Happy #9, Lilly Scott!

I will always say it: I can't believe you're another year older. You have grown, changed, shared, and so much more in this year. This year you took to swimming like a fish, sharing your heart filled with Jesus, practiced a budget of give, save, spend, taught the younger siblings, and more I can't even put on paper.

Your favorite colors are pink and blue, and you love dolls and Barbies. This year you saved up for a dollhouse, and in December we made the big purchase.

You developed sweet friendships with girls on the swim team, and you improved your times and strokes greatly. You loved it being a team atmosphere but being alone in the water. It gave you time to be in your own world, which you crave daily. Your imagination soars minute by minute as you can turn the simplest piece of something into a creative work of art for your playtime.

This year we met your favorite Disney princess, Elsa of Arendale as well as several other princesses we adore. You also rode your first real roller coaster, and that was also the last for that trip. I'm thankful we have a picture!

Reading has been huge for you this year, and you've met so many of those goals. Each book you check out gets thicker, and we are encouraging you to finish one of them this time. ;o)

I took you on one date to Starbucks and Target... Every mom's go to and dream, little me.

You make us laugh even at your contagious giggles.

Third grade has nothing on you as you've grown and accepted responsibilities at school and home. While balancing extra curricular activities, you've made us so proud. School, homework, swimming, dishwasher unloading, sweeping, bathroom cleaning, vacuuming, writing thank you notes, journal writing.. these are just a few of the areas you have accomplished in your eighth year. Be so proud of how much you have grown and learned, and that your heart is pure with love and compassion for others.

This year we had a skate party, and you were surrounded by all the love and attention.

matching cousin shirts

 The next day, your actual birthday, we went to church and lunch. Our bunch and friends joined us to celebrate you.

 We love you and are so excited where this ninth year takes you!!

-mom and dad

I Have a Fix!

Okay so I promised myself I would keep this secret, but I am failing myself. Little by little, I share my new favorite find. I've enjoyed this find so much, I decided to write about it, because I know everyone who takes advantage of this opportunity will also have a fix.

What is this amazing fix I have?! It's called Stitch Fix. Friends, this service is so cool. Stitch Fix fits within EVERY budget and timeline, and who doesn't love opening a box of personalized goodies?! How does it work? Well you'll create a style profile by rating outfits they have posted-- like it, love it, it's okay, hate it, etc. Then you'll put in your sizes, share any insecurities, and voice features you are more comfortable showing.

Then schedule your fix to come as often as you'd like. I have chosen monthly to get me through the holidays, and then I'll slow down until Spring. This can always be adjusted based on what we prefer. Super flexible, which I need and love.

When you schedule Stitch Fix, make sure to share with the stylist if there's a particular item you want or need, an occasion, or any other preferences for your closet. Also share if there are any pieces to avoid.

For the budget, tell the stylist what you are comfortable spending on pants, tops, dresses, and accessories. There's a $50 range to choose from ($50-100, $100-150, etc).

THEN THE BOX COMES! Ahhh! Not only are there 5 surprises inside, but there's a personalized note and styling pics and tips for how to dress up or down each item in the box.

The ONLY fee that has been paid is a $20 styling fee, but the $20 is applied to ANY item(s) kept in the fix. So of the 5 items that come in each box, if I choose a $48 sweater, I will only pay the remaining balance of $28.

I appreciate that Stitch Fix is personalized, fits into our budget, and helping me shop. I get to try on everything from home with my current closet pieces, and it's something that isn't from my usual go to stores. I get bored of the same places, and I don't love wearing something that 374 other people have.

You've got the fix and don't love it a couple pieces, now what? Each box comes with a prepaid polymailer. Whatever you choose not to keep, put it in the mailer, and drop in the mailbox. Then get online and tell the stylist what you thought of each piece. The more feedback provided the better each next fix will be.

Then check out the item(s) chosen to keep, and strut.your.stuff! 

Here are two tops and a pair of black pants I've kept from my two boxes.

I love this green tunic, it's a great fabric that breathes well. I actually don't have scoliosis, but it was awkward to pose for whatever kiddo wanted to take a picture.

PLEASE post if there are any questions :o) Happy to help!

as always,

ashley

Mom's In Charge

Jordan goes on a yearly Vegas trip. He talks a big game about making it a twice a year trip, and one day that won't put me in hibernation when he returns. The age our kids are now is hard to do solo. After he returns I want to sleep for the following week, but all moms know that isn't going to happen. Unfortunately, he wants to sleep for a week too, but apparently no one sleeps in Vegas. Crazies. Sometimes I long for a trip to do nothing but sleep and eat, but definitely not pack on lbs.

This year I lucked out by having my big brother Jeff and his love come visit. Jordan left Thursday morning, and they didn't get to Chattanooga until Saturday afternoon. So it was touch and go for about 55 hours. ;-)

Uncle Jeff is an absolute champion for my kids. He adores them, and they definitely reciprocate those feelings. It touches my heart to see him on the floor with them, or running around with one or the other on his shoulders.

Amy and I went for a spa afternoon once we put the kiddos to nap Saturday afternoon. 

 Then we came home to Uncle Jeff with every kid awake. We played outside and ate a yummy asian cuisine for dinner.

The next day we went to the park and played. Oh, what fun!

During Sunday's nap, Amy and Jeff took Lilly Scott to the salon for a pedi and mani. I was a little bit jealous. ;o)

We had a great time, and I laughed so hard at Jeff's jokes and stories. It was a great visit, and if they promise to come back, Jordan might be able to go on an extra trip. Maybe.

as always,
ashley

Wells.Is.ONE!

Sweet baby boy Wells. When Mac and Paisley turned 1, I cried and grieved for their babyhood. Now that I've been through it, I know that you're still a little dumpling-- not yet a toddler. That kept me from hiding in the closet and sobbing like I did in 2006 and 2011.

You have found your survival personality, little boy. I know when you're angry, hungry, or just over it. You'll straighten your legs and let out an extended grunt. But then I give a tickle, and those dimples quickly appear.

Words: Dada is definitely your favorite word. The stairs have caught your attention, and you think it's hilarious to crawl to them, turn to look at me, and say, "No no no no no..." in a cute voice, except you're totally making a joke of my discipline. Not cool, little buddy.
Here's a face you make all the time. It's so cute and I finally captured it. As you wrinkle that button nose, there's this nasal-filled, monotone hum that comes out.

My obsession (besides your chunky legs and tickling you) is bonnets. A boy bonnet, yes sir. It's classic, traditional, and southern. You're a doll in anything, but you'll wear a bonnet until Dad absolutely cuts them off, which I'm confident is sooner rather than later.

 

We have discovered you love cheese, just like Paisley. Grilled cheese has become a staple at the high chair. Other favorites are applesauce, bananas, almond milk, chicken, egg yolk (the whites bother your tummy), and anything sweet.

The big birthday party was in Murfreesboro so our family and family friends could celebrate with us. We made a weekend of it with the Allen family Thanksgiving, and it was very fun. You are oh so loved and celebrated, baby W. 

We went to The Pfunky Griddle where everyone indulged on pancakes and individual toppings.

You crashed at the end of the party so cake was with cousins the next day. All cousins tasted and enjoyed the baked goodness.

We love you SO SO very much, little guy. Thank you for a fabulous FIRST year, and you are the perfect addition to our family. Dad, me, LS, Mac, and Paisley adore you to pieces.

-mom

HaHa Halloween

Halloween is becoming more fun as the kids are getting older and understanding. This year carrying from house to house was minimal, and they didn't just stare at the homeowner when they came to the door. The weather took a turn for the cold, and so we did a speedy version of the past few years.

The weekend before Halloween we went to the local zoo for 'Boo In the Zoo'. It was a cute effort, and the kids enjoyed the scavenger hunt and carousel. We are year members at the zoo so the appeal of the zoo itself wasn't there, but any excuse to get more wear out of the costumes will get us there.

Paisley loved the blow up things.. She watched them, then she hugged them right before or after she would literally punch them. She absolutely cracks me up with that huge personality.

If you can't tell already, we had a sea theme. When Lilly Scott decided to be a Caribbean pirate and Paisley wanted to be a mermaid (that is LS' old costume, btw), it was only fitting to add two more sea personalities- Mac was a pirate, and Wells was a lobster.

As always, the carousel is a must. We ride this thing at least half a dozen times each trip to the zoo.

Then comes actual Halloween.... Worse Halloween of my life. Let me tell you....

And I have like 2 pictures total... here's why...

We always go to the Martin's Halloween party for chili and trick or treating. Everyone enjoyed a big bowl of homemade chili with desserts galore. Yum. Right what we need before eating candy- or so we thought. We make our rounds through the neighborhood, and here are the only two pictures I have:

Wells was in the stroller because it was so cold, and Paisley rode in a wagon with Ella Grace. Apparently Mac was my speed.
When we returned to the Martins, LS started crying saying she didn't feel well. Poor thing, you ate too much candy, I thought, because I'm such the compassionate mom. She took some pepto, but then tears started. Jordan and I started loading up the car because she was melting, and no one had popcorn for the show.

We get down the street, and I clarify if her stomach is like a puke hurt or an 'I need to go to the bathroom hurt.' She says bathroom so I breathe a bit easier. Then... not even a minute later, Paisley starts puking. I have a spider body when that stuff happens because I can get to the back seat faster than if my car was on fire, I'm sure of it. I dump out the headphones and hold the bucket for her. Picture our seating arrangement... We have 3 rows, LS is in the middle row, I'm in the back row between M and P. As she's finishing, Lilly Scott projectile vomits CHILI across.the.car FOUR times. Oh dear Lord. (Grammar friends, forgive my desire to italicize, bold, underline, and capital every word in these sentences.) It was red, had whole beans, and smelled AWFUL. I took the bucket from Paisley to give LS for her to finish. Just then, Paisley started again. What was I to do but cup my hand for her a new bowl. Seriously. Mom of the year. Between two pukers and my hand literally in the middle, what choice did I have but to join them? So here I go, but where? Oh, IN MY LAP! I'm pretty sure Jordan had his head out the window the entire car ride, and I remember Mac yelling, "Get me out! Get me out!" Me too, buddy.

Finally we got home, and Jordan took Lysol, Clorox, and probably a pressure washer to the inside of my car. There was puke everywhere, and everything inside went into the washer.

That was a lot of details, and I'll spare the rest. Jordan and Wells were the only ones spared this go around, and we were all up watching Disney Jr. at 3 Saturday morning.

We are all better, and the candy hasn't been touched.

As always,
ashley

Wells is 11 Months!

Here we are again.. Do I start every month post like this? Because I certainly feel like I do. The new month is always a reality check that time doesn't slow no matter what. I've always found that looking forward old man time seems so slow and advanced, but we look backward at the same number of days/weeks/months/years, and time has absolutely flown. All the more reason to be still, my friends. 

Wells, 

You are 11 months old TODAY. Stop it. I can't believe it. This month has been yet another time frame allotted to witness and document your growth and personality. Even the loss of your first tooth. Gasp. It has happened. Keep reading for the details...

This month you started pulling up on almost everything. You've not let go, but we are in no hurry. I know what happens after than step, buddy. Your temperament is still pretty calm, but you've started this straightening of your arms and legs and a loud grunt when you're not happy. You, mister, are letting us know when something isn't okay with you. Today you wore hard sole Keds (Mac's first pair) to church, and you grunted and kicked the whole way to church. You're in between shoe sizes in the soft sole shoes so we don't have a pair. The weather keeps playing tricks on me, and this morning I spent 30 minutes in the attic trying to find your size in a collared shirt for church. You ended up in a 2T that was hanging in the closet. 

I finally captured the nose crinkle you do! Ahhh!

This month you clap your hands and siiiiing, boy, you sing! We've gotten a piece of your tune on video, but there is so much more where it comes from. 

You're in 12-18 month sizes, sleep and eat like a champ, and melt hearts everywhere. I've failed to write about your church buddy, Mr. Terry, but he's rocked you during church since your first time in the nursery. You love him, and I'm pretty sure it makes his morning to snuggle you. :o) Now he has to sit on the floor because you're ready to go, but I know he gets a few cuddles still. 

You watch your brother and sisters every.single.minute. When we wake up M and P from nap, you kick and squeal from excitement. It's so cute to see you watch and follow after them. The older you get, the more they'll play with you, I promise. You always get 1:1 time in the bath with Mac. You both love the water, and Paisley is too busy trying to get out so she can see what everyone else is doing.

We went to the beach this month. In your short 11 months you've been to Disney World and the beach twice. I'm glad Jesus gave you an adaptable spirit since we are a busy family on the go!

On the last month post, I wrote about the tumble you took. I was more concerned about the bump on your head, but your tooth took more of a beating than I realized. At first I noted it was pushed up, then as it came back down I saw it was chipped. Last weekend it started to turn gray. I am overwhelmed with guilt even as I write this... We went to the dentist last week, and the x ray showed your tooth was dying from the inside out. So within 20 hours we went back to have that tiny piece of your babyhood removed. I was a mess about it, but God has given me such a peace in our decision to follow Dr. Jason's advice.

 

The night before the procedure you wouldn't sleep. You woke up about every hour and just cried. I kept you beside me all night for my heart and yours. Dad took a picture of us snoozing.

Our appointment at 7:30 the next morning...

 You were such a trooper, and I rubbed your foot and talked to you the entire time. After the 473954th time of my saying your name and reminding you that I loved you, I realized the dental staff probably wanted to put tape over my mouth. Oh well. You knew I was there even when you couldn't see me, and that is all that mattered.
A huge part of the peace we feel is that you've not woken in the middle of the night since the tooth was removed. That is an answered prayer to know that you're not in pain, sweet babe. 

We love you, Wellsy!

-mom and dad

Closet Tune Up for Fall 2014

Clothes... Shoes... Accessories. I'm a girl, I love clothes, but I'm pretty much a comfort stickler with my shoes. I love jewelry, and scarves are fun once we get over the hurdle of feeling silly because we aren't quite sure if it's being worn correctly {If this is you, get comfortable with an infinity scarf first- less pressure.}

This week I've actually enjoyed some me time in reading what is in store for Fall 2014. It's about time, right? I mean it is October. Is it safe to be fashionably late in this sense? Haha, well it'll have to be. I've been busy, Michael Kors.

Let me first say that I am by NO means going to step out in high heels or straight off the runway attire, and I don't own a size 2 bod either. I mostly sport yoga pants from being at the gym or just wanting to feel like I've just been to the gym. It's true. So if you see me and I'm not decked out in 'my word, you look great!', well, it just hasn't happened that day. I'm okay with that.  Only one way to go from there.

Blogs are great to read for sooo many reasons, and this week I've been into what to have and what to purge from my closet. I love a good purge, but there's always that doubt of 'what if...?' Sing with me, sisters, Let it go, let it go, can't hold it back anymore. Let the bubble necklaces go. Toss the camis that are stretched or the underarms that have yellowed {we all have that favorite cami that has seen waaaay too many summers, right?}. I read a quote the other day: If it cups, it's too small. Let that and anything you haven't worn in a year bring joy to another closet. Rid yourself of the 'what ifs' because chances are if it hasn't been used in 365 days, it doesn't need to take up precious space in your closet.

One friend's blog I read is Natasha's called Hello!Happiness. She has been a great resource to pilot my search for other fashionista tips like Tina Adams Consulting blog. She has a blog for men also. I have to take baby steps for my guy. {The same one who embraces every chance to wear one of his 18 hooded sweatshirts.}

Natasha wrote for Tina Adams about her closet purge, and straight from her blog, here is my summary:
1. Get a full length mirror.
2. Camisoles are a hidden gem. {My freshman year college roomie is way on top of this, she always sported a cami in 2003.} Vanilla, black, and nude are all the colors we need. Look for finished seams because they hide under clothes better.
3. Matching hangers. I have always been OCD about nothing hanging on a hanger if it doesn't match. So I stick with the white plastic hangers. Somehow over the years maroon and hunter green (barf) have made their way into our closet, and those are being weeded out as I can. The wire hangers get tossed every time I see them. They are so sloppy looking and deserve to be recycled ASAP.
4. Dry cleaning plastic bags = recycle. They damage clothing fibers and seriously look like saran wrap in the closet. We don't buy clothes that need dry cleaned so this isn't a problem for us. Maybe I'll get brave one day and splurge for that top with the symbol that nixes the washer and dryer.

Once the purge happens, here are great resources for piecing together a closet with fashion minded {not to be confused with the word trendy... moms don't need to be 'trendy'} sense...

Jewelry: dainty is the word. Toss the heavy, bulky bubble necklaces of 2013 facebook sales, and adorn the gold and silver jewelry. Layer the lengths to add dimension and personality to an outfit. I have added a gold bar to my wish list. If you know me, I wear the coin necklace with each of my kids initials on it, and that's my favorite go to for a gold touch.

Pants: I'm so glad to see that bootcut isn't always flared. Bootcut just covers the shoes where flare is a statement from the 70s. Bootcut flatters more legs, and who doesn't want that?! This being said, skinny pants are still in as well as leggings. Let's be clear in saying that leggings are NOT pants, however. Personal rule: leggings only worn if the top covers the rear plus a few {or several... depending on how many lunges one has achieved} inches.

Zella leggings are my favorite. Nordstrom.com ships both ways for free.

Shoes: This was news to me, but pictures don't lie: pointed toe versus rounded toe... points for the win. Not witch hat points, but more almond shape toe than rounded.

Plaid: scarves, shoes, shirts- do it. Plaid doesn't have to be stapled with western boots, although that's fun too. Just don't go for the Little House on the Prairie plaid. Lauren Scrugg's magazine did a great post on a scarf that is next to impossible to find now, but it's at Target!

Tees: V and scoop necks versus crewneck... go for open necklines to create proportion and balance with the rest of the body.

Native inspiration: go for the arrows, native stitching, and accessories with fringe.

Cognac: Named after a town in France, it's a type of brandy... Cognac goes with black and brown... anything but red. Say it with me 'con-yak'. Think boots and purses.

After working at JCrew in college, I saw the same shirt purchased by 25 girls. I started to cringe at the thought of people knowing exactly where and when an item was bought, so I've sought unique places to buy from whenever I can. I still value the JCrew/Gap staple, but I have to be careful not to fill my space with one store, especially if it's 'safe' for me. Here are some shops I like:

Amazon.com is great for accessories. Personally, I don't trust ordering a main outfit component from Amazon unless I know the brand and fit.

The Red Dress Boutique

In Bloom Boutique

Sole Society for shoes and purses

Heart and Home Collection for accessories

I'll add more as I think of them. Since I was pregnant last fall, I'm in definite need of a tune up. I'm still adjusting to this post twins and singleton frame, and it's an adventure to find what does and doesn't work. After coordinating the kiddos, it's okay for us to spend time making ourselves feel put together also. So grab a couple wardrobe staples and toss in a fun accessory or two.

Any shops or tips you care to share???

-ashley