We're Moving!

Source: freshome.com via Morgan on Pinterest

Yay! After a lot of negotiations, we found out today we got the house!

I'm dreaming of diy projects and home decor, but I guess I should get packing...

Small Style and a Change of Plans

Due to my busy schedule, Small Style will be transitioning to a once a month link-up. After today the next Small Style will be June 7th. I hope you'll still join me and link up on the first Thursday of the month!

On Samuel: Hat, gift from my mother in law, Phineas and Ferb shirt, Zulily
On Silas: Hat, gift from my mother in law, Shirt- Renegade SF (I really wish I could remember the seller!)
On Finley: Dress- Target, gift from my mom

A few nights ago we went over to my grandparents' house for dinner and to watch the Solar Eclipse. No trip to their house is complete without driving around the orchard in the power wheels truck and golf cart. We also played a few intense rounds of Uno. I'm so thankful for them and the time we get to spend with them.

Link up here:

Sweet Baby Chick

Right now we have several baby chicks living at our house. We raised them from when they were 2 or 3 days old and now they're escaping out of the plastic baby pool and flapping their wings trying to fly around the yard. Finley loves them and several times during the day she says, "I need to go see my baby chicks." The boys love them, too, and are so good at catching them and holding them and helping me out when Papa's not home.

We plan to give away all of the roosters (you can't tell if they're hens or roosters until they're older), give several of the hens to friends, and maybe keep a few, if we get the house. Which, by the way, we still don't know if we're getting it. There have been a few unexpected things come up. We are supposed to close in mid-June, so I'm anxious to know if we'll be moving or not.

Also, Finley girl really loves her Papa. I wish I would have the video camera ready yesterday when Eric came home from work. Finley was in the backyard when she saw her Papa through the gate. She started squealing and laughing and waving her little hand at him saying, "hi Papa!" Sweetness, that girl.

VW Style Family Photos

If we're Facebook friends, then you've probably already seen these pictures, but for everyone else here's a few photos from our recent photo shoot with the talented Katelyn of Katelyn Owens Photography. I love how they turned out! I had a vision for this shoot and Katelyn completely captured what I was going for and made it even better! It was hot outside and I was having a bit of an allergy attack, but you wouldn't even know it by looking at them. Thank you SO much, Katelyn! (Oh, and I took these pictures from Katelyn's Facebook page, so thank you for that, too, my dear!)

I'm going to be second shooting with Katelyn for a few weddings this Summer and I seriously cannot wait!

Myers-Briggs and Introspection

ENFP

Do you know what those letters mean? I'm an introspective person. I love reading books on giftings and personalities and then analyzing myself and my family and friends (and anyone else that will talk about it with me).

When Eric and I were first married we took the Myers-Briggs test with our pre-marriage counselor. I hadn't thought about it much since then until the pastor talked Myers-Briggs at church on Sunday. After the sermon I came home and gave Eric and I the mini version of the test (you have to take the full-length one with a certified Myers-Briggs assessor or I think you can pay and take it online).

Myers-Briggs is basically a personality assessment with four letters that stand for four different characters. There are two possibilities for each of the four letters and altogether there are 16 different personality types.

The first is Eextrovert and Iintrovert. This is about how you get filled up and re-energized. Is it alone(I) or with other people(E)? Extroverts still value their time alone and introverts can be friendly and social people, but when you come home from a party or with a group of people are you tired and drained or excited and energized?

The next characteristics are Sensing or Intuition. Do you like facts and to get to the bottom line (S) or do you see the big picture and read between the lines (I). Intuitives are visionaries and Sensing people are implementors and they get things done.

The next set is Thinking and Feeling. Thinkers make logical decisions based on facts and are task-oriented and logical. Feelers are people and communication oriented, compassionate, and make decisions using their heart.

The last set is Judging and Perceiving. Judgers (it doesn't mean you judge people) love lists, plans, and schedules and Perceivers like to go with the flow and are open-ended waiting to make plans in case something better comes up.

We're all a little bit of each, but we also have one characteristic that is dominant. Different times in life or our families can also influence us and make it harder to see what we really are. We can seem like a different characteristic to compensate for a need in our life, but at our core we're wired one way or another. For example, Eric and I both have Judging tendencies, but are naturally Perceivers. As a mom with little ones it's been necessary for us to live by a schedule, to plan and schedule and make lists when going on trips and just live a harmonious life day-to-day. Eric's parents (at least what I think) are both Js- they're organized, their house is neat and clean, they have schedules, they plan ahead, so Eric has learned to live that. He's neat and (mostly) organized. Part of our life may look like we're Js, but we both naturally like to with the flow and have more spontaneity.

So, like I mentioned above, I'm an Extrovert Intuitive Feeling Perceptive. What are you? (You can take a mini test here and read more about each characteristic here. Just because the test may say one thing it doesn't necessarily mean it's true. Read about them and think about your life and family first.)

Are you introspective? Do you love this stuff as much as me?

Small Style #63 {The Man on the Bench}

On Finley: Bow- Adornme Girl, Dress turned Top- Thrifted, Shorts- Gap, Shoes- Saltwaters On Silas: Shirt- Target, Shorts- Old Navy, Shoes- Converse (entire outfit gift from my mom. Thank, Mom!)

Yesterday, instead of our usual lunch at home we decided to take the kids out for a little lunch date at Chipotle. We like their burritos (Eric and I split one), side of rice and beans (Silas and Finley split it) and chips and salsa (we're cheap dates). Mostly we like when Papa can come home for lunch.

Before eating we parked across the street to take some pictures and to visit our friend, the man on the bench. We drive by him almost everyday and the kids are always excited to see him wearing a new accessory. Sometimes he's sporting a baseball cap, or a Santa hat or one of those headbands with wobbly four leaf clovers on St. Patrick's Day. Today he didn't have anything special on (I think random people just dress him up), but we had fun with him, anyway.

Link up here:

{Wordless Wednesday} The pirates in the parade are too loud.

Summer Beauty Trend: Bright, Pink Lipstick

Thanks to Walgreens for underwriting this post. I was paid as a member of the Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all mine. Visit http://www.discoverbeautywithin.com/ ___________________________________________

During the Summer most of my time is spent outside and near or in the water with the kids. Whether it be swimming at the pool or playing in the creek, we try to stay cool in the 100+ weather that we get around here. Because I'm either sweating or wet I keep my make-up and beauty routine to a minimal. I wear a little bit of foundation and mascara. I swimsuit with a swimsuit cover-up (when I want to look a little cuter) or with shorts and a t-shirt when I'm in a hurry.

Two of my favorite Summer trends are bright, neon colors and something new I'm trying this year is pink lipstick. I think a bright pink lipstick is the perfect way to combine these trends and to freshen up a minimal Summer make up look. Pink lipstick works equally well with a bathing suit and cover-up as is does with a flowy dress on a night out.

I did a little post-pink lipstick and after pink lipstick experiment to show you the difference it makes. In the first pictures you can barely see my lips! The bright lipsticks reminds me of a (fake!) tan. It's not something that stands out a lot, but it makes a huge difference. It makes you look more vibrant and alive.

Minimal make up:

Pink lipstick: (you can actually see my lips!)

The pink lipstick adds a little bit of fun to an otherwise boring look.

What are your go to Summer beauty trends? Have you ever tried bold lips?

Love, Morgan Photography

It's official!

I have officially launched my photography business! My love of photography began with a desire to take beautiful photographs of my children and share them right here on this little ol' blog, so thank you so much for your encouragement and being a part of my journey. I am so excited to be "officially" in business and to take photos of some amazing people.

I would love to have you come visit my new photography blog/website (and see a few more photos of this adorable family!) and you can even "like" me on Facebook.

I hope you had a great Mother's Day weekend! We had a great time...I'll share more later, but as always, my thoughts were with those of you who may be struggling with Mother's Day- those who have lost a mother, a child, or who are struggling to have a child. Love to you!

Small Style #62 {Park Fun}

On Finley: Pinafore- another little item that I once wore, Bow- Adornme Girl, Shoes- See Kai Run via Zulily
On Silas: Shirt- A Fairchild Pools shirt, like Papa, Shorts- hand me downs from the brothers, Shoes- Converse

I took these pictures when we first got to the park. Before we played on the playground and before we tried to leave and I realized I had locked my keys in the car. Like I mentioned yesterday, it wasn't too bad. We waited for about 15 or 20 minutes and then "Mr. Randy" from the tow truck company came, chatted with the kids for a minute, and opened up the van for me in less than 2 minutes. I really need to get a spare key (they're expensive because we have to get it from the dealership).

Yesterday was also Silas' last day of speech class for the year. We love (like love, love, love) his speech teacher. She is so sweet and encouraging and he absolutely adores her. We'll miss her over the Summer, but I'm so thankful that speech has turned out to be such a blessing. I was so nervous, not knowing what to expect.

Right before the new year I had mentioned my concerns about Silas' speech to our pediatrician. He said that he would grow out of it and said he didn't speech, but I could get him evaluated if I wanted to. I'm glad I did and was encouraged by both the woman who did his evaluation and by his speech therapist that I did the right thing. I know that maybe he would have just grown out of it, but I don't want him to feel frustrated or angry during those times that we can't understand what he's trying to tell us. I feel so frustrated and sad for him when I can't understand him. I love that he's able to grow in this area and is in such a loving environment.

Link up here:

Love

Today I'm loving:

-Today is my mother in law's birthday. We're headed over there later for dinner and ice cream cake. Happy Birthday, Ellie!

-Tomorrow is my friend, Brooke's, birthday. Happy Birthday, Brookie!

-The beautiful sunny weather and our time at the park (even though I locked my keys in my car. "Mr. Randy"- the roadside assistance guy- came after about a half hour and had the door open and our keys out in two minutes. Time to get a spare made!)

-Spending time with sweet friends and their little ones. Mama/kiddo playdates are the best!

-Photography and the fun new things I'm doing. I'll tell you more next week!

-My friend Emily's surprise shower last weekend. I can't wait to meet her sweet boy, Henry!

-Going out with the girls Friday and Saturday night. Margaritas, chips and salsa, and girl time. The best! (Also, my husband for watching the kids!)

-Bike riding all over town. Eric got a new road bike (that he's obsessed with), so we've hardly been driving anywhere.

What are you loving today?

Not Perfect

Source: Uploaded by user via Morgan on Pinterest

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"The concept of perfection is no flawless or ripped from a magazine. It's happiness. Happiness with all its messiness and not-quite-thereness. It's knowing that life is short, and the moments we choose to fill our cup with should be purposeful and rich. That we should be present for life, drink deeply. And that's perfection."
-Kelle Hampton, Bloom

I'm trying to let go of holding myself to a standard of perfection. When you expect perfection out of yourself, then all you do is fail and fail and fail. It isn't possible to be perfect in every area of my life. I would never tell anyone else to try to achieve that. Why do I expect that of myself?

The other day I was struggling with having peace and contentment. That's the best way that I can describe it. I just felt overwhelmed and unsatisfied. I made a long list of all of the things that I was struggling with and after making the list I felt so much better. My house doesn't have to be perfect, I don't have to be the best at anything, and I'm still ok.

Life is messy and imperfect and I need to remind myself, that is what makes it beautiful.

A Letter to Our Sweet Samuel For His Sixth Birthday

My sweet Samuel,

The other night Papa and I went out on a date and Nana stayed here with you guys. She said that while we were out Finley got hurt and started crying, "I want my mama!" She ran in her room and didn't want Nana to pick her up. You came in soon after and picked up Finley. She rested her head on your shoulder and stopped crying. You're not much bigger than her, but you held her, anyway. You're such a good big brother.

One of my favorite things about you is your loving heart and how affectionate you are. You love to cuddle with me on the couch, sit on Papa's lap, and have us lay with you in bed for a bit before you fall asleep. Your love languages (for now) are physical touch and gifts, you love to give and receive love in both of these ways. Every walk we go on or whenever we're at the park, if you see a flower or a dandelion you're sure to pick it to give to me as a gift (and, now you give one to both Finley and I). You love to sit on our laps and give hugs and cuddle. When I lay with you in bed sometimes you'll hold my face between your hands. So precious.

You're also incredibly passionate, strong willed, and you know what you want. Sometimes this is difficult when parenting, but I know these are great traits to have throughout your life. I know that you won't be influenced by others. You're gentle when relating to people, right now you're a little bit shy, but you're unwavering in your convictions. You are strong and steady (like Papa).

Two weeks ago you started attending The Little School. We had talked about you attending before and you were unsure about it. When Teacher Carol said a spot opened up at the school and you could started attending you still weren't sure if you wanted to. You were nervous to start something new and, to be honest, I was nervous for you. I wanted to make the right decision for you and I didn't want you to feel afraid or to be somewhere you didn't want to be. You decided that you did want to go, but you were still nervous. I explained to you that it's always scary starting something new, but if we don't try then we'll never get to do new things and find new things that we love. On the first day you said you wanted Papa to stay all day with you. He said he couldn't, but when it was time for him to drop you and Judah off you were fine. When I picked you up after the first day you said you loved it and you have loved going every day since. I love that we get the best of both worlds- Tues-Thus at The Little School and the rest of the days you're home with me. I love that you're feeling more confident away from us and also that you feel secure with Judah there with you.

My sweet Samuel, you are an incredible gift to our family. Your name means, "asked of God" and, like I always tell you, we asked God for you and He gave us YOU. You are valuable and cherished and smart and funny and so amazing. We adore everything about you.

We love you, our sweet, sweet boy!
Love, Mama (and Papa)

Lisa Leonard Designs {Mother's Day} $50 GIVEAWAY

Hello, my lovelies. I know I've had several giveaways lately, but we wanted to make this was posted in time for Mother's Day!

I'm sure you're all already familiar with Lisa Leonard Designs, but just in case you're not, Lisa makes beautiful hand-stamped sterling silver and pewter jewelry and decor. I'm not exaggerating when I say I love every single one of the items in her shop. My mom gave me the tiny sterling cuff for my last birthday and I wear it almost every day.




One of these beautiful pieces would make a perfect Mother's Day gift for your own mother, mother-in-law, or yourself. Right now you can get 20% off your purchase with the code mamaloves20. If the gift is for you pass the code along to your man and a link to your favorite piece.

All orders must be received by Monday, May 7th to get there in time for Mother's Day.

Lisa is also giving away $50 credit to her shop to one lucky winner!

To enter {mandatory entry}: 

Visit Lisa Leonard Designs and leave a comment here telling us your favorite item.

Additional entries {please leave a separate comment for each additional entry}: 

-Subscribe to the Lisa Leonard Designs newsletter from the homepage. 

-Follow Mama Loves Papa Blog

 -Tweet or share this giveaway on Facebook {Sample tweet: I want to win $50 credit to from @lisaleonard at @mamalovespapa - http://www.mamalovespapa.com/2012/05/lisa-leonard-designs-mothers-day.html}

You have until Friday, May 14th to enter. Winner will be chosen using random.org.

(Also, don't forget to enter the giveaway from Seek First going on right now!)

Small Style #61 {May Day}

On Finley: Dress- Misha Lulu, Shoes- See Kai Run via Zulily On the boys: a collection of thrifted, Target, and Converse and Vans shoes

On May 1st we went to a May Day celebration with the boys' school. The kids danced around the colorful maypole, made flower crowns, and ended the celebration with fruit salad with whipped cream on ice cream cones and rolling down the hills. One of their classmate's mom (and my sweet friend) let Silas and Finley join with her little group of preschoolers, so they got to join the fun, too. They were all SO cute and celebration was lovely! I love these sweet little Waldorf traditions. Which, by the way, Samuel is loving being at school.

May to me feels like the official start to Spring. This month is busy, busy for us. How will you be spending May? Any fun plans? And, more importantly, what have your little ones been wearing for Spring? (Or, Fall for all of you on the other side of the world.)

Link up here: