10 things

tee, shirt, and shoes: old navy     jeans: target    necklace: groopdealz 

The other week my sister told me she wanted me to write a post with ten things I like about myself.  She had read a few other bloggers who wrote similar posts and then I searched and found quite a few who had done the same.  I think it's super easy to think of tons of things you don't like about yourself.  Physical traits or personality traits you feel like you fail at.  It feels weird to make a list (and weider to share it) claiming things I like about myself.  But turns out it was a really good idea.  I actually came up with about seven pretty easily, and had to search a little more for three more.  
My legs.  While there are things I find myself complaining about when it comes to my legs, I love that they are strong.  They ran many races, including three marathons.  They've played many games of soccer and make me feel strong.  
Stubbornness.  I love that when I set my mind to do something, I will do it.  I hate giving up and will keep doing something until I finish.  My stubbornness helped me finish marathons, do well in school and push for over 3 1/2 hours during childbirth.
My handwriting.  I remember loving my sister's handwriting in middle school and practicing to make it look nicer.  I actually used to like taking notes in high school and college because I liked my handwriting and like practicing.  (Hello nerd?  Oh wait. We're focusing on the positives here)
Loyalty.  I struggled a lot with friendships during middle school and high school.  I was often disappointed with friends and felt let down or left out.  I don't know if it's because of that , but I think I am a really loyal friend.  
Creativeness.  I love being creative as a teacher.  I loved making a lesson more exciting, making a bulletin board or coming up with a new project.  At home I love making a craft I see online, decorating our house or making something for Addilyn. 
My hands.  I like them.  Compassion and Empathy.  I am so aware that every pain and trial are different.  And that our struggles with infertility are much less than so many people deal with.  But through it I think God softened and opened my heart to being more compassionate and understanding of others.  I think about others way more often, pray for them and try to think of ways I can show I'm thinking about them.  
Disciplined.  Ironically I just posted about my lack of discipline spiritually, but overall being disciplined is one of my strengths.  In working out, teaching, being organized . . . in most things I like to get things done.  If there is something I need to do I don't like putting it off and want to finish it.  
My ability to find good deals.  I just wish I could make some money of my ability to find things so cheaply.  
Motherhood. There are countless times I have felt overwhelmed with my role as a mom the last eight months.  Plenty of things that I don't second guess and wonder if I'm doing the right thing, and know that will happen over and over.  But I know that I love Addilyn more than anything, that her most important needs will always be met and I'm confident in knowing that God picked me to be the best mom for Addilyn. 

Thank you Lauren.  Thanks for the reminder to focus on strengths and things I like about myself.  I think you should do the same!

The Uglier the Better

 
sweater and shirt: old navy    jeggings: walmart   boots: target

One of my favorite things lately is graphic sweaters, like this heart one from Old Navy last year.  Although I have to admit that the other day I dressed Addilyn and realized we pretty much have the same sweatshirt.  Which made me question my outfit choices since I seemed to be right on par with the wardrobe of a four month old.  

Speaking of graphic sweaters I was surprised to see ugly Christmas sweaters at Target the other day.  It is a little funny to buy something with the intentions of having it look the"ugliest."  I have sadly only been to one ugly Christmas sweater party and I don't even have a picture to prove it.  Where was instagram four years ago? 

Thankfully I know that if I was invited to an Ugly Christmas sweater party this year I'd have a whole lot of choices thanks to Target.  Which is good because when I went in search for one at a thrift store a few years ago, I found nothing.  Here are a few other options: 

Do you have an annual Ugly Christmas sweater party?  Want to invite me? 


This post is brought to you by Target, but all opinions and content are my own.  Follow along with #hilariousholiday

and why I may never wear pants again

 

vest: tjmaxx    shirt: old navy    pants: walmart   boots: discovery 

I know that I've talked about these "pants" a few times before so I apologize for sounding like a broken record.  I'm not quite sure I can call them pants because they are technically jeggings, and while I don't love that word I love these pants. This would be pair number three that I own and I'm pretty sure because of them I may never wear real pants again.  I'm also pretty sure I will be buying pair number four and maybe even five.  

Unfortunately my first two pairs were under $10 and Walmart must have known that everyone that buys one pair of these is going to come back and by ten more so they raised their price to $12.  Those two extra dollars.  Still completely worth it.  

I tried to take a picture of the back of these to prove that they look like real pants but every picture was extremely awkward looking.  I don't know how any of you manage to take a "normal" looking picture of your backside.  And I guarantee I was still smiling in each one of them.

Now get yourself to Walmart and purchase a pair or four.

Christmas Traditions

shirt: old navy   skirt: target   tights: kohls   shoes: old navy

I was so committed to taking a new outfit picture today, I did so despite the snow/hail that was coming down.  Only to go inside and have it stop 5 minutes later.  But it was too late.  Because you know that I spend just about zero time in anything other than sweatpants when I am home. 

So you're left with a snow interrupted picture. 

Speaking of snow, we've had about zero of it and I would LOVE it to snow before Christmas, and we are running out of time!

But more than having a white Christmas, my favorite thing about this time of the year is the traditions that my family has.  When we got married, I know that Chris thought my family may be a little overboard with our yearly traditions, but now he either loves it or knows not to say anything. 

On Christmas Eve we always read the Christmas story from the Bible.  When we were little we used to dress up as one of the "characters" from the story.  There was always a fight between my sister and I about who got to be Mary, and clearly based on the two pictures I found she won more than me.

An angel is just as important though right?
Better than a sheep, which I did resort to one year.  

And I was clearly working hard at playing the manly part of Joseph. 

I'm so thankful that many family started traditions like this, and while we don't dress up anymore I think it's time for my nephew to start the tradition over!  

What is your favorite Christmas tradition?

My husband is learning

vest: tjmaxx (similar)   shirt: old navy (similar)  jeans: kohls  boots: discovery (similar)

The other day Chris told me that he watched a segment on a morning show about what fashion trends were in, so that he could tell me what I needed to buy so I could talk about it on my blog.

Let's just pause and say "Awwwww. That is so sweet of him to think of me and my fashion choices."

He told me one of the trends was fur vests, which I already wanted.

Especially after seeing this outfit, I knew I wanted to try to copy it.

source

However, once I did buy this vest, he is convinced it's because he told me that was trendy.

He also told me that I should try "block coloring" now too.

At least he got the fur vest part right.

Happy Wednesday!

High 5 for Friday

top: old navy   pants: gap   shoes: target

1. Sorry for the poor picture quality.  I'm a little sad that we are getting to days when it is too dark in the morning to take pictures and dark some days when I get home.  

2.  One of my favorite fall decorations in my house may be this book pumpkin I made last year. 

It's nice to know I can put old college textbooks to good use. 

3.  I'm really excited because I ordered these boots this week and can't wait to get them. 

They were only $30 and I found a 20% coupon online. 

 This site may be dangerous as there are way to many things I want! 

4. My brother's birthday was this week.  

I'm loving that I've been able to spend more time with him since he's been married and lives so close.  I'm pretty proud of the man he's become and his wife picking skills too.   

Happy birthday Jacob! I love you!

5. While we have had great time away the last two weekends I am SO happy to be home this weekend.  I have plans for catching up on tv shows, a yoga class with my mom and maybe a sewing project.

Happy Friday!