jc handmade

JC handmade makes the most lovely items and has been known to share the wealth with readers like myself. I am a huge fan of her blog and she makes me almost brave enough to start quilting myself. The latest word is that she is having a giveaway...but not just any giveaway. She will make a custom baby playmat/quilt in the color theme of your choice. If our little Lola were to be the proud winner of said quilt we would fancy pinks, oranges and reds. Here's hoping!

it was good to be born

It's the day before my 34th birthday. For me birthdays are a lot like new years, I always think back on the previous year and make plans for the next. So, without ceremony and in no particular order, below are my wishes for the next year.

1. to be hugged and held close without having to initiate it
2. finish a creative project
3. lots of adventures
4. learn to snowboard (got the socks, now I just need the skills)
5. more spontaneity
6. have a better relationship with my mother
7. find my passion
8. watch my children learn and grow
9. reveal my best self to someone new
10. more patience
11. to take more photos
12. to laugh ALOT
13. have people not ask what is wrong when i am not smiling...that's just my normal face folks
14. invite conversation
15. create an organized, comfortable home
16. to have What Not to Wear overhaul my wardrobe
17. spend more quiet time reading
18. get to know my grandmother more
19. be joyful in the moment
20. to continue journaling
21. be a good friend
22. keep up with correspondence and actually mail it
23. let stuff go
24. open the mail when it comes in, read it and do something with it
25. thank my husband more
26. go dancing
27. wear something fancy that is out of my comfort zone
28. find some new food haunts
29. write down more of the kid's firsts and funny moments
30. stop living for the next thing...maybe this is the "thing"
31. try to not care what people will think
32. wear red lipstick
33. romantic getaway with the man
34. be happy

xo

Assignment: 4

Assignment: 3

Assignment: Day 2

window shopping: boots

Biviel 1733 Boots



Matisse Rancher Boot





Frye Paige Buckles Boots

Assignment: Day 1

Vintage-ish

I am completely enamored of this little wonder via Simple Lovely. Our house is about 120 years old and there is something wonderful about seeing it "photographed" this way.





Nothing super exciting to report. Lola is napping sweetly and I am taking a little break from laundry. Be well, my lovelies.

my sister-in-law is missing

As some of you may know, Aaron's little sister, Emillie has been missing for 2.5 years. I adore this video because it introduces me to a young woman who is so close to my family, yet whom I've never met. I would give anything to know that she was alright. I would give anything for the chance to know her...to introduce her to her niece and nephew.

My brother-in-law, Zakk put this video together. I was so impressed with the outpouring that was given to help NieNie and hoped to harness some of that power to help bring awareness to Forever Searching and Emillie's case specifically.

Any information anyone might have and/or willingness to share this video on your blogs would be greatly appreciated.

munch time

Lola and I met Aaron at Sol Azteca for a little lunch date. Delish!

exuberantly healthy

This wallpaper is perfect for the new bathroom downstairs, yes?

before and after

I did a quick and easy lamp makeover with patches. I used an old lamp that we had at the house (Target, maybe) and revamped it with a Sharpie and my husbands old boy scout badges. He loved it!

Playtime (or I know why the caged bird sings)

One, Uno, Un, Ein, Um

Lola turned 1 a few days back and I still can't believe it has been a year already. I still remember meeting her for the first time -- they wheeled me still in bed to meet her, maybe it was in the NICU maybe in a dream, I can't be certain. A nurse placed her on my chest and I did my best to hold onto her. Both of us drifting in and out of sleep and I knew I would never be the same.

In the past year she has made us laugh, made us nervous, made us swell up with pride, made a big brother out of Riley and honestly made us a family.

Eating is high on the list of her favorite things to do. She *loves* to eat. Tops on the list are blueberries, hummus/pita and pretty much anything you put down in front of her. She is standing, but not quite ready to walk. Crawling is so much faster and efficient, you know. She can sign our version of the word "more", says "duck, duck, duck", "hi", "bye-bye", night-night is a backwards wave and blows kisses when you say you love her.

She had a great weekend -- it was perfect. We had a lovely time with our visitors from St. Louis. Thank you to all those that made the trip.

It's hard to believe the panic and fear that surrounded her birth has given way to such a calm, funny and genuinely sweet little girl. We are so blessed. Happy Birthday, baby girl!