I’ve been searching for the perfect remedy for clutter, a balance in work & parenthood, and the answer for how God works in my life. Project after project, prayer after prayer, plan after plan..searching.

But, simplicity found me. Or maybe, it was there all along and I just opened my eyes to see it standing under my nose.

I have come to find simplicity means something different to everyone. How to do you view “simplicity”?

Sewing your own clothes or buying the latest fashions off the rack? Paying bills online or sending them in the mail with, gasp, a stamp? Using all home grown organics or shopping with a grocery delivery service?

My simplicity is this: I live in a complex world in failing body with a forgiven soul. I have a dynamic family, a creative bug and a gift for loving my kids. I think of gratitude, hope for grace and a linger in peace (even in the orchestrated chaos that is the current state of my family).

My projects, prayers and plans can all change. There is no formula. Seek simplicity, look to God, and be grateful for what challenges you and what gives you peace.

Love,

Jess

Took the Long Way Home

Driving with the windows down

In thoughtful daydream

Summer sunset in my mirror

Chasing long gone memories

Took the long way home

Wind whipping around my hair

Cool speed of evening’s first call

Pink and Gold and Blue

Happy freedom in my heart

Love,

Jess

1. A watermelon drink dispenser from Kara’s Party Ideas

2. Tablescape from Simply Creative Insanity
3. Festive fruit from Oopsey Daisy

4. Free Cupcake Toppers (printable) from Yellow Mums

Happy Forth of July!!

Love,
Jess

Here are just a sampling of photos from the marvelous junk heap in the Shabby Mamas tent.

Standing: Andrea, Kimber, Becki / Seated: Carrie and I.

Name tags, aprons, friends, and shabby chic home decor – a nice day all around.

Cheers for trying something new!

Love,

Jess

Grilling several times a week on our new gas grill. Love it!

Collecting “Junktiques” to be a Junk Market vendor in a local show.

Letting Claire and Leah explore their curiosities.

Claire loves dumping out the DVDs.

Leah loves chomping on her biter biscuits.

So, how have you been lately?

Love,

Jess

Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
Proverbs 31:31 (NLT)
http://read.ly/Prov31.31.NLT

As a gift to Jessica, I thought it would be so appropriate to collect some public praises from some of her closets friends and family. Jessica is an amazing women. God has given me the best gift of all by given Jessica to me as my life’s partner. We share so many things together and she gets me through each day. I want her and all of the “internets” to know how much she is loved and how highly people think of her. Below are the unedited comments.

This is so easy to write and so hard to write. Easy because there are so many wonderful things to say about Jess, but hard to know which to choose. One thing that I think about often is that Jess taught me how to be creative with my kids. I was actually afraid to let Lucy use glue because it was too messy. Well ‘Messy Jessy’ helped me relax and have fun and realize that it could all be cleaned up and the process was totally worth it. She is also a fun, comforting and wise friend.  In the rare moments that we get to talk without kids, Jess has listened, shared and lnspired me to be a better wife, mother and friend.

Happy Birthday Jess!!
- Becki K.

Happy Birthday Jess- For the short time I have gotten to know you I feel completly comfortable with saying she is an “An amazing Woman, Mother, and Friend, her growth in all these categories is apparent in her everyday life. She truly takes the time to learn from every situation. I love talking with her, hearing what she has done as not only a mother but a wife. Christ is evident in all her relationships and she truly shines.

Enjoy your day!
- Mallory H.

Jess,
You are an amazing woman. You are truly worth more than rubies. It has been amazing getting to know you over these past 6 yrs. You inspire me to be more creative, a better mother, a supportive wife, and a good friend. Your friendship is a blessing. I want to wish you a wonderful 31st birthday.
- Kimber C.

Jessica, you are a great friend.  You are an attentive mother who cares deeply for your kids.  You are a strong partner in marriage to Peter.  You love people.  You are creative.  You have made your house a safe home.  You joyfully serve those around you who are in need.  You are a good listener and are thoughtful in your words of advice.  You speak truth.  Above all, you love God and are a wonderful example of being a Christ-follower.
Happy Birthday!

With love,
- Carrie B.

I truly believe Jessica defines the term “supermom.” She manages her motherhood, marriage, family and friends with great creativity, patience, love, faith, compassion and fun. She is a wonder to behold. I would like to publicly praise her using the following 31 words:

Jessica should be:

1. Acclaimed
2. Acknowledged
3. Admired
4. Applauded
5. Appreciated
6. Approved
7. Blessed
8. Celebrated
9. Cheered
10. Commended
11. Complimented
12. Congratulated
13. Esteemed
14. Extolled
15. Favored
16. Flattered
17. Given a bouquet
18. Given a pat on the back
19. Given an ovation
20. Highly regarded
21. Honored
22. Lauded
23. Loved
24. Marveled
25. Prized
26. Recognized
27. Respected
28. Saluted
29. Thanked
30. Treasured
31. Valued

Happy birthday Jessa!
Love from your MAMA.

I have known Jessica since the second she was born! I was the first to hold her. I held her in my two arms. I have held her in my heart ever since. She is my one and only little girl who is not so little and not so much a girl anymore. I thought that she was a special kid then and I know she is a very special adult now! With all of the pressures and hurdles of day to day life and four children she still finds time for other things in her life. How she finds the time and energy and creativity to do anything beyond manage basic daily needs, I do not know. Kids, Creativity, Energy, Plans and Fun and so much more! She does it all. Give her a few “extra” minutes and she will rearrange the furniture. Art and Crafts, ideas, ideas, ideas…. Jess, you deserve the title “Mom and Wife and Women of the Year” for these several years in a row. Keep up the great work, but enjoy life along the way!

As always,
Love Dad

The thing that stands out in my mind in Jessy as a FRIEND is her accountability.  I have always admired her for her ability to ask the “tough” questions.  The things that make me really think and really matter and mean something.  When another friend would skirt around the heart of the issue -whether it is joyful or stessful –  as to not bring out emotions, Jessy is bold.  She will go there without fear or hesitation, and then follows it with love and support.  She genuinely cares and wants what is best for her friends.

I rarely have a conversation with her without both of us laughing until we cry! I love that in our friendship we can talk everyday, or not talk for weeks and still always pick up where we left off like there was no time in between.

She is a Godly mother.  She loves her children and strives to do what is right as a parent and love on her kids as much as she can.  She has given up hopes and dreams, a few careers, time, sanity and so much more to be there for her kids and to do what’s best for them.  She is not afraid to admit what she has done wrong and share joyfully what she has accomplished with them.  As we have seen her children grow, we can see a direct reflection of Jessy and her love poured on them, as well and her pouring God’s love into them and her hard work at raising them as GOd loving, honoring and fearing people.  She has given them confidence, love for others, education, knowledge, discipline, and so much more.

I can’t imagine my life without Jessy!  She is an amazing woman inside and out!
- Kelli A.

Jessica, I hope you always remember that you are surrounded in life by friends and family that love you and cherish you in their lives. I love you so much, have a fantastic day!

Pete

a. Ballet flat

I walked to a funeral.

Peter’s Grandma Rose passed away peacefully at 92. She loved to play organ, read pulp novels, watch action films and smoke cigarettes. She had the most perfect manicure all the time. Her earring collection was sparkly and plentiful. I’ll miss you Gramma.

b. Athletic shoe

I walked down stairs to workout – nearly everyday.

P90X, baby. I am on week 3 of my quest for fitness. I have found muscles I’d forgotten about, so that’s good. The kids love watching us jump and around on our workout mats. It’s even inspired them to workout a time or two.

c. High heels

I walked to a black-tie political dinner event.

Open-toe, sling back, sequined pumps gave me just the right amount of “i’m not just a SAHM in slippers” vibe that I so desperately needed. (nothing wrong with the slipper vibe either).  It was nice to  sit next to my hubby and some good friends, during a meal that did not involve chicken nuggets.

d. Plaid canvas

I walked into a gorgeous horse barn for an outdoor wedding.

I was one of the most special, beautiful ceremonies I’ve ever witnessed. To get to the wedding, I drove 2 states away (for 9 hours) and left my 2 babies behind (for 5 days)! Ryan and Molly loved their first road trip and the captive audience (parents in the front seat).

e. Buckled loafer

I walked to a friend to deliver a meal.

My good friends just had their 4th child – total of 4 girls! I put together a meal for a grill-out. Potato salad, meat, bars – yum! I love warm Spring days especially when their is a new life to celebrate. They named her Clara. So sweet!

Do your shoes tell a story? Where have you been lately?

Love,

Jess

I won! Nothin’ kicks a writing slump to the curb, like getting a custom sign in the mail! Whoot!

When Emily, from Chocolate Blue, asked what initial and kid’s name I wanted for my wall sign…I blushed.

I was kinda-sorta thinking about getting a sign with my blog name. How ’bout putting on a big J. Cause my first initial is J and so is Just a Blink’s.

I stammered on about how I had 4 kids so it would be hard to choose which one to get done. But, really I fooled no one about just plain wanting something for myself!

I knew seeing this handmade, Just a Blink sign would inspire me, every time I looked in its direction. My new wall sign makes me think about all the reasons I blog.

I love to:

• write
• be in this little slice of blogdom I call home
• forgive myself for misplacing commas half of the time, at best
• record and remember the moments that blink by
• dream of my future just for the sake of dreaming
• think beyond myself
• hear from my readers

Plus, Chocolate Blue threw in two super cute handmade notecards. Cupcakes!

Sweet!

You’ll be hearing from me tomorrow,

Jess

My days might look like this:

Clean clothes to fold (3 full loads per day)

Kids to direct (too many “get off your sister” and/or “stop yelling” directions to count)

Dishes to wash (2 dishwasher loads per day)

Outdoor toy sprawl (one garage stall space full)

Ah, yes. Diapers! (5-6 changes a day X 2)

But, my life looks like this:

My days are numbered but my soul will live on forever. – JEM

Things no one ever told me before I became a mom:

• I’d catch spit up with my bare hands.
• I’d wear a princess crown for more than 2 hours after dress up time was over.
• I’d learn how to clean melted red crayon out of my dryer.
• I’d laugh so much at my kids, I’d cry.
• I’d consider a well made grilled cheese sandwich one of life’s greatest accomplishments.
• I’d see my baby grow before my very eyes.
• I’d wonder what life would be like without kids.
• I’d feel my heart actually grow larger.
• I’d never be the same.

Love,

Jess

When it came time to put together some ideas about my blog redesign, I whipped up a collage to help me brain storm.  I created the image below at a cool site called Polyvore.

(Polyvore is a website that uses collective images to create fashion, interior design and art collages.)