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

 

2023 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES

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I’m finally getting around to sharing our 2023 Holiday Gift Guides. I will be adding to it throughout the season, but I wanted to share some things here first in the event they go on sale for Black Friday or Cyber Monday! Here you’ll find easy shopping links below the images as well as a description of the image, should you want to know why I love them. Please note that these are affiliate links so I do receive a small commission if you choose to shop them. It takes a lot of time to curate these images and create these posts, so I greatly appreciate you shopping our links and supporting our business in this way. Have a beautiful holiday season and remember these are wants and not needs. I hope you find these posts helpful, but also remember you don’t need these things. Thanks for stopping by!

 
 

These are all items that I own and recommend. They’ve all been tested and loved prior to these recommendations!

  1. striped jammies - These come in options for the whole family, are very affordable, and are comfy! I sized up in my top and got normal size in my bottoms.

  2. disco tree - The perfect little sparkle for the home. Put it in a window that catches the sun and watch it bring instant joy to your mood.

  3. santa hat - Every lady needs a hot pink santa hat, just saying.

  4. gel nails - My number one favorite gift for any lady in my life. Affordable and so useful! I stopped going to get my nails done over a year ago and have saved so much money from doing so. I love being able to do them however I want, not having to worry about anxiety from nail filing pain, and being able to do them right before any event or outing should I need them done.

  5. a book to remember - This book really hit me in my feels and I think it’s a beautiful book of hope and love and friendship - a cozy read for the holiday season, winter, and new years.

  6. cozy throw - This throw is a splurge but it will be a favorite for years and years to come! It is so beautiful and warm!

  7. peppermint candle - My all time favorite year round candle that I stock up on during the holidays just to smell the subtle peppermint all throughout the year.

  8. reading light - This is my favorite reading light of all time because it goes around your neck and you don’t have to hold it which I love. It also comes in fun colors and is the perfect affordable gift for any book lovers.

  9. plaid weekender - This bag holds anything and everything, has so much room, and is perfect for a weekend away or traveling. I love the plaid design too!

  10. creamy blush - My number one favorite beauty product that I’ve been using for over a year. The creaminess is divine!

  11. peppermint lip mask - I also stock up on this during the holidays because it is so yummy and hydrating!

  12. platform boots - These are my favorite faux ugg platform boots. I love dressing them up and down, and they’re super cozy + true to size.

  13. facial sunscreen - My all time favorite face sunscreen that is glowy, SPF 30, non greasy, non comodogenic, reef safe, and with pollution + blue light protection.

  14. comfy flats - These cute flats come in multiple colors and are very comfy + tts. They are cute to dress up and down and i love the green velvet ones for the Holidays.

 
 

These are all of the items the girls will get for Christmas this year, except the gel nail kit and reading lights as we already own those. They will get four gifts each that they can share, and since we are going on a big family trip for Christmas this year we kept their gift budgets to under $100 each.

  1. puzzle - This is an affordable gift option for the puzzle lovers in your life.

  2. boombox - We have so many cds from our childhood that the girls love and we wanted to get them the new Taylor cd, so we loved this purple and pink option! It comes in other colors too.

  3. reading light - We already own these, but I highly recommend them for your little readers! They come in lots of colors and are easy to adjust based on neck size.

  4. gel nails - We already own this, but for anyone who loves doing their nails, this would be a great gift option! Adult supervision recommended for little ones.

  5. tiles - We are bigggg fans of tiles here, and the fact that these lit up and had marbles seemed like a fun option. They get amazing reviews.

  6. traveling legos - Legos are one of our favorite toys, so I loved that these came in a traveling case for easy on the go.

  7. skull crocs - Everly needed new crocs, and we loved this skull option in black and white.

  8. taylor cd - we’re definitely in our Taylor era over here, and I remember growing up how much I loved getting new CDs for Christmas and bdays. Let the CD collection begin!

  9. remote stunt car - This got amazing reviews and we got one for a friend for their bday this year and the girls loved it.

  10. wooden blocks - Blocks are something else the girls still love and use regularly, so we stocked up on these to add to their little cities.

 
 

The majority of these are items we own and highly recommend or there are items that I have planned to get Blake for Christmas, bdays, or anniversaries to come.

  1. large industrial hamper - If you’re like me and laundry piles up in places that it shouldn’t, here’s the hamper of our dreams. It could also be used for other things too!

  2. multihead screwdriver - One of our most used tools in the house. We keep it in our kitchen “everything” drawer so it’s always readily available and it would also be good to keep in a car.

  3. reading light - My favorite reading light to gift anyone. It fits around anyone’s neck, comes in multiple colors, and is a book lover’s dreamlight!

  4. neck fan - Wonderful for anyone who works outside a lot in the heat of summer, or who works in their garage. It’s also good for on the go for sporting events!

  5. floor fan - My husband’s favorite floor fan for working in the garage or for working out in the house. It also has a nice black metal industrial look.

  6. custom mug - An easy and affordable gift option that can be made custom for any special guys in your life. We love gifting these for the holidays, for bdays, for Father’s day and for special occasions.

  7. truck cargo hook - We got one of these with our truck bed topper, but it’s come in handy for so many other things too. It makes it easy to retrieve cargo and shopping bags and boxes in the back of a truck, but we also use it to hang wreaths and lights on high tree limbs or windows too.

  8. custom calendar - An easy and affordable gift option that can be made custom for any special guys in your life. We love gifting these for the holidays, for bdays, for Father’s day and for special occasions.

  9. ladder - One of my FAVORITE things that Blake has. He got this last year and what I love about it is how light it is. It’s easy for me to maneuver around the whole house and outside, and has an extra little compartment on top to hold anything I need like tools or paint.

  10. air fryer - We are an air fryer loving family, and Blake uses ours for quick meals very often. I love the sleek and modern look of this one, and it’s come highly recommended by many friends and family.

 
 

In the event you want a blank file to use for your holiday gifting, here is a blank copy!

 
 

In the event you want a blank file to use for your holiday gifting, here is a blank copy!

 
 
 

Thank you for shopping via our links and checking out the blog! If you found anything in here useful, please pin the image above so you can easily reference back to it in the future.

Happy gifting, Ever Co!

 

HOW TO KEEPSAKE PHOTOS

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SPOILER ALERT: I’VE GOT A 20% OFF DISCOUNT CODE FOR YOUR ORDER, IF YOU KEEP READING!

(it includes everything except gift cards and is good for new or returning customers; but just one use per person please)

I’ve shared this countless times on Instagram, but I’m fairly certain one of my greatest fears in life is losing all of my photos.

Sure that may seem a little materialistic, but when I think about all of the memories tied to those photos :

My baby pics - reminding me of my earliest memories with my mom and dad.

Softball pics - reminding me of my glory days.

High school pics - reminding me of some of my longest friendships.

College Army ROTC pics - reminding me of when my military journey began.

Family reunion pics - reminding me of when times were simpler and full of love.

My last pics with my daddy - reminding me of the good times with him, before he passed.

First date pics for Blake and I - reminding me how quickly we fell head over heels.

Bringing Everly into the world pics - reminding me of becoming a mama.

Bringing Hadley into the world pics - reminding me how strong both she and I truly are.

Our pups’ pics - reminding me that dogs truly are a man’s / woman’s best friend.

And all the pictures between.

 
 
 
 
 

HERE THEY ARE STYLED IN OUR KITCHEN

 

I can’t imagine losing those tangible memories.

When someone asks the cliche’, “so what would you grab if your house was on fire?”

My answer is always the same: “Aside from my kids and animals, I’d grab my photo albums, and my planner…so at least I won’t miss my dentist appointment.” hehe.

Truly, for anyone who loves and adores pictures, they’re such a huge part of our lives.

And if you’re reading this, I’m guessing they’re important to you too.

They say “a picture is worth a thousand words” and I firmly believe that.

It’s incredible how one still image can convey the fondest memories.

How it can remind you of the smell in the air that day.

How a facial expression can remind you of how happy you felt in that moment.

How it can remind you of trains in the distance, birds chirping, or calm ocean waves.

How it can remind you of both fonder times, and sadder, but a time worth a photograph nonetheless.

These are all the reasons why I never want to lose my photos, and how Chatbooks helps me do just that.

 
 

Technology is not a guarantee, and while I do own my blog space here, I don’t own my instagram, and I’m always afraid something will happen and I’ll lose all my IG images. Let’s face it, that’s where all of my best pics are!

I also spend a LOT of time writing my captions for each pic, because writing is so therapeutic for me and I truly do take the time to write my words. So it’s almost like my life journal as well!

 
 

Chatbooks is able to pull my images (AND) captions straight from Instagram, so I don’t have to come up with any captions or dates for the images! Or, it can just be a full page picture. I love that! Once you connect your account, you can set up an automated series where every 60 pictures, the app will automatically create a book and send it to you!

Did I mention…

The books start at just $10!!!

 
 

I also love that there are so many different cover options too! I love that you can coordinate them with your decor!

 
 

Now obviously, the more pictures / pages you do, and if you get a book hardcover vs. soft the price goes up BUT I’m telling you…to me every penny I spend on my books is SO WORTH IT!!!!!

I get about 300 pages printed in each of mine, so they’re definitely pricier, but I wouldn’t trade them for anything. I also get the 8x8 hardcover, in case you’re wondering which style I choose!

It can also pull pics straight from your camera roll and other drive links, which is so intuitive and user friendly! They really make it easy and do all the work.

All you do is download the app, connect it to your Instagram account or your preferred method of importing pics, and start creating! It’s so easy!!!

 
 

I personally think it’s the perfect gift too; I’ve given them to my mom and in laws for holidays (think Mother’s / Father’s Day filled with pics and memories of your parents with grandkids!) and it’s also a great way to make a special book for a special family vacation. How precious would a book be of your favorite family beach trips with one of their custom beach covers!?!

 
 
 

Here they are on our bookshelf.

 

Again shown here on the bookshelf in a simple wire basket.

 

Here they are on our tv media console.

 

HERE THEY ARE ON OUR MEDIA CONSOLE FOR CHRISTMAS

 

Here they are styled in a basket below our fireplace.

 

They’re adorable in a basket like this IN THE KITCHEN TOO!

 
 

LOVE THIS IMAGE OF LIVESWEET AND ASHWISDOM. IN OUR PAST HOLIDAY MEMORY BOOKS.

 

P.s. if you want to reference this post in the future, be sure to pin it so you can always come back to it! Here’s an image for you to pin, so you don’t forget where to find the post and the code!

So, happy photo bookin’ friends!

XX,

Amy

MY HOME OFFICE TOUR

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welcome to The Ever Co HQ! ✨

nothing fancy here. just lots of pink, love, drive, hope, prayer, resilience, and magic. ✨

I wanted to take a moment to share some sources that I’m often asked about in my office, so that you can always reference this blog post should you ever need some inspiration or office solutions!

i’m often asked from other entrepreneurs where we get our shipping supplies as well as our furniture, and so i wanted to take a moment to share those things!

 
 

First, our custom branded, eco friendly, recyclable, tear proof, self-sealing, weather resistant custom poly mailers​ are from Sticker Mule​! You can click there to go straight to their website!

i can’t recommend this company enough for your shipping needs.

we’ve been using them for years and have no plans in making any changes! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

We also get stickers made from them and I also can’t recommend those enough. Everything we’ve ever done with their company has been superb, and the customer service there is top notch.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I hope this helps you if you are looking for shipping supplies, office furniture, or packaging! Please let me know if you have any questions as I’m always here to help. :)

MY FAVORITE DIY EVER - FAUX FIREPLACE TILE

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I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE EXCITED TO SHARE A DIY IN MY LIFE!!!!!

I’ve also never been more proud of one. So here it goes.

Let’s make DIY FAUX FIREPLACE TILE!!!!!

Why do I love this project so much?

One, it completely transformed this space in my opinion!!! It took it from simple, traditional, and cozy to modern, eclectic, and trendy (while still keeping it’s coziness too!)

Two, we are currently in a rental, and I wanted a way to make the fireplace a bit more modern (AND MORE ME) without doing anything permanent. This is a great option for someone in a temporary home! I always remind people you can STILL make rentals and temporary homes YOURS! with how much we move, this is critical for me. I want my kids to feel like they are home, no matter how long that may be.

Three, IT WAS MUCH CHEAPER than a permanent and full blown fireplace makeover. So if you’re wanting to test out an option before making it permanent or if you’re looking for a project on a budget THIS IS IT!!!

In total the project was $70 while full fireplace tile makeovers can cost $300 - $2,000!

***note for fire safety reasons I secured it with painters tape so that it could easily be taken down if we wanted to make a fire here. you could also use velcro, but just ensure you’re making it to where you can remove it if you are using flammable materials***

 
 

Here’s the video of how I made it!

 

Here’s the video of me making it, but you’ll likely be able to see it better and get more detail by visiting the post on my instagram where I’ll be answering questions too! You can find that here :

tap here for the ig reel about it!!!

Plus, the video on IG has music too which is much more exciting hehe!

As you can see, I started off by cutting one side of the foam board to fit a side of the brick. Once I had that measured out, I used the T ruler and razor to cut out the foam.

After one side was cut, I started placing the tile stickers on from the inside of the fireplace out towards the wall, because I wanted the cut portions to be on the outside closest to the wall. The full squares went towards the middle of the fireplace.

After finishing one side I moved up to do one upper horizontal piece.

Here’s where it gets tricky. You don’t want to continue working towards the other side now from the top. Instead you want to redo this process and start from the left side so you can ensure you are even on both sides to meet in the middle.

While most fireplaces are symmetrical, you don’t want the tiles to not line up the same on the vertical pieces.

So now move to the other side and start the same process over, then move up to the horizontal piece.

You’ll end up meeting in the middle for both sides!

Then I added painters tape all around (that’s also how I secured the foam pieces together btw) and pressed it onto the fireplace and VOILA!!!

THAT’S LITERALLY IT!!!!!!!

easiest DIY I’ve ever done on a home project but this is actually probably the project that’s had the most impact on a home we’ve lived in. Wow, win win.

 
 
 

You will also need foam boards. You can get them at the Dollar Tree for $1.25 each but I opted for ones from Walmart for $5 that were a bit harder. I was initially going to cut wood to fit this space, but I loved the foam boards and it truly made it a DIY i could do all by myself with no extra equipment needed for sanding or cutting. ***I FOUND THAT BECAUSE I USED BLACK TILE AND BLACK BOARDS, IT MADE THE PROJECT WORK BEST! I WOULD RECOMMEND USING WHITE BOARDS IF YOU’RE DOING A LIGHTER STICKER BECAUSE THE COLOR MATCHING HELPS THE TILES BLEND IN BETTER IF YOU DON’T GET THEM PERFECTLY LINED UP***

Here are the other products we used that we already had on hand:

T-Square ruler

scissors + razor (please be carefule!)

painters tape or velcro (this allows you to remove it should you want to have a fire, then you can replace it!)

 
 
 
 

Here are some more pics of the mantel and fireplace so you can see it better!

 
 

I just love the way it transformed this space and made it more our own, in a temporary way!

 
 
 
 

I truly hope you loved this project as much as I had fun making it. If you want to reference it in the future, please please pin it to your pinterest board so you can come back to it when you’re ready!

I hope you’re inspired to make your home YOURS no matter the circumstances.

happy creating.

xoxo, 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

/
 

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!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Screen Shot 2021-05-01 at 9.31.43 PM.png
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ANTI-RACISM TALK WITH LEAH HAZLEY

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Leah Hazley, Christian, wife, mom, pediatric nurse, and social media creator sits down with me to discuss her Faith as it pertains to race relations, and why she believes prayer about anti-racism work must spark action. She shares about her triumphs and struggles in the social media world, her thoughts on forgiveness and cancel culture, as well as what she wants listeners to celebrate about Black History Month, all year long. Additionally, she shares about how important it is to diversify our real life circles, why kindness is not always enough, and how she will teach her kids to stand up when they see someone being treated the wrong way. She describes the importance in men and women taking a stand against racism, and doing so when they have educated themselves and are willing to accept criticism for their efforts. Furthermore, she explains how the wheel doesn't have to be reinvented, and that there are endless resources at our fingertips to use in order to amplify melanated voices. She is full of wisdom, and so much Grace, and truly cares about racial reconciliation. Listen to this hour long talk to be uplifted and moved. We pray that through her words and call to action, you are inspired to make changes in your life and the life of others.

***hopefully you can see past my lack of technical expertise to edit out our random pauses and technical issues, and also see past our silly kiddos’ interruptions! hehe! honestly, if this isn’t the most REAL zoom meeting ever for two mamas. haha!***

 
 

I pray you were as touched by Leah’s words as I was through her talk.

But mostly, I pray you heard HIM speak through her.

She is truly so so so full of wisdom, and I know the Lord has, is, and will continue to use her in mighty mighty ways all for His kingdom and glory.

Here are just a few of my favorite takeaways from the talk, and I’d love to hear yours too!

  1. If you don’t know what to say, it’s okay to pause and educate yourself first. THEN ACT.

    But you must be willing to accept criticism, as with all things in life.

  2. We do not have to recreate graphics, words, resources, and blogs, etc. but we can share what so many beautiful people have already created.

  3. Our Faith is a powerful tool to help us build bridges. It’s also the foundation of forgiveness.

  4. We cannot put all BIPOC in a box. They are women, men, stay at home moms, work at home moms, bloggers, crafters, etc. too. We must do better at treating them as such.

  5. We must cherish and give credit when we are inspired by the Black community. Whether it be our music, our attire, our art, our products, etc, we must give them all the credit they deserve.

    and lastly…

I’ve shared this before on my instagram, but though I was arrested for shoplifting as a teen, I generally don’t walk into stores now, 20 years later, and worry about anyone looking at me, following me, or assuming I’m shoplifting. I generally don’t “fit the part.” When Leah shared the story about her teacher accusing her, at such a young age, of stealing the scissors, my little soul was wrecked inside…yet I kept it together because I didn’t wanna make the video about my story.

So I share it here in hopes that it reaches someone. Because when my girls get to third grade…I doubt they’ll be looked at that way either. I doubt they’ll be the ones accused of stealing something in class.

And I hope and pray they will stand up for their friends who are accused. I hope they will have the wisdom and courage to call it out.

For Leah’s girls.

And for yours.

 

If you were moved or inspired by anything you read here, please pin an image in this post so the good word can be spread more! Please visit Leah’s Instagram and Blog and follow them too.

She has BIG BIG BIG things in store. I’m so ready to cheer her on.

And lastly

Thank you Leah.

For continuously pouring into my Faith, my heart, my family, and for being a continuous reminder that Goodness will win. Goodness will prevail.

You exemplify His love.

Thank you for being the Hands and Feet.

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

10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY DREAMS

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June 24th, 2021 is our 10 year anniversary.

WHAT?!?! How did that happen.

We were married in 2011, in a small country courthouse in Enterprise, AL right outside of the military base where Blake and I attended helicopter flight school for the Army. That’s where we met and were set up on a blind date.

We were young, and in love, and didn’t even care to have a wedding.

AKA we didn’t want to spend a lot of money, time was not on our side, and wanted the Army to station us together! Ha!

After we were married in the courthouse, we naturally went across the street and got matching “H” tattoos.

It was a “H” family crest that he hand-drew in basic training, inspired by his Italian heritage! He said one day he dreamed of having his future wife getting the tattoo, and there we were. Making his 18 year old dreams come true. Ha!

Here’s a pic from our “wedding” day. I had to go to work right after. hahahah!

 
 

Fast forward a couple years later and we found ourselves (just the two of us) in FIJI!!!

That was where we had our official wedding ceremony and honeymoon.

Here’s some (blurry) pics from that magical day and my “trash the dress” sesh after with Lia and Stu photography!

 

My fave wedding pic, that we’ve tried to recreate multiple times and failed haha!

 

My favorite pic walking down the “aisle.”

 
 

Trash the dress sesh!

 

My dress was from Winnie Couture in Atlanta, GA!

 
 

While we were happy to have such a romantic and exotic vacation, we knew we eventually wanted to celebrate with family and friends. We spent so much time in the mountains of Washington, dreaming of a big wedding in a log cabin, and our dreams were crushed when we realized it couldn’t happen. Here’s a pic from our meeting with a wedding planner, when we were certain it was going to happen! This was in front of the window we would’ve been married next to.

 

Unfortunately, with a military rotation for both of us to Korea, our plans were postponed, and just never happened.

This was at my Change of Command ceremony in Korea.

 

We are PRAYERFUL something small and intimate can happen this year or next, as a renewal of vows ceremony of sorts. However, we’re completely open to plans shifting due to his military obligations and COVID, and thus are in “dream” mode right now.

So that’s where this post comes in! A place for us all to dream about beautiful, secluded, winter escapes in the beautiful PNW!

 

Our dreams are to have a small, intimate renewal of vows ceremony in Washington state or Oregon (his family is in the Pacific Northwest and is much larger than mine), because it will be our 10 year anniversary this year!

Given COVID circumstances, and the nature of ever changing military service obligations, what I love about this option is we can be secluded from others (versus at an hotel or resort for example) and still have the intimacy of family time. Almost like a mini reunion!

Now we know things will be up in the air until the very last minute, and quite honestly we’ve done zero coordination for this, but that’s something I love about Air BnB.

We are able to reserve a place up front, to lock in the location and dates, and cancel for a full refund on many locations up until the week prior!

SCORE!

So…here’s to DREAMING BIG about some possible locations for our renewal of vows.

And here’s to dreaming that the welfare of our nation is better by then too!

Because at the end of the day, our special day can wait…but it doesn’t mean we can’t keep dreaming. 

Come with me down dream lane. 😊

 

NOTE : FOR ALL LOCATIONS, YOU CAN HOVER OVER AND CLICK ON THE TITLE OF THE LOCATION

AND IT WILL TAKE YOU DIRECTLY TO THEIR AIR BNB SITE FOR BOOKING! :)

 
 
 
 
 

And here’s some other options, if Blake and I end up deciding to just take a mini trip by ourselves - which is a very likely option if COVID continues to keep our dreams a little small for the time being.

Either way, we just want to celebrate us, and 10 years of highs, lows, resilience, strength, courage, love, perseverance, forgiveness, faith, and commitment.

WE CLEARLY LOVEEEE THE AIR BNB A FRAMES!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

WASN’T THAT FUN TO DREAM A LITTLE?

All of these places are so magical, and I love the policies that Air Bnb has in place for cleanliness.

These options are super host options as well, so they’ve been vetted even more with high reviews!

Be sure to pin an image in this post so you can easily reference it in the future too!

Gahhhh I can’t wait to make our dreams come true.

Until then, I hope you find some inspiration through here for your PNW travels, or even some home décor inspiration from these gorgeous homes!

Happy (safe) travels!

And more importantly, happy extravagant dreaming.

XX, 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

I AM AN ALLY

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I wrote this blog post back in May (in my Month 2 update while I was away for 6 months from instagram to focus on my faith and family) but I plan to keep resharing it every few months so it never loses steam. The May update was viewed over 20,000 times, which is one of my highest viewed blog posts ever!!!!

PEOPLE ARE READING, and so I have to keep sharing.

Because maybe, just maybe, that one person who wants to change will read it.

And then - it will be worth it.

As a woman of Faith, I will always turn my eyes to the cross and my heart to the bible when in despair.

I hope you feel His spirit, hear His whispers, and see His face through my prose.

Excerpt from the May blog post :

“And finally, to end our month of May, I wanted to share a few images this month that really made me stop, reflect, and breathe. I obviously haven’t been on social media, so I don’t know the extent of what’s been said, not said, acted on, not acted on, etc. I also haven’t been watching the news much, simply because it’s been a VERY busy few weeks for us with moving to a new home.

But I do know that this country is in pain.

I know that my Black brothers and sisters are hurting.

I know our Nation is hurting.

I know our communities are confused, scared, anxious, fearful, and quite frankly losing hope.

Here’s my promise to you for my personal community on Instagram, my blog here, as well as with our business for The Ever Co:

I will never, ever, ever stand for racism or division in this community. Neither will my family.

We will do our part to spread the good Lord’s message, and we will also do our part to end the hatred. We will continuously look for ways to donate to minority group organizations within our community and beyond.

Because I know we are privileged to be where we are, and to come as far as we have. We will always seek to amplify voices within the Black community and beyond.

We have preached since day one of this company that inclusion is incredibly important to us, and representing People of Color (POC) will always be a mission of ours, because we want to include everyone in this community.

It’s not for our brand. It’s not to check the box once a month.

It’s because we believe EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU BELONGS HERE.

But sometimes, just reaching for inclusion isn’t enough. No, IT’S NOT ENOUGH.

Sometimes quoting MLK on significant days isn’t enough. No, IT’S NOT ENOUGH.

So right now, I specifically want to speak to my Black brothers and sisters. My Black People of Color. (BPOC)

YOU MATTER!!!!!!! DO YOU HEAR ME!??!?! YOU MATTER TO ME. TO OUR FAMILY. TO THE EVER CO.

BLACK LIVES DO AND WILL ALWAYS AND FOREVER MATTER. PERIOD.

I will scream it until the day I die.

This is not a political statement. This is not a religious statement. This is not a social media trend. This is not a statement about an organization.

THESE ARE PEOPLE’S LIVES WE ARE TALKING ABOUT. What more needs to be said?!?

Racism is a system, not a trend.

Systemic racism is brutal and real, and oppression is alive. WE DO NOT STAND FOR THIS.

I wish BLM weren’t considered a trend or fad, because that makes it seem like a temporary thing. Rather, this “movement” should be our every day lives. FOREVER. That is how we end racism.

And I pray that when these “hot topics” sizzle out, that this desire and passion for inclusion and the desire to end racism continues for all, long after our favorite influencers are posting about it.

IT STARTS IN OUR HEARTS, IN OUR HOMES.

And to any of my friends, family, or followers that don’t understand the BLM phrase or are confused by that phrase, let me give you a scenario that spoke profoundly to me this month.

Hadley has been throwing tantrums nonstop lately. She’s 3.5. It’s going to happen, I know.

She is still learning how to best speak her words without being punished and how to act without getting into trouble. But when she doesn’t get acknowledged, when she doesn’t get the response she’s hoping for, when she isn’t heard, SHE SNAPS. She acts out because she wants to be treated a certain way. She wants to be heard. As do most toddlers. As do all humans.

Right before I took the picture of she and I below, the one where I wore the HOPE shirt, we had a long talk about her crying and I was telling her that she can’t go to the big girls’ school if she acts like that, and she looked me straight in the eyes and said,

“BUT MOMMY, YOU’RE NOT LISTENING TO ME!!!”

Woah. Gut check.

She was right. I wasn’t listening to what she wanted, and why she was throwing a tantrum. I was specifically focused on the tantrum itself. How I didn’t want to hear the whining, bickering, crying anymore.

Since then, I’ve been trying to focus on the “why” of her tantrums. And ya know what? IT’S WORKED!!!

And I relate that situation to our current state of affairs.

BLACK PEOPLE WANT TO BE HEARD!!!! They want to SEE and FEEL action. They want to be a part of progress.

It is NOT ON THEM to teach us how to change. To teach us what to do. To teach us how to take action.

WE MUST TEACH OURSELVES.

And they’re “snapping” now, because they’re sick and tired of NOT being heard. There are thousands of peaceful protests happening, yet the media portrays the dark and ugly side of things. The side that makes so many throw their hands up in disbelief when they see Targets, and local mom and pops, and barber shops on fire. But think about little Hadley in her tantrum. The more I don’t listen, the more painful it gets.

OUR BLACK BROTHERS AND SISTERS ARE IN PAIN. AND THEY HAVE BEEN FOR YEARS AND YEARS AND YEARS.

I am not for non peaceful protests or destruction of property, but unfortunately I get it. And I can say that if I were in their shoes, maybe I’d be the same.

The point is, I’m not in their shoes.

I am (seemingly) white.

I am privileged.

Ironically, I have actually never identified as white or caucasian. I’ve always considered myself Other or even Asian in some instances. But I look white, talk white, dress white, and sound white, and if it barks like a dog and walks like a dog, then it’s probably a dog.

When I go to Target with the girls to pick out barbie or baby dolls and pajamas, I don’t have to look far. The ones that look like them are all right there in front of me.

When I say bye to my husband when he goes to work, I don’t have to remind him to be safe to and from, in the sense that something bad’s going to happen to him because of his skin color.

When I go to Disney with the girls, I don’t have to search all over for the one Black princess in the park. The ones that look like us are all over. I don’t have to look far.

When I go to the store by myself in oversized clothes and jackets and a big purse, I’m not followed around and watched like a hawk. EVEN THOUGH I was arrested in my teens for shoplifting…nobody would ever know or care because I don’t fit the part.

This is all white privilege. And WHO ARE WE to say that Blacks don’t experience these things if we are not Black. If our Black brothers and sisters say they feel this way, THEN WE HAVE TO LISTEN AND TRUST THEY FEEL THIS WAY. And really? I mean who wouldn’t?

This is a system. Racism is a system. and when a system is broken… we fix it.

Have we come a long way? Yes sure. But good golly we have soooo far to go.

We have not been doing our part to listen. We collectively have so much work to be done. It’s not their job to teach us, guide us, lead us.

We have all of the tools needed right at our fingertips.

WE MUST TAKE A STAND FOR THEM. WE MUST DO THE HARD WORK AND EDUCATE OURSELVES.

So here I am friends.

I, and The Ever Co, are here with open arms welcoming you into our lives, our hearts, our homes, our community, our conversations, our church, etc. and we want to help.

We want to do our part to make you feel heard and understood.

We promise to not use Black children in our feeds JUST to check the box or just because it’s the thing to do in 2020. That is performative and we won’t stand for it.

It is not okay to just post quotes in stories and take no action beyond that. It’s performative.

It’s not okay to pull out black baby dolls and books just in the month of February. It’s performative.

If we are going to lessen white privilege and racism, these need to be year round actions.

I realize I am not black. I realize I do not understand the depths of pain you have been through since you stepped onto American soil. I, and my children, will never experience the overt racism that my Black brothers and sisters experience.

But that doesn’t mean I can look away. That doesn’t mean I can see horrifying graphics and videos and say “oh that’s so sad” and do nothing beyond that.

As the daughter to a full Asian woman (100% Korean) I do understand the depths of racism and how painful it is. She can’t relate to much in America with the lack of Asian representation, so I know she feels it to her core.

I also know that I was raised by a father who was born in 1940. Who lived during some of the most racist times of our history. And I PERSONALLY had to help him overcome weaknesses of his own throughout my childhood, because he was biased based on when and where he was raised. Not because he hated POC. He was the sweetest, kindest soul. But he was raised in a different time, and he just needed to UNLEARN so many things.

AND PEOPLE, THAT IS OKAY!!!!!! We can unlearn things, just as well as we can learn them.

One of my favorite moments when I think about memories of him was around 2015. He called me to tell me he met a black man at the local Waffle House that was now his best friend. My dad was about 77 at that time. I will never forget that conversation. 77 AND STILL LEARNING, PEOPLE!!!

And there’s the proof. It’s okay to mess up, misstep, and fall.

Just get back up and try and try and try again. Even at 77 years old.

I am so passionate about this for many reasons.

One because I do not stand for injustice and hatred.

But mostly because I have so many CLOSE friends hurting right now. I can’t see them cry anymore.

I’ve dated black guys. Most of my best girlfriends growing up were black as well, and some still to this day. I’m grateful for being from Radcliff, Kentucky cause the diversity was EPIC. Being raised on/around a military base, I was so fortunate to have been exposed to so many races/ethnicities from an early age. It was truly a cultural melting pot. And to this day, Blake and I serve with countless Soldiers of color who fight to defend our country.

My dad always knew how important it was for me to know he accepted all of my friends, boyfriends, etc, and that was why even at 77 he called to tell me that.

WE CAN DO BETTER PEOPLE. He’s proof.

So let me go back to the story about Hadley.

While this shouldn’t be about our family, I hope this simple story can help put things into more perspective for anyone not understanding the pain of others or the statement Black Lives Matter.

This moment in our history isn’t about us hurting. It’s about them hurting.

When she yelled that “BUT MOMMY, YOU’RE NOT LISTENING TO ME!!!” I immediately started holding her and comforting her and showing her so much affection.

Everly watched me do this and I could tell she was getting jealous of how much attention Hadley was getting.

I explained to Everly that “Yes, I do love you too, but this moment in time is not about you. This moment is about Hadley and how much she’s hurting. It’s about acknowledging her and seeing WHY she’s throwing tantrums. And trying to help her and make things better.”

That does NOT take away from my love for Everly. That does NOT mean I love Hadley more than Everly.

It simply means I am focusing on my child who is hurting right now.

And honestly? I think that’s what Jesus wants. I KNOW that’s what Jesus wants.

He wants us to help His hurt children.

Matthew 5:4 says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

WE MUST COMFORT THEM NOW MORE THAN EVER.

He COMMANDS us to love thy neighbor.

So let’s take it to the altar.

Hadley wasn’t saying “I matter more.” She was saying “I matter. Period.” Isn’t it ironic?

Our black friends are not shouting “BLACK LIVES MATTER, MORE.” They’re shouting,

“BLACK LIVES MATTER. PERIOD!”

What if when Hadley was crying, and Everly got jealous, I looked at Everly and said, BUT HADLEY MATTERS MORE TO ME! No…that’s not what I said. I told Everly I am focusing on Hadley right now because she is hurting. She is in pain. She needs me more right now.

And so…here’s my point to all of this:

Do all lives matter? Yes, of course, absolutely. Every life matters because Jesus died for every life.

Every police officer matters. Every Soldier matters. Every doctor matters. Every homeless man/woman matters. Every teacher matters. Every firefighter matters. Every white, asian, latin, Indian, middle eastern etc etc etc life matters.

Our Black Brothers and Sisters have NEVER once said they matter more than any of those listed above.

As I’ve heard many say, “their house is on fire, and they just want us to help them put out the fire!” They want to be heard.

SO LET’S HEAR THEM OUT! LET’S GIVE THEM THE PLATFORM TO SPEAK. Let’s do our part, white friends, to amplify their voices and give them the floor.

It’s our time to change history. It’s our time to step up and collectively acknowledge their pain and to say BLACK LIVES MATTER.

And ya know what? When something happens to one of us, I guarantee you they’ll have our backs too.

BUT we HAVE to prove to them we have theirs first. Let’s do this.

Let’s be the change.

My struggles:

I’ll be honest, I’m not really proofreading this and just kinda rambling and typing my words as they come to me. For so long I’ve tried to audit my writing to make sure I didn’t strike a nerve or cause controversy.

But not anymore. Now, I will write from my heart, and hope and pray that it speaks to maybe even just one of you reading. That’s where change takes place. When raw, real, transparent, and vulnerable conversations happen.

And while I’m being honest, let me tell you my greatest personal struggle that I’ve had to overcome with the phrase “Black Lives Matter”, because maybe it’s something you’ve struggled with too. I’ve spoken to many of my black friends about it, and I just want to share the conversation notes. Maybe it’ll change your outlook.

Often when I used to hear Black Lives Matter, my immediate thought was that it was synonymous to “Anti Police” which don’t get me wrong - I am STRONGLY against police brutality, but I am not against the good police. And my greatest struggle was that I have so many friends that are police officers, and so many friends’ parents or spouses are LEOs, and friends and family who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and it just breaks my heart because of how this is affecting the entire police community. I’ve listened to so many police officers beg to not be labeled as “bad” and phew it breaks me to my core, because so many would die for us; they are protectors for our streets, our children, our communities, our homes, our country. I’m nearly brought to tears every time I see a police officer on the streets now doing good things, because I just have so much passion for them and our military service members.

BUT…It took a lot of soul searching, and a lot of research and listening to black people speak to realize that they are not synonymous. Wanting to lift the voices of Black people and to listen to them doesn’t mean we hate police officers. At all. We can LOVE AND LIFT UP BLACK VOICES while also LOVE AND LIFT UP LEO’S TOO. Because you love one doesn’t mean you hate the other and vice versa.

So if you too struggle with those two ideas, then know you aren’t alone, and most importantly ASK QUESTIONS and have honest, open dialogue with friends, coworkers, and your community so that you can walk a mile in other shoes and try to understand their battles too.

Additionally, as the wife to an Active Duty Army Officer and as a current Army Reservist (who could very well go back to active duty), I refuse to share my personal political beliefs on my social media platforms. I choose not to provide my political stance in these spaces, in order to honor the sacrifice my family (and thousands of other families) make to serve our country regardless of who is in office. Military law also doesn’t allow participation in partisan activities such as soliciting or engaging in partisan fundraiser activities, serving as the sponsor of a partisan club, or speaking before a partisan gathering. With that, I consider my social media platforms a place that I’m unable to express my political beliefs based on my families current military status. My husband is in charge of hundreds of Soldiers at a time, and he could very well go to war with them. He will serve and protect the brother to his left just as well as he’ll serve, protect, and lead the Soldier to his right, because in the military that’s a matter of life and death. So I choose not to jeopardize his position in leadership in the military to honor and respect him and his Soldiers.

I wish we collectively could stop making “Black lives matter” a political statement and more of a statement about LIVES DYING. Then maybe it wouldn’t be as controversial. What is really so hard about saying “Black lives matter?” I mean truly? It boggles my mind.

So I urge you not to write someone off that says “Black Lives Matter” because you feel it’s a political statement or a statement about an organization. Instead, how about we look at our Black brothers and sisters in their faces, and start the dialogue now. Ask them what we can do to help them. Ask them what we can do in our homes to end racism. And take action.

I have used my platform since day one as a “to each their own” and “everyone is welcome” place. And, I do still mean that. But I know many of my followers and friends don’t feel the same way.

I think the Lord created us all differently, and there needs to be some of us who are the more confrontational “go get them and run up the hill” kinda people, and then there’s those of us who need to continue fighting for peace and moderation and unity.

I CHOOSE TO BE A BRIDGE BUILDER. I choose to fill the gap. I choose to be a peacekeeper.

I am not a fan of cancel culture. I don’t agree with it. Because I know what that can do to someone’s mental state when they are canceled. I know the depths of mental illness and depression, so I choose to give second chances. I always will. Just as Jesus does.

Wanna know why? Because if I was canceled when I made some bad mistakes in the past, I’d probably be dead. I would’ve taken my own life if nobody grabbed my hand and held onto me.

So I will be that person for you. If you have felt a certain way on this all of your life, if you’ve had racist thoughts before, if you’ve said bad things before, I know some will never forgive you. And believe me, it hurts me too that you felt this way. I am ANGRY that you have felt that way. But let me do the dirty work for you. The hard work. Let me help you so that I can try and help you change. I will lay my life down for you to change, because I want to see more black lives live.

I will not give up on you, and I will help you rise. Because I know it’s possible. I’ve seen it.

I will always strive to love like Jesus. I will pray for you, and I will help you rise out of the ashes of your past.

I choose to see the good in people, and I choose to be an eternal optimist. I physically cannot give up on humanity. The Lord didn’t wire my heart that way.

But Black friends who are hurting, I know many of you can’t extend that hand. And quite frankly I don’t blame you. You don’t need to. Let me do the hard work for you. Let my white friends do the hard work for you.

I may be soft spoken and kind in my approach, and I realize the world needs realist (my husband) and those who will loudly and boldly shine light on negativity so that change can happen.

I’m a big advocate for both of these kinds of people. And I try hard to find a middle ground.

I won’t fail you. My family won’t fail you.

I refuse to live in a divided world, for the sake of my kids, and my kids’ kids. And so forth.

I will never stop fighting for a world that locks hands and loves one another, through the good and the bad.

I WILL NEVER STOP FIGHTING FOR EQUITY AND EQUALITY.

For any of my friends stuck somewhere in the middle, know that neutral in a broken system gets you nowhere. Whether you’re a democrat, libertarian or republican, and whether you’re a Christian or an atheist doesn’t matter. You don’t have to be loud, you can be soft, as I’ve chosen to be, and you can still take a stand against racism. You can still be FOR Black lives.

That’s the only way this system gets fixed.

And hey…the more we bicker at each other about politics and how much we hate each other, the less action takes place.

Stop fighting, and let’s do the hard work.

LET’S GO!

I’ll end with this…Thank you Hadley for teaching me such a powerful lesson.

***Blake and I have both read “White Fragility: Why it’s so hard for white people to talk about racism” and I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend it for anyone struggling with this topic. It’s been eye opening for us.

Additionally, I’m often asked how I teach the girls about racism and inclusion in our daily lives, and how we ensure they are exposed to all races at their young ages. Here’s what we do:

  1. We ensure the girls have toys and dolls of all races.

  2. We ensure their books display kids of all races. NOT just during Black history month. Not just on Juneteenth. BUT ALL YEAR.

  3. We ensure the girls (and ourselves) surround ourselves with friends of different races.

  4. We do NOT teach them to be color blind. Rather, we tell them to recognize our differences and how uniquely God created us, yet he loves us the same. “Jesus loves the little children” is a phenomenal tool for younger kids!”

 
 

So where do you go from here? Let’s just take it one step at a time.

You don’t have to know what to say or how to say it. I KNOW it’s hard. That’s called white fragility and it’s okay!

Slowly, little by little, take a stance. Make changes in your heart, and in your home.

I believe in you.

May I end this post with one of the most powerful songs to me in 2020. It has changed my soul, shaped my spirit, and truly refined me.

“I wanna be tried by fire
Purified
You take whatever you desire
Lord here's my life.”

I had this long talk with God recently that went something like this.

“Lord, you told me to step away from Instagram to rid myself of “drama” and controversy. To focus on my family and my Faith. To rid myself of jealousy and competition. To find my joy in this space again.

And God, I obeyed. I stepped away and selfishly wanted to stay away longer - but I listened.

I was obedient.

So am I opening up old wounds by labeling myself as an activist, even if it’s what I stand for?”

And you know what I heard loud and clear -

Would you rather die tomorrow knowing you stood up for what you knew was right? And for what I stand for? Would you rather die knowing you said Black lives DO matter?

Or would you rather die knowing you stepped down out of fear of the enemy. And inadvertently said they don’t matter.

Because your Black brothers and sisters are watching your every move.

And they’re crying at the loss of another ally if you choose the latter.

I CHOOSE TO STAND.

And I won’t be shaken.

I don’t think it’s ironic that Jesus gave it all and died on the cross to save us from these very sins.

And here I am saying I’m laying my life down for you, whoever you are, to help you change.

To rid you of this sin.

You are worthy. I believe in you.

I won’t let my Instagram simply be a place for cute clothes and home decor.

That’s not the influencer I want to be.

There’s this sad stigma…that you can’t be a White Christian and for Black Lives.

I am a Christian, on FIRE for God.

I am an ally for Black lives.

Please don’t let anyone ever tell you you can’t be both.

God Bless you friend, whoever you are.