The Hope Mommies E-Book Is Here!

Several weeks ago Hope Mommies announced the release of the 2018 e-book created for Hope Moms, "Heard." 

It. Is. Incredible. 

And the best part? You can download this e-book for free to read articles, make your way through a devotional study, read a Hope Mom's open letter to her Hope Baby, and more. 

"It's in these moments of deep vulnerability, transparency during the storm, choosing to share with God the state of our hearts instead of conceal, that we open ourselves up to His truth that our spirits so desperately need." - Amen and amen. 

Click here to access this free resource. 

I was thrilled and honored to work on this project alongside several other women who long to bring encouragement to women experiencing pregnancy loss. 

Have you walked the road of pregnancy loss? Recently or years ago?

Do you know someone, a dear friend or acquaintance or a friend of a friend who has lost a baby? If so, can I encourage you to take a peak at this e-book and/or pass it along?

Hope and healing is within reach, dear sisters. We face trails of many kinds, yes, but we do not despair because the King of Kings and Lord of Lords lives and reigns and praise God, this world is not the end of the story. We will not be overcome by circumstance because Jesus has already overcome. 

Hope Mommies was an invaluable resource to me when I lost Chance several years ago (and still is!), and I have no doubt this ministry will continue to impact the lives of women all over the world. 

#HMEbook#HMHeard

#IAmAHopeMom

Camille is FOUR YEARS OLD!

Camille turns FOUR years old today and I am equal parts sad and thrilled.

Sad because this means my littlest babe continues to grow up after multiple request to just. stop. it.

Thrilled because each year just keeps getting better and better and I hear from parents before me that the older they get, the more fun you have. New challenges come, yes, but I hear the good stuff is in the older years.


Happy 4th birthday, Camille! You are a gem. A social butterfly, sassy-pants, who lives life FULLY every single day. Seriously. Every morning you ask "Where are we going today? Who is coming over? Who can I go visit? Can you plan a party, Mommy? Oh and we need decorations." Decorations all day everyday. We are blessed to have you, Camille. Your compassionate heart SHINES bright. Never stop shining, sister girl. We love you and can't believe you're now FOUR!

Christmas and New Years Eve 2017

Oh wait. I blogged about New Years themes and ideas and I never blogged about Christmas. That goes against every Type-A part of my personality, but you can't win them all I suppose.

I took approximately two pictures all of Christmas break because 'tis the season for sickness. Virus, fever and cough that eventually morphed into full-blown bronchitis.

Thank goodness for steroids.

For memories sake . . . Here is our Christmas and New Years Eve in pictures (that Brandon took because bronchitis. On another note, Brandon is happy to be sleeping in our bed again as I am no longer coughing up my insides.). . .

A few pics with Santa . . . before the sickness . . .

Camille enjoyed a super fun Christmas party at school, as did Clara!

How cute is this gift she made for me and Brandon? Way to go, teachers!

We drove around to look a lights multiple times, a favorite tradition . . .

Camille putting out cookies and milk for Santa . . . 

And reindeer food . . . because of course . . .

Camille's mind was blown on Christmas morning when she woke up to reindeer prints all over the front driveway. It didn't snow, mind you, but somehow that little fact didn't confuse her almost-four- year-old brain (which is actually surprising, because well, she's pretty intuitive.)

The girls woke up to lights leading form their bedroom doors all the way to their Santa gifts. A tradition that we absolutely love. This is probably my favorite moment of Christmas. We've been doing it since they were itty bitty babes.

Clara got a hammock and Camille got a baby doll that talks and burps and plays peek-a-boo and says "mama." She is in caretaker heaven and this mama is about done with said baby doll. I keep asking Camille, "Doesn't your baby doll need to take a nap??? Babies need a lot of sleep!!" #makeitstop

The hammock was intended to go outside (inside just for the Santa effect) but y'all, she gets in it every second of every day and never stops swinging herself. It is the cutest thing. She will even grab our hand, lead us to the hammock and then point as if to say "Get in a swing with me!" That said, the hammock is still taking up an entire wall of the playroom. :)

Click here to see a video of Clara rocking away.

We took zero pictures as a family on Christmas Day. Here's a few from our time with my family. Yep, we got four pictures. Totally on top of our game this year.

When someone asked what I would enjoy for Christmas, I sent them a link to a book on Amazon. So, needless to say, if you need me in 2018 I will be hiding in my closet with one of these.

Camille's mind was blown again when her daddy surprised her by taking her on a daddy-daughter date to the Nutcracker. She got all dressed up and didn't figure out what they were doing until they arrived at the theater. Precious memories. Melts my heart.

We spent New Years Eve and the few days prior in Livingston, Texas relaxing at Brandon's parents getaway house. A few days with no extra responsibilities other than playing and eating (see Brandon's homemade beignets below) and reading and New Years pondering/dreaming is just what my soul needed as we said adios to 2017.

We know how to party. . . And no, those extra two champagne glasses are not for the girls. They were for my sister and husband who ended up leaving early due to . . .  sickness. Again, 'tis the season.

Despite the sickness mentioned, it was a relaxing and fun-filled Christmas and NYE. Feeling thankful and hopeful as we head into 2018.