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What are your plans for the holiday?

Recently....

As you may have noticed, I have been blogging less to spend more time with the family and really "being" with my son more rather than just "present." As a stay at home mom, I have the power to really instill qualities and teachings in my son if I just give my time. He needs my time more than anything else and I am learning this.

I am so used to having a long "to-do" list (I still have one but it has been shortened) and being so busy to get things done. I want to breathe and I feel like I'm being renewed as I go through the Mission of Motherhood study with the women's bible study Thursday mornings. The first time I came to this study, I was so overwhelmed and had an emotional down because of (what I thought) was my son's overbearing behavior while we were there. (If you have a strong-willed child, you may know exactly what I mean!) What I have come to realize was it wasn't my son, but my patience and my attitude that needed to change.

If you are a momma, this book is an AMAZING read and will help with the struggles, the teachings, the grace, finding so much to be thankful for and the soul-shifts that may need to take place within ourselves.

Recently, I have wanted to stay away from blogging and social media. I have actually not been in the greatest of moods since having my first panic attack a few days ago (you can assume why from the bottom of this post). I guess you can say it's been a roller coaster of emotions this past week because although I may not be in the greatest of spirits, some pretty spectacular things have happened!

My birthday was on the 27th and to start off with celebrating, my mother in law love bought us concert tickets to see Brad Paisley this past Saturday! This would be our 3rd country concert within just a couple months. That's a record for us-definitely soaking up that last bit of summer nights. :)

There is always something to be grateful for but lately, I have been feeling even more thankful than usual. It started with something that Brant Hansen said one day on Air1. He was talking about that article that was just published about children costing a crazy amount of money and how much of a cost "burden" they can be.Brant gave a quote from Justin Guarini about this same topic that actually put tears in my eyes. He said, 
"There was a time when I could have thrown down cash for a house, and had any number of lovers in and out the door. A flashy car and clothes to match. An ego to trump them all.

When he said this, I felt a little guilty because at times, I feel like I don't appreciate how much of a blessing my son is. Sometimes, I get so overwhelmed with his energizer bunny, bouncing off walls, jumping off tables, throwing things behavior. I felt guilty for the times I've said "I need a break" or "this is so much harder than I ever thought."

He is well, he is alive, he is curious, he is unique and he is unbelievably precious and loved in not only mine and my husband's eyes but the Lord's eyes as well.

I would never change what God has blessed me with and I am SO thankful for the life I've been given-including our little lover-everything about him. Yes, sometimes I may feel as if I "need a break" from the messes of smeared fruit snacks in the carpet, the brief heart attacks from watching my son get on tables to try and jump off and the constant discipline to get him to stop putting random things in the outlets.

This is life and it's filled with lots of kisses until bellies start hurting from laughter, hugs that squeeze tightly, hands that tangle up and "I Love You"s to last a lifetime yet can't ever be said enough. I would never trade any of this for the world and I'm thankful to have reflected due to a couple minutes listening to the radio.

Think this post stops there? Not entirely.

A few days ago, I was also attacked by a few large dogs. I don't really want to get too much into it because I don't want to think about the details but I can honestly find ENORMOUS gratitude in that situation as well. I could have had my son with me, I could have had my face severely wounded or even organs punctured BUT even in that moment, I was being protected.

My side has bite marks, I have a very small gash on my head and a couple deep punctures in my right arm. My arm got the worst of it but my physical wounds are definitely healing quickly with lots of prayers from family and friends. My emotional wounds will certainly take longer though. Today, I saw my neighbors small dog wondering into our yard and my heart stopped. I turned around to walk into the house praying the dog wouldn't follow me and I shut the door as quickly as possible.

Yet through this, I have so much more to be grateful for because I am well and I am able to be at home with my family.

This is what I will dwell on.
Thank you Lord!

What are you thankful for lately?

Yesterday, was mine and my husband's 3 year wedding anniversary! It has all gone by SO fast but it has been an amazing 3 years. I can honestly say that I married my best friend.
3 years ago yesterday, we shared one of the best days of our lives together. 2 years ago yesterday, we ate at the same restaurant (and sat at the same table) that we went to on our honeymoon during our first stop on our road trip. 1 year ago yesterday, we were enjoying Oregon's coast and wishing we didn't have to come back to California. Yesterday, we ate some YUMMY food, did a little wine tasting, sat under twinkle lights and learned to dance the tango. It was beautiful and perfect!
Thank you grandma Tiffany for watching our little love bug while we went out. :)
Here's a little glimpse of the evening turned night.
(MOST of the photos are taken with a camera phone so the quality isn't the best but hey, they're memories)

Happiness Lately:
*As you can see, my new heart shades. Seriously.
*Reading the L.A. Candy series by Lauren Conrad. At first, I wasn't into it. Honestly, I only started reading these books because-well, I heart Lauren Conrad-but the series has actually been hard to put down. Reality T.V. just isn't the same now.
*Mint n' Chip ice cream from Rite Aid. Nuff said.
*Just finished up VBS at my church where I was the crafts station leader. 2 days. 2 crafts. Cute and Crazy kiddos from ages 4-11. LOTS of Jesus lovin'. SO much fun!
*New sketchbook from Kelly Rae Roberts. Just stumbled upon her work and let me tell ya, I fell in LOVE.
*Upcoming photo shoots in Texas, Oregon and British Columbia. Wish I was there but at least my pretty pieces will be!
*Levi has finally learned how to give actual kisses-puckered lips, smooch sound and all. No more going in with an open mouth and slobber. LOL
*Mine and my husband's 3 year wedding anniversary is in a few days! Woop!
*Not being so concerned with "getting ready." A bit of toothpaste, mascara and a maxi is all I need. Bleh.
*Memories from the night we danced to lots of country music.
*Emails with a good friend. Thank you Tara.
*The Valencia Orange Starbucks refresher. Wakes you right up and perfect for this summer heat.
*Speaking of summer heat, a trip to the beach soon will make me happy! :)

When I went to Elevate this past May, I knew it would be a great experience but I didn't know that it would lead to new friendships, bring me closer to the "blogging & handmade community" and that my face would be in one of the prettiest magazines!
When I saw Summer's Instagram post of the new Autumn issue of Artful Blogging, my heart got really excited! I mean, it isn't everyday that your experiences are captured (by Lora Knight-Thank You) and published to bookshelves. Well, not in my everyday life anyway. I'm no Angelina or Britney.

 A special Thank You to these lovely ladies who made this conference happen. Jen from Delightful Deets, Summer from Made by Munchies Mama and Nichole from Yeung Mother Hubbard.
Seriously looking forward to Elevate 2014 and seeing all the pretty ladies who attended in May along with new faces. If you are interested in attending a blogging conference-blogger or not-Elevate is perfect! We had so much fun with a craft, a service project, listening to inspirational speakers, eating YUMMY food and playing silly games. Read all about my experience here.
Would love to see you there!

Since coming back from vacation last weekend, I've had lots to catch up on in the shop. Luckily, I've had some beautiful and peaceful mornings to work in my craft room with a side of caffeine.