As I approach thirty I tend to look at things a lot differently than when I was approaching twenty or even twenty five. I feel like that’s probably pretty typical.

Ten years ago (insert wide eyed emoji) I was in college. Kind of. I mean I was enrolled in college but wasn’t the best at attending my 8:00am class. I didn’t know who I was, where I was going and I definitely didn’t know who I wanted to be. I nanny’d a lot, had lots of girls nights and had a puppy. I thought life was stressful, dating was stressful and really liked to sleep.

Five years ago I was a new mama. I was lucky enough to be at home with my sweet baby and loved every second of it. I had found my purpose, was happily married and just starting to learn how to love myself in my own skin. While I still didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up, I had definitely made progress in knowing what I did not want to be. I had a new love for iced coffee, losing weight and I still really liked to sleep – though it came much more infrequently. 😉

Now, well…. Now I’m just a couple of months away from turning thirty and I can’t wait. In the last five years we have added another sweet boy to our little family, I’m still at home with the boys, we bought our forever (unless someone comes along and offers us like lots of money) home, adopted some farm babies (a donkey, three goats, a pig, lots of chickens and several dogs), learned that money doesn’t grow on trees and that the less debt you have the better you sleep at night and JKM has started a little side business of trapping critters that we’ve all come to enjoy. Our world is about to change in such a fun way as we start our homeschooling journey and I’m so looking forward to where it’s going to take us.

For the first time in my life and I can truly say I am letting the Lord lead me whole heartedly. If you know me, you know I have a small (big) issue with control. Mostly little things like how the dishwasher should be loaded and the volume on the television. There may be a few others but I’ll spare you the details. 😉 What I’m trying to say is that it’s taken me a full thirty years to…

– Learn to fully lean on Jesus
– Not to sweat the small stuff
– Perfection is highly overrated
– When it comes to friendships quality beats quantity
– There’s an oil for everything
– My mama was right about EVERYTHING (except Bauer)
– You only have to take it one day at a time
– You’ll never regret an “I love you”

I can’t wait to see what the next five years will bring.

Here. We. Go.

I’m about to go into some uncharted waters, friends…

If you know me in real life you know I’m a stay at home mama to two of the most precious boys. They’re wild, they’re loud, sometimes dirty, they giggle at all the boy humor but my most favorite thing about them (besides their love for Jesus) is their unconditional love for their mama.

I joined the ranks of motherhood in 2014 then was blessed a second time in 2016. I am in no way an expert. I rely on and draw as much wisdom and guidance from the veteran mamas in my life as frequently as possible. I probably call my own mama a minimum of five times a day to soak in ALL that I can.

The role of a mother is not one size fits all. Being a stay at home mama, a working mama, a work from home mama, or a traveling mama looks different under each roof. While we hold some things in common across the board two things stick out the most to me. The love we have for our children and the want we have for time to slow down.

We all know that time is a thief. No matter how you parent, you want it to slow down. Most days anyway 😉

Ok, so HERE IT COMES.

I’ve mentioned before how I’m not a fan of all the pressure folks put on mamas when it comes to their babies growing up.

I think a ton of pressure is put on us almost as soon as that sweet baby is placed in our arms to not to blink” or guilt about “you’re gonna miss this.” I want to think that it comes from a place of caring but honestly it doesn’t always come across that way.

I think it needs to be mentioned that while yes it is hard on a mamas heart to watch her kids outgrow her lap they don’t become less fun when they get older.

They still need you. They still love you. They still want your attention. They still want to cuddle. They still want your time.

I know I’m only five years in, but it just keeps getting better and better.

EVERY stage should be cherished not missed for dread of the next one to come.

Kiss them and tell them you love them as much as you can. Live in the moment so that when you lay down at night you can sleep sweetly knowing you did everything you could.

Of course, some days won’t go as planned, you’ll be on your phone too much, you’ll yell, you’ll be distant sometimes but at the end of it all the good will out weigh the bad.

You’re doing a wonderful job, mama. You’re exactly where the Lord wants you to be. Each day is a new chance. Don’t let guilt steal any of that away.

🖤 Hannah

One of my favorite things about being a mama is the stages my boys go through. While lately it’s been pretty bittersweet with my big boy it’s been so much fun. I’ve always tried to give positive praise whenever my boys do something right. I fail a lot but it’s something my parents always did for me that’s made a difference in my life so I want to do the same for them.

Mason will be five in April and I really can’t believe it. Lately, he’s become a lot more independent which is so amazing to see but also a little sad (for me) at the same time. A few of his latest feats – he’s stopped using his step stool to wash his hands, he can open his own snacks (completely even the tricky stuff), he buckles his top buckle in his car seat and has been able to help me a lot more in the kitchen and with laundry (thank you Lord! See my last post to see why this is a huge praise for me)! While I love all these new things my very favorite thing he’s started doing is when anyone he knows says anything he loves or makes him feel good he quickly and eagerly responds to with,”That is so nice… you can come to my birthday party!”

I love this new invitation so much! I think it’s so precious that he gets so excited to invite his people to his most favorite event of the year: I know in his sweet mind it just makes sense for all his loved ones to be there and he just wants them to know he wants them there.

I want to be more like him in so many ways. Not just the obvious like his innocence and how he views the world but to have his heart for other people.

I want to remember his little grin & his sweet sayings forever.

What’s your favorite thing your little one(s) are doing right now? I’d love to know!

🖤 Hannah

Happy New Year friends!

I hope every one had the very best Christmas and New Year! I know we sure did. It was very laid back, just how we like it!

I skipped out on resolutions this year. Not because I don’t wanna change things but because when I make resolutions I tend to view them in the term of a year. Not this year. I want to make permanent changes to how I live that I want to continue for the rest of my life hence – permanent. 😉

A big thing I want to focus on this year is my health and my families health. We are ten days in to 2019 and we’ve already majorly changed our eating habits. Not only are we paying way more attention to carbs, we are paying even more attention to ingredients. I’m taking this year and using it as my learning curve. I want to learn as much as I can about how our bodies need to be fueled. I’m tickled with how things are going this far and I look forward to what will be learned and put into practice this year.

Another big goal of mine is to SIMPLIFY. Not just because its what’s in right now but because JKM and I have a dream of what we want our life and home to look like in just a few short years. It’s going to take work. A LOT of it. BUT we feel that this dream is being led by the Lord and we want to be obedient to Him in all of our ways.

Mason is set to start school in August. September most likely for us. #Homeschooljourney. I’m taking time daily to learn all I can about how homeschooling works and what will be the best fit for our family. I know it’s impossible to learn everything up front because living it will be the best education! I am very excited with what the Lord is doing in my heart and I can’t wait to see it all come to fruition! I will be attending a homeschool convention next month and I cannot wait to take it all in and get my hands on curriculum!

Lastly, this year I want to put more time into this here blog. I really really love and enjoy writing and it is very therapeutic for me. I’m looking to make things a little more permanent domain wise in the near future, so stay tuned for that!

That’s all I’ve got for now!

❤ Hannah

If you’ve ever been to my house you’ve probably heard me mumble some apology about the state of my laundry room. It’s no secret it’s my least favorite chore and something I struggle with on the daily (except of course when I ignore it for a couple of days and it gets even worse). I think in my whole adult life I’ve been truly caught up twice. Two times, guys. Those aren’t good stats.

It’s no secret that getting older is more difficult than anyone could ever explain to us before we reach this stage in life. I don’t mean physically, I know I’m still a baby but mentally. I think we get to a point where we don’t really feel as much pressure from the outside world on who we should be, what we should be and how we should do it all, as much as we feel pressure from the inside. We mature enough to shut out others opinions but do we ever get to the point of shutting out our own?

I’ll be thirty next July… I can’t wait. Seriously. It’s always seemed like such a magical time to me, like you finally become who you have always wanted to be when you get to that milestone. Don’t get me wrong, I have a few friends who have had it figured out since elementary school. One of my closest friends has always been sure of what she wanted to do and become and has conquered that tenfold. I look up to her more than she’ll ever know and we’re the same age.

Lately, I’ve been dealing with one of the biggest struggles of my life. To some, it’s probably nothing and to others it may just sound silly – but here’s the truth. I have no idea what my purpose in life is or if you wanna get even more technical, my calling. I know there are people out there that are struggling with much bigger things and demons and I am in no way trying to say my current problem even comes close. I’ll be the first to tell you in the grand scheme of life, I’ve never had a bad day.

I love being a wife. I love being a mama. Those two roles mean the most to me and are surely some of my life’s most important work but I can’t sit here and tell you that when my boys are grown I know what I’ll be doing because I don’t. I haven’t the slightest clue.

This. This is where the devil steps in and tries to aim his negative arrows into my heart, “If you can’t even keep up with the laundry, how on earth would you ever fulfill a calling?” He’s smart, he knows exactly where to prod and poke to try to make room for doubts to creep in.

Here’s what I know. I don’t have it all together, I can’t even keep up with my laundry. I mess up more than I do right, BUT the same God who spoke this big ol world into existence thought it needed one of me. While I don’t know what my future holds, or what I’m going to do with the life I’ve been given. I know this, when the Lord reveals it to me I’ll cling to it with every ounce of my being.

I’m not sure if anyone else is struggling with this, but if you are… You’re not alone. We’re in it together and we serve a mighty Savior that will lead us to our purpose.

I wonder how many things have started with those three words?!

It’s true though and it feels so good. I mean, not so much weather wise because it’s still real hot around here but mood wise it’s definitely my favorite season.

I even planted mums for the first time. Ever. I’ve been saying I was going to do it every year since we got married but this year was finally it.

I have been the hospice for all plants in the past but I’m hoping this time will be different. I will say I’ve had a hard time remembering to water them though and it’s only been three days so….

This is my favorite time of year for many reasons but this year I love it even more because both boys are old enough to really experience and enjoy it and I just can’t wait to do all the fall things with them. 🖤

UPDATES :

Mason is really loving school this year and I’m so very thankful. Last year was a little rough until spring break but we rallied and made it through. We’ve been getting our feet wet with some homeschooling and he really seems to love it. It makes me very excited about next year! MKM is real into power rangers & wearing gloves 24/7. Loving this phase with him.

Branson is a wild man & so much fun! He’s every where into every thing ALL the time & we love it. Watching him play & learn is my favorite. He’s very into Eric Church right now. Hahah. He loves music, eating & chasing Lula Belle!

Until next time, friends!

🖤 Hannah

This list was originally written on July 17, 2018.

At the point in which pen met paper for this list homeschool had been on our hearts for about four months. One of the first homeschool youtube channels I watched (grace & grit) recommended doing this so… I did.

These are in no particular order, just how they came to my mind.

1. The Lord placed it on my heart.
2. More time together.
3. Avoid/ limit bullying.
4. Limit exposure to sickness.
5. Flexbility.
6. More time can be spent building morals & character.
7. We can explain things from a Godly point of view when worldly issues are presented. (I’m just gonna be real open and honest right here and say that one of our biggest concerns raising boys is pornography. The age of exposure gets younger and younger each year and it makes me physically sick to think about them seeing something at such a young age and not being able to immediately explain that it is in no way appropriate).
8. Christian based curriculum.
9. We can slow down in certain subjects and spend more time or speed up if need be.
10. We can spend more time on things and incorporate more of what the boys are currently into.
11. Freedom to travel whenever we want to and be able to not get behind on lessons.

I’m sure as time goes on even more things will be added to this list but I’m very thankful I have it to come back to on my hardest days. 🙂

Because of His grace,
Hannah

If you would have told me before I had babies I would one day become a homeschooling mama, I most likely would’ve thought you had me mistaken for someone else.

You see, I am not what some may call a Pinterest mama, I’m not even a really strong candidate for a amazon Mom. In all honesty, I would put myself in the “hot mess mama” category. I don’t say that to put myself down, just trying to keep things real. So, when I felt the Lord begin to prick my heart and lead me (our family) to the homeschool way of life I was just as surprised as my mama was when I told her.

When the Lord began dealing with me, I first talked to JKM about it and when he was totally supportive, I started doing a TON of research. Watching YouTube videos, reading blogs, looking into different curriculum, talking to the handful of mamas I know that are on the same path. (One thing I would like to add here – before the Lord put it on my heart I didn’t know anyone who was homeschooling but as soon as it was placed there I came into contact wish several women who have a huge passion for it. One in particular was a member of the church JKM helped in revival this summer and she helped me more than I can ever tell her. I will always be grateful for all the information she gave me & her willingness to answer so many of my questions!)

Once I accepted that this would be our new normal and was at absolute peace & felt total joy about our decision.. the devil showed up and tried to show out. He planted every seed of doubt and wormed his way into all the cracks in my weaknesses. I immediately began questioning if this was what the Lord was truly leading us to or if I had just decided all of this on my own. Family members started talking more about public school even knowing our homeschool plans and just became one negative thought after another. THEN I went back to the list I made when we first heard the call & it completely reiterated why this was for our family. (I will be posting the list in a separate post very soon).

I didn’t write this post to discount public school in any way. I’m a firm believer that if the Lord isn’t calling you to something, you should in no way pursue it. My husband and I both attended public school and know that it works for a lot of families. I just want to put my experience out there in case any other mamas (or daddies) are being called to homeschool and are also dealing with doubt & hesitation.

We are so excited to begin our journey this year with Mason starting PreK curriculum while he finishes his last year of preschool!

because of His grace,

Hannah

Heyyyyyyy girl heyyyyyy!

Its been a HOT minute since I updated this here blog. Like a year & two months in minute time. SO MUCH has happened. SO. MUCH. Let me give you a little run down….

2017

March : Packed up our first home & started fixing up our forever home.
April : Sold our house. Moved in with my parents for two weeks. Mason turned THREE.
May : Closed on our new house. Got out of credit card debt. Celebrated 5 years of marriage. B got his first tooth.
June/July : Settled into our new surroundings and did a few house projects. DIY for life. I turned 28.
August : We got our first farm animals! Two goats : Bertie & Gertie (RIP Bertie). Mason started preschool! Three days a week.
September : MKM went dove hunting for the first time. B went on his first beach trip to PCB.
October : Mace had his first ever field trip to a pumpkin patch. The boys experienced good ole Chuck E Cheese for the first time. JKM turned THIRTY!
November : We went to Disney & Sea World with my family! B turned ONE!
December : B’s first birthday party! The holidays were extra sweet with both boys being so excited about Santa. JKM started his trapping business.

2018

January : More DIY projects, MKM’s first trampoline park experience. Just for the record, he refused to jump & was terrified he would fall through the floor. hahaha.
February : B had his first sleepover without me. He did great, I did not. We painted our kitchen cabinets & ripped off our countertops.
March : Hosted a shower for my bff since 6th grade & her sweet boy. Went blonde. After many years, got my vinyl machine and made the boys Easter shirts myself.
April : First Easter in our forev home. Got a desk! MKM’s first donuts for dad was his favorite thing to date. We put our garden in! My first baby turned FOUR & got his long awaited red fourwheeler.
May : My first Mother’s Day Tea was my favorite thing ever. Mason knocked his front tooth out. We added to the farm! A pigmy donkey (Allie), a pig (Hamilton) & two fainting goats (Guss & Gruff). Mace finished his first year of preschool. We celebrated six years of wedded bliss with replacing all the windows in our house.
June : VBS. JKM’s first revival of the summer at Bethany Baptist. Our first MOD pizza experience. I chopped my hair off. My mama took the boys to build a bear for their first time where they both picked out Chase from Paw Patrol. We also road the carousel and it was a huge hit.
July : JKM helped his Daddy & Papa in revival at Bethel Baptist Church. Such precious memories! Our garden started producing. We bought an above ground pool for next year & I turned 29.

Well, there you have it! Now that we’re all caught up, let’s keep this thing moving shall we?

xoxo
Hannah

The month of love, or so Hallmark wants us to believe. I mostly look forward to the History Channels special on the St. Valentine’s Day massacre. My hubs is a lucky man! Anywho, this is what our February looked like… 

Mason started dressing himself. “Just like Daddy!” He’s got style, yall! 

As I mentioned in my last post, we decided to sell our house. For real this time. We’ve talked about it multiple times, but after praying about it, it never felt right. Well, now we know why. It wasn’t in His time. I promise to tell the whole story in a post dedicated to just that. I never wanna forget the details. 
We spent super bowl Sunday cleaning up our basement after hearing we had a family interested in our house & wanted to see it as soon as possible. I was going to take before pictures, but wanted to spare y’all. It was intense. 

Branny got even more handsome.

I chopped my hairs again. 

Our new house was locked in & we knew we wanted to fill our new acreage with some animals. As soon as I met this beauty, I knew I needed to one day have a pig. No lie, it’s all I want for my 30th birthday. What can I say? I’m easy to please. Also, I would like the record to show that my pigs will be friends, not food. 

My boys picked me some flowers. 

I savored a lot of baby snuggles (and iced coffee). 

I tried to get back in the swing of good food choices. Still a work in progress. 

B man turned three months old & took his last picture with his monthly stickers. 

We signed this one up for tball so we naturally had to go buy everything academy offered in his size. *spoiler alert* we didn’t even make it to the actual games but he sure looks cute in those pants! 

The two best friends that anyone could have went on a day date. 

Branny started smiling on purpose. 

We started packing up. Some enjoyed the process more than others…

My whole life I’ve dreamed of my little boys wearing matching overalls. That dream became a reality. So. Much. Cuteness. Also, B looks at everyone like that. Don’t let it fool you, he’s bubbas number one fan. 

This one melts me… paw patrol pjs + a cowboy hat = a winning combination on this little twangy talking boy! 

Bubba got a new seat so my handy men put it together for me! 

Good thing February was laid back! Get ready for March…

❤️ Hannah