Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Motherhood

I have been thinking a lot lately about being my kids' mama.  I don't know if it is because Mother's Day is approaching, but mostly because the Lord has been putting it on my heart.

Motherhood is not for the weary.  When I think back to when I was pregnant with Claire, I just knew that this was what I was meant to do in life.  I was right, but I did not have a clue what I was talking about.  Motherhood is nothing like I thought it would be.  It is so much harder...way harder than I expected.

My three kids are my everything. I would give my life for them and try my hardest every day to make their lives as perfect as possible.  I go overboard on holidays, I buy them too many clothes and too much stuff, and I get overly excited about little things. I never waver on them attending church and creating their own relationships with the Lord.  But, perfect does not always mean "perfect". It could mean pushing Claire to try out for dances that she may not make, pushing Owen to play tball when he is still figuring it out and he may feel a bit unsure of himself,  pushing Bree to attend Sunday school even though she is attaching herself to me in the likes of a howler monkey, or even making all three of them do chores when they beg not to and absolutely hate it...accusing me of making them my slaves :).  But it may also mean letting Owen have a snack after dinner even though he would not touch the spaghetti at dinner, letting Claire go play outside even though she was supposed to be grounded, or letting 3 year old Bree still sleep in our bed. I believe in discipline and learning from our losses and sad times. I also believe in grace and showing/teaching it to our children.

My main belief is that our parenting is our parenting and not anyone else's business but ours and the Lord's.  It took me three kids to learn this and I pray that all parents eventually find their stride and feel the same.  This is not saying we don't screw up and have to apologize or change our ways, but it means that we own this and do not need other opinions to sway us otherwise.  My guidance and teacher is the Lord and I pray everyday for Him to make me a better mama and to show me ways I can improve or change.

The thing I have realized is that the Lord has put each of these kids in my life to teach me something very important.  Each child has impacted my life in a different way.

Claire is in my life to make me a better woman.  My life goal and mantra is be the woman I want her (and Bree) to be.  I have changed how I look at everything all thanks to Claire.  She challenges me to be a better Christian woman and not be shy about my faith.  I have to exemplify a strong, kind woman to her that forgives and forgets. That no matter what circumstance, is kind and always taking the high road.  I am challenged to be a better wife because of Claire.  I am more successful in my job because of Claire.  She is so intuitive and is watching my every move.  The Lord speaks to me through Claire's eyes.  She is my little walking reminder of the strong woman I need and want to be.

Owen is my breath of fresh air.  I have never had my patience tested more in my life than with Owen Brown.  He takes life slower than the rest of us. I am very fast-natured person and I had to learn to slow down to relate to him.  I have learned the sting of my words with him.  I have learned to speak slower and kinder.  He is the kind of person that can get his feelings hurt easily. I have seen how my words can hurt feelings and to think before I speak. Most of all he has taught me to sit back, relax and to be thankful for our little life. Owen is easy going and before him, I am not sure Rachel and easy going were used in the same sentence...I have changed to the kind of mom that can let things roll off her back, not worry so much, and just enjoy time home with our family because of my sweet, hilarious Owen.

Bree is my heart. I have always loved all my kids, but Bree took it to a whole other level.  She made me love my children more than I thought I could.  She taught me to hug and kiss them more than before and to hold them as much as possible.  She taught me that nothing is is guaranteed and that I can never take a day for granted.  I do fail at that, but never a day goes by that I am not praying to remember because of her. Some of you may know that Bree's pregnancy was not an easy one and I almost lost her.  I changed my life because of her. I was re-baptized and renewed my walk with the Lord.  Because of Bree, I am a changed person.  She cuddles with us.  She is always telling us she loves us and how much :).  She loves to give kisses, right on the mouth.  She hates to be away from us.  She is loves her people and makes us better people.

With all this being said, I have bad days and I fail.  But, the great thing is the Lord picks me right back up and take the next day on full force.  We can't be too hard on ourselves.  We moms are rock stars.  These kids love us and we are the best in their eyes. No wonder we get a day to celebrate how awesome we are :).

Happy Mother's Day Mamas!!!


Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Random Rachel Thoughts

Random Rachel thoughts today...

  • There is nothing better than self tanner!  I am telling yall - not loving your legs or not so fit arms? Slap some brown goodness on it and you will be flaunting it and loving life shortly!!  I am wearing a short dress today and I have not once thought about any of that stuff that starts with c and ends with ellulite!
  • I am wearing a Nike Fuel band.  I was gifted one at work earlier this year and Shane took off with it like Bree with a tube of my lip gloss.  I didn't care at the time, mostly because it was ugly and I had no interest in adding it to my arm party.  Months later, I am intrigued and he bought me one.  I am wearing it today and it is ugly.  BUT, it is like a little ugly reminder that I need to move more and put down that donut :). I think with all of our busy lives, it is so hard to even freaking focus to eat right and  move more - we all need reminders :).
  • I just recently started embracing this whole plus size clothing option. I don't feel like I am a plus size person...honestly, I still feel like the girl that was much smaller...but my stomach and booty tell me other wise in those clothes :). I just feel so much better in my clothes now and never worry about muffin-topping or my boobs popping out!  So, I had to get real about it.  The great thing, I get more compliments and people have actually asked if I lost weight - now that is crazy, huh? The best part, most people have no idea because I try to find things that are just boutique clothes in an XL (bigger options available too!).  Let's be real here ladies - the thing we fear most is people knowing they are bigger clothes - so step away from the mumus and spend your cash on cute items!!  Seriously...here are a few outfits that included these items of clothing and I loved them...and so did everyone else :)

1. Dress from F21+
2. Green tunic - Plus on Modcloth.com
3. Blazer - XL from TJ Maxx
4. Top - XL from Whimsy Woo
5. Dress - F21+

  • I am obsessed with cupcakes.  That is all.  See the plus size clothing comments :)
  • If you have not heard, my sister Tara, or "The Mrs. Gibby" as yall know her, is PREGNANT!! I am so giddy with excitement I can barely contain myself!! I have been catching baby fever like woah lately, but thank you to pregnant Rachel, my tubes are tied and we are good on children :). So this is perfect timing for me....and I do plan on stealing her baby :)...just kidding...kind of :).
  • I taught Claire how to tease her hair this weeked.  It was so much fun, even though she looked way too old with her hair big.  She saw my hashtag on the picture I posted of her on insta and asked why I said #raisingasoutherngirl...that turned into a convo on the difference in southern women and other women across the country.  By the time I was done, I think she thinks she is being raised to be a crazy woman :).

  • Lastly - Mother's Day (actually the 13th) is the anniversary of my best friends accident last year.  If you will, please take a moment to say a quick prayer for this year as I know it will be tough for her (and us all) to remember.  BUT, a year later, Boni is a freaking rock star and doing perfect!! She is gorgeous inside and out and we love her so much!!! 



Monday, May 6, 2013

Block!

Hey ladies!!

I am having major writers block on this ole blog here at Suburban Strut!  So....tell me what you want to see!  I have to admit, I am struggling with even keeping the blog going some days as I am still trying to find my place now that I have backed off a bit.   So if you have a hot second...please help a sister out!

What have I written about in the past that you enjoyed?
What would you like to see?
What are you struggling with these days that I could shed some light on or help?
Who are you and are you still reading? :)

Love y'all!!!

Thursday, May 2, 2013

My Mother's Day List

Honestly, every year, I can't believe that I get to celebrate Mother's Day.  Even after three kids and MANY years  :) of motherhood, it is surreal to me that I am a mama.


But don't get me wrong, I have NO problem at all celebrating Mother's Day.  Don't be silly ladies :).

There was a time when I would have wanted jewels and anything expensive I could think of for Mother's Day, but honestly, times have changed. Not saying I don't love these things, but there are many more other "things" that are on my list these days....here is my list this year:


  1. Pics with my kids - I want Tara to take pictures of me and my babies this year.  I have always wanted them, but have always put them off until I look better, lose weight, BLAH BLAH BLAH.  This year I am going to do it.  I want a picture with each kid individually.  I cannot wait!
  2. CLEAN HOUSE!! My house is not filthy or anything, but I want the base boards cleaned, the blinds and fans dusted, windows washed, you know the stuff that never gets done!  
  3. Flowers, champagne, and cards....and cupcakes. I am not talking the normal things you are thinking of. I don't want a vase of roses - I want flowers planted outside on the porch that the kids and Shane cleaned up and prepped for Summer. I don't necessarily want a big fancy bottle of champagne - I want a night outside with the kids,  grilling out, watching them play while I enjoy a beverage on my newly, summer'ed up porch. I really just want some yummy cupcakes...butter toffee from Bliss to be exact :).
  4. Sunday morning CALMNESS!  I want Mother's Day morning to be calm. I want: the kids and Shane to wear what I ask without complaining, breakfast made, and just an easy Sunday that is not always the case in the Brown home.  Only a mother could truly appreciate this
What is on your list this year?  Please tell me in case you have a great one that I need to add to my list :) 



Wednesday, April 17, 2013

You are Beautiful!

Bawled at my desk today watching this video that was sent to me....good stuff!!  Every single woman needs to watch...



Happy Wednesday beautiful!


Monday, April 15, 2013

Catching my eye!

Hey friends!!!  Want to know what has caught my eye lately?

First - yall know how amazing piko tops are right? Well you know what's even better? Piko tunics!!!  For the longest time, they could only be found in black and white...well Savoir Faire has new colors!!! For $32!! Go NOW!!!!

Kiki La Rue Maxis!!!  You need to follow Kiki on Instagram and Facebook and follow closely to grab these gorgeous dresses - but they are fabulous and worth it!! And guess what? She is so smart and carries real dresses that look great on everyone and even carries Plus size ones!!! I totally ordered this one last night in XL and cannot wait to get it!! Go check this great boutique out!!!
Want to know one of my new favorite places to shop for my kiddos? Zara!! I have always loved their clothes for me and love to shop there when I travel, but I just recently found their cute, especically girls, clothes for kids!!! Look at these shirts I got my girls in Chicago last week!!! Go check them out and they are not too terribly expensive :) 


Happy Monday!!!

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Suburban Strut Shopping

Hey buds!! Hope yall are having a great week!!

Per a recent request on FB, today, we are going to talk about my favorite places to shop!  You probably know most of these because I post about them so much, but here are a list of places / sites of where I shop and what I like to find there...

Savoir Faire, Masons, and Riffraff - Local NWA boutiques that are fabulous!!!  I love to buy everything from these two stores.  From dresses to headbands to scarves and jewelry, they have it all.  Lucky for you, they all have sites to shop from, you are welcome!

La Posh Style and Tobi - online boutiques that carry great dresses and cardigans.  I bought quite a few cardis this fall from them and I just ordered some great maxis.

ModCloth - I LOVE this site.  It can be pricey, but you can find great dresses on this site. They carry plus sizes as well.  I was able to order some great tunics in XL!

Forever 21, Old Navy, Gap and H&M - All great stores to shop in, but I love to shop online from them too!! I buy a lot of basics from Old Navy, dresses and skinnies from F21 (great plus size section!), skinnies and tops from Gap, and H&M is my favorite store to hit up when I travel because we do not have one here.

Altered State - This is a Christian based store that we have in our mall here.  I LOVE it!! It is pricey, but it carries all the boutique brands and has the most beautiful tops and dresses.  They also carry Toms, which is a big plus.

TJ Maxx - Now put your patient pants on before you enter this store. It can be a treasure hunt, but oh the treasures you can find at great prices!!!  Trust me on this one.  I find everything from handbags to clothes to random kitchen utensils and housewares here - one might need a marg before entering, but it is worth it :).

Now, don't forget the daily deal sites that I love and have found great accessories and even clothes (for the kiddos too!)...

Zulily
Rue La La
Haute Look
Gilt
Groop Dealz
Very Jane

Now if you are looking for a great deal on handbag, check out Coach Factory Online - GREAT deals on brand new Coach bags that you cannot beat!  Also, Kate Spade now has Kate Spade Saturday where you can get better deals on her bags. You are welcome :).

The key to always finding the best stuff is check the sites regularly for sales and most of all, always check the "New Arrivals" tab.  Always google for coupon codes for the specific store you are looking at too, you can usually at least find free shipping :).

I know there are many other fun places to shop that I am probably missing, but these are my tried and true (and not too expensive, I am looking at you J. Crew!) that I love!  Please feel free to share your favorites in the comments...

Have a great day friends!!!

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