Dreams are a funny thing. We have been in an in-between season for quite a while now.  Ever since I became a stay at home mom in May 2015, I feel like I've been asking myself what I did or what value I had now that I wasn't contributing much financially to the family. I felt like I wasn't able to dream or plan or achieve. Back in April 2016 I had a "what if" idea... One of those ideas that seem way too crazy to even start. I put it on the back burner. In June again it came to mind, and this time had a little further definition. But again... it felt way too big for my little self. Back on the burner it went. Lately, we have been meeting a lot of new people and hearing a lot of stories. Getting deep and vulnerable with new friends. It's been invigorating, but I must say there was often a moment where people would ask me what my current dreams are... and I didn't have a great answer. Somehow the "pay my bills" dream doesn't really inspire. ...

I have a confession... I'm constantly afraid. I could list all the things I'm afraid of, but it honestly wouldn't be worth your time... (and not really the point of this message) So how do I cope with all this fear? Usually, I "turtle." I stay "safe" in my little bubble where no words or bodily harm can come to me. However, as I continue down this path of life - God is calling me out of my shell. Asking me to make some bold steps. To believe big dreams. To try something new. Last spring we felt very strongly that it was time for another little Nally.  We have been beyond blessed with the arrival of Judah and I can't say enough how my heart has grown to love not one, but two children so fully. When we felt that nudge, I was afraid.  Afraid we couldn't afford it. Afraid of the dynamic it might add. Afraid of the legitimate health concerns at hand. Instead God brought me through so many different verses and calmed my fearful heart. Be stron...

Spring is finally HERE! I am so HAPPY!  Monday we reached a high of 80.  That's EIGHTY degrees.  I knew it was going to be a beautiful day, but boy the van was actually HOT when I got in that afternoon.  Glory. For weeks now I have been wanting to create a Spring themed wreath.  I have never actually had a spring wreath, and my empty hook on the front door has been begging for something since the Christmas wreath disappeared in early January.  Unfortunately when you have a tight budget, things like decor take a back seat to pesky things like bills and food. This week, I FINALLY decided to make a wreath, and I'm super happy with out it turned out.  This project took me about $10 for the materials and less than 5 minutes to assemble.  How easy is that??  Here's a list of supplies and instructions if you want to make one yourself. Supplies (all from Hobby Lobby, make sure you go when floral stems are 50% off) 1 Natural Grapevine Wreat...

Putting together Judah and Sarah's room has been such a fun project since we moved in August. We knew that having a boy and girl sharing the same room, we couldn't rely on the overly pink and flowery motif of Sarah's old space. My very talented mother-in-law helped us create the quilts, pennants and curtains for their room.  I LOVE how it turned out.  I had fun figuring out how to recover a lamp shade and making the "canvas" art over their beds.  I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Still can't believe we have a little brother in the house! Sarah wanted to say "CHEESE" for the camera! Judah's half of the room. So much fun taking pictures! Sarah's my little monkey. Sarah's half of the room. Judah's my little lion man. She even made matching bedding for the baby bed! Our first picture with Sarah (top) and our first picture with Judah (bottom). Such a beautiful quilt! Hope you ...

I have been hard on myself recently thinking that I should have written this update sooner, but then I take a breath and remember all the good moments of the last few weeks and am glad that I took time to REST. The last, well, month and a half has been a whirlwind of celebrating Judah's arrival with family and friends.  We have had sickness and trials, but through it all, life has been FULL.  Full of joy, full of moments to be thankful.  Too many to really name. We have made it to the 36 week mark.  This was not a date I ever dreamed of making it to when I first found out I was pregnant.  I had this internal finish line of "if I make it to Thanksgiving, I'll be happy."  Well we have made it to that point and don't have any signs of slowing down.  We have scheduled our 'finish line' date of December 30th.  If Judah doesn't make his arrival naturally by that date, we will do a C-section then.  My name is on the OR schedule.  That date ...

Since the day we found out our official due date, I've had an invisible red circle around October 29 - the 30 week mark - in my planner.  While I've been determined to have a healthy pregnancy this time around, there was always a little part of me wondering if we'd make it this far. We have entered uncharted waters.  With Sarah I didn't really get to have a third trimester. When we first found out I told my dear friend, Kelsey Harrison (Owner/Photographer at Kelsey Harrison Photography:  http://kelseyharrisonphotography.com ), and told her one major thing I wanted this pregnancy that I never got with Sarah was maternity pictures.  October 26th, we went out and did just that!  I am so beyond thrilled with how they turned out.  If you need photos of your family, she is truly the best to work with.  She not only captured our entire family, but also some of the little details of our life... One of my favorite pictures is a simple picture of Sarah's swe...

Well, folks.  We've reached the third trimester.  I am, admittedly, pretty on edge and constantly questioning every slight sensation, feeling, and pain.  My doctor has been very encouraging of me to be hyper-sensitive to each symptom and discomfort.  We have gone in for a couple unplanned check ups, one was after hours so it took place in the ER, which sounds way more scary than it really was.  So far all the tests and labs are coming in clean and with excellent results.  My doctor is very happy with where I am. We have started the two week check ups already!  AND, we have scheduled the rest of my appointments, all the way past my due date.  Hard to believe that we're already to this point.  As Sarah would say, "I can't believe it!"  (one of her new phrases!)  This excites me, since I adore my doctor and love seeing her. My nesting instincts are kicking in pretty hard and I'm trying to get the kid's room ready get some color on ...