Hi there.

So.  It's been a while.  As in a couple of years.  I have taken quite the blogging break, but it was for good reason.  Or I think so, at least.  It just wasn't high on my priority list the last couple of years.  I was busy with my daughter, my job...all the usual stuff.  Home projects were at an all time low, and my time was as occupied as ever.  So what's changed?  Why am I resurrecting this blog now?  Because I am now home full-time with my daughter, and we just moved into a great old house.  I need a creative outlet, and I need a place to document all of the fun stuff we're doing to this great old house.  It feels good to have a blank slate.  AND it feels good to be blogging again!

Stay tuned for some before & after goodness.  We are just getting to the fun stuff around here, and I cannot wait to share our progress.

Ella

aka: my right hand gal

Baby Shower #1

I know it's been a couple of months since we welcomed Ella into our family. But I'd like to rewind a bit and document the lovely showers thrown by our friends and family prior to her arrival. So here is the first. This shower was hosted by my very good friends, Sarah, Julie, and Jaclyn. Jaclyn took the photos and created the invitations. She has her own photography and design business, which is really starting to take off. Check her out on Facebook, and you'll see why... One Twenty Two Photo & Design.

My favorite part of the shower (other than the company, of course)
was the hot chocolate bar.

Some of the decor...

How pretty are these ROYGBIV fruit kabobs?

Super cute cupcakes...

My even cuter friends...

{Shannon, Jess, Anna, Casey}

{Katie & Sarah enjoying some of that hot goodness.}

Here, Jessica is getting ready to show everyone her new neck tattoo...


Just kidding...I have no idea what she's talking about.  Looks like it must have been pretty captivating though.

It's not a shower without a little gift opening...

Oh geez, I must have said something really funny here.  Happens a lot.

It was a terrific shower, complete with beautiful and thoughtful details.  I consider myself very blessed to have such great friends.  Great friends who know how to throw a party.  Thanks ladies!

{Sarah, me, Julie, Jaclyn}

Fresh Cut Friday

I've been wanting to resurrect Fresh Cut Friday for a while.  Well today, my husband provided me with the perfect opportunity to do just that.  He came home with flowers...just because.  Doesn't happen often, people.



A mix of pink and white, "for his two girls".  What a sweet (& smart) guy he is.

Introducing...

{Ella Christine}

Born 1.26.12

8 pounds, 2 ounces ~ 20.25 inches

The last few weeks have been wonderful, life changing...and a little exhausting.  But we are loving it and feeling very thankful for this little girl.  She has already brought so much happiness into our lives, and we know she forever will.

A peek into the nursery...

Man 'o man, I thought holiday seasons past were busy.  But this one took the cake.  On top of the usual hustle and bustle, we have been busy preparing for our newest family member.  But it has all been welcomed chaos, and we are so excited to be so close to meeting our baby girl. 

That being said, certain things have taken a back seat, like this little blog.  And as much as I'd like to think I will pick it back up while I have some time "off", I know I need to be realistic.  I'm pretty sure all I will want during any free time will be a nap and a shower. 

I wanted to at least put a quick post together though, to show where we are with the nursery.  It's about 90% complete.  Just need to finish a couple sewing projects, like the crib skirt, and get shelving hung to create some display space.  Other than that, the room is ready, the linens and adorable little clothes are washed, and we are just waiting on the baby! 

Here are a few photos of my newest favorite room in the house...

{Don't worry...those pillows and bears will come out when baby goes in.}

{Still need to hang two long white shelves on this wall}

{My parents brought me home in this little sweater and booties, and we will bring our little girl home in them, too.}

 

{My parents helped us sand and paint this estate sale armoire.  It's more coral, less pink in person.}

{Along with this Value Village dresser.}

 {Love the original pulls!}

So there you go - a little peek into our nursery.  I should have some better photos, of the fully finished room, a little later on...once its tenant is all settled in :)  I hope she likes it!

Full of thanks

It's that time of year - time to really think about all of the blessings in your life and give thanks for each one.  I have a lot for which to be thankful - a safe and cozy home, amazing family and friends, a husband who suits me perfectly and truly is my best friend...the list goes on.  I try to never take those things for granted.  This year, in additon to all of those wonderful things, my heart is bursting with love and thankfulness for the tiny little blessing growing inside of me.  The past year definitely had its ups and downs, but none of those downs seem to matter right now.  Just as I suspected they wouldn't.  If you've read this post, you know what I'm talking about.  And now you also know what that "thing" was I was so desperately wanting.   

{30 weeks @ my friend's wedding this past weekend.}

I am just so happy and humbled to be where we are right now.  The next couple of months will be full of anticipation, preparation, and more thankfulness, as we get ready to welcome our little girl into our family.  I hope everyone has something as wonderful as this to be thankful for this season.  And if you are still waiting...the time will come.  Just hang in there and appreciate all that you do have. 

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

My kind of fall morning...

A fire...

these two guys...



and some of these...



 Chocolate chip pumpkin pancakes - I just added about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and 3/4 cup of pureed pumpkin to the standard bisquick recipe.  Pretty indulgent for breakfast, but hey, sometimes you just have to indulge.  Might need to extend the walk a little bit today, but with weather like we have...that's a-okay with me.