We Made Our House a Home

Today's post is brought to you by Compass,
a website about finding a home that works for you!
This isn't a sponsored post, I just have a thing for enjoying
seeing inside other homes. Not in a creepy kind of way,
but in a "I like to see home people make their house a home" type of way.
Compass is a great site for oohing and ahhing over some fabulous spaces,
so if that's your sort of thing (or you're looking for a home) be sure to check it out!

Today I'm excited to share with you a bit more about our house.
A while ago I shared some of my favorite wall art that we have,
but today I wanted to share two of my favorite rooms,
how we've made our house a home, and what having a home means to us.

First up is our main living room.
It's the first space you see when you walk into our home
and we call it the red umbrella room, which you will soon understand! =)

This wall with the Eiffel Tower is one of my favorites in the entire house. 

I just love the frame with pictures of my family! 

This room was inspired by the painting above.  

My husband was actually the one who picked it out and I was like, 

"Ew, a painting! I don't like paintings!" and then I fell in love with the others

and there you have it, our red umbrella room! 

It's definitely a favorite in the house 

and I always say my husband was the one to decorate it. ;)

We have a lot of items in the living room that were gifted to us from our family. 

The quilt rack and little rocker under the painting, my grandpa actually built. 

I like having special things like that in the house, 

especially when they can be put to good use! 

All the kids love the rocker and it's so cute to see my littlest one try to rock herself. 

The top quilt was made for us by my husband's grandma. 

The kids use it often to get cozy on the couch and watch tv.

The mantel was by far one of the hardest things to decorate. 

It's at such a weird angle that I didn't feel like you could decorate it like a normal one. 

I would have never thought to put pictures up there this way, but I think it looks great. 

The painting on the right is probably my favorite and the candles, 

well you can never have too many!

This painting is the last one we purchased/

The wall is different because it's open at the top, so it fits perfectly there.

I just had to have that red chair from World Market 

because it just tied the whole room together!

Incase you don't already know World Market is my favorite place to shop. 

The coffee table and "Life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful..." sign are from there,

along with the yellow pillows and basket on the table in the next photo. 

When you first walk into our home this is the first thing you see besides the stairs. 

It's a great place to house flowers, a picture of our family, and a few books. 

The other favorite room in our home is the master bedroom. 

There's a wall right outside our bedroom that was perfect for a gallery wall. 

Since it's leading to our room I made it just about me and my husband. 

Pictures from California, Hawaii, when we were dating, married, pregnant. 

It's a great display of our life together!

As you can see I like to decorate with photos. 

It's my favorite way to decorate and of course I can always switch out photos

when I need to, which I actually need to do! 

I have lots of photos displayed from our wedding day 

and also the day we said our vows in the Catholic Church almost a year ago! 

This is my husband's dresser. 

Can you tell what he's a fan of?;)

Our bed is probably one of my favorite pieces of furniture. 

It is, of course, from World Market and it is so sturdy, cute, and comfy! 

When we first moved into this house our bed was kind of falling apart, 

so this was a lovely upgrade! 

We are always glad to jump into bed at night and comment on how cozy it is. 

I don't think other people say, "Oh, I just love our bed!" every single time they get in it to sleep! 

This little space in our room is my space and my favorite probably in the entire house! 

Do I even need to tell you that the desk, chair, and a few items on and above the desk 

are from World Market? Because I don't think I really need to! Can you sense an addiction?

This is the space where I read my Bible, blog, and maybe watch too much netflix. 

That's what a desk is meant for, right?! 

Also, that garland is from snippets and strings on esty and I LOVE it. 

I had been searching and searching for something to put above the desk

and it really ties it all together.

This is another space of mine in our room. 

That chair is so cozy (bet you can't guess where it's from ;) 

and the kids really enjoy sitting in it with one another. 

It was a great place to nurse Sutton when she was tiny

and I love displaying my huge scarf collection behind it. 

These are my favorite rooms in the house, but I am thankful for our home in general. 

It's almost been two years since we moved in and it's been a blessing. 

Before living here we lived in an apartment, which could be hard 

because there wasn't much room or places for the kids to play outside. 

Right before we moved in we found out we were pregnant with Sutton, 

so we were so thankful for all the room (and backyard)!

Three kids in a two bedroom apartment just wasn't going to work for our family of five.

So, we've made this house a home with lots of memories framed on the wall

along with dirt and smudges from little hands. 

It's not perfect. 

We have walls that are still bare and the kids' rooms aren't decorated at all. 

Plus there are pretty much always toys scattered in every single room. 

It's not always clean even though it may appear that way. 

I love it though, mess and all, it's our home and it's beautiful to me. 

Do you have a favorite room in your home?

How have you made your house a home? 

Mother's Day Snapshots

All I wanted for Mother's Day was a few pictures.

Honestly, I didn't set my expectations hight at all 

because usually the kids just aren't up for it and everyone ends up cranky.

However, I guess they got the memo because it happened!

Love my three kiddos and the man that helped me make them! ;)

Braden is such a little comedian.
I can't remember exactly what he was saying, but he was excited about taking photos.
Both him and Mae kept on saying "let's take another!"
Of course I was going to take as many as we could before they were done
because this never happens when we try to make it happen!

Braden, the one who first made me a mama, gave me lots of hugs and kisses.

He can be so affectionate and makes my heart want to melt. 

Love my boy!

Oh, Mae... always the more stubborn one.
Didn't want to take many more pictures.
Wanted to run and play, be two.
Thankfully I got a little smile from this sassy one!

Sutton, as always gave me lots of smiling and joy. 

Seriously, I've never met a more happy little one. 

It's contagious and on the really hard days I'm so grateful for it! 

I cannot help but smile when that girl smiles. Such a joy! 

Motherhood isn't easy, whatsoever. 

It's the hardest job I've ever hard, but I'm thankful for it. 

Thankful that it helps me to grow and to learn. 

Thankful that it helps me lean on my husband and God. 

Thankful that these three babies are mine. 

They are pretty great! 

15 Months

^^^Reaching for me^^^

I felt like it was time to do a update on this growing girl. 

It's the same as always, I can't believe she's a month older!

She's still a complete joy and we seriously felt like we hit the jackpot 

because she is always happy!

Given she's a little tiny bit (A LOT) spoiled.

She has everybody wrapped around her cute thing fingers. 

We are oh so thankful that even though she's a toddler she's still happy. 

She recently just started throwing fits, but they are few and far between. 

Plus they can be stopped pretty quickly. Just pick her up and she smiles at you.

That was definitely not the case with the other two! 

While her happiness has remained lots has changed here for this girl! 

The biggest change is the fact that she is no longer nursing at all. 

I had thought about weaning her and of course she was nursing less, 

but she would ask for it and I'd just let her because why not? It wasn't hurting anything.

Her asking was about the sweetest thing. 

She would hit my chest with her hands and say, "Ah!" 

I would ask her, "You want to nurse?" 

She would get the BIGGEST grin on her face and say "Yesssthhh!" 

Then one night when I tried to nurse her she pushed me away. 

I didn't expect her to be done just like that! 

She asked a few times after that, but I would say "all gone" 

and she'd throw her head back with a little "UH!" and then move on. 

I know I could have nursed her doing those times,
but I figured since she wasn't really pushing for it.
we could just be done with it.
It was a bittersweet thing to say goodbye too.

^^^ You not hold me? Fine, I suck my thumb!"

Of course, since she's not nursing she's eating a ton more. 

Actually, the girl has always had an appetite even while nursing. 

If she hears or sees you getting food she will run to you with her hand out. 

She also likes to grab bags of plantain chips and carry them around. 

Even if she's eaten a ton and you put her down, 

she'll find food (that she or her siblings have dropped) and eat it.

She's our little garbage disposal ;) and if she's hungry you can find her 

by her chair tapping it to let you know! 

She just loves food and there isn't much she won't eat.
However, her favorites are sweet potatoes, frozen blueberries, and bananas.
She also prefers water or apple juice (watered down) to drink.
She doesn't seem to be such a huge fan of milk.

She walks and runs everywhere and is always climbing stairs to come find me.
If I go to pick her up from the steps she gets so excited and holds her arms out.
She'd walk off the step if I didn't pick her up first! Silly girl!
She comes and finds me multiples times a day, running to me, arms wide open to be held.
She doesn't really cry about wanting to be held, but just comes to me.
She'll wrap her little arms around my leg, crawl into my lap,
or throw her arms around my neck.
I'm glad she still wants me that much! She loves to say, "MA! MA!" when she wants me.
However, I'm not the only one she wants anymore.
Of course she wants her daddy, but she'll reach for her brother and sister too.
She likes to put her face to theirs and hug them. She just laughs and laughs.
She'll even go to her grandparents now, whereas for the longest time she just cried if they held her!
She's growing up!

She also likes playing with her siblings.
They build with blocks together or play trains.
She LOVES to read and will have you read the same book over and over.
She comes running at you with books. It's adorable.
She's still a lover of music. I think she's like Taylor Swift the most
and I'm pretty sure she's tried to sing the ABC's along with her siblings.
She talks some - yes, mama, dada, hi, bye.
I'm sure there's more and I need to get better about writing her words down.

She sleeps great at night, but sometimes goes on strikes when it comes to nap time.
Eventually she'll rest though. Just needs some extra loving.
We're all so thankful for her and how she brings joy to our home!

^^^ Getting upset because she just wanted to be done^^^

^^^And then happy and totally posing!^^^

Happy 15 months sweetie!

Spread The Love with Huggies

I'm a mama of three kids 4 and under.
It can get a bit crazy around here on a daily basis.
I have enough to worry about without having to worry about diapers leaking.
This reason is exactly why Huggies Snug N Dry are perfect for my family!
They lock in wetness so we can be worry free when it comes to diapers - I LOVE that!

You know what else I love about Huggies Snug N Dry? 

They want to give a $2,000 grant to a community project that needs some extra loving! 

I think charity and spreading love to those who need it is so important. 

For me, donating, in whichever way I can,

makes me feel good and puts a smile on my face. 

I love knowing that I've lifted someone up and possibly made their day! 

A passion of mine since college has been the homeless. 

They've always pulled at my heart strings, especially since the summer I spent 

on Skid Roe in L.A. being around all the children and their families

who lived on the streets or in welfare hotels. 

Since I have a passion for this I would love to nominate a rescue mission in my area. 

There is a rescue mission here that is Christ centered that is all about 

offering freedom and hope to the poor and homeless, which really speaks to my heart! 

I know they could benefit from greatly from this grant! 

Do you want to nominate a community project in your area? 

Let me tell you how because it is quick and easy! 

^^^Goodness, her smiles and giggles make me so happy!^^^

1. Snap a selfie with you + your baby & share on Instagram or Twitter with #UltraHug

In the post nominate the local community project you'd love to spread love to.

2. On July 6th Huggies will feature 20 community projects on this page for voting. 

Be sure to check back then so you can vote for other community projects.

3. The top ten will recieve a $2,000 grant from Huggies. 

How simple and amazing is that? Now, get to snapping and sharing about 

your favorite community projects that need some help! 

I know there are so amazing ones out there! 

Good luck! 

What Spring Has Brought

It's been almost a month since I last blogged.
I've come to the conclusion that I'm never going to be one of those bloggers
who blogs every single day (maybe not even every single week)
and right now I'm okay with that.
It's funny because I really struggled with this space
feeling more important than other things.
I tried to make it a priority, something that was like a job to me,
but recently that desire has somewhat fallen away (for now anyway).
I haven't wanted to blog and I've actually thought about quitting all together.
This space, I don't want it to be a distraction from things that are truly important.
I don't want this space to be something that gets in the way of
my faith, my family, my life and at times it feels like it does.
So, I'm here now, writing because I feel like it and that's what I'll do.
I'll blog when the desire stirs, but won't be aiming to make it the most important thing
because life off the computer has been a lot more fulfilling lately.

We've been spending a lot of time outside since spring has arrived.
The grass is green, the trees have bloomed beautiful flowers
and the weather is just amazing (storms some too, which are my favorite).
We've been going to the park after Bible study on Tuesdays
and I think it's our favorite day.
Braden and Maeva have been enjoying some time in the backyard by themselves
and it's lovely to have a space where they can run and be free without worry.
There's also a park nearby that we walk to every now and then,
which I love because it's fun for them and taking a walk is always nice.
Really, it's just nice to have these places to get out of the house because
the days go much quicker and the moods from everyone are much happier!
We've also been skate boarding in the driveway because the kids love to be
just like their daddy and it's fun to fly down the driveway having, "SO MUCH FUN!"

I'm really enjoying life with my little family lately.
Spring and just being outside lifts our moods and our life.
I'm welcoming it and the fact that it is allowing me to slow down a bit.
To care less about being online, cleaning the house, or getting stuff done.
With spring a new love and gratitude for my family has come!
Spring has blessed me!

Favorite Wall Decor

I really want to start sharing more of our home on this space.
Especially when it comes to decor.
I love to decorate. It's one of my favorite things to do
and I really wish I had an unlimited budget when it comes to doing so.
Today I'm sharing three of my favorite wall spaces in our home.
There are more than three, but that could get a bit overwhelming
and these walls are complete, so I thought it'd be a good place to start!

In our bedroom: 

Canvas: homegoods

Key and Crown Frames: World Market

I absolutely love this wall! 

The canvas is unique and the frames are some of my favorites! 

We have wedding photos in them and also photos from when 

we said our vows in the Catholic Church. 

Living Room

Candle holders, candles and Eiffel Tower: Kirklands

This wall actually may be my favorite in the whole house. 

It's right inside our front door and a spot I see daily. 

I love that it houses some of my favorite photos 

from before we were five and after we were five. 

Play Room

Chalkboard: World Market

Art: Braden ;)

Felt Garland: Gracie and Marie

Mason Jar Garland: Paper Porch

I love this wall in our play room because it reminds me daily to have grace. 

Am I good at that, not exactly, but the reminder is something I need OFTEN. 

Braden loves seeing his art on the wall and the garlands tie it all together. 

They are my favorite! 

Do you enjoy decorating? 

I think walls are my favorite to decorate because you can do so much

plus little hands can't reach the items most of the time. 

Just don't look at the part of the walls they can reach

because grubby little hands have left some marks! 

That's what makes a house a home though, right? ;) 

Favorite Reads

Wow, it's Friday already!
This week just flew by!

I haven't read as many blogs as I've wanted to this week because it's been somewhat busy,
but I did read a few posts that I want to share with you!

13 things your wife wants you to know about motherhood had me nodding
 and saying, "yes! yes! yes!" I really agreed with all the points especially 7 & 9.

But I'm a good Mormon wife was an interesting read.
It made me sad, but I'm definitely intrigued by the faith.

7 Habits of Productive Mama CEOs had me at the title.
I'm a mama, I like to be productive... surely I need some of these habits!
I think these are great habits and I need to work at them!

Six motherhood truths for those days when you want to quit grabbed me because I have those days!
I think every mama does and these truths are so good to hear from one mom to another.
This is one of those blog posts I want to print out and put on my fridge! I really like #5.

Feeling Overwhelmed? Do One of These Simple Tasks is a post about cleaning
and I'll be honest and tell you that I just like these sorts of posts.
Clean Mama is one of my favorites to follow on Instagram, so if you like that sort of thing
check her out! I love her cleaning schedule - has helped me so much!

Why I Don't Feel Guilty About Wanting To Clean When I'm With My Children
is another post about cleaning and may have been my favorite post I've read from this week.
It made a great point about why maybe a dirty house may really bother us.
I'd never thought of it this way, but makes perfect sense!
I like a clean slate and maybe that's not a bad thing!

S'mores Cookie Bars look amazing! I mean, it might be because I'm doing the Whole30,
but I always love a good s'more and they look so easy!

Did you read any great blog posts this week?
Share in the comments!