To all my fellow moms who are doing all the things: you weren't made to do ALL THE THINGS.   BUT you can boil it down to the things that matter and you can do them well - dare I say even the best in the world?   I loved the quote in this video of Kerri Walsh Jennings: "I mommy, I show up, I play, I mommy." Such a great reminder that while our dreams and giftings are part of us and ingrained in who we are for a very significant purpose, they are not the most important. You ... continue reading...

Happy Friday my sweet friends! If you haven't been able to tell, we've been on vacation this week and it is FLYING by. I will share more soon, but all I have to say is that I'm supremely thankful for the chance to be here and the fact that our house sitters are amazing, sweet people who are taking great care of our home while we're gone. Just one less thing to worry about, you know?   Truly I haven't felt this relaxed in a really long time and being able to spend time with my family, ... continue reading...

This post is sponsored by Jif. All stories and opinions are my own. I was so nervous; it was the first time I’d ever met a hero of mine. We slipped into the main entrance of the strip mall, my mom and I, and turned into the book store. Taking our place in line I thumbed through the book I’d brought to have signed. On the cover was a picture of the 1992 Olympic gymnastics team, my personal hero Kim Zmeskal was sandwiched between Shannon Miller and Dominique Dawes on either side. How does ... continue reading...

"The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea." Isak Dinesen Currently I'm enjoying the salty air, drinking it straight and benefiting from the life-giving smell of the ocean. Inspiration comes in waves, just like this muse laid out before me, and I'm thankful that in the past 32 years of life I've slowly come to learn that it is more than acceptable to stop striving all the time - it is both necessary and good. A week of slower living and disconnection and intention will ... continue reading...

[via] Let's try this again, shall we? I was in the middle of a long and detailed post about my new favorite show, Poldark, last night when BAM! the internet up and quit and I was too tired to try again. So I went to bed instead of doing my work...one of the best things about working for myself. One of the hardest is when I do that and have to start over again in the morning :) Alas, here I am and feeling significantly better I must say!   It's so crazy to me to see and know how a ... continue reading...

I'll be the first to admit that this sweet little blog has had some long radio silences as of late. After reliving some of my early blogging days in my podcast interview with Merritt a few weeks ago I've been thinking about how much things have changed. Not so much in blogging, although there has certainly been a lot of change there, but in my heart toward my career. I'm bowled-over thankful for the chance to work from home while I raise our boys - to be with them full time and still have an ... continue reading...

The smell of rain is probably one of my top five favorite smells ever ever ever. Topped only by the smell of newborn baby and my husband, but in the lineup with fresh-cut grass, puppy breath, and freshly roasted coffee. Luckily for me this weekend was filled with that lovely smell!   When we were growing up and drove to California every summer we would make a long trek from Lubbock to Flagstaff, pulling into town right after the summer storms had hit. The smell of fresh rain and pine ... continue reading...

[via] It's the weeeeeeeeeeeeekend!!! Who else is pumped? I swear, every weekend (usually) feels like a mini vacation and it's kind of magical. If only I could walk outside without breaking into a crazy sweat this weekend, amen? I know all of you feel me too - by the way, Heat Dome? SO OVER IT.   What are you guys doing this weekend? I hope it's amazing, heat-free, and happy - with the ones you love! And I hope you enjoy these links along the way! :)   1. Currently craving ... continue reading...

Podcasts are, besides Downton Abbey (right now), my favorite form of media at the moment. In fact I'd love to start one some day although the time and learning curve seems like a lot of time at the moment. Regardless, I love finding new ones to listen to that really speak to my heart, and I'm so excited to share my newest favorite: the Momentum Podcast!   My friend Merritt has started an amazing podcast that combines the best of all the things I love: God, creativity, chasing big ... continue reading...

I'm happy to report that as of Tuesday afternoon I am in the middle of the 5th season of Downton Abbey. Yes, that's right - I've watched an insane number of hours of a British period drama and I STILL just can't quit it. I can't! I won't!   But I'm ready(ish) to return to the real world. Maybe just a tad - I haven't decided yet!   OH, so I made this lovely watermelon granita for the Taste Arkansas blog and I really can't get enough of it either. Basically it's summertime in ... continue reading...