Resisting sleep...

I've never had a child who resist sleep as much as Miss Tallia. I swear it's like she's trying to see how far she can push me mentally, before I give up trying to get her down for a nap. Sometimes I win and some times she wins. It's been a daily battle....pretty much since she was a few months old.

Anyways I felt like we had gotten a good schedule down, and she was sleeping well at night and taking 1-2 naps a day.  I felt pretty good about that, but once we started back to school, our schedule got a bit wonky and Miss Tallia was not having it.

The other day I was attempting to get her down for an afternoon nap and something quite amazing happened. She was fighting sleep hard. She didn't want to nurse and didn't like me rocking her in a cradle hold. She was angry and I was exhausted. I gave her a kiss and laid her in her crib. I then slipped into the bathroom. I hate letting my babies cry. It seriously hurts my heart to the core. I'm not a fan of crying it out. Fuss it out I'm ok with, but for my family we don't let our babies cry themselves to sleep. No judgement if that works for you...it just doesn't work for me.

Anywho I'm getting off track...

I slipped into the bathroom and started to cry. Here I had a tired baby and I couldn't figure out a way to comfort her, so she could settle down. I knelt to pray...or more I crumbled to the ground and prayed, as tears fell down my cheeks. I shared all my feelings with my Lord. I told Him how inadequate I felt, how I obviously couldn't handle my three if I couldn't even get the youngest down for a nap, how I felt like a huge mom failure, and ya know any other put down I could think of. After I was done, I heard a soft voice tell me that all those thoughts did not come from God, but from the adversary...that God gave me my three because they need me, just like I need them.

This all happened in a matter on moments. I suddenly felt refreshed. I could do this and I was a good momma. I picked up my crying babe and said "Tallia you need to sleep and I'm at a lost in how to help you do that. Help me out friend".

Immediately after that, she laid her head on my chest. I gently bounced her as she cuddled and again I heard that whisper telling me "she just needs you". I rocked and cuddled my little one for a few minutes. I took in her sweetness and savored feeling her snuggle deeper into my neck. Cuddling babies is the best.

I then laid her down and she rolled right over and fell asleep, holding her blanket.

She slept for two hours that afternoon.

I've now continued holding her on my chest before bed and things have gotten so much better. I'm so thankful for a God who hears me and cares about me...even the little things, like getting your baby to nap. What a sweet Father in Heaven He is.

Never forget that the doubts, fears, and insecurities we have are not from God. They are from Satan. He constantly wants to knock us down and if he gets us to think we are less, than he wins. Know your are an amazing, beautiful daughter of God and he knows you can do astounding things. He knows because he created you. You are simply marvelous. :)

XO Danielle

Not ready to walk away...

So crazy how the Lord works sometimes. I had been thinking and praying about what to do with my little blog. I go through spurts of having time to write and not having time. It's in these moments, where things are just crazy, that I start to feel the pressure. I start convincing myself blogging is an all or nothing thing, which is so silly. This blog always has been and always will be a place for me to journal my family's journey through this life and our journey with the Lord. It's not about budgeting, fashion, groceries, homeschool, etc. I write about those things, but they're aren't the focus.

This blog is a way to share my testimony and my faith. It's my little ministry and I'm thankful for it...so I may be sporadic in posting, but I'll always come back to it because I'm not ready to walk away. I've been blogging, since Libby was born. She's 10 now and I love being able to look back on our days, weeks, months, and years.

This blog has become a dear friend for memory keeping and one I'm so thankful for.

And thank you for your kind, encouraging comments and messages. You guys are such a blessing :)

Sidenote: Our family picture above is from when we did a walk through of the new LDS Tucson Temple. It was absolutely stunning!!

XO Danielle

Overcoming...

"Overcoming the world is not one defining moment in a lifetime, 

but a lifetime of moments that define an eternity."

-Elder Neill L. Andersen

Today I was reminded that overcoming our short comings, our flaws, our worldly desires is not a one time thing. It's not one make it or break it moment. It's about daily moments, when we choose to more fully walk with the Lord. 

What a blessing it is to know that it's ok that we are broken...that we are very imperfect. It's ok because Christ makes us a whole. He takes those shortcomings and turns them into something so much better.

A lot of times Heavenly Father exposes our weaknesses, so that we may work on them and become better than we thought we could. I am learning this lesson all to well lately.

I'm not always very good at doing my personal quiet study time, but when I do, I find the Lord has wonderful things to teach me.

Sidenote: Tallia graduated to a new car seat a while back. She's loving the car a bit more these days, which everyone is thankful for :)

XO Danielle

A little bit of His grace...

Oh man did I need His grace today. Today was a long day. Like the baby waking up at 5:30 in the morning, ready to play kind of day. I did attempt to get her back to bed...and by 7 am I accomplished that, but it was only for 20 minutes and then she was wide eyes and bushy tailed.

Today was full of everything bagels and cream cheese for breakfast, getting all our lessons done by 1 pm, only to realize our afternoon at the pool was cancelled. I guess the public pool here changed it's schedule (I failed to get the memo), once the public school kids started back again. Now we must wait till Saturday to swim. It feels like an eternity to Keagan.

I feel ya bubba. I really do. I was looking forward to some swim time as well. We ended up watching Heavy Weights on Netflix. That's a classic from my childhood. I love that they find as much laughter and joy in it as I did at their age.

Then it was pancakes for dinner (chocolate chip because mamma needed it) and my little side kick pulling stuff off the fridge, as she started to feel that 5:30 am wake up time....meaning a whole lot of whining took place...a lot :)

Then it was bath and bedtime, while the  older two helped clean up dinner. As I nursed and then rocked Tallia, exhaustion from the day overwhelmed me. I was on the verge of tears and then I heard a whisper. A wisp of a thought that said to me gently..."You asked for this remember? You prayed for moments like this" and then I looked down at my baby's sweet face and I said "You're right Lord. I absolutely did". I prayed for days like these....Days when mamma duties exhausted me because it meant I was a Mom. It meant I had babies who depended on me. I love how God gently reminds us of those answered prayers...he reminds us to find the beauty in those tiring moments. 

and on a side note: What is it about a sleeping babe that just melts a mamma's heart? I turn to mush friends.....absolute mush.

As I sent up a prayer of thanks to my Heavenly Father, I kissed her chubby cheek and laid her down for the night.

Then, once she was nestled in her crib, I saw a video I uploaded to Instagram today. A video of my three sweet babies and I lost it. Like big ugly tears kind of lost it. Today was long, but there was so much good guys...so much!

Thank you Jesus for reminding me daily all the gifts you've given me. I need your grace, your love, and always your forgiveness. 

This girl loves giving kisses. She fills our hearts with so much joy ❤#talliarenn

A post shared by Danielle (@blissful_and_domestic) on Aug 2, 2017 at 2:15pm PDT

XO Danielle

Remembering...

"Today was a whole new level of exhausting. We had grocery shopping in the morning, school lessons in the afternoon, meals needed preparing, the baby needed feeding, laundry had to be done, dishes cleaned, and the list goes on and on. As I sat nursing my baby tonight, feeling the exhaustion really settle in...Like down to my bones.... a smile came to my face because I knew I had poured everything I had into these three babies I've been blessed with. Yes the days are long and yes my house is a mess and oh yeah I'm going to zonk out once my head hits the pillow, but man I love this life. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I pray for more days like this, when I'm reminded of how truly sacred this mom gig is and how I'm loving every messy, beautiful, crazy minute of it.
 #mommylife#mommybrag #momlife #momgig #imamormon #lds#thankful #godisgood"

-January 9, 2017-

I love how on Facebook little memories pop up in your feed. Things you shared weeks, months, and even years ago. Today a picture popped up on my feed with a short little snippet I shared back in January. Reading it today, my heart was filled with gratitude again for these sweet blessings I am able to call mine. I love being their mom. I can't imagine doing anything else than what I am doing right now. This season right here is a good one and I want to relish every single exhausting, hilarious moment of it.

Today we cleaned house, Tallia took a two hour nap (in her crib I might add), I took the kids to the pool, we came home to dinner in the crock-pot, and once the baby was in bed, I watched Beauty and the Beast with the olders. It was a full day and it was so good.

Oh and Tallia is officially on the move. She does the cutest little butt scoot to get around and I have loved seeing her curiosity come to the surface. She is exploring and experiencing everything. She's keeping us on our toes and has us making sure all little toys are cleaned up or she will insert them in her mouth. I don't think my floors have ever been this cleaned :)

She's mobile friends! ❤ Her butt scoot is just the cutest. #talliarenn #tenmonthsold

A post shared by Danielle (@blissful_and_domestic) on Jun 16, 2017 at 6:43pm PDT

I pray you have a fantastic day friends!

XO Danielle

Today...

Today I want to remember the sound of my kids playing a new game without fighting....just laughs. It was pure joy to hear, especially after our rough day yesterday.

I want to remember loving on the baby as we walked through Costco. She slept the whole time in the Moby wrap. Snuggles with her are my favorite. I can't get enough of that baby scent. Oh and baby breathe. I'm obsessed.

I want to remember how Libby went and got the mail and when she came back her hands were too full to open the door, so she rang the bell. I was going to get up and let her in, but out came Keagan saying "don't you dare get up mama! You feed that baby. I can get the door". Oh and he still calls me Mama. I love that. :)

And last I want to remember how after I got Tallia to bed, in her crib.....by 8:30 I might add, Keagan and Libby came running our of their room to say goodnight. They were suppose to be in bed, but they had been waiting up. They needed one last bear hug from mom. Their cheeks also needed to be kissed. Gosh I love those kids!

Today I found so many sweet blessings....so many moments where I knew God was watching over myself and my family. I'm thankful for those moments. What sweet treasures they are.

Being a mom is rough and messy...and sometimes it brings you to the brink of your emotional limit (yesterday totally did), but then you have days like today....when you feel like you just may have your stuff together...that you may be figuring out this whole mom thing....and it feels good....real good :)

XO Danielle

Christmas Advent...

During this Christmas season we have been reminded to remember our Savior Jesus Christ. This year we are trying to take a little bit of time each day to read together and to find some way to remember Christ.

On December 2, we talked about how Jesus honored his parents and so can we. We shared stories from when we were all little. Reminiscing when the kids were little is Keagan and Libby's favorite.

On December 3, we talked about how Jesus helped others to see and so can you. We read scriptures and watched this video about Jason Smyth. He's a four time Paralympic medalist. This video was so inspiring.

On December 4, we talked about how Jesus worshiped His Father and so can we. We knelt in prayer together as a family. We prayed for our friends and family....we prayed with gratitude for all that we have...a warm home, food to eat, time together, a new baby, and the gift of the Gospel. We then encouraged each other to focus our prayers in December on gratitude. It's amazing how much longer our prayers become when we focus on the gifts God has given us rather than our wants.

On December 5, we talked about how Jesus healed the sick. We watched Dallin H. Oaks talk on "Healing the Sick".

On December 6, we talked about the importance of the scriptures. We read from Luke. We are making an extra effort to read our scriptures individually this month.

On December 7, we talked about how Jesus fed the hungry and so can we. We then filled a box with food to donate to our local food bank.

On December 8, we talked about the power of prayer and how we can pray for those around us. We then went to the store to pick out toys to donate to the Gospel Rescue Mission. We also talked about how sometimes God gives us a surplus, either in time, money, or resources. It is then up to us to use those resources to help bless others. We were reminded that when we serve others, we are serving God.

* Oh and I got my haircut. More on that later :) 

I'm so thankful for this time to focus on Christ and celebrate His birth. What a sweet blessing it us!

You can get involved too! Check out #LIGHTtheWORLD to find ways to bring Christ into your home this season :) 

XO Danielle

Light the world...

When I was a little girl, about 10 or so, I remember distinctly feeling like something was missing from Christmas. I wasn't sure exactly what it was, but I felt like something was off. I can remember sitting in a recliner, while my parents dozed on the couch and my brother played the Nintendo, and feeling like this couldn't be it. We had shared a wonderful day as a family. We got up early, opened presents, ate pancakes for breakfast (a tradition), and spent the day in jammies playing. It was exactly how it should, but Christmas night I felt different. I felt like something was missing, but I didn't know what. It would be another year before I realized the missing piece had been Christ. He's what was missing from my Christmas. Once I learned about Christ and understood just how precious and amazing He is, Christmas took on a whole new meaning.

I shared that story with my children tonight. I so want them to know how absolutely special our testimonies are. Knowing Christ is something we work on every day. Effort is required. This Christmas season, in an effort to grow closer to Christ, we are celebrating 25 days of Christ. We are counting down to Christmas with scriptures and service.

I'm thankful I get to share this with my family. Last night we sat for twenty minutes talking about our Savior and the resurrection. We talked about how Christ knows our hearts, how He leads us each day. What a treasure that conversation was!

I invite you to join me in our countdown to Christmas. You can find out more about The 25 Days of Christ here.

XO Danielle

Sunday...

"I have so many things to be thankful for. I'm thankful for my husband. He's my best friend and I can't imagine life without him. I'm thankful for my children. Being a mother is everything I've ever wanted. I'm thankful for this country we live in, where we can freely meet together as a congregation and worship our Lord. I'm thankful for this time of year, to remember. And..to never forget...how a little baby..born in a staple changed our world. No matter what you have been asked to endure, I pray you take a moment to look for God's hand. He is there. I promise you he is. He is Guiding you and lifting you. He knows our hearts. He knows the good and the bad. I promise that He has a limitless love for each and everyone of us. I'm thankful for this gospel and for the joy it brings into my life. I'm thankful for a savior who knows me by name and the knowledge i have in knowing I'm a daughter of a king."

Jason and I talked in church this past Sunday. Our topic was gratitude. I was so stinkin' nervous. Standing up at the pulpit to talk is not my idea of a good time. I was also worried about how my fussy baby would handle mama not being there in the pew the whole time. Thankfully all went well. Jason used his magic touch and got Tallia to fall asleep. He even got her to take a pacifier, which is a BIG deal. That girl hates binkies...like usually she gags if you try to give her one. I was so happy that she was able to nap, while Hubby and I tag teamed holding her and giving our talks.

Afterwards we posed outside for a few photos. I was very happy to be able to get another family photo after church. I declared to my family that this will become a more regular occurrence. Hubby said he didn't mind as long as I made time for pictures on Sunday. He seems to think I have a habit of running late on the Sabbath ::wink wink:: I told him I would try harder to be on time because I really like pictures before church and a family pic every once in a while afterwards. I love this sweet family of mine.

P.S.

above is an excerpt from my talk

XO Danielle

Obedience....

This is pretty much how my Sundays look at church these days. Miss Tallia nursing and napping. I remember once talking with a group of mamas at a church activity, back when Keagan was my only baby. I was a new mom and was just taking in as much knowledge as I could from veteran moms. They had so much knowledge and provided me with so much encouragement.

At the activity, one Mom shared how she sometimes wondered why she took the time to get her family to church if she spent most of the time in the Mother's room nursing a baby. I sat there and pondered her question, while one of those veteran moms spoke up. I'll never forget her reply. She said, "you go out of obedience because you know that is where you and your family need to be on Sundays".

That simple reply has stuck with me all these years. I now find myself back in the Mother's room, nursing and snuggling my sweet baby. I may not make it through a full sacrament meeting or hear a full Sunday school lesson, but I'm here. I'm present. I'm exactly where Heavenly Father wants me to be.

XO Danielle

Sunday best...

“All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, … purifies our hearts … and makes us more tender and charitable, … and it is through … toil and tribulation, that we gain the education … which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven.”

- Elder Orson F. Whitney

Today, while nursing the baby in the mother's room at church, I came upon this quote. It was a reminder that all the things we go through, no matter how truly difficult, are for our betterment. God is refining us into the amazing masterpiece we can become. He sees so much greatness in us. Through each trial I've under gone, I've learned so much. That knowledge then blesses my family and I today. I'm thankful for these little reminders God sends my way. He truly is magnificent.

On a sidenote -- we were ready for church on time, looking spiffy in our Sunday best. Oh and we finally got a family picture done. Our first since Miss Tallia was born! Woot! Woot! I sure do love this little family of mine :)

XO Danielle

Tallia Renn's Baby Blessing....

"I am convinced that a husband is never more attractive to his wife than when he is serving in his God-given roles as a worthy priesthood holder."

- Linda K. Burton

On October 9, 2016 Miss Tallia Renn Wagasky was blessed. Her daddy gave her a sweet blessing during church, with our Bishop and his counselors at Jason's side. What a beautiful thing it is to see my husband bless his babies. I appreciate how important it is to him.

He shared a few sweet words about how thankful we are for this sweet baby in our life. He then blessed her with courage to be a continual disciple of Christ. It brought tears to my eyes to think of how long we've waited for this moment. Children are such a sweet blessing from the Lord. The blessing was then cut short. Miss Tallia decided she was hungry and had to eat right now. She let everyone know this by crying quite loudly into the microphone Jason was holding. It made us all chuckle.

Afterwards we came home to a yummy lunch of sweet potatoes and BBQ ranch salad. It was a simple day, but one full of so much love for our youngest. We're all so thankful she's a part of our eternal family.

On another note....

How funny is Keagan photo bombing above? I didn't notice it when I took the picture, but I had a good laugh when I was editing the pictures last night. That boy cracks me up!

XO Danielle

A Few Evening Thoughts...

"As your arms encircle your little ones, his arms are there, too. 

Feel secure, for his arms are lengthened out toward us all the day long."

-Mary E. Folger

Today was rough friends. It was a busy day, packed with lessons, feedings, laundry, church meetings, and a lot of spit up and crying. Naps were not baby's thing today, which meant very little happened around the house. Oh and did I mention there was a lot of spit up happening today? Haha! There totally was. It seems to be my most worn accessory lately ::wink wink::

By the end of the day I was feeling pretty overwhelmed and a bit down on myself. We do that a lot as Moms don't we? We have a rough day (which is totally normal I might add) and we start to feel like we are less than....like what we are doing is not enough...that we are not enough. I was very guilty of that this evening. Then I started looking through the pictures on my camera. One picture in particular stood out. Keagan took it. It is of me holding Tallia. I was about to put her in the car. She had just spit up on me. I wiped her face and then gave her a big kiss on one of her squishy cheeks. It was at that exact moment Keagan snapped this picture. 

This picture brought tears to my eyes. There's so much beauty in the everyday. I have a messy Mom bun going on, I have some serious roots going on, I am rocking black leggings for the second day in a row, my shirt has some serious spit up on it, and I have not one stitch of make up on. Although I might not be all dolled up and put together, I still see beauty. I see beauty in the fact that I got to love on three kids today. Beauty in the fact that I took them for a walk today and we were able to witness God's beautiful creations....the ducks and turtles in the pond....the butterflies and bumblebees. It was amazing.

I find comfort in knowing that throughout this day, when life got messy and hard, Christ was right with me...helping me. For some reason I had not thought of it that way. I know he helps carry our burdens and that He builds us up, but I hadn't thought of Him walking this journey of motherhood with me. How amazing is that? It kind of blows my mind.

The season I am in is busy and it is messy....ok really messy some days (remember I mentioned all the spit up today ::smile::). There are days I feel overwhelmed. Days I feel like I am falling short and that I need to do more. We all have those days. Tonight though I was reminded to look for beauty in the choas...look for beauty in those moments when we feel we are being pushed and pulled..look for His arms, that will encircle you and give you strength. Heavenly Father knows just how hard our job is as Mothers. We literally have a hand in helping further His work...to help build up His kingdom... knowing that He is helping me each day is exactly the comfort I need.

XO Danielle

My three blessings...

Sundays are my favorite day of the week. It's the day we get to go to church as a family and renew our covenants with our Father in Heaven. It's the day we rise and shine and get moving early. Showers are taken, hair is combed, and teeth are brushed.

Every Sunday, before we leave for church, I sit and feed Tallia. Usually Libby and Keagan join me on my bed to talk to me. Lately the topic of conversation has been Pokemon....all things Pokemon. I'm learning a bit about Squirttles, Evees, and all the other legendary characters. Jason just got a Pokemon mod working in Minecraft this weekend, so I got to hear all about how amazing it is. Honestly, a lot of it goes over my head, but I try to be engaged. This is what my kids are loving right now and I want to know about what they love. 

 

Although Sundays can be hectic, trying to get everyone ready to go at a descent time, I'm thankful for those little moments. Those moments in Mom's room, with all my babies. We laugh, we talk, and Mom usually snaps a picture or two. I'm thankful for my three blessings. What a sweet gift they are.

XO Danielle

We are mothers...

"The work of a mother is hard, too often unheralded work. 

Please know that it is worth it then, now, and forever.”

 —Jeffrey R. Holland"

I love to search out encouraging quotes. It's something I do quite often on my phone, when I have a few minutes to spare. Words can do amazing things....both good and bad. They can discourage you or build you up. I believe the more that we diligently search out for good, praiseworthy words, the better off our hearts and minds will be.

This evening I found the quote above by Jeffrey R. Holland. It's one I've heard before, but today it took on new meaning. It's 11 pm and I just brushed my teeth and washed my face. The older kids have been in bed for a few hours, the baby went to sleep a little after my older ones, and hubby is snoring next to me. I just finished cleaning the dishes, slicing bread I baked, wrapping banana bread for the freezer, picked up the living room, and spent some time scheduling some blog posts. Although sleep called to me, when everyone else was going down for the night, there was still work to be done. Sometimes it's easy to get overwhelmed by it all... thinking of the things we need to get done. We ask ourselves if we are doing enough...if what we're doing really matters....well guess what? It does. We are mothers and that is a divine role that we are privileged to have. God is entrusting us with his sweet spirits to raise. We literally have a hand in building up God's kingdom as Mothers. How amazing is that?

It builds me up knowing that...

It encourages me knowing that...

Knowing that God has trusted me with such a monumental task leaves speechless at times. He believes in me and my abilities. He grants me patience and strength to be who I need to be for those three little blessings He sent my way. He will do the same for you.

Today I hope you know how truly splendid you are. Know that the dirty diapers, bedtime stories, meals prepared and cleaned up, laundry cleaned, hugs and kisses shared, night time feedings, and all the other little things you do as a mother do not go unnoticed. He sees us so clearly friends. He loves us and encourages us because we are doing important work. We are but tools... allowing Him to work through us....

We are Mothers....

And we have work to do.

XO Danielle

Just a cup of sugar....

This morning, as I was making blueberry pancakes, our doorbell rang. I wasn't sure who'd be calling at 8 am, but I went to the door nonetheless. It happened to be our sweet neighbor Anna. We'd meet a few days before and I instantly liked her. She's an older woman, with a heavy Spanish accent, dark hair, and the kindest eyes I've ever seen. She was apologizing for calling so early, but she'd run out of sugar and her morning coffee just isn't the same without it. 

She held out a little glass bowl and asked if she could borrow some. I of course had plenty to share. I filled her bowl and we chatted for a few minutes, before bidding each other to have a great day. 

As I think back on that simple exchange from this morning, I am reminded of how special it is to build relationships with our neighbors. We are literally commanded to love our neighbors. We live in a time where we don't always take the time to get to know our neighbors and that is a shame. We're missing out on getting to know some pretty fantastic people. 

In Henderson I knew our immediate neighbors, but I never really ventured further than that. We'd exchange pleasantries and wave here and there, but that was about it. I'm thankful for the little reminder God has given me to reach out to those around me. Share a smile, a laugh, or maybe a little bit of sugar. We never know who needs a little bit of encouragement or who will touch our own hearts and encourage us.

and on another note....It is 9 am and I have the kitchen cleaned, dinner in the crockpot (deli ham sandwiches. Yum!), everyone is dressed, and baby girl is napping. I'd say that's a mama win for today. I'm not always this put together so soon in the day, but when it does happen...it needs to be celebrated :)

XO Danielle

Faithful Ramblings: God's Grace and Will For Us....

Morning Friends!! I am so excited to share today's video with you all. It is a topic that has been on my heart and mind for quite some time. I love how, through prayer, God places things on my heart that need to be shared on the channel and here on the blog. Sometime's it is just for me and the things I learn in the process of creating, and other times these type of posts touch your own hearts. 

Today I am starting a new Sunday segment called Faithful Ramblings. I love using my little space here on the web to share the Gospel of Christ and my love for my Father in Heaven. Hubby and I feel so blessed and have been able to see God's hand in our own lives. That is something we desire to share with all of you sweet friends. 

I hope this video finds you in good spirits today and will bring a little encouragement your way. Know that you guys are amazing and that you can do some spectacular things. Have a happy Sunday and tomorrow I will be back with a new grocery haul and menu plan. :)

Enjoy!!

XO Danielle

Evening Devotionals...

Back in August of last year, and then in October I shared about how I had started doing devotional time with my kiddos in the evening. We have created a nightly habit of reading together one on one and it has become such a treasured part of my day. Sometimes I find myself exhausted and counting down the time till bedtime (just keeping it real friends), but something happens during our devotional time. It doesn't matter what child I am reading with, a sense of calm and peace comes over me. The stresses of the day slip away and I am able to relax and enjoy the one on one time with my kids. I am able to sit and listen....really listen to my kids hearts. They have taken this one on one time to ask deep questions and share concerns that they have. I know that we are creating a habit that will become an even huger blessing as my children get older. I know that as they grow and mature, so will the concerns and problems they have. We're creating a pattern....a habit....where hopefully they will feel comfortable coming to Mom with anything that is on their hearts.

Last week I was reading with Keagan in his room. Oh this sweet tender hearted boy of mine. He is such a teddy bear. He thinks deep and always has such profound questions for me. He really helps strengthen my own testimony. On this particular night, we talked about how we all go through hard times, but it is in those hard times that we can step back and see the Lord helping us. My sweet boy asked me if I had ever experienced this. I immediately thought of something I had shared here on the blog two years ago. This was a time when I was walking through a lot of grief. It was a darker time for me. I was dealing with the death of my brother and a recent miscarriage. I was definitely feeling low.

I shared with him this picture and my testimony of how even when I was going through such a dark time and was hurting so much, I was given comfort in knowing that my Savior was walking it all with me. He carried me when I was too weak. We talked about the picture and the oxen and how that yoke can be customized to help each part of the duo carry the load that they are capable. It was such a neat thing to see his eyes light up....to see that he understood. It is in these moments that I am reminded of exactly why the Lord has leads us to do certain things. I was reminded that night how truly important that devotional time is with my kiddos.

I love sharing my testimony and my trials. It is this little mamas way of missionary work. I may not be able to go out knocking door to door, but I can share a little bit about my life and what I am going through. I am thankful for motherhood. It is one of the hardest things I have ever done, but it is also the most rewarding. :)

XO Danielle

Inspiration found here

Take My Yoke Upon You

New Digs....

Morning friends! Have you all noticed the new digs around these parts? I spent last weekend completely revamping the ole' bog and youtube channel. Sometimes when things start to get dull and uninspiring, I find a little revamping is all I need to get the creative juices flowing again. I used some of my digital scrapbooking goodies and created a little bit of goodness using Picmonkey. I love creating stuff in there. It's free and so fun to use.

I have new banners and headers. I also have a new "keyword" section on this here blog. Find a topic, click, and boom you have all my posts under that topic (I'm still working on updating the keywords, but it's getting there). I figured that was a much easier way for me to keep things organized and not feel like I have to constantly update random pages on the blog. I was always very bad at that, so I needed to make a simple change to keep this mama's sanity.

I also have committed myself to blogging and filming more. It is truly something I love doing and something I feel called to do. I don't care about stats or numbers.....I just genuinely love to share and encourage. If my posts help just one person, than I feel I have done my job.

I've been filming a lot lately...the creativity has been there. I have a full page of ideas from all you lovelies and I CAN NOT wait to make more videos. I actually have the next two weeks of videos all ready for you. I decided that Monday and Thursdays could be days you could count on seeing a new video from me on my channel. I'm still messing with the idea of doing a Faithful Sundays vlog or something faith related. One of you readers suggested it and I've been letting it sit on my heart for a few days. It definitely sounds like something I'd be up for.

I love all the creativity vibes and encouragement you have been sending my way. It sure makes this mama's heart happy.

I also have felt very prompted to keep going with my journaling on here. This little blog is not just a place to share about living within your means and shopping on a budget, but a place to document my family's lives. My kids won't always be this small...in fact they are growing day by day. I've asked them to slow down, but they aren't listening ;) I want to capture moments and have a record to share with them later.

I'm thankful for this new found drive and that God is working on my heart. I'm a masterpiece under construction...we all are. I'm just hoping that day by day, a little bit can be chipped off, so the gem underneath can shine through.

I hope you are all having a fabulous day! Never forget how truly amazing you are friends!!

XO Danielle 

Thoughts From a Woman...

Today my heart is so full of love for all you that read my blog and watch my channel. Over the past few days you guys have been overwhelmingly kind in your words. I want to remember this feeling. I know that being a blogger/youtuber puts you out there for everyone to scrutinize and judge. For the most part I've had amazing experiences. Yes there's been some ugly in the past, but I always come back to you guys......my readers/viewers.....my friends...... and I am greeted with open arms and sweet words. Today I simply wanted you to know how thankful I was.

I am thankful for every single comment, like, smiley face you leave me. They always seem to come at the exact moment I need them. Funny how God works that way right? He knows when we need that little push to keep on. He gives us those little pushes through friends, family, the written word, and sometimes through friends we've met her on the web.

Knowing that my videos or my posts have brought you any sliver of joy, totally warms my heart. Each day I ask God to work through me....allowing me to share the message he would want me to....It feels amazing to know he is reaching so many through my little piece of the web.

I believe as women, we are sometimes led to believe that we are not enough. That we don't know enough....that we're not pretty enough....thin enough.....funny enough.....you name it. Satan is working hard friends. He wants to attack the family and he knows the best place to start is with mothers.

picture source

I'm here to remind you today that YOU ARE ENOUGH. Never forget that. I have days I doubt. I have days I second guess myself as a wife, a mother, a woman, a human being. It happens....but when I feel those ugly words...those words I hear in my mind that make me feel less.....I remind myself I am a daughter of a King. A King who loves me more than anyone on this Earth could ever love me. I have a Savior who knows my heart. He didn't just die for the mistakes I make in this life, but for every ounce of anguish, stress, and loneliness I feel. That's a big deal friends and is something that we need to remember. We're amazing. God broke the mold with each of us. We are individuals who are capable of so many amazing things.

So today is a post of randomness....

random notes of thankfulness....

random notes about my testimony....

random notes about love and joy.....

Today is a good day to be alive friends.

XO Danielle