Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Halloween Recap - A catch up post



The Halloween Superstores love us. This particular Halloween store had it coming to them though. A shelf dedicated to electronic dancing mummies that play Michael Jackson's thriller? I mean come on...I had no reservations about letting my kiddos turn every single one of them on simultaneously...and taking up the entire isle dancing along. It was like a mummy dance party, DJ'd by a mummy chorus of the best Halloween song {if not the best MJ song} of all time. And not to discredit Jayden's killer dance moves, but pay particular attention to Gracie's little bootie shake towards the middle of the video. I'm so proud.  

And here's a few "catch up" pics from our visit to Oma's pumpkin patch in October. That place was incredible! In addition, Gracie got her first kiss from a {super cute} two year old in the hay maze. I honestly had no time to react before he plunked a big fat one right on her lips...fortunately Gracie didn't mind {should I be worried?}.





And finally, Halloween included the usual gathering of family at our house for food and bevvies {apple cider margaritas!} Jayden rocked a pirate costume and Gracie was the cutest little peacock in the neighborhood...until it all became a bit much for her {nothin a little sucker couldn't fix though!}






Monday, December 17, 2012

Kieren's Baby Sprinkle



My sweet little nephew was born on 12/12/12 {how cool is that?!}. He is a healthy handsome boy and I am anxiously anticipating his arrival for Christmas so that I can shower him with love and kisses. Jess, Jeff and Izzy...get your booties down here! :)

In September I hosted a sprinkle for the beautiful mama to celebrate Kieren's upcoming arrival. Both Jess and her husband Jeff love the ocean and surfing, so to compliment their nursery decor I went with a retro surf shower theme for the party. I get so stressed and anxious before hosting parties, but all the planning and preparation was definitely worth it! I am not the best photographer, but here are the details from the big day. You can see more "professional" photos from the sprinkle on Jess's blog here: http://thebakingbean.wordpress.com/2012/10/09/heavenly-sprinkle/

















Thanks to everyone who helped make this sprinkle special, and thanks Jess for letting me throw it for you!!

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Gracie is One!

Last weekend we celebrated our little sunshine turning 1! We can’t believe how quickly one year flies {We officially have two toddlers – no babies!} I am so in love with this charismatic little miss…she really is our little sunshine J Thanks to everyone that celebrated this milestone birthday with us! 























Gracie really dug into that cake {after a bit of persuasion}…not that we had any doubts about this little piggy! Happy Birthday sweet girl!

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Laundry Therapy


Do you ever find a bit of comfort or pleasure in one of your seemingly mundane chores? For me, it's in the routine task of folding laundry. I'm not saying I jump for joy at the sight of a pile of laundry {otherwise, it wouldn't sit in my hallway for a day or two before I get around to doing something with it}, but when I do start working through the pile it tends be when the kiddos are napping...and it's in this quiet, alone time that I find the "therapy".

Folding laundry puts me on autopilot in a way, so I'm left with my wandering thoughts...sometimes just sorting out my "to do" list in my head, but other times it leads to a bit of gratitude for what all these little garments mean; that I am able to provide clean and comfortable clothes for my family...that I have two beautiful children to wear out the miniature shirts, dresses, undies...and sometimes {as my eyes well up with tears} I dwell on the fact that these little clothes seem to get bigger and bigger with every cycle...and I don't want them to. Funny how a simple chore can bring out so many emotions. And funny how clothes can symbolize so much...the passing of seasons...of time...of memories...

And you thought we were just doing laundry :)

Monday, June 4, 2012

Miss Piggy




If you’ve spent much time around Gracie, you know she loves to eat…anything. I’m pretty sure she would eat a pile of dirt if you let her {and believe me, she has tried}. Those rolls don't maintain themselves ya know?! 

Last night she had her first plate of pasta and tomato sauce, and she scarfed it down like a champ {at least the part that actually made it into her mouth}. Needless to say, she was rushed immediately to the bathtub following this meal for a nice long soak.


We also recently discovered that she has figured out how to open her puff snacks and feed herself. There is no stopping her now!