my thursday thoughts.

...because I miss President Hinckley and his always so positive and hopeful words--

and because this quote is always such a good reminder for me.

"Happy is the man who can brush of the offending remarks of another and go on his way."

President Gordon B. Hinckley

Don't let others bring you down. You are strong & beautiful. You are doing your best.

Let's do our best to lift each other up and support one another. Occasionally we will be put in a situation where we could 1) choose to be offended or 2) not let ourselves be offended & weighed down by some silly words--and instead, go on with our lives, focusing on the positive.

Choosing to be offended is only going to make us unhappy...and that unhappiness is only going to build and grow. Because sadly, someone is always going to be there to offend (if you let them)

And frankly, I think we're all hard enough on ourselves--we don't need to worry about the negative remarks of others.

Focus on the good. Focus on what brings you happiness. Focus on Christ, and choose not to be offended. Something easier said than done, but something I am trying very hard to work on.

xoxo

a moment of clarity.

For those of you who don't know our story, stop here and read this post. If you don't, the following may not mean what I want and need it to mean, and convey what I sincerely hope it will convey to whoever may be reading. 

...and while you're reading that, listen to this cover, because it's awesome.

Okay now that we're all up to speed and you all know our story-- Robert and I really were blessed to have an as close to a fairytale romance as I believe emotionally and spiritually possible in this world. Of course it wasn't perfect, but for reality, it was pretty darn close.

...but I actually did not believe in soul-mates at the time in my life when I met Robert.

After multiple long term relationships (that all ended fairly dramatically) I was convinced--and quite terrified-- that finding my person might be tougher than I had imagined. I was what I like to call, a quiet romantic growing up. People may not have guessed it because I was more reserved about personal topics, but I always pictured myself finding that "Meet Joe Black" kinda love--you know, the being swept away, levitating, singing with rapture and dancing like a dervish stuff (no idea what I'm talking about? Watch it here--no really please watch it even if you've already seen it, because it's amazing)

Finding someone I could love like crazy, and that would love me the same way back...that was the dream. But that vision slowly faded as life happened and I grew up.

Falling in love with Robert was unexpected. I sincerely was not looking for it. In fact, I had moved myself to a new state because I needed a clean slate and a fresh start. I couldn't keep making the same mistakes. My body could only take so much more heartbreak. And my mind could only take so many more games. 

A new city, new people, new beginning--and finding my person (at least right then) wasn't part of the plan. I knew I needed to focus on healing and finding myself before the rest of my life could continue on.

And it was true, because once I had found myself again God knew it was time to have sweet Rob enter my life. I was happy, confident, and most importantly--truly loved myself. I was in an open and loving state of mind. And it was time...

Never had a single moment made more sense to me then the initial moment of clarity I had with Robert. It was a single moment of time in my life that I will never forget. And as cliche as this sounds, it was from that moment on that things just fell into place. My mind was at ease--and that was such a delicacy in my life. I wish I could fully convey to you how extraordinary it is for me to have an "at ease" mind. I have diagnosed anxiety and am prone to endless worry...I am a people pleaser and an emotion feeler...and folks, an at ease mind does not come with that territory. And yet, there I was... a mind so crystal clear, a soul so entirely at peace. Without a worry in the world....

Stuff just didn't "work" like this for me. This wasn't me. Okay, it was physically me--but I wasn't alone. I was being guided and lead along the way. Because me all by myself would have not been so composed and able. Me alone would not have been so brave.

This was with the help of my Heavenly Father. He gave me all the necessary tools to make this one work, because He knew that I had finally found him. Robert was my person. He was and will always be my soulmate. And without God, I would have never been brave enough to move myself to a that city. Without Him, I would have never had the clarity and peace that I needed to fall in love and be married. 

I would have messed it up somehow. I would have let myself tear it apart and find reasons to be scared--because as humans we do that crap when we don't think we are worthy of something. We search for a way out when something scares us a little bit, and it frightens us because we don't know if we can do it right. 

But see, that's where our instincts are wrong. We can do it right. No, probably not on our own, because I'm impossibly difficult, selfish, and headstrong, and Robert is legitimately the most stubborn person I've ever met ;)....so no, on our own we'd probably fail...but with God as a part of our relationship, we can do it right. 

And that's the truth, I promise.

Robert and I have been married three years today. 

I still remember that moment guys. It was at dinner, on our first date. (Again, if you didn't read the post earlier--here you go)

The Nob Hill Cafe...we sat on the lower level below the wine bar, next to the big street window. It was a quiet evening. He ordered some bizarre dish with bone marrow and some crap like that (he always orders the weirdest thing he can when we try new fancy places). We bonded over our mutual love for Diet Coke. I laughed at myself. I ate a butter-soaked brussel sprout. He told me a story. Then he looked at me.

And like I said, it wasn't a word or anything specific really...it was just a perfect moment I guess. His eyes were so blue, honest and beaming with life. I had never seen anything like it. It made me feel like I was levitating...like I could sing...and dance...and get completely swept away. And that was it.

Just a moment, when the sun and moon and stars aligned and I felt complete clarity in my universe. Suddenly every failure made sense and every turn that came at me unexpected now seemed so strategically mapped out. That was the single moment that changed my life. 

Humans are imperfect.

Rob and I have fought more in the last three years then we can ever keep count of. We've had stressful patches and times when the days seem to drag on...but not one of those days goes by that he doesn't tell me he loves me. Even when he's furious at me, he still finds a way to sneak in an "I love you." It's pretty great. He's pretty great. Personally, I have a lot of work to do, but together, we're great. But we couldn't have made it this far without the support, guidance and love of our Father in Heaven. That, I know for sure.

I guess that's the message I had for whoever may have decided to read this. That's my 3-years-of-marriage take it or leave it advice to y'all. Keep God a part of your relationship, and even the toughest of times will work themselves out--and you'll be stronger, both individually and as a team. 

When the day came...three years ago today...that I married him, I had no worries and no doubts that it was right. It was complete peace and confidence in him, in myself, and in my Father above. 

It was the best.

And Roberto, happy anniversary babe. I really love you.

 

california: table rock beach (my new happy place)

 Our first stop on our trip to California was Table Rock Beach in Laguna. 

We just happened to stumble upon it after flying into Orange County and having a few hours to kill-- and it almost instantaneously became my new favorite spot in all of southern California. 

It's stunning. 

In fact, it was so beautiful that we came back up from San Diego later in our trip just to show our family. 

We couldn't get enough. Here's some photos of our magical visit there...

None of these photos are enhanced or edited. 

The water was seriously that blue and the day was so perfect. No photoshop needed!

It was also the first beach experience we've had with Mila where she stopped being scared of the water! She was running into the waves and from the waves and being such a little dare devil. It was so much fun! 

I'll forever remember this day.

Gosh I love California. And my sweet little family.

family photos // summer 2015

While in Utah this month, we were able to have some new family photos taken. 

They turned out so beautiful, and it was extra special because it's the last family photos we'll have taken for the next two years that will include my little brother Dane--who left on a two year mission for our church this past week! He'll be spending the next 24 months serving the people of the Czech Republic and Slovakia. 

XOXO

a post about me (accompanied by my fave 70's country rock jams)

Okay let's begin this post with one of my all-time favorite tunes James Taylor Sweet Baby James. It's a classic, and many of you already know this, but for those of you that don't or aren't familiar with this time period's musical brilliance, I've included some of my favorite tunes as we go along...

So, it's been a while since I've done a formal introduction on this blog. There are so many of you out there that I love staying connected with. Many of you I know personally and many of you I do not--that's the beauty of our world today. We can live states, countries, or continents away and stay connected with the click of a button or upload of a photo (cue James Taylor "You've Got A Friend")

That being said, I often feel like our "profiles" or the few lines of a photo caption don't give an accurate description of the real you and me. I had someone ask me something very simple about my life the other day, and it was almost shocking to me that it was something they didn't know! But after thinking about it for a minute, I realized that they don't know me in person--they only know what I post--so how would they realistically be expected to know that small detail?

It sparked the idea for a new introductory post. An official few paragraphs about me, my life, my family, and what makes me tick (cue Neil Young "Old Man")

I'll keep it brief--because obviously this kind of post could go on and on and on. There are million things you could know about me---like the fact that I love to write. I was a huge book nerd growing up--like I devoured most of the mystery novel series my grade school library had in their possession. I eat so much chocolate it might be border line addiction status--specifically chocolate chip cookies. I'm scared to death of tornadoes and nutria (don't know what nutria are--let me tell you--they are basically giant swimming rats that haunt my dreams and abide in plenty here in Texas) So yeah...that's fun and all, but that info won't really help you understand the core of who I am, but there a few simple things I'd like to tell you that will leave you with a much better understanding of who Kris Campbell is.

It's important for you to know that I love my home. As much as my husband and I love to travel the world, I am a homebody. And I've loved all of my homes that I've had throughout my 26 years. I was born in San Diego, California and lived there as a child  (cue Mamas and The Papas "California Dreamin'") I've always felt a sense of belonging there. After we moved away we'd go back every summer growing up, and to this day whenever I return to that dreamy west coast, it's near impossible to get me to leave again. It's like the forces of nature are drawing my soul back to where it all began. I'll truly be a California girl forever. That being said, I also love my mountain home in Utah (cue John Denver "Rocky Mountain Home") Where I spent my jr. high, high school, and most of my college life. Those mountains melt me every time I fly into the valley. I'm not one for snow sports (I hate the cold with a passion) but summertime in Utah is as close to heaven as I could ever imagine. If you haven't been please do yourself a favor and go--sooner rather than later. Hike some Wasatch trails...venture to a peak above Park City...head south and perch upon a red rock formation, take a deep deep breath in and let yourself get lost in the beauty that is the great state of Utah. It'll do you good, I promise. And then last but most definitely not least--my newest home--the great state of Texas (sense my already adopted Texas pride obnoxiously dripping from every word) and folks, it's quite possibly my favorite home yet. I mean that. I love it here. Wide open spaces, room to breath, country roads to just drive and drive and get lost on for hours. People that are genuinely so good. While I was pregnant here last summer, I can honestly say I never walked into a store or building without someone holding the door for me--and we pretty much make new friends everytime we go out to eat now. I'm telling you, the people here are just good down-to-earth people. So much history and pride in one state (granted it is a ginormous state) and I can't get enough y'all. This is our home, where me and my sweet little family are putting down roots, settling in and creating our life. And guys, it's a damn good life (cue John Denver "Country Roads")

Next, y'all need to know that I love my family. Starting with the family that raised me. My brilliant father, passionate mother, gorgeous sisters, and adventurous brother. The people that I can always turn to, always count on, and 100%-without-a-doubt find unconditional love from. Together, they all made me who I am today. I like to think I get my deep-rooted love for 70's country rock from my dad and my eye for interior design from my mom. I'm the oldest of four, and my siblings are my best friends. From them I get my humor, my imagination, and the memories of being a child--that I believe make me a better mother today. And then we have my own little family (cue Neil Young "Heart of Gold") Me, Roberto and baby M. The loves of my life. You know how people always use the caption "my world" when they show pictures of their kids or their family or their dog---or whatever it is that is that important to them...? It's kind of annoying right? But they say it because it's true! My family is my world. Without them I can't imagine how anything else would matter. My husband Robert is so different from me but so alike in many ways. It's almost toxic how stubborn we both are and how ridiculous our arguments can be over the dumbest things when we're both in a mood, but it's undeniably magic how well his extroverted-passionate-brilliance balances so perfectly with my introverted-creative-minimalist ways. We're soul mates--and I never believed in soulmates until he entered my life. He's the handsome-looking, opinionated-speaking, ex-football-playing, corporate-gigging, love-able gigantic teddy bear. And I'm the googly-eyed girl that loves every single bit of it. As Mila grows, her personality just keeps getting bigger and bigger--and I see so much of Robert in her, and at times see little glimpses of myself. It's so surreal. Part of who I am in a tiny perfect little human. And who really knows what good and bad traits she'll get from each of us, but one thing I do know is that she will be loved, because that is one thing we both do well. Yes, she will be so freaking loved. Our little sister golden hair (cue America "Sister Golden Hair")

And last my dears, I'd like you to know--on a serious but important note--that I love God and my Savior Jesus Christ. I don't express this enough via social media, but my religion--The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (aka Mormon)-- is absolutely a huge part of who I am. I grew up in a religious family of diligent church goers. It was second nature to me. I honestly didn't even give it much thought when I was younger--but as a grew up, attended school, and eventually stepped out into the world on my own, I remember having an scary realization that religion had to be my own thing. It had to be something that meant something to me--not my parents or friends--but to me. I needed to be able to stand tall and bear testimony of my Savior and His love for each and everyone of us. This may shock you, but I'm a very flawed human being ;). I make mistakes and I have my own personal struggles. And it's because of that, that my relationship with Jesus Christ has grown exponentially--once I realized that I could turn to Him for comfort in moments of need and guide me through the darker times, I found that my relationship with Him is the most important relationship of my life. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved"- John 3:16-17

I'll be honest--I felt that I needed to include that in this post because I have been feeling anxious as of late, regarding the state of our country and the politically battles we have been facing. It saddens me that religion has become so "unpopular" and that so many religious voices are feeling intimidated to speak up. We are in tough times and I personally believe it's only going to get harder. And as much as I don't every have a desire to get into political battles (that's my husbands personality--not mine ;) I do want my friends, family and followers to know how important religion is to me and in my life.

(This one's not a 70's jam but I still love it--cue The Lower Lights "Come Ye Children of the Lord" and then this one is straight from 1970-- George Harrison "My Sweet Lord" and is one of my all-time favorites)

So there you have it, those are the three main things I want you to take with you and remember about Kris Campbell from A City Born Love or from @kriswcampbell on Instagram.Y'all already know that I'm obsessed head to toe with my babe (based on the amount of pics I post of her) and y'all already know I love anything home decor or design related...and that my husband and I are serious travel junkies. That's the stuff we post about all the time and the topics that are so great for social media--but what I don't say enough are those three things. I love my home. I love my family, and I love God.

Okay, now let's end this with another fantastic tune-- The Marshall Tucker Band "Heard it in a Love Song"

XOXO

park trips with the babe

  Took a little stroll to the park with this babe not too long ago. 

Besides being incredibly humid, it was probably the perfect evening. She gets so happy when she is with both Mom and Dad after Rob gets home from work--and even happier when we take her outside to play. 

Oh, and then take all that happiness and put it into a series of pictures of your one year old running to give you a hug...and then melt because it's so insanely perfect.

 Cutest thing EVER, right?! I felt so blessed that Robert captured that on camera. It was the highlight of my week and something I'm so grateful I'll always have to remember.

I love these kind of special moments-- especially the kind that don't have to be staged ha ha :)

And I have to give a BIG shout out to this new favorite top of mine by Triple Thread OC. If y'all haven't noticed, this shop is one of my favorites--not only because they have a really exciting variety of style but also because the people there that I have worked with are so genuine and good at what they do. I love that!

This button down color-block sleeve top is perfect for mom life. You can dress it up or down. It's also incredibly lightweight--which is so great for me here in our humid Texas climate. It drapes a little longer in back. I'm wearing a small and it's still a loose fit--which I'm all about!

Check them OUT HERE!

This top isn't yet available on the site but will be soon! They're launching a new line (including this great top) on Thursday the 22nd! Eeeeek--so excited!

 Like I said--this top is great for mom life :) Blowing bubbles, chasing babes and all!

 I love my family. And love this man. He always keeps things fun and exciting. I'm so grateful for him and our sweet little babe.

We pretty much hit up our neighborhood park everyday--and I wish I could document it every time, because this little girl is always such a hoot...

but that would probably get boring and pretty repetitive for y'all ha ha and I'd be the only one that would actually enjoy that! #momprobz

Have a great Tuesday everyone!

XOXO

diy floating wood shelves

I have this tiny bathroom off my main living area--it's great for when we have people over, but is super small! I struggled figuring out the best way to make use of such a tight space. And then one day I came across these shelves.

I decided they were perfect for this space--and I'm loving the way they turned out!

We followed the original instructions exactly. We didn't even have to modify (except for the width of your space obviously)

Check out the instructions HERE on Desert Domicile.  

The wood stain we used is MinWax Provincial.

XOXO Sign: Hobby Lobby

Greens: Hobby Lobby

Wood: Home Depot

Wire Basket: Home Goods

Jars: Home Goods 

We're still working on the rest of the bathroom. I want to update the mirror and rug! I'll post pictures of the full before and after once it's complete! 

Thanks for stopping by!

mila's first birthday.

This weekend we celebrated our babe's first birthday!

Her birthday is on the 4th of July--which we absolutely love! Our little freedom babe! It's always been my favorite holiday and now it's even better.

We had such a good time with our family and friends! 

I wanted to share a few fun pictures from the day!

 We're missing a few of the babies in this picture, but it was so fun to have all the cute mamas and babes running around. We're so blessed with such wonderful people in our lives!

Guys, I couldn't love this little ONE year old more. I cried and cried about her growing up, but I truly am so excited to watch her grow. She's got such a sassy, spunky, sweet, smart thing going on!

I cherish our relationship--and I know she'll always be my little bestie.

Oh and she LOVED all of the attention! I think she was bummed when she woke up the next morning and there weren't 20 people there singing and doting on her!

 Such a fun afternoon! 

Her emotion in this photo is just the BEST THING EVER! I love her SO MUCH!

Happy birthday sweet Mila.

You're our joy and happiness...you are our everything!

XOXO