To My Sons

Robe: Pink Blush Maternity, c/o

I have loved your father for nine years and we've been friends for twenty. He's been a part of my life more than he has not. We have quite the story, him and I, that one day we'll sit down and share with you. 

I can't help but think God knew the world needed more men like him and that's why He gave us two. Our story began when we were ten. Kids who enjoyed petty conversation over McDonalds nuggets or a Starbucks latte. When he told me he loved me and that he always would. We loved deeply as oceans and continents separated us. Dozens of flights, countless emails and phone calls sealed our love and then we wed amongst the ocean breeze. 

Him and I and also you.

I have many hopes for you both.

My greatest hope that you come to know His redeeming love, the power of His grace and that you grow in His wisdom. I pray you love deeply, caring about this broken world and all its people. I hope you are kind and compassionate, full of grace and humility. The world changes when we love, really love, those who are in it. Don't be selfish and please don't be safe. I beg of you. Love is uncomfortable but it's simple 1 Cor. 13:4-8. 

Find someone who ignites your self-worth. Be the kind of man who is patient, forgiving, and apologetic. Display these often. Who doesn't belittle, who encourages his wife to be strong and courageous. Who sees her worth and capabilities. Be the man who calls her out but doesn't use her flaws against her. 

Compassion. Grace. Gentleness. Self-control.

Love someone who stands behind you. Who gives you a standing ovation for small victories. Someone who is willing to move mountains and stand in the valleys with you. Love someone who is courageous and makes you brave. Love someone that makes you better. Find a partner who respects you. And most importantly, someone who has surrendered to His free gift.

Love each other hard. Unconditionally. Unprovoked. Selflessly. Dangerously. 

Marry your best friend. Someone you want to stay in the room with. Who boasts with pride when spoken of you. Laugh together. The kind of laughter that makes your belly ache and your cheeks sore. Be silly together. Enjoy the little moments like conversations over McDonalds nuggets and a Starbucks latte. 

I do not say these things lightly. I know them to be true. For I found them in your daddy.

Staying Cozy with thredUP

We had a storm roll through over the weekend and the rain made us want to stay in all day. Luckily it paused for us to take Liam trick-or-treating with my in-laws but we spent most of the weekend cuddled up and staying cozy. When I'm lounging around the house, I love to keep a few candles lit and throw on some comfy clothes. During the cooler months, it's a pair of sweatpants, cozy knit, and always always coffee in hand.

If you've been around this blog a while, you know I'm obsessed with thrifting. I've even done a Nifty Thrifty series. I love the hunt and have scored so many great pieces for a fraction of the price. One of the beauties of blogging is you're introduced to so many great brands and resources. I recently came across thredUP and fell in love with it. It is the largest online consignment store with SO MANY good deals and you can buy and sell clothes. They offer 90% off retail which is amazing! I've been on the hunt for cozy sweaters and they have an incredible selection of amazing brands, even designer, many with the original tags still on. I received several pieces that have never been worn!

Obviously most days I'm at work but don't want to sacrifice being cozy and comfortable. I found this amazing LOFT fur vest on thredUP and am excited to layer it with so many things. Husband wore shorts to church on Sunday and was freezing (duh, it was raining. I never understand the man) and I wore this vest under a long sleeved tee and he kept cuddling up to me saying he wished he had a fur vest. Haha I might question his manhood BUT I was so comfortable and warm all day, despite the rain and wind.

With winter coming up, and now for those of you who live in colder climates, they have great affordable options for heavy coats that won't cost you an arm and a leg.

 Outfit One:

Sweater - Banana Republic via thredUP c/o

Sweats - Gap

Outfit Two:

Sweater - Coldwater Creek via thredUP, c/o

Faux Fur Vest - LOFT via thredUP, c/o

Trousers - Target

Boots - Charles David, similar

Necklace - Stella & Dot, c/o

Gold Band - Chloe + Isabel, c/o

Plaid Throw - Marshalls

Tray - Jonathan Adler for Target

Headboard - Nebraska Furniture Mart

Mug - Starbucks

Book - Amazon