i'm still around :)

So there's a good reason why I disappeared a few weeks ago ... back in July, I signed up for an online "blog class" teaching me all the ins & outs of creating/designing a blog from scratch. I finally decided I couldn't keep up both this blog and the new one, so I had to break away for a bit. It turns out there are thousands of details that go into creating a website, and I am beyond thrilled to say it's finally ready to go!
I hope you like it ...

four friday faves.

With school starting soon, here are some fun things I found while searching a few of my favorite sites:

[1] Mackenzie Navy Rainbow pencil case from Pottery Barn Kids

[2] "I Could've Been An Art Caddy" from Land of Nod

[3] Reusable Drink Boxes from Garnet Hill

[4] Team Dino lunch pack from Garnet Hill ... these are just $5 with the purchase of a backpack until Wednesday. I plan on doing some shopping this weekend. :)

four friday faves.

[1] The Jim Gaffigan Show on TV Land ... so so funny.
[2] Madewell ... I first heard of this clothing site/store a few months ago. After seeing so many rave reviews, I took advantage of their extra summer sale a couple of weeks ago to get a few new tops. Love love.
[3] "Be Strong" print from Jones Design Company ... just ordered this to hang in our family room near the front door.
[4] New Orleans ... we have a special trip planned next month, and I can't wait!

four friday faves.

[1] Guitar children's tee from Honey Bee Tees ... such a cute company + they are having an end of summer sale right now. [EOS2015 gets you an extra 20% off]
[2] "Touch the Sky" by United ... I'm sure I'll get tired of this song at some point, but for now, I can't hear it enough.
[3] Luna Bars ... one of my favorite mid-morning snacks. [so many flavors & yummy!]
[4] IKEA ... we will soon be updating our family room [yay!], and IKEA is responsible for the inspiration. :)

first 5.

I have been waiting for this app all summer ... never knowing when it would officially release. I just found out it launched today! You can read/watch more about it here, but basically you set your alarm through the app, and there's a 5-minute teaching on God's word. Proverbs 31 Ministries developed the app, and they are such a great ministry. [the founder even has ties to my hometown, which is fun.] The idea is to give God the first five minutes of our day ... before social media, emails, or sleepy-headed children distract us. I'm so excited!

four friday faves.

[1] The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon .... thank you DVR.

[2] Denim floral camera strap from Etsy [on my wish list] ... I'm ready to dust off our good camera and start using it again.

[3] "Brother" by Need To Breathe ... this is a family favorite & Hollis always wants to dance with Gus when we hear it @ home. :)

[4] The boys just finished their second VBS of the summer today, and they always have the best time. SO thankful for those who work so hard teaching children about their Creator and Savior.

july stitch fix.

I have something fun to look forward to each month. It's called Stitch Fix, and it's such a neat service. If you've never heard of it, you pay $20 to receive a box of clothes + accessories hand-picked by a SF stylist. Whatever you love, you put that $20 stylist fee towards, pay the difference, and send the rest back ... in a pre-paid USPS bag from your mailbox. It couldn't be easier. If you love every single item, you also get 25% off the total. Everything has been very good quality, and I love that I didn't have to go shopping! I'm only two months in, but I'm already hooked.

Here's what came in the mail last week ...

And here's what I kept!
[Gilli "Ryland Maxi Dress" $84]

[If you're interested, here's my referral link to Stitch Fix.]

four friday faves.

[1] The Astronaut Wives Club on Thursday nights ... this is such a good show.
[2] "Guacapotle" burger @ newly opened Grub burger bar in Tallahassee ... the best burger I've ever had, and I can't wait to go back. :)
[3] "My Father's World" by Praise Baby cd ... Hollis listens to this @ nap/bedtime. Love it.
[4] With Eli's birthday this week, I have to include this newborn picture ... so unbelievable our sumo baby transformed into the little guy he is today!

getting older.

At this point 3 out of 4 of our children have had their birthday this year ... Matthew is up next. His is an extra special one, so he will have a post all his own. :)

First up - Hollis on April 9th.
SO hard to believe our baby is now three! We had a fun day planned with her favorite breakfast foods, taking her to see Cinderella [her first movie in the theater], and presents, of course. The next day we headed to the beach for more celebrating with Mama Anne, Daddy Nick, Aunt Susie and Uncle Dave. This is the first year she really understood her birthday, so that made it extra fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next in line - Hudson on May 20th.
Hudson's big day began with his breakfast of choice, and ended with swimming @ the country club + his most favorite dinner - Hungry Howies pepperoni pizza. As a bonus, Hudson's birthday usually falls around Memorial Day weekend, so there's more celebrating there ... Star Wars style. :)

Last but not least, Eli on July 6th.

Somehow Eli manages to stay little, which is so nice considering his siblings are growing up way too fast ... and we never would've predicted his little size since he was by far our biggest baby! [weighing 9 lbs. 5 oz.] Our now 5 year old had a big birthday, which kicked off at the beach with lots of family on the 4th of July. Firetrucks and legos were the theme - his absolute favorite. Then on his actual birthday, he enjoyed sweet rolls for breakfast, his first set of golf clubs, lots of pool time, and a happy meal for dinner. Safe to say, our little guy had a big time. :)