In Transition

... and baby makes three (photo taken early on in my pregnancy). Also, my shirt says "pregosaurus rex." Obviously.

I have wanted to be a stay/work-at-home wife and momma since Kyle and I started dreaming and scheming a plan...

To leave my job caring for over 400 college students, of living where I work, of getting a real home, of focusing more on my blog and shop, of taking care of my family more deeply and fully-- a dream come true.

And now that it's happening, like actually happening 2 weeks from today, I am a little scared for what this new identity holds.

I am a horrible cook, but that's been ok for the past few years because I was always busy anyway, and I had a meal plan so there was always the dining hall.

I don't keep a very clean house, but that was ok because our apartment was small and we were often too busy to notice.

I'm not real disciplined about getting up in the morning, but that was ok because I had a slew of meetings and students and responsibilities outside the home to get me showered and out the door.

I'm used to meeting planning, not meal planning. I'm used to running a facility of 400, not a house of 3.

But now that things are changing, and my life is changing, and the Lord has given us an opportunity for me to stay at home at least for a little while, I can't help but thinking, well, what if I'm no good at it?

I have gone from college to graduate school (where I got a degree in "college") to working at a college-- I'm not sure I know much else.

Folks have asked me if I will ever go back to work. Yes. Probably. Maybe. That's all I can say for now.

I do have a dream of being a counselor. Getting another degree in social work or clinical psychology. Working with a church or a non-profit. Helping people whose lives are messy and whose pasts are painful. That is so where my heart is and where I think the Lord is leading me.

But for now, He has me where Kyle and I both want me to be-- at home, with our growing family.

Have you ever made this transition? From 9-5 to staying at home? How did you do it? How did you prepare? Any resources you could share? Am I making a big deal out of nothing?

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord." Colossians 3:23

Father, help me to remember that I work for you. You have placed me where you want me, where I am needed. Please help me to use this time to serve and glorify you more and to bring our family nearer to you.

22 Weeks

among the boxes, with my precious cargo

When it rains, it pours, and it's been a very stormy past few days. With our quick-turnaround move to a temporary apartment yesterday, making an offer on a home and still waiting (and praying) for the outcome, and lots of weird body quirks and ailments popping up (likely resulting from the above mentioned stresses), I'm just glad Baby D and I made it out the other side this week.

All of those worries that seemed to subside after the 1st trimester are back with a vengeance. Lost weight, difficulty eating good meals, being busy busy busy, aches and pains, and trouble sleeping have me worried sick about this little baby. Is he ok? Is he getting enough to eat? Is my stress hurting him too much? Will he be ok during this move?

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, or what you will wear...Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" Matthew 6:25&27

Every time I read that.
Every time I ask myself that question.
The answer is always "no." Nothing comes of worry. Everything comes from putting my trust and my life and the life of my child into the hands of our Father.

So here you go, God. Here are my worries. Take them and change them and send them back to me as an even stronger desire to rely on you.

***

Oh baby, we've been through a lot this past week. Your dad went to go find us a home. Your momma (with the help of amazing friends) packed up our house. Yesterday we moved into a different apartment where we will live until we start on our journey to North Carolina. You're going to be a Carolina boy!

I told your dad this week that we're making the memories that we will tell you when you're older. All the memories of our adventures in Missouri, living in the residence hall, praying for you, waiting for you to arrive, moving to a new place, and eventually welcoming you home. I love hearing those kind of stories from my parents-- it's fun to think that daddy and I are living those stories right now.

We all have stories, Baby D. Big stories and little stories. Stories shared with others and stories kept in our hearts. You are now part of my story, little one. The story that I am creating with your dad. The story of my life, who I am, and how I got to all the places I've been.

You don't have to always write down your story, but I do. I've been writing down my story since the 4th grade when we read Harriet the Spy and I started keeping a notebook. A black and white composition book. I only used a red pen that hung around my neck on a string.

That was long time ago. Since then I've filled up pages and pages, turning notebooks blue and black with my thoughts and prayers.

I sure can't wait to see the story that you write. Your adventures. Your hopes and dreams. I will get you a composition book if you want. If you're anything like me, it will  become a trusted friend as you pen a story of your own.



June Sponsor Group Giveaway

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

-It's been a pleasure working with my June sponsors this month!



And to round out the month, they're offering a few giveaway goodies to one lucky winner!

DondaLee's is giving away 20 hand-stamped Ball Jar "thank you" cards
Plus readers can take 20% their order with code "THERIDE"
Find DondaLee's here: blog // shop

Our Reflection is giving away a vintage weekender bag.
Find Our Reflection here: blog // Twitter // Facebook

Chirp Handmade is giving away a $25 ship credit
Plus readers can take 15% their order with code "RIDE15"
Find Chirp Handmade Here: shop // blog // Facebook

Songs Kate Sang is giving away a $25 credit to her shop.
Plus free shipping
Find Songs Kate Sang here: shop // blog // Twitter

Want to win all four prizes?
- Follow each of the sponsors (Twitter, blog, like their shop etc.) and leave a comment for each sponsor letting me know how you follow along.
- Tweet about the giveaway (leave a comment)
- Share on Facebook (leave a comment)


Giveaway will end Monday July 1.

***

The winner of the Lisa Leonard Designs Giveaway is Jacky from the Sweetest Petunia! I'm emailing you.

A New Adventure

A few things these past two weeks have taught me.

God is good.
So good.

Life comes at you fast.
So fast.

The Lord has provided an amazing job for my husband in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and we will be moving in just a few short weeks. I can't believe we moved to Missouri three years ago barely married, and we're leaving expecting our first little baby.

But in the meantime, since I run a residence hall and live in the residence hall and they're replacing me, I needed to get the heck out. I was given just a few days to pack up the apartment-- while being 5 months pregnant and with my husband gone until Monday house hunting.

I turn over the keys Wednesday morning. Kyle comes back Monday night. Needless to say I have been a bit stressed. We have amazing friends, however, and in just under 24 hours (with a bit of work done last week), we're all packed.

I've been so worried about this little baby. I haven't been lifting anything, don't you worry. But I have been under a lot of stress and not eating real well. I've lost a few pounds and all those worries are just creeping back in.

But as I sit here alone and surrounded by boxes, his tiny kicks make me feel better. That everything will be ok.

[Oh, and I ate better today-- and treated myself to two ice cream bars-- they were small.]

Join Along for the Ride in July

Have you been looking for a space to advertise your blog or shop for July? Are you looking for a faith-based community? Are you wanting an engaged and active audience?

Well, I'd love to have you come along for the ride in July!

I'm now accepting medium sponsorship spots for July. Visit my sponsorship page for all the details.

And if you book today, you'll get $5 off!

Email me at iamalongfortheride @ gmail . com to get signed up!

Bias Tape Earrings On Sale

It's no secret that these little earrings are my favorite. Small rosettes made from bias tape in so many lovely colors.

And through the weekend, you can get them for 50%! Only $4 per pair until Monday.

Which color will you choose?

And a peek at a few new items in my shop...

infinity necklace in gray

fabric-covered button necklace made with vintage fabric

fabric-covered button earrings made with vintage fabric

vintage glass bead necklace in aqua

rosette pendant necklaces

vintage glass bead earrings

***

Are you interested in starting your own shop. ByAimee is featuring information all week about various shop platforms...and today you can read about why I love Etsy!

Keeping It All Together

*originally shared on Sashes to the Merchants*

photo from The Flourishing Abode

It is so hard to keep everything in our online worlds together. Our blog, shop, sponsorships, ideas, deadlines.

And the list always goes on.

A running goal of mine has always been to get more organized when it comes to my little blog and business, Along for the Ride. I've tried planners, to-do lists, and of course, lots of sticky notes.

And even though, during this season in my life, I feel a bit more unorganized than usual, that doesn't mean I'm going to give up my quest for intentional, meaningful, something-I-can-feel-good-about organization.

You don't have to tell me twice that women are creative folks! Here's some of my favorite handmade tools to help us keep it all together.

- Lots of great printable planners are available online. A few of my favorites are from Wild Olive, Flourishing Abode, Living Locurto, and Infarrantly Creative.

- I'm usually drowning in ideas. Get those babies down on paper with a cute notebook. Some of my favorite handmade notebooks are from Riley Blake Designs, Design Aglow, Doda's Creative Wanderings, and V and Co.

- I am a to-do list fiend. I love them! Some cute printable lists from The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking, My Everything and Nothing, and A Pair of Pears.

How do you keep it all together? What ways do you stay organized?

21 Weeks

Last week was a big one. We got to learn if we would have a little miss or mister.

Mister it is! Baby D is a boy!

My little man!

I'm starting to feel this little boy kick and squirm a lot more-- and I love it! I've been able to feel him move around in there for a while, but a few nights ago was the first time I actually put my hand on my belly and felt him move. It was so surreal. To know that there is a little tiny human in there, our tiny human, is unbelievable.

"But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith." 1 Timothy 6: 11-12

There are so many things I want our little boy to learn and know and hold on to. To run from evil and cling like the dickens to the Lord his Savior. To be strong and gentle. To be confident and humble. To be fair and loving.

I can only pray that Kyle and I will teach our little boy these things, and not necessarily through our words, but through our actions and our examples. Lord, let our lives be an example of your love every day, in all things, big and little.

***

You're a boy baby D! Now, I know this isn't news to you, but I'm pretty darn excited about it!

You know what? As happy as I am to be having a little boy, I think I'm almost more excited that your grandpa (my daddy) is getting a grandson. I'm an only child and although my dad did lots of cool stuff with me (like going camping, and playing catch, and going fishing), I know that he is excited to do those things with you, too! 

By now you know how much I'm looking forward to being a mommy. But I'm also so excited for your daddy to become a daddy and watch him take care of and love you. This weekend there was a tiny bird trapped in a window. He was trying to get out but couldn't find his way. And you know what your big, strong daddy did? He calmed that little birdie down and held him gently in his hands and walked him outside and let him fly free. I guess I tell you that so you know the kind of daddy you're getting. He always puts others before himself, even tiny little birdies. He will be your greatest role model baby D, and between you and me, you're getting one of the best.

I also can't wait to watch our parents become grandparents. Did you know that you're the first grandchild? Our parents did such a great job raising us, but of course I don't remember what they were like when I was little, changing my diapers and reading me stories. I can't wait to see them get to know you and teach you and spoil you silly.

Your birth is going to change a lot of lives. It will turn two people into parents, four people into grandparents, two people into aunts, one person into an uncle. You will cause our family to shift and adjust and grow and expand. We will never, ever be the same once you're born. We will only be better. For every breath and hiccup and dirty diaper and 3am feeding, we will be such better people because you came into our lives.

Raising Our Voices in Prayer

Hear our prayers Lord. Those spoken out loud, those hidden in our hearts.


Monique: Please pray for me and my family. I am a bookkeeper and I need to russle up some clients or find another job which i can do from home. I opened up an etsy shop, but my sales have slowed. I need to bring in some extra income. Our savings is almost gone and after it is, I don't know what to do. Please pray for guidance and work.

Marybeth: I am a young (I turn 24 on the 26th of June!) SAHMama of three boys under 3. No twins.  I am a proud mama of a very independent and strong-willed 2 1/2 year old, a very rowdy and tender-hearted 1 1/2 year old, and a bucket full of smiles 3 1/2 month old. But the days get so long....I am struggling with disattachment with my oldest. My husband had just had brain surgery when he was born, and I just could not nurse him, being emotionally and mentally wrung out all the time. My husband stayed home with him at the beginning, and then he started back to work too, so my oldest went into daycare. Then I got pregnant again when he was just 4 months old...so anyways! Dealing with that, and with the struggle of being everything to everyone. Making sure I drink enough water and eat enough to keep my milk supply up for my baby. Disciplinarian, patient mama, wife, lover, child of God...it's all running me down. I just need contentment, peace, and joy for this season in my life! I know one day I am going to yearn to have these years back, but I just need the strength to get through them!

Lisa Leonard Giveaway

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Last week I showcased a few of Lisa Leonard's new designs.

pretty like a bow necklace

And today Lisa is offering a $50 gift certificate to her beautiful shop.

All I can say is you're lucky and I'm jealous!

So what will you choose if you win?

turquoise stones necklace

To enter, visit Lisa Leonard Designs and sign up for her newsletter (scroll down to the bottom and you'll enter your email address). You'll get the scoop on the latest sales plus you'll get a 15% off code just for signing up!

For extra entries, share about the giveaway on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter.

Giveaway will end next Monday (when I unveil the June sponsor group giveaway!).

Praying for Each Other

We can all use prayer. How can we pray for you??
Feel free to email me your prayer requests or praises to iamalongfortheride@gmail.com. Each Monday I will post them and we will spend the week lifting our voices in prayer.I'd love for you to be part of this community! 

Friday Favorites and Sponsor Welcome

I'm so excited to have such wonderful sponsors on Along for the Ride this month! Here are my favorite things from each one!

Flawed Perfection Jewelry features some of the post beautiful and unique pieces I've ever seen. Megan does such a great job creating unique pieces, and now many of her items are available to customize. 

Released earlier this month, her new line of Swarovski jewelry is called Customized Sparkle. The crystals come in over 80 colors perfect for weddings, birthday gifts, or other special occasions. 

Swarovski Crystal Shine On Cluster Earrings // Swarovski Crystal Small Circle Necklace

Connect with Flawed Perfection

shop // blog // Facebook // Twitter

Little Bird Creations is now Chirp Handmade! New name, but same adorable handmade items. Jaime does such a great job creating unique and bright pieces -- everyone can find something in Chirp.

Jaime's newest favorite product is the Custom Mustard Seed Vintage Dictionary Necklace available in five cheery colors.

And, if her shop wasn't beautiful enough, a percentage of the sales is donated to various non-profits that  also have a heart for orphans!

Custom Rosette Pincushion Ring // Mama Bird Hand Embroidered Pendant Necklace

Connect with Chirp Handmade

shop // blog // Twitter

DondaLee's shop is filled with colorful jewelry, accessories, cards, and other supplies. It's also the home of the hand stamped bell jar card! 

Dondi's products are inspired by shabby chic, vintage, southern, retro, and whimsical. What a perfect combination!

She can also be found on her blog as well and is currently featuring a series on antiquing!

Vintage Neon Yellow and Turquoise Stone Earrings // Hand stamped Woodgrain Heart Ball Jar Cards

Connect with DondaLee

shop // blog 

Palmer Ponderings is one of the very first blogs I started to read. Charity shares about her sweet life with her hubby and little one as they live abroad. She has such a heart for the Lord and it's been fun reading about their experiences and watching their family grow.

Some favorite posts of Charity's include a sparkly Tom's Shoes tutorial, making a beautiful journal, and the most adorable handmade headbands. You can also learn more about her and her family here.

Connect with Palmer Ponderings

blog // tutorials // recipes

Meet Laura, the author behind the inspiring blog Our Reflection. Laura has a line on her blog that says "by His reflection, I want to make a difference in the lives of others. Lets lead by example." That pretty much sums up why I love this girl!

Laura is a talented photographer and features Meet and Tweet Twitter Hops each week.

Connect with Our Reflection

blog //  Facebook // Twitter

Everyone loves receiving handwritten letters in the mail. Songs Kate Sang makes sending letters even more special. She creates beautiful, handmade postcards and tags to spread a little cheer to everyone.

Kate says, "When you take the time to write a letter, you have the chance to make someone's mundane trip to the mailbox just as good as opening a present." I just love everything about that.

Kate's newest product is the Fly Away Postcard, a set of five cards just begging to be sent to five of your closet friends. 

Fly Away Postcard with Envelope // Lovely Blooms Tags

Connect with Songs

shop // blog // Facebook // Twitter

***

Interested in sponsoring Along for the Ride in July? Get all the information here.

 

What to Do With Our Down Time

*originally shared on Beautifully Rooted*

source

We've all been there. When we don't have the energy to pick up our pinking shears. When our sewing machine gets dusty and the hinges to our craft room door gets rusty. When the site of our hot glue gun makes us want to curl up in a ball and wish it all away.

Ok, please tell me I'm not the only one!

For the past 3 months I've been in a crafty funk. Now I must tell you that for the last 3 months I've also been hard at work growing a human being. So at least I've been busy making something.

But if it's not a baby it's something else for sure. We get busy. Life throws us challenges. We get tired. We are needed to focus our amazingly skilled creative talents elsewhere. No excuses needed.

We sometimes just get in a creative rut. Which is normal, and important, and perfect, and sometimes needed to come out refreshed and more crafty than ever!

source

So what do we do with this down time?

1. Pray about it lady. Whatever is causing you to be weary in this season, take it to the Lord. He wants to know your thoughts and troubles. He wants to talk with you and allow you to listen to His plan. Ask Him for direction through this time. Pray for ideas, motivation, and an newness with how you approach the creative parts of your life.

2. Journal about it too. Reflect on this time and write it down (and for heavens sake, just go buy a journal, no need to be crafting one out of fabric scraps and vintage sheets right now). My favorite part of journaling isn't necessarily pouring out the hard times into the blank pages, but it's when I go back and read how faithful the Lord is (yet again!) through this season in my life.

3. Dust out the bucket list. I know you have a billion things that you'd like to do someday. While you're not feeling particularly crafty these days, maybe turn your sights on some other interests in your life. Dust off your bike, whip up a new meal, spend more intentional time with family, call up an old friend. If you've gone some crafty down time, don't fritter it away. Give it to other important things in your life that you love!

4. Get back to the heart of things. Why do you create? Why did you start in the first place? Reflecting on those questions might help give your creative juices a kick in the pants. Does crafting help you elevate stress? Does it help you express emotion/prayers/problems/praise? Do you craft and sell your items to support your family and what has that business helped your family do?

5. Don't feel bad about it! Last week I cracked the door to my craft room for the first time in weeks. I finally had more energy and was getting excited about new ideas. With the baby due in the fall and the hopefully possibility of staying at home and providing for our family through my shop, this gave me a renewed sense of purpose. By the end of the night, the hot glue was flowing and momma-to-be had found her groove. But you better believe that I almost hit the "my store is on vacation" button about 100 times during those first few weeks. And I don't feel bad. I did what I needed to do for me and my family. Making pretty things for my shop and my home is important to me (and vital to my sanity), but I don't feel bad for needing to step away. And you shouldn't either. If you do, email me and I'll give you a pep talk!

source

Now please know that just because I'm giving a voice to these words, does not mean I have it all figured out. I am writing this as a reminder to myself more than anything! If you find yourself in a dry season, relax and enjoy the fruits of free time!