On Motherhood

Source: sneakpeeq.com via Debra on Pinterest

As you may have noticed, last Sunday was Mothers Day. Ah, the annual celebration where my fairytale dreams of poems and handwritten notes are reduced to a piece of computer paper with "Love you Mom" written in pencil hurriedly before Mom notices that no one has done anything to acknowledge the day. To be fair, my expectations are only high because I tend to go all-out on Fathers Day, by beating talking my kids into some extravagant gift/presentation for their dad, making sure that they write notes or personally pick out cards. And reminding them of how hard Jay works for us and how much he adores us. I don't think it's too much to expect him to remind them that Mothers Day is coming, after all.
Do I sound a little bitter? I was. I spent part of Mothers Day in tears because I felt like the lack of attention to the day was an indication of how my kids feel about me. And lets face it. Sometimes all the hard work of mothering does come down to one day of recognition. But then we went to church, (where the dream I had of sitting in the row with my older children was dashed because they woke up late, rushed to church and listened from the foyer) and I listened to the pastor speak about how guilt eats us up in parenting, about how our kids' behavior is not always a reflection of our parenting, it's a reflection of their hearts. And God wants their hearts, not their behavior. WOW. I sat in tears. And I sat convicted. And I felt like a schmuck for expecting so much of them.
I decided to roll with the day. Let go of expectations and my bad attitude, and just enjoy the day. We went as a family to see Ironman (Mr. Handsome's gift to me.), and it was sold out. So we went for ice cream instead. We had my in-laws over for ribs. My son backed into their car.
So much for a peaceful day, huh? But hey, I wore a cute dress. And I hugged my kids. A lot.

Cory, Zach, Me, TJ and Madison (and my furry baby, Samson)

Me and Madison and my Marilyn Monroe moment.

In This Outfit:
Dress: Anthropologie Summer Soufflé Dress (similar body style)
Sweater: J Crew Jackie Cardigan
Belt: Anthropologie Rippled Ribbon Belt (Kate Spade version)
Shoes: J Crew Mona Pump
Necklace: J Crew multistrand pearls

College Life

Since I didn't go to college, I didn't experience the feelings of going away and separating from my family and having to figure it out. I was a momma, and had to grow up fast.
I shared with you earlier that being a college mom is difficult. I am hoping to get some feedback from you, my dear readers. Will you share your college experiences with me? The good and the bad? And maybe some suggestions on how to have a great relationship with my college aged son? I would so much appreciate it...
I hope I don't sound like I am complaining, I just hope that by hearing some different perspectives, it might give me encouragement.

In This Outfit:

Flared & Cabled Sweaterdress, Anthro (similar in grey & navy, red w/ sleeves, i LOVE this!)
Cardigan Sweater, J Crew Factory (here, here)
Emmie Ballet Flat, Lucky (here, all different colors here)
Unearthed Necklace, Anthro (similar style, beautiful turquoise)
And completely un-related but I just had an OMG moment. Have you guys seen this?! Where have I been?

Week-End Catch-Up

This weekend was spent doing catch-up.
Spending time with my little boy Friday afternoon.
Watching the HS football game with the family.
Cleaning all day Saturday.
Church & lunch Sunday.
Long run Sunday.

More Adventures of Mr. Handsome

Friday Night Lights down at the High School

Me with my Man

Sunday Church OOTD
Shirt: Brooks Bro's Buttondown, thrifted (find it here, cheaper)
Skirt: Pencil in Deep Chartreuse, J Crewlet (similar, cheaper)
Necklace: Multi-Strand Pearl, J Crewlet (beautiful & thrifty, also pretty)
Shoes: Satin Swoops Heels, Anthro (similar blue, slingback)

Talking myself out of my heels and into my tennies for my 10miler

What did you guys do over the weekend?

Mr. College Boy (And Some Other People)

Just a quick photo share:

Me & Mr. College Boy on the KU Campus.

A few photo's from the drive between Lawrence and Wichita for all my Kansas (and former Kansas) folks. Flint Hills.

 What I made m'self over the weekend. I was in desperate need of a makeup bag. So I made my own using scraps and some lace a friend sent me. Needed one big enough to hold both my Urban Decay Naked pallets.

Mr Handsome hanging on the playground. (He is second from left.)

Little Miss Volleyball Player.

What Mr. College Boy thought it would be a GREAT idea to send mom. NOT.

 Mr. Playa- who doesn't like his picture taken, so it has to be done on the fly. This is me following him around the Gucci store. He wants to live there.

 I love Dairy Queen dates with Mr. Playa.

 In addition to being very handsome, he has also added football to his resume. (Lineman, don'tcha know?)

OOTD Catch-up

Goober Alert: 

About 1/2 of the pictures my daughter takes of my outfits are me being silly. I thought I would share a couple of them with you in between the decent ones. The problem is, as much as I love fashion, the picture taking is awkward. I never really know how to stand or pose, so I end up with the same old boring hand-on-hip. I try other things, but I just feel like a dweeb. 

1980's High School Senior Pose

Button-down: Thrifted (exact copy, similar & cheaper, hot pink)
Skirt: Anthro Penciled Abronia (cute!, j crew version, i like this too, solid green)

Sweater: Gap thrifted (cheap!, cardigan version, similar)
Shorts: J Crew lightweight chino (here, similar, cheap)
Shoes: Lucky Brand Emmie (here, love these too, super cheap)

Crazy Eyes!

And definitely not crazy, but crazy beautiful. (My photographer.)

You Asked For It

The response to my posts written about my family life has been overwhelming. I feel like I sound like a broken record, but I can't tell you how much it means to me to have your encouragement and concern for my family.
Last week, I had the most embarrassing turned amazing situation. I was at first mortified then overwhelmed.
As you may remember, Jay and I took our son to college last week. We drove up Wednesday evening, then attended Parent/New Student Orientation Thursday all day, moved him into his dorm on Friday, and returned home. I tried very much to keep off that subject both in the blog and in daily activities last week, because my emotions were so close to the surface.
We had the opportunity to meet TJ's roommate and his parents on Thursday at orientation, and made arrangements to meet up for dinner as a group that evening in Leawood. This gave us time to let Jay take TJ shoe shopping and for me to hit J Crew and Anthro before dinner.
I noticed that Madewell was very close to Anthropologie, and I had never had an opportunity to see a store location (only shopped online), so I ran in to take a turn thru the store and try a few things on. While browsing, I noticed one of the employees looked very familiar to me, and when we looked at each other, she said the same thing to me. So we got to talking, and she told me she was recruited from Anthro to run the new Madewell store. She asked about my family, and I told her what we were in town for, and we talked for a long time about college and opportunity, as well as the retail world (I told her about my new job). Can I just tell you, she gave me great feedback about joining the working world, was very encouraging about my ability to engage customers, and was excited about all the things going on in our family. I walked away thinking, "Wow! You feel like you are so alone sometimes, but she remembered me, and remembered parts of my life."  I was amazed.
On to Anthropologie.... I decided to return this and this after finding out I got the job, because I really wanted more things that would fit into a work wardrobe easier. So I set about doing my usual store routine browsing around the walls of the store and working my way in, and gathering things to try on. While I was in the fitting room, Jay called to say they were finished and heading my way. I asked him to bring my returns in so I could exchange.
I wrapped up and headed to the register, and while checking out, chatted as usual with the salesgirl. As I was about finished the salesgirl one register over said, "I just want to tell you, I am so glad I was here when you came in." Um, huh?
She said, "I read your blog every day, and I just love it. I saw your husband and son and knew you were here somewhere." I wanted to crawl under the desk I was so mortified. I know that might seem absurd. I mean, I put myself "out there" every time I post or add photo's, but in some ways, I still feel invisible. This was the first time I've ever been out and someone recognized me. I told her I was shocked and happy to meet her, and my cashier said, "Oh, yeah, we all read your blog." Again, I was shocked. Not unhappy, just shocked! But here's what got me. The first girl (Darn my brain! I WISH I had asked for her name!) said, "I have kids, and sometimes I feel like I will never get it right. When you talk about your kids, I can relate to that."
The ways blogging has changed my life will continue to be a surprise to me.  I never thought I would meet all of the amazing women I have had the opportunity to meet- whether virtually or in person. I count myself one lucky girl. It is risky to put yourself out like this. I love fashion, probably too much. But I adore my family, and to have someone say, "I can tell. It shows. I feel like I know you." I mean that just blows my mind. And I am grateful. They were excited about my job opportunity as well, and promised to come visit me in Wichita. I am thrilled for the visit!
When I told Jay and TJ what happened, they said, "Oh, well when we walked in, they said, 'Oh hey guys, the couch is over there and empty.'" They were like, "Okay, we're supposed to sit and not touch anything!" Haha.

Orientation Day
What I Wore:
J Crew Haberdashery Shirt (here, cheaper here)
J Crew Cafe Capri in Warm Jade (here, cheaper here)
J Crew Jackie Cardigan (here, i like this too)
Steve Madden Karisma Bow Flat (similar, i like these too, and these)
J Crew Link Bracelet (here, similar & cheaper)

Me and my Bud

TJ's nice, big dorm room.

Saying Goodbye
What I Wore:
Gap 1969 Real Straight Distressed Jeans (here, similar & cheaper)
Shirt: J Crew Perfect Buffalo Check (similar)
Sweater: J Crew Tippi in Heart Me (here)
Shoes: Grey Chuck Taylors (here)

So now that I know you care about my family, you are going to be hearing about them more...
You asked for it! :)

An Announcement....

A few weeks ago, I was in Gap with my little boy looking for school clothes (our Gap is like a city block, includes Gap/GapBody/GapBaby/GapKids), and got into a very interesting discussion with the manager about the company: it's hiring/scheduling policies, and employment. I was intrigued, so I asked about part time work, and was highly encouraged to apply online. My biggest concern was my lack of hands-on retail experience. I have not worked outside my home since I had my oldest child 18 years ago. I was assured I would be given a fair shot, and encouraged to share my love of fashion if I were granted an interview.
Thankfully, I did get that chance, when I interviewed about a week later. I had a great talk with the hiring manager, easily answering all her questions and asking a few of my own. She was very positive, and told me I did great, and a few days later, called and offered me the job.
This is going to be a very big change for our family, as my husband and kids have relied upon me to take care of most household/family responsibilities. They are all supportive and excited for me, and I now have my in-laws' help as well, since they moved to our town. (I HOPE they are this enthusiastic when they have to help with dinner or other chores!) Figuring out a new routine and scheduling will be interesting for the next few weeks, but I am very excited to get started. I have orientation and training starting tomorrow.
So... What does a girl wear to an interview at Gap? (I'm glad you asked.)

Shirt: Target (find it here, love this one, this one's cute too)
Skirt: Trina Turk, thrifted (similar print, love this one, similar-ish, crazy about this one)
Studded leather belt, thrifted (skinny version, very similar, closest i've seen)
Shoes: Anthropologie Stacked Strap Heels (general shape, in a funky pattern, classic)
Bracelet: J Crew leather wrap (darker here, same color, stackable here)

Just for fun, I put together a similar silhouette using Gap products- in honor of my new job.

More Gap...

Okay, all you working girls, any suggestions or tips for me? I'm open to all help!

Rough Road Ahead

As I mentioned in a previous post, we have a kid leaving for college. Well... Today is the day. We leave this evening to take him up to KU, where we will attend freshman orientation tomorrow morning, and move him into his dorm Friday morning.
The road to this day has been much more difficult to anticipate. I have run through emotions I never thought I would experience. From sadness to relief. (I think the relief has been the biggest surprise.) Since neither Jay or I went away to college- we were too busy raising this kid, this is a new experience for all of us.
Jay rode his bike with me while I went for a 6 mile run last night, and we talked about the details involving move-in weekend. Towards the end of the conversation, he said, "I just hope he realizes what a great opportunity he has and doesn't do anything to mess it up!" Amen to that, my man! We want so much for this child, and we are so proud of him.
If you think of it, say a prayer for us that we will be wise in our conversations with him, and also that we will know when to just make him tough things out, and not sweep in to save the day.
One new blessing is that my in-laws moved to our town over the summer, so our younger kids can stay with grandparents, and be perfectly well taken care of and not off their routine while we settle our oldest. I'm so thankful for them and their help.

Shirt: Anthro Pilcro Boy Tee (similar here)
Jeans: Gap Real Straight Distressed (standard here, similar here, love these too)
Shoes: J Crew Mona Pump (available here, love this color!, cheaper here)
Necklace: Anthro Sagitta Necklace (similar here, similar colors)
Watch: J Crew Vintage Field (similar band here)