My Favorite Things

 Today we're going to talk all my (current) favorite things! 

1. My Favorite Sandals

I love neutral sandals and something I can just slip on and go. I've purchased many sandals that need to be clipped or tied to buckled and that's a no for me. It just takes too much time. As a mom of 6 kids, I need something I can slip on my feet and run out the door. Here are a few I'm loving lately....

These ones above have become my throw on sandals. I still don't know how I feel about them on me. They are a little clunky for my taste, but Kamryn tells me they're super cute. Teenagers are notoriously honest, so I'll take her word for it. I will say they are ridiculously comfortable, and I know this style is huge right now. I actually wore them this morning as I got 4 kids off to school. 

I shared these before and if you've paid attention, you've seen me wearing them in posts. I love them. They're so comfortable and look a lot more expensive than they are. They are a great designer dupe and who doesn't love that?!

I have these currently in my cart and I'm thinking it's just about time to check out. I love love love them! How many sandals are too many?! Don't answer that! Target is killing it with the sandals this year! 

As always, I buy all my sandals in a half size bigger than I usually wear,

2. My Favorite Shorts

I can't remember an April where it's been warm enough for me to grab shorts until this year. Usually, I'm not wearing shorts until at least mid-May, but we have had some gorgeous weather this year and I've already worn a few times!

These shorts have been on repeat. I love throwing these on with a sweatshirt in the morning and my sneakers and getting things done! Whether it's going my walks or chasing around my kids, these are perfect. 

Okay, let's talk these shorts! I may have been living under a rock, but this is new to me. Old Navy now has a curvy line of jeans and shorts. They are perfect for those of you like me who were cursed sorry, I mean blessed with hips and a butt. I tried them out and love them! I'll be reaching for these again and again all Spring and Summer! Definitely a favorite! Oh ! And everything at Old Navy is 50% off right now! Time to do some shopping for you and the kids.

I found all 3 pairs of shorts true to size.

3. My Favorite Amazon Finds

I don't have a picture because it's in the wash, but this cute set is definitely a favorite! I'm really into a matching set this Spring!

This one is adorable too!

They both fit true to size,

4. My Favorite Moments

Archie using our swing set for the first time. He LOVED it and I loved the big smiles and giggles!

My nightly walks with Mike and Duke. It's such a great way for Mike and me to get some alone time and regroup. We can talk without getting interrupted and we are doing something active.

Kamryn and I have been watching One Tree Hill together for a while now. It's something I look forward to every day. We do one episode a night after the littles get to bed and I just love this time with her!

Logan getting his braces off! He did a great job with his braces and even got them off months earlier than expected! 

5. My Favorite New TV Show

Ransom Canyon on Netflix

This show is right up my ally. It's Friday Night Lights meets Virgin River. I'm 4 episodes in and hooked. Mike makes fun of it, of course. But I really enjoy it! I was meant to be a Texas girl living on a farm....I'm just stuck in the Northeast and will never leave so I live vicariously through tv shows like this. And ummmm hello! Josh Duhamel is aging like fine wine. Enough said. 

Okay, that sums up my favorite things! I needed some happiness today and favorites are always happy!

Have a great Wednesday! I'll see you back here soon!

Easter Sunday

 I hope you all had a blessed Easter surrounded by those you love most. Unfortunately, I didn't get many pictures, but we had the best time. Good food, lots of cousins, 12 to be exact (it's wild how much our family has grown the past 2 years), and one crazy egg hunt. Isn't that what it's all about?! 

Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for our sins so we can enjoy these special moments. He is risen.

Sweet little Archie's 1st Easter was a success.

Happy Easter!

Things I'm ashamed to admit as a stay-at-home mom

 

Hello! Happy Sunday!

Very recently I've gotten a few comments about being a stay at home. You see I've been out of the workforce for 15 years now and while it is the greatest blessing to be home with my kids everyday it doesn't come without shame. Yes, even after doing this for so many years. Today being a stay-at-home mom seems to be a little more accepted but 15 years ago when Mike and I made the choice for me to stay home with Kamryn I swear I saw some people's heads spin. They just could not wrap their head around it. All these years later it definitely seems more acceptable, and I know a lot more people who stay home however, that doesn't mean it doesn't come with shame. And it certainly doesn't come without opinions...

These are just some of the things I'm ashamed to admit as a stay-at-home mom....

After a long day I am touched out and feel guilty for looking forward to my kid's bedtime. Having 6 kids there is a wide range of bedtimes but I somedays I look at the clock and find myself counting down the minutes to 7pm when the bedtime routine starts, and I'll get some time to myself.

Sometimes I resent my husband's career choice. Mike is an electrician, and he works A LOT. I cannot remember the last time he didn't work 6-7 days a week. I just wish he could spend more time with us.

When people tell me how lucky I am to be a stay-at-home mom or that I'm so lucky to have a husband who works so hard to provide for us. But they never ever acknowledge the sacrifices I've had to make to stay home. Furthermore, when I'm accused of just sitting at home and doing "nothing" all day. Those comments eat away at me, though deep down I know it's not true.

I wish I didn't let my social anxiety get the best of me and I did "more". I don't remember a time in the past 15 years I didn't feel like I should've been doing more with my kids.

Truth is, I lost all of my hobbies 15 years ago. I don't have much that makes me "me" anymore. I do write here on the blog as a hobby but it's still really hard to find the time to do even that. I've accepted that right now I don't have the time to do anything for me, but it still makes me sad at times.

I feel lonely most days and totally isolated from the world. I feel like I've lost a lot of friends over the years. But I also don't have the energy or urge to go out and make new friends. I miss girl time, but I feel like I'm not allowed to admit that.

I really could use a break, a vacation, some time away to regroup. I'm jealous of those who have a lot of help and can leave their kids with someone else to go on vacation. 

Mostly, I'm ashamed to admit I let other people's opinions of what I do every day get to me. Being a stay-at-home mom comes with A LOT of opinions. I could write an entire blog post of the things people have say to my face about what I do all day. I try so hard to not let them get to me but in all honesty for the last 15 years I feel like I'm constantly spatting the opinions away like flies. I just wish people were more supportive, and I feel like I'm not allowed to feel that way.

Being a stay-at-home mom really is a blessing and a privilege that I know a lot of moms do not have. But it does come with a lot of sacrifice. I feel as though I sound ungrateful if I talk about the sacrifice and shame I feel when it comes to doing this job, because it is a job. One I cannot imagine not doing. 

Motherhood is challenging whether you're a stay-at-home mom or a working mom. But I think we can all agree no matter how your day to day looks, motherhood is also the most rewarding job in the world. 

What is some shame you feel about what you do? Whether it's being a stay-a-home mom or a working mom? Tell me in the comments! Is there anything you'd add to my list? Sometimes it's just nice to know we aren't alone.

Well, I'm off to enjoy a Sunday with my family! Mike is home today, it's raining, the rest of the day looks to be gloomy, so I think a comfy relaxing day is just what we need! (without the shame of feeling like I'm not doing enough)

xoxo, Kristen