naptime diaries

giving up on: kids clothes

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Thu, 31 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

((by now I'm assuming you know what

Giving up On Good means.

If not, catch up here and join in!)

So it dawned on me this week when I was in the colossal process of cleaning out the too small for my kids clothes and finding the bags of the next level hand-me-downs.

The clothes. That is definitely a good thing I've given up on.

Before I had any kiddos, I could've sworn that one of the coolest parts of being a mom would be to dress my kiddos in utterly fashionable and hip attire. I imagined little boys in chucks and girls in tutus and accessories and cute haircuts. And then I had Elias, and I wondered if it was because he was a boy - maybe that's why it doesn't thrill me so much to dress him. I preferred hand-me-downs and second hand stores - and not for incredibly cool vintage duds either. Just the basics. Jeans that fit. Clean t-shirts. Handsome sweaters.

But when I had Glory-girl, the sad truth was: I still didn't care. By the time Benjamin was born, I had lost any notion of having fashionable kids. Don't get me wrong! I don't want them to look like utter weirdos. The boy have a few pairs of skinny jeans and Glory just got her first set of jeggings, but for the most part - you can find my kids look less like pinterest sensations and more like.... kids.

And I am so absolutely ok with that.
Confession time - I'm REALLY thinking about it and I wonder if we've spent more than $100 or $200 on all our kids clothes in our five and a half years of parenting. I mean, combined. We LOVE handmedowns. And Benja gets all Elias' handmedowns and Glory has two older girl cousins who have greatly blessed her. And I know we've bought a few key pieces of clothing for them at Target over time and a few nicer pairs of shoes - but in general, we just don't buy our kids clothes.

The crazy thing - Nick and I are kind of the same. I'd say both of our wardrobes are like 80% thrifted or secondhand, 10% bought at super cheap stores like Forever 21, 10% really nice pieces that we use for years. We just try to make our wardrobes as distinct and "us" as we can by using really inexpensive accessories. And our kids do too! You can often find Glory wearing my gypsy hat or Benja wearing a cool $1 Target beanie in the middle of summer. But we sure enough do not spend real money to try and make them look cool. Because they're not cool. They're toddlers. :)

For us, giving up on that good has led to MUCH more money in our pockets and MUCH more peace in our lives. They don't really have things they prefer to wear. They've never "gone shopping" with any authority to pick anything out and they think hand-me-downs are the bomb dot com.

So there's my not so dirty little secret! If you meet me in real life, my kids will not look like they just came from a photoshoot. They will (HOPEFULLY) be clean. But you'll find them in crocks, some well-worn jeans, and a tshirt that was either gifted to them or handed down.

And as always, if your kids DO look fabulous all the time, grace to you.
If that's the good you don't want to give up on - claim it!
And (AHEM) we accept hand-me-downs.
.............

Some quick Naptime Diaries business!
- Today's the last day of the HUGE SUMMER SALE. Jump on it!
- I'm taking three more blog design clients for June! If you need blog/small business design done - email me today - jessi connolly at gmail.

because it's summer.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Wed, 30 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

the red tape: use coupon code SUMMER in the shop checkout for 40% off your total order. All normal orders will ship before this coming Saturday. Most custom orders will not ship till June 20th unless otherwise noted.

Well? What are you waiting for?

Get on over there.

Because it's summer!

influence goes to Nashville.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Mon, 28 May 2012 11:53:00 +0000

I have to say, the whole materialization of The Influence Conference blesses me, freaks me out, and delights me all at once. You guys are coming! You're excited to come! We're excited your coming. The speakers are all coming!

They're excited to be coming! It's excitement all around.

this is me. driving to Indy to join up with Hayley. Excited beyond excited!

But there is a LOT to do.
And one thing that just had to be done is we that Hayley and I had to take a little trip to Nashville. We were interested in the super cute scarves that FashionABLE is selling and we loved the idea behind their business - teaching women in Ethiopia to make scarves, giving them a sustainable business and way out of prostitution and sex slavery.
And we had visions of hundreds of women running around Indiana in October with beautiful scarves around their necks and the story of these women in their heart.

we heart fashionABLE

So went to Nashville to hear more!
And while we were at it, we figured - why not get about 10 hours of meetings out of the while we drove? AND, why not meet up with some sweet Influence speakers and community leaders while we were there?! Well, we missed some of that Nashville gals due to scheduling conflicts - we we got some sweet time with Blair.
Amanda, Jessica, Raechel - we missed you ladies!

these two cuties!

And so, we did.
And here are the bottom line things you need to know that were decided on that trip:

1. I really really appreciate The Tiny Twig (and I still sometimes call Hayley "the tiny twig"). After spending 24 straight hours with her, I'd like to tell you all - this is a legit lady. Her heart is more beautiful than you know and she is way wiser at business that anyone I've ever met. But she also doesn't make a move without Jesus.

2. We really missed our partner in crime, Casey.

It made me long for October all the more!

3. FashionABLE is going to be an important part of Influence and

I could not be more grateful.

4. If you're looking for group discount tickets to the conference -

email me - jessi connolly at gmail.

5. We've added two new community leaders (Welcome Gussy and Jenna!!!!)

and a new speaker (Woohoo - Mama Pea) to our conference line-up!

6. We really like talking about Influence on our personal blogs, but we know you can't all come and you might grow tired of hearing about the conference week after week. So starting next week - there will be an official Influence blog,

because there IS a lot more fun stuff to share:).

all these changes will be on the website soon.

In the meantime, just get excited! All that work done in ten hours of car meetings = more surprises, more fun, more plans, more prayers that we cannot wait to share with you.

come do this thing with us

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Fri, 25 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

May gals: Ashley, Jac, me, Lindsey, Melody, Moriah, Virginia
(Heather and Tiffany were there too!)

The past few weeks have been fun, fun, fun on the Internet.
The Influence Conference.
#SheReadsTruth
and even Giving Up On Good.

I love real life community.
Sitting on my porch with my neighbors, standing in my kitchen with ladies from my community group, hanging out with my family.

But in the little bits between - I love hopping on twitter and knowing that hundreds of women are being encouraged and changed by reading God's word. Or in the quiet moments before I fall asleep, letting my heart get super super excited about Influence in the fall.

Something is shifting and growing.
A new community being built.
One that I pray will be formed out of the overflow our intimate community with Jesus and our real live communities where we are.

Two weeks ago, I had my group online hangout with my May sponsors and it was such a sweet soul stirring and uplifting time. We talked a little about business, a little about life, and we prayed a little. When it was all said and done - we each had a few new friends and allies in our corner.

If you'd like to join Naptime Diaries as a sponsor for June - there is an easy way to purchase sponsorship right on my blog. I have a few spots left and I would LOVE to partner with you as we leverage this internet to grow your business, market your product, share your thoughts, and most of all - make much of Jesus.

giving up on good, the pinterest parties

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Thu, 24 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Alright gals, if you need to catch up - this is what we're doing.

I was wracking and wracking my brain on what I could share to give up this week.
I've given up on getting dressed at the crack of dawn, showering often, and being fitness-mommy-barbie.
Surely I've given up on lots of other things, but none of them seemed applicable or even life giving to other ladies.

That's really the only point, you know? Not to tell a cool story.
Just to give a little life.
Because if one more person asks me how I do it all, I'll freak out.
I just don't. I just don't.

Anyhow, I'm cruising the aisles of Walmart scouring birthday party goods for our Benja and it hits me. This is going to be one of the most low key birthday parties on earth. It would make some pinterest-obsessed mamas sweat in their color blocked dresses and high buns.

Oh! That's it!

I've given up on fabulous kid events, specifically birthday parties. And other potentially-pinterested-out-events.

We do birthdays low key and kid driven. I don't mean kid driven in that we give 20 kids the day of their wildest dreams. I mean - we think about what each kid would really be blessed by and we execute it in the most low-key manner possible.

We were moving on Elias' birthday and all he really wanted was donuts and some time with his best friend, Elijah. We gave that kid enough donuts in the week leading up to his birthday, we probably damaged his innards permanently. Not really, but maybe. And he STILL talks about how he got to ride in the van with Elijah on the last leg of our drive to Indiana. Oh, we also gave him a BIKE when he got to Indiana, because it was about time.

Glory wanted hotdogs. We asked a few families to meet us out for a cheap dinner of hotdogs! And she got a small toy she'd been pining after and a morning date with Daddy and an afternoon date with Mommy.

Benja is obsessed with camo--everything. Which he calls "bad guy" or "army guy" (we've explained army guys are good, but we think he means it in the urban way of "bad" as "good", you know?). He likes bad guys clothes, he wants bad guy costumes, and for his birthday party - all he's been asking for is a bad guy party.

So we're inviting our community group over for breakfast. Mostly adults, but Benja has a special place in his heart for all the college guys in our community group. I'm pretty sure he thinks they're his best friends. AND the cheapest thing I know to feed 20 something men is breakfast so we're having pancakes and fruit and oatmeal!

And today at Walmart we picked up badguy cupcakes, badguy plates, and badguy napkins. We'll hang some streamers and grab some balloons and I have a feeling Benja will be ENTRANCED. It will cost about $25, max. It's not fancy. I won't even look up one recipe on pinterest and there sure won't be favors. But my boy will feel loved and treasured by the people he treasures and I'm trying to talk my husband into using a little bad-guy-face-paint.

I'm giving up on fabulous birthday parties.
I'm gaining peace, more money in my budget, and a little boy who gets exactly what he wants.
And hopefully a little face paint.

(ps - if fabulous birthday parties are your thing - you should feel much freedom and excitement in them! this is only about imparting grace and embracing the things which are our things, so yay! invite me to one! please don't ask me to bring the cake pops because I tried to make those one time, and they were awful)

What about you? What are you giving up on?
link up below!

a day in the life.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Tue, 22 May 2012 12:32:00 +0000

Because I love when other bloggers do it.
Because I hope it imparts grace to see other people's normal lives.
Because I really love this season in our family and I want to cherish it.
I documented the big parts (and missed a few parts, I'm sure) to just a random Monday - my husband's day off.

5:30am
Nick's emergency alarm goes off that warns me I HAVE to get up to go to my temporary babysitting job that I've taken over for a friend. My alarm goes off at 5 and if I get up then, I have time to go buy coffee before babysitting. If I wait till the emergency alarm like today, I have to microwave day old coffee since I don't have time to make it.

I throw on some clothes (and earrings), grab my bible, books, and laptop and head to the babysitting job. The kids are still asleep so I say bye to the mom and get comfy.
Quiet time. #shereadstruth A little prayer and journaling.

Then a little work. Design work. Make a list for the day.
Stare into space for a second.

7:15am
Babysitting job over.
I grab coffee on the way home for Nick and I. Just to celebrate.
It's his day off!
And I love him.

7:25am
I come home to these cuddling cuties.
yep, glory puts on her metallic shoes at 7am.
I cuddle with them for a few minutes before going to get breakfast started.

8:30am
Grapefruit & strawberries for me. Yogurt bowls & silly faces for them. Daddy always has an omelette.
We have funny conversations about the day.
About how many days till vacation and about how many days till their best friends, Eden and Elijah come home. They are starting to pray - not sing pray, just in these last few days. It does weird things to my heart. It thrills me to hear them talking to God and it cautions me to be remember that He hasn't grabbed their souls yet. For sure not Benja and Glor. So it's beautiful, but it's not the end all be all, you know?

After breakfast they head up stairs to play and I start the first scatter of the day. Any toy, piece of clothing, dish, piece of trash I can find - gets scattered. Toys on the steps, clothes to the laundry. Dishes to the piling up sink.

9:30am
Downstairs is all scattered and candles are lit. Upstairs looks like a toddler hurricane hit. Oh well. It's Monday.
Nick is in the office having some much needed abiding time.
Kiddos have a quick separate reading time, aka - give your mama ten minutes to put her clothes on. I love that Benja loves to read his Bible. It's his go to book.
But you know again - not trying to build baby pharisees. It's just a sweet stirring that I pray the Lord continues to grow.
I catch sight of Glory playing quietly in her room and my heart just flips with gratefulness. Holy mackerel, that girl is my favorite.

10:30am
Mama is dressed. Sort of. Good enough for today.
Kiddos are dressed and Elias put on all of the clothes I laid out for Benja, which is hilarious. His 2t pants and his shirt. We go with it and call the pants capris. :)
We do some reading time on the porch, check on our birds, and watch a quick science video about pollenation. Who know flowers had such complex anatomy? Yeesh.
At one point I lose my temper and realize our front door & windows are open. My neighbors are now well acquainted with my sin. My kids are already too acquainted.
I apologize. For the first time of the day.
We always say - our kids will know one thing: they'll know how to apologize.
Because we're fallen up in here.

Next up we make pollenating flowers out of playdoh while mama does the laundry and a little bit of the dishes. The colors get mixed up and Benja falls off the bench and woosh! How about a quick show on PBS? We all need a breather:)

noon
Mama eats lunch standing up and Daddy gets done with his work out and swoops in so I can join my online huddle. I love this group. I originally doubted if real discipleship and growth could happen online. It's been a year and I have no doubts now. So thankful for this time.

1pm
After huddle, Daddy takes over the afternoon for rest time and it's my work time. On Mondays, I typically just try to organize my work for the rest of the week. Start on emails. Figure out what's urgent. Plan for my time with the kids. Today I get distracted (in a good way) by a call from my Dad and he's on my heart too much for me to get any more work done. I work on one more quick project and head out for my run.

4:00pm
I love Fort Wayne.
I really love running in Fort Wayne.

4:45pm
I walk the last block back to my house and hallelujah! It's porch time. It's Monday, Nick's off, workout and work is done (for a few hours) and now it's porch time. What could be better?! We wave at neighbors and watch our birds.

Nick and I sit and hold hands and the kids play, play, play.
Glory "makes a salad" with six or seven leaves for an hour. And she climbs the tree. So high. The sons of thunder play with their stick-guns and climb trees and be boys.
Nick and I talk about things we could ask the Lord to do in us over our upcoming vacation.

5:30pm
We're all having easy separate dinners, but together.
Making it fancy for the kiddos with rice pasta mac & cheese in coffee mugs.
Raw cabbage & a beef patty for the lady and a salad for Nick that I want to steal.
Glory asks about the bad man who "steals and de-stroys" and we tell her once again, we don't need to be scared of him. Jesus already defeated him. On the cross! For her!

Benjamin tells us his favorite part of the day was "eating food".
He always says that:).
Elias tells us that he learned during "science" that scientists use seeds to make medicine.

6:30pm
Cuddling again, we watch a quick Maya & Miguel together.
Afterwards, we peel ourselves off the couch and while Nick cleans - I take the irish triplets upstairs. Glory has her first real tantrum of the day and ya'll, it was only hilarious. I laughed forever and ever. It was over a jammie shirt she didn't want to wear, but of course we couldn't give in. Thirty minutes later, a million tears, and a bunch of laughing later - I climb in Elias' bed with all three of them and read. We read two real books and then Benja's choice - which is really a baby book with no sentences.

At first we work on sounding words out, but I can tell they're too tired and it's making them feel defeated so I let them tell me the colors of everything. I know they're 3, 4, and 5 and all know their colors well - but it makes them feel like winners of a few minutes and it's worth it. :)

7:30pm
While they get a few more minutes to read in bed, I start the coffee.
Workday part 2, here we come! Emails and design and work awaits!

I stand and soak up the sweetness of my kitchen. Cool, cool breeze blowing in.
Just this morning - 14 hours ago, I prayed that God would make me like a refreshing breeze in our home.
There is grace where I've failed.
There's hope in Him tomorrow.

three things for Monday.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Mon, 21 May 2012 11:48:00 +0000

Good morning!

Just a few things I want to share this Monday.

My hope is that all three of these little tidbits will bring you some joy today.

I don’t mean happiness, I mean some straight up soul joy.

#1. #SheReadsTruth

If you’re on twitter, or instagram – or even if you’re not. Come check this out. Kacia and Gussy have both told the story and you can check it out on their blogs, but the short story is: Two of our community leaders for Influence (Kacia & Gussy) began chatting about doing some bible reading together and holding one another accountable, sharing what they’ve learned. Raechel and I hopped in and joined them. A hashtag was made. And now dozens, maybe more, women have joined in.

We’re reading the Soul Detox bible reading plan on the You Version (lifechurch.tv) Bible reading app. You can get it on your iphone, ipod, or even just online. Then, after reading each day (it’s a fairly short and doable plan!) we’re tweeting, instagramming, sharing our insights with the hashtag #SheReadsTruth. Jump on in and join us; we’re only on day 5 of 31 days. I know that you’ll be blessed.

#2. A winner! Welp. That was entirely too long for me to wait to pick a winner of my mother’s day giveaway. But I did. And it’s ok. But here’s the thing – the winner? The totally random, picked through a random number picker winner, is blessing my heart. My sweet friend Kelly Bollman, who has posted on Naptime Diaries before, is the winner! And anyone who knows Kelly would agree, she deserves to win about 3,506 contests, so I’m incredibly blessed that this bundle of goodies will go to her! Kelly, I need your new address!

#3. Going, going, gone.

This week in my shop, hopefully by the end of today - I will have about THIRTY OR MORE prints on sale for $6.00 each. The number of prints in my arsenal has gotten a little out o’ control. I’m up to about 70 designed prints and that’s just crazy town. So. Through this week, please oh please fill up your Etsy carts with $6.00 prints and let’s get say farewell to some Naptime Diaries classics. Once these prints are gone, they’re gone so get them now if you wish! Here are some examples of some of the ladies who are again, only $6.00.

three of the thirtysome on sale

I hope your week is starting off well, friends.

If not, grab some coffee and a few $6 prints and come read

through some #SheReadsTruth posts.

That’ll do the trick.

giving up good: marathon or book

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

If you don't know what we're up to - check out this post and this post.
Also, be sure to see what Hayley is giving up on today.
Then link up below!
..................................................
Let me set the scene for you:
Today I walked in to my dear husband's office while he was sermon planning. He was all enraptured in scripture and prayer and I just sauntered in with my highly important and urgent question.

"Hey babe! Stop praying for a second! What should I write about for my giving up on good post tomorrow?!" Ok, it didn't happen quite like that. And I did offer to come back later, but by that point, he was eager to help.

exhibit a: hot husband demonstrates my weird "side smile"

exhibit b: hot husband laughs at me

exhibit c: hot husband demonstrates my "crazy smile"

Nick: "what is giving up on good?"

Jessi: "Babe. For real. You know. You know, that link up I'm doing with Hayley where we talk about things we're giving up on to do something better.

Imparting grace to women, you know."

Nick: "Oooooh, like the post where you talked about giving up on showers.

Not your best move, Connolly."

Jessi: (dies laughing and throws paper at him)

Nick: "oh, I know! you should give up making those goofy faces you

make when you take iphone self portraits. Would you give those up?"

Jessi: I throw something else at him. But I know it's true. I make stupid faces.

Nick: "oh! you could talk about how you gave up on working out?!"

Jessi: "Love. Are you joking? I worked out Monday, Tuesday,

and I'm going running this afternoon?"

Nick: "No, I mean how it's not your THING anymore."

And I knew he was right.
And it's true.
I've given up on being workout girl.
Wannabe marathoner girl. Long distance runner girl.

And that's kind of what I feel like is at the heart of "giving up on good". There are all these things that we possibly could BE. Could be all about, could "own", could be known for.
And a lot of us (namely this lady right here) would like to be good at all the things.
I would like to be a strong believer, amazing wife, full time and incredibly supportive, loving, nurturing mama, hard worker-bee running my own business... blah blah blah. You know all the things. You might want to be them too. And one of my things I used to want to be was marathon girl or super fit after three kids girl.

But like I said - it's about identity.

And who I am right now is Jessi, daughter of Christ.

Coheir with Jesus. Redeemed and rescued.

And there are some descriptors that the Lord has given this life - 3 kiddos, hot pastor husband, frequent mover, lover of online ministry. At one point during the last few months, as Nick and I were discussing dreams and goals and really how to do this interesting life where we could easily totally lose sight of what we're about - he sort of issued an ultimatum, which is different for him. He said very kindly, "Love. This year, you can write a book or you can run a marathon. You cannot do both." And he wasn't being so literal, but I heard his heart.

I can't do all the things. I cannot be all the things.

So I'm still working out. Trying to be faithful with my body. But the end goal has changed and I've given up on the good idea of being super physically fit. Faithful.
But I gave up my second planned half marathon in January and I'm giving up the one I was going to do in September and I'm giving up the Chicago marathon too.
Instead I'll stick with my homemade bootcamp with my friend Brittany and slow, painful three mile runs, and this redeemed mama of three body:)

but husband, don't think for a second I'm giving up my weird faces.
NOT FOR A SECOND.

What about you?

If you've realized you can't do all the things,

which one are you giving up on?

link up below - either her or on The Tiny Twig.

she spills her coffee too.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

A of all, I'm so glad that you ladies heard my heart yesterday. I'm so glad you're ok with talking about our weaknesses, even if they're the one thing we really want to be strong in.

B of all, to follow up - how about this beautiful guest post from my new friend, Virginia.

You'll be blessed by her. You can also talk to her here.

I cannot wait to hug her in October.

.....................................................................................................

Fresh decaf brewed and poured into my favorite mug. The sun beams through the sliding glass door as May finally brings warmth again to the north. I head toward the living room to snuggle with my son. All is well.

Suddenly my little one throws a fit at my feet and I bump the wall with my arm. Coffee splatters across the floor and my son dives to splash around in the new puddles.

No longer the perfect morning. I'm frustrated, soaked and now need to clean instead of relax. A sigh comes out loudly and turns into an annoyed groan. One that it hard to miss.

Reaching for towels to mop up my mess and attempting to keep my diaper bottomed boy from spreading it any further my daughter looks up at me and says in the sweetest voice,
"Mom, when I grow up I'm gonna have coffee and spill it just like you."

I laugh. Then, suddenly her sincere reaction hits me. Yes, she probably will grow up and spill coffee and huff about it just like me. The mommy guilt comes in the room like a cloud when I realize yet again that she looks up to me. I cannot pick and choose the moments that she learns from.

She's soaking in what I do and say every single moment.
Good and bad.

When I raise my voice in frustration.
When I read my Bible in front of her.
When I check the texts on my phone.
When I sit with her and read.
When my husband and I talk.
When I care for others.
When I apologize to her.
When I give encouraging words.
When I complain about my body image.
When I am anxious.
When I trust God.
& When I spill my coffee.

It is said that kids develop their world view by the age of 6. That's the lense of what they believe is "normal" for the rest of their life. This is scary.

Nothing is ever picture perfect in our home. In those moments of glorious sunshine or puddles of coffee let me be a Mom that takes the time to apologize and explain to my kids what I did wrong. Let me be a Mom that displays humility, forgiveness and grace.

I pray that in those moments of chaos that God shines through and He is able to make beautiful moments out of the messes I make. Jesus, may they grow to follow and trust in You and the grace you so generously give us! I cannot do any of this in my own strength. I need You God.

So I say, live by the Holy Spirit's power. Then you will not do what your sinful nature wants you to do.

~ Galatians 5:16 NIRV

i'm worried too.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

The pictures from this post are from our mother's day weekend.

Isn't mothers day interesting? I think and think about how I'd like to be pampered and then when the day comes, I'm always overwhelmed with how incredibly exceedingly blessed I am. A manicure? Really, I think I deserve a manicure?

Psh.

It's God's grace that I DON'T get what I deserve and His rich mercy that I DO get what I don't deserve. Like Elias Powell, Gloriana Eloise, and Benjamin Haddon.

Some deep motherhood thoughts below.

........................
I'll tell you the truth, I'm worried too.

Last week, on the facebook - it seemed like this post, and a few similar ones, went viral.
Posts encouraging mamas to put the phones down and don't. miss. this.
These few precious years, these precious kiddos, this precious calling.

precious arrow necklace my man got me.

And I'm there ya'll. I'm there. I'm convicted. I'm humbled. I'm worried.
I've been feeling it rise up in my heart the last month or so.
When we first moved to Fort Wayne, for the first month, I was in 110% kid mode. Mama mode.

I worked a little, but mostly I was keeping my two eyes on their six eyes - knowing this was a hard transition for them and wanting to be absolutely completely there. Also, we were living with another family and it just worked to have 100% family time instead of mama tap-tap-tapping on the laptop in the other room time.

this coo-coo-cachoo.

But truly, what happened was, my identity took a hit.
And once we moved into our own house and started setting up our own rhythms, my feeble and sinful heart panicked. I felt lonely from moving and my coping mechanism was to put on, add on, increase the identity that I could control - the worker bee in me.
And it was sinful and it was uncomfortable and it wasn't best.

My gracious and wise husband has a face, a posture of his heart and body, that he can use with me that imparts truth without condemnation. And when that face is set upon his, I know - I know to search my heart and ask the Lord, "what is it that is hurting him? burdening him? what is that I'm doing?". Sometimes I sinfully and stubbornly live through it and look past it, but I could tell something was weighing on him - so I asked the Lord and I finally asked Nick.

And he lovingly reminded me the Lord has given us some exciting ministries, but He has given me one real job. Them. Elias. Gloriana. Benjamin. And when I'm with them, I gotta be with them. And the work that doesn't get done, just doesn't get done. And it's ok.

And I'll tell you what, I'm sick over that month. And I'm nervous for the next. But His kindness and grace have led me to repentance and His kindness and grace will lead me to wisdom for the new season. For the exciting opportunities, for the fun side ministries - but mostly for the main job, the real job. For the spending time with them.

four precious robin babies who live on my porch.
two hatched, I think. they're a lot scarier looking when they hatch.

And all this is to say. I'm worried too. I'm sharpened and it hurt a little. I couldn't read that article and indignantly cross my arms and say "hmph. those mamas with their faces buried in their iphones. shame on them." PS - I have a campaign against the phrase "shame on them" - A of all, because we NEVER want shame to fall on anyone. Conviction, yes. Shame, never. And B of all, because there's always something you could or should be feeling conviction about yourself. So I'm not looking down on you ladies who struggle like me, but I'm also unwilling to ignore the tug at my heart and say those women don't know me. Don't understand. It doesn't matter if you don't know my reasons or my schedule or my rhythms. The fact remains, my kids need more of me.

I have no new wisdom to offer. I won't even share my plan because I'm asking the Lord for it each day. For the grace and the wisdom just for me. If you're there with me. If you're worried too, in the best possible way, that you might have missed a month and don't want to miss the next one - tell me below. And during one of those times that they don't need me, I'm going to sneak back here to the comments and pray for you. Pray for us.
For wisdom and grace.
To be there when we need to be.

I love you ladies.
Jess

................
ps - here is my vow to you.
I write about motherhood almost never on here, because it's the part of my life I feel the weakest in. But the truth is, there is hope because Christ is in me.
Because He's growing me and moving me, and because I can boast in my weaknesses when His power is made perfect in them.
So that subject isn't off limits anymore.

Today, today! Today's the day!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Mon, 14 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Alright gals.
Today's the day.
Earlybird tickets for The Influence Conference go on sale TODAY for $170.00 at 9am EST and we're only selling 50 of those bad boys.

I don't want to keep you long cause I know you need to get over there and snag your ticket, so how about a short list. Here are some of the reasons I would be going to Influence, even if I wasn't one of the hosts.

#1. It's more than a conference. We really believe this is a new season, a new home for this generation of bloggers who want to make much of Jesus. On twitter and in the preschool pickup line.

#2. Some of the women I most adore on the internet are speaking there. Like-minded women who seem a lot like me and like-minded women who seem incredibly different from me. I'm excited about EVERY ONE of our speakers, but some that I'm freaking out over:
Jami Nato, Emily Freeman, and Nish. Incredibly different women, incredibly like-hearted.

#3. I would go to Influence just for the community leaders. Truly. We've hand picked ten or so women who we believe are key players in this new emerging community. Not only are they coming to the conference, but they've said they will be available all weekend to help lead women through the event. They are some of my favorite women in America that I've never gotten to meet.

Moriah, Blair, Annalea, Kacia, Kara-Kae, Jen, Raechel, Amanda, and Ashley.

#4. I'd go to Influence because it's going to be a life-giving, refreshing, and rejuvenating weekend. Our aim from the get go is to give you a weekend that is full of wisdom and encouragement and community WHILE creating margin for you to process, rest, and relax. We don't want you to leave exhausted or drained. We are tailoring and planning and praying that you will leave October 13th READY. For whatever the Lord has for you.

#5. I would come to Influence to learn. If you want to know more about blogging, social media, networking and branding - all for the glory of God, you will learn at Influence. If you want to learn more about seasons of life, applying the gospel in real life community, and making the most of where the Lord has placed you, you will learn at Influence. I truly believe we'll all leave sharpened.

More than a conference. Wise & wonderful speakers. Incredible community leaders.

Refreshing weekend. Sharpening tools.

And those are just my first five reasons.

I'll keep sharing.

For now, you hop on over to the website and snag your ticket.

When the fifty earlybirds are sold out, we'll announce on our blogs and twitter.

I'll see you ladies there!

finally home & adoption day in the shop

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Fri, 11 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Two things I want to share about really quickly!

#1: Today in my shop, ALL profits go to our friends Jessica & Travis Carpenter to help fundraise for their adoption. They have about $15.5 thousand dollars left to raise to bring their daughter home from China and are also running a special donation promotion this month. They're extending it to anyone who purchases from my shop - so if you purchase any prints in my shop today - not only will 100% of the profits go to the Carpenters adoption, but you'll also be entered to win an American Girl doll, The Jesus Storybook Bible & DVD curriculum, or a $150 Arbonne Gift Certificate!
Go there now & support the Carpenters!

#2: Our best friends here in Fort Wayne are at the very beginning process of adopting as well! Woohoo! SO fun! Mandy and Eric have just started blogging through their process of adoption and selling some of their amazing music to benefit their adoption. For just $1 each, you can get their songs - Finally Home and Unconditional. Mandy is an incredibly talented songwriter and I promise you, Finally Home is my favorite song to worship the Lord to! I think it will be yours too. Snag their music HERE.

So go spend a few dollars, get some amazing music and some prints, and help two families bring their kiddos home.
Thanks friends.

Jess

giving up on good, vol. 2

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Thu, 10 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

I so, so, so hope you're joining Hayley and I as we give up on good.
If you don't know what we're talking about - read last week's post to catch up.
Essentially - we are sharing and encouraging ya'll to share the good things that you can willingly give up to do the better things in your life.

Last week, Hayley shared that her family made the wise decision to give up going to community group one week to create some margin for their boys. I shared that while I like to get dressed everyday, I've given up on the "good" idea that I should be dressed and ready by 7am. Instead, I take my time and stay in my jammies till noon sometimes.

This week, I'm getting REAL vulnerable with ya'll.
Here is a good thing I've given up.
SHOWERING.

oh, hi friend.

Listen, I'm crunchy - but not that crunchy. I still use deodorant. I still wash my hair and wear makeup.
But I would say I only shower 5 times a month.
That's a true story.

Here's the deal. Do I think it sounds like a good idea to bath daily and keep my hair super clean and wash my face twice a day? Yes. Yes, I do.

But I'm a mom to three rambunctious young kiddos
who I love and want to spend my days with.
I'm a wife to a pastor with a fluctuating schedule.
I'm a small business owner.
I'm a blogger.
I'm planning a conference.
I like to exercise.
I aspire to be a good friend.
I like to spend time with Jesus.
I want to serve my neighborhood.
I want to serve and be present in my church.
AND I'm learning that I've got to rest. And have margin.

Those are my "better" things, and an hour of showering and getting fixed up daily just won't work. And please don't suggest spending less time showering and doing my hair. Ya'll, this mane is HIGH MAINTENANCE. Best case scenario for me, including cutting all corners possible, it's gonna take an hour to wash, condition, and dry this head. So we're not even counting makeup or bodily pampering.

So here's what I've opted for. I've given up on a daily or every-other-day-shower.
Instead I do bird-baths with baby wipes, use lots of solid perfume, and I've (over time) trained my hair to not get oily. I promise you, anyone can train their hair this way - here is a good guide on how to do it.

less frequent showering means less frequent robe washing

And when I do shower - typically once to twice a week - I make it worth it.
I use shower oils and candles and there is usually music playing.
And sometimes, when the hair is finally dry, I'll blow my serene bathroom a kiss and say, "see you again soon, friend!". But during the rest of the week, I rarely regret being an infrequent showerer. Because I've given up that "good" for better things.

And people in my real life promise I don't stink.
I'm taking their word for it.

.......................................
What about you?
What good have you given up on?
Link up here or over on The Tiny Twig and let us know!

a gift for one of you.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Tue, 08 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

I basically love you guys.
And when I started thinking about doing a giveaway for Mother's Day this year, I didn't want to give you a bunch of my own prints or some products that I could get for free.
I wanted to give one of you a gift, a real gift.
Because I love you guys and I love motherhood and the challenges and joy and delights the Lord has brought to my life through it.

And because I love my mama.
My step mama and mother in law. And Nanas. And grandmas.
And because I love you guys.
You mamas. You ladies longing to be mamas.
You ladies with empty arms who are sad on Mother's Day.

I want to give one of you a little gift package.
From me to you.
And here's what it is.

1. My favorite solid perfume from Lush.
You have GOT to check this stuff out. I am not a perfume lover, and I LOVE this.
Thank you to The Tiny Twig for introducing me!
2. coral nail polish. I promise you, we all need some.
3. My favorite new white enamel earrings.
4. A set of white beaded bangles to match.

No gimmicks. No "follow me here" or "comment me this".
Maybe just say whatever you want to to say:)
Tell your friends, but only because you love them and if you don't win this -
you want one of them to.

Thank you Father for mothers.
For seeing fit to let us experience you in this way.
In the beauty and the hardship and the grace and the love.
And thank you Lord for coral nail polish.
We know that was your idea.

more on Influence, what you've been waiting on!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Mon, 07 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

I know some of you have been waiting SO patiently for details so I'm going to get those out of the way and then share some heart stuff with you after that.

Stick around, ok?

Where will the conference be

THE BEAUTIFUL Sheraton Keystone in Indianapolis, IN

(ps - it's connected to a massive beautiful mall

that has an Anthropologie & a Madewell store - those were bonuses for me)

When

Still the 11-13th of October

(we'll start Thursday evening and end Saturday night)

Who

All women are invited. It's not JUST a blogging conference, but it will be super beneficial for women who are looking to leverage the internet to make much of Jesus.

What

The conference will be made up a few different components. First of all, we'll be having some life sessions and some strategy sessions. The life sessions will center around the idea of applying the gospel where the Lord has given you influence in your own personal, real-life world. The strategy sessions will be chock full of wisdom for those of you building brands, endeavoring online and creative businesses - and all those sessions will be centered around the gospel as well.

We've said it once and we'll say it again. We truly believe this is a conference where a super-famous-mommy-blogger can bring her best friend who wouldn't know how to log into facebook if she tried and they will BOTH leave feeling refreshed, encouraged and excited to use the influence God has given them.

Who else

We know, we know. You want to know who's teaching. We are certain you're not going to be disappointed. We're going to keep our speakers under wraps for a few more days, but trust us when we say these women are some of the funniest, bravest, wisest, most creative women we could find on the internet. We prayed and prayed and wrote down our "dream list" of speakers, and they're coming. You'll be blessed by them.

Also! We've appointed a few community leaders throughout the online world and you'll probably be hearing them talk about Influence as the days go by. They'll be with us leading up to the conference, helping us spread the word, and they'll play a key role that awesome weekend in October - making sure that real community is happening and that women feel taken care of, encouraged, and one of the gals.

If you are worried about coming alone, don't be!

How (do you get there?)

You can check out the website today and talk to your husband/best friend/mama/sister/blogging friends and get ready to buy your ticket. Next Monday, the 14th, we're going to release FIFTY (only fifty) early bird tickets for $170. After that, ticket prices will raise to their normal price of $200. Your ticket price includes an amazing breakfast & lunch on Friday and Saturday, enough coffee and tea to drown a horse, free wifi, tons of goodies and resources, and a bunch of surprises we have up our sleeves.

Starting that day, the Sheraton Keystone will also release the special blocked off rooms that they've reserved for $115. You can split the room with a few friends, and we'll also have a resource to help connect roomates if you need help with that. We're also working on transportation to and from the Indianapolis airport, so that won't be a hassle for you guys!

Lastly, the site

Now, as details become available - you can check out www.theinfluenceconference.com for any and all questions you might have. You can also email me (jessiconnolly at gmail) or tweet to Hayley, me, or Casey with any and all questions.

All that said, this is still only the start, friends.

We have so many things we are so excited to share about what the Lord is doing behind the scenes and all the fun things we have planned for this blessed weekend in October.

We cannot wait to meet all of you and do a massive group hug Thursday night, ok?

ps - that is a officially a part of the conference schedule.

Ok, maybe not.

......................

Now, can I share my heart for a quick second?

I just want to say, I'm incredibly blessed by what the Lord is doing in my heart and shifting in me as we pray through all of this. Something Nick and I have repeatedly said to one another throughout our lives before making big Jesus-based decisions is, "is this really about Jesus? Is it really all for Him?".

Because we know if we can't answer that question, it just won't work.

I just want ya'll to know - as the leadership team of this conference, we are asking that question. I am feeling the Holy Spirit shift me and move in me and say, "Do you really believe I have given you influence to make much of me? Do you see the influence I've given you here, today with these precious kiddos, with this husband, with these emails and these friends and this family. If you do believe that, then how are you responding?".

And I'm being convicted and humbled and given hope by the Good News.

And that's why we're having this conference.

Because we want to do that together.

so, we'll see you there?

cutest giveaway ever winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Sat, 05 May 2012 04:33:00 +0000

Just a quick pop in to say - the winner of the Little Hip Squeaks giveaway is Jessi! From This Camera Tells My Story. If you didn't win, no worries - you can still get those goodies over at Little Hip Squeaks!

Happy Saturday!

it's ALMOST...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Fri, 04 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

And your mama/sister/self/best-friend/grandmother called.
She wants a naptime diaries print.
Ok, ok. Maybe not.
But maybe she'd be blessed by one.

Just in case, I've made a few new ones that I thought she might like.
Mom/sister/best friends of mine - don't peek:
this might be what I'm giving you.

exodus fourteen fourteen

proverbs 31:28

come thou fount

And here's my promise to you.
If you order any of these prints TODAY - I will get them to you by the day before Mother's Day! I can't promise you that for custom prints or orders - but any of the normal old prints in the shop -
we'll get it done!

And to sweeten the deal, what if we do this?

Enjoy, friends!
Have a blessed Friday!

giving up on good.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Thu, 03 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

A of all - thank you guys for being so excited about Influence! We are SO pumped! I've been smiling my face off reading your tweets and emails about how excited you are and how you want to help out! We cannot wait to share more details - starting next Monday!

B of all - how about this story?

One day a few weeks ago, I was perusing Hayley's blog and reading old posts that I'd missed out on. I came across this life giving post and as I read it and marinated on it, I realized - it felt so comfortable and homey to me because I'd written a similar post about a year earlier. I love when the Lord does that! Lines your heart right up with a friend.

Anyhow, the basis of both of our posts were kind of gracefully explaining the good things we'd given up on with the intention of taking care of the things that really mattered to us.

Instead of perpetuating the lie that you have to do it all well, all early, all efficient - what if we spoke life to one another and imparted grace to one another by waving our white flags and admitting the good things we've walked away from to pursue the better things. The things that are right for us?

What if we had a little weekly linkup and you could share one or two things each week that you've given up on. Because you know you can serve your family, the Lord, or just keep a sense of peace by focusing your time, energy, talent, resources where He wants it to be.

.....................................................................................................

Here's my example for this week!

I noticed on last year's post for "I don't do it all", I said that I don't get dressed every day and I will tell you - that has changed a good bit. Maybe once a week/every two weeks, I'll wear workout clothes all day - but for the most part, I've decided that I have a great closet full of thrifted clothes and it really blesses my husband/increases my work ethic/makes me feel generally better if i freshen my hair, put on some makeup, wear SOME sort of outfit.

(now stick with me, I promise this will get encouraging)

exhibit a:

But here's my secret. Here's the good I've given up on:

I think it sounds good and well to get up before the crack o' dawn and get pretty, but I've given up on that. I want to get dressed cute for the day, but who says that has to happen before 11am?

We're in an interesting season of life, our family. Kids semi-preschooling it up at home. Pastor husband with a flexible schedule. Work-at-home mama being a full time mama. All that means is we can have some LAZY mornings. I sure care about looking put together at some point in the day, but there are no rules that say I can't drink a pot of coffee, read with my kiddos, write 15 emails, and water the flowers out front before I ever brush my teeth.

And so - I've given up on the "good" rule that says you should be dressed, ready for your day, cute as a button, all put together by 7am. Only because I've seen that letting ourselves have a super peaceful morning with no agenda builds great grace in our home. I try not to plan too much in the mornings or run any errands. It's just us, building our relationships, cleaning up messes, cuddling, and working on our letters. And I don't need a fedora with matching vintage shoes for that.

And so, I give you, exhibit b:

left side: Me at 11:19am on Tuesday. Husbands sweat pants & the shirt from yesterday.
The top half was too scary to document.
11:39 am: real pants, cuter shoes, a real shirt, and some freshly curled hair.

.............................................

So here's the thing, sister.

Your secret's out. You don't do it all.

If you do, teach us all how.

But for the rest of us -

let's share some good things we've given up.

Want to join us?

Brainstorm what you've given up on or what you NEED to give up on and come back next Thursday to link your post here or on The Tiny Twig.

We can't wait to see:)

the last I'll say for awhile

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Wed, 02 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

sweet baby Arrow, the baby we lost last year. All tucked safe & sound.

The story started in the Walmart bathroom, you know?

It was mothers day and I was taking a pregnancy test in walmart.

Just hours before I’d been writing and writing in Starbucks.

Thinking on arrows and weapons and how our children truly were them. I thought about how Elias’ life gave me a kickstart to seeing my selfishness and how his kindness teaches me daily still. I thought about Glory’s whole story. How no 23 year wants to hear her perfect daughter will mostly likely never live outside the womb and how no 26 year old wants to lie beside that same girl in a NICU three years later, watching her toes twitch and begging for her life. How the Lord taught me about faith through her. Big, capital FAITH. And Benjamin, even though it wasn’t him, but just the six arms and six legs and three mouths that suddenly filled my home and my heart. How that season of his coming and our family, how it led me to feeling utterly inept. And utterly overwhelmed with God’s ability when we failed.

They were weapons in our hands. In our unskilled, unwise, young little hands. But the Lord took those arrows and He did damage. He messed up our hearts and our worldview and our plans and I now am so comfortable with the idea that He used it in other people’s lives too. I don’t, I can’t boast for a second about those stories. But I’m learning that He sure does.

But there I was.

In Walmart.

Shaking.

There would be a fourth arrow.

I can still remember the exact building that I was passing on the way home, jabbering and maybe crying a little, talking to my sister. She was saying, “It’s going to be great! It’s going to be great!” and all of a sudden, I believed her. And I said firmly back,

“It’s going to be great. It’s. Going. To. Be. Great.”

Because the Lord had saw fit to give us another weapon to fight with.

And in return, we’d get a cuddly baby to hold.

And that’s where I operated from in that short pregnancy. There was no fear, no frustration, in my most private of moments, I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face. I felt special and expectant. I felt in love. I felt honored. I. I. I. I made it one of my new years resolutions to say “I feel” less and “I know” more. And here is what I know.

I know that though it is a temptation for me to operate out of insecurity over how much I have grieved over Arrow, my grief has never shocked the Lord. He has never thought I’m being overdramatic. When I’m private and alone and near to Him, I know that He gets it.

I know that they are right when they say it takes a year of seasons and events to process a loss. I know that twenty weeks was hard. I know that Christmas was hard. I know that his due date was hard. And I know that this season, the finding out on Mothers Day in the walmart bathroom and the losing on Fathers day in the hospital bed, has been the hardest of all seasons to approach. I know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and I know that we could not have moved to Indiana if baby Arrow had lived and I know that on some days, I want to pitch a fit and go back to the tiny house in South Carolina and the life that didn’t seem to be moving forward so much, and just have my baby.

But you know what?

The other day, I was hit with this massive realization.

Elias, Glory, and Benjamin are my arrows and they have meant so much to me and they are this huge chunk in my story – but they are each separate souls. With separate memories. Separate fears and hearts and lives. And I’m most definitely at the point in mothering where it is selfish to dwell on them in relation to myself all day.

Because they’re Elias. Glory. And Benja.

And I get to shepherd them and love them, but it’s not all about me.

And Arrow wasn’t all about me either.

I believe he has a separate soul and a separate story.

And I have been blessed by it and hurt by the way it has unfolded.

But it’s almost been a whole year since my story with him ended and his story is all about Jesus now. It’s all about worship. And truth. And light. And life. And Jesus.

And I want to learn that from him.

I want to be more like him.

My Arrow.

And that's the last I'll say about him for awhile.

BIG NEWS. Are you in?

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Well, ya'll. I've had a fun little adventure over the past few weeks. And I'm so excited to finally share a snippet with the rest of the world. It's a long, fun, Holy Spirit guided story to how we got here - but I'm overjoyed to announce that I'll be hosting a conference alongside these two ladies come October. We would be thrilled if you would consider setting aside October 11-13th to join us as we encourage, learn, have FUN and walk together as we talk about how the Lord might want us to use our influence for sharing His good news.

Hayley from The Tiny Twig and the wonderful Casey Wiegand have long been some of my favorite ladies on the internet and it seems that the Lord has timed this all perfectly for us to each get to share a massive portion of what we're passionate about. So whether you're a professional blogger/social media pro or a stay at home mama who doesn't care a thing about twitter or a woman of God who just wants to love her community better, we believe the Lord will have something for you at Influence. We believe He's given you influence for a purpose - to make much of Him. And that is something to celebrate.

So, please mark your calendars for October 11-13th. We so hope you join us! Website, speakers list, and ticket information will be coming soon! We are THRILLED to tell you about all the wise, hilarious, awesome women who will be joining us and the fun things we have planned!

You in, sister?

enough cuteness to choke a horse ((a giveaway))

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:55:00 +0000

Seriously ladies, I almost want to apologize for what is about to happen on this here blog.
But then I remember that I'm about to give something away and I don't feel so bad any more.

Today, Amy from Little Hip Squeaks is giving away a set of your choice of one of her frighteningly precious baby blankets, baby hats, and bib. When I first saw Amy's stuff, I think... well I don't know what happened, but I liked it a whole lot.

If you know anyone who has had or is going to have a baby ever, it would behoove you to familiarize yourself with Amy's shop!!! Take a look at these cuties!

chevron, mustaches, and doodles - oh my!

To enter to win this giveaway, just leave a comment and tell me who you'd like to give this gorgeous set of goodies to. Or if you're keeping it for yourself, shoot, just tell us that;).

But before you run to the rest of your day, do yourself a favor and overdoes on cuteness
while you check out the rest of Amy's shop!
You can also find her on twitter and facebook!

Enjoy, enter this giveaway, and have a
happy friday!

a new season

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

I'll tell you, this is a tricky and fun business - this stay-at-home-mama working-from-home at the same time. On one hand, I'm getting to do this super exciting and life giving job in the office. On the computer. On the phone. And on the other hand, I get to do this super exciting and life giving job in my kids room. Reading on the floor. In the kitchen.

But as a new season is approaching, the Lord is opening up some exciting opportunities that have been really fun to pray about and plan. And the idea of sacrificing quality time with my kiddos is just not an option, so there is a new need to innovate our schedule.
Work smarter and harder.

And one area I want, or MUST, do that in is blogging.
I'm not quitting or walking away, but taking a serious inventory of what the Lord is doing and what I have to offer. It has been a joy, joy, joy to offer sponsorship on my blog and to get to promote ladies and their businesses that I believe in - but just like everything else, I have to work smarter and wiser with what I've got.

And from the way I see it, a static picture on the side of my blog just won't cut it.
It doesn't bless other bloggers, shop owners, business ladies as much as it possibly can and I sure don't want to take waste anyone else's time if I'm deadset on not wasting my own.

So, this is a long winded way to say,
I've changed the way I do sponsorship on my blog.
If you have a blog, shop, small business, or creative endeavor that you'd like to promote through Naptime Diaries - I'd love for you to check out my new sponsorship info.

I'm excited about where it's headed and I'm thrilled to have
ladies partnering with me to leverage the internet to bless our families -
for His glory.

I'm taking only a few more spots this month.
Come read about it and jump on it.
Let's do this thing together!

celebrating SPRING.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

I'm still celebrating,

you'll have to excuse me.

or join me!

Style-wise, here's how I'd like to celebrate spring this year.

Let's take this mini tour clockwise, shall we?

a. dipped hem skirts. I'm loving this one from f21. Yes, I'm 27.

b. neon in small doses. I'm a fan of this polish.

c. THIS watch from ASOS. (Mother's Day, hubby poo?)

d. The Tiny Shop! The brilliant Hayley from The Tiny Twig has opened her pop-up shop once again and when these beauties are gone, they're gone! Snag one TODAY.

e. big rock rings. So so fond of this beaut from the forev.

And you?

How will you be celebrating spring in your style?

Blessings, friends.

Enjoy the sunshine.

winners all around!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:41:00 +0000

Well, that was a super fun week, huh?

I'm excited to announce the winners of the print a day giveaway!

Email me at jessi connolly at gmail and let me know which print you'd like and we'll send it right out!

The winner for Monday is Katie!

The winner for Tuesday is Emily!

The winner for Wednesday is Abby!

The winner for Thursday is Shannon!

Email me ladies!

Ps - ya'll. This week is too fun.

Can we keep talking about this next week?

Plus, I have more ladies for you to hear from!

So come back Monday for more celebrating and more creating!

Woohoo!

Have a great weekend!

april celebrates. and boy, does she create.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessi) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

If you've been around Naptime Diaries at all, you know about April.
Hopefully you saw the fun new print we got to work on together, that debuted yesterday.
If you've been in my home, you've stood in front of one of my two massive paintings of hers and said, "WHO DID THIS?" and at that point, I pulled you in my kitchen, poured you some coffee and told you all about April.

I'm not gonna steal her time to talk, but I'll just tell you.
The Lord has really used her in my life and I want you to listen to her, ok?

yep. she's always this cute.

April, tell us how you think creativity and celebration play a roll in a believer's life.

I think both of those play a big role in our lives as believers. Personally as an artist creativity plays a big part in my life. God is creator and as He created us I feel that creativity is for everyone, artist or not. Right now I think creativity and craftiness is trendy...which is good because lots of people are trying new things. But some people may still feel that it's off limits to them... I think we should feel that right to creativity as believers. That's so much of my heart as an artist-spreading the creative love. And Celebration, YES. Always, celebrate...I think sometimes in my life I get so busy trying to maintain and control the crazy that I forget to celebrate. We don't have a family yet, but I feel that when we do it's just going to get crazier so we might as well embrace the crazy and just celebrate. Celebrate the moments big and small. Jesus is a celebrator so we should follow in it.

For the lady who says, "I'm not creative at all", what are a few first steps you'd share to encourage her?
Well, first I might rebuke it, because I hear that from people all the time and I don't think it's true. Our God is the inventor of creativity and we have a direct connect to Him as believers...and the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in us! Not to over spiritualize creativity, but let's not forget whose we are. We may not all be world renown designers or artists, but surely if we are desiring some creativity in our hearts God is able to give that to us. I would encourage you to get into God's word as a first step. The word is what often inspires me in my creativity. I try to visualize what a scripture could look like....and then I might do a #scripturedoodle, not to over preach the doodle, but that's the season I'm in :). Sometimes when I'm feeling stumped creatively I will try a new medium...like charcoal or collage to mix things up. Alot of times I am creating work for others and often I forget to just do some work for fun, for me just to get the juices flowing.

What is something you're
celebrating right now?
One thing I'm celebrating right now is God's love for us. We heard a great message at our church this past week on God's love. How He created us out of His abundance of love simply so that He could love us. He does not need us, but chooses us to love. It's so easy to get busy with doing God's work and giving to God that we forget, He did not create us to do things for him, He wants to love us. We have to learn to let God love us and His love is not earned, it is a gift. I forget that often, so right now I am celebrating it!!

What's been your favorite creative project in the last year or so?
My favorite creative project I've done this past year is probably my pea series, titled "Our Journey". I did the series for an art show back in October. But I really painted it to tell our story of wanting to become parents and waiting on our "peas" to come. I think it's probably some of my best work, not because of content but because of the truth behind it. Only God can make a story of heart ache beautiful and that's what he's done for us.

Thank you sweet friend for

sharing your wisdom with us!

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((all print winners will be announced on Friday!))