Day 24: The Write Stuff

On any given day, this is where you might find me. At my computer writing. God has graciously provided a wide variety of freelance opportunities since I resigned from my full-time job to stay home with Little J. Continuing to write gives me a little sanity, or I should say sense of normalcy amid the changes. (I do not usually look this put together, however.)

I'm wearing my Big Star jeans (love those!), top from Old Navy, sweater from Target and belt from the Buckle.

Day 23: Improv-ing Myself

This picture's a little different, because, well, I'm getting tired of having my picture taken. But, I do have exciting news. Meet the newest improv troupe in town, Know 1 in Particular. We had practice last night. This fledgling improv troupe will give its debut performance a week from today at a family talent night at our church. Stick Horses is still going strong, but this group offers the flexibility and ministry-focus Kevin and I were looking for in this season of life.

I'm wearing an Express button-up shirt and Gap Khaki pants.

Day 22: Striped to Perfection

I like stripes. Once again, I waited until the end of the day to get my picture. At that point, settings are a bit limited, so forgive the baby clutter. This was my favorite photo of the outfit, but SOMEBODY wasn't ready for the picture. I'm wearing my Big Star jeans, striped tank from Old Navy and sweater from Target. I may not have been wearing shoes since I did not leave the house yesterday.



Here's one with Little J looking. However, he was VERY ready for bed and not so into the photo shoot. What did you do all day since you never left the house? you may ask. Well, let me tell you. Fourth- and 5th-grade camp is coming up at our church the middle of May and I'm revamping the camper notebooks, which contain games, devotions, small group times and other fun stuff to fit the detective theme "Get a Clue: Investigating the Greatest Relationship Ever."

I'm really excited to be a part of this. Plus, Little J and I get to go to camp with Kevin. I think it will be life-changing for many of these kids. I hope it will be a point they can look back on and say, "That is when I made my faith my own and gave Jesus control of my life."

A friend of mine noted that my fashion challenge posts are seeming a bit weary. It's true. This challenge is definitely a lot more fun during the first week than the last. But only eight more outfits to go! I'll tell you about what I'm thinking of doing next, after this challenge is over. Fun stuff.

Day 21: Shades of Gray

I'm wearing gray pants from Maurice's and a black shirt from Ann Taylor Loft. Mia flats and accessories from Maurice's. I didn't realize until today that my camera would make me look like I'm wearing all black. Oh well. Live and learn.



This was Kevin's up-close and artsy photo. We had a big snow yesterday. Don't know if you can see it snowing in the background.

Day 20: Day Off

Today was our day off after all the busyness of the weekend. Remembering our Lord's resurrection was wonderful. And we also enjoyed a quiet family day today. Little J tried his first solids (I'll post a picture soon). Kevin slept in. And I didn't feel good about any of my outfit options (need to do laundry!). Before Kevin got this photo I lamented: "Some days I just don't feel like having my picture taken, you know?" And he retorted very sweetly, "And some days I don't feel like taking your picture." So there you go. I'm wearing my Silver jeans (Maurice's), top and cardigan from Target. And scarf borrowed from Melissa, who said she got it at the Buckle. Shoes are Mudd.

Day 19: Comfort Clothes

Yesterday was Easter but because we went to church on Saturday night, it was a relaxed morning for J and me. Kevin had to work, but J and I stayed home and I made an "Easter Hymns" mix for us to listen to. I miss singing hymns at Easter. My favorite is "Christ the Lord is Risen Today," but I also love "Up From the Grave He Arose" and "He Lives!" Josiah likes all music, so he was a fan of my mix. I also watched part of the Mars Hill Seattle Easter service at Quest Field (online). I watched the part where hundreds of people were coming forward to get baptized. Very cool.



In the afternoon we went up to Kevin's sister's in-law's house for a meal and fellowship. Here we are in our Easter finery. I went for light comfortable clothes; I'm wearing Gap khakis, Target shirt and a scarf that was a gift. J is wearing Oshkosh. So cute!

Day 18: Easter in Colorado

We went to Easter service together last night. It was strange to celebrate Easter on Saturday, but Kevin had to work during all the services today. I am so grateful for the victory of our Lord over death and the grave and the abundant life He offers us.

After the service we went out for dinner and you can see what it was like outside! That's Colorado for you. One of the pastors quipped, "Are we all here for Christmas Eve, or what?"



Family Easter photo. I'm wearing polka dot shirt from Maurice's, cardigan and earrings from Express, skirt from Romy, heels from Maurice's.

Day 17: Good Friday

Yesterday was Good Friday. In the evening, my friend Melissa and I went to my church's Good Friday service (Kevin had to work in the children's area). It was a powerful service that went through "The Stations of the Cross" -- the seven statements Jesus made on the cross. It's good to think about the suffering Christ went through on my behalf.

A key verse was Hebrews 12:3, which says, "Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." When we consider Christ and all He went through ... for us, it really changes our perspective.

Didn't get to take the picture until the very end of the day, so I was a little wrinkled. But I was pleased I still looked presentable. Also, something to share about this photo. I read somewhere that if you don't really have time for make-up, just use foundation, blush, mascara and lipstick. This is me, in mini make-up (it really works when you're wearing a color that's good on you). Top from Old Navy; pants from Maurice's; jacket from Gap; earrings from Express.

Day 16: Keeping it Simple

This morning Josiah and I had coffee with a friend. It was gorgeous and sunny outside, so I had my friend snap my photo at her apartment complex for a change of scenery. I'm wearing my Big Star jeans, black shirt from Maurice's, gray sweater and shoes from Target, and scarf from Melissa. Well, like the title, I'm keeping this simple. See you tomorrow!

Day 15: Sunshine on a Cloudy Day

When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May. At least that's how this floral top (from Old Navy) made me feel. Paired with a coral cami from Maurice's, Big Star jeans from the Buckle and brown cardigan also from Old Navy. I wore my hair in pigtail knots, which Kevin said was "kinda fun and festive." I think he's kinda fun for using the word festive. We took Little J to the doctor today for his 4 month appointment. He's in the 97th percentile for height and 70th percentile for weight.



Close-up on the accessories. Earrings and necklace from Maurice's. I like this necklace because it was free with a purchase.



And a closer look at the shoes (from Target). I bought these when I was still pregnant with Josiah to wear for Kevin's and my anniversary date in Denver.

Day 14: I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends

Today I needed to get out of the house and talk and drink coffee and talk, so I went to visit my friend Melissa (who also happens to be a photographer). She not only took these cute photos, but she also let me borrow some accessories to spice up the second half of the challenge. (Hey, nothing in the rules about that!)



I am wearing Silver jeans, Old Navy tank top, belt from the Buckle (ha!), jacket from the Gap and sandals from Nine West. Purse provided by Melissa (although I also have a purse this color; I just didn't think of it.) Thank the Lord for good friends who help you endure wearing the same 30 pieces of clothing for 30 days!

Day 13: Happy Campers

Yesterday I drew a blank on creating an outfit, and I realized I'd selected far too many black things for my 30 items. I'm wearing Silver jeans, Express black tank and cardigan and necklace and earrings from Maurice's. And I'm taking my own photo as I climb the stairs. I mean, who hasn't done that?



In the afternoon, Josiah and I got to take a trip up to Camp Elim (in Woodland Park, Colo.) with Kevin to check it out for an upcoming kids camp. Even though his eyes are closed here, Josiah enjoyed being out in nature. And I enjoyed the perfectly warm weather.

Day 12: Sunday Best

We went to the Sunday night service this weekend. Little J hung out in the nursery, and he must have had a smashing time, because he was giggling for several minutes after I picked him up. Evidently he was reliving the good times. I'm wearing an entire ensemble by Maurice's. That was simple. Now onto something much cuter....



Little J is holding the children's ministry t-shirt. I think we've got a new spokesman, people.

Day 11: Cloudy with a Chance of Grumpys

Can't exactly say why I felt a little gloomy today. Could have been the overcast weather or my lack of excitement about this outfit (there has to be at least one, right?) Coral-colored tank: Maurice's. Khakis and jean jacket: gap. Earrings: Express. Shoes: Famous Footwear.

It was definitely a mistake to button the jacket, but I didn't realize that until the photo shoot was all said and done. I've decided I'm not crazy about this jacket period, so you may not see it included in future outfits. Either I am excruciatingly sick of it, or it is out of style (since it's four or five years old) or both.



My photographer hubby went all "senior picture" on me with this one. But I kind of like it. Here's hoping for a better outfit (and mood) tomorrow!

Day 10: Hot Date

Today was Kevin's day off, so I didn't get beautified until the afternoon. In the top picture you can see my button-up shirt and earrings from Express, and white cami and heart necklace from Maurice's. Below are my faithful Silver jeans (I know, I need to give khaki and gray a chance) and Merona flats from Target.



As I was leaving the house to meet a friend for coffee, Kevin said: "Why don't we get a babysitter and go out on a date tonight." (Wow, this fashion challenge is paying off!) Aunt Lauran came down and babysat little J and we went to see "Rio" in 3-D. Who knew we'd leave our baby to be surrounded by other crying babies. The movie was cute, though.

Day 9: Home Again, Home Again

I hadn't anticipated the challenge of taking a daily photo of my outfit with no one home but myself and Josiah. With Josiah, the problem wasn't getting a good photo but getting one that showed what I was wearing.



I'm wearing my Big Star jeans from the Buckle, and black shirt and flowered scarf from Target. Earrings from Express. I wore black Mia flats.

Day 8: Dinner with a Friend

I had dinner with my photographer friend Melissa tonight. I had one request for her: "Just take a picture that flatters me." And boy did she.



Clearly I was not ready for this picture, but I had to include it because it's an expression so rarely captured in a photo.



And with the jacket. I'm posing, but it looks like I'm walking. I'm wearing Silver jeans from Maurice's, white shirt from Target, tank shirt from Old Navy, Gap jacket and Mudd shoes.

Day 7: Better Luck (and Photos) Next Time

I was going to wait for Kevin to get home to capture today's outfit, but Josiah spit up on the skirt (I'll be sure to wear it again during the challenge) so I thought I'd better snap some photos ASAP. Something I've realized the last few days is that I'm having a hard time with the "outfit" concept. On most days I'm basically putting enough together to qualify as "dressed" — but not really much more. So I'm going to try to get a little more creative in the days to come.



I'm wearing a knee-length skirt by Romy, ballet shirt from Target and sparkly black flip-flops (not shown) from Nine West and a necklace that was a gift.

Day 6: White Before Memorial Day

My amazing husband managed to flatter a post-pregnant me in white. Impressive. Shirt from Target. Big Star jeans from the Buckle. Purse was a Christmas present but purchased at Charming Charlie in Denver.



Peep-toe shoe by Mudd.





Necklace and earrings from Maurice's.

Day 5: Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

On Day 5, Josiah, my mom and I went up to Parker to visit my grandparents. It was a gorgeous, sunny day and we dressed up for the occasion. I'm wearing Big Star jeans from the Buckle (you'll see them better in a later post) and a shirt from Ann Taylor Loft. I got the necklace at Target. I've made a decision to skip today since I was out of town and didn't take a photo (though I did follow the rules). I might have to take a day off posting here and there, but rest assured that I'm still using only my 30 articles of clothing!

Day 4: Happy Family

Having Nana in town was the perfect opportunity to get a family photo. Josiah is sporting his new Columbia fleece from Nana and Papa. I'm wearing Silver jeans from Maurices, sleeveless top and black cardigan from Old Navy and sparkly black flip flops from Nine West (that you can't see). My husband is pretty fetching himself in a BKE shirt from the Buckle, cargo shorts and Sketcher flip flops.



I like this one.



And a good one of J and Nana!

Day 3: Farewell, Focus.

Today I said farewell to my job of the past 10 years. Or should I say it said farewell to me. Great occasion to wear one of my "business-y" outfits. Some others doing this challenge are talking about where they got all their clothes. So I'll tell you the pants and top are from Maurice's (one of my favorite stores) and the black cardigan from Old Navy.



My team spoiled me by showing a slide show of some of my "accomplishments" throughout my career. These included winning a rap contest in high school, interviewing Nick Jonas of the JoBros and writing an article about my college roommate, whose great grandfather invented root beer. I felt loved and appreciated. Isn't the cake gorgeous!



Here's a more artsy shot captured by my wonderful husband. On to day 4!

Day 2: Best. Birthday. Ever.

A few pictures from my awesome birthday, and Day 2 of my fashion challenge. Yay for utilizing a scarf I've had for two years and never worn.



Three of the people who helped me celebrate my birthday. (It's a long story as to why my son is wearing nothing but this onesie at the mall.)



And an evening look for a night out on the town with my handsome guy. (outfit #3).



Enjoying fondu. Mmmm.