Friday Thoughts and Links

A few of these pictures are on my Instagram feed.  So, if you follow along there, forgive the repeats! We've just been living life here.  I can't say that a whole lot new has been happening.  However, at the end of each day, I can say we had our crazy moments but also loved, forgave, re-grouped and had great family time.  It's really all I can ask for! Here's a little run down...

I received my Chatbooks this week, and I cannot think of money better spent!  I have all of my Instagram memories in these amazing little books.  I'm sold on them.  Forever.

Sohpie and I ended up getting a touch of that silly Hand Foot and Mouth, too.  Hopefully it's run its course in our family.  Her cheeks got so red, but she was still as sweet and cute as before.

Maybe even resembling a Cabbage Patch Kid?

I was reprimanding John Paul for something, and in the middle of me telling him that I loved him but I needed him to mind, he said, "You pwetty, Momma!"  He's already got a way to get out of things!

Then I heard a squabble in the living room later that morning.  He wanted something that Carter had.  Carter wasn't ready to part with it, so he walked in to the kitchen where I was and said, "MOMMA!  Carter bit me!"  He didn't.  We're in for some trouble, I think.

While looking for some bugs, Carter came across a thorny bush.  He said it only hurt a little bit so he wanted me to touch it.  I didn't want to, so he sweetly came to my side and said, "Oh just close your eyes and think of something happy!"  I still didn't touch it.

Carter has been firing off some funny little things lately.  He showed me how he had a Cheezit in his hand, and then he ate it.  After he swallowed, he said, "Lovely magic, isn't it?!"

We went to see Mimi and Pops this week while in between doctor appointments, and as we left, Carter held up his little index finger and told Pops, "Love your family!"  When we got home he asked me if he could do a little school work.  It was too late.  Frowning with his hands in the air he said, "But, I live for numbers!"

Last week, during a family Rosary, we let the kids watch Holy Baby (a Catholic version of Baby Einstein really).  A picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe came up.  Carter got so excited begging me to look.  I asked him what I needed to see.  He said, "It's your saint Mommy!"  So, when we saw another picture of Mary in different form, I said, "There she is again."  "No Mommy, it's the other one.  SHE is your saint." "Really, Carter?  What does she do?"  "She's just carrying you to Heaven, Mommy!"  Yes she is, and I need her so badly.  I feel that extra strength most days.

Have you read this post from Laura on parenting being hard, but maybe not harder than it is for the mom next to you?  Sadly, I've had the same thought process from time to time.

I think I'll try this recipe, soon - so easy, and it looks delicious and healthy.  Katie, who posted the recipe also just opened up an Etsy shop with precious baby headbands.  Take a look!

Did you link your organization tips here?

Do you use essential oils?  I haven't really, but I'm looking into it more.  Anna has a recipe for a lip scrub using essential oils, and I want to try it for sure.

Finally, do you mind sending up some prayers for a friend with a special intention?  Thanks a mil.


linking up with Jen

Friday Thoughts and Links

This week, this butterfly showed up.  We haven't seen any butterflies this summer, and the boys were ecstatic when they saw this one in our flower garden.  They came running to tell me, and I headed out the door with my camera.  It stayed forever...even landing on my arm for some time.  It was in our little garden the entire morning we were outside.  I cannot help but think it was one of God's beautiful signs.

I'm second-shooting a wedding tomorrow as part of a photography mentorship.  Michael Graham took Sophie's newborn photos, and he offers mentorships in different areas.  I'm photographing my sweet friend Tiffany's wedding this fall, and I need all the help I can get.  Plus, I cannot decide if I should do a little photography on the side.  Decisions decisions.  Any of you photographers out there have any thoughts? Does it consume you?  Would you recommend looking further into it?

I ordered this lipstick (in Cava) at the urging of my cousin, and I couldn't be happier.  It's a nude (which is mainly all I wear), but it has a teeny bit of a purple-gray tint to it - sounds weird, yes. But it's really pretty.

I won a clutch from GiGi New York at The Hundred event.  I plan to do a little post with it in the future, but as I was recently perusing their site, I came across this.  Isn't it a beautiful bag?!  It's my "window shopping" bag for the week - ha!

Peter has recently decided that camo (or as he calls it "army") clothing is all he really wants to wear.  I have probably mentioned it before, but it couldn't have come at a better time (as much as I never thought my kids would wear camo).  He seems to be in fashion according to Mini Boden and J. Crew.

A reader emailed me a few days ago and suggested what she thought my blog focus/niche was.  She said, "Do whatever you feel you're supposed to. Maybe it's to convey love, to show beauty, to give hope, to enlighten. Those are the things I see in your blog, at least.   From my far-off vantage, I think you shine most when you're posting gorgeous photos and honest words about your family, your landscape, your reflections, hopes, and sometimes fears. I think when you do those things, you're able to spark something in others. And thereby do some real good that you can be proud to count at times when you wonder whether you're spending the right amount of time on your various responsibilities.  
Thank you for this.  I do often wonder what makes people read the blog and what they get from it.  Are there particular topics or posts that you most enjoy?  While I feel that most of it is just a journal of my daily life, I'm wondering what keeps you reading this little ol' blog and how I do a bit better job of connecting. Should I go so far as to ask what you don't like???

I'm looking for new personalized stationary.  Comment with your favorite shop.  So far, I love these, these and even these for notes to the husband.

Have the best weekend - I look forward to your responses!

-linking up with Jen-