Sara Brawner - Photos and Interview

Mother Stories

After Heartbreaking Loss, A Family Of 7 (!) Finds Joy

Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano

Photography by Photographed by Tarin Frantz

Feb 6, 2017

We know we’re not the only ones who have been following along with the heartbreaking and uplifting story of Sara Brawner and her husband Billy Jack. The Texas-based couple has undergone unimaginable pain (three miscarriages, one stillbirth) before stumbling upon immense joy when adopting four children, right around the same time they discovered they were expecting another biological child (a boy they named Jones). Yep, that’s right—they went from zero kids under their roof to five children, all within a single year!

Along with chronicling their ups and downs via Instagram, the creative duo has also given glimpses of their incredibly chic homes that Billy and his father craft in painstakingly perfect detail. Here, they give us the grand tour of their latest residence—while outfitted in Old Navy‘s latest duds (lots of cheerful, sun-washed brights ahead!)—while we go in depth on Sara’s hard-earned journey to motherhood. Overall, it’s a story of hope, strength, and love—all things we could use a little more of these days.

This post is brought to you by Mother + Old Navy.

: "My husband got a job offer in central Texas a little over a year ago. He found our home in March, we bought it and started renovating in April, and moved in at the end of July. We left our dream home (which BJ designed and built) to move here and I'm not sure anything will ever compare. We're loving it, though. And it's also a work in progress. We have so many projects we're working on and dreaming up. It's getting there!"
Sara wears a Striped Tie-Belt Midi Dress, $29, Old Navy, and Faux-Leather Slides, $24.94, Old Navy.
Baby Jones wears a Patterned Jersey Bodysuit, $5, Old Navy.
BJ wears a Soft-Washed Crew-Neck Tee, $14.94, Old Navy, and Skinny Built-In Flex Ultimate Khakis in Bandolier Brown, $29.99 to $39.94, Old Navy.
Ellsworth wears a French Terry Jumpsuit, $13.75, Old Navy, and Faux-Leather Huarache Sandals, $13.75, Old Navy.
Pace and Billy Jack wear Relaxed Joggers, $10.15, Old Navy and Color-Block High-Tops, $14.99, Old Navy.

: Flora wears a Flared Shirt Dress With Hearts, $13.75, Old Navy.

: "I would describe our home as warm, natural, and modern. It toes the line between minimal and eclectic. We've used more color (pale and muted tones) in this house than we did in our last house, and it's been a blast."
Ellsworth wears a French Terry Jumpsuit, $13.75, Old Navy, and Faux-Leather Huarache Sandals, $13.75, Old Navy.
Pace wears a Printed Crew Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy; Relaxed Joggers, $10.15, Old Navy; and Color-Block High-Tops, $14.99, Old Navy.

: Sara wears a Striped Tie-Belt Midi Dress, $29, Old Navy.
Pace wears a Printed Crew Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy.

: "Confession: I don't really do anything when it comes to designing and decorating our home. I guess that's not entirely true, but a blank slate intimidates me, whereas it's my husband's dream world. He can transform a space better than anyone I know. However (and he would tell you this) he's terrible at pulling the trigger. So, typically, he'll narrow it down to a few different options and I'll end up calling the shots. It works for us. All of that is to say, it's more of his philosophy that I'm thankful to jump on board with, but we strive to make our home functional, but also beautiful. We firmly believe in house-proofing the child, not child-proofing the house. We steer away from big box store items that everyone has, we'd rather our home be filled with things that have a story behind them—and really almost everything does! Most things were found at our favorite flea market, which I think adds to the warmth of our home."
Sara wears a Striped Tie-Belt Midi Dress, $29, Old Navy.

Jones wears a Patterned Jersey Bodysuit, $5, Old Navy.
Flora wears a Flared Shirt Dress With Hearts, $13.75, Old Navy.

Billy Jack wears a Solid Crew-Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy.

"There's a really inspiring article about this in the Kinfolk Home book. It's called 'The Kids Are Alright' and it talks about the ways that having children changes the aesthetic of a home. It's easy to see kids as a burden to a home—always creating messes or breaking something or adding clutter with their toys—but the article talks about the beauty in this change to a home. It becomes 'a home that's evolved past the need for perfection; one that revolves around creative living and growing.' So, our home is filled with things for our kids to play with and it feels more lived in and messy than I want it to most of the time, but we wouldn't trade it. We also have boundaries for our kids' toys. Their things stay in their rooms for the most part, or at least go back in their rooms when they're done playing with them. We have two big baskets of blocks and a big basket of books in the living room. We have a converted garage that we're currently renovating into a homeschool room and I'm so excited for that. Most of their toys will start living back there and I think it's going to be a really fun space for them."
Ellsworth wears a French Terry Jumpsuit, $13.75, Old Navy, and Faux-Leather Huarache Sandals, $13.75, Old Navy.

"Hands down, my favorite piece of art in our home is a piece that Mary Maresch from Tyler, Texas painted for me to give to BJ as a Father's Day gift. It's a painting based off of a photograph of him holding our daughter Willa, and it still takes my breath away when I look at it. Other favorite areas are the shelves in the living room, which serve as a room divider, that a good friend built for us, and our stainless steel dining table that BJ had custom built for us and powder-coated white. It seats twelve people and is magically resistant to anything a child might try to stain it with."
Sara wears a Striped Tie-Belt Midi Dress, $29, Old Navy, and Faux-Leather Slides, $24.94, Old Navy.
Jones wears a Patterned Jersey Bodysuit, $5, Old Navy.

Big sis wants in!
Sara wears a Striped Tie-Belt Midi Dress, $29, Old Navy, and Faux-Leather Slides, $24.94, Old Navy.
Jones wears a Patterned Jersey Bodysuit, $5, Old Navy.
Flora wears a Flared Shirt Dress With Hearts, $13.75, Old Navy, and Faux-Leather Huarache Sandals, $13.75, Old Navy.

"We have two kids' rooms for our four older kids—a girls' room and a boys' room—and our youngest still sleeps in bed with us."
Sara wears a Striped Tie-Belt Midi Dress, $29, Old Navy.
Jones wears a Patterned Jersey Bodysuit, $5, Old Navy.

"We have these great prints of Mexican women in the girls' room that we bought at the flea market by our old home in east Texas. They also have two aspen stumps in their room that BJ and I got from a friend in Denver and used as decorations in our wedding ceremony. In the boys' room, I love their teepee that was made by the same friend that built our shelves. Thanks, Dave! The boys also have a giant stuffed dog in their room that BJ won by shooting free throws at the Texas State Fair right after we got married."
Sara wears a Striped Tie-Belt Midi Dress, $29, Old Navy.
Flora wears a Flared Shirt Dress With Hearts, $13.75, Old Navy.

Some of the coolest shelving we've ever seen!
Billy Jack wears a Solid Crew-Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy; Relaxed Joggers, $10.15, Old Navy; and Color-Block High-Tops, $14.99, Old Navy.

"Yes! When we first got married I would tell people that I wanted anywhere from 8 to 12 children. We laugh about that now."
Flora wears a Flared Shirt Dress With Hearts, $13.75, Old Navy, and Faux-Leather Huarache Sandals, $13.75, Old Navy.
Sara wears a Striped Tie-Belt Midi Dress, $29, Old Navy, and Faux-Leather Slides, $24.94, Old Navy.
Jones wears a Patterned Jersey Bodysuit, $5, Old Navy.
Pace wears a Printed Crew Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy; Relaxed Joggers, $10.15, Old Navy; and Color-Block High-Tops, $14.99, Old Navy.

"We had been married a few months when we found out we were pregnant with our first baby. Within a few weeks of finding out, we miscarried that baby. We were devastated. I didn't know much about pregnancy, much less miscarriage. I was so sad to have lost our baby that we had gotten so excited to meet, even in the short time that we knew about him or her. Thankfully I had an awesome boss at the time who let me take plenty of time off and an awesome husband who felt that loss every bit as much as I did and really helped and comforted me through all of it."
Flora wears a Flared Shirt Dress With Hearts, $13.75, Old Navy, and Faux-Leather Huarache Sandals, $13.75, Old Navy.

"About a year after miscarrying our first baby, we got pregnant with Willa. I was amazed each day as things progressed normally in my pregnancy. Every normal milestone was a miracle to me. Our first baby really instilled a thankfulness in us. We were surprised and so excited to find out Willa was a girl. She was healthy at every check up and kicked constantly. When we were 34 weeks pregnant with Willa, I noticed that I hadn't felt her kick in a few hours. I decided not to let myself worry, but throughout the day tried everything in the world to get her to move. That night, BJ and I went to the hospital for an ultrasound, and the doctor told us her heart had stopped beating. We were sent to a different hospital the next morning, where I was induced. Early the morning after that, we met Willa. She was 3 lbs and 11 ounces and 17 inches long and so precious. The nurses were amazing. BJ was amazing. That day was so hard, but it's strange how I look back on it with fondness because I got to meet Willa. The days following that were when the reality of it sank in, but seeing Willa and holding her was such a joy to me that it really drowned out so much of the sadness that it seems like I should have felt that day."
Ellsworth wears a French Terry Jumpsuit, $13.75, Old Navy.
Billy wears a Soft-Washed Crew-Neck Tee, $14.94, Old Navy, and Skinny Built-In Flex Ultimate Khakis in Bandolier Brown, $29.99 to $39.94, Old Navy.
Flora wears a Flared Shirt Dress With Hearts, $13.75, Old Navy.

Daddy's girls.
Ellsworth wears a French Terry Jumpsuit, $13.75, Old Navy.
Billy wears a Soft-Washed Crew-Neck Tee, $14.94, Old Navy, and Skinny Built-In Flex Ultimate Khakis in Bandolier Brown, $29.99 to $39.94, Old Navy.
Flora wears a Flared Shirt Dress With Hearts, $13.75, Old Navy.

Mama's boys.
Billy Jack wears a Solid Crew-Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy and Relaxed Joggers, $10.15, Old Navy.
Sara wears a Striped Tie-Belt Midi Dress, $29, Old Navy.
Jones wears a Patterned Jersey Bodysuit, $5, Old Navy.
Pace wears a Printed Crew Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy; Relaxed Joggers, $10.15, Old Navy; and Color-Block High-Tops, $14.99, Old Navy.

"I went through so many stages of grief and acceptance. When Willa first died, I mostly just felt shock. I went through stages where I felt peace and stages where I felt angry. I had really great days. Days where I had so much joy and thankfulness that I got to know and carry and birth our little girl. I had nights I couldn't sleep, days I didn't want to talk to anybody, days when I wanted to talk to anybody and everybody. The first year was especially hard, every day I was reminded of things we had hoped to do with her—her due date, first Christmas, first birthday. My grief was and still is so up and down. There's a great CS Lewis quote that words it well: 'Grief is like a long valley, a winding valley where any bend may reveal a totally new landscape... Sometimes the surprise is...exactly the same sort of country you thought you had left behind miles ago. That is when you wonder whether the valley isn’t a circular trench. But it isn’t. There are partial recurrences, but the sequence doesn’t repeat.' I love this idea—that even when we feel like we're digressing, we're actually still journeying and growing and moving forward."
Flora wears a Denim Jacket, $14.95, Old Navy; Henley Swing Dress, $11.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Slide Sandals, $7.75, Old Navy.
Jones wears a Patterned Jersey Bodysuit, $5, Old Navy.
Billy Jack wears a Chambray Pocket Shirt, $11.95, Old Navy.
Sara wears a Striped Tie-Belt Midi Dress, $29, Old Navy, and Faux-Leather Slides, $24.94, Old Navy.

"I would say first of all: there are no words. I've walked through it and I still don't have words that are adequate enough to say to someone who's had a stillborn baby. If you've gone through this, I'm so sorry. That's all I can really say. I am so sorry. I used to get frustrated when people would tell me it would get better or that time would heal it. I wanted to always miss Willa so fiercely. I felt like if the pain lessened, it would mean that I valued her less or remembered her less. Everyone's experience is different, but the pain really hasn't lessened for me. I miss Willa as much today as I did the day she was born. However, the raw shock of it has gone away a little bit. Not all the way, but a little bit. And the overarching sadness that accompanied me constantly has gone away. I used to take everything personally. I would see a woman with her baby in the grocery store and be so mad. I would take it personally, as if a stranger I didn't know was rubbing it in my face that her baby was alive and healthy. And it was worse when friends and family got pregnant and had healthy babies. Thankfully, that has gone away. I've accepted that everyone's stories are different. There are hard things in everyone's stories and there is beauty in everyone's stories. There's no use in comparing or getting mad or resenting your place in the story. That kind of thinking helped some of my anger go away. But to get back to the original question: it will always be painful. And I'm so sorry to anyone who's walking this road. For me, it was helpful to keep talking about her. Let it out. Don't isolate yourself. And I wish I could hug you, whoever you are and wherever you are."
Jones wears a Patterned Jersey Bodysuit, $5, Old Navy.
Sara wears a Striped Tie-Belt Midi Dress, $29, Old Navy.

"Family and friends were the best resources after we lost Willa. People sent the sweetest gifts, people sent BJ and me on a couple of trips to get away, people called and sent sweet messages. BJ was so helpful to me. I fell in love with him in a whole new way in that time. I also became part of a group called Hope Mommies that had about ten other women who had lost their children, and that brought so much healing."
Jones wears a Patterned Jersey Bodysuit, $5, Old Navy.
Sara wears a Striped Tie-Belt Midi Dress, $29, Old Navy.

"We waited a few months before trying again. Over the next year, we lost two more babies in early miscarriages. And shortly after that, we got pregnant with our son Jones, who was born almost exactly two years after Willa."
Flora wears a Henley Swing Dress, $11.99, Old Navy, and Faux-Leather Slide Sandals, $7.75, Old Navy.
Ellsworth wears a Printed Scoop-Neck Swing Tee in Navy Floral, $7.50, Old Navy; Crew-Neck Cardi, $10.15, Old Navy; Light-Wash Super Skinny Jeans, $11.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Slide Sandals, $7.75, Old Navy.

"I wasn't always optimistic and happy. I'm a naturally optimistic and happy person, but I had also had a relatively easy life up until that point. I think my definition of happiness had to change. It couldn't be in my circumstances because my circumstances were so painful. I had to come to grips with the fact that I might not ever be a mother to a living child, but that my hope and identity and happiness weren't dependent on that. I had so much to be thankful for—an amazing husband and family and friends—and I also had the hope that my babies were in heaven and that they're happier than I could have ever made them here. But it took a long time to get to a place where that was actually how I felt. There were some dark times and so much confusion, as I think there has to be when you go through something so difficult."
Flora wears a Henley Swing Dress, $11.99, Old Navy, and Faux-Leather Slide Sandals, $7.75, Old Navy.
Ellsworth wears a Printed Scoop-Neck Swing Tee in Navy Floral, $7.50, Old Navy; Crew-Neck Cardi, $10.15, Old Navy; Light-Wash Super Skinny Jeans, $11.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Slide Sandals, $7.75, Old Navy.

"We actually never wanted to foster. I take that back; I never wanted to foster. BJ is a superhero and would foster all the babies in the world. I didn't think I could handle losing any more children if they had to be taken away. We've both always talked about adopting, though, even before we were married. And we had even kinda halfway pursued it several times early on in our marriage, but never followed through. But finally we were in a place where we had time and energy and there are a whole heck of a lot of kids who need people to give them time and energy. So, we pursued adopting and got certified to foster, as well. As soon as we became officially licensed, we got our first call. It was about a little boy in a shelter who needed a home but would most likely not be adoptable. We couldn't say no. He came to us the next day. And now he's our son! I'm so thankful that first call was for him."
Billy Jack wears a Chambray Pocket Shirt, $11.95, Old Navy; Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Desert Boots, $18.99, Old Navy.

"Zero to five kids in one year wasn't our plan, but I'm so glad it happened that way. We had been fostering our little boy for about three months (and saying no to literally hundreds of calls to foster other children; the need for people to foster is crazy!) when we got a call about a sibling set of three that needed a home. They came to us the next day, and then a couple of months later we found out we were pregnant with our youngest. Fast forward to June and we legally adopted all four and gave birth to our son all within a month."
Ellsworth wears a Printed Scoop-Neck Swing Tee in Navy Floral, $7.50, Old Navy, and Crew-Neck Cardi, $10.15, Old Navy.

"Probably the potential I see in our kids. It sounds cheesy, but I look at them and I see this resilience and wisdom and all these unique gifts, and I actually really believe they could do anything they set their minds to. I get excited about fostering those gifts in them."
Ellsworth wears a Printed Scoop-Neck Swing Tee in Navy Floral, $7.50, Old Navy; Crew-Neck Cardi, $10.15, Old Navy; Light-Wash Super Skinny Jeans, $11.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Slide Sandals, $7.75, Old Navy.
Flora wears a Denim Jacket, $14.95, Old Navy; Henley Swing Dress, $11.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Slide Sandals, $7.75, Old Navy.

"I don't know that I feel nervous about anything in particular, I just so badly want our kids to know they're loved. I love the quote, 'People will forget what you say and do. They'll remember how you make them feel.' I hope I make them feel loved every day."
Ellsworth wears a Printed Scoop-Neck Swing Tee in Navy Floral, $7.50, Old Navy; Crew-Neck Cardi, $10.15, Old Navy; Light-Wash Super Skinny Jeans, $11.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Slide Sandals, $7.75, Old Navy.
Flora wears a Denim Jacket, $14.95, Old Navy; Henley Swing Dress, $11.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Slide Sandals, $7.75, Old Navy.

"My mom, mother-in-law, and sisters-in-law are my biggest mom role models. My best friend is also a big role model for me. And then I have a handful of women I follow on Instagram whom I am so inspired by: @sollybabywrap, @mamawatters, and @jodimockabee to name a few."

"The Connected Child by Karyn Purvis is amazing! I would recommend it to anyone who is fostering or adopting. Fit to Burst by Rachel Jankovic is a great one, too. One of my New Year's resolutions is to read more, so maybe next February I'll have some better answers to this question!"
Flora wears a Henley Swing Dress, $11.99, Old Navy, and Faux-Leather Slide Sandals, $7.75, Old Navy.

Billy Jack wears a Chambray Pocket Shirt, $11.95, Old Navy, and Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy.
Sara wears a Dobby Shirt, $26.94, Old Navy; Button-Front Cardi, $24.94, Old Navy; and High-Rise Rockstar Built-In Sculpt Skinny Jeans, $49.94, Old Navy.
Jones wears a Textured Knit Cardigan, $8.99, Old Navy, and Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy.
Flora wears a Henley Swing Dress, $11.99, Old Navy.
Ellsworth wears a Printed Scoop-Neck Swing Tee in Navy Floral, $7.50, Old Navy, and Crew-Neck Cardi, $10.15, Old Navy.
Billy wears a Button-Front V-Neck Cardigan, $42, Old Navy.

"My upbringing was great. My parents were both very loving and involved. They worked in the school that I attended, so they were always around, which is such a gift. I have an older brother who is wonderful and so smart and loving. Probably the biggest thing I try to incorporate from my mom in my parenting is the quiet, behind-the-scenes, sacrificial love she exhibits for us to this day. And from my dad, it's his intentionality and trustworthiness."
Ellsworth wears a Printed Scoop-Neck Swing Tee in Navy Floral, $7.50, Old Navy; Crew-Neck Cardi, $10.15, Old Navy; Light-Wash Super Skinny Jeans, $11.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Slide Sandals, $7.75, Old Navy.

"My boys just melt me. I'm excited for the men they will be. I hope we raise them to be gentlemen. I hope we raise them to be strong and self-controlled and kind. I hope they're always best friends and have each others' backs. I get excited to watch their relationships with each other. My girls are amazing. I see so much strength and beauty in them already. I get excited to watch their personalities continue to grow. I get excited for their relationship with each other, too."
Ellsworth wears a Printed Scoop-Neck Swing Tee in Navy Floral, $7.50, Old Navy; Crew-Neck Cardi, $10.15, Old Navy; Light-Wash Super Skinny Jeans, $11.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Slide Sandals, $7.75, Old Navy.

"Do it! There are always reasons to wait, there are always going to be less pros than cons, so there's no sense in trying to make a wise decision for your heart. It will be hard and messy, but those babies need homes and families. And have grace for yourself. You're gonna have days that are so hard, but you're doing good work. And once you do foster and adopt, the best advice we got was 'full bellies and lots of sleep.'"
Flora wears a Denim Jacket, $14.95, Old Navy; Henley Swing Dress, $11.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Slide Sandals, $7.75, Old Navy.

"Oh man. I just try to remember to laugh at myself. BJ is good at reminding me to do this. I get really wound up and overwhelmed sometimes because five is a lot, but it's also so fun if you take a deep breath and laugh and notice how cute your kids are and how funny their questions are. Getting in daily rhythms has helped us tremendously, too. When I let the day just kind of happen to me, I get steamrolled. But when I wake up with a plan and a timeline and some goals (and some water and coffee and lipstick) then we're good to go!"
Billy wears a Button-Front V-Neck Cardigan, $42, Old Navy and Skinny Built-In Flex Ultimate Khakis in Cloudy, $29.99 to $39.94, Old Navy.
Jones wears a Textured Knit Cardigan, $8.99, Old Navy, and Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy.
Ellsworth wears a Printed Scoop-Neck Swing Tee in Navy Floral, $7.50, Old Navy; Crew-Neck Cardi, $10.15, Old Navy; and Light-Wash Super Skinny Jeans, $11.99, Old Navy.
Flora wears a Henley Swing Dress, $11.99, Old Navy.
Pace wears a Solid Crew-Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy, and Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy.
Billy Jack wears a Chambray Pocket Shirt, $11.95, Old Navy, and Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy.
Sara wears a Dobby Shirt, $26.94, Old Navy, and High-Rise Rockstar Built-In Sculpt Skinny Jeans, $49.94, Old Navy.

"My original dream of having 8 to 12 kids has officially changed to 5. But...you just never know."
Billy Jack wears a Chambray Pocket Shirt, $11.95, Old Navy, and Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy.
Sara wears a Dobby Shirt, $26.94, Old Navy; Button-Front Cardi, $24.94, Old Navy; and High-Rise Rockstar Built-In Sculpt Skinny Jeans, $49.94, Old Navy.

"To use a quote that one of my role models, Elle Rowley, posted the other day, 'There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.' Have grace for yourself, laugh at yourself, take what others say with a grain of salt, and trust yourself. You know more than you think you do. Be confident."
Flora wears a Henley Swing Dress, $11.99, Old Navy, and Faux-Leather Slide Sandals, $7.75, Old Navy.
Pace wears a Solid Crew-Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy; Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Desert Boots, $18.99, Old Navy.
Billy Jack wears a Chambray Pocket Shirt, $11.95, Old Navy; Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Desert Boots, $18.99, Old Navy.

"I'd say first that I'm so sorry. And that I don't get it and I know that's so frustrating. I'd say try really hard not to isolate yourself or blame yourself. Let other people and family or maybe doctors or maybe counsellors help you out. And I'd also reiterate: there's nothing wrong with you as a person. You have so much to offer."
Flora wears a Henley Swing Dress, $11.99, Old Navy, and Faux-Leather Slide Sandals, $7.75, Old Navy.
Pace wears a Solid Crew-Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy; Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Desert Boots, $18.99, Old Navy.
Billy Jack wears a Chambray Pocket Shirt, $11.95, Old Navy; Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Desert Boots, $18.99, Old Navy.

Shoe game strong.
Faux-Leather Slide Sandals, $7.75, Old Navy, and Sueded Desert Boots, $18.99, Old Navy.

"I stay at home currently. I used to nanny for a great family when we lived in Austin, and I spent a little bit of time working for Moon Rivers Naturals, but for now I'm home and loving it and so thankful that I can do that. My husband is the art director for Magnolia and he loves it and I love it for him. They're amazing people."
Billy Jack wears a Chambray Pocket Shirt, $11.95, Old Navy; Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Desert Boots, $18.99, Old Navy.

"I grew up in Wimberley, Texas, which is the dreamiest little town. BJ and I both went to school at Colorado Christian University in Denver, which is where we met. I majored in Global Studies and haven't done anything with that, but it was a fun degree! BJ and I got married and lived in Austin for a while where I nannied and he was a caretaker. I stayed home when we lived in Canton, TX, and BJ was a home builder with his dad."
Pace wears a Solid Crew-Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy; Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Desert Boots, $18.99, Old Navy.

"I knew I wanted to try staying at home when we had kids if we could afford to do it, and I absolutely love it. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to do so!"
Billy wears a Button-Front V-Neck Cardigan, $42, Old Navy and Skinny Built-In Flex Ultimate Khakis in Cloudy, $29.99 to $39.94, Old Navy.

Big sis, big helper.
Pace wears a Solid Crew-Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy; Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Secure-Close Sneakers, $13.75, Old Navy.
Flora wears a Jersey Scoop-Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy; Jeggings, $14.95, Old Navy; and Sueded Low-Tops in Mint Green, $13.75, Old Navy.

"We do! We know some great people through Magnolia, and we're only an hour or so away from our Austin friends, which is so nice. Our families are each a couple of hours away and are so helpful to us, as well."
Flora wears a Jersey Scoop-Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy; Jeggings, $14.95, Old Navy; and Sueded Low-Tops in Mint Green, $13.75, Old Navy.
Pace wears a Solid Crew-Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy; Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Secure-Close Sneakers, $13.75, Old Navy.
Ellsworth wears a Relaxed Hi-Lo Tee, $6.49, Old Navy; Pull-On Twill Jeggings, $13.75, Old Navy; and Perforated Metallic Slip-Ons, $13.75, Old Navy.
Billy Jack wears a Chambray Pocket Shirt, $11.95, Old Navy; Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Secure-Close Sneakers, $13.75, Old Navy.
Jones wears a Bodysuit, $14.95 for 3, Old Navy.
Sara wears a Relaxed Curved-Hem Tee in Pinky Promise, $5.97 to $14.94, Old Navy; High-Rise Built-In Sculpt Rockstar Jeans, $49.94, Old Navy; and Canvas Sneakers, $20, Old Navy.
Billy wears a Slim-Fit Stay-White Oxford Shirt, $32.94, Old Navy; Skinny Built-In Flex Ultimate Khakis in Cloudy, $29.99 to $39.94, Old Navy; and Linen-Blend Lace-Up Sneakers, $29.94, Old Navy.

"Parenthood just feels like a new part of mine and BJ's relationship. So, thankfully, it doesn't feel like balancing two separate things—relationship and parenthood. We've always been on the same team in our relationship, and now we have these new roles that we're taking on together and we're growing even closer through it. I guess if I have any tips, it would be to keep laughing with each other, have each others' back, and have grace for each other as you figure it out together."
Flora wears a Jersey Scoop-Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy; Jeggings, $14.95, Old Navy; and Sueded Low-Tops in Mint Green, $13.75, Old Navy.
Pace wears a Solid Crew-Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy; Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Secure-Close Sneakers, $13.75, Old Navy.
Ellsworth wears a Relaxed Hi-Lo Tee, $6.49, Old Navy; Pull-On Twill Jeggings, $13.75, Old Navy; and Perforated Metallic Slip-Ons, $13.75, Old Navy.
Billy Jack wears a Chambray Pocket Shirt, $11.95, Old Navy; Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Secure-Close Sneakers, $13.75, Old Navy.
Jones wears a Bodysuit, $14.95 for 3, Old Navy.
Sara wears a Relaxed Curved-Hem Tee in Pinky Promise, $5.97 to $14.94, Old Navy; High-Rise Built-In Sculpt Rockstar Jeans, $49.94, Old Navy; and Canvas Sneakers, $20, Old Navy.
Billy wears a Slim-Fit Stay-White Oxford Shirt, $32.94, Old Navy; Skinny Built-In Flex Ultimate Khakis in Cloudy, $29.99 to $39.94, Old Navy; and Linen-Blend Lace-Up Sneakers, $29.94, Old Navy.

"My husband is so good at making me go to a coffee shop or out for a run. Our families are close enough to come help often, too. I'm so thankful for my people. How would anyone do this alone?"
Flora wears a Jersey Scoop-Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy; Jeggings, $14.95, Old Navy; and Sueded Low-Tops in Mint Green, $13.75, Old Navy.
Pace wears a Solid Crew-Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy; Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Secure-Close Sneakers, $13.75, Old Navy.
Ellsworth wears a Relaxed Hi-Lo Tee, $6.49, Old Navy; Pull-On Twill Jeggings, $13.75, Old Navy; and Perforated Metallic Slip-Ons, $13.75, Old Navy.
Billy Jack wears a Chambray Pocket Shirt, $11.95, Old Navy; Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Secure-Close Sneakers, $13.75, Old Navy.
Jones wears a Bodysuit, $14.95 for 3, Old Navy.
Sara wears a Relaxed Curved-Hem Tee in Pinky Promise, $5.97 to $14.94, Old Navy; High-Rise Built-In Sculpt Rockstar Jeans, $49.94, Old Navy; and Canvas Sneakers, $20, Old Navy.
Billy wears a Slim-Fit Stay-White Oxford Shirt, $32.94, Old Navy; Skinny Built-In Flex Ultimate Khakis in Cloudy, $29.99 to $39.94, Old Navy; and Linen-Blend Lace-Up Sneakers, $29.94, Old Navy.

"I'm at home for the foreseeable future, but who knows. Maybe some day I'll go to school and become a midwife or something."
Flora wears a Jersey Scoop-Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy; Jeggings, $14.95, Old Navy; and Sueded Low-Tops in Mint Green, $13.75, Old Navy.
Ellsworth wears a Relaxed Hi-Lo Tee, $6.49, Old Navy; Pull-On Twill Jeggings, $13.75, Old Navy; and Perforated Metallic Slip-Ons, $13.75, Old Navy.
Billy Jack wears a Chambray Pocket Shirt, $11.95, Old Navy; Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Secure-Close Sneakers, $13.75, Old Navy.
Jones wears a Bodysuit, $14.95 for 3, Old Navy.
Sara wears a Relaxed Curved-Hem Tee in Pinky Promise, $5.97 to $14.94, Old Navy; High-Rise Built-In Sculpt Rockstar Jeans, $49.94, Old Navy; and Canvas Sneakers, $20, Old Navy.
Billy wears a Slim-Fit Stay-White Oxford Shirt, $32.94, Old Navy; Skinny Built-In Flex Ultimate Khakis in Cloudy, $29.99 to $39.94, Old Navy; and Linen-Blend Lace-Up Sneakers, $29.94, Old Navy.

"I went through a funkier stage, but I'm back into a pretty classic look. But to be honest, most days I'm actually in a whatever-buttons-down-or-stretches-far-enough-to-breastfeed-in style."
Jones wears a Bodysuit, $14.95 for 3, Old Navy.
Sara wears a Relaxed Curved-Hem Tee in Pinky Promise, $5.97 to $14.94, Old Navy, and High-Rise Built-In Sculpt Rockstar Jeans, $49.94, Old Navy.

"Yes, and not always for the best. Another goal of mine, though, is to be as put together as I was before being a mother. I'm gonna get there."
Flora wears a Jersey Scoop-Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy; Jeggings, $14.95, Old Navy; and Sueded Low-Tops in Mint Green, $13.75, Old Navy.
Ellsworth wears a Relaxed Hi-Lo Tee, $6.49, Old Navy; Pull-On Twill Jeggings, $13.75, Old Navy; and Perforated Metallic Slip-Ons, $13.75, Old Navy.
Billy wears a Slim-Fit Stay-White Oxford Shirt, $32.94, Old Navy; Skinny Built-In Flex Ultimate Khakis in Cloudy, $29.99 to $39.94, Old Navy; and Linen-Blend Lace-Up Sneakers, $29.94, Old Navy.

"High-waisted jeans, Plain Jane black dress, and The Latch Co. dresses and jumper (a must-have for any nursing mom!)."

"I love everything linen. I love earth tones."
Billy Jack wears a Chambray Pocket Shirt, $11.95, Old Navy; Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Secure-Close Sneakers, $13.75, Old Navy.

"Minimal, if anything, these days. I keep mascara and lipstick in my diaper bag. I laughed at myself the other day because I realized I was watching our kids in the driveway and using the reflection of the window of our minivan to put on my mascara while holding our baby on my hip. That is my life right now. And I really wouldn't want it any other way."
Flora wears a Jersey Scoop-Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy; Jeggings, $14.95, Old Navy; and Sueded Low-Tops in Mint Green, $13.75, Old Navy.

"Working out doesn't happen often, but I always feel better when I do. Reading my Bible and journaling are practices that I love, and they're also a challenge to maintain consistency with these days. At my healthiest I'm reading and meditating on those readings daily. Lighting a candle, starting some essential oils in the diffuser, letting myself lay down for a bit during nap time, praying, reading, and drawing are all so helpful to me."
Jones wears a Bodysuit, $14.95 for 3, Old Navy.
Billy wears a Slim-Fit Stay-White Oxford Shirt, $32.94, Old Navy, and Skinny Built-In Flex Ultimate Khakis in Cloudy, $29.99 to $39.94, Old Navy.

When your cookie matches your pants.
Ellsworth wears a Relaxed Hi-Lo Tee, $6.49, Old Navy; Pull-On Twill Jeggings, $13.75, Old Navy; and Perforated Metallic Slip-Ons, $13.75, Old Navy.

"I love being two hours from each of our parents. I love our museum and our zoo and our farmers market and Cameron Park."
Billy Jack wears a Chambray Pocket Shirt, $11.95, Old Navy; Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Secure-Close Sneakers, $13.75, Old Navy.
Pace wears a Solid Crew-Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy.
Ellsworth wears a Relaxed Hi-Lo Tee, $6.49, Old Navy; Pull-On Twill Jeggings, $13.75, Old Navy; and Perforated Metallic Slip-Ons, $13.75, Old Navy.

"Yes. We love it here, but we miss city life for sure. We miss Austin and could see ourselves back there or in another city someday. We dream about New York."
Flora wears a Jersey Scoop-Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy; Jeggings, $14.95, Old Navy; and Sueded Low-Tops in Mint Green, $13.75, Old Navy.
Ellsworth wears a Relaxed Hi-Lo Tee, $6.49, Old Navy; Pull-On Twill Jeggings, $13.75, Old Navy; and Perforated Metallic Slip-Ons, $13.75, Old Navy.

"With kids, we love the silos, our zoo, our museum. Common Grounds Coffee is right next to Heritage Creamery, so one of our favorite family nights is to get coffee for BJ and me and ice cream for the kids and sit outside at Common Grounds. We love to get coffee at Dichotomy, too. Most Sundays we go for a hike in Cameron Park. Sergio's Food Truck is amazing. Those tacos are so good. Austin is our favorite place to play. We love to swim in Barton Springs, get margaritas at El Alma, eat at Josephine House, shop at Spartan, JM Dry Goods, and Kettle and Brine, and play with our favorite friends."
Ellsworth wears a Relaxed Hi-Lo Tee, $6.49, Old Navy; Pull-On Twill Jeggings, $13.75, Old Navy; and Perforated Metallic Slip-Ons, $13.75, Old Navy.
Billy Jack wears a Chambray Pocket Shirt, $11.95, Old Navy; Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Secure-Close Sneakers, $13.75, Old Navy.
Pace wears a Solid Crew-Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy; Relaxed Joggers, $7.99 to $11.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Secure-Close Sneakers, $13.75, Old Navy.
Flora wears a Jersey Scoop-Neck Tee, $5, Old Navy; Jeggings, $14.95, Old Navy; and Sueded Low-Tops in Mint Green, $13.75, Old Navy.

For more on Sara, Billy, and their big, beautiful brood, check out their Instagram feeds here and here.
To shop the clothes featured in this profile, head over to Old Navy.