front door, and that took some getting used to…especially after I found numbers 2 and 3 as well hahaha! But I’ve learned that they are so kind. So we just let them be!

We also got to see JOC JOC AND SWEET BEAUTIFUL BABY LILY RAE!!!!!! And our sweet EMMY AND LANDON! And we got to watch my handsome nephew graduate 8th grade online! So many fun memories!

 

We are a food family, that’s for sure, and love trying new places! Thanks to my dear friend Porshia who’s from San Antonio and super familiar with the Hood area, we’ve been able to try so many places! (Including learning all about H.E.B. which I am OBSESSED WITHHHHHHH to say the least!)

This month we had Home Slice pizza (a must!) Whataburger and JuiceLand (where the peachy green drink is my all time favorite jam now). I also have been making summer salads at home and endless blueberry + banana french toast! Food’s been great this month!

 

BUT OUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT OUR NEW HOUSE?!?!?!

 

IS PRACTICALLY IN OUR BACK YARD!

 

THE LAKE!!!! WHERE WE CAN’T GET AWAY FROM! There’s so much room and hardly anyone ever there, and boy oh boy it’s been the best time for our souls. Thankfully I’ll have this while Blake’s away this summer and beyond. So grateful for God’s creations.

 
 

Our bestie Haley from Indy and Pippa launched some new summer sets and we’ve had so much fun in them all summer so far!!! They’re our favorites to wear! So comfy and lasts for so long because of their oversized fit!

 
 

And another sweet friend Kelsey from No Small Miracle has been launching the sweetest stuff all summer long too!!! We love the sweet baby dolls and accessories we’ve received from her shop!

 

I’ve really been putting my health first this month, and working out every day, which has truly felt so so good. I have stopped caring about counting calories and watching the scale, and instead I’m embracing my body for what it is. I’m finally proud and content with the woman in the mirror. I feel healthy, and that is truly what matters most. I wanna be able to play ball with my grandkids one day.

 

And finalllyyyyyyy we got reunited with daddy halfway through the month and we missed him so much!!! I’d show you the video of the girls seeing him for the first time, but I didn’t realize Hadley had no panties on and she flashed the camera hahahaha!

 

The girls made Blake these little canvases for Father’s Day all by themselves so that was super special. We also got Bella some new toys to welcome her back home too!

 

We made a Starbucks stop in The Domain in Austin and LET’S JUST SAY I’M IN LOVE WITH THAT PLACE!!! Blake shared his drink with Hadley and the pic I snapped is hilarious haha!

 

Another restaurant Porshia told us about was Hopdoddy and it too did not disappoint! We ate there for Father’s Day and we loved it! The girls were being so silly for pictures. We got it to go and ate outside all by ourselves which was our very first time in 4 months eating out, and that was weirdddddddd.

 
 

Our all time favorite family activity is neighborhood walks, which we really loved in Kansas, and we’re so happy to continue that here. Here’s the view of the lake from behind our house! It’s so beautiful here, that’s for sure!

 

Here’s daddy’s first trip to the lake with the girls! Let’s just say they love LOVE having daddy home haha!

 
 

Daddy snapped some pics of the girls and I while we were out and about and I sure do love these pics with them. Motherhood has both wrecked me and raised me this month, but when I stop and thank God for these tiny little blessings, I realize just how Blessed I am.

 

And now for a tour of our house!!! This is the mirror in our front entranceway, and yes! OUR FLOORS ARE CONCRETE! HOW COOL IS THAT!!! I’ve always seen it on pinterest and never thought we’d get the chance to have a home with them, but thank you Texas!!!

We have had the same furniture in our house for the last 9 years since we got married, so this year we upgraded a lot of it. That allowed us to sell a lot before we moved too! We plan on this furniture lasting us our final 10 years in the military, so it was fun to redesign the home together…but it was sad saying goodbye to furniture that’s been with us since the beginning of us!

 
 

Here’s some more pics of the entryway and little Hadley posing because HELLO MOOD! haha! Bella’s corner also cracks me up haha! She’s so spoiled. My mom’s friend drew us that pic of her! YES DREW. How crazy is that!?

Our entry light is linked here, and we love it!!! It also comes in gold!

 
 
 

Another favorite little spot is this rug by our back door!!! I ordered it with this peace bowl for the girl’s play kitchen and I highly recommend both of them!

 
 

Another favorite little spot in the house is this archway to the bedrooms on the other end of the house. Which btw it’s our first time in a ranch style house and we LOVE IT!!! I love not having a second story so so much!!! These little wall weavings were from a small coffeeshop in Kansas that I got before we moved, and I’m so happy to have them displayed here. I love the story behind them so much and that they were handmade!

 
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This is a little picture wall above our piano, and I have to get the pictures reprinted but we love it so far! I’ll be adding a few more frames to each end as well.

 

Here’s our cozy little fireplace nook. I can’t wait to see garland up there for Christmastime with a tree by the fire! I think we’re gonna paint this white too! (Well, if I can convince Blake!)

 

And here’s the living room!

Our tv console is linked here.

Our couch is linked here.

Our ottoman is linked here.

And sadly our rug is not available anymore. :(

 

Our dining area is a work in progress, and we’re still waiting for our dining light, but here it is thus far. Lot’s of work to be done.

 

Our bedroom is super simple, which I love, but we still have work to do. Here’s a progress pic!

 

We upgraded the girls’ play kitchen too! I’ve been eyeing this one for awhile because the last one was just too large to keep moving and I love that this one is all one piece! The quality is wonderful and it was much quicker to put together. It’s definitely pricier, but it was kinda our present to the girls for the new home, new lives, new school (maybe), new friends, etc. We know they’ll make tons of memories with it here and beyond!

It’s linked here!

 

The girls’ bedroom was one of the first rooms I got ready, andddd I am not the biggest fan. It’s way too busy and cluttered. Soooooo there will likely be changes over the next few months, but for now here’s Hadley’s princess corner, their reading nook, and Everly’s CRAZYYYYYYY dino corner hahaha!!!

You can shop the Believe in the Magic poster in our shop!

 

And to end the month off, Blake’s dad came and stayed with us for a week and it was FABULOUS HAVING HIM HERE!!! Wait, are these guys brothers or father and son? hehe. We toured Blake’s stomping grounds on post and got to see the airfield a bit where he’ll be working when he gets back from training too!

 
 
 

We also got to take him to our lake, which my word we had so much fun with him there! Can’t wait to take his mom and my mom there as well! The girls love their grandpa!

 
 

But to end on the best note.

I got to celebrate 9 years with this man. We got to kiss in the lake, and he squirt me with a toy water gun just like he did 9 years ago on one of our first dates at a lake in Alabama. I was lucky then, and I’m even luckier now. I jove you BRH. Here’s to the future, and next year blessing us with a decade together. Wow.

 

So there ya have it! Month three down, and I’m still loving this time away from social media. I truly think everyone needs to do this. I’ve realized how unhealthy it was in so many aspects of my life, and I’m grateful the Lord called me to rest.

But this time with COVID is just wild, isn’t it? I just don’t know what’s to come for the girls’ school and whatnot this fall, and it’s driving my planning anxiety crazy. However, I am generally way less risky when it comes to health stuff, especially when it involves the girls because they do both have weakened immune systems with their health issues. Therefore, I’d much rather be safe than not. We have no idea if we’re gonna homeschool or not, but it sounds like Texas is giving parents the option to keep kids home or send them to school. Such crazy and scary times. The girls just keep asking for their old friends back and for all the people that are sick to get better, and it truly breaks my heart every time they cry because they miss the way life once was. This just isn’t fair. It’s all just a bit sad, huh? It’s crazy to think that these same insecurities, fears, pressures, anxieties, stresses are the same ones my relatives are dealing with in Korea, and all the people across the world are dealing with. When in our lifetime have we ever been able to say that, ya know? That something has affected ALL of us the same.

Honestly, my heart just breaks for my girls and other kids who just wanna be with their friends. My heart breaks for teachers who just wanna see their students. My heart breaks for the playgrounds that just wanna have kids swinging, and sliding, and twirling all around. My heart breaks for families who just want to be reunited. I just want things to go back to the way they once were, but alas…this is life.

And together, we will adapt and overcome.

I was in Target the other day, and getting emotional as per the usual.

I stood there looking around at everyone with their masks on, keeping their distance. How we’ve all just adjusted our lives in an instant to this new normal, this new way of life.

And as I stood there tears filled my eyes, because for the first time it really really really hit me. To see how resilient our nation is. How we, in 2020, are dealing with a pandemic like we’ve never dealt with before, and we’re doing it. We’re learning, we’re changing, we’re growing. Are there bumps in the road? Of course. But we are doing it, and we will continue to do it…I just know it. It may not seem like it now, but I just feel deep down we will come out of this stronger than ever before.

I know we tend to see and hear how far we have to go, and don’t get me wrong…we have a long ways to go…but can I just say for a second how proud I am of how far we’ve come?

I know there’s so much work to be done, and I will continue doing that hard work too, but hey you! Whoever you are reading this. Know that I am so proud of you and everything you do every day to help our nation win this fight.

Thank you for your sacrifices day in and day out.

Thank you for learning and growing with me.

Together, we can do this. Hang tight friend.

Oh and hey, wear your masks. ;)

Well, I guess I’ll end there.

I’m halfway through this break and this journey, and I’m loving every minute of it.

Be well, be still, and be safe.

XX,

Amy

anddddd HEY P.S.!!!

 

I’ve worked two days this month, and one of them you can see here. I sat outside at The Domain in Austin all by myself and worked on my dreams. There’s so much ahead for The Ever Co that I can’t wait to share. But for now know that our shop is now live with what we have left from the error sale! There’s more information there, but if you have any questions leave a comment below or email me! Thank you for supporting us!!!