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Ruler of the Night

The Biblical Meaning for the Name Willow

My Word for 2025: Strong

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Currently Loving

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Sunday Reflections

Random Jotted Notes I Find in my Phone

Have you heard an idea or loved how someone specifically phrased it, so you jot it down? I just went through dozens of my iPhone notes and found a handful of these jotted down inspiring sentences. No indication of where they came from (usually podcasts). No further explanation. Just a quick idea and I love every single one! So I thought I’d share them with you. Take one that stands out to you and jot it into your iPhone notes maybe.

Jump into our strength and follow our heart.

Celebrate your smallness.

I start my day with the sky.

Replace competition with connection. Connect or compare. You can’t do both.

Less panic in being perfect and more striving to be pure in Christ.

A dream so long in coming, but truly right on time.

True relationship growth happens when we’re thinking, feeling, and relating at the same time.

Imperfect parents raising imperfect children relying on a perfect God.

Girl’s night topic: How do you usually feel misunderstood?

Sometimes to take care of yourself, you have to be misunderstood. Learning to be comfortable with being misunderstood.

Cultivate a work environment where any individual can innovate and not just execute. Allow team to feel empowered and engaged in the process creates a sense of natural ownership and accountability which helps the team thrive and feel connected.

Innocence is a frame of mind, not lack of knowledge.

Closed mouths don’t get fed.
If you don’t open your mouth and share what’s going on in your life honestly, then you don’t avail yourself to feel the Spirit, be strengthened, or be fed spiritually.

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What I'm Pinning

Artists I’m Loving on Instagram

1 | I can’t get enough of Briony’s floral mosaics! The colors and her ability to cut ceramic tiles into shapes to create these flowers is awe-inspiring. It’s getting me all excited to give it a go somewhere in our future home garden!
2 | I’ve been on a sewing streak lately and this puff quilt is something I want to try next. I can only assume it is major cuddly.
3 | The way this plant perfectly scoured into the fabric makes me want to take every plant and flower I see and pound it into any scrap fabric I can find. I haven’t bought her workshops on homemade dye but you can best be sure I will someday soon!
4 | I’ve wanted to play with resin and flowers for a while and seeing these adorable earrings gets me antsy to get my hands on some resin asap!
5 | Gosh this account of stained glass makes me so so happy. The color choices are just on point! I’ve got a design idea already prepped and ready to give it a go when I get the chance.
6 | I just love the bold black illustrations that this artist does, in addition to all the other things she paints as well.
7 | Another account I always love seeing new posts on. Her gathered natural items and the way they are organized makes me want to treasure-hunt every time I am outside!
8 | Speaking of gathered items, this account has tons of ideas on nature kid crafts and I want to try all the things!
9 | This artist has the most beautiful style that has an Impressionism feel but is very realistic as well. Makes me want to give oil painting a go again!

McKenzie's Roundup — Currently Loving

Baby Keepsake Box

I have been looking for a baby keepsake box to hold hospital bracelets, ultrasounds, and other important items for each of my children. I want to have a memory box that contains the treasures of their childhood that I can then give to them when they are grown.

These are my favorites I found in the depths of the internet. I only share those that I would personally buy myself and are up to my (dare I say high) standards of design. Any of these would make the best baby shower gifts for anyone expecting!

Scroll Through

#1

Ferm Living Kids

This box is beautifully curated and has the cutest little bags and boxes for things like their first pair of shoes, their first haircut, and other baby items.

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#2

Savor the Library Baby Keepsake Box

This keepsake box is also a top favorite of mine. The fabric boxes make this of the highest quality and you can keep everything organized with the acetate labels! You can find them in a variety of colors as well.

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#3

Little Dutch Memory Box

Another paper box with the cutest colors and boxes for little items. At $32, this box is the most affordable of the bunch!

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#4

Little Dove Wooden Keepsake Box

I wanted a wooden box so I could ensure it would last a long time and I love that this box has multiple compartments. You can customize the number of compartments and fit what you need.

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#5

Storybook Wood Personalized Box

This maple (or walnut) box engraved with whatever you’d like is absolutely stunning. The design of it is spectacular and although it doesn’t have compartments, it is large enough to fit anything you would need.

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McKenzie's Roundup — Currently Loving

The Best Learning Tower & Table Roundup

I have had a number of people ask me about this table I use for Hazel. It is actually a learning tower that converts into a table and I am obsessed with it! I researched for months to find one that could be used for both (to save on space) and here are a few of my favorites. My rules were: it had to be convertible and designed to take as little space as possible. A lot of the ones I’ve seen at stores get so wide at the base (for obvious safety reasons) that it was just too bulky to me.

We decided to transition Hazel out of a high chair at 13 months, earlier than what is usual, for two reasons: 1) she was throwing food and trying to climb out. 2) I am passionate about teaching my kids independence and autonomy. Both she and I have loved this freedom, and it’s the cutest thing seeing her climb up and sit in her own little chair, then walk to the sink with her dish when she’s done.

With this newfound freedom, of course, there are learning curves like teaching her to not wander past the kitchen, to keep her plate on the table, and that she can’t eat standing in her chair. The fact that she will wander during the middle of dinner and make it go twice as slow doesn’t bother me and I believe she still eats as much as she would if she was buckled into a high chair. It has been fun to see her develop similar habits to us like bringing her plate to the sink when she’s done and taking a rag to wipe off her eating area (definitely something I encourage!).

We’ve used it a handful of times as a tower and I am excited to use it more when she is old enough to help out in the kitchen. Enjoy the selection of convertible tower tables I found during my research and join the early high chair transition group!

Scroll Through

#1

EtteTete "Step'n'sit"

This is the one I have and I absolutely love it! I have the white one and it wipes off amazingly well! No stains or issues with food which was a great plus. I love that this takes up barely any space at all and is still sturdy enough to use as a tower.

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#2

Montessori Learning Tower

This one is very on-point for Montessori lovers with the natural birch look. I do like that this one doesn’t curve on the far end like mine because any weight I put on that starts to tip the table. Not sure how easy it would be to clean but looks like a great table/tower option!

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#3

PIDkids Tower/Table

I found this one after I bought mine and the look is so me that I probably would have bought this one instead (although it would have been hard to give up on white).  I love that this one has the option of a drawer but if you’re using to feed a young toddler, that would definitely get difficult to clean. Obsessed with the modern design and the clear safety panels. A great option!

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#4

Table & Tower with Blackboard

With the addition of a blackboard, this turns into 3 different uses in one item! Doesn’t look too bulky and seems like it would have a similar wipe-easy clean as the one I have.

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Random Nine

The Cutest Rainbow Rugs

When I think “kid’s playroom” I always see a rainbow rug on the floor. After some research, I found the top 9 rainbow rugs I love and would put in my home!

1 | This one has just enough pop of color and I love how it’s just hinting at the rainbow shape.
2 | By far my favorite one and just waiting for it to be back in stock to buy! I see it fitting so perfectly on the side of a bed.
3 | This was a close second. It’s modern but playful. They also have a very cute navy one too!
4 | I’ve seen this one around and it’s very iconic!
5 | I love the texture on this, you need to click here to see it close up!
6 | More shaggy and fun texture on this rainbow rug! You can personalize any color you want which is really cool.
7 | A classy rainbow rug with just the right colors I think.
8 | If a rainbow colors are too much, go for a subtle natural white. I love this one and am scheming where I can put it.
9 | This rug has the rainbow shape but doesn’t scream it into your face. The perfect balance.

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Currently Loving

Earrings I’ve been Eyeing

I have never been a big earring gal but recently I’ve been very interested in a combination of polymer clay and brass earrings. I love how simple and modern they are, with the playful colors and geometric shapes, but can make anything look a little more classy when wearing them. I am loving the big rainbow ones.

I’ve recently found the company Ellen Mote and I love their amazingly elegant yet simple forms and I’ve been eyeing these earrings for a while, thinking of adding them to my Christmas list!

I ordered a pair from Raising River and they are so light, I can barely feel them! I’m thinking this may be something I need to learn how to make because I’m getting addicted. A few honorable shop mentions: Em Dash Goods, Whiskey + Wine, Her Name is Mud,

McKenzie's Roundup — Currently Loving

7 Sewing Patterns I’m Eyeing

Since I took a sewing class my last semester in college, I have had a passion for sewing clothes! I haven’t sectioned out a lot of time to do these but it’s my goal to do so this year. There are seriously so many amazing patterns and I thought I’d share my favorites that I have lined up for my next sewing projects.

Scroll Through

#1

Fringe Blouse

Love this button down (I am in desperate need of cute nursing friendly tops!) and it has a dress option as well! You know I love dresses.

View the Pattern

#2

Peter Pan Collar Romper

The same store sells this adorable romper which I’ve learned looks so cute on little Hazel. I love the solid color and I could see me cranking out a bunch in a variety of colors to have on hand!

View the Pattern

#3

Baby Pinafore Dress

I can’t resist a good pinafore dress and this pattern is so cute! I see so many of these online to buy but they are so expensive so why not make one myself!?

View the Pattern

#4

Twig & Tale Animal Baby Shoes

These animal baby shoes are seriously so cute and they have all kinds of options: bunny, fox, racoon, panda, kitty, mouse, and bear! I love the bunny and fox one.

View Pattern

#5

Wrap Up Romper

We have a little kimono outfit given to us and it is the cutest. So this pattern was added to the list because it is so easy to get on and off for diaper changes and just looks so darn cute!

View the Pattern

#6

Roberts Collection Jumpsuit

I think jumpsuits are cute but have never felt like they look good on me. But if I made one to fit me perfectly I think I would feel confident in it!

View the Pattern

#7

Rolled Hem Romper

Love the rolled hem look and how the bottom curves in for a nice clean fit!

Shop Now

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What I'm Pinning

Knitting Baby Inspiration

If you follow me on Pinterest, you’ll notice a lot of cute baby knitting outfits filling up my account. I just can’t get enough of them!

1 | The mustard and cream is so adorable, I love everything in this photo!
2 | I already plan on making this romper. Love the little  v or mini heart!
3 | This seems a little hard but creating a bear earred outfit would be a dream.
4 | I have a sweater I created that has this bubble texture so having a matching one for my babe would be so adorable.
5 | Navy and stripes are always a thumbs up for me.
6 | This isn’t knitting but I just have to add it because I just love it that much.
7 | Love the little dots and really want to make this one too. The pattern is actually here!
8 | A little hat is always adorable, love this musty pink color.
9 | A snowflake pattern would be so cute on a little kid sweater!

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We got our @itschompshop!! ALL the ideas are comin We got our @itschompshop!! ALL the ideas are coming to our minds (let’s face it, I bought it for me just as much as I did for my kids). I am always excited to support a creative company that sparks more creativity. ✨⚡️ Can’t wait to share more of our family’s creations and use up all our cardboard in a fun way! #chompshop
I’ve been waiting a very long time for this mome I’ve been waiting a very long time for this moment…when a note written by a child has the words “I love you mom” on them. For me I’ve always wanted to be a mother so this moment has been a long time coming - let me soak it in. ✨

2017 me (crying about my miscarriage after 2 lonely years of trying) had hope this day would come but didn’t know how much longer she could wait.

Now, I get to teach this girl every day and watch her become such an incredible generous kid. She makes the sweetest homemade envelopes (and then card holder) and then mini cards that she spells all by herself so proudly. My mama heart literally bursts ❤️

Oct. 15th is a tough day for many moms missing babies they don’t get to hold so I don’t mean to post this frivolously or make light of such a dark time many experience. If you are in that space, I hope you find hope in this and how God’s timing always heals in His own way. ✨

Had to add a few videos of all the little moments in the past month where I couldn’t help but smile that I am right where I was hoping I’d be years ago. The timing couldn’t be any more sweeter ❤️🤍
Was 105 today but imma pretend it’s fall ☠️🎃😅
✨ Light has been a recurring topic in my life fo ✨ Light has been a recurring topic in my life for over ten years now and in the past few years, I began digging ferociously for every verse I could find about light. I marked and tagged them, spreadsheet them, and wanted to compile them somehow to show how much Light is important to God and the connections we find in it. I feel like Ammon who bursts out in poetic praise in Alma 26 (which includes a beautiful verse about light!) so I did my best and created “Psalm of Light”. It holds over 230 of these verses about light!! ✨

The beauty of this is not the words I have compiled, but doing your own deep dive into the hundreds of scriptures on light because obviously God has a LOT to say on this one topic.

You may feel a light and fire flicker on within you like I did years ago. Soon I will have a graphic for “verse” with their connected scriptures so the phrases that stand out to you can become your study guide.

What phrase or section stands out to you? ✨
As a kid I thought it was pretty cool to share a b As a kid I thought it was pretty cool to share a birthday with my Dad’s Father’s Day every few years. And it still is! Happy Father’s Day to the Dad who worked hard in the summer and played hard in the winter. A Dad who took us on adventures and never let his busy work-life stop him from spending time with his family. A Dad whose testimony of Christ is engrained in him and who faithfully took his family to church every week. A Dad who made snowmen, gave lap tractor and lawn mower rides, airplane throws into the air, swimming late nights in the pool, and would never say no to a Disneyland trip. Seeing him be a grandpa to my kids is even more magical than my magical childhood. Grateful for @ryan__sabrina and my father-in-law Bruce who are two of the greatest out there! 👏🏼👍🏼
I fell in love with this poem two years ago, desig I fell in love with this poem two years ago, designed it to hang on my wall, and sort of forgot about it. A third tag-a-long came around and I’m gonna be honest, the past few months have awakened an anger I never knew I possessed. Mothering is HARD. I’m yelling a lot more. The weight of it all is excruciatingly exhausting. But when I hear their giggle or them do something cute, the weight instantly melts away. My husband giggles when he sees the instant countenance change happen 😅. And they are seeing a lot of me asking for their forgiveness again and again. As hard and monotonous and invisible as mothering is, I would NEVER take any of it away. 

Sometimes I take it all a bit too seriously because I know how important it is, and yet I think we aren’t meant to take it as seriously as we sometimes do. I think the burden of raising children can be a yoke that becomes light when we focus on the Light within us. I totally feel that some days and will hold onto that for those rough days. 

Creating this video reminded me of the inner light I possess (through the amazing Truths of loving Heavenly Parents and an atoning Savior and a plan of redemption that brings my family everlasting happiness) and how sweetly short this season of raising children is. These shadows are the biggest honor I will hold.

Forever grateful for the mothers who shaped me and continue to shape me: my own mom, aunts, grandmas, coaches, teachers, church leaders, sisters, mother- and sisters-in-law, friends, cousins, neighbors. Happy Mother’s Day to all women everywhere! ✨
And all of a sudden my baby Juniper is a ONE year And all of a sudden my baby Juniper is a ONE year old! Her personality has exploded and she likes to do playful things to make us laugh (like slap us in the face haha). She really enjoys playing with toys and following her siblings around, while also frequently traveling off on her own to explore the backyard. She loves thrilling, exciting things and she fits our crew just perfectly. 

We love our JuJuBee! (as James and Daddy have started calling her ☺️) #juniperfaygrew
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