Beatrice sandwich! And some of the very best pizza we have ever eaten behind us 🍕@pizzeriabianco
These two are obsessed with “Fancy Like” and mostly obsessed with watching @walkerhayes dance to Fancy Like with his family 😎😎 It’s currently their top pick for the bedtime song🎶 and here’s a snippet of what went down last night! #fancylike
“Mama— take a picture of this face…” he says. And I’m grabbing my camera and trying to contain my laughter as I think to myself, “I’m just the absolute luckiest to know this kid.” 💛 Everyone needs a mister Conrad in their life.
When you convince (bribe?) the entire family to take a family photo with the real camera 📸 ps- spot the camera remote😂
Sometimes I raise my voice. Sometimes I beg. Sometimes I make ultimatums. Sometimes I hate bedtime to the freaking goodnight moon and back.
But then they’ll grab my chin and cheeks and lean in close to tell me they love me. And they’ll thank Heavenly Father for “no witches and no robbers” during their bedtime prayers. And insist on giving each other 17 silly hugs before the lights go out because “I’m gonna miss her so much when I sleep.”
I’ll take the 48 minutes of squatting between their beds for back scratches and the unexpected trip to the potty 12 minutes after the last potty trip if it means they keep this bond forever. Witnessing their complete love and sisterhood changes me. Even when I say I hate bedtime with my three-year-olds, I’m such a sucker for this stage of life with them.
A few photos from life lately over here - enjoying family time and life in Arizona. Thanks for being here while I’ve kind of been away for a little while… haven’t been doing well physically (some health issues) but that doesn’t mean I haven’t stopped taking one too many photos☺️
The game of “Who Can Stand on Mama’s Back and Wiggle Their Feet Around Without Falling Off!” …which is really just code for “mama would like a back massage” but they think it’s crazy fun and my back knots are screaming happy so everyone wins. #momhacks
One wall and pipe at a time, the home renovation is coming together. 💛 #renovation #homedecor #wallpaper (wallpaper is @riflepaperco🌸)
Just over here holding all my (not-so-little) babies close and stepping away from pretty much everything else. Trying to cuss less and write more. Often feel on the cusp of big breakthroughs I want from my life (yay!) while simultaneously giving too much power to my anxiety (ugh). Clinging to my evening prayers and favorite yoga class and busting out the Christmas music a season early. My footing might be terribly wobbly at the moment and who wants to hear the girl on the verge of nervous tears dish out any kind of life advice, but for anyone else in a similar rut (I’m so sorry) – might I suggest the biggest serving of strawberry shortcake as a remedy. Plus standing outside during a warm rain (Arizona, you healer with a perfectly timed monsoon season, how’d you know?)… and maybe put the phone down more. Or whatever version of these three things might float your boat. I’m sure chocolate soufflé with a dose of sunshine instead of shortcake and rain could also do the trick. The phone one I’m sticking by though. Sending you lots of love.
Bringing our summer along with us forever by way of new freckles scattered across most of our faces! ✨ …you can see B’s first sprinkle of itty bitty dots across her little nose and cheeks in the 2nd pic and even with all the lathering of sunscreen and my blessed daily nagging about sun hats, I’m nothing but proud in this moment!🥳 #summer #motherhood #magic
We are slowly making our way back to Arizona this week (my kids school year begins August 2nd😱) and we’ve never been more out of routine (definitely missing black out curtains right about now) BUT we’ve clocked in so many striking sunsets and got to hold and hug so many loved ones, it’s been everything.
I meant to share earlier this week that Amazon is running a promo on my book right now through the end of the month (until 7/31)— use the code 3YELLOW for $3 off your book purchase!
If you’ve been considering purchasing, it’d mean so much to have you do so! Thank you for supporting me and my book and I hope you find it worth your while and time.
For those of you who have already purchased and read— if there was a takeaway or something that resonated with you as you read, would you consider sharing in the comments below for new potential readers to see?
Thank you again for your support! This has been such a vulnerable and thrilling and challenging and exciting and scary endeavor and I’ve really appreciated the support. 💛
Just trying to keep up with these three on the mountain and ignore how sore my butt is from my saddle😅
On a boat! With a lot of laughs! And a few tears. Plus a whole lotta sunscreen and a couple of epic tube flips 🚤
Our summer adventures are getting a little jumbled when it comes to me sharing anything in chronological order (a part of my brain is freaking out right now but another part of my brain is feeling a little bit more free.) Sparklers are our family’s happy place so we continued our 4th of July celebrating tonight with a few on the deck. Of all the summer activities so far, a box of sparklers a few days post holiday was Samson’s favorite. He hugged me so tightly at bedtime as he told me for maybe the 18th time how much fun he had tonight. Somehow I forget anything else I loved this summer… his enthusiasm for an evening of sparklers brought sparklers to the top of my favorite summer activities list, too. 🧨
The BEST time learning all about bees 🐝 with the bee expert herself @mckayjo in Salt Lake City. We haven’t stopped talking about all the impressive things those hard working bees do each day and somehow honey has made its way into more of our meals this week 😋 Thank you for having us, @mckayjo!
…a few iphone pictures from our time in utah are here, too!
I’ve seen most of these photos on your instagram but i love love love seeing them again!
The one wih your kids holding hands is precious! The one with you and Josh when you came back from Utah is also a favorite. Thanks for sharing, so beautiful time and memories (and hey E’s got her driving license! that’s big :) hahahaha)
Damaris
http://www.thecatyouandus.com
Great pictures. It’s nice that you two seem to have so many friends around you with young children. That must make a difference. My brother and I grew up surrounded by families with kids our own age, it’s wonderful, like having many many cousins.
http://lifeiswhathappensblog.wordpress.com/
you’re a beautiful mother.
you’re a great mother.
Such a beautiful and lively pictures!
http://lartoffashion.blogspot.com
I love to see your photos!!
Love those photos. I think the kids have grown every time I visit your blog.
Oh my gosh! I say it every time, but your iPhone posts are my ultimate favourite!
I posted one last night, but mine are nothing in comparisons to these!
That picture of the little cuties holding hands is so heart melting!
You have the most beautiful life Taza, such an inspiration.
-Jade
Gracious Silhouettes
That last photo by the temple… just stunning xx
Adorable
life is beautiful :) hugs from us three
These photos are all so fantastic. I love these kind of posts. –Hanna Lei
such a cute little family you’ve got!
xxoo,
nikki
http://www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com
Very cute pictures !
Xo Jolijul
http://mylenehoneymelon.blogspot.fr/2013/08/bleu-ou-violet.html
is it just me, or has eleanor grown up over night? she is darling as always and is really starting to look like a little lady. ah!
also, great haircut choice. that length looks great on you!
What color and brand lipstick are you wearing in the photo with you in the classic car with E? It’s pretty!!
thanks! it’s pink me up by maybelline.
Eleanor’s eyes are just like yours!! =)))
WOW!!!!
And I really really love your hair!
Between your kids and your fashion sense, there are just too many cute things going on here!
xoxo
Taylor
http://www.welcomehometaylor.com
I love iphone photography! So easy for a quick shot! I’m learning about photography now, do you have a tips? Your photos are great!
http://liveitinerantly.com
Samson seems to have changed from toddler to little boy in the blink of an eye (or blink of a blog post). I love the picture of E on the ‘sidewalk’ – my two year old looks like that several times a day. I don’t know Eleanor’s motivation, but my son does it in a stroppy, sulky, ‘you can’t make me take another step if I don’t want to’ sort of a way. Aah, the terrible two’s!
Awhhhh, cute photos! And your sister is looking more and more like you – thought she was you for a second in that pic with Eleanor! :)
Your girl on the sidewalk. Priceless.
xoxo from san francisco
Jen
ps my chloe turned 9 last week! here is what i wrote to her
http://oururbanplayground.com/2013/08/letter-to-chloe-for-her-9th-birthday/
Always a pleasure to see your pictures! You are an adorable person! xxx
i love the way eleanor interacts with the camera! these are precious!
xx
that picture of just you and hubs is absolutely adorable. frame it!
you take the most adorable photos!
I spot shake shack!! yummmm
she goes wear
naomi, you are glowing!
your little ones look like they’re having a great summer :)
love these! wish i could have seen ya while you are in utah. you are such an inspiration!
xo, keena
i just can’t get enough of seeing how much samson and e love each other — all the hand holding is heart-melting! would love a post about some tips on how to harness such a loving relationship between little siblings, as i know it can certainly be a toughie :)
I agree with Amy about the last one – so pretty! Also Eleanor and friend walking across the street – too cute…
Every one of these pictures is cute! Samson is so adorable, E just looks like she has so much personality!! I love your new hair too.
LOVE that one of the kiddies holding hands in the stroller
these are so pretty. i’m glad you’ve been able to capture these moments with your little ones!
love to see them again! love your fun photos :)
Your photos are always so inspiring – finding the beauty in every day activities. Thanks for sharing!
Completely love the picture of you and Josh! You two look so wonderful and so happy :)
And I will forever crack up at that pic of E laying on the side walk!!
xx
Faith
What filter do you use for most of your iPhone pics, its great! Also, do you edit them further in another program before you upload them to the blog?
thanks! all these iPhone photos were taken with the iphone 5 and edited with the vsco cam app. i also use afterlight app sometimes.
Your children are so fortunate as they’re always out and about. Hope they’ll grow up to be carefree and adventurous kids. :)
http://smittenbyangels.blogspot.com
There are so many epic shots here! That handholding shot, E. playing hopscotch .. all so lovely!
Hi Naomi,
my husband and i are moving with our two little babes (2 yrs & 1 month) to nyc. Would it be possible for you to write me or post what it is like for you with kids in the city, where you would recommend to live/ strollers/ breastfeeding in public… just how daily life works with two kids. Any advice you can offer, would be Soooo appreciated! Love your blog by the way, fresh and joyous! thanks!
hooray! and welcome!
i love the UWS. it is very family friendly. there are parks, libraries, museums and family friendly restaurants (with stroller parking even!) all over. the UWS it wedged between riverside park and central park and it’s pretty darn clean, too. but honestly i think it depends on where you will be working (commute wise) and also your budget. there are families in every neighborhood of new york and there are great and different things about each area. but i’m a big fan of upper west. and being in a neighborhood where you feel you can get out everyday with the kids and really be happy within that ten block radius. obviously you’ll travel all over manhattan, but if you can really live within your ten blocks (groceries, parks, playgrounds, laundry, etc) it’s a keeper.
and ps. just breastfeed anywhere and everywhere. that is my motto. and it’s working fine for me. :)
Beautiful photos as usual!
~ Bev
http://bevedlybev.blogspot.com/
Eleanor’s peace signs are so cute!
Totally adore all of these! Kiddies are so so cute, and growing up beautifully. You’re doing a wonderful job Naomi!
I always enjoy browsing through your photos- the joy and love in your family is so evident and so, so inspiring! Thank you as always for sharing! :)
Love the pic of the kids playing chess!
It is just amazing to me how you guys continually look so happy. I love it. There are so many many, err many blogs out there (including mine) but I come back to your because it just makes me smile seeing your happy little freckled faces.
How lovely!
Valentina
http://valentinaduracinsky.blogspot.com/
Whenever I see your iphone photos (& Josh’s) it makes me want to get up and go! The two of you and your little ones really make the most out of life. It’s inspiring…
clothes envy….for you, your children and your friends! great taste all around!
the corn pictures. kills me.
the one of you and Josh sitting together (under Eleanor playing hopscotch) has got to be one of my favorites because i find that it’s rare to come across a picture of just you two together. lol beautiful family,God bless :)
I’m a mom of 2 boys living and working full time in HK. I really love how you bring up your littles in NYC. I would say HK is similar to NYC ( I used to study in the US) and i personally understand why we still love to live in a city even with the lack of parks and child friendly spaces in the city.
Love your pictures and i think E looks so much like you :)
http://momof2monsters.tumblr.com
As I like these summaries. Kisses and happy weekend.
I’ve been reading your blog for a couple of months now and I just wanted to say its refreshingly lovely to see a family who honestly deals with ups and downs and enjoys life. You are a beautiful family :)
How do you make traveling with the littles look so easy. I am usually a bit of a mess :)
http://mamamolly.com
i feel like traveling and being out with them is a whole lot easier than staying inside and being home. i don’t know, just preference. ;)
Oh my. The one where E is in her swimsuit walking across the street holding her friend’s hand. Ha! Struttin’. Her. Stuff!! :)
precious!
x
http://thewearwithal.typepad.com/
Naomi, I love this glimpse into your life. It is a ray of sunshine!
Would you also please share the details on your dark loafers? I have been looking for something very similar – and think these could be the ones. Are they comfy?
Thank you for this and for sharing your life.
they are from shoemint from several seasons back. they are incredibly comfy, which is why i wear them like, every day. :)
Your daughter’s swimsuit is adorable! Love them all,everyone looks so happy.
Naomi,
First off I love your Blog!
I am 60 years old, and have already raised two daughters. Look’s like you and your husband are doing a great job with your children. But, I have a question! How do you and your husband maintain healthy, trim bodies when most of your food posts are fattening food? If you both work out, would like to see a post about it. Are just naturally able to consume the mouth watering food you post and never gain weight. Do you just treat your kids once in awhile, like when you do a post? Just curious, since weight has always been a struggle with me.
I really need to teach my 2.5 year old daughter to take photos and play chess ;) …too cute! I also love the one of E “floating” while playing hopscotch. So many priceless moments captured. What would we do without the iPhone? haha
Do you find the New England winters hard with kiddos? We’re considering leaving Texas to take a job in NYC but have never lived in the north. My main concern is getting out of the house when it’s really cold outside. Do you think you eventually acclimate to the colder weather? Thank :)
Beautiful people in beautiful pictures!
How come you’re always such deliciously looking food but stay so fit and healthy!? Maybe your two little kids help you stay fit? :P Heheh.
Such lovely snaps! Curly fries! <3
Rosie x | Every Word Handwritten
congratulations!!! your photos remind me of when my oldest was teeny and we were still living in the city — keep up the great work!
Hey Taza! I have a quick question about your giveaways this week in celebration of your blog. I noticed many people on instagram hashtagging countless of their old photos to increase their chances of winning. I was under the impression that it needed to be a new post with the hashtag (to spread the word, as opposed to hashtagging an old photo that no one will see), is that right? Does it need to be a new post in order to qualify? And can we post more than one, or no? I am sure I am overthinking this, but I just noticed this all going down on instagram, and being one who never wins anything, ever, wanted a fair game! ;) And wanted to make sure I was entering properly. Thanks. Love the blog and your cute family.
Please frame that picture of Eleanor &samson holding hands… It is too precious!!!
I think your little ones just keep getting cuter and cuter! And Samson looks like he’s constantly tanned!
Maria xx
http://www.cheekypinktulip.blogspot.com
Your babies are so adorable!!! How do you get the hair bows/clips to stay in place? I haven’t had much luck but my sister says she uses Girlie Glue? Have you heard of it. Wondering how well it works. My sister swears by in for her girls. I can’t wait to see more of your adventures!
cute pics. Love the one of E playing chess–her face is so sneaky, looks like she’s about to call check mate! :)