Showing posts with label Mother's Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mother's Day. Show all posts

Monday, May 11, 2015

Mother's Day Weekend

We had such a busy fun weekend! The girls had their dance recital pictures on Friday so we made a girls day out of it. We did some shopping then headed to the salon so they could get their hair done in an vintage updo which is the requirement/theme for this years recital. They love anything to do with hair and makeup, they had a blast. It was a tad stressful trying to get them to sit still and not mess up their hair before pictures.....But I'm sure when I get their pictures back it will be a classic with red lipstick on their teeth and their hair sticking up everywhere! :)
Raising Iowa Moether Day
Raising Iowa Mothers day
Saturday we celebrated Mother's Day out at my Aunt's house, it felt great catching up and spending time with family. The twins were literally counting down the days until we were able to go. My Mom was supposed to meet us there for dinner but got held up at a seminar she was attending out of town and missed it:(
Raising Iowa Mothers day
We love this girl right here ^^ Can't say enough good things about her generosity, love and support over the years.
Raising Iowa Mothers day
Raising Iowa Mothers Day
Raising Iowa Mothers Day
I couldn't help but praise God and feel his presence at church on Mother's Day. I felt so humbled and grateful for my three healthy babies and my Mother whom I love more than anything. I don't know where I would be without her. My heart goes out to those who mourn the loss of their sweet Mama's, the woman who are desperate for a baby and can't conceive or the unthinkable, Mother's who have lost a child. May God comfort you and help you find peace.

I have so much to be thankful for and Mother's Day was a special reminder of that! Not because my kids had any less tantrums (maybe even more than usual.) Not because I was pampered or treated any differently, but because it's a reminder what motherhood is all about. The life long sacrifices and unconditional love that streams through us each and every day.

Right when we woke up the girls told me good morning with the sweetest little tone then said "Happy Muderr's Da Mama" and it melted my heart. We had a low key day at home relaxing and cuddled up since it was cold and cloudy. I feel extremely blessed and thank God every day, and twice on Sunday for my beautiful, precious souls who made me a Mom.

Last but not least, thank you Mom for everything you have done for me. You are such a faithful, loving, beautiful woman both inside and out. I don't know if I have ever sincerely apologized for all I put you through growing up. You deserve a metal! You are such a strong, intelligent, independent woman. I couldn't ask for a better example. After becoming a Mama myself I can emphasize with you so much more and understand exactly where you were coming from. If only I would have listened back then. I love you with every piece of my heart!
Raising Iowa Mothers Day
Raising Iowa Mothers Day


Hope everyone had a great Mother's Day weekend!!

xo
-Holly

Friday, May 8, 2015

Mother's Day Goody Bag

Raising Iowa Mother's Day
I wanted to share what my Mama will be opening this Mother's Day. She is my number one fan and supporter of my blog so I had to tell her ahead of time... no peeking! My Mother is truly the most God fearing, giving, selfless woman I know. I thank God for her and all she does. I couldn't ask for a better Mother or Grandmother to my children. She always inspires me to be a better person and Mom.

She hardly ever buys anything for herself and if she does it's on major sale or from a thrift store. So on these special days where we get to celebrate her I like to get fun little things she would never buy herself but secretly would love to have!

I keep her stylish, so to speak.  I also know if I get her anything with sugar I can't go wrong. I don't know many people that have more of a sweet tooth than my sweet Mama. I put together a goody bag that I know she will love filled with spring must haves and the biggest chocolate chip cookies I could find!
Raising Iowa Mother's Day
Raising Iowa Mother's Day


I actually purchased almost everything at Maurices and Francesca's which are two of my favorite places to shop, but I linked some other options as well below if your looking for some last minute gift ideas. 

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mama's out there, may your day be filled with happiness and praise. 

xo
-Holly

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Casual Look For Mother's Day

Mother's Day is almost here and I have been thinking about how we will spend our day and what we will wear. We will dress up for church of course. Then if the weather is as beautiful as last year, we will be spending the day outside again. So I decided to go with a little more of a casual look and be comfy. 

I love this tee for any day but especially for Mother's Day! It can easily be dressed up or down for a chic causal look. I definitely will be wearing mine for more than just Mother's Day. I plan on pairing it with my long white skirt and a Jean jacket for church. Then probably change into a pair of shorts or jeans afterwards to play outside with the kids!
Raising Iowa Casual look for mothers day
raising iowa mother's day style
Tee //skirt// Jacket (sold out) Similar Here // tote (sold out) Similar Here // Sandals

I previously mentioned in this post how much I love Ily Couture, I snagged this tee off their site as well and today only they are running 25% off site wide with code: 48HOURS! So hurry and take full advantage of their sale, they have the cutest tee's!! I look forward to celebrating Mother's Day with my three little blessings and my Mama!

Hope everyone is having a great week.

xo
-Holly

Monday, May 4, 2015

Single Motherhood In all It's Glory

Raising Iowa Mom Post
I love this necklace with all my babies initials. ^^
It's a staple piece of jewelry I almost always wear,  a big thanks to my best friend! You can purchase one Here or less expensive version Here.

With Mother's Day coming up I decided to write about what motherhood means to me and what life is like as a single mom to three toddlers.

It amazes me how different God's plan can be from our own. I thank God every night for making me a mother. For blessing me with three amazing, beautiful, healthy babies. For giving me more than I could ever asked for. For knowing my needs better than I knew my own.

Motherhood started out much different for me than most, becoming a mom was never with intention. I wasn't necessarily in the right place in my life to have a baby, let alone twins. Only being 25 years old and clinging onto a relationship at the time with my children's father desperate to make it work wasn't exactly a fairytale.

Him and I had a good time when we were getting along but looking back our relationship wasn't very purposeful.  Despite our differences, I loved him and believed in him which is why I always tried to work it out- Obviously hence our three children we have together. All things happen for a reason and they are no mistake. 

There was a point in my life where I wasn't even sure if I wanted children. I was still pretty self absorbed and enjoying my freedom in the city. That combo was a disaster waiting to happen- with or without kids. I envisioned a much different picture of what my life would look like today. Not only did I not see myself being a mom but never in my wildest dreams would I have pictured doing it solo. But here I am.

A single mother of three. Certainly not the ideal way to raise my children but sadly more and more common. Some days are harder than others and some moments I waste longing for that "completed family" I don't have, instead of appreciating what I do. I am blessed beyond measures and I truly have so much to be thankful for. I have a much stronger faith now than I ever did and I don't know how some people get through life without one.

I never will be, nor would I want to be the girl I was before. Becoming a mom has changed me for the better in every dynamic of my life. I know even on the days it may feel like it, I am not alone. Jesus is there every step of the way as my rock and salvation. My strength as a single mom comes directly from him and I will always strive to raise my children in a faithful loving home.

On days filled with temper tantrums the walls can feel like they are caving in. Those are the moments I would do anything just for a little help! Then all the chaos subsides and evening finally approaches. My littles drift off to sleep and I actually find time to recoup. Then shortly after, I catch myself replaying all the videos of them on my phone and looking at their pictures, almost wishing I could wake them right back up to play! Every day is a fresh start, every day is a chance to start over and be the best mom I can be.

It's all a learning curve and finding what works and what doesn't but in the end we are all imperfect humans desperate for Jesus and his guidance to be better parents. I have my hands FULL. There is no other way to put it. My three littles rely on me for absolutely everything. They fight for my attention. They push my limits. And they test my patience. But when it gets hard, I remind myself to cherish each and every moment because they won't be little long. It's not easy being a single mom but it's 100% worth every hard moment.
Raising Iowa Mothers Day

God Bless all the Mama's out there!!
xo
-Holly