(For 15% off of your order, now through December 20th, use code "CMLC17)
Friday, December 8, 2017
Sustainable and Stylish Gift Ideas for Women from prAna
Friday, November 17, 2017
Our 2017 Family Photography Session + Custom Holiday Cards with Mpix
I get it. It seems silly to the outsider and truth be told, to many of our husbands. Why spend so much time trying to achieve that flawless holiday photo when in reality your baby hasn't worn pants in weeks and your 5 year old still has Sharpie on his face from that time, maybe a month ago, when he wanted to be a tiger? I'll tell you why.
Because nobody wants to hang a picture of reality from their kitchen cabinets. Nobody wants last night's soaked Pull-up on the coffee table on their fridge. Because nobody wants to string up your pants-less 3 year old on their mantel alongside twinkly garland and mercury glass ornaments.
And maybe, just maybe, when I look back on this season of our lives, the exhausting shuffle of raising small people and trying our hardest not to ruin them, I want to see all of it, all of the chaos, with just a shiny coat of glitter on it. One that makes the bags under my eyes smaller, the 7 year old's attitude a little less existent, the crazy seem a little less maddening and a bit more beautiful.
I can't remember the last time I wore a dress and spun in a field, if ever, with my children running circles around me but in spite of that, in spite of the heavy-handed make-up and false eyelashes and "hard pants" and itchy sweaters I forced my boys into... This is us.
What you can't hear in these pictures is the fart jokes, the sugary bribes for "just one good smile," my husband issuing warnings for little ears that wouldn't listen. The laughter that echoed throughout the field as three little brothers chased each other through tall grasses and sticker bushes only to tackle one another, pinning each other down in a blur of tickles and giggles.
As a mom, I am constantly second guessing myself. Did I do enough for my children today? Did I teach them enough? Did I talk to them enough? Most importantly, did they feel loved? I ask myself these questions at the end of almost every single day- it's easy to feel like you're failing at everything when the balls you've so carefully been suspending in air begin to fall.
But when I see the smiles on their faces in these pictures, when I hear them use their manners when talking to the photographer, when I see how hard they love each other, I know without a doubt that I am doing something right. That all this worry isn't in vain.
And these pictures will forever serve as tangible evidence that while I may not have had it all together all of the time, that together we have it all.
Just when I thought the hard part was over, however, I realized it was only half the battle! Once I received our gallery from the super talented Amanda Allgood of Amanda Allgood Photography, I then had to narrow down my favorites and choose a Christmas card.
For years I have trusted Mpix with all of my personal and professional printing needs. When clients would ask where to print their images from our session together, I would immediately refer them to Mpix. After all, how could I recommend anything other than what I use to print the pictures that line the walls of my own home?
That's why it was no question when it came time to select our holiday cards this year. With quality premium paper options, beautiful foil pressed fonts and prompt 1-2 days shipping, I had this year's family Christmas card not only chosen but on our doorstep in record time.
Mpix has more than just holiday cards, too! They're a one-stop shopping destination for for quality prints, memory books, home accessories, gifts and so much more. You can check out my holiday board on Pinterest where I pinned some of my favorite card designs from this season!
To help take some of the stress and panic out of your holiday season, my friends at Mpix have offered one lucky ILYMTC reader a $50 credit to be used on any product/products on their site except E-gift cards. Entry is easy, just use the rafflecopter widget below! Good luck to all those who enter and Happy Holidays!
Our Christmas cards are c/o Mpix, a company that I have trusted for years with both my personal and professional printing needs. The opinions shared are honest and my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that continue to make this blog a successful space for family advice, support and encouragement!
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
'Tis The Season... For Germs.
Monday, October 9, 2017
What To Do With All Those Apples You Picked + Halloween T's Your Kids Can Wear All Month Long!
When my first son was born I went crazy buying up all of the adorable holiday-themed kids clothes, as if 10 different shirts for a single holiday was necessary. I quickly learned what a waste of money that was as I refused to put my child in the clothes on any day of the month other than the ones surrounding the actual holiday.
Carter
oxford / skeleton tee / coloured skinny jean / socks / boots
Mac
Collins
In case you thought it was actually easy taking pictures with my mini man crew, take a look at Maclane's face in the below photo. His face is essentially how I felt trying to get the boys to all stand in a straight line and smile for "just one nice picture with mommy."
In the next photo, Collins is one "don't make me count to five" away from turning into a rag doll. Thankfully, we were all able to pull it together for the unicorn of photos, one with everyone looking and smiling, less like little serial killers and more like sweet little boys, right at the camera.
So, what is one to do with approximately 47lbs. of apples picked fresh from the farm? Aside from feeding one to every child at just about every meal, we decided to whip up one of our favorite after-dinner treats, mini apple crisps with whipping cream! While half of this recipe comes straight from a box, don't let it's corner-cutting fool you!
What this dessert lacks in preparation, it makes up for in Fall-y deliciousness. The recipe can be found on the back of the box and it's as easy as 1-2-3! All you need is the topping mix, 4 medium-sized apples and 5 tablespoons of butter.
Many thanks to Boden for providing us with these pieces to fancy
up our festive Halloween wardrobe! No additional compensation was received
for this post, all thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.
A few of our friends are sharing some frightfully good fun on their blogs along with more Mini Boden Halloween styles. The Chirping Moms have Spooky Ghosts made from paper plates and toilet paper plus easy costume ideas.
Head to The Southern Mama Guide for Non Candy Treat Bags for Preschoolers.
You must see how The Love Designed Life has created Goldilocks and the Three Bears costumes.
For more cute costumes, see what Hello Baby Brown created.
If you loved the Mini Boden Halloween pajamas, be sure to check out Momfessionals Sweet and Spooky Halloween book suggestions to read at bedtime this Halloween season.
Trick or treat!
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