CELEBRATE YOURSELF

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After running a couple of errands today, I popped into a boutique to snag a gift for my mom for Mother’s Day. Minutes later, I had found something (ironically, the store is called FOUND), and then I meandered through the shop with a whisper of a thought, “Why don’t you celebrate yourself too?” Following that, I remembered feelings of jealousy of the other moms being celebrated by their partners, feelings of anger surrounding how motherhood has changed with divorce, shame telling me I should just be thankful I get to be a mom no matter the circumstances, desires for my community to celebrate, and then shame for putting that responsibility of celebration on anyone at all for a made-up holiday🤪...I obviously was triggered anticipating Mother’s Day, headed toward a pity party in a pit, and at the core of it all was a valid longing for celebration. 

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A sales lady walked up to me asking if I wanted to buy the candle I was holding in my hand. I told her I’m considering gifting it to myself this Mother’s Day. She quickly followed, “Yeah, girl, pick out what you want instead of hoping he knows what you want.” “I’m actually a single parent, and I thought that maybe this year I would celebrate myself instead of wishing someone else does it,” I said. She paused and said, “That’s exactly what you should do! I was a single mom for 11 years, and it was really hard. For the first five years, I wished to be celebrated, and when other people tried, it never felt right or satisfied me. I realized I needed to do it for myself on Mother’s Day and all the days of motherhood because only I know all of the wins and losses. You are the best person to celebrate YOU, and when someone else does celebrate you, it’ll be a bonus.” I thanked her for her wisdom, I bought the candle, and I found more than I bargained for at that store. 

I am SO grateful for the blessing of motherhood, but even four years later, as strong as I am and as capable as I am, it’s still hard doing it alone, especially this month. So, I want to remind the fellow single moms out there that feel unseen on this upcoming holiday that we need to learn to celebrate ourselves, especially in the hard seasons. And remember, you can be grateful for your kids and still desire to celebrate and acknowledge your accomplishments as a mother. You are not selfish. You are human. You are doing one of the hardest, beautiful things in this life...loving your children unconditionally. 💛 Share this with a single mom that needs to hear this today.

2019 Family Photos

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There might be someone missing from your family photos this year. It could be a spouse, a child, a parent...You probably don’t want to take photos this year, and you might even be dreading the slew of holiday cards showing happy faces. May I encourage you to do them anyway? Even if your heart is heavy and you can barely put a smile on your face?

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Three years ago, when my family was changing, I asked Rennai to take photos of us (click here to see). It was hard, but even though I didn’t send holiday cards the last couple of years, I took the pictures.

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Even when I couldn’t celebrate my year or my circumstances, I took the pictures. Even though I felt embarrassed that I was a single parent, I took the pictures.

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I did it because of these two beside me, and I did it for myself as a triumphant declaration that nothing was going to stop me from traditions I love, not even grief. I wanted my kids to look at these photos and remember the face of their loving mother throughout the years and seasons. I wanted them to see the evolution of a woman finding her strength.

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From skin and bones to healthy and happy...These photos are and have been for them and for me. 🥰 Sharing them with you is a bonus. Swipe to see more. Thank you, @rennaihoefer, for capturing these for us and loving us so well.💛

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Happy Holidays from Us to You

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Though I haven’t been posting here as often as the years prior, I want you to know how thankful I am for your support over this past year and half as my family has transitioned to the three amigos.

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We’re finally feeling “normal” and have hit our groove. I’m finally used to my new life and my new job too.

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We are glad to say good-bye to 2018 in a lot of ways, but are thankful for all of the growth that came out of it. We are looking ahead to 2019 and excited for all that it will bring. We will be sure to take you guys along with us too.

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We hope you had the best Christmas, and we’re wishing you the happiest New Year!

Love,

Alex, Elle and Levi

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

Levi's Big Boy Room

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Levi turns 3 this week. I just can’t believe it. He has officially started wearing clothes without the letter “t” in the size, he is potty trained, and he is definitely ready for a big boy bed. For his 3rd birthday I partnered with Living Spaces to pack away the crib and graduate him to a bonafide twin bed.

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It sure was an emotional day when that crib left the house. Countless hours have been spent rocking my babies over that crib. I remember the day we first set it up and how I couldn’t believe a baby would be sleeping in it. Now, here I am…The crib is gone and Levi is sleeping in one of the most gorgeous twin beds I have ever seen.

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He is practically Prince and the Pea because he has the nicest mattress ever. If you didn’t know, they have their own mattress line called Revive. I got the R2 plush mattress, and I wish I had one for my bed. I own one for my guest room, and after sleeping on it I was hooked. They also do a lot of giving back to their communities. During certain times of year they do buy 1, give 1 events where for each mattress purchased a twin mattress is donated to a foster family through Arizona Helping Hands. So cool, right?!

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I kept all of the items from his nursery, and I rearranged the room to incorporate a twin bed. Instead of keeping the big mirror hanging above the bed, I moved the dresser to the opposite side of the room and put the mirror above it. This created some space to put up a wall clock and have the bookshelf be more of a focal point.

If you’re looking to design a room for your son or daughter, I have shared some tips on Living Spaces’ Behind the Design blog.

All in all I still love his room. I’ll miss the beautiful nursery that I brought him home to, but this space is just as great and one for him to grow into.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

Elle's First Day of Kindergarten

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My Elle, my Daughter; 

You are  just one month shy of your 6th birthday, and today you had your first day of kindergarten. You couldn’t wait to FaceTime to tell me all about your day, and, just like I knew you would, you had a blast. 😊️ But this morning, wow, this morning...More than the smiles of a great day or the pride from a school award, I saw it. I got a glimpse of your glory - who you were made to be and becoming.

You had tears in your eyes this morning. “Mommy, I’m scared,” you said. “What are you scared of?” I asked. “I’m scared because I don’t know anyone and I don’t know where to go and I don’t know what we are doing,” you cried. You were scared of the unknown. You held my hand so tight as you stood in the line waiting to go inside with your class. “You’re going to be ok,” I said. “It’s time to say your good-byes!” the teacher shouted. You gave me one big squeeze, and then you let go. You walked single file following the teacher. You looked back at us with watery eyes, but the tears were gone. We waved, and then I saw it. Right before you took your first step inside the school your back straightened & you raised your head higher & then you stepped into the fear & walked through the doors.

There have been many times when you have had to face fear and let go of me: your first steps, learning to swim and this year as you switched back and forth to houses confused and scared about what was going on and what was going to happen. I forget the fear that you have had to face too, and so I forget the bravery you have had to show just as much as I have. God was not mistaken when He told me He made you like me. Today, you showed me how God sees me. And today, you showed me how brave and strong you are. You are radiant! It took my breath away. And maybe one day you will read this and roll your eyes, but maybe one day you will read this on a scared day & remember the truth of who you are. Let go because you are brave & you will be ok.

Love, Mom.