Help Raise $10,000 for Girls for Change through Yahoo!

The following is a post sponsored by Yahoo! Every time someone clicks here to make Yahoo! their homepage, they're showing their support for Girls For A Change.

I was selected for this opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

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Photo via Girls for Change
Can one person make a difference? Can a girl make a difference? Girls for Change is proof that one girl working with one girl working with one girl can make a difference.

Something that I think about as a mom everyday is how I can create an environment for my children to thrive. I want to encourage them and love them and even discipline them in a way that helps them to grow into confident, loving, compassionate people. People who are leaders and who positively influence the people around them.

For girls that may not have this kind of support at home (and even for those that do) there is an organization called Girls for Change. Girls for Change not only supports and befriends these young ladies, but empowers them to create social change in their own neighborhoods. It give them "the voice, ability and problem solving capacity to" accomplish great things. Truly amazing.

The girls are a part of a team that comes up a project that will positively influence their neighborhood. They brainstorm and then implement the idea themselves. Here is one project:

"Girl Action Team #5, Henderson Middle School, Richmond – Cease the Violence Against Women
The girls at Henderson are planning a rally to end violence and sexual assault against women. Their rally was held at a local community center and included guest speakers from community organizations working on the issue, information about resources available in Richmond and a self defense workshop for participants. The girls also did media outreach to local newspapers to spread the word about their event. The team believes that education and awareness about this issue will mean a safer place for women and girls."

To support Girls for Change you must follow this link to make Yahoo your homepage and Yahoo will donate $10 to Girls for Change with a total of up to $10,000! It takes just a second, but will make a difference!

Ad Space WINNER

Congratulations to Citlalli of Color Land, the winnner of the large ad space for July!

If you're still interested in sponsoring Mama Loves Papa, you still have time! Please email me at mamalovespapablog@gmail.com .

Today is Small Style! Check it out, if you haven't already!

Small Style #18

Well, Blogger had some technical difficulties again last night, so I'm sorry for this late post!

Thank you so much for joining me for Small Style #18! If you're on twitter you can use the hashtag #SmallStyle to promote your post and find other Small Stylists.




Dress- Persnickety, bought from Reachel (and featured on Small Style before here), Shoes- See Kai Run
Today I just have pictures of Miss Finley. These were actually taken on Father's Day. I never did post about Father's Day and it's not because I don't adore my husband and think he's the Papa in the world. It's actually because there weren't any great photos that I wanted to post. Yes, I am a blogger. Anyway, these pictures of Finley did turn out cute and she looked as beautiful as ever (in my humble opinion).

Link up here:

Anniversary Trip Recap

My whole outfit is from Lulu's/Trucker (where Lulu's sells their clothes locally)
So, Eric and I had a GREAT time on our (late) anniversary trip. We had originally had a few other places that we wanted to go, but we waited until the last minute and the places we wanted to stay were booked, so ended up going to a city about an hour and a half north of us. I had been there several times, but never spent the night.

We were by a lake and a river and surrounded by mountains. It was so beautiful! We swam and laid out by the pool at the bed and breakfast, rode our bikes across the Sundial bridge, had a delicious Thai dinner, watched a movie, at cupcakes, enjoyed the breakfast and talking with the innkeepers and fellow German guests, visited one of our favorite churches, drank lots of coffee, and overall had a very relaxing time. It was just what we needed!

Getting away is so hard when you have little kids, as I'm sure you fellow parents know. The logistics and the emotions of it- I'm sure our parents were exhausted from watching our very active children! Until we left I didn't realize how much we needed that time to just focus on each other without having to feed, discipline, take potty, read to, cuddle, and just take care of our kids. We adore being parents (and, yes, I do feel like I need to add that in....I don't want to sound like I'm complaining about the duties of motherhood), but being just a married couple once in awhile is so healthy.


Top- Forever 21, Short- Target, Shoes- Trucker



Don't forget, today is the last day to enter to win the ad space giveaway!

I'm linking up at The Pleated Poppy.

Finley is 18 Months

These beautiful pictures are just a sneak peak of our photo session with Katelyn of Katelyn Owens Photography. She did an amazing job and I can't wait to show you more of them later this week!)

__________________________________________

My sweet girl,

Today you are 18 months old. A year and a half! You are getting closer and closer to being a toddler. (But, for now, I'll still call you "baby." For now being for a long, long time...)



Today you also had your very first swim lesson and quite out of the ordinary for late June it waspouring rain. It was a mommy and me class that we happen to be the only ones in. Our teacher let us get in the pool a few minutes early and play on the steps where you happily practiced saying "mmmm" and putting your lips under, (I've had a bit of practice with the old mommy and me classes!), but as soon as class started and you were forced to do laps of "kickers," "dig and pulls," and "mmmm's" you were not happy. You had a little scowl on your face, then cried and screamed and clung to me. I wasn't sure why you were doing this- were you still a little sleepy from just waking up from your nap? do you just like to do what you want when you want?



At the end of class we went back over to the steps and the teacher starting blowing bubbles. You lit up and started talking and acting like your usual self. You said, "bubbles! more bubbles, please" and "thank you!" as she blew. The teacher also suggested that you had a difficult time because you were cold- your little lips were purple, you had goosebumps and were shivering. Hopefully Thursday, when it's supposed to be warmer, you will be much more cooperative (please, little lady?).



You're still such a chatterbug and I'm a proud, proud mama. I try and get you to show off for anyone and everyone, but you are less than cooperative. You pretty much say everything, but my favorites are "I love you," "thank you" (which you say unprompted. I'm very impressed!) and when you repeat after me and pray for your brothers, "Dear God, thank you for Judah. In Jesus name, Amen." Tonight as I was saying Judah you made sure to add in, "GeeGee!" (Samuel). Also, your choice of friends totally cracks me up. When I try to get you to say hi to my friends or sweet girls doting on you you decide if you want to or not, but you are always saying "hi!" and "bye!" and "goodnight" to big, burly men, the homeless man on a bike at the park, and anyone looking grumpy. (Maybe this is a glimpse of your character?)



Some of your favorite things (and words to say) are balloon, Cap-Cap (for Captain), doggy, kitty, pool, swimming, milk, milk-me (I saw milky for nursing, but milk-me sounds appropriate....like a cow!), nana (banana), cheese, up, out (to put you down or get your out of your high chair or carseat or anywhere that you're buckled or strapped in). You love to dance and sing and climb and are so active and healthy and perfect.

I know you know this, but I hope you know this every second of your life. I adore you, Finley Grace.

Love, Mama

Farmageddon

(CLICK HERE to watch the trailer)

I've mentioned it before, but we get fresh, raw milk from a local farm. Our milk comes from healthy cows who roam around in fields and eat grass. I feel good about what I'm giving my family, but some people don't like that you can buy fresh milk from the farm. They don't like small farms selling organic meat and eggs or fresh, organic produce. Mainly, the people that don't like this have monetary reasons. There's a lot of money involved with subsidized farming (and, it's not for the people who run small, organic farms.)

I love that there are whole, real food advocates right here in Chico. There are screenings for Farmageddon in Washington D.C., LA, New York City, two other cities, and....CHICO! Amazing! If you have the chance to screen this movie, do it!

(If you want more raw milk info you can google it or check out this page. I'm not associated with this page or this person, it was just the first thing that came up when I searched. :)

Yellow Finch Designs WINNER

Congratulations to Erika M. (who, I just so happened to meet about 10 years ago when we worked together at Pier One) for winning the Yellow Finch Design giveaway. Thank you so much to Liz for the adorable giveaway!

If you haven't already, be sure to enter my ad space giveaway going on now!

Right now Eric and I are enjoying our room and about to go down for the breakfast part of our bed and breakfast. We had a great day yesterday (I didn't bring my camera cord, so I'll share pictures when I get home) and this morning we're going to go visit Bethel Church, get lunch, and get home to our kids. It's so nice having some quiet time to get away and just be together, but as a mom, it's always a little bittersweet. When we vacation with the kids our entire trips revolve around them, but when we leave them home I miss them so much. I think it's so important for couples of young kids so have time away, though, so we're thoroughly enjoying our time and are so, so thankful for grandparents who watch our kids.

Happy Birthday GRANDPAPPY!!

Today is my dad's (60th) birthday. I love you, Dad!

July Sponsorship and an Ad Space GIVEAWAY

This month I'm giving away one large (250x125) ad space. To enter you must follow my blog. Leave a comment telling me how you follow (google friend connect, google reader, bloglovin, etc) and also what you would like to advertise (your blog, shop, business...).

For an extra entry you can "like" my brand new facebook page.

You have until Wednesday, June 29th to enter. I'll pick one winner using random.org.

If you don't win, but you're still interested in sponsoring Mama Loves Papa for July I'd LOVE to have you! You can email me at mamalovespapablog@gmail.com or visit this page for more information.

A Bit of Friday Randomness

Photo of Daisy via The Little Way

Pray for sweet Daisy. My friend Brooke told me about Stephanie, Daisy's mama. Her sister is law is friends with Stephanie. Daisy was stung by a scorpion a few days ago and is slowly getting better each day. Pray that God continues to fully heal her.

I can't imagine watching my baby go through something so devastating. I choose to trust Jesus with my children, but it's so easy when they are healthy and strong. I am so incredibly thankful for their health.

As a mom I worry, worry, worry about my kids so much. "Mommy guilt" is a cute and funny name for something that completely paralyzes you with fear. I say I trust Jesus, but do I? How would I react in crisis? I know with my mind that no matter what I do I will never make all of the right choices. Even when I DO make the right choices, something can still happen. My children aren't my possessions they are a gift that has been given to me. All that I can do is the best I can, pray for them everyday, and then trust Jesus. He is more than enough when I am so much less and I just need to keep reminding myself of this.

On a completely different, totally surfacey, but still super fun note...


I bought Finley some new shoes today! See Kai Run, one of my favorite brands, is on Zulily, one of my favorite discount sites. I got Finley the pink version of her favorite yellow shoes and some purple ones for the Fall. So fun!



Today is the last day to enter the adorable giveaway from Yellow Finch Design. Don't forget to enter, if you haven't already.

This weekend my husband and I are going away for the night, alone. I'm so excited to spend some time with my husband and just relax. Ahhhhhh. Thank you so much to my amazing mom and mother in law!

Small Style #17

Welcome to Small Style! I am very excited to have my first Small Style guest poster, Melissa. Her enthusiasm for guest posting won me over, not to mention her beautiful daughter, Azriel. Melissa has an eye for beauty (and a beautiful family!). You definitely need to check out her blog!

Thank you so much for guest posting this week, Melissa! And, thank you to all of you for visiting and joining in with our 17th week of Small Style!



Hi there, I'm Melissa of Needle and Nest Design. It's an honour and delight for me to 'showcase' our little sweetheart here on Mama Loves Papa. I've loved how her Small Style posts have linked me up with so many other wonderful and inspiring blog mamas out there.

Our daughter Azriel Ruth was born Oct.29.2009. We named her Azriel based on it's Hebrew meaning - "The Lord is my helper". We desire for her to hold to God as the anchor in the midst of life's tosses and turns. We picked Ruth for her middle name since we have a few great people in our life with that name, and it means "companion/friend" as well. I'm still not sure where these one and a half years have disappeared to - but it's been a beautiful, messy, blur.





Azriel's outfit is almost completely gifted from my Mom. You know how it goes... the first grandbaby gets all the eager shoppings of Grandma. Hat, sweater, shirt, pants - all thrifted by Grandma. I snagged the lil' croc shoes at a Mom-to-Mom sale for $2. A colourful combo for a day at the lake.



Azi is my main muse for a lot of my own sewing now too. You can follow on my blog as I parade her around the neighbourhood in some outfit I upcycled from an old shirt!

Thanks so much for taking the time to sneak a peek into our nest.

Link up here:

Summer Fun

Blouse- vintage, thrifted, Skirt- thrifted, originally from Old Navy, Shoes- Urban Outfitters, Belt- Local shop (Trucker's)


The bad news (because I always like the bad news first): I am officially a bad summer blogger. I have been super busy and unmotivated to anything creative or different for this blog. Not much new and exciting going on here. (Although, I have lots of ideas swirling around in my head. So, hopefully I'll find the time and motivation to remedy this soon.)

The good news: We're having lots of fun! We've been swimming, going to the park and the gym a lot, hanging out with friends, riding bikes, going to the market and just overall having entirely too much fun.

The other good news: Liz's adorable giveaway going to right now. Don't miss it.

Running Tip with Liz (and a Yellow Finch Designs GIVEAWAY!)

Today I'm so excited to have a guest post from Liz, one of my lovely sponsors. I loved this post because I'm slowly becoming a "runner" and will be running my second 5k on the 4th of July and, hopefully, a 10k soon after. My next running purchase is going to be a new pair of shoes- thanks for the tip, Liz.

And, of course, don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post. Everything is her shops is so beautiful!



Hello everyone! I'm Liz from Yellow Finch Designs Blog and I'm honored to be a guest over here with Morgan. It seems that Morgan and I have quite a bit in common, which made it very difficult when deciding what to write. Originally I thought I would talk about fashion for mamas on the go. But THEN I saw Morgan's twitter post today about running a 5k and thought... wow we have one more thing in common! So, perhaps I'll talk a little bit about running.

I wasn't always a runner. After college I would run here or there and maybe sign up for a race and maybe I would actually go to the race. I didn't start running seriously until after my second child, Joshua, was born. I had such a wonderful birth and fast recovery, that after three weeks I was ready to get out and do something. Now that I had two children it was a lot harder to sneak away to the gym for an hour or so. And it didn't help that Joshua was very colicky. So I turned to running. I knew I could walk out that front door and run for 20, 30 and eventually 40 minutes and feel great. Once I found my confidence I signed up for a race. I started small, with a 5k (3.1 miles) and worked my way up to a half marathon. I actually accomplished something I never thought I would do....run 13.1 miles. It was truly amazing and I don't know that I can find the words for the feelings I had as I crossed the finish line.

I spent months training for this moment. I ran. I ran hard. And I continue to run today because I discovered that running is part of who I am.
Now, I know not all of you are runners. But perhaps you're thinking about giving it a whirl, so I created a quick little list of suggestions. If you are a runner and have anything to add to this little list I would LOVE to know!

1. Do your research. There are so many wonderful sites out there with great info on traning. Runner's World is a great site and they have a fantasic publication. Thinking about doing a 5K? Check this site out.

2. Start slow. It's easy to want to run right out the door and take off, but trust me, you won't get far and you'll burn out. Take it slow. Gradually add distance to your runs. When I first started I just ran. No watch, no distance.

3. Are you wearing the right shoes? If you think you're serious about running you may want to visit your local shoe shop. Running shoes are expensive, but the investment is worth it. TRUST ME. I had a bad injury for several months and wasn't able to run.

4. Dress comfortably. You don't want to mess with your shirt, or tug at your shorts while your running. If you're like me, you'll fixate on what's bothering you.

5. Keep a journal. Write down each run and take detailed notes. How did you feel? Did anything bother you? How long did you run?

6. Most important....have fun! There are certainly the runs that aren't fun, but then you have the runs that are amazing. With each run you'll gradually get better, all you have to do is hang in there!

My favorite running gear includes:

1.sports bra 2. asics running shoes 3. nike running shorts 4. sun protection shirt

Ok..now for the fun part! This giveaway is NOT related to running at all, but everyone loves a giveaway. One lucky reader will win a set of Yellow Finch Designs vintage inspired bobby pins AND a shabby chic rosette clip. The hair accessories are great for mama, baby or toddler.



To enter to win the hair accessories visit my etsy shops Yellow Finch Designs and The Vintage Letter and take a look around. Then come back here and leave a comment with your name and email. That's it! You have until Friday, June 24th to enter.

For additional entries follow My blog, like me on facebook, follow me on twitter, or follow Morgan's blog. Please leave a comment for each additional entry. Good luck!

Do you have a running question? I would love to know! Leave a comment here or feel free to email me at yellowfinchdesigns@yahoo.com

Happy Friday!

Source: maiedae.blogspot.com via Morgan on Pinterest

Today has been a good day. I signed my kids up for the gym childcare and had plans to run a little, then lay out by the pool. I ended up running into a friend and chatting for awhile, so I nixed the run, grabbed an ice coffee from the cafe and went straight to the pool. I chatted with a girl from high school and met another girl and had a great time. I'm definitely doing that again soon!

For lunch I had my favorite thing ever- Indian food. It was the frozen Trader Joe's stuff, but it hits the spot when you can't just stop by your favorite Indian restaurant. (Indian food is the best stuff ever. Seriously.)


I purchased this adorable dress for Finley with my Zulily credit (and, if you sign up with that link and make a purchase I get a little more credit. So, thank you!)

We're going to be celebrating the best Papa in the world all weekend long. Yay!

Hope your day is just as wonderful, friends!

PS Don't forget the month long awesome deals from my sponsors:
-20% off at B. Inspired with the code MLOVESP
-15% off at Adornmegirl with the code MAMALOVESPAPA15

Small Style #16

Welcome to Small Style again, friends! Thanks so much for participating! You all make this so much fun!




Dress-Misha Lulu (I have gotten Finley several things by Misha Lulu at The Mini Social. They're on sale there now!)

Last night I had a few friends over for dinner, so Eric and the kids had dinner at my in laws. Not having taken any Small Style pictures this week, I sent my camera with Eric to take some for me. He got some great pictures!

Just for fun, here's a picture of Finley eating her ice cream.


And then, her big brother "helping" her eat the ice cream.


Link up here:

(My Very First) Wordless Wednesday: More Fun in the Sun

It Must Be Summer

Today we went into a certain store that we don't usually go into. (There's a reason for that. It's not my favorite.) Our mission was to get a little kiddie pool for the backyard. The gym that's around the corner from our house has several big pools that we like to swim in, but I need Eric there to help me, so I wanted a pool that the kids could cool off in at home.

Remind me to never say, "you have yours hands full," because that phrase is overused. I think I've heard it about a million times (give or take a few). I know most people are just trying to be nice and make conversation (and they are right. I do have my hands full), but I like the, "your kids are so well-behaved!" comments even more. (As for the, "you look way too young to have four kids," I'm not sure if those are good or bad.)

One lady said to me, as I was trying to stuff all four kids and one of those stiff-sided kiddie pools into my van, "Getting the yearly pool. It must be summer." Exactly!

June Sponsor Love

Hello, hello from my unintentional blog break! I have been going non-stop the past few days and have been having lots of fun. I needed a bit of a break, but I'm glad to be back, especially with this post. I want to introduce you to my lovely June sponsors. Check out these ladies and become their friend. You won't be sorry!


Hello Mama Loves Papa fans! My name is Kendra. I am the girl behind Adornmegirl. I love fashion and designing and creating adornments for baby girls and pretty girls. I am a wife to a cute boy named Sterling and a mother to a cute girl named Sailor. Together we are the Three Owls (http://three-owls.blogspot.com/) and we love to spend time together trying new restaurants, going on walks, or going sailing.

Coupon code for 15% off at Adornmegirl for the entire month with MAMALOVESPAPA15

SHOP / BLOG / FACEBOOK / TWITTER


Renee here! Stay at home mama to one year old Oliver, six year lady-friend to my bearded nerd. I'm addicted to my kid, thrifting, food, and taking too many pictures of said things.

BLOG / SHOP / TWITTER


Meet Elizabeth. A full time mom of three and jewelry designer on the side. When she's not crafting with her kids or beading in the basement you can find her over at Yellow Finch Designs Blog or hanging out with her hubby at his restaurant. In the little spare time she has she enjoys a good vintage hunt, a long hard run and curling up to enjoy a book with her dog by her side.

SHOP / BLOG / TWITTER / FACEBOOK


Hi, I'm Krissy of B.Inspired! I wear many hats. I like to call myself a toddler chasing, preschool homeschooling, vintage loving, former art teaching, Etsy shop running, thrift junky! And lately, I've been able to add a new one, too: baby-brewing! You can see (and purchase!) my vintage kiddo goodies at B.Inspired Vintage and follow the fun with my little ones at B.Inspired Mama. I also love to make friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. So, come B.Inspired with me!

Coupon code for 20% off at B. Inspired for the entire month with coupon code MLOVESP

SHOP / BLOG


Hello there! My name is Melisa Shell. Yes, it's true, my middle name is Shell^_^ I am a full time college student and Etsy shop owner. I love to create and I long to bring beauty to this world. I love fancy, lovely, frilly things. I like to inspire and that's what I try to do through my little blog: Pie N' the Sky. Pie N' the Sky is a lifestyle blog focused on inspiration, handmade and lovely things! My blog is full of goals, daily inspirations, projects, my Mr, fashion, and lots of photos. Pie N' the Sky is pretty much my virtual home, so feel free to stop by; I'd love to be blog pals!

BLOG / SHOP / TWITTER / FACEBOOK

Also, visit Desiree at So Fawned and Abra at Better Than Cupcakes.

Out of the Mouth of Babes

Judah wiggled and wiggled until his tooth fell out. Then he said,

"I didn't want that one to come out. That was my favorite tooth."

This was the third tooth he's lost, but the first top front tooth. Necklace made by Judah at Art Camp.

Small Style #15

Welcome to Small Style! Thank you so much for joining me!






On Finley: Bow- Adornmegirl, Dress- Anthropologie, won from Cardigan Empire, Shoes- See Kai Run
On Judah: Shirt- JB Original via Zulily, Jeans- (I don't remember. Whoops!), Shoes- Vans

Today I have my oldest and my youngest, Judah and Finley, on Small Style. As a mom of four kids, I'm always aware of how often I post about each of my kids. I don't want one to be on my blog more than another and I try to keep it as even as possible. Although, I know that's not entirely realistic. They go through different seasons of wanting their picture taken and being more or less active or able to sit still. Obviously, I have Finley on Small Style way more than the boys, not because I like her the most or because she's my favorite (I don't understand how any parent can have a favorite), but because she has the cute clothes. My boys are boys and they live in jeans and t-shirts. Some of those jeans and t-shirts are cuter than others, but they're still jeans and t-shirts. Although, the boys themselves are pretty dang cute, if I do say so myself. For those of you who have multiple kids are you sensitive to trying to blog about them evenly?

Also, I've been thinking about featuring one (or more) Small Style participant on my blog each week. I'll post the your child's picture on here and link back to your blog. What do you guys think?

Hope you're having a wonderful week! We are! We celebrated our anniversary, the sun is shining, and everyone is well. Yay!

Link up here:

Anniversary Date Outfit

Dress and Shoes- Lulus.com, Belt- Thrifted, Ring- Vintage from estate sale

We had a fun anniversary. My mom watched the kids so Eric and I could go to dinner. The restaurant we originally went to was closed, so we ended up at a local favorite where we ate Mexican food and sat outside in the perfect weather on the patio.

In a few weeks my mom is going to watch two of the kids and Eric's parents are going to watch two, so we can go away for the night. I'm looking forward that that relaxing weekend so much.

Here are the flowers Eric brought home to me:


I'm linking up at the Pleated Poppy.