fairytales

Ten things that make me really happy

2013-05-15T11:11:00.003-04:00

Day 14, Tuesday, even though it's wednesday! oh my wod, I'm behind on the challenge!

Ten things that make you really happy via the blog every day in may challenge

Fresh Flowers... they just make me deliriously happy.

THE OCEAN. you knew that one was coming. the smell of salt air gets me every time.

Italian food. italian tomatoes, pasta, wine, olive oil.... italian food is my comfort food.

And while we're on the subject of food... CHEESE is my vice.

Paper products. Oh my goodness, my collection is crazy. and my stamp collection? nuts. border line out of control. i collect stamps, not expensive handbags/shoes. true story.

Flea markets! man do I love them.

Biking. it's just my ideal way to take in the world.

Boston Terriers. once you go boston, you never go back.

Opulence, like this. remind me of times gone by... and though i wouldn't want this in my home, it is art. and love that we can see this in museums.

JB dancing. fun fact: his head gear was once my belt. and by once, i mean two minutes prior to this photograph being taken.

annnnd now i'm happy thinking back on all of these things. (:

Mother's day recap

2013-05-13T11:34:00.003-04:00

Mother's day was bananas.

i'm completely spoiled around here.

woke up to breakfast with my babies, and cards. one from tuck too ... apparently he can read and write already! (; {i told you he was advanced}

brunch with my in-law's, and dinner with my parents.

JB always tells me what a good job I'm doing as a mama, and you know what?

I receive that compliment more than any compliment I've ever been given.

I may not always know what to do, but gosh I'm doing this the best I can.

and I'm a good mom! it's not always easy for me to pat myself on the back, but me and motherhood? we go together like peanut butter and jelly.

my little mommy heart that's so full these days got even bigger yesterday.

i was sitting in the backseat with tuck on my way to my parents, when lola climbed on my lap, and then nuzzled her way next to tuck for a snuggle.

seriously, who are you lola?!

i could have died on the spot.

the adventure's of lola and tuck are quite something.

happy mother's day to all!!

i miss basel

2013-05-12T20:16:00.003-04:00

Blog everyday in may challenge: what do you miss?

I do miss Basel. I'll always think back on that time we spent there with a smile. and okay, even romanticize it a bit too. JB and I were chatting and he brought up summering there when he retires. That's a long ways away, but YES. i would love that. i can't wait to be back this summer, even just for a few days. i miss the cheese. the cheap but incredible wine. wine that cost us next to nothing, but came from Italy and tasted like butter. i miss the cool air at night. i miss my flowers. oh you can bet i miss the flowers. the fact that wild lavender bloomed in our backyard and fresh hydrangeas were just begging you to take them home from the market. i'm glad my life has moved on to this stage, tuck and living near our families has given me more joy than i could have imagined... but the taste of a little irresponsibility and complete freedom with your new husband while living in europe will always remain on my lips. as well as be the cause of many smiles.

soooo... probably no surprise to all of you. i miss my basel.

ten words

2013-05-12T07:49:00.001-04:00

Sell yourself in ten words. {day 11 of the challenge}

{via shannon kirsten}

thoughtful. compassionate. entrepreneur. stylish. creative. intuitive. altruistic. inspiring. visionary. passionate.

my poor neighbors

2013-05-10T20:11:00.002-04:00

no reason for this photo. other than it is awesome. and crack sticks are real things in switzerland.

i thought about challenge day 10 all day.
what was my most embarrassing story? there are SO many. I mean, what exact story of me falling down the stairs would you like me to recount? said the wrong thing? tripped? stuffed bra in jr. high?
then i asked JB, what's a really embarrassing story of mine...
to which he replied... you don't get embarrassed.
I turn a shade of crimson at certain things. but things that embarrass him to high heavens, don't bother me at all. I think it's hilarious to see him get embarrassed, to see him hide his head over an embarrassing movie scene. which makes it even more fun for him when I turn bright red over what's usually actually a compliment.

So I figured I'd just tell a funny story, which was definitely embarrassing. But more of an everyday kind of embarrassment for me. The time I had to leave the house and drive across town with... no pants on.

As an ancient post would remind you, I'm a total freak show when it comes to being home alone. Spending the night alone in my house? hate hate hate it. I check doors ten times. I triple check locked doors. Every noise I hear is someone coming to kill me. { I watch too many crime shows. }

Last year JB had to go to his companies home office in St. Louis, and left me home alone for a long weekend. And I was certain that this one night they were coming for me. whoever they are i'm not sure. my brain is not rational at midnight in my home alone.

So of course I lock a door I don't normally lock. The door leading to the garage. Oh but it's getting locked this time I think. no lock is safe. The next morning I go out to the garage to grab something in my car parked inside the garage. and boom. I'm locked out. in my T shirt and my panties, friends. of course. my parents were out of town, my in-law's were out of town... I think... where can I find another key? SoI break into my in-laws house... where I have to walk my behind from the car to the front doorstep. and THANK THE GOOD LORD they are the most organized humans in existence... I find it. I borrowed a towel to wrap around my waist and by noon that morning I was back inside my house. Proving to myself, it's darn hard for them (the people that are trying to kill me every night I'm alone) to get to me.

A Moment

2013-05-09T10:03:00.002-04:00

Day 9 of the challenge, Thursday: A moment in your day (this can be just a photo or both a photo and words)

this sweet moment belongs to yesterday.

as we were on our way to see my Ninny for her birthday!

Yep my grandma and momma's birthday's AND mother's day always fall on the same week.

TODAY is my momma's birthday, and I'm taking the day off to head to the beach for lunch and relaxing beach side.

My mother has taught me EVERYTHING.

To be gracious, especially when it means humbling yourself.

To be kind.

To be forgiving.

To smile.

To listen.

To selflessly give of yourself.

To put family first.

To start your day with prayer.

To put on a little lipstick (for goodness sakes!).

To be hospitable.

To never leave a vase without flowers.

To focus on what's right in front of her.

To be thankful. always.

I am my mother's daughter. at least, i hope i am.

Happy 62nd Birthday to the lady who taught me everything.

If i get just an ounce of your grace and beauty, i will be set for life.

A piece of advice

2013-05-08T10:05:00.001-04:00

Day 8, Wednesday of the challenge: A piece of advice you have for others. Anything at all.

i wasn't crazy about the film, but i loved what the benevolent father said during this scene. particularly the short version. this was my fave quote. back when people had quotes on their facebook pages.

it gets the best around minute 1:38.

so advice? don't settle.

blogging tips

2013-05-07T19:54:00.000-04:00

i regress to day 2 of the challenge. but i'm blogging everyday since I've started. by gosh i am!

"Educate us on something you know alot about or are good at. Take any approach you'd like (serious and educational or funny and sarcastic)"

My very own blogging tips!
#1. Have a voice. You know how you talk? You should probably write like that. If people read an excerpt of your blog -would they know it's yours?
#2. Get to know other bloggers. comment. introduce yourself via email. back when i started, and now, if i discover someone i admire, would like to get to know, etc. i reach out to them. i let them know how their words are inspiring/encouraging/_____.
#3. People are just people, they shouldn't make you nervous. This just sort of reinforces #2.
#4. Very seldom I'll get an email from someone saying "can I guest post for you?! I love your blog" ... usually in these emails, it's very generic ... sometimes my name isn't even after "Hello". Don't go this route. I mean, I'm sure some blogger gained a following somewhere by doing this. But, just, no.
#5. I don't read many blogs anymore. But unlike when I first started blogging, I have to be very mindful of my time now. But if you're just starting out ... Read blogs, comment thoughtfully. repeat.
#6. People say it all the time. Because it's true. Be Authentic. People can smell phony a mile a way.
#7. People say this too. But it's true. Be vulnerable. Vulnerability feels like nails on a chalkboard coming out ... but it's real. and you're likely helping someone out there when you do. So I say it is a blogging DO. But I also don't think it should be for attention.
#8. Aside from when I was miserable and pregnant, I blogged pretty consistently. be consistent
#9. Take your own photos as much as you can!

Hope that was semi helpful (:

Tuck's Nursery Tour

2013-05-07T07:36:00.003-04:00

This room was a fun project to put together over the course of my pregnancy. I found out Tuck was a boy early on (15 weeks). Tossed all of my ideas about a girly french room right out the window, and started thinking about boy nurseries. I don't know if there's much of a theme. If so, maybe "mischievous peter rabbit goes traveling on an adventure and gets happily stuck out at sea". My favorite color from the beginning of time has been a really soft shade of turquoise, so it was fun to put touches of it all over. Everyone that comes into the room always remarks how peaceful and calming it is, and that's what I was going for.
The crib and changing table were both major scores from Craigs List. go craigslist, but also, you scare me. and I digress ... the nursery is just packed full with love and so much of it was gifted to Tuck. like the painting of the baby with his shoe off... that hung in my grandmother's, mother's, mine, and now tucks nursery. heirlooms are THE BEST things in life. And just so many thoughtful gifts sprinkled around his room.

ps:
Just so you know, nesting is real. I had it real real bad too. I tore curtains down, and sent bags upon bags to goodwill. It was a little crazy over here (:

Here are more details. Leave a comment if I missed something, and I'll try and source it for you ::
Furniture: wrought iron crib and changing table (craigs list find of an older pottery barn crib. I paid $150 for both of them! steal. Similar / similar), chair found at marshalls (similar), glider (same but mine has brown piping), both side tables are old as the hills. and one was actually painted that color about 5 years ago. // rope chandelier

Linens: anchor / whales / curtains are from ikea / rug /

Prints, Map, and photos: Jessica Lorren (three swiss photos together) // Oh My Deer Handmades (EE Cummings and I love you more than tongue can tell)// Jeremiah 1:5 via Love Juliet // Southern Weddings Shop (LOVE NEVER FAILS)// Sarah Tucker (big center ocean photo from our trip in Dubrovnik), TUCK garland // The Map // Zepheniah print

Golden "T": was painted gold but originally from anthropologie

storage: all purchased from michaels, even the one that houses his toys.

Tucks first Kentucky Derby Party // day 6 of the challenge

2013-05-06T08:59:00.000-04:00

{wearing Camilyn Beth go go dress and j.crew straw hat}

{on tuck: monogrammed britches}

Tucks first Kentucky Derby! No words. just so cute.

And moving right along to Challenge day number six.

If you couldn't answer with your job, how would you answer the question, 'what do you do'?

Man o Man! I tend to shy away from this question.

When I was a teacher, it's just easy. Someone asks you what you do... and you are a teacher.

When you're something people understand well, like a fireman/teacher/police man ... it's concrete.

people get it.

when you're a wedding stylist, designer, and coordinator.

well people just scratch their heads.

not to mention, that the times I'm asked this question MOST is when I'm a guest at a wedding.

and for a bunch of reasons, I don't even like to reveal what I am at a wedding.

Then I get ... what do you think? Did they do this right? etc. etc.

i'm also a blogger. which is probably the first time I've really written that out.

but it's true, i make some income off of this, and not to mention - i enjoy it.

but blogging also evokes all of its own questions from strangers.

so really... even though I missed day 3 "things that make you uncomfortable" ... I'm letting you know on day 6.

this question is one of those.

On to what I would say if I couldn't reply with my career.

I guess I'd say:

I make my surroundings beautiful. Whether that's an event or experience. I tell a story visually. I orchestrate events.

I try to provide encouragement to people near and dear, and those I've never actually met. I snuggle, feed, love, change, and smooch my little guy. I enjoy cooking for others when I have time. I spend time with a man I adore. I love brunch with my girlfriends. I go on walks with my momma. I spend time alone, because I need it to recharge.

those are some of the things "i do"

how about you?

xox

ps: i'm on one of my favorite blogs this morning // A TREASURE HUNT

bloggers i adore // day 5 of the challenge

2013-05-05T11:07:00.001-04:00

Day 5 of the challenge. A blogger you adore. One to publicly confess your love to! How about three (:

When I thought about this topic, many came to mind.

But three stuck out. Three that I wanted to introduce to you.

And I got to thinking to myself. Why these three? This might sound quite creepy, but they're the kind of girls you hope your son marries. They're life lovers, adventurers, and beauties. They're all incredibly intelligent and kind. They enjoy and cherish the small things in life. I would quite enjoy sipping coffee on a sunday morning in my pj's with women like these.

So in no particular order ...

My sweet soph.

beautiful meg fee

darling nicole

Perhaps one of the biggest things that binds them all - is they are each brave. Moving away from their home to live in- London, New York City, and Spain. I love living vicariously through them, find each of their writing intelligent, compassionate, and human! oh and all of their photos are beautiful too. So go check them out! My blogger girl crush secret is out! (:

my life in 250 words

2013-05-04T10:39:00.001-04:00

{via jessica lorren}

{participating, albeit a few days behind, in Jenni's blog every day in may challenge}

I was born in the early hours of the 17th of december in 1983, with eyes always a little too big for my head. The third of my parents four children. My mom's "easiest" child; as I took right to sucking my thumb, listening to brahms lullaby while being mesmerized by my mobile. My father played major league baseball, which meant we traveled a lot. We landed in Bradenton, FL where the Pirate's spring trained. At the end of his baseball career, he took a job playing in Italy. We lived just outside of Milan. I was a curious, shy, and smiley kid. I went to the same private Christian school (off and on due to baseball) from kindergarten - high school. I've always had a few close friends, and many acquaintances. I am an INFJ. I have always been sensitive; to others, to food, to surroundings, to words...in most every way, I am sensitive. After high school graduation, I went to Flagler College. Upon graduating I taught high school. I held hands with a boy who i had always considered just a friend, and lightning struck. I fell in love. And then I fell ill. I had open heart surgery and a thoracotomy, as well as months of IV daily antibiotics. I took my GRE, and went to graduate school that fall. I worked in non invasive cardiology, and taught undergrad classes. I got engaged after my first year of graduate school. I got married after a six month engagement on a windy day in January. We moved to Switzerland that spring. After 8 months abroad, we came back and I finished my masters. I taught at an edible schoolyard as my practicum. We went back to Switzerland. We had many adventures abroad. We moved home to Florida and began being "real humans". My dreams changed, and I started my own business. I had a miscarriage last spring, and the following month discovered I was pregnant with Tuck. We welcomed our first born in January of this year.

And he has been our greatest adventure and biggest blessing yet.

A note to Crissy // new mamas

2013-05-03T11:01:00.004-04:00

as of this morning, we (the kiki twins) are both mamas!!

{they let us be moms?!}

i woke up to the news her bundle had arrived, and immediately JB says ... "why the tears?!"

... and then i got the picture. sheer perfection. more tears.

Since becoming a mom, I've realized just how ____ {insert a million words at once} this mama thing is. I just want to love and hug and support any new mommy. So here's a little note to Crissy and all the new mama's or soon to be's:

Dearest Crissy,
Welcome to mommyhood! I am so proud of you and Chris.

First, don't eat your child. I'm sure you'll be tempted. He's delicious. I'm glad I'm not there, or I'd be nibbling myself.

Annnnd Chris better take care of you. Or else! I know he will. But this is just a reminder: Chris, treat this lady who just gave you the best gift ever with grace, love, and lots of breakfasts in bed.

Let anyone serve you. Do not feel bad about this. Rest up, heal, and lay in bed with your little guy. That's the only job you need to do right now. Everything else doesn't matter.

Trust yourself, only you know what's best for him. Mother's intuition is a real thing. Listen to others advice, because whether or not you ask for it, you'll get it. BUT know that whatever you decide to do, is what's best for little O.

You already know this, but you can ask me anything... about breastfeeding, getting peed on, _____. ANYTHING. I am here to support and encourage you as much as my little rookie mama self can.

Your hormones will be dropping. It's totally normal to feel slightly crazy and sob over something slight.

You are an amazing mama. already. This kid is in for such a great big adventure. He's a lucky little guy! Tuck can't wait to meet his BFF.

WE LOVE YOU THREE!!

jb, sarah, tuck.

ps: leave some love for Crissy/new mama's below! xoxo

pps: i've been asked to guest blog on What to Expect When You're Expecting blog - read here.

Sunday Beach Day with Tuck

2013-04-29T08:42:00.003-04:00

some days, you'd like to just put on repeat. yesterday was one of those.

we loaded up, and headed fifteen minutes to my favorite spot on the beach.

napped under umbrellas, took some strolls along the water, and played in the waves.

tuck stopped traffic as usual. with every lady walking by wanting a look and a chat.

he gave a few smiles out. my little flirt.

baby toes in the ocean.

i don't know if my heart is big enough.

(but i seem to be saying that an awfully lot lately)

{bathing suit: top / bottom ; panama hat found in panama but here is similar ; shorts}

And the best daughter award goes to ... You!

2013-04-25T12:07:00.004-04:00

best mom ever card // tray
Boom and Boom! You're done. Best daughter ever award goes to you!
If you really want some brownie points: other great ideas are at minted and pinhole press (I love the photo accordian books, and have done that in the past). Spa days, gift certificates to Anthropologie (to me, and my mom there's nothing better than roaming anthro with a gift card), or a nice meal out are all good too!

Last year we told JB's mom, my mother in law, on mother's day! I was actually away attending my sister's college graduation, but had bought a mug that says "best grandma" for him to give her. JB had slept over at his parents, and that sunday morning on mother's day he brought her a cup of coffee in her new mug. A pretty good mother's day, huh?! Finding out your gonna be a grandma!

My mother's birthday usually falls on or right around mother's day. I always try to celebrate them separately. But I also think it's kind of perfect that they're squished together. My mom is the creme de la creme mama. Seriously the best there ever was. EVERYONE says that about their mom, I understand, but I'll fight you over this one. She's a good one. I strive to be like her and ummmmm can I look like her too ? (hello 62, it looks good on you!!)

Last year JB got me the sweetest little card. Our bub was just a wee one!
And this year, I'm gonna have my first as a real live baby mama! I can't wait.
This motherhood stuff is pretty darn good. and a million other adjectives all rolled into one {like exhausting, and scary, and omg am i doing it right, and pure bliss}. But overall? the best honor. Tuck is my treasure and my heart. and his smiles are like mother's day, on the daily.

if i got what i wanted at 21, i'd be miserable today.

2013-04-24T08:39:00.002-04:00

yesterday i posted a bit of my heart on instagram and twitter.

i said:

it was aimed for a girl who wrote me yesterday who is heart broken.

you might know the kind. all you can think about is this person.

it's hard to move on.

it feels impossible.

it feels like that for a while.

I think the above age can be changed to whatever age where you may have prayed earnestly for something or someone. only to have a door slammed in your face. or a back turned on you.

when i was 21, i found out my boyfriend had been cheating on me.

it stung.

it felt like daggers.

it felt like my very breath had been knocked out of me.

my best friend had the same experience within months of one another.

we sort of nursed each other back to normal.

it took a long time.

we said lots of prayers for that future someone.

but when we were ready, and not on our time, but His ... we both got someone perfect for us.

and ... we both have come to live our very own happily ever after.

proving that Gods plan is better than the best thing you can think of.

don't settle for good. better yet, don't settle at all.

trust that what He has in store for you is better.

it makes me think of some of the things i'm hoping and praying for today.

and reminds me when doors are slammed, and opportunities knocked ...

whatever is ahead is better.

ps: if you've experienced something similar, and have some words of wisdom... please share below. i'm sure the person who emailed me would appreciate them.

what's inside my {diaper} bag

2013-04-23T09:03:00.000-04:00

diaper bag // sunnies // burp cloth and bib // extra onesie // big sophie // little sophie // binky // diapers // changing pad // swaddle // baby wrap // wallet // hand sanitizer

the transition between plain ol' blogger and mommy blogger is a slippery slope.

but honestly.

have you SEEN my kid?

{allow me to refresh your memory}

It's hard not to be obsessed, and be baby-centric around here.

Thus, here's my bag, totally taken over by whatever Tuck might need while we're out.

this kid has stolen my heart, brain, blog, and bag.

Lately I am loving ...

2013-04-22T09:57:00.000-04:00

1. These sandals! I'm addicted. and they're 16 big ones. They're pretty comfy to me too.
2. These eye glasses. So I loooove warby parker. I bought my first pair in 2010. And after ordering the 5 free try on's this one is the winner. I LOVE.
3. A vegan leather skirt. I adore anything camel, and the look of leather. yum.
4. Birch Box. So if we ever really need to cut back, this would probably be among the first to go. But oh the little $10 luxury. I so look forward to it every month in my mailbox. And the contents - always a big surprise! And thanks to them, I am now completely addicted to Vasanti's Brighten up.
5. thin gold rings. my former bride and sweet heart Inez gave me some cat bird ones (with a heart and a t). they're gorgeous. and this one too is right pretty!
6. Honest Sunscreen. Any and all natural sunscreen I've used has made me pale, as in white as a ghost for the day. Not quite the look I'm going for at the beach. This stuff is fab. and totally baby-safe. and you know, doesn't make you look like a ghost!

Anything you're obsessing over lately?

Housekeeping!

2013-04-19T08:49:00.002-04:00

from this post

Housekeeeeeeping.

-I've been working on a FAQ page, since formspring is going kaput. Have questions? Feel free to ask below // anonymous is turned on as well currently.

- apparently GFC is going kaput too. What's the world coming to? I love Feedly on my ipad, and I use bloglovin on my desktop. You can subscribe here.

-Lastly I've really been wanting to go into detail on how JB and I met and fell in love. When people ask I usually say ... "My dad was his first baseball coach! We lived a street apart. " ... but it's really a lot more than that. That part is cute and sweet, but there are so many other chapters. Would y'all be into that? I'm thinking it would be a small series of posts.

ps: I loved this real beauty sketches. It's worth a watch!!

Little man's best friend

2013-04-18T10:58:00.000-04:00

Let me tell you when I was pregnant, I was so worried about Lola.

Lola is half way crazy. It is a fact. Now I get that she's still a puppy, but homegirl is straight cray! There's likely no growing out of that.

And really over protective. She thinks she's a pitbull on steroids when the mail man comes my way.

I figured a little man, requiring so much of my attention ... was going to unravel her.

When she has met a baby in the past, she has been not so nice. barking like mad!

I read books that told me to carry a baby doll around all day, stroll it around the neighborhood, and kiss it. Ummmm no .... I need no additional help with my neighbors thinking I'm silly.

They also told us to give the dog a little something with the babies scent for a few days before we took her home. My in-laws kept her and we gave her the little beanie they gave Tuck in the hospital. They put it in her bed and let her sleep with it. On day 3 of being home, we figured we'd welcome Lola back in. I was so nervous! I thought for sure the crazy would come out.

but she just sniffed him, and moved on.

now we've had some trouble with her taking his toys.

and she makes her lairs as we call them under each bed, including the crib.

Where she brings her salvaged stolen goods.

but she loves him.

way more than me these days.

it warms my heart when she'll come lick his bald head and then run off to go be crazy.

she's never barked at him once.

and this girl barks at the wind.

she inches her way during naptime to be closer to him.

and now that tuck notices her, he even has been interested in petting her lately!

the adventures of lola and tuck melt my heart.

Letters to Tuck // Look for the Helpers

2013-04-16T11:06:00.003-04:00

via

I have a book of Mr. Roger's quotes that I've owned and treasured for years.

I grew up like a lot of y'all I'm sure, watching my fair share of Mr. Rogers.

I read this in that book a few weeks before tuck was born.

I've always thought: how do you explain evil to innocence.

but this is a good jumping off point.

And to my dearest Tuck,
one day you will read about yesterday. maybe in a history book.
it is a stark reminder that the devil is hard at work.
You'll have lots of those reminders throughout your life. I wish this was not the case.
but you'll also have reminders how good people are.
how people become the hands and feet of God.
i hope you know that the story of yesterday also holds:
people running to give blood in the hospital. people helping in anyway they could. people running toward the bomb, to help a victim.
i hope you remember the words of some seemingly silly guy in a sweater who shared his wisdom with all.

may you always be the first to help, lend a hand, give blood.

love,
your mama

my weekend and a story of sleep deprivation

2013-04-15T09:51:00.000-04:00

This weekend was filled with lunches out aside the sea, special visitors, strolls, a dip in the pool, a meeting of epic proportions and the realization that i have crows feet. bad. ha.

I've been feeling pretty good lately, dealing with sleep deprivation fairly well.

but last night it hit me like a ton of bricks. my entire body ached. i feared the worst.

literally, my head jumped to - I have an infection attacking my heart again! i'm going to need surgery.

i went through much of my reserve during my weddings, so I hadn't been giving him bottles for a while. going on over a month feeding on demand for the most part.

JB was like, you've gotta sleep. and we tried, but homeboy said NO to the bottle. We tried again last night, and JB was under strict instructions that if he really refuses, and begins to wail... to bring him to me. I'm a softy after all, and it's much to the detriment of my sanity.

Anyway, he did indeed cry. And he was brought to me.

But it's like Tuck knew I needed the sleep, and slept through the night again.

I feel like a new lady, but the bags underneath my eyes and crows feet may tell a different story.

but then you get a giggle or a smile, and sleep? it's not that precious any longer.

ps: i'm over on Shannon's blog talking about when I found out Tuck was a boy... (:

{baby float, robe, sunglasses}

Proverbs 31

2013-04-11T10:40:00.002-04:00

Lately I've received quite a few emails about my devotions. So here it is (not that I haven't enjoyed the emails from readers, i have!) - I have an iphone app of The Confident Woman by joyce meyer, which I read usually later in the day. I read Jesus Calling in the morning. My mom bought me a leather bound Jesus Calling a few years ago. And I've enjoyed underlining it and dogearring it. She's read it for ages. And randomly enough, I'm working through Proverbs with my Power of a Praying Woman bible. I try to start my days and end them with word because for me, if i don't fill my head up with good, i start to listen to all the other voices. and i can talk negatively to myself like the best (errrr worst) of them!

I think God's trying to tell me something when all of my devotionals have been on Proverbs 31.
you think? I don't believe in coincidences, so yep, i think.

To tell you the truth, I've been intimidated by her, and even discouraged by her at times. At first she reminds me of the woman you see and go I don't know how she does it! the one who it appears to do it all. She's just so good, so respected, so busy. I think it's been the busy part I'm hung up on. In my mind, constant busy-ness can really lead to exhaustion. And through the last week, I've discovered she's not really busy at all. She just doesn't spend her time doing silly things. She takes care of herself so she can take care of others. She's focused on what and who matters to her.

She doesn't seek the praise of anyone but God. And as a result is praised by many. Basically, she knows who she is in Christ, and that alone gives her peace. She smiles at the future, because she spends time doing what matters today. There's no dread, fear, or inaction holding her back.

and by the end of my week with proverbs 31, I actually like her. I'm inspired by her to encourage my husband, take care of my family, make decisions even tough ones, focus less on being liked and more on knowing who i am in Him, and to spend the short time i have here wisely.

Mostly she's taught me that :
I want to laugh with no fear of the future. I want to smile peacefully about what is to come, knowing I can take on anything with Him. with Grace.

Print by my darling Stephanie Sterjovski

towels and photographs and our wedding.

2013-04-10T09:35:00.000-04:00

via emily mccarthy

I lost someone dear to my family around the holidays. A drunk driver struck and killed the B man, his wife, and her parents. In one swoop, on Christmas Eve. My brother did the courageous thing and did the eulogy. While I broke down and wailed with my face covered in the balcony.

I don't remember life before him. I think I was maybe a year old when we met. Our dads played on the same major league baseball team. The Pirates. During the "We are Family" days. We lived next to them in Pittsburgh, we lived next to them in Florida for spring training. We vacationed together. We would spend weeks at the beach, both getting freckled from head to toe. Our families were almost always together. I've always considered him and his brother, my brothers. I grew up thinking the B man was the coolest dirt road dude out there. He'd actually let me play with his GI joes with my barbies. Then on vacations he'd stun me with his ability to multiply in his head. He was a petite genius. When we got older I treated him like you treat an older brother ... often rolling my eyes at him, but not so secretly loving him. I can still hear him calling me "Smo-oooooo!" whenever he spotted me.

I remember him and his sweet Julia at my wedding. I now cherish the photo Jessica took of them there. I'm so thankful to have that shot. When I think about them, I think about two people who loved each other wholeheartedly, and that they were content with each other and life. What a legacy of peace.

They gave us the softest plushest ralph lauren towels for our wedding. If you are ever a guest at my house, those are what you'll get. Now, I use them not just for guests. For all the time. They make me smile. Wedding gifts often do. I oddly remember what everyone gave us (we had 225 people at our wedding!), when I'm putting on sheets I remember the person who gave them; I say a little prayer, it makes me smile. And it's funny that my towels means so much to me now. But I am so thankful for those towels today.

I would have gotten married with ten people at my wedding if it were up to me. But today I am grateful I did not. I'm so thankful for photographs I'll cherish, and towels too. Sometimes a tangible object, a towel even and a photograph, give you a little piece (and peace) of people you will forever cherish.

b man and sweet julia, you are missed. cherished. loved.

Future Heirloom / One of a Kind jewelry / Love Obsessed Giveaway

2013-04-09T09:43:00.001-04:00

Need some sprucing this spring? This $50 gift card to Love Obsessed will help.

Items are one of a kind and beeee-yoo-tiful.

The only required entry is to like Love Obsessed on FB. The rest is sugar on top.

a Rafflecopter giveaway