Place it before God.

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

 Romans 12:1-2 MSG

Came across this verse and I loved it so much. It's so true isn't it? Friends I encourage you just as myself to walk in this. Just imagine the change that would take place in our life if we just placed everything we did before God. If we included Him in everything. I bet you 100% that we'd sure praise more and worry less. 

I encourage you today my sisters to place it before God.  your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. 

What are your thoughts on this verse??  

She will overcome.

A teething baby and feisty toddler who is figuring things out (sometimes the hard way) is what has been going on around here lately. It has been exhausting and probably the most challenging thing I have faced in motherhood thus far. My Liya is such a wonderful baby. Those instagram pictures are honestly no lie. But when she's teething she's miserable and just wants to be held 24/7 and even then she's fussy, biting, pulling, choking me, and clawing mama.. (I need to get this girl a "Caution" shirt. And Like Liya my Evelynne is wonderful. On the independent and feistier end however, I love them and I'm so proud of them. But like most toddlers she's come to a place in her life where she's trying to figure things out. Like "I wonder how loud I can scream until Mama gives me my way" and "I wonder what would happen if I don't listen?"
And because Liya is slowly getting mobile and awfully curious about Evelynne's toys Evelynne has become quite territorial. Oh, and did I mention that both Liya and Evelynne have been giving me nightly calls every few hours.. I think they take turns. ;)

Where I'm going at is there has been much caffeine, timeouts, pajama days, hugs, kisses and the feeling of a failure.

Last week it really hit me as Evelynne was seriously throwing the tantrum of all tantrums.. I thought "If I was a good mom, would my daughter really be acting like this?" I just couldn't get it out of my head the thought that I was doing something wrong and I was failing my daughter and causing her to act in such a manner..

And now, I do understand that those are all lies from the devil and if you've been struggling with that too. I want to remind you that you are a wonderful mom and God gave you this child for a reason and no way would He set you up for failure. He's got bigger and brighter plans for you.

Truth is. We're not perfect parents and we won't have perfect kids who are tantrum free. But we can praise our perfect Father who has already supplied the strength and tools we need to overcome.

I totally recommend that Holy Spirit should be every moms bestie. He is not just awesome but seriously, He has everything we need to survive and beyond. So, to brighten your week I thought I'd share a few scriptures that have kept me going that that the Holy Spirit has used to get me out of survival mode and transform into Over comer  mode.

Fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I AM your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you and I will uphold you with My Righteous Right Hand. -Isaiah 41:10

This one is one of my life verses and it still applies to me today. Knowing that God is with me and He's daily strengthening me, willing to help me and uphold me with His Hand is just incredible. Just a reminder that I can do all things through Him because He's with me. Which brings me to our next verse.

"I can do ALL things through CHRIST who strengthens me. - Phil 4:13
Those tantrums, the teething, the disobedience and the correcting.. We can do it as hard as it is.. I added the "correcting" because I have such a hard time disciplining. I think it really does hurt me more than it does her. But because I love her I do it. I love her enough to make sure she knows that it is not okay to behave like that..But with God I can do all things.

"There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." -Romans 8-1
Because I'm the first to admit that I don't have it all together. I make plenty of mistakes, and I even lose it sometimes. Which is why this is a perfect reminder for me to seek forgiveness and move on guilt free.

"In Christ are hidden treasures of knowledge and wisdom."-  COLOSSIANS 2:3

That wisdom and knowledge is in Christ and if I keep seeking Him He will show me everything I need to know about raising my children after His heart. Perhaps He'll even show me how to get Evie to eat her greens with a smile on her face. :)

"Come to Me all who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest"- Matthew 11:28-30

This is certainly a verse I try to quote every time I'm tired or weary or just done.. He's got us!
"But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." -1 Corinthians 15:57

Praise God that we have the victory!

Why I will not teach my daughters to love their body,

I've struggled with body image. My body image. When  I was a teenager I heard those voices in my head. Those voices telling me how fat I was and that my only hope was to starve my body and take weight loss pills. I gave into the lie that I wasn't enough, I'd never be beautiful until I was skinny(ier) and I wanted to make myself skinnier so I did what I could  to do that so I skipped meals, drank weight loss shakes, and took weight loss pills and doing so could have killed me because I wasn't fat and I didn't need to lose any weight and the fact I was putting all those harmful things into my body I'm so blessed that I'm healthy today.

 After having my first daughter Evelynne I lost a bunch of weight due to breastfeeding and everyone thought I was too skinny leaving me insecure there, too! I was at the point where all together  I was just insecure with how I looked. I didn't like how I looked then but I didn't want to gain weight either. Either way I felt under pressure because so many people had an idea of how much I should and shouldn't weigh. According to Hollywood I should be as skinny as possible and to everyone else I needed a little meat on my bones and one thing I've learned after being on both sides is that as long as my identity and happiness and security is in my weight and looks I will never be satisfied and I will never be happy. So, I stopped choosing my body and instead I chose Jesus who thinks I'm fearfully and wonderfully made.

I would not encourage my daughters or you to love your body and make that your reason to love and find worth in yourself because darling, your physical body will just disappoint you and here's why.

Say, you do work hard, eat right and finally you're dream body comes along. You have abs,and a great everything else and everything's great.. for a while. You're body will change whether you want it to or not. Maybe you'll have kids and if you do you might get stretch marks and truth is pregnancy just does so many things to your body that makes it different. It's so extremely worth it but you're body will never be the same again. And it's not a bad thing and certainly not something you should be ashamed of. 

And even if you don't have kids, you can't stop the process of growing old, getting wrinkles, and sometimes gaining or loosing weight isn't an option.. 

Our physical body isn't consistent and in my experience if what you see in the mirror defines your happiness and where you place your joy and identity than you will never be filled  because you will never feel beautiful in your own eyes because you will always see flaws and that zit on your face or pouch on your stomach will steal your chance to be happy with your body and that's not a good thing! This is why I believe loving your body is dangerous and will not be teaching my girls to love their body but instead I'll teach them something even better!

I'll teach them to love themselves. The person God created them to be and their identity in Him. I'll teach them to not focus on the physical but instead focus on their inner worth. Who they are and who they're becoming and who they want to be and leave the physical on the back burner.. Now, I'm not saying that I'm not going to tell my girls that they're beautiful. Of course I will! But that will not be my main focus and I don't want it to be theirs either! 

The Bible says "Charm is deceptive and beauty is vain but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised" -Proverbs 31:30. 

Even the Bible talks about physical beauty and how focusing on that is harmful and yet, that's what this world is about.  in other translation it speaks of beauty as something that does not last, it fades and that it's fleeting.

Definitely something that should not be our main focus despite what the media says. I've found and experienced that the only thing that body image obsession gets  you is unhappiness, insecurity and never feeling enough and not just brings harm to you emotionally but physically as well. 

My prayer for my girls and all women as well is that we can look in the mirror saying "I look amazing and I am amazing!" not because we are at our goal weight, we're flawless and we have abs but instead I want us to see ourselves that way because of Jesus! He made us beautiful, His love for us never ends and the beauty He placed in us is flawless and it never fails! Lets focus on His beauty today friends and for goodness sake stop focusing on the fact that Princess Kate looked so perfect coming home from the hospital after giving birth and how we wish we looked that good.. Am I really still hearing about that? 

Much love!

Making grocery shopping with my two year old a happier expierence.

    I must admit I'm one of those weird people who love grocery shopping (most of the time) That's if I do it in the mornings that is. I feel like grocery shopping is so much more peaceful in the mornings when no ones there trying to push you out of the way, completely ignore the fact that you're trying to get by and they have their cart right in the middle of the walking way, and to be honest some people are just rude.. But that's okay, because I love everyone ;)

But I do love it. I love writing a grocery list, going to the store, looking for great buys and getting food. I don't know why, but I do. However, there are some crazy things that happen during grocery shopping.. Especially when there's a cool, crazy, mobile toddler in the picture who sees things she wants, knows what she wants and will use that will of hers to try and get it. All while leaving me just putting random things that's not on my list to just get out of there before you run into someone you know! .. true story.

So friends, here are some ways I've learned to keep my little bestie occupied while doing my thing. 

1. Go in the morning// I usually try to go grocery shopping before noon. Like I said earlier, I feel like it's so much more peaceful and less rushed that way. I can luxury walk through the aisles and pick up what's on my list without anyone walking too slow, trying to run me over or the kind people who like to stop in the middle of the aisle while they take five minutes to choose between JIFpeanut butter or Skippy.. The lines to check out aren't as long either and I rarely have a line when I shop around 9-10.

2. Pack entertainment and snacks// Evelynne usually never asks for things when I come prepared. I pack a little coloring book with crayons so she can color while I shop. For snacks I usually pack things she likes like Fruit snacks, Horizon graham crackers, juice boxes and fruit to keep her occupied from the cookie aisle. 

We do have a special thing we do though, I take her to the craft section and let her pick out a 50 cent wooden craft she can paint when she gets home.. That little thing makes her happy throughout our grocery shopping experience.

3. Go to the park before// Sometimes I take Evelynne to the park before we go to the store to tire her out a bit which helps her to want to sit in the cart and not get out.. Because we all know that's a horrible idea!

4. Get them involved// If you have a toddler who loves to be included maybe you could let her help by giving her options.. I often let Evelynne choose what fruit she wants, or would she rather have honey grahams or chocolate grahams. I think it makes her feel included and happy that she's being included plus it can be a bonding moment.

   

 

Have a grocery list that's in order// I have a plan every time I go shopping. When I go I start with non perishable firsts, then I go to dairy and fruit afterwards. And I try my best not to back track. I always go there with a list or else I'll forget something and come back with things that I didn't plan to get... like those sweeties. Which brings me to my next thing....

Don't go hungry// It's a no brainer, really. Just don't do that to yourself!

Link up with us and share ways you make grocery shopping a happier experience in the link below.  We'd love your advice and mommy skills.

In this link up we want to share with you what we've found that has worked for us as new mamas to toddlers. Because we're experts  after being moms for a few years or so, right? Not really, but we have some experience and want to share what we've learned and we'd love to learn from you, too!

               Here's our Hosts for this round!

A Beautiful Ministry

You are more

The life of Faith

Our Family Grace

My delicious adventure

Here are the topics we will be talking about this Month!

April 2nd. Spring activities and craft ideas for toddlers.

April 9th.  How  you keep your toddler occupied while grocery shopping.

April 15th.  Potty Training.

April 22.Ways to distract a toddler while you're cooking/cleaning etc.

April 29th.  Clothes shopping for your toddler. (Where do you get the best deals, where do you shop, how do you save money) etc

Tips for meeting Mommy friends.

Face it.. When we become moms a lot of the time we have no social life. except maybe the few minutes we have on facebook and Instagram here and there.. And when we do go out with old childless friends it can get kind of awkward at times due to the fact they're sitting there telling you all about their life while you're trying to calm and pay attention to your toddler (unless they're like some of my childless amazing friends who buy Evie cookies and love on her!) Honestly though, whether or not your childless friends are amazing (like mine) You NEED Mommy friends. Because sometimes nothing feels better then getting together with friends who also have kids around your age to entertain each other so you ladies can have social time to talk, drink coffee together and encourage one another.

When I first had Evelynne my only friend who was a new mom as well lived in NC at the time. We were actually prego buddies. So I often felt quite lonely at times because I felt like I had no one who understood me and what I was going through as a new mom.

And then when Evelynne was about four months old I ran into a mom on one of our walks and her oldest daughter who was the cutest thing walked up and talked to me telling me how cute my baby was which led her and I to small talk about our kids, how old they were and exchanging adorable baby compliments. She has a son that's only three months older than my Evie and from there on we've grown from being play date buddies to actual friends.She gave me my first taste of  what a play date was and how fulfilling  it was for a mom and the kid too! After our first play date I remember Evelynne taking a 3 hour nap.. Which has never happened before! I was a fan.

Since then it has been a main goal of mine to build a community and just befriend as many moms as  I could. It's so much fun (when the moms are down to earth that is) It's really hard for me to enjoy conversations when moms are all about correcting other moms.. If you're one I still love you, though!

I've been asked many times on how I make Mommy friends so easily.. So, I thought I'd share it with all the Mommys in the world.

Honestly. it's really simple.. I think the only reason why it's so hard for many of us is because we're either shy, too consumed with our kids, we feel awkward just randomly talking to other women, ooor we've been under a cave for so long that we've  forgotten how to socialize! So, with that being said here is some advice.

1. Get out//  Parks, gyms, libraries, mommy and me classes. Go to their watering hole. Places like that where we are almost forced to socialize can make it so much easier to make friends.

2. Start a conversation// Or at least try too. If you're pushing your kid on the swing right next to a mom who is pushing her kid on the swing who looks around the same age as your kid talk to them. start out by saying "He's so cute! How old is he?" and see where the conversation goes from there. You could always make a statement on how nice the weather is today, or where did you get your kid's shoes? they're so cute!" We moms always like to hear that our wardrobe choice is appreciated.  ;)
Small talk can easily turn into a play date opportunity however if it doesn't, don't loose heart. Truth is most of us moms are desperate for a good mommy friendship just as much as you are! Seeee!!!

3. Start a group// I haven't done this, yet! But I do plan too once we move and get our own place. Maybe you could put an add out there or join a group from Mops  or Thrive moms or look into a group in your community that is already leading one.


Aaaaaand I'm just throwing this out there! I believe every mom should start a blog! You know, that's if socializing and writing is your thing. ;) I've met so many amazing mamas through blogland that have not only become my sisters but have filled me so much!

A coffee & date Target with my Little Darlings.

Evelynne has had some big changes come her way in the last few months and she's about to experience another change as we move into a new place for the first time. 

I'm so proud of how much she embraced this change and not only accepts her role as a big sister but loves it. Every morning when she comes downstairs and Liya isn't down there she asks me to go get her. Liya's super blessed to have a big sister like her.

However, I felt it was time to take her out and lavish on her a bit. I think when a second kid comes into the picture it is super important to make sure you stay in tune with your oldest child. Talk to them, ask them how they're doing and make sure they know how much you love them and how proud of them you are.

Since I can't have a deep conversation with Evelynne yet (considering she's two) about her new role and how she's dealing with it I try my hardest to keep in tune with her body language because especially when it comes to kids actions speak louder than words. 

She was having more meld downs  than usual, and threw very strong fits when she didn't get her way. 

I really think the cold weather has something to do with it however, I think her needing one on one time with Mama bear was something she needed also. We both did. 

So last week I took her on a Starbucks/coffee date.

 

 It was wonderful spending time with my babies. Sitting there at Starbucks sipping my hot latte with Evelynne while she gulped her Vanilla milk brought me to thinking just how special these coffee dates really are. 

Today We're sitting here as she tells me a majority of things in toddler language and is just being silly.

In about three years we'll be talking about her first day of school. 

In about 12 years we'll be going out to buy her pre-teen clothes and even make up 

15 years from now we'll be talking about boys 

and maybe 20 years from now sitting in a coffee shop we'll be talking about the one she'll be marrying. 

Gah.. I'm getting emotional just thinking about it!! 

What I'm really saying is I want to treasure each and every date with my daughter. Because every one will be different as she continues to get older, smarter and more adventurous and even more hilarious. 

We also did some Spring shopping while we were out... I just can't resist target sometimes with their cute hats and clearance racks! 30$ Dollar sweater for 12$? Don't mind if I do!

Pregnant with waiting for God's best.

 

My daughter is two months old now.. However I've had this post on my heart for a while now because ever since I experienced my last pregnancy with Liya I've had such a heart for pregnant moms. Especially with kids already.. 

When that clear blue pregnancy test confirmed "Pregnant" and the five ones after that made it official. I was so excited. Words couldn't even express. I was laughing, crying, daydreaming and I couldn't wait to actually show my  baby bump!

I'd sit around thinking about how small the baby is right now. I thought about how tiny her fingers and toes were. And then about a week later I remembered what pregnancy actually felt like.

I did.. I forgot what pregnancy felt like... Either that or my pregnancy with Evelynne was a walk in the park compared to my pregnancy with Liya. But considering I lost over thirty pounds puking my everything out with Evelynne.. I somehow doubt that. 

About a week after I found out I was pregnant I already started feeling tired and so sick. I wanted to know who on earth decided that eggs could be food and what were they thinking?! 

I found myself hugging the toilet several times a day. Not  washing my hair for five days and sleeping in the same clothes as long as I could because I didn't even have the energy to change or wash clothes for that matter.

Then you hit the second trimester.. You're still super tired however food went from being your worst enemy to your best friend.. And then you find yourself wanting Chick fil a, Five guys and Mexican food all in one sitting. And other then having to pee every five minutes things are going great. 

And finally the third Trimester. You're huge and you feel like a whale. At least I did. And you want to sleep all the time and you just want to be done.You're tired, wobbly, swollen, achy and that pregnancy tired brain is worse than a lack of sleep brain.

And then you finally know why you went through with pregnancy.

It is amazing how 7 pounds and 12 ounces can change your life. And how seeing that cute little beauty and holding her for the first time makes all those times of sleepless nights, uncomfortably, and all those times you couldn't even keep a cracker down worth it.

Experiencing this pregnancy while going through a season of waiting for the life and purpose God has put our family on this earth for  has helped me see pregnancy in a new light and could even relate it together.

Carrying a baby is a lot like carrying a purpose . . .It's like holding a dream. A calling and waiting for it to come to pass.

 It’s not  easy. It's painful and sometimes it makes us feel really sick to our stomachs. 

At times the load feels too heavy to carry and sometimes we can’t even see where we are going anymore thanks to the fact that we no longer can  see our feet and honestly, my sense of direction is so horrible when I'm pregnant.

However, It's during that time when we think to ourselves that we just can't make it. When the enemy tries to feed us lies telling us "All this hard work is for nothing"  And "All this will end out badly with disappointment and broken hearts" And it's when we think that we can  no longer do this, that we realize we can.

We live to fight another day, another month and months after that. God guides the way. Giving us His rest, His comfort and His strength. Our days turn into weeks.. Weeks turn into months... and before you know it our purpose grows and our labor produces harvest.

And finally we're holding that blessing. That promise. And we're finding that it was all very worth it!

I know quite a bit of you are pregnant now. And maybe some of you are carrying a burden, or waiting for the promise and the calling God has placed upon your life like my husband and I are. 

We are in the process of being released to be in full time Ministry. Yep, that means we'll be saying goodbye to the cop life and doing Ministry together as a family. We've been waiting for a while now however, I feel it in my heart that we're getting closer and closer to that time when God says "Now" and provides. 

It certainly is a pain waiting isn't? We just want it handed to us. And it feels like the pain is going to last forever. But this shall pass. Because that's what God promises.

It's not going to be easy. When you're running for the great stuff the process getting there is never a walk in the park. But it takes hard work and sometimes the hardest thing to do is wait. 

You're going to have days when you're done and you don't want to go any further and you just want to give up and stay in bed.. But you can't. You gotta fight for that blessing. You can do this because God has given you what it takes to do so. He has given you Himself and All He is.

So on days when you don't feel like you can take the pain of pregnancy/life/waiting practice confidence. Practice boldness and hold out your arms. They might feel empty today but later in God's perfect timing the seed you have sown today in your hard labor will bare much fruit and God's gonna hand you the blessing and babe, It's gonna rock your universe!

“Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning!”

Psalm 30:5

T'was the tantrum at Barnes & noble that will never be forgotten.

I just realized I never posted this story of the most embarrassment moment at Barnes and Noble that I will never ever forget and has almost kept me from showing my face there again... Almost. If only they're journals & planners weren't so amazing!

It was last  Summer. I was just over my morning sickness and wanted to take Evelynne to Barnes and Noble to look at some Big Sister books and I also wanted to pick up a new Planner for myself.. However, this experience didn't at all go as I planned...

It all started when I was looking at the rack of daily planners. Trying to find the right one when I happened to look beside me to find that my one year old ran off. While freaking out inside I tried to keep calm and called out for Evelynne. I remember the older gentlemen sitting there with his starbucks coffee and book looking at me as if I didn't have a clue and I honestly felt that way.

Thankfully I wasn't looking for too long until she popped out laughing!

"Evelynne you don't run off. You need to stay with Mommy" I said hoping she would listen.

I wish I could say it ended there.. but nope! Shortly after we came across a rack full of stuffed animals. unexpectedly she grabbed a arm full and threw them! Everywhere! I saw the employees and their concerned faces like "She better pick those up" and "Lady control your child!" And I was trying. Oh how I was trying but she seemed so uncontrollable at the moment. So I hurried and picked them up,  grabbed her by the arm and attempted to make it to check out because after what happened (so far) I didn't want to leave empty handed.. But maybe I should have?

The entire time we were in line she was determined to get away from me and run like the wind! She wanted to explore, go her own way and throw stuffed animals and play hide and seek.. But Barnes and Noble certainly isn't the place for that and people were making it obvious they wanted me to leave already so that they could continue to read and study while drinking their precious lattes.

But I wasn't giving up despite those judgmental facial expressions I was getting. As soon as we got to the check out Evelynne managed to run off when I was taking out my card. "Evelynne! Get back here!" And She refused while laughing and running behind the cashier.. Yep, you heard that right!

"No! Ev! Get back here! Sir I'm so sorry, I need to grab my kid." (As she starts running through the empty boxes)

"No problem! Happens all the time *laughs"

So, I grab Evelynne, pick her up as she kicks and screams and with my bought and paid for planner I walk out of Barnes and Noble feeling accomplished.. Well, sorta. More like humiliated. But thankfully no one recognized us the next time we were there and there were no crazy tantrums involved.
:)

Do you have any crazy/embarrassing/funny Mama stories?

The Beauty of Second-time Motherhood.

 

Our life is crazier. 

There's more laundry...lots more.

More dishes.

Less space. 

More exhausting.

More messes.

More coffee.

Less sleep.

And not enough time.

Our three has become four and we're complete.

I must say that I find having two girls incredible fulfilling and rewarding. There is a sense of purpose like no other.

I have found my time to be so much more special. Having kids has helped me say no more and yes to the things that really matter and are important. 

Motherhood inspires me to dig deeper, and to fight harder not just for the things I want but things that I believe in and want to do.

It has inspired me to dream bigger.

Second-time Motherhood in my experience is completely different then the first time Motherhood. I'm more tired, more busy, and getting out of the house has been super difficult and seems impossible some days with making sure they both have diapers, enough wipes, entertainment for Evelynne, snacks, juice, both bags that are stocked plus making sure they're both clean, changed and fed before we leave. However, once we're out and about it gets much easier (sometimes!) And I feel like every time we're getting much better at it.

I'm so much more confident! I much more empowered now to get more of what I want out of life. I no longer doubt myself or questioning if I'm doing things right. I'm so much more relaxed, free and happy despite the juggle and exhaustion that comes with Motherhood. 

I do feel like I have to fight a little harder to still be "Heather"  with all these roles as a wife and mom. During nap I do try to make time for me. Whether it's blogging, crafting or just sitting there in meditation with Jesus. To help me remember who I am and that I'm way more than just a wife and mama. However I love and enjoy these roles more than ever. I feel like they just get better and better with each kid.

I feel like Motherhood just gets better and better with each kid. I really do. Especially because nothing seriously warms the heart more when you see your two little ones loving on each other and savoring that moment as long as you can. I love their bond and their love for each other. I love how Evelynne is the big sister and that she is already crazy in love with Liya and is gentle and protective over her.. As if she knows her duties as an older sister. I love how Liya watches Evelynne. I love how she smiles at Evelynne while she's playing and looks at her intensely while Evelynne's in the room. I love it when Liya looks up to Evelynne when she's talking to her and holding her and I love that the first thing Evelynne asks when she wakes up is "Baby Liylee?" Oh be still my soul.

However,  I believe the hardest adjustment for me after having Liya was how much I miss spending time with My Evelynne all day. It's sometimes hard for me to accept that my time with Evelynne would now involve someone else. And that's okay. But there are definite moments where I miss the amount of time I was able to spend with her where I was  less distracted and trying to juggle everything. I really feel like Leon being off so much in the last month was a gift from God! Because of that it has made it so much easier for Leon and I to have one on one time with Evelynne which has helped all of us so much. I really believe one on one time with each of our girls in so important. Something new that Evelynne and I do is when we go grocery shopping I let her pick out a craft to paint and then we go home and paint it while Liya's napping. And when Leon goes out he always takes Evelynne with him.
 
 Evelynne loves playing "Mom" now. Everywhere we go she likes to take her baby with her. I plan on making her a baby carrier so she can have everything Moms need.

My postpartum body does look a lot different.. At least to me it does but that's okay. To me it was such a small price to pay for these beauties that call me mom. I've never been a bikini person anyways. However, ever since having Liya I've hated wearing jeans and can't make it through a full day of wearing them. I either change into leggins or yoga pants. Thankfully I can still look stylish in leggings and a cute dress perhaps? I just hope jeans and I aren't breaking up forever! Because I do still love the look of skinny jeans.

Tips on keeping a daily schedule when you're a mom.

I love living in routine. I love having my week, meals and plans all written out before the new week begins. I love being organized in that way because if I don't I'm usually all over the place and knowing I have things to do but not sure wear to start. I feel like I really need routine as a Mama. Not just for my sake but for my kids too! My sweet Evie bear has a independent spirit. She loves having an idea of what's going to happen next and if  we're out of routine gets really cranky and bored because she doesn't know what to expect. I've also noticed her mood is so much happier when we're on a schedule because mama knows what's she's doing too!

However, Since becoming a Mom, planning my days and sticking to them can be quite difficult some days. Not just because my  little ones are unpredictable but somedays I just don't feel like doing laundry today or mopping the floors. I'd rather sit, eat cookies and watch "Moms night out". Have you seen it?! She reminds me so much of myself. HEHE!

Anyways, here is a list of ways I help myself keep to a schedule during the week with babies.

1. Get up earlier and spend time with The Lord//
If you can of course! Before I was pregnant with Liya bear I used to get up at 4:00am every morning and spend time with my Main Man. I would get up, put some make up on and get dressed while having my worship session. I already felt awake and empowered before leaving my room with a good  mindset.
Afterwards I would make a healthy breakfast, with a nice cup of coffee and read the word and pray in the quiet. By the time Evelynne woke up I was ready for her to be awake and I was ready to start the day.

Now due to the fact I have a newborn who is still waking up at night I don't always wake up at 4. Right now my goal wake up time is 5-5:30Am to spend time with Jesus and I'm slowly working my way back to 4 because 5-5:30 really isn't enough time for me because Evelynne is an early bird so some days I'll wake up and she'll start calling for me the second I'm dressed.

2.Speak life over your day//
Have you heard the verse "Life & death is in the power of the tongue?" It's truth Mama. I've found that when I wake up declaring that "today" is going to be a great and productive day that it really becomes so.  But when I think to myself that I'm way too tired to face the day and I'll just stay in jammies and wait for tomorrow then that's exactly the day I get. A wasted day.

3. They're more like guidelines anyways//
As captain Barbossa from Pirates of the Caribbean would say. :) 
I was talking to Leon one day about my scheduling and he mentioned to me "What happens if your day doesn't go as planned?" I  responded "Well, as Captain Barbossa would say "They're more like guidelines."
Previously my daily planning and following those plans in order was a must! If I didn't follow through to every duty on that list I failed. My day was ruined. I know now that wasn't the greatest mindset of a scheduler because really, it doesn't all go as planned. Especially when you're a mom.  Some days you can help it. some days you can't. Just like kids, even days can be unpredictable. 
So, my daily schedule & food menu that I have hanging on my fridge are more like my guidelines. They're more like ideas of what I want my days this week to look like and if I want to be flexible and change my mind about doing laundry today and do it tomorrow knowing I will do it and I'll have enough time why not? Just make sure you do it!  

4. Be realistic// It's great to set big goals but don't get carried away in doing so in one day. Make sure you know you can get everything you have written done and that you have enough time in the day to do them. That was a lesson I had to learn the hard way.

5. Grace days// 
Be okay with Grace days! Meaning if something like this happens:
 

And your toddler breaks all the eggs and quickly starts to break out since she has a reaction to plain eggs... yea.. It was a grace day. What was supposed to be my cleaning day turned out to be a cuddle with your toddler on the couch and eat much chocolate day. You just gotta.

Those are some things that I personally find helpful when it comes to keeping your days as routine as possible with little ones. I hope it helps you! 

 In what ways do you keep a daily schedule possible with little people? 

 Now if you excuse me I'm gonna go get a cookie. =D

Liya Evangeline's Birth story. pt 1

 

It was December 20th when I was almost one week over due. Leon and I were headed to the Hospital to get some gel to soften up my cervix to hopefully get things started however, I thought I still had a few days until things happened considering I was dilated at all yet and the gel didn't work at all with Evelynne.  I really didn't expect to meet my daughter until that Monday since that was the day we were going to have an induction if the gel didn't work.

I left the hospital feel a little crampy thinking it was just a side effect from the gel. I was really uncomfortable but I kinda just brushed it off my shoulder, laid in bed and watched TV with my husband and quickly fell asleep.

It was around 12-12:30 when I woke up feeling quite painful contractions so I went into the bathroom to take a warm shower to see if it would help. I was not ready to give birth yet. I didn't even have my hospital bag packed all the way *facepalm! Way to be prepared I know!

Right when I got to the bathroom my water broke! I went into the bedroom, woke up Leon and told him "I think I'm in labor!!" Right as I said that even more fluids gushed out.

Right after I called my midwife telling her what happened and she honestly didn't think I was in labor just yet due to the fact by how quiet and calm I sounded on the phone (Note to self:  next time I'm in labor, make a huge screaming deal!) She said it was probably my mucus plug (gross!) and told me to take a warm bath to see if they go down and in a hour call her if they progress.

So that's what I did. I went into the bathroom and bathed in some warm water for about five minutes until I couldn't take the pain anymore. I was nearly screaming and the only thing that kept me from doing so was my sweet toddler in the next room sleeping peacefully. I'd hate to have her wake up to her mom screaming in the bathroom. However, she did wake up but Leon was able to lay her back down. Over all she was made at us for waking her up and not terrified a bit thank you Jesus!

It was about 15 minutes when I decided to call my midwife again and tell her "I'm totally in labor and I need to come in now!"

She then told me to come in.

That night was the first and most likely only night I can say that I appreciate Leon police driving speeding skills. He certainly knows how to beep his horn and drive 80 to 90 down the highway in a professional manner. And boy he was totally calm under pressure! I mean, it takes an amazing person to be able to drive that fast calmly with a screaming wife in the passenger seat.

AND THEN WE GET PULLED OVER BY A COP!!!

Yep, you heard that right! Can you believe it?

Leon pulls over and me sitting in my own little world asked him

 "Why in the world did you stop?" 

"Baby, I got pulled over but don't worry I'll make it super fast!"

As he jumps out of the car (you should never do that!!) And puts his arms up and says "Don't shoot! I'm a cop, I'm a cop, I'm a cop!!"

Then the Officer says in a totally confused manner "Okay, I hear you! What in the world are you doing?!"

"My wife's in labor!"

"Okay, go!"

And our 90 miles an hour continued.
Come back on Monday to read part two!

Click here to read part two

Liya's One week old!

 

I can't my sweet Liya is over a week old already! How can this be? She was actually a week old on the 27th of December however, I'm just glad I could find the time in my busy schedule to write her a one week post ;)

Liya is exactly how I pictured her to be. I saw a little calm angelic of a girl and that's exactly how I would describe her. As precious as can be!

She's so calm and quiet and sleeps literally all the time. Pretty much the only complaint I have is that almost every time I change her, right when I'm finished she decides she wants to go again! lol. Leon and I both agree that we think we go through many more diapers with this little one than we did with Evelynne.

I feel like the first week is the hardest week. Full of adjustments, lack of sleep, strong coffee, a toddler who loves her little sister but doesn't understand why mommy has to sit more than usual and can't pick her up and being forced to hand over the reigns of the home over to the husband for the time being so you can get your rest. Don't get me wrong, I love the fact that my wonderful husband is cooking us dinner, cleaning the house and getting up with Evelynne. I just miss doing it strangely. I guess now that I'm no longer pregnant and our newest daughter is finally here I want to take over the world!! Or just my house that is. ;)

However, I also feel like the first week is the most special. It's where Liya experienced most of her "firsts" Her first breathe, her first time being held and loved on by Mama and Daddy, Meeting everyone who loves her more than she will ever know, first diaper change, car ride, bath, feeding, being outside, doctor appointment. I'm pretty sure she experienced all  of the firsts she can until the major things like rolling over and crawling!

Dearest Liya,

I can't believe you are already one week old! This first week has went by super fast but I'm enjoying every minute. Even the late night feedings because it's the only time when it's just you and me. I just love to look at you during that time and pray for you. I love watching your eyes, kissing your face and just loving on you!

This week you have been such a quiet and calm baby. You have really been enjoying your sleep and you only wake up pretty much to eat and be changed and that's really the only time you cry too! We really couldn't have asked for a easier baby.

Your big sister Evelynne is so in love with you! She wants to hold you every morning and she stops what she's doing often to come and give you a kiss. You guys are already besties!