just us

My Little Sunshine

2014-06-10T21:50:00.001-07:00

post-nap photos. even though he doesn't take a nap these days-- rare occasion.

I am so lucky to have Krew as my son and my buddy. He is very sweet and cautious but can be surprisingly adventurous. He loves to learn and he is great at listening to directions (most of the time).

Someday, hopefully soon, this kid is going to be the best big brother. I really am so thankful for him and his little face of sunshine. He brings me so much joy.

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs

2014-06-01T22:05:00.002-07:00

After church today we wanted to head out of the house and so we drove an hour south to Garden of the Gods-- something that both Cameron and I had really wanted to see. It is really quite spectacular!

We climbed rocks (in the very hot weather... still not sure why I thought it was a good idea to wear pants &all black), took lots of photos, and marveled at the beautiful giant rocks. Their bright red hue was amazing in contrast to the greenery and the blue sky.

We hit all the spots we wanted to except we never did find the "Siamese Twins" rock. We all were getting tired, hot, and hungry so pulled off and climbed on a random big rock and Cameron taking a picture said, "Say 'Siamese Twins!' "-- hinting that we were just going to call it good and pretend that we found it. :)
We called that our "Siamese Twins" and off we went.

What beauty Colorado has continued to surprise me with!

Back at it.

2014-05-29T19:11:00.001-07:00

I hadn't looked at my blog in months. Today I decided I would take a gander (I didn't even remember where I exactly stopped last) and then I went to view the latest comments. In the comment an anonymous person left this a few months ago:

"too sad that you're not blogging anymore .."

You see, I didn't have too many new year's resolutions-- I like to keep it simple: exercise 3-4 times a week, read a book once a month, blog, etc. And I haven't even posted a blog post once! Or read a book at that. But two days ago I started to read my first book of the year (I'm slightly embarrassed to admit that) and now here's to my first post of the year. Only half way in but better late than never, am I right?
Thank you, anonymous! I truly do like blogging and looking back on what I've recorded.

Strawberry Fields: photos with Two If by Sea Photography

2013-09-23T13:27:00.001-07:00

A few months ago, I was able to team up with Kaitlyn Ray of Two if By Sea Photography to take some photos to celebrate the start of my business and being the best mom I can be to Krew. I took Krew to the strawberry fields of Carlsbad (something we had wanted to do for a while now) where we picked, ate, and got a little muddy. It was probably the easiest photos we have ever taken because it was me and my little boy just playing as we do.

Looking at these photos, I love seeing Krew's little face covered in strawberry juice and our feet a little muddier than before. I cherish how Kaitlyn captured us-- the wonderful love of a mother and her son. I will treasure these beautiful photos forever. Thank you, Kaitlyn!

You can view more here on her site here!

Kaitlyn of Two If by Sea Photography is having a great promo right now:

NYC- Oct. 10-15 mini sessions for $100 or 20% of standard session

Salt Lake City Area - the same promo will be honored now through 11/15 if you book by the end of September!

visit her site here or contact her at twoifbyseaphoto@gmail.com

more camping please

2013-08-02T09:08:00.002-07:00

A few days ago we returned from our yearly trip from camping at mammoth pools which ended up not being at mammoth pools but that's another story. I can't tell you how much I: 1) dislike packing for camping trips and setting up... such a pain. and 2. Enjoyed camping! I needed this! Being out camping with my family with no phones, no internet, no errands, no things to do. It was truly bliss and as much as I was sick of the dirt, I am kind of wishing I was back (after I got in a hot shower). But we're back to real life and Cameron and I have some awesome trips planned for August but at the same time it could be the busiest month of our marriage yet! That camping trip was exactly what we needed to charge up for August... but we are kind of left wanting more.

Have a happy friday! I am making decorations for a quickly pulled together birthday party for my little cowboy Krew! (I still can't believe he is three... more on that later)

my big boy

2013-07-17T23:14:00.000-07:00

I seriously am in awe that this boy of mine is turning 3 on Sunday! I look at him as he sleeps and see these long tan legs and think, Whoa.. what happened to my baby??? He is sweeter than ever and I am always so thankful for Krew. He's my son and my little sidekick who I am so grateful to spend my day with!

And even though he is almost three, his mom still dresses him in overalls. :)

i'm still here!

2013-05-15T15:37:00.001-07:00

via

I'm still here! I'm still here! I haven't forgotten about this dear blog of mine. This last month has just been the craziest month of my life yet so fulfilling. My amount of sleep has been cut in half and exercising has never been so sparse but soon it will all get adjusted. You see, I'm working very hard on starting my wedding planning business (Bon Wed) which has been terribly exciting since event planning has been a dream of mine since... well, forever. I plan to still update and I can't wait to start launching soon! As for now, check out my guest post on Nicole's blog over here!

p.s. when did a pokey cacti ever become so soothing?

p.s.s you can always find me at my personal instagram but you can also find me at @bon_wed !

flying a kite... or trying to.

2013-04-23T01:33:00.000-07:00

All week I had planned to fly a kite on Sunday as a family since our month of April has pretty much been the busiest month of our lives. no joke. At night Cameron and I just look at each other not knowing how we are going to get everything done. This is the time in my life where I truly feel that the saying "there aren't enough hours in the day" has been more real and true to us. Or maybe it has turned into "there aren't enough hours in the day so I'll just sacrifice my sleep." That's more like it. But it's all a good busy-- just a bit overwhelming. and sleep depriving.
So we tried this little kite but it just didn't want to stay up in the air. It made us feel better when the super-into-kites-people next to us could barely get their 6 footer kite to stay up. Krew was a bit bummed but we tried to make up with a little scooter ride.
It was still a pleasant day where we could enjoy each other and do nothing. Maybe the wind will cooperate for us next time. I'm feeling like this little kite, just trying to keep up in the air, keep ahead of my never ending to-do list. But good things will come in the wind when we work hard. I'm sure they will!

Kite fails and camera focusing fails ^ hahaha

family photos with Two if by Sea Photography

2013-03-26T06:29:00.000-07:00

^ That last photo just makes me melt. I still can feel everything in that moment of this shot.

The morning before our photos with Kaitlyn, we were rushing around being terribly late, trying to get little Krew ready and happy, and my hair wasn't settling the way I wanted it to. bah! And when it comes to family pictures, I don't think it comes super naturally to us. As soon as we got there, it was easy, it was real, and it was us. And that is what is most important. Kaitlyn was great to work with and is always easy to talk to. Thank you for making us feel at home! And real!! See for yourself in the photos! Getting these in the mail was like a holiday, seeing all this family love bottled up in these photos--such a true treasure. I couldn't help but fall in love with how she captures the beauty of nature as well as the subjects in her photos. Everything in her photos was so real and fresh. (And I always love the photos she does for Nat the fat Rat blog!) Click here to see more of her work!

Kaitlyn, Two if by Sea Photography, is offering a special spring deal, HALF off (50% off folks!) any session if you book from now until May!
And folks, she's coming to Southern CA specifically in May and stay tuned for hot deals to come! (and of course 20% off anytime to my readers!)
You should book her!

date night

2013-03-25T15:37:00.001-07:00

^ the handsome face of stop taking pictures we are on a date. :)

On Friday night, we were in great need of a date. I have figured out that if we go too long without one, we start feeling it. We need some time where it's just the two of us on a night out even if it's not for very long. Cameron surprised me with planning a date to get burgers near the beach and then after we looked in a few art galleries for fun. It was refreshing. Yay for dates and perfect spring nights! Thanks hun!

three things that were really awesome this week

2013-03-21T23:38:00.001-07:00

Three things that were really awesome this week:
1. Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray- Holy moly I love this stuff. I swear it makes my dry shampoo last 2 days longer. I have always loved the feeling of having salty hair from the ocean and man does this stuff hit the spot. And the nice thing, only $4-$5 at CVS. awesome.
2. The Any.do app- Not only am I a lover of salty hair but a lover of to-do lists! I love lists of all kinds and this (free) app makes me so happy. p.s. turn your phone side ways while using this app and see the magic! Does anyone else have any other awesome list or organizational apps that they love? I would love to know!
3. This kid. You are my little ray of sunshine. xox

Have an awesome weekend!

And hopefully I can find time to fix this dumb header of mine. bah.

tea for 10

2013-03-14T06:11:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I held a very special birthday Tea Party for my very lovely 10-year-old sister. I enjoyed decorating and doing the flowers so that the tea party would feel elegant. I forgot what an enjoyable age 10 is-- they don't think they are too cool for everything yet they are smart and fun. The second these little ladies put on their pair of gloves that were placed at each setting, they lifted pinkies and were extremely proper. They made party hats for their dolls they brought and then later decorated cupcakes. The little ladies nibbled on tiny treats and filled their teacups with sparkling juices. Fifteen years ago, I had my 10-year-old birthday party here in this very house where all my friends arrived in dresses and hats. It was wonderful to relive this little memory again and hear giggles all around the same table as my grandma Cordy would have loved and wished for.

up and running

2013-03-11T17:35:00.001-07:00

So recently I have had the hardest time to get myself up and running-- literally running. It seems that if I don't have a race ahead of me, I can't seem to find to put it as a priority! So many other things can get in the way and seem so much more important! Right?! Somehow it always slips to the bottom of my to do list. So this month I have decided to run 26 miles. Not a full marathon in one day but 26 miles in total over the whole month in hopes that it will get me back into a running habit (that's a gym sesh 3 times per week, each gym sesh including running 2 miles plus weights/squats/abs/rowing/etc.). And I'm writing it here so that I am accountable. Oh, and these are just random pics of how I as a mother manages in the dressing room. note: stroller taking 1/2 of dressing room space and child behind me on the right watching Peter Pan on his ipod. That's how we do.

day of love and orange juice

2013-03-06T06:08:00.000-08:00

This year Krew passed out his first valentines! We went to a little gathering with our playgroup at my friend's house and the kids loved it. Not sure if krew really understood what valentines day was about but hey, we had fun and I had fun making his valentines.

And Cameron and I went out that night. Cameron had something planned and I complained that it was cold outside so we stayed inside and dined at a sushi place, Ogata's. And later I wished I didn't mess up his original plans .... but we still had fun. :) I love my valentine so much. And next year I promise not to ruin your plans.

topped off with sunshine

2013-03-04T23:56:00.002-08:00

Last week was a rough week for us. For Krew, he fell in a toilet in a public restroom and fell down a hill at the zoo and had a really bad crash (like blood running down his head and face-it was really awful). He has a few bandaids and a big goose egg on his head but he is doing fine. Although I didn't fall in any toilets, I did manage to have my wallet stolen and boy has that been the pits! The wallet that Cameron got me for Christmas is sadly gone but it has taken so much time to replace everything that was in there. Sooo much time. And I keep realizing that more and more is missing.

But then I was visited with beautiful sunny skies and warm air by the end of the week and that was beautiful. A little happy ending to our crazy week. Don't get me wrong, there were a lot of other good events that happened this last week as well but that sunshine plus my fam just made everything right.

Our picnic in the garden

2013-02-25T14:37:00.002-08:00

Last Monday while we were driving to the zoo, Cameron said, "We never take picnics on Sundays anymore." I responded, "Well, it's been a little chilly and we usually go out for a picnic in the warmer months of the year (for San Diego) so that's why." But my response didn't stop Cameron from packing up our dinner (left-over homemade pizza from the night before) and sending us out the door on Sunday afternoon. He had a place in mind and he was determined to have a picnic. We had a lovely little dinner out on the grass without anyone around. We sat amongst the rose gardens that were recently pruned that looked sad and dead. But I found a little rose that decided to bud on it's own. And just like us, despite the chilly weather, it had come out to play. So thank you, Cameron, for setting us up on our little outing. Krew was fantastic with his baseball skills, hitting the baseball (and the tee!) and Cameron was the best coach to him. And once our toes and fingers were getting too cold to move, we decided it was best to pack up.

blossoms, museums, and trains at balboa park

2013-02-09T11:51:00.000-08:00

Krew and I met cousins Trey and Ella to go see a few museums last week. What beautiful blossoms were all around Balboa Park! It truly looked like spring! We went to the Natural History museum where the kids looked at fossils and then went to the science museum where they played at the Kid City. Later, Krew and I wandered to the railroad museum where Krew was entranced by tiny trains and mini cities. Since I'm a lover of things miniature, it was adorable! I couldn't stop looking at these tiny towns! It was a really fun day.

Before I had kids, I would see mamas hanging out and playing with their kids during the day and long to have a little child and buddy to explore and experience new things with. And here I am, with my little buddy and it's seriously the best.

the weekend started on thursday...

2013-02-04T09:02:00.001-08:00

We had such a fun play date with our friends! Lua and Krew play wonderfully together. We blew bubbles, played ball, and enjoyed the 72 degree weather on the grass. The moms chatted and caught up on life.

Krew started the weekend with one of his biggest messes yet. Our floors were covered in rice and beans. My fail at an attempt to be a fun mama while I was taking a shower. Krew thought I was a reaaally fun mama. ;) And then later he painted on our wall with red water color paints and emptied our piano bench that had tons of music in it. Krew is a pretty chill kid but by the end of the day, I was tired.

It was Cameron's birthday! Krew and were so excited to celebrate with him! We decorated our house and had a very fun celebratory lunch with him on his birthday. We over ordered and were left with a feast for 5, sang happy birthday, and blew out candles. Krew and I finished off the celebration at the playground while dad finished up work.

We went snowboarding! Cameron's request for his birthday was that I made arrangements for us to go snowboarding. It was fun to take a day-long date and play around all day! Thanks Cameron for choosing to do that for your birthday!

And we end the weekend with this little man who I can't resist!

Our weekend was definitely packed but so much fun. And now I get to unpack from snowboarding and clean up this crazy house from neglect. :) It was kind of an all-fun-no-work weekend.

story of a sweet boy

2013-01-28T06:17:00.000-08:00

Walking out to our car the other night Krew and I see a bunny!

(We get in the car and drive away.)

Krew: "Mom! We see bunny hopping?!"

Me: "Ya, we did!"

Krew: "Bunny hop by cah (car)." (bunny was hiding behind parked car down the street)

Me: "Yep. The bunny hopped away to his family."

Krew: "Why mom? Why to bunny family?"

Me: "So he could sleep with his family. They probably sleep in a bush together."

Krew: "Why?"

Me: "Because it's cold at night and it's warm if the bunnies sleep with their families."

Krew: "Bunnies have blankies?"

Me: "No, bunnies don't have blankies."

Krew: "Blankies at my house?"

Me: "You want to give the bunnies blankies from your house?"

Krew: "Ya. Bunnies blankies from my house."

I have a seriously sweet boy who is so sensitive and kind. These little conversations are my favorite. He even cares about the bunnies having blankies. Melt my heart.

library and clementines

2013-01-25T06:10:00.000-08:00

We've been really good at going to the library regularly which has been fun for us both. Krew loves reading books and so I hope to nourish that love. It still upsets me to see computers in the library with kids "learning" games there because that is all Krew wants to do of course! And we also checked-out dvd's which is fine with me as long as a few books come home with it.
We've also been eating lots of clementines! Amazing little things they are and Krew can peel one all by himself. (note: we have switched from Cuties to the clementines at Trader Joes and so far, I think they are a bit tastier.)
I have so much fun being with little Krew and he surprises me with so much. While being with him I learn things about myself and I think back to how things were when I was little and how I felt about life. Today I decided I want to get Krew his own library card because wouldn't that make you feel so big?! Next time, next time... And how cute is my little guy in this instagram? Golly gee, you melt my heart.

As for this weekend to come, it's a weekend of celebration! A wedding and birthdays galore! Lots of celebrating! (and cake!) :)

reorganizing the blog and some inspirational words from Pinterest.

2013-01-15T14:22:00.001-08:00

via pinterest

L O V E this. And I updated the blog front this weekend if you haven't noticed. We were well due for a new one. So far this year has been great to me. I know, it's only 15 days in. Are things going exactly my way? No, not in every way. But it's my outlook-- I'm trying to do that best with what I have been given. And with that attitude, positivity, and the ability to dream a little bigger, this year will be splendid. :) You're 15 days in... how's it going for you?

instant

2013-01-10T16:23:00.001-08:00

Gosh, it was windy. We could feel the sun peep in and out but that cold wind had a chill to it that went right through our sweaters. But it didn't really matter. It was fun just hanging around with my little guy at the beach. We watched the seals be their lazy selves as the waves crashed all around us.

If you haven't noticed on my instagram, I've taken a liking in my new instant camera that Cameron got me for Christmas. I love this photo. It's us in the moment, no second takes, everything as it is. Krew not being able to take his eyes off the seals while I'm keeping him close to stay warm and hear his talk in 4-word sentences. What a sweet little boy he is.

Despite the wind it was really a beautiful day. It was so pleasant and peaceful being out there amongst the blue, just us two. We left the beach and joined Cameron for lunch. I love these easy days.

best for last... or first?

2013-01-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

What is it about saving the best for last? I have been so terrible with it. I mean, I'm good at it-- so good at it that it's terrible. I somehow manage to save things for a later time because it's the best and I want to save it for the "special" time but it's really turning into a disadvantage. Let me give you some examples: buying lots of fresh veggies but because they look so wonderful and fresh and I want to save them for a "better" dinner and not one that I am throwing together in 30 minutes. In the end, I am left with a fridge with some rotting vegetables gone bad (the ones I can't freeze). Another example: outfits. I buy a clump of outfits or clothes. I usually will save the "best" or most on-trend for an exciting night out. Annnnnd I keep saaaaaving. And saaaaving. And saaaaaaving. And guess what. That special night comes and now my outfit is night quite as freshly trendy as it used to be. Or it's too cold/hot to wear it that night. Or I save it for a "even more special night" and time passes. Another example: I buy a number "2" sparkler birthday candle in May for Krew's 2nd birthday while I'm on vacation in Florida. I had never seen these things before and wow! How original! How exciting! I'll save it for his birthday party... no... it won't be dark enough to appreciate it... we'll use it on a special night near his birthday... or wait... and wait... and now he's two and a half and time has passed and there sits the candle in my drawer. You get the point. I'm saving these time-sensitive things for a better, more special occasion.
So here's to the New Year, as one of my many resolutions: enjoy it today. Use that great idea now. Wear that awesome outfit today. Maybe not today at the park with my toddler but tonight or this weekend. Live in the present and enjoy the things I have. Enjoy today.

our little trip to mexico

2013-01-08T06:00:00.001-08:00

I really didn't think we would be able to make it to the annual trip down to the Rondo's mexico house this year. Luckily driving arrangements worked out and we all got to go! It was fun having so much time with family and friends. It was a little different this year than last time we went down, a few more people in the house but so much laughter! We managed to spend many relaxing hours gazing at the ocean blue, going surfing in some freezing water (obviously Cameron didn't mind too much ;) ), and truly relaxing. The three little cousins had fun discovering little creatures along the seashores and swinging on swings (there's one inside the house too!). And the three wifeys (Kristi, Lisa, and I) had fun running and painting anything they could find. The waves were great, the tacos were deliciosos, and the sunsets were more gorgeous than ever. Oooooh mexico.

2012 in review

2013-01-04T06:04:00.000-08:00

Okay so I'm a little late on getting to this recap but I feel like the New Year has sped by without even saying hello! So here are some of our favorite posts from this year:

favorite posts of 2012 (click to view):
-trained for a half marathon and ran it in January
-visited Oahu, Hawaii (our home away from home) and made a cute little video of us there!
-was really good about getting dressed up in cute outfits almost everyday... for 2 months.
-had the best surprise valentine's day picnic from my love
-learned the basics of red lipstick
-all year long my little guy made me laugh
-had an AMAZING family video made up of us
-got some snow in april with my love
-Vacationed in Florida to visit friends
-One of my favorite (and simplest) dates all year with my sweet husband
-Had slow mornings
-Krew and I had very silly moments (and still do!)
-Went to a fancy gala!
-had the cloudiest 4th of july
-shared a story about my little zookeeper
-Went to Mammoth Pools and camped for 8 days
-Had a super fun vacation in Catalina Island Part I and Part II
-Krew turned 2! And we threw a little party!
-Cameron and I took personality tests and we couldn't stop laughing
-Krew continues to make us laugh...
-Took a family adventure (HIKE!) down to black's beach that I will never forget
-Enjoyed Krew's first baseball game!
-Went to St. George, Utah
-Dressed up as the Neverland Clan for Halloween
-Traveled up to Santa Barbara to run my second half marathon
-Went to Salt Lake City, Utah for snowboarding over thanksgiving (Krew snowboarded too!)
-Played in the snow in Utah
-Had a beautiful Christmas
-And celebrated 5 beautiful years of marriage!

As for this blog, there are times that I think that I don't have enough time or my instagram will suffice or maybe no one else enjoys this blog other than me (which is totally cool) but when I went through all my posts and saw how these stories, words, thoughts, and photos were documented in the last year, I fell in love all over again. And so this blog will continue throughout the next year. Maybe it needs a little update on its looks but I love it-- I love us. And someday I will publish it in a book for our family to look at and read. I love all your comments, kind words, and friendship through this blog. thank you, friends. xoxo.

As for our family in 2012... wow we traveled a lot! We went to Hawaii, Florida, up to Mammoth Pools, sailed to Catalina Island, St. George, Santa Barbara, Salt Lake City, and we just got back from Mexico! Wow! It has been a fun year! A year where I appreciate life more and more everyday. Our family has been blessed and what an awesome year we have had. This year was a year where I could really simplify life and see where I want to be in it. It's been truly refreshing.

As for our family in 2013, wow! I feel like there is lots to explore. Isn't the future terribly exciting?! We plan to have just as much fun and feel just as much love. I'm excited for this year! Cheers!
Happy New Year!!
-Lindsay xoxo

p.s. and here's 2011's recap!