four friday faves.

Since parenting is the toughest job, I have read many books on the subject over the last several years. I wouldn't call any of them perfect, but they are all based on scripture, so there are many valuable things I've learned from each one. Here are three of my favorites, and one that will arrive in the mail tomorrow. :)

[1] Give Them Grace ... This one teaches that raising "good" kids completely misses the mark; teaching our kids the gospel and grace of God is what matters the most.
[2] The Heart of Anger ... I don't love this cover, and I'm not even half-way through it yet, but this is such a great book. Whether or not you think anger is a real issue in your home, this has been very eye-opening. It dissects the Bible verse - "Fathers do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." [Ephesians 4:6] There are so many ways I never knew I have provoked our children to anger. Highly recommend.
[3] Shepherding a Child's Heart ... It has been a long time since I've read this one, but it's really good. It gives Biblical approaches to training up our children. I want/need to re-read it!
[4] The Ministry of Motherhood ... A good friend just recommended this one, and after reading this synopsis, I ordered it immediately. "A mother’s day is packed with a multitude of tasks that require energy and time: preparing meals, washing clothes, straightening and cleaning the house, and caring for children. These jobs all are necessary and crucially important. But in the dailyness of providing for a child’s physical, emotional, and social needs, vital opportunities for spiritual nurture and training can be overlooked. This doesn’t have to be the case. You can focus your energy on what matters most."

four friday faves.

So Hudson turned 7 on Wednesday, which is just crazy. Although his personality hasn't changed much [hooray!] since this video was filmed, he seems so grown up compared to his four year-old self!

Here are just a few of the ways God made him that I just adore ...
[1] He is the cutest rough & tough ball of energy, yet just as equally tender-hearted.
[2] His expressions, made-up phrases, and motions can be absolutely hysterical.
[3] He thinks to pray for people and situations more than I do.
[4] His smile ... lights up the world.

four friday faves.

With upcoming trips to Mexico Beach and Boca, here are some things I recently snagged on sale with our summer vacas in mind ...

[1] Shea Moisture "coconut & hibiscus" wash from Target, which smells the best.
[2] Sperry flip-flops from Dillards.
[3] Gap "palm print board shorts" for Gus. :)
[4] Carters swimsuit for Hollis that I cannot wait to dress her in next weekend!

four friday faves.

I'm back! Great, fun things have been happening in our life. April was pretty jam-packed for us, which is why I've barely blogged lately. But life is now getting back to a more normal pace for me ... So, here is a sneak peek of four important events I'll dedicate individual posts to this month. Can't wait. :)

four friday faves.

This Sunday is a big day for Target. The store is launching a limited edition Lilly Pulitzer line, and the word is that it will likely compare to Black Friday. I have never considered myself to be a Lilly customer before, but I'm planning to jump online very early in hopes to snag these...

[1] Fan Dance Maxi dress for Hollis
[2] Boom Boom Bandeau Swimsuit
[3] Nosey Posey Embroidered Clutch
[4] Eyelet Shorts

four friday faves.

In honor of our baby girl turning 3 yesterday, here are some of my favorite shots of our Hollis-bug. :)

four friday faves.

Being that it is Good Friday, here are some things we will be incorporating in some way this weekend. Every year, my goal is to be more intentional than ever before ... with myself and with our children. It's easy to get wrapped up in egg hunts and candy [and we definitely love for our kids to enjoy them too], but we want the emphasis to be on Christ.

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. [Romans 5:8]

[1] The Jesus Storybook Bible ... Nothing can replace the Bible, but this is good for in addition to. The illustrations are beautiful + captivating.
[2] Resurrection Eggs ... The kids love when we get these out each year. Such a great tangible way to teach the events of Easter.
[3] "He Has Risen!" Donuts ... So excited to try this for the first time on Sunday! We've made the resurrection rolls before, but I was looking for something with little to no prep time. :)
[4] One of my favorite worship songs ... "In Christ Alone".