Baby Countdown, and a BIG OL' CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!

Ahhh...

December 1st.

A new season.

Fall is now morphing into an opaque brown color, all over. Gloomy skies, and chilly wind breaks any form of comfort, when leaving the house, and rushing to get to the car. Dreary days, met with evenings where I swear it feels like 9 p.m., and only typically is 5:47 p.m., thanks to Daylight Savings Time.

December also begins a series of countdowns for us.

Counting down the days until the Christmas Giveaway, counting down the days until Baby #6 gets here, and counting down the days until CHRISTMAS!

It's weird how November seems to draaaaaaaaag on, and then BAM! We only have a few short weeks, until Christmas!

As I'm preparing for all of our countdowns, I'm overwhelmed with a feeling of gratefulness, not feeling prepared "enough", trying to nest on my home, finish school with the kids, not go into labor, as well as, try and drink enough water, be a good friend, wife, and Mom. *Gulp.*

Honestly, if I'm not careful, I can really start to feel like I'm not enough.

That overwhelming lie can quickly sweep in, especially around this very BUSY season.

Will I pick out all the right gifts?

Will we get school finished?

Will I remember to do the advent countdown?

Will I have my house done, by the time the baby gets here?

All of those questions, swirling around, and the pressure to get it all done in 25 short days.

WHEW.

What an overwhelming, and unrealistic view on what December 1st should feel like.

Today, in my Mom's Connect Group, we were challenged with the question:

Are we pursuing to make our children happy, or holy?

Likewise, our we pursuing our own happiness, or humbly seeking holiness?

Holiness is quiet.

It cause everything to go slooooowly.

It's when we rest. When we say enough of the hustle and bustle.

Even though the business of Christmas isn't necessarily a bad thing, is it the best thing? Rather than trying to pick the *perfect* gift, for the list of loved ones, that gets longer every year, am I focusing on truly pouring into them, in all the days leading up to Christmas?

I'm a visual person, and to me, holiness feels like that first snow of the season.

You know when you're up before everyone else, and the sun is beginning to rise. You peer through the window, to beautiful, big snowflakes trickling down from the sky. You allow your eyes to follow them all the way down, until they reach their final destination. As if someone laid a beautiful, fluffy, white blanket down, and covered up all the opaque brown, and there is beauty, again. My favorite memory of every single snow we've ever received, was stepping outside, and feeling an overwhelming, peaceful silence, from the first snow. So silent you can actually hear the snowflakes as the brush softly onto the gutter, or the ground. Or when the wind blows, the trees crackle, as each limb hits the next, covered in ice.

Peace.

That's what I'm challenged by. That peaceful feeling, throughout this busy month, so that I don't let my checklists get in the way of our home feeling at peace. My checklists will get done, the shopping lists will get taken care of, and this precious baby will get here, whether my floors are scrubbed, or not.

And that's my challenge to you: What are you pursuing, this holiday season? What do you want your children to pursue? What is the overwhelming tone that fills your walls?

My prayer for you, this year, is that your home would be filled with peace.



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I told you that I'm doing a Christmas giveaway, and I'm so EXCITED at the wonderful gifts I get to send one of YOU!

This line-up is from some of my FAVORITE shops! The thing I love most about these shops, is they are Mom's, trying to make a difference in the world! 

Our first shop giveaway is a necklace/earring combo from Bèljoy: 

The "Christine" necklace, and the "Estelle" earrings!

The second shop giveaway is from From Thailand, With Love:

EIGHT beautiful wood ornaments, to adorn your festive tree!

(Ornaments chosen by shop)  

The third shop giveaway is from Bourne Southern:

A festive Raglan that would be ADORABLE for any Christmas Party!

The fourth shop giveaway is from 46five Boutique:

The PERFECT mug, for your cup of Holiday Hot Cocoa!

The fifth shop giveaway is from ME! It will be a fun basket FULL of some of my favorite Christmas goodies: candles, chocolate, and other fun surprises! 

Last, but not least, an AMAZING giveaway from The Giving Manger:

A Complete Box Set, to add to your Christmas decor, at home!

The beautiful Momma's behind The Giving Manger approached me, about wanting to do a giveaway, so I opened the Complete Box Set, which included: 

We actually pulled out our very own Giving Manger, last night, read the story, and placed the manger in our Nativity Set! My kiddos were SO EXCITED to get started, that right after we told the story, and were getting ready for bed, Asher (age 4) went and served everyone a drink of water, before bed. He did it quietly, and didn't say anything other than "Here's your drinks of water, guys!" Then Khai (age 7) pointed out that Asher was the first to serve, so therefore should get to put the first piece of straw in the manger. It was a pretty special moment, as Mark lifted him up, to put the piece of straw in the manger. 

Remember that whole "I want to have peace in my home." thing I was talking about, above? That was a moment of peace. And it. was. precious. Seeing the delight on Asher's face, as his siblings were EXCITED for him, mixed with the wonder that filled everyone's imaginations, as they tried to think of creative ways to serve was EXACTLY what we are aiming for. 

A peaceful, holy moment. 

I am so so so excited to share this giveaway with you, so now for the rules: 

1.) SHARE this blog post on Facebook!

2.) FOLLOW the 5 shops, and I, on Instagram!

3.) COMMENT BELOW: a special memory, from the Christmas season, that reminds you of a moment of peace.

My peaceful memory is how much I love going to my parents, on Christmas Eve. We go to the Christmas Eve service, and then we all pile into a vehicle, to drive through the huge Christmas Lights display, in our small town. The rest of the evening is spent playing board games with my siblings, and their families, and laughing about memories from our childhood! That's my peaceful Christmas memory. 

SHARE, FOLLOW, and COMMENT BELOW! Winner will be announced in ONE WEEK! YAY!!! 

Baby Registries, Brownie Recipes, and Lemon Orzo Soup!

I've had several "Baby Related" questions that I've been asked recently, so I thought I'd share how we are prepping for Baby #6, and also I wanted to include the recipe to the brownies and soup that were made on TLC's Counting On, for Jessa's Baby Shower!

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When prepping for a baby, we've learned a lot of do's and do not's!

For example:

DO: Take the time to do a baby registry! It takes awhile, but my foggy pregnancy brain STRUGGLES to remember what we need, and what we don't need! I actually found an online one where you can sync any other registries you have directly to it, so you don't have to have one for Target, one for Walmart, etc. They're all pulled into one clear, concise registry!

This go-a-round, I used myregistry.com/sierradominguez.



A really cool feature is the ability to add random items, from different websites, by adding a "bookmark" to your computer. Then you just click "Add to my registry", and it pre-fills all the needed information, as well as, the online store link! This saved me a ton of time!



DO NOT: Buy the most expensive stroller, carseat, etc, because you think it's better quality! I once found a name brand stroller, that retailed for $700 DOLLARS, at a consignment shop for WAY cheaper. I purchased it, instead of the Graco one, because I figured it was better quality, mechanics, etc. It was first of all, HUGE, and clunky. Also, anytime I tried to just "go on a quick walk" it was an ORDEAL to get it opened, and ready to go. And finally, the last straw was that as I was pushing it, leaving a park, I KID YOU NOT, a wheel came off, and rolled in the opposite direction that I was trying to push the stroller. This happened right by my car, and also conveniently, right by a dumpster. I buckled the kiddos in the car, and chucked the over-priced stroller in the trash.

 Our tried and true brands, that have stood the test of time, are Graco strollers and carseats. They're a great price, and are actually durable! We have had to replace our stroller twice, once in between the 3 boys, and now again, in between the girls, and this new baby. Only because they get weathered pretty bad, but the mechanics last! (2 strollers in almost 8 years is pretty good, if you ask me!) The carseat we choose to replace every time, due to expiration dates, etc.



(My husband once fit 5 kids on ^that stroller. I'll let you use your imagination, as to how he did it! I wasn't there, but received pictures, and laughed really hard!)

We've also had to figure out how to streamline things, so that we can be as efficient as possible! Typically our newest addition will sleep in our room, in their bassinet or mini crib, for about a year. It's just easier when nursing, and trying to get on a schedule! My favorite MUST HAVE for nursing is my beloved Boppy pillow!

The pillow curves around the Momma's tummy, and supports the baby, to provide maximum comfort, when nursing! I still have my pillow, but change out the slip covers, with each new little one!

While on the topic of nursing, my life line is Medela Cream:


All you nursing Momma's know how critical Lanolin is, and this happens to be my favorite brand!

A super sweet thing that friends have done for us, is offer to bring us a meal! It wasn't until we had the girls that people asked if they could just send us a gift card, to a pizza place or restaurant, in lieu of needing to coordinate times, meal plans, dirty dishes, etc. I thought this was genius, and now just call a Momma that is about to pop, and ask her what her favorite restaurant is, and then give her a gift card! You can order food to-go, have the hubby pick it up, and NO MORE THOUGHT PROCESS into dinner plans! A win-win for all! So, on my registry, I went ahead and added our favorite restaurant choices!

("Homemade" by Papa John's. You da bomb, John.)

So those are our some of our "tips and tricks", when it comes to bringing a new human onto this planet! What fun tips and tricks have you found that works for your family??? Comment below!


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I've had a LOT of messages, emails, and requests for the recipes I used for Jessa's baby shower! The recipe below is near and dear to my heart! I've been making it since I was little, and the recipe I wrote down, when I was 10 years old, had the title "Mammy's Famous Brownies". My Grandma JoEllen, who my siblings and I always called "Mammy", could whip these brownies up, at the drop of a hat. Then, when I was old enough, I begged her to teach me how. It came so incredibly natural to her, she couldn't even remember the recipe. She could've baked these, whilst sleeping, I'm sure of it. Finally, she sat down with me, and helped me get exactly how much of each item I needed, on a recipe card. I've been making them ever since.

The joke about the South is that at nearly every holiday, family event, party, etc. there will be a table full of the main course, and 3 tables full of desserts. I literally panic in social settings, when I don't think there are enough sweets to go around, and usually end up making a pan of these brownies. My favorite "version" of them is with the caramel center. But the version where I exhibit the least amount of self control is the plain ol' regular recipe. (Literally, I eat half of a pan. An inch at a time. All by myself.)


Mammy's Famous Brownies

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

3/4 C. Cocoa
1 C. Shortening
4 Eggs
2 C. Sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 1/4 C. Flour
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Baking Powder


1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.) Using a medium-sized saucepan, combine the Cocoa and Shortening, and heat (medium-low heat) on the stove, until melted. (No need to boil, just get it melted, and remove from heat!)

3.) Add Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla into saucepan, and mix, until well combined.

4.) Add Flour, Salt, and Baking Powder to wet ingredients, and mix until it is a rich, chocolatey dream.

5.) Grease a 9x13 in pan with Shortening, and then dust with Flour, if you're Betty Crocker. Spray with No Stick Cooking Spray, and put a piece of parchment paper down, if you're Sierra Dominguez! ;)

6.) Pour the thick, gooey batter into your pan, and smooth to all 4 corners, using your mixing spoon.

7.) HERE'S WHERE THINGS GET FANCY: At this point you can pour white chocolate chips over the top (about a cup), and press down into batter. OR: Pour half the batter onto your pan, and sprinkle caramel chips (about a cup), then pour the rest of the batter over it.

OR: Leave the batter as is, and bake them.

I can assure you no matter what variation you do, you'll want to eat the whole pan. Or maybe that's just me...

8.) Cook for 21-25 minutes (Of course this all depends on dark or light pan, altitude, oven, etc.) So start at 20 minutes and keep checking on them! :)

Some things to watch out for:

-Don't over-mix the batter. As in, don't "save time" and use a hand mixer, or stand mixer. Mix it the old fashioned way, with a wooden spoon, or spatula! Trust me on this one!

-Don't over-cook the brownies. What you're looking for are nice firm edges, but when you check the center, with a fork, it should come out with a tiny bit of batter on it. They'll finish cooking, in the pan, once you pull them out. So try not to over-cook, if you like obey gooey brownies! If you like hockey pucks, bake those suckers to a crisp. (Just kidding. Why on earth would you do that?!?)

-Once you put a brownie in the bottom of a bowl, scoop ice cream on top, and proceed to inhale the mixture in 3 bites, you WILL BE TEMPTED to go back for more. Do what our family does, and keep a butter knife in the pan, and only cut out 1 in. x 1 in. chunks, until you've eaten half the pan. It burns calories going back so many times. You're welcome.


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I also had requests for the Lemon Orzo Soup I made for the shower! I actually fell in love with this soup from Panera Bread:



(Hello, lovely.)

I got hooked, when I was pregnant with Asher, and literally would salivate at the thought of this soup. My favorite thing to do was to pair it, in my 1/2 and 1/2 combo, with my chipotle chicken panini. #yum

Then Panera quit me. They discontinued the soup, and I set out on a quest to find the BEST copy cat recipe. This chick has a great recipe if you've got loads of time to cook, but I had to streamline it, to make it quickly, for my family! 

Lemon Orzo Soup
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 large onion diced
• 1 10 oz bag matchstick carrots
• 1 package celery, diced small
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• juice and zest of 1.5 lemons
• 1 rotisserie chicken, de-boned, and shredded
• 2- 48 oz. boxes of chicken broth
• 1/2 cup orzo pasta
• 2-3 cups baby spinach leaves
• 2-3 Tbsp Better Than Bouillon
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 2 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
• 2 tsp. Mrs. Dash Extra Spicy (This is optional, we just like our soups with a little spice!)

Instructions

1. Start with a large pot and melt 1 tbsp butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, chopped celery, and garlic. Cover with lid, stirring often, until onions are translucent. (About 10-15 min.)
2. Add the 2 boxes of chicken BROTH. 
3. Add the juice and zest of 1.5 lemons. (Here's where you can make it personal. I typically add 2 lemons, but that's because I love the kick of lemon!) 
4. Let the soup come up to a simmer. In the meantime, measure out 1/2 a cup of orzo pasta.
5. Once the soup has reached a simmer, add the orzo and your shredded chicken to the soup. 
6. Add the Better than Bouillon, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning, and Mrs. Dash Extra Spicy. Increase heat, so the soup is a low boil.
7. Once the orzo is cooked, about 15 minutes, turn the heat off. Add your 2-3 cups of baby spinach.
8. Mix well to combine.
9. Don't forget to taste to see if you need more seasoning and/or lemon. Sample until it tastes exactly how YOU want it! (More lemon, more pepper, whatever you prefer!) 

I usually buy a french baguette, cut into slices, and serve with the soup. My favorite thing to do is get a scoop of soup, onto a yummy piece of bread, and take one huge bite! :) My hubby loves soaking the bread pieces in the broth, then slurping to his hearts content! 

So what about you? Any fall favorite soup recipes that are a must-have for your family? What about you new Momma's? Are you in the trenches of nursing, late nights, and eating cold pizza at 3 a.m.? My prayer for you, is that you have a tribe that loves on you, that checks on you, and that feeds you. Because sometimes we need someone to bring us a chocolate chip cookie (or brownie!), and back away, while we inhale it, without judgement. I hope you've enjoyed the recipes! 

As always, folks, 

Choose Joy, Speak Life, and Keep Marching!

XOXO, 

Sierra Jo

A Fantastic Fall Giveaway! (Value: $250.00!)

It's no surprise, to anyone that knows me, that my FAVORITE season is Fall! It no longer feels like you're in a bowl of hot human soup, when you walk outside (Sayanora, Summer!). And it's the perfect in-between phase, right before the I'm-so-cold-my-bones-hurt sting of winter comes along! I think I love fall so much, because you can feel a change. Football games, bonfires, pumpkin flavored EVERYTHING! Sigh.... it makes my heart go pitter patter.

(Like, this could actually be me. ^)

But I also love September, in particular, because 2 of my kiddos birthdays, my birthday, my parents anniversary, and my 2 sister-in-law's birthdays are all in one beautiful month: SEPTEMBER. It's also the month when my apple tree is ready for harvest, and I make apple butter! 

IT'S A GOOD MONTH, Y'ALL! 

This particular September, I decided to celebrate my birthday by giving away a swag bag full of my favorite goodies, just in time for fall! 

Here's the line-up of what all is in the swag bag: 

1.) 

The Bag! From: Bourne Southern 

2.)  

The Shirt! From: Bourne Southern

3.) 

The Necklace! From: Béljoy Haiti

4.) 

The Earrings! From: Béljoy Haiti

5.) 

The Shoes! From: 46five Boutique 

6.) 

The Coffee Cup! From: From Thailand, With Love 

7.) 

The Purse! From: From Thailand, With Love

8.)  

The Magazine! From: Magnolia Market 

9.) Candles, Pretties, Recipe Cards of some of my favorite items

 From: Yours Truly! 

This giveaway is valued at well over $250.00 USD! 

So now, the question I'm sure you're asking: 

HOW ON EARTH DO I WIN ALL THIS GOODNESS?!?!

I'm so glad you asked! 

1.) Share, Share, Share! (Share this blog post on Facebook! Or Email to friends! Click the icon, below!)

2.) Follow, Follow, Follow! (Go to Instagram, follow @sierrajodominguez, and find the FANTASTIC FALL GIVEAWAY POST! Like it, follow the other vendors, listed on the giveaway, and TAG YOUR BESTIES!)

3.) Comment, Comment, Comment! (Tell me below what YOUR favorite Fall traditions, recipes, and/or candles are!)

The WINNER will be drawn on my birthday 9/10/17, so Share, Follow, and Comment!

You're probably asking yourself how it can be that easy! My answer to you is the same answer I give my kids: Because I said so. When your love language is gifts (receiving, giving, making, dreaming about), it literally makes my heart want to explode, to give all this goodness to someone else! Who knows, maybe the winner won't like Fall quite as much as I do, but a pick-me-up during a hard time, could be just what was needed! That's my prayer!

As always folks,

Choose Joy, Speak Life, and Keep Marching! 

XOXO,

Sierra 

Why I Quit My iPhone (And How I Am Surviving Without It)

Seven months.

That's how long I've been begging God to remove the distractions in my life. Relationships, commitments, and finally my beloved iPhone, were among the many things that were plucked as quickly from my grasp, as I would a weed, in my growing garden.

So, as I type on my laptop (and not my iPhone), I just wanted to share the why.

Why does it matter if you have an iPhone, or not?

Why this grand exit from normalcy, to pursue a life of simplicity?

Why can't you just put your phone down, if it's too much of a distraction?


I've tried to think of a thousand and one ways to sugar coat what I'm about to say, but came up empty:

Because I'm too addicted. 

Gross.

I hate even using the word "addicted". It makes it sound like I carried the goofy phone with me everywhere I went, and like I was on it every waking moment, and like I'd get frustrated if one of my five kiddos interrupted me reading an article, watching a video, or mindlessly scrolling through Facebook.

Oh, wait.

That was exactly what I did.

It actually makes my stomach hurt to even admit that, but it's the raw, honest truth.




So, I quit.

I walked into the Sprint store, to upgrade my phone, and as I was waiting for an employee to help me, I walked over to the "new and improved iPhone 7 (plus, S, whatever the newest version was). I hit the home button instinctively, and swiped through the apps, and felt this overwhelming distaste.

How sad is it that the "Home" button on my iPhone brought me more comfort, than the home where I'm called to be part of a family?

So, the Sprint employee approached me, eyes lit up, as he saw me standing next to the iPhones, and he asked "How can I help you?"

"I need to upgrade my phone," I said.

"Great! I can totally help you with that! Are you looking to get the new iPhone?"

"Umm...Actually, can you show me what flip phone options you have?"

"Uhh, sure," he stammered.

"Here's one option, it's a more sleek flip phone, with more options, and here's the other option, that we typically recommend for construction workers."

I stood there, staring at both, knowing exactly which one I was walking out with. He excused himself, as another customer needed help, working the self-pay kiosk. And for that brief moment, I wrestled with God:

"Everyone has iPhones, it doesn't really mean that much to You, does it?"

"Is this crazy? What if people think I'm crazy, God? For getting a flip phone?"

"What if they think I'm just getting it, because I can't afford an iPhone?"

And all I heard, as questions swirled around in my head, was silence.

I knew the answers.

If He asks us, it matters to Him.

If it goes against the grain of the world, you're probably up to something good. 

If I care more about people looking at my status in life, than I do people looking at my walk with God, I've missed something. Something big. 

Naysayers will doubt this moment of realization. Question why God would ask me to get a flip phone.

Hear me, when I say this:

God didn't ask me to quit my iPhone. He asked me to quit loving my iPhone, more than I loved every beautiful thing He has given me in this life.

Any idol, any idol, we have to be willing to give up.

Another super embarrassing thing to admit:

One morning, Mark and I had woken up before the kids, and the first thing we did, before we said "Good morning" to each other, was pick up our phones, unplug them from the charger, and instinctively hit the Home button, and start swiping away. Then the three boys walked in, rubbing their eyes, after a good night's sleep, and said "Good morning, Momma and Daddy!" in that oh-so-sweet sleepy voice.

Mark and I both, at the same time, tilted our phones away from the 4 inches we had them hovering near our eyes, said "Good morning!" in unison, and went right back to our phones.



All of this came flooding into my memory, as I was standing in the Sprint store.

That's the "why".

Because that's not the Momma I wanted to be. That's not the Momma I'm called to be.

So, the Sprint employee walked back over to me, and asked if I'd decided what I was going to do.

"I'll take the construction worker one. I'm a Mom of 5 kiddos. I need indestructible."

He laughed, and made a comment about how clumsy kids are, and I informed him that the klutz in the family is actually me! I've broken (and had to replace) more iPhone screens that I'd care to admit!

As he was getting the paperwork started, Mark FaceTime'd my old iPhone.

"Hey sweets! Where are you?"

"In the Sprint store, upgrading my phone!"

"Good for you! What are you getting?"

I picked up the box to my new dinosaur phone, and hovered it in front of the camera.

"No way! Are you serious babe?!" he said, as he chuckled.

"I'm so serious," I laughed back, "and guess what? If you get one, we can walkie-talkie each other!"

"Sierra, that's seriously awesome! Maybe you'll have time to write your book, now! Man, that makes me miss my old flip phone!"

"Yep, and time to just be a Mom."

"So proud of you, babe."




All of the doubt that swirled in my head was silenced, when the man that loves me most said "So proud of you, babe."

That's all that matters.

My desire for approval should come from God, only. When I have that, everything else falls into line.

Here me out:

I'm not trying to start a "Flip Phone Revolution", I'm just trying to be obedient to a God-ordained resolution. 

When I committed to be a stay at home Mom, that commitment came with a million and one sacrifices. But they were all ones I was willing to make.

Unless it involved me missing out on some "notification". That was asking too much.

Slowly but surely, however, all of the people that needed me became less important, than those that just wanted to notify me that they "liked" something of mine.



It honestly just left a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. I have a dream to write a book, and have it finished by April of 2018. But I knew I was too distracted. So this January, I asked God a simple request:

"Lord please remove any distractions that are displeasing to You, and causing my life to be less than what You have for me."

WARNING: DO NOT PRAY THIS PRAYER, IF YOU DON'T REALLY MEAN IT. HE WILL ANSWER, YOU PROBABLY WON'T "LIKE or SHARE" THE RESULTS.

So just as quickly as I prayed that, God started pruning me. Snipping away any branches that were dead, and didn't bear good fruit. He started pruning away people who I once was close with, and causing distance, in that relationship, because quite frankly, I needed to be at home more. He started pruning every thorn from my heart, every selfish thought, every weed that was taking rent. He answered prayers that had been left unanswered for 2 years, just to show me how big He is. Finally, He pruned the biggest distraction, addiction, and temptation in my life: my phone.

Let me add here, if we are friends, acquaintances, or you don't even know me, I am in no way judging you, if you still have your iPhone. This was my ugly sin, my addiction, my distraction from what is beautiful in life. Everyone sins differently, so I'm in no way judging people with smartphones. I'm taking the time to judge myself. There are MANY people who use there phones for work, etc. mine just became an excuse to check out of every day life, and get swept up in every single article, video, funny meme, etc.

As the Sprint employee was working on the sale, he was sure to remind me that there are no games, no apps, no ability to do group messages, low quality camera abilities, etc.

I simply responded, "My husband has an iPhone, so if I 'need' any of that, I can use his."

"Okay," he said, "well I'm just going to transfer your photos and contacts, for you, and you'll be squared away!"

"No you're not," I warned, "there are 12,000 photos on there, and only about 25% of my contacts get ahold of me. Worst case scenario, I have to ask 'Who's this?' a hundred times."

"You're really serious about all of this, aren't you?" he stared in disbelief.

Right before he restored my factory settings, I pointed to my "Home" screen, at the picture of Mark and I with all our kids.

"See that? I don't want to just post about them growing up. I want to be there, all there, as they grow up. It's one of the most important things I'll ever do."

"Man," he said, "I wish my wife would jump onboard with this! She's on her phone all the time."

I simply responded, "Don't wish. Pray for her. It took me years to get here, and probably took many humble prayers from my husband, that I'll never know about. Each person has their own path. I'm sure she's doing the best she can, just like I'm trying to do."

"True. But remember, you have 14 days to return this! And we can switch it all back to normal."

I nodded, smiling, and thanked him.

"I'm not going to see you, in 14 days, am I?" he asked, inquisitively.

"Nope, probably not. Have a blessed day."


I left that Sprint store with a small bag holding all the contents of my latest purchase: the box, the charger, and all the paperwork, on my "new" phone. I felt like I did when I was 16, and got my first flip phone. I was excited, but more than ever I felt a freedom I didn't know I had given up. As I held my phone, I received my first phone call. The ring is a vintage phone ring, and I just smiled. I recognized the number, because I memorized it 9 1/2 years ago, when a handsome brown-haired, brown-eyed guy stole my heart.

I just answered, and beamed "Babe. I absolutely love it!"



Some have shared that they think I'll miss the camera, or that I'll miss all the conveniences of an iPhone. Yesterday was my 14 day mark, which means, I'm no longer available to go back to "normal". These past 2 weeks, we've had a stomach bug, (where all of us but Mark were throwing up, so he did 14+ loads of laundry, while we were all sick), birthday parties, hung out with my siblings, Mark turned 36, and I can say with great assurance, this new normal that I'm living, is my favorite.


The only thing I regret not having my iPhone for, was to take a video of the 3 Sprint employees looking at my ancient artifact of a "new" phone, and making a "Ooooh!" noise, as it powered up. Then commenting how "different" it was. THAT WAS PRICELESS.

Also, the fact that my phone bill has went down from $200 to $60, makes for a REALLY nice, easy transition!




Mark woke up next to me, one morning last week, and kissed my forehead. His eyebrows were furrowed, which meant he'd been thinking hard about something.

"Hey babe, I don't want you to think that I made you get that phone. Just know that if you decide to go back to your iPhone, I won't judge you, or think less of you in any way."

I smiled, and stretched my arms, as I woke up from SLEEPING, and not ever being alerted in the middle of the night from a text or email.

"I love you, Sweets, and so I mean no offense when I say this: my phone decision had nothing to do with you. It had everything to do with God and I, and if I was going to be joyfully obedient to what He was asking. Trust me when I say, I'm so grateful that I listened, and followed through. I regret nothing."

He smiled, and kissed me on the forehead again, and just laughed.

"I really am considering getting one so we can walkie-talkie each other!"

"We'd be the coolest parents on the block," I chuckled, as I nestled into the spot I fit perfectly in, when laying next to him.

Then as we laid there, our fifth-born, whom we nicknamed Squish, toddled into the room, and asked through her paci "Up?", and we just loved on our early-morning riser, and enjoyed every moment.

I enjoyed it so much, I didn't have the time to post it on Instagram.


That's the legacy I want to leave.


So, my challenge for YOU, whoever you may be:


What is causing you to not live life fully? Distracting relationships? Distracting commitments? Distracting "notifications"? I challenge you to swim upstream, a bit. And as others pass you, and question what you're doing, remember that upstream is the only way to build muscle, push ourselves to do more than we thought possible, and ultimately reach a goal, that others said were impossible.

Upstream is nuts, and an adventure you'll never forget.

Downstream is normal, and will fade in your memory, as quickly as each "notification" fades.



Sending much love, from a humble heart, and hoping that whatever path you're walking, that you would:



Choose Joy, Speak Life, and Keep Marching.

A prideful, broken plate.

There it is. The second dish that has broke, in the past month. There are probably more, that I'm blocking from my memory...

In the midst of going to pick up the pieces of this colorful serving dish, I stopped. There I was, on my hands and knees, frozen for a moment. 

I'm this plate.

I'm broken, too. 

It wouldn't take a rocket scientist to decipher how I drew that conclusion. You want to hear something I'm not proud of? My frustration. My moments of using harsh words, throughout the given day. This day was no different, and my reaction, 2 minutes previous, was just the same:

"Daylon! Your hands were too full! If you would've just slowed down, this plate would not be broken! This was one of my favorite plates, and now it's broken! What do you need to say?!"

"I'm sorry, Momma. Would you please forgive me?"

His big brown eyes were a window into the guilt he carried. 

"You're forgiven, and you're loved, Daylon. Please be more careful."

But you know what?

At 11:45 p.m. last night, I had to seek forgiveness from my 5 year old. 

"Hey buddy, you remember when that dish broke, and I said your hands were too full?"

Guilt flooded his face, again. 

"Yeah?"

"Do you want to know what Momma did wrong?"

He perked up a little, inquisitively.

"What?"

"I spoke harshly. I shouldn't have blamed you for it. The real reason I was so upset, was because that was from Aunt Lake, and I really loved that little plate. But guess what?"

"What?"

"It was an accident,"

Relief flooded his face. 

"And that plate is nothing compared to how much you mean to me. You are a gift to our family, and I'm so proud of you being able to unload the dishwasher. I'm so sorry that I spoke harshly, would you please forgiv-"

"You're forgiven!"

Before I could even finish my statement, he forgave, and wrapped his arms around my neck. 

Then Khai, our sound, logical 6 year old, after witnessing both the "incident", and the forgiveness, chimed in.

"You know, Mom? You never even used that plate very often."

My flesh wanted to tell him "Yes, because it's for special occasions."

But my heart, and mouth, uttered the words "You're right, buddy."

It's just a broken plate. 

- - -

The guilt that breaks me? That keeps me up until 3 a.m. typing this?

What if God reacted to us, the way I reacted to Daylon?

Do you realize how much junk I carry, like old suitcases, dropping it in front of God?

What if He harshly told me "The reason you're broken is because you're carrying too much! If you would just slow down, this wouldn't have happened!"

I, being discouraged, would start picking the suitcases up, to get my ugly brokenness away from God. 

But instead?

God gingerly picks up each individual piece, and lovingly, with a firm, steady hand, begins putting the pieces back together. He sees a broken plate as an adventure, a time to refine, heal, restore. I, in my own small-minded logic, see a broken plate as a nuisance, a disappointment, an eyesore. 

I am a nuisance, a disappointment, an eyesore.

But rather than tossing me out with the garbage, He takes my jagged edges, and sands them down, until they're smooth. He takes even the teeniest, tiniest shard, and adds it to the million reasons that make me, me. 

And at the end of the restoration, there are scars, but all He sees was the beauty He originally designed. 

You're ready. Go and serve.

You see, pride is an ugly, ugly menace.

It creeps in, by the name of Justification, and it pushes out sound logic.

It is without a doubt, something I struggle with. 

Which is why, on my fridge, in my children's bathroom, in my bathroom, and so on, you'll see these words:

"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:29-32"

I've printed them, and hung them all around my house, so that I'd remember:

I am that broken plate.

In need of grace, and forgiveness. 

If you struggle with pride, or being harsh, I'm going to urge you to remember:

You're not alone. 

The lies the enemy wants you to believe are:

1. You don't need to seek forgiveness.

or

2. If you did seek forgiveness, the recipient wouldn't truly forgive you. 

With that visual, I want you to picture a child leaping from a seated position, wrapping his arms tightly around you, and whispering "You're forgiven."

When we truly humble ourselves, we're truly forgiven. 

God knows our heart.

If you're a Momma of littles, and this typical day resonates beautifully with you, I'm going to challenge you to remember the words our Creator has given us:

"Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry."

(Again, one that I have all over my house.)

I don't want to disappoint my son, like I did today. 

But even more so, I don't want to disappoint God. So when I fail, when I'm weak, when I'm broken, I'll choose to quickly seek forgiveness. 

And when I'm told "You're forgiven."?

I'll extend that same grace and forgiveness to myself. 

If there is one thing that the enemy loves most, it's Mom-guilt. 

Last night, as I went out for ice cream, with a mentor and fellow Momma friend, she shared with me,

"Sierra, looking back there were many times I was quick to speak harshly. I reacted to my then, teenager totally different than how I react now. I should've done better, and been more patient."

She said all of this, not knowing the day I just had. Tears welled up, and my throat had a lump in it. I shared with her, the same I just shared with you. I'm so thankful for a loving friend, that agreed that Mom-ing is TOUGH, but choosing the hard road? The road of forgiving and being forgiven, it's actual freedom. 

If there's one thing I want to charge you with:

You are enough, in Christ.

You will fail. 

Sally Clarkson wrote it best, "Sometimes we will fail, everyday, but that does not make us a failure."

We get back up, seek forgiveness, and keep marching. 

My joy in this, was the warmth from my son, as he hugged me. Similar to the warmth of a sunny day, when we feel like we're being kissed, by the Son. 

Choose joy, sweet friends. Speak life, dear Momma's. And Keep. Marching.

Dear Gracious Heavenly Father, 

I thank You for this day. We know that this is the day You have made, and we shall rejoice and be glad in it. I'm thankful for Your ever-present promptings. The ones that find us, and challenge us to do better. I thank you that I'll never be perfect, but the example you set for us to aim towards, was perfect. I thank you that You've taken my brokenness, time and time again, and simply put the pieces back together, and restored me. I thank You for the forgiveness You offer us all, and pray if there is someone in need of the words 'You're forgiven.", that they'd seek You, Lord. You are a good Father. And I praise You for what You've blessed us with, and for what You've taken away. I know that there is safety, and protection, when You tell me "No." or "Not right now." I ask forgiveness for the sins I've committed to this day. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Much love to you all. <3