9 months later...

6 days new

3 months old

6 months old

9 months old

...my baby has grown bigger, developed so many motor skills (I'm tellin' ya, she is pretty advanced. Some pretty unbiased people have told me so, if that helps you believe me), has quite the personality and has changed lives with the light and love she brings to everyone she meets! 9 months later and this girl has completely turned our world around.
Some may think it's cheesy to take this picture every 3 months, but I have loved seeing the changes that happen too quickly in Mia! Although I miss that tiny newborn that just curled up in our arms (now I see why people get baby hungry even when you already have a baby, yikes!) I wouldn't change her growth for anything! I'll never understand how someone who is part me and part Eric turned out so perfect, but heck! I'll take it her ;)

i should be disowned...

I feel so blessed that I inherited Eric's family as my own when we got married! I love them so much, and they love me, but I'm not really sure why. Have I ever shared my experience about the first time I met my future in laws? No?

Oh dear.

Here goes...

When Eric and I were first dating he told me all about his amazing family and of course, I couldn't wait to meet them! I remember the weekend he took me home like it was yesterday. To get caught up on why it is so memorable you really should read this post. I promise you'll love it (and die over my beginner blogging skills) :)
After we got home from the funniest (for me) and most embarrassing (for Eric) reception, I met his parents. They had just flown in from a business trip and we were all really tired, so we pretty much said "Hi, nice to meet you" then went to bed. The next morning we woke up and scrambled to get to church on time so we didn't really have time to chat. After church we ate a delicious lunch then lounged around and started to really get to know each other. Somehow we got on the subject of names when my mother in law told me that her middle name is "Gay". I remember telling her that wasn't surprising at all because of the era she was born in, blah blah blah. I then proceeded to make the biggest fool of myself....

me: "What I don't understand is why someone would name a baby boy "Guy". Seriously? Where is the creativity? Oh gee, I just birthed a boy and I think I'll name him Guy??! What is with that?" Oh believe me, I just went to town about how silly I thought that name was...
Eric: "Um Courtney? That's my dad's name."
me: "NO way! Shut up! You're teasing me!"
MIL: "No, really. His name is Guy."
My father in law was just staring at me with a half smirk/half bewildered/half this girl's an idiot-look.
me: "I don't believe you!"

So, my MIL goes and finds a Navy certificate to prove to me that his name truly is Guy.

Awkward....

I.wanted.to.die. Why didn't Eric stop me when I was ranting about the name? Or better yet, why didn't Eric tell me his dad's name in the first place? Or best yet, why didn't I remember what his name is (because let's be real. Eric told me his parents names before I met them)? Luckily, his parent's figured there was a reason I have blond hair ;) They forgave me, gave us their blessing to be married, and love me as if I've been in the family forever. And I've since learned to think before I speak ;) ha ha!

Guy with his brand new granddaughter, Mia :)

P.S.Don't forget to show my best friend some love and enter this giveaway!

Sunnie Jae {giveaway}

I am SOOOO excited to introduce the cutest chop today- Sunnie Jae! You may have noticed the darling headbands our babies were wearing in this post? Well, my best friend (Jaicee) made those! She and her sister finally launched their etsy and I have been dying over their accessories!

When I stayed with Jaicee last weekend I got to watch her create a bow. It was incredible to watch her make a simple (but really, it's not simple) flower and watch it come to life as she added to it. She and her sister have a real talent for making beautiful (and custom) headbands for babies, little girls and even grown women! And you better believe that I will own every single binkie clip they make, so cute!!
I am excited to say that one lucky reader will win a headband and binkie clip of your choice from Sunnie Jae! Even if you don't want to enter the giveaway (but really, you'd be crazy not to!) you should follow this shop because they have some pretty exciting things coming our way. I wish I could spill the secrets (because there are multiple surprises) buuuuuut I can't! I've seen the amazing love and support that comes through social media, so help me show the love to my best friend and get the word out about Sunnie Jae!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

just some randoms {9}

 And so the fun begins. Mia tries to crawl and climb all over everything.... but she doesn't know how to get down yet, HA!

This girl LOVES grass. She prefers to sit and crawl on that over a blanket, and of course she loves to eat it ;) But she can't STAND grass touching her head/face. (Her head looks really huge for her body, it's not, I promise!)

Mia STILL fits in her 0-3 month shoes... woo hoo! She has really skinny feet but they are long, so I'm not sure how they fit? But I'm excited about it because we have CUTE boots that she didn't get to wear last winter because her feet were to small, and luckily they aren't too big now :)

Have you ever seen a baby sleep with such perfect posture? Ha ha! (Her hair isn't normally sweaty like this. I was snuggling her before I laid her down, oops!)

Okay. Mia LOVES food and she LOVES to feed herself. I DON'T love to let her feed herself because as you can see, it's a messy mess! She smears the food all over her face, ears, hair, and it falls down in her chair and mushes on her clothes, and sometimes she accidentally swipes it to the ground. Ooooh the anxiety! I have to dig deep to make myself let her make these messes... am I the only one who struggles with that?

if the broom fits...

 Mia's face is killin' me here... ha ha ha!

These two LOVE each other. I wouldn't hate it if they got married someday ;)

I know the lighting is bad but I thought these hats were so cute!

Please note that Mia and Aspyn are holding hands, so cute! Besties all around :) 
Headbands c/o Sunnie Jae

Mia and I spent the day with our best friends (Mia and Aspyn are just 3 months apart, and Paysen is potential future husband material, HA! Jaicee and I have been best friends for years!) at Gardner Village in northern Utah. It was the perfect way to welcome the Fall season! I must admit that I'm kind of sad to see the arrival of Fall because that means we are nearing the end of the first year of my baby's life. It's just gone by too quickly! But we had the funnest time at Gardner Village (which was all witched out if you hadn't noticed. Adorable!) and I'm looking forward to celebrating the holidays with Mia! Cheers to a beautiful season, fun decorations, best friends and future husband material :) Happy Fall!

weekend review

Mia and I spent a short (too short) weekend up north and it was just what I needed! Of course it would have been better with Eric, but since he had to work I spent my time the next best possible way, with my best friend! We stayed up late (like the first time I've stayed up late since having a baby, and not because of my baby, ha ha!) talking, shopped and just enjoyed hanging out, watching our kids play and not having to rush off to do some adult responsibility :) It's been almost 3 years since we've had a day like that. Like I said, it was just what I needed!
I was also able to see a couple more of my close friends, do hair.... and finally meet Courtney!! We followed each others blogs for (at least) a couple years and of course we stalked instagram. She sent me the sweetest gift after I had Mia and saved my sanity with her advice and encouraging emails those rough weeks of nursing! I don't know what else to say except that we were meant to be friends! I was so excited to finally meet her and she did not disappoint! It feels like we've known each other forever and I know we will continue to be friends for a long, long time! The sweetest part was watching our babes play together. They were SO cute! Mia was in heaven and followed Ryder around like a little puppy dog :) She's as smitten with this new (real life) friendship as I am!

I've said it before and I'll continue to say it until I'm blue in the face... I LOVE blogging (and all forms of social media, ha!) and the people it has brought into my life! I feel so blessed to be surrounded by the BEST of friends! Oh and northern Utah, you still have my heart! And I miss all of my friends (and the convenience of meeting friends) like crazy. I hope to call you home again, someday! (Hasn't someone suggested bloggers just move to an island together? I'm sort of liking that idea lately :) ha!)

happy 9 months to my love bug

 Sneak peek of Mia's 9 month photos!

- Mia has started to stand on her own! She doesn't last more than a few seconds but it's so fun to see her figure this stuff out! The funniest thing? She stands the best when she's completely naked... no diaper, no nothing! But I don't blame her. That diaper would totally throw my balance off, too :)
- She nods her head and it's just the cutest! I don't think she knows what it means, she just sees us doing it and while she's playing or eating she'll stop, nod, then continue. So cute!
- Mia LOVES to clap! Sometimes she claps and nods at the same time just to entertain herself. Other times when she is proud of what she's doing she'll hesitantly clap a couple of times, look at us for approval, then smiles so big our hearts could burst and claps enthusiastically :) I love her personality! 
- This girl loves her food! She is eating everything now! Fresh fruit and veggies, string cheese, meat and the occasional bite of ice cream ;) She loves to eat "grown up" food but still eats pureed baby food a couple times a day. It's so awesome to just feed her what Eric and I are eating for dinner! She still nurses 4 times a day.
- Her hair is too long on top to stand up and I kind of miss that little mohawk, ha! But I don't miss it enough to cut her hair :)
- Mia is so incredibly social and I LOVE it! She loves other people but her favorite are toddlers! She gets so excited when she sees them that she squeals :) She does her best to chase them around while crawling and to pull herself up on them. I would think that toddlers would be intimidating for a little baby, but not for Mia!
- She is so giving with her wide open mouthed, slobbery kisses and I can't get enough of 'em!
- Mia loves to crawl around with toys in her mouth. She looks like a little puppy and it cracks me up every single time!
- I finally pulled out the 6-9 month clothing and washed them! Her 3-6 and 6 month clothes fit her perfectly right now but I'm determined to have her wear the 9 month summer clothes before summer ends! I'm excited for new, fun outfits!
- She still wears size 2 diapers.

I was just thinking this morning how much I love knowing that when I wake up I get to spend my day with our perfect daughter. Eric and I are so blessed and we love Mia SO much!! We are trying to soak up every moment we can with her because she grows too quickly!  

exposed cliff edges

"Yaaaaay!" Mia's clapping :)

Mia and I got to spend the day with Shay earlier this week and explore Cedar Breaks. Well okay, we didn't do as much exploring as we wanted to (which means we have to go back, yay!) because the wind was so strong and SO cold (we had to go back home to grab clothes for Mia and jackets for us... sometimes I wonder why I'm a mom. I don't think that Mia's tank top onesie will be too cold for her in the mountains?? Ugh! Still learning!) and I was on a time crunch. But we got to enjoy some spectacular views of the mountain scene and the cliff side views. I mean, wow! God knew what He was doing when he created this beautiful world. And I am so lucky to enjoy some of the most sought out destinations in the world.... practically in my back yard!
P.S. Shay really was there, she was just too embarrassed by my ear muffs to take a picture with me, but whatever!
P.P.S. Most of the photo credit goes to Shay. I think I took like one picture.

a peek into our home {downstairs}

We need a new DVD case, one that can hold a lot more. And we have nowhere else to store that divider.

I left the decor on the entertainment center to see if we can train Mia to stay away from it. It's taken awhile but I think we've been able to do it. Also, I probably won't ever unpack the box by the freezer because Mia loves to stand up and pull stuff out of it. Free entertainment ;)

I have plans to add to this collage that I'm really excited about!

It's so windy here and our front door isn't protected so I have to hang my cute"welcome" decor inside our patio doors, ha!

Sorry about the weird lighting, I'm not photographer so that explains it. Right?

So! Our new home that we suddenly moved into a little over a month ago... you walk in the front door and can go straight up the stairs or into our living room. There is a tiny storage room (packed full of stuff right now) under the stairs. There is a half bathroom across from the freezer on your way into the kitchen. There is a pantry but not much cupboard space (I have to store my pots and pans in the pantry) in the kitchen. And there is a laundry room next to the refrigerator. There is a little backyard patio that is fenced in, but we don't spend time playing out there because it's cement. Luckily there is a park a couple houses away! We don't have a garage anymore and this place is MUCH smaller than the last..... but I like it! Of course I miss the square footage. I mean, we have to store stuff out in the open because we have nowhere else to hide it so that's kind of annoying (we got spoiled with all the space in our last place). And I know I'll HATE not having a garage when it starts snowing! But this just feels more like "home". I've actually decorated (I still have more to do but it's better than the 2 pictures I hung in our last place) and am determined to finish decorating! I don't know if it's my attitude or what, but I feel happier living somewhere cozy and that gives us freedom. We are renting contract free which is unheard of in this town. But that's just what we needed so maybe that's why I like living here so much better? Ha ha, I'm not really sure. But I do know that until we find a permanent home, I'm happy to make this feel like home until we do find more space (and a garage or 3)! I'll be sharing the upstairs next!

if I could go back...

If I could go back and relive one memory, I'd choose to relive one day. Surprisingly it's not the day that Mia was born :) I've never loved a tiny human, or any human for that matter, more than I love that baby of mine... but I've always said that I wish I could marry my husband again.
My mom and I kind of had no idea what we were doing when planning my wedding. You see, pinterest hadn't been born back then ;) ha ha! Despite the lack of inspiration that pinterest provides I think everything about my wedding day was perfect. The venue, the decor, the food, the music, the dancing, the guests, etc. My one regret is that we didn't have a videographer. With my undying wish of being able to relive this day over and over, I know that a video would have been the perfect way to do it!
I have to admit that sometimes I really love to have the attention on me (or maybe this isn't a surprise?) so the anticipation leading up to my our big day did not disappoint! I loved having everyone come together to celebrate our love! Gosh, it is such a good feeling having family-member-after-family-member-after-friend-after-someone-who-knows-my-parents-somehow-but-I-don't-really-know-them wish us a happily ever after!

This is the perfect picture of a brand new eager husband and wife :) It's so sweet to look back on our wedding pictures!

The thing I loved most about our wedding day is despite the friends and family that traveled from all over to celebrate, and despite the beautiful weather and amazing reception... Eric and I really didn't notice much of it because we were so wrapped up in each other. We could only see each other. Our innocent blissful love was bursting out of our hearts because we were finally husband and wife forever! Of course our love has grown and matured since then, but it's not quite the fairytale that it was in the beginning, ha! If I could go back I would choose to relive those moments, those feelings over and over again. Luckily we do have from here to eternity to relive that love!
Linking up with Jenni's blogtember!

fall bucket list

Cornbelly's 2012

1- Buy a candle from Bath & Body Works. I know, silly to put on the bucket list! But I've been hearing so many good things about these candles so I think I need to try one :) What's your favorite scent for autumn that I should try?!

2- Play at Cornbelly's at Thanksgiving Point with our friends. Our weekends haven't been working out quite like we've planned lately, so I'm not sure we will be able to make this work. We've gone the last 2 years and had SO much fun so I am definitely crossing my fingers that we can take Mia this year!

3- Go to a pumpkin patch. My mother in law already sent us home with pumpkins from her garden and it doesn't get better than that! But think of how cute the pictures would be of Mia in a pumpkin patch :) ha ha!

4- Bake all kinds of pumpkin treats. You guys, I've been married for over 5 years and I've NEVER baked a pumpkin treat. Not even once! But I'm determined to use those pumpkins from our family's garden and bake the best treats ever! So please share your favorite pumpkin recipes (because I need all the help I can get)!!

5- Take a drive up the mountain to see the changing leaves. We did this last year and it was BEAUTIFUL! It's definitely something I don't want to miss.

6- Get crafty! It's been so long since I've made any holiday decor so I want to make a craft with friends! I guess I need to search Pinterest for some fun ideas.

7- Spend as much time playing outside as possible. I've heard predictions that this winter is going to be pretty wet and nasty so I want to soak up every ray of sunshine possible before I'm snowed in with a mobile baby that will go stir crazy in our small home (play dates anyone?? We'll have to rotate homes just to get a break, ha)!

I'm a social media addict

I had to participate in this link up today because as ridiculous as this sounds... I'm so thankful for blogging and Instagram (of course I like to creep on facebook but my favorites are blogging and IG)!

 Oh pregnancy acne... how I DON'T miss you!

This blog has saved me during some of my loneliest moments, and led me to some amazing people who quickly became best friends and I know they will be in my life forever! I know I am not the best at responding to comments; I just don't have the option to sit at the computer while Mia crawls all over the house pulling everything down in her path :) But I am trying to manage nap times better because I totally believe in the relationships that can (and are) built through this community! Just know that every single comment means the world to me!

I have also found amazing inspiration, the best advice and sweetest encouragement from the blogging/instagram community. What a wonderful place for women to come together and build each other up! I've heard people talk about the ridiculousness of the "popularity" contest that consumes the people of Instagram.... I mean sure! I love to hear how cute my baby is! But like I said before, I have received so much needed advice and encouragement and I could not be more grateful for it!

The way that social media has changed me and my memories the most is that I actually record everything. I get to tell Mia's story from day one! I get to share our adventures. I get to share our heart breaks. I get to share tiny details that I would never want to forget, but wouldn't record otherwise. I'm not a journal keeper or a scapbooker. So thanks to this blog and IG, I take pictures of Mia's first time swinging! I write down something that Eric said that had me laughing so hard I almost peed myself. I get to talk about things that probably don't matter to anyone else... but that's the beauty of social media. It's mine and I get to do what I want with it. Whether people follow or not, it's totally up them! I just love that I have somewhere to "journal" and share my pictures!

 I know, I know! Alycia is my sister in law BUT she's the reason I started blogging! Plus she will be in my life forever ;)

How has social media changed you?! Do you feel like you've gained from stalking other people's lives?! ;)

currently...

 Hiking the Red Cliffs in southern Utah with our friends! Wait until spring to go, the waterfalls are all dried up now :(

Loving: all the time I'm spending outside with Mia! Eric and I take her to the park and let her crawl around (she likes the grass except for when it touches her head. It's hilarious when she falls to watch her reaction to the grass touching her head/face) and we push her in the swing. She especially loves the swing! And I'm trying to pack in as many hikes as possible since the weather has cooled down, but before it gets too cool, you know?
I'm also LOVING the rain we've been getting! There's nothing better than rainstorms in the summer (but you can't really call it summer at the moment, the high today is 66)!

Reading: The Mortal Instrument Series. I'm on the fourth book now, City of Fallen Angels. I was totally looking forward to watching the movie but I've heard it sucks bad. Who's seen it? I want your opinions! Do I waste a date night on seeing it in the movie theater, or wait until I can get it from the redbox?

Learning: to be patient. Need I say more? (Actually, there is a lot to say! But that will be for another blog post.)

Trying to: figure out why on the days that I have a huge to-do list and need to get stuff done, I accomplish nothing. But on rainy, cool days when it's the perfect excuse to snuggle in a blanket and do nothing but watch netflix and eat ice cream, I tackle that list and get everything done. Ugh!

Wishing: that this town offered more holiday events. I loved living in northern Utah during the holidays, there is always something fun to do each weekend to celebrate! The closer we get to the season, the more I can't help but miss northern Utah, the fun things to do and our friends!

Excited for: Thursday night! DATE NIGHT! This will be our third official date night and I'm already in need of some ideas! The last 2 date nights were ice cream... ha ha! We also need to buck up and call a babysitter so that we can officially be on a date sans Mia :) Baby steps, people. Baby steps.

broccoli bacon salad {a side dish or dessert}

I've got the most scrumptious recipe to share today! I'm not even kidding when I say it can be used as a side dish or a dessert. I think it is that good!

I know it's not the best picture but I can't even tell you how long it took me to get this picture. I like to eat my food, not take pictures of it! So you can trust me when I say this salad is awesome, even if it doesn't look like it ha ha!

I have always loved this dish but I never remembered to get the recipe from my mom. I do have the measurements for the dressing only because I relayed the information to my mother in law. So I guessed on the amount of everything else I threw in and, well, it turned out perfectly! This recipe is so simple and so delicious!

Broccoli Bacon Salad
6 cups Broccoli florets (I cut off every stem I could)
12 Pieces of bacon, crumbled (I really like bacon so you may only like 8-10 slices. But 12 really is perfect. Make sure it's crispy!)
1/2 cup Red onion (I didn't exactly measure this, but depending on how much you like onion, I'd use 1/3-1/2 cup)
1 cup Mayo
1/3 cup Sugar
1 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar

Combine broccoli, bacon and onion in serving bowl. In a separate bowl combine mayo, sugar and red wine vinegar. Mix the dressing thoroughly and pour over salad. Mix the salad and dressing then serve and enjoy! Or let it chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving (this is what I did). And if you decide to eat the whole bowl yourself? It's really okay!!

husband love

Even though it's not the best quality, this is one of my favorite pictures of my very two favorite people!!

So I've been mentioning how crazy life is these days, but I've never really explained why. Of course things got 100 times crazier once Mia became mobile :) But that's the fun kind of crazy, the kind of crazy I spent years day dreaming about! It's been hard to get life in order while trying to unpack from moving (and keep track of mobile Mia), work, trying to have a tiny social life, etc. We are in the process of selling one (but the plan is to sell both) vehicles, and fix Eric's jeep. That jeep is turning out to be quite the process that no one expected it to be. We have spent every free weekend at my in laws trying to fix part after part that goes out on it. Eric is Mr. Fix It and would never take his vehicle to the shop. It really blows my mind how much knowledge Eric has and how he is able to fix pretty much anything! It's also frustrating that he won't just take it to a shop when we have limited time, ha! 

But the main thing that makes life crazy is Eric's job. He had a huge promotion awhile ago and he is now the electrical superintendent at work! This has been Eric's goal since he started doing electrical maintenance work but we thought it would be at least 10 years before he achieved it. Once again, Eric has so much knowledge, he learns fast and he's good at what he does (and he's only 27)! I am so proud of him but I get extremely frustrated because he is under appreciated at work. (Maybe I shouldn't post that online, but maybe if someone doesn't like it, they should change their ways!) There is a ton of stress that comes along with the position and I'm afraid I haven't made it any easier than his job. But I truly am working on that :) Anyway, Eric puts in 50-60 hour weeks but he has put in over 100 hours in a week before! And then he comes home and gives Mia a bath every single night, and helps with her any other way he can. He also makes time to hangout with me, talk about my day, etc. Eric really does it all! I am so lucky and so blessed that he's mine forever!

Mia has become the star of this blog and the star of our life :) Which is to be expected since she's such an amazing baby! I feel like it's really easy for me to dismiss the pressure and stresses Eric has in his life because my focus is on our daughter. I don't let him know how much I appreciate everything he does for us and how hard he works each day. So this post is a huge shout out to my main man.... I am in love with him more than ever before! I could not be more grateful for such a hard working, smart, talented and caring husband. He can be the father of my babies anytime ;) I love you, Eric!

let's play a game

Flashback Friday. 31 weeks and one of my very favorite pictures when I was pregnant!

1- I never take selfies. It's so much easier to post pictures of me with other people because a) I feel so awkward taking selfies (aka they always look awkward) and b) no one focuses on me if there are other people to look at. Phew! But I want to start having more confidence in ME, so watch out for the random selfie every now and again on Instagram :)

2- I will probably have hearing aids at a young age. I got tubes put in my ears when I was a little girl and the holes in my ear drums never closed up. I ended up having surgery to close them up and I suspect my hearing sucks because of that whole process. I usually have to read lips to catch every word that is said.

3- When I turned 16 I borrowed my dad's car all the time until I got my own car. My parents told me I had to get a job (babysitting didn't count anymore) if I wanted to keep borrowing. I collected job applications from locations near our home, thinking I'd just turn them down (because I wanted a glamorous job) if they actually wanted to interview me. When I returned my application to Arctic Circle... they hired me on the spot. And I went home and bawled my eyes out, ha ha! This definitely wasn't the "glamorous" job I had in mind!

4- I H A T E feet. I almost died in cosmetology school when I learned that pedicures were a requirement to pass. And I've been quite rude in the past, pointing out my friend's ugly feet to their face (I am SO sorry about that! I've learned to keep my mouth shut!). BUT, I could kiss Mia's feet all. day. long. I dread the day that she starts getting gross, stinky kid feet.

5- I have to have a treat (or 2 or 3 or....) every day. This is the reason I work out. And have permanent cottage cheese on my bum (if that doesn't make me avoid treats, I don't know what will)!

6- I was the queen of babysitting while growing up! I've always loved kids and I'm really good with them, too. Because of that I think people were shocked that I didn't start having my own babies right after marriage. 5 years later..... and I could not be happier about it!

7- I was voted "most likely to look 911 up in the phone book" in 9th grade. Charming, I know. I've definitely grown out of the "ditsy" stage but I'm still very naive. I don't understand why someone would say something if they aren't being honest, you know?

8- One thing I regret most about high school is that I didn't get involved in extracurricular activities. I actually quit everything because I thought my social life was most important. I didn't realize you could have both!

9- I danced (ballet, to be specific) for years and I've never done the splits. Not even once.

10- I feel totally and completely satisfied being an almost stay at home mom. I work one day a week (because I truly love doing hair and I love my clients. I just can't let them go yet. Also, I feel it's a good thing to have Mia around other people than just me.) and I don't have the desire to work any more. Days that are filled with Mia are the BEST kind of days.

Tell me one thing (or 10) about yourself that most people don't know. I really want to get to know YOU better! Seriously, don't hold back!

give it to me straight

It's strange how a complete stranger can touch your life in a matter of seconds. He can say something so simple, yet so powerful, that it stays with you forever. Once upon a time (because that sounds better than "years ago" or "back when I was engaged" because I've been realizing that I wasn't just engaged last year... oh my. I'm getting old!) a man walked into my salon and asked for a haircut. I sat him in my chair and excitedly told him of my upcoming wedding plans and bragged about my amazing fiance! He asked if he could share some advice and of course I said yes! He told me (and I wish I could remember his exact wording but this was years ago and I suffered from pregnancy brain and now I've developed mommy brain) to bite my tongue when I get tempted to call my husband a bad name because no matter how often I compliment him, or how many pet names I have for him, or how sweet and loving I am to him... he will always remember "that one time I called him _____". At the time I couldn't imagine ever wanting to fight with Eric, or yell at Eric, or call him an awful name... but goodness, marriage tests your patience in ways I never knew it could! And it only takes one word to break down the heart. That moment of anger is not worth the heart ache that will be remembered for far too long. When I finished the haircut and that man walked out the door, he walked out of my life, but those words will stick with me forever! Thanks to that obvious but needed advice, I hope to always take it to heart and be a better wife, mom, friend, person.

What piece of advice do you just love? I am always in need of words that help me become better!

 

An endless river hike

No photo (especially photos from a cell phone... when you have to choose between lugging a camera or a baby, the baby wins. every. time.) could do this hike justice. It was incredibly beautiful! I'm so happy I got to share this day two of my favorite girls- Mia & Shay. I am so blessed!