– finding ways to continue enjoying Valentine’s roses –

– creating more free space for playtime with my little guys –

– my first experience with spray body oil and it’s THE BEST –

– trying to see if I can eventually shape a bonsai tree –

– loving this metallic sling bag from Parker Thatch –

It has been a really sweet and peaceful week. And I even had a 24-hour bug on Tuesday, so that’s saying something!

I’ve had a work decision to make that has been looming over me. A decision on whether to start a second business opportunity or pause it for now (update 2/24: this is not referencing this website or my social media, this is a second, separate business I’m referencing). After praying about it and thinking about it for a while, I made a decision to put it to the side. I was a little bummed, but ultimately felt it was the right choice in my gut.

When you choose your family or your peace over career and money – the world will make you feel like that’s the lazy or weak way out. However, when I happened to share my choice with my small group this week, I was unexpectedly met with so much encouragement and support. And I don’t know that I had any expectations when I shared it, but then was so touched that these people who know me personally and my heart and values – they were proud of me for not following the world’s view of success and instead choosing my own view of success.

It’s really stuck with me because while I felt I was being true to myself, I was also a little disappointed that I didn’t seem to have the drive and ambition that I used to. But I think it’s because being a mother changes your priorities. All of a sudden you see how incredibly fast time moves by you, and if you don’t have the time to stop and enjoy it, you’ll miss it. There’s no rewind button on your life.

If you are a person of faith or have any interest in Christianity, I highly recommend John Mark Comer’s The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. It was given to me by my dear friend and fabulous co-founder of Grace & James Kids. When she gave it to me she said, “I wish I had been able to read this when I was a new mom,” and now I absolutely understand why she said that. Ever since I read that book, I view my choices and how I spend my time differently. It’s a game-changer.

That’s the spill of my heart this week – thank you for reading this novel! Appreciate my blog readers so much. This is a special and unique community, unlike social media. It’s deeper. Thanks for checking in and I hope everyone has a beautiful weekend – XO –

– loving this beautiful faux orchid arrangement designed by Babe Blooms Designs –

– loving any reason to make a charcuterie board (similar ruffled cake plate) –

– the chicest reusable bag from Katie Kime –

– a beautiful arrangement from my sweet, sweet friend Theresa –

– feeling like these $12 Amazon sunglasses were a major win –

It was a full but great week! I naively thought January and February were going to be these sweet, quiet months. LOL. Not exactly, but I’ve still managed to check myself, say no where I can, and try to intentionally plan chill time.

The more children we have, the faster time seems to slip away. And I know that will never change. But I desperately don’t want my life to be moving past me in fast forward. And that will only happen if we consistently evaluate our schedules and how we spend our time. So when I feel like I’m breezing by my own life, it’s time to step back and see what I can drop.

I watched Blonde on Netflix for the first time last weekend, and wow. I knew Marilyn Monroe’s life was kind of sad but if even 85% of that movie is true… it’s really depressing. Have you seen it? I’d love to hear what you thought.

I’ve been chatting with Christian and we’ve decided our Valentine’s plans are going to be to eat takeout or something easy and then get in bed early to watch Your Place or Mine. Guys can’t argue rom com’s on Valentine’s Day, right!? We’re getting dolled up tomorrow night for a black tie fundraising gala, so I honestly can’t imagine a more perfect weekday night than elastic waistbands in bed. Maybe there will be a box of chocolates involved – assorted always. A box of chocolates that are all the same is a real buzzkill in my book.

Some Valentine’s inspiration here and here, and my favorite Valentine’s movies here! Thanks so much for reading and have a beautiful weekend – XO –

– feeling like a queen watching TV in bed –

– snagging two of these ottomans for the foyer –

– cardboard skee ball (directions to make it here) –

– finally getting this bowl after being on the waitlist for months –

– making a sweet little photo gallery –

We made it to the weekend, friends. I’m not gonna lie, I thought January and February were going to be these sweet, slow months. It’s been busier than expected, but I’m really trying to empower myself to say no when applicable. Recognizing my bandwidth: a skill I’m always honing. Especially now that we have small children. I can just only give so much of myself before I realize I’m pouring from an empty cup.

I’ve been working on finding a new team to help me deep clean. I don’t mind cleaning, I actually find it relaxing in an odd way (I’m one of those annoying people). But it eats up a lot of my work time, which just isn’t efficient. So I’m hoping to have some professional cleaning help by February. It did force me to really work on understanding my Hizero electric mop and that has been awesome! But this time has also revealed to me how badly my baseboards need cleaning. Like… badly.

Tonight I’m attending the Extra Special People Talent Show. We are so lucky to have an organization like this in Georgia, and by supporting these kids we’re really supporting their entire families. Having experienced what it is to have a special needs family member, it is and will always be so important to me and close to my heart. These kids and their pureness really can teach us so much about what’s really important in life.

This weekend we’re going to tackle some house to-do’s. It’s a good thing Hudson has his own work gloves (and likes Lowe’s) because we’re about to see the capabilities of a 3 year-old. Family work time, roll up those sleeves, kid!

Thanks so much for stopping by – I hope you have a beautiful weekend. XO –