be love.

White Couch

2012-01-18T14:25:00.000-08:00

I want this couch. I love white. Am I crazy? I have a little boy (and another little boy on the way) who digs in the dirt and eats cheetos and drinks orange juice and doesn't seem to notice if his shoes are on or off.

Homemade Ice Cream

2012-01-17T14:13:00.000-08:00

Yes it still is winter and it looks like we may get one more good snow in Prescott but one of my all time favorite foods is homemade ice cream so it doesn't matter to me if there are snow flurries or not. Last night Corbyn and I whipped up some homemade ice cream and had a picnic on the living room floor, in front of the fire with our homemade vanilla ice cream. Corbyn loved mixing the ingredients together and loved sitting on the counter watching it go round to make the ice cream. He said it was "delish", I agreed and I thought it was a fun, easy thing to do with him.

To make a classic vanilla in a Cuisinart Ice Cream maker you take 1 cup milk, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 cups heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons (plus a little) vanilla. Yum yum, enjoy!

Push Present

2012-01-17T14:04:00.000-08:00

I want two of these from Frosted Willow on etsy.com with both my boys first initial on them. I just have to figure out what baby boo boo's name is going to be.

ps. Wil, hint hint!

Mommy Mondays: Embracing

2012-01-16T20:56:00.000-08:00

Being pregnant is a miracle. If you think of all the things that have to come together in perfect time its amazing that anyone can get pregnant. I might understand the science of sperm and egg coming together to start the process of making a baby but everything about growing a human inside of me and then birthing that little baby causes me to just praise God for his intimate and intricate design. Again, its a miracle.

I have never struggled with infertility, I have never lost a child in the womb or out of the womb, I am actually one of those people who better be on some kind of birth control or I would be on my way to Duggar size family. Though its been easy for me to conceive I have friends who have struggled to get pregnant. I have prayed over people who have just lost their baby. I have cried for multiple couples who have loved and dreamed for a child they have not been able to have. I can't imagine, but being pregnant I force myself to think about those faces and lift them up in prayer. Why? Because though being pregnant is a miracle and I love love love watching baby move and kick and even like watching my belly grow sometimes its not easy. You get sick, your back hurts, sleep decides to take a hiatus, veins pop out, you gain more weight than you want...fill in the blank, but I don't want to complain. I think complaining or whining about such a blessing leads me to being ungrateful and digs deeper into the wounds of those already hurt. They would give anything to hold their child or feel their child move inside their belly.

I have been given the privilege to carry this little life. To those out there who have not been able to have a baby or who have lost a baby, know I will be embracing this pregnancy, the good and the bad knowing that I am carrying a miracle and praying for your own miracle. I'm sorry for the times I may have said something or some one else has said something that led to you hurting more.

Mommy Mondays: Names

2012-01-09T19:39:00.000-08:00

Do you have a name picked out yet? No. Well, maybe I do but my answer right now is no, I don't. It's hard to pull the trigger in giving this little life a name that will last forever. I want a name thats distinctive, not overly used but something that most people would like and think is strong. I want a name that means something. I want to pick a name that works good for a baby, child, and adult. I want a name that can't be shortened or given a nickname I don't like. There's a ton to consider when choosing a name for our Baby Boo (that's what Corbyn calls him, which means everyone else does too).

Then when you do finally narrow it down and share it everyone has an opinion or two. Even non responses are opinions. Because of this we decided not to share Corbyn's name before he was born. And I think I am leaning towards not telling anyone again till Boo is born.

Did you share your kids names before they were born? Do you think you would? Or would you just like to introduce them once their born?

Baby Boo, I promise I will have the perfect name picked out for you by the time you make your debut! Love you Boo! Oh and ps. Your big brother is very excited to meet you! Can you tell?

San Diego Bound

2012-01-04T10:25:00.001-08:00

Moving to San Diego list of wants:

A bright colored beach cruiser with a kids bike trailer on back.

A cute beach cover up. To be able to play and still feel like I'm getting sun without revealing the bod =)
A double jogging stroller (in Corbyn's favorite color) for all the walking and getting in shape I will be doing.
A backpack for my little man who can not wait to go to preschool a couple mornings a week. He goes poopy on the potty and then asks "can I go to preschool now mom, please, please?"
San Diego Zoo passes. What a fun morning it will be to take the boys. Thanks to my bropher and my sis-in-law we got these for Christmas already!
A sailboat. A girl can dream!

Soon San Diego, soon!

Glitter

2012-01-03T21:18:00.000-08:00

Every girl needs a little glitter in her life!

Glitter Headband
Glitter Ballet Flats
Glitter Sweatshirt
Glitter NailsGlitter Dress

Just a few ways to add a little subtle sparkle!

Home

2012-01-03T14:14:00.000-08:00

Four years ago we purchased our first "home". For the past four years we have filled that home with memories, laughter, love, and who are we kidding, stuff. If our walls could talk they would talk about the joy we had when we brought our baby boy home from the hospital, they would talk about all the different smells of spices as the lady of the house learned to cook for a family, they would probably share about our anger when we figured out one of the dogs was repeatedly peeing in the house, they would show a slideshow of all the happy faces of people that came to our house to share life with us, and they would know in the fibers of their wood (or drywall) they weren't just walls but were part of a place we were/are so thankful for.

As the For Sale sign went up I almost reverted to the 10 year old Amy who kicked down the for sale sign in front of our family home and attempted to tie my cousin and I to the door frame on moving day. These are my first reactions, my carnal reactions to change. I desire to put down roots and stay put. To keep familiarity and comfort close. But these past couple months that I have pulled in the driveway and seen the for sale sign starring back at me I have thought about what makes a place "home". It's not if it has 3 bedrooms, a den, nice kitchen, space for your stuff, it's not whether you rent or own, it's not even where it is but home is wherever I am with my boys. The memories can be made elsewhere, the laughter can fill a small town home in San Diego, the love will permeate where we are, and the stuff...well, we can get rid of a lot of stuff.

I am praying that wherever we move into we make it just as much as a home as our first home has been. I am praying for our new memories. I am praying that we can have a space big enough to work and play comfortably and be proud to have people over. I am also praying for whoever moves into our home in Prescott Valley, AZ that they would also be blessed by the memories they make there.

Someone said "You can make a house out of walls and beams but a home is made from love and dreams". Here's to love and dreams!

ps. Here is the link to our home in Prescott, take a gander, make an offer =)

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T13:26:00.000-08:00

This year I am looking forward to:

Meeting this little guy!
Moving to San Diego.

Planting a church in the South Park/North Park area of San Diego.

Being more of a stay at home mommy. Its going to take sacrifice and a lot of working some strange hours from home but I can't think of anything else I would rather be doing.

I am trusting in 2012 that God can move mountains! The word I am going to adopt for 2012 is peace. I am praying for His peace, that I would live in His peace, and that I could help bring peace to others.

Happy 2012! Blessings and Peace to you!

Mommy Mondays: 2+2=4

2011-10-17T09:39:00.000-07:00

12.5 weeks!
Baby Ryland #2 (more personal name to come) will be making its debut sometime around April 25th =)

This little boy is so excited to be a big brother! He already gives baby kisses and talks to baby, its so sweet. He has nicknamed baby, Baby Boo Boo (which he thinks is hilarious), hopefully that is not a precursor to all the boo boo's this little one is going to get from him ;).

Baby, we are so thrilled to meet you and bring you into our family! We love you and are excited that your life story has already began!

Amy Ryland Photography: Phil & Debbie 30th Anniversary

2011-10-11T14:12:00.000-07:00

They have done life together. They have seen each other at the best and at the worst. They have experienced life's greatest joys in their grandsons and life's greatest heartache in uncertainty of their future. And through it all, through 30 years together they love one another and stood up in front of their family and friends renewing their vows promising to continue in the love that God ordained and that they have sustained. It was a beautiful love filled ceremony complete with tears, laughter, and lots and lots of joy. It is a pleasure knowing Phil and Debbie. It is an honor getting to see their hearts for God, their family, and each other. Here's to 30+ more years together!

The two that brought it all together! I love that they are still laughing together and enjoying each other's company!

The sisters!

Momma and the happy blushing bride.

Being around these two you know how much family means to them. Their daughter who flew halfway across the country to be here.

Their daughter and son-in-law who live across the street from them. How fun!

And their 3 beautiful and hilarious grandsons!

The boys.
Walking down the aisle =)
Renewing their vows, amazing words said between the two of them had me crying behind the camera.
Sneaking in a kiss after the recessional being declared "still husband and wife".
Cutting one of 4 delicious cakes from Love at First Frost! I tried 2 of the 4 and let me tell you best cake/cupcakes I have ever had!
Sneaking a cupcake =)

The happy remarried couple!

Congratulations Phil & Debbie!

Hearing

2011-10-11T13:28:00.000-07:00

I take things for granted. I know this. I try to thank God for even the blessings in life that just seem so "normal" like my bed and water and hearing. Here are two amazing videos that show two people hearing for the first time, I don't think they take their hearing for granted =).

Progression of a Family Photo

2011-10-10T14:11:00.000-07:00

All within just a couple minutes

"Corbyn will you come sit with mommy and daddy so we can take a picture". "Naw, I'm killing dragons with my squirt bottle".

"Thanks for sitting, can you pleeeeease smile?"
"How about a real smile bud and not a painful looking one."
"I'd rather eat daddy!"
"Ok, fine, CHEEEEEEESE!"

"Ok, that's probably good enough"

Happy Monday! Hope this makes you smile!

PS. Its hard enough to get a family pic with one kid, I wonder what its like with 3 or 4 or 5, do you ever get a good family photo?!

PPS. Thanks Bethany for the photos we did actually get a few really cute ones ;)

Where Children Sleep

2011-10-04T20:58:00.000-07:00

This book looks fascinating!

As I think about how I prepared for Corbyn and how I am thinking about making his big boy room I saw this beautiful and thoughtful book, Where Children Sleep by James Mollison. The photos highlight social inequalities, as well as cultural differences. I think it would be a great reminder to me that not everything has to be perfect and a great teaching tool for Corbyn.

DIY Fall Decorations

2011-10-04T13:54:00.001-07:00

I love fall decorations! They make the house feel warm and cozy, plus its just fun to change things up. Here are some pretty simple diy projects that I would love to do:

Candles and Pumpkins in Lanterns:
Fall Mantle:

Fall Candles:

White Pumpkins:

Pumpkin Frame:

Fall Wreath:

My Fall Bucket List

2011-10-04T13:52:00.001-07:00

My favorite time of year! It's going to be a good fall!

Store Love: Fossil

2011-10-03T15:28:00.000-07:00

I have a Fossil watch, that I dropped, and of course, cracked the glass. So as I was at the mall the other day I went to the fossil store to see if it could be fixed and was met with more than just the watches and purses. They carry clothes and jewelry and shoes. I may be way behind but I never knew this and I really liked some of their stuff. Here are some cute things from Fossil:

Cute tunic:

Pretty lace shirt:

Black jeans:

Beautiful scarf:

Cute necklace:

Fun fall boots:

And not to forget their amazing bags:

And watches:

Find all of these at www.fossil.com.

Ps. Mom these are all on my Christmas wish list =)

Happy Monday

2011-10-03T10:45:00.000-07:00

A mom and daughter. I'm editing photos and this picture made me so happy! I think I smiled the whole time editing it. Happy Monday, hope it also makes you smile on this Monday morning!

Corbyn's Room Inspiration Board

2011-09-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

Here is my inspiration board for Corbyn's big boy room. He still loves his crib and won't get out of it (he will stand there for 20 minutes yelling for mom if he has to but will not try and jump out, I think mom put the fear of God in him at 14 months!) so I don't think we will be switching too soon but I want to be ready.
For his big boy room I have decided to go with his favorite color, orange (he is insistant on orange as his favorite for more than a year now, he always picks the orange popsicle, the orange shirt, or orange ball) and with navy and white with a little bit of a nautical theme. I want the room to feel fresh, bright, and happy, to be a place where he can play, read, and rest comfortably. I also want his room to be something he can't grow out of too fast (I said that when we were designing his nursery and I am so thankful I did because even now he loves his room and could actually easily transfer into a big boy room but I'm actually the ones that wants to switch it up).
So here it is:

The orange pillows, throw blanket, curtains and lamp are from the Land of Nod.

The crib is his crib now that converts into a full bed with headboard and footboard.

The shelf storage and blue storage bins are from Target.

The orange chair is from amazon.com made by P'kolino

The nautical pillow is from H&M home UK, I may have to have my friend in England send it to me =)

The paint color for the walls is Benjamin Moore Early Morning Mist or Grey Owl.

The map was found at Pottery Barn Kids but I guess its from a couple years back, boo!

And the striped bedding was found here in a photo but I can't find striped bedding like that anywhere, any body have any ideas or am I going to have to hire someone to sew it.

Amy Ryland Photography: Tabitha Senior Pictures

2011-09-26T20:42:00.000-07:00

I love being around this girl! She has one of the best laughs, she thinks with her whole heart, and gives of herself to the people she loves. I have had the privilege of being Tabitha's youth leader for the past four years and I must say I have never had a student as thoughtful about life as her. She challenges herself to think profoundly and feel deeply.

Tabitha, you make me smile and you challenge me to think through hard questions. Don't ever stop asking questions, I truly believe it will strengthen your faith and open doors for you. You have a bright future ahead of you and I am excited to see how God uses your amazing talents of writing, music, art, and your mind to reach others. Oh and ps. you are Beautiful!

Don't ever stop looking up!

The Circle of Life Online

2011-09-26T15:26:00.000-07:00

Oh hey, a new facebook layout. Step-by-step instructions on how to respond:
1) Whine and complain (ironically on facebook)
2) Join miscellaneous "Change facebook back!" groups
3) Swear to abandon the site if it changes again
4) Forget the differences between the "old" and "new" facebook in a matter of days.
5) Become content and eventually pleased with the new layout.
6) Wait a few months and repeat

Happy Monday!

taken from www.failbook.com

Mommy Mondays: Toddler Chores

2011-09-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

Confession: sometimes right after I have cleaned my house, I make sure the next day or two Corbyn and I have lots planned away from the house. I love having a clean home but with a two and a half year old tornado I find myself constantly trying to pick up and maintain my spotless house.

But I've decided it shouldn't be this way, I shouldn't fear his mess but tap into his "I want to be like mommy" attitude. He is more than capable of helping mommy and most of the time is willing, especially when it means turning on the vaccuum or using a spray bottle. Here are a list of Corbyn's chores that help mommy stay sane and teach him how to help around the house.

Pick up toys and books: After playtime we put on some music and put all the toys he was playing with away. He has a place for everything whether it be a box, bin, or parking spot for his tricycle so he knows where everything goes.

Pick up dirty clothes: When we take his clothes off he throws them into his laundry bin and when its time to do the laundry he pushes the bin into the laundry room and tosses them into the washer.

Carry and put away groceries: At the store he helps me pick out all the produce and snacky foods and when we get home he likes to carry them in and can even put them away. I try to always put things in the same places so he knows exactly where mommy wants them.

Feed the dogs: He is bossy so we allow him to be bossy with the dogs. He lets them in, makes them sit, scoops the food and pours it into their bowls. I think it gives him a sense of ownership and respect for the dogs.

Clean up "big" messes: There are certain regular activities that always seem to make a mess at our house, for example: playdoh, painting, baking, even snack time, but instead of just letting him walk away we have been asking him to get out the vaccuum or grab a wet paper towel and help clean up the mess. He is really good at using the vaccuum hose.

Dust: I spray his rag and let him go at the furniture. I will even let him spray the Pledge if I am standing right there, which is by far his favorite part. Warning though, the other day he wanted to help so he went to get a whole glass of water and poured it on the coffee table "cleaning it" when mom wasn't looking. We then had to have a conversation that you only clean when mommy is watching and you have to use special cleaning stuff.

Do the dishes: I give him a couple plastic dishes that I've already sort of cleaned and let him wash and dry them, he is all for doing this because of the water! What is with kids and water obsession?

Corbyn loves being mommy's big helper so I am going to try to teach him and capitalize on his excitement when I can, hopefully establishing some good habits. Happy Cleaning!

Tiny TOMS

2011-09-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

Its that time again... new shoes for Corbyn. On the top of my list are the tiny TOMS. They are adorable. If they are anything like the adult ones their comfy. And though they may be more than I would usually spend, you are actually buying a pair for them to give away, so I don't mind spending a little bit more for a good cause.

These are a few pairs I am looking at:

In order: Ash Canvas Tiny TOMS, Chocolate Cord Tiny TOMS Cordones, and the Navy Canvas Tony TOMS

Emmys

2011-09-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

What I learned watching the Emmys last night...

1) I need to give Mad Men another shot, I wasn't totally hooked after the first episode so I wrote it off but winning best drama four years in a row, I must've missed something.

2) Charlie Sheen is desperately back peddling. I feel sad for him.

3) I need a team of people to do my hair, makeup, tanning, lend me a dress and jewels for my next big event, how fun would that be.

4) Ashton Kutcher is pretty classy and funny.

5) Kyle Chandler is my fave.

6) Putting your clutch in front of your belly doesn't hide the bulge, but rather brings attention to it.

7) I now want to be Gwyneth Paltrow's friend even more. She just looks fun.

8) I have some new shows to add to my dvr.

And here are my picks for Best Dressed...

Julia Stiles, Sofia Veragera, Kate Winslet, Katie Holmes, Emily Blunt, Julie Bowen, Gwyneth Paltrow, Evan Rachel Wood, and Aimee Teegarden

Photos from www.people.com

3 Minutes

2011-09-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

I saw this on www.jasongood.net and its too funny and true not to share.

APPROXIMATELY 3 MINUTES INSIDE THE HEAD OF MY 2 YEAR OLD

Each of these “emotions” lasts about 3 seconds.

I wanna play with Daddy’s phone.

I wanna put on Mommy’s shoes.

GET MOMMY’S SHOES OFF MY FEET NOW!

I wanna open and close the thermostat.

I wanna turn on and off the light on the microwave.

Is there anyone here with a phone I haven’t played with yet?

I NEED TO PUSH SOME GOSHDARN BUTTONS.

I wanna pick up the cat by its head.

I wanna throw all the toothbrushes in the sink.

HOLY POO I’M STARVING.

CHEDDAR BUNNIES.

I HATE FRUIT.

I want out of my chair.

I wanna play with the iPad.

I wanna go outside. No, I wanna turn the heat on.

I wanna take my pants off.

I don’t like the shirt I’m wearing.

I wanna play with Mommy’s phone.

I NEED TO PUSH MORE BUTTONS NOW.

I’m thirsty.

No, not for that.

Yes, perfect, juicebox. I’m gonna squeeze this darn thing all over myself.

Where’s Daddy?

Where’s the cat?

Where’s Mommy?

SERIOUSLY WHERE’S MOMMY!?

Oh my God I think Mommy left forever.

Ok, there’s mommy. I want to play with her phone.

Hungry again. Never mind.

I just remembered not liking these pants. Get them off.

STOP TAKING OFF MY PANTS!

Wow, I’m starving. I want peas but I don’t know how to tell anyone.

Finally, peas. I like throwing these.

WHY DO I STILL HAVE THESE PANTS ON?

Oh look, a new person. I wonder if they have a phone.

I’m tired.

I’M NOT TIRED!

I wanna go for a walk but I don’t wanna go outside.

No, not inside either!

I need to push some buttons right now.

I hate this diaper.

My eyes itch.

WOW! Is this my toe?

STOP TRYING TO TAKE MY PANTS OFF!

I hate these pants.

This shirt itches.

I’m tired.

Stop asking me if I’m tired.

Where’s that toy that goes beep?

I wanna take a bath in my clothes.

Put on my favorite song.

Where’s the cat?

What is UP with my shirt?

Did I just hear a dog bark?

YOU DID NOT JUST TRY TO TAKE OFF MY SHIRT AGAIN!

I wanna see a dog.

No, not OUTSIDE! I wanna see a dog inside.

Is my penis still there? Good.

I peed.

I’m bored.

Oh, how I love my two year old! Happy Monday! Have a great week!

Mommy Mondays: Toddler Imaginations

2011-09-12T22:13:00.000-07:00

Snakes, super turtles, bathing suits, tennis shoes, and dragons= the leading roles in my two and a half year olds imaginative story. As he shared his story with very vivid details I was impressed by his sequence of events, his fluctuation in how he told his story, and that it even had a beginning, middle, and end. It was so out there but at the same time it was so matter of fact. This story led me to thinking about how he processes every conversation, book, movie, even what he sees out the window as we drive. Is Mickey real? Can he decipher if something was a dream or actually happened? Will taking him to Disneyland confuse him even more? Does he really think toys come to life when he leaves the room?

According to psychologists, the likely reason that imagination and fact can blend together is that little kids have acute powers of perception — they ’re experts at seeing, hearing, feeling, thinking, and imagining — but they can’t reflect on those perceptions. In other words, they think a lot, but they don’t yet think about thinking. When adults wake up from a scary dream, the primitive brain feels the emotion, but our advanced reasoning can see it with a bird’s eye view and put it in context. Kids, on the other hand, operate more from the gut, with less contemplation or insight about what they’ve experienced.

So, it's ok if he's confused, with time he will work out the difference between fact and fiction. Right now, I am going to encourage his magical thinking and spark his imagination. A few ways I am going to encourage his imagination are: 1) to make a reading tent, 2) to tell me stories and ask questions like what happened next? where did the elephant go? for him to think even further, 3) to buy him toys that can be played with more than one way, ie. blocks, dough, or just kitchen utensils, and 4) to pull out the paints and chalk.

photo by archanN

Whale

2011-09-12T20:59:00.000-07:00

This was posted on failbook.com and I still giggle every time I look at it. Hope it makes you smile too on this Monday. Happy Monday!

Kammie & Joel's Wedding Details

2011-09-09T21:34:00.000-07:00

I lived with this girl on the same hall for two years and then in the same room for two years and though I know how talented and hard-working she is I had no idea how crafty she could be. Kammie and Joel's wedding was absolutely perfect, she glowed, he couldn't take his eyes off her, and every detail that went into their wedding was handcrafted with care and great love. They spent months leading up to the wedding hand painting signs, shopping for the perfect water vases, gathering mason jars, and making their special day all about the people and things they love. Here are just some of the details I was able to quickly photograph as I enjoyed everything about their wedding day.

One of the six directional signs Kammie free handed and then Joel carefully painted.

The wedding programs that doubled as a fan.
Messages to the bride and groom.
One of the many sitting areas.
View walking up to the dance floor and main bar area.
Flowers on all the tables and bars were put together by the bride, bridesmaids and friends the day before the ceremony.
The alter that Joel made for them to become husband and wife under. Super special! I hope they keep this to put in their backyard or something =)
The tables. Hand wrapped napkins with burlap, lace aisle runner, and all different jars filled with white flowers.

The seating chart door.
Close up of the seating assignments.
The stunning bride in my blurry photo but she looks so happy!
She didn't make her beautiful dress but I still had to show how pretty it was. She did however, have the flower in her hair made to match the dress.
One of the cute hanging signs.
Paper straws, drinks in jars, and napkins that matched their invites.
Kammie stocked Groupon and got a Old Navy coupon which allowed her to buy flip flops for the ladies. And then she headed to LA's Fashion District and purchased a bunch of different pashminas.

Kammie and Joel, it was an honor celebrating your marriage with you! I wish you much happiness and love as you begin this journey together. Hope you are enjoying your honeymoon and hope to see you real soon!

Apples

2011-08-31T11:29:00.000-07:00

Crunchy, sweet fall goodness! A couple at our church brought us a whole box full of apples from their apple orchard. They even have invited us to their ranch to pick more apples, pet their horses, cows, and goats, and show Corbyn how to feed the animals. He is going to love it! His favorite thing though will be eating apples right off the trees, he is obsessed with this red sweet treat! Here are some recipes I am looking to make with our box of apples:

Baked Brie with Apple Compote:

Apple Granola Cookies:

Apples and Walnuts with Stillion Cheese:

Grilled Cheese Reinvented:

Classic Caramel Apple with a Twist:

Brie Apple Arugula Quesadillas:

Caramel Apple Cheesecake:

Apple & Smoked Mozzarella Mini Calzones:

Baked Apples:

Apple Crisp:

Caramel Apple Pie Cupcakes:

Yum!

Click on the title of the recipe to go to the websites with the full recipes and photos.

Mommy Mondays: Books

2011-08-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

We've been reading 10 to 15 books a day in our house. Our little boy loves to read! As soon as you finish one book he is already asking for another. I think this is his beginning to a life long love affair with stories.

Here are his ten current favorites and what I think they encourage:

Imagination

Rhyming
Loving everyone
Silliness
Kindness and perseverance
Loyal friendship
Everything will be ok

Joy
Adventure
Language. All the sounds of the English language in one simple book!
Happy Reading!

ps. A Cup of Jo did a similar blog with her sons favorite at a year old. Check out her sons favs at www.joannagoddard.blogspot.com

From the Lips of Corbyn

2011-08-29T11:19:00.000-07:00

Quotes from Corbyn's lips in the past week!

"Jesus love me this I know! Oh, I also know Jesus loves popsicles!"

"I went to the zoo and saw penguins and crocodiles and bird poop, eww gross, that's a bad story."

Looking at my watch "this watch says, it's almost cookie time!"

"Hush Paisley (our dog), it's just a little thunder, you. don't. have. to. freak. out!"

"I am going to get bigger and bigger and bigger and be a teenager. I am going to have a bat and a glove and a big funny nose."

And here is the funny man himself!

Happy Monday! Hope this makes you smile on this Monday morning!

Have a Cozy Weekend!

2011-08-26T22:08:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Irene is the size of Europe! That's crazy. Most of the East Coast is going to be confined to their homes this weekend and though here on the West side of the US there's no hurricane we have monsoons in our forecast. They don't compare, but I know I don't like going out in the rain, the bottom of your pants get wet, then you get uncomfortable and then your hair goes nappy. Me and rain are not friends. Then, other parts of the US are just waaaay to hot to do anything outside, which means they also are staying in. So get cozy!

photo by Audrey Woulard. She's an absolutely amazing children's photographer in Chicago, how she captures kids is breath taking. Go check out her photos and check out all the eyes, their magical.

I challenge you this weekend to do something cozy, read a book, cuddle on the couch watching a movie, have breakfast in bed, etc.

Happy Friday! Have a cozy weekend!

And here are some things from around the web, enjoy!

These are such a cute invite idea.

What to expect when your expecting this. Praying for those on the East Coast.

Corbyn needs some new books, these look super cute and pretty to look at.

I want this necklace, like now.

This is a cute wedding gift idea.

This is a great idea, I'm glad Corbyn hasn't started school yet so I can actually do it!

This looks like a yummy breakfast.

This is an amazing house transformation that I think I could just move my clothes into and be happy.

I love free and these are some cute printables.

This is probably very good information to have.

Kid Lunches

2011-08-23T22:30:00.000-07:00

Corbyn isn't in school yet but I still make his lunch to take with him to the babysitters everyday. I try to mix up his lunches so he doesn't get bored and sometimes have a hard time coming up with new things for him to eat and creative ways to get him to eat all his healthy food. I saw www.anotherlunch.com on Design Mom's blog and I am amazed at Melissa's creativity. Here are some of her creations that I may have to try:

What to Watch

2011-08-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

I discovered Netflix streaming, I know, I'm behind, we've had Netflix for a couple years but I just never streamed anything, welcome to 2008 Amy. My favorite feature on Netflix is that it can predict what I would like to watch with amazing accuracy. I have found myself streaming videos when I am cleaning, folding laundry, and even getting ready in the morning. Here are a few I have watched recently:

The Human Experience Documentary: It is a story of two brothers on a search of answers to their burning questions: who am I and why do we search for meaning? Their experiences lead the to the concrete jungle living homeless in New York, to the orphans and disable children of Peru, and to the abandoned lepers of Ghana, Africa. It is heart breaking and heart warming. I laughed out loud and cried. It was beautiful and extremely thought provoking.

The Proposal: Ryan Reynolds, Sandra Bullock in a romantic comedy, yes please! One of my all time favorite romantic comedies. I think I laugh throughout the whole movie. They do awkwardness and touching well.

Babies: A documentary looking at the lives of 4 babies for one year from around the world, from Mongolia, to Namibia, to San Francisco, to Tokyo. Though the babies language is different and their environments are incredibly different, the babies cry the same, laugh the same, learn the same frustrating yet satisfying art of crawling than walking the same. The movie is a joyous celebration of life and is often quite hilarious.

Secretariat: You end up cheering out loud for a horse and wanting to jump up and down with owner Penny Chenery (Diane Lane).

Friday Night Lights: Best. Show. Ever. Relevant magazine says "A show that gives reality its messy, unromatic due, even while it almost always tips its hat in direction of hope". Moral dilemmas are at the centerpiece of conflict and yet it gives quality in the form of families rallying around each other, a community that still believes in community, and teens who make bad choices but have to work through their choices and ultimately are striving for what is right. I was hooked at the 1st episode!

The American President: A comedy drama from 1995 about a widowed US President and a lobbyist who fall in love. Its charming and sweet.

Happy Streaming!

Mommy Mondays: Potty training

2011-08-22T21:55:00.000-07:00

I have failed at potty training my boy. Yes, he can go to the potty on the potty and is staying more and more dry every day. He has not failed but I have failed in making some of the most common potty training mistakes.

First, I woke up one morning and thought "hey, I'm home for two days strait, I'm going to start potty training". No plan, no research, I just made up MY mind, went and bought chonies, and went for it. FAIL.

Second, I was inconsistent. This was even surprising to me. I like my routine, I know my son likes routine but I was inconsistent in when he was to go to the potty, when he drank liquids, even in telling our different caregivers what our expectations were. FAIL.

Third, I expected too much. I thought for sure by the end of two days at home with mom he would be putting his poppy and pee pee in the potty every single time, I mean the kids a genius, why wouldn't he (catch the sarcasm, though of course, he is a genius)? FAIL.

Fourth, I reacted negatively to accidents. I believe I showed disappointment when he had an accident, I got worked up about having to clean poopy off from all over his legs instead of staying calm, encouraging him and comforting him in his own disappointment. FAIL.

And finally, trying to force the issue. It's very much in a toddler's nature to turn every issue into a power struggle. He became stubborn. Mom became more stubborn. Instead of listening to him and maybe hearing a fear he couldn't express I thought I could will him into preferring the potty. FAIL.

Round one of potty training was a failure on mom's part and though I may be being hard on myself I have learned. So, here's to round two starting Thursday, mom is prepared, read up, and stocked up on patience and mini marshmellows (his treat of choice). We shall see if Corbyn is now ready, fingers crossed.

I thought diaper toosh was cute, but little boy chonie toosh is super cute (sorry about the poopy phone photo)

In Print

2011-08-22T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hope these make you smile on this Monday morning! Happy Monday!

Upside Down World

2011-08-20T22:27:00.001-07:00

We live in an upside down world and though I love our world, sometimes I can't help but think "wow". I am a fanatic of fashion and gossip magazines, I was almost addicted in college and spent way too much money on magazines weekly, so I am guilty, but maybe I just never realized the extent of what I was funding. When 24,000 kids are dying every day from hunger, which is 100% preventable, a magazine (which is probably my fave) is spending 1.5 million dollars for exclusive rights to Kim Kardashian's wedding photos. I am refusing to purchase and have some thinking to do.

photo from:Whine and Roses

Home Inspiration: Chevron

2011-08-20T21:41:00.000-07:00

The pattern that is taking over and needs to find a suitable place in my home. Here are some I was thinking of:

This rug from Urban Outfitters.

Or This bedding also from Urban Outfitters.

Or These mugs

Or These hand painted plates

Or This throw pillow

Or This chair

Or These DIY fan blades

Or These curtains

Or This tray

Have a Creative Weekend!

2011-08-19T22:36:00.000-07:00

We have zero formal plans this weekend. There is part of me that wants to grab a clipboard and start making a detailed itinerary of all the things I should and could be doing, carefully planning what the next two days will look like and what I will get accomplished, blowing my whistle if we dare veer off course. But not making an itinerary seems so freeing at the moment, like it may lead to doing something spontaneous and creative or nothing at all (which I am also fine with).

photo from: www.learningtobreath.tumblr.com

I challenge you to do something creative this weekend, do the craft you've pinned on pinterest but just admired, do something out of the ordinary with your kids, go on a different date (one of my favorite dates we ever went on was picking up dinner, driving out into the forest, turning the back of the xterra into a sitting area, having a long cozy dinner, and then watching a movie) different then the classic dinner and movie or dance in the streets, why not.

Happy Friday!

Lessons of the Week

2011-08-18T21:59:00.000-07:00

Starbucks Green Tea Latte makes sitting in traffic bearable.

Wildflowers only last two days in water once you’ve cut them and made them into a pretty arrangement.

God gives us moments to treasure so that we can draw strength and encouragement from when needed.

When you get a ticket, even though you’ve done everything they’ve asked of you and you think its taken care of, double check...or you may end up on Van Buren in Phoenix at midnight with your license suspended and your car impounded left with no id to board your plane the next morning asking your friend to break into your house and find your passport to have it expedited to the airport. Poor todd =(

Enchilada sauce makes even the simplest meals, delish.

Rain water can bring back flowers that have been dead for months, two fist pumps for God’s natural sprinkler system.

Netflix spoils you by not even having to fast forward through commericals, DVR, you are on the outs.

Corbyn knows all the motions to “Jesus Loves Me”. He just started singing and signing through the whole thing.

Did you learn anything this week?

Miracle Product

2011-08-17T22:49:00.000-07:00

It is an eye make up remover, fine line reducer, diaper cream, amped up moisturizer and chapstick, as well as, subdues cuts, scrapes, and burns. It is the 97 cent cure all. After becoming hooked in college I can't go anywhere without my Vaseline, I currently have one in my makeup box, one in each medicine cabinet of the house, one in my purse, and one in my diaper bag. When people are spending hundreds of dollars on creams, lotions and lip gloss I will still have my 97 cent tub.

French Dresser Makeover

2011-08-16T21:09:00.000-07:00

A year ago I bought a dresser that looked exactly like this one (i lost my photo in the external hard drive crash of Jan 11, the before photo is from nattybydesign.blogspot.com who painted hers another fun color). $20, a happy new paint job, and a year procrastinating she is finally finished and settled into her new home.

Before-ish: (mine had more paint peeling)

After: Here she is cheerfully greeting me when I wake up in the morning.

Same pretty handles with a new paint job.

I sanded her, primed her, painted her with Disney Bee a Friend, and spray painted the handles with metallic silver.

Mommy Mondays: A must have

2011-08-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

If you have a toddler, you need this book! I purchased last Christmas for my sis-in-law and quickly decided I also needed one to have a record of all the hilarious, smart, amusing things Corbyn says. I don't want to forget!

Baby Animals

2011-08-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

These are precious! Corbyn went to the zoo this weekend with his Nana and Grandad and they said he really liked the baby animals and penguins. I can see why!

Baby Penguin

Baby Elephant
Baby White Tiger
Baby Orangatan
Baby Pig
Baby Bunny
And then the baby aardvark, which makes it into the not cute, but terrifying looking category!
All photos via Pinterest

Hope these make you smile on this Monday morning!

National Creamsicle Day

2011-08-14T21:45:00.000-07:00

Happy National Creamsicle Day! Seriously.

It's Hot! And these look delicious!

Recipes from around the web, click on the title to go to the recipe.

Mango Orange Creamsicles

Cereal and Milk Popsicles

Blood Orange Popsicles

Orange Creamsicles
Peaches and Creamsicles
Coconut Cream Pops
Mixed Berry Pops

Be sure to celebrate!

Have a Restful Weekend

2011-08-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

I have been fighting a cold. A cold in the middle of summer, strange! My body is trying to fight it and I am trying to help it do so by making the couch and bed my best friend and resting this weekend. Sometimes resting is not easy especially with a to year old running around but I am going to attempt to go to bed at a reasonable time and nap when the boy naps, good plan. Ready, go.

photo by: Collin Pantall

I challenge you to rest this weekend! Slow down and take a break. Even if you feel great take some time and put your feet up, everyone needs a little me time.

And while you have your feet up, here are some fun/interesting things from around the interweb.

Always looking for good ideas like this for the car.

I found this absolutely hilarious and true!

Ummm, yum. These made me want to go camping.

I really like his weddings, soft, heartfelt, and warm. Here is his most recent one.

I love this print. I think its supposed to be NY but it reminds me of San Diego <3

This is pretty funny, though I never went to a frat party, I've seen movies and I have a toddler.

I have been craving this sandwich from my favorite sandwich place in SD, Con Pane.

Lunch fun.

Amazing podcast. Super interesting and thought provoking!

Happy Friday!

Sock Bugs

2011-08-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

Corbyn and mommy had a date. I picked my date up after work from the babysitter, we headed to Starbucks for juice and a snack, chatted about our day and asked if he would like to do a craft, of course his answer was yes! So we went to Hobby Lobby, discussed what would be fun to make (I had like 3 ideas that I shared and let him choose, it actually started as sock animals but then he said sock bugs as we walked by a bug display), we collected our supplies, and headed home.

Supplies: Socks, dry beans, food coloring, yarn, stuff to decorate (we used wiggly eyes and pom poms), and a hot glue gun.

This is a little boy who was very excited to start his craft!

Fill up the water for the dye.

Stir in the food coloring, its serious business =)
Put your socks into the food coloring. Let them soak for a little bit, then squeeze them out and throw them into the dryer. We ate dinner while the socks dried so Corbyn wasn't constantly going to check on them. Note: I wasn't sure what food coloring would do to my dryer so I put each sock into an old pillowcase and tied the pillowcase. I believe it worked I dried towels in the dryer afterwards and they weren't tinted.
Fill the socks with dry beans.
Tie off your sock into sections, I used yarn.
Decorate! Add some eyes, feet, antennas, etc. Corbyn sat on my lap and helped me with the hot glue gun and told me where the eyes and feet should go.
Our finished product, Mr. Antman and Mr. Piller.

And he's off to play with his new friends.

5 Year Anniversary recap

2011-08-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

Five whole years! Just a start, but its been a beautiful start! Here are some photos of how we celebrated on the actual day of our anniversary (that I forgot to put up a couple weeks ago, fail)!

Where we ate our dinner and watched a movie in our backyard. We kept it simple since we had just gotten back from a cruise.

Our dinner! Filet mignon, twice baked potatoes, and grilled veggies.

Yay for 5 years! (oh ps. the wine glass has ice water haha we're awesome like that)

Playing with my camera. I love you, too!

Amy Ryland Photography: Photo Dilemma

2011-08-09T19:12:00.000-07:00

I got a smokin Groupon from Canvas on Demand so I am having a 16x20 canvas of this picture made for our house but I can't decide which one to do! Which one do you think?

or 2)
Isn't he just the cutest!!!

Current Obsession: Friday Night Lights

2011-08-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

This is the current obsession in our house! We are on season 2, thank you netflix for the unlimited streaming. Football, Texas, Coaching, exaggerated High School drama...amazingness.

I want to be friends with the coach and his wife, knock some sense into a bunch of the teenagers, and be apart of a team again! So, if I look a little on the tired side or start chewing on the inside of my bottom lip this could possibly be why.

Mommy Mondays: The paci

2011-08-08T22:59:00.000-07:00

Corbyn doesn't have a special blankie. Nor does he have a special animal he carries with him or sleeps with. He doesn't have one toy you can't pry out of his fingers. He likes to switch it up. One night he will sleep with Mr. Trunkman (his elephant), the next he will sleep with Church (his little blanket bear, which he named when he was 18 months and his name has never wavered), then he may switch to sleeping with a book. Pretty nice for mom in that if I can't find one I can easily persuade him into something else. Nice for mom in that we have never had a melt down because we left something somewhere and can't get it for a few days. Nice for mom.

But there is one thing he is adamant about...da da da da....the paci. He knows its only allowed when he is in his crib and will happily throw them down as soon as he is awake, but to go to sleep he needs a paci, usually 3, one in his mouth and one in each hand. We actually have never tried going without paci just because he is such a good sleeper (he wasn't for a loooong time) and because he really doesn't ask for much else, so to me, no big deal. I know he's not going to take it to kindergarten or go to college with a secret stash under his pillow but I've started to get looks when I say Corbyn still uses a paci (this could possibly be out of my own mommy insecurity or one person who gave me a look and now I associate negative feelings with). I feel like I have to justify myself and clarify yes, he uses a paci but its only at night time.

So how old is too old for paci? And how do I even try to get rid of it? One fabulous idea from my friend whose daughter had hers till three was to throw paci a going away party. What other ideas have you heard?

I want my paci mommy!

Yeah, thats better. I can even sleep with my leg up when I have paci.

Miracle Product

2011-08-08T22:49:00.000-07:00

A miracle product! I really need to hop in my car and drive to the grocery store or Target to get it right now because I am out (for like 2 weeks I have tried something else to try and mix it up...fail) but my poor face will have to wait for its best friend till tomorrow. If you have ever struggled, even just a little bit, with your skin I highly recommend it. I've done the dermatologist thing, the Proactive, the pills but this product has worked wonders on my skin.

You can find this product at Target, Wal-Mart, or basically any grocery store. Oh and pssst, there is a $5 coupon here for it and another $4 coupon in the box for next time.

Color Inspiration: Yellow

2011-08-07T15:21:00.000-07:00

As we were playing play doh tonight Corbyn asked me, "what is your fraverite color Mommy?It's pink huh? Pink is a girl color (ps. I never told him that)". Nope, actually never has been and though I'm not one who has an absolute favorite color I have noticed I am drawn to yellow. Yellow makes me happy, its bright and fresh and I feel like its a color that goes well with other colors...yellow and white, I likey. Yellow and grey, love. Yellow and blue, good. Yellow and red, good. Yellow and green, or pink, or orange, good! Here is a collection of yellow that makes me happy.

I love everything about this picture by Beth Tribe, even the memories of sailing it invokes.

I picture a happy yellow umbrella in a sea of boring black ones. Photo by deviant art.

A whole field of yellow. Photo by bea photograph.

A pop of yellow against white <3! Photo found on madebygirl.blogspot.com.
I would be happy to sit on these yellow bleachers. Photo by Martina Castillo.

Yellow purse that I would build an outfit around =) Etsy listing found here.
Yellow earrings. Etsy listing found here.
Love! Both can come snuggle on my bed with me. Etsy listing found here.
Finally a fan I wouldn't be opposed to having out. Photo by fishbonedeco found here.
Peace. Photo by Omnia Mutantur.
Looks like such a relaxing and fun place to be. Photo found at yellowbarnart.blogspot.com

Lessons of the Week

2011-08-05T20:08:00.000-07:00

A list of lessons I have learned this week:

1) My most pressing and urgent need may be money, or healing, or guidance but what I need most is forgiveness

2) Call the manufacturer before a repairman. It may result in learning of a warranty you didnt know you had or a free part because they know it was defective. Thanks dad for the advice!

3) No need for Handy Manny around here, my Mr is handy if there are directions.

4) Two and a half year olds think they can drive when they turn two and a half. Me: "Corbyn, you are two and a half today!" Corbyn: "Oh cool Mom, I can drive now!"

5) Cold showers are not worth taking a shower. I recommend a washcloth for the armpits and baby powder for the hair.

6) Running into a tree can result in 8,000 dollars worth of damage. (our) tree just fine, (neighbors) car not so much.

7) Water parks = lots of skin, not enough sunscreen, and some pretty awesome tattoos.

8) Don't get behind the coupon lady at the grocery store. Reason number one: it takes forever. Reason number 2: you feel bad about your own shopping

9) Though I am an avid Southwest Airlines fan sometimes its cheaper to fly with them one way and another airline back.

10) Being struck by lightning is not uncommon during monsoon season in Arizona (chalk up another thing to be fearful about)...five people YESTERDAY just at the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Craziness.

Did you learn anything this week? Do tell!

Have a Fan-tastic Weekend!

2011-08-05T19:45:00.000-07:00

We drove downtown tonight with no plans other than to go downtown. We walked around our courthouse square looking at the people and the fountains, went into a little treat place and let Corbyn pick out a special something, picked up some deliciousness at an amazing pizza place in Prescott (Mama Edda's) and then noticed there was a softball game. We decided to stop and watch for a little while when we ate our dinner. I forgot how much I love the game. Within just a couple minutes I had keyed into what both pitchers were throwing, how I would go about hitting against them, and picked the players I would like to make a team out of. I did resist the urge to run home and grab my bat and my probably too tight white softball pants but I definitely didn't resist the urge to tell the mom next to me what to tell her daughter the next time she got up to bat. I couldn't help it. I'm a fan.

I challenge you this weekend to be a fan! To do something, watch something, or cheer for something you are a fan of.

Happy Friday!

Happy Birthday Martha

2011-08-04T21:41:00.000-07:00

In honor of Martha Stewart's 70th Birthday (she looks fantastic!) 7 fabulous ideas from her website!

Beach Towel Tote Bag

Textured handmade bracelets

Cute invitations! (a lot of which you can just print out)

Beach Board Game

Handmade Brooch Ribbon Necklace

Yummy recipes like this Red white and blueberry layer cake.

Checklists! My heart smiles when I can check off little boxes.

Happy Birthday Martha! Thanks for your creativity!

All photos and ideas from marthastewart.com

The Great Debate: Short or Long

2011-08-03T15:05:00.000-07:00

Short?

Or long?

Here are some hairstyles I am liking...

Short?

Or long?

Help me =) I don't know what to do.

Amy Ryland Photography: Clouds

2011-08-02T22:49:00.000-07:00

These are me looking up turning in a circle taking pictures of the sky from our backyard. I wanted something to remember the magic as I sat with my boy cuddled on my lap, pointing, searching for animals and objects in the clouds. His 2 year old imagination makes my heart swell.

Back to School- Preschool

2011-08-01T15:27:00.000-07:00

Sitting up, check. Crawling, check. Sleeping through the night, check. Off the boob and bottle, check. Walking, check. Talking, check. Saying please, thank you, and excuse me without being prompted, check. It seriously amazes me that 2.5 short years ago I was holding a 6 pound baby who cried and cooed and now he is telling me full on imaginative stories and correcting me, "no mom, that's not a skid steer thats a front loader". My baby is turning into a little boy. And though we're not quite ready for preschool with school starting this week it made me think of what is on my to buy list for preschool.

One of these cute backpacks from pb kids. I love the simple design with their name embroidered.

This awesome lunch pail. No baggies needed plus, cute little compartments.

These personalized labels for his sippy cup/water bottle.

These cute tennis shoes. According to the preschools around here they have to wear tennis shoes and I think the velcro is good so he can do them himself.

And of course, new clothes! My favorite places to shop for Corbyn on a budget are The Childrens Place and Old Navy, both have cute boy clothes and awesome sales.

Happy Back to School Shopping!

Back to School- College Edition

2011-08-01T15:01:00.001-07:00

I was a ball of excitement and nerves. Every year that I drove onto 2900 Lomaland Dr I was ecstatic thinking about what that year would hold and the memories that would be made but I was also nervous, would my classes be too hard? would I perform as well on the softball field this year as well as I did the year before? would we have an ocean view? will there be a snake hiding under one of our suitcases (it happened)? what surprises would this school year hold? (what can I say I'm a worry wort). But I absolutely loved the energy at the beginning of the year and starting school again. The new notebooks, the organized binders, the smell of new books, and the fact my mom made sure to take me back to school shopping for the essentials even in college. She wouldn't leave my dorm till my bed was made, closet organized, desk set up, food in the fridge, and a few new outfits in the smallest closets ever. If I was going back to school this year, these are some things that would make my list of must haves.

The ipad 2, my husband is using his as his main computer now and I think I would love to take notes and write papers on one of these (and of course, play words with friends).

I hate waking up and waking to that horrid beep, beep, beep is the absolute worst way to start a day, Dave Matthews is far better to wake up to. Plus this one is little and cute and white!

Everyone needs a backpack. Especially this one.

Or a cute tote
A few casual, easy to wear dresses because jeans get a little boring. ps. I knew a girl in college who would only wear dresses and high heels (everyday! for 4 years!) I am not extreme like that but I definitely like me some effortless dresses like this one.

And this one.
And this one.

Along with new clothes you definitely need some new shoes. Point Loma is hilly, most of the time your breathing hard by the time you make it up from the dorms so high heels to me were out of the picture. But these are some adorable shoes that I think would look cute with jeans or casual dresses, score.

And you can't forget the classic flip flop, rainbows are where its at in San Diego.

Happy Back to School shopping!

Home Inspiration: Books

2011-07-25T21:09:00.000-07:00

I have started 4 books this year and I have finished, oh, one. My husband is on his 35th book of the year. He is never without a book. He wakes up reading, he goes to sleep reading, he reads at work, he reads while I'm watching tv, he even will read in the shower. His reading obviously has led to a huge collection of books. We have a small library in our house and in his office, as well as, piles of books and I am a person where everything needs a space. Call it anal or type a personality but I get overwhelmed with clutter and I find books cluttery. However, I know they are important to my husband so I am always on the search of how to store books in a pleasing way. Here are a few ways I was looking at for displaying:

Color coordinating =)

Making a usually bland space functional.
Dark walls, thick white shelves, pops of unifying color makes this space interesting to me.
I need to figure this out because even though I only read sometimes I do believe this is true.

This made my day!

2011-07-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

I've been fretting! But this just made my day!

Are you ready for some Fooooooooooootballlllllllllll?!!
Oh Peyton, I have missed you!

Childhood Classics

2011-07-18T20:49:00.000-07:00

I hang out with teenagers a lot, its kind of my job. And because I hang out with them a lot sometimes I forget how much older I am than them...I am now officially a decade older than my seniors, boo and 15 years older than my youngest students, oh my! The age difference is very obvious when we start talking about our favorite childhood movies, television shows, or music. These are three classics from my childhood that they had never seen.

The Original Parent Trap

Troop Beverly Hills
Punky Brewster

If you haven't seen them, I totally recommend them! If they were also your childhood favorites, go watch again!

I am currently watching The Parent Trap with my teen girls and I can quote almost the whole thing, I must've watched it a ton. And they are enjoying it, though they keep comparing it to the Lohan version, like the Lohan version is the original, haha =)

Vacation Part Three: Ensenada Cruise

2011-07-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

I am not spontaneous. I wish I was, but I'm not. Which is why when we decided to book a cruise with our cousins and friends the day after it was mentioned at my brothers wedding (because we had so much fun!), I was so proud of myself. I knew the eight of us would have a fabulous time and we would have a lot of time to just relax and actually talk without having to cut someone off to chase our kiddos but I didn't know I would have a constant stomachache from laughing so hard the entire weekend. Our 3 day Ensenada cruise was so amazing and was just the start to many vacations to come.

The eight!

Where we parked ourselves for most of the trip...top part of the lido deck with the best "views".

Laughter! I love seeing my husband laugh!
The couples:

Me and my Mr.

Jason and Tabitha

Chris and Courtney

Todd and Shawna

The girls

The boys:

Mr. Elephant

And finally, trying to channel the person to the cruise who brought us all together in the first place, my brother and his awesome smile. Love you brother =)

Happy 5 Year Anniversary!

2011-07-15T19:10:00.000-07:00

Happy 5 Year Anniversary to My Mr! I love you more than when I said I do, best day eva! Thank you for the love, laughs, and joy you bring to our home. You are an incredible husband and father, pastor and friend! I am honored to be yours!

Five years ago on our wedding day (yes, this is a picture of a picture so not the highest quality, and yes, it was in a frame, can we say lazy!)

Here we are today (last weekend) on our cruise, Mr. is working his zoolander poses.
Here's to 55+ more years!

Vacation Part Two: San Diego

2011-07-14T22:25:00.001-07:00

Part two of our va kay was in our favorite place to go as a family...San Diego. Hours of free entertainment (I'm surprised they haven't figured out a way to charge going to the beach), food from all our favorite college spots, and remembering all our favorite stories from Point Loma sharing them with Corbyn. Here's a glance into our week.

We played in the sand.

We filled our buckets with water and sand crabs.
We were buried with Popie and played super Corbyn.
We ate at Pizza Nova on the harbor, yum.
We finally took a picture with mom (I don't think we had taken an alone picture in 3 years, sad)
We learned how to make wishes into a fountain from Uncky Chris.
We tried to dig to China.
We built a sand fort with daddy.
We arrived at the beach every day by 9:30 and parked ourselves there till naptime even eating sand filled sandwiches on our towels.

We were very happy!

Oh San Diego, we love you, see you soon!

Vacation Part One: Lake Arrowhead

2011-07-14T21:24:00.000-07:00

A great start to our vacation!

We had long dinners with lots of storytelling

We ate lots of delicious food next to our bestest buddy and even shared our food.
We were entertained by Gammie.
We had lots of time to read.

We dug and dug and dug annnnnd dug for worms (I am a worm finding expert).

We found lots of worms and even got brave enough to hold them.

We enjoyed nappy/snuggle time

We had dance parties on the balcony.
We sat and watched the hugemungous boats on the lake.
We had cousin cuddle time watching Toy Story 3.

We stayed in our jammies till noon.

We rode a chuga chuga choooo choooooo.

We saw amazing fireworks (my bropher took this one).

We celebrated.
We took lessons in posing for pictures from Corbyn.

We had fun with yaya and popie and had one very happy boy!

We had a fabulous time!

Close to the Heart

2011-07-12T13:50:00.000-07:00

Every time Corbyn sees my mom he is more interested to see what necklace she has on than saying hello. She has a beautiful locket she keeps Corbyn's picture in and he wants to make sure he stays close to her heart...super sweet. I want a necklace that is meaningful and Corbyn wants to make sure I am wearing so here are some significant beautiful hand-crafted necklaces I found.

Affection Pendant by Blue Poppy. Express your affection by putting it in writing. "Each pendant is made to order by carefully shaping every letter completely by hand from 14 carat gold-filled wire than soldered into place". So pretty and so delicate.

Personalized Morse Code Neckalce by Coatt. Simple, thought-provoking, and totally unique, I don't think too many people would have Corbyn or -.-.---.-.-...-.---.

Seedlings Necklace by Pear and Peacock. I love the simplicity and cleanness of this necklace.

I wish but I'm thankful

2011-07-07T22:42:00.000-07:00

I wish vacation could last for longer than it does but I'm thankful I can go on vacation and then have a job to come back to.

I wish Corbyn could just sit still at a restaurant so we didn't feel like we had to eat at hyperspeed but I'm thankful he is an active, healthy two year old.

I wish summer television was more than just Wipeout, the Bachelorette, and reruns but I'm thankful that my house is cleaner and I sleep more because of it.

(Speaking of sleep) I wish I slept as well on vacation as I do in my own bed but I'm thankful my bed is something that makes me happy to be home.

I wish someone could invent teleportation so I could hang out more with my cousins but I'm thankful for Cruizin 2011 for bringing us together and laughing harder than I have in a loooong time.

Corbyn even wants to spend more time with his 2nd cousin, he loves her =). I am thankful for this.

Love Etc.

2011-07-07T14:43:00.000-07:00

I love LOVE! I want to see this!

Here is the trailer.

trailer 1st seen on A Cup of Jo

Water

2011-07-05T23:20:00.000-07:00

I need to drink more. Awesome designed bottles will help.

Water at Home: I love the shape, the fun font, and wire closure.

Water on the Go: I love the touch of color, the see thruness (water with ice is very appealing to me), that each bottle purchased goes to support some sort of water related cause, and that it will fit in my cup holder.
ps. click on picture for link.

Stay Hydrated!

Mommy Mondays: Toys

2011-07-05T21:37:00.000-07:00

You open our hall closet, toys. Go into the guest room, toys. Corbyn's closet, toys. Our den, toys. Open drawers in our house, more toys. Toys have taken over. And toys are essential, they keep Corbyn busy, they teach him fine motor skills, how to problem solve, and give him a way to use his imagination. They are needed for his development but eventually they start accumulating and spilling out of every open nook and cranny in our home. If toy takeover is inevitable I would like the toys to look like these (I chose toys that Corbyn would really be into right now)...

Fishing set from Anthropologie (I didn't even know they carried toys! Just another reason if I only had one place to shop for everything it would be there)

Alphabet building blocks and wagon from Anthropologie
Construction trucks from oompa.com
Animals from oompa.com

Family Reunion

2011-07-04T22:17:00.000-07:00

I laughed so hard I was crying, tears literally streaming down my face as I made this quiet almost kitty like squeal/screeching sound as I tried to catch my breath. My aunt was standing across the room reenacting a recent awesomely awkward experience and we were rolling in laughter. Family get togethers=bellyache.

Nothing makes me happier than being with people I love, it energizes me and I feel a deep sense of contentment. I always seem to leave with a smile, full belly, and full heart. I am so thankful for my family, I am so thankful we could take time out of our busy schedules and gather together, and I am so thankful for the memories created.

But it did get me thinking, I have so much more family I would love to see and spend time with. Hence the reason for this post...family reunion planning!

If I was to plan a legit family reunion here are some things that would be on my to-do list...

Cute invites like these from www.realsimple.com

Reunion t-shirts that arn't cheeseball! Like these from Angela Hardison Design.

Fun and simple decor like this from www.hostessblog.com

Family Recipe food

A fun competitive game for the kiddos (and big kiddos!)

A cute keepsake to take home like this from www.redenvelope.com. I am picturing Corbyn's hand, my hand, my mom's hand/dad's hand, and grandpa's hand/nana or papa's hand.

Or throw all the details out and figure out a time and place and come armed with stories and laughter =)

Hope you had a great 4th I know we did!

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T09:30:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th! Hope you have a great day!

ps. isn't this the cutest! this is my friends boy at a 4th of July parade, what a cutie patootie!

Home Inspiration: Big Little Boys Room

2011-07-02T15:25:00.000-07:00

He's done with bottles. He's almost potty trained. He has an opinion on what he wears (as well as what I wear). And when he sees a baby he exclaims "look mommy, a little baby, I hold that baby". He is not a baby anymore. My baby is a big boy and though I never went for the "baby" nursery so I don't feel like I have to change it yet, I think a big boy room is just around the corner and they are sooooo cute.

Sports themed room from Pottery Barn Kids. Corbyn actually picked this as his favorite...surprise, surprise.

Super hero themed room. I love the bed!
Construction zone room.
Nautical themed room. Probably my fav.
Love the colors of this room.
Love the colors and the wood of this room.

Wedding Inspiration: Summer Barn

2011-07-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

An amazingly beautiful summer wedding photographed by Jose Villa (I heart his work)! To see more photos go here to his blog.

Have a Sparkly Weekend!

2011-07-01T22:43:00.000-07:00

I love me some sparkles! I think they say fun, carefree, and ready to party! I am all systems go for these things.

I challenge you to add some sparkle to your life this weekend! Wear something sparkly, paint your nails with sparkles, use glittery eye makeup, and/or run around with sparklers while watching fireworks!

Happy Friday!

photo by: April Smith Photography (this is my bro and sis-in-law leaving their wedding!)

Thursday Randomness

2011-07-01T21:34:00.000-07:00

These look yummy!

I may be able to actually read these.

Oh to have this kind of patience.

Fail

My roomies from college swear by this method so I may have to try it. Gross or worth it?

Flower Recipes

My sister-in-law made these for our weekend away and they are super delish! (Chefs Note: She only uses 2 tablespoons of cocoa and substitutes soy milk)

Animals are sensitive!

What an easy and cute thing to do for a wall. (canvas, wood letters, paint...waa laa!)

I am going to try this method this weekend, I'm excited to see how they turn out.

To Do List

2011-06-29T21:47:00.000-07:00

1) Work--check

2) Stop ignoring the dirty floor--check

3) Drive down to Scottsdale, drive back up to Prescott--check

4) Make a yummy healthy summer dinner (bruschetta chicken from skinnytaste.com)--check

5) Pay bills (blah...can't they just give you a break once and awhile)--check

6) Laundry--check

7) Pack suitcases--check

8) Pack Corbyn's travel packpack--check

9) Pack car (note: though the prius is great on the wallet, it has a mighty tiny trunk)--check

10) Vacation!!!

photo by alice gardens

Lemonaders

2011-06-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

It's hot! The lemonade stands are popping up and I try to support my fellow lemonaders when I can. My brother and I were little lemonade entrepreneurs and for the price of a dixie cup glass I may have to try my hand in it again.

Check out this cute article about a lady who interviewed kids about having lemonade stands in New York City, its hilarious!

For a more sophisticated take on lemonade try this out.

Inspiration Board: Displaying Photos

2011-06-28T21:23:00.000-07:00

On a happiness scalle of 1-10 photos make me an 11 in happy. I love that a moment, a memory, a feeling is captured and preserved so I may display too many photos in my house but it makes me happy, so psssh. I did decide I need some creative new ways to display my photos so I went searching, here are some ideas I am tossing around.

So, I love everything about this family room but the three huge square black and white canvases I adore. I also heart the black and white pics in the black and white frames above the tv.

Disguising your tv within a wall of pictures, fab idea.

This is a stunning and interesting photo wall, awesome way to display nine favies. My symmetrical type a personality loves this.

A photo headboard! How fun and colorful! I love how the photos & pillows are matchy matchy.

What an awesome way to spruce up a hallway. Not only do they have photos displayed but cute sayings, sentimental keepsakes, fabric, and prints. (I might have to hire someone to do this though I don't think Wil has the patience for how long this would take me to get right.)

Yay for pictures having a home!

Food: 4th of July Desserts

2011-06-28T14:46:00.000-07:00

I love that 4th of July desserts are all about fruit and color, they are so pretty and bonus...if not actually healthy, they at least look healthy =). I am super excited for 4th of July as we are heading to Lake Arrowhead for a weekend of the 3 F's...family, fun, and food. Here are a few 4th of July dessert recipes that might make it up to the cabin this year.

Red, White, and Blueberry Triffle from www.skinnytaste.com: Angel food cake yum, white chocolate pudding yum, fruit yum, and healthy awesome! I have followed Gina's blog for about 6 months now and have not yet made something our family of 3 did not like. She's amazing!

Berry Yogurt Popsicles from www.skinnytaste.com: Corbyn loves popsicles and these are actually made with real fruit and no added sugar, perfect for these hot days we've been having.

White Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake from www.sprinklebakes.com: cheesecake and not having to turn on the oven...perfection.

Red White Blue Chocolate Covered Strawberries from www.divinedinnerparty.com: super easy, super cute, super delish.

Stained Glass Jello Stars from www.gimmesomeoven.com: My husband is kind of a kid when it comes to foods and his favorites are pudding and jello so I think he would love these. Plus, they are pretty.

pssst...for full recipes click on the name of the dessert and it will take you to the websites

Smelly Memories

2011-06-27T15:14:00.000-07:00

A smell can bring on a flood of memories, a smell can even influence your mood. There's scientific words why this happens but basically its because the sniffer part of your brain is super close to the memory part of your brain (how's that for scientific explanation). "Our nose is also called our "emotional brain" as it can call up memories and powerful responses almost instantaneously. When you first smell a new scent, you link it to a person, an event, a thing, or even a moment. Your brain forges a link between a smell and a memory-associating the smell of chlorine with summer at the pool or lilies with a funeral. When you encounter the smell again, the link is already there, ready to elicit a memory or mood. Chlorine might call up a specific pool-related memory or simply make you feel content. Lilies might agitate you without knowing why" (Sarah Dowdy for Discovery Health). This is why one person may love the smell of rain and another may hate the smell of rain.

My poor hubby sat by a man for three hours during a play this weekend where he basically sat in my chair smelling my hair, chewing gum, and holding his program up to his nose in attempts to mask what was coming from next to him as the poor gentleman reeked of an adult group home he used to work at. And though this was an unpleasant experience for him I started thinking about smells I distinctly connect to a person or a memory. Here are some I came up with:

Fresh Cut Grass: Reminds me of early morning softball games when the grass had just been manicured and watered, your fingers still hurt when the ball hit the bat because it was still cold, and you knew you had a long day ahead of you. Record: 7 games in a day. Hanai Mori Perfume: Reminds me of me roomie in college. I have it now and everytime I use it I think of her.

Fresh Cut Wood: Reminds me of camping with our family friends sitting around the campfire at night, roasting marshmellows, and laughing!

Cinnamon Gum and Suncreen: Reminds me of my dad. He will always smell of these two things to me.

Sweet Acacia Tree: Reminds me of walking to school on my very 1st day of school in Arizona, February 6, 1995. I was in fifth grade.

Coconut Anything: Reminds me of my other college roommate. She would put coconut lotion on sometimes instead of showering haha and always had coconut smell in her car.

Vanilla and Apple: Reminds me of our first house together (where we still live). When we were looking for houses we walked into "our" house and I immediately loved the smell and fresh feel of it. I actually think the smell sold me and every once and awhile I get a whiff of it and it reminds me of that first time walking through. (I still buy vanilla apple freshners or candles to preserve the smell).

Downey: Reminds me of my mom. Not only does she usually smell like Downey but it reminds me of how my clothes smelled when I lived at home and what my room always smelled like as it was close to the laundry room.

What are some smells you have associated to memories?! Happy Tuesday, take time to smell the roses or your loved ones =)!

Living Louder: Gwyneth Paltrow

2011-06-27T12:31:00.000-07:00

I have always been intrigued by Hollywood (people.com is one of my top frequented sites). It is not that I desire that lifestyle or even have talents that would land me in Hollywood. It is that these people, these stars, have a life so opposite of mine that I find it interesting how different and yet, how similar we are. They wear Gucci and drive Range Rover's. I wear Nordstrom Rack and drive an Xtrerra. They have strangers throwing themselves at them. I have teenagers throwing water balloons and handfuls of flour at me. They have an assistant to keep their life in order. I have a desk calendar that forgets to remind me of important dates quite frequently (I might fire it). But yet, we all want to be loved, accepted, and valued. We all want to do something that matters.

One person in Hollywood who I have always found not only to be absoutely gorgeous, but seems to have it together and is uber talented is Gwyneth Paltrow. I saw a lengthy interview with her recently and she was warm, friendly, bubbly, positive, humble, funny, sophisticated, and down to earth...we could be friends. For sure. And though all those are commendable qualities thats not why she inspired me. She inspired me because she continues to stretch herself and explore her talents.

She has a rockin movie career that she could ride out and always get awesome roles but she decided to dig deeper into her talents and has now sung at the oscars, created an amazing cookbook, and writes a fun blog. All while being a wife, mom, and friend (Gwyneth, look me up on fb we seriously could be friends)!

When softball came to an end for me five years ago I kinda felt like a part of me was missing, I had devoted so much time and energy to softball that it felt like it was the only thing I was really talented at. Deep down I knew this wasn't true but I couldn't see past being able to hit a ball over a fence or instinctively know where to field a ball coming off a bat. These past five years I have been discovering new talents and passions that I never really knew I had and seeing someone like Gwyneth pursuing different outlets for her talents pushes me not to just get stuck but to explore my talents and in turn, discover more about myself.

Thanks Gwyn (friends shorten each other's names) for being an inspiration!

Have a Cool Weekend!

2011-06-24T22:05:00.000-07:00

My car burned my toosh today, black leather and 113 degree Arizona sun are not an ideal combo. I have started the "I don't care if my car is stolen I am turning it on 10 minutes before I get in it so I don't die". I get just a smidge uber drama when I'm hot so we do all we can to keep the crazy beast from showing her ugly head. I thought moving an hour and a half north would help the heat sitch but it was over 100 in P-town today, not much of a difference when your also much higher in elevation so our plan for this weekend is to keep cool. Our weekend plans include going to a movie, swimming, going to the mall, out to dinner, and to see Sweeny Todd the musical. Coomon thread? Staying cool!

I challenge you to find a new fun way to stay cool this weekend...get a slip n slide, go to a play, meet friends for fro yo...do something fun without over heating. And drinks lots of H2O =).

Happy Friday!

1st Day of Summa!

2011-06-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

School has been out for almost a month around here but today is officially summer! It is summer and we haven't yet turned on our air conditioner (woohoo for low electricity bills), though I have a feeling it's right around the corner. What does summer mean to you? Any fun plans for this summer? Have you turned on your air conditioner?

Happy Summa!