Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Weekend Recap - Luke got baptized edition!

I kicked off the weekend with "Casual Friday" where I proudly sported my Manda Strong tee, Evys Tree hoodie, these jeans and my NEW CONVERSE from Crystal Faye!  I wasn't sure I was a "converse girl", but decided to be the last person ever to jump on the bandwagon when sweet, sweet Crystal offered to monogram a pair for me.  There MAY be another sweet teeny pair as well for my mini - we haven't snapped pics yet, but trust me - the adorableness is out of this world!!!


We didn't have a staff meeting, Luke was hanging out at ESS and the littles were still at Miss Lisa's which meant 30 mins of un-interrupted time for ME!  Look how shocked I am!  I'm in a REAL STORE (not an online one!) with no kids! :) hahaha


I had to do an exchange at Anthro and so I poked around for a few glorious moments and discovered the best shirt ever. :)

Could my day get any sweeter???  Why yes.  Yes it could...


I have slacked in the birthday department, but Amazon Prime came to our rescue :)



Earlier in the week, Crystal had asked if I could snap a few pics of GG in her pjs that I bought for G's Easter basket and of course I had to oblige.  I'll share the rest on another day, but for now look at this CUTENESS I caught after school on Friday!!! :)



My mom came by and the kids played play dough while Jack Bauer got a bath...


.. and yes.... we bathed him in the sink. :)  
I gave my parents dog a bath in the sink in the summer and got lots of flack about it being gross, so in case you're curious :), he doesn't shed and after the bath I filled the sink with lysol water and wiped it all down. :) 


After the bath and dinner we set out into the gorgeous evening weather for a stroll.  
G was pushing her baby around the driveway and I was cracking up at her sad, sad stroller.  I'm going to attempt to salvage it with hot glue, but Santa's elves didn't do a great job of stitching the seat on this one and the entire bottom has ripped. BOO!



It's always a big deal to stop at the retaining wall and practice our balancing.  And then show everyone your muscles :)


Jack Bauer leads a rough life :)






Saturday morning, the boys worked out in the yard while Griffin and I headed to a bridal shower for Dave's cousin, Amy Jo.


I wore a shirt from Griffin and Grace with my MJ Lovely pants :)

Me and my girl!!!


Paci, baby and Frozen on the DVD player :)



The shower was at one of Dave's aunts homes and it is in the country.  It was a GORGEOUS morning and the drive out there was so pretty!


G and sweet baby Lucy!!!  This was after Griffin threw a knock down, drag out tantrum over me holding that sweet little one :)  #imthebaby




We had so much fun showering Amy Jo and Drew and can't wait for their wedding next month!


And the best part of any shower??? CAKE!



We partied hard :)


When we got home, these two were having "rest time" watching a movie in my bed and they both fell asleep!



I may have jumped for joy just a teeny bit :) hahahaha


I. Can't.  Even.


While they were napping I decided to purge a TON of stuff from my closet.  If I can muster the strength I'll snap some pics and list it all cheap :) hahaha


Saturday night Griffin hung out with her biggest brother - she's his biggest fan :)




Sunday morning Luke was getting baptized at Church and Mason joined us in service to watch.  He hung out with big Mason who is in my Algebra class :)


About a year ago, Luke accepted Christ and he immediately wanted to get baptized :)  He took a class at Church and we set the date.  This was an answer to a prayer that Dave and I have been praying since before Luke was even born. A prayer that he would know and love God and share that love with others. We are so grateful to family, friends and teachers who have guided and nurtured him and are looking forward to the amazing and exciting things He has laid out for our sweet boy.

Dustin is a photographer who works at the Church and Dave went to Germany with him a few years ago on a Mission Trip.  He took these pictures for us and I am sooooo grateful to have them!


Luke was PRECIOUS and even recited John 3:16 (earlier in the morning he told me he was going to say it in Spanish, so I was relieved that he settled on English. hahaha)





After church we headed to lunch with my brother, Mark, and his wife, Diana, my parents, Dave's parents and Grandma and Dave's youngest brother, Stephen, and Stephen's girlfriend Cynthia.


We ran into the Shulls and I attempted a group pic.  This was the best I could get :)   I know that some day they'll all stand still and smile and totally oblige my whim and I'll probably miss these crazy days!


Luke took lots of pics on my phone including this gem :)


And Cynthia and GG worked on their selfie skills :)



It was such a special day and even though I wish we'd managed a pic without silly faces and mouths full of grapes, I feel so blessed!!!




When I posted our family pic on IG, lots of people asked about my dress and unfortunately it's from last Summer and it's sold out - but here are three that I feel like have a similar "feeling" to them.  I love a little cap sleeve on maxi's so I don't feel like I have to wear a jacket over the dress to school and/or church. 


  

We spent the rest of Sunday napping, lesson planning and folding laundry.  #thrillingiknow

Yesterday was uneventful.... just a normal, busy day!  I posted the picture below on Instagram and got lots of comments about my shoes...



I picked them up at Nordstrom Rack last year, but you can find them HERE in a fun coral color!

I can NOT believe that my very first baby will be SEVEN tomorrow! S.E.V.E.N!  Lots of Luke pics tomorrow :)

PS  - This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on an item and buy it, I receive a sall commission.  Thanks so much for your support!!!

56 comments :

  1. Hey!! What kind of stroller is that and do you like it? Thanks!!

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    1. Hey! It's a TooFold by Joovy and it's the best thing ever!!! I'm going to be doing a review post of it soon and you won't believe all the cool features! :)

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  2. Don't be surprised if you walk into your bedroom one of these days and I'm napping in between G and Mason. That bed just looks so comfy!!

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  3. What a wonderful day for Luke and your entire family! So proud of him!!!!

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  4. The "best shirt ever" screams "Andrea!!" I could have walked in Anthropologie and heard it calling your name. :)

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  5. Seriously are t the monogrammed converse the best! I got mine earlier this month from her and they are just the best ever of all time

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  6. What a great day! Our middle son (same age as Luke) just accepted Christ a few weeks ago after 18 months of asking tons of questions and saying he wasn't ready. It was a great day in our house as I know it was for y'all!

    On a totally different note...I love Mason's turquoise natives and can't wait to see pics of G's monogrammed Converses. I can't even...
    Have a great day!

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    1. Thanks so much, Melissa! And congrats to your son! That's awesome :)

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  7. Adorable pictures! Love the sleeping ones in your bed. You are truly blessed!!

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  8. So happy for our Luke!! What a great day for your family!! :)

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  9. Wonderful post especially Luke's baptism. Praise the Lord for Luke's obedience and I will pray for his spiritual journey.

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  10. Oh my heavens I laughed out loud at the sink comment! Sorry you get slack over normal doings. If it makes you feel better, my kitchen sink has housed crazy things. I guess that's living on a farm. Most times, placentas and the pulling chains stay in the mudroom...most times. 😜

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    1. hahaha No placentas in my kitchen sink :) THANK YOU!!!

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  11. Hi Andrea! I enjoy reading your blog each day! I'm also a mom of 3 littles (2 have April birthdays so we are party planning like crazy!) You inspire me to do more with my kids! What brand are your jeans that you are wearing with your Manda strong shirt? I love them!

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  12. Yikes! My kitchen sink has seen it all! That is why they make bleach spray. I appreciate your sleeves at church thought. I grew up with that as a rule and never got over it.....as well as the no flip-flop rule....but I did get over the idea that only bad girls wore colored undies! Loved my rosebuds and days of the week! Congratulations Luke! There is nothing more precious than seeing your children walk with The Lord.

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    1. The "colored panties" comment has me lol'ing!!! And it was never a rule in my house.... just more of a personal preference I think :) Thank you so much for the congratulations - we're so proud of him!

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  13. How special for Luke ! Nothing better for parents. My oldest was baptized there, ( he's 33) , your photographer was a very talented youth then, and the one who baptized was a very new and young Youth minister! ( Probably yours, too! )
    Lots of blessings!

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    1. I love that you have "history" in McKinney! I was baptized there in college as well... such a special place and isn't Grant the best?!??! !

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  14. Ha! If the grossest thing your sink sees is a sweet little dog, you are doing great! Mine has seen MUCH worse, just clean it! No big deal.

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    1. Hahaha! I had someone who was disgusted that I bathed my child in the sink :) To each their own!!! Thank you so much for reading!

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  15. Help! The link to your jeans show a distressed pair, is that the pair you are wearing? I teach high school and may not can get away with "holy jeans" LOL But the ones in your photo don't look distressed. Just checking before I order b/c I LOVE the jeans you are wearing! Thanks!

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    1. Oh no!!! The ones in the pic aren't distressed.... they're just a Vigoss skinny jean. Email me and I can send you a link to a pair if you can't find one :)

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  16. oh my gosh, your kids, killing me with the cuteness factor right now! Congrats to Luke and getting baptized :)

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    1. Thank you!!! I think they're pretty cute - but I'm also a little partial :) And thank you! We're so so so proud of him

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  17. Precious photos, and congrats to your son on his baptism!!

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  18. Congratulations to Luke! That's such a big day for him, and I can only imagine how proud you are!

    You MUST do a "What Andrea Wore" sale. I think it'd be even more exciting than What Griffin Wore! OR, just go ahead and send me a big mailer bag of XS-S stuff and let me know how much I owe! ;) It feels like I've been pregnant for a sweet forever, and I'm just DYING for new clothes. Ha!

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    1. So so so proud!!! And thankful :) Not sure when the sale will be - but I'll keep you posted!

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  19. Oh my goodness yall are so darn cute!!! I just smile at all the pics! and please call me when you clean out your closet! ;)

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    1. Hahaha :) I'm not sure when I'll actually get around to taking pics of things - but I'll let you know!

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  20. Congrats on Luke's baptism. What a blessing! Also, monogrammed converse?! I need to get myself a pair of those cuties!

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  21. Hi Andrea,
    I hope you don't mind if I give you a suggestion. I know a lot of people love your clothes, but have you thought about donating some. Perhaps it could go to those in need. You (and Griffin!) have some lovely things, and many people could benefit with a donation. I know a lot of blogs are about making money, and you do have your share of affiliate links; so, I just thought that maybe a donation would be considered. It does not matter if you are selling it for cheap, I think a homeless shelter would really love some of what you have to offer. Griffin is just so cute, and I NEVER see her in the same outfit. Would you consider this? I know you probably already donate, but it's just a thought.

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    1. I am going to try REALLY hard not to come across as sarcastic or defensive (which can be my go-to tones when I feel unfairly judged) - but I'm struggling with how to respond to your comment because I feel like I'm in a lose/lose situation.

      On one hand, If I blogged about the boxes and bags of clothing that we donated to friends of ours who travel to Sierra Leone every year for the women and children in the village that they work with, I would be chastised for "bragging". Our church does a "garage giveaway" (a big community wide free garage sale) every year that we donate LOTS of clothing and household items to, I gave several of my favorite MJ pieces to a friend who is going through a health crisis and has a little girl younger than Griffin, and we donated all of our big baby items to a local pregnancy crisis center... but I don't share about those things because then I would be chastised for having intentions other than genuinely helping people out. A while ago I made a remark about reading the signatures and sweet words of friends on the inside of a cooler when I was dropping off a meal for a friend and how it was humbling because I knew that those would be the same people and community who would support me if I needed it... and I was lambasted for even mentioning that I made a meal for her. My comment on how grateful I was for the community of support we have surrounding us was completely misconstrued and it was extremely hurtful for people to insinuate that my intention in mentioning the cooler was to get attention or applause for helping out a friend. It feels disingenuous to discuss the charitable things we do because they're from OUR hearts and aren't done with the intention of praise from others.

      On the flip side... I'm not naive and I understand that you can only base your judgments of me on what I put out there, so maybe I should blog more about some of the charitable things we do. My mom often says that there's always some truth in perception, and if the perception of me is that I'm not a charitable person then I definitely need to figure out how I can show that part of our lives along with all of the others.

      I feel like I'm rambling, but hopefully you can see where I'm coming from. I genuinely appreciate your comment and thank you for taking the time to read my blog.

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    2. Thanks for taking the time to answer this. I know you mentioned that you feel you were unfairly judged, and I am sorry about that because I know I am not seeing all that you do it. Your blog used to be so open and free of excessive spending, but now I feel like the tone changing. Your blog is gaining in popularity, and I you have to cater to your audience, and you do. For me yesterday's post was tough one. I LOVED Luke's baptism, and I guess I feel like it deserved a post by itself not followed up by affiliate links to Anthropologie. In my opinion, that could have waited for another day. This is just my opinion, and believe me, it just as hard for me not become defensive or sarcastic. We all are entitled to our own opinions, and it saddens me that if something differs from the positive, the commenter gets lambasted as well. I guess we can't win.

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    3. Yes, you're absolutely entitled to your own opinion but I really don't feel like I lambasted you at all for voicing it... I acknowledged your opinion about the clothing donation and didn't say anything that insinuated that your character was lacking. I'm not sure why you would feel defensive as I didn't seek you out to leave a comment that insinuated that you were lacking in character.

      I feel that maybe your initial comment wasn't the real issue you have and that this latest comment about links is more about why you're upset? I agree - in retrospect Luke's baptism should have been it's own separate post instead of being part of my normal weekend recap - and that was a poor call on my part. I'm sorry you feel that the tone is changing, I addressed someone's concern about this in a comment below and maybe that will "explain" it a bit.

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  22. Your blog has always been my absolute favorite daily read because you really seemed to be doing this to share your life, and inspire others. Your wise commentary, and down to earth take on things has always been comforting and so uplifting. However, it seems lately like you are all about the money-making. So many links suddenly, and the last few Mondays you have replaced your great weekend recaps with $-making posts. :/ Sad about this new tone of your blog.

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    1. Hey! I am so sorry that you feel the "tone" has changed - that has never been my intention. I will admit that as my audience has grown, so has the number of "where do you shop", "where did you get those shoes", etc. types of questions (when it was just my grandma and close friends reading no one wanted to know where I got my jeans. hahaha). I've tried doing WIWW posts once a week and that doesn't always feel like "me", so I tend to just link to things (or similar things) as I'm posting about our week or weekend, so maybe that's why it's feeling like more? As far as the money-making-monday posts (maybe I should make that a series! hahaha totally kidding), I'm so sorry you saw them that way... Erika and I do these link-ups on Mondays and it happened to fall after a week where I shared my kids Easter boxes (which I was hoping would be a helpful post as people shopped for their kids). ANYWAY - I hope I'm not coming off as defensive... I appreciate your honest feedback and readership!

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    2. Thanks so much for replying. You definitely don't sound defensive-you thoughtfully (and with humor :) explained what the slight difference might be due to, and I really appreciate that you took the time to do that. This is a perfect example of why you are my favorite blogger. I honestly regretted hitting send after voicing my thoughts, and hoped you wouldn't publish it. It isn't my business how you run your blog, or my place to criticize-you are the expert-I know nothing about blogging. :) I guess I just see so many bloggers who make me roll my eyes with the nonstop links to buy stuff vs actual content to read, and you have always been refreshingly different, and I had a grumpy-day overreaction. :) Thanks again for your kind reaction, and giving me an opportunity to kind of apologize.
      Congratulations on Luke's baptism, and the Happiest of Birthdays to him tomorrow!! :)

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  23. I enjoyed reading this. It was very interesting to me as I am Catholic and we are baptized typically as babies. Did Luke get to pick when he wanted to be baptized or does it normally happen at a certain age? Just curious. As always, your family is beautiful!

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    1. Hey! I actually grew up Methodist and was baptized as an infant as well and then in college I started attending a Baptist church and felt led to participate in "Believer's Baptism" where I chose to be baptized as an outward symbol of the inward change that had taken place in my life after accepting Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. Dave and I dedicated our children as babies, but they'll be baptized as they accept Christ themselves. Hope that answers your question!

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  24. What size are G's PJs? So cute! I want some for my two year old girl, but I'm not sure what size! Thanks!! And have you ever considered doing a "Day in the Life" post?? Would love to read that!! Thanks for sharing! XO

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    1. Hey! I got a 3T for extra long wear and I have a day in the life post planned.... I've done them before and never want them to be repetitious, but they're some of my favorite! Thanks for reading!

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  25. That sweet baby looks scared! :-)

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    1. Hahaha. I promise she had nothing to be scared of :) Except lots and lots of kisses from me and G :)

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  26. Cracking up at the dog in the sink warning....love that you are thinking ahead! So happy for your Luke! And how emotional are you right now with his bday being tomorrow!?? Ahhhh I always get sooo sappy! xoxo

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  27. So happy for Luke!!! Thanks for sharing!!

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  28. I just wanted to tell you how much I LOVE my #mandastrong tee and was wondering if you have ever given any thought to designing more shirts like that to sell? I'd be all over that. Love your blog!

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