Let's Celebrate Women!

(coats from Miss Patina)

Happy International Women's Day, friends! Women are so cool. Being a woman is so cool. I mean, I didn't always feel this way, but the journey has been worth it. Sometimes it just takes a little time to grow into who you want to be.

When I was younger, I was of the belief that women were catty and dramatic and mean. I guess some of us may know a person or two like that, but that's not the definition of being a female. I've had so many ladies in my life that have come around and loved me and changed my entire perception on feminism and relationships and the like. I'm thankful for that, because who knows where I'd be if it weren't for them. Let's back up a bit.

We all had terrible friends in high school at one point or another, I'm guessing. I basically decided in high school that I just preferred to hang out with guys and never really pursued relationships with females after that... until I met a gal who changed my mind. See, a pattern I've noticed in my life is that when you meet a super-awesome lady-friend, 1 or 10 more super-awesome lady-friends seem to follow. That growth happened over years for me, but I'm thankful now to be of the strong opinion that women are amazing and I try to surround myself with them whenever possible.



Okay, so above I mentioned the "f word" (feminism). If you would have asked me 6 or 7 years ago if I was a feminist, I probably would have told you no. *GASP* Feminism, in my former small town, was painted as angry women who didn't wear bras and hated men. Ugh. Such a weird, small-minded stereotype. Still, I didn't understand it and wasn't really interested in educating myself on the subject. My conservative Christian background didn't really help with making feminism interesting either, if I'm being honest. At the church where Johnny worked, women weren't allowed to be in leadership. As a young woman, I believed that woman weren't strong enough to be in authoritative roles besides school teachers. As I got a little older, I found myself questioning WHY about a lot of what I was brought up to believe. I started to become friends with women who were a bit more liberal. I started asking more questions. I guess if I'm being honest with myself, I started caring more. My feminism was birthed there.

I have two daughters now and I want them to be sensitive, caring, strong, smart, and inclusive. I want them to grow up seeing their mother as an empath who FIGHTS for others. When they are grown, hopefully they will follow in those footsteps. I want them to be proud to be a lady, not ashamed or feel lesser-than. Women's voices are important and all women deserve to believe that. I hope you do. xo.

An Instagram Frenzy

I posted a picture on Instagram last night that got A LOT of people up in arms.  In the comments I was told I'm a bad mother, I was told that someone should take my baby away from me... well, there were many things.  There were actually SO MANY hurtful things that I just wanted to take the picture down.  But why?  I'm not ashamed of the picture.  I'm not embarrassed by what's happening in the picture.  So I left it.  Here's what I'm talking about:

This is real life, folks, and this picture is awesome to me.  No, I don't think it's awesome that Poe is wearing the safety harness, and NO, I don't think it's awesome that she's crying.  It's awesome because THIS is Poesy.  Poesy is a crier.  Poesy is a screamer.  Poesy is extremely strong willed and determined.  She is fast, adventurous, curious, intelligent, rambunctious, and all-around amazing.  I love these things about her.  She is 1 out of the 3 most important people in my life.  You know, I got a lot of guff (insults) last night for this safety harness (or "leash" as we like to joke), but I would do it all again, exactly the same way.  When we are swimming she will be wearing a life jacket.  When we are in the car she will be in a car seat.  I know there are a lot of mothers that don't agree with these harnesses, but I am her parent and I will do my best to protect her when I can.  For me, this includes a safety harness when the occasion calls for it.

I typically just delete hateful comments from Instagram and look the other way, but I think it's important for people to be able to read back on these particular comments.  I am a firm believer in A) having confidence in what you believe to be right for your child, and B) building up and encouraging other moms.  Saying something in a constructive way when there is safety in question is one thing, but coming down on another mother (for whatever reason) is completely counterproductive.  Honestly, how often is someone called to the "other side" of a debate by being degraded? 

Being a mom is a hard job, guys.  No one has all the answers, but I know that the choices I make for my daughters will always be carefully thought out, and come from a place of pure love.  They won't always be popular (ahem... home school), but that's okay.

You know your baby better than anyone else, and if your kiddo is safe and happy, what else really matters?


**I'm disabling commenting on this post, but I appreciate those of you who have agreed with me on this topic, and I appreciate those of you who have disagreed with me on this topic and stated your opinion with maturity.

Thank You.

As many of you already know, my step dad (who has been with my mom since I was 9 or 10) passed away Saturday night.  This is something personal enough that I would typically keep it to myself, but a panicked phone call from my mom at the beginning of Saturday's events left me stunned, and in a freaked out moment I tweeted about it. 

I was overwhelmed with an outpouring of tweets and emails and texts, and I really just wanted to say thanks.  Thanks for your prayers and thanks for the love.  It is a difficult situation for everyone, but my heart just aches for my mom.  I can't even imagine the pain she's going through.

If it runs across your mind, my mom could use a little prayer here and there.  When this whirlwind of funeral arrangements and out-of-town company passes, we will all go back to our daily lives.  She and my youngest brother will be the ones with the big hole left in their everyday.

Personal.

I mentioned last week that a lot has happened this month, and I decided that I would share the personal side of what has been going on.

My husband Johnny has had the same UGLY glasses for like, 10 years now.  With much persuasion (read: I forced him to spend the money.  Ahem... tight...), he agreed to go to the eye doc and finally get some new glasses.  During what was supposed to be a routine dilation test, the doctor found a mass in the back of his eye.   He was told that it could just be a birth mark, but the doctor didn't want to risk it, so he needed to come back in a month and have it monitored and then go from there.

Tick.  Tock.  Tick.  Tock.

You know that thing where you're panicking, but you're telling yourself you're not panicking, but you're panicking while reminding yourself that there's no reason to panic?  Yeah.  That.

After a month of "not panicking" I drove J back to the eye doctor to have his eye dilated and checked again.  The "mass" hadn't grown, but doc still wasn't comfortable with just sending him on his way, so we went to get photographs taken and a second opinion.

 (here's a cute snuggle time picture to break up all of these words)

The next doctor (same day) had to dilate the eye again.  Poor Johnny.  This was a day of sensitive eyes and a sea sick tummy.  As the doctor checked the eye, he was much more optimistic.  He took A LOT of photographs and finally came to a conclusion.  It was no big deal.  He said that J needed to come back in 3 months to have it looked at again, but he really thought it was just a birth mark on the inside of his eye and it's no big deal.  *Here go the eyes welling up from the happy.*

We've been lucky... er... blessed.  Not just in this, but in our whole 10 years.  We haven't had to face illness or death in our years together so far, and for that I am so thankful.

Thanks for reading. Sometimes a girl just needs to get a little personal.  

xoxo Katie

Sleep Deprivation 101

Checking my mailbox everyday is almost like Christmas.  We keep getting gifties galore.  Unfortunately, I was having a weepy day and did not take pictures of all the pretty things I'm excited about, like I had planned.  I mostly moped around and felt sorry for myself for how little sleep I'm currently getting... then I would take a look at sweet Poesy's face and become terribly happy again.  Sleep deprivation makes me crazy, can you tell?  ;)

So, here is a pretty filler picture of my blue haired Blythes wearing their Tiny Bazaar headbands:

Aaaaahhhhh... so bright and colorful... it makes me ready for Spring! 

If you have emailed me about getting something for Valentines Day, I haven't forgotten you... I just haven't quite made it that far.  I promise to get back to you super soon.  xoxo Katie

Thank You

I just wanted to give a little update and send out a HUGE thank you for all of your love.  We are adjusting well to being at home and soaking up all of this special time that we can.

I'm currently a very sleepy, very happy new momma... totally in love with her little family.  xoxo Katie

Introducing...

 8lbs 7oz, 21 inches, totally perfect...

My heart is so swollen with love.  xoxo Katie

And Then There Were Four...

Tomorrow (Monday) I have a baby.  It's the most bizarre feeling to have everything so scheduled out... after all, this is childbirth.  I'm nervous and excited and feeling super sentimental.  We've been a 3 piece for so long.  I can't even wrap my head around being a family of 4, but I know once it's here it will be fantastic.  I'll post pictures as soon as I can.  Oh, and we did get the nursery (mostly) finished, so I'll post a tour in the very near future.  Until then, I'm signing off!  xoxo Katie

Happy A-Word.

Happy Anniversary, Mr. J.  Can you believe it's been 10 years?!  We were nuts... and so in love... I'm glad we still have that... :)

Remember how scared we were when we became first time parents?  Terrified of the world... terrified it would change everything between us... and, it did.  In the best way.  Two best friends became three best friends... and so it continues now with this little one on the way.  Three best friends will become four... 

So... now we celebrate 10 years of marriage.  You've been my closest pal for 13 years.  Thanks for all of the times... good and bad.

xoxo Kate  

P.S.  Totally embarrassed yet?  This is pretty touchy-feely.  ;)

Baby Shower!

This weekend my sweet mother-in-law threw me a baby shower!  It was so great to have so many friends and family come together and celebrate with us... not to mention there were treats galore!  Hope had a big sister shower with games while the "big girls" chatted and ate tons of food.  It was a really special time!

We skipped the presents and opted for a money tree.  Now we get to do some fun shopping for all of those necessary baby items!

These were the centerpieces at each table.  Aren't they adorable???

Typically, it's "NO BOYS ALLOWED!" but I needed a cute photographer, and he was a terribly good sport about it.  ;)

Now we're on the countdown!  I have approximately 8 or 9 more weeks, depending on what the good ol' doc says when I go back in 2 weeks.  This baby is BIG already, and I'm hoping to meet her as soon as possible!  ;)  xoxo Katie

Red Velvet and Our Weekend

Friday we trekked it down to Springfield to attend the Red Velvet Shop opening.  It was so much fun!  We drank bubble tea, ate way too many cupcakes, and got to visit with tons of friends.

Emma, we're going to have to visit again soon, because Johnny won't stop talking about your carrot cupcakes!

We're so proud of you guys!

After the opening we had a lovely dinner with some friends, and talked all the way home about exciting new things.  This was our magical Friday.  :)  We warmed ourselves at a bonfire on Saturday (oops, forgot the camera), and did a little of this on Sunday:

All in all, it was a pretty great weekend.

  xoxo Katie

Relax.

Sometimes in life taking care of yourself becomes last priority.  It really is easy to make sure everyone else is taken care of, but when it comes to yourself, how much do YOU get pampered?  I've been thinking about this in my life lately, (which has a little to do with sparse blogging) and not loving the answers I find all of the time.  I have, in fact, been taking a little more time for me, and family (and naps!), and I'm discovering how much more well-adjusted I seem.  I guess that's 1 more step in the right direction to becoming an 'actual adult'!  ;)

So, we've been making more time for things like baking...

...just for fun sewing...

...playing with, and customizing dolls...

...spending time OUT of the house...

...and enjoying the gorgeous weather!

What about you?  What do you unwind?  xoxo Katie

Today I Vow...

I was browsing dresses online this morning and I had a moment.  You know, the moment where you stand back, realize what you are doing, and shake your head at yourself.  I am not a good browser.  Shopping=buying for me.  So, today...

I VOW:

Not to buy a dress for a month.  I think this will be a healthy exercise for me.  Also...

(image from weheartit.com)

*I vow to clean the clothes out of my floor today.

*I vow to finish designing 2 things I'm working on for Renegade.

*I vow to have a picnic outside with my girl and enjoy this gorgeous weather.

See?  Now I have to do these things.  Vows are serious business.  ;)  xoxo Katie

4 Simple Goals

I'm sure most of you are familiar with Elsie's 4 Simple Goals project.  I think it's a fantastic idea, and though I am late to the game (in my defense I was out of town when this was posted), I thought I'd participate.

1.  Get organized.  I've been doing my best lately to declutter my house and be a more organized person in general, but this will be especially important with our home school adventure.  No losing papers or sifting through random piles for us!
2.  Have THE BEST time in Chicago.  My Renegade experience last year was a little on the stressful side, and I'm leaving all that behind this year.  I want to enjoy every second, have that special pancake breakfast I was promised (ahem, Kateri...), and maybe find a pretty dress to suit my growing middle.  ;)
3.  Collect pretties.  It's time to start collecting pretties for a nursery that should be close to completion by January.  I'm really excited about this goal.  :)

4.  Write letters.  I have a list SOOOO long of people I need to send letters to.  I just bought some adorable stationary, and I'm going to take the time to snail mail each and every one of them sweet, sentimental notes.

I hope your week is wonderful so far!  I'll be back tomorrow with another vacation post.  :)

xoxo Katie

Oh By the Way...

Some of you know and some of you don't, but I'm kinda 19 weeks pregnant.  And by kinda, I mean I am.  I thought it was time to share.  <3

Life is getting interesting... new baby, home schooling... it's all happening.  ;)  xo Katie

Things to Come

As I'm looking toward the end of the year and mapping out what will be taking place, I'm doing my best not to get overwhelmed!  There are so many out of town adventures, new and old friends to visit with, and work to be done, it's hard not to get a little excited.  My default setting seems to be panic at times, but I'm not going to get overly stressed.  I'm only going to do the amount of work my body can physically do, I'm not going to worry about not knowing where we'll be living, I won't even let myself stress about meet-ups with new friends and first impressions.  I'm going to be a calm, cool, and collected version of myself.  At least, that's what I've promised for today.  ;)


(This video doesn't really relate to this post.  We've just been enjoying the new Kula Shaker album immensely, and I thought I'd share a bit.  :))

For now, I'll focus on this week, which is full of birthdays, cleaning, and packing.  We leave for vacation in 5 DAYS!!!  xoxo Katie

P.S. Thank you, THANK YOU for all of your sweet comments about the fawn.  It really warms my heart.  <3

Things I Love About Summer

Summer is definitely in full swing around here!  While I'm trying to stay caught up on orders and prep for Renegade Chicago, life is charging around me.  Lunch dates, pool time, house guests, vacation planning, last minute drives to Branson to pick up dream guitars, and friends, friends, friends... it's great.  :)  The best part is the amount of time I get to spend with my little Hope.  There is always such a change in her personality over summer.  Less negativity, less shyness and inhibition... it really gives me perspective and reminds me of how hard school can be... even in elementary school.  Anyway, as this is a happy post, here are a few pictures of what we've been up to lately:

I made my own tags with some linen and a typewriter.  I love them. :)

Fireworks watching.

Sadly, I did forget my camera, but we still haven't shot off the $20 worth of fireworks we bought, so who knows... maybe more fireworks pictures to come.

This cutie sloth is on her way to her new home. :)

Road Trips.

Lunch dates.  :)

Summer days and dream guitars. 

I hope your Summer is beautiful.  xoxo Katie  (P.S. Sorry about the weird spacing with the text.  I'm having a lot of problems with Blogger lately.)