AUBREY KINCH

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Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and while we don't typically celebrate as a couple in our home, it's still nice to acknowledge the day a bit. I say we don't celebrate because we both feel it's overly Hallmark but instead of making it a special day with chocolates and flowers, we're mixing it up!

Here are three things Andrew and I brainstormed and thought would be fun to do as a couple without being so set on the idea of all things love and overly priced teddy bears. ;)

Head to a resort in town or a lodge to take a night off from being parents - if you are parents - to focus on each other. The hustle and bustle of kiddos can take it out of you and create so much of a routine it's not always the forefront of our minds to invest in our marriage and intimacy. Take a break! Have some wine and yummy food and rekindle that romance while building and growing your marriage.

Go together to have a spa day. Pack up a bag with some books and magazines, your favorite slippers and a robe and spend an afternoon doing massages together, a facial or pedicure while your man gets a straight edge shave and hair cut. Something to pamper yourselves but do it together!

Go visit a place that brings back early memories of your relationship. Andrew proposed at a park by our first home and it's a great one to take the family. It has a dog park attached, a pond to feed the ducks, a huge playgrounds, tables for eating, and a library right next to it. Load up your bags with all the gear for a picnic, pack up some frisbees and a football and take the whole family. While you're at it, tell the kids about why it's a special place to you and your spouse. Teach them all about simple things and how you can invest from day one throughout your whole lifetime together.

I'm slow to blogging lately and it's because my time and efforts are being focused on other areas the last... year? Oops! It's really just been a a busy season of life since Hollyn arrived. Although it's been easy and seamless, I've found myself committed to more, working more, investing more...etc.

So the random pop in's will have to do.

February is a month of all things love. While I personally think it's a complete Hallmark Holiday, it doesn't keep me from all the pink, flowers, girly makeup and sweet sentiments. Andrew and I have the understanding not to celebrate and it's been that way since we were married but since the girls joined the family, it's always fun to pull out the glitter and paints and make some Valetine's Day cards to send in the mail to all the family.

Who wouldn't want to get struck by cupid from those cute little girls?! ;)

via

Taking a look back on 2017, I've found I just didn't love the year. It wasn't one of extreme growth and excitement or really low moments where we were struggling. I always compare now to 2016 and how it was the lowest year and the highest year for our household. We experienced a serious accident with Andrew and he had his finger and part of his hand amputated and we welcomed our second daughter. It was a roller coaster of a year and I don't know if we will experience one quite like it again.

That said, we had a lot of changes in 2017. Spring we made the decision for Andrew to switch jobs but the process took us all the way through December when he finally moved.

Summer we put our 3rd home on the market and moved into our 4th (and beloved) space.

Late summer I was hired with a company I loved, doing something I loved.

Fall, we celebrated 3 kiddo birthdays, honored a legacy of our sweet grandpa Wimpy when he went to be with Jesus, and I was let go from the position I started in the summer.

Winter changed things immensely when Andrew finally moved jobs within Discount Tire and we took a huge pay cut... shortly after I lost my job.

BUT —

I’ve never been closer to our Savior. Ever. He holds all our burdens if we let Him. He sustains our life if we give Him the Glory and ability to walk alongside us. He knows the path we will walk and presents us with these obstacles because He knows we will make it through.

We normally let Christmas linger a little after Dec 25th but this year it felt right to clear out, clean the house, start fresh and regroup for the coming year.

2018... we’re ready for you!

Happy New Year, all. Be safe tonight!

Happy Friday! I woke up today thinking it was Wednesday and we still had a few day until the weekend but then it hit me and I realized, we're about to head into a long weekend and embrace 2018!

I've been feeling completely ready to start page 1 of 365 and see what God has to offer us. We're in a season of adjustment and trusting in Him with each and every move we make and it's calming to know we have that peace He provides. It's given me the ability to let go of the control I'm constantly wanting to have and let things happen as they may. With the kids, with work, with our relationships and friends. It's freeing.

I think my word for 2018 is GRATITUDE.

I want to be grateful for where God leads us, how I adapt to curve balls, how I embrace and appreciate my body and all it does and can do, and thankful for the ones I have in my life investing in me, especially Andrew. 2017 wasn't super low like 2016 was or super high, again, like 2016 was, but it was one I'm okay to see go.

What's some goals or ways you're wanting to soak in 2018?

stunning illustration

Ken & Co

top- PinkBlush | cardigan- PinkBlush | jeans- AE | bag- Logan & Lenora (code AUBREYLL15 for a discount) | shoes- DSW | necklaces- Made by Mary

Happy Sunday! Can you believe it's Christmas Eve?! I just love this time of year because it's so magical and stunning just celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It's even better in the eyes of little ones and I can't wait to see the babies faces light up tomorrow when they see all our gifts we've made for Jesus set out for him, just as the three Wise Men brought him gifts when he was born.

I shared on Instagram last week how we don't exactly celebrate Santa and hype him up during Christmas time. We actually try to focus on how Christmas is Christ's birthday and do things to honor Him. That's not to say we don't acknowledge Santa Claus, as we have family members who do and celebrate that way but we just like to push it back to Jesus.

I hope you all have a great Christmas and stay safe!!

xx

via Danielle Moss

Happy Friday!

This week was a doozy. Between sickness and Drake starting winter break and finishing up client projects before clocking out today, I could use a glass of wine. Or 5.

Funny story, a few weeks back, I was having a margarita, then another and then a third but I never have that much... like ever. I was so darn hungover the next day and I still haven't had a single sip of alcohol since then. I may never again.

That sure made me feel old. And haggard.

:: This planner is the one I chose for 2018. Simple, clean, and filled with all the organization I need. Corie knows where it's at with OCD people, like myself. I have washi tape and stretchy bands from her too. You know, to spice things up.

:: Well, isn't this dress darling? It's in my cart... I may have to pull the trigger real soon. I get asked a lot where I shop these days and honestly, PinkBlush is a go-to of mine. The selection is endless and I feel like their inventory works well on so many bodies. Just food for thought.

:: Oils. I finally wrote a page more in depth about essential oils and why I chose Young Living because I've started to openly share us using them. It took me a while to be honest about that because I didn't want to be "that" person. I guess I'm that person now but I'm passionate about how Young Living has changed out household sooooo, here's the page.

:: Today is the anniversary of when Andrew proposed 9 years ago!! I think that's why I love winter even more and this time of year. It's magical in itself, but the sentiments it brings are precious.

What are some of your favorites from the week?

xx