Confessions of my 5th Year of Motherhood

FIVE!!!!! I've been mothering Vivian Louise for FIVE years! I'm in awe and full of gratitude for the blessing of these past 5 years. This 5th birthday had a big impact on me. 

To me 5 represents a big girl and one that will be off to kindergarten. 5 isn't a toddler anymore and she's a graduate of preschool. 5 is a girl that is capable of so much and shares so much all on her own. 5 is a whole hand, half a decade and a milestone door into a year of big milestones! 

These annual posts on my journey as a mother are my most favorite to write because of all the things I do, being wife and mother are my most important. They are purposeful roles God has bestowed upon me and I pray I steward them well.

Here are the last 4 years of confessionals ...

Confessions of my 1st Year

Confessions of my 2nd Year

Confessions of my 3rd Year

Confessions of my 4th Year

A lot has stayed the same year after year. I've always maintained a strict schedule, wake up at 5am every day for time alone to do ALL the things, exercise daily, drink big cups of piping hot black coffee twice a day, dress us alike as often as I can, rarely give her a bath, struggle to get her to eat a variety of foods, but most importantly I continue to put down the to do list to play and have fun! 

My Confessions of my 5th Year of Motherhood ...

I'm Back in the Office

My first day of work 2-2-2022

I chose to leave my corporate career after holding our darling tiny girl in my arms. I've had to practice having contentment throughout these years as a part of me has missed it greatly. After receiving a few opportunities that were not a fit I had a friend connect me with a medical practice that needed administrative contribution that was part time and was completely work from home. From my first phone call with my boss it has been a perfect fit! 

I feel so valuable contributing to the business and having the ability to still maintain my lifestyle and responsibilities to my family.  It has been a rewarding addition. Even Vivian has a little desk set up next to mine for when I have to work when she's home from school.

I'm a Cheerleader

Vivian is continuing to take tap & ballet lessons and we've added gymnastics (her favorite!) and swim lessons. Soon she'll start soccer. I'm officially toting her to and from and I don't mind it one little bit.  It actually gives me ample opportunity to work uninterrupted and run errands. I've even made some mamma Friends. 

It's so exciting to see her learn new things and accomplish new goals. I absolutely love cheering her on!

I've Established a Village

Good Godly friendships is something I've been praying for since being in this season of motherhood. I've craved fellowship, understanding and fun. There have been times of frustrations (I need not to mention the isolation of 2020) but in His timing He has purposefully and perfectly placed the loveliest ladies in my life to love and encourage me! It truly takes a village and I'm so grateful I've been gifted a great one!

I Lead

I have a long history of leadership in nonprofits including being president of one and I've been leading a Sunday School class for high school girls for years now. This year alongside my dearest gal pal we are leading a 'Mothers of Preschoolers' group. It is a part of an international group that I highly recommend to all mothers. We meet twice a month with an additional social night. We work hard each week to share encouragement, knowledge, fun and Jesus with these mothers. These mothers are a blessing and I pray that I can be one to them.

I'm Now a Mother of 3

We brought Trixie home on 9-17-2022

I passionately and sternly without hesitation have killed Ryan's life long dream of having a Labrador for 16 years (the length of our relationship). I really wanted to soften my heart to his wants as he supports every single one of mine. So we added puppy Trixie to our home. As sweet as she is it has been very challenging for me and a big lesson in selfless love. Bunny Ethel & Trixie were quick friends and both bring joy to Vivian and Ryan. Their joy brings me joy :)

Ethel turned 1 in June

I have a Mini Travel Companion

Most of my travel is with my gal pals, Ryan or as a family. After taking Vivian on a girls trip to the beach just us two in '21 I decided I wanted to do more. I took Vivian on a few trips which included her first boat ride, hotel stay and immeasurable fun! She is a fantastic travel companion. I have already booked more for this Summer. 

I Have Extended Hours

With the start of school this Fall Vivian decided that she wanted to skip her afternoon naps. This was horrific to me! She's been the BEST sleeper her entire life with 12 hour night sleeps and 2+ hour naps every single day of her life. It was a gradual decline and she still has independent quiet time. It was a big adjustment for me but one that's ended up being enjoyable. She has afternoon activities that are now easier to attend and she's a respectful sidekick while I work or tackle my to-do's.

I've Established Traditions

Vivian loves going out! Both Ryan and I started including her on one on one dates and as a family. I also have taken her on outings with my friends. It makes her feel fancy and special so we've incorporated dates with her each week. But our favorite weekly tradition is on Friday nights with a movie and pizza. She looks forward to it all week long. She often builds forts for us to snuggle in but most often we chose our big bed. I love the tradition and special time together.

I'm a Little More Hands Free

Vivian has become more and more independent and it's bittersweet for me. There's a lot of things she's capable of doing that I still hold on to and do for her. It makes me feel so needed. It's hard to let go of my baby but exciting to see her bravely become a big girl. 

I Sit Still (A Little)

I've been more intentional in sitting still in the Word, preferably outside enjoying the sun and bird songs. I'm a Type A, Enneagram 1, control freak that slowing down doesn't come easy to but I'm doing my best to dedicate time to stillness so that I can fill my heart with His will for me each day. 

Being Vivian Louise's mother is a privilege and honor that I thank God for each and every day. I pray that I look to Him for guidance, strength, patience and mercy as I raise her each and every year.

Dress Beautifully in Motherhood

XOXO Sarah Louise

Closets & Cabinets & Drawers Oh My!

TGIF! This isn't my typical 'Friday Favorites' post but it fits because organizing is one of my favorite things. I thrive on a tidy and orderly home. I actually smile when I see empty shelves and space in closets. 

Note: I'm fairly minimal, except in my closet!! 

Please don't judge! We all have our issues.

I took advantage of having Trixie away at training and Ryan being off of work and took an entire day to go through our home and edit/organize nearly every single cabinet, closet and drawer.

There's still a few places left but nothing an afternoon can't tackle. 

There are a lot of popular organizing methods out there and I take a little bit of inspiration from several to make a process that works for my time and house. 

Note: I do not invest much into the trending clear bins, organizers & labels (It can get really pricey) But I do believe in using containers. I use clear shoe bins purchased at the dollar store, nice shoe boxes and baskets I find at low prices. 

Here's how I tackle organizing ....

- Make a list

    I write down what specific cabinets, closets, drawers I need to address

- Schedule a day

    Set intentional time, dedicated to the project 

- Start

    just pick an area and go for it (I started downstairs while everyone was still sleeping in the early morning) 

- Throw away

    Donating is great (do that too) but often it's not something to resale and you don't need to save it!

- Embrace Empty

    Not every shelf needs to be filled. I find empty space enjoyable 

- Do what you can

    Interruptions happen! I had to work, eat lunch, Vivian came home from dance wanting to participate so I had to move around from area to area and that's ok - just keep going.

- Drop off donate immediately

    I'm literally shaking my head as I type this ... I am very guilty of driving around with bags of donate in my trunk for a time I'm too embarrassed to share lol

When deliberating on something that's not easy to decide on whether to keep or donate, I ask myself "If I were moving is this something I would want to pack and move into a new home?"

After all the hard work I have decided to add these products:

Plastic Bag Organizer & Grocery Bag Holder

Dress Your Home Beautifully 

with Organized Spaces

XOXO Sarah Louise

Now & Later

Long skirts have gained a ton of real estate space in may closet over the past few years. I get so much more femininity, color, print and comfort over a pair of jeans but still have the same coverage. 

Perk: With a long skirt you still don't have to shave or use tanning lotion (a must for my fair self!)

Here's how I style them across the seasons ...

I chose a dark burgundy color (black, olive and brown would be lovely too)

A leather or denim jacket would add a warm layer.

For Cooler Days:

Darker colors

Sweaters

Vests/Jackets

Boots

Swap the dark color out for a lighter shade top and add sandals or sneakers

For Warmer Days:

Light colors

Tees/Tanks (even a crop top for vacation!)

Cotton

Sandals

Sneakers

I truly believe a long skirt with colors & prints that feel pretty to you will be a great investment in your wardrobe as a piece that transitions across seasons and occasions. 

Perk: I also believe they make you look taller when keeping the waist high and top tucked in/cropped.

Top - My Skirt - Similar Skirt & Here & Here - Boots

Dress Beautifully in a Long Skirt 

All Year Long

XOXO Sarah Louise

Workout Wear

 Happy Monday gals! I exercise nearly every single day, therefore I wear workout clothes a lot and yet I rarely share about these necessities in my wardrobe. 

I focus primarily on function when it comes to these pieces as I do a lot of high intensity movements and I want lots of support and a very good snug fit that keeps me cool and moving easy. But I do still want them to look good too. 

Bathroom selfie b/c I felt silly taking a pic in the gym weight room

I don't have a big variety when it comes to my workout wear. I wear the same tops in many colors/prints, leggings, shorts and tennis skirts. Sports bras is where I do have a big mix. I buy them when I find one that can do the job and that's often at random retailers. 

Note: I ONLY wear workout clothing while actually exercising. Never ever outside the gym or running/walking. Never. 

Note: These pieces are an investment and one I value due to function and frequency of wear. I wash them on delicate and air dry!

Here are the pieces I workout in ...

Tank Top

I have this is so many colors! 

Very light & cool

I wear a size 0 or 2

Training Tank

This one is cropped so I size up to a 4 for length.

It's modern, cool and super easy to move in

High Rise Tight

these are the ONLY ones I wear

I wear a size 2 and can run, jump and do all the moves easily

Shorts

I wear these mostly in the summer for running & outdoor exercise

I size up to a 4 or 6

Skirt

I absolutely love wearing these in the warmer months

A very feminine look when being athletic

I like the longer length and size up to a 6

I wear this classic skirt too

High Impact Bra

I like this one for support & sizing

Socks

These are an investment but the only socks I wear

I have painful arthritic feet so these are necessary 

Running Shoe

I've been running in this shoe for 20 years!

It is the BEST

Exercise Shoe

I wear these at the gym and outside.

I do all forms of exercise in these.

Mat

I just upgraded my very very old mat to this one and love it.

I use a mat daily.

Dress Beautifully While You Exercise

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Celebration Tops

 TGIF! This week was a fun one! Vivian was out of school on Monday which just so happened to be a day that Ryan had off of work. We surprised her and went to a ranch where you drive around the property and can feed animals out of your car! We were also able to tour the property and feed/pet them.  It was a hoot of a time for us all! 

Today is also a big day as we are saying goodbye to puppy Trixie for 3 weeks while she is being trained by a professional. I've been so frustrated with the puppy phase but now that she's gone I find myself a tiny bit sad until I remember her crazy and I'm happy with our decision to better all of our lives.

My Top & Earrings

As I look at my calendar there are so many celebrations already filling it up! Birthdays, girls nights and events. A snazzy top is great option for these occasions. You can simply pair with jeans or trousers. 

Tip: I find a super skinny pants with heels is the most fun!

Here are some tops perfect to celebrate in ... 

Classic Peplum

also in black

Teal Peplum

Fitted Ruffle Shoulder

Simple but so chic in all black

Lace Sleeveless

also in pink

Red Puff Sleeve 

red is always a sassy shade

Sheer Sleeve Top

I have this in white

also in red & black

Shiny Color Block

this is a statement but I love it!

Shiny Sleeveless 

2 other colors

Pink Cut Out Lace

Sheer Bow Blouse

Dress Beautifully at Celebrations

XOXO Sarah Louise