Favorites Friday: Adapt and overcome

This week held some unforeseen challenges that caught me off guard and clipped my attempts to announce my little surprise here on the blog. Owell. Next week, dear friends! As for the weekend, Gideon's room is getting a little overhaul, remember his swing chair? That sweet little number put a hole in the wall and will be finding another home stat.

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For bruschetta lovers

If you have a girl, you need this

The prettiest outfit

See ya Monday!

My greatest failure

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Fasten your seat belts because this is a good story! So back when I was in College right after I was accepted into the Nursing program I interviewed for the Resident Assistant position (RA). To my sheer delight I got the position and my people loving self rejoiced! I loved being the go-to girl for 53 ladies in the dorm, but the microbiology and pathophysiology courses I was taking at the same time didn't quite garner the same affection. So I failed both courses. My Dad who was paying for  my College tuition to my surprise and utter horror stopped paying and I came home and couldn't return to school the following year. I was devastated, embarrassed, and shocked to say the least. However,  I knew God was calling me into nursing without a shadow of a doubt but couldn't see for the life of me how it would be accomplished. It was an epic failure on my part and I completely let down my Dad.

That summer I worked my tail off and then my dear sister took me in her place in Northern Virginia where I applied to the Nursing program at the local community college. I worked my tail off as a waitress and went to Nursing school at the same time finally learning the value of a dollar! Next, miracle of miracles I applied for a scholarship through Sibley hospital in Washington D.C and was given 10,000 with a one year working commitment to the hospital, seriously? Yes I promise you that happened, totally a result of prayer. In that same year, I met my husband and got married a year later. 

My greatest failure was turned into one of God's greatest victories. When God plants a dream in your heart, he will bring it to completion, but you must stay the course and not lose hope or faith! 

Your greatest failure and weakness leaves room for his power and strength!

In my Etsy cart

It's borderline obscene how full my ongoing etsy shopping cart stays, that site just reels me in with all their handmade goodies!

via everylanedesign

via bluebirdandviolet

via ysmdesigns

via bloomz

Steps & tricks {9 months}

Typically parents encourage their little ones to take those first steps, not this mama. His motor skills are still too advanced for me and his babyhood is speeding by like a fast train. Slow down honeybee, really pretty please. He's taking 3 steps and climbs out of his highchair and jumper, seriously. We're defying gravity over here. Can't contain him, makes for fun car rides.

And who needs hair when your this cute?

Favorites Friday: A quiet weekend

Who's up for a quiet weekend? Me me! My sister has been attacking spring cleaning with a vengeance here in our house.....garage, goodwill runs, and items pushed to the back of the closet be gone! She's a rockstar I tell you. So we will be basking in the delight of our recent purge, relaxing and of course planning for the upcoming studio shed! Its really gonna happen, I also have another trick up my sleeve for you guys this week, stay tuned for that announcement. Its gonna be good, promise.

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Finally a rad clothesline just for boys, be still my heart.

Cheap mint jeans.

I want to live like that (my new mantra song).

Happy restful weekend.

A pretty table

I'm still trying to figure out my Spring table, isn't this one pretty?!

via wisteria

The {Spring} pants that go with everything

Remember back in the Fall, I blogged about the pants that go with everything? Well, they really did I paired them with almost every shirt in my wardrobe and getting dressed in the morning was a no-brainer. Here's the Spring version!

clothes and bag-jcrew, jewelry-banana republic

Out of whack

So incredibly thankful to be returning to some normalcy today after a seemingly long spring break. Did anybody else run out of ways to keep their kiddos entertained like after the first day?!

 Lately I've been a bit swamped with pictures, allergies, and trying to figure out ways to continually keep my high-flying extra energetic and spirited 5 year old tame. It's sort of like that overwhelmed feeling you get at Christmas time because your overspent and stressed out, not good. Then I took a long drive (due to traffic!) into D.C for a photo shoot and blasted the worship music and bam instant therapy, long overdue. Need more of that and Him please....that's the problem. I'm on the throne and He's not. 

Time to hit the reset button.

And because we can't have a post without a picture, here's a fresh gorgeous newborn straight from heaven! Happy Monday, friends.

Favorites Friday: Spring Cleaning!

Anybody else in love with the wisteria? I LOVE it. I've been stalking the local nurseries for some to plant in our yard, but no luck yet. Besides flower- loving mode (despite new to me allergies) we've embraced Spring cleaning, picked out a shed, editing photos like crazy, and attempting to keep my five year old busy! Phew. Exhausted much? 

Some other lovelies:

Ikea rug project

8 tips for photographing uncooperative children

It's impossible to look at these and not smile!

A fluffy cloud cake

Spring-ifying your home

I"m a little late on the Spring train and have yet to fully switch things over to Spring/Summer! Do you change your home up per season? My Mom is really good at keeping up with that and has inspired me to get going! Here's some ideas:

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image and diy

image and diy

Spring table via

A wedding, our Easter and the White House Easter egg roll

The last 4-5 days have been a whirlwind, we've traveled from Virginia to upstate NY for my dear cousin's wedding and to visit my Mom. Keeping two very active boys strapped in a car for upwards of 8 hours was an interesting challenge. Let's just say I'm only planning on one more trip this year, Ha! 

First, my cousin's wedding was a true highlight of the trip, I have 23 cousins I hardly ever get to see, but when I do its like no time has passed they are beautiful inside and out. Then my Mom's victorian home in the quaint lake side town of Oswego always feels like a safe haven! My husband can't get in enough time with my second Dad and my Mom was both gracious and generous treating us to meals and helping me juggle my boys! We love you guys!

Lastly, the White House Easter Egg Roll....this was one of those occasions which held so much hope and promise to be spectacular yet it sadly disappointed. In one word, the main problem was the crowds. It was shoulder to shoulder the entire time. We scored our tickets through my husband's squadron and each session was allotted a 2 hour time slot, our first 45 minutes was spent in line waiting to get in. Each activity on the South Lawn of the White House also held a dreadfully long line, essentially we picked the thing with the shortest line, egg dying. Then took a few picture with random characters and called it a day! Oh well! It was definitely neat being so up close to the White House and running into people from my husband's squadron. Hoping your Easter was blessed!
{pardon some of the blurry and less than perfect pictures, I was typically carrying Mr. Bo while snapping away!}

Happy Easter: He is Risen!

We're spending the rest of Holy week and Easter with my Mom! It couldn't be more perfect timing, our whole family is in desperate need of slowing down and reconnecting. 

This Easter has echoed even deeper in the corners of my heart due to my Revelation study, so incredibly thankful for the cross and the salvation it gives to me.

Happy Easter dear friends and family, wishing you a blessed one.

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Getting ready for Easter

Slightly buried under Spring session photos, but I'm still here. I'm getting so excited for Easter, hands down its my favorite. Here are some sweet ideas to celebrate Him!

Easter printables for make your table pretty!

Egg confetti party

And my favorite which we will be doing, resurrection rolls! Put a marshmallow inside symbolizing Jesus, bake and watch Jesus Rise (marshmallow disappears!)

Sweet Praises giveaway winner plus pretty flowers

This is what I've been doing this weekend, capturing gorgeous little girls under blossoms, hello dream job!

 I'm popping in on a Sunday to announce the giveaway winner.....

Congrats Kelly, check your inbox for an email!

Look what husband brought back from Korea

A mustard yellow skirt for me (one of my favorite colors)! 

One very teeny tiny bonus of him traveling particularly to Korea is all the amazing tailor shops. He had this skirt made for me and a whole suit for him, score!

Happy weekend, friends! We'll be shed shopping and picture taking this weekend, what about you?

Today is the last day to enter the giveaway, please do check out Sweet Praises amazing shop, 

winner will be announced tomorrow!

Spring favorites

I'm still not shopping in light of Lent and it's been pitifully hard! Here's some pretty pieces for Spring! It's all about easy breezy lightweight and colorful items.

Everything Oldnavy, pink skirt-Anthro, mint jeans and bag-jcrew

You don't want to miss this giveaway {Sweet Praises}

I'm sharing some amazing favorites of mine from Sweet Praises today plus a gorgeous giveaway.  Sweet Praises is a wonderfully inspiring shop filled with items you will love and treasure, promise.
Check out their refreshingly different home items, uniquely personal stationary, and treasures for little ones too! 

Take a look at my favorites:

Perfect for hosting loose jewelry on top of a dresser.

Love this necklace and such a powerfully simple message.

Such a refreshing take on a cross necklace.

This might be my favorite item, I adore the antique look and every home needs angel wings, don't you think?!

Perfectly in time for that Easter gathering!

You could easily teach your children the story of Noah with this beautifully crafted toy.

And here's the giveaway from Shawn we've selected with you sweet ladies in mind, 10 flat notes inscribed with, "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." And the cherry on top....fuchsia lined envelopes.

Giveaway Rules:

1. Simply visit Sweet Praises and subscribe {enter your email address at the bottom of their home page}

2. Comment here on Johns Journal telling me your favorite item.

Winner will be announced this Saturday, Good Luck!

I can't get this out of my head

Yesterday I heard a sermon and a verse that I just can't get out of my head, it really should be my life verse. John 3:30,"He must increase, but I must decrease." 

I was one of the rare girls growing up that didn't struggle with insecurities I erred on the other side of the spectrum, ugly pride. Since God blessed me with athletic talent I was often at the top of the podium winning medals and awards. While this is a great self-esteem booster as a child, it has been my detriment as an adult. Trust me its not pretty! Just when I think I'm in the clear, tricky pride sneaks in and wants all the credit when truly it should go to Him.

Favorites Friday: Colors & parties

Its hard to drive straight these days because of all the beautifully colored trees on the side of the road! Looking forward to this weekend, how bout you? We are attending a baby shower and a birthday party, I love celebrating life's moments with a party!

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Perfectly pink bedroom

I like this dining room too

Cardboard box birthday party

And a pretty office

Happy party weekend!

The power of spiderman pjs

Many many months ago, I bought G a pair of spiderman pj's to my chagrin after much begging at the store. I hate when he begs and even more when I relent. Anyway, no sooner do we get home and he refuses to wear them, says he's too afraid. Huh? I'm so confused, but it's not the first time I've been confused as a parent! I do understand fear very clearly and will no way make him wear them if he's afraid. 

Every now and then I sneak them out for him to wear pretending like he's not afraid or praying he's forgotten that feeling! But he remembers every time and quickly tucks them back in the drawer. Then yesterday, it happened. I pulled them out and he comes running out with them on, exclaiming, "Mommy, I'm not afraid anymore." I'm in shock thinking....just like that, huh? It was just a choice to him and just like that, I said to my fears, when husband is gone and its dark and I hear stuff in the night I'm not gonna be afraid either! Bam, take that fears.