Friday, November 30, 2012

Friday Favorites

So happy it's finally Friday so I can show you photos of the little Candy Cane!

I think I stared at this one for over an hour. Good thing none of you saw me or I would have made you do the same. Those little lips!




It's projected to rain here all weekend. We've got to finish our Christmas shopping so we won't be deterred or deferred. Be safe out there kids. Next time we meet, it'll be December! 

Thursday, November 29, 2012

She's a Lady

Last night Josh and I went and got Lady Jane, our new Christmas tree. She's much different than Wild Elliot. Lady Jane is simple and stout. I've learned she is rather prim and proper and so that is why she is not just Jane, but Lady Jane.

She has already brought much joy to our little home. In fact, Josh and I danced to Christmas music and then, while I decorated, he hummed his old favorites. Really blissful evening. Thanks Lady Jane.


The TV console is currently standing in until I get a fireplace with a mantle. 


"It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.."

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Advent

Do you do advent? If so, three more days till December! Growing up our family had one every year and it was the icing on Christmas. We only had the paper ones but people have gotten so creative.

Here's my favorites:

The Land of Nod

Starbucks

Pottery Barn Kids

Target

And I'm headed to Ikea to get this print today. 
Ikea and Oh Happy Day

Happy adventing! 

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Once in Forever

We took family photos for the first time since...well, since I can remember. And my parents are sending out New Year cards for the first time, ever. The things a grandson will make you do. :p

Our photographer friend, Nozomu, was great. Here are the bloopers, which turned out to be my favorites. Especially the last one - tackled the moment like a beast.





It's that time of year. In fact, when we got home yesterday our very first Christmas card was waiting for us. This year Josh and I decided to pray over each card as they arrive.  I hope people are blessed in ways we'll never even know.

I'm sending ours out this week and will post it after it's been received. :) For once, snail mail will beat the internet. Message me if you want on our list!

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Weekend in 6

Thanksgiving 


Great grandfather meeting his great grandson


Shopping with mom

Mr. Bigs and I


Holidays with the sister

A family's first Christmas


Being with Melissa 


An all around great weekend. Hope yours was too!

Friday, November 23, 2012

Feelings and Frailties

Today was a good day, an all around good day.

A lot happens in one year, doesn't it? My family was no exception. Since last year, Blane and Aimee became parents, parents become grandparents, cousins start their first year in real college, friends get married, sisters get Bells Palsy, people's backs go out and then come back, babies turn to toddlers, grandparents get older, people move away, we suffer death and celebrate in life.

We are each a little older and hopefully a little wiser.

Our annual thanksgiving sharing brought no surprises and the familiar was comforting. I shared about my back. I talked about how God taught me about actually trusting in Him. I'll admit there were times when I would sink to a dark place where self pity, frustration, and doubt would overwhelm me. And how, in those moments of fear, I would whisper aloud over and over, "I trust in you Lord, I trust in you."

For someone like me, whose emotions can (at times) dictate my mood and control my perspective, it was a lesson in turning all that over to Christ and allowing him to blanket that darkness in His truth. His truth of grace and perfect love, and knowing He always works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. He doesn't ever work against you, but always for you in the most purest form.

That is why the first quote on the right side - is the first quote. Have you seen it down there?

"Come to me with all your needs, knowing that my glorious riches are more-than-adequate supply. Stay in continual communication with me, so that you can live above your circumstances even while you are in the midst of them."

This year I learned that God is bigger than my feelings and frailties and that he has the power to help us live above our circumstances, even while in the midst of them.

"Blessed be the LORD, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me!" Psalm

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!

Josh and I are double dipping again this year. First Auntie Ruth's for my side and then his mom's for his side. I am looking forward to stuffing and cranberry sauce (from the can) and Josh is looking forward to creamed corn. :) Wherever you are and whatever you are doing (and eating), just remember, let's give thanks!


(make this yourself...printable here)

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Varvatos for Everyone

The first suit Josh bought was a beautiful two piece from John Varvatos. It was solid black but looked anything but hum drum on because the fit was so great. Not to mention Josh can rock a suit like nobody's business. That's right!

Luckily for little men everywhere, Varvatos is bringing his custom look to the younger crowd.



How cutie patootie are these little guys? 

Tonight after work we join the throngs of travelers heading every which way. Praying for safe travels for all and a great weekend! 

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Did you see this performance from the AMA's?



Wow!

A Little Bit of Everything and Something Earthshatteringly Awesome

It's 1:58am and Josh is sleeping away next to me. I don't think I'll ever tire of hearing his soft breathing, in and out, in and out.

But enough about that because today I found what could potentially be the future of wedding photobooths + wedding favors - 3D Figure Printing! This is earthshatteringly awesome. Really.





Here's what else is amusing me around the worldwide web:

For when we get uber wealthy and live in a place with a second bedroom, I will have gold polka dot wallpaper in that room. Guests will love it and never want to leave.

No wonder one of my favorite stores is so favorited. A lesson on business.

Advice on balancing the balls (don't worry, PG all the way).

A thankful person during Thanksgiving week. Now that's what I'm talking about.

She went a little crazy, but it was a worthy craze.

And Black Friday already? I'm against it in principal but then I saw what 75% off was. Tempting!

Monday, November 19, 2012

Weekend Recap

O, hello! And where have you been all week? :p Just kidding. I took an few days away... no good reason, just didn't feel like blogging. But I'm back now and feeling refreshed.

We had an amazing weekend. These two are my favorites.

Thanksgiving is like the unofficial kickoff to the holidays. Did it creep up on you like it has on me? I have so much to be thankful for - my list has been compiling in my head in anticipation of our annual corn tradition. I'll tell you after I've told them. :)

Wishing you beautiful moments and a heart of gratitude today.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

On a Happier Note

Wait, there isn't one today. -_- The loss to UCLA was the final straw.

Catch up Monday.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Under Some Water

Did you hear about Venice, Italy? They're underwater




We must get over there before the city is no longer above ground.
More photos here.

Low/High - Diaper Bags

These Low/High's are dedicated to all my pregnant sistas. Here's to giving you the best options for a few of the billion decisions you have to make. 



Low 1,2,3,4  High 1,2,3,4

Monday, November 12, 2012

A Punctuation Change

Hello, Monday. -_-

I ran across this old text conversation between Josh and I that happened the night we got engaged. It brought back all kinds of fuzzy feelings and secret smiles to my face.

He's the blue.


And with that, Hello, Monday!!

Friday, November 9, 2012

Friday Favorites

A special moment on Friday Favorites



Stay warm (and cuddly) my friends.

One for the Boys Style Board

And a board for the brothers. Wouldn't want to spoil them with their own rooms now. :p




Thursday, November 8, 2012

Angelina the Ballerina Style Board

Little girl stuff is just the cutest. I was rambling around and found some pretty awesome girl room gear so I put it all together for you.

I hope my sister's next baby is a girl so I can dress her up like Angelina the Ballerina. :p



And amazing bedding to chose from

Maybe I should be looking at little boy stuff... oops, sorry Cole!

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Mail Bag for the Ladies

Also, (not to inundate you today but..) I just got the Free People Holiday Catalog in the mail. Can I just say, nailed it!





Makes me excited for all the impending holiday parties with eggnog, Christmas music, warm houses, delicious food, and festive decorations! 

Blogger Highlight

Copy Cat Chic has been killing it lately. Do you follow her too? It might be because she recently got some help (like most professional bloggers seem to be doing nowadays).

She is what her name implies, a blog all about lookalike knockoffs and it is f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s. She redid these two rooms at a great price, click for more info!



Monday, November 5, 2012

Weekend Recap

As promised, photos from the weekend

                           

Privilege/Inconvenience

Why, hello to you!

What in the world were you up to this weekend? Josh and I enjoyed tailgating (despite the loss), hanging out in the nursing room at church with Cole, doing a family photo shoot, and celebrating with my dad on his birthday. ALSO, my mom bought a sweater for me from Target. :) 31 and still, gifts from your mom never get old. :p

It was a full weekend and I'm sure Josh will be tired when he gets home from work today. Don't worry, I'm making him a dinner favorite. :) It's late in the day so I'll leave this with you..


Please go and vote tomorrow! The privilege far outweighs the inconvenience. Josh and I voted by mail this year. It was nice voting with Josh because then I could just be lazy and copy his answers. :p Whoops, did I just admit that out loud? :p 

Off to put on the rice. Hope you're in a temperature controlled 72 degrees (it's the best temp, scout's honor).

Pictures from the weekend coming soon.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Friday Favorites + 11 lbs 11 oz

It's Friday and you know what that means, Friday Favorites!

And the brainwashing has begun. MUST.BUY.NEPHEW.KOBES.

 Um, yes, I think he likes the Britax baby carrier. What do you think?

Which brings us to my favorite picture of the week. I can only assume this was taken after his rude awakening from said baby carrier.  ha.

And the picture I know I will be in trouble for in 13 years. Hey, at least his ni-ni is covered. :p But an auntie can't help it, he's gained so much weight and I'm uber proud. *chest puffed out (like I had something to do with it).

Besides, naked babies are acceptable. Naked adults, not so much. 

Heading home this weekend so I can smother Chubs with kisses and also so Josh can attend the game and we can be with dad for a moment on his birthday.

Happy weekend ya'll. Spend it wisely. Time is precious.