Winner!

Yay for Cait! You won the gorgeous Antique White Ruffled Headband from Adorn Me Girl giveaway!

If you want The Antique White Ruffled Headband for yourself check out Adornmegirl's twitter page for a 15% off coupon code.

14 Months

My dad ("Grandpappy") and Finley


Dear Finley,

Today you are 14 months. Everyday, it seems, you are learning something new and continuing to grow into the precious little girl that you are.

One thing that surprises me is how much you're talking. You love to look out the back window and watch the chickens. You point at them and say, "chicken." Well, it's your own version of chicken, but I know what you're saying. For Valentine's Day Papa and I got all four of you balloons. You love declaring, "balloon!" and having someone pull one down for you to hold. If we try to tie it on your wrist you start to scream and cry. So, we're subject to hearing, "balloon" and handing one to you over and over throughout the day. "Ball" is one word you say incredibly clear. Like your brothers you love balls. (You also say Mama, Papa, Judah, hi, bye-bye, Cappy (for Captain, our dog), SiSi (for Silas), and I know there's more I just can't think of them right now.)

Another thing that I LOVE are your kisses. You are always giving kisses. Most of the time I have to ask you for them, but my favorite times are when you initiate hugs and kisses on your own. You are such a sweet, loving girl. (And, you love how your Papa's beard tickles your face when you give him kisses.)

I'm so glad you're still wanting to nurse. I love nursing you before bed each night and carrying your little sleeping body to bed. You're not always willing to lay in my arms anymore, so I cherish this time more than anything. You still fit in my arms. You may be walking (running!), talking, making your own trips to the ER, and wanting to do every single thing that your brothers do, but you're still my tiny girl.

I love you more than anything, precious Fifi.
Love, Mama


My dad, my grandma ("Grams"), and the kids

If you haven't already head over here and enter to win the adorable headband from Adorn Me Girl. I forgot to remind you yesterday, so I'm extending the contest until noon PST today.

22-24 of 30

Sweater- For Elyse (local), Long sleeve shirt and Necklace- Forever 21, Jeans- Urban Outfitters, Boots- Target



Dress (turned blouse)- Lulu's, Sweater- Forever 21, Jeans- Urban Outfitters, Belt- Thrifted, Boots- Target



Sweater- For Elyse (local), Dress- Urban Outfitters, Necklace- Forever 21, Boots- Steve Madden

Well, the weekend sure went fast. I kind of can't believe it's Sunday night already. I have six more days of the 30 for 30 and I'm really starting to want to wear my other clothes. I'm going to go shopping out of town in a few weeks, so I've been perusing the internet looking for things I want. Too bad there's about a million. (See a few dresses here.) If there's anything I'm good at it's not lacking in fashion inspiration.

21 of 30: It snowed!!

Ok, the snow first. Because snow is rare around here and my outfit isn't all that creative and inspiring.



This is the view from my front porch. Do you see those white specks? Yes, that indeed is snow. Now, none of it actually stuck, so some might call this cold rain or soft hail, but around here we call is snow, darnit. It lasted for almost 10 minutes....


Shirt and sweatshirt- Forever 21, Jeans- Mek, Shoes- Urban Outfitters, Headband- Made by me using this tutorial

Samuel ended up getting sick after Judah got better, so we've been resting. I haven't left the house in the past three days, so I haven't gotten dressed either. I did wear a new pair of pajamas each day, but that's about the extent of it. So, this is all I have for the 30 for 30 for now.

Canvas Print by ZaZa Gallery

I am in love. Of course with my husband and kids, but also with this canvas print by ZaZa Gallery of my sweet family. Remember those pictures that my dad took for us at the park? They ended up turning out beautiful and I was so excited to have one made into a canvas print. (Did you notice I also used this picture as my blog banner? I love it so much!)

I knew I would like my canvas, but I didn't imagine it would be this stunning, high quality, and well made. This is a keepsake and treasure for our family. I'm so happy with this gorgeous piece of art in our home and reminder of exactly what our family looks like right now (because these kids just won't stop growing!).



If you are in the market for a canvas print for one (or several) of your favorite photos I highly recommend ZaZa Gallery. They have excellent customer service, great prices, quick turnover time, and, most importantly, an amazing finished product. I look forward to working with them again!

(It's really hard to take a picture a picture here the photo we used. The pictures of the canvas definitely do not do it justice. I haven't hung it up yet as I'm still deciding on the perfect place.)

Disclosure: I was given this print from Zaza Gallery. All opinions are 100% mine. Thank you, ZaZa!

the IT list

Welcome Friday!  Here's to another weekend, the last one in February to be exact... spring is inching nearer!  Check out all the amazing blogs on this week's list - there is great inspiration here!

• undeniable style compiles her wishlist for a 'pretty in pink' living room.  I'm in love... she has such a great eye for style! (find undeniable style on twitter!)


• second street east diy's a simple and stylish monogramed throw pillow.  I love the sophisticated personal touch this adds to any room! (find second street east on twitter!)


• a delightful design features kitchens with cabinets that reach the ceiling... this is a great look that is easily recreated for a custom look.  These are some gorgeous kitchens! (find a delightful design on twitter!)


• a spot of whimsy gathers lots of lovely hair inspiration... my personal favorite are the soft and feminine braids. So pretty! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)


• holly in heels is chasing away winter blues with gorgeous wedges for spring. Ohh and ahh! I can't wait to buy some new spring shoes! (find holly in heels on twitter!)


• good clean fun shows us how to make a delicious Nutella Mousse, need I say more? Wow!  This would be a fun dessert to make for a girls night in or small dinner party! (find good clean fun on twitter!)


• elle sees dishes on her must have items for spring... including a really great trench coat, which just so happens to also be one of my must have items for spring, as well! (find elle sees on twitter!)


• yams designs rounds up oodles of gallery wall inspiration. I love a good gallery wall in any home, if you do too check out this great post! (find yams designs on twitter!)


• thought and musing completely rocks this pencil skirt. I adore this outfit and am still jealous that this gal from 'down under' is basking in summer right now!


• rosy + tart brings us this deliciously simple looking bacon and cheese frittata. I love the single serving sizes - very handy for a breakfast on the go! (find rosy + tart on twitter!)


• shen dove style brilliantly mixes polka dots and stripes. I just ADORE this look!  What fun pattern play! (find shen dove style on twitter!)


• rose a la mode gives us her spring clothing picks... and I am absolutely in love with this floral dress. It would be the perfect item to dress up or down! (find rose a la mode on twitter!)


• jewelscapes rocks this amazing boho-chic outfit including wide leg jeans and some fabulous jewelry. I am loving this look!


• mama loves papa is sporting super fun layers as she rounds out two-thirds of the 30/30 Challenge. I love this simple outfit formula! (find mama loves papa on twitter!)


• good life for less has the new TOMS Shoes styles for spring - there are so many fun new styles. It's hard to choose a favorite! (find good life for less on twitter!)


• good tots offers up an adorable pair of baby moccasins for a giveaway.  Make sure to check these out if you have a little one in your life!

the it list is brought to you by jill from good life for less, for info on how you can be involved... click here!

Small Style

I get comments and emails all time that go something like this, "I want to post outfits posts, but..." I really think that you should, just for fun, but I totally get the hesitation and awkwardness. I have that too.

So, for those of you who want to do outfit posts, just not of yourself I'm thinking of starting a new feature called "Small Style." You can post cute pictures of your kids' outfits who look adorable in whatever they wear. Seriously. If I buy something off the rack and bring it home it will probably end up fitting horrible and looking weird. If I buy something off the rack for the kids it always looks cute.

So, next week I'll have a little linky where you can link up your blogs and show off your cute kids. For those of you that don't have kids you can show off your pets.

We'll start next Thursday, so take your pictures and get ready to link up to the very first Small Style. Sound good?

20 of 30: 2/3 Done

Blouse- Lulu's, Cardigan- Target, Belt- Local boutique (Trucker), Jeans- Urban Outfitters, Boots- Steve Madden

Yep, I'm 2/3 of the way done with the 30 for 30 Remix. I'm actually surprised that I made it this far. I think I've run out of outfit combos, so I'm going to have to get super creative and maybe not so cute.

The last few days Judah, my six year old, has been sick. Yesterday afternoon he was back out playing in the backyard and chasing the chickens, so I think he's feeling better. Everyone else seems to feeling well, so I'm thankful for that. We've been so blessed in the fact that the last few sicknesses it's only been one or two kids that have had it and we've gotten over them quickly and easily. Every time someone gets sick I have this fear that all six of us are going to get it. When we had just the two boys that happened with the stomach flu and it was not fun. Not fun at all.

All that to say Judah is feeling better and he got to take yesterday off school, not just Monday. When he heard he couldn't go to his Spanish class he cried and screamed and asked why not. Ummm, I think it's pretty obvious, buddy. I have the cutest picture of him asleep on the couch, but I won't post it until I ask him. He's getting older and more aware of my blog and I'm more aware of his privacy. It makes for a different dynamic while (mommy) blogging. How have you moms with older kids dealt with that?

Don't forget to enter to win a super cute Adorn Me Girl headband here.

I'm also linking up at The Pleated Poppy today for What I Wore Wednesday.

19 of 30/ Adornmegirl GIVEAWAY

Dress-Forever 21, Cardigan and Tights- Target, Boots- Steve Madden, Headband- Adornmegirl

Today I have a giveaway from the super cute shop Adornmegirl run by the lovely Kendra. Her shop is full of girly, ruffly items that I absolutely love.

Here's what Kendra has to say:
Hi my name is Kendra, I've never thought of myself to be creative or crafty. If someone were to ask me three years ago what I thought I'd be doing in 2011, I'd tell them this, " I'm going to be a news reporter somewhere in America working my way to the top." Well we all know we can't totally plan out our lives. I have been married for 3.5 years and in August of 2009 my husband and I got a big surprise, I found out I was pregnant. A few months later I graduated from Utah State University and started preparing for my baby girl to come. As soon as my daughter Sailor arrived I knew things were going to be different forever. I stopped thinking about becoming a news reporter right away and started playing dress-up with my baby girl. I didn't like the baby headbands I saw in most stores so I started making headbands and hair clips for Sailor and then I started making headbands for myself. When Sailor would nap I would search online for ideas of headbands for the both of us. Then I started making baby onesies, brooch pins, and anything else I wanted to try. Soon after, a few people suggested I start an Etsy store. It wasn't long after that when I opened up Adornmegirl on Etsy. I absolutely LOVE to {create} and am always thinking of what I want to make next. I love being a mom, wife, and creator!



Recently I won a giveaway on the facebook page and I wanted to share the love with you. I am giving away the same headband that I'm wearing, the Antique White Ruffled Headband. (And, I just have to add, how adorable is the name of Kendra's daughter, Sailor? I love it!)

To be entered all you have to do it vote for me on Top Baby Blogs. You click this banner, then click the top of the page that comes up. So, two clicks total. Then, leave a comment telling me you voted. I will choose a winner using random.org. You have until Sunday, February 27 at 11:59 PM PST to enter.




If you'd like more chances to win (leave an extra comment for each entry): you can vote once each day (remember, separate comments for each vote), become a follower/subscriber, follow me on twitter (@mamalovespapa), and tweet or blog the giveaway.

Don't forget to visit Adornmegirl on Etsy and facebook and follow Kendra on twitter. Thanks Kendra!

18 of 30: Mama Time

Shirt- Charlotte Russe, Jeans- UO, Boots- Target, Sweater- Forever 21, Necklace- Made by me at Craftymama Night

As a stay at home, homeschooling mama of four little ones any time alone is extremely rare. Just like all of you moms I don't even pee alone. I have someone constantly in my arms and on my lap and I even wake up in the night most of the time.

Of course, I love love LOVE being a mom, but I think it's critical (did you read that? critical.) to have something outside of being a mom. I know for my own sanity I need girls nights outs, a hobby, and some down time. Maybe for you it's a cup of tea on the couch when the little ones are in bed or a trip away with your husband for the weekend. Family dynamics and seasons dictate exactly what "mama time" looks like, but if you're not already, I encourage you to have it. Take a mental health day or hour to benefit not only you, but your whole family.

I look forward to Sunday afternoons. Every Sunday I pack up all of my homeschool materials, my moleskin notebook, my Bible, and maybe a book I'm reading and I have a quiet, peaceful hour.



I plan our school week first, then I have time leftover to do whatever I want. To indulge. To bask in the peacefulness. To drink my coffee while it's still warm.

Sometimes I'll sit there for 10 minutes and it will seem like an hour. I rarely sit still and quiet for 10 minutes at home, so it feels like so long. It rejuvenates me and prepares me for another week with my favorite little people.

{This post courtesy of my husband who is always willing to watch the kids and give me a little break.}

15-17 of 30

Shirt- Forever 21
Jeans- UO
Boots- Steve Madden


Blouse- Lulu's
Jeans- UO
Boots and Necklace- Target



Dress- UO
Shirt, Belt, and Shoes- Forever 21
Tights- Target

Yesterday was really rough, but worth it, as we ended the day with dinner with new friends. Such a blessing to connect with another couple. An amazing couple at that.

How was your weekend? Happy Sunday!

Spring Dresses

Every year right before Spring I have one thing {fashion-wise} on my mind: the perfect dress. Here are a few that I have my eye on.


Tiny Stars Yes Dress by EmersonMade, $198'
I've just discovered EmersonMade. Have you heard of them? Every single piece is seriously gorgeous. I want them all! I've also been particularly disgusted about some big business practices (maybe I'll share more later, if you want to hear), so I love finding smaller designers like this. Not only are these clothes beautiful, but I'm sure they're made with love.



The Floral Department Navy Blue dress by Lulu's, $43.50
Is this dress not the epitome of Spring? Floaty, breezy, floral and you all know how much I love Lulu's.



Paint the Roses Dress from Modcloth, $99.99
This reminds me of the perfect dress from the 50s. I love the print and the cut and everything else about this pretty dress.



Languid Day Skirt from Anthropologie, $68
I'm a dress person. I've never really been a huge fan of skirts except the elastic waist band ones during and just after pregnancy. Since doing the 30 for 30 remix I'm realizing how versatile they are and I'm wanting to buy a million more. This one from Anthro is particularly amazing.


Happy Weekend, friends! Any fun plans?

the IT list

Happy Friday! I love Fridays because it means two things... one, it's time for the weekend and two, it's time for the IT list!  Check out these fun posts from around blogland!

• holly in heels scouts out a super fun pair of striped platforms for spring.  Be sure to check out these and other striped heels that holly found! (get more of holly in heels on twitter!)


• undeniable style pays homage to boys that wear ties... what a cute post, and I completely agree! (get more of undeniable style on twitter!)


• yams designs features fall fashion from the runway with peeks of Tory Burch's fall line - swoon! I love the colors and textures here. See how yams designs paired the fashion with interiors! (get more of yams designs on twitter!)


• a spot of whimsy features an awe-inspiring look at ballet through art. If you are remotely inspired by ballet, you just have to see this... or if you aren't, you just may find yourself smitten with ballet after seeing this post! (get more of a spot of whimsy on twitter!)


• second street east found these super cute iphone covers that can be personalized as well. Too fun! I might have to snag one of these for myself! (get more of second street east on twitter!)


• good clean fun is tantalizing me with these sour cream cookies. Oh my! I just love a yummy cookie... I'll for sure have to bake these! (get more of good clean fun on twitter!)


• mama loves papa looks pretty as always with a very simple t-shirt + jeans + scarf combo.  One of my favorite outfit formulas! (get more of mama loves papa on twitter!)


• elle sees has a gorgeous winter white outfit pulled together featuring this gorgeous white sweater. I love white for winter... make sure you get this look before the season is gone! (get more of elle sees on twitter!)


• thought and musing calls this outfit '90's inspired' - I call it brilliant.  Black jeans and a chambray top is definitely a winning pair!


• rose a la mode spills on how to make her favorite caffeinated drink: a honey latte! Wow! I can't wait to try this... and she looks as lovely as ever in chambray (it's almost a theme for today!). (get more of rose a la mode on twitter!)


• a delightful design would rather have this lovely mirror as a gift on Valentine's than flowers - and I don't blame here.  What a gorgeous piece! (get more of a delightful design on twitter!)


• sweetie pie style shows off her top picks from DVF's Fall Runway show.  I am in awe of the gorgeous greens (yes, multiple greens!).  (get more of sweetie pie style on twitter!)


• jewelscapes is a genius with layering... I love this simple t-shirt layered over a gingham top. It works so well and looks fabulous, yet casual on her.


• shen dove style is totally rocking a 70's chic vibe with her flared jeans and leopard print scarf.  What a fun look! I so love flares for spring! (get more of shen dove style on twitter!)


• rosy + tart has an unbelievably simple pineapple sherbet recipe for us this week, actually her whole blog is chock full of amazing and simple recipes this week! Yum! (get more of rosy + tart on twitter!)


• good tots pulls together super chic pieces from TopShop's maternity line - who knew maternity could be THIS cute!?!

the IT list is published weekly by jill of the good life for less... for more information on how you can be involved... click here!

A New Friend

So, the 30 for 30 posts are taking over my blog and my brain power. I've decided to consolidate them and post several outfits all at one time. So, I'll post them in a few days. I know you're waiting with bated breath.

Now that I have brain power to spare I want to share with you a traumatic event that happened to me. I haven't shared it on the blog because it was way to traumatizing to think about, but I think I'm ready. I'm doing this for you.

When I was in the first few months of my pregnancy with Finley Eric, the boys, and I went to this baby expo. While we were there we started chatting with a couple who had a two year old and she was a few months away from having her second baby. They seemed really nice and friendly and invited us to a birthday party for their son.

While I was reallllly uncomfortable with going to a kids birthday party of people that we didn't know at all Eric really wanted to go. So, we drove up to the creek where the party was being held. Once we got there I really, realllly didn't want to go, so I just sat in the car while Eric took the boys over to the picnic table (yes, I am a total dork). Anyway, I ended up finally going over there (don't worry, they didn't see me sitting in the car avoiding them), we hung out for a short time, then took off.

The lady called me a couple months later, after she had had her baby, and invited us up to her house for a playdate. She lived about a block away from the park, so when I got there we were going to walk to the park. We arrived at 10, like we had planned, and she said they had just woken up. Instead of going to the park we ended up watching her make breakfast and then we watched them eat it. While she was cooking she had her newborn baby doing "naked time" on a blanket. Ummm, ok. Honestly, she had a newborn, so I didn't think much of any of this. I know what it's like having a newborn and a toddler.

As we sat down to chat she told me that her and her family love swimming and hanging out outside. They love to drive up into the mountains and find random swimming holes. "Oh, me too!" I said. She said that we should definitely plan a time to go together. "How about next weekend?" Of course, I told her that I'd have to talk to Eric first, but it sounded like fun.

Then, she asked me if I wanted to see pictures of one of their recent outings. Sure I did, so she turned on her computer, opened a folder and proceeded to show me pictures of one of their adventure. The first picture was of her cute son swimming naked. Hilarious!

The next picture? Not so hilarious. It was of her (not so cute) husband swimming......you guessed it, naked. I froze up and had no idea what to do or say. It was the most awkward situation of my life. She just smiled and showed me the next (naked) picture saying again that we should all go together. I averted my eyes and I'm not sure what I did after that. Did I just look in the opposite direction and pretend I was looking? Did I tell her enough? (I think a little of both.) I blocked it out of my mind and, needless to say, we haven't hung out since.

Preparing the Spring Garden

Last year we planted our first full garden. (We'd done mini-gardens and potted gardens before) and it was mostly a success. This year we (as in, Eric) are feeling more confident and decided to start it all from seeds. Most of the seeds are from the Seed Savers Exchange, which Eric really likes.



We have lots and lots of different tomatoes, green beans, watermelon, crookneck squash, zucchini, bell pepper, beets, orka, and more stuff that I'm sure I'm forgetting.

Will you be planting a garden this year? What are you growing? Any tips for starting from seed?

14 of 30

Sweater and shirt- Forever 21
Jeans- Urban Outfitters
Boots- Steve Madden

It's back to cold and rainy around here. I love the warm, Spring-like weather, but most of the pieces that I chose for the 30 for 30 are meant for cold weather. So, at least getting dressed should be a little easier (maybe? please?). The weather that we've had definitely make me wish for Spring to come right about now. It's also so much easier to let the kids run around outside everyday then just run around in the house. That isn't so much fun.

Yesterday my dad was in town, so we had lunch with him at an all you can eat pizza buffet, then last night we celebrated with a delicious Indian meal. I am obsessed with Indian food right now. Have you had it? Sooooo good!



I'm linking up at The Pleated Poppy.

When the Papa Is Away...

Last week Eric and Judah went to visit my sister in law for a few days. They had so much fun! You can see some cute pictures on her blog.



My time with Samuel, Silas, and Finley was off to a good start. Samuel had gotten his staples out that morning. After Eric and Judah left and after nap time we headed to the park. Oh man, Finley is so busy and hard to contain. She loves to climb up the stairs and hang over the rails. I was thinking to myself that I did not want another ER visit.

That night I fed everyone dinner, gave them baths, and we read lots and lots of books. At 7:30 I was just about to put them to bed, but I decided to move the laundry along quickly first. Our laundry area is in the playroom, which is two steps down from our first floor and it is all tile.



The kids were right there with me and Samuel and Silas asked for a drink of water. I walked up the steps and into the kitchen and Finley must have walked after me. She started crying, so I turned around and had a cut on the side of her head by her eyebrow. She must have tripped walked over to the stairs. As soon as I saw it I knew we would be making another trip to the ER.

I called my in laws and dropped Samuel and Silas at their house. I am so thankful for them and the fact that they only live a few minutes away. They boys were able to spin the night there, so I didn't have to worry about them.



Of course, every night spent in the ER is a long one. You're in a room full of sick, hurt people and it is definitely not pleasant. Once again, the Beco came to the rescue. I didn't want Finley to walk around, touch everything and put everything in her mouth (which she reallly wanted to do), so I put her in the Beco and ws able to get her to asleep.

We got in about two hours later and found out that they didn't need to stitch it up. They glued it together, which only took a few seconds, and we were able to go home. Right after it happened I immediately went through everything that I could have done differently. "I should have waited to do laundry after they went to bed. I should have carried her with me." I know there's nothing I can do about it now, but I do feel bad and so sad that she got her first "big owie." Silas and Finley sit next to each other in the van and every time he looks over at her he says, "Finley owie." My poor baby girl!

13 of 30: Pink and Orange

Dress- Lulu's
Skirt- Forever 21
Tights- Old Navy
Boots- Steve Madden

Happy Valentine's Day, friends. Whatever your relationship status I hope today you feel loved and valued. We'll be celebrating with our four little blessings. What will you be doing?

xoxox

One more thing, I've recently joined Top Baby Blogs. They recently reset the counter, so would you mind voting for me? You have to click this link, then click the top of the page for your vote to count. So, two clicks. Thank you!

12 of 30: Mama and Silas

Shirt- Local shop (For Elyse)
Jeans and shoes- Urban Outfitters
Scarf- Forever 21

The lighting is horrible, I know. I meant to have Eric retake them for me, but we forgot before the sun went down. The lighting was horrible for outfit photos, but pretty cool in general.

Did you see who else wanted to be a part of this little shoot? Silas is quite the fashion blogger in the making.

Eric and Judah are back home (they've been gone for the past few days) and it has been quite the eventful few days around here. I'll have to tell you about it (later today).

In the meantime I'll leave you with a picture of Silas and his super cool butterfly tattoo (and the baby monitor):