Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose.

In 2015 Hunter and I binge watched the show Friday Night Lights faster than we had ever watched a show before. Actually, it's probably the only series Hunter has ever actually finished. We were obsessed. If you haven't seen the show, it's on Hulu and is a must! It's about a high school football team in Texas with an incredible coach. It follows the life of the players and the coach and whether or not you like football, I promise you'll like this show. And if you don't... then I have no words! Ha! In the show, the team chants "Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't lose" before every game. Hunter and I became obsessed with this saying, along with half of America. We ended up adding it to our family motto because the saying holds so much meaning that we want our girls to embrace. Here's what the saying means to me...

Clear Eyes: Living life with a clear focus. I know that life gets hard. I know that things will always get thrown our way that may distract and deter us from becoming who we were meant to be. However, I think that living your life with clear eyes means having the ability to see clearly during the hard times rather than letting the end goal become blurry.

Full Hearts: I think that going through life with a full heart means living each day with gratitude. It means not taking what you have for granted and appreciating even the smallest things. When you have a heart full of gratitude, you're sure to see the good in each situation. I also think it means keeping your heart full of love, passion, confidence, honesty, humility, and dedication. It means working on yourself to become your best self and the best way to do that is to keep your heart full and your path (eyes) clear. 

Can't Lose: At the end of the day, if you've given it all you've got, you cannot lose. This slogan means so much more than simply winning the game, but also imparts the importance of being the best version of yourself. Because if you win with a hard heart and blurry vision, did you really win at all? By approaching life with honesty, heart, and accountability, the "loss" is not really a loss. Instead, this saying imparts the value of doing one's best and accepting that it doesn't always mean "winning" in the world's eyes. The important element here, is that it does not mean the non-winner is a loser, but rather that by upholding values of perseverance, humility, and dedication, the individual is a winner regardless of what the "scoreboard" says.

As the girls get older and life gets tougher, I hope they always remember to keep their eyes clear, their hearts full, and remember that winning isn't all about a number or a "prize" but rather what's on the inside. 

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

3

She's A GIRL!

I already posted my announcement photo on social media, but figured I'd also write a little something about adding another little lady to our family!

First off, I cannot begin to explain how relieved I am!

As all expecting parents, we were really just hoping for a healthy baby and a healthy pregnancy.

We would obviously have been happy with either a boy or a girl, but of course were kind of "hoping" for one or the other.

From the moment I saw that very clear positive, I was hoping it would be a girl.

First off, a girl just felt right to me.

I have a two year old girl already, a whole lot of little girl clothes, have changed hundreds of little girl diapers, felt totally comfortable with raising a girl, and just loved the idea of reusing basically everything we already have.

I purposefully got all of our baby gear the first time around to be gender neutral so we wouldn't have to worry about that in the future, but when it came to wardrobe... there was nothing "neutral" in her closet ha.

Since Hunter is still in school, it just felt so much more comfortable to have a little girl.

Not only that, but I have been obsessed with our girl name since I was 18 and was just dying to use it.

So, at 12 weeks we had an ultrasound and the tech says "are you guys going to find out what you are having this time around?"

I responded, "yes, but probably not until 20 weeks because we don't want to pay at 16 weeks this time..."

He then looks at me and says "well I know what you're having already, do you want to know?"

I looked at Hunter and said "Do we? Do we want to know right now?"

I was worried I wouldn't know how to feel about what he was going to say because I wasn't prepared to know that early but blurted out a big 'ol yes!

He then says "okay, I'm 90% sure you're having a girl!"

I immediately felt relief and was so happy we wouldn't have to worry about buying much of well... anything!

He of course then says " I'm not usually wrong, but this is a very early guess so we'll make sure to check again at 20 weeks."

Because it was so early we only told close friends and family but if I'm being honest... I really didn't want to tell anyone haha.

I felt like it would be "less exciting" news to have another girl even though for me, it was exactly the news I was hoping for.

So, we just continued to pray for our "baby" and knew there was still a possibility of hearing something different at 20 weeks.

Fast forward 8 weeks and we're at the 20 week ultrasound.

The tech is going through all the anatomy and then says, "So what did I tell you you're having at 12 weeks?"

After telling him a girl he says, "Okay! Let's find out if I was right!"

Suddenly I panicked and thought "wait... what do you mean 'if'... What if it is a boy? I'm not prepared for a boy!"

Next thing I knew I was staring at the screen where he typed out that we were in fact having a girl!

I let out the biggest sigh of relief and whispered "oh thank goodness."

Like I said earlier, we absolutely would love to have a little boy... but at this particular time I am SO grateful this little one is a girl!

I am already dreaming up matching dresses on holidays and watching them play dolls together!

Hopefully they get along haha.

At some point, I absolutely want a boy... and Hunter of course does too!

We are definitely not stopping at two kids.

However, right now, I know the Lord was very mindful of us and placed this baby girl into our family at the perfect time.

Oaklyn gets a little friend, I get to be at ease while Hunter finishes school, and ya know... I get to use my name ;)

So anyways, we just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to all of you for the congratulations and well wishes!

We are thrilled to welcome another baby girl into our family and can't wait to share her name!

For now, we will be calling her baby C :)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

I just had to include this picture because Oaklyn's face is the best haha! And no... Hunter didn't buy pink Nikes for this picture haha. He already had them from Breast Cancer awareness month (BYU makes sure to support!)

0

Moore Party of FOUR!

The secret is FINALLY out!

And by finally I mean I'm 16 weeks sooo... yeah I've been keeping this a secret for kind of a while now haha.

We found out the first week of December. 

DECEMBER PEOPLE!

We told family and close friends as we saw them, but I really didn't want to announce until after the first trimester.

Once I hit that mark life got even more crazy (as if that's possible, ha!) and we couldn't find a time that we were all together when it wasn't dark outside or sleeping. 

Since we hadn't announced all this time, this pregnancy hasn't exactly felt real.

It's been hard hiding such a big secret... especially since I've been way more sick this time around.

Hunter was gone all day Friday then came home Saturday at 3:30ish. 

I looked at him and said, "Should we just take the picture now? I mean I'm 16 weeks already..."

So on a whim, we just went for it.

I hadn't even brushed my hair, Oaklyn had been throwing fits all day, and Hunter was sick and exhausted, but it feels mighty good to finally be telling the world about our best kept secret ;)

So now on to a bit about this pregnancy...

We're (mostly me) equally as excited as we are terrified to add another little person to our family.

Most of the time, I'm excited and feeling encouraged that I can do this.

Then other times I'm actually having a meltdown because I'm so terrified to have two kids haha.

I know I can do this and I know The Lord has blessed us with this baby and we are thankful beyond words, but I've also got a whole lot of figuring out to do!

This little one is coming before we were planning on moving out, before Hunter graduates, right in the middle of some big projects, right before football season (Hunt's busiest time), and of course I can't stop worrying about PPD that I had pretty severely with Oaklyn.

However, this little peanut has already stolen my heart and I am beyond excited to snuggle him/her!

I always envisioned us having several kids. There isn't really a definition for several, just whatever feels right. 

I've always hoped I'd have a full house, lots of birthdays to celebrate, and plenty of mouths to feed.

It's just thinking about being pregnant several times that's killin me ha.

As I was saying earlier, this time around has been quite a bit different than with Oaks.

I was definitely more sick in the first trimester, but less tired. 

I've had heartburn like nobody's business since I found out whereas it didn't really start til around this time with Oaklyn.

I'm still having food aversions but a whole lot more things sound good to me than they did with Oaklyn, and sometimes I even crave meat... what?!

Not to mention, my body is definitely changing faster this time around.

I wouldn't say I'm showing yet but I definitely feel "more pregnant" than I did with Oaks at this point. 

All around it's just been pretty different!

As far as gender goes, we're planning on finding out at 20 weeks during the anatomy scan. 

I have sooo much more willpower this time around, ha!

We will be perfectly happy with either gender but if I could plan it out, I would definitely want another girl. 

It would make it SO much easier being that we already have everything for a little girl, and duh... matching dresses haha.

I also happen to like our girl name a whole lot but that's also a secret ;)

Anyways, I'm due in August. August 12th to be exact, my sister's birthday!

I'm not exactly excited to be largely pregnant during the summer months but I'm very much excited to have a baby during a month I can go outside!

Gosh I can't believe I'm having another baby haha.

I think that covers the gist of things, but you'll be hearing quite a bit more about this peanut now that I can actually talk about him/her!

Okay lastly, I've gotten the same question asked quite a bit lately.

I've been asked why I've kind of stopped blogging.

People said they were worried and hoped all was well.

Last time I took a bunch of time off from blogging was when Hunt's dad passed away.

Nothing severe has happened like that, but there are several contributing factors I'll be talking about more soon.

I would say though, the biggest factor would be THIS PREGNANCY!

Gosh it has taken a lot out of me including inspiration and motivation.

Plus, how am I supposed to blog when I'm keeping the biggest secret like ever from you guys??

So, thank you so much for the concern and support.

Seriously, it felt good to know someone actually cared haha!

But I'm feeling quite a bit better and with each new sunny day I'm feeling a little more inspired to work on some big projects I have planned!

Alright friends, that is all for now.

I just figured I should pop in and explain life's current happenings haha.

Now hold me to being better about blogging ;)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy (and the tiny peanut in my belly)

My outfit is old but here's a similar skirt | Lipsense is redwood and you can join my group to see other colors here | Oaks outfit also old but Gap still has peter pan collared onesies! | Balloon from North Star Balloons | Similar shirt to Hunter's  

0

A Little Kindness Never Hurt Nobody

I've been thinking quite a bit about this topic lately and it just so happens that I made a guest appearance on Steffanie's (from The Urban Hare) mocktail periscope series and the topic was on being kind.

This topic has been on quite a few mother's (or parents in general) minds lately based off the current tragedies that have made the news.

(If you are unaware please refer to the articles here and here)

It is interesting, and quite frankly, annoying, that the parents of these children have become the subject of ridicule online as they mourn the loss of their child.

No parent wants to outlive their child. Ever.

The thought alone makes my heart ache.

So what's interesting to me, is that others can't seem to offer their condolences to these families but instead feel the need to tell them that the death of their child was their own fault.

Seeing the cruel remarks of those hiding behind a computer screen makes me sick, and it needs to stop. Now. 

These words are harsh and unfair, and truly will do nothing beneficial in the end. 

You see, It’s easy to throw other parents under the bus when something horrific happens because we want to believe that we are somehow better. 

It's easy for parents to believe that their "superior parenting" can prevent a tragedy and that bad things can only happen to an "irresponsible parent."

Want to know the truth?

Bad things happen to good parents, good families, good people... and when those bad things strike they deserve our empathy, and never our judgement.

I want to share a quick story with you:

Somewhere around 10 months ago, when Oaklyn wasn't quite mobile, I was able to set her on top of my bed without worry.

In the mornings, she would lay next to me as I would relieve myself from the night and pump to supply food for her. 

She would smile and grab her toys as we laid there together.

One morning I got bored while pumping and turned my head for a split second to grab my phone. 

When I looked back she was already off the bed, in mid air, about to fall on the floor.

Her little body hit and she instantly began to scream.

I jumped off the bed and frantically grabbed her.

We spent the rest of the morning rocking on the rocking chair as I probably whispered "I'm sorry" 100 times in her little ear.

The reason I share this story with you, is because it is an example, though far less tragic, that resembles what is currently happening.

I'm sure it would be easy for a lot of you to say that I should have just kept my eyes on her and that wouldn't have happened. 

I'm also sure that some may say I shouldn't be so glued to my phone and that my daughter wouldn't have fallen.

But what I'll tell you, is that it was an accident.

It was an accident I wish would've never happened, but it did and accidents happen often.

Especially when you are a parent balancing a million things every single day.

There is no such thing as a perfect earthly parent.

So to all of you other imperfect parents out there, I beg you, to stop shaming and blaming all other mothers and fathers that are just trying to do their best daily. 

My heart breaks for all of the families that lose their children to bizarre and horrific accidents daily.

We all often point fingers, but try instead, to take the high road and show kindness to those in need.

Instead of criticizing and ridiculing, try uplifting and rallying around others.

It's much easier to smile than frown, and it is much easier to share a good thought than to deny it. 

Try your hardest to be soft and kind instead of letting the world make you bitter and hard. 

If the words you wrote on social media appeared on your skin, would others still think you are beautiful?

We all say that we want to teach our children to be kind and uplifting, well the best way to do so, is to practice what you preach. 

So I encourage all of you to back up other parents instead of tearing them down.

Parenting is hard enough, we don't need bystanders making it harder. 

And always remember, a little kindness never hurt nobody.

All my love,

Aleigh Joy 

5

I Get to Love You

photo by Kiely Ro

I get to love you, it’s the best thing that I’ll ever do. I get to love you, it’s a promise I’m making to you. Whatever may come; your heart I will choose. Forever I’m yours, forever I do. 

(I get to love you by Ruelle)

It was a few days before Hunter left for his two year church mission and we were sitting outside in hammocks out in his parents backyard.

I knew I was going to wait for him, but we never really talked about what that really meant.

It was a conversation we had never addressed even though we had both thought about it over and over secretly in our minds full of marriage dreams.

"So you're going to write me... right?" Hunter asked.

"As often as I possibly can." I said with a smile.

"So what happens when you get home?" I asked without making eye contact.

"Well, I'll be going to school at BYU... and I mean hopefully I'll be married to you"

I smiled... "Hopefully is definitely right."

I honestly remember the day Hunter left like it was yesterday.

I cried more than I knew was possible and letting go from our last hug was harder than I can explain.

I watched the car drive away and just sat in mine, bawling, for a few minutes before even thinking straight. 

Then I saw the letter Hunter had slipped me... the first letter of many.

It was signed: "I love you Aleigh Joy. Always and Forever."

We had said "Always and Forever" often for years, but that time it hit me harder than before.

"I get to love him, for every single day, for the rest of forever." I remember thinking.

Forever is a hard word to comprehend, but I knew that was what I wanted.

The two years apart were hard, but remembering we had forever to look forward to made it just a little easier. 

When Hunter came home, everything fell right back into place.

I don't even remember it being the slightest bit awkward, it just felt so right.

We got engaged only one week later and I felt like I was floating I was so happy.

Only two months later, on March 1, 2014, we promised forever in the San Diego LDS temple. 

The next day we were on a plane to Utah to begin our life together. 

When Hunter carried me across the threshold I specifically remember thinking "this is just the beginning of forever" and feeling like the luckiest girl on earth.

Then, one week short of a year later we welcomed our baby girl into the world, a day I'll never ever forget.

I'll also never forget the Sunday after that...

I was hysterically crying in my husband's arms telling him I wasn't cut out to be a mother. 

He held me as I cried at least 30 more times as I faced a tough battle with PPD.

I saw him just minutes after he met with one of his coaches and they both decided his football career was at an end after being a star in high school.

We laughed and yelled into our pillows together at 3 in the morning when our baby had plans of staying up all night.

We sat in a tow truck after our car broke down for the third time 100 miles away from our home.

I squeezed his hand harder than I knew I had strength for during a long labor when the hospital refused to admit me.

We prayed together on our knees when our bank account showed that we probably wouldn't be buying groceries that week. 

We've fought and we've been angry, we've struggled and we've cried... 

But, somehow, I'm always reminded of the moment I became his bride and promised I would love him, forever. 

I was listening to the song, "I get to love you" the other day and was again taken back to that day, our wedding day, and literally started crying ugly tears upon hearing this line:

"They say love is a journey, I promise that I’ll never leave. When it’s too heavy to carry, remember this moment with me."

So Hunter, when the going gets tough... I promise to remember the feeling I had the moment we were married that rainy March day.

I'll remember the look you gave me after "kissing your bride."

I'll remember you whispering "you look gorgeous" in my ear during our first dance as husband and wife.

I'll remember how giddy we were as we left our reception.

And I'll always remember that I get to love you always and forever because choosing to love you through it all, is the best choice I'll ever make.

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

0

Why I am Choosing to Still Shop at Target

I've questioned writing this post this whole week. 

I've gone back and forth between thinking it was a good idea and then a bad idea.

 I finally decided... That this is my blog, my little space of the internet, and I will say what I feel for that reason.

And just a friendly reminder, to each his own. 

When Target announced their policy on allowing transgender people to use whatever restroom they please, I must admit I felt a little... unhappy with the news.

I should start off by saying that I am LDS, or Mormon.

For those of you who are familiar with the religion, you would probably agree with me in saying that most LDS people are quite conservative in their beliefs.

I contribute to validating that statement because most all of my beliefs are very much so conservative. 

When it comes down to religion and morality, I don't agree with the LGBT community.

If you want to think that is terrible of me... go right ahead, but that is where I stand.

However, I believe in the Bible and all the words in it, so I have chosen not to feel hate towards them but to try and show love and kindness just as our Savior does because even when you disagree, it is possible to still love. 

That being said, let's talk about the mean words people have been throwing around on Facebook statuses, blog posts, and articles all around the internet. 

I have been dismayed when seeing people so quick to judge and assume that just because someone does not agree with what they believe, they immediately assume they are being hateful and decide to call them things such as a bigot, or showing discrimination. 

I cannot speak for all of us, but I will say that most people are not actually any of those things.

They are merely stating what they believe and that is actually an okay thing to do.

I like being educated and though this may sound weird to my grandparents, social media is a great way to become educated on world wide topics and hear other people's opinions these days. 

So please, stop being so quick to judge. 

Whether someone is completely okay, or upset with this policy, I don't think they have chosen where they stand out of hate. 

Let's move on now...

I guess in writing this article I must state that I am not happy about Target's policy.

However, I'm not going to let it stop me from shopping in their stores.

So, why am I not okay with this?

I'm sure that most people like to believe that it is because I hate transgender people, but that is most definitely not the case.

I am almost positive I have been in a bathroom with a transgender person at one time or another.

I don't know if I have... but I'm pretty darn sure the odds are pretty great that I have been.

Does that bother me? Nope. Not one bit.

Why? Because they were in there to go to the bathroom, just as I was.

They didn't bother me, and I hope that I didn't bother them.

We both did our business, and left.

Target has now opened those (once slightly more secure) doors to anyone and everyone.

I like my privacy, but I like feeling safe even more. 

I now feel worry, and I just don't like that.

Not because transgender people are "aloud" to go in the same restroom as me now, I'm sure they were already doing that... but because the door is now open to anyone to walk into any restroom without being questioned.
I feel as though that may cause less secure circumstances in the walls of a bathroom.
And yes, to those of you thinking it, you are probably right that this scenario may not happen often... but it sure can happen easier now.
I honestly believe that Target didn't even need to come out with this policy because transgender people were more than likely already using the bathroom they wished.
Now that they have put it out in the open, the debate at this point isn't even about those that are transgender... it is about safety. 

Before rambling too much on that topic because I'm sure I have several of you disagreeing with me at this point, I just want to say this is not stopping me from shopping at Target. 

I love Target.

More than ever since becoming a mother.

I like buying things comparable to something I could find at Anthro at a way better price.

I also love that I can wander for an hour and not get bored.

Target usually leaves me feeling happy and inspired to redecorate my house. Every time.

I don't agree with this new policy, but I'm also not going to let hate fill my heart and stop shopping there.

Remember earlier, when I said I want to love as our Savior does?

I feel that this also applies to shopping at Target.

I am fully entitled to my own opinion on where I stand with agreeing or disagreeing with whether or not being a transgender person is right or wrong, as are you, but I don't think that it is our place to judge others opinions and choices. 

I think that is the Lord's place, and he will ultimately decide.
 So, I am choosing to spend my days loving instead of judging. 

Does that mean I don't have a personal stance on the topic? No.

I have my own beliefs and I am staying true to them, but I will continue shopping at Target because I am choosing to show love over hate and not judging Target for making a decision that doesn't align with my own thoughts. 

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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2

Easter Thoughts + Egg Hunt

I love spring!
I love the warmer weather (well, usually... come on Utah!), the flowers, the sunshine, the overall happiness, the excitement for Summer, and I love Easter most of all.
I feel like Easter, can actually be somewhat of an overlooked holiday.
Especially if you aren't religious.
I have always loved Easter traditions.
The baskets, Cadbury eggs, Easter dresses, the food, and the egg hunts...
However, over the past few years I have really thought deeper about why we celebrate Easter and I have come to understand better why I feel so much happiness on this holiday.

 Easter is a celebration of the wonderful promise we have of eternal life through Our Savior, Jesus Christ. 
Because of him, and his great sacrifice, we are promised that there is no end.
What a powerful promise!
He died, so that we may be free from our sins and live forever.
I get teary eyed just thinking about it, and how much He loves each of us.

Today is something people call "Good Friday"
We don't necessarily "celebrate" this holiday in my church, but I always recognize it and reflect on it and all it means.
It is, more or less, a day to think of all the Good that Jesus had done, and all the happiness he brings us still today.
 A day to think about the atoning sacrifice he made, and to remember that he truly does love each of us more than we can comprehend. 

About 2000 years ago, on a Thursday, Jesus sat down for his last meal with who he thought to be his closest friends. One turned his back on him that night. Another claimed he would die alongside Jesus, only to deny that he even knew him in the next few hours. That Thursday night and into Friday morning, Jesus was betrayed, arrested, denied, endured trials, and sentenced to death. Friday he was mocked, tortured, and crucified. Matthew 27:50 tells us that he “gave up His Spirit” for every flawed person who would ever walk the earth. Yes, you. His atoning sacrifice was for me, and you... all of you.

I am incredibly grateful for the sacrifice our Savior made for us, and for the suffering he endured.
More importantly however, I am thankful that He has risen. 
I am so happy that He lives today!
Our Savior is the one who unlocks our passageway through death, to eternal life.
I know that the atonement and resurrection we essential to fulfilling the glorious plan that Heavenly Father has laid out for us.
I know that They knew this had to be, and that they made a sacrifice I can't ever imagine going through, because They love us that much.
I am so thankful that because of Him, I get to be with my sweet little family forever and ever. 

A few friends and I had a fun little Easter egg hunt today!
It was so fun being all together and watching our littles interract together.
I love this bunch of friends and I am so grateful I met each of them.
Obviously most of them were little babies, so we basically threw all the eggs and watched as they sucked on them and shook them unsure of what else to do haha.
One friend stuffed her eggs with cheerios and every baby loved those eggs!
We also brought picnic lunches and laid some blankets out to talk and eat.
Other than the wind, it was such a fun day!

So, Happy Easter my friends!

I hope you have a great day with friends and family and are reminded of Jesus Christ's love for you :)

All my love,
Aleigh Joy

ps. take a few minutes to watch this video. It's my favorite of all time along with this hymn. Ahh chills!

0

Why You Should Get Dressed Every Day

I'm sure you always hear new moms, or even moms that have been doing this whole mothering thing for years, talk about how they find themselves lounging in a t-shirt and leggings 6/7 days a week. Because you know... You should probably get dressed for church... right? While I'm all for avoiding jeans at all cost... I'm going to tell all of you moms out there that getting dressed for the day, and feeling good about what you're wearing, is a whole lot more important than you think it may be!
Not only that.. but a whole lot more simple than you may think.

I was that first time mom... The one who was still in my pajamas when my husband came home at 5 pm. I still hadn't put any makeup on, there was a spit up stain on my shoulder, and it was a rare sight if my hair wasn't in a messy bun on top of my head. I'm really not trying to make the moms who still do this feel bad, because remember, that was totally me!

I felt very low most days with a newborn. I felt overwhelmed and discouraged. I felt like there was never going to be a moment of "alone time" again. I was afraid of hearing my baby cry. In my head, if she was crying, it meant she was unhappy. If she was unhappy it meant I was doing something wrong.
I hated that feeling!
Well, Oaklyn cried just about every single time I put her down. Unless she was in her bouncer and I was bouncing it with my feet. So I stayed in my pajamas most days and was really unhappy with my postpartum self.

When I began to realize that she would eventually figure out that she didn't have to cry every single time I set her down, I started to put her down more.
It was freeing to know that whining was okay and a few minutes getting ready every day would do an incredible amount of good for all of us.
Once I began caring about my appearance a little again, I noticed my postpartum world actually feel a whole lot brighter.

So... Here are  reasons why I believe you should get dressed every day.

1) It completely brightens your mood.
I promise, it really does! When I look good, I feel good. That goes for being healthy too. I feel a whole lot better when I choose a smoothie over a doughnut in the morning and I feel way better when I choose a blouse over a t-shirt. If I feel good in what I'm wearing I honestly feel happier and my day just goes a whole lot better. It boosts my self confidence entirely when I'm wearing a shirt I really like versus the shirt I woke up in and we all know, self confidence is actually one of the most attractive traits there is. And yes, there is in fact a difference between confidence and cockiness.

2) You never know who you'll run into
Though the only people that usually see me during the day are the strangers at Target or the grocery store, my husband, my daughter, and occasionally the mail man... I still love to dress to impress because there may be an off chance that you run into an old friend. While you're not actually dressing to "impress" them, you should dress to feel comfortable talking to them. No more avoiding someone from church at Costco because you don't want them to see you in your PJ's out in public.

3) You still need to "date" your spouse
But, you already married him, the dating is over, what do you mean "date" my spouse? I love when Hunter tells me I look pretty. It's an added bonus when he tells me he likes my outfit. I want him to always want me and I want him to always be excited to "show me off." Though you may not actually get to go on many dates any more because of the tiny person that joined your family, you can still date your spouse in other ways and one is impress him every single day. So if anything, get dressed for him ;)

4) It forces you to get out of the house
Raise your hand if you hate being cooped up all day... I'm raising both hands. I go completely stir crazy and feel like I got absolutely nothing done if I don't get out of the house at least once a day. When I get dressed and do my hair and makeup I feel so much more inspired to get out of the house and make the day a good one. That in turn completely brightens my mood.

5) It's a method of self expression
There's this funny astigmatism that you're "trying too hard" if you look good. I disagree entirely. Dressing well and how you feel comfortable is a way to express yourself and your personality. When I'm at a baby shower and I'm wearing a dress, it isn't because I'm trying too hard... It's because I feel good in a pink maxi dress and when I feel good with what I'm wearing I'm more inclined to meet and talk to people I've never met before. I love being social and one way to make you feel more social is to dress your best.

All of that being said... I would like to introduce to you a new series about #mymammastyle (two m's cause one was already taken on insta!)
I'm going to be showing you all some of my favorite mom styles out there in hopes to help you feel inspired to get dressed every day!

First, I'm going to start with this dress from WukoGals.
I'm obsessed with this company!
I love every single style of dress they offer and especially love how flattering they look on a woman's figure.
I chose this adorable sweater dress because it is perfectly modest and comfortable.
I have already worn it to church and I cannot wait to wear it on a date night out.
It has a little stretch mixed in with the perfect amount of tightness to hug your frame.
Why did I choose a form fitting dress to feature first?
Because I honestly believe that you need to love your postpartum figure no matter what it may look like!
I still occasionally have a hard time with my own figure, but each time I get brave enough to wear something form fitting again, I feel a little more comfortable in my own skin.
I would definitely start with this dress from WukoGals if you're wanting to try something form fitting!
If you're not quite ready for that yet, check out the rest of their site and I'm sure you'll find something (but more likely several things!) that you will just love!
I know that wearing dresses can be difficult for nursing mamas, but put one on for a date night out and you will feel great with how you look! Or just try something like this with buttons!
Make sure to check out WukoGals line of dresses and because I know you will find something you absolutely love... use code: MOORESWEATER at checkout for $15 off your purchase!!

Make sure to tag your photos on instagram with #mymammastyle to be featured on my blog!

All my love,
Aleigh Joy

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I Have Worth

I have worth.

And you do too.

I'm really excited about this post.

I'm really excited about this shirt.

I'm also really excited to share this company with all of you!

Have you ever felt, down?

I bet you have.

It may have been because of something someone said to you, a mistake you made, a promise that was broken, a trial experienced, a lack of self confidence or even doubts in your head.

I think we've all been there at some point in time.

Eventually, these negative thoughts get the best of us and we say things to ourselves like, "I'm the worst" or "I wish I were more like (insert name here)."

I've said it, I've been there, I've done that.

I can recall feeling insecure more times than I can count in my lifetime.

I've always hated walking into a room and feeling like "everyone" is staring at me.

I've also wished I looked a little different a time or two, or ten.

I've wondered what my purpose is and I've doubted my self worth.

I think one of the lowest points in my life was when my PPD was the strongest.

I would lay awake at night wishing that somehow I could go back in time and feel like "myself" again.

I thought I couldn't do it, ya know, be a mother.

I thought my blog would go no where.

I thought there was no way I'd ever make the Varsity Cheer team.

I thought nobody would like me.

I also thought I never stood a chance with him.

Then he became my husband.

I made a change in my life as of recently.

One I haven't quite mastered, but that I am working on nonetheless.

I've decided to beat my doubts and fears with thoughts of self worth.

It sounds easier than it is.

It also sounds kind of like a "duh" thing to do, but I challenge you all to try it.

So what do I mean?

When you're having a negative thought about yourself, think of 5 extraordinary things about yourself.

No, you are not being conceited. You are recognizing your self worth.

A couple examples from my week:

-I went running and timed myself. I looked at my time and immediately told myself I'm just not a very good athlete. I quickly then told myself I'm a good chef, I am good at decorating, my husband loves me, I am successful, and I am a darn good mother.

-I went to the grocery store and Oaklyn was crying in the checkout line. I handed her a sucker and the older lady behind me said I shouldn't be giving her sugar at that age. I immediately doubted myself and the way I parent my child. (Insert 5 encouraging thoughts) I smiled at her, and went about my day.

Those are only two examples but sometimes they are bigger issues and other times they might even be smaller.

Either way, this has helped me tremendously in recognizing my self worth.

I have come to realize that I don't need to dress a certain way, make a certain amount of money, have specific talents, or be interested in what the crowd is.

I am me, and that is more than enough.

Don't let the world tell you when or how to feel good about yourself.

Try your hardest not to buy into the lies displayed by the media.

Don't judge yourself for looking different. Most magazine covers are photo shopped anyways.

I firmly believe that "The worth of souls is great in the sight of God..." 

We are all entitled to our Father’s blessings.

 He did not bring you to this earth to walk alone, without guidance.

 He knows our skills and celebrates in our victories with us.

He will also take our supposed inadequacies and help us turn them into strengths if we let Him.

Remember that you are worth much more to Him than you will ever know.

But all religion aside, trust me in saying that You Have Worth.

Far more worth than you might imagine.

You have potential, strengths, talents, and beauty.

Every single one of you.

This cute "I Have Worth" Tee is from CampLight Apparel and I am loving the meaning behind it.

Every purchase from CampLight Apparel helps feed malnourished children in Haiti.

So not only are you purchasing a shirt to help you remember and recognize your worth, but you are helping others in need.

I fully support this company and their mission.

Go ahead and check out their different designs Here!

You can also use the code: JOYOFLIFE at checkout for 15% off your purchase :)

And remember I am "personally" handing each of you the #myworthchallenge!

Let me know how it is going and use the hashtag #myworthchallenge on social media to post a picture of yourself telling everyone why you have worth so I can follow along! You can also comment down below! I'd love to hear about your experiences and celebrate in your triumphs with you :)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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