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Just a little reminder…

3.26.2015

Rae of Sparkles // San Jose, CAWe all need reminders that life is precious. Sometimes those reminders come in the form of something amazing, something out of this world, something exciting. Other times it comes in the form of an unfortunate event, a devastating loss, a shocking reminder. We all know that life is short, that you need to live life to the fullest in every moment. Sometimes we forget that in our daily lives.

Rae of Sparkles // San Jose, CAUntil something happens. Something major. Something that just pulls at your heart strings and tears you apart. But the reality is that life will always go on. How you choose to deal with it determines what type of person you are. You can let bad things bring you down, or you can let them build you up. You can become a stronger person.

Rae of Sparkles // San Jose, CA

Rae of Sparkles // San Jose, CA

When life hands you one of these reminders, good or bad, take some time to appreciate it for what it is. It may be a gentle reminder, or may be a shove in the right direction. Either way, realize that you’ve been given an opportunity to reevaluate your life.

Rae of Sparkles // San Jose, CA

 Rae of Sparkles // San Jose, CAOur whole community recently experienced one of these tragic reminders. While it hit very close to home for us, it also devastated many families in our area. Because we never want to get to the end of our lives and look back thinking we missed out, we need to live. Now.

Rae of Sparkles // San Jose, CAThere is so much beauty in this life, and you’ll only experience it when you’re open to it. You may never actually see anything unless you open your eyes to it, to your surroundings.

Rae of Sparkles // San Jose, CADon’t let this life pass you by. Don’t get to the end of your life and wish you would have done things differently. Let this serve as a reminder to you that life is short. You should live each day to its fullest, you should be the best you possible, today.

Rae of Sparkles // San Jose, CAThe day pictured serves as my reminder. It will always remind me how amazing life is. How beautiful the world can be. How even though it is filled with yellow weeds, those weeds can be gorgeous. How you can look at something with a better perspective, and it’s a beautiful thing.

Rae of Sparkles // San Jose, CA

Rae of Sparkles // San Jose, CADon’t waste another second thinking you can put something off until tomorrow. Tell your loved ones how much they mean to you, tell your friends how important they are. Say hi to strangers, greet them with a smile. Be a little nicer to the people you work with. Take each breath in full, and exhale with a purpose. Remind yourself that you’re alive. Don’t waste any more moments.

Rae of Sparkles // San Jose, CA

(All pictures taken by me, please request use via email)

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Comments

  1. Bobbie says

    3.26.2015 at 3:07 pm

    I love you and you are so right.

    • shauna841505@yahoo.com says

      3.26.2015 at 3:09 pm

      I love you too!!!!!!!! 🙂

  2. Janice says

    3.26.2015 at 3:32 pm

    Beautiful photos! Such an inspiration 🙂

    • shauna841505@yahoo.com says

      3.26.2015 at 3:37 pm

      Thank you so much! The field was so pretty! And they just recently took down all the “weeds” !!!

  3. Kristine says

    3.26.2015 at 4:58 pm

    What a beautiful post! Made me tear up. The pictures are even more spectacular. You are 110% right… enjoy the moment and people that surround you.

    • shauna841505@yahoo.com says

      3.27.2015 at 11:20 am

      Awwww don’t cry!!! Haha!! Celebrate, it’s Happy Friday and Happy Life! 🙂

  4. Nad says

    3.26.2015 at 5:05 pm

    What a beautiful text! Every word is pure and true <3 We have to cherish all the good things we have in life and make the best of situations even though we forget that sometimes. Love you pictures too!

    • shauna841505@yahoo.com says

      3.27.2015 at 11:21 am

      Thank you so much!!! Glad you connected to the writing! 🙂 Happy Weekend!!!!!

  5. Erin McElrath says

    3.26.2015 at 11:56 pm

    If I am to follow your wonderful advice, then I must tell you that I love you and I don’t know what I’d do without you!

    • shauna841505@yahoo.com says

      3.27.2015 at 11:21 am

      Awwww I love you so much and I wouldn’t know what to do without you either!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  6. Laura says

    3.27.2015 at 6:35 am

    This is a beautiful post Rae, thank you for sharing it with us. And those photos – wow! I love what you do with them – such depth.

    I’m a look, click, shoot and next photographer. 🙂

    • shauna841505@yahoo.com says

      3.27.2015 at 11:21 am

      Thank you so much! The photos are edited, but I just love the way they turned out!

  7. Kathy and Kevin Bligh says

    3.27.2015 at 4:08 pm

    We are so lucky that you are part of our family now… That is our Rae of Sparkles and happiness everyday!

    Love

    Kathy and Kevin

    • shauna841505@yahoo.com says

      3.27.2015 at 7:16 pm

      Awww thank you so much! I am the lucky one! 🙂

  8. Michelle says

    3.27.2015 at 6:30 pm

    Gorgeous photos! Such a wonderful post. It’s so important to remember what’s important in our lives! <3

    • shauna841505@yahoo.com says

      3.27.2015 at 7:16 pm

      Thank you!!! It definitely is important! I want to start remembering not to wait until something happens to appreciate life!

  9. Kristy & Todd says

    3.28.2015 at 7:38 pm

    You are amazing and inspire us with your writing … Everyday is a gift. Thank you for hitting close to home. May you and B always be safe!
    -K & T

    • shauna841505@yahoo.com says

      3.28.2015 at 11:22 pm

      You guys are amazing!!! Thank YOU for being a part of my life!! Love you guys!

  10. Kristin says

    3.30.2015 at 8:47 pm

    amazing photos and beautiful sentiment! definitely always appreciate the beauty in every moment. thanks for the reminder!

    • shauna841505@yahoo.com says

      3.31.2015 at 10:49 am

      Thank you! I have to keep coming back to this post to remind myself to appreciate every moment. 😉

  11. Nouha Ayouche says

    3.31.2015 at 11:15 am

    I loooove your pictures! Wow!

    • shauna841505@yahoo.com says

      3.31.2015 at 11:20 am

      Thank you so much!!! I really appreciate it! 🙂

About Me

About Me

Hi Mamas! My name is Shauna, a 30-something (big emphasis on the 'something') new mama and wife living in Southern California. I've become a Stay At Home Mom to Sawyer, and I would do it forever if I could! I'm originally from Wisconsin and am a total Cheesehead! I'm here to share DIY's, travel tips, and baby stuff I'm sure!

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stayinghomesawyer

There’s just something about that second child. Th There’s just something about that second child. They pick up everything so quickly. They’re unstoppable. They want to do everything and they want to do it now. 

Second child life.
The day my husband looked at me and said, “I’m so The day my husband looked at me and said, “I’m so glad we have daughters,” I just about melted. Because like most men, he always envisioned a son. Someone he could pass his useless sports knowledge to, someone he could play mediocre golf with. Maybe someone to watch the hockey playoffs with (that doesn’t complain like I do). 

When we found out our second girl was coming, he famously said he watched the pink smoke hoping it would turn to purple and then blue. The first thing out of his mouth after he really digested it was, “now I have to pay for two weddings.”

And then one day, not long after the second came along, he realized why he’s a a girl dad. Because he couldn’t be more perfect for them. And they are exactly what he needed.
After seeing the beauty of this world, I just don’ After seeing the beauty of this world, I just don’t see how there’s any other option. God’s beauty is in everything, and sometimes I feel sad that I’ll never be able to see it all.
My husband and I never thought we’d be the homesch My husband and I never thought we’d be the homeschooling family, but here we are. What started as a few things here and there that we didn’t like, exploded into not liking much of anything in a traditional school, and liking just about everything about homeschooling. 

So now, here we are, on a random weekday, exploring our city. Picking up shells and learning about science. Meeting new people and gaining new friends. There’s so much more than doing lessons at home (although those happen too, don’t worry). There’s a whole big word out there to explore.
I have this theory. I think that as women, even wh I have this theory. I think that as women, even when we are done, we never really feel “done.” I think it’s innate. It’s biological. We were designed to procreate. We were designed to mother. When all of that is over, REALLY OVER, it’s a sad moment. It’s hard to accept. It’s hard to move on.

If you had asked me years ago if I would feel like this, I would have told you, “absolutely not. I’m done.” But when a woman gets to a “certain age,” it feels hard to accept. 

How do you feel?
The secret is out… I don’t spend more money than The secret is out…

I don’t spend more money than most. A party at a trampoline park is about double (if not more) expensive than this. A party at a park with a jumper? More expensive. It’s not about the money, it’s about the prep.

I spend months in advance planning for my parties. As soon as my girls decide on a theme, I take off (and we don’t do theme switches once anything has been purchased). My biggest money saving tip is to try to get the theme MONTHS in advance. I’m literally planning my daughter’s October birthday party already! 

So for those of you wondering, you absolutely CAN do fun parties on a budget. You just need a little more effort, and a little more time. 💕
There’s something about watching your child experi There’s something about watching your child experience the world for the first time that changes you.

The way they slow down, the way they notice everything…it makes you realize how much you’ve been rushing past.

I’m trying to remember that these aren’t just her firsts, they’re mine too, in a completely different way.
Growing up in the Midwest made seashells such a sp Growing up in the Midwest made seashells such a special thing. It meant vacations at the beach, time with family, hot summer days. 

Now, watching my babies collect their own seashells, holding tight to the “BEST” ones, makes my heart happier than I ever could have thought. It’s the little joys.
It’s par for the course, I know. Everyone will hav It’s par for the course, I know. Everyone will have something to say about literally everything. Hosting an Easter egg hunt? Too excessive. Throwing a kids birthday party on a budget? Consumerism. Happy with my husband? He must be miserable.

So I’ll just be over here decorating my house for The Masters this weekend, because #consumerism. And also because I spent $2 and it makes my husband happy.
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