WEAR || The Owl Tree Boutique + Giveaway

My shop started as a creative outlet.
For years I've made jewelry... far more than I could possibly wear!
So I started giving it to friends, family, and anyone who would take it.
I just wanted to unload - so I could make more!

I figured: why not open a shop!?



I am the mother of two, little beauties and the wife of a fantastic man.
My daughters have shown me how wonderful and strong we as ladies are.
I want to create things that remind and bring that out in us!

I try to find things that inspire me: music, nature, even a feeling...
and express that moment, that idea, through jewelry.

I want to empower women to be themselves and follow their dreams.
To always know they are strong and capable!

- Taryn of The Owl Tree Boutique

SHOP + INSTAGRAM + TWITTER
___________________________________

// skirt + Kohls // scoop neck sweater + Dillards // jacket + JCPenney // shoes = Wet Seal //



I am in love with my jewelry from The Owl Tree Boutique!!!
Taryn's dream of reminding women that they are strong and capable is coming true in me!
Accessories are an expression of who we are - and these hand-stamped (lots of custom options!)
pieces remind me that I can fly - I can smile - I can reach out and be who I am.

// BEAUTIFUL RING //


// CROSS BRACELET //


// FEATHER NECKLACE //


WIN ONE PIECE OF JEWELRY (your choice!)
from The Owl Tree Boutique!!!

enter below // U.S. residents only //
a Rafflecopter giveaway

All opinions are my own.

Carpe Diem Yadda Yadda

Yesterday I had a million things to do. And they weren't just things - they were little things.
So hard to get little things done. Big things? No problem. I think the problem with little things is
that they seem small (ironic). So I try to do ALL things at once and end up running in circles
and checking Facebook on REPEAT because my brain is like "Whaaaa?"

I overused the word "things" in the paragraph above. My creative side is coming out.
My English professors would shoot me and send me right back to second grade.

Oh thaaaangs! There, I changed it up a bit.

I threw the to-do list to the sweet, September wind and seized all 70 degrees as I went for a
bike ride with my kids. We drew pictures on the lawn in rain boots and then ate apples with peanut butter
while we watched Lilo and Stitch. I know you're all jealous of my little vacay with my kiddos. It was bliss.
Even though they both boycotted nap. Didn't see that coming, did ya? Either did I. Really?
You should be EXHAUSTED from all the F-U-N. Carpe diem... you backfired on me!




My heart and head have been swimming in excitement as I prep to leave for
The Influence Network Conference! If you want a sneak peak into the adventure
of my first blogging conference, follow along on Instagram and Twitter!
I'll be documenting the whole event like a teenage, texting addict.

I'm kinda stoked about learning from her and him!
Plus soooooo many other awesome bloggers - with incredible hearts and missions!!!
ALSO - attending a shoe cutting party for a ministry that I'm already in love with >>>


Can't wait to share all the details and inspiration when I get back next week!

Until then... I need to go make THIS so my kids don't have to
eat cereal every morning while daddy is on duty.



PEACE.
OUT.

Playing Jesus

Last week, ALL of my siblings came to Chicago! It was the best time!
Shopping, dressing room party, watching movies, eating too much chocolate and ice-cream!
There was even a couple, intense 10 minute ab workouts that were far too embarrassing
for me to elaborate much more on. I'd rather laugh than work-out.
Few calories were burned, but many happy memories were made!

I am the oldest of the five.
The second oldest, Nellie, is also married with children.
The "kids" (as we call the three youngest) are all homeschooled - so it makes vacations...
I mean... er... educational/home economic field trips... like this possible!

But on a very serious note... having them in my home stirred my heart.

I love them fiercely.
There's not much I wouldn't do to protect them or let them know they are loved.



There once was a time when I stooped to save them from every traumatic moment
that came upon our family. Things were good - most of the time. But we grew up with parents
who were fighting hard battles with diseases they could not escape. That they still cannot escape.

I was 12 when my mom began to seriously struggle with clinical depression.
I was 16 when my dad openly admitted to being an alcoholic.
My brother and sisters were just babies. The age of my own little ones now.

There were days my parents could not be there for us.

Weeks would go by - and I mothered them.
Homework, dinner, play time, laundry... prayers, stories, and kisses goodnight.
I ushered them away from emotional situations and tried so hard to protect them
from the weight of anxiety that crushed me... as just a child myself.


I fought so hard to hold it together. For them. For me.
A good day, or week, or month would come... but it was never enough time for
my heart to heal, for me to catch my breath, or emotionally re-charge.

I remember being so tired. So very tired.

I know that God wanted me to trust Him more along the way.
I regret "playing Jesus" and setting about my own plan of salvation for my siblings.
He was holding on to all of us - every day. I was just too busy holding on to everything
else to be able to feel His arms around me.


And now, with my own babies, I have to tell my heart from time to time that
I cannot play "Jesus" anymore. I can love and serve and sacrifice to the degree
that I am called - to the degree that is humanly possible.

God comes down and rescues me from there.

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish

We like to CELEBRATE life.
Birthdays last for days in our family. They are just too much fun NOT to!
Our Judah baby turned 2 this month... still can't believe we have a 2 and 3 year old.
I love my life.

Ok... So every time we asked Judah what kind of party he wanted to have,
this was his response: "Reeeeed cake! Bluuuuuue cake!"
He can count to ten. And he only knows two colors: red and blue.

Dr. Seuss was the obvious answer here.
I ran with "One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish" and he loved it!

Here is daaaaays worth of a 2nd birthday party that we threw for our littlest.

...PICNIC & TRIP TO THE ZOO...


When we pray, Judah bows his head and repeats every word that we say.
I don't ever want to forget his little details. Too precious.




...PARTY TIME...


The morning of Judah's birthday, Isaiah was having a really hard time.
He wanted presents. He wanted attention. Nathan and I were both shocked when Judah,
unprompted and true to form, said: "Here. You open one for me, Zay Zay."
I cried a little. Is that my child? His heart is sooooo good. Teaching his momma lessons.



A wall of seaweed made with green streamers ||
red and blue fish made from glittery cardstock.



Clearance cups from Target. Picked up a dozen for $1. Filled with "fish 'n rods" =
Swedish fish and gluten-free pretzels! Also - found a $0.60 fish cookie cutter
at Hobby Lobby. SCORE! Landed us some fish-shaped rice crispy treats.



Bogie. Short for Booger. Our red beta fish was the party mascot!




I made fishing rods out of short, dowel rods, rope, and magnets from Hobby Lobby.
Hot glued the magnets to the rope. Worked like a charm! Cut out red and blue fish
from cardstock and put a paper clip on each one.
My kids are STILL playing with this little game!!!



Praying down blessings on the birthday boy here!
So blessed to be surrounded by family and loved ones of FAITH.



Homemade cupcake toppers made from cardstock and a paper punch.
Taped them to striped, paper straws that I cut in half. SO CUTE.
That idea was inspired by the crazy-talented Natalie over at The Busy Budgeting Mama!

I love you, little one. Your life makes my life so special.
Happy you were born to me. Blessed to be your momma. Happy Birthday... again!

Kissing Summer Goodbye

Every time I hear the word "summer", some lines from Horton Hears a Who
run through my head. "It's shhhnowing in the shhhhummer!" It's a curse really.
Why is it that kids get fixated on one particular movie at a time - longing to
watch it over and over again like it's going out of style pronto!?!

I'm proud of myself. Horton Hears a Who is pretty much MEMORIZED.
I can quote it in my sleep. Adding that to my resume.

This Sunday is the official start date of my favorite season!!!! FALL.
But we LOVE summer too! Two "bests" right in a row for me. So here are some
of my favorite captures from this season of swimming and sun-tanning.

Hurry back soon, sweet sun.
My skin is going to turn a nice shade of Elmer's glue without you.