Taylor Schae

I’m Grateful For…Lunch

Published on August 19, 2019 by Taylor SchaeLeave a comment

The question every Sunday after church is what we are going to do for lunch. Today, while going through our options, I threw out getting a sandwich at Quiznos. It was so nice to be just the 3 of us together. It was one of those times where you just want to box up the moment and remember it forever. Yummy food, the best company, and all the love made for a wonderful afternoon. This may have even solved the Sunday lunch debate, as I think we’ve found a winner from here on out! So grateful for food but even more grateful for the memories made.

I’m Grateful For…Exercise

Published on August 16, 2019 by Taylor SchaeLeave a comment

Earlier today, I was working out to an exercise video and thinking to myself how difficult it was and how my body was feeling fatigued. It’s as if the trainer, through my phone screen, heard my thoughts because she then proceeded to say, “Isn’t it great that we can do something so awesome for our bodies today?” It made me pause for a minute and agree, YES! It is amazing that I am able to workout and do something healthy for my body by getting it moving. Exercise takes discipline and hard work, which alone can be rewarding, but it’s also great to be able to feel stronger when tackling each day with my husband and daughter.

I’m Grateful For…My Husband

Published on August 15, 2019 by Taylor SchaeLeave a comment

This is a given as I am grateful for this amazing man every single day, but today was just one of those days that I really needed him, and he was super helpful. I’ve been exhausted lately, and as Isla gets older, she’s only getting busier. Keeping up with her on these days where I’m already tired is extra challenging, so he saw a need and stepped up. He started a bath for me and took Isla for an hour out of the house while I was able to relax. What a blessing! It was so refreshing and needed much more than I even knew. I’m so grateful to have a husband that loves our family so much and is supportive in any way he can be.

I’m Grateful For…The Health Department

Published on August 13, 2019 by Taylor SchaeLeave a comment

We are on a shared medical plan instead of using insurance since it’s cheaper for our current circumstance. However, things like getting shots at our regular pediatrician’s office can be so stinkin’ expensive when you’re paying for it all out of pocket! That is why I’m so grateful that the health department is able to provide what my daughter needs at just $8 per shot. We literally save hundreds doing it this way! I know it can sound silly to say I’m grateful for the health department, but for me, it’s important to be mindful of things even like this that are such blessings for our family.

I’m Grateful For…Rest

Published on August 11, 2019 by Taylor SchaeLeave a comment

This morning Isla slept in until 10:00! This is completely not typical for her as she’s normally up by 7-7:30. Maybe she’s going through a growth spurt or something, but the extra time I had to eat breakfast and get ready for church was a nice treat for sure! Not only did she get some extra rest, but I was able to take a nap this afternoon, so we all are feeling rested as we begin a new week.

I’m Grateful For…Friendship

Published on August 10, 2019August 9, 2019 by Taylor SchaeLeave a comment

Today I had a play date for Isla, and while she played with some other kiddos, I was able to have some good adult conversation with my friend. It was awesome to be able to pour out my heart to her and vice versa, knowing that we will be praying for each other in many areas of life and encouraging each other along the way. I’m grateful for the opportunity as a stay-at-home mom to connect with other moms throughout the day.

I’m Grateful For…Wakeup Calls

Published on August 9, 2019September 19, 2019 by Taylor SchaeLeave a comment

I literally typed into Pinterest today, “tips to minimalize my life and enjoy motherhood more.” I was shocked, to be honest, after reading that sentence back. Is that honestly where I’m at as a mom? Overwhelmed and desperate to find those moments in the day where I can be stopped in my tracks and think, “wow, I’m so grateful for this moment and I want to take notice of that and document it.” The documentation isn’t for anyone per se. It’s for your own recollection and daily discipline so that you stay in the habit and mindset of being conscious of daily gratitudes. I listened to a podcast today as well that talked about how this woman keeps a gratitude journal. She makes it a common practice to write down what it is she’s grateful for and is able to see how God has been so amazing and faithful in her life. It can be super helpful to look back through if your in a low valley and need a reminder of God’s constant goodness. One example she gave of her journal entry was that a tree in her yard had fallen and destroyed the play set, trampoline, and part of the roof. However, if it had fallen two feet closer to the house, it would’ve wiped out the part of the house where all the bedrooms are and could’ve killed her children. In bleak circumstances when it seems like there’s much to grumble and complain about-guess what?! There’s still something to be grateful for!

I’m feeling convicted and challenged to start using this blog platform as my online grateful journal. I want to be an example to my daughter and those around me of what a life rooted in the Lord looks like, and that’s a life of gratefulness and love.

The Truth About My Hair

Published on August 2, 2019August 2, 2019 by Taylor SchaeLeave a comment

Postpartum hair loss has been real for me. 15 months after Isla was born, I faced the truth—I needed to cut my hair…short. To be honest, I was a little nervous but mostly excited to embrace a new change! Nothing like postpartum hormones forcing me to get a new “do”!

My hair has been breaking off so bad, and I had my hair in either a ponytail or bun for months leading up to my hair cut. The length that my hair did have wasn’t even worth holding on to. It was thin and see-through, and severe breakage created some super short looking layers.

Outside of hormones, I’ve also considered that I need to increase my intake of nutrient dense foods that contain iron, zinc, and omega-3s, so I’ve added things like flax and chia seeds to my oatmeal in the morning, for example.

Everyone’s postpartum hair journey is different, and this has been eye opening for me. I wasn’t aware just how much the breakage and thinning out of my hair prevented me from feeling like I’m fully recovered from having a baby. I’m more accepting of where I’m at in my road to recovery, and I’m just going to embrace this shorter hairstyle for a while!

Get Your Sun!

Published on July 17, 2019July 17, 2019 by Taylor SchaeLeave a comment

I was laying outside while Isla was napping today, and as I was feeling just so thankful to feel the sun on my face, I remembered how this time last year felt very different.

My husband and I moved 3 1/2 hours away from our family 6 weeks after our daughter was born for a job opportunity. We were nervous to move away but also excited that it allowed for me to be a stay at home mom. Our time away from family in Paducah, KY only last a couple months (for reasons that unfolded while we were there), but it was not a walk in the park at all. In fact, a walk in the park is literally all I wanted to be able to do. We lived in the second floor of an apartment building, and it was the middle of summer, so the days were extremely hot. We have a small dog, and she maybe went out once a day while Ross was at work. It was all I could do to scoop up Isla, put Ella on a leash, and walk down the steps to let Ella do her business as quickly as possible so I could run back into my apartment. Looking back, I can see just how fearful I was of everything. Our complex had a pool and we went there maybe twice. I thought that going to the pool was “getting out” and I’d be so proud of myself. Being a new mom in a new city was probably the hardest thing I’ve done. Isla was very fussy, I never drove anywhere because the car would get so hot from being outside, Isla would cry the entire 5 minute drive to get coffee, and nothing seemed worth it to me.

I remember Ross coming home one day, and I told him I hadn’t felt the sun in what felt like days. He was shocked and immediately encouraged me to go outside on a little walk while he stayed with Isla. Do you ever feel instant relief from stress when you walk outside and just absorb the sun? This summer, I’m allowing myself to feel those positive effects that being outside can give me and thanking God for those moments. I don’t take them for granted anymore! In the future if I have any more babies, I am going to take those moments, daily if possible, to go outside for a walk or even just to stand in the sunlight. And if any of you are a mom-to-be or have ever struggled with PPD, start with going outside and let someone watch your baby for a few minutes even, if you’re able. It’s not a cure-all, but it’s a start!

Date Night!

Published on July 2, 2019July 17, 2019 by Taylor SchaeLeave a comment

During my birthday weekend, we had Isla’s grandparents watch her not just once, but twice! That is rare for this momma! One time it was for a dinner date with just me and Ross, and the other time was for a double date with my sister and her husband.

My heart didn’t realize how badly I needed that! It was such a reset for me to leave Isla for a couple hours, knowing that she was having a blast, and spend some time with my husband with my undivided attention. I really hope to make this more of a routine! Even though I know there are people that would love to watch Isla, I feel like I have to be so selective as to when I use those “cards” so that I don’t wear anyone out. I know that’s not how people actually feel, but I can convince myself otherwise at times.

Not only do Ross and I need that time together, it’s also so healthy for Isla to have time away from me too! We struggle with getting her to stay in the nursery at church right now, and I’m hoping consistency and patience will help her to stay down there the whole time one day!

Right now I’ve only had Isla’s aunts and grandparents watch her, and I know the day is coming when I may need to hire a sitter to stay with her, so I’m wondering how you guys have helped your kids be ok with a sitter who isn’t family watch them?

My new tip for getting in date nights (or date days if your schedule allows!) is to put it on the calendar! Schedule that sitter or grandparent to watch your kids as much as weeks in advance if you can and let it be something that you really look forward to! Spontaneous date nights aren’t as guaranteed to happen, so be sure to plan ahead for those couple of hours of kid free time to reconnect as a couple.