2016 GOALS

 i know it's already FEBRUARY and here i am just now blogging my thoughts on resolutions....but wow, 2015 was one heck of a year for our family! justin and i bought our second home, added our first rental property (our old home) to the mix , found out our son has severe allergies to both eggs and peanuts, celebrated emery's third birthday, celebrated gray turning one, as well as our four year wedding anniversary, created new friendships and lost others. for me personally 2015 was a year of growth, of starting new projects (this blog) and just continuing to push myself. i love to look back on past goals and critique myself to figure out what i did well, what i didn't and then really focus in on the goals i never got around to doing. although, I must say, i did accomplish 80% of my goals for last year. i think that calls for cheesecake!  i'm not sure if turning 25 has helped kick my butt in gear or what but i'm super excited to see what 2016 brings. here goes...


1. TRAVEL MORE- we tend to take mini vacations, weekend getaways, and mini roadtrips fairly regularly- sometimes with kids in tow-and just get away to refresh and explore! This does wonders for my state of mind! when i feel uninspired- as a mother, wife, or creative, traveling always helps me take a step back and rejuvenate. Seeing emery and grayson light up for an adventure is a big bonus too. :) I think i'd pass out from pure joy if justin ever surprised me with a trip to palm springs. out. stone cold...just kidding. i'd probably cry. we already have a vacation to marfa on the brain so that's a step in the right direction.

2. GET SERIOUS ABOUT BLOGGING- i wanted to start this blog for years before pulling the trigger. i was nervous about it. really nervous. i was afraid of failure, of not being good enough. i was scared I wouldn't have readers, i'd be terrible at creating content organically,etc.... after having a wonderful support system of women (and the hubby) encouraging me to start a blog, i finally did it. i abandoned perfectionism (this blog definitely isn't perfect) and just went for it. i decided if all else failed, i'd have documentation of my marriage and my kiddos. Id really love to start posting more frequently and sharing DIYs, home inspiration, and a few other things.

3. LEARN TO SEW-  i think making doll clothes would be a great skill to acquire and i'm sure emery wouldn't mind either. making dresses has always been a dream of mine too.

4. FOCUS ON ME A LITTLE MORE- not in a selfish way. by "focus on me more" i mean get rid of the mommy outfit. while a messy bun, leggings, no makeup and a t-shirt make up a comfy ensemble it's also a set back. i've figured out that i feel most productive when i'm "ready" for the day.

5. BABY TIME- and for the big finale, justin and i want to start trying for our third baby at the end of this year!! we are super excited, and i plan on doing things so differently this time around! but i won't share the details on that just yet.

what are some of your goals for this year?

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE S'WINTER

It's pretty warm here in Arkansas despite it being mid-december! We typically have really cold winters. This weather reminds me of the Phineas and Ferb episode where they create winter in the middle of summer and call it S'Winter. Yeah that. I suppose I should just zip my lips and be thankful it's warmer than I anticipated considering the kids' winter essentials are neatly wrapped and hiding under the tree for Christmas.

While thinking about S'Winter, I was reminded of our trip to Dauphin Island this past summer with Justin's (our) family. It was Grayson's first time to visit the beach and he loved playing in the sand, chasing the seagulls and of course eating all the food. Honestly, the food on the island wasn't that great. It was okay but I wouldnt feel comfortable giving recommendations. There are a few little produce stands and a grocery store a few minutes inland, so I would recommend buying groceries and cooking at your beach house instead. I would definitely recommend taking the ferry from the island to Fort Morgan. We took the ferry twice and the first time we did it was earlier in the day and super hot. This didn't go over well with the little ones. We caught the last ride back to the island that evening and it was much more comfortable and enjoyable as it wasn't  so hot. We also saw dolphins! Well, I didn't but Justin did and that counts in my book! The Bellingrath Gardens and Home was beautiful! Definitely check it out if you're planning a trip to the Dauphin Island area.

While I long for colder days, these pictures remind me to just be thankful because It'll be super cold before too much longer and then I'll be complaining and wishing for warmer days... Isn't that how it usually goes?

LIFE IN IPHONE PHOTOS

These last few weeks have consisted of play dates,  crafting, flea marketing, mini road trips, ice cream dates, family events, anniversary celebrations, birthdays and Halloween. My heart is full and I'm looking forward to another adventurous week! The kids have eaten their fair share of candy this weekend and Emery enjoyed the pony rides at our town's annual Fall Fest while I'm currently craving more pumpkin pie sharing with my boy! 
 *More Halloween pictures to come*