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Mary and Joseph’s Family Culture — Luke 2:39-52

It Seemed Good to Me Also

James is Two

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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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    These are the kinds of things that get a Type A st These are the kinds of things that get a Type A stay-at-home mom excited. 🤪 I printed physical photos of my kids (I used @artifactuprising), am writing the date on the back, and organizing them by year with little labels for easy access!  These photos will be used at birthday parties, and a place to memory keep my favorites of each sweet child as they continue to grow up and change day by day. 🥰
    Hi! So remember in 2021 I sent out emails occasion Hi! So remember in 2021 I sent out emails occasionally? I LOVE sharing things that I find with a small group of you but the email wasn’t quite working spending the high monthly fee and how much time it took to format the whole email. Especially now that I’m taking a step back from working and diving feet first into motherhood.  But I STILL love gathering and sharing light. Whenever I listen to a great podcast (usually right in the middle of it), I text it immediately to a friend in mind. Or if I am loving a book I’m halfway through, I text it to another friend or family member. I love sharing products, insight, links, and if I REALLY like it, I will literally sit and text it to every friend group message I have.  So, I thought, why couldn’t I find a way to send out a mass text to anyone who wants to receive it of the things I come across during my week/month that I love! This will most likely include: an inspiring podcast link, great book rec, purposeful product rec, awesome quote find, a challenge to consider. Just little tidbits of light and joy randomly coming to your phone.  I am going to try out the “Remind” app, which is made for school systems but should work great for how I envision using it too! You won’t be on some big group text, you’d just get a simple text from me. I can’t bug you with a huge long message since I have a limited amount of characters I can use. And I promise this won’t be a daily thing 😉. Just imagine this a place to be considered as my friend who wants a text if I find something noteworthy of sharing ☺️.  Go to the link in my profile if you want to join! Since this company’s purpose is for schools, I am highly confident your phone number is safe.  Can’t wait to share more light during your day! ✨
https://www.remind.com/join/sharelight
    When Daddy works Saturdays, we watch tons of TV an When Daddy works Saturdays, we watch tons of TV and by the time James went down for a nap, I was feeling guilty though still tired and burnt out (a whiney and needy 2yo protesting food for snacks is exhausting).  I pulled Hazel aside and showed her a few activity options that I save on a Trello board of gathered ideas. She chose this playdough snake maze and it turned into a sweet 1 hour activity we enjoyed together. Music helps make it feel magical too 😉  All this to say, if you’re feeling like you were a terrible mom for the majority of the day, you can still choose to do something simple and bring joy in a small way to your child. I loved hearing her little commentary through the whole process and makes all the effort as a tired mama worth it. ✨  (Idea is from @filhoterapia_ saved way back in 2020! Theirs may be cuter, but ours has the Hazel touch 🥰)
    This is our Christmas — no busyness (our schedul This is our Christmas — no busyness (our schedule literally has nothing for next week), no running around for presents (thank you Amazon delivery and easy-to-please kids), and no fancy decorations (my kids have already broken what I did try to put out). We didn’t do the advent calendars (Hazel snuck her chocolate one to her room and ate them all in one sitting 🤪) and I don’t think I’ll get to Christmas cards this year (I’ll blame it on pregnancy).  And I wouldn’t have it any other way. Cozy cuddles, outside play in a mild CA winter, staying home and doing nothing but we’re doing it together. These are the little nothing-moments that build into big something-memories. These are the days I know I will miss. (And we’ll make up for all the Christmasy things I am not doing when we’re at Grandma Bri’s next week 😉.)  But really, if you boil down Christmas and get rid of the fluff, it is a time to celebrate the life we are given because of and through Jesus Christ. What a wonderful time to be alive and I love this season’s annual theme of sharing and focusing more of God’s light to each other. I hope you simplify your day a little bit today, take a deep breath of gratitude, and then try and shine that gratitude to the person next to you! ✨😘
    After taking the month of November off of Instagra After taking the month of November off of Instagram, I am back and I learned that as much as I missed being uplifted from seeing other people’s posts and creative content, I was very happily content without it.  I am excited to begin the traditional celebrations of the season and honoring the reason we celebrate: The Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Word and Creator and Light of the world, becoming flesh and coming down to earth to experience life in it’s fullness. All the glory of it, all the holy mundaneness it is, and all the pain and suffering that comes with living here on this broken world. But not only did he suffer for experience sake, but He suffered all of our pains for each of us. So that we could ascend up with Him, as undeserving and lovely as we are, and He can be our true and all-understanding Advocate. Just because He and Heavenly Father and Mother love us.  What a wondrous reason to celebrate. ✨
    We celebrated James’ birthday a week late since We celebrated James’ birthday a week late since he was sick for his birthday and this little bud needs a post all to himself. He is our bright and shining guy who brings so much happiness to this world. He makes me want to have at least 5 more kids because of how easy-going, adorable, flirty, chill, and happy he is.  He gets comments all the time from strangers about his smile, but not as many comments about his scooter skills!  His special talent, among many, is napping for 3-4 hours almost every day and then ~12 at night. He loves to very very slowly wake up and will chill in his bed for 40 minutes just doing nothing. Hazel and I love to come into his room and help him out where he instantly goes right to my shoulder for a cuddle.  He ate 4 servings of orange chicken on his birthday and is really into painting and coloring - his pencil hand-hold is pretty spectacular.  He loves his mom more than anything and I love him more than words can say - so we’re pretty much a match made in heaven 😉. He loves cuddles from mom, his Papas, or a select few others. He flirts with all the adults and his vocabulary is booming lately. Can’t imagine our family without him - Happy 2nd Jimmy boy!
    Happy Halloween! Our first Halloween trick or trea Happy Halloween! Our first Halloween trick or treating and the kids had a blast! Hazel was a unicorn and then a witch and for James he was “Hell on Wheels” — or with no scooter, just your plain old devil. 🥰🎃
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