20/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Adair, being a silly willy on the floor.

Ingrid, with my favorite smile. (I know it's out of focus. I still love it so.)

Linking up with Jodi

Slowing Down (a little announcement)

Hi, friends! Popping in today to tell you that I will be slowing down a little bit this summer. Inspired by my friend, Leslie, I think it's a good move to make. With my other gigs at Disney Baby and Moonfrye, I'm a busy gal. Blog traffic significantly decreases during the summer months as people are often away traveling or taking time off work. So, I'm going to take a break, too. Instead of posting 5 or 6 times a week, I'll be sharing 2 or 3 posts. This little slow down will give me more time to work on some behind-the-scenes projects and it'll give me more time to enjoy the season. I'm still on Twitter and Facebook, so please be in touch with me there. Let's enjoy the season!!!

xo,

L

Life Suckers, Life Givers

I've had this post in my brain for months. I came across this video early last week and thought it was time to put it all in words. Before you read my thoughts, please take 9 minutes and watch the video. It's incredibly simple, yet powerful, and a good reminder for all of us, I think.

Over the past year, I have struggled with negativity. Juggling all the balls (mother, wife, homemaker, blogger, writer, teacher, shop owner, etc.) is difficult. It's impossible to find balance. It's hard to please everyone. Each day of mine looks different from the one before it. Lots is unpredictable and I often find myself dwelling on a bad moment or allowing it to ruin my day. I don't share a lot of that here, as this space is just a chunk of my life that I hope you find inspiring. But today, I think we should converse.

One thing I have sort of vowed to do in my life is to get rid of the life suckers: the slugs that take all of the goodness out, the ticks that slurp every morsel of joy away. If a relationship/job/activity brings more doubt, fear, and negativity to your life than goodness or joy or challenge, then it needs fixing or it needs to go. Phil and I have talked about this a lot. I am often tempted to rant on about certain things in the company of certain people - political things, parenting things, job things, life things. But when that happens, it just brings out more negativity. It causes me to fuel my own fire and it often lights an angry spark in whoever happens to bear witness. Of course, we all need to vent every once in awhile to avoid explosion. But if we are careful with our lips, we can do it in a way that doesn't suck the life out of others. 

Phil and I try to be that audience for each other. Instead of ranting on about some political thing at a dinner party with friends, just the two of us discuss it before bed. Instead of complaining about the parenting styles I see in public, (you know, like letting your 1 year-old drink a soda!) I briefly mention my unbelief to Phil and then let it go. Instead of commenting on some ridiculous Facebook post, I shut the computer and breathe easy. Instead of yelling at the car in front of me who just cut me off, I turn the radio up and the girls and I belt out a song. Just like the video explained, my default is to be annoyed, angry, tired, sad, mad, etc. But in the simple manner of choosing, I can change how the moment unfolds. 

Just in the few weeks of giving this some thought and attention, I have noticed a huge change in my heart and in my day-to-day existence. I'm less angered. I'm more present. I'm far more patient. And best of all, I am a better mother and wife to my family. Just being aware is a gift. Knowing what things are sucking the life out of me is the first step. Deciding on how to deal with or get rid of it is the next one. The third is going to those happy places - the things that bring me true joy and lasting contentment. Being present with my family, spending time outdoors, listening to music, creating something in my kitchen - those are my life-givers. Those are the things that sustain me day in and day out. 

So, what is sucking the life out of you? Can you make a change or let it go? What things give you life day in and day out? How can you grab ahold of those things and let them take you away? Let's chat.

xo,

L

LeeBee Giveaway

Happy Monday, friends! I hope you had a fantastic weekend. I'm excited to share a new-to-me company with you all today. One thing I really want to do with this blog is promote small and local businesses, especially those of inspirational moms and dads. LeeBee is just that! Based in central Missouri, LeeBee is a custom and all-natural diapering shop. I think you're going to love it...

My name is Leah Bradley, and I am the proud momma of a little one year-old boy! I decided when we found out I was pregnant that I wanted this to be a natural experience. I started seeing a midwife and a few months later was able to have a wonderful home birth. I started cloth diapering right away and eventually decided that I wanted to make my own diapers so they were exactly how I wanted them. I opened LeeBeeShop in an effort to make this type of healthy living available to everyone. I strive to make all my diapers and quilts as fun, natural, and affordable as possible.

LeeBee is giving away one cute reusable cloth diaper cover with double yokes, in their choice of fabric design. The winner will also receive a set of two 100% cotton diaper inserts. Winner may choose the size: Newborn- 6-10 lbs, Small- 8-20 lbs, Medium- 18-28 lbs, or Large- 25-40 lbs.

In addition, LeeBee is offering a 10% discount to ALL Living on Love readers. Just use the code LEEBEELOL10 at checkout. Discount is good through the end of June. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bits & Pieces

A happy Friday it is! This week was a whirlwind, right?! Today is my last day of school with my yearbook kids and tonight we're going to the nursery to get the rest of our plants for the garden. We're hoping to finish up the garden tomorrow and Sunday. What about you... Any fun plans for the weekend??

I also wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped with the Edna Adan Mother's Day Project. Whether you blogged about it, sent a tweet, or purchased a print, we are so very grateful! We're happy to announce that we are sending $300 (!!!!!) to the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital. AWESOME! If you would like to add a donation to our amount, please contact me asap. And, if you didn't get a chance to buy a print but still want one, let me know. We have a few extra and I'd be happy to ship one to you!

Here are 5 great links for your weekend:

1) These portraits are amazing. Raising little feminists, we might have to tackle this someday.
2) Did you see this revamped dresser? I just love it. It really is amazing what some paint can do.
3) What do you think of the floral headband trend? I love it but I don't know if I have the guts.
4) This homemade strawberry cream cheese looks so yummy! Must make this soon :)
5) This music video is fantastic. Take a few minutes to watch:

Elsewhere, this week:

DIY Glitter Sensory Jar

DIY Chalkboard Nametags

Baby Names for Little Foodies

A Backyard Movie Night Birthday Party

Being the Mama of a Daddy's Girl

Bento Lunch Ideas for Little Foodies

A Mother's Love

xo,

L