Word of the Year 2019

Humble 

[huhm-buhl, uhm-]

adjective,  hum·bler, hum·blest.

1. not proud or arrogant; modest:
   to be humble although successful.

2. having a feeling of insignificance,inferiority, subservience, etc.:In the presence of so many world-famous writers I felt very humble.
3. low in rank, importance, status, quality,etc.; lowly:
   of humble origin; a humble home.

Tiny Letters // 119

It has been a hot minute since I joined Kristin in her Little Letters link up (where everything written is in the form of a tiny letter) but I am back (albeit three days late) and ready to dive right in! 

Dear entry way,
Seeing you every time I open the day after being away puts a smile on my face. Not only are you functional, but you're also so pretty, thank you for holding my junk in a classy way.

Dear hall runner with the curled corner,

I love you but you are trying to trip my kids and cause either chipped teeth or a mild concussion. Why must you only curl in one corner on both ends? I need some rug tape, is that a thing?

Dear leather couch,

I really love you. You are all my leather couch dreams made reality. When I first laid eyes on you I knew it was meant to be. Thank you for being comfy, beautiful and sustainable but most of all for only costing $84 at my favorite thrift store.

Dear Clark with his new hair cut,

How did you just age three years with one cut? Why does seeing your bare neck make you seem so vulnerable and make me want to weep? Why are you so dang cute? So many things to ponder. 

Dear Brielana,

You, girl, are something else. Between your witty conversations and quips of “what? I didn’t know?” (In the vein of Kevin McCallister in Home Alone 2) you are just coming into your own. 

Dear Kinsey,

So many emotions right now and sometimes I can’t help you understand them, just know they pass and don’t feel bad about feeling them. You are big-hearted and your need to everything to be fair will serve you well.

Dear NWA weather,

I didn't realize you were just as sporadic as Monterey weather. Perhaps we brought a part of home here unknowingly? Let me just say we’re disappointed about the no snow days but can’t complain about the 60 degrees and sunny ones that seem to take their place. 

Dear Blazer,

Why do you hate me? Almost every January you want to pull some kind of stunt. Do you like messing with me? Do I not fill you with gas and kids and many other bits of detritus? How can we reconcile? 

Dear Brian,

I can’t express how much I look forward to our nightly couch + show date; even if I occasionally fall asleep, it reminds me of our newlywed days of binge watching shows just because we could. Life is only worth living with you.

Dear Happiness Boutique,

As a no fuss accessorizer I cant praise your minimalist styles enough. Paired with reasonable prices and good customer service, you have something special going on. I have rocked this sweet rose gold and shell pendant since December. And I know its not made for this but since it's natural shell I add a drop of essential oil and have my own diffuser necklace; pretty AND useful!

Dear reader,

Have you entered the JORD giveaway yet? I'll leave this link for your convenience :) Good luck!

http://www.jordwatches.com/g/work-it-mommy

   

   

Mommy's favorite accessory // JORD watches

Sometimes it catches me by surprise, this whole motherhood role. Being a mom has always been my desire but sometimes I just can’t believe that I AM a mom. To three littles, perfect stair steps of roughly 3.5 years apart; girl, girl, boy. Sometimes that realization of the weight of my role is breathtaking; how did I get so lucky? How did I get here so fast? This post is sponsored by Jord but all opinions are my own.

Who, What, When, Where, Why // My Five W's of Blogging

Nothing like a fresh year to start with the (re)introductions. If you are new here, this is the 101 class, if you've been here awhile, think of it as the refresher course ;)  Here goes, my Who, What, When, Where and Why I blog.

Who |

I'm Whitney, the blogger behind Work it Mommy. I have been creating this space going on six years. What first started out as a way to share preschool projects and very little personal stories has morphed into a full fledged Mommy Blog, with no apologies. I am Brian's wife, we just celebrated a decade of marriage back in October. I am the proud mommy to three littles, Kinsey, practically 8 (where did the time go?!), Brielana, 4 and Clark 16 months. I currently work for our Church's Kid's Day Out program twice a week affording me some additional family income, a place where Bea and Clark can socialize with kids their age and where I can still flex my teacher muscles :) The rest of the week I get to be a Stay At Home Mom and reheat my coffee as often as necessary.

  

What |

I have recently been on my own personal journey of minimalism and natural living so that has been a focus over the last year and I will continue to do so. I love sharing updates about my family's going-ons and our adventures around our new State. Reading is a big part of who I am so book reviews happen monthly. I love to eat so I sprinkle recipes here and there. Occasionally I pretend to be fashionable and share outfits. Hmmm, did I forget something?

When |

A big shift happened two years ago when a surprise pregnancy (hi, Clark!) threw me for a loop; it was the best thing that happened to our family and it made me put this little blog on the back burner. And then we moved and this space just couldn't reclaim a place on my priorities list. As we are settling in I find myself open to wanting to share more regularly, so at this point in time, I'm looking to posting twice a week every month.

  

Where |

As of six months ago, I blog from North West Arkansas. Our move from California was one we prayed about for over TEN years; it was not a rash decision or a wild hair and as we adjust and feel more accustomed and acclimated to the South, the more we like it. With any big change comes an adjustment period (its only natural) but for us, it's right where we're supposed to be at this time of life.

Why |

Once upon a time I decided to start a blog to fill a gap in my creativity outlet. I had just had my first baby and needed a grounder and thought, hey, why not? As stated above I focused primarily on sharing easy preschool projects to do with 2, 3 and 4 year olds at home. But keeping to only one topic boxed me in and so I happily transverse where ever I please, no looking back. It took almost two years to (finally) find a Tribe to belong with and that really made blogging more enjoyable. I can happily say I have met in person several of my favorite virtual friends and being IRL friends is even better! Thank you for being here. I am truly humbled that anyone chooses to read my words. It means more than you know.

   
   

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New Year, New You! 

Isn't that how the saying goes? I'm not one to completely reinvent myself once the slate is wiped clean and the clock resets on a new year (that kind of performance gives me anxiety!) So I'm sticking to routine and joining Anne for her Currently linkup.

Year in Review + Top 5 Posts of 2018

2018 was one for the books! I can't even begin to tell you just how f u l l it was for our Family. If you've been around these parts for any amount of time you may actual know how busy we were! Which 'busy' really isn't my thing so it's pretty much laid me bare and exhausted, ha. I will take a new year so I can get back to slow. Who is with me?! 

Have yourself a Merry little Christmas

Our first Christmas in NWA is in the books. It was a bittersweet celebration as we make our own traditions here in Arkansas away from our California Family but I have to keep reminding myself new and different isn't bad and to enjoy the process.

I mean <3 Just look at his face!

Cookie Exchange // chocolate cherry shortbread {recipe}

This past weekend we enjoyed our very first Cookie Exchange! Now, I've been part of a virtual party before, but let me tell you, a real one is so much tastier! I'm still savoring the last ones and rationing them out, ha! 

Sleep in heavenly peace // four ways to promote childhood sleep + giveaway

This post is sponsored by Acutee but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links used. A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links with no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

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December is here! Break out the hot cocoa! Play those Holiday movies on repeat. Blast those Christmas carols like no one is listening. I'm counting down the days for Christmas (with a chocolate advent calendar, no less) and joining Anne for her Currently link up. If you haven't done so yet now is the month to participate!