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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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  • What I'm Pinning

    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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    About that time again, and I’ll keep it short an About that time again, and I’ll keep it short and sweet. Miss Junie is one round ball of cuteness and smiles and giggles who loves being talked to and being thrown in the air. She does flips of roll after roll around the whole room and loves to be held by mom to see all the fun action around her (Ergo carrier is the real MVP). She moved into her own room this past month and I only get to visit her about once a night now 😉.  We love this little wiggly happy girl! 🥰 #juniperfaygrew
    My kids love uncrustables so we’re giving homema My kids love uncrustables so we’re giving homemade ones a try! Using up the last of our chia seed strawberry jam since it needs to get used up! And will use all the crust pieces for a PBJ French toast casserole for breakfast tomorrow!  Grateful to be home with these sweet, happy kids even when I’m extra exhausted and for sure won’t be putting makeup on today 😅
    My mother pulled out my grandma’s baby book and My mother pulled out my grandma’s baby book and I realized where my love for memory-keeping came from (and my meticulous skill for writing down every little detail): My great-grandma Marie. 🩷  It was fun to page through photographs and details about my grandma when she was a babe and it gave me a deeper love and connection to my great grandma as I saw her scribbles as a young mother — like me, desperately desiring to remember all those little details so I do not forget.  I find memory-keeping to be more spiritual and deeper than one would think. The more you reflect back on the weeks and months prior, whether in photograph/video form or by writing down details, you can start to piece together the bigger whole that is this life. By memory-keeping, you are practicing seeing the now in light of the “not yet”. What I mean is I am writing in these baby books as if I am talking to my adult children. I see them in a way I can’t comprehend yet because they are still little now. But that reflection time takes me out of the day-to-day hardness of raising littles and gives me the opportunity to see them in the future in a sense. It brings me so much hope and happiness and peace.  Take this as an invitation to write down a few details about your life in this moment. Write them down in a book, on paper, in your notes, in an journal app. Your future self and your future grandchildren will be very grateful. ✨
    The end of an era: James at (almost) 3 years old i The end of an era: James at (almost) 3 years old is officially out of a crib. 🤪 Since he slept SO well and refused to try to climb out, we kept riding that wave until his little sister begged for more room. His first night in a big boy bed (aka a mattress on the floor ha) was fantastic!  June has been struggling with her sleep and I could blame it on sleeping on vacation mode where you have to feed asap to not wake up the other siblings in the room, or that she is right at that age of a sleep regression. But my mama gut instinct told me it was her swaddle and small bassinet. She still fit in there fine but she’s a Wiggler with a capital W and whenever she woke up she’d be screaming and kicking her legs at full strength. She’d wiggle herself down and get her feet right into the railing too.  Mama gut instincts are always right and last night she slept amazing! Instead of waking 3-4 times at night, she only woke up once! And when she woke up a few times before my bedtime, she woke up babbling and promptly fell back asleep in a few short minutes. 👏🏼  You, the scrolling reader, may not care about any of this and for all these details, but it’s my Instagram and I’ll post what excites me 😉🙌🏼.  So glad I documented that last morning of picking my little James out of his crib 🥹. Very excited for this new era and how FUN my kids are getting! ✨
    Bought an extra long play gym because life sure is Bought an extra long play gym because life sure is better with bigger siblings to entertain and play with! 🥰🩷  Made these little black and white mobiles and it’ll be fun to make more things to add as she gets older!
    Juniper is 4 months and the past month was mostly Juniper is 4 months and the past month was mostly spent in Washington and she really chunked up there! 🥰  This girl does not know how to relax. She is constantly trying to do crunches to sit upright when being held by someone 😅.  She learned how to find her hands and suck on them and also hold onto toys and of course, also suck on them. She is also coping and talking a ton lately!  Junie has learned how to roll over both ways except that pesky elbow is always in the way!  She loved sitting outside with Grandma Bri to calm down and watch the sprinklers or trees moving in the wind during bedtime.  I love learning more about her personality and spirit. She’s a determined, sweet little girl! #juniperfaygrew
    I found and fell in love with all of @shopbibleske I found and fell in love with all of @shopbiblesketches prints and knew exactly where I wanted to hang them in our new home! It will be fun to eventually find a sconce or two to really allow these beautiful sketches about the even more beautiful gospel of Jesus shine!  Can you guess what each picture is about? Which is your favorite? (Go to their shop to see better details. The reflection is tricky to avoid — our house has so much natural light! 🥰✨)
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