School Bound

Last Tuesday, our E girl started "school" (aka: Mom's Day Out) once a week!

She was so excited and so brave, 

didn't even cry when mom left and as soon as I picked her up she told me all about her day!

I asked her, "Emersyn, what did you do at school today?"

Her response: "Lunch…. Snack…. Gym…. Bikes." You know, all the good stuff. 

Today is her second day and I am just so thankful we found this program.

It's so refreshing for my spirit to have one day that I know I can get things done.

Cleaning, cooking, errands… I save the big things for Tuesdays.

 Then, I can really enjoy the rest of the week with her without any stress hanging over my head.

 It's truly magical.

Here are a few snapshots from E's first day:

And today while packing her lunch, I found this little treasure folded up inside:

Ok seriously, CUTEST. DAD. EVER.

#ilovehim #thebestgirldad 

Also, can I just say how excited I am that tomorrow is OFFICIALLY Fall?!

#fallelujah #myfavoriteseason #pumpkineverything

Xoxo,

D

Emersyn's 2nd Birthday

Our sweet E girl turned 2 on September 4th!

We celebrated with a weekend full of fun that included: a teddy bear tea party with her friends, pizza and cupcakes with one set of grandparents, a trip to the MN State Fair, and dinner again with her other set of grandparents! We believe in birthday weeks in this house ;)

Here are some photos from Em's birthday weekend!

A little note to our birthday girl:

Emersyn,

We are so thankful for the two amazing years we have spent with you.

You make us smile every day. We love your sweet, silly, sassy little self. We love that you literally kiss and hug every single person you see. We love that you dance whenever music is playing. We love that you are fiercely independent. We love that you are into all things girly: your purse, your jewelry, headbands, bows, and of course dress up. You always ask if we can pray and we know you already love Jesus. We love how candy, donuts, and ice cream instantly make you light up (just like us). You are so smart and have a remarkable memory. You amaze us every day and we are so blessed to be your parents. Keep shining bright, baby! We love you so much! 

Xoxo,

D

*Huge thank you to Metallic Gorilla for creating the ADORABLE "Two" shirt that Emme wore throughout her entire day! Mamas, check them out for customized tees for your littles!*

Splurge/Spend/Save: Backpacks

With my little lady going to "school" (a one-day per week mom's day out program)

for the first time this fall,

I have been on the search for a cute but functional backpack for her!

I figured it was time for another installment in my Splurge/Spend/Save series, 

so what better to feature than backpacks?!

Here are three of my current faves for my little cutie:

1. Splurge ($59.50): JCrew Tulle Backpack

Like seriously?! How stinkin' amazing are those ruffles?! Fancy but functional, this JCrew bag is my fave if you're willing to spend a few extra bucks!

2. Spend ($24.50): Pottery Barn Kids Fairfax Backpack 

This is actually what we decided to purchase for our little E. I love that they have a Pre-K size which is perfect for my two-year old (although the thought of her with a giant backpack weighed down to the floor is adorable!) I love how this bag has several pockets and clips to attach a lunch bag on to the front. I did get a great deal on this bag plus free shipping during a recent promo!

3. Save ($19.94- Sale for $15.00): Old Navy Patterned Backpack

I was SHOCKED at how many cute bags I found at Old Navy! Neons, florals, aztec prints.... and my favorite of course- CHEETAH! These are at a crazy good price point and you could probably even get this for even cheaper with some of the great back-to-school coupons and extra savings going on. They even have matching lunch bags for $5!

What backpacks do you mamas love for your littles?

Xoxo,

D

Traveling with Littles

One thing that we really love to do in this family is travel.

Whether near or far, it is one of our favorite pastimes.

Both my hubby & I agree that we love to explore new places and that we would rather share experiences together than get tons of gifts and things. This is something I hope we can carry on as I would love to look back on a life with tons of family experiences rather than tons of stuff. #partofitismyocd #cleanfreak #tossallthethings 

We traveled a lot together from the time we were married until we had Emersyn. Living in Europe will do that to you ;) It was an amazing time and I will forever cherish those memories! However, we are determined to travel just as much with children. I know people say "Traveling with kids is so much work!" "It's not even a vacation with kids!" "It's just the same as being at home if I'm still having to take care of them!" All to which I say yes, it is quite a bit of work (and we have definitely enjoyed a vacation alone a time or two!) It isn't always relaxing and you definitely don't get to lounge by the pool with your headphones. However, we have found many ways to make vacationing with a little so much more enjoyable & FUN! Here are a few of my favorite tips for traveling with your kiddos:

1. Look at every inconvenience as a blessing.

We have found that vacationing opens up the door to late bedtimes, early mornings, missed naps, random mealtimes, tested patience.... you name it! These things can seem like inconveniences especially compared to the super-structed lives we live day-to-day at home. But we have found that some of these inconveniences have lead to some of the most beautiful memories. For example...

Emersyn didn't sleep all night in Duluth. We decided to get out of the hotel at 6:00am and walk Lake Superior's shores. Not a soul was out there and we got to witness this. Insane beauty we would have missed if we would have been sleeping. 

Due to the time changing, Emersyn woke up way too early in Florida. We enjoyed quiet mornings on the balcony that we also would have missed.

#perspective #notalwayseasy #butalwaysworthit

2. Distractions are your friend.

Oh, distractions. They really are lifesavers in times of desperation! We have done both car and plane trips with Emersyn and have found that these little guys are vital to a great trip. You want to stick stickers all over the seat in front of us? SURE! You want to buckle and unbuckle your backpack over and over? GO AHEAD! These little distractions can end up taking your little one's attention for moments if not minutes, even if they seem obnoxious to you. Also, it is worth mentioning that the Target dollar spot is your BFF for engaging activities that don't cost a bunch! We have purchased light up toys, Slinkys, coloring books, bouncy balls, etc. from the dollar spot and they have never disappointed us!

Sure, stand on the chair!

Carry-on approved! 

3. Don't feel confined by nap time.

Let me be the first to tell you that I am RIGID when it comes to naps at home. I mean like when 1:00 hits, my child is in her bed no if's, and's, or but's. However, on vacation, we have found it sooooo freeing if we forget about naps. Instead of feeling like we have to pause whatever we are doing to get back to the hotel from 1-3pm, we have found that its so much easier to just stay out and let them nap in the stroller or just have an earlier bedtime. If they are tired, they will sleep! We have found it insanely enjoyable also when Emersyn does sleep in the stroller and we can enjoy a coffee or snack together... almost like a date!

Cab snoozin' in Chicago

Beds were only for playing in in Wisconsin Dells

4. Rely on others. 

I cannot stress this enough. There is 99.9% of the time someone available to help you while traveling. Whether it be the hotel providing you with a fridge to store snacks, a helping hand to get your bags to the room, or even a little water bottle to hydrate your kiddo, we have found that those working at hotels, attractions, and airlines usually go above and beyond to assist families. We have had a concierge give us cookies, a flight attendant give us stickers, and people at some of our favorite tourist spots offer to take photos/set up highchairs/distract our kid for a couple seconds/etc. Use these people! They are here to help and to help you de-stress on your vacation!

Disney has brilliant employees that take amazing candid photos like this one! 

5. Dress comfortably. 

The worst thing ever is when you're uncomfortable or your kids are uncomfortable traveling. We always wear tennis shoes, loose fitting pants or dresses), and plenty of layers. You never know when a place is going to be super hot or super cold! Especially with diaper changes (or even potty training), its also important to dress simply. You never know when you'll be changing a diaper in your stroller in the middle of Disney World ;) #iknowfromexperience #sweatpantsforthewin

Athletic pants & a comfy tee plus a jean jacket for chilly nights worked wonderfully in Disney! Oh and of course, Minnie ears for the win ;)

A light windbreaker and comfy shoes (insert shameless love for Natives here) were perfect for The Bean in Chicago!

What are some little survival tips you have for traveling with kids?

I would love to know them before we head out for our next trip in October!

Xoxo,

D

"Dancing Through Life" by Candace Cameron Bure

As some of you may know, I was selected to be apart of the launch team for Candace Cameron Bure's new book, "Dancing Through Life" about her journey on Dancing With The Stars. I was honored to be selected as I love Candace not only for her acting roles but for who she is as a women. She's a strong woman of God and I admire her boldness and courage to share the Gospel even when it is not popular in Hollywood. Here is a little Q & A based off of some of the themes presented in the book:

      

• Chapter Eleven is titled “Crossing the Finish Line” and shares some insight into the endurance and strength Candace needed mentally, physically and spiritually to finish Dancing with the Stars.
• The same is true in life - we often have to prepare ourselves to walk through many unexpected and difficult circumstances. Share a time when you’ve had to do so.
• How did you respond initially to your circumstance? It was very unexpected and difficult when we found out that Ethan was being deployed only 6 weeks after we got married. I was not prepared for this at all, but it was the only choice I had to be strong. Initially, I was anything but strong. I was upset, mad, and fearful. It felt undeserved that someone who just got married would have to be apart for a whole year. It was definitely the hardest thing I had had to deal with up until that point in life.

• What did you learn in your journey? Through my journey, I learned so much about God. I felt his love and care for me even in the times that I was lonely. I felt encouraged by the prayers of others. I learned that God is a compassionate God who wanted to hold me in his arms during my times of despair. I also learned that I had a choice to be joyful or downright miserable for a year and I was firm in choosing JOY!
• How did your journey help you see God more clearly and trust in Him more completely? I saw God so clearly during that time and I really had no other choice but to completely trust Him. I trusted he would bring Ethan home safe and I trusted that he would help me wake up each morning with a positive outlook even in my dire circumstances. 

• What are practical steps others can take during a situation like this in a way that is encouraging, authentic and helpful?
  It really helped me to take the steps of 1) turning to God in my pain 2) asking Him to give me strength when I felt weak and helpless 3) trusting that this was his plan for our lives and 4) thanking him for giving me this trial even though it was so painful because it only deepened my love for him and for my husband! These things I did daily and without them I'm not sure I would have stood as strongly as I did that year!

This post was inspired by Candace Cameron Bure’s new book, Dancing Through Life: Steps of Courage and Conviction. Order your copy of #DancingThroughLife today!

Xoxo,

D

Emersyn's 23 Month Update

My little chick is twenty three months old today!

We are officially in party planning mode for her big two year old bash!

Miss Personality sure is keeping us entertained these days and we just love this age!

Age: 23 months

Stats: Approx. 30 lbs

Favorite Foods: Do cake pops from Starbucks count? HA! She asks for them every time I drive by one! #ivecreatedamonster. She loves grapes, cheese, macaroni, Veggie Straws, pizza, berries, avocados, and pancakes.

Words: Tons of new ones every day! My fave is listening to her try to say "swimsuit" ;) She also says "home", "house", "bus", "truck", "wet", "mess", & "rain" as of this month!

Activities: 

Loves bouncing on her new trampoline! Still enjoys taking care of her baby dolls and playing with her dollhouse. Loves playing outside and enjoyed her first bonfire at Papa's house last weekend (she loved the roasted marshmallows, of course!) We are loving summer activities and are already trying to mentally prepare for fall/winter approaching!

Favorite Things: Loves Buzz & Woody from Toy Story, her favorite show is Little Einsteins, loves her rain boots & tutu (which she likes to wear at the same time) ;)

Signature Moves: Jumping, dancing, waving HI to everyone & blowing kisses goodbye, singing, still loves to give everyone hugs and just learned how to fist bump!

Mom's Proudest Moment: Seeing E's vocabulary just blow up these past few weeks! She's really becoming a little girl and not a baby anymore! Also- we are officially 4 days in to being pacifier free! WOOHOO! (She still takes it at night but still, huge step for her!)

Dad's Proudest Moment: He just loves enjoying his weekends off with her! He has had a couple daddy daughter dates with her and just loves being a girl dad!

Can't believe next time I post I will have a 2 YEAR OLD!

SEEEE-riously how does this happen?

Life is a just blink, ya'll!

Xoxo,

D

Summer Reads: Part 2

My Summer Reads series is back today and I am THRILLED to share these titles with you!

This summer, I have really been intentional about reading. 

When E was first born, reading was the last thing on my to-do list, however I have realized that it gives me so much joy to read and really is one of my favorite hobbies... so now I really try to prioritize it during my "me" time! (insert nerd alert here). I made it my goal to read 25 books this year and so far I am 13 books in! #newyearsresolutionstillgoingstrong #shockingiknow

Check out these amazing reads & also check out my account on Goodreads to read my recommendations and ratings on a whole bunch of my favorite books!

1. Dancing Through Life by Candace Cameron Bure

I absolutely loved Candace as DJ Tanner on Full House when I was growing up and I enjoyed watching her journey on Dancing with the Stars. This book reveals all that she went through behind the scenes of the show as well as many of her convictions on faith and family. This book holds so much great Biblical truth with very practical application and I really took away a lot from this book. I will be doing a full review on some of the themes from this book next week as I am on the official launch team so stay tuned!

2. The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

This mega-popular book made it into my hands and I finished it in two days. WOW. So much great wisdom on organizing and tidying! I wanted to basically start over and reorganize my whole house when I was done. The KonMari method is all about finding joy in what you have in your home and organizing things in a way that nothing is forgotten or goes unnoticed. I really enjoyed learning about this method and hope to apply some of these principles in our home! Definitely read this if you plan to do a big fall cleaning before back to school, it will help so much!

3. Let It Go by Karen Ehman

Those three words Let It Go made so popular by Frozen have a whole new meaning with this book. As women, I find that we have so many roles & jobs as the keeper of the home, mom, wife, friend, daughter... the list goes on! This book talks about letting go of the need to always control and plan and to really just give it all over to God. This book was a great reminder to me as I am definitely a super Type A personality and could let go in some areas for sure!

4. Savor by Shauna Niequist

This is actually a year long devotional that I am reading but I just adore this book. Shauna's life lessons are worded so beautifully just as many of her other books that I have read. She has such a gift with words and paints the perfect picture of the scenes she describes. Whether on family, love, loss, relationships, heartache, happiness, health, or finances, Shauna covers all the topics we deal with in life in this devotional. I highly recommend this if you are looking to start diving into a devotional!

5. The Fringe Hours by Jessica Turner 

Every woman needs to get this book like ASAP. Like read this blog post and get in your car and drive to Target and snatch this baby up (with a Starbucks too for added pleasure ;)) Seriously this book is so good for those of you like me that struggle with time management. As a mom and wife, I have many roles in my household that I love and enjoy so much that sometimes I forget to make a little time for myself. This book is all about how to use the "fringe" hours of your day to make a little extra time for you or to use those hours productively so that ultimately you can make more time for what you enjoy. This book is so practical and so easy to read- I just LOVED it! I have found myself making more time for me and realize how much that fills me up to do the things I am passionate about. Can't say enough good things about this treasure!



What are some of your current faves, fellow bookworms?

Xoxo,
D