What's in my Bag

I have a real affinity for sneaking a peek into peoples everyday. It's one of the main reasons I love blogs so much, and if there's a little tell or behind the scenes, you can bet I will sniff it out quicker than a hound dog looking for his favorite bone.

So, bearing this in mind, I thought I would dive into my great big bag of tricks and let you in on a few of my daily survival essentials.

First, lets take a moment to admire this bag. Isn't she beautiful! It's far and away the nicest thing I've ever owned, but sometimes a girl just needs something grand. The leather feels like butter and it smells of a small mom and pops leather store located on some cobbled side street deep in the heart of Italy- amazing. This was my first time not carrying a diaper bag in years, and although heavy, it feels so good.

One more last look you cheeky thing you:)

Now, lets see whats inside, besides an uncanny amount of trash, and random toy cars, legos and transformers.

The Honest Co. diapers and wipes- Although I may not carry the typical diaper bag, I am very much still in the phase of life where having them is an absolute must. Honest completely sold me with their cute prints and eco-friendly POV. Plus, they are shipped straight to my door- being that I am thirty minutes away from any type of shopping, this was a huge plus. I have totally and completely loved them! They are incredibly cute, uber convenient, and give me good vibes from good choices. I think the bundle price is quite fair, as a typical bundle last me at least two months.

Rescue Remedy My Dad owns a health food store, so I'm continually  inundated with vitamins, tinctures and homeopathics. I've found that this is a great remedy to keep handy- perfect if I find myself getting a tad overwhelmed, or a wild has gotten hurt and is a bit worked up. A few quick sprays is all it takes for a little calm to seep in, or at least take their mind off of whatever is bothering them for a hot minute.

Herban Essentials Towelettes These little babies are incredibly handy. Made with pure essential oils, they smell sooooo good, and are naturally antibacterial and antiseptic. Lemon for a quick uplift while dispelling any germs, lavender to bring forth a calming effect, and peppermint for any little upset tummies. I use them to cleanse grimy chubby mitts, lay them across aching bellies, wipe down sticky tables, and for grabbing a quick cleansing breath. They are a perfect on the go companion.

YumEarth Organics Lollipops You will not ever see me out, when I am not carrying a full bag of these bad boys. Made with organic fruit juice, they are gluten free, fat free, nut free, with 100% of your daily vitamin C. They are uncanny in their ability to quiet down small children. The perfect item for waiting rooms, car trips, business meetings- anything where you find yourself in need of a bit of quiet. Screaming tot passes you by at the grocery store, offer them an organic sucker so they will finally hush up and you can shop in peace. They are fail proof.

Nourishing Coconut Cream Lip Balm This is always my favorite, possibly because I can swipe one from my Dads shop anytime I'm running low, but still- smells like the beach and instantly gives you that tropical, no worries mojo, while making ones lips supple and smooth. It's a win win.

Raw Shea Butter Hand Cream A nutrient rich and long lasting moisture treatment, it is the ultimate in hand creams. My absolute favorite, the smell is nice while not being overpowering and full of toning and anti-aging properties. Yes please.

Throw in my iPhone 6+, maybe a change of clothes for the little miss, my camera and four lifefactory water bottles and you've got yourself a 50lb bag- but you're ready for the day!

My Wilds

It will come as no surprise to you when I say 'I love my kiddos'- what mother doesn't, right? But please, humor me for just a bit while I brag about these four, wildly lovable, loves of my life. Taking a moment, to write about each one and where they are in this season.

Aussie- She is incredible. Honestly, I pray that I am half the mother she will be someday. She is one of those girls that's born for it- patient, thorough, organized and fair. You can see it in her eyes that there are widows where she wishes I would just hand over the reigns. 'Come on,' they say, 'I love you, but you have no idea what you're doing'. Thankfully, I'm not too prideful. I watch and I learn and even take the occasional pearls of wisdom while still trying to say- 'trust me, sweet child. It may not always look like it, but I've got this'. Hoping, and praying that she will be a kid while the moment is her's. She is fiercely creative, unintentionally funny, stubborn and confident in who she is, with the softest heart I've ever known. She is my rock and my wild card, the one who gave me this role as mother and I will patiently yet eagerly wait to see what she will create with her life.

Zain- This kid is a bundle of contradictions. Rough and tumble, strong and brave- with the gentlest most sensitive soul I've ever known. He is incredibly quick witted, and downright funny- he can always make me laugh. He is the first to give kisses, ask how you're feelings or offer up his snuggles. He's also the first one up, dressed and out the door, ready for whatever adventure the day holds. He must always be moving, he never tires, and he is unafraid while still being cautious. I love every inch of this kid.

Isaac- Isaac is beautiful. Both inside and out. He's magnetic- and everyone, everywhere is drawn to him. He carries weight and has a beautiful aura that sucks you right inside his vortex of cuteness. At four, he still maintains some of his baby-ishness, chubby hands and a round little belly. Although, he adamantly claims he is one of the big kids, he still wants to be carried, held, and manages to quietly slip into bed with Kaleb and I every night. He is hilarious- one of the funniest kids I've ever known. He laughs easily while still maintaining an overall grumpy demeanor. He is light and laughter and joy all rolled up in tiny human form.

Eleanor- this little babe is like none other before her. She is the essence of the strong willed child. Resolute, unfailing in her determination, and feisty as all get out. She manages all of this in the sweetest of ways, never trying to be difficult, yet remaining steadfast. She is kooky and a born entertainer- she was absolutely made for the spotlight. She has finally learned to say 'I love you,' and I'm quite certain there is nothing better in the world. 

These crazy kiddos are good. Lately, more than ever, I find myself so grateful to know them. To have been blessed by their presence. To watch them day by day, a front row seat to something amazing. 

A Humorous Fail

It was one of those days. . .

A day where I was still holding on to the last dregs of sickness. The wilds were anxious and bursting with untouched energy, and my love was frantically running around caring for everyone and everything. 

We had a going away bash for friends that evening, where our appearance was mandatory, yet it was becoming increasingly clear- that I would not be attending. Kaleb, strong and brave man that he is, magically managed to get all four kids dressed, out the door and loaded into the car in just the nick of time. A true feat for any one parent.

Thirty minutes passed, and from my sick bed I receive his phone call- he had just arrived to the party, when to his total dismay he realized that he still had on his house slippers!

It still makes me smile:)

---pic is old, but makes me happy. Still, I must get out my camera and get myself back in gear. Happy week, friends!

Anniversary

It's unbelievably hard to wrap my head around, but today, Kaleb and I are celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary. My, it goes by so quickly- it hardly seems real. 

This man though, he is the absolute love of my life. I love him more then I ever could have dreamed and am beyond thankful to walk this life with him.

Happy Anniversary, love!

Bring on Spring

What seems like just a few days ago, I was deep in the heart of winter. Enjoying the arctic chill of the out of doors set in direct contrast to the backdrop of a warm house- with a fire blazing, it's deep hues of orange and red pushed against the glass panes.

We had fallen into our cold weather routine- and it was lovely. Big Breakfasts, cleaning up as a family to the beating tones of Mumford and Sons- always the boys first pick. From there we would all take to the fireplace room, warm drinks in hand to read or partake in mancala tournaments, all before we would lay our little miss down for a morning nap, while we commenced to schooling. Using her post sleep wails as our closing bell- we would grab a quick lunch before bundling up and heading out for an afternoon spent playing with mother nature.

We had a thing, a rhythm- It was working.

and now it's not.

These wee bugs have become tightly wound balls of highly compressed energy- ready to explode at any moment. They are over the cozy and the methodical. You can see it in their eyes, an almost crazed longing for adventure, warmth and freedom. They want to run wild and build and explore- they are craving the deliverance that only spring can bring them. I can feel it welling up inside me too. A deep longing for sunshine to warm the tops of my shoulders and caress the back of my neck. To dig my hands into the cool, soft earth- planting seeds and bringing forth life.

There is something wholly special in the changings of the seasons. Bringing with it an awakening, a renewal of routines and refreshing metamorphose of drill. I can feel the heartbeat of spring coming forth within us- a feeling of power like we ourselves could call up the tulips, buttercups, violets and vervains.

Change is coming, and we-for one, are ready.

Happiness in a Catch-Up

I cannot tell you how great it feels to be back in this space again. I have missed it, and I have missed all of you!

I want to say a deep heartfelt Thank You, to each one of you who left such sweet comments, and sent kind emails- for your prayers and your kindness- it was a mighty blessing during a very rough week.

And it was a rough one- My Dad stayed with us thru the week, ensuring that he got lots of rest and extra attention. Each day building his confidence and  becoming more and more at peace. Sadly, during his stay- we all got sick. Stomach bugs, viruses, strep- you name it, we had it. It all combined into a very heavy feeling and around Wednesday I found myself crazy sick, in Memphis, crammed in a mass of people, at the theatre to watch the long awaited Lion King- balling my eyes out. I could go no further.

It was just one of those little times in life where you really had to search to find the happy- so I forced myself to sit down and write it out. 

- good books. I just happened to have picked up a copy of Peace Like A River by Leif Enger and had brought it with me to the hospital last weekend. I spent many an hour reading aloud to my Dad and we both were consumed. It is hands down one of the most beautifully written books I've ever come across. Lyrical and profound in it's prose- truly a brilliant read. (T-tom if you're reading this, you will absolutely love this one!)

- Veg Night. Kaleb and I have dubbed Monday nights Veg night. We  put kiddos to bed early, order out food, watch bad tv and just relax all night. It's a whole lotta awesome. This week got away from us, but last night we were able to make up for it.

-My sister-in-law. I am so thankful for her. She is incredibly supportive- texting, calling, checking in on us everyday, bringing meals- She excudes kindness and comfort and I am beyond grateful for her presence in my life.

- hot water. Our hot water heater in no bueno- but this week the heavens parted and gave me the gift of a hot shower- and it was good.

- While still laying around, sleeping off the last dregs of this sickness, my little Eleanor was sitting next to me in bed and she offered me her two most valued treasures. So lovingly she handed me her pacifier and then the corner of her blanket, which she rubbed up and down on my nose, just the way she quiets herself for nap time. I was so honored.

-There's a lot of happiness in the small things too, like non-scented deodorant, twix bars, ginger kambucha, good music, clean sheets. And lots and lots of happy from my people- those four crazy little rascals and Kaleb, always, Kaleb.

Sure, like everyone, there are times when I can get a little down, wallow in some self-pity, but I'm always pulled back up. The truth of it is -and this is a direct quote my Dad has sayed over and over since I was a little girl- 'I live a charmed life.'