Our Backyard

I've talked about how we never imagined raising our family in Utah, and yet here we are.

Enjoying it.

Snow Canyon State Park is one of our favorite {gorgeous} places we like to go to and explore.

We are blessed to have it pretty much as our back yard.

 

When we have people visit us we always take a trip there.

This time it was with our Auntie Carina and fam + Uncle Mikey, Kai and Homer + Lola.

We also took a picnic lunch.

The weather was perfect as was the company.

 

weekend of April 6th, 2013

You both had a blast this day!

Maggie you did great walking the first little while but then insisted on walking Homer, which is so funny because recently you've been so scared of him. Screaming your lungs out actually if he even looks like he's coming your way. You did so great and you were so proud! Mia once Ate came out of the stroller you wanted out too! Only problem was you always wanted to walk in the opposite direction we were going. When you didn't listen for the umpteenth time I threatened to strap you back in, so of course Lola pretty much carried you the remainder of the way. Spoiled girl :)

We love having people visit us and we like showing them our beautiful backyard.

Getting {Messy}

Happy Hump Day loves!
Excited to be a part of The Mini {messy} Project today!

The Deal
1 Accessory
4 Girls
4 Different Styles
1 Major Blog Day

We were sent the beautiful headband below from Mila Rose Designs that she custom made just for the mini project this month.

 I was so super nervous awaiting the happy mail that contained our mini project item.

Upon receiving it I felt a sigh of relief.

A headband. I could handle that right? Right?

BUT since this project is all about stepping out of the box I wanted to do something different with the piece.

 Below is what I came up with.

  

Headband: MRD, Top: My Momma's Closet, Jeans: WetSeal, Clutch & Earrings: Walmart, Wedges: Target, get yours here!, Bubble Watch: My Etsy Shop, Bracelet: present from my brother and sister in law {thanks guys!}

 The last picture was taken after our date night.
I loved that little extra flair added to my simple black clutch.
So fun that I can now use all the girl's headbands as a fun accessory other than a headband! #boom

How do you think I did?
How would you have styled the piece?

Honored to be a part of such a fun project!

If you'd like a chance to join the fun be sure and email Kelly at minimessyproject{at}gmail.com 

Thanks to my lover Kelly for being such a rockstar host and putting this fun project together!
Stop by and check out the other three ladies and see how they styled the headband.
 

Vanniee @ VIVA BEAUTY
Kelly @ Messy Dirty Hair

Lynn @ Illegally Blonde

  

For today only receive 15% off in the MRD shop!

Use code MESSYMINI to receive your discount.

I'm crushing on every single one of these.

My blog turned TWO! Enter to win over $200 worth of swag here, or
Enter to win a $50 Target Gift Card here

Oklahoma

Hey there friends.

My heart is so heavy this morning.

It aches for the tornado devastation in Oklahoma.

So scary. I can't imagine.

 

 Last night as we were putting M&M to sleep we couldn't help but think of all the families who won't be tucking in their babies again.

So heartbreaking.

If you've been here awhile you know I believe in the power of prayer.

We are praying for you all. 

Today I'm going to love on my babies more.

Work extra on being patient.

Enjoy everything, even the tough parts of motherhood, because we have this beautiful life to live.

They'll be lots of twirling. You can bet on that.

That One Time... at Elevate Blog Conference {the deets}

I looked out and saw this! I couldn't believe it was held on the beach! Newport Dunes was breathtaking, and the next time we are in Cali we are definitely taking our fam there! #mindblown

I drank out of the cutest mason jar complete with paper straw and all #cutestdecorever

The weather started off nice and toasty but it was a beautiful day!
Photo Credit Lora Knight Photography

I sat with ladies who I had never met in real life and totally felt like I was chatting with old friends Photo Credit Lora Knight Photography

I found myself in awe at the attention to detail everywhere I turned
Photo Credit Lora Knight Photography

Photo Credit Lora Knight Photography

Photo Credit Lora Knight Photography

50+ woman came as bloggers and left as friends Photo Credit Lora Knight Photography

I was Nick Cannon and I found my wife Mariah Carey! Such a fun ice breaker game

and then we won a prize! #holla #winnerwinnerchickendinner
Photo Credit Lora Knight Photography

When they had cute display after cute display

I caught a glimpse of my name tag and couldn't help but feel like I was a "legit" blogger with it on #sappyIknow

When generous sponsors gave away all this swag and more! #awholeposttocome! Photo Credit Lora Knight Photography

They had the cutest snack and drink station set up!

We made a fun decor craft that I can't wait to make more of! Of course I'll be sharing how with all of you.

Their beautiful examples Photo Credit Lora Knight Photography

When I met this fab lady who greeted me with a huge hug, then figured out she was "ROBIN!" #psychic

I got to hear these four amazing ladies share their stories and totally felt inspired and encouraged to share mine. Left to right top to bottom: Sarah :: Erin :: Kimmie :: Ashley Photo Credit Lora Knight Photography

I was introduced to Sole Hope

And I'm ready to bring it to Utah {more details to come!}
Photo Credit Lora Knight Photography

Where this 8 month looking hot in her baby bump mama saved the day

When I chatted it up with the beautiful soul known as Erin, and I was totally humbled by her kind words. #mindblownagain

When I was practically drooling over the yumminess of the dessert table.

When they served glittered donuts and I died. See my girl Nay. Soul Sisters I tell ya.

When me and Lauren thought we had the "spaghetti game" in the bag since we are both shortays, and then our spaghetti was faulty! we lost. #wompwomp #rematch #rigged #soreloser

When I clicked with this down to earth, hilarious, AMAZEBALLS lady and wish we were neighbors.

 When we hung out after the conference AND the bartender spotted us all a drink #hemusthaveathingforbloggers #winning

 
Other things that went down I want to remember:

A couple people asked how Megan and I knew each other outside of blogging, and when we told them this was our first time meeting they were in shock #awesomemoment

Dancing the cupid shuffle. Because dancing to that song is always a good time. #gotmydanceon

When I confessed to how MiaPia had electrocuted herself a couple days before to this group of ladies I had never met and I totally felt their love as they laughed with me {thankfully Mia was just fine!}, not at me and not judging.
 
Another picture overload of the fabulousness of Elevate #yourewelcome

If you're even thinking about going to a Blogging Conference, don't think! Just go! It's so worth it! Worth the money, worth the anxiety and nervousness, and even the momma/wife guilt of leaving your family for a couple days to hang out with some incredible inspiring woman who will just "get you". #soworthit
 

Do you recommend any specific conferences? What was your experience? Please feel free to share in the comments below!