Today & Yesterday

Yesterday was the quintessential Fall day: brisk, sunny, trees bursting with color, leaves crackling up the sidewalks...  I loved it.  We went on a nice walk and Justin toddled along side of us instead of riding in his stroller. {He thinks he's big stuff}  One of my favorite things about walks is coming home just before it gets dark and enjoying a few {short} moments of peace in my living room.  I love twilight and especially love cozying up to watch the sun set through the trees.  (I don't really get the full sunset.. it dips behind other houses before it really sets but I get enough.)  I turn off all of the lights and the windows just sort of glow with color.  This little tree outside of my dining room window is one of my favorites right now:


I really don't have the hang of how to shoot that spot so it looks pretty but here's another pic to give you an idea:


haha, again, I can't capture it in pics but it's such a brilliant orange and is better than any artwork I could buy.  The tree is in a weird spot in our backyard and when we first moved in I thought about cutting it down but after I saw it last Fall, I totally changed my mind.

That quiet time is really a pick-me-up.  Last night I came in all excited from our walk because I found a bunch of these on the ground:

{Heaven!  Sorry neighbors, I know it's weird I pick branches from your yard!}

Befire I realized what I was doing, I was arranging them around the house and snapping pictures.  {Do you know how annoying that must be to live with?  Dave (my husband) didn't say anything and just opened up a recipe of mine from our cookbook and made dinner. {I try not to be overly-sentimental on here because I realize people are reading and many don't want to hear my personal goo- and I know lovey-doviness is totally annoying- but damn he's awesome.}



...But back to that quiet time...  These days it feels like life is just spinning at a ridiculously fast pace.  And I've stopped kidding myself that it will ever slow down.  It's insane that it's almost Thanksgiving.  I cherish that time.  It's almost like for a few minutes, things just stop.  I don't go in there every day at that time but I guess I should try to when I can.  It's always good for me.  I neeeeeed it.

Mornings at our house run the gamut from fairly relaxed and rushed (when we all get enough sleep) to nighmarish (when we don't.)  Lately we've all been a little low on sleep and Christian (3 ys old) especially because he doesn't sleep at daycare. 

Here's the rough scenario:  Dave leaves for work around 6:45 or so, I hear Christian banging on his door to come out of his room.  (We put his doorknob back on now...  he just forgets he can use it ;) He comes out of his room and into my bed and asks where Daddy is.  I tell him work like every day and he begins to wail at the top of his lungs which wakes up Justin, our 11-month old.   Justin wakes up almost every morning with a dirty (like really dirty #2)  in his diaper, and it's often not just in the diaper.  I'm telling you this not to gross you out (sorry if I did) but to give you an idea of the state of things.  So I leave Christian who's just happy we're all up to clean Justin and his bedroom carpet up.  While I give them a bath, my dog- Ashby- goes into Justin's room where I've left the bagged up pooey diaper and proceeds to tear into it and have her creamy breakfast. 

Does this happen often?  At least once a week or every other week. 
Why don't I learn?  What is wrong with me?

I mean, I know my dog likes diapers.  She's like a panther waiting to devour its prey.  I've got to try harder.


{the beast}

 I mention all of this because of the difference between today & yesterday... (And also because - having just gone through the experince again, I needed to vent.)  The thing is that, as far as circumstances go, there really is no difference at all between today & yesterday.  Most mornings start out something like that and I have the option to end most days something like yesterday's end.  The only thing that I have any control over is my attitude.  I was really impatient & snappy this morning with Christian (and Ashby) and I hate being that way.  It's directly correlated to how much sleep I get, and clearly I need more.  But, since that's not always an option, I'm going to attempt for some "peace" inside even when all's insanity outside.  That's where this blog sometimes helps me.  Even though you may have sat through all of that rambling thinking "what the-?" it was good for me, so thanks.  Writing often helps me figure things out and make changes.  

Also, for anyone who's ever emailed me asking "how do you do it all?" or "how are you so together?"  here's definite proof that I don't and I'm not.  :)  


{#1 trying to squeeze the life out of #2}


When I opened the door today to get the boys to school/ daycare, the first thing Christian said was, "It smells good outside."  I walked outside just after him and it smelled like Winter.  

Here's to attempting to slow things down and remembering that even when all's insane, it's what we've got, so love it.  


xoxo, Lauren

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about our design services.

51 comments:

Lovin That! said...

Thanks for sharing! I have a 2 year old and am a working mom so it's nice to hear other people's stories to know we're not alone!!

I'm a new follower and love your blog!

Come visit me at www.lovinthat.blogspot.com I'd welcome your feedback...

Alissa said...

lol, i love this pic of christian and justin.

Amy said...

What a great post! I've been feeling very much the same way - that every day is the same with my one-year old, dog and husband struggling to get out the door every morning. Thanks for letting us into your real life a bit. Also, the spread in BHG is fantastic - congratulations!

Becca Ross said...

I loved reading about you and your home in BHG! I've been a follower of your blog for a while now. I'd love to hear how the BHG story came to be. Did they contact you? Did you submit something to them? I can't wait to hear all the details about the photo shoot too!

Congratulations!!!

Becca
becca-homeiswheremystorybegins.blogspot.com

Melissa Marie Head said...

Love this post as its so true. Life just gets so hectic and fast paced so its best to slow down at times and enjoy our blessings. Thanks for the reminder.

Mary Catherine said...

I love reading about your real life. We are all human! I just got my BHG yesterday. What a great story. I can't wait to hear your behind the scenes tales. You should be soo proud!

Leah Moss said...

So timely Lauren! I hope you find a little peace in the chaos.

I'm definitely working on the same thing! I LOST my mind this morning when our dog went through the garbage just as I was cleaning the disaster that was my girls room/"fort" which consisted of just about every fabric swatch, piece of wrapping paper, and blanket I own.

Here's a quote that I have hanging next to my desk that helps me when I remember to look at it:

"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be"

It's by Abe Lincoln, and I figure he had a lot more to be upset/stressed about than me...and then it's back to the struggle :)

Even if it's crazy, you're still totally inspiring girl!

Cassie Bustamante said...

i also wanted to say i got my better homes and gardens yesterday, too and was so excited ot see your familiar face. the spread was just gorgeous!!!! i love your natural style, mixed with modern and vintage. a local fan! ( i am in md)

Leah Moss said...

ps- I just checked out your design website, and it looks FABULOUS! Are those some of Helen Norman's photos? They are totally beautiful!

Stephanie said...

I really enjoyed your post today. You ended with a really good message. A message that I try to tell myself a lot. Love and appreciate what you've got, even it it's not what you wanted.

pve design said...

The orange color that you speak of brings back my first memory and artwork of "bittersweet" - that I drew for a school elementary contest. They told me that I copied it, that no one that young could draw like that.
Funny how a color can make such a lasting impression, like a tree.

I love that you are insitilling in your sons that life is to be enjoyed, to savour it all, even in the midst of little accidents. Your dog must be one part hunting, and just trying t get the scent on it!
pve

Danielle Sigwalt Interiors said...

Oh Lauren...what a great and real post! Makes me think of wabi sabi...how life isn't perfect and that's okay! And your diaper lovin' dog...too funny! I know my little hound would be doing the same thing if I had a little one and you know what, I would love it b/c it would mean I had a little one in my home again!
And Leah...great quote and much needed right now!

Karen said...

Lauren,

Real life can be messy but you have such a great attitude---it's good to vent once in awhile. Besides, it helps your readers to know that you aren't perfect either. :-)

Karen at Garden, Home and Party

Jenny Castle Design said...

Lauren you are super woman with a sense of humor and that's all you need at the end of the day...hang in there!

Casa Jacaranda said...

Your post reminded me of John Lennon's lyrics in Beautiful Boy -"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans". You are as inspirational. Hugs.

kayce hughes said...

I can relate! Attitude and sleep are the keys and I am working on both.

Acquired Objects said...

Ok, I can’t stop laughing! Lauren I know it’s your normal day-to-day life but when sh*t happens to other people it makes me see the humor in my life. Like your beast, why that makes me laugh rather then gag is beyond me, maybe because I have my own beast and it seems to be a dog thing. Please, go ahead and type all the goo about Dave, it shows how much you love and respect him and I love reading that, there isn’t enough goo in this world. LOVED the story about your house from BHG. Thanks for sharing a bit of your world!

Jess said...

Your attitude toward life, love and laughter is what brings me back to your blog. Besides, your amazing talent and creativity of course:)

Acquired Objects said...

P.S. Love the pictures of the boys, how cute are they....

Rebecca Gibbs said...

i just read the Better Homes and Gardens article...picture perfect. you are super talented and inspirational! The fact that you are actually human like the rest of us just makes you all the more an inspiration. ; ) Thank you for sharing a tid bit of your "real" life, lauren!

Anonymous said...

Love this post! Can totally relate to the fun "surprise" a child can have waiting for you in the morning. If it weren't for those cute pudgy cheeks and that amazing grin, I think the explosive diapers would get the best of me some mornings!! And awesome about BHG!

Anonymous said...

Love this post! Can totally relate to the fun "surprise" a child can have waiting for you in the morning. If it weren't for those cute pudgy cheeks and that amazing grin, I think the explosive diapers would get the best of me some mornings!! And awesome about BHG!

Susie @ Maddie G Designs said...

I could have written a lot of this post. Today I managed to get Maddie to ballet only in time for Harry (3 weeks) to start wailing....I had them in a stroller that is seriously bigger than the titanic and I had to go to the grocery store to get something for tonight's dinner. They had a starbucks and I was excited to get my decaf latte....put down my basket and could't find it....another woman found it sitting on the counter and came to my aid. Then Maddie lost the balloon she was carrying while drinking fruit punch that was splashing all over herself. All I could do was laugh. My husband has been out of town all week and gets home this afternoon. We'll all be at the door waiting for him. Like you, I've got the most wonderful husband and despite everything crazy going on in our world I wouldn't change most of it! Have a great day.

Lauren@BaylorSays... said...

Oh girl, I'm so glad that I'm not the only one saying "What is WRONG with me???" after the 50th time I've left the poop diaper in doggy distance. It just doesn't matter how many times it happens, I'm the kind of person who will. never. learn. I asked my Mom the other day when I will stop having to learn everything the hard way (Umm, I'm 34), and she said she still is. Bummer.

Love that plant! I need help with houseplants, bad.

Dorothy said...

Such a great post! I adore your design, but it's really nice to hear how other moms cope. Thanks so much!

Layne & Everett said...

I love hearing snippets about your personal life. You sound sincere and, well, normal! I always have this vision of you sitting at your pedestal table looking absolutely gorgeous, reading some interior design book while your children play nicely on the floor beside you. I'm a mom of 2 boys myself, so I should know better. Thanks for keepin' it real!

Hey Laurel NM said...

What a great post. Reminds me of the times. I had a friend who had that same poop problem. (My daughter who is in college now, refused to sleep in a crib and slept on the floor, yes the floor, from about crawling on....) Anyway, my friend every Sunday, made the crib, crib sheet, waterproof pad, crib sheet, waterproof pad, like 5 or more on top of each one. Then each morning as needed just took of the top layer, (crib sheet, waterproof pad) until she got to Sunday.
Love your blog. And, yes, you do, do it all, and it looks like you do it with total grace and a smile.

Romana said...

I hear you Lauren! Many mornings each week seem to go along similar lines, and it can all feel so tiring! Here is to good sleep, remembering to pick up that nappy and happy children :)
regards
Romana

Anonymous said...

I'm dying!!!!!!! You just literally described in detail everyday at my house. I also have two boys the same age... same scenario... the screaming... the #2 EVERYWHERE... EVERYDAY... what is it with that! Sighh.... thanks for sharing.... good to know I'm not alone!

BHG was so beautiful! You must be over the moon! So deserved!

Jennifer

Brooke @ Blueprint Bliss said...

Lauren- such a great post. Thanks for sharing and keeping it real.

Devon said...

L,

You are my mama twin. I am so not kidding you. Our life could not be more similar right now.

Genius idea on the door knob. Someone forgot to tell us this phase about NOT GOING TO BED. For 5 months we didn't sleep because Jack kept getting up. It was awful. Things are finally starting to get better since we used his ability to watch TV as the negotiating tool. If he got out of bed, no TV the next day.

My worst days are those when my fatigue or stress causes me to be short with my boys. I feel enough guilt just being a working mom and it then kills me when I know I've been short for no good reason other than my issues. I guess what I'm trying to say is THANK YOU for voicing this as well. It's really nice, in the working world, not to feel alone.

You are an amazing mom with a great family. Keep it up L.

Willow Decor said...

Lauren,
I remember those days when kids were that age. So much fun, but so very exhausting. You are doing a great job! Keep trying to recognize those small moments - they really do grow so fast.
xx-Gina

Anonymous said...

Hey Lauren -
Great post today. You have the idea, slowwwww. Oh, I remember those very busy toddler days/years. It will be over so quickly, though it doesn't always seem like it when you're cleaning up the messes!
I HAD to buy BHG today just to read/see the spread on your house! Did a quick glance through and can't wait to take it more slowly and read every detail! It looks go great!

Take care,

Carmella

LiveLikeYou said...

Lauren I so relate to the crazy schedule, no sleep routine. Last week in the midst of another week with too much on my plate, I decided to just drop everything and take a long nice walk. Think it was the first time i noticed the beautiful fall leaves on the trees. I've now promised myself to s-l-o-w down a bit!!!

Mary said...

Oh Lauren...Your post brings back so many memories. Thank you for that.

Ginger said...

As a fan of your blog and BHG it was such a fun surprise to leaf through the mag and see a familiar foyer, then see a familiar face. Great article - way to go!

Emily A. Clark said...

Oh Lauren! This post makes me want to laugh and cry. If it's any comfort, you can think about me on those crazy mornings. I'm living a parallel life in Charlotte :)

traci zeller designs said...

Oh, Lauren, I am right there with you, sister. On all of it. You are so right that we just have to embrace the craziness that is our life ... at least for right now! Here's to great husbands, happy children and a full heart! xoxo!!

diane@onlinefabricstore said...

venting is good so go right ahead!

m @ random musings said...

blogs are a good place to vent =)

uh... maybe the hubby could put "the beast" in another room as part of his morning ritual? just so you have time to focus on the boys?

Katie @ katieboothinteriors said...

Lauren, thanks for the reminder that as young moms we are all in the same boat. I have felt exactly the same way for the past few months. Thanks for helping me to remember to slow down a bit and enjoy life:) P.S. your spread in BHG was awesome!

Lucy said...

my stepson is 4 and my daughter is 10 months. and we have a dog. and i use cloth diapers. glad to hear I'm not the only one cleaning up poop all day :)

Kathysue said...

Oh Lauren how well I remember those mornings with 3 little boys under the age of 4!! There were some mornings I would hit the floor and say,"Here we go again!"
It will get easier, I promise, but with easier comes the loss of babies and cuddles so I am not sure the pay-off is worth it!!! Hang in there and I love your honesty!!! Always keeping it real and yet you have a smile that glows, children that are beautiful a darling husban and a lovely home!! I would say you are not doing to bad at all. Keep up the good work, Hugs Kathysue

My Interior Life said...

My dogs would eat anything, especially if it's poo-related. I'm very sad because it all just seems a distant memory to me now. My son is now 5 and my daughter 8 and we've got new and different problems. I, too, wish the world would just slow down! Great post!

christan perona said...

Thanks for being so open about your "realness".

All That Jazz said...

This post made me smile! ;-) Your boys and your pup are adorable and your hubby sounds like a keeper! Hang in there!
~michelle~

Julie Holloway said...

look at how people resonate with this!! I just posted yesterday with a link to Jones Design Company--you need to read what Emily wrote. She is quite talented, like you, and posted about the reality of being a working mom. Loved it---saw you in BH & G yesterday...like seeing a friend in print! Way to go!

designchic said...

Wonderful fall images...and precious, precious children - thanks for sharing!!

My Galveston Cottage said...

Beautiful photos! So warm and inviting.

Jamie said...

Remember to take time to slow down & be in the present. One day your kids will only remember the time spent with you & not the "things" you aquired. Life is worth savoring & not rushing. Also, love your blog!

Amy Rodriguez said...

As they say...the days are long but the years are short. Its hard to always appreciate being a mommy when the daily grind can be so wearing.

Taking a "mommy timeout" works for me when I feel like I'm losing it!