Last night I was exhausted before dinner even began.  I don’t think my body is used to being outside 90% of my waking hours in 70°-85° sunny weather.  Don’t get me wrong: I am not complaining.  

But last night I also knew that I was exhausted and on my own until well after Harlow’s bedtime.  It’s evenings without Andy that make me all the more thankful for him.

Little did I know that Harlow would gift me one of the sweetest moments of her little nearly-two year old life.  After dinner and Facetiming with some family, we kissed the puppy goodnight and headed upstairs to clean up, brush our “teef,” read stories, and sing.  She was her sweet little spunky self as we danced while brushing our teeth with the “meenty” toothpaste.  She ran to pick out her own pajamas and didn’t put up a fight while changing.  After reading a few stories, she reached for her Children’s Storybook Bible and asked for it to be read next.

But the moment last night that almost brought this mama to tears was as we stood up and sang together.  Harlow knows how to wrap her arms around my neck and squeeze as close to me as she physically can.  But last night I held her like she was a little baby and as I started singing “Jesus loves me,” as I do every time, she tried to sing along.  I sang it again, but this time stopping after a few words–allowing her to repeat it back to me.

That’s it.  That’s my small moment that I don’t want to forget.  The way she said “yes” so boldly before singing sweetly “Jesus yov-fs me.”  The way she asked for us to sing it again and again.  The way she says “mommy o-tay mommy?” when she sees a tear fall down my face because I can’t believe this precious gift is mine to care for.

These tiniest of moments are the ones I don’t want to forget.

We are thrilled to be able to partner with some amazing brands and blogs who share in our desire of helping others! We are over the moon excited that we have been able to be a part of this amazing collaboration for the very first Destination Nursery #dreamnurserymakeover. Perfect timing for 1 lucky mama this mother’s day!

Click here to see all items included in this Dream Nursery Prize Package worth over $10,000!

Check out the behind the scenes video produced by the talented Jenner Brown from Luminuex films…

Here are all of the details on how you can win your very own Destination Nursery #dreamnurserymakeover

To ENTER:

1. First check out the behind the scenes video above to see exactly what can go into creating your dream nursery space!

2. You must complete all items listed below in Rafflecopter …all entries will be verified so please be honest in completing all of the items. There are a couple items you can share and do daily to increase your point score and chance for winning! Once you are complete now be sure to visit these other fantastic bloggers while dreaming about how much you are going to love your new dream nursery make over! Casey Leigh, Pirates and Peonies, Lunchpails and Lipstick, Sweet little peanut, Min_e style, and Coconut Robot.

3. On May 10th we will randomly pick 5 people…these 5 people will then be asked to submit a quick 30 second video clip. Then for 3-5 days, the public will have the chance to vote on their favorite video, you will have the chance to help us pick the final winner! Best of luck!

4. The only restriction to enter…you must be a Mom 21 years of age or older either 6+ months pregnant or with a new baby up to 18 months old.

**This is a nursery make over with design help…you will be expected to paint,prep, and assemble the space with items received in the prize package within a specified period of time… We will require before and after video footage from which we will create a mini video to share with destination nursery readers.

***All items listed will be donated to 1 lucky winner

a Rafflecopter giveaway

blows the dust away

puts some aloe on the sunburned shoulders

{realize how out of shape I became over the winter as we take multiple walks per day this spring}

I’ve been a bit more quiet over here in this corner for the past few weeks–thanks for being patient and letting me be quiet.

I’d love to tell you a story, is that okay?

You see, I have this wise friend.  I talk about her a lot: when I’m chatting with moms and friends from church, my neighborhood, Moms Club, wherever!  I describe her as a beautiful young mom with the wisdom of a 90 year old woman.  She is wise beyond her years.

We were talking a few weeks back about the challenge and conviction I’ve been feeling to be more intentional about living in my community.  My physical community.
My neighborhood.
My city.
My church.
My sidewalk, backyard, front step, and kitchen table.

As we were talking and kids were making noise in the background, she said something that resonated and hasn’t left my mind.  I won’t get it perfect, but the essence is this:

With all the technology and toys that we have today, we could not only talk on the phone constantly, but also text, Skype, Facetime, email, etc.  Even beyond that, our children could also become close friends because of the technology we have.  These things aren’t bad.  (In fact, both of us have family living far away, and I am so very thankful for the technology we have to talk face to face.)

But, she told me, you would be doing me a disservice as my friend if you weren’t pushing and encouraging me to meet my neighbors, to ask them to dinner, and to engage in my community.  And the same goes for me encouraging you to engage in yours.  

I began journaling and thinking about this challenge quite a bit.  It was followed up with more conversations that solidified my convictions even more.

Andy and I intentionally moved to this neighborhood–our community–to be a part of this community.  Yet we’ve not taken the time to slow down and do just that.  Sure, we did in some ways, but we want to invest more.

So I’m still here. *waves hello!*  And thank you for letting me breathe more of the outside air than I have in a while.  (I am crying for you, Minnesotans.  My sister sends me photos of the snow and it truly makes me cringe! Yikes!)

I’m excited to share as I work through this challenge and change. But in between the posts, you’ll find me trying to slow the pace a bit more.  It’s a daily challenge and a daily choice.  It’s so easy to continually push until tomorrow, but I don’t want to look back and see what I’ve missed.

I’d rather slow down now to enjoy it.

xo.