Pressing Pause

Have you ever had intentions to get something done during the day, but never got around to doing it? I know I've done that so many times. There are so many distractions during the day, especially as a mom. Throughout the last few months I've really tried to make it a priority to slow down, and start the day off right. One thing that has made a HUGE difference in my morning (and my day all together), is taking 10-15 minutes during breakfast to go through a devotional. I usually will get the kids situated with their breakfast (unless I happen to wake up before them), and then get started with devotions. Not only do I feel more at peace during the day, but I also feel happier & more content. It's a huge priority to put God first in my life, even before my marriage and kids. So before checking emails, social media, or whatever, I like to "press pause" on the day, and start my morning off with God.

There are so many good devotionals out there, which makes it hard to choose! The one that I am currently going through is First 5. This is an app that has different reading plans. It literally takes five minutes to read through each days devotion (hence the name), and it is so easy to follow! This app is great for new Christians, or people that have been Christians their whole life! I tend to daydream easily, so I LOVE that this app is easy to read!

Another favorite is the "Jesus Calling" devotions by Sarah Young. These books are amazing and make great gift ideas for friends and family members.

Finally, another great devotional that's also an app is She Reads Truth. This app also comes along with many great reading plans.

Do you have any favorite devotionals, or Christian books? If so, I'd love to hear! Leave your favorite in the comments❤

Dreamin' of Tuscany

It's always been a dream of mine to visit Tuscany and see the gorgeous rolling hills and vineyards, the amazing architecture, and the beautiful beaches. Although we won't be visiting Tuscany anytime soon, we thankfully have a favorite vacation spot that replicates some areas of Tuscany. It's a little place called Lake Chelan and it's about a three and a half hour car ride away from our house. Lake Chelan is known for its wine tasting, and of course has plenty of vineyards. On a sunny day, the lake is blue, and pristine. There is also a restaurant, Tsillan Cellars, (that was made to replicate Tuscany) that we visit every time we are in Chelan. Usually we will stay on a lakeside property, but on our last Chelan visit, over Memorial Day weekend, we stayed in a beautiful villa up on the hills. 

This villa made all my Tuscan dreams come true with its beautiful courtyard in the middle of the house, Tuscan architecture, and views overlooking the vineyards and lake. 

We also had some of our friends there with us, who have kids that are close in age to our kids. During the day, we were able to enjoy the pool, while getting away to the beach every now and then. We also were greeted by a few lizards, a snake, AND a black widow spider (thankfully only saw one of those!). This little home away from home was the perfect getaway spot, and my little piece of "Tuscany" for the time being.

Journey to Motherhood

My motherhood journey has been so different than I ever imagined. It's also been more challenging than I ever expected. But, it has been one of the biggest blessings that I've ever had. It all started around four and a half years ago when I walked into a store to pick out a neutral baby outfit that would work for either a boy or a girl. I wasn't pregnant, but my husband and I knew that we wanted to start a family soon. Some people might find it silly, but my plan was to get a baby outfit that I could have hanging up as a reminder of what we were believing and praying for. Although I saw several neutral outfits in the store that day, I ended up leaving the store with two newborn outfits-- one for a boy and one for a girl. I hung the two outfits side by side in our bedroom closet, and would look at them and pray several times a week. Months went by when we found out that we were expecting! When we went into our first ultrasound and got the shock that it was twins(there aren't twins on either side of the family), the ultrasound tech also made the comment that since they were going to be fraternal twins there was a chance that it would be a boy and girl. My mind immediately went to the outfits hanging in our closet. Could it be?! Around two months later, on Christmas morning, we got ready to open our gender reveal envelopes in front of my family. My husband opened "Baby A's" envelope to reveal that it was a boy. I anxiously tore into the envelope marked "Baby B" and peaked inside. I'll never forget seeing the "it's a girl" written inside, and not being able to read those three words outloud. Thankfully, my husband was able to announce to the rest of the family. I was so overcome with joy and gratitude.
Our twins are now three and a half, and the majority of their newborn clothes are either packed in storage or donated, BUT those two outfits remain hanging in their closet. Some nights after tucking them into bed I'll look into the closet at those two outfits, and say a prayer of thanks. Before we ever knew we were having twins, and before we even knew we were pregnant, it was all part of God's plan ❤