Adventures In Parenting Continued

Oh hello there!

Our home has been completely transformed.
The dining room is now an airplane and a car, allowing Penny and Lilly to go on their work trip.

They work on their "computers" (open books) looking for homes for people to buy - that's how they explained it to me.

Their room is their house.
Our master bedroom is the hotel.
The master bathroom has a pocket door so they use that as the elevator, which is exactly what my friend Melody and I used to pretend in her parents master bathroom. 

The other day Zach said, "just let them be kids."
It really struck me.
I am so controlling when it comes to keeping an aesthetically pleasing home at all times.
I strongly dislike toys in the living room.
I can't stand when blankets are strewn about.
But then as soon as other kids come over I don't mind that it's a free-for-all. 

I need to lighten up and let Penny and Lilly just be kids more often. 
It's so fun to see their imaginations soar. 
It's hilarious to hear their banter because a lot of it is things they've picked up from Zach and myself.

Penny loves to direct the majority of play, "How about I woke up and you told me you lost the keys." 
Lilly is cautious to create her own thoughts of where play should go.
Mainly she says exactly what Penny tells her to.
Sometimes, very rarely, she'll get extremely mad and say things like, "You never let me make anything up!"
So it's a moment of pride today when she responds, "Are they in the garbage can? Are they in the suitcase? Are they in Dorothy's car seat?" instead of saying, "I lost the car keys."

They found the car keys.
Dorothy gets put in the back seat in her car seat.
And they're off.

P "How about I rolled up all the car windows and she's like, "uhhhgghh." 
L "Uhhhgghh."
P "And then she says, "I don't want to be in this carseat." 
L "I don't want to be in this carseat."
P "Then she wants to unbuckle."

L no response

P "Then I had to chat with the police because they saw there wasn't a driver. I had to explain it's a car that drives itself." 

That's good stuff right there!

I follow @runwild.mychild on Instagram and they posted a photo with the caption, "Kids don't remember their best days of television."
It is too true. 
As a former child, I don't look back and remember days I sat in front of the tv.
I remember the moments of doing things.
I vividly remember playing frisbee in the street, tennis down at the courts, swimming at City Beach, hiking Big Mountain, camping at the Reservoir, having "yard sales" with my siblings and them never wanting my stuff because it was too juvenile for them, softball in our yard, picking huckleberries, going on drives to Glacier and the Bison Range, reading books in the library where my mom worked, and all the other times I wasn't sitting in front of a tv. 

So, what do you say?! Ready to make memories with your little loves that don't involve a tv?!

Cheers to being a memory maker, 
 Nicole 

Share with me your favorite childhood memory [could be yours and/or one you share with your kid(s)] either on Instagram @welcometothedowlers or in the comments here. 

Adventures in Parenting

Hello! I’m so glad you’re here! 

My hope is these "Adventures in Parenting" posts can be a space for parents to relate, feel encouraged, and sometimes laugh out loud from the ridiculousness that can be parenting.

You’re going to get such a fun glimpse into the lives of two amazing sisters Penny and Lilly.

I have the absolute pleasure of being their mom.

Aside from 9 months in Salt Lake City, Utah Penny and Lilly have lived in the Flathead Valley in Montana their whole lives. This area has a fleeting spring; beautiful summer that is usually interrupted when smoke from wildfires moves in; a long, cloudy fall; and a harsh, snowy winter when temperatures drop and mostly stay under 30 degrees F.

Penny and Lilly are 18 months and 1 day apart. Penny is 7 and very much looking forward to turning 8 in August. Lilly turned 6 in February. We get asked if they’re twins almost every time we are out in public. Which is really funny to me because aside from them being the same height they don’t share many physical characteristics. 

A little bit of our history:

• When Penny was 8 months old I quit my job (as an apartment complex manager) to stay home with her. I started a blog called "Adventures in Staying Home" where I shared all my new mommy thoughts, and sometimes tips and tricks I was learning. One month into staying home I got pregnant with Lilly. Two under two was time-consuming so the blog didn't get much (or any) attention.
• Our family loves hiking, rafting, traveling, and hanging out with friends and family.
• This past school year I homeschooled Penny (2^nd grade) and Lilly (Kindergarten).
• We did the whole living in a travel trailer thang for quite a few months back in 2017/2018.

I want to share a quote from a best friend's mom, Patricia Faustini, who passed away a couple years ago. "Being a remarkable fantastic mother changes peoples lives and to this you are called. Love Patti" Patti wrote this sweet encouragement to me many years ago when I was struggling with being mother. 

Sometimes parenting is overwhelming. Mom guilt is real and can consume me with doubt, fear, and general exhaustion that I'm not good enough. When Patti shared those words it was a sweet reminder that I'm enough. I am remarkable and fantastic even when [fill in the blank]. I am remarkable and fantastic even if [fill in the blank]. 

Sometimes parenting is hilarious. At 5 years old one of the girls said, "I guess my foot didn't get any sleep last night cause it's asleep." Another time she said, "Mom, you should be an octopus. Then you could cook dinner, look at your phone, do the dishes, look in the fridge." One time we were at a restaurant eating outside and a bird flew on a table and started eating the leftover food. Lilly said, "He's such a good helper cleaning that table." I laughed and said, "you are hilarious!" She immediately responded, "I was born to be hilarious!"

Sometimes parenting is just right. Routines are flowing, everyone's getting along, and all is good.

Wherever you're at today, my hope is that you know you are enough. You have everything it takes to be the best parent you can be. 

Love well, 

Nicole 

Creating Quality Family Connections

No one sets out with a plan to neglect building family relationships. Our lives just seem to fill up with all sorts of to-do's and distractions. Sometimes, it even happens to the most intentional of us. 

It is so important to form deep bonds that help us feel safe and secure, but also we need to feel wanted. We need to feel like we're awesome to be around! Sometimes we need to remember to get out of our comfortable routines, mix it up a little, and have some good old-fashion fun together! 

So, what do you say, can you make some time to participate in a connection builder?

FAMILY NIGHT

This is a time for everyone who lives in the home to come together, either around the table or on the couch, and enjoy some quality time together. You can gather weekly or monthly. Play board games or watch a movie. Eat pizza, popcorn, candy, or allow everyone to pick their favorite snack. This should be such a special treat of a night that everyone looks forward to it! The key here is tradition, consistency, and keeping it purely fun!

OUR MOTTO
Is there a phrase or question or affirmation you want to incorporate into your family? Here are a few examples to use, or they might help you create your own. 

"In our family we build each other up. There are plenty of people who will try to tear us down."

"How were you kind today?"
"In our family we not only see the good, but we also do good."
"Whatever we do, we do it to the best of our ability."

When our girls were 2 and 4 we started saying, "kind words, happy heart, gentle hands" to remind us that our words and actions affect others. It’s something we still say to this day. 

PASS THE FAVOR TRINKET

Choose a little item. It can be a key, a rock, a figurine. Start by giving it to the oldest person. They can now ask any other family member to do a favor for them. If the family member does the favor, they get possession of the trinket and can ask a favor of anyone. The intent is learning how great it feels to help others. 

HUG

Hugs have healing power! Hugging lowers blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety, and the stress hormone cortisol. When we hug for more than 8 seconds our body releases oxytocin, which is a hormone that increases bonding and a sense of belonging. Hug it out and physically feel that connection building!

DO UNTO OTHERS

The point is to build self-esteem by saying or doing things that portray to another member of the family "you're special and appreciated."

Everyone chooses someone that for one week they will focus on. It doesn't have to be daily, but during that week you can leave a note on their pillow, buy them their favorite snack or 'that thing' they mentioned they wanted, fold/put away their laundry, draw or paint something for them. Get thoughtful. How can you uniquely show that person they are loved?

READERS ARE LEADERS

There are so many amazing books to read together as a family! 

Simply choose one reader, or take turns reading paragraphs, or chapters.
If you want to get creative and bring the book to life :

Make food mentioned in it. 
Dress up as your favorite character.

Art projects galore.

Buy a toy of a character. 

Act it out.

VISION BOARD

You'll need: 

poster board

markers
magazines/newspapers
scissors

Fill the poster board with words that describe your family, places you love to visit or hope to visit, food you enjoy, things that make you happy, etc. 

ONE-ON-ONE DATES

At least monthly every member of the family should have one-on-one time with each other. 

DINNER HELPER

They get to pick the meal. Set the table. Help make the food they chose. Whomever didn't make the meal cleans up!

YEARLY INVENTORY

Verbalize everything you are thankful for from the past year. 
This can be things you've seen, learned, done, begun, finished, decided, experienced.
And then share what you are looking forward to in the coming year.
 

The people you love are the most important relationships throughout your entire life.

My best advice to you is to try your absolute hardest to pursue connection over and over again with all those you love. 

Love well,

Nicole

5 Simple Ways To Improve Your Parenting

Hello fellow parents!

I will never claim to have all the answers or know what works best for you and your specific circumstance.
But what I hope to do is encourage you!
Encourage you to be a little goofier today than you were yesterday.
Encourage you to be a little more grace-giving each day.
Encourage you to be a little more mindful of the hearts + minds you've been given the gift of raising.

Five Things To Remember In Order To Improve Your Parenting

1. The Big Picture
You are never done parenting.
You are tasked with raising up the next generation.
You are leaving a legacy.
Let's pause there. What a heavy obligation we have.
Let's lighten the load. LAUGH. Right now. Out loud.
I don't care if you're in an awkward spot, what are you doing reading a blog during work hours anyway? ;)
Now laugh at how goofy that forced laugh was!
Personally, I feel we all take ourselves a little too seriously.
We mess up once and think we've scarred our kids forever.
We get these big ideas that when we fail, we've failed indefinitely.
[I can't mention failings without saying, I am not encouraging abuse (physical, sexual, mental, or verbal) or neglect.
Those aren't failings we can just brush off.
If you have failed in the aforementioned ways, get professional help!
There is no shame in seeking the help you need.]
What I am talking about is muttering a curse word under your breath at the fact your 2.5 year old managed to spill that *cussing* bowl of soggy cereal and milk again.
Failings of that nature. Ya know?
The things they'll tell their future spouse about that 'WE WILL NEVER DO AS PARENTS.'
The things they'll call you sobbing about when they have kids of their own.

2. Be A Problem Solver
This world needs problem solvers.
There are so many problems both big and small and they all need solutions.
I've never read Love and Logic, but I have read a quote of theirs and BOOYAH, problem solvers unite! "When children cause problems, parents hand these problems back in loving ways. Love allows children to grow through their mistakes. Logic allows them to learn from the consequences of their choices."
Give them two solutions, here's an example : little love, you need to pick up your room. You can either pick up your room right now and have dessert after dinner. Or you can eat dinner and then pick up your room while the rest of the family is eating dessert without you.
Or is that bribing? Maybe try bribing first, and if that doesn't work, then give them two solutions to choose from.
Kidding. Only a little bit.
But seriously, if you give them two solutions to their problem when it comes to solving (dare I say BIGGER - because to littles all their problems are already BIG) problems later in life you're going to have someone who understands there is always more than one solution, and there are real consequences to choosing negatively.

3. Emotional Intelligence
Talk about feelings. Start with happy, sad, mad.
Express your feelings as often as you can.
Use this phrase as a jumping off point that I learned from The Gottman Institute :
I feel...about...I need.
Examples : I feel happy when the house is clean. I need you to pick up toys you're not playing with.
I feel sad about not being listened to. I need you to repeat what I say so I know you hear what I'm saying.
I feel mad about my vase being broken. I need to take a few deep breaths before we continue our conversation.
Use it on your spouse too!
That gentle start up, expressing your own feelings, and not pointing blame works on even the toughest defensive person [me, I'm talking about me]!
Use it on your coworkers! Use it on friends!
We need more people who are willing to talk about feelings!!

4. Take Responsibility 
A sincere apology seems to be like a unicorn in this day and age.
A mystical, magical thing that isn't real.
We need more people who admit to their wrongdoings.
We all mess up. It's inevitable.
What we don't all do is apologize. But we should.
Here's an outline to use in your own apologies.
I won't give specific answers, because it needs to be genuine, from YOUR heart.
I am sorry for _______. That was wrong because _____. In the future I will _____. Will you forgive me?

5. You Are THE Example
Be the father/mother you hope they are one day.
You are possibly (most likely) parenting a future parent.
What do you want them to remember?
What do you want them to mimic?
I think most of us have the goal of raising well-rounded, decent human beings who make society a bit more bearable.
In order to raise those people, we need to work on ourselves and the parents we are.
Deciding to become a better mom/dad, doesn't mean it's going to happen overnight.
Start small.
If you yell [like myself] when you've 'had it up to here' then maybe your solution is to start with catching yourself and apologizing immediately. Catching yourself and saying, "can I start over?" Catching yourself as you're about to open your mouth and taking in a deep breath or WHISPERING!
Yes, I put whispering in all caps because whisper yelling is most of the time just as effective as loud, ear-piercing, make you both want to cry yelling.
You're welcome for the tips.
You're welcome for the encouragement.
What can I say except you're welcome?
**Any parents catch that line from Moana?
Fist pump if you did!
Seriously, quit taking yourself so seriously!**

Give yourself more grace!

Love well,
Nicole

Love Languages for Kids

Here are the 5 love languages given by Gary Chapman : 

Words of Affirmation

Acts of Service

Receiving Gifts

Quality Time

Physical Touch

Do you know your child's love language?

Penelope is three and a half and it is extremely noticeable that words of affirmation is her top love language, followed closely by physical touch. Penny can wake up in a sour mood and all it takes are some compliments and a mini back-rub to turn her day around.

Lillian is two and I've caught on that her top love language is physical touch followed by quality time. In Lilly's perfect world we would spend an hour staring into each other's eyes while I hold her in my lap, allowing one of her hands to be on my chest while the other rests on her chest - all in silence of course. 

Children need love, lots and lots of love. 

I think it's very important that children are shown love in a variety of ways. 
But if you can pinpoint how they receive it best, do that love language most!


Words of Affirmation

• compliments
• encouragement
• positive reinforcement
• cautious of speaking in harsh tones

Acts of Service

• doing the tasks they can't do for themselves (when they're older do tasks for them that they have learned to do for themselves, but don't enable laziness)
• helping them practice sports, flash cards for tests, instruments, etc.
• teaching them the importance of serving others
• fix broken toys, sew buttons/tears/rips on clothing

Receiving Gifts

• homemade cards (spend time on a nice picture or words)
• small/inexpensive trinkets
• well thought out large/expensive gifts
• items from nature (rocks, leaves, etc.)

Quality Time

• Go on a one-on-one date
• Read books, make crafts, adventure outside, play
• Put away distractions, get on their level, and just BE with them (for at least a half hour)
• Ask open-ended questions to encourage conversation 

Physical Touch

• hugs
• hand on shoulder
• hold hands
• back/foot/hand rubs

Us parents have the difficult task of shaping and raising future generations.  

 Thankfully, the Beatles make it sound easy when they say, "all you need is love."

They still bring up this "magical adventure meal"
when they got to eat in the window seat
because we sold our dining table.

Love well, friends! 
Love well!

For : the stay-at-home parent

Greetings!

I recently saw someone I hadn't seen in a couple years.
He asked how I've been, what I've been up to, what I do for work?

My response : "I'm just a stay-at-home mom."

Instantly, I cringed at my response.
Just. I am not JUST anything.

I am a pirate, a queen,

and a multitude of other characters.

I am an elephant, a bear,

and countless other animals.

I am a toilet bowl cleaner, cook, 

and a doer of many other household chores. 

I am a supporter, a listener, an ouchie kisser, 

and I possess a mishmash of other qualities. 

Today, as I'm planning out Christmas gifts, I am the best bargain hunter and thrift-scorer! 

I need to give myself more credit for what it is I actually do all day. 

And if I know other stay-at-home parents like I think I do, 

you need to give yourself more credit as well! 

Being a stay-at-home parent is not for the meek.
You are an eclectic mix with an extremely broad resumé.

Embrace your multiple identities!

Be the best you can be! 

Do 'work' you're proud of!

Love. Love well!

And remember, you're not just anything...

Wishing you all the best in your parenting journey,

Nicole

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Being A Parent

Oh, parents! 

May you never forget the moment your child arrived.

When your child is new to you there is this connection that is indescribable! 

You're in "the love bubble."

Penelope Joy

Lillian August

They are perfect. 
They smell so stinking delicious you really do just want to eat them right up! 

Years go on and things change :
Just like with any relationship the excitement, newness, thrill-of-it-all dissipates.

You find yourself realizing :

The infatuation has worn off...with my kid(s)!

But the thing about being a parent : there is no "breaking up." 

You're in it for the long-haul. 

So, what does this really mean?!

You have to start putting in serious work.
You have to choose to love them through it all. 
You have to start being intentional. 

Take a few deep breaths. 

Now, have a dance party! 

Allow your kids to be kids.

Let them get dirty.

Read them their favorite book over & over.

Get on their level & explore the magic in everything. 

Give them more hugs. 

Did you know kids give THE BEST hugs?!

Never forget the joy. 
Don't give up.
Love them unconditionally.
Love them well. 

Wishing you all the best in your parenting journey!  

20 Things I Want You To Know & Remember

Dear little love,

I promise to always love you. 

I promise to always welcome you with an open heart & arms. 

I am beyond blessed that God gifted me with you.

I am here to help guide you in creating a wonderful life...

20 things I want you to know & remember. 

1. Love God. Above all else, pursue relationship with Jesus. Every day should start with, "Hello, Jesus!" and end with "Goodnight, God!" Pray without ceasing.
2. Go on adventures; no matter how big or small. 
3. Be a great friend.
4. Create. Play. Draw. Paint. 
5. Read something every day.
6. Get outside as much as possible. Breathe in the fresh air. Explore the outdoors. 
Skip. Jump. Run. Climb. 
7. Ooze positivity. You & those around you will benefit greatly.  
8. Accept others for who they are. 
9. Exude the fruit of The Spirit : love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness & self-control.
10. Keep it simple. 
11. Be confident in who you are.
12. Maintain your health : body, mind & spirit.
13. Love well. Love God, family, friends, acquaintances & strangers. 
14. Laugh often.
15. Enjoy your life. Enjoy the good, bad, ugly & beautiful. 
16. Sometimes all it takes is remembering to "just breathe." 
17. Admit when you're wrong & always apologize if you need to. 
18. Never lose who you are by trying to impress someone else. 
19. Make family a priority.  
20. You are enough. Quit comparing. You were created because this world needed a YOU! We need your stories, passions, experiences, failures & love. This world was meant to exist with you & everything you have to offer. So just be YOU! 

I'll love you forever,

momma

Children's Books

READ!

My mother was a librarian for 14 years of my childhood.

What did this mean for me?

I spent a gazillion hours in the public library thumbing through an assortment of stories.

I was carried away to distant lands. I had fictional friends. I learned & dreamed & explored.

Reading is magical. 

We have so many favorite children's books!
Here are some of our most favorites...

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones 

I Love You Through & Through by Bernadette Rossetti 

Giraffe's Cant Dance by Giles Andreae

Llama Llama Nighty Night by Anna Dewdney

Geraldine's Big Snow by Holly Keller
A Porcupine Named Fluffy by Helen Lester
Panda-monium! by Cynthia Platt
The Mitten by Jan Brett
The Twelve Dancing Princesses by Marianna Mayer
Duck & Goose Find a Pumpkin by Tad Hills
God Knows All About Me by Kate Toms
Are You A Cow? by Sandra Boynton
Ten Little Ladybugs by Melanie Gerth
Witzy's Fun Bath by Katie Kobble
P-O-T-T-Y by Kathy Ireland

I encourage you to read to your children! 

Open up new world's for them.

Create a special bond through reading together. 

I promise you, your child(ren) won't be the only one benefiting! 

Enjoy!

Nicole

Copycats

Oh friends,
         I have a confession.

This past week I overheard Penelope, age 3, pretending to be a momma.
There was a lot of negativity & yelling. 
Then as she was pretending to get Lilly ready for bed she got really sweet -- cuddly, happy tone of voice, singing songs, kisses, prayers. 

What did I learn from this? 

I appear happiest when it's time for my girls to go to sleep 

and they're mirroring my ugly! 

How does that make me feel?

Like a completely awful mom!

I have a hard time giving myself grace because once I mess up I feel like I've scarred them for life. 

I have a lot of emotional damage from my childhood.
I grew up wanting kids because ::
I was going to parent so much better.
I was going to be the best.
Then after a few years of marriage I realized how much work goes into a healthy relationship & quickly didn't want children anymore ::
I didn't want to fail.
I didn't want to let them down.

Zach & I had a fight one day.
I said, "I don't ever want kids."
Two weeks later I found out I was pregnant.
I prayed & prayed that it was a boy.
Boys seem to forgive easier - they don't seem to hold grudges as long.
A girl seemed impossible.
Penelope Joy was born.
A short 9 months later I was pregnant again.
"Please God, I am BEGGING you...I cannot ruin two girls lives!"
Lillian August was born.

"For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord. 

"Plans to prosper you & not to harm you. 

Plans for a hope & future." 

Jeremiah 29:11

I realize God knew what He was doing when he blessed me with my two little loves.

Being a stay-at-home mom is my full-time job. 

This past week I failed miserably. 

Had I been at a "real" job they would have fired me.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you are working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, 

and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

Colossians 3:22-24

So, what's the solution?! 

I need to be the mother I hope they become one day.

I need to continue to work on me! 

Constantly. 

Constantly cleansing my heart. 

Constantly being intentional with my time & genuine joy of getting to mother my littles. 

So dear friends I'll leave you with this ::

Let's find the power in optimism! 
Let's be the best we can be! 
Let's fight our negative urges!
Let's start new positive habits! 

Wishing you all the best in your parenting!

Enjoy!

Nicole

Homebody

Homebody : noun : A person who enjoys the simple pleasures of being at home. 

Home is where I spend 95% of my time. 

Home is my comfort zone.

If I'm going to be a homebody I may as well LOVE every aspect of our home! 

Six of my thoughts when making our house home ::

1) Does it bring joy?
The question I ask about every item that's going into our home.
There is no point in spending money on items that are "trendy" but bring no flick of "oh I love this & it brings a smile to my face!" 

2) Our little loves touch/get into EVERYTHING!
I need to be practical in including style & decor that works for the whole family. 

3) Less is more!
The slightest feeling of having "too much" sends me into a tizzy! 
I crave simplicity! 

4) Mix & match & all that jazz! 
For me, this will be the most difficult aspect of creating our new home. 
How am I going to include bits of each style I love, but keep the flow & not have it look too hodgepodge? 

5) Don't compare. 
I am loving all the Instagram accounts I follow & pull tons of inspiration from. 
I also see how easy it is to be jealous, covet, or feel insecure. 

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You." Dr. Seuss

Right now this shelf is a mess, but that's our real life.

6) Stay frugal!

Stick to a budget. 

I hope you found inspiration in this post and can use it while you make your house home! 

Learning a thing or two...

6:30am      

I'm awoken by the shrieks of Lillian. 

I grab her & head back to bed.

Only I'm not going to try and sleep anymore.

I'm getting on my phone to browse Instagram & then Facebook.

Jealousy. Insecurity. Bitterness. 

Just a few nasty feelings that like to creep inside my heart & mind while scrolling.

A peek into my thoughts...
Here we are in-between houses and everyone is posting pictures of their perfectly decorated living room where 10 friends are gathered around a gourmet spread of yummy treats.
1. Where was my invite?
2. Darn you for having a home!
3. I like food. 
**Seriously?! What the HECK is wrong with you Nicole!?!**

But here's the thing...I know I'm not alone in thinking this way!

In this day and age it is easier than ever to compare yourself to other's.
Social media has created an instant way to feel insecure, jealous, and bitter about anything and everything you struggle with.

"Comparison is the thief of joy!" Theodore Roosevelt

Well ain't that the truth, Theo - thanks for those wise words!

"The bad news is - time flies!

The good news is - you're the pilot!"

Michael Althsuler

The other day I decided it's time I start to count my blessings!
Life is way too short to be jealous of others.
I need to get up off my bum & create the happy life I'm so bitter about everyone else having.
I need a heart check.
I need to alter my mindset.
I need to focus on LOVE & JOY!

Love yourself!

Love your friends & family!

Love a stranger!

Love doing what you do!

Love your life!

Be truly happy for other's & encourage them!

I'VE GOT THE JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY - DOWN IN MY HEART!

You were not called to live someone else's life. 

You were called to live your life. 

NOW is the best time to start being the best you!

Love, 

    Nicole

4 Ways To Be "Wild" When Married and/or A Parent

Dearest friends, 

How are you? Truly? 

I am coming out of a season of depression. But it was also a season of growing & learning.

And a season of figuring out what's most important to me.

I've been realizing how many different ways life can go. 

As a wife & mom I pride myself in being the source of stability. 

I am the constant. I am who they can always count on.  

I get the mundane daily tasks done. 

But I also don't want to get so caught up in routine that life looses it's fun-factor! 

I just read a quote :: wild wife = wild life.

So here I have written :

Four Ways To Be "Wild" When Married and/or A Parent

1. YOU NEED TO BE A LITTLE SELFISH!

*This is the toughest one for me because I constantly think 

"how will this affect my husband/daughters?"*

Get to know yourself!
What makes you happy?
Take time to meet a friend for coffee/wine/whatever floats your boat.
Go for a drive or run errands - all alone!
Then you can come back refreshed - even if it was just a five minute drive to the gas station to pick up anti-diarrhea meds.
Being a little selfish doesn't mean leaving on a month-long sabbatical to get your head on straight while spending gobs of cash that you don't have to spend. I know we could all use one of those - but don't be that selfish!
Most of the time when you take time for yourself you become a better, happier you.
Happier you = happier people around you.

2. LET LOOSE!
Spilled milk? I'm pretty sure someone somewhere has given a tutorial on how to clean it up.
No need to throw a bigger tantrum than your two-year-old.
Practice being care-free.
Roll with whatever life throws your way.
Don't sweat the small stuff.
Daily dance parties!


3. CHANNEL YOUR INNER-CHILD
Again - daily dance parties!
Kids do stuff without caring what people think - you should follow suit.
Quit worrying about being judged.
Let your insecurities fly out the window.
Laugh! Have fun!


4. PURSUE NEW THINGS
Don't be afraid to go on adventures together.
The thought of a whining child, or a complaining spouse are enough to make anyone want to turn around. But I encourage you to push through!
Have an interest in something but it's too expensive? Search Craigslist or Facebook Sell Sites.
Ask friends & family if they have one you can borrow, give you, or chip in for.
A lot of times you just need to vocalize your want in order to receive it.

I hope you all feel a little more confident finding your WILD!

* wildflower * wildcat * wildfire * wildcard *wildebeest

So much love to you,      

                                   Nicole