storing up and not beholden

24 weeks

Writing on this space and in general has been a struggle lately, and my pregnancy is undoubtedly the cause.  My creative juices seem to be sucked into creating this tiny life, which is no small feat, leaving my brain a little scattered.  Feeling and seeing tiny kicks has made the last few weeks especially sweet for me.

My husband asked me last night if I loved the baby, and I have to say in this vague, protective, quiet way - my love has been building.  This is the time when I'm closest to the baby, and I'm the only person who really knows him.

At the same time, I've been aware of the booming, throbbing, HUGE love I feel for my daughter, this past month especially.  This is utterly crazy, but she is the most beautiful girl on the planet.  No contest.  I only have eyes for her.  That is crazy mama-thinking, but it's the truth in my head.  I can't wrap my mind around how she is changing and how much my love has exploded in just one year.

To think about this love happening with a new baby makes my head and heart spin.  Is that even possible to love so much?

All this to say... I'm in a season of storing up.  Storing up moments, dreams, feelings, loves, and treasuring them all.  I can't seem to summon words for any of it when I try.  What creative energy I do have has been diverted to researching and teaching a class, gardening, and writing over on The Influence Blog.

Although there hasn't been much here, I'm not abandoning this space.  While I've tried to consistently post 3 times a week, I'm grateful to not be beholden to this blog.  I'm grateful to feel the grace in not rushing the words.  


In the meantime, Instagram seems to be one thing I can keep up with, so feel free to stay in touch over there during a somewhat quieter blog season.

her new best friend

While we were away in NYC, my daughter spent four days with both sets of grandparents.  She definitely had to adjust back to life at home afterwards, where mama has to do 4 loads of laundry instead of just sitting and playing like her grandmas.  She had a blast.

Her favorite part seemed to be my parents' golden retriever, Molly.  Halfway through our trip, we got a text message of Evie hugging Molly (maybe even more than she's ever hugged us!).  Apparently they became the best of buds. 

Now, "Maw-wie" is any stuffed animal, dog, or zoo animal.  It is her favorite word, along with "No" and "Baw" (ball).  When we came back to my parents' for a visit, she was thrilled to see her "Maw-wie" again.  Pretty sweet and crazy the way they grow up and start engaging with the world.

scripture prints + a BIG sale

Having scripture in my home as an adult was always something I balked at.  Not because I'm against the idea, but it was challenging to find a fresh take that wasn't stuffy or granny-ish.

Then I found Jessi who designs and stocks her shop, Naptime Diaries, with high-quality 8x10 prints for women like me.  Her designs are lovely + modern, and they allow me to coat my walls with encouragement + TRUTH.  Especially for those days when I need it most.  (See one of my prints in this post.)

This month Jessi and her family are moving from my hometown to Charleston, SC to start a church plant.  So, her entire shop is 40% off (!!!) using the coupon code "MOVINGSALE" this Monday-Wednesday, May 19-21.  


Here's what I'm stocking up on: 

   Numbers 6  ... 1 Corinthians 13:7 ... 1 John 4:19

   I like to give this print as a gift.

   I'm also getting this hymn print for our office.

   And, if you have a whole blank wall that needs something, check out her bundle discounts!


p.s.  Read more about The Connolly's church plant + beard-raiser (yup!) HERE.

spring cleaning, a video

Oh video blogging.
Why can't I remember to look at the webcam?

I'm the slightly crazy person, who loves organizing and simplifying life.
I think my "saver" husband is always slightly worried his beloved t-shirt collection will disappear.
BUT ... it won't.  This class is all about making your home and stuff work for your family!

I'd love to see you in tonight's class, anyone can attend! 
If you're busy tonight, buy the class to have the emailed recording sent to your inbox.
Classes are $10, and you can buy them in The Influence Shop.

spring cleaning + organization

Less stuff means more freedom, more time, more creativity, more focus. 

I'd love more of all those things in my life.  Every spring I get an itch to simplify my home and add rhythms of organization to the items we choose to keep.  My husband is a "keeper," so we have to balance each other when I want to clean out and he wants to keep things for "just in case."  I also have a daughter, whose stuff requires almost constant clean up and maintenance.  

We live in a 1930s home with minimal closets and have to get creative with storage.   

If you've been itching for a more peaceful home, join me on Tuesday, May 14th.  The class will be broken into two parts: The Why and The How of Simplification and Organization. We'll talk for an hour.  You'll get resources, so you can leave the class ready for action.  Plus, I'll be leaving plenty of time to answer your specific questions about your home.

Because organization comes pretty easily to my detail-oriented brain, I'm curious: 

What are trouble spots for organization in your home?

Why do you get frustrated when you try to simplify? 

What questions would you love to see addressed in the class? 

Read all the details about the class HERE.  

I'd love for you to join me!