My Top 4 Fall Fashion Must-Haves

Photo cred: yours truly (my simple casual work outfit)

Fall is definitely one of my favorite seasons for fashion! I am a huge fan of layering and the cooler temps lend themselves perfectly to it! And as my good friend would say, it's like wrapping yourself up into one big bundle of fall.

Now, before I dive head first into the world of "don't wear black with brown", let me preface by saying I am NOT A FASHION EXPERT and many days the sweatpants win in the battle between fashion and comfort.... but I do love finding ways to bring peace between the two. It's amazing how much confidence you gain when you dress in an outfit you feel pretty in!

And fashion doesn't have to be expensive! I'm a pro at bargain hunting and find most of my items on clearance at my go to stores of choice.

Here are my top closet must-haves for this fall:

• Scarves - The blanket scarf has become my personal favorite. Take the ends, wrap them round once, and let it be big and beautiful.

 Photo cred: Pinterest

• Cardigans / Blazers - These go with everything and if you haven't tried one lately, they are so comfy! The majority of my outfits incorporate layering a cardigan or blazer in some way. 
• My personal favorites are the draped or cocoon cardigans. These are a little more trendy than the straight cardigan and can be found in almost any store. 
• Blazers are a great way to add structure to an outfit without taking away your edge. 

Photo cred: American Eagle and Gap
• Ankle Boots and Booties - Everyone needs at least one great pair. I prefer a  neutral color ankle boot as they are more versatile and can dress up a pair of jeans with little effort. 
• Bootie tip: loosely roll your jeans just above the boot - it's much more flattering than tucking into the boot.

Photo cred: Pinterest

• Skinny Jeans - Yes! These CAN be comfortable if you find the right fit. Look for those that have stretch in the material (most do) and are just long enough for a small cuff or roll. If you're looking to keep it casual, but still office appropriate, a well fitted dark skinny jean is your best friend. Throw them on with your tan heel booties, layered with a cardigan, and you'll feel like a million bucks. 

Photo cred: American Eagle

There you have it! Have fun mixing up your own outfits with these 4 basics. Don't over complicate it, just go with what YOU like and makes you feel like the hippest mom on the block. See you out there you inner fashionista's!

For The Moms (and moms to be)

This one is for all the moms, and to those who plan to be a mother one day. All you amazing ladies, listen closely! I want these words to be heard, and not just casually read as you glance through this blog.

LISTEN UP! (did I get your attention yet?)

I've noticed a recurring theme while talking to other women lately, mom and non-mom alike. We look around and wonder "how does she do it?"... "how does she find the time?".... "why does she make it look so easy?" Or somewhere along the way, after coming up for air under the sea of laundry and dirty dishes, we wonder, "when will I get to do those things that I love again?"

You see, we women constantly seek acceptance for the things we do, and often believe we don't measure up. Even if our spouses are encouraging us and making us feel like the best mother in the world, we can still fall into the trap of self-doubt. We then spend what little spare time we have, trying to look like we have it all together.

The truth?

Whether we look like we do or not...

NO ONE HAS IT ALL TOGETHER.

Sure, there are days when my 3 kids shockingly express gratitude for being siblings, I kill it at the office (or at least believe that I do), and some how manage homework and my husbands tour schedule like a boss! I am woman, hear me roar!

If I am being completely honest though, most days I forget the kids are on Fall Break for an ENTIRE WEEK, dinner is leftovers... again, and homework takes much longer than it should because one child is struggling with reading while the other needs help with math.

Then I call my sister and am reminded that her days are just like mine. They may look different, but we are both parents on this amazing journey together.

It's in these moments that God reminds me how good He is. When I put my trust in Him, He gives me everything I need to be the mother I desire to be. He gives me patience when I'm lacking it and strength when mine has run out.

There will be a season when bottles and diapers are your routine. And it will feel like you may never sleep soundly through the night again. Embrace it! Become the best diaper changer EVER! It won't last long. You'll quickly go from diapers to homework, and from bubble baths to stepping over army men on the shower floor. As you become a pro at multi-tasking, get back to doing those things you enjoy!

Becoming a parent doesn't mean we give up on our dreams either. It's okay to put them on pause, but don't forget to hit un-pause! 

When my youngest daughter turned one year old I decided to get back into running. I signed up for my first post-babies half marathon and then panicked! What did I just do? I had no time to fit training for a marathon into my already overloaded schedule. But I changed my mindset and made it a priority to find the time.

There were many Saturdays when I had to ask the babysitter to watch my kids so I could sneak out, in the wee hours of the morning, and complete my long runs with the team. I often felt guilty for spending money on a sitter. Guilty for not being home when the kids woke up. And guilty that I was taking a time out, for me.

I've learned that as a mother, that guilt will always be there. It's in our mamma DNA to care about our children and their well being. But we also can't forget about ourself. God has taught me, in only the way He can, that I am a better mother and wife when I take time to care for myself.

From one mom to another, you are doing great. Enjoy the blessing of parenthood. And know that when I wave at you from across the aisle at the grocery store, with my hair in a bun and a child on my leg... I'm loving every wild, not all put together, moment. :)

When God Speaks

I've often struggled with the concept that God can actually speak to me. And I mean in an audible way where I can hear his voice loud and clear, like a father speaking to his daughter.

Through my life I've felt nudges along the way. I've had moments where I knew God was pushing me towards a certain path. And I knew the moment I met my husband that God had planned for that instant from the second we were both created in the womb. Sometimes those snapshots, those memories that are frozen in our mind, remind us that God has always been there.

But have you ever heard God's voice so loud and clear that it almost stopped you in your foot steps?

A few years ago I was out for a run. I was preparing for an upcoming race and since my husband was home that particular weekend, I decided to get up and out early that morning. I wanted to beat the heat and get my miles logged before the kids were awake and restless. 

I headed to my usual spot, a mile long paved loop that is nestled along a small creek. It is privy to local runners, mothers with strollers, kids on bikes, and those out for a nice brisk walk. It's the perfect path for pace setting and getting shade from the trees that line the trail.

I had only gotten about two loops in when I started to notice this couple. Each time I passed them they had a smile on their face and a simple joy about them. As I approached them on my third loop I couldn't help but notice the condition of the women's shoes. They were tattered and torn. The white leather that covered the shoes were cracked and rubbing off. And worse, the soles were so worn-out that the material that filled the soles were bursting out. The shoes were literally falling apart.

That's when I heard God's voice. It was loud and it was clear, "you need to offer this women your shoes". What? I'm in the middle of a run. That's ridiculous. And I'd look silly. Then I heard it again, "you need to offer this women your shoes". At that I moment I knew this wasn't just a voice in my head and I knew what I had to do.

I matched the couples pace and slowed to a walk. I was next to them and we began talking. Their English was broken but their sweet spirits were evident to anyone walking by. After just a few back and forth's I pointed to the women's shoes. I mentioned to her that they must hurt her feet and that I wanted to give her mine. The conversation turned from there into us walking to my car where I took off my shoes, handed the shoes to the couple, and then drove home barefoot.

As I drove away I kept replaying the scene in my mind. Was I afraid at first of what the couple might say? Yes. Did I feel awkward walking up to a complete stranger? Yes. But it was one of the first times I knew without a shadow of a doubt that God had asked me, his child, to do something and I did it without hesitation. 

I learned that the couple had a daughter and her shoe size matched mine. I learned that the husband was so humble he almost wouldn't accept my offer without trying to offer something in return. And I learned what it meant to truly hear God's voice. 

I may not know what exactly it meant for this couple to have my gently worn shoes, but I knew that I had two more pairs sitting at home and if I wasn't willing to give up a simple pair of shoes, where else in my life would I be selfish to the earthly possessions God has given me? Don't they belong to God anyway?!

I wonder what else he could do through us if we listen more often when God speaks. 

"Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:3-4

Time Out

Today was the first day in weeks that I had NO agenda for lunch. No lunch meetings, no errands to run, no lunch date with a friend. I had even failed to grab my gym bag, leaving it at home by the door, which meant no trip to the gym. 

I've gotten used to having my days maxed out from the moment I wake up, to the minute my eyelids finally drop, without effort, over my tired brown eyes. I almost didn't know what to do with myself. I had mentally checked off every lunch option from my list. 

Now what? Where would I go and was I sure there wasn't anything the kids needed that I had failed to pick up that they would ask me about the minute I walked in the door?

What happened next was something I should have done a long time ago. I forced myself to take a time out. What? Adults don't take time outs! We make our kids sit and think about what they've done more times than we need to count. But, when was the last time we put ourselves in time out?

I decided to put my smart phone down, leave my keys at my desk, and walk. I was walking to Subway and no one or no thing would stop me. I felt somewhat vulnerable, but the feeling was freeing.  

While walking, I had to keep my eyes up. Was it partly for fear of tripping and rolling down the sidewalk, maybe. But mostly because I had made a conscience decision to just walk and push all distractions aside. It's amazing what we see and notice when we simply look up!

I could have jumped in my car, driven the half mile it took me to walk. Ordered. Driven the half mile back. Rushed back to my desk to eat, to sit there, and probably spend my last few minutes browsing through my social media.

But I didn't. I walked.

Was I in skinny jeans in July? Yes. Was it hot? Yes. Was it worth it? YES!

I wasn't rushing. I wasn't running my to do list over and over in my head. I wasn't hurrying to get back to nail the perfect parking spot (the problem is real, friends). I was looking UP, not DOWN at a screen. I was feeling the warm breeze, hearing the passing cars, and noticing just how many men there are with beards in this town (truth)! I loved it! 

I spent the last part of my break sitting outside, eating my lunch, and being still. It was awesome! As I sat there I couldn't remember the last time I allowed myself to be still.

Today I'm vowing to put myself in time out more often. You with me?

Cleanse for the Health of it!

My health has always been important to me. I've been an active person since the time I was a child climbing trees in my front yard, to actively participating in any sport that would allow a short white-girl to try (which really wasn't too difficult considering I had a graduating class of only 82). Thankfully my active lifestyle has kept me fairly fit. 

But, more recently, my health has become more than just the wanting to fit into the shorts I've been avoiding all winter - hello white legs!! - or the sudden urge to rub coconut oil over my entire body. Grocery stores are filled with junk… and this junk is boxed up in pretty packages pretending to be healthy. Just look at the side of a box of cereal or the deceptive "all natural" packaged product sitting in your freezer. It's pretty obvious we aren't putting the best things into our bodies. Even the fruits and veggies we stock our fridge with are laced with preservatives. 

Now HOLD UP! I'm not saying I'm not guilty of a quick Friday night drive-thru to McDonald's when this momma doesn't feel like cooking. But what I am saying is… we can do better when given the option. 

One way to start down a healthier track is with a cleanse. Before you freak out and think this means having to drink nothing but lemon water and starve yourself for a week… hear me out. THIS IS NOT THE KIND OF CLEANSE I'M REFERRING TO. 

Let me back track for just a moment and explain WHY I believe a cleanse is important. 

Our bodies take in a lot and I mean A LOT of "stuff", both good and bad. After years of trying to digest all the "stuff" we ingest, our bodies get filled with gunk which ends up just hanging around.  All this gunk clings to the inside of our intestines, preventing nutrients from being absorbed. Think of it like a lint trap in your dryer… when it gets too full the dryer cannot work as efficiently.


By helping your body flush out the many toxins that have built up inside, you will feel healthier, have more energy, shed some pounds, and even stop your sweet tooth cravings. 


My cleanse of choice is the Advocare 10 Day Cleanse. It's a very gentle 10 day cleanse of the gut that also allows you to… you got it, EAT! We're not talking fried food and greasy hamburgers. But you will eat as green and clean as possible. Lots of fruit, veggies, lean protien, whole grains, and water water water. 

The most important advice I can give before beginning a cleanse is preparation. Here is a glance into my kitchen before I start a cleanse… lots of washing, cutting, and making it easy to grab the right choices. 

To give you an idea of the some of the goodies I stock up on while cleansing see below. Try to get organic when possible, if you're going to do carbs always go for whole grain, sweet potatoes, or even some good old-fashion rolled oats with a dollop of organic peanut butter can be a great snack alternative.  

Veggie Wash is a great item to have on hand as you wash and prep your food. Remember we want to eat as clean as possible and this will help strip off any extra gunk hanging on the skins. 

A few other tips….Stevia is a good alternative if you must sweeten anything. Coconut oil is a great substitute for butter, margarine or other oils. And who could forget the SPARK! A must have to keep momma going!!   

Want to get healthier and feel better? What's stopping you?! Get up, get out, and do your body right. 

Here's to a happy healthier YOU!!

- Bethany Armstrong
AdvoCare Independent Distributor

Thankful-ness

Some people think it's annoying (to be direct) when folks jump on Facebook, Twitter, or any Social Media outlet... and start pouring out their lives, posting about how blessed they are and full of thanks. 

This public announcement is perceived as bragging or gloating... as something we should keep to ourselves and not share with the rest of the world. To a small degree, if I'm being completely honest, I used to be semi-among this group.

But...if I could ask a question to these social media downers... it would be this...

How can we as a society honestly believe this behavior is annoying when these are the very things that we SHOULD be celebrating? Shouldn't we talk more about the good that goes on... because, quite frankly, I hear a lot more of the bad.

Let me be clear. I'm not saying we should start constantly bragging about the things that we have, or the new shoes we just bought, or think that everything is rainbows and sunshine, and sweet, soft puppies. We know everyone can see right through the exaggeration. But, I am saying to be proud of who we are and the things we have been blessed with. There's a whole lot of good there!

Is it our own pride that gets in the way of saying thanks or looking sincerely at the person who is giving thanks? Are we surrounded by too many "messes" that we can't see past it to the blessings we really have? 

God has blessed us with life. It may be messy, it may be tough, but don't let pride get in the way of being thankful for it. 

And please, please don't ever think you have nothing to be thankful for. Because every day you should be thankful for our amazing Father God who loves you and wants the best for you regardless of your mess.

In this season of Thanksgiving, my hope for you is that you find a reason to be thankful. And share it! If the news is only showing the bad, turn it off... and turn your focus to your family, your friends, your neighbor. Share in the thankfulness of these things. 

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe" 

- Hebrew 12:28

Slow Down!

Ever have one of those moments, one that sort of slaps you in the face and reminds you to SLOW DOWN? No doubt, I have them often.

Just this evening while showering I began by frantically washing my hair, after rinsing I quickly shaved my legs WHILE my conditioner was setting in to save time... and of course to lock in that extra softness (right ladies)... I chose to skip the shaving cream all together because frankly, the body wash I have works just as well and takes less time. And before I even remembered that my kids were in bed sleeping soundly and that I could take the worlds longest shower if I so desired, I was already dried with a towel-wrapped turban on my head.

Why? Why did I feel the need to rush what could have been a relaxing, stress free, kid free, moment to myself?

Why? Because I'm guilty of letting my go go go routine get the best of me. We can all plead guilty to this right, if not daily than weekly.

So when was the last time you REACTED to that slap in the face? And I mean in a positive way. When did you force yourself to slow down, breathe, let out a long sigh if needed, and just relax?

Yes, life is going to be fast. There are meetings, deadlines, appointments, practices, school projects ... the list could go on and on.  But if we’re not careful, we’ll rush through it, head down, missing the sweet moments that make life special.

My second oldest is a "stop and smell the roses" kind of child. She has the tendency to take her time with everything she does. Nothing is a competition with her. And I love that about her, there is a lot I could learn from her.

I believe we could all use a good dose of straight up slap in your face - slow down! Let's not let the next slap hit us while we are racing off to our next event and miss it.

Who's with me? Let's slow down and enjoy this life God has gifted us with. Okay?!

Raising Little Men

I was recently asked by a good friend what advice I could offer a new mom who is about to welcome a little boy into the world.

With my own son turning 7 years old in just 4 short days...eek...the timing couldn't have been more aligned with my heart. I have recently been replaying the reel of emotional memories over and over in my mind... they are precious...they are humorous...sometimes scary... but overwhelming amazing!

Parenting a child, whether it's a boy or girl, is something God has given you the privilege to do. He has believed in you enough to give you an infant, in their pure and innocent state, to raise into a respectful man or woman of Christ.

It's not always a glamorous task...it's often hard and exhausting. But it is the most rewarding job...gift rather...that you will ever receive.

So what kind of advice would I offer? In seven years of parenting a boy here is what I have learned...

 
• Boys have an undeniable way of melting a mommies heart. So love on them as much as you can. No boy is too big to be hugged and kissed.
 
• Boys will be boys...let them be boys. But, don't be afraid if one day they get into your nail polish and want to paint their toes. Let them...or maybe do it for them! They are just exploring, and they'll go back to fighting their super heroes...with pink toenails to sport.
 
• I try to parent my son about the same way I parent my girls. Boys will just naturally like different things. Often they are more busy and less attentive, keep them entertained with toys that allow them to explore. Yes, even if they want a drum kit at 2 years old.
 
• Your son may not sit on your lap long, or color a picture like your friends' little girl whom you've decided to spend the afternoon with. And that's OK!!
 
• Teach them to be little men. It's never too early for manners. Please and Thank You's. Be gentle with girls. And let girls walk into the playroom or get on the bus first.
 
• Consistency is key! With both boys and girls. Establish a good routine early on. And when it comes to discipline follow through, follow through, follow through. They need to learn that when mom says no, that means no!
 
• And lastly...Listen. Even if it's just about a scrapped knee...because if you're too busy to not look their way when they say, "mommy", you may miss that one tender moment when they just want to turn to you and say...."I love you".

 

Ultimately parent instincts always kick in, listen to them. If you're reading this and you're new to the parenting thing...hang in there. You're doing great. And for the soon-to-be mom or dad...you're in for the most amazing journey of your life. You're going to do great!

 

     Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.  ~Pslam 127:3

 

Child of God

When was the last time God tested your patience? I mean really tested it... and not just in the drive through line at Starbucks waiting to get your frothy "cup of joe" to start your day?

The last few weeks... almost month really... I've felt God reaching out, like a mother to a child, saying "just hold on, we're almost there". We parents do this to our children constantly, don't we? We're that repetitive voice saying...

"Hold on... mommy's on the phone"
"Be patient and wait your turn"
"Don't eat that... dinner's almost ready"
"You can't, you're not big enough yet"

It's almost comical how easy it is for us, without hesitation, to point out to our own children their lack of patience. Yet, when it comes to our own walk with God, we quickly become just like a child. We don't want to wait our turn. We want God to hear us now, and notice how anxious we are. Doesn't God think I'm ready? Big enough? Strong enough? 

 

The answer? YES! Of course. But the kicker... when God says so.

 

Lately God has been that voice whispering in my ear, reminding me to just be patient, to just hold on and wait for His plan... we're almost there. I read a verse the other day that struck a cord in me. It's a verse I'm sure I've read many times before, but this time as I read it I noticed something so sincere and so honest about it. The words seemed to settle into my heart and get stuck a while. 

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 
Point out anything in me that offends you, 
and lead me along the path of everlasting life. - Psalms 139:23

God knows the desires of our heart. He knows what we need before we know what we need. And God, just like a true Father, reminds His children often that waiting is sometimes the best answer.

Blessings!
Child of God

Mother to Mother

Mom, mommy, momma, mum... and the ever so often... mother.

These are the names that ring through my ears at home... in the car... while shopping, while eating, while sleeping... or attempting the later. Sometimes it's a sweet momma, and other times an urgent MOM, and still others a gentle mommy.

I remember words I wrote some time ago. I think it was right after we had our second child. The words brought me back to when we were just attempting parenthood with two, and now we've grown to a bundle of 3. But to be honest... the words mean just as much now as they did back then...

"... being a mother is nothing short of easy. It's hard work, long hours, and God's best tool for teaching patience. It may be one of the hardest jobs... but ultimately the most rewarding one there is.

Being a mother has taught me and changed me...

...it has changed me for the better."

I believe that more now than ever before. Once a child has been blessed into your life, you are forever changed. No one, or no thing, can prepare you for that feeling you feel when you're handed your newborn baby for the first time. There is something absolutely amazing that happens inside of you...

You no longer look at another parents child the same way... because you now understand how much love they have for THEIR own child.

You learn to love in a way you never knew you could.

You worry less about tomorrow, and more about the moments shared today.

... but you tend to also worry about things you NEVER worried about before ... whomever made washable ANYTHING was a genius!

I've learned that things won't always stay in order, my shower will still be captive to Spiderman and his posy and my refrigerator will proudly display artwork only a child can create, but these are the things we will miss most when our children are all grown.

I've learned that being a mother is about loving deeply, listening intently, and letting go even when I don't want to.

And I've learned that being a mother is the most amazing honor God has given me. I may stumble along the way... and not always do it right. But I will do it the best way I know how.

From one mother to another, Happy Mother's Day!

Symphony of Footsteps

Running has become a passion of mine. There is something almost meditative about your feet striking the ground... left foot, right foot, left foot... while your mind has the opportunity to just wonder freely.

I read a book recently that I would recommend to anyone... especially to those of you interested in kicking off the old sneakers and lacing up for a morning jog. The author is Scott Jurek, a renown ultra-marathon champion and the book is called Eat & Run.

Incredible!

This book is packed with inspiring stories from Scott's life, why he eventually went vegan, and how he became an utlra-marathon runner. It's definitely worth a read!

And in the meantime... get out there... run a mile or 5 miles... and "listen for the unwritten symphonies in your footsteps".

You'll be glad you did!!

Loving Messy You!

CAUTION these next few words are going to shock you...

My life is often messy

I'm not perfect

I don't always wear the latest trends

My house does not look like Pottery Barn

My cooking skills could definitely use some work

My kids aren't dressed like they just stepped out of a magazine

I often run to the grocery store in my sweats (truth)

Most of the pins I PIN on Pinterest never come to fruition

BUT... guess what... I LOVE MY LIFE!

I love that God chose me... just like he chose you! He chose me to be with the amazing and talented husband I married. I love that our life isn't normal and often chaotic. I love that He chose my husband, a loving and courageous man, to spread His love to the world through music. I love that God chose to bless us with three amazing kids. And that He believed in us enough to entrust his children in our care, to love them and raise them in a world full of not so nice things. 

So let's stop drooling over the latest Pinterest pin... and celebrate our messy, fun, humorous lives! 

DONE

Love Water?

School Days

Today marked the FIRST of Asher's many school days to come!

WAIT...

... did I just write "Asher" and "School" in the same sentence?

When did we blink? What happened to our baby... our newborn we just brought home from the hospital... our little bundle who kept us up all night because he needed held and rocked in our arms -- sooo maybe he still keeps us up many a night wanting to curl up in our bed instead of his own. But still...

I can't believe Asher will turn 5 in a week!

Where. Has. The. Time. Gone???

And the crazy part -- I know it will only go faster from here on out. WHAT??? No.... Really? Yes. And I am already preparing myself for even busier schedules. Days that will be filled with carpools, school meetings and events, practices, concerts...you name it!

Strangely though, there is a part of me that is excited for this new chapter. I'm excited to see how Asher will do in school. What will he like? What will he dislike? What new talents will be revealed? Will Asher gravitate more towards sports... or music... or favor academics?

All I know is that I love our growing boy more than these words that I type. He has a way of brightening up a room with his smile. His laughter can fill the air and lighten any mood. He is strong-willed and a determined little thing. And I know that it is going to take him far in life.

So go Asher (I say so hesitantly). Take these next steps with pride and confidence. And know mommy and daddy are right behind you should you stumble or fall. We will be there to catch you and put you right back on your feet. We Love you!

Here are some pictures of Asher's first big day of Pre-K! Yes. I did tell myself that I wasn't going to be "that mom" who had to take a gazillion pics of their child's first day. But, WHO WAS I KIDDING? Of course I did! This was a big first for all of us :)

6 Months and Rolls

Kennedy had her 6 month checkup this week and the doc confirmed she is healthy, happy, and chubby!

Not so surprising she is measuring on the short side at 10% for length and 70% for weight... thus all those smooshy gooshy -- or as I like to refer to them as, "fluffy" -- rolls. Which, I might add, are all the more comfy to cuddle with!

What is Kennedy up to these days? I'm glad you asked... ok maybe you didn't... but I'd like to update you anyway! :)

• She has mastered rolling from her back to belly, and from belly to back
• She has found her toes!
• She is starting to teethe
• She adores her big brother and quite honestly probably smiles, giggles, and squeals the most when he is around
• She is now eating rice cereal and some fruits and veggies
• And she can sit on her own for a few seconds before toppling over on one side

Can't believe it has been 6 months already!

Hold a Little Tighter

I want to pick my sleeping baby girl up out of her crib so I can hold her a little tighter. I want to hold her and not let go, for I know tomorrow I will have to leave her and return to work.

These past 10 weeks have been a blessing to say the least. I have rediscovered just how amazingly beautiful an infant is. I've been shown, yet again, how my love can multiply with another child in my arms. It's something fascinating, really.

One would think that it would get easier after the first child but I believe it only gets harder. It's one more child I'm putting in the care of someone else. It's one more child to miss, worry, and think about all day while we're apart.

I don't think I ever really knew how much I would enjoy being a mommy until we had our first son. It truly is a wonderful gift God blesses us with... to feel a love you never knew existed inside you for something so little and innocent. It is something I wouldn't trade for the world.

I know 5:30 am will come too quickly and I'll actually have to care about how I am dressed, and a ponytail will no longer do... so I think I'll take advantage of these next few moments and enjoy just being a mommy. No worrying about what tomorrow will bring or how my days will quickly change... I'm just going to be still and go hold my babies a little tighter :)

Introducing Kennedy Jae Armstrong

Miss Kennedy Jae... "peanut"... as we like to refer to her... blessed us with her presence 4 weeks early!!! She was born February 25th at 9:14 pm, weighing 5 lbs 12 oz, and measuring19 inches long.

And check out that hair!!!

Besides dealing with some jaundice, she is a perfectly healthy, beautiful little girl. God is awesome!!

It's crazy to think that tomorrow should have been her actual birthdate... but we couldn't feel more blessed that we have gotten to enjoy 3 extra weeks with our sweet baby girl in our arms.

Our family of 4 has quickly become a family of 5 and we are loving every crazy minute of it! I will try to post pictures from Kennedy's newborn photo session soon!!!

Pregnancy Number Three!

We are officially 29 weeks today and I don't think I've blogged ONCE about pregnancy with baby 3! Heck, I don't think I ever announced we were actually pregnant... or that we found out we are pregnant with another girl. 

Shame

On 

Me!

I guess life and 2 kiddos keep me off this computer more than I realize.... of course except for the occasional, ok... ok... more like obsessive, times I log on to check Facebook.

So here we are! Only 10 more weeks to go!!! This pregnancy has surprising gone much faster than I thought it would. Aside from the horrible nausea in the first trimester (which I didn't really have with either of the other two pregnancies) this pregnancy is going just as smooth and comfortable. Praise God! Kennedy is growing healthy and strong and we are now in the home stretch.

Below is my most recent preggie pic, at 29 weeks . I have found it is definitely more difficult to dress in the winter while pregnant because of all the layers you have to put on! In the summer I could simply throw on a cotton skirt and tank and add a pair of flip flops and be on my way. Thank the Lord for this season's fashion of leggings and boots! I don't know how I would get by without this style. I swear I live in leggings or jeggings constantly.

What's in a name? "Kennedy" does not come from any family ancestry or the like, we just like the name. "Jae" symbolizes both grandmothers - Julia and Jeanne. We wanted to incorporate both some how so we took the "J" from both and created her middle name.

My Mission Field

This post comes from something that has weighed on my heart for a while. And by "while" I mean for the last few years. It's something that my heart seems to constantly battle... until just recently.

I've always been the type of person that needs to be out and doing. I can never seem to sit still for very long. And when it comes to getting something done I have little patience for slacking... just ask Randy... he knows exactly what I'm talking about! I'm not typically the one who likes to sit back and watch others do it... I want to be right there in the action... getting me hands dirty!

In college I absolutely LOVED helping with Habitat for Humanity (thanks to my older sis, Tiffany, for exposing me to this ministry) and looked forward to Spring Break each year when we would coordinate a team to spend our days building houses. I helped with our youth ministry at church and enjoyed spending time with the youth and watching them grow into God fearing adults.

.... stick with me... I'm getting to my point.

So when I married Randy and his career in music kicked off I was astatic! I loved that he was going after his dream and doing what God had called him to. I have always - and will always - support him 110%. But what began to weigh on my heart was the fact that HE was out there going and doing... and I wasn't. Randy has always made me feel like I'm as much apart of this ministry as he is... but it feels different when you're not the one on the "battle field".

What I have come to realize... and here is where it gets good... is that, sure, I may not be physically out there "doing", but my mission field is here at home, with our kids, and with my husband. It's not easy living our lifestyle in the music industry. There are hard days when the kiddos (and myself) want daddy to come home. We long for him to share his evening with us... and not the hundreds or thousands of fans that have waited all day... maybe all year... to see RED perform.

But that's just it... these fans have waited... and they may walk away from that one night completely changed. And THAT'S what it's all about. Randy's mission field may be out on the road where he has the opportunity to change someone's life... but mine is here, at home, at least for now. And I LOVE that!

I love that God has blessed us with our amazing kids and family and friends. I love that He has chosen to keep me right here, where He knows I'm needed most. And that this is only a chapter in our crazy lives. Maybe years from now God will have us somewhere else... but right now my heart is not heavy anymore... it is happy.

My mission field is home.

Room for More

We FINALLY have a family car!!!!

We welcomed this sweet ride home last Saturday!!!

After surviving the last 3 yrs with ONE car we finally gave in and bought a new family friendly car. We LOVE our new '07 Mazda5!! It has sliding side doors, a third row that folds down for more storage, only 17K miles, and other great features.

As the manual says... and I'm not joking... it's the perfect family car for those who don't want to admit they are ready for a van! Ha. That's how we roll...

Asher loves sitting high enough to see the cows out his window and London enjoys the extra room. Success!