Mom Jean Confessions: Belief in the Simple Things

Some days, I hardly remember “my former life,” as I call it. The life before kids, the life where I picked up and moved to NYC without a job (cuz I was crazy like that), and the life where we were newlyweds living in the City of Angels – where a big decision consisted of which movie we wanted to go see that night, because, well, we could.

And then there are some days where I recall it very vividly – most of the time it’s in a daydream interrupted by my four-year-old asking for “more juice please” yet again (ok, side note – how much I wouldn’t pay someone to invent a self-filling sippy cup, cuz seriously I swear I’m easily into the triple digits on how often I fill that thing in a day). Other times, it’s when I have a moment of self-awareness on how perfectly full circle our life has come. Get this – Grant and I are literally living in the same zip code that we lived in when we were first dating. I drive by the same exact local burger joint where Grant and his NASA dive team buddies used to carve their names into the tables. We still go there, except now it’s at the request of our son to “ride the horse at Miller’s,” and it’s still got to be the best burger we’ve ever had (and we’ve had a lot – sorry In-N-Out).

Now, I realize some people might find all this depressing – that we’ve lived in two of the most exhilarating cities, having adventure after adventure only to end up right back where we started. But that’s just the thing – we are back where we started, living a life that’s just our speed for the season of life we’re in. Sure, it may seem simple to some, but this past year I have found more true happiness in the “simple things” in life than ever before. The simple smile I see on my son’s face when he’s able to sprawl all his gardening tools out across the lawn, because it doesn’t get any better than doing yard work with daddy. The simple thankfulness I have when I ask a favor of my neighbor and now friend, knowing that she does it gladly and out of the goodness of her heart. The simple thought of having so many family members within in driving distance, who would drop everything to attend a birthday, holiday or even a simple school program that means the world to us. The simple feeling of pride knowing my husband and I are finally able to afford a house, not without the usual headaches, but still nothing compares to owning your first home. And the simple feeling of gratitude that I’m able to stay home with my two children, and not miss out on a milestone or memory. That, my friends, is why I believe with all my heart in the simple things.

Shop My Look:

Ripley Rader, Navy Jumpsuit – Classic

Shop Similar Styles

H&M, Denim Jacket

Shop Similar Styles

Birkenstock, Arizona Sandal – Navy

Shop Similar Styles

,

Links à la Mode, March 8th, 2018

• Adorned in Armor: The Most Beautiful Places in Haiti [Travel Vlog]
• April Was Here: Mommy and Me: Denim on Denim
• Cammeo Head to Toe: Belief in the Simple Things
• Chicago Petite Blog: Spring Capsule Wardrobe
• Couture Crush: Couture Crushin: Sweater Dresses
• Eboni Curls: Tranquil
• Fashion to Live: Smocked Plaid Dress + Flats
• Five Foot Nothing Shopping: One Shoulder Style
• Girl in Betsey: How to Make the Most of Your Morning Commute
• Green Acres Meets Paris: Dress Form Outfit: Olive Green & Black
• Have Clothes, Will Travel: How I Spent 1 Day in Lima With No Regrets
• LunaVida Blog: It’s No Sweat[shirt] Off My Back | Crewneck + Ripped Jeans + Ankle Boots
• Online Personal Stylist: Behind the Scenes at London Fashion Week Festival: Fashion Photography, Trends and Styling Chats
• Posh and Spicy: Trendy Spring Handbags for Under $50
• Tales of Two Blog: Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trip from Munich – Is It Worth It?
• The Glamour Pursuit: Mixing Function with Fashion | Athleisure
• The House Blend: Lilac Love
• What Vru Wore: Fantastic Faux Fur

SPONSOR: Shopbop,
A.P.C., Brixton Hats, Joie Sandals, Leal Daccarett, CALPAK, Parme Marin, Green Dresses, Rainbow Dresses, Woven Sandals, Men’s Filson