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Girl Power

American Girl Doll: Girl of the Year Giveaway

Do you love American Girl Doll? We’re sharing the 2017 Girl of the Year: Gabriela!

You guys, Lydia is OBSESSED with babies.  A few of my friends have infants, and all she wants to do is stare at them, and take care of them.  She a doll stroller, and lately she’s been putting her dolls into it and asking to take them for a walk.  These walks are complete with her stopping to rock the baby and saying “It’s ok, your mommy will be back soon.”  I’m guessing she’s seeing them take care of babies at her school?  I wanted to share her latest favorite “baby”.  This “baby” has been accompanying us everywhere since she arrived on our doorstep.

As y’all know, we LOVE American Girl Doll.  Each year, they release a limited edition Girl of the Year.  We are teaming up with American Girl to share Gabriela (Lydia’s new baby), the 2017 Girl of the Year AND to give one away to one of you.  

American Girl Doll of the Year:

Gabriela might be our favorite American Girl Doll yet.  Each doll has their own unique story, and Gabriela’s is amazing.  Gabriela is a performer….a poet and a dancer who performs despite having a verbal stutter.  As a teacher who sees many children with speech impediments, I love that Gabriela will be a strong role model for them!  Gabriela’s story comes in a set of three books by Scholastic and American Girl Doll has a TON of fun accessories for her (even a dance barre)!

 
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Comments

  1. Jessica says

    February 6, 2017 at 9:14 pm

    I love her beautiful curly hair. My daughter would be so excited 🙂

    Reply
  2. sandra says

    February 6, 2017 at 9:42 pm

    I like her fun hair.

    Reply
  3. Margy Richardson says

    February 6, 2017 at 10:14 pm

    Beautiful doll, she has a cute casual outfit and great hair!

    Reply
  4. Penni says

    February 6, 2017 at 10:49 pm

    I love her wavy hair and the beautiful color of her skin!

    Reply
  5. Cheryl says

    February 6, 2017 at 11:29 pm

    I love the cute outfit.

    Reply
  6. Melissa Anders says

    February 7, 2017 at 5:24 am

    Love American Girl!!! Such positive stories! I love that this Lil dancer overcomes her obstacles and does what she loves!!!

    Reply
  7. Megan L. says

    February 7, 2017 at 5:59 am

    We love her curly hair!

    Reply
  8. Adrienne says

    February 7, 2017 at 6:02 am

    I love her passion for the arts! She’s a great inspiration for my little girls.

    Reply
  9. Kara says

    February 7, 2017 at 6:03 am

    I love her hair and her awesome story!

    Reply
  10. crystal allen says

    February 7, 2017 at 6:07 am

    I love her hair and smile!!

    Reply
  11. Laurent Legault says

    February 7, 2017 at 6:25 am

    Her hair is impressive, just like my grand daughter’s.

    Reply
  12. Marilyn Legault says

    February 7, 2017 at 6:27 am

    She looks so much like my grand daughter with the long curly hair.

    Reply
  13. Jessie Hutchison says

    February 7, 2017 at 6:41 am

    I love her beautiful curly hair and her cute little outfit. My girls are both very into dancing too just like Gabriela.

    Reply
  14. Jeanna says

    February 7, 2017 at 6:50 am

    I like the story that comes with her. Very inspirational for young girls!

    Reply
  15. Sarah Hayes says

    February 7, 2017 at 7:03 am

    i love everything about her. I love how she looks and her story. she would be a great doll for my daughter!

    Reply
  16. Stephanie says

    February 7, 2017 at 7:22 am

    I love her hair. She looks a lot like my daughter and I’d love to get this for her. The dolls are beautiful but too expensive for us.

    Reply
  17. Elena says

    February 7, 2017 at 12:47 pm

    I love her hair!

    Reply
  18. Kelly D says

    February 7, 2017 at 2:06 pm

    I like that Gabriela enjoys the arts.

    Reply
  19. Julie Wood says

    February 7, 2017 at 2:23 pm

    I love that she is so pretty and has gorgeous hair. My daughter would go nuts over this amazing doll!

    Reply
  20. Marilyn Nawara says

    February 7, 2017 at 2:23 pm

    I love her smile and beautiful dark curly hair

    Reply
  21. Tammy Horn says

    February 7, 2017 at 2:36 pm

    I love her inspiring story, and her beautiful dark hair.

    Reply
  22. Ruth says

    February 7, 2017 at 2:39 pm

    Her hair is gorgeous. My little one has curly dark hair just like her! She would love having this doll!

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

    Reply
  23. Laurajj says

    February 7, 2017 at 3:31 pm

    Oh I really love what she stands for and will help so many little girls that stutter feel better about themselves!

    Reply
  24. Cassie Eastman says

    February 7, 2017 at 5:15 pm

    I love her story, that she overcomes her challenge of stuttering. I also like that she loves music and dancing!

    Reply
  25. Cheri Sims says

    February 7, 2017 at 5:32 pm

    I love her hair!

    Reply
  26. shelly peterson says

    February 7, 2017 at 6:25 pm

    I love her beautiful hair, such a pretty doll.

    Reply
  27. Michelle C says

    February 7, 2017 at 6:36 pm

    She beautiful! I love her hair!

    Reply
  28. Cecelia says

    February 7, 2017 at 8:40 pm

    I (we) love that she is all things artsy!!

    Reply
  29. Darcy Koch says

    February 8, 2017 at 5:05 am

    I like the outfit she is wearing–so comfortable. I also love her name-so pretty.

    Reply
  30. Tara Darity says

    February 8, 2017 at 6:53 am

    I love her hair and outfit! My daughter would really like this doll!

    Reply
  31. Sarah Schreffler says

    February 8, 2017 at 7:22 am

    I love her cute layered meet outfit.

    Reply
  32. Elizabeth Brooks says

    February 8, 2017 at 7:49 am

    I love her hair and cute clothes. They are very inspiring for girls

    Reply
  33. Sherry Keef says

    February 8, 2017 at 11:22 am

    I love that she looks like my Granddaughter Ashley.

    Reply
  34. Lisa Williams says

    February 8, 2017 at 11:24 am

    I love this doll! I love her beautiful hair and that she’s a dancer just like my daughter and she doesn’t let anything like a verbal stutter keep her from doing what she loves and proves she is just as great as everyone else!

    Reply
  35. Cathy Coibion says

    February 8, 2017 at 11:26 am

    I love her name and her beautiful curly hair!

    Reply
  36. Sue D says

    February 8, 2017 at 11:52 am

    I love her hair!

    Reply
  37. Lauren J. says

    February 8, 2017 at 11:54 am

    Her outfit is ADORABLE (the shirt!!) and love the headband! Wish I had that hair. My little girl would LOVE her to pieces!

    Reply
  38. Angela Thomas says

    February 8, 2017 at 11:54 am

    I love that is into health, and keeping her lifestyle on track! I also love her outfit, something at any everyday little girl would wear!

    Reply
  39. Debbie Ellis says

    February 8, 2017 at 11:55 am

    My granddaughter would love her Her hair is really pretty and girly

    Reply
  40. Rebecca Thomas says

    February 8, 2017 at 11:58 am

    I Love the fact they created a doll for the black community 🙂

    Reply
  41. Leela says

    February 8, 2017 at 11:58 am

    My daughter says she’s pretty and has beautiful hair.

    Reply
  42. Deborah D says

    February 8, 2017 at 12:04 pm

    She looks like a regular little girl.

    Reply
  43. Lauren says

    February 8, 2017 at 12:05 pm

    I love that Gabriela is a poet and that she struggles to overcome her stutter! My brother had a stutter growing up that he’s still working on eliminating completely. Performing speeches helped him immensely with it, so I can’t wait to read about Gabriela’s poetry readings!

    Reply
  44. debra dubois says

    February 8, 2017 at 12:08 pm

    She has a amazing story and she sure has style what a sweet doll she is. My Arianna would be the happiest girl ever she has been asking for a American girl doll for 3 years just cant afford to get her one thanks for the chance.

    Reply
  45. Danielle Williams says

    February 8, 2017 at 12:13 pm

    my little sister will love the fact that she is milk chocolate just like her 🙂 (lol that is what she calls herself it is great!)

    Reply
  46. Renee Walters says

    February 8, 2017 at 12:13 pm

    I love her wavy, beautiful hair. My niece would love this!!!

    Reply
  47. BusyWorkingMama says

    February 8, 2017 at 12:19 pm

    Hey hair is awesome! My daughter would love to style it.

    Reply
  48. Kim K says

    February 8, 2017 at 12:20 pm

    I like Gabriela’s hair style. It makes her look happy and energetic!

    Reply
  49. Lisa Weeks says

    February 8, 2017 at 12:20 pm

    I love her story! What a beautiful doll!

    Reply
  50. RHONDA RAIFORD says

    February 8, 2017 at 12:59 pm

    GLAD THAT THERE IS AN AMERICAN GIRL DOLL OF COLOR, FINALLY!!!!!!!

    Reply
  51. Valerie Schlicht says

    February 8, 2017 at 1:08 pm

    She has a very cute outfit and beautiful hair! Thank you!

    Reply
  52. Miriam says

    February 8, 2017 at 1:11 pm

    Love her curly hair!

    Reply
  53. gabrielle says

    February 8, 2017 at 1:13 pm

    i love that she is a beautiful designed dark skin doll.

    Reply
  54. Marilyn says

    February 8, 2017 at 1:39 pm

    Her story and her hair are two of the things that make Gabriella appealing.
    Marilyn

    Reply
  55. Victoria Scott says

    February 8, 2017 at 1:45 pm

    We are big fans of stories about overcoming obstacles in our house. And she’s a beauty!

    Reply
  56. Dotty J Boucher says

    February 8, 2017 at 1:46 pm

    I think she is beautiful! I love what she is standing for, and showing other girls, such positiveness..
    @tisonlyme143

    Reply
  57. Debbie Clauer says

    February 8, 2017 at 1:49 pm

    I like the way her hair is styled.

    Reply
  58. Colleen Cornelius says

    February 8, 2017 at 1:53 pm

    I love her hair. Also her outfit

    Reply
  59. Lavonne Yates says

    February 8, 2017 at 2:46 pm

    I love her story! Girls of all ages will love to get to know her! She cute as a button as well!

    Reply
  60. shannon fowler says

    February 8, 2017 at 2:57 pm

    I love everything about her. I really like how much american girl dolls incorporate different cultures and backgrounds. I also love how they teach girls t be strong.

    Reply
  61. Paol Trenny says

    February 8, 2017 at 3:24 pm

    I love her style.

    Reply
  62. Laura says

    February 8, 2017 at 3:29 pm

    I love her hair! Beautiful! 😀

    Reply
  63. Cathy Jarolin says

    February 8, 2017 at 3:50 pm

    I Love Gabriela, Her face is so Beautiful and Radiant just like her personality! She is just alot of Fun & Happiness!!

    Reply
  64. shirley says

    February 8, 2017 at 3:56 pm

    I really like her hair and outfit.

    Reply
  65. Germaine Harrison says

    February 8, 2017 at 4:02 pm

    I love her pretty hair and I like the purple shirt that says dream on it.

    Reply
  66. Cathy Philipps says

    February 8, 2017 at 4:03 pm

    I love that every American Girl has her own sense of being positive and learning from diversity.

    Reply
  67. ellen schull says

    February 8, 2017 at 4:22 pm

    She has beautiful hair.

    Reply
  68. Peggy Gorman says

    February 8, 2017 at 4:38 pm

    She is adorable from head to toes! Her hair is beautiful ,the outfit is sweet, her sweatshirt says what all girls should believe ,Dream!

    Reply
  69. Jennifer Bellotti says

    February 8, 2017 at 4:48 pm

    I love her beautiful curly hair and the outfit she is wearing.

    Reply
  70. Patty Scott says

    February 8, 2017 at 6:40 pm

    I love her beautiful dark and curly hair.

    Reply
  71. Nidhi Chauhan says

    February 8, 2017 at 7:38 pm

    I like her hair!

    Reply
  72. belinda bell says

    February 8, 2017 at 7:52 pm

    Her beautiful hair. It looks like my granddaughter’s hair.

    Reply
  73. Michelle Bartley says

    February 8, 2017 at 8:16 pm

    She’s a dancer just like my Granddaughter!!

    Reply
  74. AnnaK says

    February 8, 2017 at 9:44 pm

    I love her hair

    Reply
  75. Sandra McFadden says

    February 8, 2017 at 10:15 pm

    I love her beautiful wavy hair and that outfit is so cute.

    Reply
  76. Ashley Chassereau Parks says

    February 8, 2017 at 10:16 pm

    I love that she is a dancer! Both of my girls take dance and are so excited about her! They would love to have such a beautiful doll!

    Reply
  77. Jeanna Massman says

    February 9, 2017 at 1:32 am

    I love that she looks like a real little girl with casual clothes and hair.

    Reply
  78. jessica marinaccio says

    February 9, 2017 at 3:35 am

    They created a doll of color

    Reply
  79. monique s says

    February 9, 2017 at 4:34 am

    I like her super cute hair

    Reply
  80. Diane Sikora says

    February 9, 2017 at 6:42 am

    She is super cute with that curly hair!

    Reply
  81. Kathryn Andrews says

    February 9, 2017 at 7:06 am

    Her curly brown hair reminds me of my middle daughter, and I used to dance when I was a teen, it was a great way to express my creativity and stay fit.

    Reply
  82. MaryAnn says

    February 9, 2017 at 7:58 am

    I love her hair. It’s wild like my daughter’s hair.

    Reply
  83. elizabeth miller says

    February 9, 2017 at 8:25 am

    i love her curly hair and her shoes. I love that they choose a girl that is current instead of a girl in the past that children can watch and look up to.

    Reply
  84. Salwa Din says

    February 9, 2017 at 11:07 am

    I LOVE HER AND OUTFIT ALSO THE WAY SHE WANTS TO MAKE A CHANGE

    Reply
  85. Tim Deeter says

    February 9, 2017 at 12:16 pm

    i would love the doll for my kid

    Reply
  86. Nichole Frerichs says

    February 9, 2017 at 4:21 pm

    Gabriela is adorable! I love her hair and casual clothes. My niece would LOVE her!

    Reply
  87. Angela Newsome says

    February 9, 2017 at 5:13 pm

    I love her story. I have a 4 year old who has a severe stuttering disorder. We have her in different therapies to try to help her overcome it. This would be wonderful for her

    Reply
  88. Susan S says

    February 10, 2017 at 4:25 am

    I love her story and her outfit.

    Reply
  89. MariaElena Fratangeli says

    February 10, 2017 at 9:14 am

    I love her hair and I love her story my niece would love her

    Reply
  90. Pamela says

    February 10, 2017 at 9:30 am

    I love that another doll of color has been added to the already great American Girl line. She’s adorable!

    Reply
  91. Abigail says

    February 10, 2017 at 9:56 am

    As someone that grew up with a speech impediment I LOVE her story! My daughter would love her too!

    Reply
  92. Shelly Dixon says

    February 10, 2017 at 10:02 am

    We love that she’s from Philly since we don’t live far from there.

    Reply
  93. Nicole B says

    February 10, 2017 at 10:26 am

    She has gorgeous hair! Love it!

    Reply
  94. Charissa N. says

    February 10, 2017 at 11:14 am

    I love her inspiring story.

    Reply
  95. Bernadette at Mom+Carrot says

    February 10, 2017 at 11:30 am

    I love the curly ringlets in the doll’s hair. My daughter has similar curls. I also love her cute shoes.

    Reply
  96. Lesley Maxey says

    February 10, 2017 at 1:31 pm

    I have to agree with others in that they made her hair so realistic looking! I love it!

    Reply
  97. Ashley B says

    February 10, 2017 at 1:59 pm

    I love her confidence and versatility!

    Reply
  98. DENISE LOW says

    February 10, 2017 at 2:35 pm

    I think that she is very pretty. I like that she has a book that comes with her.

    Reply
  99. Ann Hoag says

    February 10, 2017 at 2:51 pm

    She looks like my granddaughter

    Reply
  100. charla graepel says

    February 10, 2017 at 4:15 pm

    I love that they are bringing some diversity to the girl of the year line

    Reply
  101. Christine H says

    February 10, 2017 at 4:21 pm

    I love her hair and her fun outfit. 🙂

    Reply
  102. kathy Agate says

    February 10, 2017 at 5:48 pm

    so lifelike, love the pictures! would like to win for my grand daughter’s next 5th birthday

    Reply
  103. Kiera M. says

    February 10, 2017 at 6:50 pm

    I love that she’s active!

    Reply
  104. LeAnn Harbert says

    February 10, 2017 at 7:48 pm

    I like her shoes.

    Reply
  105. Amy H says

    February 10, 2017 at 8:01 pm

    My daughter would love her. Right now she steals her older sister’s dolls to play with. I love her curly hair.

    Reply
  106. Lesley F says

    February 11, 2017 at 1:25 am

    I love what she stands for and how cute she is

    Reply
  107. Sara G says

    February 11, 2017 at 3:24 am

    I love Gabriela’s beautiful hair!

    Reply
  108. heather says

    February 11, 2017 at 1:25 pm

    I love that this doll looks athletic and her outfit is super cute.

    Reply
  109. Andi says

    February 11, 2017 at 2:01 pm

    We always said if we were blessed with a daughter one day we would name her Gabriella! <3

    Reply
  110. Julie Waldron says

    February 11, 2017 at 2:51 pm

    I like her hair. We love American Girl in this house! 🙂

    Reply
  111. crystal frey says

    February 11, 2017 at 3:22 pm

    i love that they made a doll that represents what girls love. someone who is outgoing and tries to do there best.

    Reply
  112. Mary W says

    February 11, 2017 at 5:27 pm

    Gabriela looks like a gymnast and an athlete just like our girl .

    Reply
  113. Edye says

    February 11, 2017 at 5:30 pm

    I love her hair! 🙂

    Reply
  114. Kristy W. says

    February 11, 2017 at 6:27 pm

    She is a poet! A dancer! She sounds just like my own little girl!

    Reply
  115. Cheryl Chervitz says

    February 11, 2017 at 7:10 pm

    I like her outfit and the accessories you can get to go with her. She is beautiful.

    Reply
  116. Laura Hattabaugh says

    February 11, 2017 at 8:03 pm

    I love her smile and facial expression. She has a fun, casual style about her.

    Reply
  117. Rija says

    February 11, 2017 at 8:40 pm

    Hair ! Gorgeous doll, my girls would love it ,especially the little one !

    Reply
  118. Rebecca B says

    February 11, 2017 at 8:43 pm

    We’ve just gotten into AG this past year and Gabriela brings a fun spirit, and I love diversity!!

    Reply
  119. Lorna Patrick says

    February 11, 2017 at 9:03 pm

    I love that she has curly hair like my Grand Daughter, love her outfit too!!

    Reply
  120. Karen Propes says

    February 11, 2017 at 9:57 pm

    My Granddaughter loves her hair and wants an outfit like hers.

    Reply
  121. April Coolidge says

    February 11, 2017 at 10:51 pm

    What isn’t there to love about her! She’s an American Girl Doll. All American GIrl Dolls are beautiful & so real looking.

    Reply
  122. amanda roach says

    February 12, 2017 at 10:11 am

    I love her hair

    Reply
  123. bn100 says

    February 12, 2017 at 5:07 pm

    athletic

    Reply
  124. Heather Dawn says

    February 12, 2017 at 5:21 pm

    I love that she is into poetry!

    Reply
  125. Natalie Schilla says

    February 13, 2017 at 7:52 pm

    I love her hair, so fun.

    Reply
  126. renee says

    February 13, 2017 at 8:09 pm

    I love her crazy curly hair.

    Reply
  127. Nicole Sender says

    February 14, 2017 at 11:12 am

    I like her hair and lovely smile!

    Reply
  128. Rebecca says

    February 14, 2017 at 4:24 pm

    I love that Gabriela is a poet!

    Reply
  129. Cheryl Everitt says

    February 15, 2017 at 8:30 am

    I like the hair! Shining glory!

    Reply
  130. Brandi Dawn says

    February 15, 2017 at 12:11 pm

    I love her artistic expression and her adorable hair!

    Reply
  131. Susan P. says

    February 15, 2017 at 6:32 pm

    I’m glad to see they introduced another African-American doll (Melody is the other).

    Reply
  132. Mahdi says

    February 16, 2017 at 7:25 am

    Gabriela reminds me of who I would give her to if I were to win. A bright young lady.

    Reply
  133. judy sizemore says

    February 16, 2017 at 10:00 am

    love the way she looks she looks so real

    Reply
  134. Rebecca b says

    February 17, 2017 at 1:58 pm

    I love Gabriela’s story.

    Reply
  135. Colleen P says

    February 17, 2017 at 3:54 pm

    I love her story and that awesome hair!

    Reply
  136. In the Hammock says

    February 18, 2017 at 6:41 pm

    I love that she is into poetry, and she is so beautiful!

    Reply
  137. ellen beck says

    February 18, 2017 at 8:40 pm

    I absolutely love she looks like so many girls do and she can overcome and she loves to dance. I like the backstory these dolls have.

    Reply
  138. Emily Endrizzi says

    February 18, 2017 at 11:27 pm

    I love that Gabriella succeeds with a disability and is also a minority. She’s an adorable little doll.

    Reply
  139. Bonnie Baker says

    February 19, 2017 at 9:25 pm

    Loved the fact they created a doll for the black community.

    Reply
  140. Carolsue says

    February 20, 2017 at 1:42 am

    I like that she is an ethnic doll that little girls can identify with
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

    Reply
  141. Allyson Rose Becker says

    February 20, 2017 at 2:54 am

    I like her style! The clothes are adorable!

    Reply
  142. Kimberly Bauer says

    February 20, 2017 at 4:50 am

    I love her long brown hair, just like my daughter’s.

    Reply
  143. Sarah Gibbs says

    February 20, 2017 at 7:50 am

    I love that she isn’t just a dancer she’s a performer

    Reply
  144. Linda Manns Linneman says

    August 7, 2017 at 1:47 pm

    The American Girl Dolls are so cute. A little on the expensive side so I have waited to get my granddaughter one. I want her to take good care of it. Thank you for sharing this cute doll. God Bless

    Reply
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❤️We have everything ready for when our kids a ❤️We have everything ready for when our kids are sick…..but tell the truth, what about when YOU'RE not feeling your best?❤️⠀
⠀
🧡<Sponsored by Avrio Health> Let’s be honest, this normally falls to the wayside, am I right?  As parents, we tend to be way more prepared for our kids' sick days than our own. ⠀
⠀
💛This year, I’m committing to being AS PREPARED to take care of myself as I am to take care of Lydia (reminder moms, these aren’t mutually exclusive….taking care of YOURSELF is important too). I always keep “sick day supplies” on hand for Lydia and this year I'm finally making myself a priority too. ⠀
⠀
💚In my "Sick Day" Kit:⠀
1️⃣Orange Juice:  If I start to feel sick…..Vitamin C filled juice is first up!⠀
2️⃣ @Betadine_us Antiseptic Sore Throat Gargle: This fast-acting gargle temporarily relieves occasional sore throat. I stocked up on this! You can #UpYourGargleGame by buying it at Walgreens or from Amazon! Betadine Gargle should be used as directed for adults and children 12 years and older. See product labeling for directions and warnings. ⠀
3️⃣Heating Pad: Sore muscles? Slept poorly? All of these things tend to come along with sick days and a heating pad is a must have.⠀
4️⃣Ice Packs: I started stocking extra ice packs in our freezer in case of headaches.⠀
5️⃣Soup: Tummy trouble? Better to have soup on hand for when I need it.⠀
⠀
💙What do you keep in the house for sick days?⠀
Watch out for that glass ladies……it’s everyw Watch out for that glass ladies……it’s everywhere!

To broken glass ceilings, rebuilding our nation, and starting the journey of 1000 miles with a single step.

Joy cometh in the morning.
📣How are you using your Influence?📣⠀
⠀
💛I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. We ALL have influence…..on this app, in our church pews, on our personal social media, in our private conversations, talking from 6 feet apart to our neighbors, in the way we address conflicting viewpoints (note to self on this one), over our children and our students.  To be in community with others is to have influence.  How are we each using it? ⠀
⠀
💛This lady? We’re talking all about Inspiration this month and she’s one of mine.  At 75 years old (happy birthday Dolly), not only is she one of THE most successful recording artists…..but talk about using your influence.  From speaking up to say that Black Lives Matter to founding her Imagination Library which provides books to children worldwide…..this lady proactively uses her talent and influence to serve others.  May I do the same at the ripe age of 75.⠀
⠀
💛So what does that look like for me? Authentic conversation everywhere…..including here.  To be transparent, every time I’ve spoke up about basic human rights here in the last few years…….people leave our community. And that? Is just fine with me.  Because, what good is this community if I can't speak about the values that are a core part of who I am? Now? I want to do more. A foundation? Charity work? I’m not sure, but I can tell you…..I’m inspired and I hope you are too.  Change starts with us.⠀
⠀
💛(ps, if you want to support Dolly’s Imagination Library, a book is donated to it for every one of these sweatshirts sold….I include the info here for those of you on like to know it and in my profile for the rest of y’all).⠀
⠀
#troopselflove #happybirthdaydolly http://liketk.it/36mXv #liketkit @liketoknow.it #LTKSeasonal
📷 “Mom I want to do my OWN pictures. I picke 📷 “Mom I want to do my OWN pictures.  I picked out my favorite dress and shoes.  Can I do that when we take pictures?”📷⠀
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✨Story time.  I rarely share pictures of Lydia by herself on here.  But this? Is a story of when my seven year old reminded me how to love myself.  We had plans to shoot a BUNCH of images at once, a batch shoot.  So as Lydia watched me planning outfits and get organized, she decided she wanted to do her own thing.  She picked an outfit and her favorite shoes. ⠀
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✨And she did the darn thing.  This? She picked the angle and background.  And the joy? Look at the joy.  That’s not posed. ⠀
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✨Somewhere along the way…..as tweens or teens or adults, we lose the joy.  The, I feel pretty and want to twirl in my dress joy.  We worry that our thighs are rubbing together or our hair looks weird, or that we should be wearing a darker color to minimize things.  And…..we’re missing the point.  Sometimes, you just need a dress you can twirl in with a smile on your face.⠀
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✨Thanks Lydia. ⠀
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#troopselflove ⠀
💕 Here’s your reminder that you are never:⠀ 💕 Here’s your reminder that you are never:⠀
-too curvy ⠀
-too old⠀
-too late⠀
-too busy being a mom⠀
⠀
To celebrate yourself! 💕⠀
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These photos are something I told myself a million times I wanted to take.  And something I told myself a million times I shouldn’t.  Here’s to the millionth time plus one.  A 41 year old curvy mom.  Yup, thick thighs and all.  And I’m so proud of how they turned out.⠀
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#troopselflove
⁉️Two Truths and a Lie (can you guess which is ⁉️Two Truths and a Lie (can you guess which is the lie?)⁉️⠀
1️⃣2021 is the year we’re committing to taking multivitamins daily⠀
2️⃣Lydia is a picky eater⠀
3️⃣Multivitamins are a quick fix⠀
⠀
💛 #ritualpartner Did you guess which was the lie?⠀
⠀
💛You guys know I’m allllll about simple lifestyle adjustments that make change over time instead of big, hard to maintain resolutions. And one of the best adjustments we’ve made? I’m not even sure it counts as a New Year’s adjustment because we actually started in December........we’ve FINALLY committed to taking @ritual multivitamins each day. Will this be an overnight game changer? Nope. But it will be an important simple change that will support our health in the long run. And I’m here for it.⠀
⠀
💛Since we love a mommy and me vibe, I was excited when I ordered my first bottle of Ritual⠀
multivitamins and discovered that.....they have kids products now! Like all Ritual products, the⠀
new kids vitamins are sugar free, gluten free and non-gmo.....but unlike the adult version,⠀
these are a gummy....and even my picky eater (hint, hint if you’re still guessing the lie) loves⠀
them!⠀
⠀
💛Want to make this simple change with us? ⠀
⠀
💛You can use code CARLY10 to get 10% off your first 3 months of Ritual multiitamins (the code works on the adult and teen vitamins too!)⠀
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💛Now......did you guess the lie????⠀
💕Let’s talk about kids+talking about scary th 💕Let’s talk about kids+talking about scary things💕⠀
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Yesterday, we all watched in horror as domestic terrorism took place before our eyes. It is….terrifying, sad, anger inducing, and yet ANOTHER example of the blatant hatred and racism that are sewed into the threads of our nation. What happened is not ok. I know that we all want better for our children. We want our babies to grow up safe, loved+valued.⠀
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I talked in my stories today about ways to talk to your children about yesterday’s events. While I wish I could say that we won’t need to have anymore of these discussions……I think we all know that as a collective, we have a long way to go and that these dialogs will come up again and again.⠀
⠀
I want to remind you:⠀
💕you know your children, you know what is appropriate to share with them based on their age, knowledge of events, anxiety levels…..listen to your gut here⠀
💕I believe that information fights fear and anxiety, and that there are levels of information that age appropriate and some that aren’t (for instance, Lydia DID watch the news with us yesterday, but I left the room with her as they showed some of the more violent parts of the riot including footage of the shooting)⠀
💕it’s important to remind our babies that our role in their lives is to protect them, and that we will ALWAYS do that to the best of our ability⠀
⠀
Ways to Start a Discussion About Scary Things:⠀
💕draw a picture of feelings (you and your child, then share and describe)⠀
💕use toys or puppets to model feelings ⠀
💕movement helps, go for a walk and talk⠀
💕just start….”This is hard to talk about, but I wanted to discuss what happened yesterday with you and to hear how you are feeling about it.”⠀
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💕It’s ok if you don’t know how to do this, or don’t have all the answers.  Parenting is about doing your best, and loving your kids.  And guess what? Your kids love the imperfect, honest version of you.  The journey of a 1000 miles starts with a single step.  I believe in you.  I believe in us.  I believe in our children and our ability to raise them in a way that changes……everything.⠀
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< I’ve tagged some accounts that are an amazing resource to me in learning how to talk to Lydia>
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