Featured Small Style: Abby Trends

Isn't Abby from Abby Trends adorable? I love everything about her outfit and those braids are SO sweet!

September Sponsor Love

Thank you SO much to each one of my my lovely September sponsors! If you haven't already, check out their shops and blogs. You won't be disappointed!

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I love reading about Tiffany's life in Southern California with her sweet family. She is such a great mom to her two adorable kids!

Posts to read: Lullaby for Stellita, Small Style & Disney, and Horchata Misto.

Finley and I are both huge fans of Adornme Girl! This shop is full of beautiful items for little girls, big girls, and your home.

Items I love: Harper Felt Bow Headbands, Finley Flowers and Bow Headband, Mustard Ruffle Pillow Cover.

Audrey is adorable. And, stylish. And, has SO many great tips and tutorials on how to style yourself and look your best. Love that lady!

Posts to Read: Shopping Mistakes I've Made, Rolling Up Your Sleeves All Fancy Like, For When You're Hangry

One Little Belt has the cutest little accessories for kids. Finley and I LOVE her Tribal Skinny belt!

Items I love: Orange Creamsicle Toddler Necktie, Leopard Toddler Belt, Leather Braided Belt.

Small Style: Cool Girl

Thank you for joining me for this week's Small Style! I can't wait to visit your posts! Remember, you can use the hashtag #SmallStyle on twitter and find the adorable Small Style kids on Pinterest!

Shirt- Gift from my Grandma (I'm not sure where from), Shorts- Old Navy, Shoes- See Kai Run via Zulily, Shades- Trucker

Last week my mother in law took all three boys to the zoo. They had such a great time with Grandma and Finley and I got some special girls' time. We headed downtown because I was on the hunt for some cute ankle boots. I didn't find any downtown (although, I did find some!), but Finley spotted these pink girly glasses. They are so her.

If you want to get a feel for Finley's typical style vs. my typical style (for her), she picked out the shirt (and, of course, the sunglasses!) and I picked out the shorts. She's my cool girly-girl.

Do your kids have opinions on what they wear or are they happy to put on whatever you pick out? What are they wearing this week? Can't wait to see!

Link up here:

Real Life

One of the most profound mysteries of motherhood is that all hell can be breaking loose, you think you're going to lose it, and only a few minutes later everyone is playing happily.

I try to remind myself of this in the middle of the chaos, when one child is crying and hanging on me and one pulled a chair up to the freezer and is eating ice cream. "It's ok, this will be over in just a few minutes." And, it is. It always is.

So thankful for this gift of motherhood- when things are easy and when they're a little more challenging.

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Tomorrow is Small Style! I'd love to have you link-up and join the fun. I can't wait to see your posts!

My San Francisco Outfit and How My Clothes Were All Stolen

Chambray Shirt- Madewell, Leggings- Forever 21, Purse and Shoes- Target

If you didn't see already, I ran my first half marathon on Sunday. Both of my sister-in-laws live in the Bay Area, so we stayed with the one that lives closest to the race and had plans to have dinner with both of them and their husbands. We had a little time for lunch before I checked in to the race, so we stopped in Japantown for some ramen, sushi, and Japanese photobooth pictures. I have been wanting to do these for awhile and, although they're a little pricey, I thought it would be totally worth it. It wasn't worth it.

Ok, the pictures were fun and were worth it, but when we came out to head over to Half Moon Bay for the race check-in we found one of our windows completely busted out. We had borrowed my dad's truck and the passenger side extra cab window was completely gone. Someone broke into the truck in the middle of the day.

They must of been in a hurry or someone spotted them because the only thing they took was my clothing bag. We had just bought a brand new camera bag and in it were two of our camera lenses and our laptop, but that bag was still in the truck. The bag missing was a $5 vintage bag with my running clothes, clothes for the next day, all of my make-up, and my toiletries. I was SO bummed!

It ended up being ok. We made an emergency stop at Target where I bought new running clothes (running a half marathon in brand new clothes is not my favorite) and things could have been a lot worse. I just can't comprehend why someone would do that. Why would you decide just to go up to a random truck (or car, we saw broken class on the sidewalk in front of us, so this wasn't the first time this has been done) and decide to break the window and steal a bag. I'm sure the their was disappointed when he opened the bag to find a sports bra, shampoo, and other stuff that is completely worthless to anyone else.

I'm linking up at The Pleated Poppy.

I Did It!

About the cross the finish line.

Yesterday I finished my first (and very possibly my last) half marathon! I don't recommend getting sick four weeks before a half marathon and still having a lingering cold during the race. I definitely struggled with my training (I did three runs in the four weeks before the race) and I struggled during the race, but I finished! I'm focusing on the fact that I completed what I set out to do and I'm proud of myself for that. I'm not a natural athlete, I'm not a runner, and before a year ago I couldn't even run a mile without stopping to walk. 13.1 miles is quite the accomplishment for me. I think I'll stick to 5 and 10ks for now.

I'm linking up with Motivate Me Monday.

Sponsor Mama Loves Papa for the holidays!

Tomorrow Eric and I are leaving to go out of town and Sunday is my half marathon. Oh my! Because I got sick a few weeks ago I wasn't able to run and train as much as I wanted to, so now I'm super nervous. Wish me luck!

It is almost the end of September! Can you believe it? I can't! I am now taking sponsors for the holidays- October, November, and December! These are the busiest months with the highest traffic, so it's a great time to advertise. I will be including all of sponsor shops in some special gift guides throughout the next few months.

I'm also continuing my "Send Morgan to Altitude Summit Conference Special," which is buy two months, get one free. There are three sizes ads and for three months the prices are:- featured ad- $60, large ad - $32, and small ad- $18. Remember, those are the prices for three months of advertising!

Oh, and you'll also be included in a special post with all of my sponsors that have helped me get to Alt Summit. That post will be linked in my sidebar and will go up in the next week and stay up through January 2013!

For more information on advertising on Mama Loves Papa email me at mamalovespapablog@gmail.com

Small Style: Train Tracks

Hi Small Style friends! Thank you so much for joining me again this week! Before I show you my pictures I have a little housekeeping to take care of...

-I have some new Small Style buttons available! There are two sizes, so feel free to use one in your sidebar or in your posts.

<a href="http://www.mamalovespapa.com/" title="ss_button by thefairchilds7, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8447/8004320234_fb2b414801_m.jpg" width="240" height="120" alt="ss_button" /></a>

<a href="http://www.mamalovespapa.com/" title="ss_button_2 by thefairchilds7, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8453/8004318845_a978e19268_m.jpg" width="125" height="125" alt="ss_button_2"></a>

-You don't have to use the buttons, you can use a text link instead, but please link back here in your post. It's so fun for your readers to be able to check out the other Small Style posts and for them to send visitors your way. And, it's just plain nice.

-I started a Small Style board on pinterest! You can check it out here. I'll be pinning as many of your photos as possible! I noticed some of you don't allow your pictures to be pinned. If you want them to be pinned on the Small Style board you'll need to change your settings or you can pin them yourself and tag me (@mamalovespapa) and I'll repin it.

-As always, if you tweet your post and add in the hashtag #SmallStyle I will repin your tweet.

-Also, one last note about linking back here...I LOVE sharing your posts and sending people your way, but I'll only be featuring posts that link back as the "Featured Small Style," re-tweeting, and pinning those posts that link back. So, do it! :)

I hate having "rules'", but they are necessary. Try to keep them in mind, so I don't have to do it again. Enough with that stuff, now to the fun stuff....

Dress- Gap Outlet, gift from my mother in law, Bow- Adornme Girl, Boots- Thrifted

I meant to take photos of all four kids for this week's Small Style. We had planned to go out after dinner, but then everyone was tired and grumpy and you know how it is, so just Finley and I went out. My camera battery died about four minutes after we got there, so I guess it was better the boys didn't come anyway. I did end up finding this great spot, though, so hopefully next year I'll have all four kids and I'll get to use the other spots I found.

Several people have commented on Finley's hair...yep, still pink. It's pink enough that anyone that knows what it used to look like still sees the pink, but anyone that doesn't know just thinks she has reddish/strawberry blonde hair. As far as I can tell it will probably be in for awhile longer. I guess she'll be a pink pixie for the rest of the time that she's two.

Link up here:

Technology Meets Style (In a Laptop Bag)

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I love the idea of fashion and tech coming together to produce something beautiful. As a photographer and blogger, I love technology and, of course, I love fashion.

I'm actually on the hunt for a laptop bag right now. I've been toting my laptop around in my camera bag, but I'd love something sturdy, stylish, and made just for my laptop. If I were to design the perfect laptop bag (and that if would include being able to actually design at all), it would be a brown leather (or faux-leather) cross-body bag with decorative black vertical straps. Big enough for my computer, but not too big and still have room for a few notebooks, phone, pens, and keys.

Just because I'm carrying my laptop around doesn't mean I wouldn't want to look stylish. Actually, I want it to look just like any other purse I carry, only more sturdy and protective to keep my computer safe.

Right now HP is hosting an Ultrabook™ Bag Contest where contestants designed their ultimate laptop bag. You can check out all of the bags and vote for your favorite design here.

Mondo Guerra (Project Runway All Stars Winner) is one of the contest judges and has also designed a few of his own beautiful laptop bags.

My favorite of Mondo's designs.

What would your ideal laptop bag include?

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I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Home Sweet Home

Yesterday was our two month "house-iversary." (Two months ago, on July 16th we spent our first night in the house. We had gotten the keys and officially closed escrow a few weeks before that.) I mentioned it to Eric and he was like, "Wow, it seems like it's been a lot longer than that." It definitely does! We're so thankful for our sweet home, even if some days, it drives me crazy with the amount of projects to be done. That's the fun of it, though, right?

Featured Small Style: Little Vintage Me

Oh my, I LOVE newborns! Rio from Little Vintage Me is just as gorgeous and well-dressed as her big sister and brothers always are. I just want to kiss her sweet little cheeks. Thank you for sharing her with us, Bethany!

ASOS Maternity for Fall

I'm not pregnant and I don't intend to be anytime soon (if, ever), but after four pregnancies I might consider myself a bit of a maternity fashion expert.

When I got pregnant with Judah, in January of 2003, maternity fashion was just beginning to change. Most of the affordable maternity styles were still blouse-y, unflattering, and unstylish, but there were a few pricier options that were super cute.

By the time I had Finley in 2009 cute maternity wear was easily accessible. I actually love maternity clothes and sometimes I think dressing a belly is easier than hiding a (non-pregnant) one. If only I would have known about the ASOS maternity clothes. I love their regular line and their maternity clothes are just as stylish and adorable.

If I were to get pregnant anytime soon I would wear the same styles that I'm loving right now, just with room for a belly.

If you know me in real life, I'll be wearing the non-maternity version of this pretty much everyday.

Chambray Shirt, Leggings, Black Booties, Gold Watch, Purse

Oh, I'll be wearing the non-maternity version of this, too. I love stripes for Fall and the scallops on the bag are too cute!

Striped Dress, Jean Jacket, Maternity Tights, Loafers, Scallop Purse

This is a sponsored post, but all content and opinions are mine.

(For those of you that saw that I posted this on accident and thought it was an announcement, sorry for the disappointment!)

Small Style and One Little Belt GIVEAWAY

Belt- c/o One Little Belt, Top- Target, Shorts- Zara, Headband- c/o Adornme Girl

Happy Thursday, Small Stylers! I hope you all are doing well! I'm so glad to be back to the weekly link-up. A little Summer break was necessary for my sanity, but I LOVE seeing all of your posts each week!

I'm ready for Fall style, but it's still very much Summer around here. Although, the mornings and evenings are cooling down, so I know that Fall is on the way! Finley will definitely be wearing this outfit as it cools down with tights, boots, and a cardigan! Isn't the Aztec print on her belt perfect? I love the idea of bringing a print and specific trend to an outfit through a belt. And, tiny belts are definitely the cutest! Want a belt for your little one?

Today One Little Belt is giving away $25 credit to spend on whatever you'd like!

To enter: (mandatory)
Visit One Little Belt and leave a comment here telling us what your favorite item is.

For additional entries: (optional)
-Follow the One Little Momma Blog.
-Like One Little Belt on Facebook.
-Follow the Mama Loves Papa blog.
-Follow @mamalovespapa on Twitter.
-Tweet or post on Facebook about this giveaway. Sample tweet: "I want to win $25 credit to the One Little Belt shop from @mamalovespapa - http://www.mamalovespapa.com" (Separate entries for each.)

You have until Thursday, September 20th to enter. Winner will be chosen at random.

Link up here:

Whoops!

I didn't mean to post that...it's just an upcoming sponsored post. No announcement here!

Lets Talk About Friends.

Source: Uploaded by user via Morgan on Pinterest

I feel like friendships are so much more complicated as an adult. Sometimes I miss the simplicity of seeing my friends everyday in class or living with my best friends (like in college).

Now, just to get together, you have to juggle kids' schedules, school schedules, work schedules, husbands' schedule. I miss just walking across the hall and borrowing a top from my best friend. What about having "couple friends"? Are you friends with most of your husband's friends' wives and vice versa? Do you have a big group of friends or a few close friends?

I have a lot of close friends, but not necessarily a "group" of friends. My husband has a few close friends and I like having a lot of friends (as hard as it is to juggle those schedules). I also like to be friends with my husband's friends' wives (and, fortunately I do like all of them!), but he's not necessarily friends with all of my friends' husbands.

Oh, and do you have a best friend? I miss those best friend necklaces, too!

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See you tomorrow for Small Style, right?

Out to lunch on the weekend.

Sometimes life is just normal and normal is good.

The Missing Cow is Found!

The all black cow. I'll show you the white faced one when he comes hom.

On Saturday we got two cows (The cows belong to both our neighbors and us. Have I mentioned how blessed we are to have such amazing neighbors?). Before I had a chance to take any pictures or introduce them to you, Eric woke up on Sunday morning and noticed one was missing.

We spent most of yesterday, along with said neighbors, driving around our neighborhood and biking through the orchards searching for the missing cow. Last night, after the kids were bathed and in pajamas we we even did one last search before putting them into bed.

This morning I got a call from Eric saying that the farmer who we bought the cows from had called and the cow was back at the farm. He had to cross a freeway and walk several miles to get there. He must really miss home! It's kind of sad, but he'll be coming back here in a few days.

Searching for a cow on a Sunday morning. I think we're officially farm people.

Featured Small Style: Expatria, Baby

Today's featured Small Style is Stella from Expatria, Baby. Isn't she such a doll? I've mentioned before on here (several times?), but I love Expatria, Baby. Erica is a great writer, hilarious, and I'm a little bit jealous of their Expat life. Also, all of her photos are gorgeous. Your photo project totally paid off, Erica!

Go visit Stella and Erica at Expatria, Baby and say hello!

(Hot) Mom Jeans

Skinny Jeans- c/o Lee, Sweater- Old Navy, Shoes- Target

When I was contacted by Lee to review a pair of jeans, I was hesitant at first. I am a mom, but I don't want to wear "mom jeans." I was pleasantly surprised to see the Ruby Gold Label Skinnies (which are on sale right now!). I love them! They're stylish, comfortable, and will definitely be a staple in my wardrobe through the Fall and Winter. (Along with polka dots and lots of cute sweaters.)

Small Style: Baby Ballet

Welcome back to weekly Small Style! I'm so excited to have you here today..and every Thursday after! Thank you SO much for joining me. I can't wait to visit your posts!

Today my Small Style posts is very pictures heavy. We had a big day yesterday- Finley's first ballet class! She's been talking about ballet for months, so it's about time!

I have been so emotional thinking about Finley starting ballet. I could write a long post about it, but I think it really comes down to my gratefulness, joy, and awe in having a little girl. She'll be three in December, but I'm still amazed that I have a daughter. The novelty still hasn't worn off and my sweet girl is such a gift.

Georgia, Lucy, Eve, and Finley - sweet little ballerinas.

Finley's leotard and ballet shoes- from the dance studio, tights- Pediped

Link up here:

Finley's Fall Style

Is it Fall where you are? It's still in the mid-90s around here, but that's cooler than it has been and it's definitely cooling down in the mornings and evenings. I feel Fall right around the corner and I'm more than ready for all of my favorite Fall activities (and Fall style, of course).

I was recently contacted by Next to see if I was interested in reviewing an item from their children's Fall line and making a video with Finley. I'm definitely no video-making expert (another project to add to my list!), but my sweet girl was up for the challenge.

As for the hoody, it's soft and thick and warm and will be perfect all Fall and Winter. Finley loves it, I love it, definitely a win/win. I would highly recommend Next and plan to do more of our Fall and Winter shopping there. There are some SUPER cute items!

Without further ado, here's my Finley Girl in the Stitchy Cat Button Through Hoody.

Thank you, Next!

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See you tomorrow for Small Style!!!

First Day of School!

First Day of School 2012

Today was Judah and Samuel's first day of school. This year's first day of school looked much different than year's past. Before we've gotten dressed, gone outside and taken pictures, then headed back in to do school. This is the first year that we've actually packed lunches, worn shoes, and driven to school.

Like last semester, Judah and Samuel will be doing part-time homeschool/part-time Waldorf school. This year Judah will be doing a lot less homeschool than regular school. Judah will be at school four days a week and at home one and Samuel will be at school three days a school and at home two.

In the Waldorf method third grade is more teacher-oriented and directed. They do a lot of hands-on activities like cooking and baking and building, so the third graders are there four days a week. (This is what I've gathered from the boys' teacher. I'm no Waldorf expert, but she most definitely is.)

First Day of School 2011

I've agonized and agonized over whether or not to keep them in school part-time or to go back to full-time homeschooling. I've basically come to the conclusion that I always agonize about my decisions and I never really feel confident in the one that I make. What is my problem?

Deep down I trust my decisions and instincts as a mother. I've seen them at work clearly (like knowing to get Silas' speech evaluated even though our doctor told me it wasn't necessary), but then I still second guess myself. Today I'm choosing to be at peace with my decision(s). For the sake of the boys and for me.

First Day of School 2010

I know the boys being in school this year is a good thing. I've been looking at this year as my "reset year." I've struggled emotionally the past few years, not because of homeschool, but unfortunately it's affected the way I've schooled (and parented) the boys.

This year the big boys will have time with me, but they'll also spend 3 or 4 half days (they're only there for a few hours each day) with a teacher who loves them, in a small classroom where I've seen them absolutely thrive. I have three mornings a week to spend with Silas and Finley. We'll have time for Silas' speech class, Finley's ballet class (!!!), and lots of time for "preschool" activities- playing with playdough, arts and crafts, reading and playing. When I'm homeschooling the big boys the most I can do with the little ones is keep them occupied and out of trouble. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but I'm excited to have time to focus on my two sweet little ones.

And, today? Today is a good day. Happy First Day of School, Judah and Samuel! I love you both so much and am SO proud of you!