naptime diaries

Hey friends!

Today I'm so excited to introduce you to a new friend.

Laura sent me one of the most encouraging emails after losing our sweet baby and upon reading it, I promptly read her entire blog. (sidebar: if you sent me an email and I haven't responded yet, I promise I will) Since then, I've been so blessed by her wise words and her awesome shop and I think you will be too! Say hello and check out her blog and shop! 

1. Tell us a little about you & your family. 

Hi there! My name is Laura! I am so excited to be over here with you today. Jessi asked me to tell you a little bit about myself and my family, so I will do the best I can. For some reason I can talk and talk about any and everything but when it comes to talking about myself or defining who I am, I have a hard time. I think that is because I am always changing...my style, my interests, my taste in food....except for cake balls. I will always love cake balls. So there's something about me- I am a sweets addict. I also live off of caffeine. I am always doing something and when I'm not, I'm thinking about what I need to be doing. I am the wife to an incredibly handsome guy named Brandon. He is associate pastor of a church here in San Antonio. Together we serve side by side and we love it. He has a heart for people and it is so inspiring to see. I am also mama to 3 sweet gifts from heaven. Asher is my 5 1/2 year old. He's my mama's boy. He's got me right in the palm of his little hand. He will be starting kindergarten in a month and I may or may not be having a minor emotional break down about it. Bella, is my 3 year old. She is independent, out spoken, bossy, everyone's mama, way too smart, but extra sweet. Mia Glory is my precious 7 month old. She has her daddy and I wrapped around her little finger. She is just plain edible. Like really, I could just eat her up.

2. What is your blog about and why do you blog?

My blog is bits of me and everything I love. Which includes my family, decorating, writing and creating. The heart of my blog is to inspire each person in their own talents, gifts and stories. To tell them, share them, and be confident in them. We each have a story. I blog to share mine. 

3. How did you make the decision to open your shop? 

Honestly, it was a simple "what if" thought that turned into a reality. One step in front of the other and all led through prayer. I have always loved fashion and changing up my looks. Even more so, I love to look like I put a lot of effort into "my look" without putting a lot of effort into it. The pieces I have in my shop are perfect for that. It's as simple as putting them on. A pop of color from a fun necklace, pair of earrings or ring, can make a plain white tee and jeans stand out. I love that kind of simplistic yet bold fashion. I love creating something and then putting it out there for others. The idea that a bit of me is being shared with someone else, makes me happy. It has become an avenue for me to share myself with others that I am so thankful for and blessed by. 

4. What recreates/refreshes/renews you? 

Time with God! I try to set time aside each morning to read and pray and just be in communion with the Lord. Quieting my spirit and being still to hear what He wants from me and has for me. I like to do it first thing in the morning because it sets the tone for the day. It refreshes me and gets me going in the right direction. Taking that time to fill my spirit and my self up so that I can then pour out into my husband and kids. That renews me. 

5. What has surprised you most in this life? 

How strong we humans really are. Not just physically, but emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. I've heard a lot of people use the phrase "I don't know what I would do if" or "I don't think I could handle it, if...." 

I'm sure if someone had told me what I would go through, I would have said the same thing. I would have surely thought I wouldn't be able to handle it. Surely it would be too much to bear.

Until I walked through them. Some of the hardest trials of my life. I have fought the hardest battles of my life and found myself broken in the end. Holding 2 of my sweet, precious baby girls, lifeless in my arms. I have seen tiny caskets, and feet so tiny. I have cried out in desperate need with tears streaming. I have lived through these moments.....I have lived through them. I survived. I came out stronger. Wiser. More full of joy and more aware of the precious gift that life and all that it has to offer brings. And I found out "what I would do if"....I'd turn to Him. The one who can get me through. The one who gives me strength to come out of it, but not just barely...completely, wholly and with a renewed spirit and desire to love, inspire, share, and bring Him glory through it all. 

So, she's kind of the greatest, right? 

ALSO. Thank you Lord for the sweetest timing ever. 

I just got home from my Saturday run and what do I find in my mailbox? My new splendor earrings. 

So ignore the hot sweaty mess, feast your eyes on my new goodies!

Go show Laura some love and have a great weekend friends!