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The Name Juniper & It’s Biblical Meaning

Juniper Fay’s Birth Story

Born Again — A Labor of Love

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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.

    Shop Now

    #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.

    Shop Now

    #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!

    Shop Now

    #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.

    Shop Now

    #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.

    Shop Now

    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.

    Shop Now

    #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!

    Shop Now

    #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!

    Shop Now

    #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.

    Shop Now

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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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    I love that we have a day to celebrate motherhood I love that we have a day to celebrate motherhood and the God-given nurturers that have blessed our life. And if you really think about it, there is an infinite amount of women who have influenced our lives because of the mothers that came before them and then before them.  The number of late night feedings and diaper changes, listening ears and wise advice - the unconditional love is uncountable and infinite: from great-great-great grandmas to mothers to siblings to neighbors and friends.  I just imagine a web of mothers connecting from all sides and time. How many amazing women have touched my life and mine theirs without us even knowing? In this video there are over 40 women connected to me:  Sabrina, Marcy, Marlene, Norma Jean, Norma Dawn, Mary, Marie, Olive, Jo, Lucy, Nannie Opal, Jennie, Eula, Clara, Mary Jane, Alice, Charlotte, Willie, Bessie, Sarah, Nina, Annie, Ermina, Christian’s, Poline, Hannah, Alice May, Clara, Carrie, Sydney, Vanessa, Lissa, Drew, Amber, Alyssa, Mimi, Lucy, Annee, Mary, Samantha.  The list goes on and on and on and on, showing how this life actually is a continuum of our heavenly eternal life.  Connected by mothers - the most beautiful kind of celestial glue. ✨
    We blessed Juniper Fay this weekend and we are so We blessed Juniper Fay this weekend and we are so grateful for this sweet little spirit who has already blessed our lives an overabundant amount. She is as perfect as can be and I cannot tell you how much she feels just right for our family. God is so good! Happy Sunday ✨  ———  I started knitting this blessing dress before we even knew we were having a girl and it is something I will treasure forever - the dress itself as an heirloom, but also I will cherish the hours and hours of time I spent sitting and knitting and thinking about this sweet baby (and previous babies) I have had the opportunity to carry into this world and the privilege to steward their sweet souls in companionship with Ryan. Just like knitting this dress, faithful parenthood happens one stitch at a time. It sure is tiring and repetitive and tedious, but it’s always always worth it. Tons of mistakes are made along the way, but you can put in the work to fix those mistakes and continue on with persistent diligence. And in the end, all your hard work is stitched together into a beautiful masterpiece with God’s fingerprints covered throughout — because there is no way to take part in something as beautiful and joyful as raising a child without having His divine love and revelatory guidance helping you along the way. ✨
    Things I want to remember about little Miss Junie Things I want to remember about little Miss Junie at one week old: she loves her hands by her face and hates being naked. She gets hiccups every 3-4 hours—exactly like she did in the womb. Her funny newborn faces, like crossing her eyes, puts Hazel into a full on giggle fit. 😂  With how fast she was born, she would choke and gag up lots of mucus and it was scary to watch, but she got it all out within the first few days.  After night 2 and 3 of having her days and nights switched and cluster feeding, she quickly got on an amazing night schedule where 4 hours on the dot she needs to be fed. Or more like I’m so ready for her to eat that I make her nurse every 4 hours 🤱🏼😮‍💨. Try as I might she has started refusing to nurse on one side and I’m still trying to figure out why. But overall she does amazing with my fast supply and was already back at her birth weight at her first pediatrician apt!  Our family is over the moon in love and it has been incredible watching the older two love on her. James will come and give her head kisses and that is about the extent of his interaction with her but Hazel is in full-blown mini mama mode and will set up a diaper station at just the slightest mention of a dirty diaper on my part. She picks out her clothes each day and night, burps her back, plays peek a boo, brushes her hair, and asks to hold her often.  We love you lil June bug! #juniperfaygrew
    Juniper Fay really wanted to share a birthday with Juniper Fay really wanted to share a birthday with our wedding anniversary and boy did she make that happen! Water broke while picking up my mom at the airport and from the first contraction to a baby in my arms was only 3 hours. 🤯🥰 Talk about the best anniversary gift ever!  I couldn’t have dreamed up a more amazing natural birth and we felt God’s protection and many tender mercies pouring down on us all day.  Junie is the perfect addition to our family and I can’t wait to get to know her sweet spirit even more!  Born 6:07 PM |  7 lbs 14 oz |  19 inch
    In the in-between. Waiting these last few days is In the in-between.  Waiting these last few days is excruciatingly exhausting. Someone sent me an article that talks about this place of in-between. And what we don't have is a reverence or a full understanding of the vulnerability and openness a woman experiences during this time. Our language and culture somewhat fails us - which explains why this time is so complicated and tricky (and easy to get frustrated about).  “But whether we recognize it or not, these last days of pregnancy are a distinct biologic and psychological event, essential to the birth of a mother.”  As I’m sure you can tell by following me, I am a deeply religious/spiritual person. I truly believe that the God-given gift to carry and bring life into this world is one of, if not the greatest gift God has given.  This article talks about how during labor, “a woman must go to the place between this world and the next, to that thin membrane between here and there. To the place where life comes from, to the mystery, in order to reach over to bring forth the child that is hers.” This is exactly the feeling I am seeking, the portal between the veil that will stretch my body and mind - my entire soul - which will bring forth a new little soul I have the privilege to love and steward over during this lifetime.  I can’t wait to meet you and feel those closely around you at that passage of in-between, little baby girl ✨
    Just waiting for little girl to arrive soon 💕. Just waiting for little girl to arrive soon 💕. Although this is my third it feels like a whole new experience since my plans are to go unmedicated/natural. All my thoughts about this choice won’t fit on one Instagram post - but essentially these words sum it up.  Trust in the process  This pain is purposeful power that will bring me my baby  Inhale peace, exhale fear  Angels and ancestors are around about me and will bear me up  Heaven is close  Baby & I are doing this together  My body knows exactly what to do  I have a God-given gift to birth  I will allow my instincts to take over when it is time  Birth is (one of the most) ultimate acts of love  Both primal and spiritual are needed  I can trust in the power that peace, angels, and heaven are exactly given when it is needed. ✨
    James didn’t make it 10 minutes into church so I James didn’t make it 10 minutes into church so I’m glad Ryan got this shot as we walked out the door. 😉 Happy Easter, what an amazing life we all get to live because HE Lives!  Doesn’t mean everything is always rainbows and butterflies but because of Jesus Christ — his teachings, sacrifice, atonement, death, and resurrection — we can find deeper purpose in our hardships, strive to live that holy law of love that He does, understand through His example how to surrender to God’s will, and know we will all get to live again with our loved ones forever.  So grateful for this special Easter season our little family got to celebrate for a full month! It really did make the whole season special; Hazel soaked in much more than I had ever anticipated. My absolute favorite part of today was watching Hazel decide by herself to bring and pass out her little lavender flowers to every single person she saw, sharing her contagious smile and light twinkling in her eyes. ✨
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