Water into Wine

Tonight I attended an Institute class. I'm finishing school through BYU-Idaho {story for another time! Haha!:)} so it's a required class, but I love it because I've always loved going to Institute! For those not of my same faith, an Institute class is similar to a Bible Study class, where you learn about the scriptures. I love learning about these things and being uplifted. There was one thing in particular that we talked about that stood out to me when we were studying in the Book of John. In chapter 2, it talks about Jesus Christ’s first recorded miracle—when He turned water into wine. There is so much beautiful symbolism in this chapter, but one of the things that stood out to me the most is the fact that Christ told them to fill waterpots full of water, when they had run out of wine. They did. And he turned it into wine. Not only wine, but some of the best wine that they had ever had. In verse 9, the Governor of the feast called for the bridegroom and in essence said, "Usually, people give the best wine at the beginning of an event, and then when everyone has become full with drink, they bring out the wine that isn’t as good. But YOU guys have brought out the best wine now." {At the end of the wedding.} There is so much symbolism behind that, but the most touching thing to me is what Christ can do for us. We need Him. When all we can give is water, He can make it wine. And not just normal wine, but the BEST wine anyone has ever tasted. He can do more. He can do more for us than we can do for ourselves. He can make more from us than we can ever make of ourselves. All we have to do is offer up our water. In the scripture they filled the waterpots to the brim. They did all they could do. How will I do that? What things do I need to be doing that mean that I’m offering ALL I can do and showing Him that I want Him to make more of me. Am I offering my water to the brim? Or is it half full? Am I doing all I can do? Those things that we either talked about or were whispered to my heart were so insightful, and I was hoping that by sharing here that maybe someone needed it, too!

XO

Sarah

I know the picture is a little bit interesting, but I thought it was cool and loved that it showed the water jugs in it! It’s a painting by Gerard David C. 1500 {It’s displayed at the Louvre in Paris.}

                

New Morphe Pallet

Today's post started as an attempt to do a video during nap time! I should have known it would be a hot mess, since my room was messy, kids were coming in and out, and I had a battle with a new setting spray that I ordered! {Video of that debacle below.} Hahah! BUT, I thought I'd just do a quick blog post on this pallet--I only used 3 colors, but the colors are pretty and creamy, and the packaging is pretty! I know who Jaclyn Hill is, but I haven't seen too much of her stuff! I saw the colors and thought they were fun, though and wanted to give it a try!

The first color that I used, {Creamsicle} wasn't as pigmented as I thought it would be, but then I found that it was really buildable. I mixed it with Hillster, and they blended pretty well together! I'm not the best at blending anyway, {and sometimes just don't do much of it, haha,} but it wasn't too hard!

This is the one I usually use: HERE, either over some cream eyeshadow or alone, but I decided to try the new one because the pallet I have is very neutral and I thought it would be fun to have some brighter colors for fall!:) The one I usually use is only $15, so it's a good one to have!

XO

Sarah

Neutral Pallet: HERE

New Pallet: HERE

Brush: From IPSY, HERE

                 

Pear Goes to School!

First Day of School for Paris!:) In my pregnancy sickness brain, I didn't get her on the list for the Preschool lottery!🙈 But that was okay because she's so fun to have at home! I got her on a waiting list and she was number 4 and not likely to get in, but someone pulled their child out this week and the 3 people in front of us declined the spot, so here she goes! Haha! Also, when you Mamas shuttle babies to and from different schools and buckle countless seatbelt in a day, make sure to get a treat.;) Hahaha! Also, I attempted to step up my Momiform game today and instead of wearing no bra, a top knot, and spit up all over myself, I actually got dressed for school drop off! Haha! Although, even getting dressed doesn't guarantee no spit up.;) Also, my baby is 10 weeks today, how does this happen?! Happy Wednesday!

XO

Sarah



Crochet Shirt: HERE
Also bought this color: HERE
Jeans: TJ Maxx
Shoes: HERE, and if those go out of stock: HERE
Pear's Outfit: TJ Maxx
Pear's Shoes: HERE

Microblading/Softap!

I went in for a brow touchup with my friend Karli, and thought I'd record what it's like getting microblading/Softap, also known as powder brows! I didn't share much about it last year and almost hesitated posting this time, because I feel like women don't NEED this stuff to be beautiful, and would never want to add extra unneeded pressure to get something like this done. But I have really loved having them filled in, and as a busy Mama of 5 kids, it's been nice to have one less thing to do during the day! I'm all about investing in low maintenance things! The initial cost can be anywhere from $300-$600, depending on the person or State, and the cost of a yearly touchup {with my girl} is about $150. I did start to fill in my brows a tiny bit about half way through the year, not because they needed it necessarily, but because I found myself wanting them a little bit fuller and darker, so we went a touch darker this time! The video below explains the process! Many people choose to get a numbing cream, and you'll see in the video that I choose not to, but not to worry--getting it is pretty standard, and after the cream has time to set, it shouldn't be painful! Also, they will NOT stay this dark! They will lighten and shrink, so even though they don't look natural right now, I loved how natural they ended up after the healing process last year, and I would imagine this would be the same!:) If you have any other questions about it, let me know below or on Instagram!:)

XO

Sarah

          

Sunday!

Welcome to our Sunday circus!🎉 I went to church with yesterday's makeup, someone fell backwards and bonked their head on a pew, and we wrangled 5 kids through ward conference. BUT. We also were so incredibly uplifted, felt the spirit that lit a fire within, felt empowered to readjust priorities, and learned more about and became closer to our Savior. And we are happy. I'd say that's a Sabbath Day win. I love these people from my head to my toes, and I can honestly say that I feel like the Luckiest Mom. I was so honored this week to be interviewed by Reagan from the Luckiest Mom Podcast this week about anxiety and motherhood, and the episode is up!

You can find the episode and her show HERE! <3

XO

Sarah

Bustin' out the Fall Sweaters!

Oh my goodness. It went from being HOT to CHILLY in just a few days, and even though I LOVE fall, I also LOVE summer, so I was trying to cling to what was left of summer until bringing out the fall sweaters! Haha! Here is one of my favorites, and it's under $20! FIND IT HERE! Happy sweater-ing! {But I won't be mad if we have to bust out short sleeves again for a little bit! Haha!}

XO

Sarah

Sweater: THIS ONE

 Jeans: Jane

Taupe Booties: Jane

Date Night!

We had a blast the other night with these sweet friends! Love them! It was so fun to get together with our hubbies in the Mountains! P.S. We're all in sweaters or jackets! Did it go from being like 99 degrees to 32 in a matter of days?!😂🍂 I love all the seasons, but I love you, Summer and you still have until Friday to warm on up again!;)

XO 

Sarah

My Sweater: THIS ONE
My Jeans: TJ Maxx
My Shoes: THESE ONES {Current favorite!}

Baby #3's Birth Vlog

Baby L is so amazing! He just turned 3, and when I found an external hard drive with footage from his birth, I decided to make him another little video! His birthday was so sacred and beautiful!



             

Therefore They Hushed Their Fears

Finding adventure with my little Pear!🍐 This is right before we ran for cover from a flash flood and dodged hydroplaning cars! Haha. With everything going on with the elements, it's a testament to how small we really are, but despite that, we matter individually to God. And that's pretty great. And makes me feel a little bit bigger.💕 Here is one of my favorite talks on fear, and it feels fitting with the things going on with the weather around the world!
XO
Sarah

Instagram: @thedaintypear! 

Happy Saturday!😘#thedaintypear #tdptravels

         

             

Yummy Baby

Stopped to feed the hungry babe, but I might be the one eating her up!:) Also, the sunglasses from my  Instagram stories today are growing on me! Hahaha! They were 9 whole dollars, so you'd better believe I'll use them until I inevitably sit on them or one of the kids breaks the screws!😂😂😂 Also, my favorite jeans under $40 are linked below!<3 #thedaintypear #tdpmotherhood

XO

Sarah

Glasses: HERECurrent Favorite Jeans: HERE

Bow: HERE

"Marriage is awesome."

I wrote this post back in 2014 on my personal blog, but since Tom and I are headed to a marriage retreat, I thought it would be fun to bring back here! Our marriage is definitely not perfect, but if we erase the stigma that marriages have to be "perfect" to be happy, then our marriage actually does feel perfect. Perfectly imperfect, relying on each others strength, and doing our best to keep it so much fun!<3 So, here is the post called, "Marriage is Awesome."


The other day, I wrote on one of my friend’s facebook statuses to congratulate him on his engagement. We dated in high school, so I wanted to say something sincere, but appropriate. What I came up with was: “Congrats!! So happy for you. Marriage is awesome.”


As I thought on that: “Marriage is awesome,” I thought, yes! Marriage IS awesome! But, it is not to be confused with “Marriage is easy.”

For some, I’m sure marriage does come "easy!" Some people are just built to put someone else’s needs above theirs and be pliable and are naturally willing to adjust expectations and forgive quickly disappointments with each other. I love that! And I wish that were me, but marriage is not necessarily “easy” for someone who is head strong, determined, and vocal. In our case, there are two of those in the relationship. That’s one of the things I love MOST about my husband, and about us as a couple, but it is also one of the things that has caused us our share of arguments and frustration. While there are couples who are like the first scenario I said, I’m willing to gamble that the majority of people are not equipped with all of those characteristics when it comes to marriage. And even if they are naturally like that, sometimes it is stifled and isn't fully brought to the table in marriage.


Our first year of marriage was...awesome! Or, I should say, many many parts of it were! We had amazing, FUN, incredible times--even the majority of the time! But I can say that there were also a few awful moments that seemed more like lifetimes! Moments that we both were wrong, moments that I ran away from conversations and locked myself in my car or the bathroom crying. There were many hurt feelings because we weren't always careful with our words. There were misunderstandings because we were both so sensitive and critical of one another. There was jealousy, there was anger, slammed doors, and there were raging hormones [I was pregnant. Need I say more?] ;) There were the highest of HIGHS, and the lowest of lows. BUT, I can honestly say: I would NOT take any of it back for anything. Even though that wasn't the ideal way that our story would go that first year, [or how anyone would picture it,] it helped us GROW. [Seriously! It’s weird how that works!] We went to see a couple of marriage counselors to try it out, and while I can’t say I really think it helped us, what did help was that we saw each other’s effort. We saw that we both wanted to make it work because there was no denying that we were made for each other. When we saw that effort, something magical happened: We both started taking each other’s feelings into consideration. We were able to look at the situation from the other’s point of view, and we started to make compromises. Really.


When friends of mine share in an honest moment that their first year of marriage, [or maybe second, if the first was smooth sailing,] wasn't what they had expected or they feel like they have made a mistake by marrying this person, or that they don’t see it working out...I want to give them a giant, understanding hug, and then proceed to grab them by the shoulders, look at them in the eyes and say: “It’s OKAY. You are allowed to feel this way. Bringing two different people together and combining your completely separate lives and personalities is NOT easy, nor is it supposed to be easy, nor would the majority of the population SAY it is easy. And you are not alone. And...even though now you feel like you want to cry. Or kill something, if you start making an effort. Pray. A lot. And see that person for the one you fell in love with, I promise things can change. Don't give up. It gets easier." 

*Of course there are extenuating circumstances where this may not apply, but I believe in many and most situations, where two good people are just struggling coming together, things can work. Things can change. But you have to let them change. We must allow each other to change!*

I don’t believe that Heavenly Father intended marriage to be a cruel joke...you fall in so much love with someone that it almost hurts and you are bursting with joy and can’t wait to marry them, and once you make those covenants then you are supposed to be completely miserable forever!?? No. NO. That is NOT how it works. We are meant to be eternally happy together!! But, without going through the refiner’s fire, you can’t truly learn how to be a diamond partner.

While I can’t say that marriage is easy, I can say that marriage gets easier. You start to understand each other, to know which buttons can be pushed and those that you need to steer clear of. You start to understand more the other’s love language and start showing them your love in a way they can understand. You start to understand better their communication style and know when they say something what they are really trying to say. You see their heart. You start to get less defensive and more compassionate. It comes with time. For us. Not for everyone-I’m sure there are many people who have it figured out right from the get-go, but for us, there was a learning curve. Don’t be mistaken, we were immediate best friends and have been madly in love with each other since probably near around the first time we met, but sometimes LOVE takes WORK. And if two people are both willing to make it work; it can. Even with those things learned, is it perfect or easy now? No, there are still occasional disagreements or annoyances that we deal with, but it is a 180 degree turn in a positive direction. And it started with us, individually. We each had to be willing to change and see when we were wrong or being stubborn or prideful!


Our days now are not filled with fights and harsh criticism of each other; they are filled with love [mostly,] and they are now how I would have expected it to be that first year. [Not that every day was filled with fights and grudges, but man, sometimes it sure felt like it. And it was emotionally and physically exhausting.] I know without those challenges, though, it couldn’t be quite like this, how it is now! We needed to learn those lessons, and looking back, I’m glad we learned a lot of them sooner, rather than later. You can't learn something if it is easy and you are coasting by.


I firmly believe that we are here to learn, and marriage is NO exception. Marriage is work.


But: Marriage is awesome.

XO

Sarah

Pooping During Childbirth

Oh yeah. We're going there. This was one of those posts that my hubby sweetly was like, "Are you SURE you want to post that?" I said, "Everybody poops." And, the fact of the matter is that lots of women in labor do, too! And a lot of women are nervous about it; some even terrified of it! As part of the birth series that I've been doing here over the past couple of years, I hope that we can talk about the good, bad, and ugly of labor and delivery so we can be educated and get there real story of what happens when you're having a baby.

As the baby moves over the rectal nerve and puts pressure on the lower part of the intestines, anything left in there will most likely need to exit. You're also using the same muscles to push out a baby that you do a bowel movement. The doctor or nurse will usually just wipe it away and move on, without you even knowing it happened! {There's more explanation in the video below!} AND, it may NOT happen, so the best thing is to try to worry too much about it!<3

My mom was so terrified of pooping during birth that she stopped eating the second contractions started and didn't eat for two days! I definitely don't recommend that. *Insert monkey covering face emoji.* I could have sworn that I didn't do it with any of my other kids, but then I started going to births as a support person or as a videographer, and when I realized how common it is, I also realized that YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW! Hahaha! So whether it happens or not, it's all part of the process, and it's ALL good. So hopefully if this is something that you've been worried about, you'll know that it's such a common thing and it's not your Doctor or Midwife's first rodeo. They know the drill and the anatomy about why these things happen. So there you go. Sorry about the word diarrhea. Er...yeah. Happy Birthing!

XO
Sarah



             

First Day of School

First Day of School! Kindergarten + Preschool for the boys! Pear Bear gets to stay home with me and the little sisters because in my pregnant fog, I didn't realize that preschool was a lottery this year, and she didn't get on the list until it was full! We missed the boat on that one, but she's so great, I don't mind one bit having an extra reason to get to hang out with her before she starts Kindergarten next year!

Daddy had to be in Denver today, so we took lots of pictures for him! My cute Mom drove over here to see the boys off, because "she remembers my first day of Kindergarten!" Haha! Also, B came straight home from school, washed his hands, and started doing dishes. Must be a big boy Kindergartner thing!<3 Also, L went to school with two shoes that belonged on the same foot. Hahaha! Otherwise, I think we did pretty well for getting all 6 of us out the door semi-on time! And it was busy enough that I for the most part avoided the first day of Kindergarten total emotional breakdown!;) Haha! We filmed a little bit throughout the day, so that Vlog is here. It's not listed on my Youtube Channel, because I'm still feeling out having family vlogs public, but I feel like if you are here, we might have interacted before on Instagram or in some other way, and I love the relationships that have come from those things.:)

Hope everyone is having a great first day, week, or month of school!

XO

Sarah

Dress: Kat.Shopstevie

Shoes: Jane
Kid's Clothes: H&M