Our Independence Day

This year, the 4th seemed a little like Christmas to me... In the sense that I felt like it went by too fast and seemed bittersweet at the end of the day as we were sitting there watching fireworks thinking "it's already over?"  In my opinion, the 4th of July holiday should span an entire week...rather than just the fourth.  That way, everyone can enjoy the whole shebang in the fullest way possible...especially all the cute clothing options!
At family holidays such as this, Blake is usually having to tell me to put up the camera, but this year, I tried to not be the crazy momma with a viewfinder glued to her face, and instead, just enjoyed the day hoping that my memory would suffice.  Hence, these were about the only pictures I got from our 4th.

^^^ I got all four kids these flags at Home Depot the day prior and as we were leaving the store (two littles in the shopping cart with the other two on each side), we looked like our very own 4th of July parade right there at Home Depot, flags flying high and my two eldest belting out "You're a Grand Old Flag."  It made me smile so big! ^^^

^^^ Love these two fellas! ^^^

After our get-together at my BIL and SIL's house, we met up with our friends for fireworks in the park.  I just LOVE them!!!!  I didn't use a tripod for these, so my handshake is quite evident...although it kinda creates a cool visual.

I hope your Independence Day was filled with friends, laughter, great food, fireworks, and listening to some good ol' patriotic Lee Greenwood.  
Have a great week, Y'all!!!!

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Lime Ricki Swimwear + 4th of July Style

Happy 4th of July (eve)!!!

Guess what???

I've got news for you today...A momentous occasion has occurred, folks.

And it has to do with a swimsuit.

At the beginning of this summer I was sulking a bit about the prospects of being around water...in a swimsuit.  I own several suitable (ha, pun unintended) ones, but I can't say I've ever owned a suit I LOVED.  And that bummed me out a little because I knew we'd be at the pool/beach/lake this entire summer.  Sound familiar to any of ya'?

Well, about a month ago (when my bad attitude about swimsuits had peaked), Lime Ricki Swimwear contacted me about reviewing one of their suits.  (They must have known this momma couldn't be more perfect for the job at that time!)  Excitedly, I debated over which one to get...really, it took days of going back and forth over several of them I love...but finally decided upon this Cinch-neck Cream Dot Tankini Top and their Class Black Bottoms...and I'm so thrilled with my choice!

I finally found a swimsuit I LOVE!!!!

(Did you hear those angels singing???)

Unlike some other suits I've worn in the past, Lime Ricki makes some solid quality pieces.  I feel like this suit could withstand years of wear...and I plan on it!  I love the coverage it has while not sacrificing style and unique attention to detail (like the straps on the back).  I also really appreciate that Lime Ricki's pieces can be mix-matched, so if I decide later to get a skirt bottom or different top, I know I have several options that can coordinate with a suit I already own!

So how can you get your hands on one of Lime Ricki's amazing suits!?!  Check out their line of tops and bottoms and onepieces HERE!  And you can use the discount code THEMRS15 for 15% off your purchase until July 

So tomorrow for Independence Day, we'll be right here...at this pool.  Until, of course, it's time for the fireworks.  I am NOT known to ever miss fireworks.  They're my favorite!  I get clappy and giddy when they start and occasionally squirt a tear or two.

God Bless America!

Oh, I almost forgot!  My SIL gave me this Americana "cape" knowing that I love all things patriotic.  Isn't it cool???  You can find it at Free People: Old Americana Cape

Outfit Details: Lime Ricki Top Lime Ricki Bottoms Kendra Scott Earrings (option) Ray Ban Aviators Old Americana Cape (more like a long kimono) Follow me on:  Instagram|Twitter|Facebook|Pinterest|Bloglovin

Our Word Of the Year-2014

Good Monday to ya', friends!!!!

When I was going through my favorite style posts of 2013 last week, I realized there were quite a few of me with my kids that I loved looking back on.  Usually, mommas don't get in front of the camera too often...they're always behind it, but I'm sure glad I made a point to do so in 2013.  Here's a few of my favorites with my little ones...

Also, I'm over at Austin Moms Blog today talking about our family's word of 2014...which we decided would be
GROW.
Each month, our family will focus on a specific way we can grown...whether it be our testimonies, our talents, a garden, our love, etc.  My hope is that this year, we can better ourselves both individually and as a family through our growth.  I also want make an effort to spend more time offline...without my phone in my hand, emails can wait, Facebook isn't important.  My kids need their momma present, and with all that we have going on, it's going to take a strict schedule on my part to make sure activities, homeschooling (yeah, you read that right...more on that tomorrow), and other fluff doesn't get in the way of quality time with our children.
I'd love to hear some of your goals! Specifically, do you make goals or resolutions? And how do you measure your progress?