Author: Big Mama

Fearless Faith – It’s book release day!

So I have a new book out today.

In case you’re keeping count at home, YES, this is my 74th book to come out in the last ten months. Some days I wonder why I have felt so tired and burned out and all out of words and then I remember I WROTE THREE BOOKS IN ONE YEAR. I realize this is probably significantly less books than Francine Pascal wrote in a year during the height of the Sweet Valley High series, but WHATEVER. It’s a lot of books for someone whose life motto could be summed up with the phrase, “Work smarter, not harder”.

Well, either that or “What can I binge-watch on Netflix this week?”

This new book, Fearless Faith, is a 100-day devotional for tween girls and the truth is that I originally did not want to write this book. My reasons were two-fold:

1. I had just turned in the manuscript for my Everyday Holy 100 day devotional for women.
2. See above about Netflix.

But God wouldn’t let it go in that annoying and endearing way that He has when He’s trying to get my attention and so I finally agreed to it. It also helped that I have a daughter in the target age group and I am fully aware of how much our girls need to have faith that is fearless in this world. I so want these girls to know how much God loves them and that he is the source of everything that will bring them joy and contentment and peace as they live in a world that is constantly trying to tell them something different and all the ways they could be better. So I essentially wrote down everything I’ve ever shared with Caroline about God and who he is and how he loves her. How different could this next generation of women be if they really learned to believe it?

As it turns out, Fearless Faith is maybe my favorite thing of all the things I’ve done. Isn’t it funny how that works out?

First, look how pretty it is.

Can we talk about that lion? He is magnificent. I would like to call him Aslan but I assume the estate of C.S. Lewis would have copyright issues with that. But that’s what he is to me…the perfect depiction of Aslan. Strong and beautiful and loving and majestic. A big thank you to Heather Gauthier for continuing to go above and beyond with my cover art.

Second, I followed the same themes and scripture references for Fearless Faith that I did for Everyday Holy. The idea is that they could be great companion pieces for a mother and daughter or aunt and niece or mentor and mentee to do over a 100-day period together and know they are learning some of the same verses and truths about God.

Third, several people have asked and I know the “tween” description can be vague. I would say Fearless Faith could work for girls as young as 8 years old through about 16 years. There are activities throughout the book that might feel silly to older teens, but the daily devotions were written in a way that I hope will appeal to them. I will tell you that Caroline has been reading it over the summer and she has really enjoyed it. Or maybe she’s lying to me. But she seems sincere and I’ve noticed that she’s put up Post-It notes all over her mirror with various scripture references from the book.

Finally, I thought it would be fun and encouraging to spend this fall doing a 100 Days of Everyday Holy and a 100 Days of Fearless Faith read-along because I believe that committing to spending 100 days of fall, reading truths about who you are and who God created you to be are the very heart of what can make us view everyday as holy and have faith that is fearless. Those five minutes a day could change your life and the life of a young girl or girls in your life. My prayer will be that we will look back on this fall as a time when God grew us and challenged us and made us more than we were before.

Here’s what that looks like:

Day 1: September 4 (This is the Tuesday after Labor Day and everyone will be back in school by then.)

Day 25: September 28th

Day 50: October 23rd

Day 75: November 17th

Day 100: December 12th

There will be no official group or anything that fancy, but just a lot of girls and women reading either Everyday Holy or Fearless Faith over those 100 days. And we can all share what we are learning and what God is teaching us by posting and using the hashtags #100DaysOfEverydayHoly or #100DaysOfFearlessFaith to help us all stay accountable and on track

And then we’ll celebrate on December 12th with a fun giveaway for two people that will be chosen at random from everyone who participates with the hashtags on social media.

What do you need to join?

-A copy of Everyday Holy and/or Fearless Faith or both!

-Five to ten minutes a day

-A journal might be good for writing thoughts down, but not necessary

-It might be fun to have some real life friends join in as well but, again, not necessary

-If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them or find people who know the answers.

So if you’ve wanted to do something like this but needed the push or if you’ve wanted to do it but didn’t want to do it alone or if you want to invite friends to all do it together as part of a small group, this is the time. I so hope you’ll join in with us starting September 4th. And in the meantime, get your copies of Fearless Faith and Everyday Holy anywhere books are sold.

You can find Fearless Faith here on Amazon and here on Barnes & Noble.

You can Everyday Holy here on Amazon and here on Barnes & Noble.

I’ll be posting reminders as we get closer to the start date, but in the meantime you can go ahead and get your books and mark your calendar for September 4th. It’s going to be a great fall.
Fifteen

Dear Caroline,

Today you are fifteen. What on earth?

Later this morning we will brave the atrocity known as the DPS office and bring in seventy-eight different pieces of paperwork and sixty-four different forms of identification so that you can get your learner’s permit and officially start getting behind the wheel of a car. Which is so weird considering that you looked just like this yesterday.

Those fairy wings may make it hard to fit in the driver’s seat.

It’s such a cliche to say that the time has gone by so fast, but it has. The time has gone by so fast that it takes my breath away.

In some ways it feels like a lifetime ago that I was a brand new, teary-eyed mom being handed this little five pound miracle wrapped in a hospital blanket, but in other ways it feels like it was last week. I can hardly remember life before you were here, yet it’s hard to imagine that we are just three years away from moving you into a college dorm that will hopefully not be too far away because your mother can only bear so much.

Here’s what no one tells you about motherhood. Or maybe they tell you and we just choose to not believe it or think it will be different. Just about the time that your little people turn into these hilarious, remarkable, engaging creatures is when you’re on the precipice of having to launch them into adulthood. It’s the natural order of things. I get that the whole idea of parenthood is to raise self-sufficient people who will make their own way in the world and I can’t wait to see where you go and what you do, but there are days I wish I could just keep you here with us forever.

Here’s one of the things about you that I love. You make us laugh every single day. From the Avo-cardio pajamas that you had to have that feature an avocado doing a workout wearing a sweatband, to the way you made fun of me for how excited I got in the orthodontist’s office the day your braces came off, you are one of the funniest people I know. And we are a family that prizes a sense of humor over just about all other traits. Am I proud of you for being a good person? Yes. Am I maybe even more proud every time you make a sarcastic comment that makes me laugh out loud? PERHAPS.

During this last year, I’ve watched you grow up in a million different ways. You’ve never been one not to speak your mind, but you’ve become more secure and vocal about who you are and what you believe. You’ve had hard conversations, you’ve dealt with injuries and other disappointments, you’ve pushed yourself academically and athletically, and your dad and I couldn’t be more proud as we’ve watched you grow and change.

This year has been the year that I’ve prayed Jeremiah 17:8 over you more times than I can count:

You will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.

Of course I decided to turn to the Bible for wisdom after you totally busted me for quoting from the movie Mulan and telling you after a hard day that “the rarest orchid blooms in adversity”. Who knew I’d even accidentally memorized part of Mulan?

Jeremiah 17:8 is the verse God showed me for you. Because here’s the thing, life is hard. Drought and heat will come. Disappointments will happen. Things won’t always work out like you hope or pray they will. But when you continue to find your confidence and your hope in who God created you to be and the plans he has for you that may sometimes look different than you imagined, then your life will never fail to bear fruit. Your life will never fail to be an adventure. That is my deepest prayer and wish for you from now until forever.

Last fall, we were killing time in a hotel room in Houston and I had you take an Enneagram personality test even though I was already pretty certain you were a Type 8, otherwise known as The Challenger because you have challenged me since the day you were born on everything from potty-training to your wardrobe. Sure enough, your answers proved you are a solid Type 8. Here’s a brief excerpt from the official description:

“They take the initiative and make things happen with a great passion for life. They are honorable and authoritative—natural leaders who have a solid, commanding presence. Their groundedness gives them abundant “common sense” as well as the ability to be decisive. Eights are willing to “take the heat,” knowing that any decision cannot please everyone.”

That pretty much sums you up. I’ve always said that you’re like your dad and firmly believe that if someone doesn’t like you, then it’s their own personality flaw and no comment on you. As a confirmed lifelong people-pleaser, this trait of yours leaves me in constant awe and amazement. You know what else? You challenge me to approach life more like you do.

Last night we went to dinner, just the two of us. And as I looked at you across the table, you took my breath away. You are everything I ever dreamed about and so much more. You are light and love and joy and strength. Daddy and I couldn’t love you more. We couldn’t be more proud of the person you have become and the determination that you show in every aspect of your life. We think you are magic.

Happy Birthday, sweet girl. Drive safe and have patience with your mom as she grips the dashboard and applies an imaginary brake while she sits in the passenger seat.

Love,
Mama
Fashion Thursday: Edition Thursday is the new Friday this week

So Fashion Friday is today since Friday is Caroline’s birthday and I always write a birthday letter on that day. But it just means you can shop that much sooner.

You may also want to keep in mind that the Nordstrom Anniversary sale ends on Sunday so if there’s something you want, you need to go ahead and get it. Plus, some things that were out of stock are back in stock. Personally, I’d been stalking a North Face coat and finally got it at 2 a.m. the other morning when a medium popped back up for sale. If I used this kind of dedication for other things in my life, there’s no telling what I could accomplish.

Also, I only needed a new coat because I left my other winter coat on a flight home from Las Vegas last February. The airline couldn’t find it and it was sad times because I loved that coat. But hopefully this new coat will work out and we’ll develop a meaningful relationship this coming winter.

Here are some cute things I found this week.

1. all things new gameday earrings

You know what’s exciting? It’s August. Which means we are now in a month where there will be college football. It’s the best time of the year. I love this time in college football because the hype is huge and the possibilities are endless.

Even better? My sister has a whole collection of college gameday earrings that are perfect to wear during a football game because they are leather and not too heavy when you’re doing all the jumping up and down and stress yelling. Or maybe that’s just me.

They are $12 each or you can buy 3 or more for $10 each plus shipping. And she’ll also take custom orders for specific colors, shapes and sizes if you don’t see exactly what will fulfill all your gameday hopes and dreams. You can shop here at her Etsy shop or find her on Instagram or Facebook.

2. Adidas swift run athletic shoes

I love these Adidas because they are perfect for both working out and athleisure wear. They are $84.99 and come in that pretty pink up above and this olive green that I’m now obsessing over.

They also come in some other colors but I cannot look away from the pink and the olive green.

3. gibson convertible cozy wrap fleece cardigan

This is the same cardigan worn two different ways. And it’s made by Gibson and their fleece things are always the coziest. This comes in several color options and is normally $68 but on sale for $45.90 until the Anniversary sale is over.

4. madewell whisper cotton v-neck tank

These Madewell tanks are so soft, a great length and I love that they are v-neck because I think a v-neck is universally flattering. And they are just $18.50. They are great all alone but perfect for layering under things like the Gibson cardigan up above or various other jackets and such.

5. v-neck blouse with tie sleeves

This cute top is just $24.99 which is why I love H&M. It also comes in a pink stripe, green stripe or solid black which would be a great transition top for fall.

6. loft meadow cap sleeve swing dress

This is a great dress for the office or the classroom, but could easily be dressed down as well. It’s currently $59.50 but there’s a good chance Loft will have some sort of sale soon. Also, they have all their sale stuff an additional 60% off right now so you may want to check that out.

7. monogram pendant necklace

I’ve been wanting one of these forever and I’m not sure why I haven’t bought myself one yet. And then I saw that Alexis had one on Schitt’s Creek and that made me want one even more. They are $38 and would make great Christmas gifts if you’re the type of person who thinks about Christmas shopping in August.

8. loft striped drapey tie top

This is a cute top from Loft that could work for the office or just with jeans. It’s $39.50.

9. talese wide leg pants

I’ve had my eye on these pants and have been waiting for them to go on sale. They are $69.95 plus there’s an extra 25% off all sale at Anthropologie. They come in other colors and patterns but this blue is my favorite.

10. wayf blouson midi dress

I was looking at dresses this week and came across this one. It has great reviews, comes in a bunch of different color options and is $69.

And I feel like I also need to share this band of gypsies floral print wrap dress that I think is so pretty.

It’s $98.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Thursday.
The one day road trip 2018

For those of you who have been reading this blog for, lo, these many years now, you are well aware that every summer my best friend Gulley and I load up our kids and go on a summer road trip. And we usually start planning said road trip a little after Spring Break each year. Of course I’m playing fast and loose with the word “planning”. It usually just consists of finding four to five days in our summer calendars that line up for us to get on the road.

And therein was our problem this year.

You know what no one tells you about having teenagers? They are very busy and have lives of their own. The problem is that until they are sixteen, you still have to drive them all over town so they can participate in that life.

When the kids were little, we thought our biggest obstacle to making the road trip happen as they got older would be that they may not want to spend time together and we agreed that we are like family and they’d just have to make the best of it. But we had no idea that the real problem is that teens play sports and have mandatory practices and camps and workouts and jobs. By the time we looked at our calendars and combined those things with family vacations and such, we honestly came up with ONE day that we could all get out of town together.

ONE DAY.

These kids and their busy lives are totally ruining our fun. Someday I will look back on the summer of 2018 and remember it as that time I was a cross between an Uber driver and a delivery person.

So July 26 became the date we circled on our respective calendars back in June when it became apparent that the road trip would be a one day extravaganza this year. And, even then, we had to threaten people who kept wanting to mess with July 26 because teenagers have somewhere between 0-15% respect for their mother’s sanity. July 26 is non-negotiable. Do not roll your eyes at me.

Last Thursday was the day and we had decided to float the Comal River in New Braunfels and then go eat at the Gristmill in Gruene. Normally we give the kids more input, but Gulley and I pretty much made this plan because it made the most sense and we knew they would have fun.

Gulley and her guys picked us up about 11:00 a.m. because Jackson had a football workout he didn’t want to miss and we made the short drive to New Braunfels. So, in hindsight, maybe it wasn’t so much a road trip as a day trip. Whatever.

We stopped for gas and, more importantly, gas station snacks. And some things never change because we sent those kids into the Chevron station with $20 and they came out with a pile of candy that would make Willy Wonka jealous. And I laughed later because Will got a big bag of Skittles and this picture from our very first road trip back in 2007 proves that he’s always been a Skittles man.

On a side note: I posted that picture on Instagram earlier this week and Gulley called me and said, “What was I thinking letting my three-year-old have that giant bag of Skittles? And he probably had Dr. Pepper in his sippy cup!” I told her it all worked out fine and those were desperate times. I mean look at Will’s face even with those Skittles. He was a donkey on the edge. Our motto back in those days was “DON’T ANGER IT”.

After the gas station stop, we found a Sonic so we could all get a drink and some popcorn chicken with tots because nutrition is important if you’re going to spend all afternoon on the river. It’s also important to note that the moms still drove even though Jackson has had his driver’s license for almost a year now.

Look at our babies.

I don’t even understand how they grew up so fast.

And so the road trip was different this year. No one got car sick and threw up because we were only in the car for about an hour round trip, plus we have all grown as people. There were no fights or meltdowns because we have matured. We all agreed on where to eat and shared our candy and listened to each other’s stories. And to be honest? A little part of me missed the days of someone throwing up in a plastic bag and visiting a snake farm where people think it’s a good idea to keep a Cobra in what appears to be your grandmother’s old stereo console.

I’M TOTALLY LYING. I DON’T MISS THAT AT ALL.

But here’s what I’ll tell you. I’m so thankful that Gulley and I started the tradition of taking the kids on a summer road trip eleven years ago. Yes, it was born out of desperation and boredom and just needing to do something other than try to entertain little people at the neighborhood pool, but it turns out we were building a lifetime of memories. And it has been so worth it.

Just in case you ever want to gather up your best friend and your kids and take a road trip, I wrote a little how-to guide about it several years ago. You can find that post here.
Big Boo Cast: Episode 114

This is a fun one because Travis joins us again and it’s a super sized edition of seventy-three minutes worth of content. What on earth do we talk about for over an hour? All the important things like how many pillows we sleep with (My number is RIDICULOUS), hypothetical dinner party guests, and what book and/or T.V. show we’d want with us on a desert island. So, you know, all the pressing issues of the day.

You can click here to listen. Or here. You can even listen right here on the blog.

And if you’re on the Facebook, well, we are, too.

We’d love for you to subscribe on iTunes, and we’d be honored if you’d leave us a review.

Here’s where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention:

– The Office

– Peace Like A River

– Friday Night Lights

– The Great British Baking Show

– Angela Cottrell’s Chocolate Gravy

– Amy Grant’s Lead Me On

– Whitney: Can I Be Me

– Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy

– Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee

– The Popcast Live Show in Chicago (we can’t wait!)

– Closing Song 1

– Closing Song 2

– Our Big Boo Cast t-shirts from Milk and Honey Tees! (and for the record, this shirt is CRAZY soft)

– Schneider. You’re welcome.

Sponsors:

– PrepDish (promo code BIGBOO for two free weeks)

– Care/of (promo code BIGBOO for 25% your first month)
Fashion Friday: Edition the last one of July

All I can say is thank goodness we have almost reached the end of July. It has been insanely hot and I am, quite frankly, over it. I’m hoping August will be cooler which is totally optimistic of me considering I am a lifelong Texan and know better. But a girl can dream.

You know what else a girl can do when it’s hot? Shop online.

Here are some cute things I found this week.

1. jumel embroidered blouse

Everything on sale at Anthro is now an extra 40% off. I think this top is gorgeous and it has great reviews, plus it appears to be a good length to wear out or do a half-tuck if that’s more your thing. It’s on sale for $69.95 plus an extra 40%.

2. simbrenna platform sandal

I love a platform sandal and this would be a great transition shoe to fall. They are $98.95 and also comes in taupe and indigo.

3. gap short stripe parka jacket

I love a stripe and so this jacket had me at hello. It’s on sale for $78 and has great reviews.

4. lilliane studded mule bootie

Can you tell I’m ready for fall because I’m already focusing on fall transition shoes? These are really cute and mules are going to be a thing this fall season. They are $89.95 and also come in dusty rose or black.

5. nike air zoom pegasus

These are $120 but if you are in the market for a new workout shoe, I highly recommend. They are so comfortable and are the running shoe of choice for Caroline and me.

6. gap womens large tote

This gorgeous tote is on sale for $36 and I think it would make a great all-purpose bag for fall. It also comes in black or bordeaux.

7. topshop jamie flare jeans

I love a flare jean and these have great reviews. I also love that they come with the option of a 30″ or 32″ length. They are normally $75 but are on sale for $49.90 during the Nordstrom anniversary sale.

8. halogen long open front cardigan

This is normally $89 but on sale for $59.90 during the Anniversary sale. Colors and sizes are limited but this navy version appears to be fully stocked and is actually my favorite of all the choices.

9. free people camo clare tee

I bought this camo tee earlier this summer and it’s a favorite. It’s super soft and so cute on. I bought the medium because I wanted it a little roomy. It’s $38 and also comes in black or pink.

10. 7 for all mankind cutoff hem jeans

There are a lot of great jeans options during the Nordstrom sale so it’s a great time to get a good deal on jeans that are more expensive. I’m a big believer in paying a little more for jeans because I wear them constantly and have pairs in my closet that are almost ten years old. What I’m saying is I’m not afraid to quit on a garment because it has a little wear and quality jeans really hold up.

I love gray jeans and wear mine all the time. These are normally $189 but are on sale for $125.90.

And I also love these AG legging ankle super skinny jeans.

They are normally $215 but are on sale for $123.25. I’m telling you that they fit like a dream and don’t get all stretched out.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.