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So thankful for these two little ones this mother’s day. I still can’t believe I’m a mom of two- and wouldn’t trade it for the world! I’m also so grateful for my mom, my mother-in-law, and grandmas for showing me what love looks like in a tangible way. I feel so blessed! Wishing you a happy mother’s day as well. xo!
Spring has been extra beautiful this year. I think it might be because winter was extra long and I have a newborn- everything seems new and I am loving it! I am definitely taking it all in. Last week we went out for a little while to a park…everything was in bloom and it was gorgeous! Jay and Leland played football for a while while Beau just slept (he’s a pro at that, you know.) Anyway, how could I not take some photos while we were there? I know there are quite a few of Leland but I’m not going to apologize because….well, he is my favorite two and a half year old ;)
….oh my goodness, he cracks me up- daily!!
..Beau doing what he does best ;)
…Haha! Love these two.
I hope you are enjoying spring as much as I am this year. It’s another reminder to me that God does make “all things new”! Much love!
This morning I woke up a little discouraged. I’m not sure why, really…just one of those days I guess. ;) Some days I struggle with the feeling of wanting to be known, you know? To do something great and grand- to accomplish some big dreams in big ways. In the midst of changing diapers and cleaning up our house a song popped in my head that I haven’t heard in a really long time. The lyrics go like this: “I have always wanted to be somebody who is great To be great in, great in Your eyes, is my dream To love my enemies To be great in, great in Your eyes, is my dream Greatness in this world is different than greatness in Your eyes To be genuine in my love for others and for You is to be great.” May I never ever lose sight of this. It’s really so simple yet too often I forget that the accomplishments of this world don’t always mean so much in God’s eyes. They can be fleeting. I’m reminded of Matthew 19:30 (NLT): “But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.” When I love others- those in my own home and beyond- the way He wants me to love them and serve them…..that is true greatness.
That has been one of my most favorite songs since high school. I haven’t heard it in so long. Thanks for the reminder, friend. :) 
I woke up feeling the same way! You never know when God is going to show you something encouraging. Thanks for this post! It was something I really needed to hear today! :) 
Wow, it’s been a while since I last heard this song. I forgot how much I love it. Thanks for sharing friend. I needed it today. 
I feel this way so much! I remember starting school thinking that I was going to change the world, but now after getting home from work, I rarely have enough energy to cook dinner. Being married has opened my eyes to the fact that it’s not all about me. I feel blessed to be able to serve my husband, and if that is all I do, I think my life will be a success. You have such a sweet family, and your boys are so blessed to have you teaching them what matters most in life. Hope you are getting some sleep and plenty of cuddles with your new little one :). 
Arielle, a dear friend of mine pointed me towards your blog and I’m glad she did. I totally resonated with your post today. I feel like that is my ‘heart beat’- I want to do something “great” too! It’s hard to explain, hard to pinpoint even at all.. and yet I just feel that I want to make my mark in this world- to do something great, but most importantly in His name. It is soo good to be reminded to not get caught up in the worldly definition of greatness and to stick to the Lord’s perspective on greatness. Just want to encourage you and thank you for sharing! You’re already great by the way you are encouraging others (like me!) and glorifying Him. :) 
Dear sweet Arielle, please always remember and know how special and important you are. As one of my favourite bloggers, you inspire me to be great and keep me calm, you encourage my faith and your blog is my peaceful space. Thank you, we believe in you x 
Thank you so much Caley!
Thank you, Mindy, so much for your comment and encouragement! It blessed me today- thank you!! :)
Thank you Breanna!! :) Thank you for those encouraging words- it means so much. I hope I get to see you at a p31 meet up soon! xo
Thank you, Mariel! I hope you are blessed today :)
Thank you Lauren! I hope you are encouraged today! xo
Oh how awesome! Thank Kaylan :) Hope you and your sweet lil family are well! 
Thankyou for this beautiful post – something that I need to dwell on every day.
Well I think I made a bit of a mistake. Scheduling multiple client meetings and sessions 3 weeks after having a baby was just not a good idea. It wasn’t. And there is no one to blame but myself. I have three weddings coming up in a couple of weeks and I am so excited for them! I truly am. But three weeks after having a baby comes quick, and it came quicker than I could have imagined. All of this to say, that I think I learned my lesson. Or…. am learning my lesson. I see that I have a problem with telling people no and a bit of a struggle with people pleasing. If only I could say yes to everyone and not be stressed- yes that would be wonderful! But that is just not reality. This week, I have yelled more at Leland than I ever have (if you know me in real life, you know I don’t talk that much, let alone raise my voice.) I am trying to get adjusted to two little ones, emails, client meetings, sessions, and throw into the mix we are trying to sell our house. Which also means house showings (we had six showings the week we brought Beau home- phew!!) which in turn means extra cleaning ;) So I am saying all of this not to complain, definitely not. But I am realizing that pleasing people and being passive (especially when it comes to scheduling), in the long run, is much harder than just saying no. I have gone back and canceled sessions for this month, but it would have been much easier to have just said no in the beginning. I have’t been on the internet or social media much lately but when I opened up Facebook today I saw someone’s status that said this: “Your fear of displeasing people puts you in bondage to them, and they become your primary focus. When you realize this has happened, whisper my Name, this tiny act of trust brings Me to the forefront of your consciousness, where I belong. As you bask in the blessing of My nearness, My life can flow through you to others. This is abundant life!” – Jesus Calling “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever leans on, trusts in, and puts his confidence in the Lord is safe and set on high.” Proverbs 29:25 My eyes need to get back on Christ, and what His purpose for me is in this moment. I need to learn to say no, even if it means turning away some great opportunities. The Lord knows my heart, and right now…my two boys mean more to me than an extra session or opportunity.
I read that devotional this morning! I know I struggle with what people think of me way too much, when really, all that matters is what God thinks. 
Hi Arielle :), 
We talked a little about it today, but saying ‘no’ or ‘not right now’ is a good thing. You’ll be blessed through it, friend. Keep breathing and moving forward. You’re doing a great job with those little guys!! Even if you may not always feel that way, you are. Leland’s super sweet, even though his throwing aim needs some work. LOL ;) So glad we were able to spend some time together today, and please do feel free to say ‘yes’ to any of those little adventure cards I gave you anytime. :) You’re definitely not alone and you have so many people rooting for you, regardless of how many times you have to tell people ‘no.’ :)
Thank you so much for sharing this sweet post Arielle – I have been feeling so overwhelmed with social media and social events that I am losing focus on the all important things in life. I am running on overdrive and after every wedding, birthday, lunch or dinner – it is just too much! I am going to take a leaf out of your book x
Hi Holly! :) Don’t feel bad at all! I loved your email! Also, thank you for your words of encouragement. I am going to have go look up proverbs31.org now ;)
The last couple of weeks have definitely flown by! I would be lying if I said there wasn’t some hard moments during the past couple of weeks. I’d also be lying if I said that these past few weeks were harder than I thought they would be. It’s actually been easier than I thought it would be (minus a few things.) It was prepared in my mind that we would be going on very little sleep…that I wouldn’t be able to take a shower or get ready any more before 12pm…but really, that hasn’t been all true. Beau sleeps….like, a lot. Obviously, because he is a newborn and all. But he sleeps through the night (glory hallelujah!) and I’m not sure why God blessed us with a baby who loves to sleep and doesn’t make a peep- but I’m praising Him for it!! He is very laid back and I’m ok with that ;) We took these pictures within the first week of Beau being home mainly because I wanted to remember the newness of it all. Of being a new family of four. Of Leland meeting his little brother (and…let me tell you, it’s been interesting….) Of the first week which is usually, a blur :) Anyway, I’m thankful. My heart is full.
And a few iphone pictures….
Much love! 
Oh friend how precious!!! Your family is gorgeous and such beautiful pictures to remember these moments :)
Love the photo of all three of your men. So sweet! :) Glad Beau’s sleeping through the night for you!! <3 
SO gorgeous! 
These are so precious. What a huge blessing he’s such a great sleeper. :) Its silly to say given our different locations, but its crazy to me that you’re just getting your blossoms where ours ended around the beginning/middle of March! I miss them. I always focus so much on the pinks and never make it out to the white blossoms. Yours are beautiful!! 
Such beautiful pictures! 
So happy for you!
Thank you Ashley! :)
Thank you so much Heather! xo
Thank you Emily!! :) Oh wow…you are so lucky to have it so warm so early there! It was a late spring this year so I think the blossoms were all a little late here :)
Thank you, Elisha! xo
Thank you so much!! :) I hope all is well! xo
A month or so ago I pulled out my camera and took a few pictures of Beau’s little room. It is a small room, and we were kind of limited on space…but keeping everything light made the room more open. I’m so thankful for places like Home Goods, Hobby Lobby, and antique stores where we found most of the cowboy-themed decor for this room. His crib was a purchase off of Amazon and the dresser is an heirloom from our family. It’s a simple room, but I think it fits our little man just right ;)
rocking horse, yellow cabinet, wooden ladder: antique store
Love it! Masculine and simple. Very cute! Congrats again! 
What a precious little room for your little man! It’s so cute! 
Aww His room is soo cute!! I had to do the same thing with my daughter having a smaller room as well. :)
Such a perfect room for a precious little cowboy x 
Beau’s room is cowboy heaven! I love the mix of vintage and retro! Beautiful!
This is so precious! I can’t wait to meet this little guy :) 
What a neat room for Beau. Very unique and cute. 
Love its simplicity! And the yellow shelf??? ADORE! Great job, Mama! 
Such a fun theme idea for a boy!! I love the horse mobile, SO cute!! The vintage touches are just your style! And I love how you kept it bright & simple! :) 
Love this nursery! I actually shared mine today on my blog and it’s super tiny. I think yours looks bigger. You did an amazing job. The white really opens it up!
also http://www.laceykeyphotography.blogspot.com like that facebook websit.. i love you look of your photos 
I just love all the details in his room! Especially horse mobile and the basket of stuffed animals. So cute!
I love the rope name!! The cowboy theme is the cutest ever. I’m all for simple, clean and non clutter-ee (its a word) and you pulled this off to a T! 
Aw those baby cowboy boots are so sweet!!!! 
His room is gorgeous Arielle. Love the decor. 
Beautiful!! We have that same crib, I love it because it’s so classic and simple! 
so adorably sweet, arielle!! love the simplicity of your cowboy theme … it won’t be too long before he’s old enough to appreciate all the love that you put into this room for him! :)
Thank you, Deborah! :) I hope all is well!
Thank you Olivia! And yes- I love this crib! Definitely a classic! Hope you and your sweet family are well!
Thank you so much Lindsay! I hope all is well! xo
Thank you!! :)
Thank you so much Amy! :) I hope all is well!
Thank you so much!! :)
This is a little bit of a late reply but thank you so much Sarah!! :) I hope you have a blessed day!
Thank you so much for the kind words Amy! Blessings! :)
Thank you so much Amelia! :)
Thank you so much Caley! :) xo
Thank you, Heather! :) Blessings!
Thank you so much Wendi! :) |
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I really love spring, this year especially. The winter has been long and cold with us too, so all things new and not white exite me!
These are beautiful images Arielle, you have a lovely family x
Your sweet little family is so precious! It looks like Leland is at such a fun age!
Too cute! That kid is so funny! :)
What a “beautiful” collection of the fun part of being out with the ones you cherish most…Thanks for sharing!!!! Terra!
Aww your boys are just too cute!! I love looking at all your pictures you talented girl. :)
Your family is beautiful, Arielle! You are truly a super mom. :)