Posts
Party decor
She loved being sung to
Her first taste of cake
The birthday girl in her pretty Misha Lulu dress
In the next couple days I'll be recapping 2010 and looking to 2011. I love starting the New Year. I think it's going to be a good one!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Finley's Little Party
With Finley's birthday just three days after Christmas we kept her party simple and small. I think she still had fun.
Party decor
She loved being sung to
Her first taste of cake
The birthday girl in her pretty Misha Lulu dress
In the next couple days I'll be recapping 2010 and looking to 2011. I love starting the New Year. I think it's going to be a good one!
Party decor
She loved being sung to
Her first taste of cake
The birthday girl in her pretty Misha Lulu dress
In the next couple days I'll be recapping 2010 and looking to 2011. I love starting the New Year. I think it's going to be a good one!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tutu Cute
I have birthday pictures to post and a whole What {She} Wore: Finley Edition, but I had to post these cute pictures. My sister in law (and brother in law) gave Finley the cutest little tutu for her birthday.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Dear Finley
My sweet, sweet girl,
I remember the day I found out I was pregnant with you. We were all driving in the car and Judah started naming our family, "Papa, Mama, Judah, Samuel, Silas......and the baby in mama's tummy." Uh, what? I asked Papa if he had heard what Judah said and he said he didn't think it meant anything.
When we got home I took out the dollar store pregnancy test I happened to have. I took it, but then promptly forgot about it while getting ready for bed. When I walked back into the bathroom awhile later and saw that it was a positive it was quite the surprise. (A great surprise! We were shocked, but very excited!)
When I was about 20 weeks pregnant we brought all of your brothers into the ultrasound with us. We told the ultrasound tech that we didn't want to know what you were (Papa loves the surprise!) and to tell us to look away if she saw anything. Towards the end of the ultrasound the boys started to get antsy, so Papa took them out. It was just the ultrasound tech and I looking at you when she showed me your thighs. My heart stopped because I was pretty sure that what I was looking at was a little girl. After I told Papa and the midwife they told me that it probably wasn't, so I started second guessing myself, but during my whole pregnancy I daydreamed about the possibility of a little girl.
I always told people I would be happy with four boys, and that's the truth, but I'm so glad you are a little girl. When you were born, and they said that you were indeed a girl, I couldn't stop laughing and smiling. Meeting you, and seeing that you were our little Finley Grace felt like a fulfillment of the desire of my heart. I love the femininity and sweetness and joy you bring to our family. I love your pink clothes and pink cheeks and the ruffles and bows and lace.
You are the happiest baby. You are always smiling and laughing and giving hugs and kisses. Even when you're tired and fussy it's easy to get a laugh and smile out of you. You love to be tickled and played with. You took your first steps at the end of 10 months and are just starting to really walk. You are saying, uh-oh, hi, and Papa and always wave hello and goodbye. It's so much fun to see you grow and change into a little toddler. I love you and adore you, my little princess.
My prayer for you, Finley, is that your life is filled with joy. I pray that your childhood is innocent and sweet and packed full of great memories, that you grow up with close girlfriends, you marry a man that adores you, have cute babies, and live in comfort, health and freedom. As much as I hate to admit it I know that hardship will come your way. I know you'll make mistakes, I know you'll sin, and you'll be sinned against. I know there will be times when you'll cry and be sad and your life won't be perfect. Papa and I will love and support you and be there for you no matter what choices you make, good or bad, where life takes you or whether or not your life is all that we envision.
The one thing that I truly pray is that you walk with God all the days of your life. I pray that when you would find peace and love and encouragement in Jesus, that you would be a friend of God, and that you would know that you're never alone and never without hope. I pray that you grow up to be a strong, confident, loving woman because your hope is in Him.
Happy Birthday, precious girl! I adore you!
Love, Mama
I remember the day I found out I was pregnant with you. We were all driving in the car and Judah started naming our family, "Papa, Mama, Judah, Samuel, Silas......and the baby in mama's tummy." Uh, what? I asked Papa if he had heard what Judah said and he said he didn't think it meant anything.
When we got home I took out the dollar store pregnancy test I happened to have. I took it, but then promptly forgot about it while getting ready for bed. When I walked back into the bathroom awhile later and saw that it was a positive it was quite the surprise. (A great surprise! We were shocked, but very excited!)
When I was about 20 weeks pregnant we brought all of your brothers into the ultrasound with us. We told the ultrasound tech that we didn't want to know what you were (Papa loves the surprise!) and to tell us to look away if she saw anything. Towards the end of the ultrasound the boys started to get antsy, so Papa took them out. It was just the ultrasound tech and I looking at you when she showed me your thighs. My heart stopped because I was pretty sure that what I was looking at was a little girl. After I told Papa and the midwife they told me that it probably wasn't, so I started second guessing myself, but during my whole pregnancy I daydreamed about the possibility of a little girl.
I always told people I would be happy with four boys, and that's the truth, but I'm so glad you are a little girl. When you were born, and they said that you were indeed a girl, I couldn't stop laughing and smiling. Meeting you, and seeing that you were our little Finley Grace felt like a fulfillment of the desire of my heart. I love the femininity and sweetness and joy you bring to our family. I love your pink clothes and pink cheeks and the ruffles and bows and lace.
You are the happiest baby. You are always smiling and laughing and giving hugs and kisses. Even when you're tired and fussy it's easy to get a laugh and smile out of you. You love to be tickled and played with. You took your first steps at the end of 10 months and are just starting to really walk. You are saying, uh-oh, hi, and Papa and always wave hello and goodbye. It's so much fun to see you grow and change into a little toddler. I love you and adore you, my little princess.
My prayer for you, Finley, is that your life is filled with joy. I pray that your childhood is innocent and sweet and packed full of great memories, that you grow up with close girlfriends, you marry a man that adores you, have cute babies, and live in comfort, health and freedom. As much as I hate to admit it I know that hardship will come your way. I know you'll make mistakes, I know you'll sin, and you'll be sinned against. I know there will be times when you'll cry and be sad and your life won't be perfect. Papa and I will love and support you and be there for you no matter what choices you make, good or bad, where life takes you or whether or not your life is all that we envision.
The one thing that I truly pray is that you walk with God all the days of your life. I pray that when you would find peace and love and encouragement in Jesus, that you would be a friend of God, and that you would know that you're never alone and never without hope. I pray that you grow up to be a strong, confident, loving woman because your hope is in Him.
Happy Birthday, precious girl! I adore you!
Love, Mama
Monday, December 27, 2010
Christmas Recap
Hope you all had a great Christmas!
This was Finley's first Christmas. Last year I was hugely pregnant and anxiously awaiting the arrival of my sweet baby. (Now that she is so mobile it's hard to get a picture of her sitting still. The only thing that would occupy her was that headband that she refuses to keep on her head.)
Christmas Eve we hosted an appetizer party with part of my family and then went to church. At the end of the service they invited the kids to come up on stage and sing. Judah went right up there.
Christmas morning we spent at home. We opened presents, ate breakfast, and relaxed. The boys were so excited. Then we went over to my mom's and then my grandparents' for lunch and gifts.
After nap time for the little ones we went over to Eric's parent's for dinner and to spend time with his family. It was a long, fun, perfect celebration. The kids had been up late for the last several nights, so they all crashed early last night.
Now that Christmas is over we're ready to focus on Finley's birthday. We took the tree and all the decorations down to make room for the party decorations. We're going to have a small family party with an Alice in Wonderland tea party theme. I'm excited!
This was Finley's first Christmas. Last year I was hugely pregnant and anxiously awaiting the arrival of my sweet baby. (Now that she is so mobile it's hard to get a picture of her sitting still. The only thing that would occupy her was that headband that she refuses to keep on her head.)
Christmas Eve we hosted an appetizer party with part of my family and then went to church. At the end of the service they invited the kids to come up on stage and sing. Judah went right up there.
Christmas morning we spent at home. We opened presents, ate breakfast, and relaxed. The boys were so excited. Then we went over to my mom's and then my grandparents' for lunch and gifts.
After nap time for the little ones we went over to Eric's parent's for dinner and to spend time with his family. It was a long, fun, perfect celebration. The kids had been up late for the last several nights, so they all crashed early last night.
Now that Christmas is over we're ready to focus on Finley's birthday. We took the tree and all the decorations down to make room for the party decorations. We're going to have a small family party with an Alice in Wonderland tea party theme. I'm excited!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Christmas Countdown
Last night my mom, Finley and I went downtown for dinner and to do a little shopping. We left Eric to do the advent activity with the boys: making a gingerbread house!
Of course, the boys loooooved it and had so much fun!
A few nights ago we did one of my favorite Christmas activities, looking at Christmas lights. I used to go with my mom and my sister and then Eric and I have gone every year since we started dating. The night is made even more fun with hot chocolate and singing The Twelve Days of Christmas (none of which we did this year, but there's always next!).
Christmas is so much fun as a mom. The boys are so excited and there's so much anticipation. Of course, they can't wait to open gifts, but I think they're equally as excited to give their gifts. It's all I can do to stop them from telling me what they got for me. Their innocence and delight is contagious.
Also, it's so neat to see them understand more and more about why we celebrate Christmas. Judah knows all about the story of Jesus and even knows much of the Bible verses by heart. Samuel knows the details of that first Christmas and Silas is just beginning to understand that it is Jesus' birthday. I love it!
Of course, the boys loooooved it and had so much fun!
A few nights ago we did one of my favorite Christmas activities, looking at Christmas lights. I used to go with my mom and my sister and then Eric and I have gone every year since we started dating. The night is made even more fun with hot chocolate and singing The Twelve Days of Christmas (none of which we did this year, but there's always next!).
Christmas is so much fun as a mom. The boys are so excited and there's so much anticipation. Of course, they can't wait to open gifts, but I think they're equally as excited to give their gifts. It's all I can do to stop them from telling me what they got for me. Their innocence and delight is contagious.
Also, it's so neat to see them understand more and more about why we celebrate Christmas. Judah knows all about the story of Jesus and even knows much of the Bible verses by heart. Samuel knows the details of that first Christmas and Silas is just beginning to understand that it is Jesus' birthday. I love it!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Girly, Pink, and Lace
I've always been a girly girl. My mom says that in preschool she had to put thick tights on me because I would only wear dresses to school. I've always loved pink. I did go through a time in junior high when it wasn't cool to like pink. My favorite colors then were blue and green, of course.
When I was in Forever 21 the other day, as soon as I spotted this dress, I was in love. It didn't hurt that it was 30% off, either. (And, we all know that 30% off of already cheap equals super cheap!).
Dress- Forever 21
Belt- Trucker, local boutique affiliated with Lulus.com
Tights- Target
Boots- Steve Madden
I love the muted pink color, the lace on top, and the overall girliness of this dress. Definitely my kind of dress.
Oh, and by the way, those big ball things in my pictures are pom-poms that I made for Judah's birthday. I left them up as Fall decor, now I'm calling them Christmas decor, and I'm pretty sure I'll have to take them down at the end of the month. Maybe I'll make more that match my living/dining room a little better.
Happy (almost) Christmas! Thanks for visiting!
I'm linking up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy.
When I was in Forever 21 the other day, as soon as I spotted this dress, I was in love. It didn't hurt that it was 30% off, either. (And, we all know that 30% off of already cheap equals super cheap!).
Dress- Forever 21
Belt- Trucker, local boutique affiliated with Lulus.com
Tights- Target
Boots- Steve Madden
I love the muted pink color, the lace on top, and the overall girliness of this dress. Definitely my kind of dress.
Oh, and by the way, those big ball things in my pictures are pom-poms that I made for Judah's birthday. I left them up as Fall decor, now I'm calling them Christmas decor, and I'm pretty sure I'll have to take them down at the end of the month. Maybe I'll make more that match my living/dining room a little better.
Happy (almost) Christmas! Thanks for visiting!
I'm linking up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Eric's Eames Chair
We have this special chair in our house.
The chair belonged to Eric's grandparents and had been in their house as long as he remembers. Eric had admired it for a long time, so it was really special when his grandma gave it to him after his grandpa passed away.
You can see the chair behind Grandma Marian. She's holding new baby Samuel.
And, a picture with Grandpa Ed. Just because.
Here is the beautiful vintage Eames chair. We have it in Finley's room right now because it is the perfect place for nursing and rocking a baby in the middle of the night. I think we'll be moving it into our bedroom very soon.
Finley loves the chair almost as much as Eric.
The chair belonged to Eric's grandparents and had been in their house as long as he remembers. Eric had admired it for a long time, so it was really special when his grandma gave it to him after his grandpa passed away.
You can see the chair behind Grandma Marian. She's holding new baby Samuel.
And, a picture with Grandpa Ed. Just because.
Here is the beautiful vintage Eames chair. We have it in Finley's room right now because it is the perfect place for nursing and rocking a baby in the middle of the night. I think we'll be moving it into our bedroom very soon.
Finley loves the chair almost as much as Eric.
Monday, December 20, 2010
My Party Dress
I cannot believe it is the 20th! Five days 'til Christmas? Sheesh! I guess this means I should start wrapping presents.
Like I've already mentioned a few times (yes, I was excited) my friend Cari invited me to be her date to her work Christmas party. We had so much fun taking pictures in a photobooth, drinking lots of water and lemonade, and dancing the night away.
Dress- For Elyse (local boutique)
Belt- I don't remember
Pumps- Target
Ring- H&M
The one other time I wore this dress was to my high school reunion last summer. I bought it mostly because I liked how it fit (and at that time postpartum that feeling was few and far between). I never did post pictures of the reunion. It was fun (in an awkward, I feel like I'm back in high school way).
(Me at the reunion with some of my high school bffs.)
Like I've already mentioned a few times (yes, I was excited) my friend Cari invited me to be her date to her work Christmas party. We had so much fun taking pictures in a photobooth, drinking lots of water and lemonade, and dancing the night away.
Dress- For Elyse (local boutique)
Belt- I don't remember
Pumps- Target
Ring- H&M
The one other time I wore this dress was to my high school reunion last summer. I bought it mostly because I liked how it fit (and at that time postpartum that feeling was few and far between). I never did post pictures of the reunion. It was fun (in an awkward, I feel like I'm back in high school way).
(Me at the reunion with some of my high school bffs.)
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Winner!
Congratulations to Liz (comment #20) the winner of the Anthropologie mug giveaway. I will be emailing you shortly!
Hope you're all having a great weekend. I am!!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Don't Forget!
Today is the last day to enter to win the Anthropologie mug. I'll post the winner tomorrow!
-It's dreary and rainy around here today.
-We have two weeks off from homeschool!
-We booked a night in Napa and will be going with friends. So excited!
-8 days 'til Christmas. I guess I should start wrapping.
-Tonight is my friend's work Christmas party. Fun!
-It's dreary and rainy around here today.
-We have two weeks off from homeschool!
-We booked a night in Napa and will be going with friends. So excited!
-8 days 'til Christmas. I guess I should start wrapping.
-Tonight is my friend's work Christmas party. Fun!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Baby, It's Cold Outside
We woke up this morning to our front yard looking like this:
Frost is about as close to snow as we get around here.
This is such a special season for our family. Christmas, Finley's birthday, New Year's, then Eric's birthday. I remember last year being hugely pregnant and counting down the days until I would meet my baby. Then, the days after snuggled up watching the rain and cold from inside, holding my sweet precious baby girl. While I don't love being cold I love this season.
Frost is about as close to snow as we get around here.
This is such a special season for our family. Christmas, Finley's birthday, New Year's, then Eric's birthday. I remember last year being hugely pregnant and counting down the days until I would meet my baby. Then, the days after snuggled up watching the rain and cold from inside, holding my sweet precious baby girl. While I don't love being cold I love this season.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Using Vitamin C to Fight Sickness
Every year at this time people are sick. I might be a bit of a germaphobe and sicknesses kind of freak me out. I want to do whatever I can to prevent my family from getting sick. I, also, like to avoid going to the doctor (and doctor's offices) and medications as much as possible.
After watching Food Matters (another great documentary that you need to watch) we discovered the benefit of Vitamin C. To prevent sickness we are taking and giving the kids two Vitamin Cs after a regular multi-vitamin.
When we've started to get sick or feel something coming on we load up on Vitamin C. You know you've taken a little too much when your stomach starts to rumble (or more, if you know what I mean), then you just slightly lower the dose. You can't overdose on Vitamin C.
I prefer to swallow a pill, the kids take chewable tablets, and I put a little powder Vitamin C in a sippy cup with water for Finley. A super easy preventative and sickness fighter. Try it.
After watching Food Matters (another great documentary that you need to watch) we discovered the benefit of Vitamin C. To prevent sickness we are taking and giving the kids two Vitamin Cs after a regular multi-vitamin.
When we've started to get sick or feel something coming on we load up on Vitamin C. You know you've taken a little too much when your stomach starts to rumble (or more, if you know what I mean), then you just slightly lower the dose. You can't overdose on Vitamin C.
I prefer to swallow a pill, the kids take chewable tablets, and I put a little powder Vitamin C in a sippy cup with water for Finley. A super easy preventative and sickness fighter. Try it.
Pretty Party Dresses
One downside to having a self-employed husband (and being a stay at home mom) is there is no big, fancy holiday party. I guess we could have a party with his two employees, but that might be a little awkward.
Lucky for me, my friend Cari invited me to her work party. I'm super excited to dress up and hang out with her and her co-workers. I'm going to wear a dress that I already have (I'll post pictures), but if I was going to buy something new it would definitely be one of these.
From Modcloth. Yes, it was the name that sold me (Flash Mob Dress). And the sequins.
Another pretty sequined dress from Ruche. I love sequins.
From Lulu's.
From Tulle. (So sad that it's sold out. It's so cute!)
From Gap.
Do you have any holiday parties to attend? What are you wearing?
Lucky for me, my friend Cari invited me to her work party. I'm super excited to dress up and hang out with her and her co-workers. I'm going to wear a dress that I already have (I'll post pictures), but if I was going to buy something new it would definitely be one of these.
Do you have any holiday parties to attend? What are you wearing?
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Merry, Merry
We went to get a picture with Santa at Costco the weekend before Thanksgiving. Silas and Finley weren't fans.
As soon as we were next in line Silas ran away. I had been prepping him, showing him pictures of Santa online. Obviously, it didn't help. We were able to bribe him with a candy cane to get him to stand next to the chair (he was going nowhere near Santa's lap) and then he leaned as far away as possible. And, Finley? Well, she's too young to understand what was going on. All she knew was that she did not want to be on this scary guy's lap.
I do kind of like the baby crying on Santa's lap pictures. Classic.
Monday, December 13, 2010
A Craft Fair and a Christmas Giveaway
Happy Monday, friends!
Yesterday I stumbled upon a cute little craft faire. I checked a few items off of my list and love that they were made by local artists. I, also, saw the creepiest.santa.ever. I totally wish I would have brought my phone (I left it in the car a few blocks away) so that I could show you a picture. He was in his 30s, kinda dirty, and didn't look anything like Santa. I'm sure it was an intentional joke, he fit the hipster craft fair vibe, but I definitely wasn't expecting him when I looked up to see Santa. Good thing I didn't bring the kids.
Now for the giveaway: win a super cute mug from Anthropologie with the letter of your choice. Wouldn't one of these make a great gift?
To win all you have to do is leave a comment telling me what is your favorite cold weather beverage.
For extra entries leave a comment telling me you are a follower or subscriber or tweet or blog the giveaway and leave your twitter or blog information in your comment. Please leave a new comment for each additional entry. I will choose a winner using random.org on Saturday morning, so you must leave a comment before Friday, the 17th, at 11:59 pm.
-GIVEAWAY CLOSED. Thanks for entering!-
Yesterday I stumbled upon a cute little craft faire. I checked a few items off of my list and love that they were made by local artists. I, also, saw the creepiest.santa.ever. I totally wish I would have brought my phone (I left it in the car a few blocks away) so that I could show you a picture. He was in his 30s, kinda dirty, and didn't look anything like Santa. I'm sure it was an intentional joke, he fit the hipster craft fair vibe, but I definitely wasn't expecting him when I looked up to see Santa. Good thing I didn't bring the kids.
Now for the giveaway: win a super cute mug from Anthropologie with the letter of your choice. Wouldn't one of these make a great gift?
To win all you have to do is leave a comment telling me what is your favorite cold weather beverage.
For extra entries leave a comment telling me you are a follower or subscriber or tweet or blog the giveaway and leave your twitter or blog information in your comment. Please leave a new comment for each additional entry. I will choose a winner using random.org on Saturday morning, so you must leave a comment before Friday, the 17th, at 11:59 pm.
-GIVEAWAY CLOSED. Thanks for entering!-
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