Working with Havertys: Let the Shopping Begin!

The time has finally come! I get to share my incredible experience with Havertys and I'm starting with the basics--SHOPPING! I have a LOT of positive things to say, so I guess lucky for me, (and y'all!) I will be spreading these Havertys Furniture posts out throughout the course of the month. Really guys, I am so pumped to share this with you today, I have been itching to show you all the pictures and to tell you just how in love with this brand I honest to God am. 

We moved into our brand new house this past July, and there is quite a bit of extra space here (thank you, Lord!) One of the perks and selling features, was that there is a large bonus room on the second floor, and we knew the second we walked in that we wanted to use it as the family room. Our [very old] sectional would fit perfect, and it would function both as a family room and my office, very much a win win for this mama! Well, if we moved all our furniture, then we would be left with absolutely NOTHING in the main living room, which is a wonderful great room on the first floor. I decided to take a leap and send my look book to Havertys, in an effort to partner with them to help decorate our new house. I have always been a huge fan of their furniture, and I really wanted new pieces that would not only LOOK amazing, but last for a long time. 

As you can imagine, when I began to hear back and the e-mails began to trickle in, I was ELATED. We brainstormed what this would look like, had several phone conferences, and through this all, I have met THE best women (and people!) within Havertys. After hanging up from our first phone call, I said to my husband, "Okay, I love them all already."

Okay though, let's get to the fun [for you] stuff, shall we? The first part of this process was to go TO our local Havertys to get an idea of what we wanted design and comfort wise. My husband came with me, and we had a great Saturday morning shopping and planning. 

The H Designer, Macey, met us there, as well as the store manager. They were so kind to allow us to come a little bit before their doors officially opened, and I can't sing high enough praises about how helpful they were. Right away, I clicked with Macey; she was genuine, funny, and knew WAY more than we did about all things furniture. We had to figure out what was the most practical for us, since we do have two very young kids and FIVE pets, and she was the perfect help. 

Macey talked us through which fabrics would clean the easiest, and described the differences between styles of furniture; such as contemporary, modern, mid-century, etc. One of my design dreams has been to have a navy blue sofa, so she had a few different samples pulled for us based on what I had told the ladies at Havertys. We went and sat on numerous sofas, and I realized as much as I LOVE mid-century modern, a sofa such as that is really not practical for our family at this time. We wanted a sofa that is extra comfortable--you know the type, one where we could spend Saturday mornings lounging on, and one that would not be too difficult to clean. 

Havertys helped with putting together a look book for us, based on the design of our living room, and thank God for that because honestly I didn't really know where to begin prior to all of this. We picked the sofa pretty quickly; all that would need to be changed was the color of fabric [Can you tell based on any of this what color or style I chose? Wink, wink!] We gave some dimensions to Macey and she helped us choose two arm chairs based on the size of those numbers. It was so cool to watch her work and tweak things in her software--and it was especially cool knowing that it was OUR living room she was helping design!! 

One of my non-negotiable's design wise, was creating a living space where the TV was NOT above the fireplace. The way our house was built, it's very obvious that the TV was 'supposed' to go above the mantle, but both my husband and I agreed that wasn't what we wanted. It was a little tricky to configure the space where a console would be against the wall, but Macey made it happen! After we had all of our pieces picked out, the last thing we needed to do was choose colors and fabrics. It was so much looking at all the different swatches, and even MORE fun when I found one that would compliment the pillows I previously bought (that I was kind of building the rest of colors around!) 

It feels incredibly surreal to sit back and think about the many different pieces that went into making all of this a possibility. Coordinating between the local store manager, H designer, childcare on our end so we didn't have our rugrats running ramped through this very nice store, the e-mails, phone calls, gah! There has been SO much poured into making this dream a reality, and I really can't thank Havertys enough. Louisville and surrounding areas, if you haven't yet BEEN to the store on Hurstbourne, you need to change that. They have furniture pieces for every single person, and beautiful sets for all your home needs. And if you didn't know, there are over 120 retail stores throughout sixteen states, and you can ALWAYS purchase online. 

So many of my friends have told me that they have something from Havertys, and whenever I told someone that we were working with them, the feedback was always positive. "Oh I LOVE their furniture!" was the most common response I had, and seriously, I couldn't agree more. 

**If you want to see what we chose, you will just have to stay tuned! There will be another blog post SOON announcing the big reveal, and even after that, I don't think I will ever be quiet about the goodness of this company. And I would love to hear from y'all--what is your dream furniture piece? Anyone else obsessed with bold sofa colors these days?! Leave a comment below and give Havertys some love! And to my friends AT Havertys, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for working with me and helping my design dreams come true!**

Terrific Tacos + Sweet Sundays

I am kind of convinced that Shauna Niequist is my spirit animal (can another human BE another human's spirit animal?!) She said, "If the home is the body, the table is the heart, the beating center, the sustainer of life and health." If you think about it, where does MOST of your household's laughter come from? Sure, there are sweet family walks, backyard sports, board games, and if you're anything like mine--the tickle parties that ensue nightly; but truly, isn't most of it around the table? I am blessed to have married a man who not only loves to cook, but one who loves to bless PEOPLE by his cooking. This particular Sunday we declared a taco night, and had some amazing friends over to enjoy the meal with us.

Do you see the darling table runner in these photos? Our 9-year old niece Lily who lives in Rhode Island made it by hand for us!!! She even embroidered a sweet little message on the back of it. Maybe you've made a table runner before (for an 8-foot table?) but I haven't, so I'm clearly very impressed. 

We've known Kris and Lisa for a long time, and Lisa even used to babysit the kids for quite a long time! They were the ones who introduced us to our new church, and I am so glad that we all go there. The kids loved playing games and showing them their new rooms, Sundays like this one make me so happy! 

Tim made the carnitas (pulled pork) and it was delicious. We had guacamole, bean dip, salsa, and lots of chips, obviously ;) Team work makes the dream work, and that's always so evident on these get-togethers! 

In today's devotion that I read, Shauna writes: "When we consider how many stories in the Bible involve food, perhaps its not something to be treated so lightly as we often do." Reclaim the table. Invite others in. Laugh, talk, and enjoy being real with the people you love. Gather. And tell me all about it. You can comment below your favorite mealtime memories or send me an e-mail. I'm so thankful not only for the people locally I have relationships with, but also here in this space. You all make what I do SO much better, and I believe community happens everywhere--not just where you live. 

Life of a Working Teacher Mom and Where We Are Now

Most of you reading this have school aged children and have been where I currently am before. And where am I currently? Somewhere on the line of insanity + maybe being too busy to deal with it I suppose. Okay, okay, it is NOT that bad, but it is kinda crazy.

I knew when we moved and our kids started different schools, that life would be tough. But there's no way to prepare for that kind of a transition until you're IN it. It has been almost six weeks and I thought I would share a few things that I'm learning: 

-Our kids need SPACE. Seven hours a day they are surrounded by peers, and are getting excellent reports about their behavior, daily. But when they come home, they are so burned out of being so stinken good, and it's been vital that they have time to unwind, alone. (They don't always want to, so it's sometimes a challenge to enforce that Pierson for instance, eat a snack and play in his room or the family room, if even for five minutes--alone.) If they don't do this though, they are at each other's throats tenfold, and meltdowns begin QUICK. 
-They need extra attention. This can mean lots of extra hugs, holding one or both of them on my lap to hug them tight; or it can look like stopping everything to do a dance party because they are craving fun with ME. 
-Both of them are changing, and drastically. For instance, Pierson is turning into like, a real KID. He has been so upset with me numerous times because I haven't been able to understand his emotions and where he's coming from--This week I literally asked my husband to help mediate our conversation because I was on the verge of either laughing or just sobbing! And Reese is riding the line of wanting to do everything by herself + still wanting MOM 24/7, so as you can imagine, that's tough. 
-Immune systems are being tested. The kids had in-home childcare their ENTIRE lives. Within the last year they started going to the YMCA childcare when we would work out, but that's obviously not the same thing as school. Reese is going on her second round of illness and is currently in bed next to me with a 101° fever. I'm 99.9% sure that Pierson will end up with it too (that's what happened a few weeks ago!) but hey, fingers crossed?

-I need patience and grace as a mother and human being probably more than EVER. I think I've apologized at least fifty times for losing my temper, for snapping so quickly, and for not being the best mom that I can be to both of the kids. But outside of being a mom, I've been super slow to respond to emails, forgetful of deadlines and social media posts, and that is SO NOT ME. Grace, upon grace, upon grace, upon more grace- right? 
-My husband is a Superhero. But really. Through it all, (including me having a literal breakdown because I was SO sick of driving and being in traffic) he's been my rock. He helps me get organized, breaks things down for me when I'm feeling overwhelmed, and ALWAYS asks how he can help. He's all our stronghold, and on top of being an amazing husband, he is an incredible father. 
-Never compare. My son is five years old, and I currently have a classroom of TEN 5 and 6-year olds. This is brand new for me, I have NEVER taught that age level, and to be honest, I've been overwhelmed the entire six weeks I've been at this. At first it was confusing to me how my 5-year old could be so different from others, and I've finally realized my own ignorance. I call that class 'my babies,' because they are my babies for an entire morning. While my kindergartner can sit in his chair, be quiet, and follow classroom rules, these ones need a lot of help and guidance to learn those expectations. Not all of them have stable households or a mother or father who has helped them learn this school stuff. Asa has always helped me by saying, "They are someone's Pierson." So I treat them like they are my own. I get down on their level, talk quietly when I need to, speak firmly when it's clear the tone needs switching, I tickle and hug and dance, daily. Did I mention they are all boys right now?! Oh what a learning curve, but I'm realizing now what a gift this can be.

-The grass is greener where you water it. This was actually part of a lesson at church this summer and it has really stuck with me. I love the environment that I'm in teaching wise now. The staff is so great and supportive, it is warm and inviting, and I adore the other teacher next to me. We have great assistants, and really, I do see why God moved me there. The same phrase is true within community though as well. Instead of wishing for anything different, I am embracing the friendships we have NOW, the fellowship and community where we have been planted. And most importantly, my family is my rock. I hope to continue growth as a mother and a wife, and 'watering' that part of my life is THE most important. 

Last year I was blessed to take five months off of work to stay home with the kids, but I knew I would be going back to the 'working mom' life. I feel like being a working teacher mom has its' own set of difficulties, but I also know that right now, it's where God has called me. I am enjoying blogging when I can, participating in partnerships with some pretty awesome companies, and posting to Instagram here and there.

If you've made it this far in the post, serious kudos to you. I've love to hear from you! What are some things you've learned as a mom so far this year? Do your kids go to public or private schools? Are they homeschooled? Tell me about it! Write a comment below or shoot me an e-mail, I love the community built within this space and I will *always* respond! 

Happy weekend, y'all!

xx 

Swimming with Bear Paddle

For the last couple of years I have wanted to enroll the kids in swimming lessons, so when the opportunity arose with Bear Paddle, I was SO excited! Our kids have been 'swimming' in water practically since they were born. Pierson's first swim was just a couple weeks after his birth, Fourth of July weekend in 2012. And Reese's was in my parent's pool, when she too was teeny tiny! Neither have had a fear of water, ever, and we've always called them Little Fishes. I had swimming lessons as a young child, and they taught me so much, as well as instilled a passion for the sport. I wanted the same for our Pierson and Reese, so I'm super pumped to tell y'all about the new facility that has opened in Louisville.

You can read more on their website, but Bear Paddle has a 90-degree saltwater pool and it is a-m-a-z-i-n-g! They also have a pool sanitation system, so kids experience clean AND warm water at all times! Our kids were mesmerized as soon as we walked in. The bright colors, friendly staff, and the very large POOL, obviously! 

Pierson from the get-go, was 100% on board. He is eager to learn and is in a sweet spot currently of trying his best at pretty much everything. He turned five in June, and in the last year, he decided he didn't need a swim vest anymore to swim. Needless to say, he hasn't looked back since; give him a pair of goggles, put him in some water, and this boy is ready to GO. His little sister Reese on the other hand, well, there were some ups and downs we had to work through, but the swim lessons were such a great learning experience. She was a little nervous at the size pool (her grandparents in Michigan have a round lap pool, so, quite the difference in that regard!) She wasn't 100% sure what to think of it all the first lesson, but this is a great time to rant and rave about the quality of instructors Bear Paddle has. All of them were SO patient with Reese. They didn't force her in the pool, they not once showed an ounce of frustration with her hesitation, and they were so calm and confident. 

While Pierson was clearly all smiles, Reese requested that I sit RIGHT next to her on the side of the pool. She even went as far to ask the teacher if I could put my feet in. As I said, the instructors were always so kind and incredibly understanding of Reese's apparent anxiety. She began to warm up, and slowly but surely, she dove in with no fear at all, just as she's done at her grandparents within the last several months. She too, learned that she didn't really need a life vest anymore, and the instructors were very proud of her when she decided to show them that she COULD do this! 

The first three or four lessons it typically took Reese five minutes of warming up to the idea of swimming without me being IN the water, but by golly, she always did it. There was a couple of lessons that I doubted wholeheartedly whether or not she would get IN and complete the lesson, but she never ceased to amaze me. For me personally, it showed me how quick I am TO doubt, and it taught me to have more patience and trust in the professionals who are there to help children succeed! 

Pierson just loved every single moment, the second that he arrived, at each and every lesson. It didn't matter who the instructor was, how many kids were in the group, where I was sitting or standing; he just SWAM. 

I am so glad my husband recorded some videos of them swimming here. I feel like I'll blink and they'll be teenagers, the days of swim lessons far behind them--but seriously, I have held tight to the last month, and watching them be kids in the water. Before Bear Paddle, Pierson was hesitant to learn how to float on his back, and by the end of it, he had zero hesitations. 

We were going to do two full months with the facility and bring our kids weekly for lessons, however, if you've followed along with us this summer, you know how insanely busy our life has been. Pierson began kindergarten, Reese preschool, we moved to a brand new house, and we have found ourselves doing SO much driving to and from places that we knew we just needed to wait. They were able to do five weeks of lessons though, and honestly, they learned so much in that amount of time. I'm 99% sure we'll be going back next summer, when life can slow down again and the kids don't have as many obligations in their daily routines. 

I can't say enough about the facility, the cleanliness, the support of the staff, and how happy my kids were after swim lessons at Bear Paddle. Once Reese got in, she always had a difficult time getting OUT--she could have swam for hours! We were blessed by this opportunity and I hope you'll check it out too. They offer SO many lessons, even in the evenings and weekends. And if you aren't local to Louisville, you'll be happy to know that this isn't their only location! Check out their many branches by clicking here. 

Thank you, Bear Paddle, for letting us swim with you! It was an honor to meet your staff and to watch our kids branch out and learn so much about themselves.