the mom diggity | can you dig it?

embracing summer {life lately}

June 18, 2013 — 3 Comments

I’m usually pretty whiney about the summer heat. I mean, you can’t really blame me since it’s typically over 100 degrees every day in Oklahoma. I would be much happier sitting under my ceiling fan every day and staying clean.

But what fun is that?? I’m embracing summer. I actually just got my girls a sandbox. One of those things I said I would NEVER do. I’m loving the chaos and madness that my house is. I’m thankful for the dirty footprints on my floors and enjoying the tan I’m getting from spending time outside every day playing with my girls. I turned our dining room into a full blown playroom so we have a fun place to play when it is too hot. We are growing flowers and tomatoes and learning about rolly pollies and butterflies.

Summer is wild, beautiful and perfect.

{linking up with blair @ wild and precious}

In blogging, our life

where I come from {an influence net link up}

June 12, 2013 — 7 Comments

I come from a place of community. A place where you take cookies to your neighbors and wave at the passing car. I grew up in a small town in Oklahoma where everyone knows everyone. There are good and bad things about that. I couldn’t wait to get out of that little town, but looking back it wasn’t so bad. I had a great childhood and have really wonderful memories!

Edmond

Now my family and I live in Edmond, Oklahoma. We have lived here for about 2.5 years (we lived in CA and TX before that) I love this city! It’s basically stay at home mom central. There’s a good chance that Edmond is the “be fruitful and multiply” capital of the world. I have made some wonderful friends and it’s really starting to feel like home. I love my church and being able to raise my kids in a state that makes really good sweet tea. The important things in life!

How about a flashback picture just for funsies? This is from college, I went to Oklahoma State University. Absolutely loved it!

(I’m the blonde in the middle, yup I used to be blonde if you’re new around here!)

What I really love about Oklahoma is the people. You all know about the tornados that hit recently, and it’s been amazing to watch everyone pull together to make a difference. It was absolutely heartbreaking to watch something this devastating happen to our state again. Now that I’m a mom, it was even harder for me to watch. People lost their homes, their children, everything.

Even though it’s been horrific, people all over the world have seen what kind of people Okies are.
Kind, generous and wonderful people.

It’s an honor to be an Okie!

Where are you from?? What’s something you love about where you live?

In Influence Conference

the battle is over & the journey begins

June 11, 2013 — 3 Comments

A lot of the reason I haven’t blogged much lately is because I’ve been so focused on Thrive, but there’s also another reason. As I was battling through post partum anxiety, depression crept up on me. It hit me HARD. I was in a deep valley. Struggling to read my bible, listen to worship music or even pray. I found myself angry with God. Angry that I was going through this season. Resenting my kids for “ruining” my life and being so needy. Desperately wanting to get in my car and drive to Canada.

The funny part? I was in the middle of building a new ministry to encourage moms.
Moms who were exactly in the place I was in at that very moment.

We launched Thrive last week.
Last week, I became a new person. I was released from the bondage of anxiety & depression. I’m not going to say I won’t still struggle from time to time, but I finally feel alive again. I am having a BLAST with my kids and loving my life. I’m filled with a joy I hadn’t felt in months.

Ironic? Coincidence? I think not.

I know that God was using my pain to build Thrive. I had always dreamed of starting a ministry like that, but it wasn’t until I fully suffered the deepest, darkest days of motherhood that I could understand. That I could really know how to meet moms right where they are.

And when I gave that over to Him, I was renewed as a mom. As a wife. As a daughter of the King.

I wrote this below while I was in one of my worst days. I really prayed about whether or not I should share it, but I feel like I want to be completely transparent about my battle. I hope that if you are battling like I was, you can find someone to walk through it with, and know that Thrive is here for you!

*******

The darkest of dark.

My heart literally aches in my chest. My mind races. I fight off feelings of loneliness, anger and self doubt. I fight against the daylight each morning wishing the sun would just go away. I’m not me. I’m not okay.

I smile and force myself through my routine. Instead of snuggling, I push away the tiny human that wants on my lap. I look at myself in the mirror and feel like an alien in this body. It’s so different, so ugly, so unknown. I wish for that flat tummy and tiny waist, but shove another donut in my face because eating is an escape.

I am pushing away friends, family and God. I am angry that no one understand me and frustrated that God would allow me to hurt like this. I secretly wish something bad would happen to me just so I can feel pain.I’m numb. I brush off these ridiculous thoughts and try to focus on the beauty in my life, but it’s hard to see through the fog that overtakes my emotions.

I refuse to admit something is wrong with ME.
I’m sunshine and rainbows and fields of wild flowers.
I’m not dark and broken.
I can’t be. Not me.

It seems like a never ending battle that I can’t win. A battle against dishes and runny noses and timeouts. Against diapers and crumbs and dust bunnies. It feels pointless. Worthless. A battle that can’t be won.

I want to escape. I want the pain to end. I desire to feel wanted, loved and special.
I know what it takes to obtain this, but I’m too angry and tired to even care.
I ache. I’m broken.

*******

In postpartum anxiety, Thrive

the flood gates opened

June 6, 2013 — 2 Comments

You guys. I’m struggling to even form the words to express how overjoyed my heart is at this moment. When I had this dream so long ago about bringing moms together in community, I had no idea what that meant. So I kept moving forward with my little mommy blog, hoping to be a bit of inspiration and encouragement to struggling moms. Which is basically everyone. If you are a mom and NOT struggling in some way, then I would love to talk to you because you’re a super hero or something.

Anyway – when I was chatting with my friend Nathalie one day it just came to both of us. We needed to create a place of belonging for moms. A place they could come for support, prayer, encouragement, inspiration and community. We prayed over this and worked our tails off to make it just right. I hoped that we would at least get a few people interested in it so it didn’t feel like it was a huge waste of time.

Only 3 days after launching, I’m completely blown away. The flood gates opened. You guys poured your hearts out to us, desperate for prayer and to feel that you aren’t alone in your journey.

You are not alone in your journey.
Not at all.

thriveround

We hope that Thrive can become just that for moms.
A place to feel loved. A place of understanding.

You know when you walk through the grocery store with children hanging off your cart, your greasy hair matted to your head and spit up on your shirt? Come on, you know you’ve been there. And you see another mom and you meet eyes with that “I know how you feel” look? That’s what we are here for. That look that makes you just want to run and hug her and tell her she’s fabulous and confide in her with the struggles and joys of motherhood.

Thank you for your support my sweet family of readers. It’s your encouragement that pushed me to take this step of faith to begin what is going to be an amazing journey of ministry to moms in all walks of life.

If you haven’t yet signed up for our newsletter, go sign up! The first one will go out on Monday, June 10!

In Thrive

the exciting news: introducing THRIVE!

June 3, 2013 — 4 Comments

I’ve had something on my heart for a while. When I became a mom, my heart for moms exploded. It was especially in the last year that I really began to have a huge passion for moms. See the thing is, no one told me how difficult it would be. I was a little shocked at the hormones & exhaustion that took over my body. I struggled with self image, self doubt and pretty much self everything.

When I focused my blog at being real and striving to encourage moms, I knew that God had more in store for me. I prayed about it for a long time and waited until He revealed it to me. And then He brought Nathalie into my life. My precious friend with a heart just like mine. We desired to see moms get real with each other, and support each other. We knew there were so many moms who were suffering in silence and struggling through their journey. We couldn’t take it anymore. It was so clear to us what God’s plan was.

An online ministry of encouragement and support for moms.

Thrive was born.

Once you subscribe to Thrive, you will receive an encouraging and uplifting newsletter to your inbox every Monday. A little something to start your week off right. On our blog we will share all kinds of fun things to inspire, encourage and refresh you as a mom! Thrive is about community. It’s about being intentional.

We have a LOT of big dreams and plans for this ministry, and we can’t wait to share more with you as we grow!!!

JOIN THE THRIVE COMMUNITY!

Subscribe to the newsletter “Momentum”
Follow Thrive on Twitter
Follow Thrive on Instagram
Like the Thrive Facebook page

Let’s THRIVE together sweet mamas!

In Thrive

lately

May 31, 2013 — 3 Comments

I had no intention of taking a break from the internet, but it just happened. The past few weeks have been pretty rough. But we’ll save that for another day. Let’s keep things positive shall we?

We had a fabulous vacation last week at our family’s new lake house! It was a wonderful 5 days with no work, no stress and lots of love. My girls had a BLAST playing with their friends, which made it pretty easy on us for the most part. It really was just what I needed, but after coming home and facing reality that was tough. But again, we’re keeping it positive!

The major reason I had a little break is for a BIG project I’ve been working on. I’ve been pouring my heart into something lately, and it’s been a major part of what has kept me going. I’m so thrilled that God is using one of the darkest times in my life and turning it into something fabulous!! More on that Monday when I announce what I’m up to!

For now, enjoy a few pictures from our trip.
Come back Monday for a super fun announcement!!!!!

In our life

it hit close to home.

May 21, 2013 — 4 Comments

When I was in elementary school a tornado ripped through our backyard. I will never forget how trees were uprooted and all the crazy damage. That was my first experience with a tornado. Living in Oklahoma, you just learn about tornadoes first hand. In school you have tornado drills and learn how to curl up in a ball and put your hands over your head. You never think it will actually happen though.

The wrath of a tornado is horrific. And this week was the worst I’ve seen.

Being this close to it is absolutely heartbreaking. As I watched the news coverage of babies being pulled from the wreckage. A complete war zone. The things you see only in movies. To scroll through facebook and see friends post pictures and videos of their flattened homes.

{source}

As I sat in tears on my couch last night it was killing me. I wanted so badly to do something, but I had no idea what I could do. I knew my husband would drop everything and go dig people out of their homes if they would let him. But my main responsibility is to be mama to my babies. Thats when an idea came to me. If I lost everything, taking care of my babies would be my primary concern.

So I put out a simple tweet offering to purchase & deliver diapers.

If anyone would like to pitch in, I will purchase & deliver diapers to @feedthechildren for Oklahoma victims. feedthechildren.org/site/News2?pag…

— kara-kae james (@momdiggity) May 21, 2013

You guys sent over close to $1000 in just a few hours.

I went and cleaned off the shelves at the store.
Filling 4 shopping carts full of diapers, wipes and formula.

It brought such joy to be to be able to help out the families of those who lost everything. As a mama with 3 babies, diapers are a huge part of my life and I know it’s the practical needs that will mean the most to those hurting families!

Thank you SO much for all you did to help! I will still be taking donations through Wednesday evening, so send those on over!

In blessings

floating.

May 16, 2013 — 4 Comments

Four years ago we took a trip to Israel. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Walking where Jesus walked, watching the words I’d read my entire life just jump right off the page and become real for me. It was thrilling. By far one of my favorite things to see was the Dead Sea.

It’s the most amazing thing. You get in the water, and sit down and just let go. You float. Without having to do anything, you just float. It’s amazing how the water holds and supports you, and you don’t have to do anything. I loved that feeling.

I feel like my life is a little like the Dead Sea right now. I strain sometimes to keep my head above water. Sometimes it hurts, but then I let go and I realize I don’t have to try so hard. I have support. My head stays above water without straining. And I just float.

There’s nothing wrong with floating sometimes.

I am forever changed by that float in the Dead Sea. Even though no life can thrive there, it’s still fascinating to me. I want my life to be overflowing with rich, life-giving waters. I don’t want to just float on and get by. But sometimes, it’s just ok. It’s what we need to do.

I continue to put one foot in front of another. I hurt and struggle every day. I wish I was better, and wish I could take back some of the stupid things I say. My days are hard, and my nights are long.

I wish I could say joy always comes in the morning. Sometimes joy isn’t there. Sometimes I just can’t get myself out of bed. Sometimes it takes every ounce of energy in me to be mommy.

Sometimes I just float.
And you do to.
And that’s ok.

The important part is that you keep floating.

In extremely wise thoughts, joys of motherhood

bumped by blanqi {review & giveaway}

May 10, 2013 — 29 Comments

When I was pregnant with Kenzi and heard about the Blanqi maternity tank, I really wanted to try it. But it just wasn’t in the budget. I couldn’t bring myself to buying something that expensive, just to help me feel better. That’s what moms do, we would rather buy our kids ice cream instead of something to help with our horrible back pain! So when they announced they were teaming up Target to launch a more affordable line, this made me squeal!

The Bumped by Blanqi line offers both a maternity tank and a postpartum nursing/smoothing tank.
Can I get a hip, hip hooray?!?! These retail at Target.com for $34.99. Worth every penny! I have heard fabulous things about the maternity tank too although I can’t personally say how it works.

A few of my favorite things about my Blanqi:

*Sucks in my flabby postpartum belly (especially my “muffin top”. I ate a lot of muffins while pregnant.)
*The straps are super comfortable and don’t dig into your shoulders
*I feel more comfortable to wear “normal” clothes instead of just my husbands t-shirts!
*The under the bust cut is perfect for nursing mamas
*Stretchy, breathable fabric!

I HIGHLY really recommend this tank for postpartum!! It’s a must have!

I’m thrilled to give one away AND a $25 Target gift card!
Enter below and hurry and go get yourself and awesome Bumped by Blanqi Cami!

Bumped-by-Blanqi

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In stuff i love

growing pains

May 8, 2013 — 1 Comment

My biggest girl loves secrets and surprises. There’s nothing more fun than to tell her you have a surprise for her and watch her giggle and squirm with joy until she sees what you have in store for her. I can’t get enough of the excitement she has for the little things and special moments.

Yesterday Daddy took the bigs out for donuts and to play at the park so I could clean house. {We won’t talk about how long it’s been since I’ve cleaned. Whoa.} As they came running in the door after their time out, she couldn’t WAIT to tell me all about their outing.

“Mommy, I have to tell you a SECRET!!!!!!” she whispered so quietly and so happily.

And in her tiny voice she went on to tell me about slides and sprinkle donuts and how ZoZo was scared of the ducks. Every detail her little memory could recall, she spilled it all. As I sat down to get right on her level and took her little hands in mine while she talked, I was her whole world at that moment. She was so thrilled to share her secrets and the adventure of her day.

It made my heart jump for joy and ache at the same time.

She’s growing. We are both growing.

Just three short years ago I was holding her in my arms as my tiny baby, and now she’s exploring the world and full of adventure. How did that happen so quickly? But also just three short years ago I was a brand new mommy so unsure and so scared of what was ahead.

We both have grown so much.

I’ve been having some growing pains lately.
And I’m doing a LOT of growing. A lot.

I’m striving to be content with where God has us, and the plan He has for us. It’s not always easy, and it hurts to be stretched and grown. Sometimes growing really hurts, and lately that is the truth. But it hurts so good.

God is using my pain and turning it into something beautiful.

Are you allowing Him to use your pain? Are you turning your growing pains into something beautiful?

In extremely wise thoughts, joys of motherhood