Happy Birthday Big Riv

You won't be 1 for another day or so, but I needed to get this up while I had a minute! You are our sunshine and joy...and have been since you were born. You came to us in a hurry, I wasn't even admitted to the hospital when you decided it was time. We love you so very much, and are so excited for this next year of discoveries. You are a wonderful boy, and we are so blessed to have you as our son! Sorry there aren't as many photos and videos of you...we are doing our best, but your sis has two more years on you! Love you!

Happy Birthday Princess P

Three years ago today, I was patiently waiting for my labor to get going....my water broke at lunch time, but you didn't arrive on the scene till just after 1am! You have forever changed my world since that day, and I know the instant you were born your Dad became a different person. We love you more than you will ever know, and feel so blessed to be your parents. I hope this next year brings you lots of joy and excitement, as you learn and grow at home and in Preschool. You are such a smartie! Have a wonderful birthday Princess!!

Christmas in September

So, I am already thinking of the holidays (sue me...) and I have discovered some very cute crafty things to do with the kids. You must plan ahead when you know an impossibly long winter is FAST approaching. Check out truLuxe and her adorable etsy shop full of Fall and Christmas goodness. I am so making these for my Christmas craft this year....these will be so cute on the tree, and in the window sill, and as a teacher gift, and ....anywhere really! Any good ideas...send them my way!

DIY Outdoor Planter

If I lived in a super stylish modern bungalow, this is the kind of garden I would grow. Love it, and what a cheap, stylish, and smart idea thanks to Apartment Therapy. Check out the full story here.

scamp

I just had a glimpse of my future...and it included the purchase of a Scamp! I came across a blog post on my fav Design Sponge about this couple who quit jobs and left behind everything for one year to work on their marriage and travel while renovating their 13' Scamp trailer. I am in love with it all...and know that one day J and I will do the same thing....you wait and see. May not be for 10 yrs, but we will do it! Check out the Wanderlusters here, and fall in love with the idea. Isn't it great?!

etsy love

I think I will do these once a month or so...I just have so much etsy love, and think there are SOOOO many talented people out there that deserve a little (very small) free advertising! So for September, here are my fav's!

Etsy Buy Handmade pdbumbum

I Love Lollipop!

I am "In Love" again....with this blog...and everything Cortnie, Jen & Vanessa do! Check it out people...you won't be disappointed! I Love Lollipop Events & Designs!!! Oh, and don't miss the awesome DIY tips AND their blog!

Must See!

This is an amazing story, and it reminds me that I did go to school for something I am very passionate about, and something that is important. Carly is an inspiration, and an incredible girl. You can read more at her blog here


I cried pretty much the whole clip...so you may need a tissue!

progress

There was nothing on tv last night....so I got this far! Yay for NO TV!

My New Project

I am making Brother/Sister quilts for the cutest family...who just happen to be life-long friends of my family! Here is our fabric selection...I started cutting the blocks this morning...oh, this is going to be GOOD!!!!
For Big Sister Ruby:

And Baby Brother Ross:

How cute will these be in their shared bedroom....I think they will be FAB!
I will update you with my progress!!!

Reunion Fun!

The kids and I just got back from spending our Labor Day Weekend in Lehi, Utah for my family reunion...my Dad flew us out so we could be a part of it all for the first time. I was really excited to go, but a little nervous about making the trek with the two little ones solo. Everything worked out pretty well, and the kids held up ok. Nobody officially napped the entire trip which made things interesting, but I was proud of my kids and so happy I made the effort. We all had a blast, and Paige especially is so in love with her "new" family. She is so smitten with my Grandma and Grandpa and claims that they miss her TOO much, and that she must go help Great Grandpa in the garden next week. I am sure he wouldn't mind the company! (He and my Grandma have an AMAZING garden..it blew me away!)
We also had time to go to the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake, which was so much fun. It was a hot day for my little whities hence the water drinking photos! Paige also had her first carousel ride...and by the look on her face you can see she loved it...and cried for a good five minutes after she realized she couldn't ride it again and again.
Great trip all in all...we are recovering, and naps are back on the schedule!
Hope everyone had a great weekend!