Daughter of a Soldier

Whenever I see a video of family greeting a soldier coming home from a deployment, I love it so much! The excitement, the rush of "is this real life?!" And sort of an out-of-body experience, especially when it's a surprise. It hits home, because I am also the daughter of a Soldier. The year long plus deployments. The hearing my mom cry in her room. The scary phone calls where the bombs are exploding in the background and mom is scared. Vey scared.

I remember that. I remember it so well. The missing, the waiting, the lonely, and then when the return happened: the adjusting, the stress, the struggle between being so glad they are home safely and "it was almost easier when you were away and we were supporting, loving, and missing from afar, because this adjustment is hard. Very hard." The balance between, "We love you so much," and also accepting that "You aren't the same person I've always known." There's the post traumatic stress. There is the knowing that you've seen so many things that I can't even comprehend. And it's changed you. So while the "I love you unconditionally," is always in effect, the "We need to start over to get to know each other, and jump through these hurdles with forgiveness and understanding" takes hold. The "I'm so proud and would never take back this sacrifice for our Country," is mixed with, "Having to deal with adult realities, transitions, worry, and war, and sometimes being robbed of small childhood joys and carefree days just isn't fair."

It's hard to totally comprehend unless you've been in it. The joy, the frustration, the strong sense of community among the wives and families of those who are deployed. The stomach dropping that happens when the land line would ring or the door would be knocked on. The Birthdays, Christmases, and School Achievements that would be missed because they were doing something bigger than themselves. All of it is because of what we believe. That this Nation is great. That this great land the Home of the Free and the Land of the brave. That we are one Nation under God, indivisible. And someone needs to keep it that way. So the willing and brave go out on their way, to make sure we can continue in freedom. They are selfless. They are strong. And although the path isn't always easy, I'm proud to be an American. And proud to be the Daughter of a Soldier. #daughterofasoldier

XO

Sarah

United We Stand

United We Stand, Divided We Fall.

I have been thinking about this phrase today, and you know those moments where something clicks? As the words came to mind, they were slower, clearer. And then I felt the distinct impression that this can apply to a lot of things. As a Nation, when we are united, we stand strong, undefeated, loving, fierce. When we allow things to divide us, create great rifts between us, we fall. This can be applied to our country, as well as our family relationships, marriage, work, and many other arenas. Since we all have the agency to choose our own opinions, of course we will not always agree! And I truly feel like that's okay! No matter our view points on propositions, new laws and mandates; no matter our religions or upbringings, there is still a way to be united. And we need to be to have a successful and flourishing nation. When we have a common cause, when love of country is more than love of self, and when we choose to see others for the good within them, we can stand united. How frustrating and sad it can be that sometimes it takes something rattling to happen before we can come back together? This shouldn't be the case. We can choose to do small things to unite without needing tragedy to be our wakeup call. There are so many of us, despite opinions or political stance, who can say, "I am proud to be an American. How blessed I am to live in the Land of the Free, because of the Brave." That, is uniting. So, there we go. A peek inside my mind as I stamped this little America Necklace.:) Hahah! On this Memorial Day weekend, we appreciate and honor those who have served and who continue to serve and sacrifice so much for our freedom. Because they served, we have the continuing privilege of having the right, as our forefathers phrased it, to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Have a great weekend!

XO

Sarah

{The America Necklace-Click "Shop" at the top of the page to purchase.}

Valory Jean Photography

You know when you find a photographer that just gets how to get a good shot, despite how freakishly awkward you are in front of the camera!? Or the fact that you just had a baby 8 weeks before and are feeling pretty unglamorous!? That is Val. And I really lucked out, because not only that, but I get to have one of my best friends as my cousin and vice versa.;) Val is genuine, and so much fun to be with. When she says something, she really means it, and is just a beautiful person all-around. Val has been doing photography for several years, and has done our engagements and bridals, family pictures, and has been there for every birth of every child that we've had! She is an incredible Wedding and Family Photographer, so if you are booking in Utah {she's also been known to do some destination weddings!} be sure to check out her website, here! She took some head shots for me yesterday, so a few of them are posted here! Thanks, Val!
XO
Sarah

Necklace: The Dainty Pear {This one!}
Photography: Valory Jean Photography {Website Here!}

Comfiest.Errands.Outfit.Ever.

When I woke up, I had the best intentions of getting ready for the day...until I put on this hat. And the hoodie. And the pants. Okay, I slept in the pants. Hahahaha! Really, though, so comfy and it was great for running the few errands I had to do. No makeup: Check! On my way out the door, I slipped on these sandals from Cents of Style {Website Here!} I ordered a different color initially, but there was a little problem with them and the sole was coming up, so I contacted them and they had the BEST customer service and took care of it! Thumbs up!:)

XO
Sarah

Hat: Poppy and Dot {Website Here!}

Hoodie: TJ Maxx

Pants: Poppy and Dot

Sandals: Cents of Style

Don't mind my well-loved feet post-Hawaii trip! Ha! Pedicures haven't been on the agenda since before Baby #4 was born.;) Okay, really I pretty much only get one every time I've had a baby, so it's been an annual or bi-annual pedi for 4 years.;)

Coco & Kiwi

My friend Jenna at Coco and Kiwi {Her Website Here} has built an awesome company with some seriously adorable products! I ordered my bag while we were on our way to Hawaii, so it was like Christmas coming home to it! {I suppose it's a good thing to have something fun waiting at home when you're leaving an amazing vacation! Hahaha!} The bags are a great size, just big enough to fit everything you need but discreet enough that they aren't banished to diaperbag-dom forever! The inside has a removable wet bag for soiled items! I have 3 kids in diapers, 2 different sizes, and they fit perfectly + organized. Yay! Check out Jenna's website and her Instagram: cocoandkiwi

XO

Sarah

Shirt: H&M

Bag: Coco & Kiwi {Order Here!}

Necklace: The Dainty Pear {This one!}

Mother's Day Necklaces

Mother's Day Necklaces