Best Photo of 2012

We are so honored that our sweet photo is in the Studio MJW Best of Photo 2012 contest. I never knew how much I would truly cherish these pictures. Everyday I look at these photos and am reminded how blessed Cody and I are to be Boston's parents. Like the picture below, our maternity pictures reflect such a happy and exciting time in our lives and reinforce that Boston is and will always be our son. I carried him to 38 weeks, gained close to 100 lbs ( during the hottest months of the year), and spent 24 hours in labor. In true honesty, I would do it ALL over again- a hundred times over.

Thank you Amelia for sharing this precious photo with the world. To us it truly is priceless.

You can vote for our photo by clicking HERE scroll down to our photo, and then click  "like".  Voting ends March 1.

Dogs Are Sent From Heaven

I don't think it is a secret how I feel about my dogs. I make no apologies for my small obsession for my four legged family members. You probably do not know, but as a child my family wasn't allowed to have dogs due to my Dad having severe allergies. So sadly, I had to play with my neighbors and friends sweet puppies. Real Sad.  Anyways, I made a vow that when I was married and owned my own house, I was going to have my own puppy to love. And so here we are today, with two dogs of my own that bring joy, laughter, and love to our home every single day. Despite the accidents we have on the carpet or going broke on grooming and treats, I thank God for these little spirits everyday.

My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am.  ~Author Unknown

Just A Little Happy

 Hello friends. I pulled this darling out of my craft room to share with you guys- made by yours truly. It is a product of a rainy Saturday, I'm sure. Anyways, it is looking for the perfect person to brighten their day. So if you need a quick little happy, keep these sweet note cards in mind. They really are super cute.  (I would keep them for myself, but I'm working on minimizing my enormous stationary supply. Ha!)

Don't Judge Me

I shop at Kohls. Yea, sure sometimes I have to dig to find something special, but when I do, it usually doesn't let me down. Check out these sassy gems I scored yesterday. Aren't they just lovely?!  I decided to wear my hair back today just to show them off. You can't tell me these aren't precious!

Change of Scenery

I did a little redecorating over the weekend. My guest/sewing room needed a slight face lift, so I spent the afternoon creating a fun collage for over the bed. I just gathered some trinkets I had around the house and arranged them the best way I could. I think it turned out perfect. It is just a dash of southern comfort for our sweet guests. Kayla Essary, hurry up your next visit and come check it out!

So True.

I read this saying in a book today. What a special thought that encourages the idea that we all go through cold winters and storms, but we must buckle down and wait for the spring. My faith continuously seems to brighten my days and lift my spirits. Bring on the dirt because I plan to keep on growing.

Remember, every flower that ever bloomed had to go through a whole lot of dirt to get there.

- Mariela Delgado

Birthday Belles

February is a super fun month to wish my dear friends a very happy birthday. These women are superheroes in my book and my admiration and respect for them continues to grow. They are so very special and I am thankful to call them friend. Happy birthday month to you and I hope you continue the celebration throughout the year!

The Giving Tree

Shel Silversteins's The Giving Tree is truly poetic in every sense with its sincere tale of a boy who is loved despite age and separation- occurrences we obviously have no control of. ( Trust me, I fight that concept quite often.)  I am unfailingly mesmerized by Silverstein's words every time a reread this special book. It really does remind me of the bond I share with my son. Although we can not be together, my love for Boston will eternally remain. What a sweet, simple story that reflects the endurance of love!

And she love a little boy very, very much- even more than she loved herself.

This page gets me every time.

PBS... Really?

Who knew that PBS had such amazing shows! Seriously? I'll be the first to admit that I viewed my mother a "dork" for watching Masterpiece Theater on Channel 10 all these years, but I openly retract my previous judgements. I am hooked- like check my dvr twice to insure that I have the channel recording hooked.
Let me explain. Most likely you have heard the buzz about Downton Abbey by now. Well let me just say, the good news is true! I am simply in love with this series and look forward to it each Sunday. The storyline is rich in drama and the characters are as equally intriguing. I highly recommend giving it a chance. Trust me, you may be surprised.

Couldn't Have Said it Better Myself

Well Wishes

My sweet second grade babies make it hard not to love them. After being under the weather a few days last week, I returned to many construction paper cards filled with hearts, balloons, and stick people. What a way to warm my heart and reinforce that I really do make a difference in 24 little people's lives.

Pure Talent

Hello and Happy Friday! In honor of this great day of the week, I decided to post some other of my favorite things right now. A few of these goodies are made by some really talented folks; not me unfortunately.  I've been meaning to spotlight their serious talent and now I'm finally sitting down to do it.

So here we go..

I asked our dear friend Jessica Rainey to paint a couple pieces for a gallery wall I was wanting in my sweet home. What talent that lady has! I love all of  the canvases and water colors that add a sassy touch to this spot! It turned out perfect! ( I know it is hard to see, but she painted the MS State, vase of cotton, vase of flowers, and two framed watercolors.)  I can't wait to see her and her groom's cozy house together. I just know it is going to be full of super sweet tokens.

Also my hunky husband has purchased a scroll saw and is on his way to making some super fun things. Who knew that man could make something like this?

I challenged Cody to cut out a basic bird out of plywood. With a touch of paint and a dash of ribbon, it turned out perfect. I can't wait to find a spot for this little treat!

Now neither Cody or myself made this darling frame! (I wish I could pull this off.)  I recently purchased two of these darling frames from one of my favorite boutiques, Paisley Pineapple! Oh the money I have spent in that store! I'm not positive, but I think they are made by a local artist. Either way, some super talented person made them and now their showcased in my home! Love them!

Lastly, this handsome guy I painted myself. Thanks to the super crafty team at Let's Paint, my dear friend Kayla and I sat down over Christmas Break and put the paint to the canvas. Now with all honesty, I would have never been able to paint this awesome owl without the step by step instructions from the team of artists that work there. Seriously, if you haven't been, you should check them out. It is one of my new favorite night outs and it is right up the street from me!

Have a great weekend folks!

This Kind of Love

What true poetry! I absolutely adore this song and I can't imagine any better string of words to describe how I feel about my marriage. Sometimes in the midst of my busy life I forget to thank Cody for sticking by me and always remaining my best friend.